New Athletic Article Ranking Every NHL Teams Top-6 Center Duos

[Quas]

They have the Blues ranked 17th in Tier 5: Middle of the pack (Star No. 1 center but a below average 2C) behind Anaheim and Chicago, which I don't agree with. They also had Pittsburg and Montreal ahead of the Blues in that tier and Winnipeg below them. They were complimentary about Thomas, but really down on McTavish, and didn't include Dvorsky. Also, they had Washington, Minnesota, and NYR in a lower tier than the Blues.

Overall, the Blues are not in a bad spot. We will see if McTavish or Dvorsky step up and become an above average 2C.

[The Average Gatsby]

McTavish is 23 so if he’s going to realize his potential it should be now that he’s entering his prime. But even if he’s just a 50 pt guy it’ll be an upgrade on last season for us.

[Army's Mom]

They have the Blues ranked 17th in Tier 5: Middle of the pack (Star No. 1 center but a below average 2C) behind Anaheim and Chicago, which I don't agree with. They also had Pittsburg and Montreal ahead of the Blues in that tier and Winnipeg below them. They were complimentary about Thomas, but really down on McTavish, and didn't include Dvorsky. Also, they had Washington, Minnesota, and NYR in a lower tier than the Blues.

Overall, the Blues are not in a bad spot. We will see if McTavish or Dvorsky step up and become an above average 2C.

It's probably fair - I can quibble about the Hawks and Anaheim also, but anywhere from 15-17 is probably accurate assuming McTavish doesn't rebound. That's an awful big assumption, giving the motivation factors (traded, new team, still young).

I agree with you that we're not in a bad spot.

Here's the free link:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/746734 ... l-share-ta

[DawgDad]

McTavish is 23 so if he’s going to realize his potential it should be now that he’s entering his prime. But even if he’s just a 50 pt guy it’ll be an upgrade on last season for us.

Sam Bennett's highest season point totals are 49, 51, and 58.

Have to play defense, too. McTavish AND Dvorsky are both good candidates for 2C, they both have upside potential.

[hockey jedi]

If McTavish gets 50 points and Dvo gets 40 would that be considered a success?

[BalotelliMassive]

I think the Hawks are morons for trying to force a winger to be their second line center when they have Frank Nazar who's constantly improving his face off win percentage...

[The Average Gatsby]

McTavish is 23 so if he’s going to realize his potential it should be now that he’s entering his prime. But even if he’s just a 50 pt guy it’ll be an upgrade on last season for us.

Sam Bennett's highest season point totals are 49, 51, and 58.

Have to play defense, too. McTavish AND Dvorsky are both good candidates for 2C, they both have upside potential.

Bennett’s known as a playoff warrior though. And his point totals have also gone up every season for the last few years whereas McTavish is coming off a down year.

I’m still pretty high on Dvorsky too btw. But I also understand that 2C is a very important position and the blues couldn’t trust an unproven 21 yr old if they plan on being competitive this year.

[callitwhatyouwant]

Last year Thomas was being voted somewhere around the 12 area with the discussion being who was better him or Suzuki. Last year McTavish would have landed himself around the 40s. People were higher on him before camp than where they are now. That combo would have given you close to a 10 duo ranking. Them being at 17 has to do with a couple guys climbing like celebrini and suzuki and Thomas more or less staying the same while McTavish has taken a PR hit.

[noted]

I think the Hawks are morons for trying to force a winger to be their second line center when they have Frank Nazar who's constantly improving his face off win percentage...

You think Bedard should play wing?

Edit - sorry misread.

[BalotelliMassive]

I think the Hawks are morons for trying to force a winger to be their second line center when they have Frank Nazar who's constantly improving his face off win percentage...

You think Bedard should play wing?

Edit - sorry misread.

I do for the first half of the season until his shoulder is 95%....they have like 6 players that can play center next season not counting Frondell.

[DawgDad]

McTavish is 23 so if he’s going to realize his potential it should be now that he’s entering his prime. But even if he’s just a 50 pt guy it’ll be an upgrade on last season for us.

Sam Bennett's highest season point totals are 49, 51, and 58.

Have to play defense, too. McTavish AND Dvorsky are both good candidates for 2C, they both have upside potential.

