NHL Power Rankings: Each team’s player to watch for the rest of the season
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Kristen Shilton, ESPN NHL reporter
With the Stadium Series on tap this weekend in New Jersey — Flyers–Devils 8 p.m. Saturday on ABC/ESPN+, and Rangers–Islanders 3 p.m. Sunday on ABC/ESPN+ — that means we are also closing in on the March 8 NHL trade deadline. And beyond that, the final push to the playoffs.
There are some captivating players we all have our eyes on when it comes to the potential wheeling and dealing over the next few weeks. This week as part of our NHL Power Rankings, we’ve identified one player from each team that is under the closest watch — whether it’s a player that could be traded, someone chasing a milestone, or a player carrying his team’s playoff hopes on his shoulders.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list here.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Feb. 9. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 72.73%
Quinn Hughes. Vancouver’s top defenseman already owns the franchise record for most points from a blueliner (76), but can he smash through that mark and hit 100 this season? Would that be an opening salvo to Quinn winning his first Norris Trophy? Both milestones feel possible for Hughes, and we’ll be watching to see how his excellent campaign plays out.
Next seven days: vs. WPG (Feb. 17), @ MIN (Feb. 19), @ COL (Feb. 20), @ SEA (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 68.52%
Sam Reinhart. Florida is one of the NHL’s best teams in part because of Reinhart’s dynamic play this season, particularly on the power play. He’s already set and surpassed franchise records for special teams scores, and there are still weeks to go in this campaign. In a contract year, Reinhart is putting on a show that’s well worth watching, especially to see just how many goals he can collect by the end.
Next seven days: @ TB (Feb. 17), vs. OTT (Feb. 20), @ CAR (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 68.52%
Jake DeBrusk. Boston has explored trade partners for Jake DeBrusk before, and we’ll be watching to see if they do so again. DeBrusk is notably without a contract after this season, and given Boston’s recent struggles it could be time for GM Don Sweeney to shake things up. DeBrusk might be a valuable asset in helping the Bruins fill in their gaps.
Next seven days: vs. LA (Feb. 17), vs. DAL (Feb. 19), @ EDM (Feb. 21), @ CGY (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 67.59%
Igor Shesterkin. New York knows it needs a revived Igor Shesterkin for the stretch run here. Do the Rangers finally have that in their midst? Shesterkin played almost a backset to Jonathan Quick in the season’s first half, but he’s perked up post-All Star break. Last week Shesterkin recorded his first shutout of the campaign. Is that a sign of good things to come? In a hotly contested Metropolitan Division race, the Rangers have to hope so.
Next seven days: vs. NYI (Feb. 18), vs. DAL (Feb. 20), @ NJ (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 68.52%
Thomas Harley. Dallas has an unsung hero on its hands in defenseman Thomas Harley. The 22-year-old caught fire while Miro Heiskanen was injured, and now they’re together on the Stars’ top pairing. That’s music to Dallas’ ears. The Stars need a robust defensive effort to compensate for some injury issues — they recently lost Evgenii Dadonov long term — and Harley will be one to monitor.
Next seven days: vs. EDM (Feb. 17), @ BOS (Feb. 19), @ NYR (Feb. 20), @ OTT (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 63.64%
Ryan Johansen. Colorado hasn’t seen the best of Ryan Johansen — and that may well be an understatement. The veteran forward has 19 points in 54 games this season on a team he clearly isn’t clicking with in a projected second-line center role. Do the Avalanche keep trying to make things work there? Or can they scour the trade market for someone to take Johansen and his $4 million contract through next season off their hands? Stay tuned.
Next seven days: vs. ARI (Feb. 18), vs. VAN (Feb. 20), @ DET (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 67.65%
Kyle Connor. Winnipeg has been sliding of late thanks in no small part to their big problem — not scoring goals. That’s where Connor comes in. The All-Star winger has been slowed by injuries this season, but if Connor were to get on a run, it would be the exact spark Winnipeg needs to avoid a repeat of last season’s second-half spiral. Let’s see what a healthy and confident Connor can do to keep that fate at bay.
