Friday's Center Value Rankings
Here are theScore's center value rankings for Friday, March 4:
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Connor McDavid (EDM) | at CLB | 9 |
| Nicklas Backstrom (WAS) | vs. NYR | 8 |
| Evgeny Kuznetsov (WAS) | vs. NYR | 8 |
| Brandon Dubinsky (CLB) | vs. EDM | 8 |
McDavid would be among the league's top point-getters if he never got injured. He has 19 points in 15 games heading into Thursday since returning from his broken clavicle. His price is still fair considering his consistent production.
Backstrom is once again skating with the red-hot Alex Ovechkin. He has zero goals, but eight assists in his last 10 games. His low shot totals make him best suited for tournaments. Both he and Kuznetsov should take advantage of a tired group of Rangers, who may decide to rest Henrik Lundqvist in their second game in as many nights.
Dubinsky has 18 points in 23 games since Ryan Johansen was traded, opening up a spot as the team's first line center. Edmonton at Columbus has the makings of a sloppy defensive game on both ends.
Best of the Rest
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Tyler Seguin (DAL) | vs. NJ | 7 |
| Jason Spezza (DAL) | vs. NJ | 7 |
| Leon Draisaitl (EDM) | at CLB | 7 |
| Boone Jenner (CLB) | vs. EDM | 6 |
| Alexander Wennberg (CLB) | vs. EDM | 6 |
| Adam Henrique (NJ) | at DAL | 5 |
| Travis Zajac (NJ) | at DAL | 5 |
Seguin and Spezza take a back seat to the top options thanks to Cory Schneider's remarkable play this season. He has the ability to steal games.
Despite his cold play of late, Draisaitl still has 44 points in 55 games as of Thursday. This is far more than any player with a price tag as low as his.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Derick Brassard (NYR) | at WAS | 3 |
| Derek Stepan (NYR) | at WAS | 3 |
| Eric Staal (NYR) | at WAS | 2 |
| J.T. Miller (NYR) | at WAS | 2 |
It's best to avoid all Rangers on Friday night, especially Staal, who is still adjusting to his new surroundings.