New Jersey Devils and Florida Panthers highlighted in NHL center duo and efficiency rankings

The Athletic author Harman Dayal ranked the NHL’s top-six center duos, placing the New Jersey Devils’ Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier in the third tier behind the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche. The ranking drew criticism for undervaluing the Devils despite Hughes being a top‑seven player when healthy and Hischier outperforming many peers.

Separately, the Florida Panthers dropped from fourth to eighth in The Athletic’s yearly NHL contract‑efficiency rankings after an injury‑laden season. Analysts noted age, injuries and modest contract extensions as factors, though the team remains in the top ten and aims to rebound next season.