League-minimum All-Stars: A starting lineup providing major bang for buck
One of the biggest perks of being a professional hockey player is getting paid like one.
However, not all NHL players have the privilege of earning multi-million-dollar contracts, as a large group of guys operate at the league-minimum salary of $650,000.
Let's take a look at the NHL's league-minimum All-Stars; a starting lineup of players currently making their $650K salaries look like complete steals.
Forwards
Brian Gibbons, New Jersey
Massive props due if Gibbons was a late-round fantasy addition this season, as he's easily been one of the biggest surprises on a team that is seemingly full of them in the Devils.
In the span of two seasons, Gibbons has gone from a player on a professional tryout, to waivers, to leading the Devils in scoring with nine goals - he also has three assists to his credit.
The 29-year-old pivot has an unproven track record that includes only 22 points across 67 career regular-season games, so it's no shock that he's earning the league minimum. But, if he can maintain even 50 percent of this output, the Devils have a true bargain on their hands.
Derek Grant, Anaheim Ducks
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
The Ducks keep earning points despite being one of the NHL's most injured clubs, and a lot of that is thanks to depth forwards like Grant.
With offensive studs like Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kesler, and Patrick Eaves all missing prolonged periods of time, Grant and Co. have stepped up to fill the void.
Four goals and six assists in just over 13 minutes of action per night, well worth the $650,000 price tag.
Martin Frk, Detroit Red Wings
In addition to being the first-ever NHLer with no vowels in his name, Frk can actually bring it offensively, notching six goals and three assists in 18 games for the Wings this season.
Frk is currently sidelined with a lower-body injury that has stunted his production, but he's already displaying the offensive gifts that has him in line for a significant raise when his current deal expires in July.
Defensemen
Derek Forbort, Los Angles Kings
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
With a blue line perennially dominated by the likes of Drew Doughty and Jake Muzzin, Forbort is easily overlooked. But this year, the 25-year-old is very quietly carving out an important role for himself on the Kings' back end.
Sure, he doesn't light the lamp or have a booming slapper, but he plays in a pairing with Doughty, so he really doesn't need to chip in offensively every night to be a rock-solid rearguard.
The former 15th overall draft pick has five assists to his credit so far, but his importance to L.A. lays in his ability to log heavy minutes, block shots, and kill penalties - three things he does very well.
Tim Heed, San Jose Sharks
Easily the least-recognizable name on this list, Heed, a 26-year-old rookie, is doing his best to make a name for himself. While he has the fortunate distinction of playing alongside Brent Burns and on the Sharks' power play, Heed has still been a pleasant surprise, especially at $650K.
Through 16 games, Heed has notched seven points, a game-winning goal, and 37 shots on net while logging 18 minutes of ice time per night.
Goalie
Darcy Kuemper, Los Angeles Kings
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Despite sitting firmly entrenched as the Kings' No. 2 option between the pipes, Kuemper is performing like he has what it takes to be the starter, registering impressive numbers while serving as Jonathan Quick's backup.
Across his four starts this season, Kuemper has posted a 3-0-1 record to go along with a sparkling 1.62 GAA and .943 save percentage.
Quick is under contract until 2023, so realistically, Kuemper will be spending most of his time this year riding the pine. But, that doesn't change the fact that he's a complete steal for $650,000.