Although some of the best fantasy hockey targets are going to come off of playoff teams, there are still players on bubble or rebuilding teams that can help you win your league’s championship even if they may not be on the track to winning one of their own. The Vancouver Canucks will have a few really good targets for the discerning fantasy hockey roster constructor.
Elias Pettersson (C)
Fantasy Rankings: 20 – NHL.com | 3 – ESPN | 10 – Daily Faceoff
If you’re not drafting at the very top of your league, Pettersson may end up being your top center target. After seeing his usage expand last season, getting more ice time each game than he had previously, Pettersson topped the century mark in points. He plays key roles in all situations, so he’s a fantasy hockey dream. Easy pick at this position for this upcoming season, Pettersson should be on everyone’s target list.
J.T. Miller (C)
Fantasy Rankings: 58 – NHL.com | 42 – ESPN | 33 – Daily Faceoff
The drama around Miller off the ice might overshadow his on-ice contributions for some. Miller has been pretty consistent even as the Canucks have done….*waves hands* all of this the last two years. With back-to-back 30-goal and 80-point seasons, it’s easy to see that continuing this year. His freshly inked seven-year contract extension includes full no-trade clause for the first four years, so maybe now everyone will be able to settle down and let the man cook. Target Miller as a good depth center pick.
Quinn Hughes (D)
Fantasy Rankings: 45 – NHL.com | 97 – ESPN | 80 – Daily Faceoff
Hughes is a big-time contributor in offensive categories assists and points. But he does have areas where he falls behind other key defensemen, like blocked shots and shots on goal. If your league weights offensive categories more heavily than those, Hughes is a good top target, especially if you’re drafting outside of the top few picks and will miss out on guys like Cale Makar or Adam Fox.
Dark Horse Pick: Anthony Beauvillier
Beauvillier really clicked with Pettersson after being traded to Vancouver at the deadline, scoring 20 points in 33 games. Easy to imagine he could put up a lot of offense this season riding shotgun on that top line. Vancouver’s offense ranked 13th with 3.29 goals per game on average. Target him as a mid-draft pickup.