NHL Power Rankings: Top 10 Metropolitan Division Wings

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Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The Metropolitan Division has some of the best left wings in the NHL. Who are the top ten wings in the competitive division?

The Eastern Conference is the home for some extremely talented NHL players. We’ve already taken a look at the centers and the defensemen. This week, we take a look at the best wings in the Metropolitan Division. They are often overlooked and forgotten because the Western Conference is generally considered to be better than the Eastern Conference. However, their resumes speak for themselves. Feel free to overlook them. They like it that way.

NHL Power Rankings: #10

Starting off our list at number ten on our list of the best Metropolitan Division wings is Columbus Blue Jackets forward Nick Foligno. Foligno is coming off a breakout season in 2014-2015. He was rewarded for it by becoming the first Blue Jackets captain since Rick Nash was traded to the New York Rangers.

Foligno set career highs in goals (31), assists (42), points (73), even strength goals (19), and even strength points (41) during his breakout season. His 17.0% shooting percentage could be due for some regression. It’s worth noting that his shooting percentage in 2013-2014 was 16.2%. That’ll definitely be something to keep an eye on this season. His shot rate differential chart (on the left) gives a pretty obvious reason why his shooting percentage has been really good. He’s been taking a ton of shots from around the crease. That’s probably the most efficient way to guarantee a high shooting percentage.

CREDIT: War-on-ice

Foligno’s production has always been a bit inconsistent. However, he is known as being a player who makes his team noticeably better when he’s on the ice. His possession stats confirm that theory.

2nd in High Danger Scoring Chances For Percentage Relative (HSCF% Relative) – 7.58%
7th in Scoring Chances For Percentage Relative (SCF% Relative) – 5.31%
16th in Corsi For Percentage Relative (CF% Relative) – 2.18%
5th in Fenwick For Percentage Relative (FF% Relative) – 3.16%

Foligno has one major flaw. He doesn’t shoot the puck enough. This flaw is somewhat masked because so many of his shots come from near the crease. However, imagine if he took more shots around the crease? That would likely lead to even more goals.

Honorable mentions:

Mats Zuccarello of the Rangers did not qualify for this list because he didn’t have at least 1500 minutes at even strength. Martin St. Louis‘s retirement gives Mats a free pass to either the first or second forward line (which is where he should have been to begin with).
Patric Hornqvist barely misses the list. With another strong year (likely since he’ll be playing alongside either Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin), he should be on this list next season.
Jeff Skinner is absolutely one of the ten most talented wings in the Metropolitan Division. One could argue he’s top five. Thanks to injuries, his talent hasn’t been showing too much as of late. I expect that to change.
Scott Hartnell is on the wrong side of 30. The Blue Jackets needed him to play a lot last season and fatigue settled in. He’s still a very efficient power play option, though.
Wayne Simmonds of the Flyers is the definition of “power play specialist”. His even strength numbers don’t blow you away, but he’s a huge part of the Flyers power play. He’s signed to a pretty cheap contract as well.

Next: No Sleep Til Brooklyn

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Power Rankings: #9

Coming in at number nine on our list of the top 10 Metropolitan Division wings is Kyle Okposo of the New York Islanders. Okposo is a bit underrated, but he’s a very good forward. Part of the reason why he’s underrated is because he has been injured in each of the past two seasons.

Okposo ranks 19th over the past three seasons in even strength points per 60 minutes (2.21). He is ninth in the NHL over the past three seasons in even strength assists per 60 minutes (1.45). He is an excellent passer who complements his most common linemate John Tavares.

He isn’t much of a possession forward, but his productivity tends to make up for that. He tends not to negatively affect his team too much while he’s on the ice. His even strength goals for percentage is 3.62% (30th among Eastern Conference forwards). He’ll be a free agent after this season. With a strong season, he could get himself a large contract in free agency.

Next: Kneel Before Saad

Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Power Rankings: #8

Coming in on our list of the 10 best NHL wings in the Metropolitan Division is Brandon Saad of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets traded for the two-time Stanley Cup forward back in June. They made a huge splash and its ripples should be felt across the NHL for years to come as Saad joins an already impressive forward core.

During the regular season, Saad has been fairly productive.

7th in even strength goals per 60 minutes (0.88)
6th in even strength assists per 60 minutes (1.15)
6th in even strength points per 60 minutes (2.03)

During the postseason, Saad has been impressive. In 67 playoff games, he has 34 points (15 goals and 19 assists). He brings some much-needed playoff experience to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Columbus had been in the playoffs as many times as Saad has won the Stanley Cup (twice).

Saad has impressive possession stats once you take into consideration that Chicago has been an outstanding possession team in each of the past three seasons.

11th in HSCF% Relative (3.89%)
8th in SCF% Relative (4.59%)
18th in CF% Relative (1.89%)
16th in FF% Relative (1.97%)

The reason Saad isn’t higher on this list? Saad’s success came alongside such players as Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Patrick Sharp, and Marian Hossa. Four of those five players will likely be Hall of Famers once they retire. That’s not to say that Foligno and Ryan Johansen are bums. They just aren’t elite players like them.

Saad’s standing on this list depends on how well he does with the Blue Jackets. If he can help take them to the next level, he could jump up on this list very quickly.

