Highly Valued

Scott Cullen on TSN.ca has been running the most trade valued players in the league. While they put it in terms of trade value, the assertion could be made that these are the most valuable players in the NHL to date. And wouldn't you know it, three Capitals make the top 20.

The factors taken in to consideration are the players age, contract, and overall performance.

Nick Backstrom comes in at number 19 on the list:

After a 69-point rookie season, the skilled Swedish playmaker sure looks like he could have 100-point potential in the not-too-distant future.

Mike Green isn't too far ahead at number 17:

Turned in a spectacular 2007-2008 season, emerging as possibly the most electrifying young offensive defenceman in the game.

And of course at number one, just edging out some kid from Pittsburgh, Alex Ovechkin:

163 goals and 310 points in three seasons, combined with a contract that will keep him in D.C. through 2021, makes Ovechkin the premier asset in the game today.

50 - 26 are all here on an earlier column.