Kirill Kaprizov, Wild: High-scoring left-wingers do not grow on trees. He should not get past the second round in any league–and maybe not past round 1.
Artemi Panarin, Rangers: The savvy Russian has never registered fewer than 92 points in a full campaign with the Rangers. He should go very quickly again.
Nikita Kucherov, Lightning: After his second Art Ross Trophy and fourth season of 100-plus points, the 31-year-old Russian could be the No. 2 pick in drafts.
David Pastrnak, Bruins: It would be a shock if Pastrnak does not register at least 45 goals and 100 points this season. Draft him very early or regret it.
Mikko Rantanen, Stars: The Finnish superstar is almost certain to be selected in the first round of most drafts. There is no reason to pass on Rantanen.
Pavel Dorofeyev, Golden Knights: The Russian winger blends well with linemates who generate scoring chances. This may be a breakout season, so keep an eye on him.
Jake Neighbours, Blues: He has work to do defensively, but his ability to put the puck in the net, age and upside make him worth a mid-round draft choice.
Juraj Slafkovsky, Canadiens: The 20-year-old Slovakian's production should keep rising; 30-35 goals and 70 points are realistic, so draft him with confidence.
Dmitri Voronkov, Blue Jackets: It is realistic to believe Voronkov could become a 25-goal, 50-point player this season. Therefore, he may be a nice sleeper pick.
Mavrik Bourque, Stars: He does not appear to have much left to accomplish in the minor leagues. He could be an interesting later-round choice this year.
Dylan Guenther, Mammoth: The ninth player taken in the 2021 NHL draft could become a 25-goal, 60-point player this season. He looks like a potential steal.
Matthew Knies, Maple Leafs: All arrows are pointing up for Knies, who has the talent to hit 20-25 goals this season. He could be a late-round steal this year.
Will Smith, Sharks: Signed this past May, Smith should begin his professional career in the NHL. He has the tools to become a great fantasy producer.
Marco Kasper, Red Wings: It might not happen this season, but Kasper has all the makings of a middle-six center who makes contributions in all three zones.
Egor Chinakhov, Penguins: His shot makes him a legitimate offensive weapon–as long as he is healthy. Chinakhov could be a nice late-round sleeper this year.
Evander Kane, Canucks: He can score as well as provide muscle up front. However, Kane's injury history (and current issues) are massive fantasy concerns.
Artturi Lehkonen, Avalanche: The Finnish winger underwent off-season shoulder surgery, so there is a bit of uncertainty here. Even so, he is a mid-round pick.
Andre Burakovsky, Blackhawks: If the 29-year-old Burakovsky is healthy, he could rebound this season. That would make him an OK depth selection. Grab him late.
Patrik Laine, Canadiens: The 26-year-old needs to stay healthy and play with someone who can get him the puck. He is worth a later-round gamble this year.
Blake Coleman, Flames: Although Coleman might not hit 30 goals again this season, his improved offense and good defense make him a solid fantasy option.
Alex Ovechkin, Capitals: "Ovi'' is 41 goals shy of Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record. His scoring chops are still great, but do not draft him too early.
Frank Vatrano, Ducks: While Vatrano might be able to put up decent offensive numbers again, expecting him to match last season's totals is a major risk.
Viktor Arvidsson, Bruins: The 31-year-old can be a useful middle-round draft pick if he can stay in one piece. Whether that happens is always the question.
Patrick Kane, Red Wings: Assuming he has no physical issues, Kane could be even better than last season. He should be worthy of a mid-round pick–at worst.
Matthew Tkachuk, Panthers: The older son of 500-goal man Keith Tkachuk is still one of the NHL's premier players. He is a keeper or early choice all the way.
Mikael Granlund, Ducks: The Finnish vet could get lots of ice time, especially on the power play. However, Granlund is a good bet to decline this season.
Rickard Rakell, Penguins: The 31-year-old Rakell still has some fantasy value, but a campaign of 20-25 goals and 50-55 points could be his ceiling nowadays.
Michael Bunting, Predators: He may be good for 25 goals and 55-65 points with lots of shots on goal this season. He is on a team that plays to his strengths.
Gustav Nyquist, Jets: Can Nyquist approach last season's gaudy numbers? History suggests he is due for a return to the mean. Do not overrate this year.
Kirill Marchenko, Blue Jackets: His ability to put the puck in the net could be worth a late-round pick in most fantasy leagues, but be wary of his inconsistency.
Eeli Tolvanen, Kraken: The 25-year-old Tolvanen is already a draft option and could become even more interesting if he sees more top-six winger minutes.