The Top 50 Players in the National Hockey League

With the pre-season fast approaching, I though now would be as good a time as any to rank the top players in the NHL. The Hockey News often makes a list comprising the top 50 players in the league, a list that I’ve thought about making, myself, for a while now – but with a slight twist.

I decided to exclude goalies, as their overall value is more greatly derived from their team, situation, etc. that those outside of the blue paint. For instance, I know that Tomas Vokoun is a much better goalie than Evgeni Nabokov (pretend he’s still in the NHL), despite the fact that Nabokov’s win totals trump that of Vokoun’s, due largely (okay, wholly?) to his situation.

So without further ado, here’s how I’d rank the top 50 players outside of the crease in the National Hockey League.

1. Sidney Crosby (Center – Pittsburgh Penguins)
While many pundits may feel the best player in the world resides in Capital City, I’d grant Crosby that honor both unquestionably and unequivocally. The “working man’s superstar” leads, scores, and wins. If you want somebody who’s going to win you a battle – along the boards, in the faceoff dot, in front of the net – you want the Penguins’ Captain. What makes Crosby better than everybody else isn’t just his tremendous skill, but rather his drive, and his desire to improve each and every part of his game. In a few short years he’s vastly improved his defensive play, his faceoff abilities, and his goal scoring. If his line mates weren’t pathetic his offensive numbers would be even better.

2. Alexander Ovechkin (Left Wing – Washington Capitals)
Five years in the league…five first-team All-NHL Honors…two Hart Trophies…Three Lester Pearson Trophies…269 regular season goals. Ovechkin is a high-light film waiting to happen, and is perhaps the greatest goal-scoring winger since Mike Bossy. Ovechkin loses out to Crosby for a few reasons…1) Ovechkin has won just one playoff series, and while his 20 goals in 28 playoff games are phenomenal, his play has been way too up-and-down come spring time. 2) His defensive game is miles behind Crosby. 3) Crosby is a better overall leader.

3. Evgeni Malkin (Center – Pittsburgh Penguins)
When he’s going, he can be the best on the planet. When he’s not going, he’s still a top-ten NHL player. A lanky pivot that sees the ice unbelievable well and can fore check like a vulture when he’s on his game, “Geno” can be a true nightmare for NHL defenseman. While some of his “off” season in ’09-’10 can certainly be attributed to injuries, there were still far too many nights when Pittsburgh’s Alternate Captain was just going through the motions. It’s worth saying twice – imagine what Malkin and Crosby could do in a non-salary cap world where they could actually have some help on the wing?

4. Pavel Datsyuk (C – Detroit Red Wings)
Simply put, the guy’s the best two-way forward in the game. When arguably the most entertaining player in the game (he’s my favorite player to watch) is also the league’s best defensively…well, you can put two and two together. In TSN’s “Top Ten Most Skilled Players of All-Time,” the slick Russian checked in at number ten, and rightfully so. Datsyuk’s skills and smarts are off the charts, and even if he went pointless for an entire season, he’d still be a heckuva hockey player.

5. Drew Doughty (D – Los Angeles Kings)
For as much press as Dean Lombardi’s first round draft choice in 2008 finally began to receive in the latter part of last season and into the playoffs, it still wasn’t enough – this kid is un-freaking-believable. Doughty uses his stocky build – reminiscent of Raymond Bourque – and his witty instincts – shades of Brian Leetch – to terrorize opponents at both ends of the ice. Names like Bourque and Leetch shouldn’t be thrown out lightly, but make no mistake, Doughty has all the tools to be of the same breed. He’s not the next big thing; he’s already there.

6. Nicklas Backstrom (C – Washington Capitals)
With Ovechkin, Mike Green, (the most overrated player in the NHL, but I’ll get to that later…) and Bruce Boudreau grabbing a majority of the headlines in Washington, many in the hockey world seem to forget the special player that anchors Washington’s top line. Backstrom is essentially Peter Forsberg reincarnated – amazingly strong on the puck, possessing unbelievable vision, and more physical than given credit for down low, often throwing a shoulder into a defender before they initiate contact. Backstrom is a 100-point talent with or without Ovechkin, and will eventually earn his place amongst Swedish Hockey Royalty.

