The 2021-2022 NHL season is just around the corner, and fantasy hockey drafts are in full swing. To help you dominate your league, here are some of the top players to target in your draft:
Top 10 Overall
- Connor McDavid (C - EDM): McDavid is the consensus top pick, and for good reason. He's a generational talent and is coming off a season where he led the league in points.
- Auston Matthews (C - TOR): Matthews is a goal-scoring machine and is one of the most dominant players in the league.
- Nathan MacKinnon (C - COL): MacKinnon is a complete player who can score, set up plays, and play tough minutes.
- Cale Makar (D - COL): Makar is a dynamic offensive defenseman who has the potential to lead the league in points from the blue line.
- Leon Draisaitl (C - EDM): Draisaitl is a consistent point-per-game player who is a great compliment to McDavid.
- Nikita Kucherov (RW - TB): Kucherov is a skilled playmaker and a consistent scorer.
- Andrei Vasilevskiy (G - TB): Vasilevskiy is the best goaltender in the league and is a must-have for any fantasy team.
- Sidney Crosby (C - PIT): Crosby is a legend and remains a top-tier fantasy option.
- Alex Ovechkin (LW - WSH): Ovechkin is a goal-scoring machine and is showing no signs of slowing down.
- Mark Stone (RW - VGK): Stone is a complete player who can score, set up plays, and play physical minutes.
Other Players to Consider
- Jonathan Huberdeau (LW - FLA): Huberdeau is a skilled playmaker and a consistent scorer.
- David Pastrnak (RW - BOS): Pastrnak is a goal-scoring machine who is one of the most dynamic players in the league.
- Roman Josi (D - NSH): Josi is a dominant offensive defenseman who is a consistent point-per-game player.
- Mitch Marner (RW - TOR): Marner is a skilled playmaker who is a consistent point-per-game player.
- Sebastian Aho (C - CAR): Aho is a young star who is on the verge of breaking out.
- Patrik Laine (RW - WPG): Laine is a goal-scoring machine who has the potential to put up huge numbers.
- Jack Eichel (C - BUF): Eichel is a dynamic playmaker who can score at a high rate.
- Nathan MacKinnon (C - COL): MacKinnon is a complete player who can score, set up plays, and play tough minutes.
- Mika Zibanejad (C - NYR): Zibanejad is a skilled playmaker who is a consistent point-per-game player.
Late Round Gems
- Kirill Kaprizov (LW - MIN): Kaprizov is a young star who has the potential to be a fantasy superstar.
- Quinn Hughes (D - VAN): Hughes is a dynamic offensive defenseman who has the potential to be a fantasy superstar.
- Alex DeBrincat (RW - CHI): DeBrincat is a goal-scoring machine who has the potential to be a fantasy superstar.
- Trevor Zegras (C - ANA): Zegras is a young star who has the potential to be a fantasy superstar.
Tips for Your Draft
- Draft based on your league settings: Some leagues value goals more than assists, while others value power play points more than even strength points. Make sure you understand your league's scoring system before you draft.
- Don't reach for players: If a player you like is going off the board earlier than expected, don't force the issue. There are plenty of other good players available.
- Don't be afraid to draft a goalie early: Goaltending is a very important position in fantasy hockey. If you can get a top-tier goalie early in the draft, it can give you a big advantage.
- Don't forget about defensemen: Defensemen are often overlooked in fantasy hockey drafts, but they can be very valuable. Make sure to draft at least one or two good defensemen.
- Have fun: Fantasy hockey is a fun and exciting way to enjoy the NHL season. Don't take it too seriously and just have fun!
These rankings are just a starting point. There are many other great players available in the draft, so do your research and find the players that you think will fit your team best. Good luck!