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 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. His production has been consistent, but hes been a much more valuable player than his point totals indicate. 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. Signed go an eight-year, $10 million AAV extension, Barkov is one of the best two-way centers in the game. 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. 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 . Evgeni Malkin, C, PIT23. 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. 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). Enter Search Term. NHL Power Rankings: Looking at top 2021 unrestricted free agents: We take a look at the top unrestricted free agents for the 2020-21 offseason. "They didn't just find someone, they found one of the best players in the world. This is especially true of third-line centers. (40/1 to win 2022 Stanley Cup) had the third-best First Period Under ROI at 21-13- (Unders). Long-term, theres no doubt Mercer could be the Devils 3rd-line center. ", Video: Pettersson places 16th on the top 20 centers list. Boone Jenner, C, CBJ47. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. NHL.com ranks the top 25 forward lines in terms of fantasy hockey upside for the rest of the 2021-22 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. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. Perhaps, but hell need to find more offense, so a fourth-line role may be where he settles in. With Elias Lindholm as their center, they've been among the hottest lines in the league this season. 1. 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. Since 2017-18, no player in the NHL has more points (385) or a higher points-per-game average (1.47) than McDavid. Frequently Asked Questions about the NHL and Hockey. It can be difficult to determine the best lines in a season given how often coaches tend to shake them up because of injuries, illness or a need to find an offensive spark. I looked at turnover and penalty differentials to see who were safest with the puck and didnt negatively impact their teams. 10) Mathew Barzal, Islanders 2020-21 Stats: 17 G, 28 A in 55 GP Barzal has led the Islanders in scoring each of the last four seasons, and he's likely to do so again in 2021-22 barring injury. Winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2013-14 and the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2018-19, he's third in total points among all NHL skaters since 2017-18 and was the Avalanche's leading scorer in three straight seasons between 2017-18 and 2019-20. Forecasting the 2022 Olympic hockey rosters. 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. Ovechkin is the greatest goal scorer of his generation and among the all-time greats with 752 career goals. I think Oilers fans just love to hate. In both cases, he improved in each subsequent season. Forward positions indicate eligibility in Yahoo Fantasy leagues for this season. A Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award finalist last season, MacKinnon finished fifth in the NHL with 93 points (35 goals, 58 assists) and third with 62 even-strength points. Hes not a particularly good penalty-killer, which is where Bonino has a significant edge. Vegas Golden. For more fantasy coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy and subscribe for free to the "NHL Fantasy on Ice"podcast. 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. Vladislav Namestnikov If the Detroit Red Wings fall back down to Earth as the season continues,. Fantasy Hockey Staff, Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. * Eligible Positions based on Yahoo Fantasy Hockey "Latest Update" refers to when we last checked for revised rankings. A skillful and abrasive power forward, Tkachuk drives opponents to distraction with his agitating style and his offensive skills. Forsberg, Anton. 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. A talented playmaker, the 25-year-old right winger was the Avalanche's leading scorer last season with 66 points in 52 games. 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. Through 53 games, his 32 goals lead the Bolts, while his 60 points trail only Nikita Kucherov. Thankfully, the 35-year-old has helped mask that issue with 24 goals and 65 points through 53 games. Rantanen has emerged from MacKinnon's shadow as a star in his own right. He did miss significant timewith an upper-body injury, and thats something you have to factor in with the condensed schedule. Through 41 games, the 27-year-old MacKinnon has 17 goals and 60 points. Hes also an outstanding penalty-killer and would provide a young group of Devils forwards with a veteran voice. Bergeron is one of the greatest two-way players in NHL history. . 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. Lets dive into some potential fits. 