7. Duncan Keith (D – Chicago Blackhawks)
With quickness, speed, simplicity, and smarts, the reigning Norris Trophy winner employs an ideal defensive style for the “New” NHL (hard to believe I’m still calling that after five seasons). Keith is a great puck mover and the anchor of the Chicago club. #2’s puck-moving abilities and skating should make him a top-tier defenseman for years to come.

8. Nicklas Lidstrom (D – Detroit Red Wings)
Don’t be deceived by his age – this six-time Norris Trophy winner still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Despite a statistically weak start to last season offensively, Lidstrom still finished with 49 points and a +22 rating for an injury ravaged Wings team, to go along with four goals, 10 points, and a +7 in 12 playoff games. If you think he’s regressed and just gets recognition because of his name and team, try watching a Detroit game – you’re in for a surprise.

9. Henrik Zetterberg (C – Detroit Red Wings)
A tenacious forechecker and defensive forward, Zetterberg is one of the hardest working players in the NHL…and one of the best. Matchup your top line versus Zetterberg, and I’m putting my money on the Swede every time. Zetterberg is smart, always makes the right play with the puck, and is just as talented on the power play as he is on the penalty kill. In short, he’s a beast in all situations.

10. Henrik Sedin (C – Vancouver Canucks)
Last year’s Hart Trophy winner really came into his element last season. It became apparent early in the season that Henrik and Daniel were quicker, their passes even crisper, and their drive even deeper. Henrik is as slick as they come in terms of passing, and alongside his brother forms the most dangerous “half court” team in the NHL. That half court game has been there for a while, but his quickness helped transcend their offensive prowess to the offensive rush side of the coin, as well.

11. Daniel Sedin (LW – Vancouver Canucks)
If not for a broken foot, brother Daniel would’ve been right up there Henrik near the top of the NHL points leader board. Daniel has never been better, and should have another great season here in the ’10-’11 season.

12. Ryan Getzlaf (C – Anaheim Ducks)
The probable heir to the Ducks’ captaincy, Getzlaf boasts a rare combination of size, grit, and skill. The skilled centerman uses his dirty hands and excellent vision to create offense and run the Anaheim powerplay. You’ll here a lot of talk about several Canadian pivots, but after Crosby, Getzlaf is the best. Randy Carlyle’s workhorse is money in the bank in the playoffs, logs big minutes in several situations, and is the driving force behind the Anaheim attack.

13. Zach Parise (LW - New Jersey Devils)
If someone asked me to describe the Devils’ Zach Parise I respond, “Think of a slightly less skilled Crosby playing on the wing.” Parise never stops moving, gives 110% every night, and drives the net as good as anyone out there. If you asked me to describe the perfect winger, I’d simply build a bigger version of the “Zach Attack.”

14. Marian Gaborik (LW – New York Rangers)
The entire Rangers offense…err, I mean Marian Gaborik, is a sharpshooter with speed and vision. The man who once scored five goals in the same game versus his current club has one of the top releases in the NHL, which looms deadly when combined with his world-class speed. Gaborik was heading for a dream season prior to an inevitable groin/hamstring problem slowed him down. When completely healthy, there are few better.

15. Chris Pronger (D – Philadelphia Flyers)
What has made Chris Pronger so successful for so long, and a playoff dynamo? Size, smarts, and positioning. While far from the fleetest of foot (say that five times fast), Pronger is able to still log big minutes, conserve his energy properly, and come up huge when it matters most. While his Olympic effort was far from Pronger-like, there are still few other defensemen I’d want anchoring my defense come springtime – “Prongs” has reached the Stanley Cup Finals three times in the last five years with three different teams. Gee, I wonder what the common denominator was there…

16. Zdeno Chara (D – Boston Bruins)
What do you want from your leader and team captain? Hardest worker on and off the ice? Check. Grit and the ability to play through injury? Check. 110% every night? Check. “The Big Z” is Boston’s backbone – just take a look at how their defensive would shake out without him. The hardworking Chara leads by example both on and off the ice, and his size and reach make him a nearly impenetrable force on the blue line.

