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
60. Shea Weber, Canadiens
Weber remains one of the game's best defensemen, but he needs to be able to stay on the ice. The six-time All-Star has played just 84 games total over the last two seasons, though he still managed 49 points over that span. The Canadiens captain enters this season healthy and will be key to Montreal's playoff hopes.
59. P.K. Subban, Devils
The player who was traded for Weber was dealt again following a down statistical year, but he's still a very good defenseman who should bounce back with a slew of exciting new teammates. Subban's puck-moving ability and his knack for creating offense is exactly what New Jersey needs to complement Taylor Hall, Jack Hughes, and Co.
58. Phil Kessel, Coyotes
Kessel has been among the league's most consistent producers this decade. The 31-year-old has played in 774 consecutive contests and has contributed 697 points in that span. He's hit the 20-goal mark in 11 straight campaigns, including six 30-goal seasons, and was a pivotal player in helping the Pittsburgh Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
57. John Klingberg, Stars
Klingberg is one of the best offensive defensemen in the league. He's averaged 58 points per 82 games in his career and is a possession monster. The Swede struggles to guard his own blue line and is mistake-prone at times, but his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses.
56. Mathew Barzal, Islanders
While Barzal's production may have taken a step back in 2018-19 following his Calder Trophy-winning season in 2017-18, he remains one of the NHL's brightest young talents. Barzal improved defensively last season under new head coach Barry Trotz and will look to up his totals on the scoresheet to offer the Isles the total package.
55. Ben Bishop, Stars
Bishop had a resurgent 2018-19 campaign, finishing second in Vezina Trophy voting after leading the league with a career-best .934 save percentage and a 19.88 goals saved above average at five-on-five. The veteran netminder will be 33 in November, but he's showing few signs of slowing down.
54. Sean Couturier, Flyers
The potential Selke Trophy candidate is one of the top two-way players in the game and has recently flourished as an elite point producer. Couturier has racked up back-to-back 76-point seasons while tasked with shutting down the opposition's top talent on most nights.
53. Vladimir Tarasenko, Blues
For as talented as Tarasenko is, it's a bit surprising that he's never exceeded 40 goals or 75 points in a single season, although that could change this year. The Russian sniper might have the best release in all of hockey, outside of Auston Matthews. We're not talking slap shots or one-timers here.
52. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Capitals
It was a bumpy offseason for Kuznetsov, who was suspended for Washington's first three games this season as well as for four years by the IIHF after testing positive for cocaine. But on the ice, he remains key to the Capitals' attack after posting 155 points in 155 games the last two seasons, and he should help Washington contend for another Cup.
51. Anze Kopitar, Kings
Kopitar followed up a 92-point season with a 60-point campaign in 2018-19, but Los Angeles' team-wide struggles don't change the fact that he's still a gifted two-way center. The versatile Kings captain remains a vital cog up front for the retooling club.
(Analytics courtesy: Natural Stat Trick)
Copyright © 2019 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
