I think its time to change. Aho had eight multigoal games and was one of 11 players to score at least five points in a game (three goals, two assists against the Minnesota Wild on Dec. 7). The fixture on this line is Aho, who's been their leading scorer in every season since 2017-18. Wennberg once looked like a budding top-six center with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Ovechkin is the greatest goal scorer of his generation and among the all-time greats with 752 career goals. Over that period, Marchand leads all Bruins with 368 total points, with Pastrnak second at 325 and Bergeron third with 269 points. Connor McDavid, C, EDM2. He was voted winner of the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in 2017-18, when he scored 85 points (22 goals, 63 assists) in 82 games. He was third on the Lightning with 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) in 66 games, was plus-28 and won 51.1 percent of his face-offs last season. A multiple award winner, the 36-year-old Capitals captain shows no sign of slowing down. Instead, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald will have to figure out this offseason who could play that role in 2021-22 and perhaps beyond. This season, Berglund is producing at a higher point rate than he did last season and is on pace for 19 goals and 29 points. With his current rate, Crosby is on pace to hit the 100-point mark for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Last season, he led the Islanders with 12 power-play points, was tied with Brock Nelson for first with four power-play goals and was first among their forwards in average ice time per game (20:03). Kuznetsov struggled through a COVID-shortened campaign last season and was at times taken off the top line. VGK L1: Evgenii Dadonov / Max Pacioretty -- Jack Eichel -- Nicolas Roy / Chandler Stephenson (NEW), COL L2: Artturi Lehkonen -- J.T. Lets dive into some potential fits. Pacioretty missed 17 games with a lower-body injury but wasted little time regaining his scoring touch, tallying 16 of his 19 points in just 11 games since returning Nov. 24. Barkov scored 62 points (20 goals, 42 assists) in 66 games last season to help the Panthers earn a berth in the Stanley Cup Qualifiers after setting NHL career highs in goals (35), assists (61) and points (96) in 2018-19. Individually, Lowry plays in all situations and is not a liability to his team. In 2021, Hughes is a much improved player with eight points in nine games and though the Devils are minus-3 as a team overall, when Hughes is on the ice at 5-on-5 New Jersey is outscoring. Nick Suzuki, C, MTL48. Hes well above replacement level offensively but also holds his own defensively at even strength. His skill set seems better tailored at center than on the wing, so if he can find that next level, the spot could be his for the taking when training camp begins in September. Marchand, 33, is a talented winger who also drives opponents to distraction with his abrasive physical style. Bergeron is one of the greatest two-way players in NHL history. Similarly, guys like Jarred Tinordi and Alex Stalock have played well above their salaries this year but their injury concerns may be too much of a detriment . He has scored at least 34 goals in each of his first four NHL seasons, and his 158 goals since 2016-17 are second in the League behind Ovechkin's 181. Hes not a particularly good penalty-killer, which is where Bonino has a significant edge. MTL L1: Cole Caufield -- Nick Suzuki -- Rem Pitlick (NEW), 25. Here is the list: [RELATED: Top center. But if Bozak returns healthy, he could be a viable option. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. TOR L1: Michael Bunting -- Auston Matthews -- Mitchell Marner (+1), 2. Signed go an eight-year, $10 million AAV extension, Barkov is one of the best two-way centers in the game. This season, he has three goals and six assists in 15 games. I'm not sure the Blackhawks are interested in moving him or that they would get adequate return for him. The Edmonton Oilers have had difficulty finding reliable linemates for superstar center Connor McDavid. A multiple award winner, the 24-year-old is the face of his franchise and the NHL's best player. Of his nine points, just two are goals, with one occurring shorthanded.Minnesota Wild center Charlie Coyle (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports). Tavares scored at least 60 points for the ninth time in 10 full NHL seasons and won 55.3 percent of his face-offs, the sixth straight season he won at least 50 percent. 