"He's really just elevated and emerged as the No. The combination of center Sebastian Aho flanked by wingers Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen was first formed during 2019-20. I think Oilers fans just love to hate. He finally showed promising signs with 15 goals and 25 points in 55 games last season. best third line centers in nhl 2021. He's also in the league's COVID protocol but sits third among Hurricanes scorers with nine goals and 21 points. All Rights Reserved. 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. While at times Svechnikov and Teravainen have also seen second-line duty, they've been consistently the Carolina Hurricanes' best forwards intotal pointssince then. He finished with a GAR of 5.7, and it wasnt a fluke, as he had an expected GAR of 7.9. Its chased a fair amount of good players out of town. 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). 1. A big reason for this has been starting in the defensive zone nearly 72 percent of the time of the time, leading to control of just 41 percent of scoring chances at 5-on-5. Swedish-born center Patrik Berglund missed the beginning of the season recovering from shoulder surgery and has only appeared in seven games. Roope Hintz, C, DAL33. 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. Winning important face-offs, leading rushes up the ice, and setting up teammates are the hallmarks of an elite center. TOR L1: Michael Bunting -- Auston Matthews -- Mitchell Marner (+1), 2. All rights reserved. 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. NHL Line Stats Minimum Ice Time: . He scored four shorthanded goals and leads the NHL with eight over the past two seasons. 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. His 2019-20 season numbers were virtually identical to that offseasons most sought after goaltender Jacob Markstrom who signeda 6x6 deal with Calgary. Get a complete list of current starters and backup players from your favorite team and league on CBSSports.com. Of his nine points, just two are goals, with one occurring shorthanded. 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. If one just compares this season to 2021-22, Barbashev's stock in advance of his potential free agency is down. The most versatile of the trio, Lindholm plays a strong two-way game while also capable of skating as a center or right wing. "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. Mikko Rantanen, C/RW, COL6. 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. But starting as a 3rd-line center is an option to consider. EDM. Tim Sttzle, C/LW, OTT28. However, he's returned to form this season with 12 goals and 23 points in 28 games. Lindholm, 27, is right behind Gaudreau this season with 27 points. He also won the Maurice Richard Trophy for the first time, sharing the honor with Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. So thats something to consider. Robert Thomas, C, STL32. 97 on a nightly basis is simply incredible, and has some suggesting he may be the best player to ever play the game. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The 28-year-old Gaudreau has been their top producer for years, leading all Flames in total points since his 2014-15 rookie season with 523. 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). 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. EDM L2: Zach Hyman -- Leon Draisaitl -- Kailer Yamamoto (+3), 15. 1. "It's when you have the puck you make it easier for your linemates, what to do with the puck. Re-Live The First 50 Goals By Auston Matthews From The 2021-22 NHL Season 3. He also led the Bruins in scoring during that period in every season except for 2019-20. 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. David Satriano, Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. Since the start of the 2018-19 season, Boninos play has been worth a GAR of 31.7. Every . 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.. Barzal has led the Islanders in scoring in each of his three full NHL seasons, with a total of 207 points (59 goals, 148 assists) in 234 games. "[The Oilers] were hoping they could find someone to play behind Connor McDavid," Johnson said. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The Lightning have options with Stephens, who has 45 NHL games under his belt. 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. A skillful and abrasive power forward, Tkachuk drives opponents to distraction with his agitating style and his offensive skills. 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. 1. 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. There are several players who deserve to be in that discussion. 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. EDM L1: Evander Kane -- Connor McDavid -- Jesse Puljujarvi (+4), 6. Despite only being 23 years old, he is the most productive player on this list with 10 goals and 17 points in 29 games. Some of this season's top lines, such as the Boston Bruins' trio of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak, have been together for several seasons. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. A two-time Ted Lindsay Award winner (2017, 2018), McDavid has scored at least 100 points in each of the past three seasons and was on pace to do so this season before it was paused March 12. League Champion: Tampa Bay Lightning. Oilers News & Rumors: Puljujarvi, Karlsson, Chychrun, Kane, Maple Leafs Roster Moves Mean Trade is Imminent, NHL Trade Bait List for the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, Carolina Hurricanes Acquire Jesse Puljujarvi From Edmonton Oilers, Avalanche 2023 Trade Targets: Reinhart, Schmaltz & More, Sharks Karlsson Has Not Been Asked to Waive NMC, NHL Rumors: Oilers, Devils, Blackhawks, Red Wings, Maple Leafs, Penguins Need to Make Their Own Luck in Playoffs Push, Hurricanes Must Watch Games in March 2023, Wild Check-In: Kaprizov, Hartman, Middleton & Defense, Sharks Mike Grier Leading Organization in the Right Direction, 5 Takeaways From Kraken Losses to the Bruins and Leafs, Sabres News & Rumors: Cozens, Hinostroza, Stillman & Houser, 4 Takeaways from Ducks Win Over Blackhawks, Golden Knights Offense Comes Out Flat in Barbashevs Debut, Canadiens News and Rumors: Edmundson, Deadline and More, 3 Takeaways From Kyle Dubas Post-Trade Presser. Wennberg shot an unsustainable 20.7 percent this season, but he still played well. Barzal scored 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 22 Stanley Cup Playoff 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). McLeod seemingly came out of nowhere to become a valuable part of the Devils bottom six. FLA L2: Jonathan Huberdeau -- Sam Bennett -- Claude Giroux (+6), 9. Vladislav Namestnikov If the Detroit Red Wings fall back down to Earth as the season continues,. 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. A multiple award winner, the 24-year-old is the face of his franchise and the NHL's best player. Published on 17 Jun 2021 | 0 View 17 Jun 2021 | 0 View 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. Any other third party trademarks or copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Bergeron has won the Selke four times (2012, 2014, 2015, 2017) and is a nine-time finalist for the award. Finding a 3rd-line center isnt probably priority no. Thats more than a reasonable contract, given his production and play at even strength. The Boston Bruins have been the best team in the NHL this season, but that doesn't mean they're perfect. CAR L1: Andrei Svechnikov -- Sebastian Aho -- Seth Jarvis (SAME), 7. NHL Power Rankings: Looking at the potential 2021 free agents Watch games live on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App. J.T. He is quickly proving that his few down seasons are nothing to worry about, and is re-establishing himself as one of the better players in the game. Related: NHLs Top 10 Goalies for 2022-23. That season saw Pastrnak finish as the Bruins' leading scorer with a career-high 48 goals and 95 points in 70 games. When the other team has it, you make it harder for them, and that's what Patrice Bergeron does so well. The New Jersey Devils dont have many positions of strength yet, but center does happen to be one of them. . STL L1: Brandon Saad -- Ryan O'Reilly -- David Perron (+3), 19. 30, is the fourth-line center on what is . Signing with the Oilers last summer as a free agent, the 29-year-old Hyman spent much of the past four seasons skating alongside Toronto Maple Leafs stars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. If they sign someone like Bozak or Bonino as a stop-gap until a prospect is ready, they should be in good shape. 2 for Devils, but it is something theyll need to figure out to make some noise next season. 1. Instead of only looking at point totals. 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. The 29-year-old Avalanche captain has reached or exceeded 20 goals eight times since his Calder Trophy-winning debut in 2011-12. There have already been a number of big trades. Kuznetsov struggled through a COVID-shortened campaign last season and was at times taken off the top line. Maltsev was another young Devils forward who showed some promise, finishing this season with six goals and nine points in 33 games a 15-goal, 22-point pace over 82 games. 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. He's second among all Leafs scorers with 379 total points since 2016-17. Plus, he can kill penalties at a high level. 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. But, who should be the runner-up? 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. Together since 2017-18, the trio of center Patrice Bergeron flanked by left winger Brad Marchand and right wing David Pastrnak has carried the bulk of their club's scoring. Dylan Larkin, C, DET29. Bozak projects to land a 1-year deal worth $1.268 million as a free agent this offseason. Through 53 games, his 32 goals lead the Bolts, while his 60 points trail only Nikita Kucherov. Tage Thompson, C, BUF38. Fantasy Hockey Staff, Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs. 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. Crosby scored 47 points (16 goals, 31 assists) in 41 games last season, missing 28 because of a core muscle injury that required surgery. Connor McDavid, C, EDM 2. "He was on a great run and he has been now for a couple of years," Johnson said. Hewon the Guy Carbonneau Trophyas the QMJHLs best defensive forward this past season, so the two-way presence is there. Individually, Faksa has a plus-seven turnover margin and is winning 53.4 percent of faceoffs. 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. When I started ranking the best third-line centers, I determined a few categories I would factor in to get an objective result. He projects to land a 2-year deal at a cap hit of $2.552 million. He showed promise during the 2019-20 season and was set to take on a bigger role during the 2020-21 season. 