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Who are the true #1 Centres in the NHL?


Crabcakes

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I think this could be an interesting debate.  Who are the bona fide #1 stud centres in the NHL?  And who among these could be called elite?

I will start with the 4 who I would call elite at this time and my list is in no particular order.  The numbering is to count, not to rank.

  1. Seguin (E)
  2. Stamkos (E)
  3. Crosby (E)
  4. Toews (E)
  5. Sedin
  6. Malkin
  7. Tavares
  8. Backstrom
  9. Getzlaf
  10. Thornton
  11. Staal
  12. Kopitar
  13. Giroux

 

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Why is Staal still on that list?  He's a shadow of the guy he was when his team won the Cup.

I think this thread also brings up an interesting question of what sets some apart as #1's while others don't receive that distinction.  Ultimately it seems to be bias based on reputation (including playoff achievement or high draft status), which may not be substantiated.  

Case in point, young guns like Kuznetsov, Mackinnon and Duchene are on pace to challenge for point/ game status and are outscoring some of the guys on OP's list while guys like Getzlaf and Toews aren't putting up nearly the same numbers.  Of course, the Duck and Hawk captains have the playoff pedigree, but if guys like Stammer and Giroux get on the list because of their point production, I think to reflect that, other high-scoring young guns should receive similar consideration.  Ultimately, it's unclear as to what mix of scoring and intangibles does a young center need to have to receive 1st line recognition as it's not cut and chase. 

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I'm not trying to be definitive, it's a starting point for discussion.  What I find interesting is how short the list of true #1's is.

Maybe some made my list based on reputation, while others who are tearing it up this year and are left off the list maybe don't have enough history as a top player to make it.  Convince me.

Staal was on Team Canada at one point.  I think he may still be the best face off man in the league but due to his play in general recently, maybe he should be off the list.

 

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9 minutes ago, ajhockey said:

Depending on your threshold for "elite" one could argue that Malkin and Tavares make it. That said, they probably are below the four you already put there.

My personal definition is top 2-3% could be called elite. 

if there are 120 centres in the league, then up to 4 could be considered elite.  But honestly, I think that league wide, the stats would hold more true.  Of 700 or so players, 14 to 21 would be elite.  Any given position may have more or less of their share.

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40 minutes ago, Crabcakes said:

I think this could be an interesting debate.  Who are the bona fide #1 stud centres in the NHL?  And who among these could be called elite?

I will start with the 4 who I would call elite at this time and my list is in no particular order.  The numbering is to count, not to rank.

  1. Seguin (E)
  2. Stamkos (E)
  3. Crosby (E)
  4. Toews (E)
  5. Sedin
  6. Malkin
  7. Tavares
  8. Backstrom
  9. Getzlaf
  10. Thornton
  11. Staal
  12. Kopitar
  13. Giroux

 

A few more?

McDavid

Krejci

McKinnon

R.Johansen

Zetterberg

Kuznetsov

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5 minutes ago, hearditall said:

Are we talking about a CAREER or his worst 20 game out put??? I make judgement on the whole not the moment...

My post was only 8 words long including the words, " Crosby this year is not". I thinks my post was pretty clear that I was taking about this year. 

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7 minutes ago, WHL rocks said:

My post was only 8 words long including the words, " Crosby this year is not". I thinks my post was pretty clear that I was taking about this year. 

Obviously OP & YOURSELF are talking 2 different things then. OP has Stamkos & Crosby at 2 & 3. So I'm pretty sure OP is taking into consideration that this 20 games this year doesn't define ones career...

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