Fantasy Hockey Monday: Top 15 Forwards for 2015-16

I have suffered through many trials and tribulations in fantasy hockey over the years. I have had my heartbroken by a last second assist and I've raised the Cup thanks to a 4 hit game by some scrub I picked up off the waiver wire. Through both successes and failures, I have learned much. I have even formed and adopted a few nonstandard philosophies of my own - I am a believer in "money-puck" GMing and I consider most goaltenders replaceable. But, I have also learned that there is no substitute for great offensive players. Without scoring, you simply can't win. So, unlike previous draft-prep posts, this one is more straight forward [high-fives self for awesome pun]. Here are my top 15 forwards to target on draft day.

15. COREY PERRY (RW)

Played 67 games

33-22-55 (.82 Points/Game, 14^th of my top 15)

4 PPG, 7 PPP - (last of my top 15)

193 Shots (2.88 Shots/Game, 13^th of my top 15)

64 Hits (8^th in Hits/Game)

YAYS of Perry: He's a natural goal scorer who plays a hard-nosed game. He missed a bit of the season because of an injury, but the last time he ever missed any significant time was back in 2007-08 when he played 70 games. Even in limited playing time he netted 33 goals.

NAYS of Perry: His power play numbers were the least of everyone on my list... by far. I know he missed 15 games, but 7 PPP is bad for your fantasy team. He was 45^th of all Right Wings in the NHL. He ended the season with the same amount of PPG as Steve Bernier, and one less point. Yes, it was that bad.

My draft consensus: The Hockey News and ESPN both have him at 11, but I am moving him down to 20.

14. RYAN GETZLAF (C)

Played 77 games

25-45-70 (.909 Points/Game, 11^th of my top 15)

3 PPG, 13 PPP - (last of my top 15)

191 Shots (2.48 Shots/Game, last of my top 15)

100 Hits (5^th in Hits/Game)

YAYS of Getz: He is involved in every aspect of the game and he does it for a good team, which means more opportunities for your fantasy team. Plus, he often centers the above mentioned Perry. If you have a player skating with another top 15 guy, then you're in business.

NAYS of Getz: Just like his teammate, his power play effort was not good. In fact, he was 42^nd in PPP by a Center. Two Devils (Adam Henrique and Scotty Gomez) had more PPP. Getz also isn't a premiere goal scorer as he was tied for 41^st in the NHL in goals (T-17^th at Center).

My draft consensus: The Hockey News likes him at 7, which seems high to me, while ESPN put him at 14. I say 19 overall.

13. VLADAMIR TARASENKO (RW)

Played 77 games

37-36-73 (.948 Points/Game, 10^th of my top 15)

8 PPG, 18 PPP - (13^th of my top 15)

264 Shots (3.43 Shots/Game, 5^th of my top 15)

32 Hits (12^th in Hits/Game of my top 15)

YAYS of Tarasenko: He had a breakout year for a great St. Louis Blues team with 37 goals and will now be a key weapon for years to come. With some improvement of his power play numbers, he could easily be a top 5 guy. Obviously, as a goal scorer, he shoots a lot, too. He was tied for 7^th in the NHL in Plus/Minus at 27, which is great if your league uses it.

NAYS of Tarasenko: His power play numbers were surprisingly low considering the offensive talent this guy holds. He was tied for 10^th in the NHL in points, yet was outside the top 50 in PPP.

My draft consensus: The Hockey News picked him as the 14, while ESPN put him at 12. I think you consider him at 16.

12. RYAN JOHANSEN (C)

Played 71 games

26-45-71 (1 Point/Game, T-7^th of my top 15)

7 PPG, 26 PPP - (T-7^th of my top 15)

202 Shots (2.84 Shots/Game, 14^th of my top 15)

84 Hits (6^th in Hits/Game)

YAYS of Johansen: This guy already does a lot across the board, yet is only 23-years-old. He could/should reach 80 points this season.

NAYS of Johansen: There is a risk of a regression for a young player, but he's been consistently improving the last two seasons.

My draft consensus: The Hockey News has him at 18, while ESPN put him at 24. I like him earlier at the unlucky 13 spot.

11. EVGENI MALKIN (C)

Played 69 games

28-42-70 (1.01 Points/Game, 6^th of my top 15)

9 PPG, 26 PPP - (T-7^th of my top 15)

212 Shots (3.07 Shots/Game, 11^th of my top 15)

24 Hits (14^th in Hits/Game)

YAYS of Geno: He's one of the best offensive threats in the league. This year, he may benefit from some ice time with one of the best goal scorers in the league in Phil Kessel. Geno also had 60 PIMs last season, which is a bonus.

