Leading up to the start of the 2021 season, theScore is counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by our NHL editors. Injuries affecting players entering the season have been taken into consideration. We'll reveal 20 players every day until the top 20 is unveiled Jan. 12.

100-81 | 80-61 | 60-41 | 40-21 | 20-1

60. Vladimir Tarasenko, Blues

Tarasenko played 10 games before requiring shoulder surgery last season, and he underwent shoulder surgery again this offseason. When healthy, he's one of the game's most dangerous snipers. Whether he can return to that form remains to be seen.

59. William Nylander, Maple Leafs

Nylander redeemed his delayed 2018-19 season with a career-best 31-goal campaign. The Swedish winger is already one of the more crafty playmakers and can push his ceiling even higher if he continues to score at such a rapid rate.

58. Gabriel Landeskog, Avalanche

Landeskog is a versatile forward capable of providing physicality, goal-scoring, and sound defensive play. If he ends up on the open market as an unrestricted free agent after this season, he's going to have plenty of suitors.

57. Zach Werenski, Blue Jackets

Werenski turned in the best season of his career last year and led all defensemen in goals (20). His offensive game is sublime, and playing alongside Seth Jones means he should continue to deliver at an elite rate.

56. Carter Hart, Flyers

At 22 years old, Hart has quickly become one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. He played well while getting the bulk of the starts last season, proving more than capable of handling the workload.

55. Charlie McAvoy, Bruins

McAvoy is poised beyond his years. The 23-year-old hasn't broken out offensively yet, but he's already one of the league's top shutdown defensemen.

54. Shea Weber, Canadiens

Father Time doesn't appear to be an issue for the Montreal Canadiens captain. Weber, 35, remains one of the league's most dominant forces on the blue line and continues to score goals at an elite rate for a defenseman.

53. Robin Lehner, Golden Knights

Over 215 games in the last five seasons, Lehner owns a .920 save percentage and 2.65 goals-against average. Playing on a true Cup contender with the Vegas Golden Knights this season, he should be on the early short list of Vezina Trophy candidates.

52. Andrei Svechnikov, Hurricanes

Svechnikov showed his potential last season, scoring 24 goals and adding 37 assists playing alongside Sebastian Aho. Svechnikov is just 20 years old, and the No. 2 pick from the 2018 draft has plenty of room to grow as he looks to build on his promising sophomore season.

51. Jaccob Slavin, Hurricanes

Slavin is perhaps the most underrated player in the NHL and would have produced 55 points over an 82-game schedule last season. The defensive specialist led all Hurricanes skaters in ice time in 2019-20 and has been incredibly durable in his career, suiting up for every regular-season game over the last four campaigns.

50. Johnny Gaudreau, Flames

Gaudreau is coming off the worst season of his career. We believe he can bounce back, but if he doesn't, he could find himself off this list next year.

49. Anze Kopitar, Kings

The two-time Selke Trophy winner continues to produce at a high level while also taking care of business on the defensive side of the puck. Kopitar is poised to be among the league's top pivots once again in year No. 15 with the Los Angeles Kings.

48. Blake Wheeler, Jets

Wheeler took a step back last season, managing 65 points in 71 games after reaching 91 in each of the two campaigns prior. Make no mistake, though, the Winnipeg Jets captain is still an elite playmaker and is a strong candidate to bounce back in 2021.

47. Max Pacioretty, Golden Knights

After a quiet first season in Vegas, Pacioretty turned on the jets last year, leading the team in both goals (32) and points (66). The sniper has found some great chemistry with linemate Mark Stone and the duo will continue to terrorize opponents this year.

46. Miro Heiskanen, Stars

Heiskanen was one of the biggest reasons for the Dallas Stars' improbable Stanley Cup Final run last season. The 21-year-old already possesses abilities far beyond his years, and should have been a Calder Trophy finalist in 2018-19. The Finnish defenseman has already done plenty to justify the Stars picking him third overall in 2017.

45. Tuukka Rask, Bruins

The Boston Bruins will count on Rask more than ever this season after losing two staples on defense - Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara - in free agency. The netminder finished second in Vezina Trophy voting last year.

44. John Carlson, Capitals

Carlson has established himself as the league's top offensive defenseman. The 31-year-old has set career scoring highs in three consecutive seasons and ranks first in points among all blue-liners (213) since the start of 2017-18.

43. Matthew Tkachuk, Flames

All 31 teams would do anything to have a Tkachuk on their roster. The 23-year-old has a point per game ceiling, leadership skills worthy of Calgary's future captaincy, and all his opponents hate him. His value to the Calgary Flames is immeasurable.

42. Quinn Hughes, Canucks

Hughes just missed out on the Calder last season, but that doesn't mean his performance wasn't stellar. His 25 power-play points ranked third among defensemen, and his 53 points tied him for third on the Vancouver Canucks. The 21-year-old figures to be a staple of Vancouver's high-flying offense for years to come, and his rookie campaign was just a glimpse at what he's capable of.

41. Cale Makar, Avalanche

Makar was the only reason Hughes didn't win the Calder, but the Colorado Avalanche phenom deserved the honor. He outplayed his Canucks counterpart on a per game basis while suiting up for 11 fewer contests. Makar is a franchise cornerstone, and he's already a vital component of Colorado's multipronged attack.

Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leading up to the start of the 2021 season, theScore is counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by our NHL editors. Injuries affecting players entering the season have been taken into consideration. We'll reveal 20 players every day until the top 20 is unveiled Jan. 12.

100-81 | 80-61 | 60-41 | 40-21 | 20-1

80. Erik Karlsson, Sharks

Injuries have set Karlsson back a step, but even his last three "down" seasons have resulted in an average of 67 points per 82 games. He claims his ailments are a thing of the past, but we'll have to see it before we believe it.

79. Tyler Seguin, Stars

Seguin further established himself as one of the league's elite pivots after leading the Dallas Stars to the Stanley Cup Final in September. The Stars' alternate captain will be sidelined for most of the regular season but should be healthy in time to help the club make another deep playoff push.

78. Anthony Cirelli, Lightning

Cirelli is blossoming into one of the NHL's finest two-way pivots. He showed the world what he can do by playing a crucial role in the Tampa Bay Lightning's Cup run this past summer. Just another mid-round gem unearthed by the Lightning's top-tier scouting department.

77. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Capitals

Kuznetsov had a quiet season last year by his standards, but he was still on pace to put up a respectable 67 points. The Russian will need to do some heavy lifting this year as the Washington Capitals are set to face some stiff competition in a tough East Division.

76. Brady Tkachuk, Senators

Don't mistake Tkachuk's underwhelming - but nearly identical - goal and point totals during his first two NHL seasons as an indicator of growing pains. The talented 21-year-old forward has already proven he can provide a highly coveted mix of skill and grit, just like his father and brother.

75. Jake Guentzel, Penguins

Those who thought Guentzel was merely a product of Sidney Crosby were proven wrong last season. Guentzel recorded 12 goals and 17 assists in the 22 games he played without Crosby.

74. Pierre-Luc Dubois, Blue Jackets

Dubois will look to carry his success in the bubble into his fourth NHL season. The 6-foot-3 pivot has a strong two-way game and could develop into a bona fide star if he can improve his scoring touch.

73. Ryan Ellis, Predators

Ellis is one of the league's best defenders by several advanced metrics. He's quietly been the rock on Nashville's deep blue line for years.

72. Ben Bishop, Stars

Bishop is expected to be sidelined for a decent chunk of the upcoming campaign, but he's among the league's best goalies when he's in Dallas' crease. His .927 save percentage is No. 1 among all netminders over the last two seasons.

71. Thomas Chabot, Senators

The Ottawa Senators have handed Chabot heavy minutes partly out of necessity, but that trust is also a testament to the 23-year-old's abilities. He's a franchise cornerstone and a dependable workhorse on the back end.

70. Claude Giroux, Flyers

Giroux has enjoyed a late-career offensive resurgence after moving from center to the wing prior to the 2017-18 campaign. However, his point total has declined in three straight seasons, so it wouldn't be surprising if he doesn't make next year's list.

69. John Gibson, Ducks

Gibson has been strong for the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks despite compiling the worst statistical season of his young career in 2019-20. The 27-year-old is an absolute horse between the pipes, logging the sixth-most minutes among all netminders since the start of the 2017-18 campaign.

68. Nicklas Backstrom, Capitals

Now well into his 30s, Backstrom is still as smooth and reliable as ever. The Capitals pivot, who's a major catalyst in the team's attack, is rapidly approaching 1,000 career points.

67. Kris Letang, Penguins

Letang isn't often talked about when discussing the league's top defensemen anymore, but the 33-year-old is quietly still putting up big numbers with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He averaged 0.72 points per game last season, which was good for 11th among all blue-liners.

66. Jonathan Toews, Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks are now in rebuilding mode, but that won't stop the ultra-competitive Toews from producing or playing at a high level. Chicago's captain is no longer one of the best at his position, but the 32-year-old remains a skilled two-way center who racked up 60 points across 70 games last season.

65. Bo Horvat, Canucks

Horvat proved just how much of a force he can be in the playoffs, potting 10 goals in 17 contests. He often draws tough defensive matchups and typically isn't flanked by Vancouver's most talented wingers, but he still manages to produce strong underlying numbers.

64. Morgan Rielly, Maple Leafs

The smooth-skating rearguard is the backbone of an improved Toronto Maple Leafs blue line. Rielly ranks eighth among all defensemen with 151 points over the last three seasons. He'll be looking to bounce back after an injury-riddled campaign in 2019-20.

63. Torey Krug, Blues

Krug ranks seventh among all defenders in points since becoming an NHL regular in 2013-14. He's averaged over 20 minutes per night over that span, too, proving himself deserving of the big contract the St. Louis Blues gave him this offseason as a true top-pairing blue-liner.

62. Jacob Markstrom, Flames

Markstrom will look to replicate last season's Vezina-worthy campaign in his first year with the Calgary Flames. His .838 high-danger save percentage was sixth among goalies, while his .924 even-strength save percentage ranked 10th.

61. Patrik Laine, Jets

The Winnipeg Jets' best offseason move was holding onto Laine amid rampant speculation about the Finnish forward's future. It would be understandable if the 22-year-old felt slighted on a deep Winnipeg squad, but he's one of the league's most promising goal-scorers.

Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leading up to the start of the 2020-21 season, theScore is counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by our NHL editors. Injuries affecting players entering the season have been taken into consideration. We'll reveal 20 players every day until the top 20 is unveiled Jan. 12.

100-81 | 80-61 | 60-41 | 40-21 | 20-1

100. Sean Monahan, Flames

Monahan is coming off his worst season since his rookie year. He'll need a bounce-back campaign to crack next year's list.

99. Jordan Binnington, Blues

Binnington continues to prove he's among the league's top netminders. He finished top seven in Vezina Trophy voting for a second straight season in 2019-20 and is still only 27 years old.

98. Nico Hischier, Devils

Hischier hasn't blossomed into a superstar just yet, but 2017's No. 1 overall pick is steadily developing into a solid two-way center. A better New Jersey Devils supporting cast would likely help him climb this list.

97. Ryan Suter, Wild

Suter may be turning 36 later in January, but the veteran proved last year that he can still play at an elite level. His 48-point total last season was the third-highest of his career, and he could have easily eclipsed his career-high of 51 if the campaign wasn't cut short.

96. Jamie Benn, Stars

Benn's game has noticeably declined over the last couple of seasons, and his production has diminished accordingly. The Dallas Stars captain still needs to be monitored by opposing defenses, but at 31 years old, he's far from the player he once was.

95. Filip Forsberg, Predators

It's hard to believe that Forsberg's career-high in points is just 64 despite all of the skill he possesses. Perhaps his age-26 season will be the year he puts it all together.

94. Aaron Ekblad, Panthers

Ekblad is still just 24 years old as he heads into his seventh NHL season. The 2014 first overall pick put up a career-best 41 points in 2019-20 and continues to improve in all areas.

93. Brendan Gallagher, Canadiens

Gallagher is a player all 31 teams would love to have. He's a relentless forechecker, a pest to opponents, and is capable of putting up goals in bunches. One of the NHL's most underrated wingers.

92. Ivan Provorov, Flyers

With the sudden retirement of Matt Niskanen, Provorov will have to do even more heavy lifting for the Philadelphia Flyers this season than he did in the last campaign. He led the team in 2019-20 with 24:51 minutes of ice time per game, 189:30 shorthanded minutes, and was second with 210:05 on the power play.

91. Brent Burns, Sharks

It's easy to forget Burns is 35 years old, but the versatile defenseman's strong play is a big reason that happens. The San Jose Sharks blue-liner showed last season that he still had something left in the tank, ranking among the league leaders at his position with 12 goals and 45 points in 70 games.

90. Mark Giordano, Flames

Giordano continues to age like a fine wine. Though he didn't put up the points in 2019-20 like he did during his Norris Trophy-winning season the year prior, he remains one of the smartest two-way defenders in the league.

89. Colton Parayko, Blues

At 6-foot-6, 230 pounds, Parayko is one of the league's most menacing blue-liners and has cemented his status as a valuable two-way defenseman who's capable of logging top-pairing minutes.

88. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Oilers

Nugent-Hopkins is coming off the most productive season of his nine-year career and is a terrific complementary piece to the Edmonton Oilers' superstar-led attack.

87. Drew Doughty, Kings

It feels like a lifetime ago that Doughty was a perennial Norris Trophy contender and among the best defensemen in the league. Despite some lackluster play the last few seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, the 31-year-old remains solid and will look for a big bounce-back season.

86. Logan Couture, Sharks

Couture remains one of the league's more underrated players, and it didn't help his cause that his 2019-20 campaign was derailed by injuries. Playing for the Sharks also contributes to the skilled forward being overlooked. While he certainly isn't one of the NHL's biggest stars, he does deserve some recognition.

85. J.T. Miller, Canucks

It's amazing that even a team as deep as the Lightning couldn't find a way to utilize Miller's strengths. The versatile forward became an integral part of the Vancouver Canucks during his first season in Vancouver, leading the team with 72 points (yes, more than Elias Pettersson) in 69 games.

84. Dylan Larkin, Red Wings

Larkin has produced 0.82 points per game over the last three seasons while also picking up recognition for his defensive efforts. The Detroit Ded Wings are in good hands with the 24-year-old as one of their main pillars going forward.

83. Rasmus Dahlin, Sabres

It's hard to fathom Dahlin is only 20. The Buffalo Sabres' youngster plays with poise and instincts well beyond his years and appears to be on the cusp of becoming one of the league's most dynamic defenseman.

82. Darcy Kuemper, Coyotes

Kuemper looked like a legitimate Vezina Trophy candidate last season before an injury derailed his season. He finished third in the league in save percentage (.928) and goals-against average (2.22) but was limited to just 29 games. If the 30-year-old can stay healthy, he can be one of the league's best.

81. John Klingberg, Stars

Klingberg was overshadowed by Stars phenom Miro Heiskanen throughout Dallas' run to the Stanley Cup Final last season. However, Klingberg is still a very solid blue-liner in his own right. He would've topped 40 points in an 82-game campaign based on his 2019-20 output, and he's only 28.

Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

This is the first edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2021 season. Check back for updated rankings every second Monday during the regular season.

