By the Numbers: NHL Edition (60-69)
We’re not too far away from the end of the road, but up next we have the 60s. There are only 56 players to choose from that wear numbers between 60 and 68. Decisions are going to be tough, but not in a particularly good way. I can't think of many players that are in the 60s, so this will definitely be a learning experience. We’ll see how it all shakes out.
Amy Irvin
Number 60: G, Chris Driedger, Seattle Kraken
Driedger hasn’t played this season yet because he is recovering from a knee injury sustained last season, but there is really only one other option at 60. Collin Delia is really the only other option here, but he hasn’t played well enough to warrant a top jersey wearer. I don’t know when Driedger will return, but once he does, he will be the best 60 in the game.
Vegas Golden Knights
Number 61: RW, Mark Stone, Vegas Golden Knights
Not even close to another option at 61. Mark Stone has been a huge part of the Vegas prominence over the last few years and played a huge role in their 2020 run. Stone is 30 now and doesn’t show signs of slowing down.
NHL.com
Number 62: D, Brandon Montour, Florida Panthers
Arturri Lehkonen is a close second place, but Montour is the top dog. Both players are having career seasons this year, and both may trade places for years to come.
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Number 63: LW, Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins
Number 63 is surprisingly pretty stout, but the best 63 is reserved for the most hated man in the NHL, Brad Marchand. In a player’s poll that asked, who is the player you hate to play against, but would love to play alongside? Marchand was the overwhelming choice. He has been described as a pest on the ice, but there is no doubt about his talent. Jesper Bratt is another solid option at 63 and has had a great year with the Devils. Also, Adam Ruzicka with the Flames is a guy that could be entering the discussion in the next year or two.
NHL.com
Number 64: C, Mikael Granlund, Nashville Predators
Granlund was swapped for Kevin Fiala back in 2019. The deal sent Fiala to the Wild and Granlund to the Preds and has been there ever since. Even though he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations in Nashville, he still is a solid contributor while on the ice. 64 is a weak number, but he is the only real option.
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Number 65: D, Erik Karlsson, San Jose Sharks
There are only 2 active options at 65, but this is no debate. Erik Karlsson is one of the best, if not the best defenseman in the NHL. He currently sits at 70 points on the season and he leads all defensemen by 15. He is also the only player above 30 years old in the Top 10 in scoring. Definitely one of the best in the league today.
Number 66: None
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Number 67: RW/LW, Rickard Rakell, Pittsburgh Penguins
My pick probably would’ve been Max Pacioretty, but he has missed significant time over the last 3 seasons and it appears that he will missed the majority of next season as well, so he is out. Rakell has put together a solid year with Pittsburgh and despite the Penguins sort of hanging around the bottom, he has been good. Lawson Crouse is the only other real option here.
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Number 68: RW/LW, Mike Hoffman, Montreal Canadiens
Only 3 players wear the 68 and Hoffman is the overwhelming choice. Nothing really stands out with Hoffman, but he is definitely the best player to wear the 68. He had some really solid seasons in Ottawa and Miami a few years ago.
Number 69: None
Nice!
Yacs
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