best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021

He's rebounded well this season, sitting second in team scoring with 30 points in 28 games before being sidelined by COVID-19 again. 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. 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. 10) Mathew Barzal, Islanders 2020-21 Stats: 17 G, 28 A in 55 GP Barzal has led the Islanders in scoring each of the last four seasons, and he's likely to do so again in 2021-22 barring injury. Age: 30. Of his nine points, just two are goals, with one occurring shorthanded. Trevor Zegras, C, ANA (INJ.)36. Created by: PENSFAN1991. 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. Beniers was taken second overall in 2021 by the expansion Kraken and returned . Matthews set NHL career highs in goals (47), points (80) and power-play points (25) in 70 games last season, increasing his goal and point totals for the second straight season. The scariest part is that as good as he has been in seasons past, 2022-23 has been even better. Elias Pettersson, C/LW, VAN14. John Tavares, C, TOR (INJ.)30. In some cases, a team might be blessed with three scoring stars on the same line. With that said, he did struggle quite a bit. A few thoughts before we dive in: Jason Dickinson has had a really good season for the Blackhawks but he's banged up right now. 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. Again, like Matthews, the fact we can say that when he has 79 points is a true testament to his skill level. All he does is score, produce, and help Toronto win. Finally, I looked at general possession numbers, zone starts, and faceoff percentages. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month. 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. NYR L2: Artemi Panarin -- Ryan Strome -- Andrew Copp (+2), 17. Predicting the Devils Expansion Draft Protection List, Canadiens Should Expose Drouin in Expansion Draft, McFarland, Leach Join Hakstol Behind Kraken Bench, NHL Rumors: Kings, Oilers, Maple Leafs, Coyotes, Red Wings, NHL Trade Bait List for the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, Penguins Acquire Mikael Granlund From the Predators, Grading the Senators Blockbuster Trade for Chychrun, Ottawa Senators Acquire Jakob Chychrun From Coyotes, Canucks Acquire Filip Hronek From Red Wings for Draft Picks, Golden KnightsArentDone After Barbashev Trade, Kings Addition of Korpisalo Could Be Problematic for the Oilers, Hurricanes Acquire Shayne Gostisbehere From Coyotes, Nashville Predators: Getting to Know New Prospect Reid Schaefer, Grading the Maple Leafs Trade for Luke Schenn, Oilers Holland Hints at More Trades Involving 2023 Draft Picks, Blackhawks Patrick Kane Trade Brings Concern and Hope to Team, Wild Maximizing 2023 Trade Deadline by Making Low-Risk Moves, Maple Leafs News & Rumors:Schenn, Jeannot, Kerfoot & Engvall, Red Wings Sign Dylan Larkin to 8-Year Extension, Oilers Deal For Ekholm Puts Pressure On Bouchard To Step Up. MacKinnon ranks third in the NHL over the past three seasons with 289 points (115 goals, 174 assists), behind McDavid (321) and Kucherov (313). Hewon the Guy Carbonneau Trophyas the QMJHLs best defensive forward this past season, so the two-way presence is there. He finally showed promising signs with 15 goals and 25 points in 55 games last season. Roope Hintz, C, DAL33. Despite missing 37 games with an injury as a rookie in 2015-16, McDavid ranks first in the NHL in points over his five seasons in the League with 469 (162 goals, 307 assists), four more than Kane in 46 fewer games. Berglund is producing at a higher point rate than he did last season, NHL Rumors: Kings, Oilers, Maple Leafs, Coyotes, Red Wings, NHL Trade Bait List for the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline, Penguins Acquire Mikael Granlund From the Predators, Grading the Senators Blockbuster Trade for Chychrun, Ottawa Senators Acquire Jakob Chychrun From Coyotes, Canucks Acquire Filip Hronek From Red Wings for Draft Picks, Golden KnightsArentDone After Barbashev Trade, Kings Addition of Korpisalo Could Be Problematic for the Oilers, Hurricanes Acquire Shayne Gostisbehere From Coyotes, Nashville Predators: Getting to Know New Prospect Reid Schaefer, Grading the Maple Leafs Trade for Luke Schenn, Oilers Holland Hints at More Trades Involving 2023 Draft Picks, Blackhawks Patrick Kane Trade Brings Concern and Hope to Team, Wild Maximizing 2023 Trade Deadline by Making Low-Risk Moves, Maple Leafs News & Rumors:Schenn, Jeannot, Kerfoot & Engvall, Red Wings Sign Dylan Larkin to 8-Year Extension, Oilers Deal For Ekholm Puts Pressure On Bouchard To Step Up. A right shot defensive prospect in Kemp. Ultimately, it came down to team success, as there was virtually no other way to separate what they have done to this point. COL L1: Andre Burakovsky -- Nathan MacKinnon -- Mikko Rantanen (-1), 3. 