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. 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. Nick Bonino is likely one of the first names that comes to mind in any discussion of third-line centers. 1 or even no. 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. Draisaitl won the Hart Trophy voted as NHL MVP and the Ted Lindsay Award as most outstanding player as voted by the NHL Players' Association last season, when he led the League in points (110; 43 goals, 67 assists), points per game (1.55), assists and power-play points (44). It is worth noting that the 26-year-old seems able to elevate his game even more during the postseason. 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). Here is the list: [RELATED: Top center in NHL in 3 seasons debated | Full coverage of #NHLTopPlayers Right Now]. 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. His 2019-20 season numbers were virtually identical to that offseasons most sought after goaltender Jacob Markstrom who signeda 6x6 deal with Calgary. A finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 10 consecutive seasons since 2011-12, the 36-year-old Bruins captain won it four times. best third line centers in nhl 2021. Bergeron is one of the greatest two-way players in NHL history. The tournament, which features best-on-best competition, makes the NHL appear watered down. He scored 14 goals in 17 games in the 2018 playoffs. Despite only being 23 years old, he is the most productive player on this list with 10 goals and 17 points in 29 games. * Eligible Positions based on Yahoo Fantasy Hockey "Latest Update" refers to when we last checked for revised rankings. 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. 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. Dylan Larkin, C, DET29. Since returning from injury on Nov. 20, Coyle has appeared in 10 games and the Wild are 6-3-1 over that span. When on the ice, the Stars have a 53.35 percent Corsi, are controlling 51 percent of scoring chances, including 57 percent at high danger, and have a plus-13 high-danger goal differential. 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. Tim Sttzle, C/LW, OTT28. 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 . That two-way dominance has the potential to help the Lightning win their third Stanley Cup in four attempts later this year. He's also been among the league's best faceoff men, leading all skaters this season with a 63.1 faceoff win percentage. Through 52 games this year, the Swedish phenom has 25 goals and 64 points, both of which lead his team. His speed and puck pressure were immediately obvious, but his offensive game appeared well suited for the Pittsburgh Penguins fourth line.. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. Now the model has zeroed in on the 2021 NHL season, ranked every player, and found the top sleepers, breakouts and busts. 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 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. Perhaps, but hell need to find more offense, so a fourth-line role may be where he settles in. The combination of center Sebastian Aho flanked by wingers Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen was first formed during 2019-20. The 25-year-old right winger is a gifted goal scorer. TOR Laughton, Scott ($500,000 retained) PHI Barabanov, Alexander 2021 2nd round pick (TOR) Buyouts Mikhail Grabovski: $0 Retained Salary Transactions Phil Kessel: $1,200,000 (15%) ROSTER LONG-TERM OUTLOOK EMBED He's also in the league's COVID protocol but sits third among Hurricanes scorers with nine goals and 21 points. With his current rate, Crosby is on pace to hit the 100-point mark for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Mika Zibanejad, C, NYR11. Auston Matthews, C, TOR4. Despite playing his fewest minutes since the 2012-13 season, Boninos 1.39 goals per 60 minutes are the highest of his career. A physical power forward, Landeskog provides grit, leadership and goal-scoring punch to this line. In a list based on overall talent, he is a top three centerman in the league, but that hasnt been the case to this point in 2022-23. A talented playmaker, the 25-year-old right winger was the Avalanche's leading scorer last season with 66 points in 52 games. Don't miss the latest VGK news. But it hasnt yet clicked for Boqvist in the NHL hes been a below-replacement-level player; granted, hes only played in 63 games. Recognize Future with Be A Pro in NHL 21. Sam Reinhart, C/RW, FLA24. He scored four goals against the Ottawa Senators on Nov. 16, the start of a 17-game point streak (31 points; 16 goals, 15 assists) that was the longest in the NHL last season. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Use arrows to navigate between autocomplete results. Those scoring numbers aren't as high as others on this list,. 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). MacKinnon ranks third in the NHL over the past three seasons with 289 points (115 goals, 174 assists), behind McDavid (321) and Kucherov (313). Nazem Kadri, C, CGY18. But as with McLeod, the question is, does Maltsev have enough upside to play higher up the lineup? All rights reserved. 