From No. 1 To 100 - hockey players: rating

Hockey Digest, Dec, 2001

Starting at the top with Joe Sakic, we do our best Casey Kasem imitation and count down the NHL's best players

By the editors of HOCKEY DIGEST

WITH THE OLYMPICS ALMOST upon us, when the very. best players from all the hockey nations gather to pursue gold, HOCKEY DIGEST thought it would be a perfect time to determine just who are the best players in the NHL.

In compiling our top 100, plus the best performers at each position and behind the bench, we took into account many elements. While the star factor was somewhat important--after all, a player doesn't usually reach the level of an idol without it--we stressed leadership, consistency, versatility, and, of course, production.

Not surprisingly, nine of our top 10 overall players have won Stanley Cups. And No. 10, Dominik Hasek, owns an Olympic gold medal.

While centers dominate the highest rankings, with six in the top 20 (including the top three), there is a fair representation from all positions. Several rising stars made it--Patrik Elias, Marian Hossa, Chris Drury, and Simon Gagne, for instance--joining longtime NHL icons such as Mario Lemieux, Scott Stevens, and Steve Yzerman.

There probably are some surprises on our super century list, too. And we're sure you'll find some omissions that will fire up your feelings and melt the ice around you.

CENTERS

1. JOE SAKIC, COLORADO

His Hart Trophy as league MVP and his leadership and dominance in the playoffs lifted him above everyone else. He's not just the best center in the league, but the best all-around player. (NO. 1 OVERALL)

2. PETER FORSBERG, COLORADO

He's talking the year off, but that doesn't diminish the fact that he's a great checker, skater, and stick-handler, with a nasty streak Sakic lacks. Don't be fooled if the Avs repeat this season without him--he's still a superstar. (2)

3. MARLO LEMIEUX, PITTSBURGH

"Le Magnifique" displayed all of his wondrous skills during his amazing comeback last season. Is he ready to move back to the top of the overall list? He's certainly the best player-owner around. (3)

4. MIKE MODANO, DALLAS

He keeps getting better every season. A terrific leader with a penchant for producing in the clutch, he's learned to play both ways with equal diligence. His teammates love his fire. (7)

5. STEVE YZERMAN, DETROIT

At 36, he's still hockey's premier leader and a force on offense and defense. Few players are as beloved as Yzerman is in Motown. He will have a plaque in the Hall of Fame. (11)

6. MATS SUNDIN, TORONTO

Considered a bit selfish and an underachiever for years, Sundin has emerged as the main force on the rising Leafs. Still, he's not quite as much of a leader as the other top centers. (16)

7. SERGEI FEDOROV, DETROIT

How many teams have a better No. 2 center? Fedorov is capable of dominating games with his enormous collection of skills, and is one of the league's most dangerous power-play performers. (22)

8. DOUG WEIGHT, ST. LOUIS

He didn't get enough credit in Edmonton. A speed demon of a center capable of taking over games at both ends, Weight could be the player to put the Blues over the top. (26)

9. CHRIS DRURY, COLORADO.

Some of the best moves in the game punctuate his style, but Drury has grit, too. A stalwart at killing penalties and on power plays, he is a highlight film waiting to happen. (31)

10. JOE NIEUWENDYK, DALLAS

He barely edges out the Jasons (Allison and Arnott), but he gets our vote because of his long history of big, game contributions. Not as swift as in his prime, but he's very smart and tenacious. (34)

WINGERS

1. JAROMIR JAGR, WASHINGTON

He still has the strength, moves, intelligence, and experience to lead everyone in points. But does he have the heart? We'll find out as he settles into his new home. (NO. 4 OVERALL)

2. PAUL KARIYA, ANAHEIM

With spectacular moves and speed, plus a great finishing touch, Kariya also has tried to improve his all-around game, which is difficult with the weak Ducks. (13)

3. BRENDAN SHANAHAN, DETROIT

Hockey's best power forward, he's a real force on power plays and a gutsy player who doesn't back down. (18)

4. PATRIK ELIAS, NEW JERSEY

The league's newest superstar, Elias is perhaps the most versatile wing in hockey. He's very dangerous killing penalties, too. (20)

5. PAVEL BURE, FLORIDA

"The Russian Rocket" has led the league in goals two straight years. Want to bet it won't be three? (23)

6. TEEMU SELANNE, SAN JOSE

A sniper, he should become a leader on the blossoming Sharks. (Can Sharks blossom?) He's simply deadly on power plays. (24)

7. MARIAN HOSSA, OTTAWA

Strong and versatile, Hossa is ready to assume a leadership role in Canada's capital. He has overcome the stigma of the Bryan Berard injury. (27)

8. OWEN NOLAN, SAN JOSE

A top-notch leader with a mean streak and enviable ruggedness, Nolan just needs to stay in the lineup more. (28)

9. JOHN LECLAIR, PHILADELPHIA

Philly's most indispensible player, LeClair is a leader with great touch. He's unafraid to challenge anybody and he's one of the best around the net, but alas he's also injury prone. (29)

10. TONY AMONTE, CHICAGO