# NHL center rankings and projections

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nhl-center-rankings-and-projections
> Updated: 2026-08-01T18:28:31.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026, analysts placed the Colorado Avalanche’s top‑center pairing of Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson among the league’s second‑tier duos, noting the team’s improved depth and its push for Stanley Cup contention. The following day, league analysts released broader projections for the 2026‑27 season, identifying MacKinnon as one of the leading centers in the Central Division and highlighting other emerging talents such as Wyatt Johnston. The shift moves from a team‑specific assessment of the Avalanche’s center group to a league‑wide outlook on top centers and defensemen heading into the next season.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-01: NHL Projects Top Centers and Defensemen for 2026-27 Season

NHL analysts project Nathan MacKinnon, Wyatt Johnston and a third center as the Central Division’s top three, while Zach Werenski, Erik Karlsson and another defenseman lead the Metropolitan Division for 2026‑27

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nhl-projects-top-centers-and-defensemen-for-2026-27-season

### 2026-07-30: Colorado Avalanche’s Center Duo Ranked Among NHL’s Best

Analysts rank Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon and Brock Nelson as a top‑tier NHL center duo, noting MacKinnon’s 53‑goal, 127‑point season and the team’s deep center group.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colorado-avalanches-center-duo-ranked-among-nhls-best

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Cite as: NHL center rankings and projections. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nhl-center-rankings-and-projections