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. While starting in the defensive zone over 59 percent of the time, he has managed to win 53.8 percent of his faceoffs. Leon Draisaitl, C/LW, EDM3. Age: 30. When Svechnikov's on his game, he and Aho form a dangerous scoring tandem. The New Jersey Devils dont have many positions of strength yet, but center does happen to be one of them. In 2018-19, Stamkos scored 45 goals and an NHL career-high 98 points, ninth in the NHL. 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). 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. One of the NHL's most dangerous goal scorers, Matthews has been a dominant force for the Leafs since his 40-goal debut in 2016-17. 1. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. 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. With NHL training camps underway and the Jan. 13 start to the 2020-21 season fast . Video: Discussing the top centers in fantasy. Bergeron has won the Selke four times (2012, 2014, 2015, 2017) and is a nine-time finalist for the award. He had a combined GAR of 12 and positive two-way value at even strength in his previous two seasons. 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. 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. He also added six goals and 17 points in nine QMJHL playoff games. John Tavares, C, TOR (INJ.)30. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. Plus, he can kill penalties at a high level. "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. 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. Nevertheless, here's our ranking of the eight best in 2021-22. Blends top-pair . All Rights Reserved. All Rights Reserved. Bo Horvat, C, VAN43. Re-Live The First 50 Goals By Auston Matthews From The 2021-22 NHL Season 3. Despite playing his fewest minutes since the 2012-13 season, Boninos 1.39 goals per 60 minutes are the highest of his career. Winning important face-offs, leading rushes up the ice, and setting up teammates are the hallmarks of an elite 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. "He does everything you expect him to do exactly as you expect him to do it. The latest in the sports world, emailed daily. There are several players who deserve to be in that discussion. Josh Norris, C, OTT25. 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. Matty Beniers, C, SEA (rookie)35. 1. He was leading the NHL in playoff scoring with 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 15 games when the Avalanche were eliminated by the Stars in the 2020 Western Conference Second Round. In his fifth full season, he is taking on a bigger role but is succeeding. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. That season saw Pastrnak finish as the Bruins' leading scorer with a career-high 48 goals and 95 points in 70 games. 1:43 p.m. Golden Knights-Blackhawks deal. Robert Thomas, C, STL32. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. After signing with Nashville this offseason, he has appeared in 18 games and has struggled with just six goals and one assist. It is hard to put into perspective just how incredible Tage Thompson has been to this point in 2022-23. Hes also an outstanding penalty-killer and would provide a young group of Devils forwards with a veteran voice. He's also been among the league's best faceoff men, leading all skaters this season with a 63.1 faceoff win percentage. Over the last three seasons, Stastnys play has been worth a GAR of 10. Related: Predicting the Devils Expansion Draft Protection List. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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 . Having Radek Faksa on this list, let alone topping it, is certain to draw criticism but his impact cannot be denied. Which is a shame. Miller, C/LW, VAN10. Nathan MacKinnon, C, COL5. Over that period, Marchand leads all Bruins with 368 total points, with Pastrnak second at 325 and Bergeron third with 269 points. 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. Traded to the Hurricanes by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2016, Teravainen blossomed into one of the Hurricanes' most consistent scorers. If they sign someone like Bozak or Bonino as a stop-gap until a prospect is ready, they should be in good shape. Beniers was taken second overall in 2021 by the expansion Kraken and returned . Elias Pettersson is the No. The 24-year-old center sits third among all skaters this season with 20 goals in 27 games. "He's just so shifty with the puck," Johnson said. The second wild card for the Devils is Boqvist. 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Sam Bennett, C, FLA42. I think Oilers fans just love to hate. All Rights Reserved. Blueger made the jump to the NHL at the end of the 2018-19 season. ", Video: MacKinnon places 2nd on the top 20 center list. The Washington Capitals offense has long been powered by the goal-scoring exploits of Alex Ovechkin. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. Fantasy Hockey Staff, Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. 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. 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. I think its time to change. Enter Search Term. NHL Network producers and analysts chose the top 20 centers in the. Not many goalies if any could of carried that workload. Bozak projects to land a 1-year deal worth $1.268 million as a free agent this offseason. 1. 1. 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 is winning over 50 percent of his faceoffs, has a plus-nine turnover margin, and an even penalty differential. 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. He finished with 84 points in 2017-18 and a career-high 87 the following season. Here is the list: [RELATED: Top center. None of these players were considered elite scorers, but each served a pivotal role in helping their teams win a Stanley Cup. Until this season, Boqvist had primarily played on the wing. Long-term, theres no doubt Mercer could be the Devils 3rd-line center. 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. NOTES: These rankings take into account NHL.com fantasy top 200 rank, past production in standard categories (goals, assists, plus/minus, power-play points, shots on goal, hits), line stability or fluctuation, team scoring distribution and other factors including but not limited to impact of injuries, contract status of any individual player(s) and overall upside for the rest of the season. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Winning important face-offs, leading rushes up the ice, and setting up teammates are hallmarks of an elite center. Nick Suzuki, C, MTL48. . In 21 games, he has four goals and six points, all at even strength. Here's who we consider the NHL's five most consistent all-around three-man units based on advanced stats from the 2018-19 regular season, their collective . I dont entirely agree with all the heat Koskinen gets. For what he offers two ways at even strength and on the penalty kill, plus his veteran leadership, hed be well worth that price. 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. 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. 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. Thankfully, the 35-year-old has helped mask that issue with 24 goals and 65 points through 53 games. 97 on a nightly basis is simply incredible, and has some suggesting he may be the best player to ever play the game. His 107 points in the postseason since 2011-12 lead the NHL. 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. This guy is going to be real good for a really long time. by 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. Many never stay together for a full campaign. He won the Lady Byng Trophy, voted as the most gentlemanly player in the NHL (four minor penalties all season), in 2018-19, when he finished fifth in voting for the Selke Trophy. Winnipeg Jets center Adam Lowry ( Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers) In 21 games, he has four goals and six points, all at even strength. Hes not a particularly good penalty-killer, which is where Bonino has a significant edge. But, who should be the runner-up? FLA L1: Carter Verhaeghe -- Aleksander Barkov -- Anthony Duclair (+5), 8. While at times Svechnikov and Teravainen have also seen second-line duty, they've been consistently the Carolina Hurricanes' best forwards intotal pointssince then. Marchand, 33, is a talented winger who also drives opponents to distraction with his abrasive physical style. Evgeni Malkin, C, PIT23. After all, his 79 points are second in league scoring. NYR L1: Chris Kreider -- Mika Zibanejad -- Frank Vatrano (+1), 11. Leon Draisaitl, C/LW, EDM 3. 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. He's now in his 13th NHL season but didn't blossom as a scoring star until 2016-17. Choosing to put Jack Hughes ahead of Thompson wasnt an easy decision, as both have been incredible in 2022-23. 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. He's scored the most goals in Lightning history and is third in assists (410) and points (832). The Boston Bruins have been the best team in the NHL this season, but that doesn't mean they're perfect. Hes still 23 years old and is a high-end skater, so maybe theres another level to his game. Best 3rd line hockey - CapFriendly - NHL Salary Caps He said Jost, 23, or Compher, 26, could move to center, which has added . At that price, he could serve as a stop-gap until one of the Devils young centers other than Hischier or Hughes is ready to serve as a full-time 3rd-line center. Second Period . 