Top 50 players in the NHL: 50-41

In our annual Yearbook we compiled a list of the top 50 players in the NHL after polling executives, broadcasters and observers. We'll release the full list over the next few days, starting with 50-41.

In THN's 2014-15 Yearbook, we asked our panel of executives, broadcasters and observers to rank the best hockey players in the world right now, heading into this season. If you were starting a franchise from scratch today, which players would you take?

We ended up with a ranking of the top 50 NHLers and we'll start releasing that list in chunks of 10, starting today. Without further ado, here are players 41-50 in the NHL and where they ranked on last year's Top 50 (LY). Stay tuned for the rest of the list.

41. ALEXANDER STEEN | ST. LOUIS | LW | LY: N/R

According to the number crunchers, only Jonathan Toews faces tougher competition than Steen does. And he scored 33 goals.

42. ZDENO CHARA | BOSTON | D | LY: 15

He has slowed considerably and is vulnerable defensively, but remains a force for the powerhouse Bruins.

43. JOE THORNTON | SAN JOSE | C | LY: N/R

His ice time is way down, but Thornton still manages to finish near the top of the league in assists.

44. PHIL KESSEL | TORONTO | RW | LY: 41

He has it all – speed, skill, a blazing shot – but Kessel remains unable to elevate those around him, though he’s an underrated playmaker.

45. VICTOR HEDMAN | TAMPA BAY | D | LY: N/R

After emerging from that awkward development stage with a struggling team, Hedman is poised for very good things.

46. LOGAN COUTURE | SAN JOSE | C | LY: 28

When healthy, Couture is good for 30 goals a season, but that trajectory could be pointed upward.

47. BRENT SEABROOK | CHICAGO | D | LY: N/R

He proved he’s much more than Duncan Keith’s wingman a long time ago and is an underrated gem.

48. JAROMIR JAGR | NEW JERSEY | RW | LY: N/R

The only player who would have been on this list 20 years ago, he remains a top possession player in the league.

49. NATHAN MacKINNON | COLORADO | C | LY: N/R

Being stuck behind Matt Duchene and Ryan O’Reilly didn’t stop him from being an offensive force in his rookie season.

50. PATRICK SHARP | CHICAGO | LW | LY: N/R

The playoffs and Olympics weren’t kind to him, but Sharp still has the tools to be a major offensive contributor.

These rankings originally appeared in the 2014-15 THN Yearbook.