NAYS of Geno: He hasn't played a full season since 2008-09 and missed 45 games over the last two seasons. It's difficult to make up for missing offense in fantasy, so having to play stretches without your top scorer can be devastating.

My draft consensus: The Hockey News has him at 10, while ESPN put him at 9. I put him a couple back at 12.

10. STEVEN STAMKOS (C)

Played all 82 games

43-29-72 (.878 Points/Game, 13^th of my top 15)

13 PPG, 25 PPP - (9^th of my top 15)

268 Shots (3.27 Shots/Game, 8^th of my top 15)

91 Hits (7^th in Hits/Game)

YAYS of Stamkos: Despite a bit of an off season, he still scored 43 goals (2^nd most in the league).

NAYS of Stamkos: There are very few things not to like with Stamkos. He shoots, he scores, and he actually hits a bit, too. His points drop is a little concerning, but he'll erase that this season.

My draft consensus: The Hockey News has him at 5, while ESPN put him at 4. Perhaps I'm not giving him enough credit, but I say 11^th overall.

9. PATRICK KANE (RW)

Played 71 games

27-37-64 (1.049 Points/Game, 4^th of my top 15)

6 PPG, 22 PPP - (12^th of my top 15)

186 Shots (3.05 Shots/Game, 12^th of my top 15)

22 Hits (13^th in Hits/Game)

YAYS of Kane: He is one of the most naturally talented players in the league and can deliver everything you want in a fantasy forward.

NAYS of Kane: Drafting him is a risk since his criminal allegations are still pending. I have a feeling that he won't miss any time, though, since the more talented the athlete the less likely they are to actually get into any trouble.

My draft consensus: The Hockey News has him at 16, while ESPN put him at 10. I agree with ESPN at 10.

8. JOE PAVELSKI (C)

Played 70 games

37-33-70 (1 Point/Game, T-7^th of my top 15)

19 PPG, 31 PPP - (3^rd of my top 15)

261 Shots (3.73 Shots/Game, 3^rd of my top 15)

97 Hits (3^rd in Hits/Game)

YAYS of Joe Pa: This guy seems to be forgotten about in San Jose, yet he's one of the best across the board fantasy forwards. He shoots, he scores goals, he hits, and his power play work is great. He was 2^nd in the NHL in PPG, with 19, and 3^rd in PPP of the players on this list.

NAYS of Joe Pa: There are very few negatives to drafting him. He is getting older, though, (he is the oldest here at 31-years-old) so a sudden slowdown could happen without warning.

My draft consensus: The Hockey News has him at 22, while ESPN put him at 16. I seem to like him more than many at 9^th. I know it seems strange to take him before some of the young talent listed above, but this guy has been delivering the last few seasons.

7. PHIL KESSEL (RW)

Played all 82 games

25-36-61 (.744 Points/Game, last of my top 15)

8 PPG, 25 PPP - (T-9^th of my top 15)

280 Shots (3.41 Shots/Game, 6^th of my top 15)

18 Hits (last in Hits/Game of my top 15)

YAYS of Kessel: You can ignore most of the numbers listed above, as he was wasting time on a coasting Maple Leafs team. This season, the worst center he'll skate with is 11^th on my top 15. This guy should easily net over 40 goals, and could very well double last season's total by breaking 50.

NAYS of Kessel: I guess there's a chance that chemistry doesn't form between Crosby or Malkin and him, but I just don't see that happening. This is going to be a nice comeback year for Kessel.

My draft consensus:  The Hockey News has him at 12, while ESPN put him at 15. I think they're being conservative, so I say 8^th overall.

6. CLAUDE GIROUX (C)

Played 81 games

25-48-73 (.901 Points/Game, 12^th of my top 15)

14 PPG, 37 PPP - (1^st of my top 15)

279 Shots (3.44 Shots/Game, 4^th of my top 15)

110 Hits (4^th in Hits/Game of my top 15)

YAYS of Giroux: He was the best all-around power play forward in the NHL last season. The Flyers don't have a whole lot going for them, so Giroux will often take the entire team on his shoulders. He also hits, which is an added bonus if your league uses that stat.

NAYS of Giroux: As I just said, the Flyers don't have a whole lot, so that can be a help and a hindrance. However, he didn't have a lot of help last season, either, yet he managed to put up some great numbers. Drafting him could be torturous, though. It's really difficult to root for a Flyer.