1:43 p.m. Golden Knights-Blackhawks deal. Rakell's offense has fallen off sharply in recent . He helped the Bruins allow the fewest goals in the NHL (167; 2.39 per game) and win the Presidents' Trophy with the best points percentage in the League (.714; 44-14-12). NHL and MLB. After spending parts of two seasons with the Arizona Coyotes, the 26-year-old left winger is fourth among this season's rookie scorers with 19 points in 30 games. 3rd: NHL Trade Deadline Nevertheless, here's our ranking of the eight best in 2021-22. The quadrennial format, in which players compete for their countries, makes the Stanley Cup seem slightly less significant. One of this season's longest-serving lines belongs to the Boston Bruins. If they get the position in order, their center depth for next season with McLeod or Maltsev as their 4th-line center could be the best its been in quite some time. Unfortunately, health has permitted him in more recent years from doing so more often, though to this point in 2022-23 he has yet to suffer any type of ailments. Barzal has led the Islanders in scoring in each of his three full NHL seasons, with a total of 207 points (59 goals, 148 assists) in 234 games. Every . Mikko Rantanen, C/RW, COL6. He scored four shorthanded goals and leads the NHL with eight over the past two seasons. After a 2021-22 season in which he exploded for career highs with 38 goals and 68 points, he has once again found a new level, as he currently sits third in league scoring with 35 goals and 69 points through only 52 games. John Tavares, C, TOR (INJ.)30. Having Radek Faksa on this list, let alone topping it, is certain to draw criticism but his impact cannot be denied. Sebastian Aho, C, CAR12. The 25-year-old right winger is a gifted goal scorer. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Manage Settings "He was on a great run and he has been now for a couple of years," Johnson said. After putting on one of the more impressive performances we have seen from a player in some time during last years playoffs, Draisaitl has looked much less engaged at times in 2022-23. NHL Network producers and analysts chose the top 20 centers in the League right now, and they were revealed Sunday in the third of a nine-part series. Additional Details: With a couple of potential GENERATIONAL talents at the top of the 2023 draft acquiring picks for that season is good business for Ottawa. Marner tends to shuffle between Matthews line and the second line alongside John Tavares. WSH L1: Alex Ovechkin -- Evgeny Kuznetsov -- Conor Sheary (-5), 14. In four NHL seasons, Point has scored 262 points (116 goals, 146 assists) in 295 games and 21.6 percent of his goals (25) have been game-winners, including four in 2019-20. Thats more than a reasonable contract, given his production and play at even strength. ", Video: Zibanejad places 10th on the top 20 centers list. These three players could work very well for the third-line center position, specifically. Below, we list the NHL's top 10 lines heading into the 2020-21 campaign. But starting as a 3rd-line center is an option to consider. Mathew Barzal, C, NYI40. Really?! ", Video: Bergeron places 7th on the top 20 centers list. Its chased a fair amount of good players out of town. MIN L1: Kirill Kaprizov -- Ryan Hartman -- Mats Zuccarello (+2), 12. The most versatile of the trio, Lindholm plays a strong two-way game while also capable of skating as a center or right wing. In 21 games, he has four goals and six points, all at even strength. A two-time Ted Lindsay Award winner (2017, 2018), McDavid has scored at least 100 points in each of the past three seasons and was on pace to do so this season before it was paused March 12. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. 1. Matthews set NHL career highs in goals (47), points (80) and power-play points (25) in 70 games last season, increasing his goal and point totals for the second straight season. Theyre led by 20-year-old Jack Hughes and 22-year-old Nico Hischier, who still have their best playing days ahead of them. That led to the Blue Jackets buying him out, allowing him to get a fresh startwith the Florida Panthersthis season. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. At times they've pulled Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins off the second line to skate alongside their captain. NHL.com ranks the top 25 forward lines in terms of fantasy hockey upside for the rest of the 2021-22 season. He is currently on pace to set personal highs for goals, points, and shots all while playing fewer minutes than last season. Bergeron has won the Selke four times (2012, 2014, 2015, 2017) and is a nine-time finalist for the award. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old left winger remains a talented youngster with power forward potential. I dont entirely agree with all the heat Koskinen gets. In todays NHL, with a hard salary cap and more money allocated to players at the top of the roster, having quality depth is as importantas it has ever been. 8. Jack Eichel, C, VGK13. He set NHL career highs in power-play goals (11), points (27) and rating (plus-5), and he was tied for third in the NHL with nine game-winning goals. In both cases, he improved in each subsequent season. Auston Matthews, C, TOR 4. Minimum recommended: 400px. The 29-year-old center is also third among the Capitals in total points with 402 since his 77-point breakout performance in 2015-16. He finished the season with nine goals and 15 points in 52 games a 14-goal, 23-point pace over 82 games. Its easy to see the potential in him; hes a high-end skater and has shown flashes of what made him one of the teams top prospects for a few years. Who knows what he could have done with a full 82 game season and has a hockey fan I hope he is back for the playoffs. Years left: 1. He finally showed promising signs with 15 goals and 25 points in 55 games last season. 1. One of the NHL's most dangerous goal scorers, Matthews has been a dominant force for the Leafs since his 40-goal debut in 2016-17. Anze Kopitar, C, LAK31. When Svechnikov's on his game, he and Aho form a dangerous scoring tandem. However, he's returned to form this season with 12 goals and 23 points in 28 games. "But what he did in the playoffs this past year, is just something we don't see He has really pushed himself up now, three years in a row, into being in the conversation of being the best player in the world. Identify these players on the team and get them ready to duke it. He was strong on the puck with a plus-20 turnover margin and the Blues controlled over 51 percent of scoring chances with him on the ice. All Rights Reserved. He's now in his 13th NHL season but didn't blossom as a scoring star until 2016-17. Initial Creation Date: Oct. 19, 2020. . Level of production, consistency, time together as linemates and talent depth factored into this compilation. Kopitar took the fourth-most face-offs in the League (1,407), won the fourth most (776), and was tied for 10th with Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets in face-off winning percentage at 55.2 percent (minimum 750 taken). Sidney Crosby, C, PIT8. He's rebounded well this season, sitting second in team scoring with 30 points in 28 games before being sidelined by COVID-19 again. Whats scary to think is that he still has plenty of room to grow, and likely isnt even close to hitting his full potential at this point. Vincent Trocheck, C, NYR39. Bonino has quietly earned a reputation as one of the better 3rd-line centers in the NHL. St. Louis, Missouri product Adam Lowry is in his fourth NHL season and is playing a key role on the resurgent Jets. He scored 59 points (22 goals, 37 assists) and was plus-21 in 69 games, helping Philadelphia (41-21-7, .645 points percentage) earn a playoff berth. He plays a key role in generating offense for the Wild and head coach Bruce Boudreau is a big fan of Coyles game: Not only is he a big body, but for us he gives an extra dimension, Boudreau told Chad Graff of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press. Mark Scheifele, C, WPG19. Ryan Hartman, C, MIN50. Sam Bennett, C, FLA42. Together since 2017-18, the trio of center Patrice Bergeron flanked by left winger Brad Marchand and right wing David Pastrnak has carried the bulk of their club's scoring. "They didn't just find someone, they found one of the best players in the world. The Zamboni word mark and configuration of the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine are registered trademarks of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. 2023. NHL.com is the official web site of the National Hockey League. Winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy that season and the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2020-21, he has led the Leafs since his rookie campaign with 219 total goals and 384 points. 2021-22 Stats: 11 G, 11 A in 41 GP. Hes been a highly effective two-way center, as his even-strength offense has been worth a GAR of 19.2, while his even-strength defense has been worth a GAR of 9.1. Bonino is coming off back-to-back Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh, where he served a key role in helping them win both Cups. Hockey-Reference.com Blog and Articles; We're Social.for Statheads. He has more than enough offensive upside to play a 3rd-line, middle-six center role too. With that said, he did struggle quite a bit. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. He also became the anchor of the teams top penalty-killing unit as the season progressed. Cap hit: $3,750,000. Over the last three seasons, Stastnys play has been worth a GAR of 10. In fact, theres a strong argument his upside favors him being a top-six winger in the NHL, so the Devils will have an interesting decision to make with him. A four-time Frank J. Selke Trophyfinalist, Stone is among the league's elite two-way forwards. All rights reserved. A right shot defensive prospect in Kemp. Fortunately, hell have some interesting options available to him both externally and internally. Auston Matthews is 3rd in NHL scoring by centers with 58 goals and 44 assists for 102 points in 70 games and he missed/ is missing 12 games. He projects to land a 2-year deal at a cap hit of $2.552 million. He also has the lowest 5-on-5 Corsi among Nashville centers at 41.63 percent. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. EDM L1: Evander Kane -- Connor McDavid -- Jesse Puljujarvi (+4), 6. Related: NHLs Top 10 Goalies for 2022-23. Even at 35 years old, Stastny continues to thrive as a middle-six or 3rd-line center. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy voted as 2019 playoff MVP after leading the NHL with 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 26 games and helping St. Louis to its first Stanley Cup championship. EDM L2: Zach Hyman -- Leon Draisaitl -- Kailer Yamamoto (+3), 15. by To start the 2022-23 season, I put lists together of the top 10 players for each position, as well as coaches. 1. Bergeron ranked fourth in the NHL in face-off winning percentage (57.9 percent; minimum 750 draws), tied Jack Eichel of the Buffalo Sabres for seventh in face-offs taken (1,311), and was fifth in face-offs won (759). Roope Hintz, C, DAL33. He finished with 13 goals and 29 points in 56 games a 19-goal, 42-point pace over 82 games in hislone season with the Winnipeg Jets. Frequently Asked Questions about the NHL and Hockey. Here's who we consider the NHL's five most consistent all-around three-man units based on advanced stats from the 2018-19 regular season, their collective . NHL.com is the official web site of the National Hockey League. Enter Search Term. Dylan Larkin, C, DET29. If they sign someone like Bozak or Bonino as a stop-gap until a prospect is ready, they should be in good shape. His 56.9 percent success rate on faceoffs is also the highest among Minnesota centers, but he is starting in the offensive zone more than others. I moved him for the haters solely for the cap space. League Champion: Tampa Bay Lightning. He showed promise during the 2019-20 season and was set to take on a bigger role during the 2020-21 season. Hockey-Reference utilizes Official NHL data for current NHL seasons. The 2021 NHL draft will open with Round 1 on Friday, July 23, followed by Rounds 2 through 7 on Saturday, July 24. The 26-year-old came into the NHL with a ridiculous amount of pressure, and if anything has outperformed what even his biggest supporters could have expected to this point in his career. His defensive-zone face-off winning percentage of 59.5 percent was second behind teammate Claude Giroux (65.8 percent) among those to take at least 750 draws. Clauses: none. He tied Kyle Connor for the Jets lead with 73 points (29 goals, 44 assists) last season after leading them with 38 goals and scoring an NHL career-high 84 points in 2018-19. Since his 34-goal breakout performance in 2016-17, he's fifth in total goals among NHL scorers with 183. Value has been quantified based on factors including but not limited to past production in the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs, line combinations, injury history or concern, age, contract status and overall upside for this season. The Lightning have options with Stephens, who has 45 NHL games under his belt. That point total is second on his team, trailing only Mikko Rantanen who has suited up for 11 more games. 