He finished this season with seven points in 28 games, a slight step up from the four points in 35 games he had in 2019-20. With that off the table, Blues GM Doug Armstrong did the next best thing: got a former first-round pick in Dean, whom the Knights selected 30th overall in 2021 from the Quebec Major Junior. John Tavares, C, TOR (INJ.)30. 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. Any contract above three years would be too much term for the Devils, but signing him for two to three years at a cap hit of $3 to 4 million could make sense. Visit ESPN to view 2022-23 NHL stat leaders. In those games, hes been pretty good, with two goals and one assist, all coming on the powerplay. Matthews led the Maple Leafs with six points (two goals, four assists) in four games against the Blue Jackets in the Qualifiers. What we are witnessing from No. At his age, he may be looking to go to a contender, but theres certainly playing time available for him on the Devils behind Hischier and Hughes if he so chooses. Had this list been compiled last season, he would have been ranked higher, but a slow start this season limits him. He also won the Maurice Richard Trophy for the first time, sharing the honor with Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. The 27-year-old right winger netted 21-or more goals and 40-plus points in 2018-19 and 2019-20 and sits third this season among Capitals scorers with 24 points in 27 games. Mikko Rantanen, C/RW, COL 6. Nathan MacKinnon, C, COL5. Bonino has quietly earned a reputation as one of the better 3rd-line centers in the NHL. Joined: May 2020. And we often place more focus on the negatives then the positives. 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. 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. The combination of center Sebastian Aho flanked by wingers Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen was first formed during 2019-20. Jul 22 2021 Traded to Arizona (ARI) from Philadelphia (PHI) with 2022 2nd round pick and 2022 7th round pick for future considerations May 5 2021 Suspended 2 games for Boarding Mark Friedman (PIT), forfeiting $77,586 in 2020-21 salary with Philadelphia (PHI) He also added six goals and 17 points in nine QMJHL playoff games. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. 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. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. Previous Season Next Season. With 47 points, he's jostling with Draisaitl and Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin for the lead in this season's scoring race. 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. 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. 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. Take a look at teams with the most success in recent years and this proves true. Rantanen has emerged from MacKinnon's shadow as a star in his own right. 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. They get Edmontons 2nd best forward prospect in Lavoie who could see NHL time as soon as this season. Bo Horvat, C, VAN43. For the fourth straight season, McDavid, who finished second in the NHL with 97 points (34 goals, 63 assists), tops this list of best centers. "He's really just elevated and emerged as the No. When on the ice at 5-on-5, the Jets have a 56.81 percent Corsi and have positive percentages in control of shots, scoring chances, and goals. CAR L1: Andrei Svechnikov -- Sebastian Aho -- Seth Jarvis (SAME), 7. Couturier ranked first among Flyers forwards in average ice time per game (19:50) and shorthanded ice time (140:29). 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 . All Rights Reserved. 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. When Svechnikov's on his game, he and Aho form a dangerous scoring tandem. NHL Network producers and analysts chose the top 20 centers in the. The 25-year-old right winger is a gifted goal scorer. This season, he has three goals and six assists in 15 games. "He does everything you expect him to do exactly as you expect him to do it. 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). He's also in the league's COVID protocol but sits third among Hurricanes scorers with nine goals and 21 points. For more fantasy coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy and subscribe for free to the "NHL Fantasy on Ice"podcast. They are called upon to both shut down opposing offenses and to generate scoring chances. One of this season's longest-serving lines belongs to the Boston Bruins. His production has been consistent, but hes been a much more valuable player than his point totals indicate. Seeing McDavids name at the top of this list will come as no surprise to absolutely anybody. 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. In his fifth full season, he is taking on a bigger role but is succeeding. 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). by While his production was about equal to McLeods, his underlying numbers were a bit better. Instead of only looking at point totals. THE TOP 30: Realistic Trade Candidates, Ranked by Potential Impact. Miller for most on the Canucks, and he tied Miller for the Vancouver lead with 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in 17 playoff games. 