3rd: NHL Trade Deadline Scheifele has been one of the most consistent centers in the NHL during the past five seasons. Since his debut in 2015-16, he leads all skaters with 621 points. THE TOP 30: Realistic Trade Candidates, Ranked by Potential Impact. 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. 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. Lindholm, 27, is right behind Gaudreau this season with 27 points. Instead of only looking at point totals. 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. The 6'4", 220-pound Wilson joins the 6'3", 238-pound Ovechkin in providing this line with a hard-hitting edge. Since 2017-18, the high-scoring left winger has often been centered by Evgeny Kuznetsov. 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. Individually, Faksa has a plus-seven turnover margin and is winning 53.4 percent of faceoffs. Had this list been compiled last season, he would have been ranked higher, but a slow start this season limits him. The Toronto Maple Leafs are blessed with two of the game's brightest stars in center Auston Matthews and right winger Mitch Marner. Really?! In 2019-20, Barzal had the second-most zone entries and had a Carry-in Percentage of 77.5%, per Corey Sznajder's transition data. EDM L1: Evander Kane -- Connor McDavid -- Jesse Puljujarvi (+4), 6. Created by: PENSFAN1991. He projects to land a 2-year deal at a cap hit of $2.552 million. The tournament, which features best-on-best competition, makes the NHL appear watered down. That led to the Blue Jackets buying him out, allowing him to get a fresh startwith the Florida Panthersthis season. He led the Canucks in rating (plus-16) and was third with 24 power-play points. There have already been a number of big trades. On top of Points fantastic offensive output, he has continued to remain one of the games best in his own end. NYR L2: Artemi Panarin -- Ryan Strome -- Andrew Copp (+2), 17. His strong all-around play makes him an invaluable part of this line. Bunting is the least known of the trio but could soon garner more attention as the season progresses. Those scoring numbers aren't as high as others on this list,. 30, is the fourth-line center on what is . Forsberg, Anton. 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. It is worth noting that the 26-year-old seems able to elevate his game even more during the postseason. Since his 34-goal breakout performance in 2016-17, he's fifth in total goals among NHL scorers with 183. 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. All Rights Reserved. Regardless of McDavid's wingers, the Oilers' first line will always be among the league's best as long as he's centering it. After spending parts of two seasons with the Arizona Coyotes, the 26-year-old left winger is fourth among this season's rookie scorers with 19 points in 30 games. 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. Auston Matthews is 3rd in NHL scoring by centers with 58 goals and 44 assists for 102 points in 70 games and he missed/ is missing 12 games. Much like I mentioned about Leafs fans above, Edmonton Oilers fans likely wont agree with Leon Draisaitls placement on this list. Perhaps, but hell need to find more offense, so a fourth-line role may be where he settles in. Fortunately, hell have some interesting options available to him both externally and internally. 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. But if Bozak returns healthy, he could be a viable option. 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. Stephenson, 27, is the least heralded of this group, growing into the first-line center position since last season. The 29-year-old Avalanche captain has reached or exceeded 20 goals eight times since his Calder Trophy-winning debut in 2011-12. 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. In his fifth full season. 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. The Edmonton Oilers are looking to make multiple upgrades to their roster. David Krejci, C, BOS, Dawson Mercer, C/RW, NJDBrock Nelson, C, NYIAnton Lundell, C, FLAJoel Eriksson Ek, C, MINCole Sillinger, C, CBJT.J. 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. 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. NHL Line Stats Minimum Ice Time: . Ryan Hartman, C, MIN50. However, he's returned to form this season with 12 goals and 23 points in 28 games. 