McDavid recognized as best center forward in the NHL according to NHL Network
- Connor McDavid has been recognized as the best center in the NHL according to NHL Network.
- The top 20 includes 19 other leading players from various teams in the league.
- Russian hockey players are not represented in the ranking of the best centers
- Inclusion in the list confirms the high level of skill of the players
The authoritative sports channel NHL Network presented its own ranking of the twenty best centers in the National Hockey League. The first place in this prestigious list was taken by the captain of the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid, who is one of the most productive players in modern hockey.
The compiled ranking includes players recognized by experts for their outstanding skills in the center of the attack. Among them are Nathan MacKinnon from the Colorado club, young talent Macklin Celebrini from San Jose, as well as experienced veteran Leon Draisaitl, who plays on the same team as McDavid. A representative place in the top-20 was also taken by the captain of the Florida Panthers, Aleksander Barkov, who continues to demonstrate a high level of play.
Hockey legend Sidney Crosby from the 'Pittsburgh' also made the ranking, confirming his status among the league's top players despite his solid age. The younger generation is represented by stars like Auston Matthews from Canadian 'Toronto' and Connor Bedard from 'Chicago', who was drafted last year and is actively developing as a player.
The complete top-20 also includes Nick Suzuki ('Montreal'), Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier (both 'New Jersey'), Jack Eichel ('Vegas'), Mark Scheifele ('Winnipeg'), Sebastian Aho ('Carolina'), Tim Stützle ('Ottawa'), Leo Carlsson ('Anaheim'), Brayden Point ('Tampa Bay'), Wyatt Johnston ('Dallas'), Tage Thompson ('Buffalo'), and Dylan Larkin ('Detroit').
The center position in hockey is traditionally considered one of the most responsible, requiring players not only technical skill and scoring ability but also analytical thinking, defensive prowess, and the ability to organize team play. Inclusion in such a list signifies recognition of a player with a high level of professional skill and influence on their team's results.
It is noteworthy that the ranking compiled does not include Russian hockey players, which reflects the current state of affairs in the NHL and shows that the central forward position is currently dominated by North American, European, and other foreign players who are at the peak of their skills.
Source: Championat
