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Washington Capitals: Was Nicklas Backstrom snubbed by NHL Network?

By Ian Schultz

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 30: Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) is congratulated by defenseman Madison Bowey (22) after scoring a hat trick in the third period against the New Jersey Devils on November 30, 2018, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 30: Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom (19) is congratulated by defenseman Madison Bowey (22) after scoring a hat trick in the third period against the New Jersey Devils on November 30, 2018, at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom came in at 18th on the top centers list according to NHL Network experts. Should he feel slighted?

Every year, NHL Network releases their top 20 selections at each position in the NHL heading into the next season. That list got underway yesterday when they released their top 20 centers heading into the 2019 season. Two Washington Capitals made the list with Evgeny Kuznetsov leading the way at 16 and the potential future HOF candidate Nicklas Backstrom coming in at 18.

Kuznetsov’s ranking feels a little high to me. He is coming off of a season in which he totaled 72 points in 76 games but really saw his defensive game fall off. Furthermore, Kuznetsov is one of the worst faceoff men in the league and his defense, in general, is considered below average at best.

But focusing on Backstrom, many seem to think he should have been slated higher. He piled up 74 points over 80 games last season and continues to be one of the engines that keeps the Capitals powerplay among one of the league’s best. If you want to consider whether Backstrom was slighted, you have to consider which players he should replace in the rankings.

First on this list for me is Kuznetsov. While the Russian center is the younger pivot, his lack of defensive prowess coupled with his decreased production last season is enough for me to take Backstrom over him next season. This could change in a year if Kuznetzov’s production ramps up and or his defensive game moves towards the average tier.

One of the other common names that I saw people griping about in comparison to Backstrom was Ryan O’Reilly. He was phenomenal for the eventual Stanley Cup-winning St. Louis Blues picking up 77 points last season while playing all 82 games.

O’Reilly took home the Selke for best defensive forward and the Conn Smythe for playoff MVP last season. While this was a breakout year for him and regression may occur, I’d take O’Reilly over Backstrom for next season.

Another name that was listed ahead of Backstrom that could draw the ire of Capitals fans is Sabres young star Jack Eichel. The fourth-year pro had 82 points in 77 games last season and had a higher CF%. Eichel will also turn 23 next season and is going to be hitting the prime of his career while Backstrom has likely drifted out of his prime seasons.

There’s an argument to be made the Backstrom might be better than Logan Couture heading into next season. The Sharks center had 70 points in 81 games last year while scoring a CF% of 53.8%, which is nearly four percentage points higher than Backstrom. I am not sure which player I would rather have for next season alone, but I’d lean Couture based mostly on age alone.

Next. 3 Burning Questions For The Capitals. dark

Other than those few players I have mentioned ranked ahead of Backstrom, there really shouldn’t be much argument with where Backstrom landed on the list. He has had one of the better overall careers of players listed here. But in looking at just next season, Backstrom falls right in line with where should be ranked in the list of top NHL centers.

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