Ted Wyman’s ELITE 50
Here’s our annual ranking of the very best players in hockey — and the ones who have slipped off of the list (Last year’s ranking in parentheses)
1 Sidney Crosby Pittsburgh (1) McDavid is right there, but back-to-back Conn Smythes, league high in goals allow Crosby to keep top ranking. 2 Connor McDavid Edmonton (21) Hart Trophy winner and scoring champ may be at top for next 15 years, but doesn’t quite edge Crosby … yet. 3 Erik Karlsson Ottawa (9) Has ability to control games from the back end, put up points and make passes no one else sees coming. 4 Patrick Kane Chicago (2) Tied Crosby in points with 89 after winning scoring title in 2015-16, consistent scoring talent. 5 Carey Price Montreal (5) Elite goaltender gives the Canadiens a chance to win every night. 2.23 GAA and .923 SV% are among the league’s best. 6 Evgeni Malkin Pittsburgh (19) Behind only McDavid and Crosby in points per game during regular season, led all players in scoring in playoffs. 7 Braden Holtby Washington (12) Elevated his game again in 2016-17, had better numbers than even Price (2.07 GAA, .925 SV%). 8 Brent Burns San Jose (11) Former forward led all defencemen in scoring and won his first Norris Trophy. 9 Drew Doughty Los Angeles (3) Drops off a bit a year after winning Norris Trophy, but still has game-changing ability. 10 Victor Hedman Tampa Bay (11) Outscored Karlsson last season and has outstanding all-around game. 11 Nikita Kucherov Tampa Bay (43) Elevated his game again in 2016-17, scoring 40 goals and finishing sixth in league in points. 12 Mark Scheifele Winnipeg (NR) Goal and point totals have increased in each of his four seasons, finished seventh in league scoring. 13 Jonathan Toews Chicago (8) His offensive numbers have really dropped, but still has elite two-way game. 14 Auston Matthews Toronto (NR) Calder Trophy winner did remarkable things at a young age, was one of only three players in league to score 40 goals. 15 Alexander Ovechkin Washington (4) Didn’t have a great offensive year, but is always a candidate for a big-time bounce back 16 Sergei Bobrovsky Columbus (NR) Vezina Trophy winner won 41 games and had incredible 2.06 GAA and .931 save percentage.
17 Patrice Bergeron Boston (10) Won his fourth Selke Trophy as league’s best defensive forward, though point totals dipped considerably. 18 Nicklas Backstrom Washington (40) Second in the league in assists, behind only McDavid. 19 Brad Marchand Boston (48) Has emerged as a big-time goal-scorer and point producer. Not just a pest anymore. 20 Leon Draisaitl Edmonton (NR) Finished eighth in scoring in his third NHL season, great complement for McDavid. 21 Vladimir Tarasenko St. Louis (22) Has scored 79 goals the past two seasons, can dazzle with his skill. 22 Jamie Benn Dallas (6) Scoring dropped by 20 points after two stellar seasons. 23 John Tavares New York Islanders (13) Finished 27th in league scoring last year, but that’s likely just an anomaly. 24 Steven Stamkos Tampa Bay (20) Injuries have taken toll, though he still managed 20 points in just 17 games last year. 25 Patrik Laine Winnipeg (NR) At 19, already has one of the best — if not the best — shots in the league. 26 Duncan Keith Chicago (16) A few D-men have passed him by, but two-time Norris Trophy winner still gets job done. 27 Devan Dubnyk Minnesota (NR) Had almost the exact same numbers as Price, recorded more wins. 28 Tyler Seguin Dallas (15) Has had good seasons in Dallas, but it always seems like there should be more. 29 Blake Wheeler Winnipeg (26) Has finished sixth and 12th in league scoring the past two seasons. 30 Ryan Getzlaf Anaheim (29) Only scored 15 goals, but was third in the league in assists with 58. 31 Anze Kopitar Los Angeles (7) Had a disappointing year with only 12 goals, but he’s better than that and plays great defensively. 32 Artemi Panarin Columbus (42) The Bread Man was 11th in league scoring and has 151 points in his two NHL seasons. 33 Phil Kessel Pittsburgh (NR) Has scored 45 points in 49 playoff games over the past two seasons. 34 P.K. Subban Nashville (34) Part of a great defence that carried Nashville all the way to Stanley Cup final. 35 Roman Josi Nashville (31) See Subban, above. Josi is as steady as they come at both ends of the ice. 36 Joe Pavelski San Jose (14) Scoring dropped off after long playoff run. Still finished 24th in the league with 68 points. 37 Kris Letang Pittsburgh (24) Amazing that the Penguins won the Stanley Cup without him. 38 Shea Weber Montreal (36) Hard hitter with a boomer of a shot, Weber solidified Habs defence last season. 39 Johnny Gaudreau Calgary (27) Won the Lady Byng Trophy with only four penalty minutes and 61 points. 40 Jack Eichel Buffalo (NR) Had 57 points in 61 games after suffering an early-season knee injury. 41 David Pastrnak Boston (NR) Had a breakout season with 34 goals and 70 points. 42 Ryan Suter Minnesota (38) Physical, durable defenceman who chips in plenty of points. 43 Matt Murray Pittsburgh (NR) All the goaltender has done is win two Stanley Cups in his first two years in the league. 44 Max Pacioretty Montreal (47) Scored 35 goals last year, his fourth straight season with at least 30. 45 Jeff Skinner Carolina (NR) Finished sixth in the league with 37 goals, a career high. 46 Mikael Granlund Minnesota (NR) Finished 20th in league scoring with 69 points, plays clean twoway game. 47 Oliver EkmanLarsson Arizona (37) Didn’t have his best year on a very poor team, but has the ability to be difference-maker from the back end. 48 Filip Forsberg Nashville (NR) Led the Predators in playoff scoring after putting up 31 goals in regular season. 49 Alex Pietrangelo St. Louis (46) A solid, all-around blue-liner who perennially anchors the Blues, scored 48 points. 50 Zach Werenksi Columbus (NR) Eleven goals and 47 points earned him third place in the Calder Trophy voting.