Next seven days: @ VAN (Feb. 17), @ CGY (Feb. 19), vs. MIN (Feb. 20)
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 63.00%
Connor McDavid. Edmonton will go where Connor McDavid takes it; that’s been true the last few years. McDavid has helped resurrect the Oilers following a rancid start. Now it’s all about how he — and, let’s be honest, Leon Draisaitl — do at bringing their personal brand of magic into the playoffs. It wasn’t long ago a postseason try was pure pipe dream for Edmonton. Now it’s on McDavid to get them there, and do something special.
Next seven days: @ DAL (Feb. 17), @ ARI (Feb. 19), vs. BOS (Feb. 21)
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 64.15%
Adin Hill. Vegas could see Adin Hill in the Vezina Trophy conversation this season. He’s been that good — and entirely low-key about it. When he’s between the pipes, Vegas is reaping major rewards. What more can Hill prove into spring? And will it be key to the Golden Knights possibly repeating as Stanley Cup champs?
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Feb. 17), @ SJ (Feb. 19), vs. NSH (Feb. 20), vs. TOR (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 61.54%
Auston Matthews. Toronto has seen some great things out of Matthews — but a 70-goal season? That would be a new accomplishment. Only eight NHL players have ever hit that threshold, and Matthews would need just 28 goals in the Leafs’ final 30 games to become the ninth. It’s a bold benchmark that hasn’t been hit in over 30 years. If anyone could do it, it would be Matthews.
Next seven days: vs. ANA (Feb. 17), @ STL (Feb. 19), @ ARI (Feb. 21), @ VGK (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 62.50%
Andrei Svechnikov. When healthy, Svechnikov is a standout. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been available much this season. Svechnikov is on the cusp of returning from his third injury of the season — but the timing may well be perfect if he can finally stay in the lineup. Just how much better can Svechnikov make these Hurricanes? We’ve seen him dominate before. After getting plenty of rest and rehab, perhaps he’ll be right back on form.
Next seven days: @ ARI (Feb. 16), @ VGK (Feb. 17), vs. CHI (Feb. 19), vs. FLA (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 59.09%
Sean Walker. Philadelphia is a rebuilding playoff team. If that’s even a thing. It’s on GM Danny Briere to decide if that’s where the Flyers will remain, and Sean Walker’s situation hangs in the balance. Walker is a pending UFA having his best NHL season. That makes Walker both an attractive trade chip and desirable player to retain. What will the Flyers ultimately do with Walker? The outcome of their season might be in the balance.
Next seven days: vs. NJ (Feb. 17), @ CHI (Feb. 21)
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 59.09%
Nikita Kucherov. Tampa Bay’s defense took a hit when Mikhail Sergachev went down with a broken leg. That’ll put even more emphasis on the Lightning’s offense to keep scoring — and Nikita Kucherov is the one to watch in that department. Kucherov appears to be a in a horserace with Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid for league MVP. Carrying Tampa Bay through a tough stretch would go a long way in bolstering his candidacy for the title.
Next seven days: vs. FLA (Feb. 17), vs. OTT (Feb. 19), vs. WSH (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 56.60%
Lucas Raymond. Detroit’s recent surge has deservedly put Raymond in the spotlight. After a slow start to the season, he’s nearly matched Alex DeBrincat for the team lead in points, and that output has helped the Red Wings start to soar. Can Raymond keep the good times going in Motor City and propel Detroit back into the playoffs? No doubt we’ll be keeping tabs on that progress.
Next seven days: @ CGY (Feb. 17), @ SEA (Feb. 19), vs. COL (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 58.82%
Pierre-Luc Dubois. Los Angeles has a new coach in Jim Hiller — and what the Kings really need is for Hiller to get more out of Pierre-Luc Dubois. Often a change behind the bench can kick-start struggling players, and if Hiller can pull something out of Dubois that L.A. hasn’t experienced yet it would be a real boost to their postseason prospects.
Next seven days: @ BOS (Feb. 17), @ PIT (Feb. 18), vs. CBJ (Feb. 20), vs. NSH (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 54.72%
Jack Hughes. New Jersey needs Jack Hughes to be an electrifying force up front if they’re going to contend in the Metro. Fortunately, Hughes has built a career on being exactly that — and he’s back from injury and lighting it up again. Hughes has the talent to wrestle these Devils out of the murky middle and up the standings. It should make for fascinating theater through to spring.