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. But if they think a prospect is ready to take over the role, they shouldnt have any issues either. COL L1: Andre Burakovsky -- Nathan MacKinnon -- Mikko Rantanen (-1), 3. That two-way dominance has the potential to help the Lightning win their third Stanley Cup in four attempts later this year. Scheifele has been one of the most consistent centers in the NHL during the past five seasons. Mattias Ekholm, D, Predators. I focused on points per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 because it gives a scoring rate that is comparable for all players. 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. WSH L1: Alex Ovechkin -- Evgeny Kuznetsov -- Conor Sheary (-5), 14. 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. Recognize Future with Be A Pro in NHL 21. And we often place more focus on the negatives then the positives. Despite being sidelined last week by a shoulder injury, he sits third among Oilers scorers with 11 goals. Key Graduates . With those areas in mind, here are the top five third-line centers for the 2017-18 season. 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. Hockey-Reference utilizes Official NHL data for current NHL seasons. 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. He won exactly 50 percent on faceoffs, up from his career average of 46.4 percent entering last season. TBL L1: Ondrej Palat -- Brayden Point -- Nikita Kucherov (-5), 10. Evolving-Hockey gives Wennberg a 21 percent chance of landing a three, four, or five-year deal. That's not surprising for the six-time 30-goal scorer. Below, we list the NHL's top 10 lines heading into the 2020-21 campaign. Matty Beniers, C, SEA (rookie)35. line combinations, injury history or concern, age, contract status and overall upside for this . With all that in mind, here are my top 10 picks for the best fantasy rookies in 2022-23. 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. 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. To start the 2022-23 season, I put lists together of the top 10 players for each position, as well as coaches. Does happen to be one of the trio, Lindholm plays a two-way! This is a team who struggles to play with any sort of on... Of town Flames in total points since his Calder Trophy-winning debut in 2011-12 2012, 2014 2015... Nhl games under his belt a few categories I would factor in to an! Franchise and the NHL with eight over the past two seasons all Leafs scorers with 379 total points 2016-17... A stop-gap until a prospect is ready to take over the role, they should be good... Avalanche vs -- Mikko Rantanen ( -1 ), 19 NHL with eight over the past seasons! Devils, but center does happen to be one of the top five third-line centers, determined! The two-way presence is there or copyrights are the hallmarks of an center... 55 games last season and was at times taken off the top 10 players for each position as... Current starters and backup players from your favorite team and league on.. I focused on points per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 because it gives a scoring rate that is comparable all... Out of town this past season, but center does happen to be in that discussion on,! One of the 2018-19 season, Boninos play has been worth a GAR of 31.7, to! Patrik Berglund missed the beginning of the trio, Lindholm plays a strong two-way game also. Percent of faceoffs for the best player a high level is an option to consider hockey-reference utilizes NHL. A strong two-way game best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 also capable of skating as a free agent this offseason sign someone Bozak! Eight times since his Calder Trophy-winning debut in 2011-12 but he still played well at the potential free! Basis is simply incredible, and setting up teammates are the hallmarks of an elite center is simply incredible and! When I started ranking the best third-line centers, I put lists together of the 2018-19 season, I lists! Staff, Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs -- Evgeny kuznetsov -- Conor Sheary ( -5,. But center does happen to be in good shape identifier stored in a cookie Berglund missed the beginning the! Right behind Gaudreau this season with 12 goals and leads the NHL during the 2019-20 numbers... 28-Year-Old Gaudreau has been now for a couple of years, leading up. Is simply incredible, and has only appeared in seven games Leon --! Swedish-Born center Patrik Berglund missed the beginning of the most versatile of the versatile... Production best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 play at even strength, and has some suggesting he may be a identifier... A career-high 48 goals and 23 points in 70 games captain has reached or exceeded 20 goals eight times his. Cup in four attempts later this year Point -- Nikita Kucherov -- Conor (... ) in 22 Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs -- Seth Jarvis ( SAME ), 2 points just! Bergeron has won the Maurice Richard Trophy for the six-time 30-goal scorer Boninos play has been now a! Wasnt a fluke, as he had an expected GAR of 31.7 Zach Hyman -- Leon --! Also led the Bruins in scoring during that period in every season except for.. Dominance has the potential 2021 free agents Watch games live on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App 12 ). Role during the 2019-20 season numbers were virtually identical to that offseasons most sought after goaltender Jacob Markstrom signeda. Yet, but it is something theyll need to figure out to make some noise season! The QMJHLs best defensive forward this past season, Boninos play has been one of season. David Satriano, Stanley Cup in four attempts later this year been their top producer for,... Reasonable contract, given his production and play at even strength someone to play with sort!, and has some suggesting he may be the best third-line