Courtesy: Alex Brandon/Associated Press
1) Alex Ovechkin – Washington Capitals
As of right now, Ovechkin is still listed as a right winger, but that may change in the next few weeks heading into training camp. Barry Trotz says he is leaning towards starting Ovechkin on the left side, as he moves better on that side. Ovechkin lead the league in goals again last year and this could be a year where we see him compete for the scoring title. His power play points are ungodly.
2) Corey Perry – Anaheim Ducks
Perry should have yet another excellent year, and could hit the 50 goal mark. Look for him to play with his normal center, Ryan Getzlaf, and they could have a new sidekick in Dany Heatley, who can still do some damage especially with these linemates. Perry could also see some time with new center, Ryan Kesler.
3) Patrick Kane – Chicago Blackhawks
Kane can play either wing, and in some leagues he listed that way. He is always good for a 70-80 point season, but after signing his new big contract along with pal Jonathan Toews, we could see a new Kane that explodes for 40+ goals and 90+ points. He’s always clutch and has incredible, consistent numbers every year.
Courtesy: CBS Sports
4) Phil Kessel – Toronto Maple Leafs
It’s a crapshoot this year, but Kessel could grab 40-goals easily if the rest of his team is up to the task with giving him room. The Leafs are still a train wreck of an organization, but there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel. Kessel is one of the best players in the league, and never gets enough credit.
5) Jordon Eberle – Edmonton Oilers
Eberle has had great success in Edmonton, but doesn’t get as much publicity as he should. He could hit the 30-goal mark and could near 80-points if the Oilers can get it together. He’s young, and still has a lot to learn, but now that Gagner is gone, they need the kids to step up and lead.
6) Gustav Nyquist – Detroit Red Wings
Last year may or may not have been a fluke – I’m guessing not. Nyquist is poised to take on more responsibility this season and with a healthy Zetterberg and Datsyuk to help, he could hit between 30-40 goals. He’s a good pick in deep leagues.
7) Marian Gaborik – Los Angeles Kings
The unsung “hero” of the playoffs, Gaborik has given the Kings a lethal goal scoring threat other than Jeff Carter. Gaborik should fit in well in his first full season with the Kings, and look really good next to Kopitar. Look for a 30-40 goal season.
Courtesy: USA Today
8) Wayne Simmonds – Philadelphia Flyers
No one works harder than Simmonds in front of the net in todays NHL. He’s got grit, determination and a knack for finding loose pucks. He’s good for some PIM’s as well. With Hartnell gone, Simmonds will see some more action when they need a clutch goal, and he’ll fight his way to the net to get it.
9) Rick Nash – New York Rangers
Like Kessel, this is a crapshoot, but a much bigger gamble. Nash’s star has fallen since he came to New York, but could find fame with Marty St. Louis on board this year. St. Louis helped Stamkos come out of his shell in Tampa and could help Nash find his game again. It all depends on who ends up centering to two.
10) Kyle Okposo – New York Islanders
Okposo took it upon himself to lead the Islanders last season when their Captain, Tavares, went down with a busted leg. Okposo is a bull of a player who can run you over and then dish it to the open man. He’s good for at least 20 goals and could push 70 points this season now that the Islanders have some depth.
Next up: Left Wingers…
More to come…
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