Fantasy Hockey Preview: Forwards

We’re now three weeks away from puck drop, which means some of you probably have already your teams drafted and are anxiously awaiting opening night. For those of you who still have yet to draft, these are some of the forwards I’ve got my eye on this year. Again, whether they’re sleepers, bounce-back candidates, breakout players, or just simply guys I love this season, they’re all worth stashing on your draft sheets.

Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks

Everyone seems down on the ‘Nucks this year, but Kesler might be one of the bright spots who’s still trending upwards in fantasy. A young player nagged by injuries these past years, Kesler has made it known that he has felt the healthiest he has in two seasons. Anyone remember what he did two seasons ago? I’ll tell you. 41 goals. If he can stay healthy, I would say he’s good for a 30/30 season and he’ll make a great #2 Center, but truth be told you could probably even get him as your number 3.

Mikkel Boedker, Phoenix Coyotes
Just re-signed to a team friendly 2 year deal, this former first round draft pick certainly has the talent to excel. It’s been a while since there’s been a point-per-game play on the Coyotes, but he may approach those numbers this season. After a pedestrian 24 points in 82 games in ‘11/’12, Mikkel posted 26 points in just 48 game in last year’s abbreviated season, which extrapolates to about 44 points in a full season. Still just average for fantasy purposes, but he’s only 23 and will play alongside playmaker Mike Ribeiro this season. Will he take the next step? Call him a sleeper.

Brayden Schenn, Philadelphia Flyers

Once considered the best prospect in hockey, the younger Schenn will enter his third year in the NHL. He put up 18 points in 54 games two season ago and 26 points in just 47 last season, which is another good example of someone’s points per game (PPG) trending up. If he’s given the chance to play alongside wunderkind Claude Giroux, the sky’s the limit for Schenn. Don’t be surprised if he’s one of the biggest breakout players this year.

 Nail Yakupov, Edmonton Oilers

The first overall pick from 2012 can hardly be considered a sleeper, but is it possible he’s being underrated going into this year’s fantasy draft? In his first year, as 19 year old kid, he put up 17 goals, 31 points in 48 games which projects to 29 goals and 53 points in a full season, which quite frankly is unbelievable. It’s better than Stamkos’ rookie year, (23-23-46), and he followed that up with a 51 goal, 95 point campaign. I could fully expect a 35 goal, 70 point campaign from this blossoming superstar, and that’s being conservative.

Marian Gaborik, Columbus Bluejackets

Do me a favor and look at his stats from the last 6 years. Every year, he alternates between having a good year and a bad year. It’s actually comical how mathematically it works out. His point totals for the last 6 years (starting in ‘07/’08) are: 83, 23, 86, 48, 76, 27. Good year, bad year. If you’ve read that correctly, then you’ll see he looked poised to have a bounce-back year this season. His health concerns drop his draft value, but if you like the risk/reward game then he’s your guy.

Derek Stepan, New York Rangers

Let’s assume he’s going to sign a deal this year and plays a full season. If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m big on trends. Stepan’s point totals in his 3 years of NHL hockey are 45, 51, and 44 (75 in full season). If those numbers don’t get you excited then I don’t know what will. Pair that up with Alain Vigneault being the new coach of the Rangers, and the sky’s the limit. Tortorella played a more conservative, defensive first, shot-blocking war of attrition, whereas Vigneault likes using his player’ speed in a run and gun offense. Stepan will center the first line and is due for a major breakout in this perfect storm of situations.

Nazem Kadri, Toronto Maple Leafs

Another guy that has yet to be signed, but again we’ll put that aside. Kadri broke out in a major way in his first full season last year, though it was a short season. He put up 44 points in 48 games, which is a huge accomplishment. And then when you realize he put up 39 of them in the last 36 games, and you realize he was on a scoring tear for the better part of the season. He recorded two hattricks and, given the young talent surrounding him in Toronto, will only get better. A great #2 Center with high upside.

Jonathon Drouin, Tampa Bay Lightning

Simply put, this kid has some of the best hands, speed, and vision I’ve ever seen and he hasn’t even played in the NHL yet. This rookie phenom will have the chance to play alongside Stamkos and St. Louis this year, which will rival the fastest lines in the league. He probably won’t be drafted in your league, but keep a close eye on this kid and be ready to grab him if he gets first line minutes.

Ray Whitney, Dallas Stars

Talk about underrated. This aging old workhorse keeps proving fantasy owners wrong, hovering at just under point-per-game production year in and year out. Looks like he’ll be playing with Jamie Benn or Tyler Seguin this season, which will once again give him the chance to far out value his draft position. You can probably get this guy in the last 5 rounds. His peripheral stats are nothing to write home about, but until he falters, you could do a lot worse as your #3 LW.

Matt Moulson, New York Islanders

Trends, trends, trends. You’re getting sick of it, I’m getting sick of it. But they win fantasy leagues. Moulson’s points the last four years: 48, 53, 69, 44 (77). The numbers alone show he’s a lock for 30+ goals and will be a point per game player this year. Now add the fact that he’s on a line with Taveres, who I expect to have at least 90 points this year, and Moulson’s a dream LW. Chris Kunitz put up elite numbers alongside Crosby, and Moulson’s a better player than him. A prime candidate for a LW1, he’ll be drafted by many as a LW2. Don’t be the one to miss out on him.

Questions? Comments? Other players you’d like to know our thoughts on? Let us know below!