Top 10: The Best Forwards the NHL Has To Offer

It's time for everyone to argue like hell.

It's time for my view of the top 10 NHL forwards.

Now, I'm a big NHL fan so I know my stuff. I might not write for them, but I know what I'm talking about.

Now, this topic isn't brought up too much. It's disputed, but you never really take the time to think about the actual Top 10.

Obviously there is going to be a big dispute about No. 1, depending on your favorite team or your location. But let's forget that and just take a look at the facts.

So, without anymore delay, let's start.

10. Ilya Kovalchuk

Ilya Kovalchuk is one of the best pure scorers in the game. He can score with the best of them. Despite him being on a less than amazing team, he still manages to put up pretty good stats.

If Kovalchuk is surrounded with talent like Hossa again then fans will be seeing the Thrashers in the playoffs again for sure.

This is a guy you would love to have on your team. Kovalchuk is an amazing talent; and for that he comes in at No. 10.

9. Vincent Lecavalier

He is the face of the Lightning, but in his case that's not a good thing. This is a player who was made for the playoffs and instead has finished out of the playoffs yet again.

I would really love seeing this guy going to Montreal where he can be a huge star. He would be surrounded by talent like Kovalev, Higgins, Plekanec, etc. If he goes to Montreal it could be a career rebirth.

But for now he is being held back in Tampa Bay. Despite that he's still good enough for No. 9.

8. Brad Richards

Despite a bad season for his team, he is still one of the best players in the league. He is one of the best snipers as well as one of the best passers.

Going to Dallas was a great move for him. He and the Stars have just got to realize that they have to compete with the tough Western Conference. They can't slow down and expect to have the same success.

If the Stars want success they have got to go to this guy for the answers. And believe me all those questions will be answered easily.

7. Henrik Zetterberg

Zetterberg is the first of the two Red Wings on this list, and he comes in at No. 7.

What can you say about Zetterberg? He has got it all: He knows how to pass; he knows how to score; he knows how to put the moves on his competition. Like I said, he has got it all!

And yet he's still the second best, not the best on the Red Wings squad. Sorry Z, but Datsyuk has that spot.

I personally like Z more, but I can still say Datsyuk is better.

6. Joe Thornton

One of the biggest forwards in the NHL is also one of the best.

Despite him being a really big man, he can skate very well. He is probably the second best assist man in the NHL today, behind Crosby that is.

Joe can also get the goals in when he needs to. And his hits, don't even get me started!

His team has BIG playoff issues, and if they want to put those issues behind them they have got to go to him. He is an awesome player so he comes in at No. 6.

5. Pavel Datsyuk

Detroit's No. 1 man comes in at No. 5.

Datsyuk is a good all around player. His only weakness is probably hitting.

Despite not having a high level of physicality Datsyuk is a player you would love to have on your team. He can play any role you give him. If you tell him to play as the play maker he'll do it perfectly. If you tell him to play the role of a sniper he'll do that too.

The Red Wings are looking for their second straight Stanley Cup. If they see good games from Datsyuk and Zetterberg that cup is as good as theirs!

4. Jarome Iginla

Jarome Iginla is a phenom.

He is an amazing scorer.

He is one of the most approachable NHL superstars because of his amazing personality, but let's turn our attention to his amazing play.

Iginla is a scoring threat whenever he's on the ice. Even if it might seem like Iginla might not be in top form in a game, he can shock you at a moment's notice.

Even if he's having one of those non—scoring nights he can still contribute by setting up his line mates with amazing opportunities.

Another amazing thing about Iginla is he's an amazing hitter. He can also step up to the fights and win them.

He's a great role—player to have on your team. He's a guy you can trust with the captain's role. That's why he's at No. 4.

3. Sidney Crosby

Welcome to the real world Sidney! In the real world your not No. 1, or even No. 2. You're No. 3. By how the media treats you, you might think your No. 1, but in reality your not even close.

Don't get me wrong Crosby is a good athlete. He can score when scoring is needed and he can dish those passes perfectly.

He is really more of a play—maker than anything else. With all due respect to Crosby, that's the only thing he's good at. He can't hit for at the level of a standard NHL player and he doesn't score too often.

Again, no disrespect to Sidney. Being a Canadian, I'm not a fan of his work. But I can appreciate that people do consider him good so he is No. 3.

2. Evgeni Malkin

The true reason for Pittsburgh's success is here at No. 2. Thanks to Crosby, Malkin is really underrated.

When you think of the Penguins—be honest—you probably think of No. 87, Sidney Crosby. Even though Malkin is a way better player than "Sid The Kid," for some reason Crosby gets all the attention.

Let's look at the play. First off, Malkin is the better scorer out of these two for sure. He's a better hitter no doubt. And when it comes to dishing the passes the two are equal.

So, since Malkin is clearly the better player he gets one spot up on Crosby and gets No. 2.

1. Alexander Ovechkin

Is anyone actually surprised? Come on. This is Alexander Ovechkin here.

He is the man that holds the record for the most goals by a left wing in a single season. He is the soon to be back to back NHL MVP.

Ovechkin is without a doubt the best scorer in the NHL. He has really gotten better at his passing game; and his hits, his hits are done to perfection.

Despite his second round exit to the No. 2 and No. 3 players, Ovechkin still tops them in the play, because, in the end, it's about the play and not how the team plays, even though that's important too.

So, without further discussion, here is your No. 1, Alexander Ovechkin!