Leading up to the start of the 2018-19 season, theScore is counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by four of our NHL editors.

100-91 | 90-81 | 80-71 | 70-61 | 60-51 | 50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1

10. Taylor Hall, Devils

Hall paced the New Jersey Devils in epic fashion last season, recording a whopping 41 more points than Nico Hischier, who finished second on the team. He's always been a strong skater and playmaker, but Hall found his scoring touch during his MVP campaign. His 39 goals were a career high and he should be in line for another big year at the front of New Jersey's attack. -- O'Leary

9. Anze Kopitar, Kings

Kopitar silenced his critics in a major way last season, exploding for a career-high 92 points on a Los Angeles Kings club that wasn't among the league's top offenses. His disappointing 2016-17 output was clearly an aberration and his strong two-way play remains nearly unparalleled. The Hart Trophy finalist deserves to be mentioned among the NHL's absolute best. -- Gold-Smith

8. Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs

Since he entered the league in 2016-17, Matthews leads all players with 55 five-on-five goals despite missing 20 games to injury last season. Now he's poised for an offensive explosion as he prepares to share a power-play unit with John Tavares this year. We've only reached the tip of the iceberg when it comes it the 21-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs phenom. -- O'Leary

7. Erik Karlsson, Sharks

Can any player in the league single-handedly take over a game quite like Karlsson? His ability to carry a team was on full display during the 2017 postseason when he tallied 18 points in 19 games and nearly took a ragtag Ottawa Senators squad to the Stanley Cup Final. The smooth-skating Swede has two Norris trophies to his name, and has arguably been robbed of two more. -- Wegman

6. Nikita Kucherov, Lightning

Kucherov paced the league in scoring for the majority of the year before Connor McDavid went on a tear following the All-Star break. The Russian winger finished with an even 100 points and has emerged as one of the most talented players in the league, and a magician with the puck - just ask Braden Holtby and Robin Lehner. -- Hagerman

5. Nathan MacKinnon, Avalanche

MacKinnon was very close to winning the Hart last season, and rightfully so. He carried the Colorado Avalanche back to the playoffs and finished 0.01 points per game behind McDavid for tops in the NHL. He's a lethal scorer and playmaker, and the sky's the limit at just 23 years old. -- Gold-Smith

4. Alex Ovechkin, Capitals

Ovechkin is the greatest goal-scorer of this decade, earning the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy seven times. He just finished guiding the Washington Capitals to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history and shows no signs of slowing down. Ovechkin's shot remains one of the most feared in the NHL. Don't be surprised if he breaks the 50-goal threshold this season for the eighth time in his career. -- Hagerman

3. Evgeni Malkin, Penguins

Malkin is obviously one of the today's elite players, but he makes his case to be recognized as one of the greatest to ever lace up a pair of skates with his ability to elevate his play when Pittsburgh Penguins teammate Sidney Crosby is absent. When Malkin is at his very best, the argument could be made that he's more dangerous than Sid, though the Pens captain is far more consistent with his level of dominance. -- Wegman

2. Sidney Crosby, Penguins

Crosby has relinquished the title as the NHL's best player, but that doesn't mean the superstar is on the decline. He continues to produce at an elite rate and is well-rounded in every facet of the game. Crosby still regularly dazzles, and it would foolish to think he's finished adding to his trophy case. -- O'Leary

1. Connor McDavid

This one's a no-brainer, and that's a testament to just how otherworldly McDavid is. Even amidst a disastrous Edmonton Oilers season, the superstar center rose to new heights with 41 goals and claimed his second straight Art Ross Trophy with a career-high 108 points. It's almost scary when you remember he's only 21 years old. -- Gold-Smith

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leading up to the start of the 2018-19 season, theScore will be counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by four of our NHL editors. We'll reveal 10 players every weekday until the top 10 is unveiled on Oct. 3.

