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NHL Top Players: Top 20 Centers NHL.com
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NHL’s Elite Playmakers: Ranking the Top 20 Centers of the Season
Understanding the Role of Centers in the NHL
The center position in ice hockey is one of the most critical and dynamic roles on the team. Centers are responsible for both offensive and defensive plays, making them essential to a team’s overall strategy. They are the playmakers, often involved in both setting up goals and scoring them. Their vision, passing ability, and hockey IQ are what set the elite centers apart from the rest. Here’s a detailed look at the top 20 centers of the NHL season, highlighting their skills, stats, and contributions to their teams.
Criteria for Ranking
In ranking the top centers of the NHL, several key factors were considered:
- Points Per Game: A critical measure of a player’s offensive contribution.
- Assist Totals: Centers are often the primary playmakers, so assists are an essential metric.
- Faceoff Win Percentage: Winning faceoffs is crucial for gaining puck possession.
- Defensive Contributions: Two-way play is vital, so defensive metrics were also included.
- Impact on Team Success: How does the player’s performance correlate with the team’s success?
Top 20 Centers of the NHL Season
| Rank | Player | Team | Points | Assists | Faceoff % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connor McDavid | Edmonton Oilers | 120 | 75 | 53% |
| 2 | Auston Matthews | Toronto Maple Leafs | 110 | 40 | 57% |
| 3 | Leon Draisaitl | Edmonton Oilers | 115 | 55 | 52% |
| 4 | Sidney Crosby | Pittsburgh Penguins | 108 | 50 | 54% |
| 5 | Mark Scheifele | Winnipeg Jets | 100 | 44 | 56% |
| 6 | Steven Stamkos | Tampa Bay Lightning | 98 | 42 | 50% |
| 7 | Jack Eichel | Vegas Golden Knights | 95 | 39 | 51% |
| 8 | Brayden Point | Tampa Bay Lightning | 92 | 38 | 49% |
| 9 | Mathew Barzal | New York Islanders | 90 | 44 | 55% |
| 10 | Evgeny Malkin | Pittsburgh Penguins | 88 | 37 | 50% |
| 11 | Ryan Getzlaf | Anaheim Ducks | 85 | 35 | 48% |
| 12 | Kuznetsov, Evgeny | Washington Capitals | 83 | 45 | 51% |
| 13 | Vincent Trocheck | Carolina Hurricanes | 80 | 32 | 52% |
| 14 | Sean Couturier | Philadelphia Flyers | 78 | 30 | 55% |
| 15 | William Karlsson | Vegas Golden Knights | 76 | 29 | 49% |
| 16 | John Tavares | Toronto Maple Leafs | 75 | 31 | 50% |
| 17 | Alexis Lafrenière | New York Rangers | 72 | 28 | 47% |
| 18 | Ryan O’Reilly | St. Louis Blues | 70 | 33 | 54% |
| 19 | Jordan Staal | Carolina Hurricanes | 68 | 25 | 53% |
| 20 | Patrik Laine | Columbus Blue Jackets | 65 | 27 | 46% |
Highlighting the Elite Playmakers
1. Connor McDavid: The Pinnacle of Playmaking
Connor McDavid is not just a playmaker; he is a phenomenon. With a staggering 120 points this season, his ability to generate offense is unmatched. His vision on the ice allows him to read plays before they develop, and his speed makes him a constant threat in transition.
2. Auston Matthews: The Scoring Machine
Auston Matthews continues to impress, not only with his goal-scoring ability but also his playmaking skills. His solid faceoff percentage of 57% ensures his team gains possession, which is crucial for any center.
3. Leon Draisaitl: The Dynamic Duo
Playing alongside McDavid, Leon Draisaitl has carved out his identity as an elite playmaker in his own right. His 115 points and 55 assists showcase his capability to contribute in numerous ways.
4. Sidney Crosby: The Veteran Leader
Sidney Crosby remains a force in the NHL, consistently ranking among the top playmakers. His 108 points this season demonstrate that age has not diminished his impact on the ice.
Benefits of Elite Centers in the NHL
Having an elite center on your team can lead to numerous benefits:
- Increased Scoring Opportunities: Elite centers create plays that lead to goals, elevating the overall offensive output.
- Improved Team Chemistry: Skilled playmakers can enhance the performance of wingers and defenders, leading to more cohesive team play.
- Better Puck Possession: Winning faceoffs and controlling the puck is essential for maintaining offensive pressure.
- Leadership on the Ice
