Players with the most to prove in the Stanley Cup playoffs

The NHL regular season has just wrapped up, and the chase for the Stanley Cup will begin Saturday with the Ottawa Senators kicking things off against the Carolina Hurricanes.

With several new teams from last season, some new Cup contenders, and some young teams looking to pull off an upset, everyone is looking for something to prove. But which players have the most to prove for their legacy? Let's take a look at the four with the most on the line:

Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

It's a bit unfair to say that the three-time Hart Trophy and six-time Art Ross Trophy (including this season) winner has any more to prove in his career. Despite all the individual accolades, McDavid still chases the one trophy he wants the most: the Stanley Cup.

After coming so close the past two seasons, McDavid will have to once again play a big role in getting his team across the finish line. The Oilers, too, will feel the pressure to get it done: after signing a two-year extension through 2028, McDavid may want to move on if Edmonton can't win it all.

Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars

Benn, like McDavid, is in search of his first Stanley Cup. The 2015 Art Ross Trophy winner, now in his 17th season, may be playing more of a depth role now, but no doubt could be a big piece in a Stars' Cup run.

Benn has played over 1,200 games with no championship and looks to end that run this season. Unfortunately for the Stars, a tough Minnesota Wild team in the first round stands in their way. For Benn, a Stanley Cup would certainly do wonders to solidify him as one of the greatest Dallas Stars of all time.

Brady Tkachuk, Ottawa Senators

Tkachuk and his Senators missed the playoffs in his first six seasons, calling into question his leadership. After getting in last season, Ottawa's captain performed quite well, putting up four goals and seven points in a six-game first-round loss to Toronto.

Now, the Senators face an even tougher test against the best in the East: the Carolina Hurricanes. Tkachuk has faced criticism for his start to the season but finished strong with eight points in his last six games. To prove himself as one of the game's elite power forwards and leaders, he'll need to have a big series.

Rod Brind'Amour, Carolina Hurricanes

Although Rod Brind'Amour isn't a player, the Hurricanes' coach still has a lot to prove. While Carolina has had fantastic regular seasons under Brind'Amour, winning the Metropolitan Division four out of the last six seasons, they haven't been able to translate that into playoff success. 

Failing to reach the Stanley Cup Final under Brind'Amour, they've also lost in the first or second round in four of Brind'Amour's seven seasons as coach. Brind'Amour isn't in any danger of getting fired, but if the Hurricanes fizzle out in the playoffs again, questions will remain about the team's ability to step up in the postseason.