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

[callitwhatyouwant]

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.

McTavish has something we seemingly have lacked outside of maybe Thomas over the last few years and those are some hands. Kyrou had gamebreaking play with his feet/ hollywood seems extremely opportunistic fast and high iq. but McTavish is someone with really good mits. Will be interesting to see what he can do with those in tight areas as that's where he scores and he even says that's where he knows he's best and likes to live. Buchy has been a good passer, I think those 2 pairing with each other might be something. But you have to put speed on the line then which would mean McTavish out of the guys we have left.

That would leave a line of Neighbours/Dvorsky/XYZ which could be a bit nerveracking as Dvorsky is supposed to be a shot guy who plays in tight spaces, neighbours is more of a brute guy who wants to play ugly. Do we have anyone who can skill up that line?

[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.

McTavish has something we seemingly have lacked outside of maybe Thomas over the last few years and those are some hands. Kyrou had gamebreaking play with his feet/ hollywood seems extremely opportunistic fast and high iq. but McTavish is someone with really good mits. Will be interesting to see what he can do with those in tight areas as that's where he scores and he even says that's where he knows he's best and likes to live. Buchy has been a good passer, I think those 2 pairing with each other might be something. But you have to put speed on the line then which would mean McTavish out of the guys we have left.

That would leave a line of Neighbours/Dvorsky/XYZ which could be a bit nerveracking as Dvorsky is supposed to be a shot guy who plays in tight spaces, neighbours is more of a brute guy who wants to play ugly. Do we have anyone who can skill up that line?

That’s why I’m so looking forward to the first couple weeks of the season to see who gels. I’ve seen these combos tossed around here, to spread out the speed and skill from the slower playmakers/net front guys. I think we’ll see a combo of them tried.

McMike - McT - Buch
Neighbours - Dvo - Berggren

Neighbours - McT - Berggren
McMike - Dvo - Buch

Neighbours - McT - Buch
McMike - Dvo - Berggren

All these assume that Berggren makes the top 9. There’s also a chance that Suter plays on the 3rd line and Finley centers the 4th line. Can’t wait for preseason and opening night.

[callitwhatyouwant]

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.

McTavish has something we seemingly have lacked outside of maybe Thomas over the last few years and those are some hands. Kyrou had gamebreaking play with his feet/ hollywood seems extremely opportunistic fast and high iq. but McTavish is someone with really good mits. Will be interesting to see what he can do with those in tight areas as that's where he scores and he even says that's where he knows he's best and likes to live. Buchy has been a good passer, I think those 2 pairing with each other might be something. But you have to put speed on the line then which would mean McTavish out of the guys we have left.

That would leave a line of Neighbours/Dvorsky/XYZ which could be a bit nerveracking as Dvorsky is supposed to be a shot guy who plays in tight spaces, neighbours is more of a brute guy who wants to play ugly. Do we have anyone who can skill up that line?

That’s why I’m so looking forward to the first couple weeks of the season to see who gels. I’ve seen these combos tossed around here, to spread out the speed and skill from the slower playmakers/net front guys. I think we’ll see a combo of them tried.

McMike - McT - Buch
Neighbours - Dvo - Berggren

Neighbours - McT - Berggren
McMike - Dvo - Buch

Neighbours - McT - Buch
McMike - Dvo - Berggren

All these assume that Berggren makes the top 9. There’s also a chance that Suter plays on the 3rd line and Finley centers the 4th line. Can’t wait for preseason and opening night.

Suter has always been a swiss army knife. I think him with Torpedo and whoever they decide to play that day on the 4th line is a capable 4th line to cause some damage. I don't think Johnston is expected to be an every day guy, Last 3 seasons have been 68/43/62. I do expect him to be a matchup guy, same as if Sunny makes the team. Neither should be getting more than 50 games of action. That should leave adequate space for Finley to play most of the time, and Berggren to play a lot and then they can give spells to these guys.

Where it gets hairy is Walker. Maybe Sunny doesn't make the team from camp and goes right to the AHL, Walker then would be in the rotation. But if Sunny makes the team, someone has to go. My guess is Sunny didn't get a contract in the offseason, is willing to go to the AHL and help out Otter if need be or start up with the boys if someone gets injured out of camp.

[clemonsonroots]

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.

I don't hate this idea

[zamadoo]

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

Par: Thomas 80, McT 50, Dvo 40
Birdie: 90, 60, 50
Success: 100, 70, 50

You know, +-

[TruBlueFan_1970]

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

Par: Thomas 80, McT 50, Dvo 40
Birdie: 90, 60, 50
Success: 100, 70, 50

You know, +-

I don’t make many birdies, so I’d take that right now!!

[a smell of green grass]

As I was saying... We grabbed McTavish off the discard pile.