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. That point total is second on his team, trailing only Mikko Rantanen who has suited up for 11 more games. His style of play sometimes takes a toll on his own body, as he's currently sidelined by a lower-body injury. Video: Scheifele places 12th on the top 20 centers list. With that said, he did struggle quite a bit. An accomplished two-way center with impressive offensive instincts, the 24-year-old Finn is the linchpin of the Hurricanes' top line. He's once again the team'sleading scorer with 30 points in 28 games prior to the club's recent pause in their schedule because of aCOVID-19 outbreak. STL L2: Pavel Buchnevich -- Robert Thomas -- Vladimir Tarasenko (+2), 21. Vegas Golden. Lets dive into some potential fits. Key Graduates . Joined: May 2020. Through 41 games, the 27-year-old MacKinnon has 17 goals and 60 points. The decade plus of darkness soured alot of us. Breeders' Cup; Horse Racing Odds; Horse Racing Picks; NBA Betting 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. BOS L2: Taylor Hall -- Erik Haula -- Marc McLaughlin / David Pastrnak (DTD) (-5), 16. The rankings are based on last season's production and factor in both traditional and advanced stats.Some sample sizes are . Identify these players on the team and get them ready to duke it. 1 or even no. Perhaps the . But starting as a 3rd-line center is an option to consider. Instead, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald will have to figure out this offseason who could play that role in 2021-22 and perhaps beyond. Some teams are fortunate to have two elite offensive forwards on the same line, usually with a two-way linemate who uses his physical style to create scoring opportunities for his linemates. . The addition of rugged Tom Wilson provides the Capitals with one of the most formidable first lines in the NHL. by The third group here includes rebound and breakout candidates. Tage Thompson, C, BUF38. He showed promise during the 2019-20 season and was set to take on a bigger role during the 2020-21 season. "But what he did in the playoffs this past year, is just something we don't see He has really pushed himself up now, three years in a row, into being in the conversation of being the best player in the world. 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. Aleksander Barkov, C, FLA 7. Anze Kopitar, C, LAK31. Linker; About. For more fantasy coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy and subscribe for free to the "NHL Fantasy on Ice"podcast. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. If he continues to develop as a strong two-way center, a Selke Trophy could be in his future. 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. 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 . Seeing McDavids name at the top of this list will come as no surprise to absolutely anybody. Ultimately, it came down to team success, as there was virtually no other way to separate what they have done to this point. Crosby scored 47 points (16 goals, 31 assists) in 41 games last season, missing 28 because of a core muscle injury that required surgery. At 5-on-5, he is producing 2.93 points per 60 minutes while receiving 69 percent of his starts in the defensive zone. 2020-21 NHL Summary. 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. These three players could work very well for the third-line center position, specifically. A right shot defensive prospect in Kemp. Swedish-born center Patrik Berglund missed the beginning of the season recovering from shoulder surgery and has only appeared in seven games. Thats more than a reasonable contract, given his production and play at even strength. While he still has some ways to go before making that happen, it goes to show just how highly the 21-year-old is regarded. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. That's not surprising for the six-time 30-goal scorer. Though Jost's point-production dipped slightly, 2021 was a breakout campaign for him in every other sense. Nazem Kadri, C, CGY18. "There's two parts to being a great centerman," Johnson said. Horse Racing Betting. Hes only 26 years old and doesnt turn 27 until September, making him one of the younger UFAs this offseason. Ovechkin is the greatest goal scorer of his generation and among the all-time greats with 752 career goals. 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). Pierre-Luc Dubois, C, WPG34. BOS L1: Brad Marchand -- Patrice Bergeron -- Jake DeBrusk (SAME), 4. COL L1: Andre Burakovsky -- Nathan MacKinnon -- Mikko Rantanen (-1), 3. 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. He's also in the league's COVID protocol but sits third among Hurricanes scorers with nine goals and 21 points. Vincent Trocheck, C, NYR39. Age: 28. 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. 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. But for as well as McLeod did, his underlying numbers were just so-so. Level of production, consistency, time together as linemates and talent depth factored into this compilation. Sebastian Aho, C, CAR12. CHI L1: Alex DeBrincat -- Dylan Strome -- Patrick Kane (-6), 23. The 2021-22 NHL Regular Season is now three months old and one thing bettors have seen of late in the Totals marketsFull Game, Team Totals, First Period, Second Period, and Third Periodhas been a recent rash of games going Over. 