NHL Rank: Predicting the best players for 2022-23, from 100 to 51
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ESPN staff
The top 100 NHL players for the 2022-23 season are difficult to rank, given the incredible depth of talent at almost every position.
To create our annual ranking of the NHL’s top 100 players, we asked an ESPN panel of more than 50 hockey experts to rate players based on how good they will be in the 2022-23 season compared to their peers.
The Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche were tied for the most players in the top 100 with six, along with the New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Vancouver Canucks. Only three teams failed to place a player in the top 100 — and the Arizona Coyotes are not one of the three.
Emphasis was placed solely on expectations for the upcoming season and predicting potential greatness, rather than past performance, career résumé or positional value. Hence, long-term injuries to players, such as the season-ending surgery for Robin Lehner of the Vegas Golden Knights, were taken into consideration.
There may be no greater indication of the NHL’s depth than the fact that the center position — the source of the league’s star power for decades — accounted for only seven spots in the top 20. Centers do encompass four slots in the top seven players, however.
Today we reveal Nos. 51 through 100 on the list. Tune in to “The Point” on Tuesday night for a reveal of the top players, which will be available online Wednesday morning.
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 31
Eight straight seasons of more than 20 goals is what makes Kane one of the league’s more consistent wingers. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: 56
Age: 24
Chychrun is a high-end talent with great defensive details and offensive upside — when he’s healthy. Injuries have defined the blueliner’s past 12 months but shouldn’t distract from what he can offer at full strength. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 28
San Jose believes the dynamic Hertl will be their top-line center of the present — and future. He’s a skilled scorer, deft playmaker and can elevate teammates, all of which the Sharks need to see more of amid a slow start to this season. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: 95
Age: 28
Chicago went all-in on signing the talented Jones last offseason because of his potential to perform in all three phases. Jones is a strong passer, executes clean breakouts, and he throws his frame along the boards, all elements of a solidly well-rounded skater. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: 97
Age: 27
The Canucks’ captain is a versatile cog in the system, excellent on draws and handles a matchup role well. Horvat just had a career-best 31-goal season, and he will be channeling that offensive energy into this contract year. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: 35
Age: 32
Pietrangelo hit the 80-game mark for the first time in four seasons and gave a sense of stability at a time of questions for the Golden Knights. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: 89
Age: 25
Chabot has a relentless motor, and he brings everything you’d want to the Senators’ blue-line group. Ottawa’s anchor regularly logs massive minutes while excelling in every on-ice scenario, proving that where Chabot goes, so go the Sens. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 35
The diminutive Norwegian was 13th among all right wings with a 0.85 points per game average over the past two seasons. –Greg Wyshynski
2021-22 rank: 36
Age: 35
Letang had a career-best 68 points while averaging nearly 26 minutes en route finishing in the top 10 in Norris voting for the third time in four seasons. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: 37
Age: 35
Several items led to the Kings’ resurgence, and Kopitar was among them by leading the team in scoring while playing in every situation. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: 69
Age: 34
Giroux may no longer be the point-per-game player he was in his prime, but the 34-year-old remains a steady playmaking presence. –Greg Wyshynski
2021-22 rank: 57
Age: 26
Nylander has matured into more than just a scoring threat. He’s willing to battle for pucks, create takeaways and breaks out quickly. He also has the wheels to wield a strong transition game. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 23
His regular-season efforts showed he can serve in a tandem, but the playoffs showed Oettinger has everything needed to be a No. 1 goaltender. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 24
Buffalo’s big center had a big breakout year that’s turned him into an emerging face of the franchise. Thompson’s got elite scoring ability, a killer shot and, as the Sabres discovered last season, the versatility to play important minutes down the middle. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 26
The Swedish sniper broke through in last season’s 35-goal turn. Kempe’s upping the ante already this year — three goals in three games — thanks to great chemistry with Anze Kopitar. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 20
Stutzle is already a power-play force for the Senators (26 of his 58 points last season). With Claude Giroux and Alex DeBrincat added to the Ottawa forward group, his even strength output should increase. –Greg Wyshynski
2021-22 rank: 94
Age: 28
His puck-moving ability made a difference in Florida, and it is why Calgary looks like it has another weapon on its blue line. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 27
Tristan Jarry silenced critics of his disastrous 2021 postseason by establishing himself as a consistent, effective starter for the Penguins last season. –Greg Wyshynski
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 27
When Sorokin starts, the Islanders know what kind of effort they’re getting. He had a quality starts percentage of .713 over his first two NHL seasons. –Greg Wyshynski
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 31
The Blueshirts got a Broadway-esque star turn from Kreider in his 52-goal effort a season ago. Surprising? Maybe, but the veteran forward has followed it up by averaging a point per game early in the 2022-23 season. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: 52
Age: 32
