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16 forwards who could win their team a cup, but won’t be the reason they lose it

April 17, 2026 —

The NHL playoffs are where the biggest stars come to shine, but they also give way to the legacies of unsung heroes.

While teams need their best players to perform, the greatest stories often come from players who may not be at the forefront of their opponents’ game plans, but whose names will be remembered when it’s over.

Here are 16 forwards who may be the reason their team wins the Stanley Cup, but won’t be the reason they lose it.

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Beckett Sennecke, Anaheim Ducks

Sennecke isn’t the only rookie on this list, but he may be the flashiest. Finishing second in rookie scoring, the silky 20-year-old’s four points in three games this year against the Ducks’ first-round opponent, the Edmonton Oilers, may help them surprise a few people.

Viktor Arvidsson, Boston Bruins

Arvidsson quietly had his best season since 2022-23, with 24 of those points coming in his last 22 games. His line also accounted for the team’s highest expected goals in the regular season, so if the Bruins look to rain on Buffalo’s long-awaited parade, look for the Swede to do some damage.

Zach Benson, Buffalo Sabres

In an interview with Spittin Chiclets, Sabres teammate Tage Thompson called Benson “a little bit of a rat on the ice” and “one of the dumbest human beings I’ve ever met.” In other words, his teammates love him; Benson’s grit and dog-on-a-bone play style will be an asset in the toughest games of his career.

Logan Stankoven, Carolina Hurricanes

With the heart of a lion and a taste for big moments, Stankoven is skilled, fast and physical—the Brindamour special. The 23-year-old was arguably the Hurricanes’ best player in the Conference Final last year; if he doesn’t yet garner checking line minutes, he will very soon.

Nicolas Roy, Colorado Avalanche

Playing alongside Kadri on the Avs’ third line, deadline acquisition Roy brings defensive stability and playoff experience to a forward corps where offence should come easily, making his poise and skill set imperative.

Matt Duchene, Dallas Stars

With Roope Hintz set to miss the first two games of round one, Duchene has – once again – been asked to fill the void. The former third-overall pick has been a revelation since signing with Dallas in 2023, often providing offence when it’s dry. If Hintz’s recovery is delayed, Duchene, who scored the series winner in double overtime against Colorado in 2024, will know he has to step up.

Vasili Podkolzin, Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers’ mounting injuries led Podkolzin to finish the season on McDavid’s wing, achieving career highs in both goals and points. While he’ll be back with Draisaitl come playoff time, he had 10 points in 22 playoff games last year, which was impressive given his deployment. And with a newfound trust from his coach, he should see plenty more of that this spring.

Alex Laferriere, Los Angeles Kings

When the Kings acquired Artemi Panarin in early February, a demotion was coming for Alex Laferriere—that is, until Kevin Fiala’s season ended at the Olympics. Unfortunate as the circumstances were, Fiala’s injury opened the door for Laferriere to spend the rest of the year on the top special teams units and reach 20 goals for the first time in his career. He is slowly developing into a consistent two-way forward, and a strong playoffs would only bolster that reputation—and give the Kings a chance.

Vladimir Tarasenko, Minnesota Wild

34-year-old Tarasenko had his best season since 2021-22, putting up 47 points in 75 games. Tarasenko regularly filled in on the top line and power-play unit for an injured Mats Zuccarello, but his value lies most in his achievements; while the Wild haven’t won a round since 2015, the Russian has two cups. It’s time for him to show them how it’s done.

Oliver Kapanen, Montreal Canadiens

Rarely do we find a rookie 3C on a potential Cup contender, but Kapanen has cemented his place. With a reputation for defensive wits and calm decision-making, the Finnish depth centre turned heads when he finished with 22 goals, one back of the rookie lead. If the Canadiens go deep, he may just turn a few more.

Shane Pinto, Ottawa Senators

If Ullmark, Stützle or Tkachuk underperform, it’s over for the Sens. But if their Cinderella aspirations become reality, don’t be surprised if Shane Pinto, the sneakily shifty centreman who kills penalties and scores in bunches, is a factor.

Porter Martone, Philadelphia Flyers

Martone just got here, but you wouldn’t know it from his play. While the pressure isn’t on him, the rookie seems to think otherwise; with 10 points in his first nine games, Martone propelled the Flyers back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. If teams aren’t careful, the youngster’s game-breaking ability may be their demise.

Yegor Chinakhov, Pittsburgh Penguins

Emerging as the Penguins’ not-so-secret weapon, Chinakhov started the year with three goals in 29 games with Columbus before scoring 18 in the next 43 after being dealt to Pittsburgh—good for a 35-goal pace. And he wasn’t even playing with Crosby, though much to opponents’ chagrin, he is now.

Corey Perry, Tampa Bay Lightning

Yes, Perry has gone to five Stanley Cup finals in the past six years, and yes, he also lost all five, but the hockey gods can only play with fire for so long. The 40-year-old is in his element during the postseason, and a second Cup feels inevitable.

Logan Cooley, Utah Mammoth

The third-year, third-overall pick dealt with injuries throughout the 2025-26 season, producing at a 65-point pace. While Cooley will not be expected to propel the herd to the promised land, the smooth centre is known to thrive under pressure, collecting 12 points in six playoff games with the University of Minnesota. If the Mammoth are lucky, Cooley’s first taste of the postseason may reignite that fire.

Mitch Marner, Vegas Golden Knights

And last but not least, Mitch Marner. Mitch Marner? Yes, it’s true. Despite Marner’s underwhelming performances in high-pressure games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, his talent and hockey sense have always been there, as has his clutch gene whenever he plays anywhere else. With Marner engaged, Vegas will be a problem, and if he isn’t, they have plenty of Cup-winning pedigree to make up for it, so he doesn’t have to be the guy.

And that may just be what he needs.