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NHL Personnel Weigh In on Top Player Rankings
Executives share views on placements that seem off target while noting strengths at the upper end of the list
By OddsListing wire desk
· 1 min read
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Questions on veteran and young placements
Several general managers expressed surprise at certain names appearing or missing from the list of top performers expected for the upcoming season. One noted that a longtime forward barely moves on the ice anymore and questioned any inclusion at all. Another pointed to a 19-year-old defenseman listed at 16th after recording 59 points in 82 games with 24:41 average ice time, which ranked 14th among all blueliners.
Defensemen selections draw scrutiny
Executives wondered why two of the top six blueliners were omitted entirely when other players who appeared in major international events remained off the list. One recalled that a veteran had appeared at 54th the prior year. Additional comments flagged a forward at 24th who benefited from heavy minutes alongside an elite center, and raised doubts about ranking another young rearguard ahead of established options or including a player at 90th.
Praises for emerging and established names
Despite scattered criticisms, some front-office voices found the overall ordering reasonable. A pair of young standouts landed at fourth and 19th, while a longtime center held at 23rd. Another veteran slotted in at 100th drew positive notice from supporters who had previously voiced frustration over similar omissions.
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