Courtesy: ESPN
The 2014-15 NHL season is almost upon us, and for any of you who love fantasy hockey, like I do, you’re no doubt starting to get your lists together for your upcoming fantasy drafts. There’s a lot to be excited about this year. New coaches, new rosters and some good second year players. This could be a year where we see someone other than Crosby, Malkin or Ovechkin take home the Hart.
I’m going to be doing a list of the top players in each position over the next few days, and in each list I will also include the duds to possibly stay away from.
TOP TEN FANTASY CENTERS:
1) Sydney Crosby – Pittsburgh Penguins
A no-brainer. Crosby is just entering his prime and he’s still feeling healthy after being out with concussion issues a few seasons ago. A new coach and some new teammates might spark even more from the ‘Kid’, but the lack of scoring depth could also affect his stats. At any rate, he’s the go-to First Pick in any draft, if you’re lucky enough to land the top spot.
Courtesy: Associated Press
2) Steven Stamkos – Tampa Bay Lightning
Stamkos had a bummer of a year last season due to a broken leg that cost him his stop on the Olympic team. However, Stamkos healed very quickly and looked like he hadn’t missed a step upon his return. The big question this season is how he’ll play without Marty St. Louis by his side. Stamkos is the leader now on this Lightning squad, and he’ll have to take that next step to help his team win games. He’ll definitely hit the 50 goal mark in my opinion.
3) Evgeni Malkin – Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins are blessed by the hockey gods to have two of the best centers in the game, but we’ll have to see how they both fair with a new coach. Malkin will also be missing his winger, James Neal, and another depth player in Jussi Jokinen. This is a much grittier Penguins team this season, so it will be interesting to see how Malkin adapts to a new system and possible playing style.
4) John Tavares – New York Islanders
The Islanders have gotten stronger this off-season, which might bode well for Tavares who is starting to show why he was the number one pick a few seasons ago. Tavares has had little help the last two seasons, but has managed incredible numbers. The Islanders depth this year will ease the load off his shoulders and he could have more freedom to do some damage on the scoresheet.
5) Ryan Getzlaf – Anaheim Ducks
He’s one of the best leaders in the game, and his offense has picked up again since Bruce Boudreau came to Anaheim. He is shadowed behind Crosby’s flashy play, but Getzlaf is more durable and can get the job done every night. He’s good for another 80-90 point season.
6) Nicklas Backstrom – Washington Capitals
Backstrom is one of the most underrated players in the game, and he could care less. He usually sits in the top-5 in assists every year, and is the most consistent player the Capitals have. He could crack the 20 goal mark again, or even push 30 if things click this year for the Caps and new coach Barry Trotz. His PP points are ungodly and he can sneak in a few GWG, too.
7) Tyler Seguin – Dallas Stars
Watch out for the Dallas Stars this year. They are the most improved team and Tyler Seguin had his breakout year in his first season with them in 2013-14. Seguin and Jaime Benn will do some damage, and the pressure is off with Jason Spezza on board to help. Seguin could hit the 40-goal mark this year and he could easily clear 90-points.
Courtesy: USA Today
8) Claude Giroux – Philadelphia Flyers
Giroux, like Getzlaf, lies in Crosby’s shadow – only because of the media. Giroux is the heart of the Flyers and had a tremendous second half last season after starting out slow. His buddy Scott Hartnell is gone, but Vorachek is still around to help pad his stats. Giroux could hit 90 this season if he starts fast.
9) Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche
The sophpmore is ready for the spotlight after an unbelievable second half and playoff performance in his rookie year. MacKinnon is poised to hit 30 goals and could get 40 if he doesn’t get the slumps. The Avs are a scary team to play against, and Iginla will only help this young team grow more confident.
10) Logan Couture – San Jose Sharks
The worm has turned in San Jose and this is now Couture’s team. He’s going to have a lot of pressure on him this season, but he’s more than ready for it. Couture can hit the 80-point mark and carry the Sharks to the playoffs. The team is kind of a mess right now while figuring out what to do with Thornton and Marleau, but once the smoke clears, the focus will be the Cup, and Couture and company will come out guns-blazing.
Next up: Top Ten Fantasy Left Wingers
More to come…
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