Here are theScore's center value rankings for Friday, October 23:
| # | Name | Opponent | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anders Lee (NYI) | vs BOS | Low |
| 2 | Ryan Strome (NYI) | vs BOS | Low |
| 3 | Alex Galchenyuk (MON) | at BUF | Low |
| 4 | Evgeny Kuznetsov (WAS) | at EDM | Low |
| 5 | Anze Kopitar (LA) | vs CAR | Low |
| 6 | Jeff Carter (LA) | vs CAR | Low |
| 7 | Tomas Plekanec (MON) | at BUF | Low |
| 8 | John Tavares (NYI) | vs BOS | Low |
| 9 | Henrik Zetterberg (DET) | at CGY | Low |
| 10 | Nicklas Backstrom (WAS) | at EDM | Low |
| 11 | Sean Monahan (CGY) | vs DET | Low |
| 12 | Tyler Johnson (TB) | at WPG | Low |
| 13 | Steven Stamkos (TB) | at WPG | Low |
| 14 | Connor McDavid (EDM) | vs WAS | Low |
Lee and Strome get the benefit of being listed as centers, but play on the wing with Tavares at home against the Bruins, who are allowing 4.3 goals per game. Galchenyuk and Plekanec also have a great matchup against the Sabres. Kuznetsov remains on the top line with Alex Ovechkin. McDavid gets the low-risk title at home against backup netminder Philipp Grubauer.
| # | Name | Opponent | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | David Krejci (BOS) | at NYI | Medium |
| 16 | Dylan Larkin (DET) | at EDM | Medium |
| 17 | Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (EDM) | vs WAS | Medium |
| 18 | Frans Nielsen (NYI) | vs BOS | Medium |
| 19 | Patrice Bergeron (BOS) | at NYI | Medium |
| 20 | Lars Eller (MON) | at BUF | Medium |
| 21 | Bryan Little (WPG) | vs TB | Medium |
| 22 | Jack Eichel (BUF) | vs MON | Medium |
Krejci has been great so far this season, racking up 11 points in six games. Red Wings rookie Larkin's play has been strong enough to keep him on the top line with Zetterberg. Eller is listed as a center but plays left wing on a line with Galchenyuk and Alexander Semin. Eichel won't have to deal with Carey Price, as Mike Condon will be between the pipes.
| # | Name | Opponent | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | Mark Schiefele (WPG) | vs TB | High |
| 24 | David Desharnais (MON) | at BUF | High |
| 25 | Brock Nelson (NYI) | vs BOS | High |
It's rare to see third-line centers like Desharnais and Nelson crack the value rankings, but their cheap price, consistent play and juicy matchups make them exceptions.
