Today we take a look at Los Angeles Panthers forward Axel Kirby and we discuss why we believe he is one of, if not the most, underrated player in the SHL today. Some of you may not have even heard of Kirby, and that just proves our point.

When it comes to the SHL, most people see those top point producers and just know that they’re the best. They think of how much they score, how many fantasy points they get their team and whatever else can be imagined. However, Kirby is an interesting one, as he isn’t a flashy offensive player but more so a very good two-way player. There aren’t too many in the league, and most of them develop when there’s so much TPE you have to put some into defensive attributes, but Kirby was built this way since he was young.

Kirby has found his offensive game, but his game in his own zone is what makes him so special, and it allows for more offensive production from his linemates as he opens up the play. He is currently 2nd in points on his team, while being a +6 and averaging the most SHTOI on his team (2:03 – tied with Nathan Meagher). Most of the top players in the league barely play on the PK, and Kirby is doing all of this while also being above a PPG. We can’t see how anyone could think he’s not one of the most underrated in the league, and we’re going to go out and say he is the most.