Courtesy: Yahoo Sports
1) Jaime Benn – Dallas Stars
I put Benn at the head of the list because this could be his real breakout year. He’s become the leader in Dallas and with Tyler Seguin at side, Benn will become even more of a threat. He’s good for at least 80-points this season and if the Stars, who are the most improved team IMO, can get some early chemistry, there’s no telling how far they can go.
2) Taylor Hall – Edmonton Oilers
Hall could easily be my number one Left Winger as he put up 80-points last season and could hit the 90 mark with a healthy Jordan Eberle. Hall will score 40-50 goals in this league, but not this year. He will, however, do some damage and pad his stats for a still-fledgling Edmonton team that needs to grow another year or two.
3) Chris Kunitz – Pittsburgh Penguins
Crosby’s left-hand-man, Kunitz has fed off of his centers superstar play and become an easy 30+ goal scorer since he arrived in Pittsburgh a few years ago. Kunitz will always be a threat as long as he can keep up with Sid and find the open area. He’ll do the same this year as he always does, but could find a few more goals as the Pens are dealing with a new system.
Courtesy: Yahoo Sports
4) Henrik Zetterberg – Detroit Red Wings
Injury prevented Zetterberg from playing a full season last year, but he still still averaged over a point a game. This year a healthy Zetterberg should lead the Red Wings as he always does alongside Pavel Datsyuk, and his over-a-point-per-game pace should find him scoring around 90-points. He’s also a go-to-guy on the PP.
5) Jeff Skinner – Carolina Hurricanes
Skinner jumps up the top-5 for me because he’s still finding his game and could break out this year and score 40-goals, if he remains healthy. Concussions have been an issue for him and he’s missed time, but a healthy Skinner can help this ‘Canes team on the score sheet. He’s got incredible speed and agility and will help out of the power play.
6) Alex Steen – St. Louis Blues
Steen had a breakout year last season, but it was interrupted by injury. With a new center in Paul Statsny, Steen may have an even better year and could, if he goes at the same pace, compete for the scoring title. He’s up for 40-goals at least.
7) Zach Parise – Minnesota Wild
Last year wasn’t the greatest personal year for Parise’s debut in Minnesota, but the Wild have upgraded their offense with Thomas Vanek and that could get Parise going. He’s usually good for 70-80 points, and is a valuable in deep leagues as he’s great on the penalty kill.
8) Daniel Sedin – Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks as a whole were a trainwreck last season, and that was due mainly to their head coach. Both Sedins took a hit in the stat column, but this season should be different. Sedin should be good for 30-goals and become the threat he used to be.
9) Patrick Sharp – Chicago Blackhawks
Sharp has been rumored to traded ever since the ‘Hawks re-signed Kane and Toews to record deals, but Chicago is going to need him down the stretch as they are always in a position to compete for the Cup. Sharp can score 30-goals and will be in the 80-point area. He could score more if he and Richards get some chemistry.
Courtesy: Getty Images
10) Max Pacioretty – Montreal Canadiens
After coming so close last season, Pacioretty is hungry to help lead this team deeper into the playoffs. He’s apart of the leadership core and they want to win. He’s one of the best snipers in the game and can be a steal later in the draft. He will score 40-goals this year and put up 70-80 points.
Next up: Defenseman and Goaltenders
More to come…
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