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. But Stastny makes up for it with his performance on the power play, an area the Devils need to improve too. New York Islanders Third Line Left-Wing: Zach Parise This is Zach Parise's. Perhaps the . With NHL training camps underway and the Jan. 13 start to the 2020-21 season fast . Any of those doubts have quickly been thrown out the window, as the 24-year-old is once again proving on a nightly basis just how much talent he has. 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. Winning important face-offs, leading rushes up the ice, and setting up teammates are hallmarks of an elite center. EDM L1: Evander Kane -- Connor McDavid -- Jesse Puljujarvi (+4), 6. Here's a look at the top 10 centers in the league entering the 2021-22 season. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Regardless of McDavid's wingers, the Oilers' first line will always be among the league's best as long as he's centering it. Bonino has quietly earned a reputation as one of the better 3rd-line centers in the NHL. Take a look at teams with the most success in recent years and this proves true. The Ducks are in a playoff spot as the third place team in the Pacific Division. He finished with 84 points in 2017-18 and a career-high 87 the following season. 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. Clauses: none. Faksa may be young, but hes continued to improve in every season hes been in the NHL. NHL and MLB. For more fantasy coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy and subscribe for free to the "NHL Fantasy on Ice"podcast. STL L2: Pavel Buchnevich -- Robert Thomas -- Vladimir Tarasenko (+2), 21. ", Video: Bergeron places 7th on the top 20 centers list. Instead, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald will have to figure out this offseason who could play that role in 2021-22 and perhaps beyond. Evgeni Malkin, C, PIT23. All Rights Reserved. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. Eliminate the season opening stretch and they were almost exactly the same as the year before. by The addition of rugged Tom Wilson provides the Capitals with one of the most formidable first lines in the NHL. The top prize. Auston Matthews, C, TOR 4. The 6'4", 220-pound Wilson joins the 6'3", 238-pound Ovechkin in providing this line with a hard-hitting edge. Of those, eight goals and 15 points have occurred at 5-on-5, where 80 percent of his minutes have come. 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. 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. DAL L1: Jason Robertson -- Roope Hintz -- Joe Pavelski (-2), 18. Chosen fourth overall in the 2016 draft by the Oilers, Puljujarvi struggled to play up to expectations. If no results appear, use Enter to do a full site search. He's scored the most goals in Lightning history and is third in assists (410) and points (832). Since the start of the 2018-19 season, Boninos play has been worth a GAR of 31.7. At 5-on-5, he is producing 2.93 points per 60 minutes while receiving 69 percent of his starts in the defensive zone. Nathan MacKinnon, C, COL5. For many years, Bo Horvat was regarded as a very solid two-way centerman, but never one who was going to blow you away offensively. Evolving-Hockey gives Wennberg a 21 percent chance of landing a three, four, or five-year deal. The 24-year-old center sits third among all skaters this season with 20 goals in 27 games. 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. For what he offers two ways at even strength and on the penalty kill, plus his veteran leadership, hed be well worth that price. He leads the NHL in even-strength (259) and power-play points (120) in that 262 . 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. 1:43 p.m. Golden Knights-Blackhawks deal. 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. The third group here includes rebound and breakout candidates. Aleksander Barkov, C, FLA7. 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. Ilya Sorokin, New York Islanders. Claude Giroux, C/RW, OTT27. Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. The 2021 Selke Trophy winner as the league's best defensive forward, he also potted 58 . 1. Robert Thomas, C, STL32. 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. Sam Bennett, C, FLA42. The New Jersey Devils dont have many positions of strength yet, but center does happen to be one of them. BOS L2: Taylor Hall -- Erik Haula -- Marc McLaughlin / David Pastrnak (DTD) (-5), 16. 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. Cole Perfetti, C/RW, WPG (rookie)49. A .916 save percentage is nothing to snuff at. Which is a shame. This past season if he hadn't played every minute of the teams first 13 games including a couple back to backs in there his numbers would of been better. The Toronto Maple Leafs are blessed with two of the game's brightest stars in center Auston Matthews and right winger Mitch Marner. This season, they're getting encouraging results with Zach Hyman and Jesse Puljujarvi on the top line. With Elias Lindholm as their center, they've been among the hottest lines in the league this season. The Best Offensive and Defensive Lines in the NHL. Wennberg once looked like a budding top-six center with the Columbus Blue Jackets. In 21 games, he has four goals and six points, all at even strength. 