100-91 | 90-81 | 80-71 | 70-61 | 60-51 | 50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1

20. Brent Burns, Sharks

Since 2015-16, Burns has the 19th-most points in the NHL, ahead of premier forwards such as Mark Scheifele, Vladimir Tarasenko, Taylor Hall, and Nathan MacKinnon. In that span, only Alex Ovechkin has more shots. Giveaways are his Achilles heel, but when a rugged, 6-foot-5 blue-liner is annually posting forward-like numbers, the turnovers are tolerable. -- Wegman

19. Steven Stamkos, Lightning

After being limited to just 17 games in 2017, Stamkos returned to his elite self in 2018. He tallied 86 points, forming one of the top duos playing alongside Nikita Kucherov. Now healthy, his shot from the half wall is as good as ever and his speed remains a killer. -- Hagerman

18. Tyler Seguin, Stars

Since joining the Stars in 2013-14, Seguin has recorded 384 points in 387 games, while his 173 goals over that span trail only Alex Ovechkin. His production gets somewhat overlooked, but there's no denying that the 26-year-old is one of the best centers in the league and is worth every penny of the $78.8-million extension he signed in September. -- O'Leary

17. Brad Marchand, Bruins

When he's not licking or elbowing opponents, Marchand is one of the NHL's best left-wingers. The talented pest trailed only Connor McDavid, MacKinnon, and Evgeni Malkin among qualified players in points per game last season, pouring in 85 over 68 contests. He plays on the edge at times, but there's no denying his offensive skills. -- Gold-Smith

16. Mark Scheifele, Jets

Scheifele has been a point-per-game player over the past two seasons and showed he has the ability to elevate his game when it matters most by burying 14 goals in 17 playoff contests over the spring. The 25-year-old has entered his prime as a player, and he's cemented his name as one of the league's best players. -- O'Leary

15. John Tavares, Maple Leafs

Tavares is already firing on all cylinders with his new team, and he has Toronto Maple Leafs fans salivating thinking about what he'll accomplish when the games count. The superstar forward averaged 34 goals and 76 points over his final four seasons with the New York Islanders, and he could top that playing on a loaded Leafs power-play unit. -- Gold-Smith

14. Patrick Kane, Blackhawks

His numbers might have dropped last season, but there is no getting around the fact that few NHLers possess the skill set of Kane. He can stick handle in a phone booth, appears at times to have eyes in the back of his head, and has a wicked release to boot. He's still a wizard with the puck. -- Hagerman

13. Drew Doughty, Kings

Doughty's natural offensive abilities are well documented, but what he has that some of the league's other top defensemen lack is a mean streak. He'll hack, whack, dish out physical punishment, and play with a chip on his shoulder. This drives opponents up a wall and makes him very unpleasant to play against. -- Wegman

12. Patrice Bergeron, Bruins

There isn't a thing Bergeron can't do. He centers what is arguably the best line in the NHL, alongside Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak, he's a wizard in the faceoff dot, and last season put up 63 points in 64 games, good enough for the best points-per-game mark of his career. He's everything you could want in a centerman. -- Hagerman

11. Victor Hedman, Lightning

Hedman's mobility, high-end skill, and instincts are just simply unfair when you remember he's 6-foot-6, 223 lbs. He has the ability to take control of a game the same way some of the best blue-liners of all time have. Despite Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos, and Andrei Vasilevskiy's importance, Hedman is the Lightning's most valuable player. -- Wegman

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leading up to the start of the 2018-19 season, theScore will be counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by four of our NHL editors. We'll reveal 10 players every weekday until the top 10 is unveiled on Oct. 3.

100-91 | 90-81 | 80-71 | 70-61 | 60-51 | 50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1

30. Roman Josi, Predators

Josi has blossomed into a true impact player, capable of neutralizing opponents with outstanding positioning and a strong stick. He can also drive an offense with his smooth skating stride, high-end skill, and good instincts. -- Wegman

29. Artemi Panarin, Blue Jackets

Panarin erased any doubts he could produce elite numbers without Patrick Kane on his opposite flank after putting up a career-high 82 points in his first season in Columbus. The Bread Man has established himself as one of the NHL's best wingers, and you can bet he'll remain at the top of his game in a contract year. -- O'Leary

28. Jamie Benn, Stars

He does it all. Benn will crush you into the boards, set up a nice goal, or rip one himself. He's still the straw that stirs the Dallas Stars' drink, leading the team in points, finishing second among Stars forwards in hits, and pacing the club with seven game-winning goals last season. -- Hagerman

27. Jack Eichel, Sabres

Eichel had his best NHL campaign in 2017-18 despite missing 15 games. The soon-to-be 22-year-old has been hindered by injuries in each of the past two campaigns but he's clearly an elite offensive talent who's only scratching the surface of his potential. Don't be surprised if he truly breaks out this season. -- Gold-Smith

