With the 2024 hockey season right around the corner, it’s a good time to investigate the top 20 players to consider for your fantasy team. This selection not only provides a strategic game plan but also guides fantasy league managers to make informed decisions. Remember, these suggestions are not written in stone, and there is always room for individual analysis and gut feeling. In this light, let’s dive into my top 20 fantasy draft.
Highlighting the Top 20 Fantasy Draft Picks
Draft Slot 1: Nathan MacKinnon, F, Colorado Avalanche
Even though there may be slight declines in all categories, MacKinnon is still a strong contender, except maybe my second overall pick.
Draft Slot 2: Connor McDavid, F, Edmonton Oilers
McDavid, who scored 64 goals on 352 shots last season, is a strong contender for the top pick, if it weren’t for MacKinnon’s impressive team dominance last season.
Draft Slot 3: Nikita Kucherov, F, Tampa Bay Lightning
Despite changes in team dynamics, Kucherov remains a reliable pick, with a potential 120-point season, including a significant portion from the power play.
Draft Slot 4: Auston Matthews, F, Toronto Maple Leafs
Matthews’ ability as a scorer, coupled with his stats and batting, make him hard to ignore, despite some concerns about his durability.
Draft Slot 5: JT Miller, F, Vancouver Canucks
Miller’s consistent performance over the past three seasons, including sixth in power play points, suggests he can retain his scoring ability.
Draft Slot 6: Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers
With the 2024-25 season expected to resume, Draisaitl is expected to hit 50 points and 70 assists again.
Draft Slot 7: Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche
Makar’s consistency and added edge as a linebacker make him a valuable first-round pick.
Draft Slot 8: David Pastrnak, F, Boston Bruins
Pastrnak’s scoring ability is expected to grow alongside new center Elias Lindholm.
Draft Slot 9: Mikko Rantanen, F, Colorado Avalanche
Rantanen’s reliability and consistent performance, including a 1.27 points/game average since 2020-21, make him a worthy first-round pick.
Draft Slot 10: Kirill Kaprizov, F, Minnesota Wild
Kaprizov’s impressive average of 2.9 fantasy points per game (FPPG) in ESPN’s regular season last season puts him in a strong position for next season.
Draft Slot 11: Roman Josi, D, Nashville Predators
Josi proved his worth as an elite defender, leading all blueliners with 268 shots last season.
Draft Slot 12: Elias Pettersson, F, Vancouver Canucks
Despite last season’s slump, Pettersson’s past performance and renewed start bodes well for next season.
Draft Slot 13: Filip Forsberg, F, Nashville Predators
Forsberg, one of the best players in the game, is expected to improve the number of his special teams this season.
Draft Slot 14: Juuse Saros, G, Nashville Predators
As the No. 1 goalkeeper. 1 undisputed for Nashville, Saros is predicted to play more than 60 games, collecting a significant amount of wins and saves.
Draft Slot 15: Jack Hughes, F, New Jersey Devils
If Hughes can maintain his health, there’s a good chance he’ll surpass the 100-point mark this season.
Draft Slot 16: Artemi Panarin, F, New York Rangers
Panarin, after a successful last season, is likely to continue his success on the ice, as long as he maintains his shooting stats.
Draft Slot 17: Rasmus Dahlin, D, Buffalo Sabres
Newly named captain, Dahlin brings added value to fantasy contests with hits and blocked shots.
Draft Slot 18: William Nylander, F, Toronto Maple Leafs
Nylander’s change in status may affect his personal production, but he remains an important pick.
Draft Slot 19: Sidney Crosby, F, Pittsburgh Penguins
Even without upper-class support, Crosby’s performance with more skaters makes him a viable option.
Draft Slot 20: Brady Tkachuk, F, Ottawa Senators
Tkachuk, a top 20 wild card, is a good choice given his aggressive style of play and high shot count.
In conclusion, these options provide the basis for developing your own fantastic hockey team. However, always remember that the game is fluid, and your strategic choices can make a difference.