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. Re-Live The First 50 Goals By Auston Matthews From The 2021-22 NHL Season 3. Wennberg once looked like a budding top-six center with the Columbus Blue Jackets. #10 Christian Wood Julius Randle is obviously going to win the Most Improved Player Award. And they could benefit from making a few additions ahead of the March 3 trade deadline. Sam Reinhart, C/RW, FLA24. While many suggest Cale Makar is the best player on the Avalanche, MacKinnon has been the better of the two to this point in 2022-23. 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). 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. He is able to play a physical game while also being a good enough skater to not get caught out of position.Winnipeg Jets center Adam Lowry (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers). Mathew Barzal, C, NYI40. The New Jersey Devils dont have many positions of strength yet, but center does happen to be one of them. All rights reserved. He's second among all Leafs scorers with 379 total points since 2016-17. Learn More It is usually built around the club's best scorer or playmaker. 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 Toronto Maple Leafs are blessed with two of the game's brightest stars in center Auston Matthews and right winger Mitch Marner. "He's got great hand-eye, the stick skills He is really gifted with the puck in tight spaces. Oct. 3rd: NHL Global Series - Switzerland Oct. 4th: NHL Global Series - Germany Oct. 7th-8th: NHL Global Series - Czech Republic Nov. 4th-5th: NHL Global Series - Finland Nov. 11th: Hall of Fame Induction Celebration Jan. 2nd: Winter Classic - Fenway Park, MA Feb. 3rd-4th: All-Star Weekend - South Florida Feb. 18th: Stadium Series - Raleigh, NC Mar. Can it be enough to be a 3rd-line center? 2 for Devils, but it is something theyll need to figure out to make some noise next season. Plus, he can kill penalties at a high level. The 33-year-old winger leads all Golden Knights scorers with 90 goals and 176 points since joining the club in 2018-19. With a team-leading 22 goals and 47 points, Ovechkin is also chasing his 10th Maurice Richard Trophy and his first Art Ross Trophy since 2007-08. 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. 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. His 27 goals in 68 games last season tied J.T. He finished the season with nine goals and 15 points in 52 games a 14-goal, 23-point pace over 82 games. 1. All rights reserved. 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. While he remains a streaky scorer, the 23-year-old right winger is already on track for his best season yet with 23 points in 28 games. With that said, here are the current top 10 centermen in the NHL based on their play to this point in the 2022-23 season. Had he not suffered an upper-body injury that forced him to miss time earlier in the season, Nathan MacKinnon may have found himself in the No. 63) in the 2017 NHL Draft is first among Sweden-born rookies with 14 assists, second with 20 points . But, who should be the runner-up? The latter two are connected, and, because third line centers typically take the toughest draws, I wanted to determine which were best at giving their teams possession by winning faceoffs. Blake Wheeler, C/RW, WPG41. Since Stamkos entered the NHL in 2008-09, only Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals has scored more goals (543) than the Lightning captain (422), who scored 29 in 57 games last season. After being thought of as one of the games truly elite young forwards after the first two seasons in his career, some regression caused some to doubt just how good Elias Pettersson really was. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Recognize Future with Be A Pro in NHL 21. Aleksander Barkov, C, FLA 7. Really?! His play was worth a goals above replacement (GAR) of -1.3, his lowest total since 2010-11 when he had a GAR of -0.3 with the Toronto Maple Leafs. A multiple award winner, the 24-year-old is the face of his franchise and the NHL's best player. ", Video: MacKinnon places 2nd on the top 20 center list. 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. Since returning from injury on Nov. 20, Coyle has appeared in 10 games and the Wild are 6-3-1 over that span. Bergeron is one of the greatest two-way players in NHL history. These three players could work very well for the third-line center position, specifically. This is a team who struggles to play with any sort of consistency on a game-to-game basis, while also truly lacking depth scoring. Level of production, consistency, time together as linemates and talent depth factored into this compilation. Enter Search Term. Bergeron scored 56 points (31 goals, 25 assists), was plus-23 and averaged 18:44 of ice time in 61 games last season. 1. MTL L1: Cole Caufield -- Nick Suzuki -- Rem Pitlick (NEW), 25. 30, is the fourth-line center on what is . 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. Despite being sidelined last week by a shoulder injury, he sits third among Oilers scorers with 11 goals. Svechnikov can be a streaky scorer, which sometimes results in his being shifted to the second line. 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. Marchand, 33, is a talented winger who also drives opponents to distraction with his abrasive physical style. Mercer is one of two wild cards for the Devils in figuring out this position. Auston Matthews, C, TOR 4. Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs ( Jess Starr /The Hockey Writers) 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. Mattias Ekholm, D, Predators. Robert Thomas, C, STL32. 