In this edition, we identify one holiday gift each team could use for this upcoming campaign or the future.

1. Tampa Bay Lightning

🎁A speedy recovery for Kucherov. For most of the offseason, the Lightning's biggest concern was whether they'd get all of their free agents signed under the salary cap. In a cruel twist of fate, that now appears feasible in the wake of Nikita Kucherov's nagging hip injury. Tampa Bay isn't expecting him back during the regular season, but what a gift an early return would be.

2. Colorado Avalanche

🎁 A horseshoe for better injury luck. The Avalanche may have been able to get their hands on the Stanley Cup if they hadn't hit injury trouble last season. Injuries to top players like Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog during the regular season and goaltenders Phillipp Grubauer and Pavel Francouz in the postseason derailed hopes of winning it all. However, the team will surely be a top threat if players can stay healthy this year.

3. Vegas Golden Knights

🎁 A trade partner. The Golden Knights arguably received the greatest gift of the offseason when Alex Pietrangelo chose Sin City, but Vegas needs to offload some salary to become cap compliant before puck drop.

4. Boston Bruins

🎁 Depth scoring. The Bruins will likely begin the year without superstar forwards David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand. The early-season omissions wouldn't warrant alarm bells under normal circumstances, but Boston's realigned East Division is deep and the Bruins can't afford for their offense to dry up and fall behind early in the standings with far less room for error in a 56-game schedule.

5. Dallas Stars

🎁 Healthy recoveries. The Stars had a long list of injuries after their grueling run to the Stanley Cup Final. The club expects Tyler Seguin and Ben Bishop to miss the start of the campaign - two integral parts of the club's quest to return to the postseason in a competitive Central Division.

6. St. Louis Blues

🎁 An experienced backup goalie. Going from Pietrangelo to Torey Krug has worked out better than it could have for the Blues and they may ultimately be more vulnerable in the crease than on the blue line. St. Louis traded reliable No. 2 netminder Jake Allen away in the offseason, entrusting backup duties to the unproven Ville Husso. If Jordan Binnington keeps regressing or gets hurt, it could be a long season in Missouri without a battle-tested backup.

7. Washington Capitals

🎁 An extension for Ovi. The Capitals are entering unknown territory this season. Alex Ovechkin has just one season remaining on his contract - the same one he inked back in 2008 after his rookie deal expired. The sniper continues to be the heart and soul of the Capitals. Although the 35-year-old has indicated he has absolutely no desire to play for another NHL team at any point, the threat of him leaving to play in Russia always looms.

8. Carolina Hurricanes

🎁 An extension for Rod Brind'Amour. The Hurricanes bench boss is in the final season of his contract and a new deal would be a perfect holiday bonus. Brind'Amour's crew is 84-52-12 since he's taken over in Carolina.

9. Philadelphia Flyers

🎁 A healthy Nolan Patrick: The 2017 second overall pick lost a year in his development after missing the entire 2019-20 campaign due to a migraine disorder. The Flyers' forward core is already deep and Patrick's return would add even more offensive grit to possibly take Philadelphia up another level.

10. Toronto Maple Leafs

🎁A hot start for Frederik Andersen. The Maple Leafs netminder is a notoriously slow starter, which isn't ideal in a 56-game campaign. We know Toronto will score and the defense is vastly improved, so if Andersen bounces back after a down season in 2019-20, Toronto should win the North Division.

11. New York Islanders

🎁 A way to get Mathew Barzal signed. The Islanders are in a bit of a cap crunch thanks to several of Lou Lamoriello's questionable deals. Worse still, the squad's most exciting player still needs a new contract. On the bright side, New York has about $4 million of wiggle room, but it'll take more than that to get Barzal's signature on the dotted line.

12. Pittsburgh Penguins

🎁 The Neuralyzer from Men in Black. The Penguins were one of the league's best teams last year but fell flat against the Montreal Canadiens in the league's return to play and ultimately failed to make the playoffs. With Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang still producing at elite levels, the franchise needs to quickly erase its memory of the summer and set its eyes on nabbing another Cup to add to the collection.

13. Calgary Flames

🎁 A time machine. The Flames are poised to contend in the North Division, but a gift that could return Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan to their 2018-19 forms may send Calgary to the top.

14. Edmonton Oilers

🎁 Jesse Puljujarvi: The missing ingredient. It's no secret the Oilers are still in need of scoring depth, so if Puljujarvi can emerge as the lottery pick Edmonton thought he was when the team selected him in 2016, look out. The dynamic winger led Karpat of the Finnish League with 24 goals and 53 points in 56 games last season and hopes his improved game translates to the NHL this time around.

15. Vancouver Canucks

🎁 A way to bury Loui Eriksson's contract. Even Santa probably doesn't have enough magic to make this come true, but making Eriksson's contract miraculously disappear would make it much easier to extend Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes.

16. Montreal Canadiens

🎁 A true contender in front of Carey Price. The Canadiens have long boasted one of the NHL's best goaltenders, but Price can't do it all himself. Montreal made some key additions in the offseason after showing promise in 2019-20, but the new faces will need to jell quickly with the core amid a shortened schedule.

