The 2019-20 season isn’t technically over, but since there isn’t much else to talk about, why not do a way-too-early fantasy hockey rankings! The Overtime Heroics Fantasy Hockey squad is putting together individual top 10 positional rankings for all you beautiful people. For this series, we will be using Daily Faceoff for positions since there are a lot of dual/triple position eligible players. Hopefully, you find this series fun and informative.
Way Too Early Fantasy Hockey Rankings
Top 10 Left Wings
1.Brad Marchand – Boston Bruins
70 games played: 28G / 59A / 87pts / +25 82 PIM / 28 PPP / 185 SOG / 55 Hits / 19 Blocks
I can say with 100% certainty I cannot stand Marchand. But his talent cannot be overlooked. He is an elite playmaker that was on pace for a second consecutive 100 point season.
2.Artemi Panarin – New York Rangers
69 games played: 32G / 63A / 95pts / +36 / 20 PIM / 24 PPP / 209 SOG / 25 Hits / 18 Blocks
Some could argue that Panarin should be in the number 1 spot, and they would have a fantastic argument. He is at number 2 because this was his first season in NY. If he can replicate similar dominance next season, he could slide into the top spot.
3.Alex Ovechkin – Washington Capitals
68 games played: 48G / 19A / 67pts / -12 / 30 PIM / 18 PPP / 311 SOG / 184 Hits / 30 Blocks
There isn’t much more that can be said. Ovechkin is, arguably, the greatest goal scorer in NHL history. Showing no signs of slowing down, the 34 year old Russian has been a mainstay atop fantasy hockey rankings since he entered the league. That won’t change this year.
4.Brady Tkachuk – Ottawa Senators
71 games played: 21G / 23A / 44pts / -14 / 106 PIM / 8 PPP / 259 SOG / 303 hits / 43 blocks
On almost the exact pace as he was on in his rookie year, Tkachuk took a big step this year. Not in points, but in the peripheral categories: PIMs, SOG and Hits. Categories that are far more sustainable than points. If he can add to his offensive numbers while keeping these elite peripheral stats, he could be in the conversation for top 3 in years to come.
5.Kyle Connor – Winnipeg Jets
71 games played: 38G / 35A / 73pts / +4 / 34 PIM / 17 PPP / 239 SOG / 18 Hits / 17 Blocks
Prior to the stoppage, Connor had already set career highs in Goals, Assists, Points and SOG. He did this all while maintaining a shooting percentage of 15.9%, just a shade higher then his career average of 15.1% leading into the season. At only 23 years old, he will be a force for years to come.
6.Max Pacioretty – Vegas Golden Knights
71 games played: 32G / 34A / 66pts / +18 / 44 PIM / 19 PPP / 307 SOG / 90 Hits / 35 blocks
The hesitation to rank Pacioretty at six is there. His durability is always a question. When he is healthy, he is a solid player that will give you 30+ goals and around 300 SOG. He was on pace for a career year in points, hopefully this year’s success can carry over.
7. Jonathan Huberdeau
69 games played: 23G / 55A / 78pts / +5 / 30 PIM / 29 PPP / 152 SOG / 51 Hits / 26 Blocks
Everyone thought his 92 point campaign from last year was an anomaly. Huberdeau proved a lot of doubters wrong this year. On pace for another 92 point season, he has found a lot of success alongside Aleksander Barkov.
8. Andrei Svechnikov – Carolina Hurricanes
68 games played: 24G / 37A / 61pts / +9 / 54 PIM / 20 PPP / 183 SOG / 116 Hits / 27 Blocks
Playing on one of the best young lines in hockey, Svechnikov has taken the next step in his career. Svechnikov has used his increased time on ice to show why he was drafted second overall in 2018. A 30 goal, 75 point season isn’t outside the realm of possibility.
9. J.T. Miller – Vancouver Canucks69 games played: 27G / 45A / 72pts / +11 / 47 PIM / 25 PPP / 165 SOG / 123 Hits / 38 Blocks
Miller’s first year in Vancouver was beyond successful. He set new career highs in goals, assists, points, PIMs and SOG. Some might question that he deserves to be here. One stat that sticks out is his shooting percentage. At 16.4%, that falls in line with his % from the 2015-16 thru the 2017-18 seasons. The dip from last season with Tampa Bay (12%) is the outlier, not this year.
10. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Edmonton Oilers
65 games played: 22G / 39A / 61pts / +1 / 33 PIM / 24 PPP / 172 SOG / 33 Hits / 44 Blocks
If you read the Top 10 Centers article, finding RNH here shouldn’t be a huge surprise. Having the benefit of playing alongside either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, RNH is in a prime fantasy spot for success.
Honorable Mentions
Claude Giroux PHI, Gabriel Landeskog COL, Evander Kane SJS
I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Way Too Early Fantasy Rankings! Keep an eye out for the future editions from the rest of the Overtime Heroics Fantasy Hockey squad.