Leading up to the start of the 2019-20 season, theScore will be counting down the top 100 players in the game today, as voted on by our NHL editors. We'll reveal 10 players every day until the top 10 is unveiled on Oct. 2.
100-91 | 90-81 | 80-71 | 70-61 | 60-51 | 50-41 | 40-31 | 30-21 | 20-11 | 10-1
30. Mark Stone, Golden Knights
Stone has always been one of the best defensive wingers in hockey, but his positive offensive development has made him a rare commodity. Despite the Golden Knights' first-round playoff exit last season, the 27-year-old exploded for a ridiculous six goals and 12 points in seven games. It will be a treat to see what he can do over a full campaign on one of the league's top clubs.
29. Blake Wheeler, Jets
Wheeler is arguably the league's most underrated playmaker. Only Nikita Kucherov and Connor McDavid have more assists than the Jets captain over the past two years. There's a conversation to be had that he's a top-five NHL winger, but he's also shown the versatility and selflessness to play center when necessary.
28. Mark Scheifele, Jets
Scheifele has been a point-per-game player over the last three years for the Jets, culminating with career highs in goals (38) and points (84) last season. He has the ability to be a difference-maker by either scoring goals or setting up teammates as a playmaker and will be looking to help Winnipeg make another extended playoff run after last season's disappointing first-round exit.
27. Roman Josi, Predators
Josi continues to be one of the NHL's best puck-moving defensemen. The Nashville captain excels at generating offense, consistently maintaining favorable Scoring Chances For and Goals For percentages. He's topped 50 points in four of the last five seasons, and averaged more than 25 minutes of ice time in 2018-19.
26. Ryan O'Reilly, Blues
Could 2018-19 have gone any better for the Ontario native? O'Reilly mustered a career-high 77 points in his first year with the Blues and captured the Selke Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, and of course, the Stanley Cup. After such a dominant season, there's no question the 28-year-old is among the best two-way players in hockey.
25. Mitch Marner, Maple Leafs
Marner established himself as one of the game's best playmakers in 2018-19, leading the league with 36 primary assists at five-on-five. While he receives no shortage of attention playing in Toronto, the highly intelligent winger probably doesn't get enough credit for his defensive game. He has an excellent stick and is a threat shorthanded.
24. Sebastian Aho, Hurricanes
Aho was a massive talking point during the offseason after signing an offer sheet with the Canadiens. Carolina quickly matched the offer, which should have come as no surprise considering the 22-year-old is coming off of a breakout season when he led the Hurricanes in goals (30) and points (83).
23. Mikko Rantanen, Avalanche
Rantanen took another step forward last season, collecting 31 goals and 87 points to exceed his 2017-18 numbers despite playing seven fewer games. The Finnish forward benefits from playing on one of the best lines in hockey, but he's proven over the last two campaigns that he deserves a spot on Colorado's explosive top unit.
22. Brayden Point, Lightning
Point enjoyed a breakout third NHL season, notching career bests with 41 goals and 92 points in 79 games. The dynamic, two-way center also proved to be a lethal weapon on the man advantage, leading the entire league with 20 power-play markers.
21. Tyler Seguin, Stars
Only Alex Ovechkin fired more shots on goal than Seguin over the past two years. He's had at least 70 points in every season since joining the Stars in 2013-14, and it's quite possible the best is yet to come.