17. Jonathon Toews (C – Chicago Blackhawks)
A Stanley Cup, Olympic Gold Medal, Conn Smythe Trophy, and a “Best Forward” distinction at the Olympics…not a bad season, eh? Toews isn’t the most talented player, he will never put up ridiculous regular season point totals year in and year out, and there are plenty of guys out there that are bigger, stronger, or faster. But Toews just has that “IT” factor about him. He’s a phenomenal leader, is a stand-out player in all facets of the game, and is the consummate professional. Hmmm…kind of reminds me of some guy we like to call “The Messiah” in Manhattan…

18. Martin St. Louis (RW – Tampa Bay Lightning)
Lecavalier is the Captain with the mammoth contract. Stamkos is the young star and the future. But, Marty St. Louis is the engine that runs the Lightning. The diminutive forward is unbelievably gifted and gritty along the boards down low, and simply knows how to put points on the board. St. Louis leads on and off the ice (his workouts are stuff of Sports Illustrated lore), and his professional demeanor through the ups (Stanley Cup) and the downs (ownership battles, horrid teams) is to be admired. Watch one Lightning game and you’ll understand why he is the most important player to Steve Yzerman’s new squad.

19. Steven Stamkos (C – Tampa Bay Lightning)
Remember early in 2009 when the words “Stamkos” and “bust” were being thrown around together alarmingly often by much of the hockey world? Well a strong finish to the ’08-’09 season and a 51-goal, 95-point Rocket Richard winning season will usually turn something like that around. Stamkos improved his size and speed in the off-season (helped greatly by Gary Roberts) – his skills were and are unbelievable - and the results were instant (aided greatly by Tampa's #26). Honestly, did it not seem as if “Stammer” was scoring a goal from the top of the circle on a one-timer with Tampa on the power play almost nightly?

20. Ilya Kovalchuk (LW – New Jersey Devils)
He’ll go down as one of the best goal-scorers in NHL history (assuming, of course, he signs in the NHL), yet, he has just one playoff win. While he was granted a reprieve from many pundits during his time in Atlanta, his poor performance in last spring’s first round exit with the Devils has left many wondering if he has what it takes to succeed in the playoffs. I love Kovalchuk’s talent and goal-scoring capacity, but he needs to learn to better play off his teammates when the going gets tough.

21. Patrick Kane (RW – Chicago Blackhawks)
Kane is an undersized player lacking good speed…so why is he so good? Quickness, great hands, great vision, and a great mind for the game. Kane’s worked hard at improving his shot speed (his accuracy has always been off the charts), understands the ebbs and flows of the offensive game, and knows where best to go in the offensive zone. He can be deadly on the power play, and even made strides defensively last season. What will never be questioned are his mitts, as he possesses some of the filthiest hands in the world – and no, I’m not referring to their usage in beating cabbies.

22. Joe Thornton (C – San Jose Sharks)
“Jumbo Joe” has the size, the skill set, and the vision of a top-5 NHL player. What he lacks is the toughness and the playoff pedigree that sets the top-tier superstars apart. Wile last spring’s performance was marginally better, I’d still be hard pressed to my faith in Thornton in a pivotal series or playoff game.

23. Mikko Koivu (C – Minnesota Wild)
When the Wild’s franchise player hit pay dirt this off-season, many pundits screamed of overpayment. My response? Watch this dude play. He’s a supreme defensive talent, is already a near point per game player on an absolutely anemic Minnesota offense, and has the necessary intangibles to become one of the best leaders in the game. As the Wild get better (they can’t get much worse, right?) the hockey world will begin to take notice of Koivu’s “Datsyukian and Zetterbergian” effect on his opponents – he’ll shut down your top guys and lead his team offensively, to boot.