Just remember... If McTavish fails, it is not Army/Steen's fault. It's McTavish's fault. Not in most hockey towns, but in St Louis, it's never the GM's fault for bringing in the player to begin with.

[Bluesfan1978]

He won’t fail. Probably will top 55 points and be a plus player. Still just 23.

[Army's Mom]

*Defecates on the chessboard*
*Struts around like he won*

Okay, pigeon.

[a smell of green grass]

*Defecates on the chessboard*
*Struts around like he won*

Okay, pigeon.

"I only want to hear what Army is telling me to believe. I have no need for alternative opinions or discussion."
"I know that Army has been wrong a lot more than right, but my loyalty is to him, not to the state of hockey in St Louis."

I knew that you thought like that, but I'm surprised that you would admit to it.

[The Average Gatsby]

As I was saying... We grabbed McTavish off the discard pile.

Just remember... If McTavish fails, it is not Army/Steen's fault. It's McTavish's fault. Not in most hockey towns, but in St Louis, it's never the GM's fault for bringing in the player to begin with.

You need to get back on your meds grandpa. What do you get out posting this same thing 10 times a day? Is this fun for you? Do you enjoy this? Did your kids take your keys away and you’ve just got nothing better to do now?

[UMR-alum-05]

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.

I don't hate this idea

Dube is not a center.

[BluesDom]

As I was saying... We grabbed McTavish off the discard pile.

Just remember... If McTavish fails, it is not Army/Steen's fault. It's McTavish's fault. Not in most hockey towns, but in St Louis, it's never the GM's fault for bringing in the player to begin with.

And if McTavish is successful then what? Do you give credit to the player and the GM for being good and smart?
Or do you just criticize all moves?
What is it that makes you a St. Louis Blues fan? Do you like the Blues or just troll and criticize ?

We had to trade big pieces for McTavish. I wouldnt call that the discard pile.

Bergrren was a waiver pick up as with Finley. Both guys were right on the edge of making it on Detroit and Tampa. I would say those were sort of discard pile pickups. Not McTavish--we paid too much to get him. #3 overall draft pick. Hes put up a decent amount of points so far.

Thomas and McTavish should be a good 1-2.

Compared to his peers--hes doing well. 4th best in scoring in his draft class.
1 23 Dallas Wyatt Johnston C Windsor Spitfires [OHL] 328 134 129 263 104 2025-26
1 2 Seattle Matty Beniers C U. of Michigan [Big-10] 331 82 114 196 59 2025-26
1 9 Arizona Dylan Guenther R Edmonton Oil Kings [WHL] 227 91 92 183 78 2025-26
1 3 Anaheim Mason McTavish C Peterborough Petes [OHL] 304 77 104 181 212 2025-26
1 7 San Jose William Eklund L Djurgardens Jr. [Swe-Jr] 252 50 113 163 99 2025-26
2 57 Toronto Matthew Knies L Tri-City Storm [USHL] 240 67 93 160 119 2025-26
1 12 Columbus Cole Sillinger C Sioux Falls Stampede [USHL] 367 51 89 140 177 2025-26
1 1 Buffalo Owen Power D U. of Michigan [Big-10] 323 27 113 140 86 2025-26
1 5 Columbus Kent Johnson C U. of Michigan [Big-10] 274 53 85 138 62 2025-26
1 4 New Jersey Luke Hughes D U.S. National Under-18 Team [USHL] 223 23 105 128 76 2025-26
2 60 Arizona J.J. Moser D Biel HC [Swiss-A] 338 25 90 115 177 2025-26
1 13 Calgary Matt Coronato R Chicago Steel [USHL] 192 45 56 101 63 2025-26
2 47 Dallas Logan Stankoven C Kamloops Blazers [WHL] 183 41 55 96 47 2025-26
4 109 Carolina Jackson Blake R Eden Prairie [Minn. H.S.] 162 39 48 87 70 2025-26
1 8 Los Angeles Brandt Clarke D Barrie Colts [OHL] 185 15 66 81 125 2025-26
2 37 Arizona Josh Doan R Chicago Steel [USHL] 144 37 43 80 33 2025-26
1 17 St. Louis Zachary Bolduc R Rimouski Oceanic [QMJHL] 175 36 39 75 71 2025-26
1 24 Florida Matthew "Mackie" Samoskevich R Chicago Steel [USHL] 156 27 36 63 42 2025-26
1 6 Detroit Simon Edvinsson D Vastra Frolunda Jr. [Swe-Jr] 175 19 41 60 158 2025-26

[a smell of green grass]

As I was saying... We grabbed McTavish off the discard pile.

Just remember... If McTavish fails, it is not Army/Steen's fault. It's McTavish's fault. Not in most hockey towns, but in St Louis, it's never the GM's fault for bringing in the player to begin with.

