With all of this in mind, it is time again to examine the best players in the National Hockey League going into the 2015-16 season. Last year, I compiled a list of the top 50 players in the NHL with my thoughts on these players. This year, I will have a list of my top 75 players in the NHL right now and my thoughts on the top 50.
Of the 75 players, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning and the St. Louis Blues each had six. Chicago, Washington and Columbus each contributed four players.
Without further adieu, lets take a look at my top 75 players in the NHL going into the 2015-16 season…
The Best of the Rest
75. Sean Monahan - Calgary Flames - Center
74. Sergei Bobrovsky – Columbus Blue Jackets – Goalie
73. Andrew Ladd – Winnipeg Jets – Left Wing
72. Tuukka Rask – Boston Bruins – Goalie
71. Patric Hornqvist – Pittsburgh Penguins – Right Wing
70. Jaroslav Halak – New York Islanders – Goalie
69. Kevin Shattenkirk – St. Louis Blues – Defenseman
68. John Carlson – Washington Capitals – Defenseman
67. Ryan Kesler – Anaheim Ducks – Center
66. Derek Stepan – New York Rangers – Center
65. Henrik Zetterberg – Detroit Red Wings – Center
64. Jeff Carter – Los Angeles Kings – Right Wing
63. Jordan Eberle – Edmonton Oilers – Right Wing
62. Zach Parise – Minnesota Wild – Left Wing
61. Ondrej Palat – Tampa Bay Lightning – Left Wing
60. Jaden Schwartz – St. Louis Blues – Left Wing
59. Gustav Nyquist – Detroit Red Wings – Left Wing
58. David Backes – St. Louis Blues – Center
57. Aaron Ekblad – Florida Panthers – Defenseman
56. Conor McDavid – Edmonton Oilers – Center
55. Pavel Datsyuk – Detroit Red Wings – Center
54. Dustin Byfuglien – Winnipeg Jets – Defenseman
53. Blake Wheeler – Winnipeg Jets – Right Wing
52. Taylor Hall – Edmonton Oilers – Left Wing
51. Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Arizona Coyotes – Defenseman
50. Corey Schneider
Goalie
2014 Rank: N/A
Probably surprised by this pick, but if you look at the numbers, Schneider had one of the more underrated seasons amongst NHL netminders. He posted 26 wins on an abysmal Devils team, but he was top 10 in the league with goals against average (GAA) with 2.26. His save percentage was a solid .925% as well.
While Schneider is far from fellow Metropolitan Division goalies, he still had a great year on a very bad Devils team. With Ray Shero at the helm and John Hynes behind the bench now in New Jersey, Schneider should be playing behind a better crop of talent than he did last season.
49. Viktor Hedman
Defenseman
2014 Rank: N/A
Viktor Hedman is still one of the best and underrated defensemen in the NHL. Often overshadowed on a roster that has Steven Stamkos, Tyler Johnson and Anton Stralman, Hedman, when healthy, is the best defenseman on the roster.
He produced 38 points last season from the blue line despite missing 23 games due to injury. Hedman averaged nearly 23 minutes a night and was helped out greatly with the offseason additions the Lightning made with Stralman and Jason Garrison. If he remains healthy, Hedman should lead the blueliners in Tampa in points and have his named tossed around for the Norris.
48. Patrice Bergeron
Center
2014 Rank: 6
Despite a down season, I still think Bergeron is one of the best two-way players in the NHL. The Bruins had an abysmal season last year, caused by injury and severe underachievement. Bergeron, however, remained a bright spot on a forgettable season.
While the likes of Marchand, Chara and Lucic missed time with injuries, the warrior that Bergeron is missed only one game all season and posted a team high 55 points in the process. He won 60.2% of his faceoffs, contributed on both sides of the special teams and averaged 18 minutes a night.
While last year was a down year for the Bruins, I wouldn’t expect Bergeron to regress unless he is injured. He is still a great two-way player who should benefit from the players around him being at full health heading into the 2015-16 season.
47. Drew Doughty
Defenseman
2014 Rank: 5
A two-time gold medalist and Stanley Cup champion, Doughty had another solid season for the defending champions. He play in all 82 games and was 15th in scoring amongst defensemen with 46 points.
Doughty’s prowess still comes from the power play and his record in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With the Kings missing out on the playoffs, we didn’t get to see Doughty, which is why I think he fell down my list this season. It shouldn’t happen that way, but other defensemen finished ahead of him in several facets, leading to his fall.