17. New York Rangers

🎁 A flawless transition for Alexis Lafreniere. We've seen just how hard it can be for young players to make the jump to the NHL after lackluster performances from top picks Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko last season. The Rangers possess a roster ready to make some noise and a dominant rookie season by this year's No. 1 pick would go a long way.

18. Columbus Blue Jackets

🎁Long-term security for Pierre-Luc Dubois. With the season fast approaching, the Blue Jackets have one major piece of business still to take care of: signing their leading scorer. The sooner the better.

19. Nashville Predators

🎁 The Mikael Granlund they traded for. The Predators clearly still believe the Finnish forward can be an important piece after bringing him back on a one-year, $3.75-million deal Wednesday. Granlund has averaged just 0.43 points per game since joining Nashville at the 2019 trade deadline after mustering 0.83 per contest over his previous three seasons with the Wild.

20. Buffalo Sabres

🎁 A Rasmus Dahlin emergence. This is not a slight to the 2018 first overall pick. Dahlin's been excellent as a teenager in his first two NHL seasons, but the Sabres are going to need a bit of a miracle to contend in the loaded East Division - even with the addition of Taylor Hall. A Josh Allen-style rapid development from Dahlin into a Norris Trophy contender would be huge.

21. Winnipeg Jets

🎁 A healthy defense. One of the biggest reasons Connor Hellebuyck won the Vezina Trophy last season was his standout performance despite the departures and injuries that decimated the Jets' blue line. Winnipeg could use some good luck with the latter to save their star puck-stopper from being bombarded again.

22. Florida Panthers

🎁 A scientist to ensure instant chemistry. The Panthers added quite a few new faces this offseason - Patric Hornqvist, Alex Wennberg, Anthony Duclair, and Vinnie Hinostroza, to name a few. The club has the pieces and talent to be a legitimate contender but will need to gain chemistry quickly - especially in a shortened season.

23. Minnesota Wild

🎁 A smooth transition for Kirill Kaprizov. The Wild have waited years for the Russian dynamo to come to North America after drafting him in 2015. The 23-year-old sniper could be a huge addition to Minnesota's offense if he lives up to the hype.

24. New Jersey Devils

🎁 Major leap from Jack Hughes. The 2019 first overall pick had a pedestrian rookie campaign during a rather tumultuous season with the Devils. However, New Jersey enters 2020-21 with a clean slate, and Hughes will look to take a massive step in his sophomore campaign with new head coach Lindy Ruff at the helm.

25. Arizona Coyotes

🎁 An offensive catalyst. We know the Coyotes are good at keeping goals out, but they've always struggled to score them. Whether Phil Kessel has a bounce-back season or Clayton Keller shows some serious progression, this club needs someone to step up and carry the offensive load. The fourth playoff spot in the West Division is very much there for the taking.

26. Los Angeles Kings

🎁 A reprieve on Jonathan Quick's contract. The organization will never admit it, but the Kings would surely prefer to get Quick's deal off their books, considering they'll be forced to absorb the 34-year-old's $5.8-million cap hit over the next three seasons. Buying him out would be embarrassing, but parting with him in any capacity would significantly aid the club's retooling efforts.

27. Chicago Blackhawks

🎁 A "Goaltending for Dummies" book. Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman made a bold move this offseason, parting ways with longtime veteran Corey Crawford and entrusting the team's crease to the tandem of Malcolm Subban and Collin Delia - who have 84 games of NHL experience between them. The two goalies have to learn the starting netminder role quickly as Chicago transitions into rebuild mode while also trying to remain competitive with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane still chugging along.

28. San Jose Sharks

🎁 A garbage can. Put all memories and remnants of the Sharks' disastrous 2019-20 season inside and light them on fire. A fresh start is all San Jose can ask for this holiday season.

29. Ottawa Senators

🎁 A successful world juniors for Tim Stuetzle. The Senators selected the German phenom third overall at this year's draft, and they hope to see him thrive on the international stage while staying healthy at the world juniors.

30. Anaheim Ducks

🎁 Lottery luck. The Ducks are building a strong farm system, but landing the No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft would help speed up the rebuild.

31. Detroit Red Wings

🎁 Patience. The Red Wings were truly horrible last season and likely won't be much better in 2020-21. However, with Steve Yzerman overseeing the front office and some promising prospects coming down the pipe, Detroit's rebuild is now on track. It just might be a while before the team starts to yield results at the highest level.

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50-41 | 40-31 | 20-11 | 10-1

Welcome to the theScore's NHL logo countdown. This list examines logos that date back to the inception of the Original Six and includes the main emblem for all 32 current teams, 11 clubs that moved or changed their name, and seven whose logo has undergone a significant redesign. Only primary ones were considered.

The five-part series concludes with the top 10 on Friday. Let's continue with Nos. 30-21.

30. Winnipeg Jets

When the Jets returned to Winnipeg, the team unveiled a brand new logo using the original Jets' colors. The emblem pays homage to the Royal Canadian Air Force by using its logo as inspiration with a jet plane placed over a red maple leaf. This is about as Canadian as it gets.

29. Ottawa Senators

Senators fans rejoiced when the club announced they're reverting back to their original 2D design this offseason, and for good reason. Ottawa's original logo is a gigantic upgrade over the in-your-face 3D Senator caricature the team used for so long. Simplifying a logo is almost never a bad thing.

