BT's Top 50 NHL Players: Let the Argument Begin!

There's probably a great deal of argument to having Kane higher on this list. The reigning Calder trophy winner had a great season, topping 70 points. His defensive play is still coming along, but Kane will help lead the 'Hawks to a Stanley Cup one day.

42. Ryan Suter, Nashville Predators—Another underrated player from Nashville who'll one day ascend to superstar status. The more he uses that point shot, the more he'll score (duh), and once his game in his own end rounds out, he'l be one tough defenseman.

41. Jeff Carter, Philadelphia Flyers—Carter is an exceptional goal scorer, who could pot 35 this season. He's spent his time in Philly's system, so with that added comfort, he could also break 70 points this year for the first time in his NHL career.

40. Paul Statsny, Colordao Avalanche—A 70-point producer from last season, he's learned from some of the best in Colorado, including Joe Sakic and even Peter Forsberg for a bit. As he matures with the rest of the Colorado core, Statsny's playmaking ability will get even better, and Colorado could once again climb to the top of the standings in a few years under his leadership.

 

Some work to achieve greatness...

39. Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames—It seems a little strange to have a goalie who was a win away from a third-straight 40 win season this low, but his goals-against average and save percentage have gone up and down respectively over the past few seasons, so Kipper may be starting to show his age.

38. Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks—This kid could be top fifteen by next season, but this will be his big year in determining that. Sergei Samsonov taught us not to count our chickens before they hatch, but Toews displays great leadership, hands, and smarts at such a young age, that he was a no-brainer as the 'Hawks captain.

*Disclaimer: I only used Sergei Samsonov as a reference to how things can go down hill; in no way am I comparing the two. He's just a prime example of what CAN happen ok?

37a. Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

37b. Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks— They go together everywhere else, so why not here too? Together, the Sedin's provide the Canucks with a great goal-scoring and playmaking combination. That, and they gave Anson Carter the ride of his life a few seasons ago. Imagine if they had a real linemate (will Steve Bernier please stand up?).

35. Derek Roy, Buffalo Sabres—This guy was probably the quietest 30-goal, 80-point man in the NHL last season. While everyone talks about Thomas Vanek, Derek Roy will be right there along with him when the Sabres return to prominence in the Eastern Conference.

34. Alex Kovalev, Montreal Canadiens—

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