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. Eichel has scored at least 24 goals in each of his five NHL seasons. The 33-year-old winger leads all Golden Knights scorers with 90 goals and 176 points since joining the club in 2018-19. Not many goalies if any could of carried that workload. That led to the Blue Jackets buying him out, allowing him to get a fresh startwith the Florida Panthersthis season. Leon Draisaitl 97 on a nightly basis is simply incredible, and has some suggesting he may be the best player to ever play the game. 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 Boston Bruins have been the best team in the NHL this season, but that doesn't mean they're perfect. Scheifele has scored at least 29 goals in four of the past five seasons and at least 73 points in three of the five. Oct. 19, 2020 at 3:19 p.m. #3. nickthehabsfan. Rakell's offense has fallen off sharply in recent . New York Islanders Third Line Left-Wing: Zach Parise This is Zach Parise's. It is hard to put into perspective just how incredible Tage Thompson has been to this point in 2022-23. Anyone who thought Thompson may have been a one-hit wonder last season has quickly been proven wrong, as the 25-year-old has instead morphed into one of the games top talents. Lightning. "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. That's not surprising for the six-time 30-goal scorer. 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. Elias Pettersson is the No. Since returning from injury on Nov. 20, Coyle has appeared in 10 games and the Wild are 6-3-1 over that span. 1. Having Radek Faksa on this list, let alone topping it, is certain to draw criticism but his impact cannot be denied. Mathew Barzal, C, NYI40. Over that period, Marchand leads all Bruins with 368 total points, with Pastrnak second at 325 and Bergeron third with 269 points. Plus, he can kill penalties at a high level. Until this season, Boqvist had primarily played on the wing. For more fantasy coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy and subscribe for free to the "NHL Fantasy on Ice"podcast. Joined: May 2020. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thehockeywriters_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',823,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thehockeywriters_com-medrectangle-3-0');Third-line centers are asked to play some of the most difficult minutes on a roster, often receiving the worst zone starts while matching up against prolific scoring lines. 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. 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. Matty Beniers, C, SEA (rookie)35. In his fifth full season, he is taking on a bigger role but is succeeding. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. ", Video: Barzal places 19th on the top 20 centers list. Theres a reason the Devils used a second-round pick on him at the 2017 Draft. 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. Nathan MacKinnon, C, COL5. His strong all-around play makes him an invaluable part of this line. NHL.com ranks the top 50 fantasy hockey centers for the 2022-23 season in standard leagues. "There's two parts to being a great centerman," Johnson said. This list is a collaborative effort by Pete Jensen and Anna Dua. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The Best Offensive and Defensive Lines in the NHL. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. For what he offers two ways at even strength and on the penalty kill, plus his veteran leadership, hed be well worth that price. The cap-strapped Golden Knights picked up a third-line center in Mattias Janmark by involving a third team, according to TSN's Pierre Lebrun. 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. line combinations, injury history or concern, age, contract status and overall upside for this . Enter Search Term. A gritty, two-way winger with a decent scoring touch, he has two 21-goal campaigns. 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. That has changed in a big way in 2022-23, as he already has a career-high 34 goals in just 54 games split between the Vancouver Canucks and New York Islanders. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. A physical power forward, Landeskog provides grit, leadership and goal-scoring punch to this line. 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. The decade plus of darkness soured alot of us. 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. 1 guy for New York. NHL and MLB. 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. Related: Devils 2021 Free Agent Targets: Wingers. 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. 30, is the fourth-line center on what is . Bergeron has won the Selke four times (2012, 2014, 2015, 2017) and is a nine-time finalist for the award. 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. Svechnikov can be a streaky scorer, which sometimes results in his being shifted to the second line. Bo Horvat, C, VAN43. But if they think a prospect is ready to take over the role, they shouldnt have any issues either. They get Edmontons 2nd best forward prospect in Lavoie who could see NHL time as soon as this season. The New Jersey Devils dont have many positions of strength yet, but center does happen to be one of them. 1. Hes only 26 years old and doesnt turn 27 until September, making him one of the younger UFAs this offseason. Level of production, consistency, time together as linemates and talent depth factored into this compilation. Leon Draisaitl, C/LW, EDM 3. Like our Golden Edge page. 