Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov ranked 13th on NHL Network’s countdown show Top 20 Centers Right Now, which had its initial airing on Sunday night, ranking the best centers in the National Hockey League. Barkov, who ranked 17th on last year’s countdown, finished one spot ahead of the Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals’ Nicklas Backstrom and one spot behind Backstrom’s teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov.
Tony Luftman, E.J. Hradek and 11-year NHL veteran Mike Johnson counted down the best centers based on player performance over the past several seasons, with an emphasis on the 2017-2018 season. The ranking also weighted players’ projected performance in the 2018-2019 season, taking into account those returning from injury and expectant breakout seasons from young players.
NHL Network’s Top 20 Centers Right Now, 1-20:
1. Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
2. Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
3. Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
4. Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
5. Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
6. Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings
7. Mark Scheifele, Winnipeg Jets
8. Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins
9. Tyler Seguin, Dallas Stars
10. John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs
11. Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning
12. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals
13. Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers
14. Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals
15. Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres
16. Mathew Barzal, New York Islanders
17. William Karlsson, Vegas Golden Knights
18. Sean Couturier, Philadelphia Flyers
19. Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks
20. Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
How do you feel about the ranking?
| Barkov should be higher | 61 |
| Barkov should be lower | 0 |
| 13th is about right | 26 |
The Anaheim Ducks signed left wing Isac Lundestrom to an entry-level contract. Lundestrom was Anaheim’s first round selection (23rd overall) in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. (CBS Sports)