28. Buffalo Sabres (1996-2006)

The Sabres' complete uniform overhaul in the '90s was certainly bold, but the red and black buffalo head was so menacing that it worked. The design lasted only a decade, but it's forever linked to Dominik Hasek's peak run of excellence and a surprise trip to the 1999 Stanley Cup Final. Above all else, at least it's not the "Buffaslug" - the monstrosity of a primary logo that followed until Buffalo rightly returned to its roots in 2010.

27. New Jersey Devils

It's not immediately evident at first glance, but the Devils' incorporation of the "N" and "J" morphing into the image of a devil's tail and horns is fantastic. It's hard not to think of the glory days of Martin Brodeur and Co. when looking at this logo, which has gone mostly unchanged since its introduction in 1982.

26. Colorado Rockies

The ill-fated Rockies lasted just six seasons, but their logo lives on today. The Colorado state flag "C" used in this emblem can be seen on the shoulder patch of the Avalanche's jerseys, albeit with different colors. We love this '70s color scheme, and the logo might be more memorable had the Rockies enjoyed any sort of success during their brief tenure.

25. Seattle Kraken

The NHL's newest franchise knocked its logo selection out of the park. While we were disappointed to see green left out of the color scheme, the double blue and red works. The tentacle outline on the "S" is a nice touch, while the red eye adds to the intimidation of this sea creature.

24. Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas' logo was met with general approval upon its unveiling in 2017. The possibilities were endless for the team name and logo in Sin City, but ultimately the organization went with a safer choice. The color is a nod to Nevada being the highest gold-producing state in the U.S.

23. Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers' primary logo has gone completely untouched since the team's inception in 1967, and for good reason. It's just perfect: The slanted "P" with an orange dot in the middle to signify a puck, and the wings on the side to represent speed - hence the "Flyers." It's hard to imagine this logo ever changing.

22. Florida Panthers (1993-2016)

We agreed that the old Panthers logo is better than their current one, which came in at No. 37 on this list. While a bit cartoony, the original was much more fierce and intimidating.

21. San Jose Sharks

Logos don't get more unique than a vicious-looking shark demolishing a hockey stick with its teeth. The menacing graphic is one of the league's most distinct, but the incorporation of the beautiful teal color is what puts the cherry on top here.

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50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11

Welcome to the theScore's NHL logo countdown. This list examines logos that date back to the inception of the Original Six and includes the main emblem for all 32 current teams, 11 clubs that moved or changed their name, and seven whose logo has undergone a significant redesign. Only the primary ones were considered.

Here are the top 10 logos.

10. Minnesota North Stars

So simple yet so effective. The unique blend of green and yellow is synonymous with the North Stars, and the sharp design still holds up decades after the club's relocation to Dallas, who ironically could use a new look.

9. St. Louis Blues

If a team's logo stays roughly the same for over 50 years, it means they did something right. Aside from a few wordmarks and color tweaks, the famous "Blue note" has mostly stayed the same since the team's inception in 1967. The logo perfectly captures the jazz and blues scene St. Louis is known for.

8. Montreal Canadiens

One of the oldest and most recognizable logos in all of pro sports, the Canadiens' crest is still one of the best in the league. The red, white, and blue along with the 'C' and 'H' are so simple but work so well. The logo hasn't changed much since its introduction in 1917, and rightly so.

7. Boston Bruins

The Bruins are the NHL's oldest American team, and while they didn't introduce the spoked B until 25 years into their history, it's become iconic ever since. This logo has only undergone slight changes over the years, and for a good reason. It's a simple yet eye-catching look.

6. Quebec Nordiques

It's not the most thrilling design, but we adore the classic look Quebec rocked before the franchise moved to Denver. The lowercase "N" is extremely '70s, but the fact it forms an igloo is a perfect touch. We always appreciate incorporating a stick and a puck, and the dynamic shades of red and blue tie everything together perfectly. Surely we aren't alone in hoping to see this logo on the ice again one day.

5. Buffalo Sabres

At last, the Sabres have it right again. After multiple redesigns from their original logo, Buffalo finally brought back its first crest this offseason with the proper shade of royal blue - rather than the navy that's diminished the iconic look's luster over recent years. Let's hope this beauty never disappears again.

4. Mighty Ducks of Anaheim

This logo is a cult classic for an entire generation of hockey fans. It would likely be criticized if it were released today without a beloved movie franchise attached to it, but the Mighty Ducks' crest is one of the most admired in the sport more than 10 years since Anaheim moved on to its current drab logo and uniform combination.

3. Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs logo has varied over the years, but switching to this iconic masterpiece - similar to what the club wore from 1938-63 - for the 2016-17 campaign was definitely the right move. Former team owner Conn Smythe originally gave the franchise the Maple Leafs logo in 1927 to honor the badge worn by Canadian soldiers in the First World War.

2. Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings' classic look is one of the greatest in all of sports. Not only is the logo a masterpiece aesthetically, but the wheeled wing perfectly represents the heart of the Motor City. The timeless design has remained virtually the same since the team adopted its name in 1932, which is a testament to how connected it is to the history of the city and the sport.

