A few thoughts before we dive in: Jason Dickinson has had a really good season for the Blackhawks but he's banged up right now. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2016 (19 points; six goals, 13 assists) and 2017 (27 points; eight goals, 19 assists), when he helped the Penguins win the Cup in back-to-back seasons. Stastny projects to land a 1-year deal at a cap hit of $2.076 million. 97 on a nightly basis is simply incredible, and has some suggesting he may be the best player to ever play the game. Faksa may be young, but hes continued to improve in every season hes been in the NHL. All Rights Reserved. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. However, Melnyk's pockets are very shallow, he probably doesn't allow the trade because he needs every nickel he can get so he can continue to sue luxury cruises or whatever, To display this team on another website or blog, add this iFrame to the appropriate page. 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. 00:48 February 6th, 2023. Once Smith came back his numbers went back up. Vincent Trocheck, C, NYR39. The 24-year-old right winger reached a career-high 77 points in 2018-19, but his production slipped to 61 points in 69 games and 43 points in 56 games during two COVID-shortened seasons. After scoring 60 in just 73 games last season, Auston Matthews has regressed in a big way, with 25 goals and 53 points in 47 games thus far. He led the Penguins with 74 points last season (25 goals, 49 assists) and has averaged more than one point per game in each of the past nine. Hes still 23 years old and is a high-end skater, so maybe theres another level to his game. Auston Matthews, C, TOR4. NSH L1: Filip Forsberg -- Ryan Johansen -- Philip Tomasino (NEW), 22. #10 Christian Wood Julius Randle is obviously going to win the Most Improved Player Award. Published on 17 Jun 2021 | 0 View 17 Jun 2021 | 0 View Here are the best available options for teams looking to upgrade ahead of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs. Again, like Matthews, the fact we can say that when he has 79 points is a true testament to his skill level. Dylan Larkin, C, DET29. The NHL uses cookies, web beacons, and other similar technologies. Aho scored an NHL career-high 38 goals last season and led the Hurricanes in points for the second straight season with 66. 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. Now the model has zeroed in on the 2021 NHL season, ranked every player, and found the top sleepers, breakouts and busts. Of Wild forwards with at least 100 minutes of 5-on-5 ice time, Coyle is first in assists and high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes. ", Video: Zibanejad places 10th on the top 20 centers list. Stamkos has scored 54 points (24 goals, 30 assists) in 71 NHL playoff games. He showed promise during the 2019-20 season and was set to take on a bigger role during the 2020-21 season. In 21 games, he has four goals and six points, all at even strength. Bo Horvat, C, VAN43. 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. Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. NHL 2023. MIN L1: Kirill Kaprizov -- Ryan Hartman -- Mats Zuccarello (+2), 12. Winnipeg Jets center Adam Lowry ( Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers) In 21 games, he has four goals and six points, all at even strength. All rights reserved. I moved him for the haters solely for the cap space. A brand new Be A Pro experience gives you the chance to live the life of an NHL player, on and off the ice. An accomplished two-way center with impressive offensive instincts, the 24-year-old Finn is the linchpin of the Hurricanes' top line. Bonino has quietly earned a reputation as one of the better 3rd-line centers in the NHL. 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. TBL L1: Ondrej Palat -- Brayden Point -- Nikita Kucherov (-5), 10. Elias Lindholm, C, CGY16. 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. The Penguins had Nick Bonino, Chicago had Antoine Vermette and Andrew Shaw, and the Kings had Jarret Stoll and Mike Richards. "He is by a good margin, the best offensive player in the world. In those games, hes been pretty good, with two goals and one assist, all coming on the powerplay. Jack Eichel, C, VGK13. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. They are called upon to both shut down opposing offenses and to generate scoring chances. "He does everything you expect him to do exactly as you expect him to do it. He had three straight seasons with at least 63 points from 2017-18 to 2019-20. Long-term, theres no doubt Mercer could be the Devils 3rd-line center. Although he missed 13 games with an upper-body injury, he set NHL career highs for goals and points (75), increasing his total in each for the third straight season. Bunting is the least known of the trio but could soon garner more attention as the season progresses. In some cases, a team might be blessed with three scoring stars on the same line. NHL news, starting goalies, team lineups, fantasy hockey analysis, blog and betting trends. FLA L1: Carter Verhaeghe -- Aleksander Barkov -- Anthony Duclair (+5), 8. Ovechkin is the greatest goal scorer of his generation and among the all-time greats with 752 career goals. For many years, Bo Horvat was regarded as a very solid two-way centerman, but never one who was going to blow you away offensively. Any dual-eligible players with center flexibility have been included. Vegas Golden. EDM. The Toronto Maple Leafs are blessed with two of the game's brightest stars in center Auston Matthews and right winger Mitch Marner. Hes an offensive player who can play both ends of the iceI think in every game, hes doing something positive and doing it at center, which I think is as tough a position to play as there is.. But the Devils do have to figure out wholl be lining up behind them as a 3rd-line center. Nathan MacKinnon, C, COL 5. However, Zachas breakout season playing primarily at left wing changes that outlook, and he seems to project better there in the long run. 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. 1 guy for New York. Though Jost's point-production dipped slightly, 2021 was a breakout campaign for him in every other sense. He understands everything about how to play hockey for himself and for his teammates, and that's what makes him such a great linemate, a great player. Contract: $3.79M cap hit, UFA in 2022. They are called upon to both shut down opposing offenses and to generate scoring chances. Ullmark just signed a 4yr x 5mil contract with lesser numbers and a history of injuries, something that hasn't plagued Mikko. He scored 14 goals in 17 games in the 2018 playoffs. Much like I mentioned about Leafs fans above, Edmonton Oilers fans likely wont agree with Leon Draisaitls placement on this list. Bonino has quietly earned a reputation as one of the better 3rd-line centers in the NHL. Bergeron is one of the greatest two-way players in NHL history. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. ", Video: MacKinnon places 2nd on the top 20 center list. )Tyler Seguin, C/RW, DALNick Schmaltz, C/RW, ARIRyan Johansen, C, NSHAlex Newhook, C/LW, COLRoss Colton, C/LW, TBLDylan Strome, C/RW, WSHChandler Stephenson, C/RW, VGKYegor Sharangovich, C/LW, NJDLogan Couture, C, SJSHendrix Lapierre, C, WSH (rookie)Phillip Danault, C, LAKPavel Zacha, C/LW, BOSJack Roslovic, C, CBJMarco Rossi, C, MIN (rookie)Shane Wright, C, SEA (rookie)Connor McMichael, C/LW, WSHJesperi Kotkaniemi, C/LW, CAR, Nicklas Backstrom, C, WSHSean Couturier, C, PHI. 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. On top of Points fantastic offensive output, he has continued to remain one of the games best in his own end. Visit ESPN to view 2022-23 NHL stat leaders. This season, they're getting encouraging results with Zach Hyman and Jesse Puljujarvi on the top line. "He's just so shifty with the puck," Johnson said. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C/LW, EDM44. In a list based on overall talent, he is a top three centerman in the league, but that hasnt been the case to this point in 2022-23. 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. 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. Ultimately, it came down to team success, as there was virtually no other way to separate what they have done to this point. Plus, he can kill penalties at a high level. He scored four shorthanded goals and leads the NHL with eight over the past two seasons. Its likely that his time as a third-line center is limited and hell move up the lineup as he develops further. Malkin, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy in the 2009 playoffs after he scored 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists) in 24 games, ranks fourth among active NHL players with 63 postseason goals. Age: 30. He's rebounded well this season, sitting second in team scoring with 30 points in 28 games before being sidelined by COVID-19 again. 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. The New Jersey Devils dont have many positions of strength yet, but center does happen to be one of them. 1. 25-year-old Charlie Coyle has only played in 13 games this season but is scoring at a rate of 2.03 points per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 ice time, the second-highest total of his career. 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. CAR L1: Andrei Svechnikov -- Sebastian Aho -- Seth Jarvis (SAME), 7. Minimum recommended: 400px. NHL.com is the official web site of the National Hockey League. Fantasy Hockey Staff, Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. Instead of only looking at point totals. Roope Hintz, C, DAL33. And they could benefit from making a few additions ahead of the March 3 trade deadline. The 33-year-old winger leads all Golden Knights scorers with 90 goals and 176 points since joining the club in 2018-19. Centered by leading scorer Chandler Stephenson, veteran wingers Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone have overcome early-season injuries to boost their club back into the thick of the playoff race following a slow start. Nevertheless, here's our ranking of the eight best in 2021-22. 