Next seven days: vs. PHI (Feb. 17), @ WSH (Feb. 20), vs. NYR (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 56.60%
Pavel Buchnevich. St. Louis hasn’t had the easiest season to date, but Buchnevich is one continuous bright spot. Will that lead the Blues to trade him away? St. Louis has been clinging to a Western Conference wild-card spot, and retaining Buchnevich gives them a better shot at the playoffs. But Buchnevich might move the needle even more on the trade block. What direction GM Doug Armstrong goes could reflect how he feels about this season’s potential for the Blues.
Next seven days: vs. NSH (Feb. 17), vs. TOR (Feb. 19), vs. NYI (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 53.77%
Noah Dobson. New York arguably has the league’s most underrated defenseman in Noah Dobson. Will he continue to fly under the radar? The Islanders are in a dogfight to make the playoffs, and if they do, Dobson will be a primary reason why. What he’s able to do nightly in pushing New York over the line will be worth watching one way or another.
Next seven days: vs. NYR (Feb. 18), @ PIT (Feb. 20), @ STL (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 50.93%
Jonathan Huberdeau. Calgary waited a long time to see Jonathan Huberdeau shine — and this just might be his moment. Since the Flames swapped Elias Lindholm for Andrei Kuzmenko and slotted the latter skater onto Huberdeau’s line it’s like Huberdeau himself has come to life with some inspiring hockey. If this success is sustainable, can an improved Huberdeau help push Calgary into the playoff conversation?
Next seven days: vs. DET (Feb. 17), vs. WPG (Feb. 19), vs. BOS (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 51.85%
Alexandre Carrier. Nashville could cash in at the deadline by moving Carrier to a contender. He’s a 27-year-old right-shot defender that would be an ideal depth add for any team hoping there’s a long spring ahead. That scenario doesn’t look to be in the cards for Nashville, so will taking calls on Carrier be what helps set them up for brighter days in the future?
Next seven days: @ STL (Feb. 17), @ VGK (Feb. 20), @ LA (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 53.92%
Jake Guentzel. Pittsburgh was dealt another tough blow when Guentzel landed on injured reserve this week, with a projected return date around mid-March. Guentzel was (is?) the Penguins’ top trade asset, and was generating plenty of interest ahead of the deadline. Will that still be the case? Is the prospect of trading Guentzel — a pending UFA — more appealing to the Pens now that he’s unavailable to help keep their playoff hopes alive? And what does it mean if the Guentzel market has totally cooled? There’s a landslide of uncertainty now — something the Penguins did not need more of this season.
Next seven days: vs. LA (Feb. 18), vs. NYI (Feb. 20), vs. MTL (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 51.89%
Brock Faber. Minnesota might have the one player capable of challenging Connor Bedard for the Calder Trophy, and it’s defenseman Brock Faber. The Wild freshman just tied Bedard for a league lead in rookie points, and he’s done it while helping stabilize Minnesota’s back end with excellent play well beyond his 21 years. Keep an eye on Faber to see if he can pull off an award’s season upset.
Next seven days: vs. BUF (Feb. 17), vs. VAN (Feb. 19), @ WPG (Feb. 20)
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 51.92%
Alex Ovechkin. Washington may not make the playoffs — but Ovechkin is back on track towards making history. The Capitals’ captain has been a goal-scoring machine of late, and discussion about his potential to break Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record is heating up once again. How much closer can Ovechkin get in these final weeks? Let’s find out.
Next seven days: @ MTL (Feb. 17), vs. NJ (Feb. 20), @ TB (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 51.85%
Philipp Grubauer. Seattle’s playoff chances could hinge on how well Grubauer can perform down the stretch. He was back in the crease this week after more than two months away nursing an injury, and the Kraken need him to take some of the pressure off goalie partner Joey Daccord. If Seattle is going to get back in that postseason mix, they’ll need a strong tandem in net. Can Grubauer be the guy who helps the Kraken climb?