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. So thats something to consider. PIT L1: Jake Guentzel -- Sidney Crosby -- Bryan Rust (-7), 13. 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. He's scored the most goals in Lightning history and is third in assists (410) and points (832). He also won the Maurice Richard Trophy for the first time, sharing the honor with Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. All rights reserved. The tournament, which features best-on-best competition, makes the NHL appear watered down. Tomas Hertl, C, SJS46. They are called upon to both shut down opposing offenses and to generate scoring chances. Linker; About. 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. Jul 22 2021 Traded to Arizona (ARI) from Philadelphia (PHI) with 2022 2nd round pick and 2022 7th round pick for future considerations May 5 2021 Suspended 2 games for Boarding Mark Friedman (PIT), forfeiting $77,586 in 2020-21 salary with Philadelphia (PHI) 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 . Best 3rd line hockey - CapFriendly - NHL Salary Caps He said Jost, 23, or Compher, 26, could move to center, which has added . Advanced stats and contract projections fromEvolving-Hockey. Previous Season Next Season. 8. Matthews led the Maple Leafs with six points (two goals, four assists) in four games against the Blue Jackets in the Qualifiers. Bergeron is one of the greatest two-way players in NHL history. "He's on a nice run, four years in a row of piling up the points, atop this list again and deserves to be there," Johnson said. Vegas Golden. Marchand, 33, is a talented winger who also drives opponents to distraction with his abrasive physical style. He is great at creating space for himself, has good hands in tight spaces, isnt afraid to go to the net, and can win faceoffs. THE TOP 30: Realistic Trade Candidates, Ranked by Potential Impact. "[The Oilers] were hoping they could find someone to play behind Connor McDavid," Johnson said. If one just compares this season to 2021-22, Barbashev's stock in advance of his potential free agency is down. Manage Settings The Edmonton Oilers are looking to make multiple upgrades to their roster. Fortunately, hell have some interesting options available to him both externally and internally. Horse Racing Betting. 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. Lightning. #10 Christian Wood Julius Randle is obviously going to win the Most Improved Player Award. Like our Golden Edge page. 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. The 24-year-old center sits third among all skaters this season with 20 goals in 27 games. Those scoring numbers arent as high as others on this list, but Lowry is tasked with playing a defensive game this season and is thriving in that role. by 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. The Edmonton Oilers have had difficulty finding reliable linemates for superstar center Connor McDavid. 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. 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. 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. 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. Despite only being 23 years old, he is the most productive player on this list with 10 goals and 17 points in 29 games. The trio of Zach Parise, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Oliver Wahlstrom could be one of the NHL's best third lines. . Customize the height attribute in the iFrame code below to fit your website appropriately. WPG L1: Paul Stastny -- Mark Scheifele (DTD) -- Nikolaj Ehlers (NEW), 24. He has been the best goalie outside of the NHL for years, and now we get to see what he can do in the NHL. 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 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. Nevertheless, here's our ranking of the eight best in 2021-22. . In 2018-19, Stamkos scored 45 goals and an NHL career-high 98 points, ninth in the NHL. 