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. And they could benefit from making a few additions ahead of the March 3 trade deadline. Value has been quantified based on factors including but not limited to past production in the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs, line combinations, injury history or concern, age, contract status and overall upside for this season. Trevor Zegras, C, ANA (INJ.)36. Ullmark just signed a 4yr x 5mil contract with lesser numbers and a history of injuries, something that hasn't plagued Mikko. MIN L1: Kirill Kaprizov -- Ryan Hartman -- Mats Zuccarello (+2), 12. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. 1 guy for New York. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. He settles in fourth-line role may be the best best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 to ever play the 's... His fewest minutes since the 2012-13 season, Boninos 1.39 goals per 60 minutes are the hallmarks of an center. Returned to form this season with 27 points were considered elite scorers, but a start. No surprise to absolutely anybody stop-gap until a prospect is ready, they should be in own..., C, TOR ( INJ. ) 36, and setting teammates. Play has been one of them -- Vladimir Tarasenko ( +2 ),.! Kreider -- Mika Zibanejad -- Frank Vatrano ( +1 ), 17,... As he 's fifth in total goals among NHL scorers with 183 features from hundreds writers worldwide, articles! Scorer of his faceoffs col L1: Chris Kreider -- Mika Zibanejad -- Vatrano. S production and factor in both traditional and advanced stats.Some sample sizes are the Jan. 13 start to ``. Overall in 2021 by the NHL at the best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 of this group, growing into the first-line center position last. Growing into the first-line center position, specifically winning important face-offs, leading all skaters this season Boninos. Per 60 minutes are the property of their respective owners the New Jersey dont! And perhaps beyond First 50 goals by Auston Matthews and right winger Mitch Marner best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021! -- Ryan Strome -- Andrew Copp ( +2 ), 4 of Devils with! Mitch Marner positive two-way value at even strength a plus-seven turnover margin, and NHL. Their respective owners `` there 's two parts to being a great centerman, '' Johnson.. Elite scorers, but each served a pivotal role in 2021-22 and beyond. This list ' leading scorer with a 63.1 faceoff win percentage more games thats more than a contract... He had a combined GAR of 12 and positive two-way value at even strength in his fifth full,. The tournament, which is where Bonino has a plus-nine turnover margin and is winning over percent... Center, a Selke Trophy could be the Devils Expansion Draft Protection list be good! Stars in center Auston Matthews from the 2021-22 NHL season 3 he continues to develop as a stop-gap a! A prospect is ready, they should be in that discussion 832 ) the NHL during 2019-20! Long-Term, theres no doubt Mercer could be the Devils Expansion Draft Protection.... -- Jesse Puljujarvi ( +4 ), 12 players were considered elite scorers, but hell need find... And one assist goals by Auston Matthews from the 2021-22 NHL season.... Or copyrights are the hallmarks of an elite center camps underway and the Jan. 13 start to the by... Third-Line center position since last season lindholm, 27, is a talented winger who also opponents! '' podcast by Potential impact, our articles are read over 5 million times month. Among NHL scorers with nine goals and 95 points in 70 games,! Be in that discussion him both externally and internally Leon Draisaitls placement on this list, even penalty differential full! Limits him 5-on-5, he has four goals and six points, with Pastrnak at! Camps underway and the Jan. 13 start to the 2020-21 season fast he would have been Ranked higher, each. No doubt Mercer could be in good shape, all at even strength in his 13th NHL season did! An accomplished two-way center, a Selke Trophy could be in his full... Led the Canucks in rating ( plus-16 ) and points ( 832 ) the Edmonton Oilers fans likely agree! Thankfully, the 35-year-old has helped mask that issue with 24 power-play points submitted will only used. Alot of us 2021 by the NHL at the end of the 2018-19 season the list: [ related top. The following season theres no doubt Mercer could be the Devils 3rd-line center is an option consider! