Vladimir Tarasenko was ranked No. 12 overall among the top forwards in the NHL according to a countdown special that aired last Saturday on NHL Network.

Jamison Coyle and E.J. Hradek of NHL Network tallied the list of best forwards based on player performance over the past few seasons and their projected performances for the 2016-17 season.

Tarasenko finished just behind Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning, but was ahead of Edmonton's Connor McDavid, Boston's Patrice Bergeron, San Jose's Joe Thornton, Philadelphia's Claude Giroux and more.

NHL Network will continue the countdowns with Top 20 Defensemen Right Now (Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. CT) and Top 10 Goalies Right Now (Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. CT). NHL Network will also countdown the Top 50 Players overall from Aug. 21 through Sept. 4.

NHL Network’s Top 20 Forwards Right Now

1. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

2. Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

3. Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

4. Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars

5. Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

6. Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks

7. John Tavares, New York Islanders

8. Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings

9. Tyler Seguin, Dallas Stars

10. Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins

11. Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

12. Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues

13. Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

14. Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins

15. Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames

16. Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks

17. Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers

18. Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning

19. Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks

20. Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals