The left wing is the home to some of the NHL’s best snipers with Alex Ovechkin, Jamie Benn and Johnny Gaudreau ranked among the top fantasy players at their position entering this season. However, each of those three players is off to relatively cooler starts than expected with a number of unexpected names rising to the top of the fantasy rankings through the first four weeks of action. Here is a look at the top five fantasy left wingers so far this NHL season.
Jakub Voracek, Philadelphia Flyers
Voracek dropped from a career-high 81 points in 82 games in 2014-15 to just 55 points in 73 games last season so there was some debate about the type of numbers he would put up entering this season. The 27-year-old has come flying out of the gates with six goals and 15 points through his first 14 games so he is on pace for a career year. Voracek has also provided a boost in secondary fantasy categories with 28 penalty minutes, 58 shots on goal and five powerplay points and right now he is the top-ranked left winger in fantasy hockey leagues. Voracek also has dual-eligibility in most leagues where he can be used as a right wing or left wing.
Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks
Panarin has quickly quieted the doubters that questioned whether he would be able to match his production form a year ago when he won the Calder trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year with 30 goals and 77 points in 80 games. Panarin has opened the year with six goals and 15 points through his first 14 contests and looks just fine regardless of whether he has skated on a line with Patrick Kane or not. Panarin’s most recent linemates are Artem Anisimov and Marian Hossa although he is still pairing up with Kane on the Blackhawks lethal powerplay. Panarin has four powerplay points, 38 shots on goal and 13 penalty minutes to wrap up the second-best fantasy stat line among NHL left wingers so far. He’s one of the main reasons why the Blackhawks are currently sitting in first place in the Western Conference with 21 points. That’s the second-most points in the league so far.
Patrik Laine, Winnipeg Jets
Enough can’t be said about the second-overall pick from this year’s NHL Draft, who has lived up to his word so far after saying he should be the top pick ahead of Auston Matthews. Laine’s outstanding shot has been on display with a couple of hat tricks through his first 14 games as he is up to 11 goals and 15 points with 44 shots on goal. Laine has settled in nicely on Winnipeg’s top line next to Mark Scheifele and there have been no indications that he will slow down any time soon as the early favorite to win this year’s Calder trophy. Laine also has dual-eligibility in most leagues where he can be used as a right wing or left wing.
Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins
Marchand has carried over his strong play from the World Cup of Hockey as one of the most complete left wingers based on his ability to stuff the stat sheet across the board. Marchand has five goals, 10 points, 16 penalty minutes and 28 shots on goal to rank fourth at his position so far. His limited powerplay usage will ultimately hurt his overall fantasy potential in the long run but there is no doubt he can be a top-five player at his position.
Nick Foligno, Columbus Blue Jackets
The final spot on this list belongs to the captain of the Blue Jackets, who has enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence early on this year after struggling mightily last season. Foligno’s totals dropped from 31 goals and 73 points in 2014-15 to 12 goals and 37 points a year ago but he has looked good out of the gate this season with four goals and 12 points in his first 11 games. Foligno’s coverage across the board helps his overall fantasy stock as he has six powerplay points and 14 penalty minutes. Foligno could stand to improve his shot total, which currently stands at 15, but right now he has done enough to be the fifth-ranked fantasy player at the left wing position so far this season.
