Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Power Rankings: #3
John Tavares of the New York Islanders comes in at number three on our list of the ten best centers in the Eastern Conference. Tavares has become one of the best players in the NHL over the past three years. He has the production to prove it, as he ranks in the top five among Eastern Conference centers in even-strength points per 60 minutes (2.25) and even-strength goals per 60 minutes (1.10). Stamkos is the only other Eastern Conference center who has averaged over a goal per 60 minutes at even strength during the past three seasons.
Tavares is also a beast on the power play. Over the past three seasons, he ranks ninth in power play points per 60 minutes (6.19) and third in power play goals per 60 minutes (2.58). He ranks ninth in on-ice power play goals per 6o minutes as well (8.26).
Tavares also has impressive possession stats despite being asked to take on a lot of tough minutes. He ranks in the top 15 in even-strength HSCF% relative and SCF% relative. He also ranks in the top 10 in even-strength CF% relative and in the top five in even-strength FenClose%.
Tavares is arguably one of the three most valuable players to his team in the NHL.
Next: #2