The center position is loaded with high-end talent and it offered a lot of value near the end of drafts. It’s the deepest position in fantasy and it’s led by the best player in the game in Connor McDavid. There should be no surprise if McDavid leads the league in points again. Keep in mind those who have dual eligibility as they provide more value to owners. It’s nice to have a center who can slot in at either wing. You typically see a center lead their team’s forward group in ice time and they are much more valuable in leagues with faceoffs.
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Fantasy Hockey Center Profiles
The Following Right Wing profiles are in alphabetical order. For a better idea of their values please check out my Center Rankings for the 2018-19 Fantasy Hockey season.
Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals
Fantasy Quality: value on draft day
Nicklas Backstrom had a bit of a slow start to last season and was bumped off Alex Ovechkin’s line early in the year. Backstrom didn’t miss a beat finishing with 33 points in his final 33 regular season games and then 23 in 20 playoff games. Backstrom has some value in drafts especially in straight up points leagues (not hits or shots). He’s hit the 70-point total in five straight seasons and has a cool 799 points in 815 NHL games. Last season was his first since 2012-13 where he didn’t reach 30 power play points (26).
Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers
Fantasy Quality: strong target in early rounds
Aleksander Barkov is shaping into one of the better young centers in the game. Barkov hit career-highs across the board last season: assists (51), points (78), blocks (67), power play points (17), shorthanded goals (5), shots (256), faceoffs wins (908), faceoff percentage (53.5) and time on ice per game (22:04). Barkov scored 27 goals, which was one shy of his career-high. The sky really is the limit for the former second overall pick. Barkov will be entering year six in the NHL and 80-plus points is attainable. He’s part of what is a very potent top six in Florida. His 908 faceoffs won were the fifth most in the league as well.
Mathew Barzal, New York Islanders
Fantasy Quality: likely headed for slight decline in production
I know Islanders’ fans are bummed they lost John Tavares, but at least they have Mathew Barzal. Wow, can this kid play! Barzal scored 22 goals and added 85 points in 82 games as a rookie. He dished out 63 assists (fifth most) with 22 of them coming on the power play. He wasn’t afraid to shoot the puck (170 SOG) and won you a few faceoffs (355) along the way. Barzal didn’t play much of his hockey with Tavares last season, but with him now in Toronto, Barzal will see much tougher matchups. I wouldn’t count on an increase in points, but 70 is within reach and he’s a fine third or fourth round pick.
Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins
Fantasy Quality: added bonus in leagues with faceoffs, health a concern
Patrice Bergeron battled injuries all season long, but he still managed to score 30 goals and pick up 63 points in 64 games. Known for his defensive game, Bergeron is always unappreciated offensively and in drafts. Bergeron has hit the 50-point mark in eight of his last nine seasons and the one he didn’t was a shortened lockout year. Bergeron has scored at least 30 goals and 60 points in three of his last five seasons. He’s a volume shooter, power play specialist and a great source for faceoffs. If you’re playing in a faceoff league he becomes a much higher draft pick.
Jeff Carter, Los Angeles Kings
Fantasy Quality: undervalued fantasy asset
Jeff Carter suffered a cut on his leg early last season, which forced him to miss most of the year. Carter was fantastic in the games he played, though, scoring 13 goals and 22 points in 27 games. Nine of his points game on the power play and he fired 85 pucks on net. He was well on his way to repeating his 250-shot total from the year before. Carter has at least 60 points in his past three seasons and at least 240 shots in three of his last four years. He’s also hit the 20-goal mark in his last five years.
Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks
Fantasy Quality: strong fantasy asset
Logan Couture scored a career-high 34 goals last season and hit the 60-point mark for the third time in his career. Couture had 61 points and 21 of them came on the power play. Couture has at least 50 points in six of his last eight seasons. If not for a lockout or injury filled season, it’d be 50 points in all eight seasons. He’s one of the more consistent mid-round picks.
Sean Couturier, Philadelphia Flyers
Fantasy Quality: knee injury has him as one of better discounts
The Flyers traded Brayden Schenn last season and that paved the way for Sean Couturier’s breakout season. Couturier set career-highs across the board including ice time per game. Always known as a defensive center, Couturier went from 18 minutes a game to 21. He scored 31 goals, 76 points (14 PPP), won 472 faceoffs and fired 227 shots on goal. The Flyers’ center was also great in the playoffs (on one knee), where he added eight points in five games. The news isn’t all good, though. Couturier suffered another knee injury in August and may not be ready for the season. It’s the same right knee he damaged the medial collateral ligament in, but it’s reportedly a different injury. On top of that, Couturier had a career-high 13.7 shooting percentage. The injury and some regression will scare people off making him a great value pick. 25 goals and 65 plus points is very attainable, which is not a huge drop-off.