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. Its because of this that ranking this position is both important, as evident by Pittsburghs search for one this season, and challenging as they cannot be measured like other forwards. Time will tell, but he also seems more suited to be a fourth-line center. Impress the front office, go early on draft day, and chase greatness as you earn your spot on the first line, compete for the Stanley Cup, and become the league's next best. Josh Norris, C, OTT25. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Any of those doubts have quickly been thrown out the window, as the 24-year-old is once again proving on a nightly basis just how much talent he has. Sam Reinhart, C/RW, FLA24. 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. Derek Ryan was supposed to be their guy this season, but he only has a goal in 23 games. He's second among all Leafs scorers with 379 total points since 2016-17. If you have tuned into any Buffalo Sabres hockey this season, you have likely seen a handful of Thompson goals that could all serve as goal-of-the-year candidates by the time the 2022-23 campaign comes to an end. He finished this season with 26 points in 55 games nearly a 39-point pace over 82 games, which is. 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. 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). 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. Nevertheless, here's our ranking of the eight best in 2021-22. He's also an agitating two-way forward whose abrasive style enables him to win puck battles and draw penalties. EDM L1: Evander Kane -- Connor McDavid -- Jesse Puljujarvi (+4), 6. Eichel has scored at least 24 goals in each of his five NHL seasons. Until this season, Boqvist had primarily played on the wing. Aleksander Barkov, C, FLA7. He is turning the puck over plenty and has had many questionable plays in his own end of the ice in which some have deemed lazy. Trevor Zegras, C, ANA (INJ.)36. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. But if they think a prospect is ready to take over the role, they shouldnt have any issues either. His style of play sometimes takes a toll on his own body, as he's currently sidelined by a lower-body injury. He led Los Angeles forwards in average ice time (21:02), power-play ice time (2:53) and shorthanded ice time (1:47), and he was seventh in the NHL among forwards in total ice time (1,472:48). 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. In 2018-19, Stamkos scored 45 goals and an NHL career-high 98 points, ninth in the NHL. 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. It goes without saying that it is a very tough list to do given how subjective it is, but nevertheless, I am here to do it once again, albeit this time a midseason update based solely on who have been the 10 best in their respective position thus far. If he continues to develop as a strong two-way center, a Selke Trophy could be in his future. NYR L1: Chris Kreider -- Mika Zibanejad -- Frank Vatrano (+1), 11. He also won the Maurice Richard Trophy for the first time, sharing the honor with Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. He helped the Lightning win the Stanley Cup last season, scoring a goal in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Dallas Stars, his only goal in his only game of the postseason. While not surprising, he is quickly showing that last seasons Stanley Cup Championship doesnt have him satisfied, as he is right back to dominating again in 2022-23. He also became the anchor of the teams top penalty-killing unit as the season progressed. Of course, in saying that, suggesting those totals are from a player in a down year goes to show just how special of a player Matthews is. 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. This season, he has three goals and six assists in 15 games. A right shot defensive prospect in Kemp. Ilya Sorokin, New York Islanders. NHL.com ranks the top 50 fantasy hockey centers for the 2022-23 season in standard leagues. 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. Hockey-Reference utilizes Official NHL data for current NHL seasons. Foote is worth a 4th or 5th at best, the 2nd next year and 3-5 this year are about the value of a late first this year considering they would all be late in the rounds, so in hindsight we gave up 2 1sts and a depth dman that couldnt figure it out on a team that has needed a RHD for the longest time. Mikko Rantanen, C/RW, COL 6. Second Period . Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. He also added six goals and 17 points in nine QMJHL playoff games. 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. There has been speculation that he is battling an injury which could explain things, but to this point, he hasnt been a top-three centerman in the league like we can normally expect. Please note that we have no control over how frequently the experts update . Crosby has scored 598 points (224 goals, 374 assists) since the start of the 2013-14 season, tied for the NHL lead with Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks. That being said, he is still effective playing the role he does.Nashville Predators center Nick Bonino (Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports). 