Tavares’ game has evolved beyond just goal scoring. The Leafs’ captain is a proven playmaker who hit a decade-high in assists (49) last season that complemented his more finely tuned, 200-foot performances. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: 73
Age: 28
The longtime backbone of Toronto’s defense does it all while leading by example. Rielly’s an elite skater and puck mover used in every situation, where he’s capable of generating offense without sacrificing defensive responsibilities. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: 51
Age: 26
When Ekblad’s healthy, he’s a defenseman worthy of being in the Norris Trophy conversation, especially given his playmaking abilities (42 assists last season). –Greg Wyshynski
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 25
Terry’s 67-point season sets the expectation that he has found his footing within the Ducks’ long-term plans. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 27
Lindholm was an elite — if under-the-radar — two-way center before last season’s explosive 42-goal showing put him on the map. Former linemates Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk might be gone but Lindholm’s defensive savvy and scoring prowess continue to shine. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: 68
Age: 24
This season is Sergachev’s time to shine with Ryan McDonagh having been traded to Nashville. He’s the second best offensive defenseman on the Bolts behind Victor Hedman. –Greg Wyshynski
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 28
Trouba is best known for thunderous hits, but he can chip in offensively at even strength too. –Greg Wyshynski
2021-22 rank: 38
Age: 32
Doughty getting injured last season was a big loss for the Kings given he was on pace to set a career high in points. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: 27
Age: 29
For all the talk in Winnipeg, Scheifele can calm those concerns by turning in another 20-goal season with the idea he could also threaten to score 30. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: 93
Age: 30
Tarasenko had one of the NHL’s best “remember me?” seasons, reigniting his star with a 3.9 points per 60 minutes average. –Greg Wyshynski
2021-22 rank: 67
Age: 25
Boeser is one of the better pure goal scorers on the Canucks, with 46 goals in 127 games over the past two seasons. –Greg Wyshynski
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 28
Subtlety is Slavin’s game, yet the impact he has speaks rather loudly for the Hurricanes. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 22
Dahlin relishes playing big minutes on Buffalo’s top unit, where the 22-year-old has matured before the Sabres’ eyes. This season he’s adding more offense from the blue line already, too. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 38
All he did was score a career-high 81 points, play a responsible game and have two-way consistency … in his late 30s. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: 78
Age: 26
Ehlers is lethal in transition, making him a must-watch playmaker off the rush. That skill and vision planted Ehlers on Winnipeg’s top line. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 27
He’s a two-way, 25-goal-scoring power forward who is 6-foot-4 and gives the Avs another dimension. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: 53
Age: 32
While he never broke through to win the Norris, Carlson has been a consistent defenseman who banks points while running Ovechkin’s power play. –Greg Wyshynski
2021-22 rank: 34
Age: 29
Even with fewer games, Hamilton fell a goal shy of what would have been an eighth-straight season of more than 10 goals during his first year in New Jersey. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: 90
Age: 27
Nurse has averaged over 25 minutes of ice time per game the past two seasons, being tasked with playing against top competition. –Greg Wyshynski
2021-22 rank: 43
Age: 29
Landeskog gives the Avalanche another 20-goal scorer who could possibly reach the 30-goal mark if not for injuries (he missed the start of the season with a lower-body injury). –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 21
The video-game moves (and moves that end up in video games) made him instantly famous, but Zegras has the skills to remain an NHL offensive force. –Greg Wyshynski
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 28
Look at his defensive and offensive metrics and you will see why Toews is so valued in Denver. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: 59
Age: 23
Canucks’ bench boss Bruce Boudreau says Hughes passes the puck as well as anyone he has coached. High praise for the 23-year-old, who already is ably anchoring Vancouver’s backend. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 26
Scoring 33 goals and 85 points did more than land Fiala a new contract. It places him under a spotlight as someone who could help make the Kings even more dangerous. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: 79
Age: 28
An underrated offensive force. His chemistry with Sidney Crosby is already on display this season following a second 40-goal campaign in 2021-22. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: 47
Age: 31
One of the NHL’s top two-way centers. He’s had at least 50 points in nine straight seasons and won over 58% of his faceoffs in seven straight seasons. –Greg Wyshynski
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 32
Kadri broke through to score 87 points and further raised already high expectations about doing the same now that he is with the Flames. –Ryan S. Clark
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 29
Miller has become a top center option for the Canucks, who recently signed the big forward to a seven-year extension. His 32 goals and 99 points last season were both personal bests. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: NR
Age: 24
Speed and skill drive Kyrou’s impressive offensive game. St. Louis gave him an eight-year extension following last season’s career totals (27 goals, 75 points in 74 games), cementing Kyrou as a face of the franchise. –Kristen Shilton
2021-22 rank: 33
Age: 37
The 37-year-old Bergeron has remained so consistent, the last time he was not top 3 in Selke voting was more than a decade ago. –Ryan S. Clark
The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby is set to deliver yet another exhilarating race to the finish. From the field to the favorite, here is everything to know about the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown.
