By now readers should realize I am a fan of the NHL on NBC Sports. They constantly provide thought provoking offseason content with top 10, or top 20 lists, and even power rankings. Some of them are pretty bang and some can be heavily debated. Today, NBC released a very interesting power ranking list of the top 10 players under 25.
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As seen in the link, it also includes a more complete list of the top 25 players under 25. Obviously, this list provides ample evidence that the league is well represented with fantastic young talent and an unreal and exciting group of young players within the game today. The future of the NHL has never looked brighter. That said, I will not try and pick the top 25 list apart, but rather examine it for any hard-to-ignore and interesting information.
The Breakdown of the Top 25 Under 25
The breakdown of players on this top 25 under 25 power ranking is as follows: 17 forwards, seven defensemen and one goaltender. Interestingly, only five of the forwards are what might be considered true centers – Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, Elias Pettersson, Jack Eichel, and Mathew Barzal.
Not sure what the significance of that is, but it provides evidence for young players that you can be an impact player off the wing. This flies directly in the face of a historic mindset that best offensive players always have to play up the middle. From my experience within junior hockey, moving to the wing can be a contentious issue with young players as they advance levels. Obviously, that angst is not necessary.
Underage’s and Concentration
Amazingly, the list also includes three players that are legally underage south of the border. Meaning, if they wanted to have a post game pint after a home game, they would be unable to if ‘carded’ or ID’d. That list of budding superstars’ incudes Miro Heiskanen, Andrei Svechnikov, and Rasmus Dahlin.
Lastly, the only team to have three players in the top 25 power ranking list is the Toronto Maple Leafs – with Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander all making the cut – rightfully so. However, if an individual was adamant that Nikolaj Ehlers belonged on the list (Ehlers made the ‘just missed’ list), then the Winnipeg Jets would also have three top players under the age of 25 – along with Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor. Either way, it is clear that Winnipeg has a great collection of young, offensive weapons.
What are your thoughts? Any misses? Any players that do not belong on the top 25 under 25?
NEXT: Likely Future Rivals McDavid and Matthews Unite to Up Their Games