46. Filip Forsberg
Center
2014 Rank: N/A
I don’t think anyone expected the season the Preds had after Peter Laviolette took over the helm of the team, nor the emergence of their young star in Filip Forsberg. Forsberg fell out of favor under the previous regime, but flourished in the system Laviolette put in place in the Music City.
The son of hall of famer Peter Forsberg, the young centerman played in all 82 games for the Predators and led a veteran laden team in scoring. His 63 points tied him for 35th most in the league, and only a point behind rookie sensation Mark Stone of the Ottawa Senators.
Forsberg has a good group of forwards around him, and should benefit from his experience in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last spring. I think he can have another big year; he just needs to allow the game to come to him and avoid forcing the issue.
45. Brandon Saad
Left Wing
2014 Rank: N/A
A two-time Stanley Cup champion before the age of 25, it shocked the hockey world when the Jackets pulled off the blockbuster trade to acquire the Pittsburgh native. Saad was coming off another Stanley Cup campaign where he solidified himself as a top six winger.
Saad played a full season for the Hawks and played every game of the championship run. His 52 points was top 5 among Chicago forwards, which included 29 assists to go along with 23 goals. What impressed me the most was his avoiding penalties, his hustle and increased role in the special teams unit.
Saad is a solid player with a winning pedigree. He will bring a plethora of playoff experience to the Blue Jackets and even more; will be able to flourish into a complete stud without being in the shadow of Jon Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith. I expect him to flank Ryan Johansen on the Jackets top line and be a key on their power play. Don’t be shocked if he improves on his 52 points from a season ago.
44. Logan Couture
Center
2014 Rank: N/A
Logan Couture is an interesting player in my book. I think there is a ton of talent there, but I think it gets hidden by the fact that the Sharks are a smaller market, Western Conference team and with all the turmoil over the past two season.
Despite all that, Couture produced probably his best season in the NHL last year. He played in all 82 games, netted 27 goals and posted 67 points for the Sharks.
With the summer changes within the organization and the addition of several players via free agency, I expect Couture to produce another solid year, especially if young players like Tomas Hertl can stay healthy and find their stride.
43. Ben Bishop
Goalie
2014 Rank: N/A
I didn’t know what to make of Bishop going into last season. He was coming off a Vezina season with Tampa, but would we see the continuation of that success or him return to his form while with the Ottawa Senators. Luckily for the Lightning and the league, Bishop had another solid year and helped take the Lightning to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Bishop was fourth in the league with 40 wins, had a goals against average of 2.32 and a save percentage of .916. He was even better in the playoffs before he was forced to miss a few games what turned out to be a torn groin.
I think Bishop is just entering his prime. I expect him to have another solid year with a high-flying crop of talent playing in front of him. He should contend for another Vezina this season.
42. Shea Weber
Defenseman
2014 Rank: 10
The Predators captain had a quiet year compared to years past. His booming, lethal shot from the blue line saw him post 45 points in 78 games this year, including 15 goals. He was second on the Preds blueline in points (Josi, 55pts) and played over 26 minutes per night.
Weber is getting older, but he is still the same quality player he was. I don’t expect any regression from him, and unless he gets injured, should lead the Preds blueline corps once again.
41. Alex Pietrangelo
Defenseman
2014 Rank: 23
Pietrangelo continued his assent to the top of the mountain as one of the best young defensemen in the NHL last season. He played in 81 games for the Blues and helped them reach the playoffs with his 46 goals from the blueline. Alex averaged 25 minutes a night and only took 28 minutes worth of penalties last season.
Pietrangelo is the centerpiece of the Blues defensive corps. I don’t expect him to regress or struggle. He has the skill to be a top ten NHL defensemen, and could become a Norris trophy candidate if the Blues offensive talent takes another step forward.
40. Jonathan Quick
Goalie
2014 Rank: 20
The Kings may have had a down season in 2014-15, but it was certainly not due to the play of their former Conn Smythe winner. Quick finished in the top 10 in three of the four major goalie categories last season. He had 36 wins (tied 5th in the NHL), a 2.24 goals against averaged (6th in the NHL) and six shutouts (tied 4th in the NHL).
The Kings down play resulted in them missing the playoffs, which ultimately hurt Quick’s rankings this year, as it did his teammate Drew Doughty. Quick is still a top 5 NHL goalie and I don’t see that stopping this season.
