Top 100 NHL players: 20-11
Leading up to the start of the 2019-20 season, theScore will be counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by our NHL editors. We'll reveal 10 players every day until the top 10 is unveiled Oct. 2.
100-91 | 90-81 | 80-71 | 70-61 | 60-51 | 50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1
20. Johnny Gaudreau, FlamesJohnny Hockey had his best year during the 2018-19 season, setting personal bests in goals (36), assists (63), and points (99). His efforts helped lead the Flames to their best regular season since 1988-89 when they went on to win the Stanley Cup. Gaudreau didn't find the same kind of postseason success with just one point in a five-game first-round loss, so he'll be chomping at the bit for a shot at playoff redemption.
19. Andrei Vasilevskiy, LightningThe NHL's best goalie was a major reason why Tampa Bay was so dominant in the 2018-19 regular season. Vasilevskiy posted a career-high .925 save percentage en route to claiming the Vezina Trophy for the first time, and he's improved in each of the last three campaigns. Can the 25-year-old get even better this season?
18. Leon Draisaitl, Oilers
Andy Devlin / National Hockey League / GettyThe big German went scorched-earth in 2018-19 and became the first Oilers player to record a 50-goal season since Wayne Gretzky in 1986-87. Draisaitl isn't just a goal-scorer, either. His career-best 55 assists ranked second on the club to only Connor McDavid.
17. Taylor Hall, DevilsAfter he was limited to just 33 games last year, it can be easy to forget that Hall is one of the NHL's most dynamic players. The 27-year-old won the Hart Trophy with 93 points in 2017-18, but next season could be a career year for one of the most powerful skaters in the league after the Devils beefed up in the offseason.
16. Brad Marchand, BruinsMarchand may not be the most popular player outside of Boston, but his impact on the ice is undeniable. Often known more for his ability to pester the opposition, Marchand took his game to another level last year, reaching the 100-point mark for the first time in his career and then equalling Ryan O'Reilly for the league lead with 23 postseason points.
15. Steven Stamkos, LightningThe captain of the NHL's most watchable team is a huge part of its fearsome offensive attack, and he remains one of the league's brightest stars. Stamkos was also a major contributor to linemate Nikita Kucherov's 2018-19 Hart Trophy exploits, pouring in 45 goals and a career-high 98 points.
14. Brent Burns, Sharks
Brandon Magnus / National Hockey League / GettyWill Burns ever slow down? It appears the 34-year-old rearguard is only getting better with age. Burns has reached the 60-point mark in five straight campaigns, including a career-high 83 point season in 2018-19. His 101 goals in that span lead all NHL defensemen by a wide margin of 17.
13. Patrice Bergeron, BruinsShould the Selke just be renamed the Bergeron? The Bruins pivot has been named the NHL's top defensive forward a record-tying four times. He likely could've added to that total, but injuries have held him out of a combined 35 games over the past two years. He may be 34 now, but he's coming off a career-best 79 point season despite skating in just 65 contests.
12. Aleksander Barkov, PanthersBarkov emerged as a premier two-way player last season after several years as a Selke Trophy contender. The 24-year-old added elite offensive production to his defensive acumen, putting up a career-high 98 points, 18 higher than his previous best, and helping bring a lot of optimism for the future in Sunrise.
11. John Tavares, Maple LeafsTavares' first season with Toronto was the best campaign of his career from a production standpoint. The former New York Islanders captain came within three tallies of the 50-goal mark and racked up 88 points while playing every game. Few centers in the NHL possess Tavares' scoring touch, and his quick hands make him very difficult to contain.
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