Ranking the top 30 players heading into the new NHL season.
Whose league is it, anyway?
Once it belonged to Gordie Howe. Bobby Orr had his time as did Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
While there are numerous stars in today's NHL, there's really only two that battle for the honour of being the best player in the NHL: Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. That isn't likely going to change for years to come.
When it comes to the best player in the league, it is a two-horse race.
Here is my top 30 for the coming season and the ranking is based on how they have played thus far in their careers as well as how they are projected to play this season:
1. Sidney Crosby: It's all about winning and Sid the Kid has a Stanley Cup and Olympic gold medal.
2. Alex Ovechkin: The most dynamic player in the world needs to find a way to lead his Capitals to a Stanley Cup championship.
3. Jonathan Toews: The Hawks’ young captain demonstrated last season at the Olympics and NHL playoffs why he is looked upon as one of the best young players and leaders in the game.
4. Evgeni Malkin: Look for big things from this powerful centre who played most of last season with a bum shoulder.
5. Duncan Keith: Worthy winner of the Norris Trophy and won me over as a fan for life when he lost half his teeth and just kept playing.
6. Daniel Sedin: Will take his rightful place as the best twin if he's healthy all year.
7. Ryan Miller: Winning the Vezina Trophy last season is an indication that Miller has taken his game to the next level.
8. Pavel Datsyuk: The NHL's best two-way forward is looking to have a bounce-back year, as is his team.
9. Henrik Sedin: Had a career year and was rewarded with the Hart Trophy. Now the Canucks hope he can lead them to the Cup.
10. Zach Parise: Say what you want about Kovalchuk's offensive prowess, Parise is still the Devils’ best skater.
11. Nicklas Backstrom: One of the game's best passers should be a 100-point producer for years to come.
12. Chris Pronger: Was Canada's best defenceman in gold medal game and played a huge role in getting the Flyers to the Stanley Cup final.
13. Martin St. Louis: A big reason why Steven Stamkos was able to pop 51 goals as a sophomore.
14. Steven Stamkos: Showed the world why he was the No. 1 overall pick in 2008.
15. Patrick Kane: Mouthguard-chewing little man comes up big at critical times.
16. Ilya Bryzgalov: No player meant more to his team last season than the Coyotes stopper.
17. Drew Doughty: It's just a matter of time before his name is etched on the Norris Trophy.
18. Marian Gaborik: One of the game's best pure goal-scorers needs a little help if the Rangers are to cash in.
19. Henrik Zetterberg: Like Datsyuk, Zetterberg needs to get back to being a terrific two-way talent.
20. Ryan Getzlaf: One of the game's best power forwards has taken more of a leadership role on the Ducks.
21. Daniel Alfredsson: Remains Ottawa's best player at 37; an excellent two-way force.
22. Eric Staal: A healthy Staal is capable of getting back to the 100-point range if his teammates also play to their potential.
23. Martin Brodeur: A little rest in the regular season will go a long way in Brodeur having playoff success.
24. Jarome Iginla: Pays a huge price for his team's inability to supply him with quality linemates.
25. Ilya Kovalchuk: There's no denying his electrifying offensive skills; now we'll find out if he's a winner.
26. Shea Weber: If he played anywhere other than Nashville (OK, perhaps Long Island, Atlanta, Florida and Columbus, too) he'd be one of the most popular players in the NHL.
27. Zdeno Chara: The game's biggest and strongest player controls both ends of the rink.
28. Mike Richards: His leadership came into question last year, but he was there when his team needed him most.
29. Vincent Lecavalier: Injuries have played a huge role in Lecavalier's dip in play the past couple of years, but when the Lightning strikes this season he'll be leading the way.
30. Dany Heatley: If the Sharks are to be serious Cup contenders, Heatley needs to get back to being a 50-goal man.
