Many of the NHL’s greatest players have played the center position, including Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Mark Messier. Centers have a lot of responsibility, from playmaking to winning faceoffs. Some of the most talented players in the league are centers. In fact, five of the top 10 NHL points leaders from the 2022-23 season were centers.
To determine the top 10 centers in the NHL, we considered their career production, current performance, and future potential.
10. Elias Pettersson, Canucks
Elias Pettersson has shown star potential with consistent 60-plus point seasons. In the 2022-23 season, Pettersson had a career-best 102 points and the most goals of his career. At just 24 years old, Pettersson is developing into a superstar.
9. Aleksander Barkov, Panthers
Aleksander Barkov had a strong season with 78 points and a high-assist total. He is a crafty player with tremendous stick-handling skills.
8. Brayden Point, Lightning
Brayden Point is a skilled playmaker and goal scorer. He scored a career-high 51 goals and has a knack for scoring in clutch moments.
7. Jack Eichel, Golden Knights
Jack Eichel had a challenging couple of years with the Sabres but bounced back with a strong season as a member of the Golden Knights. He performed well in the playoffs and showed his ability to shine in big moments.
6. Jack Hughes, Devils
Jack Hughes had a breakout season with a career-high 99 points. He possesses excellent vision on the ice and a terrific shot.
5. Sidney Crosby, Penguins
Sidney Crosby may not be as lethal as he once was, but he is still one of the top centers in the league. He had a strong season with 60 assists and regained his form after a few down years.
4. Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs
Auston Matthews is an elite center and had a remarkable 2021-22 season with 60 goals, earning him the Hart Trophy as league MVP. He signed a lucrative contract extension and will continue to be a force in the league.
3. Leon Draisaitl, Oilers
Leon Draisaitl is one of the Oilers’ two elite centers. He finished second in points behind Connor McDavid and is a big-bodied player with scoring ability.
2. Nathan MacKinnon, Avalanche
Nathan MacKinnon is a highly talented player who reached over 100 points for the first time in his career last season. He excels in both scoring goals and setting up teammates.
1. Connor McDavid, Oilers
Unsurprisingly, Connor McDavid tops the list. He is the top player in the sport with his incredible playmaking ability. He recorded a career-high 153 points last season and has consistently exceeded 100 points multiple times in his career.
