The five most overrated and underrated NHL players

He’s a great player individually, sure. But what have his Capitals won? Great players put teams on their backs. He hasn’t.   (Nick Wass / AP)

He was the players’ choice as the league’s most overrated player in 2012, and they ought to know. The burly defenseman faces intense media scrutiny as the Maple Leafs’ captain, an unenviable position.   (Claus Andersen / Getty Images)

The Rangers passed on a chance to buy out Richards’ contract last summer. He’s having a decent season but they might regret that they didn’t go through with the buyout. He’s just not worth the nine-year, $60-million deal they gave him.   (Elsa / Getty Images)

Subban won the Norris trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman last season on the basis of his scoring, not his defensive play. Maybe there should be a separate trophy for highest-scoring defenseman, because he isn’t an all-around, impact player at both ends of the ice.   (Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)

Harding has ranked among the NHL leaders in goals-against average, save percentage and wins this season despite battling multiple sclerosis. The word “inspirational” is thrown around too easily, but he truly qualifies.   (Hannah Foslien / Getty Images)

Those who see Kopitar on a regular basis know how accomplished he is as a two-way player, but folks back East don’t see him enough to realize the extent of his skill. He should win the Selke trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward.   (Claus Andersen / Getty Images)

Kunitz is overshadowed by his usual center (some guy named Sidney Crosby) but he’s steady, reliable and prolific. He’s close to his fourth straight 20-plus-goal season and is among the NHL’s top 15 scorers.   (Elsa / Getty Images)

Seabrook often gets lost among the standouts on the Blackhawks, and is overshadowed by Duncan Keith, but he’s the kind of core defenseman every team needs and that successful teams must have.   (Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago Tribune)

Yandle toils in relative obscurity but should open some eyes if he makes the U.S. Olympic team for the Sochi Games, as he deserves. A foundation player who handles tough minutes with ease.   (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)