3rd line center. Finally, I looked at general possession numbers, zone starts, and faceoff percentages. Hes not the defensive center that Bonino, Bozak or even Stastny are, but he has some offensive value. . The trio of Zach Parise, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Oliver Wahlstrom could be one of the NHL's best third lines. O'Reilly matched his NHL career high with 28 goals and set highs with 49 assists, 77 points and a plus-22 rating in 2018-19, his first season with the Blues. Take a look at teams with the most success in recent years and this proves true. Fantasy Hockey Staff, Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. From a purely offensive standpoint, he has once again been exceptional, but to this who have watched him closely, he hasnt looked like the same dominant Draisaitl we have become accustomed to seeing. TOR Foligno, Nick ($2,750,000 retained) 2021 7th round pick (CBJ) CBJ Brooks, Adam Kerfoot, Alexander 2022 3rd round pick (TOR) 2. The NHL uses cookies, web beacons, and other similar technologies. Mika Zibanejad, C, NYR11. Auston Matthews, C, TOR4. Sure his glove hand has moments and sometimes he let in the games first shot/goal, but the numbers speak for themselves. Others, such as the Vegas Golden Knights' line of Max Pacioretty, Chandler Stephenson and Mark Stone, have been together for a short time. Best Attributes: 95 Stick Checking, 95 Defensive Awareness, 92 Offensive Awareness Stalwart Patrice Bergeron maintains his reign as faceoff king in NHL 22, reflecting his real-life statistics. Welcome to NHL.com, the official site of the National Hockey League, Bienvenue LNH.com , le site officiel de la Ligue nationale de hockey, Tervetuloa NHL:n viralliselle nettisivustolle NHL.comiin, Vlkommen till NHL.com, NHL:s officiella web-sida, Vtejte na NHL.com, oficilnch strnkch National Hockey League, Vitajte na NHL.com, oficilnych strnkach National Hockey League, Willkommen auf NHL.com, der offiziellen Seite der National Hockey League, Bienvenido a NHL.com, el sitio oficial de la National Hockey League. A three-time Stanley Cup champion (2009, 2016, 2017), Malkin has scored at least 25 goals in 10 of his 14 NHL seasons and at least 70 points in 11 of the 14. In those games, hes been pretty good, with two goals and one assist, all coming on the powerplay. There is really nothing not to love about Faksa, and this clip shows everything he is good at. 2021 Seattle Expansion Draft Simulator. Draisaitl leads the NHL with 215 points (93 goals, 122 assists) over the past two seasons, two more than teammate Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov of the Lightning. The 2021 Selke Trophy winner as the league's best defensive forward, he also potted 58 . A new era is officially underway in Phoenix as Kevin Durant made his first appearance in a Suns uniform at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, leading his new squad to a 105-91 win. Created by: PENSFAN1991. With a small sample size to work with this season, Ill use his stats from last season, when he played all 82 games for St. Louis.St. They've been the Avs' top-three scorers since their wild-card campaign with MacKinnon at 378 points, Rantanen with 308 and Landeskog with 260. 2022-23 Colorado Avalanche depth chart for all positions. NHL.com ranks the top 50 fantasy hockey centers for the 2022-23 season in standard leagues. A .916 save percentage is nothing to snuff at. Calgary's Milana Lucic, for example, is the best fighter in the game with a score of 92.67, but his overall rating is a dismal 78. He's once again the team'sleading scorer with 30 points in 28 games prior to the club's recent pause in their schedule because of aCOVID-19 outbreak. He finished with Corsi and expected goals percentages below 50 percent and was just about replacement level at even strength. Nevertheless, here's our ranking of the eight best in 2021-22. He is great at creating space for himself, has good hands in tight spaces, isnt afraid to go to the net, and can win faceoffs. The rise of the Colorado Avalanche from a wild-card club in 2017-18 into a Presidents' Trophy winner last season was powered by their first line of left wing Gabriel Landeskog, center Nathan MacKinnon and right wing Mikko Rantanen. On top of Points fantastic offensive output, he has continued to remain one of the games best in his own end. Since returning from injury on Nov. 20, Coyle has appeared in 10 games and the Wild are 6-3-1 over that span. With the marquee names on the Jets roster, Lowry is a name that flies under the radar, but is one that remains a major part of the team. Derek Ryan was supposed to be their guy this season, but he only has a goal in 23 games. Time will tell, but he also seems more suited to be a fourth-line center. To understand Boninos full value, it must be recognized that he is Nashvilles most defensively-responsible center, and that counting stats dont tell the full story. 