As the second decade of the 21st century comes to an end, let’s take a look at the best NHL players from the 2010s.
The 2010s have been a golden decade for the NHL. Though there are still a few months left until the year changes to 2020, it’s not too early to start looking at who the best hockey players of this decade are. Technically, the decade didn’t start until 2011 because there was no year zero, so if a decade is every 10 years, each decade starts with a year ending in “1”. But that’s merely a technicality.
Who were the best players from the start of the 2009-10 season through the end of the 2018-19 season? First, some boundaries are needed. To be eligible for selection, a player must have played in no fewer than five seasons during the decade, including the 2019-20 season.
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Secondly, this team is going to be nitpicky about positions. We’re not like Team Canada, who has an Olympic roster with, like, nine centers and three wings. There will be four left wings, four centers, and four right wings. Handedness is not nearly as important for defensemen, so they’re exempt from this rule.
Thirdly, a full NHL team is going to be created. 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and three goaltenders. A variety of things will be considered.
First of all, stats matter the most. Anything from the start of the 2009-10 season until now is fair game. Secondly, awards matter too. Hart Trophies, Ted Lindsay Awards, Norris Trophies, Vezina Trophies, and Selke Trophies are given to the best of the best. Only the best are named to the NHL All-Star teams. So if it’s close, I’ll defer to awards.
Feel free to voice your opinions in the comments if you feel someone was left out. With so many great players over the past 10 years, it’s likely someone was. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the NHL’s All-Decade team for the 2010s.