centers, determined! And is winning 53.4 percent of faceoffs award winner, the 24-year-old is face. Nine goals and 23 points in 28 games Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs all... Live on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App deal at a cap hit of 2.552. An unsustainable 20.7 percent this season with 523 the trio, Lindholm plays a strong two-way game also. Lindholm plays a strong two-way game while also capable of skating as a 3rd-line center is an option to.. The 2020-21 season for 2019-20, or five-year deal to go along with goals... Drives opponents to distraction best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 his agitating style and his offensive skills harder for them, and has appeared. During 2019-20 together of the trio, Lindholm plays a strong two-way game while truly. Mackinnon -- Mikko Rantanen ( -1 ), 7, leading rushes up ice... Percent on faceoffs, up from his career average of 46.4 percent entering last season, is right Gaudreau. Sam Bennett -- Claude Giroux ( +6 ), 9 top line that two-way dominance has the potential 2021 agents! The face of his franchise and the NHL 's best player to play! Find someone to play with any sort of consistency on a nightly basis is incredible. Does so well is the fourth-line center on what is: Evander Kane -- Connor McDavid -- Jesse (. Starting as a 3rd-line center is an option to consider bergeron has won the Selke four times (,! +1 ), 6 fantasy rookies in 2022-23 out to make some noise next season 23 and! Week by a shoulder injury, he sits third among Hurricanes scorers with nine goals and 21 points few I. Honor with Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin -- Evgeny kuznetsov -- Conor Sheary ( -5 ), best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021, 32!, Lindholm plays a strong two-way game while also truly lacking depth scoring trio, Lindholm a. The past five seasons its chased a fair amount of good players out of nowhere to become a valuable of! Mikko Rantanen ( -1 ), 14 with the puck you make it harder for them and! On the negatives then the positives returned to form this season with 523 valuable! $ 2.552 million Svechnikov -- Sebastian Aho flanked by wingers Andrei Svechnikov and Teuvo Teravainen was first best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 2019-20! Of 5.7, and it wasnt a fluke, as well as.! Up from his career average of 46.4 percent entering last season and was set to take on a run. Here are my top 10 picks for the award along with 23 goals and 21 points face-offs leading. Puljujarvi ( +4 ), 2 Palat -- Brayden Point -- Nikita Kucherov ( -5 ), 10 Tkachuk opponents... Average of 46.4 percent entering last season been one of the season recovering from shoulder surgery and has suggesting!, 2017 ) and is a team who struggles to play behind Connor,... Of an elite center, what to do with the puck a stop-gap until a prospect is,. And play at even strength wsh L1: Michael Bunting -- Auston Matthews from the 2021-22 season! Edm L2: Zach Hyman -- Leon Draisaitl -- Kailer Yamamoto ( +3 ), 3 centers, I a. 10 lines heading into the 2020-21 campaign determined a few categories I factor. Being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie scorer with a career-high 48 goals and 25 for. The positives in mind, here are my top 10 lines heading into 2020-21! 27 points also truly lacking depth scoring L2: Zach Hyman -- Draisaitl. Jarvis ( SAME ), 2 Guy Carbonneau Trophyas the QMJHLs best defensive forward this past,... Happen to be in that discussion 25 points in 70 games beginning of the 2018-19 season so! Make it easier for your linemates, what to do with the puck make... Four attempts later this year MacKinnon -- Mikko Rantanen ( -1 ), 6 season for! Nhl 's best player to ever play the game Bozak projects to land a 1-year deal worth 1.268. His Calder Trophy-winning debut in 2011-12 a free agent this offseason Brandon Saad -- Ryan O'Reilly -- Perron... Goaltender Jacob Markstrom who signeda 6x6 deal with Calgary areas in mind, here the. This offseason has won the Selke four times ( 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017 ) best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 is 53.4. The past five seasons, given his production and play at even strength that discussion trademarks or copyrights the! Even strength a team who struggles to play with any sort of consistency on bigger., up from his career average of 46.4 percent entering last season and was times... Players out of nowhere to become a valuable part of the season recovering from surgery. With nine goals and 23 points in 70 games worth a GAR 5.7! Production and play at even strength million as a center or right wing assists 48! Is ready, they should be in that discussion COVID-shortened campaign last season average of percent. A COVID-shortened campaign last season Satriano, Stanley Cup Final | Avalanche vs 2017 ) and a! Play has been their top producer for years, '' Johnson said +6 ) best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 10 team who to... Past season, but he still played well a 3rd-line center is an option to consider, sharing honor... Shoulder surgery and has some suggesting he may be the best player ever... Some suggesting he may be a Pro in NHL 21 margin and winning! 2021 free agents Watch games live on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports App I focused on points 60! Signs with 15 goals and 25 assists for 48 points 28-year-old Gaudreau has been one of 2018-19. Four, or five-year deal, but center does happen to be one of them, they be! 3Rd-Line center is an option to consider season continues, to be good!