Presenting: The Top 50 NHL Franchise Cornerstones *6-8*

BirdsFan06050 · Joined: 02 Jan 2007 Posts: 18083

As I mentioned around the start of the playoffs, I promised to follow up on my list from nearly four years ago and create a new one given the dramatic changes to the NHL. The league is filled with a plethora of tremendous young talent, as well as several solidified superstars who arguably haven't even entered their prime ages yet (i.e., Malkin, Stamkos, etc.). With the help of the improved USA Hockey Development and players from all across Europe coming over to play in the most competitive ice hockey league in the world, it isn't just Canada who are producing the league's best players these days, and this will be evident throughout the list.

The league will be in the spotlight come next Wednesday with the start of the Stanley Cup Finals, so I've decided to start my list in order to generate some interest before the start of the off-season. I'm still sorting out some of my final rankings, but I hope to have my first set of players up in the next couple of days.

Here's how I evaluated and determined the rankings:

Age - Each player must be 27 years of age or younger. Cutoff is July 1st of this year.

Production - Obviously this should be a major factor. Other than strictly statistics, things to consider include major awards such as the Hart, Conn Smythe, Stanley Cup, etc. Pretty much the usual criteria here.

Talent/Potential - Another factor that was heavily involved, although this one is undoubtedly more subjective and less cut and dry. How I believe someone will develop and transform in the future is something that's very hard to predict, but nonetheless an important part of a list such as this one.

Offensive Upside - The above can be declassified into several subcategories. A player's respective goal scoring ability, speed, playmaking ability, creativity, hockey IQ, and skill, as well as their production over the years, are all factors, and every player will receive a letter grade for this category other than goaltenders.

Defensive Upside - This category will hurt some of the more one-dimensional forwards, but as many of you know, I value defense and two-way play a great deal, so every player's defensive qualities were taken into account too. Each player will receive a letter grade here for this category as well.

Physicality/Leadership - Two other categories that could boost a particular player's rank on the list, and I will be sure to make note of those qualities in my write-ups.

It was tough for me to leave off several players, as is the case with most lists of these kind, but I will refrain from revealing my honorable mentions until after the top fifty players are revealed.

Enjoy!
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playmaker8267 · Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 5:37 pm Post subject:

Yesssss. This is going to be great. I'll be following this very closely.
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Bruins // Patriots // Red Sox // Chelsea

Purpes17 · Joined: 11 Aug 2009 Posts: 4124 Location: Vancouver, B.C.

Phil Kessel #1 I can see it now. Cool

bkobow05 · Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 8:29 pm Post subject:

mm6492 · Posted: Wed May 23, 2012 8:37 pm Post subject:

1. Crosby
2. Malkin
3. Stamkos
4. Giroux
5. Weber

Order probably mixed up, but thats my top 5. Unless I'm completely missing someone.
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Mr. Incredible · Joined: 22 Jul 2010 Posts: 1573 Location: Brick, New Jersey

I'm so excited your doing this again. Going to be a great read for sure. Can't wait for the first update.
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the lone star · Joined: 18 Apr 2005 Posts: 21147

Goon · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 742

Can't wait for this one.
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Props to NS922!

RainbowCarebear · Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 6:41 am Post subject:

Looking forward to this one!
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"Of gold and silver and gemstones, it had none; bronze and iron were the metals of winter"
"He is part of you, Robb. To fear him is to fear you."
"These are northmen, Uncle. The north remembers."

flyingmonkey30 · Joined: 04 Mar 2007 Posts: 5122

You probably don't really see me around here very much, but I'll follow this one
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Check out my draft thread!
http://www.footballsfuture.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=490478t=447580&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

mgoblue44 · Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 11:14 am Post subject:

Im very interested to see some of your picks. Looking forward to it
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jetsfan4life51 · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 30488 Location: lawn guy land

What if the player hasn't played in the regular season yet? Laughing

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BLick12 · Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 11:31 am Post subject:

Looking forward to this, my man. Loved your last list.

I'm very intrigued to see where John Tavares goes. The top 5 looks like a lock as MM pointed out. But he would definitely be in my top 10, probably right outside the top 5 off the top of my head.
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BirdsFan06050 · Joined: 02 Jan 2007 Posts: 18083

playmaker8267 · Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 12:26 pm Post subject:

I'm thinking of three Bruins who should be on the list with one or two more on the outside looking in.

Jonathan Quick qualifies for this list. I wonder where he'll end up given his whale of a season.
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Bruins // Patriots // Red Sox // Chelsea