Bennett’s known as a playoff warrior though. And his point totals have also gone up every season for the last few years whereas McTavish is coming off a down year.

I’m still pretty high on Dvorsky too btw. But I also understand that 2C is a very important position and the blues couldn’t trust an unproven 21 yr old if they plan on being competitive this year.

Ah, some context missing. In one of my other posts I noted the centers need to play defense, too. Interpret that as more than raw point total offense. Dvorsky, IMHO, is moving forward from a defensive oriented mode, McTavish the opposite. As we sit here they appear to be the two middle-6 centers. Let the battle begin, it could be entertaining.

Bennet's 58 point season was last season, the team missed the playoffs. His four prior seasons were 49, 40, 41, 51, all with the cats. With good all-round play the 2C does not have to be a 50-point player, but he has to bring more offense than Dvorsky did at age 20 and MUCH more defense than McTavish provided (he ultimately improved the team by sitting out]). The Blues are betting on their upside potential. Reasonable bets given their position and needs.

I do not believe it's unreasonable to expect Dvorsky to approach 50 points this season. A lot depends on his wingers and how he's deployed. More important he plays full time, gets a lot of PP looks, and ends in plus territory.

[Absolut]

McTavish is 23 so if he’s going to realize his potential it should be now that he’s entering his prime. But even if he’s just a 50 pt guy it’ll be an upgrade on last season for us.

Sam Bennett's highest season point totals are 49, 51, and 58.

Have to play defense, too. McTavish AND Dvorsky are both good candidates for 2C, they both have upside potential.

Bennett’s known as a playoff warrior though. And his point totals have also gone up every season for the last few years whereas McTavish is coming off a down year.

I’m still pretty high on Dvorsky too btw. But I also understand that 2C is a very important position and the blues couldn’t trust an unproven 21 yr old if they plan on being competitive this year.

Ah, some context missing. In one of my other posts I noted the centers need to play defense, too. Interpret that as more than raw point total offense. Dvorsky, IMHO, is moving forward from a defensive oriented mode, McTavish the opposite. As we sit here they appear to be the two middle-6 centers. Let the battle begin, it could be entertaining.

Bennet's 58 point season was last season, the team missed the playoffs. His four prior seasons were 49, 40, 41, 51, all with the cats. With good all-round play the 2C does not have to be a 50-point player, but he has to bring more offense than Dvorsky did at age 20 and MUCH more defense than McTavish provided (he ultimately improved the team by sitting out]). The Blues are betting on their upside potential. Reasonable bets given their position and needs.

I do not believe it's unreasonable to expect Dvorsky to approach 50 points this season. A lot depends on his wingers and how he's deployed. More important he plays full time, gets a lot of PP looks, and ends in plus territory.

50 would be a pretty big jump for him. I’m skeptical. He’s a two way center, will get 1-2 more minutes of ice time a game this year, but that would be a big jump. Would likely have to have his lineman’s step forward at the same time

[DawgDad]

McTavish is 23 so if he’s going to realize his potential it should be now that he’s entering his prime. But even if he’s just a 50 pt guy it’ll be an upgrade on last season for us.

Sam Bennett's highest season point totals are 49, 51, and 58.

Have to play defense, too. McTavish AND Dvorsky are both good candidates for 2C, they both have upside potential.

Bennett’s known as a playoff warrior though. And his point totals have also gone up every season for the last few years whereas McTavish is coming off a down year.

I’m still pretty high on Dvorsky too btw. But I also understand that 2C is a very important position and the blues couldn’t trust an unproven 21 yr old if they plan on being competitive this year.

Ah, some context missing. In one of my other posts I noted the centers need to play defense, too. Interpret that as more than raw point total offense. Dvorsky, IMHO, is moving forward from a defensive oriented mode, McTavish the opposite. As we sit here they appear to be the two middle-6 centers. Let the battle begin, it could be entertaining.

Bennet's 58 point season was last season, the team missed the playoffs. His four prior seasons were 49, 40, 41, 51, all with the cats. With good all-round play the 2C does not have to be a 50-point player, but he has to bring more offense than Dvorsky did at age 20 and MUCH more defense than McTavish provided (he ultimately improved the team by sitting out]). The Blues are betting on their upside potential. Reasonable bets given their position and needs.