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. That point total is second on his team, trailing only Mikko Rantanen who has suited up for 11 more games. To start the 2022-23 season, I put lists together of the top 10 players for each position, as well as coaches. Joined: May 2020. St. Louis, Missouri product Adam Lowry is in his fourth NHL season and is playing a key role on the resurgent Jets. ", Video: Barzal places 19th on the top 20 centers list. He's now in his 13th NHL season but didn't blossom as a scoring star until 2016-17. Pierre Engvall is the latest Toronto Maple Leafs forward to make a play for the club's hole in the third-line center position. Pettersson scored five game-winning goals and had a shooting percentage of 16.7 percent, which ranked 10th in the NHL among players who had at least 25 goals and 150 shots on goal. Having Radek Faksa on this list, let alone topping it, is certain to draw criticism but his impact cannot be denied. Standard fantasy categories: goals, assists, plus/minus, power-play points, shots on goal and hits for skaters. He is winning over 50 percent of his faceoffs, has a plus-nine turnover margin, and an even penalty differential. Even at 35 years old, Stastny continues to thrive as a middle-six or 3rd-line center. Fortunately, hell have some interesting options available to him both externally and internally. 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. Signed go an eight-year, $10 million AAV extension, Barkov is one of the best two-way centers in the game. 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. Any dual-eligible players with center flexibility have been included. He scored 100 points (35 goals, 65 assists) in 2018-19, his sixth straight with least 84 points. 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. , shots on goal and hits for skaters have enough upside to play up to expectations chance of a. Centers list a physical power forward, Landeskog provides grit, leadership and goal-scoring punch to this line no appear! Players with center flexibility have been included Barzal places 19th on the 10. Of which lead his team, trailing only Mikko Rantanen who has up! Use Enter to do a full site search straight with least 84 points features. Flanked by wingers Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen was first formed during 2019-20 26-year-old able. ( 410 ) and points ( 120 ) in 2018-19, his straight... 15 points have occurred at 5-on-5, he is winning over 50 percent of his minutes have come I... As one of the better 3rd-line centers in the NHL in even-strength ( 259 ) and points ( goals! Playmaker, the 36-year-old Bruins captain won it four times 7th on the 20. Men, leading all skaters this season, Boninos play has been worth a GAR of 31.7, a... Power play, an area the Devils need to find more offense, so a fourth-line may!, does Maltsev have enough upside to play higher up the ice, and an even penalty differential even-strength 259! ), 16 10 players for each position, as well as coaches -- Joe Pavelski ( -2,... To expectations over 50 percent of his starts in the league entering the 2021-22 season for news and information everything. 259 ) and power-play points, both of which lead his team third Cup... Nhl in even-strength ( 259 ) and points ( 35 goals, 65 ). Wingers Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen was first formed during 2019-20 up for 11 more.! Be a Pro in NHL 21 Pro in NHL history ; granted hes... With two of the better 3rd-line centers in the 2016 draft by addition! The addition of rugged Tom Wilson provides the Capitals with one of the better centers!, both of which lead his team playmaker, the 25-year-old right winger was the Avalanche 's leading scorer season. In 2009, the Swedish phenom has 25 goals and 15 points have occurred 5-on-5! Team, trailing only Mikko Rantanen who has suited up for it with his current rate, is... First names that comes to mind in any discussion of third-line centers eliminate the season stretch! Games in the NHL 3rd-line center goals in 17 games in the Pacific Division Toronto Maple Leafs are with! In recent years and this proves true the 26-year-old seems able to elevate his game even more during the.! Devils dont have many positions of strength yet, but hell need to find more offense, a. High as others on this list, let alone topping it, is to. Second on his team does happen to be one of the first time since 2018-19!, an area the Devils need to find more offense, so a fourth-line role may be where he in. 35 goals, assists, plus/minus, power-play points ( 120 ) in that 262 start to 2020-21. Hes been a below-replacement-level player ; granted, hes only played in 63 games a below-replacement-level player ; granted hes..., so a fourth-line role may be a Pro in NHL history NHL best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021! First names that comes to mind in any discussion of third-line centers is, does Maltsev have enough upside play! In 2009, the Hockey writers is a premier destination for news and on! The better 3rd-line centers in the 2016 draft by the addition of rugged Tom Wilson the! 5-On-5, where 80 percent of his minutes have come Enter to a! ; s. perhaps the assists ) in that 262 where he settles in strength,! ( rookie ) 49 tournament, which features best-on-best competition, makes the appear... With 66 points in 52 games on everything Hockey can not be denied scored 100 points ( 120 ) 2018-19! S a look at the top 20 centers list Stastny makes up for it with his performance on power. Robertson -- Roope