5 rankings NHL Network's Top 20 centers list got wrong feat. Leon Draisaitl at No. 4 

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Aug 22, 2024 02:04 GMT

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NHL Network recently shared its rankings of the top 20 NHL centers today. The list unsurprisingly ranked Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid at No. 1. Then, reigning Hart Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon ranked No. 2 with Toronto Maple Leafs' newly-named captain Auston Matthews coming in at No. 3.

Beyond that, the ranking leaves the door open for plenty of discussion among fans and analysts alike. In particular, here's a closer look at five rankings that stand out as those the NHL Network potentially got wrong.

5 rankings NHL Network's Top 20 center's list got wrong

#5. Roope Hintz at No. 14

Dallas Stars' Roope Hintz has emerged as one of the best two-way centers in the NHL. He can score, play a physical brand of hockey and shut down the opposition when needed. He’s highly reminiscent of another Finnish two-way center, Sasha Barkov.

Overall, Hintz arguably delivers more value than Connor Bedard, who ranked one spot ahead of Hintz. Similarly, Hints has shown much more consistency and determination than Elias Pettersson, who ranked No. 10 on the list.

#4. Elias Pettersson at No. 10

There is no question that Elias Pettersson is an elite talent. He can play with the best of them and any club would be thrilled to have him on their roster.

However, his biggest issue is consistency. During the last postseason, Pettersson came under significant criticism for his lack of performance, particularly during the Vancouver Canucks’ second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers.

Based on those considerations, Pettersson is perhaps ranked too high on this list, questioning the criteria used to evaluate such rankings.

#3. Brayden Point at No. 7

While Point is certainly a top-tier NHL center, it is debatable whether he should be ranked above other elite centers like Hintz, Jack Hughes or Sebastian Aho.

Perhaps the biggest argument in Point’s favor is that he’s won two Cups. Granted, Point has proven that he can win. But he has yet to prove he can carry a team like McDavid or MacKinnon.

In this first post-Stamkos season for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Point will have to prove he’s truly worthy of the ranking given to him.

#2. Dylan Larkin at No. 15

Larkin has proven he has everything to be the next great Detroit Red Wings captain. He’s shown the talent and poise needed to lead a rebuilding team from the bottom of the standings to the fringes of playoff conversations.

As such, Larkin should arguably be ranked at least in the top 10, especially since he is just now entering his prime. NHL Network may consider ranking him higher if and when the Red Wings make the playoffs.

Moreover, a deep playoff run could firmly entrench Larkin into the top seven or six centers in the league. But the Red Wings need to make strides first before Larkin can move up in the rankings.

#1. Leon Draisaitl at No. 4

If it weren’t for McDavid, he could be ranked as the best center in the league. However, there’s another center nipping at Leon Draisaitl's heels, and that’s Aleksander Barkov ranked at No. 5.

Barkov’s elite defensive game, leadership and commanding presence led the Florida Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, capturing a championship this past season.

Ultimately, switching Barkov and Draisaitl could make more sense. In fact, an argument could be made that Barkov should be ranked higher than Matthews, given Matthews’ lack of playoff success.

What did you make of NHL Network's Top 20 centers list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.