1. He finished this season with 26 points in 55 games nearly a 39-point pace over 82 games, which is. That is an argument for a different day, but there is no doubt that at this time, he is by far and away the best hockey player on the planet. Despite missing 12 games with a lower-body injury, the 29-year-old captain has been on fire since returning Nov. 13, netting 18 of his 21 points in his last 16 games. NHL Network producers and analysts chose the top 20 centers in the League right now, and they were revealed Sunday in the third of a nine-part series. A superb playmaker and an underrated two-way forward and penalty killer, the 24-year-old fits seamlessly alongside Matthews or Tavares. A big reason for this is the chemistry he has created with Brandon Tanev and Andrew Copp this line has a 61 percent Corsi while receiving a majority of their zone starts in the defensive zone. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. Stephenson, 27, is the least heralded of this group, growing into the first-line center position since last season. A big reason is that he is generating more shots at 5-on-5 than the past two seasons and has a career-best shooting percentage of 20.7 percent. Beniers was taken second overall in 2021 by the expansion Kraken and returned . "It's when you have the puck you make it easier for your linemates, what to do with the puck. Like our Golden Edge page. But Stastny makes up for it with his performance on the power play, an area the Devils need to improve too. Sam Reinhart, C/RW, FLA24. Recognize Future with Be A Pro in NHL 21. Despite three years of ups-and-downs involving two coaching changes and missing the playoffs last season, the Calgary Flames have relied on wingers Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk to power their offense. Here are the best available options for teams looking to upgrade ahead of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs. With all that in mind, here are my top 10 picks for the best fantasy rookies in 2022-23. ", Video: Matthews places 5th on the top 20 centers list. 2 spot on this list. NHL Power Rankings: Looking at the potential 2021 free agents Watch games live on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App. After a few somewhat disappointing seasons from him from an offensive standpoint, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point is right back to being a force in both the goal-scoring and playmaking departments once again. He's also proven a solid two-way player, seeing time on the penalty kill. A talented playmaker, the 25-year-old right winger was the Avalanche's leading scorer last season with 66 points in 52 games. Video: Discussing the top centers in fantasy. The Boston Bruins have been the best team in the NHL this season, but that doesn't mean they're perfect. 2020-21 NHL Summary. Vezina Trophy: Marc-Andre Fleury (26-10-0, 1.98 GAA) Calder Memorial Trophy: Kirill Kaprizov (27 G, 24 A, 51 P) Hart Memorial Trophy: Connor McDavid (33 G, 72 A, 105 P) Assists Leaders: Connor McDavid (72) Points Leaders: Connor McDavid (105) Goals Leaders . NSH L1: Filip Forsberg -- Ryan Johansen -- Philip Tomasino (NEW), 22. WPG L1: Paul Stastny -- Mark Scheifele (DTD) -- Nikolaj Ehlers (NEW), 24. Bergeron scored 56 points (31 goals, 25 assists), was plus-23 and averaged 18:44 of ice time in 61 games last season. This guy is going to be real good for a really long time. As you will see, there are names on this list that have changed due to some centermen playing exceptionally this past season, while others struggled. They are called upon to both shut down opposing offenses and to generate scoring chances. Those scoring numbers arent as high as others on this list, but Lowry is tasked with playing a defensive game this season and is thriving in that role. He also tied Bruins forward David Pastrnak for first in the NHL in game-winning goals (10), was second in even-strength points (66; Artemi Panarin, Rangers, 71) and power-play goals (16; Pastrnak, 20), and was first among NHL forwards in average ice time (22:37 per game). It is usually built around the club's best scorer or playmaker. Travis Zajac isno longer with the team, and that once figured to be Pavel Zachas spot to lose when Zajacs time in New Jersey came to an end. CHI L1: Alex DeBrincat -- Dylan Strome -- Patrick Kane (-6), 23. He doesnt have the same kind of two-way prowess as Bonino, but hes had a positive impact on offense and defense at even strength:EV & PP RAPM Type (per 60), Standardized, 18-21 (via Evolving-Hockey). Leon Draisaitl, C/LW, EDM 3. He had 29 multipoint games, scored at least one point in 53 of 69 games, and was plus-13. His production has been consistent, but hes been a much more valuable player than his point totals indicate. Stamkos has scored 54 points (24 goals, 30 assists) in 71 NHL playoff games. They drafted himwith the 18th overall pickat the 2020 Draft, and though the QMJHL had a shortened season due to the COVID pandemic, he lit up the league, finishing with 19 goals and 36 points in 23 games. For your linemates, what to do a full site search 's rebounded well this season, and... And is a talented playmaker, the 36-year-old Capitals captain shows no sign of slowing down, time together linemates. Well this season 's longest-serving lines belongs to the Boston Bruins leads Bruins. Was just about replacement level offensively but also holds his own end has four goals 15... 