39. Alexander Steen
Center
2014 Rank: 41
Steen had another solid year for the Blues, though under the radar compared to some of the young firepower in their forward corps. Steen followed up his breakout 2013-14 campaign by producing 64 points in 74 games for St. Louis last year. His power play numbers were solid as well and he won fifty percent of his faceoffs.
I think Steen is a quality player and should continue to play big minutes in the Blues’ top six. However, his power play time could dwindle if the likes of Schwartz and Tarasenko continue to light the lamp at the rate they did last season.
38. Rick Nash
Defenseman
2014 Rank: N/A
I have a hard time putting Nash here, but his numbers last year forced my hand to place him this high. I don’t think Nash is even the best forward on his team, but he does have a knack for scoring goals in bunches and finally gave the Rangers the player they traded for several years ago.
Nash netted 42 goals in 79 games for the Rangers last year. His 69 points were top 20 in the NHL in scoring and led the Presidents Cup winning Rangers in the regular season.
While I am not a huge Nash fan, he does deserve to be in the top 50. He is a pure sniper and finally returned to the player he was in Columbus. The Rangers are built for sustainability, the question going into this season will be can Nash sustain the level of play he gave the Blue Shirts last season?
37. Marian Hossa
Right Wing
2014 Rank: 37
Marian Hossa has played in more Stanley Cup Finals over the last decade than anyone else in the league. He was a runner-up in 2008 with Pittsburgh and 2009 with Detroit before enjoying three championships in a six-year span with the Chicago Blackhawks.
While Hossa is no spring chicken, his play continues to propel the Hawks to success in both the regular season and the playoffs. He played in all 82 games last season, and was 3rd on the team in scoring with 61 points. Formally a pure sniper, Hossa’s goal numbers have fallen from years passed, but he has found his teammates in open areas to produce more assists, 39 last season alone.
Again, Hossa isn’t getting any younger, but he is playing at a high level alongside some of the best players in hockey. As long as he is healthy and playing alongside Jonathan Toews or Patrick Kane, Hossa will continue to produce.
36. Henrik Sedin
Center
2014 Rank: N/A
Both Sedin’s rebounded from the changes in the Pacific Northwest last year after a dreadful year under John Tortorella’s reign. Henrik reemerged as a top scorer in the league, posting 73 points in 82 games, finishing 10th in the Art Ross race. Sedin was in the top 5 in the league in assists (55) as well.
Both Henrik and Daniel are not getting any younger, but as long as they’re playing alongside each other, they will continue to lead the Canucks.
35. Braden Holtby
Goalie
2014 Rank: N/A
Goaltending had been a topic of controversy in the Nation’s Capital for several seasons before last year, but Braden Holtby answered them and then some. He took complete control of that net under new coach Barry Trotz and finished in the top 5 in three of the four major goalie categories and in the top 10 in all four. His 41 wins were second best in the NHL, trailing only Montreal’s Carey Price (44). He also finished second in shutouts (9) and fifth in goals against average with a 2.22 mark.
Holtby played well in the playoffs as well and should continue to succeed in the crease in Washington. The improved defensive corps helped out and I don’t expect a regression in that spot either, leading to Holtby presumably playing well.
34. Daniel Sedin
Left Wing
2014 Rank: N/A
Like his twin, Henrik, Daniel rebounded from the atrocious season under John Tortorella to reemerge as a top 10 scorer in the league. He followed Henrik in playing in all 82 games, but he produced three more points on the season (76 overall). Daniel posted 20 goals and his 56 assists were one more than his brother and tied for third in the NHL.
As I mentioned with Henrik, as long as Daniel is healthy and playing alongside his brother, he should produce. The acquisition of Radim Vrbata went along way for both last season. Another year of that combination should land both Daniel and Henrik in the top 20 in scoring.
33. Johnny Gaudreau
Right Wing
2014 Rank: N/A
How much fun to watch was this high-flying rookie last season? Johnny Hockey burst on the scene in Calgary after excelling at the college level in 2013-14. He led the Flames in scoring with 24 goals and 64 points, which was top 30 in the league.
Gaudreau, like his Flames, is only going to get better. With the offseason additions the Flames have made, Gaudreau could break into the top 15 in scoring this season easily.
32. PK Subban
Defenseman
2014 Rank: 18
Subban finished another season in the top five in scoring among NHL defensemen and was once again a Norris candidate. He played in all 82 games for the Canadiens, posting 60 points, which was tied for second amongst defensemen.
