For many, fall means color-changing leaves and the return of the beloved pumpkin spice latte. For sports fans, the football and hockey seasons are beginning. With the start of the NFL season, fans eagerly rush to set up their fantasy football rosters. However, football is not the only sport with a fantasy league. NHL fans are also rushing to set up their fantasy hockey rosters before the season officially starts. With the amount of change that has happened since last season, from team relocations to major trades, the NHL has seen quite a bit of activity. Despite all the changes this past summer, these players’ talents have stayed stagnant. Here are the best players for each on-ice position that will be the most sought after for fantasy hockey rosters everywhere.
Center
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No surprise here, the center everyone will want on their roster is none other than the generational talent himself, Connor McDavid. Since being picked first overall in the 2015 draft, he leads the league in points with 982 total in 645 games. This past season, McDavid was third overall in the NHL with 132 points during the regular season. During the postseason, he recorded 42 points, scoring the third most postseason points in NHL history. He led the Edmonton Oilers all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals in hopes of being the first Canadian NHL team to win it all since 1993. Though he did not bring home the Stanley Cup, he did win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Playoff MVP. With quick reflexes and sharp puck handling skills, this point-scoring sniper is a must have on fantasy rosters.
Right Wing
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After the phenomenal season that he had last year, it is no surprise that Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning is currently the best right winger in the NHL. He led the entire league in points with 144 total, including100 assists and 44 goals. With assists being his strong suit, he ranks second overall in the league in assists since the 2016-17 season. This season, he was the first player to reach the 100 assists milestone in a season since Wayne Gretzky in 1991. In a league of his own, Kucherov won the Art Ross Trophy last season for most points in a season, totaling 144. He is also a menace in the power play, as he led the NHL with 53 power play points, including13 goals and 40 assists. With unmatched zone ability and refreshing confidence on the ice, Kucherov is sure to be fought over in every fantasy draft.
Left Wing
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The Russians dominate the wings as Artemi Panarin of the New York Rangers is currently the best left winger. This past season, the “Breadman” or “Bread” racked up an all-time career best of 120 points and led all left wingers by a huge margin. Besides reaching the 100 point milestone this season, Panarin also became the fastest player in Rangers history to score 400 career points, achieving the stat in 310 games. To add to his resume, he not only led the Rangers in points, but also in goals and shots on goal. For a player who was undrafted and signed on as a free agent, Panarin has created waves in the NHL like no one else with his ability to play quick offensive and aggressive defensive. People would be silly not to pick an electric player like Panarin for their fantasy roster.
Defense #1
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Though he is the youngest player on this list, Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks was the leading man in the defensive category this year. In his first season as captain of the Vancouver Canucks, Hughes led NHL defensemen in points with 92 points, including17 goals and 75 assists, and 17 power play assists. Additionally, he had the most at-strength points with 54 total. Additionally, he had nine games where he tallied three assists, which is something that only hall-of-famers Bobby Orr and Ray Bourque have accomplished. Under his steady leadership, he led the Canucks to dominance in the Pacific Division and to clinching their first playoff spot in 13 years. This dynamic defender who uses his speed to his advantage rather than physical force is an asset for every fantasy roster.
Defense #2
Courtesy of NHL.com
Not too far behind is Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche. This past season, he was second in points (90) and assists (69) among defensemen. Additionally, Makar led NHL defenseman in power play points and was first on the Avalanche for blocked shots (148), takeaways (70), and ice time (averaging 24:46 per game). Though he is also very young, Makar has cemented himself as one of the best defensemen in NHL history. The past four consecutive seasons, he has been a Norris Trophy finalist as one of the best defensemen in the league. He actually won the Norris Trophy during the 2021-22 season, which was the same season he helped the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup, and when he won the Conn Smythe Award. Makar is definitely a fantasy staple.
Goaltender
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Last, but certainly not least, Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers is currently the best goalie in the NHL. During the regular season, he was a force in the net for the Rangers and went 36-17-2, with two shutout wins and a save percentage of 0.913. Though these stats are pretty average for him, once the playoffs began, Shesterkin unlocked his true elite goaltending abilities. Over the course of the Rangers’ playoff run last season, he had an incredible goals against average of 2.34 and his save percentage increased to 0.927. Additionally, Shesterkin won the Vezina Trophy in 2022 as the best goalie during the 2021-2022 season. His accurate positioning, incredible technique and unmatched focus make him a tier above other goalies. Shesterkin has carried the Rangers and he is sure to get the job done on any fantasy team.
When it comes time for fantasy hockey drafts to begin, these players are the ones to watch out for, but there are tons of talented players to choose from. The NHL preseason is approaching, so enjoy a fall drink and get ready to draft!
Edited by Jenna Mandarano
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