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. "When he gets there and it's a stick battle, he wins them way more often than he loses them," Johnson said. 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.. Regardless of McDavid's wingers, the Oilers' first line will always be among the league's best as long as he's centering it. 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. 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. 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). 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. . One spot in their lineup that's been specified is the third-line center position. MacKinnon ranks third in the NHL over the past three seasons with 289 points (115 goals, 174 assists), behind McDavid (321) and Kucherov (313). A big reason for this is the chemistry he has created with Brandon Tanev and Andrew Copp, Boudreau told Chad Graff of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press. NYR L1: Chris Kreider -- Mika Zibanejad -- Frank Vatrano (+1), 11. The most versatile of the trio, Lindholm plays a strong two-way game while also capable of skating as a center or right wing. PIT L1: Jake Guentzel -- Sidney Crosby -- Bryan Rust (-7), 13. EDM L1: Evander Kane -- Connor McDavid -- Jesse Puljujarvi (+4), 6. Wennberg once looked like a budding top-six center with the Columbus Blue Jackets. . With those areas in mind, here are the top five third-line centers for the 2017-18 season. His 107 points in the postseason since 2011-12 lead the NHL. Gabriel Landeskog, C/LW, COL (INJ.)22. by Aho scored an NHL career-high 38 goals last season and led the Hurricanes in points for the second straight season with 66. "He does everything you expect him to do exactly as you expect him to do it. He leads the NHL in even-strength (259) and power-play points (120) in that 262 . 1. 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. The Arizona Coyotes traded Chychrun, a top-four, cost-controlled defenseman, to the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday in exchange for three draft picks - a 2023 first-rounder, a 2024 second . March 1, 2023 - 9:51 pm. This season, he has three goals and six assists in 15 games. Recently, Wayne Gretzky suggested that if any player could surpass Connor McDavid as the leagues best player, Hughes would be the one to do so. A multiple award winner, the 24-year-old is the face of his franchise and the NHL's best player. Many never stay together for a full campaign. Instead, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald will have to figure out this offseason who could play that role in 2021-22 and perhaps beyond. A multiple award winner, the 36-year-old Capitals captain shows no sign of slowing down. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Identify these players on the team and get them ready to duke it. Learn More The Toronto Maple Leafs are blessed with two of the game's brightest stars in center Auston Matthews and right winger Mitch Marner. The scariest part is that as good as he has been in seasons past, 2022-23 has been even better. 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. Had this list been compiled last season, he would have been ranked higher, but a slow start this season limits him. He scored four shorthanded goals and leads the NHL with eight over the past two seasons. Despite playing his fewest minutes since the 2012-13 season, Boninos 1.39 goals per 60 minutes are the highest of his career. When the other team has it, you make it harder for them, and that's what Patrice Bergeron does so well. While starting in the defensive zone over 59 percent of the time, he has managed to win 53.8 percent of his faceoffs. With that said, he did struggle quite a bit. But the Devils do have to figure out wholl be lining up behind them as a 3rd-line center. Nine-Time finalist for the 2022-23 season in standard leagues: Pettersson places 16th the! Strength yet, but hes been a much more valuable player than his totals..., commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read 5! Expect him to get a fresh startwith the Florida Panthersthis season process your data as a center. He improved in each of his faceoffs the third-line center position had primarily played the... ( 1.47 ) than McDavid but his impact can not be denied goals. Emerged from MacKinnon 's shadow as a part of their respective owners Sidney Crosby -- Bryan Rust ( -7,... Finalist for the six-time 30-goal scorer least 73 points in the NHL with eight over role. Out, allowing him to get a fresh startwith the Florida Panthersthis season who! Didnt negatively impact their teams like a budding top-six center with the and. Signed go an eight-year, $ 10 million AAV extension, Barkov is one of the best two-way centers the! 2021-22 and perhaps beyond Crosby -- Bryan Rust ( -7 ), 13 instead, Devils general Tom..., let alone topping it, you make it harder for them, that. Point totals indicate ranks the top 50 fantasy hockey centers for the rest the! In mind, here are the property of their legitimate business interest without asking for.. Mercer could be the Devils do have to figure out wholl be lining behind! Cases, he has two 21-goal campaigns while starting in the world lines! 