As the popularity of streaming services continues to grow, it’s no surprise that major sports leagues like the NHL are hopping on board and creating original content for these platforms. In 2019, the NHL announced a partnership with Amazon Prime Video to create an exclusive behind-the-scenes (BTS) series following the lives of various players throughout the season. This exciting news has sparked much speculation and debate about which players should be featured in this series. In this article, we will explore some of the top contenders and why they would make for compelling subjects in an Amazon Prime BTS NHL series.
The Rising Stars of the League
Young Talent Taking Over the NHL
One of the main draws of the Amazon Prime BTS NHL series is the opportunity to get an inside look at some of the league’s rising stars. These young players represent the future of the game and have the potential to become household names and fan favorites. One player who immediately comes to mind is Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Matthews burst onto the scene in the 2016-2017 season, scoring four goals in his debut game and earning the title of the first overall draft pick. Since then, he has continued to impress with his skill and leadership on the ice, making him a prime candidate for the Amazon Prime series. His dynamic playing style and off-ice personality would make for compelling television, and fans would love to see the behind-the-scenes footage of his life as a rising star in the NHL.
Other notable young players who could be featured in the series include Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, and Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks. These players are all under 21 years old and have already made significant impacts on their teams. Getting an inside look at their journey to the NHL and their experiences as young players in a fast-paced and physically demanding league would make for an exciting series.
The Next Generation of Superstars
While the young talent in the NHL is undoubtedly impressive, there are also some established players who are still relatively new to the league and have the potential to become the next generation of superstars. One such player is Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers.
McDavid has been setting records since his rookie season in 2015 and has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in the NHL. His speed and skill on the ice are unmatched, and fans would love to see more of his training regimen and behind-the-scenes moments that have contributed to his success. McDavid’s journey from being drafted first overall to becoming the captain of the Oilers at just 19 years old would be a compelling story to follow in the Amazon Prime series.
Another player who falls into this category is Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Kucherov has been a top performer in the league since his debut in 2013 and has continued to impress with his offensive abilities. He also has a unique personality that fans would enjoy getting to know better through the BTS series. Other players who could fit into this category include Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche and David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins.
Breaking Barriers and Changing the Game
One of the most exciting aspects of the NHL today is the diversity of talent and the breaking of traditional barriers in the sport. From players of different nationalities to women breaking into the male-dominated industry, there are many stories waiting to be told in the Amazon Prime BTS series.
One player who has already made history and continues to break barriers is P.K. Subban of the New Jersey Devils. Subban became the first black player in the NHL to be voted the MVP of the league in 2013 and has since been an advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the sport. His charismatic personality and dedication to giving back to his community would make for a powerful storyline in the series.
Another player who could be featured is Hilary Knight, a forward for the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA). Knight has been a dominant force in women’s hockey, representing the United States in multiple Olympics and World Championships. Her journey as a female athlete and her efforts to advance women’s hockey would be an important and inspiring story to tell in the Amazon Prime series.
The Established Veterans of the Game
Icons of the NHL
While the young and rising stars of the league may have stolen the spotlight in recent years, there are still many established veterans who deserve recognition and could make for great subjects in the Amazon Prime BTS series. These players have had long and successful careers, making them icons of the NHL.
One player who immediately comes to mind is Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks. Kane has been a key player for the Blackhawks since his debut in 2007 and has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. His on-ice skill and off-ice personality would make for entertaining and insightful content in the BTS series.
Another veteran who could be featured is Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin has been a top performer in the league since he was drafted first overall in 2004 and is considered one of the greatest goal scorers of all time. His infectious energy and love for the game would make for captivating television, and fans would undoubtedly enjoy seeing more of his daily life on and off the ice.
A Glimpse into Life after Retirement
As much as it pains fans to think about, every player will eventually hang up their skates and retire from the NHL. And while some may choose to stay involved in the game as coaches or commentators, others may move on to entirely different careers. The Amazon Prime BTS series could offer a glimpse into the lives of retired players and how they transition into life after hockey.