1. Hartford Whalers

This logo is so simple yet complex at the same time. The green "W" for Whalers and the blue whale's tail are obvious, but it may require a second glance to realize the negative space between those two makes up the "H" in Hartford. Even though the Whalers relocated to Carolina in 1997, it remains the greatest NHL logo of all time and one of the best in sports history.

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50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 10-1 (Nov. 13)

Welcome to theScore's NHL logo countdown. This list examines logos that date back to the inception of the Original Six, and it includes the main emblem for all 32 current teams, 11 clubs that moved or went through a name change, and seven logos that have undergone a significant redesign. Only primary ones were considered.

The five-part series concludes with the top 10 on Friday. Let's continue with Nos. 20-11.

20. Phoenix Coyotes

Opinions on this logo are often split. Some think it's too busy, while others love the creativity. The Kachina design is unique, and it ties the team nicely to the Arizona area. However, the emblem seems to be more popular now after making its return on the Coyotes' throwback jerseys than during the late '90s and early 2000s, when it was the club's primary logo. Don't be surprised if it becomes the primary again in due time.

19. Calgary Flames

What else could you really ask for other than a flaming "C" in Calgary? The club has stuck with this base design through slightly different iterations since its inception, and the recent simplification of the logo - removing a black outline - makes it look flawless on one of the sport's best uniform sets.

18. Vancouver Canucks (1978-1992)

The Canucks' flying-skate logo is the franchise's best. It's a bold, intricate, and cleanly executed concept that still holds up as one of the league's top emblems. The clash of black, yellow, and orange is unique and works well with the design, as opposed to the first time the club applied the flashy color scheme.

17. New York Rangers

The Rangers' shield-style logo is among the best of its kind. The team needed a few tries before settling on this font and design, and it's been in use since the '70s. The logo is simple with bold colors, but complex doesn't always mean good.

16. Pittsburgh Penguins

A golden triangle to represent the downtown Pittsburgh area and a fierce-looking Penguin on skates is an iconic look for the franchise that's donned this crest for all five of its championships. Classic, simple, and effective.

15. Edmonton Oilers

We love a unique wordmark, and the Oilers' droopy font has stood the test of time. Edmonton has never shifted from the base design of this logo - save for one ultra-bold alternate jersey - and we don't see a reason why the club ever would.

14. Winnipeg Jets (1979-90)

Many were calling for the Jets to bring back this sublime design when the team returned to Winnipeg, and rightfully so. The colors are bold, the letters pop out, and it's a delight for the eyes. The "J" being in the shape of a hockey stick is also a nice touch on one of the most timeless logos in NHL history.

13. Colorado Avalanche

There's a reason this logo has gone untouched throughout the Avalanche's existence. The puck-led avalanche around the mountain perfectly forms the letter "A," and the swoop of snow also creates a subtle "C." The logo connects nicely to Denver's roots, too.

12. Minnesota Wild

How long did it take you to learn that this picturesque forest landscape also forms the shape of a wild animal? The path is the mouth, the shooting star (an ode to the Minnesota North Stars) is an eye, and the sun is an ear. This logo gets bonus points for uniqueness and creativity.

11. Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks' classic logo has undergone very minor changes over the franchise's near century-long existence. An artistic side profile of Black Hawk, a Native American of the Sauk nation and a prominent historical figure in Illinois, has been central to Chicago's look since the beginning. It's one of the most colorful and detailed logos in all of sports.

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50-41 | 30-21 | 20-11 (Nov. 12) | 10-1 (Nov. 13)

Welcome to the theScore's NHL logo countdown. This list examines logos that date back to the inception of the Original Six and includes the main emblem for all 32 current teams, 11 clubs that moved or changed their name, and seven whose logo has undergone a significant redesign. Only primary ones were considered.

The five-part series concludes with the top 10 on Friday. Let's continue with Nos. 40-31.

40. New York Islanders (1995-97)

There's no in-between for the Islanders' "Highliner" era: You're either fully on board with the nostalgia or you can't shake the feeling of staring at a box of fish sticks. Regardless of where you stand, the incorporation of teal deserves props for at least being creative.

39. Atlanta Flames

For whatever reason, Atlanta's flaming "A" doesn't quite work as well as Calgary's flaming "C." The colors definitely pop, but the design lacks inspiration and doesn't hold up when it's not crested on a jersey.

38. Carolina Hurricanes

Realistically, how many ways can a hurricane be artistically depicted? Carolina would likely tell you that options are limited, as the club has rocked this underwhelming swirly design as its primary crest since relocating from Hartford in the late '90s.

37. Florida Panthers

The Panthers downgraded when they switched to this logo for the 2016-17 season. The old one was much more intimidating and ferocious.

36. Arizona Coyotes

The desert colors are slick, but the logo itself is literally just a Coyote head. For an organization that used to own one of the most artistic and unique looks in hockey, the Coyotes' modern crest is very dull.

35. Nashville Predators

There are all sorts of animal predators to choose from, so why a saber-toothed tiger? Apparently, a fang and foreleg bone of one of these prehistoric beasts was found in a cave just below the entrance of Nashville's old First American Center 26 years before the team's unveiling in September 1997. The logo is certainly fierce-looking, but it's somewhat lacking in creativity.

