With each team near, at, or just past the 25 game mark, we are going to take a look at the top 5 NHL forwards who have been the most impressive. Roughly 30% of the way through the season, we have had our fair share of surprises. There have also been some familiar faces perusing the leader-boards. Enough chit chat. Before we get into the list, here are some honorable mentions that just barely missed the cut:
Honorable Mention: M. Marner (TOR); D. Pastrnak (BOS)
5. Connor McDavid (EDM Oilers)
If not stellar, it has at least been Connor-esque. I understand if you’re not “wow’ed” by the Edmonton captain to this point, because this type of play is something we’ve come to expect. Nevertheless, it’s still noteworthy. McDavid sits 5th in the league in points with 34 (13G, 21A). His goal total is tied for 12th best in the league, while his assists are tied for 10th best. McDavid has also notched 6 of his goals on the PP, ranking him tied for 5th in PPG as well. Glory stats aside, he’s still a bad man. He ranks second on his team in average ice time per game, which is semi-ridiculous for a forward. He only trails d-man, Oscar Klefbom, but that’s expected.
Connor has very clearly embraced his leadership role on this team, but that’s not news to anyone. He’s been a diamond in the rough for Edmonton this season, which allows him to fly under the radar for the most part. Aside from the coaching changes, the Oilers haven’t really been the topic of too much discussion so far this season, so neither has McDavid. Regardless, he’s had a fantastic first quarter. Here’s to hoping his teammates can step up and help him out going forward.
4. Jeff Skinner (BUF Sabres)
What a season Skinner is having. His Sabres currently sit tied for 2nd in the overall standings, just a point behind the league leading Tampa Bay Lightning. Jeff Skinner has played lights out on the offensive side of the puck, lighting the lamp 19 times so far this season. That total is tied for 2nd in the league, trailing only Patrik Laine of the Winnipeg Jets. He is far and away the most influential scorer on his squad, with no other player hitting double digit goals yet. Skinner’s 27 points (19G, 8A) trail only linemate Jack Eichel (30pts) for the Sabres’ team lead this season.
Beyond the points and offensive prowess, Skinner has shown worth beyond what the Carolina organization saw in him. He holds a +/- of +14 so far this season, tied for 3rd among all NHL forwards. Not only is he helping produce on the offense, he’s holding his own on the defensive side of the puck as well. He’s also +7 in giveaway/takeaway differential and is shooting a very accurate 23.2%. Jeff Skinner has been one of the many positives the Sabres’ have had this year, helping them accumulate their first 10 game win streak since the ’06-’07 season.
3. Mikko Rantanen (COL Avalanche)
Get out your calculators, folks. Rantanen leads the league with 42 points (10G, 32A) right now. The 22 year old has been a major catalyst for the Avalanche this season. Mikko has absolutely flourished on the top line with Landeskog and Mackinnon. His assists are also good for first in the league, with a two-helper cushion over 2nd place Mitch Marner. I understand if you pass the puck to MacKinnon, its almost a 50/50 chance of getting an assist. However, you’re kidding yourself if you think anyone in this position would pull off these numbers. I mean this man is on pace for 105 assists and 137 points. HASHEESH!
This is giving the Colorado front office the biggest smiles they could imagine. They knew what they had in Landeskog, and they probably knew mostly what they had in MacKinnon. I am not sure they expected THIS out of Rantanen, though. Colorado now has influential pieces to build around, while being able to contend for the Cup for at least the next five years. Yes, they need other guys to step up right now, but what isn’t to love about Mikko Rantanen? Kid is playing out of his mind this year.
2. Patrik Laine (WPG Jets)
I love this kid. He is a younger Ovechkin with better hair. Laine leads the league with 21 goals and 10 powerplay goals. Early disclaimer, Laine hasn’t been outstanding on defense by any means. He sits -4 right now in +/-, and -9 in the giveaway/takeaway ratio. Now that we have that out of the way, boyyyy can this kid play on the offensive side of the puck. He’s on pace to score 72 goals, and my oh my am I hoping he cannot keep that pace.
Laine is as pure of a shooter as they come, and his 21.4% shooting percentage is evidence of that. I find myself on the edge of my seat whenever Patrik Laine touches the puck on the opposition’s side of center ice. It feels like he can score at will. I mean for Christ’s sake, he’s already notched one 5-goal game this season and we’re not even halfway through. On top of all that, he cant even have a legal drink in the US yet (good thing Winnipeg is in Canada). Don’t take your eyes off this 20 year old. He’s special.
1. Nathan MacKinnon (COL Avalanche)
If you haven’t yet, find the next Colorado Avalanche. Find the nearest couch and TV. Put them all together and don’t take your eyes off #29. He trails only his linemate, Mikko Rantanen, for the league lead in points with 41 (18G, 23A). His 18 goals are tied for 4th in the league and his 23 assists are tied for 6th. His plus/minus is at +13 and he’s shooting a respectable 16.7%. I mean, what CAN’T this man do?! His hands are as swift as they come, and to top it all off, he’s like best of friend with Sidney Crosby. They grew up in the same city. He’s a coach’s wet dream.
He’s not just fun for a coach or linemate, he’s extremely exciting to watch. With mitts as silky as my grandmother’s decorative blankets, Mackinnon stick handles about a million times a minute. He pairs that with explosive speed and high hockey IQ to skate circles around defenses. I literally cannot put into words how impressive this man has been for the first quarter of this season, but he’s definitely someone you want to watch as a hockey player. For all you young players out there, you’ll do well to shape your game off of this guy. Words don’t do him justice. Go watch him play. Please.
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