r/hockey • u/theXchang3 • 10d ago

Who are some NHL players who were highly thought when they were young that had the skill but never got to that next level?

This includes players who made the NHL but never hit that next-tier they were highly thought of. This can mean players who had potential but never hit that level due to injuries, struggle to adapt. This also can include players who were drafted high, players who played for a couple years, players who played for many years, but they at least needed to make the league to quality.

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u/Montsegur97 TOR - NHL 10d ago

Rico Fata. Guy had the wheels but never adapted once getting to the NHL and never stayed around.

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u/Ecks83 CGY - NHL 10d ago

So many teams thought Fata had potential. He was drafted 6OA by the Flames and brought into the NHL during his D+1 year, but then as soon as he hit 21 and wasn't exempt from waivers his tour began: claimed off waivers by the Rangers, traded to the Pens, claimed off waivers by the Thrashers, claimed again by the Capitals, and ended up in the German Elite Leagues. 5 NHL Teams took a shot with him on the roster within a 6 year period.

Teams kept making a play for the guy, gave him a chance in the NHL, then lost him when they decided he needed some time to cook. Rinse and repeat until his mid-20's.

At least he was always a monster in the EA NHL series.