Tuesday I wrote about teams that I felt were given reverence among fans and journalists alike. That type of unwarranted hype that should be reserved for teams that have accomplished something other than a significant win streak.

Potential can be a dangerous word for both players and teams because of the expectations that come with it. Some players might teeter on the cusp of becoming great while others clearly benefit from playing alongside elite talent.

It takes an enormous amount of skill, talent and perseverance to make it to the NHL. All three must fall into place for a hockey player to reach the big time and I certainly don’t want to imply that anyone that plays in the NHL sucks. Except maybe John Scott. Seriously. I think I might be a better hockey player than Scott.

The players that I will label “overrated” fall into the category because in spite of their talent, they could be better. Or possibly, I just don’t think they are as good as everyone else thinks they are. Either way, feelings may get hurt.

Johan Franzen, LW/RW, Detroit Red Wings

Just a few short years ago Franzen had a super-productive effort in the Stanley Cup Playoffs that apparently warranted a long-term contract from the normally shrewd Red Wing front office.

As a reward for his gargantuan deal, Franzen has become one of the more inconsistent players on the Detroit roster. For a player with his size and considerable talent, Franzen should be among the league leaders in goals every year.

Drew Doughty, D, Los Angeles Kings

As if Los Angeles didn’t need it’s own example of a player motivated by money, Drew Doughty could possibly take the cake. Blessed with the skills to be a Norris Trophy finalist every season, Doughty went over the statistical cliff after signing his holdout-induced contract in 2011. After sparkling during his sophomore season of 2009-10, Doughty has been in a statistical free fall ever since.

Claude Giroux, C/RW, Philadelphia Flyers

In professional sports everyone wants to know, “What have you done for me lately?” Such is the case with the Flyers captain. After a breakout season that saw Giroux chasing Evgeni Malkin for the scoring crown and Hart Trophy, the wheels seemed to fall off last season. The Flyers impressive handling of Pittsburgh during the playoffs highlighted a career year for the young star. However, after naming him captain prior to the 2012 season, the “C” seemed to hang on Giroux’s sweater like an albatross as the weight of the captaincy and new expectations resulted in a disappointing season. The Flyers missed the playoffs and the next “big thing” struggled to produce at a point per game pace.

Dion Phaneuf, D, Toronto Maple Leafs

Young Dion Phaneuf burst upon the NHL scene with the Calgary Flames with his cannon shot and his brutal, marginally legal open ice hits. Cast as the next Scott Stevens for his intelligent and physical play Phaneuf was a finalist for the Calder Trophy (rookie of the year) and the Norris Trophy during his first three seasons in the league.

After year three the production began to drop and Phaneuf became known more for taking cheap shots and dating Sean Avery’s ex-girlfriend. He’s seen a bit of a re-birth since his move to Toronto, but has still failed to live up to the hype created when he entered the league.

Sergei Bobrovsky, G, Columbus Blue Jackets

As much as I hate to include him, Sergei Bobrovsky is in grave danger of becoming a “one-hit wonder” for his outstanding but shortened 2013 season. He could become the cautionary tale that during work stoppage abbreviated seasons; it is impossible to accurately gauge goaltending prowess. A rough start to the 2013-14 campaign will be forgotten if the Russian Bob-cat and right his mediocre play. However, all signs are pointing to average after the spectacular finish Bobrovsky had for Columbus last season.