1. Sidney Crosby
Who knows how much longer Sidney Crosby will hang onto the title of “best player in the world”. McDavid could wrestle it away from him as soon as this season. But even after number 97’s incredible sophomore season, Crosby’s still the man at the top. Despite suffering numerous injuries, including no fewer than four concussions, his numbers place him among the all-time greats.
Crosby’s best known for his offense. And rightfully so, as his career regular season points per game average is over one. However, this probably causes people to underrate his overall 200 foot game. Crosby is extremely good defensively as well. He’s like having a third defenseman on the ice.
What makes Crosby so excellent is he’s always seeking ways to improve. He’s incredibly smart and can pick up on any shortcomings he has very quickly. And Crosby makes it a point to work relentlessly until it’s no longer a weakness.
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He’s coming off captaining two consecutive Stanley Cup championship teams. Crosby won the Conn Smythe in each of the two seasons, leading his team impressively in 2016-17 even without star defenseman Kris Letang.