RANKING THE NHL’S TOP 50 PLAYERS
In what’s sure to spark a lot of debate, Ted Wyman runs down the league’s best as the new season gets started (last year’s ranking in parenthesis).
1. CONNOR MCDAVID, EDMONTON (2)
Sidney Crosby held this title for so many years. McDavid’s No. 1 and the scary thing is he hasn’t even hit his prime yet.
2. SIDNEY CROSBY, PITTSBURGH (1)
He fell to 10th in league scoring and tied for 34th in goals but he’s still an elite two-way player who knows how to win.
3. ALEX OVECHKIN, WASHINGTON (15)
He led the league in goals with 49 and had 27 points to capture the Conn Smythe while leading the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup.
4. EVGENI MALKIN, PITTSBURGH (6)
His numbers for a second-line centre are ridiculous — 42 goals and 97 points, both tied for fourth.
5. ERIK KARLSSON, SAN JOSE (3)
On a terrible Ottawa team he led all defencemen in points per game at 0.87 and at age 28 he could set the world on fire in San Jose.
6. ANZE KOPITAR, LOS ANGELES (31)
When you finish seventh in scoring with 92 points and win the Selke Trophy as best defensive player you’re doing something right.
7. VICTOR HEDMAN, TAMPA BAY (10)
Norris Trophy winner is the defensive anchor of a strong Lightning team and finished fifth among blue-liners with 63 points.
8. NATHAN MACKINNON, COLORADO (NR)
Two players from Cole Harbour, N.S., in the top 10. MacKinnon put up huge numbers at age 22 and has grown into one of hockey’s most valuable centres.
9. DREW DOUGHTY, LOS ANGELES (9)
One of the best all-around defenceman of his generation, Doughty just keeps impressing with shutdown defensive play and 60 points last season.
10. NIKITA KUCHEROV, TAMPA BAY (11)
One of only three players to record 100 points last season, super-skilled Kucherov is the driver of a high-powered Lightning attack.
11. TAYLOR HALL, NEW JERSEY (NR)
Former first overall draft pick piled up 93 points — 41 more than any other New Jersey player — and led the Devils to the playoffs before walking away with the Hart Trophy.