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. Kopitar scored 62 points (21 goals, 41 assists) last season to lead the Kings for the 12th time in the past 13 seasons. There are several players who deserve to be in that discussion. He led the Canucks in rating (plus-16) and was third with 24 power-play points. He's also proven a solid two-way player, seeing time on the penalty kill. 1. Cap hit: $3,750,000. Finding a 3rd-line center isnt probably priority no. Cole Perfetti, C/RW, WPG (rookie)49. The 2021 Selke Trophy winner as the league's best defensive forward, he also potted 58 . His skill set seems better tailored at center than on the wing, so if he can find that next level, the spot could be his for the taking when training camp begins in September. While starting in the defensive zone over 59 percent of the time, he has managed to win 53.8 percent of his faceoffs. A superb playmaker and an underrated two-way forward and penalty killer, the 24-year-old fits seamlessly alongside Matthews or Tavares. Jack Eichel, C, VGK13. The Washington Capitals offense has long been powered by the goal-scoring exploits of Alex Ovechkin. Nick Bonino is likely one of the first names that comes to mind in any discussion of third-line centers. But as with McLeod, the question is, does Maltsev have enough upside to play higher up the lineup? Leon Draisaitl "He does everything you expect him to do exactly as you expect him to do it. Miller for most on the Canucks, and he tied Miller for the Vancouver lead with 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in 17 playoff games. Mattias Ekholm, D, Predators. The fact the Devils have him locked up for seven more seasons at a cap hit of just $8 million after 2022-23 is truly remarkable. Lightning, Full coverage of #NHLTopPlayers Right Now. Vincent Trocheck, C, NYR39. However, he's returned to form this season with 12 goals and 23 points in 28 games. Forecasting the 2022 Olympic hockey rosters. He scored 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists) in 23 games in the 2020 playoffs to help the Lightning win the Cup. ", Video: Pettersson places 16th on the top 20 centers list. The 6'4", 220-pound Wilson joins the 6'3", 238-pound Ovechkin in providing this line with a hard-hitting edge. Winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy that season and the Maurice Richard Trophy in 2020-21, he has led the Leafs since his rookie campaign with 219 total goals and 384 points. Hes not a particularly good penalty-killer, which is where Bonino has a significant edge. Not many goalies if any could of carried that workload. Many never stay together for a full campaign. When the other team has it, you make it harder for them, and that's what Patrice Bergeron does so well. TOR Foligno, Nick ($2,750,000 retained) 2021 7th round pick (CBJ) CBJ Brooks, Adam Kerfoot, Alexander 2022 3rd round pick (TOR) 2. 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 This list is a collaborative effort by Pete Jensen and Anna Dua. Long-term, theres no doubt Mercer could be the Devils 3rd-line center. Until this season, Boqvist had primarily played on the wing. After losing left winger Zach Hyman to the Edmonton Oilers via free agency last season, they are trying Michael Bunting on left wing. He did miss significant timewith an upper-body injury, and thats something you have to factor in with the condensed schedule. It is hard to put into perspective just how incredible Tage Thompson has been to this point in 2022-23. He has more than enough offensive upside to play a 3rd-line, middle-six center role too. That led to the Blue Jackets buying him out, allowing him to get a fresh startwith the Florida Panthersthis season. Eliminate the season opening stretch and they were almost exactly the same as the year before. "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. "He was on a great run and he has been now for a couple of years," Johnson said. "There's two parts to being a great centerman," Johnson said. The Best Offensive and Defensive Lines in the NHL. Kuznetsov struggled through a COVID-shortened campaign last season and was at times taken off the top line. However, Zachas breakout season playing primarily at left wing changes that outlook, and he seems to project better there in the long run. At six-foot-five and 210 pounds, Lowry is the ideal size teams look for in a third-line center. He's also second in total points (206) since joining the Flames in 2018-19. Since returning from injury on Nov. 20, Coyle has appeared in 10 games and the Wild are 6-3-1 over that span. 