There will never be a consensus as to what constitutes a #1 center. For me, I just loosely think of it as a center who is in the same ballpark in terms of offensive stats as the top 20-30 centers in the league. However, for me, it doesn't imply it is an elite center, or franchise player. Jokinen his last season here was a #1 center (ranked in the 20's or so, if memory serves). Most people would disagree.
Everyone has their own opinion on it. I don't think of it much. If a center is 'around' where the top chunk of centers are statistically, I call them that. Just me though, and everyone has their own interpretation.
Just as annoying as trying to nail down the definition for a #1 D-man.
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