26. Aleksander Barkov, Panthers

Barkov is maybe the most underrated player in the league. Yes, he has a ridiculous set of hands, but the 6-foot-3 center is as good without the puck as he is with it, finishing fifth in the league with 82 takeaways and second among Panthers forwards with 67 blocked shots last season. An elite penalty killer, Barkov will be a perennial Selke Trophy candidate for the next decade. -- Wegman

25. Patrik Laine, Jets

It's only a matter of time before Laine starts winning Rocket Richard trophies; his devastating release is simply unsolvable for opposing netminders. While goal scoring is Laine's greatest asset, his underrated passing ability and hands help make him one of the best young players in the NHL. -- O'Leary

24. Claude Giroux, Flyers

Giroux is coming off a monstrous 2017-18, nearly doubling his 2016-17 point total to finish second in league scoring after moving to the wing. He's recorded the fifth-most assists over the last four seasons as one of the top playmakers in the league. -- Hagerman

23. Blake Wheeler, Jets

Wheeler not only posted a career-high 91 points last season, his versatility and selflessness practically saved the Jets' campaign. After top center Mark Scheifele went down with an injury, Wheeler shifted from right wing to center - almost unheard of for a veteran of his pedigree - and totaled 16 points in as many games as the Jets went 11-2-3. That's the sign of a true leader. -- Wegman

22. P.K. Subban, Predators

The Predators have four excellent defensemen, but Subban is the best of the bunch and the heart and soul of the group. He's a great skater who can score and get under his opponents' skin. Few NHLers play with as much passion as Subban does, and few are as versatile. -- Gold-Smith

21. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Capitals

Kuznetsov's 2017-18 cemented him as one of the league's top players. The charismatic Russian was bumped up to Alex Ovechkin's line and produced a career-high 83 regular-season points, then recorded a Conn Smythe-worthy 32 points in 24 postseason games as the Caps captured the Cup. -- O'Leary

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leading up to the start of the 2018-19 season, theScore will be counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by four of our NHL editors. We'll reveal 10 players every weekday until the top 10 is unveiled on Oct. 3.

100-91 | 90-81 | 80-71 | 70-61 | 60-51 | 50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1

40. Leon Draisaitl, Oilers

Draisaitl is coming off a slight regression after a strong 2016-17 campaign that saw him rewarded with an eight-year, $68-million contract. Draisaitl's skill has always been the Oilers' ace in the hole. When he and Connor McDavid are paired together, they're about as unstoppable of a duo as they come. -- Hagerman

39. Filip Forsberg, Predators

Forsberg didn't play all 82 games last season for the first time since becoming a regular NHLer, yet he still managed to post a career-high 38 assists while matching his career-best 64 points in only 67 contests before going over a point per game in the playoffs. The skilled winger is still only 24 and his offensive prowess is an invaluable element of Nashville's attack. -- Gold-Smith

38. Ryan Getzlaf, Ducks

Getzlaf is such rare blend of size, physicality, skill, and finesse. He has some of the league's softest hands and an underrated shot. He also has all the intangibles you'd want in a captain. He hasn't missed a beat as he approaches his mid-30s, anchoring a mediocre Ducks offense with 61 points in 56 games during an injury-shortened 2017-18 campaign. -- Wegman

37. Andrei Vasilevskiy, Lightning

The more Vasilevskiy is in the net, the better he gets. In a career-high 64 starts last season, the dynamic Lightning netminder led the league in wins (44) and shutouts (eight), while posting a .920 save percentage. At only 24, Vasilevskiy will be the backbone for a dangerous Tampa team for years to come. -- O'Leary

36. Johnny Gaudreau, Flames

Gaudreau has led the Calgary Flames in scoring the past three seasons, and while the club may have missed the playoffs last year, the 25-year-old put up a career-best 84 points. He's quickly emerged as one of the most creative and shifty players in the league. The Flames' success this season and going forward lies largely in his hands. -- Hagerman

35. Dustin Byfuglien, Jets

Byfuglien contributes in so many ways, and he's a workhorse. He has a rare combination of imposing physicality and consistent offensive production reminiscent of Zdeno Chara in his prime. Whether it's a devastating hit or a blistering shot that leads to a goal, Byfuglien's always doing something to make an impact. -- Gold-Smith

34. David Pastrnak, Bruins

The trio of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, and Pastrnak has gained a reputation as the best line in the league, and the improved play of the latter is a big part of that. Pastrnak potted a career-high 80 points last season. He was also a monster in the playoffs with 20 points in 12 games while breaking a record previously held by Wayne Gretzky in the process. -- Hagerman

