Brayden Point Cracks NHL Network’s Top 10 Centers Ahead of 2025-26 Season
The NHL Network unveiled its annual list of the Top 20 Centers heading into the 2025-26 season and veteran forward Brayden Point earned recognition as the league’s No. 8 center.
Point is coming off his third best season with the Bolts, putting up 42 goals and 40 assists for 82 points in 77 games. He finished the season with a +17 rating, the third-best of his career.
“We were talking about this in our production meeting, and I actually would have him a little bit higher on my list,” said NHL Network analyst Mile Rupp. “I think a big reason is you just know what you're getting. I know that motor is going. I know he's competing. I know he's going to look the same way in the regular season as he does in the playoffs.”
Per NHL Edge, the Lightning paced the league last season in high-danger production, leading all teams in both high-danger shots on goal by forwards (660) and high-danger goals by forwards (144). Brayden Point (28) and Jake Guentzel (26) finished first and second in the NHL in that category.
Point has been a member of the Lightning organization since being selected in the third round (79th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft.
Lightning's Projected Defense Is Looking Good
The NHL's official Facebook account shared their defense projections for each team in the Atlantic Division. Here's who they see playing together for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2025-26.
First Pairing: Victor Hedman & J.J. Moser
The NHL's account sees Victor Hedman and J.J. Moser being the team's top pairing during the 2025-26 season. This is not surprising, as Hedman and Moser formed strong chemistry this past season when playing together. Furthermore, with Moser being a young defenseman on the rise, playing with a superstar like Hedman has the potential to help him take that next step. Moser has also shown that he has no issues playing the right side, so this pairing just makes sense.
Second Pairing: Ryan McDonagh & Erik Cernak
For the Lightning's second pairing, the NHL's account has Ryan McDonagh playing alongside Erik Cernak. Given the success this pairing had last season, it would be entirely understandable if they played together again in 2025-26. Both blueliners are very dependable defensively, and they certainly make things difficult for opponents when they play together because of it.
Third Pairing: Emil Lilleberg & Darren Raddysh
With Nick Perbix signing with the Nashville Predators this season, the NHL's account has Darren Raddysh playing with Emil Lilleberg on their third pairing. This pairing would have good upside. Lilleberg broke out this past season for the Lightning as a hard-nosed, stay-at-home defenseman, while Raddysh continued to be impactful offensively. Thus, these two could be a nice fit if they play together.