When is the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
The 2025 Kentucky Derby will take place Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
What time does the 2025 Kentucky Derby begin?
The post time for the 2025 Kentucky Derby is 6:57 p.m. ET.
How can fans watch?
Coverage of the 2025 Kentucky Derby begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Peacock will stream early coverage beginning at noon ET.
How many horses run in the Kentucky Derby?
Twenty horses have the chance to compete in the Kentucky Derby.
How do horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby?
To earn a spot in the starting gate of the Kentucky Derby, a horse must compete in a series of designated races from September through mid-April. Points are awarded to the top five finishers in each race. The 20 horses with the most points, or the horses who win their international series, earn a spot in the starting gate in Louisville on the first Saturday in May.
Who is the favorite in the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy, opened as the 3-1 favorite.
What are the post positions for the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Post 1: Citizen Bull (20-1 morning line odds)
Post 2: Neoequos (30-1)
Post 3: Final Gambit (30-1)
Post 4: Rodriguez (12-1)
Post 5: American Promise (30-1)
Post 6: Admire Daytona (30-1)
Post 7: Luxor Cafe (15-1)
Post 8: Journalism (3-1)
Post 9: Burnham Square (12-1)
Post 10: Grande (20-1)
Post 11: Flying Mohawk (30-1)
Post 12: East Avenue (20-1)
Post 13: Publisher (20-1)
Post 14: Tiztastic (20-1)
Post 15: Render Judgment (30-1)
Post 16: Coal Battle (30-1)
Post 17: Sandman (6-1)
Post 18: Sovereignty (5-1)
Post 19: Chunk of Gold (30-1)
Post 20: Owen Almighty (30-1)
Alternate: Baeza
Which post has produced the most Kentucky Derby winners?
Post 5 has produced the most winners, with 10.
What three races make up horse racing’s Triple Crown?
The Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes are the three races needed to accomplish the Triple Crown.
Who won the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
Mystik Dan, trained by Kenny McPeek, won last year’s Kentucky Derby at 18-1 odds.
What is the purse for the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Since 2024, $5 million in prize money has been guaranteed for the Kentucky Derby.
Check out the ESPN horse racing hub page for the latest news and notes ahead of the big race.
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Ryan S. Clark
Add Rick Tocchet to the list of available coaching options on the open market with the Vancouver Canucks announcing Tuesday that Tocchet left the team.
There had been a belief that Tocchet’s time with the Canucks could be coming to an end. Last week saw the discussion of Tocchet’s future with the franchise come under greater focus, with Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford saying they weren’t exercising their option on Tocchet’s contract before adding that they offered him a new, more lucrative deal to remain in Vancouver.
But now? Tocchet joins the list of sought-after coaching candidates and the Canucks become the eighth NHL team that will use this offseason to go through a coaching search.
“After a very long and thorough process, unfortunately Rick has decided to leave the Vancouver Canucks,” Rutherford said in a statement. “This is very disappointing news, but we respect Rick’s decision to move to a new chapter in his hockey career. We did everything in our power to keep him but at the end of the day, Rick felt he needed a change.”
In the same news conference in which Rutherford said the team offered Tocchet a new deal, he also said that Tocchet “may have his mind somewhere else” before adding that he felt Tocchet and his staff did “a good job coaching this team this year” as they did in their first full campaign.
Tocchet was a midseason hire during the 2022-23 season. His first full year in charge saw the Canucks win 50 games, finish with 109 points and win the Pacific Division. He led the Canucks to their first postseason appearance since the 2019-20 season and was a win away from advancing to the Western Conference finals.
Entering this season, the Canucks had most of their players from their playoff team. They started strong with a 15-8-5 record but encountered numerous on-ice and off-ice problems that would prove too large.
Among them was the friction between star forwards J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson. The tension between Miller and Pettersson reached a stage in which Canucks captain Quinn Hughes publicly acknowledged there was an issue with Miller and Pettersson denying such issues.
Miller would be traded to the New York Rangers before the trade deadline, and the Canucks struggled to find someone who could replace his production. They would finish six points behind the St. Louis Blues for the final Western Conference wild-card spot.
Still, Tocchet had the support of Hughes, along with others within the organization who wanted him to stay.
As for what it all means going forward for both parties? Tocchet is among those who will join Mike Sullivan, who parted ways with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday after winning two Stanley Cups in 10 seasons, as one of the most attractive names for teams seeking a new bench boss.
Then there are the teams that need a coach. It’s a list that includes the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Seattle Kraken, plus the Penguins and now the Canucks.
“I’m choosing to move on from the Vancouver Canucks,” Tocchet said. “Family is a priority, and with my contract lapsing, this becomes an opportune time. While I don’t know where I’m headed, or exactly how this will play out for me over the near term, I feel like this is the right time for me to explore other opportunities around hockey.”
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