My draft consensus: The Hockey News has him at 9, while ESPN put him at 7. I like him at 6 overall.

5. JAMIE BENN (LW)

Played all 82 games

35-52-87 (1.06 Points/Game, 3^rd of my top 15)

10 PPG, 23 PPP - (11^th of my top 15)

253 Shots (3.08 Shots/Game, 9^th of my top 15)

120 Hits (2^nd in Hits/Game of my top 15)

YAYS of Benn: He's the reigning Art Ross Trophy winner after stealing the points lead from John Tavares on the last night of the season. He spends a lot of time on the ice with Tyler Seguin, which is magnificent. Benn also gets PK time, which resulted in 2 Shorties and 3 Shorthanded Assists. Not only does Benn have the offensive goods, but he also hits and takes penalties (78 PIM).

NAYS of Benn: I don't think he'll get 86 points again this season, but I don't think the drop will be significant. I'm guessing 30-48-78. The only negative is that his power play numbers weren't as stellar as you'd think the Art Ross winner's would be, but they were by no means bad.

My draft consensus: The Hockey News and ESPN have him at 6 overall. I say 5.

4. JOHN TAVARES (C)

Played all 82 games

38-48-86 (1.048 Points/Game, 5^th of my top 15)

13 PPG, 31 PPP - (3^rd of my top 15)

278 Shots (3.39 Shots/Game, 7^th of my top 15)

48 Hits (11^th in Hits/Game of my top 15)

YAYS of Tavares: There is a decent chance that he breaks 90 points this season. His power play numbers were nice, too, as he was 5^th in the NHL and 3^rd of my top 15.

NAYS of Tavares: Not a whole lot of negative here. He's very good at the sport of hockey.

My draft consensus: The Hockey News has him at 2, while ESPN put him at 3. I go 4.

3. TYLER SEGUIN (C)

Played 71 games

37-40-77 (1.084 Points/Game, 2^nd of my top 15)

13 PPG, 29 PPP - (3^rd of my top 15)

280 Shots (3.94 Shots/Game, 2^nd of my top 15)

63 Hits (8^th in Hits/Game of my top 15)

YAYS of Seguin: Speaking of someone who's very good at hockey. It felt like this guy was doing something great every night last season. It helps that he gets to work with Jamie Benn, whom he has potential to take the Art Ross from. There's even a chance he finishes as the #1 fantasy player.

NAYS of Seguin: Nothing to worry about. He's healthy and good.

My draft consensus: The Hockey News has him at 4, while ESPN put him at 5. I say 3 overall.

2. SIDNEY CROSBY (C)

Played 77 games

28-56-84 (1.09 Points/Game, 1^st of my top 15)

10 PPG, 31 PPP - (3^rd of my top 15)

237 Shots (3.08 Shots/Game, 10^th of my top 15)

66 Hits (10^th in Hits/Game of my top 15)

YAYS of Sid: Kessel is there. If he stays healthy, Crosby will easily break 90 and take the Art Ross.

NAYS of Sid: He's got a history of concussions. That's always scary to think about on draft day.

My draft consensus: The Hockey News has him at 1, while ESPN put him at 2, which is where I put him, as well.

1. ALEXANDER OVECHKIN (RW)

Played 81 games

53-28-81 (1 Point/Game, T-7^th of my top 15)

25 PPG, 34 PPP - (2^nd of my top 15)

395 Shots (4.88 Shots/Game, 1^st of my top 15)

259 Hits (1^st in Hits/Game of my top 15)

YAYS of Ove: He scored 10 more than the #2 goal scorer (Stamkos), he netted more on the power play than anyone else (25 PPG), he hits the net almost 5 times per game, which is far more than anyone else in the league (91 more total shots than #2 Rick Nash), and he hits much more than anyone on this list (more than double anyone else in Hits/Game).

NAYS of Ove: There aren't any Nays, but if your league doesn't consider Hits or Shots, then I think swapping him with Sid is a fair decision.

My draft consensus: The Hockey News put him at 3 overall, but did say that if your league counts Hits and Shots to move him to 1. ESPN has him at 1. I'm obviously saying 1.

That's it for the final draft-prep post. The All About the Jersey writers league will be drafting tomorrow evening, so we'll see if any of them ruin my night by taking my advice. I've never been in a league where I wasn't the only Devils fan, let alone one where every owner is a Devils fans, so I'm excited to see how many homer picks there will be. Mike Cammalleri and Adam Henrique could suddenly be 2^nd round picks.