NHL Network certainly knows how to throw the hockey world into a tizzy when it comes to ranking the best players in the league. Last night the network revealed their annual list of the Top-20 Centers in the NHL and once again Connor McDavid found himself edging out Sidney Crosby in the top two spots. Last season’s bronze recipient Evgeni Malkin fell all the way to #13 however, allowing Colorado Avalanche superstar Nathan MacKinnon to jump a couple of spots up the list.
The Pittsburgh Penguins (Crosby, Malkin), Toronto Maple Leafs (John Tavares, Auston Matthews), Tampa Bay Lightning (Steven Stamkos, Brayden Point) and Washington Capitals (Evgeny Kuznetsov, Nicklas Backstrom) all have a pair of names on the list, giving the group a very Eastern Conference flavor. Despite Jonathan Toews‘ resurgence in 2018-19 he was left off the list again along with potential snubs like Sean Couturier, Dylan Larkin and Mathew Barzal among many others.
Like last year, when our community actually crowned Crosby as top dog, we thought we’d do our own tally here at PHR. In the poll below we’ve listed many options and are asking you to vote for your top group by selecting 10 names. Do Stamkos and Tavares stay ahead of their younger teammates? Will Malkin get back into the top 10? Can Elias Pettersson climb even higher? Cast your votes below and make sure to leave a comment explaining your choices.
[Mobile users click here to vote]
Though Leon Draisaitl was included in the 2018 list, his absence suggests that the NHL Network considered him a winger this season. The same can be said about other part-time centers that haven’t been included in the poll above. The list is not exhaustive, and write-in votes are encouraged in the comment section.
I’ve watched all of them…last season was Sidney Crosby’s best (regular) season in his career. Still highly productive, but playing a complete 200 foot game every single night.
They might not be top 10, but the most underrated center duo in the league is Barkov and Trochek. It would be no surprise to see the Panthers make a big jump this year, led by these two getting to the next level. This time next year, they might be regarded as the best 1-2 combo in the Atlantic Division. A division with a few great1-2 combos.
Crosby is obviously number 1. But any person with hockey sense knows Bergeron has to be on that list
agreed.
Couturier was the 6th highest forward in the NHL in both GAR and WAR last season. The fact that he’s so far down on this list is insane. And I’m a Rangers fan.
Crosby is the #1 bob? Im sorry, IMO Crosby cant even see McDavid its so far apart. Cros was the best 3 years ago, but now days its not even close. Really Crosby might not even be top 3 atm. Still phenomenal but definitely behind McDavid and MacKinnon. Anyone who says otherwise has east coast bias and havent seen enough of those 2 yet. Put them in one of the big teams out east and its not even a close vote
By another way to compare, would you trade Sid for McDavid straight up tomorrow? MacKinnon? Likely to say no on either. And i have a hard time with a couple others too. Crosby is likely the current 3/4/5 number 1 center.
Barkov under 4% is a joke. If I’m building a team from scratch and McDavid isn’t available, I’m taking Sasha