Ranking the top-10 centers in the Metro Division

I have two New Jersey Devils on my list. But where do they slot in?

Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell | @InfernalAccess

Be sure to join the Discord channel to talk hockey, and everything else, with our writers and subscribers.

---

Every year I like to go position-by-position and rank the top-10 players in the Metro Division.

With the off-season fireworks behind us, and a few weeks to go before main camp, now is the perfect time to start the mini-series.

Let’s get to it.

1. Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby is an absolute freak. He appeared in 69 games last season (#nice) and still led Metro Division pivots with 84 points. That’s a ~100 point pace over a full season, which is absurd considering Crosby played on an injury-plagued team and is, you know, 35 years old.

His underlying metrics continue to be strong as well. The Pittsburgh Penguins controlled better than 54% of the shot attempts and expected goals with Crosby on the ice at 5v5. Oh, and they also out-scored opponents 55-35. That +20 differential was good for 1st on the team.

Although Crosby isn’t the defensive player he once was, he remains a top-tier weaponwith the puck on his stick and that more than compensates for a depreciating defensive game.

Sid the…middle-aged veteran very much remains an elite player 17 seasons into his NHL career. Appreciate this man.

2. Jack Hughes

Some might think I’m getting ahead of myself with Jack Hughes rated No. 2 already. I don’t care; all signs point towards 86 being a true superstar sooner than later and I’d rather be ahead of the curve than behind it.

The 21-year-old took *checks notes* seven steps forward this past season, piling up 26 goals and 56 points over 49 games. That equates to 44 goals and 94 points over a full 82 game schedule.

Those are remarkably good outputs, especially considering the Devils got absolutely nothing out of their Mark Recchi-led power play.

How did Hughes do it? Remarkably efficient 5v5 play. He put up 2.56 points per 60, which was noticeably more than Crosby (2.23), Sebastian Aho (2.28), Mika Zibanejad (2.12), Mathew Barzal (2.02), Evgeni Malkin (1.93), and any other notable Metro center that may come to mind.

Hughes also finished 2nd among Metro forwards – not just centers – in GAR (+14.7) despite appearing in only 49 games.

On a per 60 basis, Hughes would’ve surpassed Zibanejad (1st in raw GAR) and led the entire division.

This kid is as dynamic as almost any player in the league and he’s only scratching the surface. I think there’s a very real chance he holds down top spot this time next year.

3. Sebastian Aho