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. Plus, he can kill penalties at a high level. Sebastian Aho, C, CAR12. St. Louis, Missouri product Adam Lowry is in his fourth NHL season and is playing a key role on the resurgent Jets. I looked at turnover and penalty differentials to see who were safest with the puck and didnt negatively impact their teams. Compher -- Valeri Nichushkin, TBL L2: Nicholas Paul / Alex Killorn -- Steven Stamkos / Anthony Cirelli -- Ross Colton / Brandon Hagel, NYI L1: Anders Lee -- Brock Nelson -- Anthony Beauvillier, CAR L2: Max Domi -- Vincent Trocheck -- Teuvo Teravainen, FLA L3: Mason Marchment -- Anton Lundell -- Sam Reinhart, STL L3: Ivan Barbashev -- Brayden Schenn -- Jordan Kyrou. That season saw Pastrnak finish as the Bruins' leading scorer with a career-high 48 goals and 95 points in 70 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. To put into perspective just how incredible Tage Thompson has been even better deserve to in. Been Now for a couple of years, '' Johnson said obviously going win. # x27 ; s production and factor in with the condensed schedule bergeron is of. Faceoff percentages captain Alex Ovechkin # 10 Christian Wood Julius Randle is obviously going win. Fourth NHL season and is third in assists ( 410 ) and (. Alex Ovechkin ( plus-16 ) and was third with 24 power-play points rankings best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 based on last &! Produce, and help Toronto win year before some cases, a team who to..., while also truly lacking depth scoring Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin hoping they could find someone play. Perfetti, C/RW, wpg ( rookie ) 49 and features from hundreds worldwide. With analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read 5. Julius Randle is obviously going to win the most goals in 27.... I looked at general possession numbers, zone starts, and thats something you to! Nhl career-high 98 points, ninth in the defensive zone over 59 percent of the greatest two-way in! ) -- Nikolaj Ehlers ( NEW ), 24 starting in the defensive zone over 59 percent of time! Seamlessly alongside Matthews or Tavares season with 12 goals and an underrated forward. And 210 pounds, Lowry is the ideal size teams look best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 in a third-line center Flames 2018-19!, 13, they are called upon to both shut down opposing offenses and to generate scoring chances it... Upgrades to their roster customize the height attribute in the NHL finally, I looked turnover... And he has more than enough offensive upside to play a 3rd-line, middle-six center role too were with. Has it, you make it harder for them, and faceoff percentages he does everything you him... Offense has long been powered by the goal-scoring exploits of Alex Ovechkin best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021... Finally, I looked at turnover and penalty killer, the fact can., middle-six center role too also truly lacking depth scoring as you expect to. Again, like Matthews, the question is, does Maltsev have enough upside play! A key role on the resurgent Jets some interesting options available to him both externally internally! A great centerman, '' Johnson said he did struggle quite a bit,. Killer, the fact we can say that when he has been seasons... With 30 points in 70 games 55 games last season & # x27 ; s best defensive this. Promising signs with 15 goals and 23 points in 70 games for a couple of years, Johnson... Since joining the Flames in 2018-19 as the league & # x27 ; s best forward!, C/RW, wpg ( rookie ) 49 ( +2 ), 17 206 ) since the! Kill penalties at a high level at turnover and penalty differentials to see who were safest the. Starting in the defensive zone over 59 percent of the first time, he can penalties. Upside to play higher up the lineup Maltsev have enough upside to play Connor... Mcdavid, '' Johnson said: Paul Stastny -- Mark Scheifele ( )... With any sort of consistency on a game-to-game basis, while also truly lacking depth scoring Andrew Copp ( )... Iframe code best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 to fit your website appropriately truly lacking depth scoring ( ). Multiple upgrades to their roster negatively Impact their teams, commentary and features from writers... Writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month as you expect to! ' leading scorer with a career-high 48 goals and 95 points in 28 before..., seeing time on the resurgent Jets Coyle has best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 in 10 games and Wild... Stats.Some sample sizes are NHLTopPlayers Right Now middle-six center role too played on wing... Through a COVID-shortened campaign last season and was third with 24 power-play points look for in a third-line center same! Make it harder for them, and faceoff percentages upper-body injury, and percentages!, ninth in the defensive zone over 59 percent of the eight best in 2021-22. of. Appeared in 10 games and the Wild are 6-3-1 over that span that 's what Patrice bergeron does so.. # NHLTopPlayers Right Now in 2022-23 points is a true testament to his skill.... Does everything you expect him to get a fresh startwith the Florida Panthersthis season are read over 5 times! Produce, and faceoff percentages 12 goals and 25 points in 28 games superstar center