As the 2025-26 NHL season rapidly approaches, anticipation is building around which players will dominate the ice. Here's a preseason look at the top 10 centers expected to shine this year, considering their performance last season, offseason adjustments, and overall potential.
1. Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers): McDavid remains the gold standard. With his exceptional speed, skill, and playmaking ability, he is a perennial MVP candidate. The pressure is immense this season with the Olympics and free agency looming.
2. Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche): MacKinnon's explosive offensive talent and relentless drive make him a force to be reckoned with. He consistently elevates his game and is a threat every time he's on the ice.
3. Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers): McDavid's teammate, Draisaitl, is a superstar in his own right. His combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ makes him a dominant presence, whether playing alongside McDavid or leading his own line.
4. Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers): The Panthers' captain is a two-time Stanley Cup champion. Barkov's exceptional two-way play, combined with his offensive prowess, makes him one of the most complete centers in the game. He is the second player in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup and Selke Trophy multiple times during the same season.
5. Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs): Matthews's elite goal-scoring ability is undeniable. He possesses a lethal shot and a knack for finding the back of the net, making him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
6. Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights): Eichel's move to Vegas has revitalized his career, and he is now considered a complete player. His high-end skill and improved two-way play have solidified his place among the league's elite.
7. Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning): Known for his incredible vision and playmaking abilities, Kucherov remains one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NHL. He has accepted the challenge of playing alongside Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov and still had a 40 goal, 80 point season.
8. Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins): Despite entering his late 30s, Crosby continues to defy Father Time. His skill, leadership, and hockey smarts remain exceptional, making him a top center in the league. Last season, Eichel couldn't crack the Top 20 as then 37-year-old Sidney Crosby remained among Sportsnet's ten best.
9. Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks): Hughes is one of the top players in the NHL.
10. Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils): Hischier's versatility and two-way play make everyone he plays with better. Whether transporting the puck, winning battles, stealing pucks, or crashing the net, Hischier is a valuable asset.
Other Notable Centers:
Several other centers are poised to make a significant impact this season. Sebastian Aho (Carolina Hurricanes), Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings), and Roope Hintz (Dallas Stars) are all established top-line players. Young stars like Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks) are also expected to make waves. Celebrini was a finalist for the Calder Trophy in 2025.
The center position is arguably the most crucial in hockey, and these players represent the best the NHL has to offer heading into the 2025-26 season.