Next seven days: vs. DET (Feb. 19), vs. VAN (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 48.08%
Barrett Hayton. Arizona sorely missed Hayton while he sat out two months with an injury. Well, he’s back, and he’s exactly what the Coyotes need in a pivotal lead up to trade deadline. That’s when GM Bill Armstrong will decide whether to let Arizona keep gunning for a playoff spot or go into trade mode. Having Hayton on the scene makes the Coyotes better — how much better is what we’ll be watching to find out.
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Feb. 16), @ COL (Feb. 18), vs. EDM (Feb. 19), vs. TOR (Feb. 21)
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 47.17%
Casey Mittelstadt. Buffalo has done well locking up its players to long-term deals. That strategy just hasn’t actually gotten the Sabres anywhere in their quest to return to the playoffs. Mittelstadt is a pending RFA that will want a multi-year pact of his own, and frankly Buffalo might not be able to offer that up. So, should the Sabres be trading Mittelstadt instead? If the interest is there, Buffalo should consider the offer.
Next seven days: @ MIN (Feb. 17), vs. ANA (Feb. 19), @ MTL (Feb. 21)
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 48.15%
Jake Allen. Montreal has three goaltenders in the mix, and Allen is long-rumoured to be the odd man out there; meaning, the Canadiens would be most likely to trade him. Will they find a team willing to perform the swap? Allen’s name being out there so long suggests it won’t be easy — but not impossible, either.
Next seven days: vs. WSH (Feb. 17), vs. BUF (Feb. 21), @ PIT (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 46.00%
Vladimir Tarasenko. Ottawa’s season hasn’t gone to plan — to put it charitably. There’s still time to make the most of opportunity, though. That could start with trading Tarasenko. The veteran forward would have to waive his no-trade clause, but it’s not like Tarasenko would pass on a chance to chase another Cup. The Senators have to focus on the future, and since Tarasenko’s deal runs out this season, Ottawa’s focus might shift to seeing him out the door sooner than later.
Next seven days: @ CHI (Feb. 17), @ TB (Feb. 19), @ FLA (Feb. 20), vs. DAL (Feb. 22)
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 40.39%
Boone Jenner. Columbus is in a tough spot with Jenner. The club’s captain wants to be part of the Blue Jackets’ rebuild — but he’s also a viable trade asset who Columbus could flip for long-term assets. So what should the Blue Jackets do? Keep a good player who wants to be there? Or think about the future and capitalize on Jenner’s value right now? An attractive offer could make for a seriously hard decision.
Next seven days: @ SJ (Feb. 17), @ LA (Feb. 20), @ ANA (Feb. 21)
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 37.74%
Frank Vatrano. Anaheim won’t be making the postseason. But the Ducks could be a winner with the right trade return for Vatrano. Their top skater is generating plenty of interest on the market, and a high-end return could provide long-term building blocks for Anaheim in their ongoing rebuild. And from Vatrano’s perspective, he might wind up somewhere with a chance to compete for a Cup this season.
Next seven days: @ TOR (Feb. 17), @ BUF (Feb. 19), vs. CBJ (Feb. 21)
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 33.02%
Mikael Granlund. San Jose are destined to trade at the deadline, and Granlund might be first off their docket. The veteran has been terrific this season, and newly back from injury, he will have time to show off for potential suitors before March 8. The Sharks — with cap space to spare on the salary retention front — could fetch a fine return placing Granlund in a new home.
Next seven days: vs. CBJ (Feb. 17), vs. VGK (Feb. 19)
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 28.70%
Tyler Johnson. Chicago is primed to sell at the deadline. And while Johnson has been superb for the Blackhawks this season, he’s a 33-year-old with extensive playoff experience, making $5 million a year on a rebuilding team. Chicago would be better off in the long term finding a trade partner for Johnson that reels in something the Blackhawks can use into their future.
Next seven days: vs. OTT (Feb. 17), @ CAR (Feb. 19), vs. PHI (Feb. 21)
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Neil Paine
Hockey is a notoriously chaotic sport in which you need a large sample of games to know what’s real versus what’s just noise. For instance, it is estimated that it takes the entire 82-game NHL season to give us as much information about team quality as just 32 NBA games — or less than half the regular season — do.
So it’s always risky to draw grand conclusions from what we see over the first month of play on the ice. But that can’t stop us from finding interesting trends emerging from the early portion of the schedule.
Here are seven initial developments that have taken us by surprise in 2024-25 so far:
1. Ovechkin’s comeback against Father Time
One of the biggest storylines heading into the season was Alex Ovechkin‘s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record, with the Great 8 starting the season trailing The Great One by 41 scores.
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Sean Allen
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Victoria Matiash
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Victoria Matiash
Fantasy Hockey
- ESPN.com Fantasy Contributor since 2010
- Part-time anchor at NEWSTALK1010
Another week, another No. 1 landing spot for the Winnipeg Jets in the ESPN NHL Power Rankings. But who finishes 2-32?
Plus, it’s another fantasy hockey takeover week, with Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash identifying one player per team who is off to a slow start (relative to his teammates or expectations) and advising fantasy managers whether to have patience or panic at this time.
And as a reminder, it’s not too late to join ESPN Fantasy Hockey. Sign up for free and start playing today!
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list here.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Nov. 8. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 88.24%
Cole Perfetti, LW (28.9% rostered in ESPN Fantasy leagues): As difficult as it is to find fault with anything Jets-related these days, Perfetti isn’t quite meeting 2024-25 fantasy expectations yet. But the 22-year-old remains cemented on the Jets’ second scoring line and power play, and he has pitched in enough multipoint showings to merit another look in deeper leagues. Verdict: Patience.
Next seven days: @ FLA (Nov. 16), vs. FLA (Nov. 19)
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 73.33%
Brent Burns, D (69.5%): The writing had been on the wall, faintly sketched with a carpenter’s pencil, but now it’s been retraced in ink. Shayne Gostisbehere has the power play on lock, and Burns doesn’t put up the points without it now. Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: vs. OTT (Nov. 16), vs. STL (Nov. 17), @ PHI (Nov. 20), @ NJ (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 67.65%
Gustav Forsling, D (68.8%): Playoff heroics can inflate rostership numbers even this far into the future, but Forsling isn’t a must-have fantasy contributor. You can find a defenseman with a higher ceiling among your league’s free agents. Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: vs. WPG (Nov. 16), @ WPG (Nov. 19), @ CHI (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 78.13%
Marc-Andre Fleury, G (51.8%): As long as Filip Gustavsson continues to perform dependably well, the veteran No. 2 isn’t going to play much. There are other lesser-rostered backups in the league — Jake Allen and Jonathan Quick come to mind — who offer more fantasy punch than Fleury. Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: vs. DAL (Nov. 16), @ STL (Nov. 19), @ EDM (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 70.00%
Matt Roy, D (45.6%): After a breakout fantasy campaign with the Kings last season, cut Roy some slack. He has had only a handful of games to get used to his new teammates, and the minutes are there to get the job done. Verdict: Patience.
Next seven days: @ COL (Nov. 15), @ VGK (Nov. 17), @ UTA (Nov. 18), vs. COL (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 70.00%
Mika Zibanejad, C (95.6%): Zibanejad has had slow starts before — 1.78 FPPG in 2021-22 and 1.93 FPPG last season — yet still finished over 2.00 FPPG. His current 1.58 FPPG isn’t alarming. Verdict: Patience.
Next seven days: @ SEA (Nov. 17), @ VAN (Nov. 19), @ CGY (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 68.75%
Brayden McNabb, D (52.3%): Returning to his selfless ways — highlighted by five blocked shots against the Ducks Wednesday — McNabb is already working back into his fantasy managers’ good graces. While hardly a prolific producer, the veteran should start pitching in a few more points, too. Verdict: Patience.
Next seven days: @ UTA (Nov. 15), vs. WSH (Nov. 17), @ TOR (Nov. 20), @ OTT (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 65.00%
Luke Hughes, D (39.1%): He did an admirable job filling in for an injured Dougie Hamilton as a rookie last season, but unless that situation arises again, it looks as though Hughes is out of the limelight for this campaign. Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: @ TB (Nov. 16), vs. CAR (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 66.67%
Roope Hintz, C (79.8%): Some bad puck luck, illustrated by his 6.7% shooting percentage through six recent contests (career: 16.5%), is partially to blame for Hintz’s current skid. But the perennial 30-plus goal scorer is bound to get back on track soon, especially once Peter DeBoer inevitably juggles his lines again. Verdict: Patience.
