This year’s edition of the The Hockey News’ top 50 players has released in the Yearbook & Fantasy Guide edition, with Connor McDavid remaining at the helm.
The list — penned by Ryan Kennedy — features four ex-QMJHL stars, including two in the top-10.
2. Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado)
It’s no surprise to see former Mooseheads star, Nathan MacKinnon, so high on the list after his impressive dual-MVP winning season — as he won the Hart and the Ted Lindsay.
The 2013 first overall pick posted 51 goals, 89 assists for 140 points, all career bests.
Now 29, he will look to repeat or even best his career year as he will look to chase his second Cup ring on a competitive Colorado Avalanche squad.
6. Nikita Kucherov (Tampa)
© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
After a season where he led the NHL in points and was a finalist for MVP, some may argue that Nikita Kucherov’s placement on the list is low.
The former star left winger for the Remparts and the Huskies notched a career high 144 point season, a career high 44 goals and shattered a record with McDavid for the first 100 assist season since Wayne Gretzky in the 1990’s.
After the departures of key pieces Steven Stamkos and Mikhail Sergachev, he will look to lead the new-look Tampa Bay Lightning as they try to remain as a top playoff competitor.
14. Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh)
Now 37-years old, ‘Sid the Kid’ isn’t really a kid anymore.
However, no one seems to have told Crosby that he’s supposed to slow down with age.
The former Océanic star’s 94-point campaign last season was the his most prolific of the last five seasons, and his 42 goals were the most since he last won a Stanley Cup in 2017.
It’s hard not to bet against a player in their late thirties, but Crosby has proven time and time again since he first started getting noticed as a kid that he’s a completely different beast.
30. Noah Dobson (New York I.)
Noah Dobson has been a staple defenseman for the New York Islanders the last couple of seasons, and has always been seen as a great, but not quite an elite defenseman.
Well, last year was the Acadie-Bathurst legends’ coming out party, as he potted 70 points (10+60) in 79 games.
That is good for seventh in the NHL among blueliners and second on his team behind Mat Barzal, who also made the list.
The Isles dynamic duo will help the Isles try and maintain a playoff spot.
Related: Alumni: Six Players That May Break Into NHL Lineups Full-Time
Related: Former QMJHL Stars That May Get Traded This Season
Related: Alumni: Oilers Goalie Prospect at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase
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