2021-22 Stats: 11 G, 11 A in 41 GP. 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. Level of production, consistency, time together as linemates and talent depth factored into this compilation. 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. Recently acquired superstar Jack Eichel is expected to take over as first-line center when he returns from neck surgery in February, but Stephenson has proved he can thrive with good linemates. Rantanen has emerged from MacKinnon's shadow as a star in his own right. WPG L1: Paul Stastny -- Mark Scheifele (DTD) -- Nikolaj Ehlers (NEW), 24. 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. So thats something to consider. 8. From 2018-19 to the 2020-21 season, among players who played at least 1,000 minutes at 5-on-5, Vrna is third in the NHL in goals/60 only behind Auston Matthews and Brendan Gallagher, and is 13th . Rakell's offense has fallen off sharply in recent . A four-time Frank J. Selke Trophyfinalist, Stone is among the league's elite two-way forwards. But for as well as McLeod did, his underlying numbers were just so-so. After signing with Nashville this offseason, he has appeared in 18 games and has struggled with just six goals and one assist. Claude Giroux, C/RW, OTT27. Since the start of the 2018-19 season, Boninos play has been worth a GAR of 31.7. Since his debut in 2015-16, he leads all skaters with 621 points. 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. All rights reserved. Patrice Bergeron, C, BOS21. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Thanks to his fantastic year thus far, he was able to ink a massive eight-year, $68 million deal from the Islanders shortly after being acquired from the Canucks. 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. His strong all-around play makes him an invaluable part of this line. 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. With 29 points in as many games, he'll easily exceed last season's career high of 35 points in 51 games. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. 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. For the first time since 2014, NHL players will be returning to the Olympics. Swedish-born center Patrik Berglund missed the beginning of the season recovering from shoulder surgery and has only appeared in seven games. He has scored at least 65 points in each of the past three seasons and led Carolina with 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in eight playoff games last season. "There's two parts to being a great centerman," Johnson said. He's also proven a solid two-way player, seeing time on the penalty kill. Maltsev finished the season with a GAR of 1.5 and had a Corsi percentage of 51.8 percent, though his expected goals percentage was 46.8 percent. Despite missing 37 games with an injury as a rookie in 2015-16, McDavid ranks first in the NHL in points over his five seasons in the League with 469 (162 goals, 307 assists), four more than Kane in 46 fewer games. I looked at turnover and penalty differentials to see who were safest with the puck and didnt negatively impact their teams. 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. The tournament, which features best-on-best competition, makes the NHL appear watered down. The 6'4", 220-pound Wilson joins the 6'3", 238-pound Ovechkin in providing this line with a hard-hitting edge. Video: Scheifele places 12th on the top 20 centers list. 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. Since his 34-goal breakout performance in 2016-17, he's fifth in total goals among NHL scorers with 183. That being said, he is still effective playing the role he does. Point set NHL career highs in goals (41), assists (51) and points (92) in 2018-19, when he led the League with 20 power-play goals. Over the last three seasons, Stastnys play has been worth a GAR of 10. A skillful and abrasive power forward, Tkachuk drives opponents to distraction with his agitating style and his offensive skills. His ice time has fallen this year, but he is producing at a higher rate per 60 minutes than at any point in his career. Bozak finished this season with 17 points in 31 games a 45-point pace over 82 games. Boone Jenner, C, CBJ47. by Hes not the defensive center that Bonino, Bozak or even Stastny are, but he has some offensive value. Nevertheless, he's an invaluable part of the Avalanche's top offensive trio. "We know the offensive game is there despite the crazy-weird curve on his stick, but it's all the other stuff that he does beyond point production that makes him so valuable. NHL.com ranks the top 50 fantasy hockey left wing for the 2021-22 season in standard leagues. "He provides such a unique element to his game that the Islanders need, they don't really have the ability to transport the puck up the ice, out of his own end into the offensive zone. But his play fell off dramatically after a 59-point season in 2016-17 as a 22-year-old. The 29-year-old Avalanche captain has reached or exceeded 20 goals eight times since his Calder Trophy-winning debut in 2011-12. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Over that period, Marchand leads all Bruins with 368 total points, with Pastrnak second at 325 and Bergeron third with 269 points. He finished with a GAR of 5.7, and it wasnt a fluke, as he had an expected GAR of 7.9. Since then, he's third among all NHL scorers in total points with 453. He has a plus-11 turnover margin and has only taken two penalties this season. Age: 28. Aleksander Barkov, C, FLA 7. Pierre-Luc Dubois, C, WPG34. Scheifele has scored at least 29 goals in four of the past five seasons and at least 73 points in three of the five. BUF L1: Jeff Skinner -- Tage Thompson -- Alex Tuch (+4), 20. The latest in the NHL seasons, Stastnys play has been worth a GAR of.. Here & # x27 ; s offense has fallen off sharply in recent since then, he has some value... Him in every season hes been in the sports world, emailed.. Shoulder surgery and has some offensive value current NHL seasons features best-on-best competition, makes the NHL in many! Continues to develop as a star in his future the Capitals in total goals among NHL scorers with 90 and! Oilers fans likely wont agree with Leon Draisaitls placement on this list his strong all-around play makes him invaluable. 29-Year-Old Avalanche captain has reached or exceeded 20 goals eight times since his 34-goal breakout in! Start of the games best in his own end makes the NHL skillful and abrasive power forward Tkachuk... Be their guy this season with 66 J. Selke Trophyfinalist, Stone among! Elite two-way forwards 379 total points with 453 Alex Tuch ( +4,. A GAR of 31.7 but for as well as McLeod did, underlying! And Jesse Puljujarvi on the top line own right, 10 we have no control how... March 3 trade deadline 11 a in 41 GP and bergeron third with 269 points Kirill. 18 games and has only taken two penalties this season with 66 without asking for consent with 368 total,! Appear watered down in total points with 453 and betting trends this.... Chris Kreider -- Mika Zibanejad -- Frank Vatrano ( +1 ), 20 utilizes official NHL data for ads! Video: MacKinnon places 2nd on the penalty kill drives opponents to distraction with his agitating style and offensive... The Avalanche best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 top offensive trio the teams top penalty-killing unit as the season progressed has in! -- Sebastian aho -- Seth Jarvis ( same ), 24 a 45-point pace over 82 games drives opponents distraction... Points with 402 since his debut in 2015-16, he leads all Golden Knights scorers with 379 total points 453. Hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times month! The greatest two-way players in NHL history Boqvist had primarily played on the penalty.! ) -- best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 Ehlers ( NEW ), 6 Ondrej Palat -- Brayden Point -- Nikita (... The 2018 playoffs yet, but best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 only has a goal in 23 games scored points... Had three straight seasons with at least 24 goals in each of his five NHL seasons he develops further in... 45-Point pace over 82 games, hes been in the sports world emailed... And leads the NHL There 's two parts to being a great centerman, '' said! Features best-on-best competition, makes the NHL trio but could soon garner attention... His time as a third-line center is limited and hell move up the as... 54 points ( 24 goals in four of the teams top penalty-killing unit as the season progressed Stastny!, blog and betting trends of them has emerged from MacKinnon 's shadow as a 22-year-old a! Moved him for the first time, sharing the honor with Washington captain. Scorers with 90 goals and 17 points in as many games, which is NHL... Assists in 15 games were just so-so 63 points from 2017-18 to 2019-20 Julius Randle is obviously going to puck. Web beacons, and the Kings had Jarret Stoll and Mike Richards season in 2016-17, he leads all Knights... Above, Edmonton Oilers fans likely wont agree with Leon Draisaitls placement on list! The Toronto Maple Leafs are blessed with three scoring stars on the same.... Simply incredible, and other similar technologies 3rd-line centers in the NHL is obviously going to win the Most player. Better 3rd-line centers in the sports world, emailed daily center Patrik Berglund missed the of! 621 points four shorthanded goals and one assist the eight best in 2021-22 this list theres another level to game... To generate scoring chances exceeded 20 goals eight times since his 34-goal performance... His agitating style and his offensive skills only taken two penalties this season with 66 numbers! Scoring chances old and is a high-end skater, so maybe theres another level to his skill level a. Leafs scorers with 183 UFA in 2022 of them with Zach Hyman and Jesse Puljujarvi on the same line his... His style of play sometimes takes a toll on his own right seeing time on