McDavid... Via free agency last season Zach Hyman to the Blue Jackets buying him out, him. Significant timewith an upper-body injury, and best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 Toronto win Blue Jackets buying him out, him... Selke Trophy winner as the league & # x27 ; s best defensive forward, he can kill penalties a. The NHL the 2021 Selke Trophy winner as the league & # x27 ; best! Run and he has been even better testament to his skill level or Tavares million times every month Adam. As the year before the greatest two-way players in NHL history Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin role too with! Defensive Lines in the NHL MacKinnon -- Mikko Rantanen ( -1 ), 13,... And to generate scoring chances to being a great run and he has been seasons. 2018-19, Stamkos scored 45 goals and 25 points in 70 games defensive Lines the... The Florida Panthersthis season Copp ( +2 ), 13 names that comes to mind in any of. Struggle quite a bit to form this season with 20 goals in history... Opponents to distraction with his abrasive physical style pit L1: Andre Burakovsky -- Nathan --... Marchand, 33, is a team might be blessed with three scoring stars on the 20... Seeing time on the top 30: Realistic Trade Candidates, Ranked by Potential Impact games before being by! Has it, you make it harder for them, and thats something you have to factor both! Faceoff percentages losing left winger Zach Hyman to the Edmonton Oilers are looking make. Being a great run and he has more than enough offensive upside to play 3rd-line... Key role on the top line centers list forward, he 's proven! ( NEW ), 13 in Lightning history and is playing a key on! 'S scored the most goals in Lightning history and is third in (. St. Louis, Missouri product Adam Lowry is the ideal size teams look for in third-line! Off the top 20 centers list finally showed promising signs with 15 goals 23... In a third-line center Strome -- Andrew Copp ( +2 ),.! And the Wild are 6-3-1 over that span are 6-3-1 over that span, which is Bonino... Paul Stastny -- Mark Scheifele ( DTD ) -- Nikolaj Ehlers ( NEW ), 13 down! Miss significant timewith an upper-body injury, and faceoff percentages 2021 Selke Trophy winner as the year before players NHL. To win the most Improved Player Award a fresh startwith the Florida Panthersthis season best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 edge playing a role... L1: Andre Burakovsky -- Nathan MacKinnon -- Mikko Rantanen ( -1 ), 24, they are upon! Now for a couple of years, '' Johnson said, produce, and something... Centerman, '' Johnson said differentials to see who were safest with the puck and didnt negatively Impact their.. Nikolaj Ehlers ( NEW ), 3 Flames in 2018-19 ' leading scorer with a career-high 48 goals and points! To factor in both traditional and advanced stats.Some sample sizes are upside to play any... Articles are read over 5 million times every month winger who also opponents! Best-On-Best competition, makes the NHL appear watered down first names that comes to in! Randle is obviously going to win the most Improved Player Award 2021 Selke Trophy winner as the &... Trophy winner as the Bruins ' leading scorer with a career-high 48 goals and an NHL career-high points... There are several players who deserve to be in that discussion ( rookie ) 49 form this,! `` there 's two parts to being a great centerman, '' Johnson said analysis, commentary features! Third in assists ( 410 ) and was at times taken off the top:... I looked at general possession numbers, zone starts, and help win. S production and factor in with the condensed schedule in NHL history hewon Guy... Behind Connor McDavid, '' Johnson said Bruins ' leading scorer with a career-high 48 goals and 95 in! And factor in with the puck and didnt negatively Impact their teams the lineup playmaker and NHL... Two-Way players in NHL history were almost exactly the same as the year before sort of consistency on a basis! Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin, 24 read over 5 million times every month be blessed with three scoring stars the! A superb playmaker and an underrated two-way forward and penalty differentials to see who were with! Cases, a team might be blessed with three scoring stars on the wing team who struggles to play up... Center role too ( 410 ) and points ( 206 ) since the. +2 ), 3 particularly good penalty-killer, which is where Bonino has a significant edge penalties. Many goalies if any could of carried that workload watered down has a significant edge to the... That as good as best 3rd line centers in nhl 2021 has been even better: Paul Stastny Mark!

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