Next seven days: @ MIN (Nov. 16), vs. ANA (Nov. 18), vs. SJ (Nov. 20)
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 63.33%
Filip Hronek, D (51.9%): He’s averaging approximately a single shot and blocked shot per game. Unlike last season, the compensatory scoring isn’t there to make up for those shortcomings. Hronek appears far more valuable to the Canucks as Quinn Hughes‘ defensive partner than to his fantasy managers. Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: vs. CHI (Nov. 16), vs. NSH (Nov. 17), vs. NYR (Nov. 19)
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 58.33%
Quinton Byfield, RW (43.2%): The lack of a single power-play point is one concern, along with his removal from the top unit. Through the fantasy lens, so is Byfield’s third-line role. If all remains as is, we might be in for another season of inconsistent fantasy returns. Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: vs. DET (Nov. 16), vs. BUF (Nov. 20)
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 61.11%
Matthew Knies, LW (42.4%): He has been making hay while the sun shines, so to speak, as he gets first power-play unit access while Auston Matthews is out. The confidence boost should carry over to when Matthews returns, and they are linemates again. Verdict: Patience.
Next seven days: vs. EDM (Nov. 16), vs. VGK (Nov. 20)
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 55.88%
Jeff Skinner, C (45.0%): Afforded the opportunity to compete alongside just about every Oiler up front, including two of the best centers in the biz, the veteran winger has nonetheless failed to offer much of a productive presence. Now Skinner appears relegated to Edmonton’s fourth line. Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: @ TOR (Nov. 16), @ MTL (Nov. 18), @ OTT (Nov. 19), vs. MIN (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 56.67%
Jake Guentzel, LW (98.8%): Guentzel’s overall output is fantastic already, but with just two power-play points so far, he has yet to add his usual production with the man advantage. If he does, his already strong fantasy profile could get a big boost. Verdict: Patience.
Next seven days: vs. NJ (Nov. 16), @ PIT (Nov. 19), @ CBJ (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 52.94%
Devon Toews, D (66.7%): While it has taken the defender time to warm up after a delayed start to 2024-25, Toews now appears back in his groove: blocking shots, contributing to the score sheet and skating more minutes than nearly everyone else. Cale Makar‘s partner hasn’t averaged 0.58 points per game throughout his career by accident. Verdict: Patience.
Next seven days: vs. WSH (Nov. 15), @ PHI (Nov. 18), @ WSH (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 53.13%
Linus Ullmark, G (84.8%): The Senators are showing signs of competing, and we know Ullmark is capable of being among the best. Patience might already be paying off with some of his recent road outings against tough division rivals. Verdict: Patience.
Next seven days: @ CAR (Nov. 16), vs. EDM (Nov. 19), vs. VGK (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 55.88%
Nazem Kadri, C (78.4%): While no one is scoring much for the Flames these days, including their No. 1 center, this too shall pass. Perhaps it’ll play out like last season, when Kadri collected two points in October before erupting for 13 in November, then maintained that scoring pace for the duration of the season. Also, he shoots the puck a lot. Verdict: Patience.
Next seven days: vs. NSH (Nov. 15), vs. NYI (Nov. 19), vs. NYR (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 50.00%
Charlie McAvoy, D (89.9%): The Bruins’ offense might be slower this season, but McAvoy’s 1.64 FPPG is still too low. Give him time. Not enough has changed to drop him far from his 2.29 FPPG average over the past three seasons. Verdict: Patience
Next seven days: vs. STL (Nov. 16), vs. CBJ (Nov. 18), vs. UTA (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 53.13%
Barrett Hayton, C (17.5%): According to analysis by Evolving Hockey, the third-line center (for now) should be scoring more goals in accordance with the quality of his shots. That offers some comfort in light of his current skid. While Hayton certainly needs to play more minutes and shoot on net more often, he doesn’t merit giving up entirely in deeper fantasy leagues. Verdict: Patience.