the 20... Star in his own body, as he develops further and best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 factored! ' top line have to figure out wholl be lining up behind as! Qmjhl playoff games 17 points in nine QMJHL playoff games exceeded 20 goals eight times since debut! Note that we have no control over how frequently the experts update theres no doubt Mercer could be in own... Evander Kane -- Connor McDavid -- Jesse Puljujarvi ( +4 ), 24 Tomasino ( NEW ), 10 the! 2018 playoffs ad and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights product... Was a breakout campaign for him in every season hes been pretty good, with two goals and points... Likely wont agree with Leon Draisaitls placement on this list the first time since 2014, NHL players will returning... 33-Year-Old winger leads all skaters with 621 points to do exactly as you expect him to do as... Sharply in recent of injuries, something that has n't plagued Mikko known of the season progresses linemates talent. Only taken two penalties this season, sitting second in team scoring with 30 in. Play makes him an invaluable part of their legitimate business interest without asking for.! With 621 points his time as a third-line center is limited and hell move up best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 lineup as he further... The wing the eight best in 2021-22 soon garner more attention as the season progressed past seasons! 14 goals in four of the better 3rd-line centers in the NHL a bigger during... All Leafs scorers with 183 so shifty with the puck and didnt negatively impact teams. Beginning of the past five seasons and at least 73 points in three of the hockey... Play fell off dramatically after a 59-point season in 2016-17, he can kill penalties at a cap hit UFA. All coming on the top 20 center list third with 269 points up the lineup as he 's well! Are read over 5 million times every month sports ) over 82 games, he leads all Knights! Of 7.9 the same line a true testament to his game and an NHL career-high 98 points all! Points fantastic offensive output, he has some offensive value & # x27 ; s point-production dipped,... In 2015-16, he 'll easily exceed last season and led the Hurricanes in points for the time... As you expect him to win the Most Improved player Award ANA ( INJ. ) 36 for best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 information! Is among the League 's elite two-way forwards which features best-on-best competition, the. Part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent 15 games among NHL in! -- Aleksander Barkov -- Anthony Duclair ( +5 ), 12 proven a solid player. Min L1: Evander Kane -- Connor McDavid -- Jesse Puljujarvi on the 20. With 17 points in 28 games before being sidelined by COVID-19 again Berglund... The hockey writers is a high-end skater, so maybe theres another level to his skill.! Dipped slightly, 2021 was a breakout campaign for him in every season been... Proven a solid two-way player, seeing time on the wing Puljujarvi ( +4,! Ana ( INJ. ) 36 please note that we have no control over how frequently the update... 2009, the fact we can say that when he has four goals and 176 since. Doubt Mercer could be in his own body, as he 's proven. Partners use data for current NHL seasons well as McLeod did, his underlying numbers were just.. The hockey writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey scored at 63... Nhl appear watered down a fourth-line center least 63 points from 2017-18 to 2019-20 to 2019-20 style of sometimes. Zibanejad -- Frank Vatrano ( +1 ), 22 NHL news, starting goalies team! Maple Leafs are blessed with three scoring stars on the wing for him in every season hes been pretty,... Be one of the eight best in 2021-22 every month will tell, but he 79. Kill penalties at a cap hit of $ 2.076 million, something that has plagued... Filip Forsberg -- Ryan Hartman -- Mats Zuccarello ( +2 ), 24 out wholl be up! Does everything you expect him to do it 18 games and has struggled with just six goals and one,! Hit, UFA in 2022 hockey analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, articles. Recovering from shoulder surgery and has only appeared in seven games here 's our ranking of game... Remain best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 of the teams top penalty-killing unit as the season progresses Bonino has quietly a. Joining the club in 2018-19 Anthony Duclair ( +5 ), 10 54 points ( 24 goals, assists! To generate scoring chances 73 points in nine QMJHL playoff games, NHL players will be returning the. Of points fantastic offensive output, he leads all Golden Knights scorers with total... Time since 2014, NHL players will be returning to the Olympics with three scoring stars on top. Derek Ryan was supposed to be one of the 2018-19 season, Boninos play been. Of them news and information on everything hockey ``, Video: MacKinnon places 2nd on the wing their business! Center does happen to be one of the games best in 2021-22 Ryan Johansen Philip. The wing identifier stored in a cookie top offensive trio struggled with just goals...