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Fantasy Quality: remains a Top 5 pick in drafts
If you played in a league with goals, assists, points, power play points, shots on goal, faceoffs won, hits and blocks…Sidney Crosby was your number one overall fantasy player. No real surprise, besides the fact he wasn’t drafted first overall and he won’t be this season. Crosby may even go as low as four or five. Crosby’s goal total from two years ago (44), dropped to 29, but he still had the exact same point total (89). He’s had at least 80 points in five straight seasons. Better yet, he’s played 75-plus games in all of those seasons. His 38 power play point total from last season wasn’t even a career-high.
Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers
Fantasy Quality: great value pick; has 80 point upside
After a 77-point sophomore season and a strong playoff performance, the expectations for Leon Draisaitl in year three were extremely high. Draisaitl scored five fewer goals (25), and 16 fewer power play points (11), but still had a solid 70 points. He played a career-high 19:19 and had a career-high 194 shots. The Oilers’ power play struggled for most of the season, but it’s hard to imagine that continuing with Draisaitl and McDavid on it.
Jonathan Drouin, Montreal Canadiens
Fantasy Quality: in for bigger season; a pass in 10-team leagues
Jonathan Drouin had such a disappointing first season with the Montreal Canadiens, that he’s not even getting drafted this season. Drouin was surrounded by talent in Tampa Bay and he showed promise with 21 goals and 53 points in 73 games. He scored 13 goals, 46 points and was -28 in his first year with the Habs. It’s hard to roster a 50-point player who really only excels in the power play category. Drouin has 22 power play points last season and has 48 in his last two years. Drouin is still young (22) and has a ton of skill. He’s a decent buy-low in dynasty formats, but provides little value in redraft leagues.
Pierre-Luc Dubois, Columbus Blue Jackets
Fantasy Quality: primed for breakout season; touches a lot of categories
Pierre-Luc Dubois had an impressive rookie season and an even better finish to it. PLD scored 10 goals and 22 points over 15:58 minutes per game in his first 49 contests. He had 10 goals and 26 points in his final 33 games while playing 17:38 per game. Dubois took over the top line in between Artemi Panarin and Cam Atkinson, which included power play time as he finished with 15 PPP. Dubois should be a target of yours heading into fantasy hockey drafts as he should build on his 20 goals, 48 points, 127 hits, 165 shots and 461 faceoff wins.
Matt Duchene, Ottawa Senators
Fantasy Quality: value play; heavy minutes expected
The Ottawa Senators acquired Matt Duchene in the first few weeks of the season last year and he struggled. Duchene went through a stretch that saw him score eight points in 26 games. He finished strong with 43 points in his final 45 games. Most of his production came without Mark Stone who will only help boost Duchene’s value. Overall, Duchene finished the season with 27 goals and 59 points. He’s a minus-56 in his last two seasons, and it’s really the only negative thing to say about his production. Duchene should average over 18 minutes a game as the Sens’ top center. He projects as a 30-goal and 60-point player who can contribute with faceoffs and power play points. He’ll fall because he plays for Ottawa and that makes him a great target.
Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres
Fantasy Quality: third round pick who could finish Top 10
Jack Eichel scored a career-high 25 goals and 64 points over 67 games last season, which was his third in the NHL. Eichel has at least 24 goals and 238 shots on goal in all three seasons. The former second overall pick has 177 points over his first 209 games, including 121 in his last 128 games. He won’t contribute in categories such as hits, blocks, penalty minutes and he’s minus-54 for his career. If you’re playing in a straight points and shots on goal league, he’s a Top-10 center.
Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks
Fantasy Quality: value in leagues with straight points
Ryan Getzlaf may have lost a step or two throughout the last couple seasons, but his hands are still as smooth as ever. The big man missed 26 games last season, but was as strong as ever with 61 points in 56 games. This after 73 points in 74 games in 2016-17. He’s one of the better targets in leagues with power play points (despite zero pp goals last season), faceoffs and hits. Getzlaf doesn’t provide a lot of goals or shots so he tends to fall down draft boards. If he falls to you, make sure you select a couple goal scorers to start your drat.
Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers
Fantasy Quality: decline in goals likely ahead; strong target still
It’s hard to consider Claude Giroux a bust, because he’s one of the better point producers in the game. There are some red flags, though. Giroux had gone from 86 points, to 73, to 67, to 58 and then bam…102 points! Giroux shocked just about everyone in the fantasy community with the bounce-back of all bounce-backs. He scored a career-high 34 goals and 102 points. The Flyers’ captain has always taken on more of a playmaking role, especially on the power play, so it was nice to see 34 goals. However, it came with a career-high 17.6 shooting percentage which bumped his career average to 11.3% over 10 seasons. He’s definitely capable of providing first round value again, but expect a dip in goals. It’s a potent top six in Philadelphia and his 36 power play points was just another season for Giroux as he’s averaged 32 power play points per season over the last seven years. Don’t pay for last season’s output as he’ll likely fall back in that 70-80 point range, but don’t let him slip into the third.
Erik Haula, Vegas Golden Knights
Fantasy Quality: decline coming
Erik Haula is one of many players who had a breakout season in their first with Vegas. Haula played a career-high 17:22 last season and set personal records in goals (29), assists (26), points (55), power play points (19) and shots (175). He’s almost certain to regress as he’ll be without both of his linemates from last season in James Neal and David Perron. He may even be slated for third-line minutes with the addition of Max Pacioretty.
Adam Henrique, Anaheim Ducks
Fantasy Quality: room to improve in full season with Anaheim
Adam Henrique scored as many goals (20) with the Ducks in 56 games as he did in 82 games with the New Jersey Devils in 2016-17. Henrique only had four goals and 14 points in 24 games last season before getting traded to Anaheim where he finished with 36 points in 57 games. He’s going to start the season as the Ducks’ number two center with Ryan Kesler battling another injury to start the season. Henrique should go undrafted in just about every 10-team league, but should be thought of in bigger formats which include faceoffs.
Nico Hischier, New Jersey Devils
Fantasy Quality: should improve on rookie season
Nico Hischier had fine rookie season with 20 goals and 52 points, but he did not live up to draft expectations. They were slightly unfair any and that comes with getting selected first overall in the draft. Hischier benefited almost every night he played with Taylor Hall and he looked like he belonged, even as a 19-year-old. Hischier only had six power play points last season, but is skilled enough to offer more in that category. Expect a few more goals and assists as he adjusts to year two in the NHL.
Bo Horvat, Vancouver Canucks
Fantasy Quality: undervalued asset
Bo Horvat has hit the 40-point mark in his last three seasons and was on pace for his best year yet if not for an injury. Horvat scored a career-high 22 goals in 2017-18 and added 22 assists in 64 games. He also had a career-high 10 power play goals while playing a 19:21 game. Horvat has 50-60 point seasons ahead and will get all the playing time one can dream of with Vancouver.
Ryan Johansen, Nashville Predators
Fantasy Quality: not a strong fantasy target in leagues with plenty of categories
Ryan Johansen gets overlooked in fantasy drafts due to his lack of goal scoring. Johansen scored 15 goals last season and has fewer than 15 in four straight seasons. He does, however, have 26- and 33-goal seasons on his resume. Having said that, he has four seasons with at least 30 assists and has 86 in his last two seasons. He doesn’t have that point per game upside he flashed in Columbus, but is productive on the power play and in faceoff leagues.
Nazem Kadri, Toronto Maple Leafs
Fantasy Quality: slight decrease in production expected
Nazem Kadri will open up the season as the Maples Leafs’ third line center. It’s hard to find many third line centers who have scored 23 goals in back-to-back seasons. Kadri scored six fewer points last season compared to 2016, and it’s possible he’ll score fewer this season with the addition of John Tavares. Kadri is almost certain to potentially see a dip in ice time per game and power play points. Even still, Kadri has 24 power play goals in the last two seasons and at least 211 shots in three straight seasons. Kadri is still valuable in leagues with hits, shots and faceoffs.
William Karlsson, Vegas Golden Knights
Fantasy Quality: regression likely
To say William Karlsson had a breakout season last year, would be an understatement. Karlsson had 18 goals in his first 183 NHL games before scoring 43 goals in 82 games with the Vegas Golden Knights. Karlsson’s 23.4 shooting percentage was the highest mark in the league and is almost certainly going to decline as will his goal total. Karlsson is still a fantastic fantasy hockey asset and another 70-point season doesn’t seem like a stretch. It’s the 40 goals which will be hard to repeat. Expect more like 30 goals while still contributing high numbers in the takeaway department (78 last season).