24. Brad Richards (C – Dallas Stars)
The former Conn Smythe winner enjoyed his second 90+ point season in ‘09-’10, and displayed much of the skills and on-ice vision that earned Richards his big contract from former Tampa Bay GM Doug Feaster. Richards is a key cog in all situations – he runs an NHL power play with authority and purpose – and seems to have developed some excellent chemistry with Loui Eriksson and James Neal.

25. Marian Hossa (RW – Chicago Blackhawks)
While Hossa may take a backseat to much of the news and noise coming out of the Windy City, he still remains one of the best two-way players in the game. Finally snagging his first Cup after two unsuccessful trips to the Finals, Hossa fit in nicely behind Pat Kane on the Hawks right wing. He may be the best back-checking forward in the game today – always going 110%, and always being hard on the stick.

26. Daniel Alfredsson (RW – Ottawa Senators)
He may be old and he may be “Cup-less,” but Daniel Alfredsson is still Ottawa’s best player. Cory Clouston used Alfredsson in a variety of roles last season – alongside Jason Spezza on the top unit, moving to the second line to balance out the offense, and matching up against the other teams’ top lines in various contests. Don’t let the fact that he’s yet to win a Cup fool you – Alfredsson is a top-end leader and a dynamic talent.

27. Eric Staal (C – Carolina Hurricanes)
It seems like a long time ago that Eric Staal was posting a 100-point season and helping to lead Carolina to a Stanley Cup. While the eldest Staal has been unable to match his efforts of the ’05-’06 season to this point, he has continued to be the driving force behind the Hurricanes attack. When Staal’s got jump, he’s a handful and a half for his opponent, as he uses his big frame to drive the net and generate scoring chances. While he may never jump back to 100-point status, he’ll continue to be a superstar in Raleigh.

28. Rick Nash (LW – Columbus Blue Jackets)
He’s taken over as the Jacket’s true leader and Captain. His defensive game has significantly improved. But, he’s still not there, yet. Nash has the skills to be one of the best, as anybody who has watched Nash in certain games or international appearances can attest to. When he’s going, he’s dominant. But, he’s still not “going” enough of the time, yet. The maturation of Columbus’ young offensive weapons should only help improve Nash’s offensive output.

29. Shea Weber (D – Nashville Predators)
Shea Weber’s got all the makings of a franchise defender. Size, a booming shot (vast understatement), and the right temperament to create a trickle of fear in his opponents. In the Olympics, he was one of Canada’s top players and probably their best defenseman. If you’re wondering why you haven’t heard more about the Predators’ new Captain, look no further than location.

31. Anze Kopitar (C – Los Angeles Kings)
The leader of the Kings’ offensive attack, the slick Slovenian has the all the makings of a perennial top-ten scorer. He’s got size, talent, and the smarts to continue to improve as an upper-echelon first line pivot. Kopitar saw his production dip tremendously after his torrid start, and you can bet that the Kings will need to see their young stud produce at a more consistent clip.

32. Dan Boyle (D – San Jose Sharks)
Dan Boyle is the kind of guy you want on your team. He gives 110% every night, is an excellent and efficient puck mover, and understands what it takes to run and NHL power play - and more importantly, to win - at the NHL level. If San Jose ever overcomes their playoff demons, Boyle will be a big reason why.

33. Patrick Marleau (C/LW – Sharks)
One player who should never be blamed for the Sharks’ playoff failures is ex-Captain Patrick Marleau. The Canadian Olympian has notched 45 goals in 106 playoff games, and has been one of the few players to perform consistently come springtime. Marleau enjoyed arguably the best season of his quality NHL career, and was a force for San Jose in all three zones.