34. Atlanta Thrashers

The brown thrasher is the state bird of Georgia and was the inspiration behind Atlanta's team name and logo. The bird is described as aggressive and defensive, an identity the Thrashers surely hoped to replicate.

33. New York Islanders

The Islanders' original logo is easily better than the aforementioned Highliner one. The map of Nassau and Suffolk counties is a nice touch behind the New York-sized "NY," and incorporating a stick and puck is always a nice touch.

32. Vancouver Canucks

The orca breaching out of the water is a tribute to British Columbia's West Coast heritage, and presenting it as a "C" ties things together very nicely. The contrasting shades of blue also work well, and while it's not the best logo the organization has dawned, the Canucks don't have to worry about rebranding for the foreseeable future.

31. Los Angeles Kings (1967-75)

The Kings seem unlikely to shift away from their black and silver color scheme anytime soon, but we love the purple and gold. It's far more exciting and unique. This team logo, which never appeared on the front of a jersey, ranks 10 spots higher than Los Angeles' current one. Perhaps it will return in an alternate uniform someday.

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40-31 (Nov. 10) | 30-21 (Nov. 11) | 20-11 (Nov. 12) | 10-1 (Nov. 13)

Welcome to the theScore's NHL logo countdown. This list examines logos that date back to the inception of the Original Six and includes the main emblem for all 32 current teams, 11 clubs that moved or changed their name, and seven whose logo has undergone a significant redesign. Only primary ones were considered.

The five-part series concludes with the top 10 on Friday. Let's begin with Nos. 50-41.

50. Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim pulled off perhaps the biggest logo downgrade in NHL history when it shifted out of the Mighty Ducks era. Gold and orange is a bizarre color combination, and an infusion of black and silver simply doesn't work. Whenever the Ducks update their logo again, perhaps it would be wise to actually include, you know, a duck.

49. California Golden Seals (1970-76)

Initially named the California Seals, the team was purchased by Oakland Athletics owner Charlie Finley in 1970 and renamed the Bay Area Seals. After just two games, the club re-branded to the California Golden Seals and switched its colors to green and gold to match those of the MLB's A's. The colors simply didn't work this time around, and the font could have been more aesthetically pleasing.

48. Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets' current logo is simple and serves its purpose, though it doesn't exactly stand out. It was used as an alternate logo beginning in 2003 but became the primary one in 2007. It incorporates the Ohio state flag wrapped around a star, paying homage to the team's roots in patriotism.

47. Cleveland Barons (1976-78)

The Cleveland Barons were born when the California Golden Seals relocated to Ohio in 1976. New city, new name, but yet another underwhelming branding decision. The crest was outdated even for the '70s, and the lack of creativity certainly didn't help market the team. The Barons' existence was short-lived, as the club merged with the Minnesota North Stars after just two seasons.

46. Tampa Bay Lightning

Since their inception in 1992, the Lightning have gone with a simple bolt for their logo. It went through a couple of minor tweaks, but the club completely updated the logo and the team's primary colors to the current design ahead of the 2011-12 season. It certainly doesn't push any boundaries, which prevented it from placing higher up the list.

45. Dallas Stars

It's safe to say the Stars organization left all of its best looks in Minnesota. Dallas' current logo is rather simple and uninspiring, and for a city so full of life, it fails to tell much of a story. Perhaps it's time the club considers at least bringing back its look from the Mike Modano era.

44. Columbus Blue Jackets (2000-07)

The Blue Jackets' old primary logo is better than the current iteration but was nothing to write home about. If Columbus is planning a rebrand anytime soon, it can leave this one behind. We want the cannon!

43. Kansas City Scouts (1974-76)

NHL hockey didn't last long in Kansas City, and the Scouts' logo was a neat idea that was executed lackadaisically. The design is an homage to The Scout, an iconic statue located in Penn Valley Park that overlooks downtown. It's certainly a unique look, but it feels incomplete due to a lack of detail.

42. Washington Capitals

The Capitals' emblem is aesthetically pleasing but falls far short of its potential. The colors pop and the stars are an excellent touch, but wordmark logos appear lazy and leave a lot to be desired. With a little bit more imagination, Washington could have one of the better logos in the league.

41. Los Angeles Kings

The Kings have undergone more logo changes than most teams but have donned the current crest since 2011. It incorporates the team's famed crown emblem from the past, but the design is basic overall. While it's not very flashy, the black and silver color scheme helps get the job done.

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After more than four days of ballot-counting following record voter turnout, Joe Biden was projected Saturday to win the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Notable athletes, including LeBron James, quickly took to social media to react to the news:

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green noted to James that White House visits - something many championship teams avoided under President Donald Trump - might soon resume:

The count in Pennsylvania - specifically the Philadelphia area - put Biden over the top. The drawn-out procedure tested the patience of many, but 76ers center Joel Embiid reminded everyone that it was a process:

Current and retired athletes with ties to the city - including Philly native Kyle Lowry and former Eagles defensive end Chris Long - saluted voters:

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Amir Garrett and Winnipeg Jets winger Blake Wheeler called for unity in a divided political environment:

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