1. Pavelski
2. Thornton
3. Couture
What I really wish is there was somebody that I could call an all-around player who plays with edge and physicality when needed. The team really has lacked that player absent Torres - for some time. And of course Torres wouldn't be in a top 5 either.
Thornton's defense with the stick gives me pause to put him at the top. It's hard to complain about his assists and takeaways .... people focus on assists and wrongly complain about defense but the guy gets back and back checks pretty consistently.
Couture had an iffy year last, but he'll come back. The guy gives up his body on the PK on blocks consistently and we know he can score.
Have to otherwise put Pavelski at the top. He can score, assist, play special teams and is a good defensive player. He stands up for himself and seems to have the best leadership skills.
Obvious omission of Marleau. The man can play when he wants, but his speed is diminishing or he isn't using it. Either way, he can't be in the top list of all-around players.
Sad I can't find a defensive player to put in the list. Vlassic is closest. At this point in his career, I expected him to be more on the scoreboard. Maybe this is the year he delivers more offense?