With the 2016-17 NHL season in the books, it’s the perfect time of the year to reflect back on the previous fantasy hockey league season before moving on to the NHL Draft, the expansion draft and free agency. We ranked the top players at each position based on the standard fantasy hockey league categories including goals, assists, plus/minus, penalty minutes, powerplay points, shorthanded points and shots on goal. The center position is extremely deep but locking down at least one of the elite options would have given you a significant edge. Here is a look at the top-five centers in NHL fantasy leagues from the 2016-17 season.
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
In his first full NHL season, McDavid climbed to No. 1 on the list of the top centers in fantasy hockey. McDavid scored 30 goals and recorded 100 points while registering a plus-27 rating. McDavid also contribute on special teams with 27 powerplay points and two shorthanded points. Only one other center on this list recorded multiple shorthanded points. McDavid’s 251 shots were the sixth-most at his position last season. At just 20-years-old, it’s scary to think that McDavid hasn’t even reached his peak potential just yet.
The Oilers had a banner year in 2016-17, finally breaking out. They finished with 103 points, which was six shy of the top spot in the conference. Their dark days appear to be over, which means that someone like McDavid is going to be a very reliable, elite player in NHL fantasy next season.
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
The fact that Crosby finished second on this list despite missing seven games is a testament to his skill and drive. Crosby led all centers with 44 goals last season while registering 45 assists and a plus-17 rating. His 25 powerplay points were the seventh-most at his position and he recorded 255 total shots on goal. Crosby will turn 30-years-old this summer but after celebrating his second consecutive Stanley Cup victory it’s clear he still has a lot left in the tank.
Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals
Backstrom was the king of the man advantage as he led all scorers with 35 powerplay points last season. Backstrom finished the year with 23 goals and 63 assists along with a plus-17 rating. Backstrom’s 38 penalty minutes weren’t necessarily a high number but it was more than both McDavid and Crosby. However, Backstrom’s 162 shots on goal were the fewest of any player on this list. If you are in a league than rewards powerplay points but doesn’t acknowledge shots on goal then Backstrom’s value is even higher.
It’ll be interesting to see what the Capitals do in the offseason as it could very well affect Backstrom’s value. Right now, he’s going to be one of the first players off the board in NHL fantasy drafts next year. However, if the trade rumors are accurrate and the Capitals decide to move Alexander Ovechkin, that would be a bit hit to Backstrom’s potential. Keep a close eye on the situation as we move into the offseason.
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
Malkin’s inability to stay healthy when it matters most has driven fantasy owners crazy over the years. However, it’s impossible to argue against his production when he is in the lineup. Malkin recorded 33 goals and 72 points in just 62 games last season. His shot total wasn’t as high as McDavid or Crosby but his 77 penalty minutes were more than both of those two combined and he recorded 23 powerplay points. Injuries will always be an issue with Malkin, but it’s impossible to overlook his incredible level of production year after year.
Mark Scheifele, Winnipeg Jets
While McDavid stole the spotlight in 2016-17, Scheifele made fantasy GM’s take notice with an incredible season of his own. The 24-year-old scored 32 goals and recorded 82 points in 79 games. Scheifele’s lack of powerplay production ultimately hurt his stock as he finished with just 15 powerplay points. However, it could also be an indication that Scheifele has a higher ceiling in the years to come with more exposure to the man advantage. After cracking the top-five fantasy centers for 2016-17, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Scheifele climbs even higher on this list next season.
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