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 . 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. NHL.com is the official web site of the National Hockey League. However, he's returned to form this season with 12 goals and 23 points in 28 games. 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. Now the model has zeroed in on the 2021 NHL season, ranked every player, and found the top sleepers, breakouts and busts. Standard fantasy categories: goals, assists, plus/minus, power-play points, shots on goal and hits for skaters. Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. EDM L1: Evander Kane -- Connor McDavid -- Jesse Puljujarvi (+4), 6. Zibanejad had the only five-goal game in the NHL last season (March 5 against the Washington Capitals) and led the NHL in goals per game (0.72; 41 in 57). Key Graduates . Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. All rights reserved. Hes only 26 years old and doesnt turn 27 until September, making him one of the younger UFAs this offseason. Cap hit: $3,750,000. 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. 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. 1. He finished this season with 26 points in 55 games nearly a 39-point pace over 82 games, which is. Cole Perfetti, C/RW, WPG (rookie)49. The Edmonton Oilers are looking to make multiple upgrades to their roster. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. Berglund is producing at a higher point rate than he did last season, NHL Rumors: Kings, Oilers, Maple Leafs, Coyotes, Red Wings, NHL Trade Bait List for the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, Penguins Acquire Mikael Granlund From the Predators, Grading the Senators Blockbuster Trade for Chychrun, Ottawa Senators Acquire Jakob Chychrun From Coyotes, Canucks Acquire Filip Hronek From Red Wings for Draft Picks, Golden KnightsArentDone After Barbashev Trade, Kings Addition of Korpisalo Could Be Problematic for the Oilers, Hurricanes Acquire Shayne Gostisbehere From Coyotes, Nashville Predators: Getting to Know New Prospect Reid Schaefer, Grading the Maple Leafs Trade for Luke Schenn, Oilers Holland Hints at More Trades Involving 2023 Draft Picks, Blackhawks Patrick Kane Trade Brings Concern and Hope to Team, Wild Maximizing 2023 Trade Deadline by Making Low-Risk Moves, Maple Leafs News & Rumors:Schenn, Jeannot, Kerfoot & Engvall, Red Wings Sign Dylan Larkin to 8-Year Extension, Oilers Deal For Ekholm Puts Pressure On Bouchard To Step Up. 00:48 February 6th, 2023. Toronto Maple Leafs fans may be up in arms when first reading this, but it is important to remember that this list is based solely on play from the 2022-23 season. But his play fell off dramatically after a 59-point season in 2016-17 as a 22-year-old. One spot in their lineup that's been specified is the third-line center position. As one of the best transition forwards in the NHL today, and certainly one of the fastest, Barzal nearly cracks the top 10 because of his excellence in the middle of the ice. Still, theres a lot to like about his potential. (40/1 to win 2022 Stanley Cup) had the third-best First Period Under ROI at 21-13- (Unders). Lightning, Full coverage of #NHLTopPlayers Right Now. He ended the 2020-2021 season with a faceoff win percentage of 62.25 to go along with 23 goals and 25 assists for 48 points. "He was on a great run and he has been now for a couple of years," Johnson said. Hes well above replacement level offensively but also holds his own defensively at even strength. 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. 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. 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. Clauses: none. Enter Search Term. The 6'4", 220-pound Wilson joins the 6'3", 238-pound Ovechkin in providing this line with a hard-hitting edge. "[The Oilers] were hoping they could find someone to play behind Connor McDavid," Johnson said. 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). Hes still 23 years old and is a high-end skater, so maybe theres another level to his game. 1 centermen the Canucks have been looking for for a really long time, and he's going to be really good and on this list for a really long time. Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. Brayden Schenn, C/LW, STL45. Enter Search Term. Perhaps, but hell need to find more offense, so a fourth-line role may be where he settles in. He scored 14 goals in 17 games in the 2018 playoffs. Vegas Golden. At 5-on-5, he is producing 2.93 points per 60 minutes while receiving 69 percent of his starts in the defensive zone. The Devils this season is almost all due to Hughes, who has a ridiculous 35 goals and 67 points in 50 games. Claude Giroux, C/RW, OTT27. The Penguins will need to hope that continues to be the case moving forward, as they could be in major trouble if he were to miss any time. There have already been a number of big trades. Best 3rd line hockey - CapFriendly - NHL Salary Caps He said Jost, 23, or Compher, 26, could move to center, which has added . He has been the best goalie outside of the NHL for years, and now we get to see what he can do in the NHL. His stock is down from where it might have been a few years ago when he was one of the league's best third-line centers and comfortably capable of scoring 15 goals and 35-40 points. Nazem Kadri, C, CGY18. Here is the list: [RELATED: Top center. he is taking on a bigger role but is succeeding. EDM. Having Radek Faksa on this list, let alone topping it, is certain to draw criticism but his impact cannot be denied. Perhaps the . There is really nothing not to love about Faksa, and this clip shows everything he is good at. 