And if McTavish is successful then what? Do you give credit to the player and the GM for being good and smart?
Or do you just criticize all moves?
What is it that makes you a St. Louis Blues fan? Do you like the Blues or just troll and criticize ?

We had to trade big pieces for McTavish. I wouldnt call that the discard pile.

Bergrren was a waiver pick up as with Finley. Both guys were right on the edge of making it on Detroit and Tampa. I would say those were sort of discard pile pickups. Not McTavish--we paid too much to get him. #3 overall draft pick. Hes put up a decent amount of points so far.

Thomas and McTavish should be a good 1-2.

Compared to his peers--hes doing well. 4th best in scoring in his draft class.
1 23 Dallas Wyatt Johnston C Windsor Spitfires [OHL] 328 134 129 263 104 2025-26
1 2 Seattle Matty Beniers C U. of Michigan [Big-10] 331 82 114 196 59 2025-26
1 9 Arizona Dylan Guenther R Edmonton Oil Kings [WHL] 227 91 92 183 78 2025-26
1 3 Anaheim Mason McTavish C Peterborough Petes [OHL] 304 77 104 181 212 2025-26
1 7 San Jose William Eklund L Djurgardens Jr. [Swe-Jr] 252 50 113 163 99 2025-26
2 57 Toronto Matthew Knies L Tri-City Storm [USHL] 240 67 93 160 119 2025-26
1 12 Columbus Cole Sillinger C Sioux Falls Stampede [USHL] 367 51 89 140 177 2025-26
1 1 Buffalo Owen Power D U. of Michigan [Big-10] 323 27 113 140 86 2025-26
1 5 Columbus Kent Johnson C U. of Michigan [Big-10] 274 53 85 138 62 2025-26
1 4 New Jersey Luke Hughes D U.S. National Under-18 Team [USHL] 223 23 105 128 76 2025-26
2 60 Arizona J.J. Moser D Biel HC [Swiss-A] 338 25 90 115 177 2025-26
1 13 Calgary Matt Coronato R Chicago Steel [USHL] 192 45 56 101 63 2025-26
2 47 Dallas Logan Stankoven C Kamloops Blazers [WHL] 183 41 55 96 47 2025-26
4 109 Carolina Jackson Blake R Eden Prairie [Minn. H.S.] 162 39 48 87 70 2025-26
1 8 Los Angeles Brandt Clarke D Barrie Colts [OHL] 185 15 66 81 125 2025-26
2 37 Arizona Josh Doan R Chicago Steel [USHL] 144 37 43 80 33 2025-26
1 17 St. Louis Zachary Bolduc R Rimouski Oceanic [QMJHL] 175 36 39 75 71 2025-26
1 24 Florida Matthew "Mackie" Samoskevich R Chicago Steel [USHL] 156 27 36 63 42 2025-26
1 6 Detroit Simon Edvinsson D Vastra Frolunda Jr. [Swe-Jr] 175 19 41 60 158 2025-26

McTavish couldn't stay on the Ducks roster. Next to Carlsson, it was easy to see that he was not an answer in the future. So Anaheim chose to get rid of the younger player and kept OLD LIMITED Granlund instead. As I have said many times, the worst aspect of a player failing is that you WASTE YEARS THINKING THAT YOU HAVE A SOLUTION. Anaheim was smart enough to realize that, so they were happy to send McTavish out immediately. In other words, McTavish was DISCARDED.

Meanwhile, over in St Louis, we don't care about staffing Centers with average talent. Average talent is our M-O up and down the lineup. Instead of doing what is necessary to obtain an elite center, we are going to fritter around with McTavish and Dvorsky for 3-5 more years.

Face it. The Blues are fine with mediocre hockey and ZERO HOFers in sight. Clearly, the money is better for them with that situation.

[Cahokanut]

As I was saying... We grabbed McTavish off the discard pile.

Just remember... If McTavish fails, it is not Army/Steen's fault. It's McTavish's fault. Not in most hockey towns, but in St Louis, it's never the GM's fault for bringing in the player to begin with.

This is so true here. It's always a players fault.

Management and the game all are made to play. But, those they deem loyal. Is it fault in most cases.
Is what takes a 10th oa or any blues draft pick with high offensive potential and turns him into a 15goal(if lucky)3rd defender. Dsky is getting turned into another and it's unfortunate. But it's our way.

With McTabby I do think with the ducks he got put in a doghouse and was never allowed to get off that chain again. So with the opportunity he'll get because we traded for him I could see him showing up this year. I also think his leash won't be long, and if he doesn't score in bunches he better work the boards, get it deep, and watch who he talks [shirt] too. If he wants to keep from becoming another third defender.

[Bluesfan1978]

He'll be fine. He's 23 and just what the Blues need. I'll be shocked if he doesn't exceed his previous PB of 52 points.