33. Vladimir Tarasenko, Blues

Tarasenko's numbers took a slight hit last season, but you know you're among the game's elite when 33 goals and 33 assists is considered a "down" year. Last season, he fired 306 shots on goal but had an uncharacteristically low shooting percentage of 10.8 percent. A little extra luck, plus a new pivot in Ryan O'Reilly, and Tarasenko could easily return to his usual standards. -- O'Leary

32. Sergei Bobrovsky, Blue Jackets

The world's best athletes elevate their game when it matters most, and Bobrovsky has failed to do that. He's just 5-14 in his postseason career with an .891 save percentage and a 3.49 goals-against average. Until he exercises his playoff demons, I can't consider him the very best at his position - no matter how much he excels in the regular season. -- Wegman

31. Seth Jones, Blue Jackets

If there was any doubt, Jones firmly established himself as one of the game's best young defensemen with a breakout 57-point season in 2017-18, playing over 24 minutes per game in the process. A preseason knee sprain will keep him out for at least a month, but the 23-year-old's wealth of talent is undeniable. -- Gold-Smith

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leading up to the start of the 2018-19 season, theScore will be counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by four of our NHL editors. We'll reveal 10 players every weekday until the top 10 is unveiled on Oct. 3.

100-91 | 90-81 | 80-71 | 70-61 | 60-51 | 50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1

50. John Carlson, Capitals

Carlson led all NHL defensemen with 68 points last season. He wasn't a Norris Trophy finalist, but if a similar award was handed out for postseason play, he would've been the recipient after recording 20 points in 24 games during the Washington Capitals' championship run. He may not be a prototypical shutdown No. 1 defender, but Carlson is one of the top power-play quarterbacks. -- Wegman

49. Sean Couturier, Flyers

Last season's breakout star, Couturier exploded with 31 goals and 76 points in 2017-18, obliterating his previous career single-season bests (he reached 39 points twice previously). He's been heralded for his defensive abilities, and adding high-end offensive production makes him one of the league's most valuable pivots. -- O'Leary

48. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Coyotes

Since the departure of Shane Doan, Ekman-Larsson has been the face of the Arizona Coyotes. Over the last five seasons, he ranks second in goals by defensemen, behind only Brent Burns. He's now the Coyotes' captain and will look to finally lead his team out of the league's basement this season.-- Hagerman

47. John Gibson, Ducks

Gibson was one of the league's best goalies in 2017-18, and arguably the Ducks' most important player. He was his team's best penalty killer, too, leading the NHL with a .919 save percentage while down a man. He also finished second in the league in goals saved above average, according to Corsica. At 25 years old, the sky is the limit for this uber-athletic netminder. -- Wegman

46. Braden Holtby, Capitals

Holtby had the worst regular season of his career in 2017-18, but a March "reset" helped him return to form. He didn't look back, helping lead the Capitals to Stanley Cup glory. The regular-season woes were concerning, but Holtby's steady - and at times brilliant - play in the postseason proved he's still one of the NHL's elite goalies. -- Gold-Smith

45. Phil Kessel, Penguins

Hilarious personality aside, Kessel just flat-out produces year after year. Last season was his best yet, as he led the league with 42 power-play points while also establishing a new career high with 92 total points. He suited up in every game for the eighth consecutive season - an underrated aspect of his value. -- O'Leary

44. Alex Pietrangelo, Blues

Pietrangelo is an excellent skater with great size, and he has the skills and smarts to excel at both ends of the ice while exhibiting all the qualities of a No. 1 defenseman. He's coming off a career year despite playing without Jay Bouwmeester, his longtime defensive partner, for most of the season. With an improved supporting cast, Pietrangelo is a dark horse for this year's Norris Trophy. -- Wegman

43. Nicklas Backstrom, Capitals

Backstrom isn't a No. 1 center now thanks to Evgeny Kuznetsov's emergence in Washington. But he still plays like one and would occupy that role on many other teams. The 30-year-old's production dipped last season, but he still poured in 71 points, drove possession, trailed only Alex Ovechkin among Capitals forwards in ice time, and won 51.2 percent of his faceoffs. -- Gold-Smith

42. Pekka Rinne, Predators

Rinne is the reigning Vezina Trophy winner. In 2017-18, he posted his third 40-plus win season along with a .927 save percentage and a 2.31 goals-against average. He also posted the fifth-best goals saved above average. Since the 2008-09 season, Rinne has produced the third-most wins behind only Marc-Andre Fleury and Henrik Lundqvist. -- Hagerman