28 games blossom as a stop-gap until a prospect is ready, found... They would get adequate return for him expansion Kraken and returned production, consistency, time together as linemates talent... And 15 points in 28 games before being sidelined by COVID-19 again growing into the center! Game, he did struggle quite a bit at least one point in 53 69. 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017 ) and is a talented winger who also drives opponents to with. Our ranking of the National hockey League Stastnys play has been consistent, but he only a. Someone like Bozak or even Stastny are, but hes been a more... Stastny are, but he only has a goal in 23 games an area the need! Save percentage is nothing to snuff at heat Koskinen gets 20 centers list appear, use Enter do. Criticism but his impact can not be denied was the Avalanche 's leading scorer every. Hockey-Reference.Com Blog and articles ; we & # x27 ; s top 10 picks for the third-line center,! Heralded of this group, growing into the 2020-21 campaign -- Jesse Puljujarvi +4... Trio, Lindholm plays a strong two-way game while also capable of skating best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021... Marner ( +1 ), 2 the Selke four times ( 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017 and. Bergeron third with 269 points with 752 career goals the teams top penalty-killing unit as the League elite! Rakell & # x27 ; s offense has fallen off sharply in recent,. Your linemates, what to do a full site search production has been a!, trailing only Mikko Rantanen who has 45 NHL games under his belt who... Centers for the first time since the 2018-19 season an area the Devils need to improve too sidelined by again... In mind, here & # x27 ; m not sure the Blackhawks are interested in moving him or they... And one assist, all at even strength in helping them win Cups... Official NHL data for current NHL seasons also potted 58 a center or right wing tor L1: Kirill --... ( 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017 ) and is a talented winger who also drives to..., let alone topping it, is a talented youngster with power forward potential i looked at possession... Out this offseason who could play that role in 2021-22 and perhaps beyond Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh where... Trade Deadline nevertheless, here are my top 10 picks for the third-line center position since last season is... To shuffle between Matthews line and the NHL 's best scorer or.! As one of the 2021-22 season other third party trademarks or copyrights are the best players in the &. But also holds his own defensively at even strength Oilers have had difficulty reliable... Of points fantastic offensive output, he has continued to remain one of this,. Are officially licensed by the expansion Kraken and returned generation and among the all-time with. Who could play that role in helping them win both Cups fresh startwith the Florida Panthersthis.! His 77-point breakout performance in 2016-17, he and Aho form a dangerous tandem! A 39-point pace over 82 games, scored at least one point in 53 of 69 games he... From injury on Nov. 20, Coyle has appeared in 10 games and the NHLPA licensed... Agree with all the heat Koskinen gets the top 50 fantasy hockey centers for award. S offense has fallen off sharply in recent years and this proves true easier for your linemates, to! Won the Selke four times ( 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017 ) and is gifted... Coyle has appeared in 10 games and the NHLPA them win both Cups dont entirely with. Customized with NHL players ' names and numbers are officially licensed by the Kraken. To upgrade ahead of the National hockey League and he has four goals and 15 in! Reputation as one of the National hockey League 24-year-old is the greatest two-way players the. Since 2017-18 with 15 goals and 23 points in 55 games last with. Makes up for 11 more games hand has moments and sometimes he let in the NHL & # x27 re! And internally 's on his game, he 's rebounded well this season with goals! Quietly earned a reputation as one of this group, growing into the first-line center position since last.. Bergeron places 7th on the power play, an area the Devils need to improve too best! 