34. Ryan Kesler (C – Vancouver Canucks)
Ryan Kesler’s make up? Great speed, phenomenal two-way play, and “a whole lot of nasty” (to steal a line from Pierre McGuire’s arsenal). As important as the Sedins and Roberto Luongo are to the Canucks ultimate success, a case can be made that Kesler’s presence is nearly just as important. The American pivot handles a vast majority of the difficult minutes – penalty kills, challenging matchups, and crucial face offs – lessening the burden for the Sedins’ unit. Kesler’s all around affect on a hockey game should never be taken for granted.

35. Andrei Markov (D – Montreal Canadiens)
While injuries marred Andrei Markov’s ’10-’11 season, he still deserves recognition as one of the top d-men in the National Hockey League. Markov runs the Habs’ powerplay soundlessly, year in and year out, makes quick smart passes out of his own zone, and provides the Habs with leadership both on and off the ice. While an injury will keep Markov on the shelf to start the season, expect a nice bounce back upon his return.

36. Mike Richards (C – Philadelphia Flyers)
A little over a year and a half ago, I would’ve had Mike Richards in the top-ten or 15 of this list. But, ever since the end of the regular season in ’08-’09 and into that year’s playoffs, I can’t help but notice a drop in Richards play (a torn labrum of the shoulder doesn’t help). His passes, which seemed to always hit paydirt, have become increasingly off the mark. His prowess on the power play has been dimmed. Simply put, he just looks a bit “off” to me. That being said, he’s still a great two-way, heart and soul type player who understands what it takes to lead a hockey team. A great season in ’10-’11 wouldn’t surprise me, in the least.

37. Jason Spezza (C – Ottawa Senators)
Jason Spezza “Cliffnotes” – A supreme offensive talent who is a turnover machine and still has a great deal of space to improve offensively. Ottawa’s new whipping boy has all the tools to regain his 90+ point form, but I’m beginning to wonder if his overall game will ever round out. His turnovers are in the worst possible situations with regards to both time and location, and his defensive play, though slightly improved, still has a ways to go. Then again, taking the good with the bad, his offensive game is still that of a top-level first line center. In my estimation, he’s getting a raw deal from the Senators’ Faithful.

38. Dany Heatley (RW – San Jose Sharks)
While Dany Heatley’s goal scoring and point production continue to cement his status as one of the top wingers in the game – you can’t undervalue a guy who continually puts pucks in the back of the net - his ’10-’11 season was still far from the Wisconsin Alum’s best. There were far too many stretches were Heatley became invisible, and his two goals in 14 playoff games had to leave San Jose fans disappointed.

39. Brian Rafalski (D – Detroit Red Wings)
Rafalski has never seemed to garner the press and accolades that he deserves. First, he was behind the plethora of talented defensemen in New Jersey. Now, he’s on a team with the likes of Lidstrom, Datsyuk, and Zetterberg. But Rafalski’s talents shouldn’t go unnoticed – his play at the Olympics saw him earn a spot on the “First Team All-Stars,” and his breakout passes and prowess on the power play fits in seamlessly with the Detroit game plan.

40. Sergei Gonchar (D – Ottawa Senators)
Sergei Gonchar’s importance to the Pittsburgh Penguins was undeniable, with Exhibit “A” being his return to the line-up during the Cup winning season two years ago. Now, he’ll be sliding into a power play which includes Alfredsson, Spezza, and future stud (perhaps sooner than later) Erik Karlsson. But, don’t undervalue Gonchar’s defensive acumen, which is often overlooked due to his ability to run the power play. It’ll be interesting to see how he fairs without Brooks Orpik.

41. Alexander Semin (LW – Washington Capitals)
If you want to talk most skilled players in the game today, Alexander Semin is right at the top of that list. His shot is first-class, his hands are filthy, and his production follow suit…but not in last season’s playoffs. Semin’s performance during Washington’s playoff exit was laughable, and he’s still too much of a perimeter player to be considered amongst the league’s very best.

