Who's currently the best second line center in the NHL?

[SeanMoneyHands]

I think it's between Matthews, Draisaitl or Malkin. Mostly the first two as Malkin is past his prime but he could still put up big numbers if he feels like it.

Runner up could be Backstrom, Stamkos, ?

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

I don't think Draisaitl would qualify given where he's played the past two seasons. I also don't know if I'd call Matthews the 2nd line center. He's certainly performing better than his team's "1st line center". Stamkos is also seeing a lot of time on the wing with Point at center. But Malkin's been hurt a lot, which hurts his case.

Therefore, Andrew Copp.

 

[SillyRabbit]

None of those guys you mentioned are second line centers.

They are 1B centers, forced to play behind a better player but still skilled enough to be the #1C on most teams.

An actual top tier second line center is a guy like O'Reilly

 

[Bounces R Way]

It's Vincent Trocheck.

 

[snu22fint]

Maybe a better question is. Who is the best center that is not the best center on his own team? Second line center is hard to define.

 

[aufheben]

Ryan Strome.

 

[Ace of Hades]

Bo Horvat comes to mind.

 

[Nickmo82]

Well, apparently Zibanejad isn't a 1C, so I'll go with him.

 

[stonec]

None of those guys you mentioned are second line centers.

They are 1B centers, forced to play behind a better player but still skilled enough to be the #1C on most teams.

An actual top tier second line center is a guy like O'Reilly

O'Reilly would be a first line center in at least half of the NHL teams and he is playing first line minutes in Blues as well, so based on the definition you gave, he isn't a true second line center either.

 

[SillyRabbit]

O'Reilly would be a first line center in at least half of the NHL teams and he is playing first line minutes in Blues as well, so based on the definition you gave, he isn't a true second line center either.

Then Brayden Schenn would be the answer.

 

[AIexisLafreniereNYR]

Ryan Strome easily comes to mind

 

[MacDonald4MVP]

Sean Couturier

 

[Man Bear Pig]

These definitions of #2 centers are confusing. So I'm just gonna say Freddy the Goat. Hes a second line center because hes not a #1 center. Kapeesh?

 

[Leonardo87]

Mika Zibanejad.

 

[alg363636]

I think David Krejci is a good answer - I think he is truly a high end second line center. He could be a #1C and fills in at time but he is perfect for the second line.

 

[1specter]

Geno.

 

[Goldmember]

Matthews or Tavares easily.

 

[Kosmo Kramer]

Matthews/Tavares whichever one you want to call the 2C. Though I agree neither are really true 2nd line centers as they would be both be a first on different teams. Lots of cases like this.

Best 2nd line center I can think of that wouldn't be a true 1C? Bo Horvat

 

[BruinsBtn]

Malkin and it's not even close.

 

[MrThomas]

I would say Trocheck

 

[BergyTime37]

Its gotta be Geno or one of Tavares/Matthews whoever is dubbed the 2c in Toronto .

 

[Perfect_Drug]

Malkin

 

[Kosmo Kramer]

Malkin and it's not even close.

Another great pick. So great that he would be the 1C for alot of teams. And then if we are going that route, considering Malkins injuries and age. I would still take Matthews/Tavares.

Prime Malkin was better than them at this moment though sure.

 

[gtrower]

Backstroms played on the 2nd line a fair amount off and on the last 3 seasons. Tough to argue against his production and two-way game.

Kuznetsov is less in the discussion when he’s been on the 2nd line. Peaked very high in 2018 into the playoffs when people were putting him the the Top 20 Centers (with Backstrom), but has underwhelmed since.

 

[Tender Rip]

If Sam Lafferty gets that role against Colorado, Pens. Otherwise he just stays the best 4th line RW and PK’er.