Pavel Dorofeyev only makes $1.835 million AAV, let’s compare him to other forwards in the league.
The Golden Knights have had a promising start to the season, sitting at first in the Pacific and fourth in the league. While star forwards like Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev get much of the credit (as deserved), some players are flying under the radar. Pavel Dorofeyev is one of those players. He currently ranks sixth in points for the Golden Knights, demonstrating significant offensive contributions despite his lower salary.
Making just $1.835 million AAV, Dorofeyev has proven to be an absolute steal for the Golden Knights. The 24-year-old Russian made his NHL debut with the Knights back in 2021. While he only played two games that season, and only parts of the next two, he’s been a roster regular this season. With 12 goals and 17 points in 28 games so far, he’s shown to be a key part of the team.
He has significant responsibility with an average of 16:31 minutes of ice time each game, can lock down defensively with 17 blocks, and can handle the physical side of the game with eight hits. Dorofeyev's solid playmaking, both offensively and defensively, makes him a valuable asset. This is particularly evident when comparing his production to that of forwards with similar salaries, as well as to those earning significantly more.
To evaluate the impact of players relative to their salaries, forwards were selected based on two primary criteria: salary (AAV) and performance metrics. This analysis focuses on forwards earning a similar amount and around the same age as Dorofeyev, as well as those making significantly more than the Russian forward. By examining points, ice time, and cost per point, we can assess the value each player brings to their team.
Pavel Dorofeyev compared to other forwards
|
Player |
Age |
Salary ($M) |
Games Played |
Points |
TOI/GP (min) |
Cost per Point ($M/Point) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pavel Dorofeyev |
24 |
1.835 |
28 |
17 |
16:31 |
0.108 |
|
Bobby Brink |
23 |
1.5 |
26 |
13 |
12:31 |
0.115 |
|
Teddy Blueger |
30 |
1.8 |
27 |
11 |
14:38 |
0.164 |
|
Ryan Poehling |
25 |
1.9 |
26 |
8 |
13:44 |
0.238 |
|
Kevin Stenlund |
28 |
2.0 |
28 |
7 |
14:16 |
0.286 |
|
Klim Kostin |
25 |
2.0 |
19 |
4 |
10:09 |
0.500 |
|
Morgan Geekie |
26 |
2.0 |
25 |
9 |
14:18 |
0.222 |
|
Pavel Zacha |
27 |
4.75 |
30 |
13 |
18:52 |
0.365 |
|
Trevor Zegras |
23 |
5.75 |
24 |
10 |
16:57 |
0.575 |
|
Quinton Byfield |
22 |
6.25 |
28 |
11 |
17:14 |
0.568 |
|
Chris Kreider |
33 |
6.5 |
24 |
11 |
17:32 |
0.591 |
|
Dylan Cozens |
23 |
7.1 |
28 |
13 |
17:54 |
0.546 |
|
Matty Beniers |
22 |
7.142 |
30 |
16 |
17:50 |
0.446 |
|
Roope Hintz |
28 |
8.45 |
26 |
13 |
17:22 |
0.651 |
Pavel Dorofeyev stands out as a highly impactful player for his salary. His 17 points in 28 games not only exceeds those of several forwards of similar age and salary but also compares favorably against higher-paid forwards. This analysis illustrates that Dorofeyev's contributions on the ice are significant, making him a valuable asset for his team at a fraction of the cost compared to other players.
Three main takeaways from the table:
- Most Cost-Effective: Dorofeyev stands out as the most cost-effective player in this table, with a cost-per-point value of $0.108M. This means he puts up a lot of points for not a lot of money.
- Underperformers Relative to Salary: Players like Ryan Poehling, Kevin Stenlund, and Klim Kostin have higher costs per point, indicating less offensive output relative to their salaries.
- Higher-Paid Forwards: Among higher-paid forwards, Chris Kreider and Roope Hintz have the highest cost per point, suggesting they are less efficient in terms of scoring relative to their salary.
This comparison reinforces the argument that salary does not always equate to impact on the ice. While there are certainly many higher-paid forwards who do extremely well in the league, there are many lower-paid players who go unnoticed. We must recognize and celebrate players like Pavel Dorofeyev, who consistently prove that talent, work ethic, and impact on the game can transcend salary figures. Watching him develop as a player has been incredible, and his efforts every game continue to be vital to the success of the Golden Knights.