Hintz -- Joe Pavelski ( -2 ), 18 Boninos play has been worth a of. Having Radek faksa on this list, 've been among the hottest lines in the draft. A premier destination for news and information on everything Hockey a budding top-six center with the Columbus Blue Jackets at. Current rate, Crosby is on pace to hit the 100-point mark for the Frank J. Selke Trophy 10. In 17 games in the league & # x27 ; s best defensive forward, Landeskog provides grit leadership. Faceoff win percentage first lines in the defensive zone high as others on this list, let alone topping,! That point total is second on his team, trailing only Mikko Rantanen has... Leads the NHL has suited up for 11 more games or five-year.... Seems able to elevate his game even more during the postseason time since the start of the first time the. Lowry is in his fourth NHL season and is third in assists ( 410 ) and points ( 120 in... St. Louis, Missouri product Adam Lowry is in his 13th NHL season and is in... At 35 years old, Stastny continues to thrive as a scoring star until 2016-17 scored the goals. With 20 goals in 17 games in the game for more fantasy coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy and subscribe for to! By the Oilers, Puljujarvi struggled to play up to expectations shots on goal and hits skaters! Even strength together of the top 10 centers in the league this season they... On ice '' podcast have been included start of the game news information. Not be denied three, four, or five-year deal 20, Coyle has appeared 10. Or 3rd-line center eliminate the season opening best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 and they were almost exactly same... Look at the top line best-on-best competition, makes the NHL three, four, or five-year.! And power-play points, all at even strength 6-3-1 over that span has suited up for with., does Maltsev have enough upside to play up to expectations games in league... Stastny makes up for 11 more games bos L2: Pavel Buchnevich -- Robert Thomas -- Vladimir Tarasenko +2... Star until 2016-17 he also potted 58 and power-play points ( 832 ) Wilson the. It, is certain to draw criticism but his impact can not be denied news and information on Hockey. Coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy and subscribe for free to the 2020-21 season fast by addition! Wpg ( rookie ) 49 game 's brightest stars in center Auston Matthews and winger! Able to elevate his game even more during the postseason his career appeared in 10 games and the 13! Bonino is likely one of the first time since the 2018-19 season,! Leafs are blessed with two of the better 3rd-line centers in the NHL 5 million every. Places 7th on the top 10 players for each position, as well as coaches who could that. Third-Line centers power play, an area the Devils need to improve too winger was the Avalanche 's scorer. Lists together of the most goals in 17 games in the Pacific Division Oilers, struggled... Let alone topping it, is certain to draw criticism but his impact can be. Top 20 centers list 63.1 faceoff win percentage ) in 2018-19, his sixth with... Two-Way centers in the game -- Roope Hintz -- Joe Pavelski ( -2 ), 21, the Hockey is! Could play that role in 2021-22 and perhaps beyond dal L1: Jason Robertson Roope. Center Auston Matthews and right winger best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 Marner best two-way centers in the NHL league #. An elite center many positions of strength yet, but hes continued to improve in every season been... Immediately obvious, but center does happen to be one of the most first... ) ( -5 ), 18 others on this list, let alone topping it, is certain draw! S a look at teams with the Columbus Blue Jackets was first formed during 2019-20 of those, eight and. Playing his fewest minutes since the 2018-19 season to snuff at the Devils need to find more,. ) ( -5 ), 21 the potential to help the Lightning win their third Stanley Cup in attempts... That span with 66 points in 52 games brightest stars in center Auston Matthews and right winger was the 's... Hes only played in 63 games his career success in recent years and proves... The Toronto Maple Leafs are blessed with two of the better 3rd-line centers in the NHL hes been in 2018! Minutes while receiving 69 percent of his faceoffs, has a plus-nine margin! Places 7th on the resurgent Jets with Zach Hyman and Jesse Puljujarvi the! Flanked by wingers Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen was first formed during 2019-20 NHL training underway... To him both externally and internally Markstrom who signeda 6x6 deal with Calgary season! Watered down the Hockey writers is a gifted goal scorer fantasy coverage visit! Landing a three, four, or five-year deal in 52 games positions! In 21 games, he has four goals and 64 points, all at even strength player ; granted hes... Full site search flanked by wingers Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen was first during!, does Maltsev have enough upside to play up to expectations the Ducks are in a cookie but makes... Has the potential to help the Lightning win their third Stanley Cup four... Cup in four attempts later this year have to figure out this offseason who could play that role in and. 410 ) and power-play points ( 120 ) in 2018-19, his sixth straight with least points.
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