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In this edition of the hotstove we rank the top-5 centers in the NHL age 21 and under.
Todd Cordell
1. Connor McDavid - He is already one of the game's elite players and he hasn't even scratched the surface of his potential.
2. Aleksander Barkov - Underrated two-way stud who doesn't get nearly enough recognition.
3. Jack Eichel - Had some ups and downs in his rookie campaign but still managed to post 24 goals and 56 points. He is going to be a star.
4. Nathan MacKinnon - I know he has played some wing but he was drafted as a center and took over 1,000 faceoffs last season. MacKinnon is yet to equal the point total he put up as a rookie but I think he still has a lot more to give. Dynamic player.
5. Sean Monahan - I don't think he's as good defensively as many suggest but it's tough to argue with 25+ goals, 60+ points a season.
Peter Tessier
This question gets a bit more interesting when you consider the age criteria and thus it might be an interesting thing to review in a few years and see which names are still on the list.
#5 Dylan Larkin because he was a rookie this past year and put up 23 goals on a rather mediocre Detroit team
#4 Nathan McKinnon as he's been consistent for the Avs since his rookie year and scored 21 goals while arguably being under one of the most confused systems and coaches
#3 Jack Eichel would be the player everyone talked about from the 2015 draft and with 24 goals and 32 assists he should be except...
#2 Alexander Barkov is a total stud and with 59 points last season at age 20 is showing that his contract may be a freaking bargain
#1 Connor McDavid because until he slips or falls or is injured frequently there is no other player in his age group of 18-21 who can do what he does.
Honourable mentions to Monahan, Draisaitl, Reinhart, Horvat and Fabbri
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