As we delve into the annals of NHL history over the past decade, we encounter unique narratives of one-season wonders. These are the players who, often unpredictably, rose to remarkable heights for a single season, etching their names in the record books before returning to more typical performances. Though their brilliance may have been fleeting, the impact they left is indelible.
The Criteria for a Standout
In identifying these one-season standouts, we relied on a set of criteria:
- The player had to have a season significantly more successful than any other in their NHL career, setting new personal records.
- This season should clearly stand out in their performance history, characterized by statistics considerably higher than their career averages.
The Standouts’ Stories: An Overview
To better appreciate these players’ accomplishments, we present an overview of their standout seasons.
| Player Name | Team(s) | Standout Season | Peak Performance |
| Conor Sheary | Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals | 2016-17 | 23 goals, 53 points |
| Andrew Hammond | Ottawa Senators | 2014-15 | 20-1-2 run, .941 SV%, 1.79 GAA |
| William Karlsson | Vegas Golden Knights | 2017-18 | 43 goals, 78 points |
| Cory Conacher | Tampa Bay Lightning, Ottawa Senators | 2012-13 | 24 points in 35 games |
| Will Butcher | New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres | 2017-18 | 44 points |
| Joe Colborne | Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche | 2015-16 | 44 points |
| Justin Schultz | Pittsburgh Penguins, Seattle Kraken | 2016-17 | 51 points |
| Anton Khudobin | Dallas Stars | 2019-20 | .930 SV%, 2.22 GAA |
| Keith Kinkaid | New Jersey Devils | 2017-18 | .913 SV%, 2.77 GAA |
| Jori Lehtera | St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers | 2014-15 | 44 points |
Delving Deeper into the Standouts’ Stories
Each of these players followed a unique trajectory to their standout season. Here, we explore their paths in greater detail.
- Conor Sheary became a crucial asset to the Penguins during their 2016-17 championship run. His 23 goals and 53 points were career highs, and his role in the Penguins’ success was invaluable.
- Andrew Hammond, an undrafted goalie, became an overnight sensation in the NHL during the 2014-15 season. His remarkable 20-1-2 run carried the Senators to the playoffs, captivating fans and commentators alike.
- William Karlsson was a key figure for the Golden Knights during their inaugural season. Scoring a career-high 43 goals and 78 points, he played an instrumental part in leading Vegas to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Beyond the Standout Season
After their one-season wonders, these players returned to more typical performances. Nonetheless, they continued to contribute to their teams and the league in different ways:
- Conor Sheary continued to be a solid contributor for the Penguins and later the Capitals, though he was never able to recreate his standout performance.
- Andrew Hammond, following his incredible season, faced a series of injuries that hampered his progress. However, his “Hamburglar” run remains an iconic piece of Senators history.
- William Karlsson continues to be a key player for the Golden Knights, serving as an integral part of the team’s offense even after his standout season.
Reflections on One-Season Wonders
The fleeting glories of these one-season wonders bring forth intriguing narratives, demonstrating the unpredictability of success in professional sports. Despite their brief period of exceptional performance, their names have been etched into the annals of NHL history, reminding fans and players alike of the exciting volatility inherent in the sport. These stories serve as lessons about the transient nature of success and the unyielding quest for consistent excellence.
The NHL’s one-season standouts illuminate the multifaceted nature of the sport. Their extraordinary seasons offer glimpses of potential that can be seized and capitalized upon, and their stories following their standout seasons show the challenges of maintaining such high-level performance. As we continue to watch the league’s ongoing sagas unfold, the past decade’s standouts remain as fascinating chapters in the NHL’s rich history.