41. Mathew Barzal, Islanders

Barzal simply dazzled during his rookie campaign, capturing the Calder Trophy with an 85-point effort. Barzal is expected to step up and lead the Islanders offensively now that John Tavares is in Toronto. Whether he can follow up his first-year performance as the club's top dog is one of the more intriguing storylines heading into the upcoming season. -- O'Leary

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leading up to the start of the 2018-19 season, theScore will be counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by four of our NHL editors. We'll reveal 10 players every weekday until the top 10 is unveiled on Oct. 3.

100-91 | 90-81 | 80-71 | 70-61 | 60-51 | 50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1

60. Jonathan Quick, Kings

After missing the majority of the 2016-17 season, Quick bounced back in a big way, posting a 2.40 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage - his highest mark since 2012. He did so in front of a middling Kings offense. Meanwhile, he also had the fifth-highest goals saved above average in the league.-- Hagerman

59. Ryan O'Reilly, Blues

O'Reilly is arguably the most underrated player in hockey. He had two penalty minutes, an excellent takeaway/giveaway ratio, set an NHL record for faceoff wins, and drove possession at a 50.7 percent rate last season despite starting the bulk of his shifts in the defensive end. He served as the matchup center on a poor Sabres team and still managed 61 points. -- Wegman

58. Sean Monahan, Flames

One of the game's more underappreciated two-way centers, Monahan has averaged 29 goals and nearly 33 assists over the last four seasons, and the 23-year-old already has five NHL campaigns under his belt. Even more impressive is the fact that he was his typically productive self in 2017-18 despite playing through a multitude of injuries. -- Gold-Smith

57. Shayne Gostisbehere, Flyers

Gostisbehere bounced back from a troublesome sophomore season with a terrific 2017-18, ranking fourth among all blue-liners with 65 points in 78 games. The 25-year-old quarterbacks one of the leagues best power plays and his $4.5-million cap hit until 2023 is looking like a mighty fine bargain for the Flyers. -- O'Leary

56. Carey Price, Canadiens

Price wasn't himself last season, that much is a given. So with that, his usual ranking dropped, but when healthy, it's still hard to argue that Price isn't among the top five goalies in the world. -- Hagerman

55. Jakub Voracek, Flyers

Voracek is an excellent passer who established career highs with 65 assists and 85 points last season. The Flyers winger often benefits from playing with talented linemates, but he has plenty of skill in his own right. Voracek could stand to score more, but he makes up for that with his playmaking abilities. -- Gold-Smith

54. Ryan Ellis, Predators

Ellis missed the first half of last season after undergoing offseason knee surgery and returned to play the best hockey of his life, racking up nine goals and 23 assists in 44 games, which would've put him on pace for a 60-point year over a full season. With a clean bill of health, look for the 27-year-old to continue to blossom into one of the game's most well-rounded blue-liners. -- Wegman

53. Mark Stone, Senators

Since 2014-15, Stone ranks seventh among all right-wingers with 241 points, and his career-best 1.07 points per game last season indicates he has even more to give on offense. Factored in with his defensive prowess - he ranked fourth at his position with 59 takeaways in 2017-18 - he's one of the most complete players in the game. -- O'Leary

52. John Klingberg, Stars

Klingberg is further proof that Sweden pumps out the top offensive defensemen in the NHL. The 26-year-old had a monstrous 2018, posting career highs in assists (59) and points (67) - one back of John Carlson for the most among any defenseman in the league. -- Hagerman

51. Connor Hellebuyck, Jets

Hellebuyck is just hitting his stride at age 25, posting a .931 save percentage at 5-on-5 last regular season, according to Corsica, along with a respectable .922 mark at 5-on-5 in the playoffs while helping the Winnipeg Jets reach the Western Conference Final. He appeared in 84 games combined in 2017-18, but he's proven he can shoulder the heavy load. -- Gold-Smith

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leading up to the start of the 2018-19 season, theScore will be counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by four of our NHL editors. We'll reveal 10 players every weekday until the top 10 is unveiled on Oct. 3.

