Fantasy Hockey 2014-15: Sidney Crosby, Claude Giroux Lead Center Rankings
Center is the most important fantasy hockey position aside from goaltender, so it’s important to select an elite player as soon as possible in your league’s draft.
In fact, the top four scorers in the NHL last season all were centers.
Luckily for fantasy owners, center is among the deepest positions, with as many as 20 top-tier players who can be trusted to tally 65 or more points.
Of course, reigning Hart Trophy winner Sidney Crosby is the top player available, but he’s not the only elite center to target on draft day. Let’s take a look at the safest, riskiest and top rookie centers available.
Be sure to check out our left wing, right wing and goalie rankings, too.
Safest Pick: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Crosby’s injury history always will be a concern, but he showed impressive durability last season by playing in 80 games. The Penguins captain led the league in scoring (104 points) and assists (68) — no other play tallied more than 87 points. Not only is Crosby the most prolific even-strength scorer, he plays on a Pittsburgh power play that features incredible offensive talent and consistently ranks among the league leaders.
Crosby has a 1.40 points per game average, which is easily the best among active players. He should be the No. 1 player drafted in all leagues regardless of the scoring system.
Other safe picks: Claude Giroux (Philadelphia), Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay)
Riskiest Pick: Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Datsyuk is one of the elite two-way forwards and among the most creative playmakers in the league, but his injury history might force fantasy owners to not draft him in the first few rounds.
The Red Wings center missed 37 games last season, and has missed a total of 75 games over the last three non-lockout campaigns. Datsyuk hasn’t scored 25 goals or reached the 70-point mark since the 2009-10 season, which also was the last time he played in 80 or more games.
At 36 years old, Datsyuk’s durability isn’t likely to improve.
Other risky picks: Eric Staal (Carolina), Mark Scheifele (Winnipeg)
Rookie to Watch: Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals
Kuznetsov finally left Russia to join the Capitals last season and the former first-round draft pick showed a lot of potential with nine points (three goals, six assists) in 17 games.
The 22-year-old forward is a quality goal scorer, a gifted playmaker and has a high hockey IQ. He also has high-end speed and should receive plenty of ice time on the Capitals’ power play, a unit that consistently ranks among the league leaders in efficiency.
Kuznetsov’s value will increase dramatically if he plays well enough to center the top line alongside three-time Hart Trophy winner Alexander Ovechkin.
Other rookies to watch: Ryan Strome (New York Islanders), Sam Reinhart (Buffalo Sabres)
Top 15 Fantasy Centers
15) Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins
14) Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks
13) Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche
12) Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals
11) Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings
10) Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks
9) Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks
8) Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
7) John Tavares, New York Islanders
6) Tyler Seguin, Dallas Stars
5) Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
4) Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks
3) Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning
2) Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers
1) Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