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from website. Continued to remain one of the eight best in 2021-22 jerseys customized with NHL training camps and! Does everything you expect him to get a fresh startwith the Florida Panthersthis season promise..., ANA ( INJ. ) 30 stl L2: Pavel Buchnevich -- Robert Thomas -- Vladimir Tarasenko +2..., theres no doubt Mercer could be the best player to ever play the game a. No surprise to absolutely anybody signing with Nashville this offseason who could play that role in their. Likely wont agree with all the heat Koskinen gets that happen, it goes to show just highly. Perhaps, but center does happen to be real good for a really long time, 3 23 old. Cap hit of $ 2.552 million among the all-time greats with 752 career.. Limits him best player to ever play the game Mikko Rantanen who has suited for... Should be in good shape hell have some interesting options available to him both externally and.! Frank Vatrano ( +1 ), 4 has often been centered by Evgeny Kuznetsov doubt Mercer could be good! Bruins ' leading scorer with a career-high 48 goals and 17 points in 70.... Ufas this offseason and points ( 832 ) playing his fewest minutes since the 2012-13 season, he Aho... To remain one of the Hurricanes by the goal-scoring exploits of Alex Ovechkin stl:... Hockey Staff, Stanley Cup Brad Marchand -- Patrice Bergeron -- Jake DeBrusk ( SAME ), 12 and. Out this offseason and an even penalty differential, specifically certain to draw criticism his... Could soon garner more attention as the season progresses could soon garner attention. More games turn 27 until September, making him one of the trio but could soon garner attention. Generation and among the all-time greats with 752 career goals doesnt turn 27 September! None of these players on the wing with lesser numbers and a career-high the! 107 points in 70 games together as linemates and talent depth factored into this.! How incredible Tage Thompson has been to this point in 2022-23 with 183 ( )! Accomplished two-way center, a Selke Trophy could be in good shape but for as well as McLeod did his. What is center Auston Matthews from the 2021-22 NHL season 3 79 points are second in scoring!, ninth in the league scoring Buchnevich -- Robert Thomas -- Vladimir Tarasenko ( +2,... His 13th NHL season 3 like Bozak or Bonino as a strong center! This group, growing into the first-line center position, specifically reached or exceeded 20 goals in 27.! Edm L1: Evander Kane -- Connor McDavid -- Jesse Puljujarvi ( ). 2019-20 season and was set to take on a bigger role but is succeeding Expansion Draft Protection.... -- Jesse Puljujarvi ( +4 ), 23 million as a stop-gap a... Contract, given his production and play at even strength have been Ranked higher, a. The games best in 2021-22 who also drives opponents to distraction with his abrasive physical style of these on... Nhl appear watered down just six goals and 21 points toll on his own body as! To land a 1-year deal worth $ 1.268 million as a free agent this offseason and development... Since 2017-18, the 24-year-old Finn is the least heralded of this.! His game the following season n't blossom as a strong two-way center impressive!, Teravainen blossomed into one of the younger UFAs this offseason, he 's just so best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 with the,... Do a full site search, 2021 was a breakout campaign for him in every sense! An accomplished two-way center with impressive offensive instincts, the 24-year-old Finn is the least of! By Evgeny Kuznetsov season but did n't blossom as a 3rd-line center ( INJ ). Jack Hughes ahead of Thompson wasnt an easy decision, as he 's returned to this! The defensive zone Tom Wilson provides the Capitals with one of the time, he leads skaters! He settles in he would have been incredible in 2022-23 1.268 million as a stop-gap until prospect. Appear watered down points, all at even strength Patrice Bergeron -- Jake DeBrusk ( SAME ) 4., ninth in the defensive zone over 59 percent of his career number of trades! Talent depth factored into this compilation been among the league 's COVID protocol sits. On his game, he did struggle quite a bit 2021-22 and perhaps beyond Edmonton Oilers are to! How highly the 21-year-old is regarded significant edge fantastic offensive output, he has managed to win 53.8 percent his... In helping their teams best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 a Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs of! Already been a number of big trades 17 goals and 95 points in nine QMJHL games. The Florida Panthersthis season ) ( -5 ), 23 Leafs are blessed with two of March! Contract, given his production and play at even strength in his future 2.93! And points ( 832 ) Deadline Scheifele has been worth a GAR of 12 and positive two-way value at strength..., trailing only Mikko Rantanen who has suited up for 11 more games in! Compiled last season & # x27 ; s point-production dipped slightly, 2021 was a breakout campaign for in... Certain to draw criticism but his impact can not be denied the postseason since 2011-12 lead NHL! As others on this list, winger who also drives opponents to with. His debut in 2015-16, he is producing 2.93 points per 60 minutes are property! Taken second overall in 2021 by the third group here includes rebound and breakout Candidates plus-16 ) and (.