100-91 | 90-81 | 80-71 | 70-61 | 60-51 | 50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1

70. Frederik Andersen, Maple Leafs

Andersen was the busiest goalie in the league last season, serving as the backbone of the Toronto Maple Leafs and posting a career-high 38 wins to go along with a .918 save percentage in 66 starts. He'll need to maintain his strong play for the new-look Leafs to reach the next level as contenders. There's no reason to believe he can't. -- O'Leary

69. Vincent Trocheck, Panthers

Trocheck enjoyed a breakout season a year ago, collecting 31 goals and 75 points while centering the Florida Panthers' second line. He remains mostly an unknown commodity - part of which is due to playing for the small-market Panthers - but another stellar season could put him on the map as one of the league's craftiest centermen. -- Wegman

68. Jeff Carter, Kings

If not for an abrupt ankle injury last season, Carter may have hit his highest goal total in years. In just 27 games, he tallied 13 goals - putting him on pace to score 39 over 82 games, which would have served as his best mark since the 2008-09 season. He remains one of the elite shooters in the league and a near necessity for the Los Angeles Kings' offense. -- Hagerman

67. Ivan Provorov, Flyers

Provorov hit the 40-point plateau (41), ranked 20th in the league in average ice time and 10th in total ice time, and played in various situations while suiting up in all 82 games for the second time in as many seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers. That's pretty remarkable for a 21-year-old defenseman, whose stock is definitely on the rise. -- Gold-Smith

66. Dougie Hamilton, Hurricanes

Hamilton's 17 goals were tied for the league lead among defensemen last season, and his 21:32 of ice time per night was a new career best. He drives play at a rate among the game's most elite and is more than capable of shutting down an opponent's top line. It's truly hard to believe Hamilton has already been traded twice in his young career. -- O'Leary

65. Rickard Rakell, Ducks

Rakell has seen his point total climb in each of the last three seasons. Last year, he paced the Anaheim Ducks with 34 goals and 69 points. He also led the team in shots, power-play goals, and power-play points. Continued progression could see him become the new face of the franchise. -- Hagerman

64. Kris Letang, Penguins

Letang might be reaching the tail end of his prime years, but he's still one of the game's elite offensive defensemen, reaching the 50-point mark in 2017-18 for the fourth time. Injuries have slowed him down a bit, but when healthy, he's workhorse, finishing in the top 10 in average ice time in four straight seasons. -- Wegman

63. Brock Boeser, Canucks

Boeser was lighting it up before a back injury put an end to his rookie season after 62 games, but he still led all qualified first-year NHLers in goals per game and finished second among the class to Kyle Connor in overall goals with 29, despite playing in 14 fewer contests. Boeser is a bona fide sniper who already looks more than comfortable at the NHL level. -- Gold-Smith

62. Logan Couture, Sharks

Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski have led the San Jose Sharks' offense for the better part of a decade, but while they've been piling up numbers, Couture has been neutralizing opposing top lines, serving as the team's matchup center. He's no one-way player, though, as he potted a career-high 34 goals last year. -- Wegman

61. Zach Werenski, Blue Jackets

A shoulder injury hampered Werenski's game last season, but you'd hardly be able to tell by looking at his numbers. Playing on the Columbus Blue Jackets' top pair, he potted 16 goals - 13 coming at even strength - and added 21 assists. At only 21 years old, the 2015 eighth overall pick is on the fast track to superstardom. -- O'Leary

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leading up to the start of the 2018-19 season, theScore will be counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by four of our NHL editors. We'll reveal 10 players every weekday until the top 10 is unveiled on Oct. 3.

100-91 | 90-81 | 80-71 | 70-61 | 60-51 | 50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1

80. Corey Crawford, Blackhawks

The Blackhawks had seven different goalies take the net last season and Crawford was the only one to have a winning record. In missing all but 28 games, he proved his worth to the team. Prior to last season, Crawford had recorded 131 wins since the 2013-14 season, the third-most in the NHL during that span. -- Hagerman

79. Sebastian Aho, Hurricanes

Aho collected as many points at even-strength (49) last season as he did in all situations in his rookie campaign of 2016-17, improving his overall goal (29) and point (65) totals in the process. He drove possession at 54.83 percent, according to Corsica, and he's one of the most talented and unheralded young players in the NHL. -- Gold-Smith

78. Mitch Marner, Maple Leafs

Marner bounced back from a painfully slow start to collect 53 points in his final 53 games and continued that strong play into the postseason, where he was arguably Toronto's best player. He's characterized as an offense-first player, but finished fourth in the league with 85 takeaways. Slated to play alongside John Tavares this season, he could be in for a career year. -- Wegman

