NHL 19 Top 50 Players Countdown: #40-31

By B.T. Frye
6 years Ago

NHL 19 is set to drop on September 14 for Xbox One and PS4. As the anticipation continues to build following a successful beta, EA Sports is releasing the top 50 rated players in the upcoming installment of the NHL series.

Yesterday, we covered numbers 50-41. Now, let’s take a look at numbers 40 through 31.

50. Aleksander Barkov, C, Florida Panthers – 88 OVR

Even some hockey diehards are generally unaware of the Florida Panthers. They play in Sunrise, Florida by the way (about 30 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale). The Panthers have some really promising young talent, though, and Alex Barkov is the franchise cornerstone.

49. P.K. Subban, D, Nashville Predators – 88 OVR

P.K. Subban has been in the running for the cover of an NHL series installment for years, but in NHL 19 he finally broke through. Subban, as always, is a solid all-around talent in the game.

48. Roman Josi, D, Nashville Predators – 88 OVR

Despite Roman Josi and P.K. Subban both coming in at 88 overall, Josi has the slightly more appealing ratings. Josi boasts elite offensive skills and athleticism to pair with dominant defensive ratings: 92 defensive awareness, 90 shot blocking, 90 stick checking.

47. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, Arizona Coyotes – 88 OVR

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is the only glimmer of hope for the abysmal Arizona Coyotes franchise. Still only 27, OEK is the best offensive defenseman not named Erik Karlsson.

46. Artemi Panarin, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets – 88 OVR

Artemi Panarin is one of the most exciting young forwards in the league, and his NHL 19 ratings have cheese written all over them. With 92 speed, 92 agility and 94 deking, there’s no limit of possibilities for Panarin on the virtual ice.

45. Brad Marchand, LW, Boston Bruins – 88 OVR

Brad Marchand may not be well liked outside of New England, but he’s been steadily producing for the Bruins for several years now. Despite a small frame (5’9″, 181lbs.), Marchand is more than solid on defense.

44. Devan Dubnyk, G, Minnesota Wild – 89 OVR

Devan Dubnyk is a big reason the Wild are in contention year after year. Since joining Minnesota in 2015, Dubnyk has been an All-Star twice and a Vezina Trophy finalist once. He’s an 89 overall to start NHL 19.

43. Jonathan Quick, G, Los Angeles Kings – 89 OVR

Jonathan Quick is a true stud between the pipes, and his ratings reflect that. Quick is vulnerable high, though, which will lead many Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) players to steer clear of him.

42. Evgeny Kuznetzov, C, Washington Capitals – 89 OVR

Evgeny Kuznetsov emerged as a budding superstar in last year’s playoffs. He racked up 32 points to lead the Capitals, who went on to win the Stanley Cup. At 93 speed and 77 faceoffs, he’s best suited to play wing on a HUT team.

41. Alex Pietrangelo, D, St. Louis Blues – 89 OVR

Alex Pietrangelo is one of the most sound and technical defensemen in the league. Petro is still only 28, and may not have hit his peak yet. Look out.

Are you excited for NHL 19? Did EA get these ratings right? Let us know in the comment section below, and don’t forget to subscribe to Sports Gamers Online.

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Categories: Games, Hockey
Tags: EA EA SPORTS EA Sports NHL 19 frontpagenews NHL 19 Player Ratings