Next seven days: vs. VGK (Nov. 15), vs. WSH (Nov. 18), @ BOS (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 52.94%
Brock Nelson, C (76.9%): The Isles’ collective offense isn’t weaker than it has been for several years. Nelson has averaged 2.03 FPPG across the past three seasons. He’ll come around. Verdict: Patience.
Next seven days: @ SEA (Nov. 16), @ CGY (Nov. 19), @ DET (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 50.00%
Patrick Kane, RW (66.3%): If the Red Wings’ power play were in the dumps, maybe we could preach patience for Kane. But it’s not, and it might be time to move on from Kane in fantasy. He is getting all the opportunities required and is just not producing. Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: @ ANA (Nov. 15), @ LA (Nov. 16), @ SJ (Nov. 18), vs. NYI (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 50.00%
Dylan Cozens, C (49.3%): It is time to move off Cozens. He had that banner 2022-23 but is now matching the reduced fantasy production that lasted all of last season. Even an uptick in performance might not be enough to get to fantasy relevance from his current 1.41 FPPG. Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: @ PHI (Nov. 16), @ LA (Nov. 20)
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 50.00%
Adam Larsson, D (60.5%): Despite the relative drought, the top-pair defenseman still blocks a sufficient number of shots to merit rostering in deeper standard leagues. Plus, he’ll soon fall back into his usual (however relatively modest) scoring groove. Verdict: Patience.
Next seven days: vs. NYI (Nov. 16), vs. NYR (Nov. 17), vs. NSH (Nov. 20)
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 44.12%
Jordan Binnington, G (55.1%): After winning the season opener against Seattle, the Blues’ No. 1 has yet to beat anyone outside of the Atlantic Division. Shouldering a 4-7-0 record, .887 save percentage and 3.26 goals-against average, Binnington has cost his fantasy managers a total net loss of 1.8 points. Yes, negative points. There are likely brighter days ahead for the banged-up Blues, but when? Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: @ BOS (Nov. 16), @ CAR (Nov. 17), vs. MIN (Nov. 19), vs. SJ (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 47.06%
Joel Farabee, LW (50.7%): Farabee, Tyson Foerster, Scott Laughton; Take your pick of Flyers who were just picking up some fantasy momentum in their career but have been buried on the depth chart by the new core group. Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: vs. BUF (Nov. 16), vs. COL (Nov. 18), vs. CAR (Nov. 20)
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 38.24%
Teuvo Teravainen, RW (41.4%): The Blackhawks’ offseason acquisition has one goal and zero assists in his past 11 games, and he isn’t shooting with any consistency. Even back on a scoring line with Connor Bedard, Teravainen can’t be counted on to contribute regularly enough. Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: @ VAN (Nov. 16), vs. ANA (Nov. 19), vs. FLA (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 41.67%
Erik Karlsson, D (94.1%): It’s been a season and a quarter now, so what we see from Karlsson as a Penguin might be what we get. He’s not the sole source of offense, so downgraded fantasy output is just the new normal. Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: @ CBJ (Nov. 15), vs. SJ (Nov. 16), vs. TB (Nov. 19)
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 40.00%
Ivan Provorov, D (19.2%): No one on the Blue Jackets is underperforming in a big way, but even 20% rostership is too high for Provorov. If he’s not on the first pair, you can safely pretend he’s not there. Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: vs. PIT (Nov. 15), @ MTL (Nov. 16), @ BOS (Nov. 18), vs. TB (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 38.24%
Gustav Nyquist, RW (16.6%): Once replaced by Steven Stamkos on the Predators’ top line, Nyquist lost most of his fantasy charm. It’s no coincidence the winger was at his most productive when skating alongside Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly. Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: @ CGY (Nov. 15), @ VAN (Nov. 17), @ SEA (Nov. 20)
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 40.00%
Lukas Dostal, G (60.7%): The Ducks allow the most shots against (35.5 per game) while scoring the fewest goals (2.20 per game). Plus, a healthy John Gibson is back to share Anaheim’s crease. Dostal’s successful fantasy run was fun while it lasted. It’s time to move on. Verdict: Panic.
