HFBoards Top 31 NHL Centers - #13 Three-way Tiebreaker

[LT]

We have a three way tiebreaker for #13. We'll have all three in a poll first - the winner gets #13. The two losers will go to another run-off to determine who gets #14 (the run-off winner) and #15.

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[Clint Eastwood]

Sean Couturier although I do not think he's the 3rd best center in the nhl . . . . .

 

[bobholly39]

Backstrom. Experience. Probably Aho next.

 

[KoozNetsOff 92]

Backstrom. Kuznetsov is also better than Couturier and Aho.

 

[NotLeddy]

Backstrom. Kuznetsov is also better than Couturier and Aho.

Just wondering, are you are aware Kuznetsov is genuinely one of the worst defensive centers in the league and doesn't drive play at all? He's great offensively, especially at playmaking, but factors like that big of a detriment in defensive game have to come into consideration in center rankings since the production gap between so many of these centers isn't that different once we get into the 13th-21st rankings.

 

[Krewe]

Sean Couturier although I do not think he's the 3rd best center in the nhl . . . . .

this is for 13th

 

[LT]

this is for 13th

I think he's referencing a poster who said that they've been voting for Couturier 11 times now in the previous poll.

 

[ccman68]

While advanced stats definitely overrate Couturier I don’t think you can really make and argument for Backstrom here.

Even not taking advanced stats into consideration it’s weird how Couturier has outscored him in the past two years and been a Selke candidate and is somehow losing this poll.

 

[cgf]

Gimme: Backstrom for career; Coots for the next season or two; Aho moving forward.

 

[KoozNetsOff 92]

Just wondering, are you are aware Kuznetsov is genuinely one of the worst defensive centers in the league and doesn't drive play at all? He's great offensively, especially at playmaking, but factors like that big of a detriment in defensive game have to come into consideration in center rankings since the production gap between so many of these centers isn't that different once we get into the 13th-21st rankings.

Kuznetsov can, and has, reached an offensive level that Couturier hasn't come close to and no amount of defense makes up for that kind of talent.

 

[HenrikW]

Couturier today, Aho tomorrow. Backstrom will imo be the best player by a fair margain in a comparison once all 3 players retire. Backstrom is just a hair behind Couturier, even if I believe he is 15-20% below his normal standard

 

[blinds]

Kuznetsov can, and has, reached an offensive level that Couturier hasn't come close to and no amount of defense makes up for that kind of talent.

??? His career high is 83 points and he's never broken 30 goals. Couts just put up back-to-back seasons with 30+ goals and 76 points. He also outscored Kuznetsov last season. I'd call that close.

I'd also say Selke-caliber defense makes up for 7 points.

Kuznetsov doesn't belong in this conversation. By the way, is he the worst center in the league at faceoffs? 38.7% over an entire season is embarrassing.

 

[KoozNetsOff 92]

??? His career high is 83 points and he's never broken 30 goals. Couts just put up back-to-back seasons with 30+ goals and 76 points. He also outscored Kuznetsov last season. I'd call that close.

I'd also say Selke-caliber defense makes up for 7 points.

Kuznetsov doesn't belong in this conversation. By the way, is he the worst center in the league at faceoffs? 38.7% over an entire season is embarrassing.

Let me know when Couturier has a 30+pt playoff run then we'll call them close.