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In this edition of the hotstove, we rank the top-5 centers in the Western Conference.
Todd Cordell
1. Connor McDavid - Much has been made about his defensive impact and rightfully so. It’s not great! The thing is he is on such a different level offensively that it doesn’t really matter; at least not as much as it otherwise would. I mean, the guy was on pace for ~125 points this year and he hit at least 100 in the three seasons prior.
2. Nathan MacKinnon - MacKinnon is as explosive as any player in the league and drives the bus for one of the league’s best teams. He was especially dominant this season, scoring at a 110 point pace despite seemingly every key member of the Avalanche missing a chunk of games.
3. Leon Draisaitl - Much of what I said about McDavid applies here. He has his warts and struggles to get anything done defensively. Scoring 50+ goals and 100+ points has a way of masking that.
4. Elias Pettersson - This kid is special. He is an elite offensive talent, he drives play, and he draws a bunch of penalties. I think he is going to explode – and move up this list – in the very near future.
5. Ryan O’Reilly - There is nothing flashy about ROR’s game but he is so very effective. He reminds me a lot of Mark Stone in that he is always on top of opposing players, pickpockets so many pucks, and creates more offense than you realize. Playoffs included, he has piled up 76 points per 82 games over the last two seasons while handling all the tough matchups.
Sean Maloughney
1) Connor McDavid - Obviously
2) Leon Draisaitl - Second best centre in the league
3) RNH - Third best centre in the league
4) Kyle Turris - Probably now the fourth best playing on Edmonton
5) Mike Smith - Doesn't seem to actually play in his net so therefore he must be a centre
Alternatively, I suppose I could provide this slightly less biased list.
1) Connor McDavid - Remains the best player in the NHL (though the gap is closing). His 185 points at 5 on 5 over the past three seasons are the highest of any player in the NHL. Even this past season, where McDavid returned after recovering from a potentially career ending injury he still posted 97 points in only 64 games.
2) Nathan MacKinnon - When I say the gap is closing, it is Nate Mac that I am refering to. The elite centre of the Avalanche and Hart finalist has put up over 90 points the last three seasons in a row. Especially seeing the number of injuries the Avs dealt with this past season, MacKinnon's numbers are damn impresive.
3) Leon Draisaitl - The Hart Trophy winner this season is finally getting the respect that he deserves around the NHL. In the West, Draisaitl's 63 goals at 5 on 5 over the past three years is lower than only McDavid and MacKinnon's. Draisaitl put up a whopping 110 points this past season with most of his season centring his own line away from #97.
4) Mark Scheifele - Doesn't get nearly the respect he deserves around the NHL. Has been a consistent ppg player for years now, being the top pivot for the Winnipeg Jets. Won't be surprised to see him break 40 goals next season.
5) Elias Pettersson - One of the most exciting rising stars in the league. Has produced 66 points in both his rookie and sophomore seasons and is only improving. His creativity, speed, and sneaky good shot makes him one of the best players to watch right now.
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