While Subban is a highly talented player, he is prone to being quite idiotic on the ice. He still takes too many penalties and has a reputation of really getting under the opposing players’ skin. Despite being a pest to play against, he is talented enough to be a Norris candidate for years to come.
31. Ryan Johansen
Center
2014 Rank: 36
Johansen had a breakout year in 2013-14 that led to a contract standoff in the offseason. Though he ended his holdout before the season started, his missing the majority of training camp led Johansen and the Jackets to a slow start in 2014-15. Once he hit his stride, Johansen was off to the races alongside Nick Foligno. Johansen finished 16th in the league in scoring, posting 26 goals and 71 points in 82 games.
Johansen is a franchise caliber player. With Foligno returning and the acquisition of Brandon Saad, Johansen should have more open ice and more scoring opportunities. I wouldn’t be shocked if he finished top 10 in scoring this upcoming year and that he leads the Jackets to a playoff berth
30. Joe Pavelski
Center
2014 Rank: 27
Like his teammate Logan Couture, the smaller market in San Jose and the distractions made around a floundering team overshadowed Pavelski’s year. Pavelski posted 70 points in 82 games for the Sharks, including netting 37 goals, 19 of which came on the man advantage.
Pavelski is an incredibly talented player. Again, as with Couture, Pavelski should be positively influenced by the organizations offseason moves on the coaching staff and their additions through free agency.
29. Nathan MacKinnon
Center
2014 Rank: 29
Several other forwards on this team last season may have outscored the Cole Harbour native, but he is still by far Colorado’s top player. MacKinnon only played in 64 games last year due to injury, but he produced 38 points in those games. The Avs were atrocious last season, but not being at full health didn’t help MacKinnon much.
So why do I have MacKinnon in the top 30 after a down year? The simple answer is I think he is much better than the numbers suggest and last year was a one-time thing. He is entering his age 21 season and after an offseason of training with Pens captain Sidney Crosby, MacKinnon should enter camp in full health with an axe to grind. Expect a big year out of MacKinnon in 2015-16, even if the Avs as a whole are not much to talk about.
28. Mark Giordano
Defenseman
2014 Rank: N/A
Had a long-term injury not befell the Flames captain, its not out of line to say he would have won the Norris Trophy. Giordano had close to 50 points on the season before an injury put him on the shelf the rest of the season. Before his injury, Giordano was a beast and catalyst in the Flames resurgence.
In his 61 games last year, Giordano put up 48 points, 14 of which came via the man advantage. He averaged just over 25 minutes a night and was a plus-13 on the season.
Giordano is the real deal. The Flames continued to play great hockey down the stretch and there is no doubt that he would have continued his outstanding year if he was healthy. The Flames are just as good this year, maybe better, and coming off a big contract extension, I expect more big things from the captain.
27. Nikita Kucherov
Right Wing
2014 Rank: N/A
How much fun was it to watch the “Triplets” line in the playoffs with this guy? He is quite the talent and didn’t get the recognition he deserved in the small market of Tampa before the playoff run.
Kucherov played all 82 regular season games with Tyler Johnson last year, posting 65 points in the process. He was a plus-36 and the majority of his points came at even strength. The Russian winger was even better in the playoffs. In 26 games played, he had 10 goals and 22 points, third most in the playoffs.
The cat is out of the bag down south. Kucherov and the Triplet line is a headline act now. It’s hard to overshadow an absolute stud in Steven Stamkos, but that line has done it. I expect Kucherov to continue getting better alongside Johnson and Palat
26. Kris Letang
Defenseman
2014 Rank: 40
You can make the argument that the most valuable player in Pittsburgh wears the black number 58 jersey, not 87 or 71. Kris Letang entered the season with a lot of questions after coming off an injury-plagued year that included a stroke in January 2014. Many wondered if he would able to play again, let alone play at his previous level. Letang answered, big time.
Had a completely unnecessary hit by Shane Doan in mid-March not knocked Letang out for the year, he may have taken the Norris himself. Letang had a career year in only 69 games, putting up 11 goals and 54 points. He was also a major part of the early success of the Pens power play, producing 24 points on the man advantage.
Letang is a stud. The Pens play completely nosedived after losing him down the stretch and in the playoffs. Letang enters this season in full health and is expected to continue his high workload (he averaged over 26 minutes a night last year). If he remains healthy for a full year, look out! He very easily could take home the first Norris Trophy for the Penguins since Randy Carlyle.
