Who will be the Top 10 Centers for the 2010-2011 season?

This position is very top heavy and you could arguably make a case for any of the top 10 centers in my rankings for being listed as the #1 center. Here is the list.

  1. Pavel Datsyuk - Datsyuk is one of the most highly skilled, intelligent and complete players in the NHL. Although he did not put the numbers he did in past years, he will benefit from getting Franzen and Hudler back for a full year. Even if Datsyuk does not put up some the numbers on the offensive end that we have all become accustomed to, he will be very solid in the defensive end which is illustrated by winning 3 Selke Trophies the past 3 seasons.

  2. Joe Thornton - Thornton dominates his opponents with his size, vision, playmaking skills and strength. Thornton is the only player in NHL history to be traded in season and to win the MVP and Art Ross Trophy in that same season. Thornton has the skill to make any player around him much better. If you care to disagree please go see Jonathan Cheechoo. The biggest concern surrounding Thornton is complacency and lack of performance in the playoffs. With that being said, you can pretty much count on Thornton getting 85 points with the potential of hitting 120 in any given season.

  3. Anze Kopitar - Kopitar is an interesting player to observe and has flown under the radar when it comes to great young talents in the NHL. The 23 year old Kopitar has the size and offensive skills that makes him an ideal center for the NHL. When people think of the LA Kings, the first player comes to mind is Drew Doughty, however Kopitar may be just as valuable to the Kings. Kopitar outscored the closest King by 22 points on team that accumulated 81 points last season. Do not be surprised if Kopitar takes his game to another level and become a household NHL name.

  4. Jonathan Toews- The young Toews plays beyond his age and arguably had the best season on this list last season. Toews was voted as the best forward in a star studded Olympic hockey field and received the Conn Smythe Trophy for being the MVP of the NHL playoffs. Toews has a complete game that can play in any situation. Although his scoring may come and go at times, you can count on Toews giving a reliable effort and elevating his game in high pressure moments.

  5. Ryan Getzlaf- Getzlaf is a complete center that pretty much does it all. Last year his game was slowed down by injuries. Getzlaf at times could get complacent or bored but when he is on his game he can dominate in several ways and will let be known by talking smack and running over the opposing team’s top players with a smile on his face. If you do not believe me, some of the players on this list felt his wrath at one point. The bigger the moment, the bigger Getzlaf will play and this was demonstrated in past Stanley Cup playoff performances and last year’s Olympics.

  6. Evgeni Malkin – Has an immense amount of talent on the offensive end of the ice with the pedigree and trophies to back it up. What holds Malkin back from being higher up on this list is that he can fall asleep at times. With that being said, a half asleep Malkin is still dangerous and we all know what Malkin is capable of when he is wide awake.

  7. Steven Stamkos - Of all the guys on this list, Stamkos has the most upside. Stamkos can beat you with his speed, shot, playmaking or grit. It can be argued that Stamkos has the best shot in the league with a one timer that is off the charts. Teams and goalies know it is coming but they still cannot stop it. Stamkos along with Crosby are probably the only players in the NHL that can match Ovechkin goal for goal. What makes Stamkos more impressive is the work he puts off of the ice. When a player at this age understands this part of the game, you know you have a true winner in the making.

  8. Henrik Sedin - The reigning Art Ross Trophy and MVP looks to take his game to another level this upcoming season. The biggest strength in Sedin’s well rounded game is his playmaking ability. Last season Burrows and Samuelsson enjoyed careers season playing with Sedin. The biggest question surrounding Sedin is that can he lead his team to a Stanley Cup. Time will tell but you can count on Sedin putting up a 90+point season along with a solid effort in the defensive end of the ice.

 2) Nicklas Backstrom- Backstrom at times may get caught up in Ovechkin’s shadow, but he has a ton of game. The 22 year old Swede is the ideal player to play alongside Ovechkin due to his outstanding playmaking ability, patience with the puck, and feel for the game. Backstrom’s defensive game is improving and at times is underrated. Look for Backstrom to progress as a player and to be on a mission along with Ovechkin to put up monster numbers. I am sure that last year’s early playoff exit has put on chip on his shoulder.

  1. Sidney Crosby - Crosby is the #1 center in my ratings. The guy is a winner and he always finds ways to improve his game on and off the ice. What separates Crosby from the rest is the balance in his game, the effort he puts out on a consistent basis and how he puts up huge numbers without a legit #1 line winger. Getzlaf has Perry, Backstrom has Ovechkin, Stamkos has St. Louis and Henrik Sedin has brother Daniel, who does Crosby have? Summary the guy makes everyone around him a better player.

Honorable mention: Eric Staal, Henrik Zetterberg, Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, Paul Statsny