2017 NHL Draft Guide: Top 20 Left Wingers
Published: Sep 01, 2017
Fantasy Hockey Top-20 Left-wingers
The left wing position has traditionally been one of strength, power, defensive efficiency and complementary play. However, there have always been exceptions to that rule, with names like Bobby Hull, Frank Mahovlich, Michel Goulet and Luc Robitaille among the very top scoring portsiders of all time. More recently, Washington's Alex Ovechkin has dominated the left wing position for a decade. However, he has seen others overtake him on the position hierarchy the last couple of seasons. Can 'Ovi' get back to the top, or has he already started his inevitable decline in production? Here are the top-20 fantasy left-wingers heading into the 2017-18 campaign:
1. Alex Ovechkin, Capitals
Many suggest the Washington captain is in decline but Ovechkin should still have more 50-goal seasons in him.
2. Johnny Gaudreau, Flames
The diminutive winger is as slick as they come in the NHL. Gaudreau can produce points seemingly at will.
3. Jamie Benn, Stars
The Stars are in good hands with Benn as captain. He will help with the transition to new coach Ken Hitchcock.
4. Filip Forsberg, Predators
The two-way Swede has averaged 30 goals the last three seasons. Forsberg could top that in 2017-18.
5. Jake Guentzel (LW/C), Penguins
He surprised many with his 13-goal playoff performance last spring but Guentzel is talented and opportunistic.
6. Max Domi, Coyotes
He has yet to truly breakout offensively but Domi is simply too talented to ignore. His time should be now.
7. Brad Marchand, Bruins
He is still a top-10 left-winger but very few believe he can reach 39 goals or 85 points again in 2017-18.
8. Nikolaj Ehlers (LW/RW), Jets
Patrik Laine and Mark Scheifele receive most of the attention among Jets forwards but do not sleep on Ehlers!
9. Taylor Hall, Devils
While he may not get back to the 80-point mark, Hall is capable of a lot more than what he produced in '16-17.
10. Jonathan Huberdeau, Panthers
Part of Florida's impressive first line, Huberdeau will have to adjust without right-winger Jaromir Jagr around.
11. Jason Zucker (LW/RW), Wild
Speed is the name of Zucker's game. He has two seasons of 20-plus goals in his three full campaigns in Minny.
12. Anders Lee, Islanders
The 27-year-old power winger broke out with 34 goals for the Isles last season. Lee is an old-school left-winger.
13. Sebastian Aho, Hurricanes
The flashy Finn finished second on Carolina in both goals and points in his first season in North America.
14. Mike Hoffman (LW/RW, Senators
Consistency is something Hoffman lacks, but there is no denying his ability to shoot the puck and score goals.
15. Artemi Panarin, Blue Jackets
The former Blackhawks sniper is among the most talented players on this list, but he will need to adjust.
16. Max Pacioretty, Canadiens
The Captain of the Canadiens is a consistent performer who lacks a playmaking center to turn him into a 50-goal man.
17. Daniel Sedin, Canucks
The oldest player on this list, Sedin may be entering his final season in Vancouver. He will want to impress.
18. Gabriel Landeskog, Avalanche
The Avalanche have few quality performers these days, but captain Landeskog is primed for a rebound season.
19. Tanner Pearson, Kings
He produced a career-best 24 goals last season and should be capable of 30-plus for the Kings in '17-18.
20. Jaden Schwartz (LW/C), Blues
There is nothing flashy about Schwartz, but he is as reliable as anyone on this list of the best left-wingers.