25. Pekka Rinne
Goalie
2014 Rank: N/A
The Predators had a phenomenal first year under new head coach Peter Laviolette, but they don’t get where they did without Rinne in goal. After a few up and down years, Rinne reestablished himself as an elite NHL goalie in the 2014-15. His 41 wins were second only to Carey Price. His 2.18 goals against average were 3rd best in the league and a .923 save percentage was sixth best.
Rinne is one of the league’s best goalies, when healthy. His 2014-15 season saw him stay relatively healthy throughout and the Predators succeeded. If he remains healthy, he will be an elite goaltender again this season, and the Preds should be a playoff team again.
24. Nick Foligno
Center
2014 Rank: N/A
I don’t think anyone expected Nick Foligno to have the 2014-15 season he had. He netted more than 30 goals (31) for the first time in his career and had a career high 73 points for the injury-plagued Blue Jackets. Twenty-six of his 73 points came via the man advantage he averaged nearly 19 minutes per night.
It is hard to say if Foligno’s play of last year was a sign of things to come or a fluke. Only this year will answer that question. That being said, he was given a bigger role last year and with the additions the Jackets have made, Foligno should be inline for another big year.
23. Erik Karlsson
Defenseman
2014 Rank: 26
There is no questioning the offensive talent of the Ottawa cornerstone. Karlsson put up 65 points last season for a shocking Senators team en route to another Norris Trophy. Nearly half his points came via the man advantage, and he played an average of 27:15 over all 82 games last season.
The debate always comes down to who is the best offensive defensemen in the NHL. Karlsson without a doubt is one of the best and right now probably is the best. I think Letang has just as much, if not more, offensive talent as Karlsson, but injuries keep him a step below. While he is a stud on the offensive side, I still think he is lacking in his own end. He has certainly made leaps and bounds from when he entered the league, but his offense will always overshadow his defensive play. Karlsson is a dynamic player and fun to watch, so I’d place him as the second best defenseman in the NHL right now
22. Duncan Keith
Defenseman
2014 Rank: 11
Was there a player more deserving of the Conn Smythe last season than Duncan Keith? I don’t think so. Keith was an absolute beast in the playoffs for the Hawks, playing close to 30 minutes per night. His playoff numbers speak for themselves; he had 21 points, including several game winning goals for the Hawks. Keith’s regular season was nothing to sneer at either. In 80 games, Keith netted 10 goals and added 45 points to the Hawks attack.
I honestly think that Duncan Keith is the best all-around defenseman in the NHL. I love Kris Letang, and think he is a close second to Keith, but I’d still put Keith ahead of him. Erik Karlsson is a talented offensive defenseman, but I don’t think his defense is nearly as good as Letang or Keith. Right now, I take Keith over any other defenseman, but that could change.
21. Marc-Andre Fleury
Goalie
2014 Rank: N/A
If the Penguins hadn’t floundered in the second half of the season, I think Fleury would have taken home the Vezina trophy last season. He kept the Penguins afloat when they were on the verge of a complete collapse come March and April.
Fleury ended the regular season with 34 wins, but easily could have had 44 had the offense not disappeared. His 10 shutouts were best in the NHL and he set several franchise records in the process. He had another solid postseason despite the Penguins getting eliminated in 5 games by the Rangers.
Fleury is one of the most underrated goalies in the league. Because he plays behind names like Crosby, Malkin and Letang, he often gets overshadowed for the Vezina due to the offense in front of him. It’s unfair; particularly considering Flower was the MVP of the Penguins last season. The changes he’s made with the sports psychologist and the hiring of Mike Bales has done wonders for Fleury. I don’t expect regression this season. I expect another step forward for the Flower.
20. Anze Kopitar
Center
2014 Rank: 8
Kopitar is one of my favorite players to watch. He is a solid two-way forward that has a lot of offensive punch on a team that focuses on defense. While the Kings struggled to get back to the playoffs, Kopitar took another step forward in his progression into an elite two-way forward.
In 79 games for the Kings, Kopitar led them in points with 64 points. He only had 16 goals, but he did post 24 power play points and won 52.6% of his draws.
The Kings will never be the high-flying offense that the Lightning, Blackhawks or Penguins are, but Kopitar has the talent to be an elite player in the NHL for years to come. Watch for him to continue to get better over the next few seasons in Hollywood.
