A deep center core can be key to success not just in the NHL but in fantasy hockey as well. Sidney Crosby has dominated the position as the unquestioned leader over the past few years but there could be a changing of the guard in the near future. Here is a look at the top five NHL fantasy centers heading in to the 2016-17 season.
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Crosby ranked third in the NHL in points behind only Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks and Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars last season. Crosby’s 85 points was impressive and the fact that he proved he could stay healthy and play 80 games was among the keys to his value staying where it is after his fantasy owners were forced to deal with injuries over the years. Crosby ranked in the top-10 at his position in a number of areas and his 36 goals matched his highest total in a season since 2009-10. Crosby is still just 29-years-old and in the prime of his career so he should continue to lead the way as the top fantasy center.
Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
The first-overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft broke on to the scene with some outstanding production even though injuries hurt his overall totals. McDavid averaged just over a point per game in 45 contests despite a severe lack of talent around him and it could be a sign of things to come with the potential for a breakout 2016-17 season. McDavid is projected to have Milan Lucic and Jordan Eberle on his wings and that will represent a major upgrade. The NHL has slowly become a young man’s league and McDavid could easily compete with Crosby for top fantasy honors at his position this season.
Tyler Seguin, Dallas Stars
Seguin’s production was also hurt by the fact that he missed 10 games last season and it should be noted that he is dealing with a heel injury despite the fact that he is expected to be ready for the start of the season. Seguin registered 73 points in 72 games a year ago including 33 goals playing on a line with Jamie Benn. The 24-year-old has point-per-game potential if he can stay healthy but he needs to prove this season that he can get through a full 82-game schedule after being held to 71 and 72 games respectively over the last two years. The Stars have one of the best offenses in the NHL and Seguin will benefit from having so many good weapons around him.
John Tavares, New York Islanders
Tavares dealt with some regression despite his team’s success last season as he fell from 86 points in 82 games to 70 points in 78 games. However, Tavares just turned 26-years-old and there are plenty of reasons to expect him to bounce back this season. The 6’1’’, 209-pound center will have to shoulder a heavier load at the center position following the loss of Frans Nielsen and that should lead to more offensive-zone time. The Islanders signed Andrew Ladd to replace Kyle Okposo on Tavares’ wing and he should be an excellent fit. He’s just a young star that is one year older and moving more into his prime. Expect big things from him in NHL fantasy this coming season.
Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers
Giroux has been one of the most consistent players in fantasy over the years and that didn’t change last year despite a small drop off in his production thanks in big part to regression from his linemate Jakub Voracek. Giroux still registered 67 points in 78 games including 27 powerplay points. Consistently among the NHL’s leading faceoff men, Giroux is that much more valuable in fantasy league’s that count that statistic. The Flyers don’t really have a lot going on with their offense besides guys like him and Wayne Simmonds, so that means he’s going to be the focal point of everything they do. That’s good news in terms of NHL fantasy.
Evgeni Kuznetsov of the Washington Capitals and Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning were both given consideration in this spot but ultimately we decided on Giroux to round out our top-five fantasy centers in hockey.