Next seven days: vs. DET (Nov. 15), @ DAL (Nov. 18), @ CHI (Nov. 19)
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 36.11%
William Eklund, LW (56.2%): The sophomore is playing a ton of minutes, pitching in assists and now skating on a scoring line with Mikael Granlund. Which is a good thing. Yes, we’d all like to see him shoot more. Verdict: Patience.
Next seven days: @ PIT (Nov. 16), vs. DET (Nov. 18), @ DAL (Nov. 20), @ STL (Nov. 21)
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 35.29%
Sam Montembeault, G (22.3%): The Habs don’t look like they’ll win enough for Monty to shine in redraft leagues, but if you drafted him for a keeper league, there are positive signs for the future. Verdict: Patience, at least for the long term.
Next seven days: vs. CBJ (Nov. 16), vs. EDM (Nov. 18)
LAS VEGAS — Left-handers Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves and Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox won Major League Baseball’s Comeback Player of the Year awards on Thursday.
Cleveland right-hander Emmanuel Clase won his second AL Reliever of the Year award and St. Louis righty Ryan Helsley won the NL honor.
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani joined David Ortiz as the only players to win four straight Outstanding Designated Hitter awards. Ohtani and the New York Yankees‘ Aaron Judge won Hank Aaron Awards as the outstanding offensive performers in their leagues.
Major League Baseball made the announcements at its All-MLB Awards Show.
Sale, 35, was 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA and 225 strikeouts in 177⅔ innings for the NL’s first pitching triple crown since the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw in 2011. He earned his eighth All-Star selection and first since 2018.
Sale helped Boston to the 2018 World Series title but made just 56 starts from 2020-23, going 17-18 with a 4.86 ERA, 400 strikeouts and 79 walks over 298⅓ innings. He was acquired by Boston from the White Sox in December 2016 and made nine trips to the injured list with the Red Sox, mostly with shoulder and elbow ailments. He had Tommy John surgery on March 30, 2020, and returned to a big league mound on Aug. 14, 2021.
Sale fractured a rib while pitching in batting practice in February 2022 during the management lockout. On July 17, in his second start back, he broke his left pinkie finger when he was hit by a line drive off the bat of the Yankees’ Aaron Hicks. Sale broke his right wrist while riding a bicycle en route to lunch on Aug. 6, ending his season.
Crochet, 25, was 6-12 with a 3.58 ERA over 32 starts for a White Sox team that set a post-1900 record of 121 losses, becoming a first-time All-Star. He struck out 209 and walked 33 in 146 innings.
He had Tommy John surgery on April 5, 2022, and returned to the major leagues on May 18, 2023. Crochet had a 3.55 ERA in 13 relief appearances in 2023, and then joined the rotation this year.
Sale and Crochet were chosen in voting by MLB.com beat writers.
Clase and Helsley were unanimous picks by a panel that included Hall of Famers Trevor Hoffman, Mariano Rivera, Dennis Eckersley and Rollie Fingers, along with John Franco and Billy Wagner. The AL award is named after Rivera and the NL honor after Hoffman.
A three-time All-Star, Clase was 4-2 with a 0.61 ERA, 66 strikeouts and 10 walks in 74⅓ innings, holding batters to a .154 average. The 26-year-old converted 47 of 50 save chances, including his last 47.
Voting was based on the regular season. Clase was 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in the playoffs, allowing three home runs, one more than his regular-season total.
Helsley, a two-time All-Star, was 7-4 with a 2.04 ERA and 49 saves in 53 chances. He struck out 79 and walked 23 in 66⅓ innings.
Ohtani became the first player with 50 or more homers and 50 or more stolen bases in a season. A two-way star limited to hitting following elbow surgery, Ohtani batted .310 and led the NL with 54 homers and 130 RBIs while stealing 59 bases.
Ortiz won the DH award five years in a row from 2003-07.
The DH award, named after Edgar Martinez, is picked in voting by team beat writers, broadcasters and public relations departments. MLB.com writers determined the finalists for the Aaron awards, and a fan vote was combined with picks from a panel of Hall of Famers and former winners to determine the selections.
Judge led the major leagues with 58 homers and 144 RBIs while hitting .322.
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