19. Phil Kessel
Right Wing
2014 Rank: 47
Toronto became hell on earth for the American export Phil Kessel in 2014-15. When the team struggled, the US Olympian was constantly bombarded with questions on why things aren’t working and what he should be doing to make things better. It didn’t fit Kessel’s character and it led to a divide between the city, its fans, the media and their star player.
That being said, Kessel was the bright spot on an atrocious Toronto team. He played in all 82 games, posted 25 goals and 61 points. Though he was a minus-34, Kessel was lethal on the man advantage with 25 points.
The offseason trade will do wonders for Kessel and I think it will propel him to another level. In Pittsburgh, he will be able to shy away from the lime-light as the likes of Crosby, Malkin, Letang and Fleury will be looked on to answer the tough questions. Kessel will simply get to play, and flanking the best player in the world could see him return to elite sniper status that he once was at. Goodbye Toronto, hello Pittsburgh, Phil the Thrill is in town!
18. Henrik Lundqvist
Goalie
2014 Rank: 13
The King was not as majestic in 2014-15 as he has been in previous years. Lundqvist got off to an abysmal start last season and missed a good portion of the year after taking a puck to the throat in the middle of the season. He returned to form down the stretch and was solid in the Stanley Cup Playoffs again before falling to the Lightning in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Despite a down year, King Henry still posted a 2.25 goals against average and 5 shutouts during the regular season. He was much better in the playoffs, earning 11 wins.
Say what you will, I think Lundqvist is still the best goalie in the NHL. Though I have him behind Carey Price, I still think he is the best overall goalie in the league and would take him first. However, he sits behind Price because of the outstanding year Price had in 2014-15. I expect the King to rebound from his down year last year, and return to Vezina form in 2015-16.
17. Carey Price
Goalie
2014 Rank: N/A
The Olympic gold medalist had a career year in 2014-15. He led the NHL in wins (44), goals against average (1.96) and save percentage (.933) en route to the Vezina Trophy and the Hart Trophy.
I think Carey Price is a great goalie. I don’t think the Canadiens are even a playoff team without him. That being said, I think last year was a career year, and have a hard time believing he can match it this year, let alone beat it. I still would take Henrik Lundqvist over Price if I was starting a franchise, but Price had a career year and thus gets ranked ahead of the King on my list this year.
16. Claude Giroux
Center
2014 Rank: 16
Giroux rebounded after a slow start to the 2014-15 season. He ended up 11th in the NHL in scoring, finishing the year with 73 points in 81 games. The Flyers struggled as a whole during the season, but their power play was one of the best in the division. Giroux was a major part of that. He posted 37 points on the man advantage, half his total points.
Many would probably put Giroux higher up on the list, but frankly, I don’t even think he is the best player on his team. Jakob Voracek had a great year for the Flyers and I think he is more potent offensive threat than Giroux is these days. While Giroux is still a top-tier player, I don’t think he is as “elite” as he was just two years ago.
15. Tyler Johnson
Center
2014 Rank: N/A
Man was this guy something to watch in 2014-15, especially in the playoffs. Johnson led the playoff-scoring race with 23 points in 26 games, despite playing the Cup Finals in severe pain. His regular season was just as phenomenal, tying Steven Stamkos for the team points lead on the season with 72.
This guy is the catalyst of the famed “Triplet” line in Tampa, and I don’t expect them to disappear anytime soon. Johnson is the real deal. His ability, especially with the Triplets, creates problems for opposing teams to match up. Do they put their best defensive players out their against Stamkos or the Triplets? One way or the other, Johnson will get his chances and I think he will have another outstanding year in South Beach.
14. Corey Perry
Right Wing
2014 Ranks: 14
Corey Perry has it made. He has won a Cup, multiple gold medals for Canada and he plays alongside one of the best centers in the league. But 2014-15 was a down year for Perry of sorts. He only posted 55 points on the year and 33 goals. It was down from his 2013-14 year where him and Ryan Getzlaf were nearly unstoppable. I chalk up the down year on missing 15 games, but Perry did rebound nicely in the playoffs. In the 16 games played, he had 10 goals and 18 points.
Perry is still an elite sniper. He is entering his age 30 season and he still has unbelievable chemistry with Ryan Getzlaf. I think last year’s numbers were caused by missing 15 games, and he should get back in the of top 20 scoring if he plays a full season.
