theScore

1

Jack Hughes

Hughes' size and strength (5-foot-11, 175 lbs) have been a knock on him since he was the 2019 consensus top draft pick. But he has silenced his naysayers in a breakout 2022-23 season, ranking ninth in league scoring.

Bruce Bennett / Getty

MVP-caliber numbers ๐Ÿ†

GP
50
G
35
A
32
xGF%
59.09

Bruce Bennett / Getty

2

Mats Zuccarello

Zuccarello has never let his size slow him down. The 5-foot-8, 35-year-old winger ranks second on the Wild with 51 points this season while logging over 20 minutes per night. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in spades with his hockey IQ.

Joe Puetz / Getty

3

Johnny Gaudreau

The diminutive winger has thrived in his first season in Columbus, leading the Blue Jackets by a whopping 29 points while earning an All-Star nod. Even on one of the league's worst teams, Johnny Hockey can produce.

Ben Jackson / Getty

โ€œ

Even if it wasn't the start we wanted, I wouldn't change my decision for the world.

- Gaudreau on Columbus' struggles in his first year

(ESPN)

Ben Jackson / Getty

4

Travis Konecny

Konecny has bounced back in a big way after a down season in 2021-22. He's notched 49 points this campaign and matched a career-high 24 goals. He's only 5-foot-10 and 175 lbs, but it hasn't stopped Konecny from being the heart and soul of the rebuilding Flyers.

Bruce Bennett / Getty