Since were doing top 10 lists

Team: 2020-21 Custom Team

Initial Creation Date: Nov. 4, 2020

Published: Nov. 4, 2020

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

This is my top centres in the nhl atm. Of course this is just opinion and im open to a discussion and even changing my mind, mainly at the 9 & 10 spots but everywhere is subject to change if someone can sway me. Anyways, here's my reasoning:

1: Connor McDavid. Imo the best player in hockey. May not be the physical or defensive presence some want but that offensive talent and potential might just be unmatched

2: Nathan MacKinnon. Pretty much elite in every regard. Overrated by some Avs fans this past season but can you really blame them? Kid's a game breaker. Imo, the only player in the world worthy of being in the same tier as McJesus


TIER GAP


3: Sidney Crosby. This is where the actual debate comes in for me. Was Sid a top 3 center this past season? I don't think so but he did deal with injuries. His 18-19 campaign was nothing short of incredible. This upcoming season (whenever that is) will be really help show us if he's still worthy of this spot or not.

4. Auston Matthews. Imo the best goal scorer in the league today. Really no weaknesses in his game either. Overall, just an elite talent

5. Elias Pettersson. If you told me he was a top 3 center, I wouldn't be able to entirely disagree. He's arguably just as good if not better than AM34 in every aspect except for shot and strength. This upcoming season will be my basis on whether or not I think he really is THAT good

6. Leon Draisaitl. I expect some push back on this one. That's completely fair and undersrandable. He did just win the Hart after all. But, when I look at the numbers & watch the game. He's just not all that defensively. Amazing both offensively 5v5 and most definitely on the PP

7. Jack Eichel. Surprisingly low imo. Not the same defensive talent of Petey or even Matthews but what about the guy 1 slot above? I'll admit, I REALLY wanted to put Eichel over Drai but couldn't bring myself to do it as much as I wanted to. Comparing the two, I think Eichel does more 5v5 with less. Both offensively (it's neck and neck there) and most definitely defensively, even if he's nothing too special there. The PP ability is what puts Leon over him for me. Now that may be due to surrounding cores but it's still Leon's decisive W (not that Jack is any slouch there) I think by this time next year I'll probably have Jack over Leon but it remains to be seen.

8: Brayden Point. Maybe a controversial spot but I just like the guys above more as of right now. Better two way game than most of the guys ahead of him but he is surrounded by nothing but talent. Therefore, he comes in at what Tampa fans may consider an underwhelming spot.


TIER GAP


9: Aleksander Barkov. This is where I started to struggle to pick names. There's plenty of guys worthy of this spot and the next. However, Barkov's talent gets him the 9 spot which is higher than I expected heading into this

10: Mathew Barzal. I assume this is a hot take but idc. He's elite. One of the best skaters in the world and he absolutely has some offensive flair to his game. Probably one of the 10 most entertaining players in the game today. Yes, his point totals aren't what the were his rookie year but they're still quite impressive. I think Trotz has really helped him focus on becoming a more complete 200 foot player. His offensive numbers may have dropped off because of it but I think it makes him and even better player. Especially considering just how young he is and how much more room he has to grow. Pay this man, Lou

Probably should be posting this in the forums but what the heck