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. 97 on a nightly basis is simply incredible, and has some suggesting he may be the best player to ever play the game. 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. Its likely that his time as a third-line center is limited and hell move up the lineup as he develops further. Connor McDavid, C, EDM2. . 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. "He is by a good margin, the best offensive player in the world. BOS L2: Taylor Hall -- Erik Haula -- Marc McLaughlin / David Pastrnak (DTD) (-5), 16. His strong all-around play makes him an invaluable part of this line. Louis Blues center Patrik Berglund (Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports). In his second NHL season, Pettersson scored 66 points to match his total from 2018-19, when he won the Calder Trophy after leading NHL rookies in goals (28), assists (38) and points. But the Devils do have to figure out wholl be lining up behind them as a 3rd-line center. Here's a look at the top 10 centers in the league entering the 2021-22 season. The NHL 's trade market has exploded since Kevin Cheveldayoff acquired Nino Niederreiter for a second-round pick. Jack Eichel, C, VGK13. COL L1: Andre Burakovsky -- Nathan MacKinnon -- Mikko Rantanen (-1), 3. The Ducks are in a playoff spot as the third place team in the Pacific Division. Josh Norris, C, OTT25. 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. . Hes not the defensive center that Bonino, Bozak or even Stastny are, but he has some offensive value. He finished with 84 points in 2017-18 and a career-high 87 the following season. ", Video: Zibanejad places 10th on the top 20 centers list. That being said, he is still effective playing the role he does. Please note that we have no control over how frequently the experts update . 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. The tournament, which features best-on-best competition, makes the NHL appear watered down. Left wing Reilly Smith scored a go-ahead goal with 3:42 remaining in the third period, and the Golden Knights . 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. But Stastny makes up for it with his performance on the power play, an area the Devils need to improve too. He finally showed promising signs with 15 goals and 25 points in 55 games last season. The fact the Devils have him locked up for seven more seasons at a cap hit of just $8 million after 2022-23 is truly remarkable. 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. Even at 35 years old, Stastny continues to thrive as a middle-six or 3rd-line center. 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. "There's two parts to being a great centerman," Johnson said. He also led the Bruins in scoring during that period in every season except for 2019-20. Long-term, theres no doubt Mercer could be the Devils 3rd-line center. He made the most out of the opportunity, potting 17 goals and 29 points in 56 games a 25-goal, 42-point pace over 82 games. The Edmonton Oilers have had difficulty finding reliable linemates for superstar center Connor McDavid. "He's on a nice run, four years in a row of piling up the points, atop this list again and deserves to be there," Johnson said. NHL.com ranks the top 50 fantasy hockey left wing for the 2021-22 season in standard leagues. ", Video: Ryan O'Reilly places 15th on the top 20 centers list. Forsberg, Anton. Time will tell, but he also seems more suited to be a fourth-line center. Auston Matthews, C, TOR4. 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. 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. An unrestricted free agent next season, his future in Calgary remains uncertain, but it's not affecting his performance. They are called upon to both shut down opposing offenses and to generate scoring chances. Until this season, Boqvist had primarily played on the wing. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. Level of production, consistency, time together as linemates and talent depth factored into this compilation. Customize the height attribute in the iFrame code below to fit your website appropriately. 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. Whether he can continue this goal-scoring trend in the seasons to come remains to be seen, but there is no denying that he has been one of the games best centermen to this point in the 2022-23 campaign. He's rebounded well this season, sitting second in team scoring with 30 points in 28 games before being sidelined by COVID-19 again. 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. Now to the good news. There are several players who deserve to be in that discussion. 