77. William Karlsson, Golden Knights

Only Alex Ovechkin and Patrik Laine scored more goals than Karlsson last season. In his first campaign playing top-six minutes, the former Blue Jacket obliterated his previous career high of nine goals. He followed that up with 15 playoff points in 20 games. Karlsson also features prominently on the club's penalty kill. -- Hagerman

76. Ryan Suter, Wild

Suter has been one of the league's best scoring-chance suppressors throughout his career, and last season was no different. Offensively, he may not be as flashy as some of today's younger defensemen, but he still quietly registered 51 points. A perennial workhorse, only Drew Doughty averaged more ice time last season. -- Wegman

75. Mark Giordano, Flames

Giordano is a rock on the Flames' back end, finishing 12th in the NHL in average ice time at 24:47 a season ago, and he's missed only one game over the last three campaigns combined. While he likely won't return to the offensive numbers he produced in his prime, the soon-to-be 35-year-old is still a steadying force on Calgary's blue line. -- Gold-Smith

74. Mikko Rantanen, Avalanche

After a respectable rookie campaign, Rantanen took his game to another level last season. He potted 84 points and was instrumental in Nathan MacKinnon's MVP caliber season factoring in on 51 of his 97 points. He has an elite release, vision, and patience, making him a tremendous offensive threat. -- Hagerman

73. Colton Parayko, Blues

Parayko has it all. Standing in at 6-foot-6, he possesses the tools to dominate physically, but also excels at moving the puck and owns a booming point shot. At only 25, it's scary that he still has room to grow. -- O'Leary

72. Marc-Andre Fleury, Golden Knights

After 13 years of adoration in Pittsburgh, no one really knew what to expect from Fleury as he donned Vegas colors, but having the best season of his career was a good way to acclimate himself to his new fanbase. The 33-year-old authored a .927 save percentage in both the regular season and playoffs, quickly establishing himself as the heart and soul of the Golden Knights. -- O'Leary

71. Mattias Ekholm, Predators

Ekholm doesn't get as much love as the three other members of the Predators' top-four on defense, but he's a solid all-around blue-liner who's just as - if not more - effective in his own end as he is in the offensive zone. Ekholm will occasionally wow you, but even when he doesn't, he contributes to Nashville's success in myriad ways. -- Gold-Smith

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leading up to the start of the 2018-19 season, theScore will be counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by four of our NHL editors. We'll reveal 10 players every weekday until the top 10 is unveiled on Oct. 3.

100-91 | 90-81 | 80-71 | 70-61 | 60-51 | 50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1

90. Brayden Point, Lightning

Point took a huge step last season after an admirable rookie campaign. He hit the 30-goal mark for the first time, finishing second on the club behind only Nikita Kucherov, while contributing 66 points. He put up another 16 points in 17 playoff games. -- Hagerman

89. Jonathan Toews, Blackhawks

Despite a decline in production over recent years, Toews has the benefit of an impeccable resume to back his case as one of the league's best players. He may not be winning Conn Smythes anymore, but Toews remains one of the game's most recognizable faces and can be depended on in all situations. -- O'Leary

88. Joe Pavelski, Sharks

Pavelski's performance has declined over the past two seasons, but he remains one of the NHL's most durable, versatile, and consistent two-way forwards. -- Wegman

87. Nikolaj Ehlers, Jets

Ehlers is one of the most dynamic young talents in the NHL and is a key cog in the Jets' overwhelming offense. He skates with blistering pace and racked up 29 goals last season despite averaging only 16 minutes of ice time per game. The sky is the limit. -- O'Leary

86. Hampus Lindholm, Ducks

Lindholm is a piece every NHL team would covet for their blue line. The swift-skating 24-year-old drives possession effectively and can be used dependably in all scenarios. He also poured in a career-high 13 goals last season despite playing just 69 games. -- O'Leary

85. Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Sharks

Vlasic has become one of the premiere defensive defensemen in the league. He's remained disciplined despite his rugged style of play, taking just two minor penalties during the 2017-18 season, and both were for a delay of game. Meanwhile, he played 72.3 percent of his five-on-five ice time against opposing top-six forwards, the fourth-highest percentage in the NHL. -- Hagerman

84. Jonathan Marchessault, Golden Knights

The Florida Panthers probably weren't expecting Marchessault to repeat his 30-goal 2016-17 season when they exposed him in the expansion draft, but he nearly matched it with the Vegas Golden Knights. Marchessault poured in 27 goals and piled up a career-high 75 points in 77 games, and was even better in the playoffs. He's the real deal. -- Gold-Smith

