2017 NHL Draft Guide: Top 20 Right Wingers
Published: Sep 01, 2017
Fantasy Hockey Top-20 Right-wingers
The right wing position is making a strong comeback. Chicago superstar Patrick Kane has been front and center of the revival, but Russians Nikita Kucherov and Vladimir Tarasenko are not too far behind. Sophomore Patrik Laine, who can play either wing position, spent most of '16-17 on the right side as a rookie and is potentially another generational talent. Kane is currently continuing a long-standing NHL tradition of right wing dominance: from Maurice Richard to Gordie Howe, to Guy Lafleur, Mike Bossy and Jaromir Jagr. There may be a few more Art Ross trophies in Kane's future. Here is the full list of top-20 fantasy right-wingers heading into 2017-18:
1. Patrick Kane, Blackhawks
The dazzling dangler surrendered the scoring crown to Connor McDavid last season but will challenge again.
2. Nikita Kucherov, Lightning
The Russian right-winger potted 40 goals last season, and he might not be done. Could 50 be on the horizon?
3. Patrik Laine (RW/LW), Jets
A natural goal-scorer, Laine registered 36 tallies as a rookie. Reaching the 40-goal mark seems inevitable.
4. Vladimir Tarasenko, Blues
Speaking of 40-goal men, Tarasenko has one on his resume and came within a goal of a second last season.
5. Phil Kessel, Penguins
Maligned for his different personality, all Kessel does is produce points and stay in the lineup. That is huge.
6. David Pastrnak, Bruins
Is he the next franchise player for the Bruins? At the very least, Pastrnak is the next big thing for the Czech Rep.
7. William Nylander (RW/LW), Maple Leafs
One of Toronto's superstar sophs, Nylander's main role is to set up franchise center Auston Matthews--a lot.
8. Mitchell Marner, Maple Leafs
Like Nylander, Marner is hoping to continue the climb towards the position's elite in his second NHL campaign.
9. Joe Pavelski (RW/C), Sharks
He continues to be among the most consistent scorers in the NHL, but his center (Joe Thornton) is aging.
10. Blake Wheeler, Jets
Not long ago, Wheeler was Winnipeg's top scorer. He has since been surpassed by center Mark Scheifele.
11. Jordan Eberle, Islanders
A change of scenery could do wonders for Eberle, especially if he plays a lot alongside center John Tavares.
12. Ryan Strome (RW/C), Oilers
Traded to Edmonton for Jordan Eberle, Strome has the talent to shine next to Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
13. Jakub Voracek (RW/LW), Flyers
The Flyers need Voracek to revert back to 2014-15 form (81 points). He has the skill set to return to elite status.
14. Charlie Coyle (W/C), Wild
He is as versatile as they come for Minnesota, and the tall forward seems poised for a career year in '17-18.
15. Mikael Granlund (RW/LW), Wild
Minnesota's leading scorer last season seems reborn after a permanent switch to the wing from center.
16. Sam Reinhart (RW/C), Sabres
Another natural center who is adjusting to playing wing, Reinhart's ability to produce offense is rather natural.
17. Corey Perry, Ducks
He is no longer an elite scorer or MVP candidate but Perry can still make an NHL impact from time to time.
18. Mark Stone, Senators
He is a master of stealing pucks from opponents and leaving them vulnerable in their own end. He also scores.
19. Mats Zuccarello, Rangers
A fan favorite in the Big Apple, Zuccarello has produced at least 59 points three times in the last four seasons.
20. Viktor Arvidsson (RW/LW), Predators
A true work horse whose energy is contagious, Arvidsson's role in Nashville only figures to widen this season.