13. Ryan Getzlaf
Center
2014 Rank: 4
Getzlaf had an unbelievable year in 2013-14 when he chased Sidney Crosby all season for the Art Ross Trophy. In 2014-15, he produced solid numbers again, but not at the same clip he did in the year previous. Perry posted 70 points in 77 games for the Ducks and was solid again in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Like Corey Perry, Getzlaf is an unbelievable playmaker and has great chemistry with Perry. I think what we saw from Getzlaf last season is more of what we can expect from him, but it’s nothing to sneeze at either. Seventy-plus points a year is incredible, which is why he finds himself inside the top 15 again this year
12. niklas backstrom
Center
2014 Rank: 24
As a Penguin fan, it is always hard to root for hated rivals, but I hate rooting against Niklas Backstrom. I love the way this guy plays and he had an outstanding year under new coach Barry Trotz. Backstrom led the NHL with 60 assists on the season, and his 78 points in 82 games was second on the team only to Alex Ovechkin.
Backstrom is a probably the second best two-way forward in the NHL. He plays in all facets of the game and produces in whatever role he is asked. He has found great chemistry with Alex Ovechkin and the two flourished under Barry Trotz in 2014-15. Another year together and another year under the Trotz system should mean even bigger things for the Swede.
11. Patrick Kane
Right Wing
2014 Rank: 12
It is a shame that much of the talk these days is around Kane’s off the ice activities, because Kane came off another Conn Smythe-worthy playoff run after missing the last third of the regular season. Kane posted 23 points in the playoffs en route to his 3rd Stanley Cup ring. His 64 points in 61 games was second only to his captain, Jonathan Toews, on the Blackhawks in the regular season.
Off ice activities aside, Patrick Kane is still a phenomenal talent. He has insane hands that allow him to score at will. Even with the injuries, he was great last year and I don’t think the Hawks win the Cup if he doesn’t play in the playoffs. However, looking toward 2015-16, these offseason allegations that could lead to charges and an arrest have me worried about what he will do this season. He will be distracted and a distraction for his team. Maybe he uses hockey as an outlet to escape all the outside stuff, but I have a hard time thinking it won’t affect his season.
10. Evgeni Malkin
Center
2014 Rank: 9
No player did more with less last season than Evgeni Malkin. Geno played the majority of the season with bottom six talent on his wings like Blake Comeau, Brandon Sutter and David Perron. In spite of that, and missing 13 games, Geno posted 70 points and was tied for the team lead with 28 goals.
I don’t expect Malkin to struggle this year like he did last year. The Pens offseason additions of Kessel, Plotnikov and Boninon, along with the return of Hornqvist, Kunitz, Perron and Dupuis give them plenty of top six talent to work with. I see him skating alongside his fellow Russian Plotnikov and Patric Hornqvist, which should lead to an uptick in his point production in 2015-16.
9. Jamie Benn
Left Wing
2014 Rank: 17
How many of you guys know that Benn won the Art Ross Trophy last year? I think it was the surprise of all the awards last season. Benn led the NHL in points with 87 points in 82 games for the underachieving Dallas team. He played well alongside Tyler Seguin and only posted 23 of his 87 points on the man advantage.
I think the personality, and talent, of teammate Tyler Seguin and the fact that he plays in Dallas, overshadow Benn. If he played in Toronto or New York, he would be an absolute superstar! That being said, Benn is a world-class talent and a great player. He is the heart and soul of the Stars and will be for years to come
8. Jakob Voracek
Right Wing
2014 Rank: N/A
There is nothing I hate more than the Flyers and rooting for success by them, but when you have Voracek on your fantasy team, you hope for production. Voracek was probably the best fantasy pickup I made in 2014-15 and he turned into a world-class player. His 81 points were fourth in the NHL. He was in the top 5 in assists (59) and he produced 33 points on the man advantage.
I think Voracek has overtaken Giroux as the best player on Broad Street. He has a lethal shot and is a power play hound. He excels on the man advantage, at even strength and in big games. If the Flyers contend in 2015-16, Voracek will be a major reason why.
7. Vladimir Tarasenko
Right Wing
2014 Rank: N/A
This guy made the Blues a lot of fun to watch. A team that is often thought of for their defensive style was thought of as a offensive juggernaut in 2014-15 because of this guy. Tarasenko sniped home 37 goals for the Blues and finished in the top 10 in scoring with 73 points.