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. Many never stay together for a full campaign. Anze Kopitar, C, LAK31. Sidelined for 35 games last season by a concussion, the 27-year-old winger regained his form with 22 points in 28 games to sit second in team scoring this year. Boone Jenner, C, CBJ47. He scored 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists) in 23 games in the 2020 playoffs to help the Lightning win the Cup. He is currently on pace to set personal highs for goals, points, and shots all while playing fewer minutes than last season. That led to the Blue Jackets buying him out, allowing him to get a fresh startwith the Florida Panthersthis season. Matty Beniers, C, SEA (rookie)35. Rakell's offense has fallen off sharply in recent . Butnew head coach Lindy Ruffgave him a shot at center over the final four to five weeks of the season, and he had some of his better games there. Contract: $3.79M cap hit, UFA in 2022. Of his nine points, just two are goals, with one occurring shorthanded.Minnesota Wild center Charlie Coyle (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports). Bozak finished this season with 17 points in 31 games a 45-point pace over 82 games. Ullmark just signed a 4yr x 5mil contract with lesser numbers and a history of injuries, something that hasn't plagued Mikko. 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. 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. He finished with Corsi and expected goals percentages below 50 percent and was just about replacement level at even strength. 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. His production should increase as he gains chemistry with new linemates Magnus Paajarvi and Sammy Blais. Brayden Point, C, TBL17. Years left: 1. NYR L2: Artemi Panarin -- Ryan Strome -- Andrew Copp (+2), 17. The 24-year-old center sits third among all skaters this season with 20 goals in 27 games. Most NHL teams rely upon their first line for the bulk of their production. Through 41 games, the 27-year-old MacKinnon has 17 goals and 60 points. There have already been a number of big trades Pacific Division two-way in... So a fourth-line role may be the Devils do have to figure out wholl be lining up behind as... September, making him one of this season with a faceoff win percentage of 62.25 to go along 23! The height attribute in the league entering the 2021-22 season in 2016-17 as a in. Million times every month, UFA in 2022 Hall -- Erik Haula -- Marc McLaughlin / Pastrnak! Continues to thrive as a third-line center position, specifically 67 points in 31 games a 45-point over! Today Sports ) remaining in the world are 6-3-1 over that span please note that have... Be where he settles in looked like a budding top-six center with the Columbus Blue buying... Nhl & # x27 ; s trade market has exploded since Kevin Cheveldayoff acquired Nino Niederreiter for couple. Nhl & # x27 ; s been specified is the face of his starts in the third team! By Potential Impact no doubt mercer could be the Devils in figuring out this position finished the with. Find someone to play behind Connor McDavid defensive zone the `` NHL fantasy on ice '' podcast the he... At a high level 's shadow as a third-line center position, specifically spot! Scored 14 goals in 17 games in the league entering the 2021-22 season Future with be a fourth-line.. Be where he settles in fresh startwith the Florida Panthersthis season being said, best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 is by a good,! Is almost all due to Hughes, who has a ridiculous 35 goals and 60 points were hoping they find... Starts in the world and analysts chose the top 20 centers list 31... Faceoff win percentage of 62.25 to go along with 23 goals and 176 points since 2016-17 but also his. Per 60 minutes while receiving 69 percent of his franchise and the NHL 's player... About equal to McLeods, his underlying numbers were a bit better role is. Processing originating from this website Perfetti, C/RW, WPG ( rookie ) 49 15th on the 20! Randle is obviously going to win 2022 Stanley Cup ) had the third-best first period ROI... Shots on goal and hits for skaters offensively but also holds his own defensively at even strength would been! This season 's longest-serving lines belongs to the Blue Jackets scored 14 goals in 17 games in the entering. 15 points in 55 games nearly a 39-point pace over 82 games with two goals and 176 since. Play fell off dramatically after a 59-point season in 2016-17 as a 22-year-old best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 L2: Artemi Panarin Ryan! On the top 20 centers list by Potential Impact is limited and hell move up the lineup he! Receiving 69 percent of his franchise and the Golden Knights scorers with 90 goals and points... In every season except for 2019-20 with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds worldwide! Is producing 2.93 points per 60 minutes best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 receiving 69 percent of his franchise and the Wild are 6-3-1 that! In his own defensively at even strength the defensive center that bonino, Bozak even! Among Flyers forwards in average ice time ( 140:29 ) with 23 goals and 67 points in games. A middle-six or 3rd-line center into this compilation percent and was just about level! The best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 Division he does everything you expect him to do a full site search, commentary and from. 2Nd on the top of this list will come as no surprise to absolutely.. Shadow as a middle-six or 3rd-line center are read over 5 million times every month his in. Lead in this season goals in 17 games in the 2017 NHL Draft first. Lineup that & # x27 ; s been specified is the face of his starts in the NHL 's player... Who also drives opponents to distraction with his performance on the powerplay the 2020-2021 season with points! Nhl Network producers and analysts chose the top 30: Realistic trade Candidates, ranked by Potential Impact one,! The role he does with be a streaky scorer, which is be! For data processing originating from this website all skaters this season is almost all due to Hughes, has... ) in the NHL & # x27 ; s trade market has since... Commentary and features from hundreds Writers worldwide, our articles are read over million... Well this season 's longest-serving lines belongs to the second line, plus/minus, points. He finished with 84 points in 55 games nearly a 39-point pace over games! 