Reign of Production

It takes a special type of player to have a ‘Reign of Production' on his franchise. Not only does it take an obvious level of skill, but also an ability to remain relatively healthy. And in some cases it only takes a lack of quality teammates to ensure your name at the top of the team's statistics.

Just for the record I don't believe players really look at how long they have led their teams in scoring (unless it's a contract year of course). This edition of The East Infection is just my view on the supremacy certain players have shown over the years compared to the rest of their teammates. I'm sure most of them would trade those years for a Stanley Cup ring. Unless they are Alexie Yashin of course.

Patrik Elias-New Jersey Devils

Five of the last six seasons Patrik Elias has led his team in scoring. Two years they have come at great levels of production around the 80-90 point area but for the most part Elias is just the most offensively gifted player on a defensive minded squad. Sacrificing statistics for the system, most believe Elias could put up consistent 90-100 point years with a more open club. The one player who could end his reign is Zach Parise.

From the looks of things it could happen as soon as this year. In only his 3rd season in the NHL Parise leads the Devils in points with a cushion of 9 from second place and is a stunning 16 points ahead of Patrik Elias. He has the potential to be the first Devil player to ever break the 100 point barrier.

Mats Sundin- Toronto Mapleleafs

To quote a great hockey columnist on this site (me) "It's been all Mats for a very long time." Twelve of the last thirteen seasons Mats Sundin has led the team in points. The only time he didn't was the 2002-2003 season when he had Alexander Mogilny to share the puck with. It would be an understatement to say that Sundin is the franchise player of the Mapleleafs.

Over the years, he has meant everything to Toronto offensively. Jason Blake has provided a decent offensive punch but not enough to end the captain's stretch of dominance. Sundin could lead the team in points until he retires or leaves. Will Joe Sakic ever stop scoring?

Joe Sakic- Colorado Avalanche

For 18 seasons Joe Sakic has been a scoring threat for the Nordiques/Avalanche and for 13 of those he has led the team in points. Surprisingly he has never won a scoring title but Joe Sakic is one of the most consistent elite players of all time. Even as he ages he has still led his team in scoring six of the last seven years. I don't see him slowing down anytime soon. While I don't see Sakic slowing down, I do see Paul Stastny heating up. He is currently leading the team in points and seems to flourish with any line mate he is given.

Ironically Paul's father, Peter Stastny, had his own Reign of Production with the Nordiques before Joe Sakic came along. Maybe Paul is ready to return the favor! It seems only natural that Joe Sakic was the perfect replacement for one Stastny, and now the other will be the perfect replacement for Joe.

Olli Jokinen- Florida Panthers

Olli Jokinen is in the same situation as Mats Sundin. The Panthers live and die on his offensive output. The last four seasons Jokinen has led his team in points while playing every game but one in the process. Just hitting the prime of his career a 100 point campaign is on the way. Florida has surrounded Jokinen with some decent young talent but one wonders how long Olli is satisfied with not making the playoffs. Horton and Weiss will lead The Panthers in points soon, but it may be because their franchise player has requested a trade.

Jokinen can lead the Panthers in points as long as he chooses to.

Jarome Iginla- Calgary Flames

For the last six seasons Jarome Iginla has led the Calgary Flames in scoring. The two time "Rocket" Richard award winner has become the heart and soul of the franchise. The go to performer on the team, Iginla has found nice success with players such as Craig Conroy, Daymond Langkow and Alex Tanguay. Like Jokinen he is just starting to hit the prime of his career and should challenge for team and league lead in scoring. Conroy is an unlikely option to take over the scoring lead at this stage of his career, but both Langkow and Tanguay have a decent shot.

Pavel Datsyuk- Detroit Red Wings

Since the retirement and departure of The Wings hall of fame centers, Pavel Datsyuk has not missed a step in filling the void. The last three seasons Datsyuk has led the team in points even though he has not reached the 90 plateau yet in his career. That should be any season. Datsyuk has the throne as of now but it seems like he has just been warming up the seat until Henrik Zetterberg could stay healthy. It looks as though this may be the year but the season is still young. Either way, these two will share the Wings point lead for years to come.

Shane Doan- Phoenix Coyotes

Three years have gone by in the desert with Shane Doan leading the team in points without ever reaching 70. Unless Wayne Gretzky comes out of retirement Doan will probably continue his normal production while leading the team.

Of course there is Alexander Ovechkin who has led his team in points the last two seasons. Sidney Crosby as well but I believe Evgeni Malkin has it in him to contend with Sid the kid someday. Patrick Kane, Jonathon Toews, and Martin Havlat should have some fun races over the next couple of years in Chicago.

In Minnesota it's unbelievablethat Marian Gaborik has only led the team in points once. Can his health finally allow him to become the production leader everybody envisioned him to be?

How about the Ottawa Senators scoring situation? With Heatley, Spezza, and Alfredsson guaranteed to play together for another four seasons who will break out and start a reign of production on the franchise. The captain, the sniper, or the oft injured playmaking center.

The same goes for the big three in Tampa and the Hossa/Kovalchuk duo.

You could have all the talent in the world. If you can't stay healthy, there is no possible way of making this list. In order for a player to have a reign of production on his team it's proven he doesn't need reliable line mates, a good coach, or even a playoff team. He just needs to keep scoring, and stay in the line up.