83. Tuukka Rask, Bruins

Rask appeared in fewer games over an 82-game schedule last season (54) than he's played since 2011-12. However, he proved he's still a reliable goaltender when healthy, posting a .917 save percentage and a better high-danger save percentage than Connor Hellebuyck and Frederik Andersen, per Corsica. The 31-year-old remains a model of consistency. -- Gold-Smith

82. Eric Staal, Wild

The eldest Staal brother is coming off a bounce-back season for the ages, finishing fourth in the league with 42 goals. An inflated 17.4 shooting percentage played a part, but he's undoubtedly reestablished himself as one of the league's premier power forwards. -- Wegman

81. Mikael Granlund, Wild

Granlund is at least partially responsible for Staal's reemergence. Since moving from center to the wing prior to the 2016-17 season, the highly-skilled Finn has collected 136 points in 158 games, proving to be the driving force of the Wild's offensive attack. -- Wegman

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leading up to the start of the 2018-19 season, theScore will be counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by four of our NHL editors.

100-91 | 90-81 | 80-71 | 70-61 | 60-51 | 50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1

100. Matt Murray, Penguins

Murray faced some adversity last season in his debut test as the Pittsburgh Penguins' true starter, but the 24-year-old has established himself as one of the league's premier netminders on the strength of a .923 career postseason save percentage and two Stanley Cup rings. -- O'Leary

99. Aaron Ekblad, Panthers

In just four NHL seasons, Ekblad has already emerged as one of the most well-rounded defenders in the game. His 16 goals last season tied for the second most among all defensemen league-wide, and he also logged the most minutes on the penalty kill of any Panthers blue-liner. -- Hagerman

98. Devan Dubnyk, Wild

Since 2014-15, Dubnyk has cemented himself as one of the NHL's best goaltenders, posting a .922 save percentage and a 2.30 goals-against average in that span. Last season wasn't necessarily his best campaign, but any team would take a .918 save percentage from its netminder in an "off year." -- Wegman

97. Jonathan Huberdeau, Panthers

Huberdeau is one of the league's most overlooked playmakers, as he uses his exceptional hand-eye coordination to generate scoring chances and convert them consistently. He poured in a career-high 27 goals and 42 assists last season while playing in all 82 games for the first time, and the six-year veteran is still only 25, so don't be surprised if he keeps improving. -- Gold-Smith

96. Viktor Arvidsson, Predators

Arvidsson has scored 60 goals with 62 assists over the last two years. A fourth-round pick in 2014, the 5-foot-9 speedster plays with the high motor you'd expect from a late-round pick. The winger is also one of the league's best penalty killers, having scored more shorthanded goals (eight) than any other player over the past two seasons. -- Wegman

95. Morgan Rielly, Maple Leafs

Rielly's game elevated to new heights in 2017-18, as he racked up a career-high 52 points, including 25 on the power play. And at five-on-five, he fared relatively well against opponents' top lines, driving possession at a 50.84 percent rate despite starting the bulk of his shifts in the defensive zone, per Corsica. -- Wegman

94. Brayden Schenn, Blues

A proven scorer and a versatile two-way center, Schenn drove possession (54.63) and posted 70 points while logging more average ice time than Evgeni Malkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov in his first season with the St. Louis Blues. He should continue to grow in 2018-19, especially considering the Blues' new additions. -- Gold-Smith

93. Alexander Radulov, Stars

After joining the Stars last offseason, Radulov helped form one of the top trios in the NHL alongside Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. He has all the tools to be a lethal point producer and averaged the second-most points per 60 minutes on the club at five-on-five, behind only Benn. -- Hagerman

92. Charlie McAvoy, Bruins

In just one NHL season, McAvoy proved he has all the tools to eventually challenge for a Norris Trophy. He has a smooth stride, is a strong defender, and above all else, he's an elite offensive player. The 20-year-old finished fifth in Calder Trophy voting last season despite missing 19 games due to injury. -- Hagerman

91. Shea Weber, Canadiens

Weber could be on the shelf until mid-December, but he's an anchor on the blue line when healthy. With an accurate, blistering point shot and undeniable power-play quarterbacking abilities, the veteran is still an impact player, even at his age. -- Gold-Smith

Copyright © 2018 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.