The Top 5 NHL Players The Average Fan Needs To Know

1. Jeff Skinner, RW/Center, Carolina Hurricanes
If you don't know Jeff Skinner it's probably not your fault. Who actually watches Carolina Hurricanes hockey? Exactly. But, you're really missing out. The 5'11" 200 lb 2nd year player has shown the hockey world he can make plays. Skinner can absolutely burn it, making little openings on the ice look like interstate freeways. Once he gets to the goal he embarrasses goaltenders with quick hands and a ice cold leg kick.  Though Skinner looks like a midget AAA player, his incredible offensive talents have him looking like a 5 year veteran. He finished with 63 points last year on 31 goals and 32 assists showing he could both finish and dish it. Skinner's season was impressive enough to earn him the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year. Get this though, Jeff Skinner is a mere 19 years old. After a 90 point season with Kitchner Rangers of the OHL in 2009, Skinner was immediately ready for the NHL. Though the Hurricanes are one of the least watched franchises, it's time that you know the NHL's youngest(literally) stud, because before you know it he could be dangling your goalie for a highlight reel goal.

2. Drew Doughty, D, Los Angeles Kings
Over the last few years, the Los Angeles Kings have reestablished themselves atop the Western Conference. This is in large part due to the emergence of Anze Kopitar, Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty. Doughty, though, is probably the most impressive out of the three. Kopitar and Johnson get the limelight because, well, they are flashier, and Johnson loves the spotlight. Doughty's stats are eye-popping. After a rough rookie year in 2008-'09, Doughty exploded for a phenomenal 2009-'10, registering 59 points and a freakish +/- rating of +20. This ridiculous season earned him a spot on the Canadian National Team that won gold in the 2010 Olympics. Doughty followed up that season with another solid 40 pt, +13 season. I'd like to compare the phenomenal Kings defensemen to a 5-tool player in baseball. Doughty can score, make plays  and he can destroy opponents. He is one of the most well-rounded players in the league, and if he didn't play games at 10 PM eastern time, he'd surely be a household name.

3. John Carlson, D, Washington Capitals
Even though John Carlson's is most famous for his no-look GWG in overtime of the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championship, he has slowly become a stabilizer on the shaky Washington Capitals blue line. 2010-'11 was Carlson's first season, and he was unbelievably impressive. Carlson had the maturity to assume his defensive role on the offense-heavy Capitals team. Even being a stay-at-home defenseman, Carlson still racked up 37 points. But most importanly his +/- was a +21. On a team that rarely plays defense and lacks a strong goaltender, that number is unbelievable. That's a testament on the poise and composure that has made Carlson a leader on every single team he plays on. He knows his role, and plays it with pride, making him an extremely desirable teammate. I wouldn't be surprised if Carlson rocks the "A" soon; even at age 21 he's just that much of a leader. The Natick, Mass product is a legend among the intense United States hockey fan, and soon enough he should become a known entity in the NHL.

4. Matt Duchene, C, Colorado Avalanche

Probably the biggest swag surfer on this list, Matt Duchene is a treat to watch. Equipped with soft hands, incredible skating ability, impressive hockey imagination and epic flow, Matt Duchene has shown signs of an elite scorer. The Ontario native scored 55 points in his first season, 67 in his second season, even on a low-scoring Colorado Avalanche team. Duchene can simply play. Probably the most enjoyable part of Duchene's game is his genuine love for hockey. He's always strapped with a smile, and loves to celebrate. Unfortunately for Duchene, the Avalanche have been inconsistent in the few years he's been there. His rookie year Colorado made the playoffs, only to follow it up with a disastrous 2010-'11. But most importantly is that Matt Duchene's game is still growing, he's still understanding how to maximize his talents in the NHL, and he's learning how turn transform his reputation from a simple scorer into an offensive mastermind.

5. Evander Kane, LW, Winnipeg Jets

Evander Kane has the major misfortune of playing for the Winnipeg Jets(formerly the Atlanta Thrashers). His team is about as underwhelming as an NFC West game. But, Evander Kane's combination of skill and strength has become a sight to see. Though the Vancouver product plays on a terrible team, he still has proven he can provide both toughness and offense. He's 6'2" 185 lbs, but has a Marine-like frame. Best known for his one-hit knockout on Matt Cooke, Kane has proven that he is a vicious free-swinging fighter. However, he's not all about fisticuffs, he's got some dynamic skills as well. Now he's not going to light up the stat sheet, that is not his MO. Kane does a bit of everything out there, and is one hell of a teammate to have. It will take Evander Kane a lot longer to establish himself as a household name because A: he plays for the Jets and B: he isn't a stat sheet abuser. Yet, Kane's relentless effort and excessive heart will certainly make an impression on you real soon.