10 Players That Will Definitely Be Upgraded In NHL 18

The Stanley Cup has been raised (by the Penguins, again), Gary Bettman widely booed as per tradition, the draft is over, and the first signings of free agents have been announced. With that, the long summer of the NHL offseason begins.

The light at the end of the tunnel, of course, is the start of the new season, but also the latest instalment in EA Sports’ long running ice hockey franchise - polished once more for a new year. As we wait, it’s time to look at players who should find themselves with markedly increased stats owing to their recent performances.

Yes, veteran winners Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin ultimately lifted hockey’s biggest prize, but new, bright young forces were also making waves all over the league. On top of that, seasoned players have enjoyed well-timed upturns in production and form, allowing their teams to take the fight to the established ruling class of the NHL.

While the Pittsburgh Penguins repeated as champions, and other established superstars had their usual terrific seasons, the next generation of hockey stardom and other unusual suspects have made their marks on the league. As such, they can expect to see a substantive ratings boost in NHL 18.

So take note, NHL fans. These are the guys who’ll not only reap the benefits of newly upgraded stats in the game, but will be cornerstones of their rosters for years to come - and highly advantageous to play as on your next Be a Pro campaign.

Last season, Marchand continued to prove himself more than just a highly skilled pest by falling just one goal short of an astonishing 40 goal regular season campaign, even better than his previous total of 37 goals.

Boston defied pre-season expectations by clinching the playoffs, breaking a tie with the resurgent Maple Leafs by virtue of more regulation/overtime wins, thanks largely to a career year by Brad Marchand. They fell in the first round to a surprisingly efficient Ottawa Senators team, but without Marchand’s team-leading performance over the course of the season, they wouldn’t have even made the dance.

Marchand was in the mix for the scoring title for the majority of the season, benefiting from sparkling chemistry with the emerging David Pastrnak, before Connor McDavid tore away from the rest of the pack in the last few games.

He still finished with 39 goals and 85 points over a full 82 game season, coupled with a further 6 points in 6 playoff games - not bad for a player whose previous career best was 60 points. He’s sure to have a higher overall rating than his 87 from NHL 17.