3 Colorado Avalanche ranked among the top 10 best NHL players
A recent ranking placed three Colorado Avalanche players among the NHL's top 10 players. However, there's an argument to be made that each one could be ranked higher on the list.
Three Colorado Avalanche players cracked the top 10 in TSN’s Top 50 player ranking ahead of the 2042-25 season.
Unsurprisingly, the number-one player in the ranking is Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid. But beyond McDavid, the rest of the top 10 show three Colorado Avalanche stars. However, there is room to debate whether these players could have ranked higher on the list.
So, let’s take a look at the Colorado Avalanche players on the list and argue why they could be higher on the list.
Looking at the Colorado Avalanche players in the TSN’s top 10.
Mikko Rantanen
Rantanen cracked the top 10 thanks largely to his incredible consistency. He’s registered back-to-back 100-point seasons. However, the COVID shortened seasons prevented him from notching additional 100-point seasons. So, it’s fair to assume that Rantanen could have also reached the 100-point mark had he played a full schedule.
Nevertheless, Rantanen has proven to be one, if not, the best top-six winger in the league. Of course, other players such as Artemi Panarin or perhaps William Nylander come to mind. But when it comes to a surefire scorer, Rantanen has an inside edge on just about anyone in the league.
At #10, Rantanen ranked above players like Sidney Crosby, Mitch Marner, and Steven Stamkos. But could he have ranked even higher on the list?
Slightly above Rantanen is Panarin at #9 with David Pastrnak ranked at #7. Of course, both players have an impressive track record. But both miss something crucial: A Stanley Cup.
Moreover, Rantanen has been as consistent as they come. That consistency sets him apart
from other players on the list.
In fact, an argument could be made that Rantanen is on the same level as the #5 player, Nikita Kucherov. Now, Kucherov notched 100 assists last season. He also has a Hart and Art Ross Trophy to his name. Perhaps that’s what holds Rantanen back. If Rantanen could earn a major award, his
ranking could significantly improve.
Cale Makar
Here’s where things get dicey. Makar came in at #6 ranking above reigning Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks. Now, there’s no arguing that Makar should be ranked higher than Hughes. As a matter of fact, Makar was the highest-ranked defenseman on the list.
Again, there is no questioning that logic.
However, could Makar have ranked higher than say Kucherov or #4 Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers?
That could be a tough argument to make. But there’s reason to believe it could be a valid one. First of all, elite defenseman are hard to find. True top-tier blueliners like Makar, Hughes or Roman Josi come by every few years. If anything, hockey fans today are spoiled by the abundance of all-world d-men in the league.
But what sets Makar apart is that he’s a difference-maker. Sure, Draisaitl is one of the league’s best. But he plays on the same team as McDavid. That alone diminishes Draisaitl’s overall impact on the team.
Of course, an argument could be made that Makar plays with Nathan MacKinnon. But that’s comparing apples and oranges. MacKinnon is a forward while Makar is a defenseman. Therefore, Makar’s impact is much greater than other players ranked above him.
Second, Makar has all the requisite hardware to make the top 5. He’s won a Cup, Norris, Calder and Conn Smythe Trophy. Perhaps hitting the 100-point mark as a defenseman could propel Makar into the top 5.
Overall, the ranking got it right by placing Makar as the league’s best blueliner. But there is plenty of reason to argue that Makar should be in the top 5, making him one of the most valuable players in the NHL at the moment.
Nathan MacKinnon
All right, so things get really contentious, here. MacKinnon was ranked second, behind McDavid. MacKinnon has won everything that McDavid has (except a Conn Smythe). But there’s something more valuable that MacKinnon has won: A Stanley Cup.
This fact alone sets MacKinnon apart from McDavid. Yes, McDavid is a generational talent, a former number-one overall pick. But so is MacKinnon.
Moreover, MacKinnon doesn’t have the luxury of leaning on Leon Draisaitl as a second line center. Naturally, having Mikko Rantanen helps. But the bulk of the responsibility of carrying the team falls on MacKinnon’s shoulders.
So, is it fair to claim that MacKinnon is the NHL’s best player?
At the moment, there is an argument to be made in MacKinnon’s favor. He’s currently the engine that drives the Colorado Avalanche. He’s the blood and guts of the team, leading his teammates, especially in captain Gabriel Landekog’s absence. Moreover, there’s an argument to be made in favor of MacKinnon becoming the Avs’ new captain, but that’s a debate for another day.
In the meantime, Nathan MacKinnon is the NHL’s best player. He has the hardware to back it up. He’s got the point totals, goals, and championships to stake his claim.
This upcoming season will be crucial in determining who the NHL’s best player is. If McDavid and the Oilers can win a Cup, the debate could potentially be settled for good.
However, if MacKinnon can lead the Avs to a second Cup in half a decade, it will be hard to make a case for McDavid as the league’s top player.
Who knows, fans could be treated to an Edmonton Oilers-Colorado Avalanche Western Conference Final this season. Such a showdown would be epic and could settle the debate once and for all.
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