These players who impress – or who have impressed – in the 2025 NHL playoffs

The NHL playoffs are in full swing, and right now, the Panthers are facing off against the Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final. As we look back at the postseason so far, here are a few players who are impressing — or who have made a big impact — during their team’s playoff run.

Lane Hutson only played five playoff games with the Canadiens, but the rookie was making his NHL postseason debut — and he impressed more than a few people. He stayed calm, played just as well as he did during the regular season, and recorded five points in as many games against the Capitals. The Canadiens lost the series in five games, but Hutson was clearly their best player during that stretch.

Cam Fowler was acquired by the Blues in December, and his arrival in St. Louis completely revitalized his career. Known for his offensive style, the defenseman was more than excellent in the playoffs, putting up 10 points in just seven games. He proved that he can be a key piece in the Blues’ lineup, and at 33 years old, he still has plenty of good hockey left to offer. He was the most effective player on the team during this year’s postseason, and if he can keep that momentum going into 2025–26, everyone in St. Louis will be thrilled.

Eetu Luostarinen isn’t always talked about as a dominant player, but since the start of the playoffs, the 26-year-old has quickly established himself as a key piece of the Panthers’ lineup. He plays on the wing of the third line, and that role suits him perfectly — his defensive abilities allow him to shut down opposing players. And on top of that, he’s contributing offensively this year with 13 points in 18 games. He’s one of the Panthers’ unsung heroes.

Thomas Harley was called up on short notice by Team Canada for the Four Nations Face-Off, and ever since then, the Stars defenseman has been playing some outstanding hockey. He was EXCELLENT during Miro Heiskanen’s absence, and it was clear he embraced the responsibility of being the team’s No. 1 defenseman. His stellar play may not have been enough to help the Stars get past the Oilers (14 points in 18 games), but Harley was arguably the best player on the ice on multiple occasions during Dallas’s playoff run this year.

Seth Jarvis is the heart and soul of the Hurricanes. And it didn’t take him long to become THE game-changer on the ice for his team. Without him and his offensive production — 16 points in just 15 games — the Hurricanes would never have reached the Eastern Conference Final. No chance. And the good news? At just 23 years old, Jarvis is going to be a major part of this team’s future, because he knows how to shine when it matters most.

Sam Bennett helps his team in many ways, but what’s most impressive right now is that he’s (by far) leading the NHL in playoff goals with 12. In the regular season, he scored 25 goals in 76 games — now, he already has 12 in just 18 playoff games. If the Panthers go on to win the Stanley Cup, there’s a good chance he’ll be the one taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the postseason.

Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid are obvious choices when talking about the most impressive players so far in the playoffs. The Oilers’ two-headed monster is doing what it does best: producing offensively and leading the team to success. It’s no coincidence the Oilers have made it all the way to the Final with a goalie like Stuart Skinner, who can be shaky at times. Together, McDavid and Draisaitl have combined for 55 points and currently sit first and second in the NHL playoff scoring race. Some things never change...