Johnny has played better over the last 5-10 games overall, though he still shows signs of getting off the ice quick, dishing off the puck as soon as it's on his stick and not having the same puck control/possession ability as previous years.
But I'd rank them:
1. Lindholm (though I'm still not convinced he's a true elite star, he's an excellent player all-round, perhaps a Selke candidate at some point)
2. Tkachuk - maybe our best core player but not quite as brilliant as last year so far, could easily redeem that with a strong second half. I love his crisp, accurate passes and his positional play - world class.
3. Monahan - just a slight edge over Gaudreau, but better than the last 3rd of last year (which unfortunately was a yearly trend, having significant down stretches). He has seemed stronger though saw him lose some puck battles along the boards against the Oil last night. His skill level at times seems as high as anyone outside of Gaudreau.
4. Gaudreau - one point behind Chucky for team lead . . . has played better in the last 10 or so games, maybe longer. I think he should be pissed at himself for dropping back. Doesn't seem like he wants to pay the price as much this year. This is seen in short-shifting himself (coach commanded or not), dishing off the puck consistently when it hits his stick - more than he used to, and being less strong on the puck. He could redeem himself over the last half of the season with even a slight uptick and consistency. Maybe he and Mony are saving themselves for the stretch run and playoffs this year, if that is possible.
5. Brodie - has had a super solid last 1 1/2 to 2 months of hockey. The best of the last 4 years IMO. In Brodie's case if you're not noticing him he's not flubbing pucks, making bad passes or getting beat. Basically he's not been doing those things and the rest of his game is good when those things aren't happening.
The Rest . . .
I think Ryan has been great, but I also think Mangiapane has been great. Maybe slight edge goes to Ryan, but it's close IMO. Gio had a rough first third of the season but is edging back to form. Backsy has been decent lately, but overall his totals are way down and he didn't start the season well. He's still relatively solid though. Bennett has taken a step back; Janks has jumped backward, blindfolded off a cliff; Lucic is okay, slightly better than expected; Dube has been great given his opportunities; Hamonic has been below what is expected of him; Hanifin is still developing; Andersson has played well, maybe 7th on our list of best players. Rinaldo has been good when playing. Kylington had a decent game against the Oil. Stone has been a 6 or so D.