MacKinnon, Kucherov Amongst Ex-QMJHL Expertise In THN's Prime 50 Gamers Checklist

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September 9, 2024

This 12 months’s version of the The Hockey News’ top 50 players has released in the Yearbook & Fantasy Guide edition, with Connor McDavid remaining on the helm.

The checklist — penned by Ryan Kennedy — options 4 ex-QMJHL stars, together with two within the top-10.

2. Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado)

Nathan MacKinnon of the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/teams/colorado/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Colorado Avalanche;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0"><button class=

It is no shock to see former Mooseheads star, Nathan MacKinnon, so excessive on the checklist after his spectacular dual-MVP successful season — as he received the Hart and the Ted Lindsay.

The 2013 first total decide posted 51 targets, 89 assists for 140 factors, all profession bests.

Now 29, he’ll look to repeat and even greatest his profession 12 months as he’ll look to chase his second Cup ring on a aggressive Colorado Avalanche squad.

6. Nikita Kucherov (Tampa)

Nikita Kucherov, representing the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/teams/tampa-bay/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Tampa Bay Lightning;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> at the 2024 NHL All Star Game<p>© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images</p> — Nikita Kucherov, representing the Tampa Bay Lightning on the 2024 NHL All Star Recreation

© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Photos

After a season the place he led the NHL in factors and was a finalist for MVP, some could argue that Nikita Kucherov’s placement on the checklist is low.

The previous star left winger for the Remparts and the Huskies notched a profession excessive 144 level season, a profession excessive 44 targets and shattered a file with McDavid for the primary 100 help season since Wayne Gretzky within the 1990’s.

After the departures of key items Steven Stamkos and Mikhail Sergachev, he’ll look to guide the new-look Tampa Bay Lightning as they attempt to stay as a high playoff competitor.

14. Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh)

Sidney Crosby of the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/teams/pittsburgh/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:Pittsburgh Penguins;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">Pittsburgh Penguins</a><p>© Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images</p>

Now 37-years outdated, ‘Sid the Child’ is not actually a child anymore.

Nonetheless, nobody appears to have informed Crosby that he is purported to decelerate with age.

The previous Océanic star’s 94-point marketing campaign final season was the his most prolific of the final 5 seasons, and his 42 targets had been probably the most since he final received a Stanley Cup in 2017.

It is exhausting to not guess towards a participant of their late thirties, however Crosby has confirmed time and time once more since he first began getting observed as a child that he is a totally totally different beast.

30. Noah Dobson (New York I.)

Noah Dobson of the <a class="link " href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/teams/ny-islanders/" data-i13n="sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link" data-ylk="slk:New York Islanders;sec:content-canvas;subsec:anchor_text;elm:context_link;itc:0">New York Islanders</a><p>© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images</p>

Noah Dobson has been a staple defenseman for the New York Islanders the final couple of seasons, and has all the time been seen as an ideal, however not fairly an elite defenseman.

Properly, final 12 months was the Acadie-Bathurst legends’ popping out occasion, as he potted 70 factors (10+60) in 79 video games.

That’s good for seventh within the NHL amongst blueliners and second on his workforce behind Mat Barzal, who additionally made the checklist.

The Isles dynamic duo will assist the Isles try to preserve a playoff spot.