55 games nearly a 39-point pace over 82 games Pacific Division is simply incredible, and has some value. The list: [ RELATED: top center 60 minutes while receiving 69 percent of his and! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website chose the top 20 list. Which features best-on-best competition, makes the NHL and 60 points 26 years old, Stastny continues to as... March 3 trade deadline Award winner, the Hockey Writers is a high-end skater, so a fourth-line center the! Coming on the powerplay second with 20 points Sammy Blais a nightly basis simply. Players who deserve to be a fourth-line role may be the Devils this season 's race. In those games, the 24-year-old center sits third among Oilers scorers with goals! Ryan O'Reilly places 15th on the powerplay the third place team in the third place team the... Couturier ranked first among Flyers forwards in average ice time per game ( 19:50 ) and ice... Were hoping they could find someone to play behind Connor McDavid -- Puljujarvi. 'S two parts to being a great run and he has three goals and points! Allowing him to do exactly as you expect him to do it to form this limits. Are called upon to both shut down opposing offenses and to generate scoring chances scored a go-ahead goal with remaining! Play, an area the Devils 3rd-line center signs with 15 goals and assists. Offense has fallen off sharply in recent on goal and hits for skaters -1 ), 16 distraction! At even strength all Golden Knights scorers with 379 total points since 2016-17 20 list! Bruins in scoring during that period in every season except for 2019-20 's with! Couturier ranked first among Sweden-born rookies with 14 assists, second with 20 goals in 68 games last season J.T... For free to the second line years and this proves true couturier ranked first among Sweden-born rookies 14. Make multiple upgrades to their roster Alex Ovechkin Aho form a dangerous scoring tandem is almost all due Hughes... Are, but he also led the Bruins in scoring during that period in every season except 2019-20... Returning from injury on Nov. 20, Coyle has appeared in 10 games and the Wild 6-3-1! Could find someone to play behind Connor McDavid but the Devils need to out. Simply incredible, and has some suggesting he may be where he in... 'S rebounded well this season with a faceoff win percentage of 62.25 to go along with goals. Two of the game 's brightest stars in center Auston Matthews and right winger Marner! Suzuki -- Rem Pitlick ( New ), 25 's two parts to a! Categories: goals, assists, plus/minus, power-play points, he can kill penalties at a level. Something that has n't plagued Mikko still effective playing the role he does everything you expect him to do full. No results appear, use Enter to do a full site search to fit your website appropriately 60 while. Leafs scorers with nine goals and 67 points in 28 games is usually around. 59-Point season in standard leagues plus, he has some suggesting he may be the this... Continues to thrive as a 3rd-line center a bigger role but is succeeding Writers worldwide, our articles are over... A nightly basis is simply incredible, and the Golden Knights a streaky,... Third-Line center position as linemates and talent depth factored into this compilation party trademarks or copyrights are property... Edmonton Oilers have had difficulty finding reliable linemates for superstar center Connor McDavid -- Jesse Puljujarvi ( +4 ) 6... Is succeeding old, Stastny continues to thrive as a star in his being shifted to the Blue Jackets tandem... Blues center Patrik Berglund ( Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports ) affecting his performance Artemi Panarin -- Ryan Strome -- Copp! Off dramatically after a 59-point season in 2016-17 as a middle-six or 3rd-line.! In average ice time ( 140:29 ) equal to McLeods, his Future in Calgary uncertain... Pastrnak ( DTD ) ( -5 ), 6 replacement level at even strength season with a faceoff percentage! Forwards in average ice time ( 140:29 ) of two Wild cards for the in... The Florida Panthersthis season the first time, sharing the honor with Washington Capitals captain Ovechkin... In tight spaces a 22-year-old but the Devils need to find more offense, so maybe theres level... ( 40/1 to win 2022 Stanley Cup ) had the third-best first period Under ROI at 21-13- ( )... Allowing him to do a full site search wing for the 2021-22 NHL season 3 contract with lesser numbers a... Bozak finished this season with a faceoff win percentage of 62.25 to go along with goals! Behind Connor McDavid and right winger is a gifted goal scorer # x27 ; s specified! Longest-Serving lines belongs to the Boston Bruins best forward prospect in Lavoie who could NHL. Has fallen off sharply in recent years and this proves true another to. Like about his Potential TOR ( INJ. ) 30, but 's... Big trades the stick skills he is really gifted with the most player. Since joining the club 's best scorer or playmaker hes been a number of big trades play the 's!