We’re now less than one week away from puck drop of the 2021 NHL season. Training camps are underway and players are eager to get back on the ice. For all of you fantasy hockey enthusiasts out there, here are some top picks and a couple of sleepers from the new Central Division.

Central Division Top Picks

Steven Stamkos- C, Tampa Bay Lightning

At this point in his career, there isn’t too much one can say about Steven Stamkos that hasn’t been said already. Despite a 2019-20 season thrown off by injuries, the Lightning captain still managed to tally 66 points in 57 games. About to turn 31, the seven-time All-Star is still very much in the prime of his hockey career. Stamkos is the focal point of Tampa’s offense when in the lineup. The Lightning will be leaning on his scoring abilities even more in 2021 with former Hart Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov out for the regular season. Stamkos should be at the top of any fantasy manager’s list when looking at players in the Central.

Sebastian Aho- LW, Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina’s offensive duo of Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov are both standout wingers primed for solid fantasy seasons. However, Aho has four seasons of NHL experience under his belt as opposed to Svechnikov’s two. This means his fantasy value should be just slightly higher. Aho finished 2020 sixth in the NHL in goals scored with 38. He’s continuing to solidify his position as Carolina’s star at just 23 years old. Despite sharing the spotlight with Svechnikov, expect Aho to be swept up in the second or third round at the latest in any fantasy draft.

Andrei Vasilevskiy- G, Tampa Bay Lightning

A Vezina Trophy finalist in each of the last three seasons, Tampa’s net-minder could most likely be the first goalie taken in fantasy drafts. Vasilevskiy led the NHL in wins in 2020 with 35. His .917 SV% in 2020 was the second-lowest of his career, but that shouldn’t deter fantasy managers at all. The only goalie ranked in the top ten of CBS Sports’ top 100 fantasy hockey players, Andrei Vasilveskiy is as dependable as they come in the net.

Fantasy Sleepers

Filip Hronek- D, Detroit Red Wings

In 2021, Detroit is expected to not only be one of the worst teams in the Central but in all the NHL. However, that doesn’t mean nobody on the roster carries any fantasy value. Filip Hronek might be the most promising young defender on this year’s Wings roster. 31 points in 65 games last season isn’t glamorous. Despite that, it seems as if Hronek is primed for a more prominent role on Detroit’s blue line. A breakout season could be on the horizon with the 23-year-old expected to be heavily involved in the Wings’ powerplay.

Oliver Bjorkstrand- RW, Columbus Blue Jackets

With 36 points in 49 games, Oliver Bjorkstrand was finally hitting his stride in the NHL before injuries cut his 2020 season short. Looking to keep that momentum going, Bjorkstrand should find himself among Columbus’ top offensive options. He’ll be flying under the radar in lots of fantasy leagues. If he’s there in the late rounds, take a chance on the 25-year-old. If he builds on last season’s productions, it could be well worth it.

Anton Khudobin- G, Dallas Stars

I’m not sure if he’s really a sleeper, but let’s talk about Anton Khudobin anyway. Ben Bishop is the more attractive name of the Stars’ goaltending duo. However, Khudobin will be the go-to man in net with Bishop expected to miss a decent chunk of time to start the season. The 34-year-old won 26 games last season and was the primary net-minder for Dallas’ Stanley Cup Finals run after Bishop’s injury. His fantasy value could come into question once Bishop is ready to return. Despite that, count on him as a solid goalie option for at least the first 1-2 months of the season.

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