I do not believe it's unreasonable to expect Dvorsky to approach 50 points this season. A lot depends on his wingers and how he's deployed. More important he plays full time, gets a lot of PP looks, and ends in plus territory.

50 would be a pretty big jump for him. I’m skeptical. He’s a two way center, will get 1-2 more minutes of ice time a game this year, but that would be a big jump. Would likely have to have his lineman’s step forward at the same time

He needs a playmaker on wing. In 66 AHL games the prior two seasons DD went 24-26-50, and 21 of those goals were on a bad Springfield team his pro rookie season. He has offensive potential. We haven't seen much of it, yet. I have a sense a level-up effort is in him, question is more 'when'.

I don't know what to make of McTavish. He effectively ended the way Mailloux started last season. We know the Blues wanted him. Ultimately, who will rise higher, him or Dvorsky? If they both step up and play well this will be a tough team to beat. That may be the best way to look forward from this vantage point.

[STL fan in MN]

Seems decently accurate but it’s another nothing burger summer filler article. I think McTavish is likely to rebound and this article is a little too negative on him. He missed training camp last season. That’s always going to make things hard but even moreso when there’s a new coach. He was behind the 8-ball from the get go. He also bulked up too much last summer and he got even slower. As long as he comes to camp ready to go and hopefully a little leaner, I see no reason why he can’t get back to the trajectory he had the season before.

[TruBlueFan_1970]

He needs a playmaker on wing. In 66 AHL games the prior two seasons DD went 24-26-50, and 21 of those goals were on a bad Springfield team his pro rookie season. He has offensive potential. We haven't seen much of it, yet. I have a sense a level-up effort is in him, question is more 'when'.

I don't know what to make of McTavish. He effectively ended the way Mailloux started last season. We know the Blues wanted him. Ultimately, who will rise higher, him or Dvorsky? If they both step up and play well this will be a tough team to beat. That may be the best way to look forward from this vantage point.

I’m more bullish on McTavish producing more this season. His 4 years in the NHL have seen him have 43,42,52, and 41 point seasons. So his “down” year last season was more in line with his first two years in the league. His 52 point season was so far the outlier. He also only averaged 12.5-13.5 TOI in those 4 years. I would expect him to see 14-16 minutes per game. To me, that should put him in the 50-55 point range.

While Dvorsky could very well break out with better wingers and PP time, I think 50 is a stretch. If he can score 40 points and have it be balanced with goals/assists in the 12-14 minutes he’ll get, I’d call it a success. Something like 18 goals, 22 assists. If healthy, Thomas will produce 75-85 points. We could be better than expected if all three hit these numbers and Suter is your #4C. Going to be fun to watch. Fingers crossed for relatively good health for the team this season.

[noted]

He needs a playmaker on wing. In 66 AHL games the prior two seasons DD went 24-26-50, and 21 of those goals were on a bad Springfield team his pro rookie season. He has offensive potential. We haven't seen much of it, yet. I have a sense a level-up effort is in him, question is more 'when'.

I don't know what to make of McTavish. He effectively ended the way Mailloux started last season. We know the Blues wanted him. Ultimately, who will rise higher, him or Dvorsky? If they both step up and play well this will be a tough team to beat. That may be the best way to look forward from this vantage point.

I’m more bullish on McTavish producing more this season. His 4 years in the NHL have seen him have 43,42,52, and 41 point seasons. So his “down” year last season was more in line with his first two years in the league. His 52 point season was so far the outlier. He also only averaged 12.5-13.5 TOI in those 4 years. I would expect him to see 14-16 minutes per game. To me, that should put him in the 50-55 point range.

While Dvorsky could very well break out with better wingers and PP time, I think 50 is a stretch. If he can score 40 points and have it be balanced with goals/assists in the 12-14 minutes he’ll get, I’d call it a success. Something like 18 goals, 22 assists. If healthy, Thomas will produce 75-85 points. We could be better than expected if all three hit these numbers and Suter is your #4C. Going to be fun to watch. Fingers crossed for relatively good health for the team this season.

Thomas is going to put up 100 points this year.
I actually think they should put Dvorsky on the wing with McTavish and McMichael.
Suter or Dube can center 3rd line with Buch and Neighbours on wings.