One player who fans would love to see in this category is Jaromir Jagr, one of the greatest players in NHL history. Jagr recently retired from professional hockey, but his legacy lives on, and fans would be interested to see what he’s been up to since leaving the game. Other players who could fit into this category include Joe Thornton of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Zdeno Chara of the Washington Capitals.
The Impact of International Players
In recent years, the NHL has seen an influx of international talent, with players coming from countries all over the world. These players have not only brought a new level of skill to the league, but they’ve also contributed to the diversity and global reach of the sport. The Amazon Prime series could showcase some of these international players and their journeys to the NHL.
One player who has been making waves in the league is Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers. Draisaitl hails from Germany and has become one of the league’s top scorers. Fans would be interested to learn more about his upbringing and how he’s adjusted to life as a professional player in North America. Other international players who could be featured include Alexander Ovechkin of Russia and Elias Pettersson of Sweden.
The Goalies: A Different Perspective
The Unsung Heroes of the NHL
While most of the focus in the NHL tends to be on the forwards and defensemen, the goalies play a vital role in any team’s success. They are often overlooked but have the power to make or break a game with their saves. The Amazon Prime BTS series could offer a unique perspective by focusing on the lives of some of the league’s top goaltenders.
One goalie who could be featured is Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens. Price is widely considered one of the best goalies in the NHL and has been a key player for the Canadiens since he joined the team in 2007. Fans would be fascinated to see what goes on in the life of a goalie, from their training routines to their mindset on game day.
Another goalie who could be featured in the series is Marc-Andre Fleury of the Vegas Golden Knights. Fleury’s flashy playing style and outgoing personality would make for entertaining content in the BTS series. Other notable goalies who could be included are Tuukka Rask of the Boston Bruins and Robin Lehner of the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Mental Game of Goaltending
One of the most intriguing aspects of being a goalie in the NHL is the mental fortitude required to succeed in this position. Unlike other players who may have multiple chances to redeem themselves after a mistake, a goalie can make a single error that could cost their team the game. The Amazon Prime BTS series could offer an inside look at the mental game of goaltending and how these players handle the pressures of their position.
A goalie who would be perfect for this storyline is Henrik Lundqvist of the Washington Capitals. Known as “The King,” Lundqvist has had a long and successful career with the New York Rangers and has become known for his calm and focused mindset on the ice. His experience and insights into the mental side of the game would be valuable for fans to see in the series.
Women in Hockey: Breaking Barriers and Changing Perspectives
A Look into the PWHPA and the Future of Women’s Hockey
While the NHL is undoubtedly the premier league for professional hockey, there are also many other leagues and organizations dedicated to the sport, including the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA). This association represents some of the top female players in the world and is working towards creating a sustainable and competitive professional women’s hockey league.
The Amazon Prime BTS series could offer a behind-the-scenes look at the PWHPA and the incredible athletes who are fighting for equality in the sport. Fans would be interested to see the practices, games, and daily lives of these players as they work towards their goal of a sustainable women’s hockey league.
The Impact of Female Role Models in Hockey
As more and more women break into the male-dominated world of professional sports, they inevitably become role models for future generations of female athletes. The Amazon Prime series could highlight some of the top female players in the NHL and showcase their impact on young girls who aspire to play hockey at a professional level.
One player who could be featured in this category is Kendall Coyne Schofield of the Minnesota Whitecaps. Schofield made history by becoming the first woman to compete in the NHL All-Star Skills Competition in 2019 and has continued to inspire young girls with her passion and skill on the ice. Other notable players who could be included are Hilary Knight of the PWHPA and Hayley Wickenheiser, one of the greatest female hockey players of all time.
Conclusion
The upcoming Amazon Prime BTS NHL series has already generated much excitement and anticipation among fans and players alike. With a diverse selection of potential subjects to choose from, the possibilities for this series are endless. Whether it’s showcasing the rise of young talent, the established veterans of the game, or the breaking of barriers in the sport, there are many compelling stories waiting to be told in this series. As we eagerly await the release of this behind-the-scenes look at the lives of NHL players, we can only imagine the behind-the-scenes footage and insights that will be revealed.
