The fantasy hockey season is officially over but that doesn’t mean we can’t look ahead to next season and identify players that you should consider drafting. There were several breakout stars in the NHL this season. Here are ten of them and why you should draft them next season.
1. William Karlsson, F, Vegas Golden Knights: Karlsson came out of nowhere this season scoring 43 goals and dishing out 35 assists. He was a whooping +49 on the season. The 25 year old is a superstar in the making and a Rocket Richard Trophy contender next season.
2. Mikko Rantanen, F, Colorado Avalanche: Rantanen was on people’s radars prior to last season but he exceeded all expectations in leading the Avalanche to the playoffs. Rantanen scored 29 goals and had 55 assists. He averaged 2.9 fantasy points per game in standard scoring. A true difference maker.
3. Conor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg Jets: Hellebuyck took the reigns in Winnipeg and proceeded to win 44 games. With a talented team in front of him, Hellebuyck should have a top 60 ADP next season.
4. Kevin Fiala, F, Nashville Predators: The Preds feared that they wouldn’t be able to replace James Neal’s production entering the season. Enter Fiala who scored 23 goals and had 25 assists. Fiala finished a +20 on the season. With more ice time, Fiala will be even better next season.
5. Alex DeBrincat, F, Chicago Blackhawks: The rookie had a terrific first season in the NHL. DeBrincat is a natural goal scorer who can finish from a variety of areas on the ice. He finished the season with 28 goals and has secured a top six role heading into next season.
6. Mikhail Sergachev, D, Tampa Bay Lightning: Sergachev played well in his first season in Tampa. He proved he can score and anchor the power play. In this age of pucking moving defensemen, Sergachev is a worthy middle round selection next season.
7. Yanni Gourde, F, Tampa Bay Lightning: Gourde stepped in replaced Jonathan Drouin no problem in Tampa finishing with 25 goals and 39 assists. The young forward averaged 16 minutes a night. Look for him to have an expanded role next season and play more minutes.
8. Jake DeBrusk, F, Boston Bruins: DeBrusk is your prototypical Bruins forward who can play around the crease and has good hands. Debrusk only played about 14 minutes a night and missed some time with injuries. He will get more minutes next season so look for him to build on his 16 goal, 27 assist campaign.
9. Anthony Beauvillier, F, New York Islanders: Beauvillier has soft hands and can score and from a variety of spots on the ice. Beauvillier only played about 14 minutes a night and a half a season and still finished with 36 points (21 G, 15 A) on the season.
10. Ryan Donato, F, Boston Bruins: Donato has been in the NHL for two weeks and the Hobey Baker finalist already looks like a budding star. Donato has 25 goal/50 assist potential in a full season.