Tarasenko is just filthy. His hands and skating ability make him as much fun to watch as a young Alex Ovechkin. He will only continue to get better and I think he very easily could win an Art Ross Trophy before his career is over.
6. Tyler Seguin
Center
2014 Rank: 22
A fan favorite amongst the ladies, Seguin had as hot a year as some of those “Body Issue” shots in ESPN the Magazine this summer. Though he finished ten points behind his linemate Jamie Benn, Seguin finished in the top 10 in scoring with 77 points in only 71 games. He scored 37 goals in the process and popped off 29 points on the man advantage.
A trade out of Boston was the best thing that ever happened to this kid. It lit a fire under him and he became the high-flying playmaker all the scouting reports predicted. He averaged more than a point per game and if he can stay on the ice for even more games, he could win the Art Ross this year.
5. John Tavares
Center
2014 Rank: 7
The Islanders go as far as their captain, and their captain took them pretty far this year. The offseason additions of Leddy, Boychuk and Halak solidified the backend of the ice, allowing Tavares to shine in the offensive zone. Tavares finished second in the league in scoring, just one point behind Jamie Benn’s 87 points. Thirty-one points came via the man advantage and he won 52.2% of his faceoffs in his 20 minutes a night.
The Islanders rely heavily on their captain, and he is the elite of the elite. He is easily one of the top five players in the world and lets face it, he’s not working with the same talent as Benn or Getzlaf on his line. Expect another big year for Tavares and if he remains healthy, he should lead the Isles to another playoff berth
4. Steven Stamkos
Center
2014 Rank: 3
It is hard to fathom that a 43 goal, 72 point season can be overshadowed, but it almost feels that way when it comes to Stamkos’ 2014-15. He finished tied for the team points lead with Tyler Johnson and went stretches down the stretch and in the post season without scoring a goal. When he was hot, he was hot. You don’t just score 43 goals by luck.
Stamkos is still one of the top 5 talents in the NHL. His only disadvantage to Crosby, Toews, or Ovechkin is he plays in a bad hockey market. He is a huge name around the league, there is no questioning that, but imagine if he played in a major market like New York, Chicago or Toronto. I expect more big things from Stamkos this year, I would go as far as predicting he will lead the league in goals this year.
3. Alex Ovechkin
Left Wing
2014 Rank: 15
I wrote off Ovi going into last season. He had several “down” years under Adam Oates and didn’t expect to see a rebound under the defensive-minded Barry Trotz. Well, get me a big helping of crow, because Ovi rebounded and then some.
Ovechkin took home the Rocket Richard trophy once again this year after netting 53 goals for the Caps. His 81 points trailed only Benn, Tavares and Crosby in the Art Ross race and his 34 power play points were the most amongst those in the top ten in the scoring race.
Ovechkin is back, and though I am not a huge fan of him, it is great for the NHL. The league needs Ovi as much as the Caps do. He is fun to watch and he makes scoring look easy, even in a season where scoring way down. I think another year under Trotz will lead to more success for Ovi, so watch out, the Russian sniper is back.
2. Jonathan Toews
Center
2014 Rank: 2
I had him in the same spot last year and in my mind he is the only guy who could surpass Sidney Crosby as the best player in the world right now. Toews is a winner, he composes himself the right way and he succeeds in every aspect of the game. He led the Hawks to their third Stanley Cup in six years last season and led Chicago in regular season scoring with 66 points.
I love this guy, I really do. Toews is a great role model for young hockey players everywhere. He has scoring touch, but he is the best two-way forward in the world. He plays excellent defense, excels in the faceoff circle and he wins, period. Will he ever outscore Crosby? No, probably not. However, he has a more polished all-around game than Sid does at this time. I could have put him one easily, but I am a little biased toward Sid.
1. Sidney Crosby
Center
2014 Rank: 1
Even when he has a “down” year, Sidney Crosby is better than everyone else. Coming off a MVP and Art Ross year in 2013-14, Crosby went through stretches of feast and famine in 2014-15. That being said, his 84 points was third best in the league and that happened with a set of struggling and non-top-six forwards flanking him.
Enter 2015-16. The Penguins got Crosby a pure, right-handed scoring winger in Phil Kessel for the first time since Marian Hossa. He will have a healthy and rejuvenated Chris Kunitz or David Perron on his left wing. Look out NHL, the Art Ross will likely return to Pittsburgh in the hands of the world’s best player.