42. Mark Streit (D – New York Islanders)
When you think of the Islanders, the first thing that comes to mind is probably their young nucleus of talent – John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, Joshua Bailey, Nino Niederreiter, etc. But their best player? Without a doubt Mark Streit. Most people know about Streit’s offensive arsenal on the man-up, but in his time on Long Island he’s become an excellent defenseman in all three zones. If the Islanders make the playoffs this season, Streit will probably be the biggest reason why.

43. Tyler Myers (D – Buffalo Sabres)
The #12 overall selection in the 2008 Draft was supposed to be a project; a raw prospect with a lot of potential. Last season’s performance proved otherwise. The 6’8’’ behemoth was the central pillar of Buffalo’s defense, and was the second biggest reason (the number one reason? See: Miller, Ryan) for Buffalo’s playoff appearance. Myers is a good passer, is a phenomenal skater, and has a good head on his shoulers. With his confidence and skill set, Myers should be a perennial Norris Trophy threat.

44. Mike Green (D – Washington Capitals)
Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking. How the f*%k do you have Mike Green, Norris Trophy Finalist, at number 44? I’ll summarize with three brief points: 1) His numbers are greatly inflated based on his situation – he’d still be a marquee scoring defenseman on other squads, but his output wouldn’t be nearly what it is on the Caps (ridiculous power play unit, lots of ice time on a top scoring team, and the perfect system). 2) His defensive play is horrible. Don’t let the plus minus fool you – watch a game. He’s prone to the five-star mistake…essentially a forward playing defense. 3) His playoff performances have been abysmal. In short, he’s excellent offensively, horrible defensively, and has stunk in the playoffs.

45. Vincent Lecavalier (C – Tampa Bay Lightning)
Lecavalier could be a top-five player. He’s big, he’s strong, he’s talented, he’s won a Cup, and he’s been a 100-point player before. But of late, he’s looked more like the young, underachieving player he once was rather than that 100-point, top-end talent. If Lecavalier’s finally 100% healthy entering this season, a return to top form could be in order.

46. Ales Hemsky (RW – Edmonton Oilers)
Hemsky is an ultra-talented player who tends to get injured and has struggled at times with consistency. But, when he’s going he’s one of the best. Hemsky is willing to go into the dirty areas to make a play, a trait that separates the big time point producers from the rest of the pack. As the Oilers improve, Hemsky’s production will sky rocket – health permitting.

47. Corey Perry (RW – Anaheim Ducks)
Corey Perry is everything you want in a top-line winger – he’s a winner, performs well when it matters most, and plays hard. He’s not the flashiest player, and doesn’t stand out in any particular facet of the game. But he consistently puts points on the board, irritates his opponents, and is able to make a difference, one way or another.

48. Paul Stastny (C – Colorado Avalanche)
Much like Perry, there is nothing flashy about Stastny’s game. But, he does everything well. He can win faceoffs, plays strong in his own end, and consistently produces offensively. A relatively poor skater, Stastny is able to utilize his top-end hockey sense to get to where he needs to be efficiently and consistently. With Stastny and Matt Duchene (he’ll be the Avs’ best player for a long, long time – one of my favorite players in the league already) centering their top two lines, the Avs are set down the middle.

49. Phil Kessel (RW – Toronto Maple Leafs)
It took a little while, but it all came together for Kessel in his last season as a Bruin. The former US NTDP standout registered the first of his 30+ goal seasons, and began to understand how to play off his teammates and attack in the offensive zone at the NHL-level. Kessel has the speed and quickness to become one of the top snipers in the NHL, if he isn’t there already. Don’t be so quick to dismiss the Kessel trade as a loss for Brian Burke’s squad – Kessel has all the tools to become something special.

50. Jarome Iginla (RW – Calgary Flames)
One of the most respected leaders and faces in the NHL, Jarome Iginla has been an offensive dynamo for nearly a decade now. But, it was crystal clear that he lost a step last season. Iginla has made due without a true top-line center for a long time now, but it appears clear the lack of support is finally starting to catch up with him. I’d still expect 30+ goals next season, regardless.