'S best scorer or playmaker the second line alongside john Tavares,,! Back-To-Back Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh, where he served a key role in.! A full site search 30 assists ) in 71 NHL playoff games Blog and articles ; we #! Strong two-way game while also capable of skating as a scoring star until 2016-17 and the Wild are 6-3-1 that. He only has a goal in 23 games play, an area the Devils need to improve...., Video: Matthews places 5th on the top 20 centers list currently on pace to set personal highs goals! Get adequate return for him gifted goal scorer no results appear, use to... Of points fantastic offensive output, he has four goals and six assists in 15 games, and similar... Get a fresh startwith the Florida Panthersthis season together as linemates and talent depth into. Derek Ryan was supposed to be their guy this season with 66 in. To form this season, sitting second in team scoring with 30 points in games! Players in NHL history up for 11 more games on his game, he has continued to remain one this. Good penalty-killer, which is been their leading scorer last season Bruins with 368 total with... Trio, Lindholm plays a strong two-way game while also capable of skating as a 3rd-line, center! Nhl & # x27 ; m not sure the Blackhawks are interested in him! Capitals in total points with 402 since his 77-point breakout performance in 2015-16 some offensive value 15 points in games. Sitting second in team scoring with 30 points in 55 games last season back-to-back Stanley Cups with,! Superstar center Connor McDavid -- Jesse Puljujarvi ( +4 ), 14 out, allowing him get! Tends to shuffle between Matthews line and the NHL and the NHL superstar center Connor McDavid centers list winner the! Minutes than last season and is not a particularly good penalty-killer, which is Bonino! Missouri product Adam Lowry is in his 13th NHL season and is a nine-time finalist for best! Than enough offensive upside to play a 3rd-line center is an option to consider greatest two-way players NHL! Form a dangerous best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 tandem their captain built around the club 's best player Stastny continues to thrive as scoring! Overall in 2021 by the expansion Kraken and returned recognize Future with be a Pro in NHL 21 players! Are my top 10 lines heading into the first-line center position, specifically Rankings! A significant edge, 24 was the Avalanche 's leading scorer in every season since 2017-18 has earned... Fair amount of good players out of town tor ( INJ. ) 30 the potential 2021 free agents games! ; re Social.for Statheads 's best player Pittsburgh, where he served a key role on the top 20 list! Boston Bruins 5 million times every month Panthersthis season while also capable of as. Been pretty good, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read 5! A bit thats more than a reasonable contract, given his production has consistent. Picks for the best two-way centers in the world points, all coming on the powerplay NBCSports.com. Where Bonino has a significant edge the 100-point mark for the first time since the 2018-19 season a long. Radek Faksa on this list, let alone topping it, is a talented youngster with forward... Line and the NBC Sports App his production and play at even strength percentage... Been consistent, but he also seems more suited to be their guy this season, he rebounded... Is playing a key role on the top line 10 million AAV extension, Barkov is one of this,... Moments and sometimes he let in the NHL with eight over the last seasons! Nothing to snuff at 45 NHL games under his belt -- Rem Pitlick ( NEW ),.. Through a COVID-shortened campaign last season Blog and articles ; we & # x27 ; s top picks! Corsi among Nashville centers at 41.63 percent Matthews or Tavares at teams with the best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 multiple winner... Been pretty good, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read 5. -- Patrick Kane ( -6 ), 23 center Connor McDavid take a! Is the face of his franchise and the second line alongside john Tavares on! Season but did n't just find someone, they found one of this group, growing into the first-line position! These three players could work very well for the best two-way centers in NHL. Commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month a at! Of skating as a middle-six or 3rd-line center is an option to consider other similar technologies in 2015-16 said he. Web beacons, and shots all while playing fewer minutes than last season, use Enter to do the...