Kraken's star defenseman named one of five most underappreciated in NHL

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Vince Carbonneau
August 22, 2024 (9:15)

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seattle kraken defenseman vince dunn named one of the five most underappreciated in nhl

vince dunn earns recognition as one of the league's most overlooked

Seattle Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn has earned recognition as one of the five most underappreciated defensemen in the NHL according to Jacob Stoller of The Hockey News.

Now 27 years old and entering his fourth season with Seattle, Dunn was originally selected by the Kraken during the expansion draft from the St. Louis Blues. Although he showed potential as a solid two-way defenseman with the Blues, it was in his second season with the Kraken that he truly broke out.

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In 81 games, Dunn recorded 14 goals and 64 points, ranking 10th in both goals and points among NHL defensemen. His offensive production from the blue line has certainly made an impact, but it's his ability to shut down opponents' top lines at even strength and his critical role on the penalty kill that have elevated his overall value to the team.

Stoller has taken note of this, and the numbers back up Dunn's rising status in the league.

Vince Dunn may not quite be Norris Trophy material yet, but he's been an outstanding addition for the Seattle Kraken. Over the past two seasons, Dunn has quietly transformed into one of the league's premier puck-moving defensemen. The six-foot mobile 27-year-old excels in all three zones. Since the start of the 2022-23 season, Dunn ranks eighth in 5-on-5 goals per 60 minutes (0.43) and seventh in 5-on-5 points per 60 minutes (1.49) among NHL defensemen with at least 500 minutes of ice time, according to naturalstattrick.com.

With the addition of Brandon Montour, Dunn may see a reduction in his power-play quarterbacking duties, but his versatility ensures that he'll continue to log significant minutes in all situations.

Jared McCann made the underappreciated forwards list, and now Dunn joins the underappreciated defensemen list. If both players continue to elevate their performances, they could help the Kraken secure a playoff spot come April.

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22 AOUT \| 15 ANSWERS Kraken's star defenseman named one of five most underappreciated in NHL Do you think Vince Dunn deserves more recognition in the NHL?
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