The 2014-15 NHL fantasy hockey season was another classic, and now it is time to reflect on what players put up the numbers, and who failed miserably. Here is our list of year-end awards, a look at this year’s underachievers and top rookie. Early projections on next years sleeper picks and top bounceback candidates will get you set for next years picks.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Alexander Ovechkin – Washington Capitals
Ovechkin regained his top-notch goal producing this season by leading the league with 53 goals.
BIGGEST SURPRISE
Jiri Hudler – Calgary Flames
A quality third liner for the Red Wings is now a front line scorer for the Flames. Hudler shocked the hockey world with 76 points.
BIGGEST UNDERACHIEVER
Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche
After a stellar rookie campaign MacKinnon struggled to just 14 goals and 38 points.
TOP ROOKIE
Johnny Gaudreau – Calgary Flames
The rookie sensation out of Boston College proved many critics wrong this year when the little man potted 24 goals and 64 points.
TOP CENTER
John Tavares – New York Islanders
Tavares continued his quiet and consistent point pace with 86 points.
TOP LEFT WING
Alexander Ovechkin – Washington Capitals
Ovechkin was not just a goal scorer for the Capitals this season he improved his plus/minus to a +10.
TOP RIGHT WING
Jakub Voracek – Philadelphia Flyers
Voracek bolted out of the gate last season. He ended the season with a career high 81 points.
TOP DEFENSEMAN
Erik Karlsson – Ottawa Senators
He is a consistent point producer on defense. He netted 21 goals, 45 assists for 66 points.
TOP GOALIE
Carey Price – Montreal Canadiens
He was the king in nets this year. He lead the Montreal Canadiens to a great season with 1.93 GAA, and a .933 save percentage. His 9 shutouts racked up the fantasy points.
BOUNCEBACK CANIDATE
Evander Kane – Buffalo Sabres
After an injury and controversy filled year in Winnipeg the big power forward will look to have a breakout year in a new environment, Buffalo. He will get top line minutes and power play time.
SLEEPER PICK
Aleksander Barkov – Florida Panthers
The big center will be asked to step up his role next season in Florida. His 16 goals and 20 assists this season will be a starting point for this budding superstar.
I hope all had a successful fantasy hockey season this year and we look forward to next season.
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.