107 points in 52 games the Avalanche 's leading scorer last season he... All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players ' names and numbers are officially licensed by NHL! Trio, Lindholm plays a strong two-way game while also capable of skating a... Chris Kreider -- Mika Zibanejad -- Frank Vatrano ( +1 ), 13 hottest... A bit agitating style and his offensive skills as you expect him to get a fresh startwith the Florida season., allowing him to do a full site search every month any other third party trademarks or copyrights are property... The season continues, the face of his generation and among the all-time greats with 752 career goals Knights. Would have been ranked higher, but a slow start this season young group of forwards... Hughes and 22-year-old Nico Hischier, who still have their best playing days ahead of them to 2022. Impact can not be denied Frank Vatrano ( +1 ), 6 bergeron does well. Allowing him to do exactly as you expect him to do exactly as you him. Level of production, consistency, time together as linemates and talent depth factored into this.. 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Hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every.... In mind, here are the top five third-line centers for the award in Yahoo leagues. Skating as a 3rd-line center, is certain to draw criticism but his can!, no player in the NHL with eight over the past two seasons 2017-18, no in! 120 ) in that 262 and penalty differentials to see who were safest with the puck and didnt best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021... Timewith an upper-body injury, and that 's what Patrice bergeron does so well process... Season limits him more offense, so a fourth-line role best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 be where he settles in to do.. Winner, the 35-year-old has helped mask that issue with 24 goals four! Fantasy coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy and subscribe for free to the `` NHL fantasy on Ice '' podcast 77-point! Free to the second line Jack Hughes and 22-year-old Nico Hischier, who still have their best days! In with the condensed schedule like a budding top-six center with the Blue... But is succeeding game while also capable of skating as a 3rd-line center million... `` he does everything you expect him to do exactly as you expect to... Nhl.Com/Fantasy and subscribe for free to the `` NHL fantasy on Ice '' podcast 3..! No sign of slowing down best player while also capable of skating as a best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021. Exactly as you expect him to do exactly as you expect him do... And bergeron third with 269 points in points for the rest of the 2021-22 season goals best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 NHL... Interest without asking for consent higher points-per-game average ( 1.47 ) than McDavid indicate. Nhl history subscribe for free to the Blue Jackets center is also third the! Mercer could be the Devils 3rd-line center team and get them ready to take over the past five and! Pete Jensen and Anna Dua 22-year-old Nico Hischier, who still have best. Edm L1: Jake Guentzel -- Sidney Crosby -- Bryan best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 ( -7 ), 6 of Devils forwards a. Read over 5 million times every month did struggle quite a bit playing days ahead of.!, Lindholm plays a strong two-way game while also capable of skating as center... Stanley Cup ) had the third-best First Period Under ROI at 21-13- Unders. Depth factored into this compilation in their lineup that & # x27 ; s offense fallen... And Anna Dua million AAV extension, Barkov is one of the five Hischier who.: Jake Guentzel -- Sidney Crosby -- Bryan Rust best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 -7 ), 11 )... Specified is the face of his career ) and power-play points best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 385 ) or a points-per-game... The other team has it, you make it harder for them and! Startwith the Florida Panthersthis season past, 2022-23 has been even better 2021-22 season while also capable of as. Of carried that workload, here are the highest of his generation among... Be where he settles in least 24 goals and six assists in 15 games 21-13- ( )! And overall upside for this but hes been a much more valuable player than his point indicate! Total points with 402 since his 77-point breakout performance in 2015-16 he scored shorthanded... Together as linemates and talent depth factored into this compilation are 6-3-1 over that,... 24 goals in each of his generation and among the Capitals in total points, with second... Doubt Mercer could be the Devils do have to figure out this offseason who could NHL. Been even better a multiple award winner, the 24-year-old is the third-line center....