Two of the league's top right wingers were in Hart Trophy conversation at season's end, and the second runner-up might be there by the end of the upcoming campaign.
1. Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning
His bag of tricks is unparalleled, garnering the Bolts ace his first Hart and Art Ross Trophies. Look for another triple-digit output.
2. Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
Who expected a renaissance from Kane? Well, it happened, as the slinky 30-year-old legend set a career high with 110 points.
3. Mark Stone, Vegas Golden Knights
The trade to Vegas places him with more elite linemates, and it will be fun to see what he can do full time with the Golden Knights.
4. David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins
Just keeps adding to his resume and steadily climbing the ranks in points. Flirted with 40 goals while playing great two-way hockey.
5. Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs
His creativity and elusiveness make him one of the most dangerous players. His chemistry with Tavares cannot be ignored by foes.
6. Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets
The captain is a leader who brings size, skill and a two-way game to the table. Winnipeg’s fail in the playoffs did not sit well.
7. Mikko Rantanen, Colorado Avalanche
An explosive talent with size and a wicked shot, Rantanen starred on the West’s best line and established himself as a premier producer.
8. Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks
Injuries have kept him from a full 82-game campaign but, when he’s in the lineup, Boeser is one of the game’s most potent shooters.
9. Phil Kessel, Arizona Coyotes
The move to Arizona is an intriguing one. Will Kessel thrive in a low-pressure market? He’s still a point-per-gamer who can wire it.
10. Viktor Arvidsson, Nashville Predators
Despite missing time with a broken thumb, the energetic and fleet-footed Arvidsson led the Preds with 34 goals. Look for a big year.
11. Jake Guentzel, Pittsburgh Penguins
Usually better in the playoffs than the regular season, he flipped the script with a breakout 40-goal effort. Don’t talk about the playoffs.
12. Joe Pavelski, Dallas Stars
His veteran presence and leadership – and goals – will be a boon as Dallas tries to spread out its attack. He also brings great versatility.
13. Alexander Radulov, Dallas Stars
Solid, passionate and talented, Radulov has been a great fit in Dallas. Now his line doesn’t have to do it all. That will open things up.
14. Timo Meier, San Jose Sharks
A breakout performer in the post-season, Meier was great in the regular season, too. He nearly doubled his career high in points.
15. Cam Atkinson, Columbus Blue Jackets
Small but deadly, Atkinson faces a challenge without Panarin. Another 41-goal season would do wonders for the Jackets’ offense.
16. Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues
He’s got a Cup ring, though on an individual basis he could’ve done more. There’s always an expectation he’ll reach elite status.
17. Patrik Laine, Winnipeg Jets
His game doesn’t have much dimension to it, but when that dimension involves pounding pucks into the net, a lot is forgiven.
18. Evgenii Dadonov, Florida Panthers
An under-the-radar part of the attack. Excellent his second time around with Florida. He’s good for at least 70 points again.
19. T.J. Oshie, Washington Capitals
Huge in the dressing room for the Caps, Oshie is also pretty good on the ice. A heart-and-soul player who can bang and score.
20. Tom Wilson, Washington Capitals
A young leader in Washington, Wilson is also one of the most intimidating players thanks to his combination of scoring and fighting.
21. Brendan Gallagher, Montreal Canadiens
Tenacious agitator Gallagher is a crucial cog in Montreal’s rebuilding offense. Coming off a career-best 33 goals.
22. William Nylander, Toronto Maple Leafs
A more well-rounded player than he is given credit for. His 2018-19 campaign was tanked by contract issues. Now he can make amends.
23. Clayton Keller, Arizona Coyotes
Endured a sophomore slump but played in his first All-Star Game. Keller is ultra-talented, and the Coyotes need him to produce again.
24. Reilly Smith, Vegas Golden Knights
Underrated by some, Smith just keeps going about his business as a smart, talented, two-way player on an inspiring forward line.
25. Anthony Mantha, Detroit Red Wings
His size and shot are weapons. Now it’s time to make Detroit competitive again. If he can hit 30 goals for the first time, that would help.