Big K's Christmas 2018 "Lump of Coal" Awards (Western Conference)

Well, Christmas is just around the corner, and I thought I would do something special. A little "gift"to all those NHL Hockey players out their. However, this is not a gift you want to receive! The "Lump of Coal" Award is given to a player from each NHL team, that has really done nothing to help their team. A player that has disappointed, or has not stepped up in the role given to them. So sit back, enjoy, and Ho Ho Ho all the way to the penalty box for all these naughty players. Yesterday we looked at the Eastern Conference, now it is time to go out west!!

Let's look at the Pacific Division:

1) Arizona Coyotes: Any goalie on the Coyotes roster

-Ok, this is a rare instance, but these are the Coyotes, and they are absolutely horrible this season. Five goalies have suited up for the Yotes this season, (Antti Raata, Scott Wedgewood, Marek Langhammer,Adin Hill and Louie Domingue) for a combined 7 wins 24 losses 5 OT losses a GAA of 3.18 and a SV% of .902. No beuno!

2) Edmonton Oilers: Ryan Strome (Forward)

-When the Oilers traded Jordan Eberle to the Islanders for Strome, they thought they would be getting a forward that would provide 60-70 points. Instead they got a player that has shown his weakness, and that benifited from playing along side John Tavares. 15 points and only 6 goals in 35 games. A huge disappointment.

3) Vancouver Canucks: Jake Virtanen (Forward)

- The 6th overall pick in the 2014 draft has not lived up to the hype. He currently has 9 points in 32 games, and is no where near where the Canucks expected him to be.

4) Anaheim Ducks: Cam Fowler (Defense)

-Fowler had 40 points during his rookie season in 2010-11. He looked to be a promising blueliner, that could easily rank up as the top offensive defenseman in the league. Since than, has flirted with 20 to 30 points season. He had a comeback season last year with 39 points, but has not had a good season this year. 10 points in 24 games.

5) San Jose Sharks: Mikkel Boedker (Forward)

-What does $4 Million get you? Well if you are the Sharks, it get's you a forward that is on pace for 9 goals and 20 points and is currently a -5. Enjoy!

6) Calgary Flames: Sam Bennett (Forward)

-It has been a tough season for Bennett. Ok, he did have a 4 points night a few days ago. However, if you take out that one game, and he had 11 points in 34 games. A far cry from what is expected from him.

7) Los Angeles Kings: Marian Gaborik (Forward)

-Gaborik is a good player, when healthy. (which is not often) He can still put up points, but don't dare take him in your pool. He is a $4.87 million dollar glass vase, just waiting to be broken.

8) Vegas Golden Knights: Vadim Shipachyov (Forward)

- There is not much too complain about the Golden Knights. They have defied all expectations and are 1st place in the Pacific. The only set back has been Shipachyov. 3 games 1 goal, and a complete headache for the team. Thankfully he is no longer with the team, and is back playing in the KHL.

Now for the Central Division

1) Colorado Avalanche: Carl Sodenberg (Forward)

-For a $4.8 million dollar player, Sodenberg has not really done anything special. He has been given plently of oppurtunities to step up, but has only 4 goals in 31 games. Yikes!

2) Chicago Blackhawks: Brent Seabrook (Defense)

- It appears that Seabrook's best days are behind him. His salary is what is really killing the Hawks. $6.8 million is just too much for a player like him. The Hawks need to seriously think of trading him, to free up cap space.

3) Minnesota Wild: Tyler Ennis (Forward)

-$4.6 million a year for this??? A player that is on pace for 20 points.Ennis has benifited from one good season in Buffalo. I am sure Buffalo is sending a Christmas card to the Wild management, thanking them for taking this big lump of coal that is Tyler Ennis.

4) Dallas Stars: Martin Hanzal (Forward)

- Hanzal was supposed to be the 40-50 point man that the Stars were looking for. Instead they got an over evaluated forward, who has a whopping 2 goals in 24 games. Is this what $4.8 million gets you in the NHL now???

5) Winnipeg Jets: Jacob Trouba (Defense)

- I am not a big fans of whiners, and Trouba is the poster child for whiney rich NHL players, who might be talented, but lacks maturity. He sat out at the beginning of last year, wanting a trade. When he came back, he had decent numbers. However, this year he only has 12 points in 36 games. He is an RFA at the end of the season. Don't expect him to be with the Jet's next season.

6) Nashville Predators: Scott Hartnell (Forward)

-Do you remember when Hartnell scored 37 goals in a season? Well, that was 6 years ago. His scoring days are done, as evident of his 4 goals and 7 points through 21 games this season.

7) St.Louis Blues: Alex Steen (Forward)

-It is tough to find a "coal worthy" candidate on this team, but I will go with Steen. At $5.75 million he is a former shadow of himsels. 3 goals and 17 points in 31 games. Not awful, but not great either.

So there you have it. All my coal has been handed out to each NHL team, so I hope they enjoy it. I would like to wish all those who follow my blog A Very Merry and Coal Free Christmas, and a Happy New Year.