Minnesota Wild preview; ranking the Northwest Division centers

August 22, 7:52 AMMinnesota Wild ExaminerJoseph Gunther

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Mikko Koivu (middle). (AP Photo)

The Northwest Division is known for its goaltending and defense.

The division also has some very good forwards, especially at the center position.

Here are the top five centers in the Northwest Division.

No. 5 Shawn Horcoff. The Edmonton Oilers veteran has quietly become a very good NHL player. He is a solid two-way center that is consistent on both ends of the ice. He has played in an offensive system that has helped him recorded four straight seasons of at least 50 points, including 53 last season.

No. 4 Paul Statsny. The Colorado Avalanche young star is considered a top-line talent for last season's worst team in the Western Conference. He had a break out rookie season with 78 points, but his production has slipped the last couple years. His falling production coincides with the downturn of the Avalanche. At 23-years-old, his best hockey is ahead of him.

No. 3 Henrik Sedin. The Vancouver Canucks star is one-half of one of the most dynamic duos in hockey. He is a very good playmaker for his linemates with 60 assists last season and 351 in his eight NHL seasons. He controls and supports the puck as well as anyone in the game.

No 2 Olli Jokinen. He was the prize of last season's trade deadline. The Calgary Flames acquired him for a playoff run that lasted just one series. He had a good, but not great finish to season with the Flames with eight goals in the final 19 games of the season. Jokinen is a solid, physical two-way center. He has the size and hands to excel around the net. There has been no argument about his offensive ability with 237 goals and 281 assists in 10 NHL seasons. He has been very productive while playing with some bad teams.

No. 1 Mikko Koivu. The Minnesota Wild team leader and captain was once considered the most underrated player in the NHL. He is the definition of consistency on both the offensive and defensive end of the ice. Last season, he reached the 60-point plateau for the first time while playing in the Wild's defensive system. His production should improve dramatically with the change in systems.