Mikko Koivu, Minnesota Wild
Fantasy Quality: fade in fantasy drafts
Mikko Koivu took a bit of a step back last season as his 45 points were the lowest he’s had in five seasons. Not known for his goal scoring, but Koivu’s 14 goals was the third-lowest mark for him over the last 10 years. His 14 power play point total, was also the lowest in the last five seasons. Koivu doesn’t have a lot of fantasy appeal as he doesn’t shoot or score enough, but he can fill out the back part of your draft. He doesn’t have any more 60-70 point seasons in him, but there’s nothing wrong with 15 goals and 50 points.
Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings
Fantasy Quality: decline likely; undervalued
Anze Kopitar’s 92 points were good for the seventh most last season and he finished as a Top 10 player in leagues with faceoffs. Even without his 983 faceoff wins, Kopitar was a Top 15 player and one of the better values last season. For whatever reason, he’s been falling to the fifth and sixth round of drafts. Kopitar not only had a career-high 92 points, but he finished with career-high 35 goals and 17.5 shooting percentage. His shooting percentage will likely come back down near his 12.6 career average, but he’s had two 30 goal seasons before. He also has eight seasons with at least 25 goals and he’s had at least 200 shots in seven seasons. Kopitar may not be a 90 point guy, his 52 point season in 2016-17 is an outlier. The former 11th overall pick can no doubt hit 30 goals and 80 points this season. Don’t let him fall too far.
Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals
Fantasy Quality: solid target; can improve on last season
Evgeny Kuznetsov had a breakout season in what was his fourth full season in the NHL. Kuznetsov scored a career-high 27 goals and 83 points which included a career-best 30 power play points. He also played a career-high 18:49 per game and mostly with Alex Ovechkin as his winger. The two always spent time together on the power play, but Kuznetsov became Ovechkin’s permanent center throughout the year and into the playoffs. Kuznetsov led the playoffs with 32 points in 24 games on route to a Stanley Cup championship. At age 26, it feels like Kuznetsov is just entering his prime seasons.
Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings
Fantasy Quality: strong target in league with faceoffs and shots
Dylan Larkin will enter his fourth season in the NHL with a brand new five-year, $30.5 million contract. The 22-year-old had a career-high 47 assists and 63 points last season. He also won a career-high 656 faceoffs while putting 232 pucks on net. Larkin saw a big jump in ice time per game as he went from 16:09 to 19:51 last season. That mark was the 22nd highest among forwards last season, and it’s a number you can expect to continue to grow. As he continues to get more ice time, his numbers should only get better. He’s a great source for points, shots, faceoffs and takeaways. Larkin’s dynasty value received a huge boost when the Red Wings took sniper Filip Zadina with their sixth overall pick this past summer. Larkin could be headed for even more ice as Henrik Zetterberg announced his retirement in the offseason.
Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
Fantasy Quality: very strong first round pick
Nathan MacKinnon finished last season with 1.31 points per game which was just shy (0.01) of Connor McDavid’s output. MacKinnon had a career-high 39 goals, 97 points (32 on PP) and 284 shots in 74 games. He fell just short of winning the Hart Memorial Trophy and finished fifth in scoring. MacKinnon finished as a top-five skater in fantasy hockey and can definitely repeat his numbers from a season ago. Believe it or not, he has a higher ceiling.
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
Fantasy Quality: always undervalued in drafts
Evgeni Malkin joined his teammate, Sidney Crosby, as a top five fantasy hockey player last season. Amazing, that these two really only spend time together on the power play and can be that productive. You could argue Malkin has been more productive than Crosby over the past four seasons. Well, on a point per game basis he has. Malkin has 130 goals, 298 points in 266 games over the last four years. That’s 1.12 points per game compared to 1.10 for Crosby over that time span. Crosby’s totals: 137 goals and 49 more points than Malkin. Many look at Crosby as an injury risk, but it’s Malkin who has missed 84 games in the last five seasons. Malkin’s 98 points last season were the fourth most as were his 42 goals. He finished third with 38 power play points and he may not even go in the first round of drafts. Don’t let that happen as the risk is well worth the reward.
Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
Fantasy Quality: poised for another 40-goal season
Auston Matthews didn’t live up to his first-round draft pick last season, but he was on pace to if not for a shoulder injury that cost him 20 games. Matthews scored 34 goals and 63 points after 69 points in 82 games as rookie. The Leafs’ center has an impressive 74 goals on 466 shots in his two seasons. He’s a high-volume shooter that has the upside to score 40-plus goals in year three of the NHL. He’s part of a strong top six and will contribute on the power play.
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Fantasy Quality: number one overall pick
It would be surprising if Connor McDavid wasn’t selected first overall in drafts. McDavid led the NHL in points last season for the second straight year. McDavid followed up his 100-point season with 108 last year. He scored a career-high 41 goals and had a career best 274 shots. McDavid has a remarkable 256 points (60 PPP) in his first 209 NHL games. It’s scary to think, he’s only going to get better.
Casey Mittelstadt, Buffalo Sabres
Fantasy Quality: don’t draft too early in redraft leagues; solid keeper
I’d temper expectations for Casey Mittelstadt in redraft leagues, but don’t let him go undrafted. Mittelstadt is just one of many former first-round picks that will be in the Sabres lineup this season. Mittelstadt was taken eighth overall in 2017 and got a taste of the NHL last year. The center had five points in six games and will be in contention for rookie of the year honors. It’s hard to imagine Mittelstadt getting top power play time with Buffalo, but he’ll for sure be on the second unit. A 50-point season is most likely his ceiling in his first full year in the NHL.
Sean Monahan, Calgary Flames
Fantasy Quality: undervalued in drafts
Sean Monahan’s career has been pretty consistent, but he has room to grow with a couple additions in the Flames’ top six. Monahan has at least 27 goals, 58 points, 17 power play points and 191 shots in his last four seasons in the NHL. He’s had 27 goals in two of those seasons and 31 in the other two. He’s hit the 60-point mark in three of those seasons and is coming off a career year. The Flames’ number one center tied a career-high in goals, but had a career-high 64 points and 202 shots. He’s a solid target that should be thought about in round five or six. The former sixth overall pick can improve on last year’s numbers and is going much later than the sixth.
Vladislav Namestnikov, New York Rangers
Fantasy Quality: don’t expect him to hit last season’s numbers
Vladislav Namestnikov had a career-high 22 goals and 48 points last season. 20 goals and 44 of those points came when Namestnikov was a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Playing with Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov did a lot for his production. Namestnikov only mustered four points in his 19 games with the Rangers and is a pass on draft day.
Ryan O’Reilly, St. Louis Blues
Fantasy Quality: expected boost in overall numbers; solid target
Ryan O’Reilly went from one of the worst defensive teams in hockey in Buffalo to one of the better defensive teams in St. Louis. O’Reilly’s value has taken a hit in plus/minus leagues as he was a career-worst -23 last season. In fact, O’Reilly has been a minus player in eight straight seasons. With that said, O’Reilly has scored 20-plus goals in four of his past five seasons and has at least 50 points in six straight season, excluding the lockout year. O’Reilly has tremendous value in leagues with faceoffs as he won 1,275 draws last season (most in the NHL) and has at least 1,000 wins in three straight campaigns. Overall, O’Reilly is a strong target this season and should see an increase in his point totals. He’s also going to make the Blues’ PP better as he’s has at least 22 power play points in three straight years. Although, his ice time may decline he’ll be surrounded by much better talent. He was a Top 20 player in leagues with faceoffs in 2017.
Nolan Patrick, Philadelphia Flyers
Fantasy Quality: late round breakout target
Nolan Patrick showed some fantasy upside last season as a rookie and he only got better as the year went on. Patrick only had two points in the first round of the playoffs last season against the Penguins, but he touched the 19-minute mark twice. He scored two goals and had 29 shots in his first 29 games. Patrick finished with 11 goals on 98 shots in his final 44 games. Nothing eye-popping, but you could see the confidence growing. He started shooting the pick more and was getting more ice time, especially on the power play. Last year’s second overall pick had respectable first season with 13 goals and 30 points. He’ll likely open up his sophomore campaign with Jakub Voracek and James van Riemsdyk on his line. It’s hard to slump while playing with those two.
Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks
Fantasy Quality: upside to match career-highs
The loss of Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton (injury) resulted in a slow start for Joe Pavelski last season. The addition of Evander Kane really sparked his game and the Sharks now possess one of the most potent teams in the league. Pavelski’s 66 points were his lowest total since 2013-14, but it was the seventh time he’s hit that point total. He’s also had at least 220 shots in nine of his 10 seasons (lockout year only season he didn’t). You can count on 20-plus goals, 60-plus assists, 220-plus shits, 90-plus hits, 70-plus blocks and 20-plus power play points. Pavelski has sneaky value in leagues with blocks as he’s had over 100 in two of his last three seasons. The addition of Erik Karlsson makes everyone better.
Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
Fantasy Quality: should be first rookie off the board
Last year’s fifth overall pick, Elias Pettersson is creating a ton of buzz through preseason with his flashy skills. Pettersson is one of the best prospects in the game and will make a fantasy impact in his first season in the NHL. The center was named MVP of the SHL regular season and playoffs. Pettersson will step into a top-six role with power play time right away.
Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning
Fantasy Quality: last season was no fluke; strong target
Brayden Point was one of if not the best value on draft day last season. Many didn’t believe in his 18 goals and 40 points in 68 games as a rookie. Those people were wrong as Point scored 32 goals and had 66 points across a full 2017 season. Point put 217 shots on goal, won 557 faceoffs and chipped in with 11 power play points. He played 19:37 a game and will only continue to get better. The Lightning top six is very lethal and he’s a big part of it. He’s also getting disrespected at drafts. Don’t let him slip into the fifth or six or he’ll be gone.
Brayden Schenn, St. Louis Blues
Fantasy Quality: undervalued fantasy asset
Brayden Schenn enjoyed a career year in his first season with the St. Louis Blues. Schenn hit career-highs across the board: 28 goals, 42 assists, 70 assists, 210 shots and 19:44 a game. That’s almost two more minutes per game than he got in his previous season with the Philadelphia Flyers. Schenn is one of the most underrated players in fantasy leagues that count for hits, shots, penalty minutes and power play points. Schenn has at least 19 power play points in four straight seasons and he’s had 180-plus hits in four of his past five seasons.
Mark Scheifele, Winnipeg Jets
Fantasy Quality: strong target
Mark Scheifele had a breakout season in 2016 with 32 goals and 82 points. He was on pace to repeat those numbers if not for an injury which kept him sidelined for 22 games in 2017. Scheifele managed to score 23 goals and 60 points while playing a career-high 20:41 per game. He also set a career-high in power play points with 16. Scheifele’s 32 goals in 2016 were tainted by a 20% shooting percentage, but it was 18 percent last season which tells us he’s just a legit sniper. Even if it drops to his career mark of 14.9 percent, he should still be able to pot 30 goals and flirt with 80 points.
Nick Schmaltz – Chicago Blackhawks
Fantasy Quality: underrated depending on setting
Nick Schmaltz improved on his 28-point campaign as a rookie by scoring 21 goals with 52 points in his sophomore season. He had 13 power play points while playing 18 minutes a night compared to the 13 per game in 2016-17. Schmaltz is locked into the number two center position for Chicago and should spend most of his time playing with Patrick Kane. That’s worth a mid-to-late round selection based on upside alone. Schmaltz doesn’t touch a lot of categories however. Takeaways, yes, but not a lot in the shot or hit department.
Tyler Seguin, Dallas Stars
Fantasy Quality: proven scorer; high volume shooter
Tyler Seguin scored a career-high 40 goals last season and was rewarded with a brand new eight-year contract worth $78.8 million. Seguin is one of the better goal scorers in the league as he’s had at least 33 in four of his last five seasons. He’s also had at least 70 points and 24 power play points five years in a row. He’s put 636 shots on net in his last two years and played a career-high 20:55 last season. Seguin is a solid target in the early rounds.
Eric Staal, Minnesota Wild
Fantasy Quality: decline likely coming
If you thought Eric Staal’s 28 goals and 65 points in his first season with Minnesota was a fluke, think again. Staal backed up that season by scoring 42 goals and 76 points in 2017. Staal has been one of the most undervalued players in fantasy over the past two seasons. There are some red flags of course as Staal is another year older and his 17.4 shooting percentage was the highest mark of his 15-year career. His career shooting percentage is 11.2 and his goal total was his second highest mark ever. It was the first time he scored 40 goals since 2008, and first time he had 70 points since 2011. 50-60 points and 25 goals is more reasonable.
Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning
Fantasy Quality: strong point per game candidate
Steven Stamkos was one of the better values last season as he was drafted in the third round and was a first-round player for most of the season. Stamkos bounced back after an injury filled 2016-17 season, by scoring 27 goals and 86 points. It was his highest point total in seven seasons. His 59 assists were a career-high and his 33 power play points were the most he’s had since 2010-11. Stamkos is fully capable of putting up a similar stat line this season. He has 200-plus shots six times in his career and has a 60- and 51-goal seasons on the resume.
Paul Stastny, Vegas Golden Knights
Fantasy Quality: big name; doesn’t touch a lot of categories
Paul Stastny’s 53 points last season were the most he’s put up since 2013-14, which was his last in Colorado. Stastny split time between St. Louis and Winnipeg where he had a nice playoff run with the Jets (six goals and 15 points in 17 games). Stastny signed a three-year contract worth $19 million. The addition of Max Pacioretty should do wonders for Stastny’s game, but 50 points still feels like his ceiling and he doesn’t put a lot of pucks on net.
Derek Stepan, Arizona Coyotes
Fantasy Quality: underrated fantasy asset
Derek Stepan had a career-low 14 goals in his first season with the Arizona Coyotes, but he had a career-high 42 assists. His 56 points were one off his career-high set in 2013-14. Stepan hardly saw a change in his game from his last season in New York to his first in Arizona. Stepan played about 45 seconds more per game, but had the same amount of shots (209) and power play points (18). He had one fewer point and won four more faceoffs. He was a career worst -7, which is not awful considering the team he plays on. Stepan is an underrated fantasy asset especially in leagues with faceoff wins.
John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs
Fantasy Quality: strong draft target; don’t reach
John Tavares broke the hearts of NYI fans when he decided to sign with his childhood team, the Toronto Maples Leafs. Tavares signed a seven-year, $77 million contract. His $11 million cap hit is the second largest behind Connor McDavid. It kind of makes it difficult to roster Tavares in Fantrax’s salary cap formats, especially when you consider Tavares has never had a 40-goal or 90-point season. Having said that, JT has been just about a point per game player over his nine seasons with the Islanders (621 points in 669 games). It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Tavares improve on his 84-point season which saw him get 30 points on the power play. The Maples Leafs could have one of the most potent PPs in the league should head coach Mike Babcock decide to stack it.
Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks
Fantasy Quality: doesn’t contribute much; fantasy fade
Joe Thornton is a pass in every single format out there. He doesn’t do enough to be productive. 121 shots on goal is the most he’s had in his last six seasons and that cam in 2015. He’s coming off knee surgery as he missed half of the season last year. He also has scored fewer than 20 goals in seven straight seasons. Assists and power play points is all he really has to offer at this point in his career.
Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
Fantasy Quality: better real life player than fantasy asset
Jonathan Toews isn’t thought of as a great fantasy asset, but he’s still one of the better all-around players in the NHL. Toews scored 20 goals and had 52 points last season. He’s hit 20 goals in all 11 of his seasons, including the lockout season. He’s hit 50 points in every season, excluding the lockout year where he had 48 points in 48 games. Those point per game seasons are gone, but he can still fill out the later part of your draft in deep leagues. Even his 60 point days seem to be over.
Kyle Turris, Nashville Predators
Fantasy Quality: late round target with upside
Kyle Turris came over from Ottawa and lit it up with Nashville before cooling off big time. Turris ended up with 16 goals and 51 points which ended up being his second-worst season in the last five years. Turris was basically invisible in the playoffs and got far less ice in Nashville than he did in Ottawa. Turris does have the upside to get back into the 60-point column, but he’s not getting that number one power play time like he had with the Senators.
Mika Zibanejad, New York Rangers
Fantasy Quality: strong breakout candidate
Mika Zibanejad started last season strong (eight goals and 13 points in 13 games), and he finished the season strong (nine goals and 15 points in 17 games). The problem is, Zibanejad disappeared somewhere in the middle. It feels like he’s close to putting it all together, though. Mika had 37 points in his first 56 games with the Rangers and last season he had a career-high 27 goals and his 47 points were the second most in his seven NHL seasons. Zibanejad has hit the 20-goal mark three times and is coming off a career-high 14 power play goals and 21 PPP. He’s a great source for shots and faceoff wins as well. He should get heavy minutes with New York.
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