Alex Ovechkin has dominated the fantasy left wing rankings over the years and that is the case once again this season as the clear No. 1 option at the position. Ovechkin has shown no signs of slowing down while leading the NHL in goals and shots in each of the past four seasons and there is a good chance that trend continues this season. Here is a look at the top five NHL fantasy left wings heading in to the 2016-17 season.
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Ovechkin registered his third consecutive 50-goal season in 2015-16 and has now hit the 50-goal mark seven times in his career. There isn’t any reason to doubt his ability to hit that mark again if he can stay healthy this coming season as he should continue to thrive both at even strength and on the powerplay. Ovechkin will be centered by either Nicklas Backstrom or Evgeni Kuznetsov and there is a good chance that trio thrives on the powerplay as well if Kuznetsov can earn a spot on the top unit. Ovechkin registered a career-low 21 assists last year so look for his point total to bounce back with a few more helpers this season.
Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars
Benn has the most points in the NHL over the last two seasons but he is set to miss some time because of a core muscle injury and we aren’t sure if the problem will have any lingering effects. Benn finished second to only Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks with 89 points last season and while his numbers should take a small hit he should remain a point per game player when he returns and still challenge for 30 goals.
Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames
Gaudreau entered the fantasy elite when he jumped from 64 points to 78 points last season and he could continue his upward trend if he stays healthy this season. The 5’8’’, 155-pound winger makes up for his lack of size with elite speed, quickness and shooting touch and he doesn’t need much time or space to make the most of an opportunity. Sean Monahan’s emergence should ensure Gaudreau’s continued ascension in the rankings, especially after Calgary added veteran Troy Brouwer to compliment that pair on the top line.
Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks
Anybody that wants to write off Panarin’s elite skill set because he played on the same line as Kane could try to figure out why it is that Kane never had more than 88 points in a season despite playing with Jonathan Toews for the majority of his career. Kane jumped from 88 to 106 last season and it’s safe to say that Panarin’s arrival had something to do with it. Panarin had 30 goals and 77 points in his rookie season and after finishing among the top-10 scorers in the NHL the sky is the limit for the Calder trophy winner in his second NHL season.
Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators
Forsberg is another elite left wing option whose best days are ahead of him heading in to his third full NHL campaign. The Swedish sniper registered a career-high 33 goals and 64 points last season despite having a rotation of linemates that included Mike Ribeiro and Mike Fisher spending time at center on the top line. Ryan Johansen’s arrival ensures that Forsberg will have a talented center anchoring his line for years to come and that tandem could do some serious damage this season. Look for Forsberg to take another small step forward this season and top the 70-point mark for the first time in his career.
