NHL Network's top-20 centers list compiles a group responsible for 12 Stanley Cups, five Conn Smythe Trophies, 10 Ted Lindsay Awards, eight Hart Trophies, multiple Art Ross and Maurice Richard Trophies, and three Selke Trophies. The list emphasizes modern dominance by players such as Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Auston Matthews. No New York Islanders center appears on the list despite the franchise trading for Bo Horvat, signing Mathew Barzal long-term, and relying on veterans Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Casey Cizikas to create deep four-line center depth. Barzal played just 30 games last season due to wrist and lower-body injuries, finishing with six goals and 14 assists for 20 points while averaging over 20 minutes per night. Horvat produced 28 goals and 29 assists for 57 points in 81 games and was strong on faceoffs, but failed to crack the top-20 list.
The NHL Network recently unveiled its list of the top 20 centers in hockey, and the numbers alone are staggering. Collectively, the players on the list account for 12 Stanley Cups, five Conn Smythe Trophies, 10 Ted Lindsay Awards, eight Hart Trophies, multiple Art Ross and Maurice Richard Trophies, and three Selke Trophies. It's a showcase of elite talent, the kind of résumé that reflects the modern dominance of players like Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Auston Matthews.
But missing, once again, are the New York Islanders. For a franchise that prides itself on center depth, the omission stings. The Islanders have invested heavily in the position, trading for Bo Horvat, locking up Mathew Barzal long-term, and leaning on veterans like Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Casey Cizikas to round out one of the deepest four-line center groups in the league. Yet, not one cracks the top 20 in the eyes of NHL Network analysts.
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