Next: Mr. Game 7

Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Power Ranking: #7

It’s quite fitting that number seven on our list of the best wings in the Metropolitan Division is three-time Stanley Cup champion Justin Williams. The Capitals signed Williams to a two-year deal and they’re hoping that he can help them get over their games seven demons.

Williams has been a decent producer during the regular season. However, I think it’s relevant to consider how outstanding he’s been in the postseason. These rankings include playoff games.

13th in even strength goals per 60 minutes (0.79)
11th in even strength assists per 60 minutes (1.12)
11th in even strength points per 60 minutes (1.91)

Williams’s value does not come from the score sheet. He’s an outstanding possession player who should help the Capitals be an even better possession team.

4th in HSCF% Relative (7.09%)
5th in SCF% Relative (6.27%)
6th in CF% Relative (5.37%)
2nd in FenClose% Relative (5.98%)

Williams should be a nice piece to the Capitals Stanley Cup puzzle.

Next: A Sochi Hero

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Power Rankings: #6

Coming in at number six is new Capitals forward T.J. Oshie. Like Williams and Saad, Oshie is a transplant from the Western Conference after the Caps traded for him. With Oshie, the Caps have a permanent solution at first-line right wing. The Caps have looked far and wide for an everyday first-line right wing ever since Mike Knuble retired.

His production numbers are better than most people would expect.

6th in even strength points per 60 minutes (1.99)
4th in even strength assists per 60 minutes (1.30)

He’s not much of a goal scorer. Then again, considering he’s going to likely be playing alongside Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, does he really need to be one? Oshie is a well-balanced playmaker that should help the Caps generate more scoring chances. His passing numbers suggest that he’s an extremely good passer. He’s an above average goal scorer. 20+ goals is a reasonable expectation for him in 2015.

He should play an important role on the Capitals power play. If he finds a regular spot on the first powerplay unit, perhaps even 30 goals is a realistic possibility.

Next: Number Five

Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Power Rankings: #5

Coming in at number five on our list is Chris Kunitz of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kunitz gets a bad reputation because he spends a lot of time playing with Sidney Crosby. Playing with Crosby is a great way to inflate your numbers because Crosby has the tendency to make players look better than they actually are.

That said, Kunitz has developed impressive chemistry with Crosby. Though I would still call Kunitz a “passenger” since Crosby’s clearly in the driver’s seat on the first forward line, Kunitz is at worst a very efficient passenger. The type of passenger who has good taste in music and gives you good conversation while you’re driving. Maybe he hands you a coffee or a Red Bull if you’re getting tired.

Kunitz has been remarkably consistent over the past three seasons.

7th in even strength goals per 60 minutes (0.86)
4th in even strength assists per 60 minutes (1.25)
5th in even strength points per 60 minutes (2.11)
3rd in power play goals per 60 minutes (2.57)
4th in on-ice power plays goals for per 60 minutes (9.68)

His possession numbers have also been impressive.

3rd in HSCF% Relative (7.36%)
4th in SCF% Relative (6.28%)
4th in CF% Relative (5.97%)
2nd in FenClose% Relative (5.01%)

We can argue all day about whether or not Kunitz is a product of Crosby. I’d lean towards “yes”. There is something to be said for having consistent success with him. To be fair, Crosby can pass Kunitz the puck, but Crosby can’t make Kunitz score goals. Can’t we all just agree that Kunitz is really good at hockey?

Next: #4: Better Czech Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Power Rankings: #4

Coming in at number four on our list of the best wings in the Metropolitan Division is one of the best passers in the NHL: Jakub Voracek. Until last season, Voracek was constantly overlooked thanks to Claude Giroux. Voracek came into his own last season and now he’s no longer overlooked. Voracek finished second in the NHL with 59 assists. He’s quickly approaching the elite as far as NHL wings go.

His 0.72 even strength goals per 60 minutes over the past three seasons isn’t outstanding. Voracek isn’t a goal scorer. What he does so much better than virtually any wing in the NHL is pass the puck. His linemate Michael Raffl ranks sixth in even-strength goals per 60 minutes (0.87). Want to know why he does? Voracek. Below is a chart that represents the value of his passes. In Lou We Trust did a great job tracking passes this season.

CREDIT: In Lou We Trust

Voracek is outstanding in every category. He ranks above the 80th percentile in every stat except entry assists/60 (which he’s just below the 80th percentile in). People tend to look for wings to have goals. Voracek is an example of how wings can be valuable without scoring tons of goals. If they make their linemates better, they can still be extremely valuable.

Voracek’s 1.42 even-strength assists per 60 minutes over the past three NHL seasons is second among Metropolitan Division wings. Voracek really stands out on the power play. The Flyers have always had a great power play. Voracek is a huge reason why.

10th in power plays goals per 60 minutes (2.16)
2nd in power play assists per 60 minutes (3.82)
2nd in power play points per 60 minutes (5.98)

Voracek also has impressive possession numbers. The Flyers are a much better team when Voracek is on the ice.

5th in HSCF% Relative (6.25%)
1st in SCF% Relative (7.07%)
1st in CF% Relative (7.08%)
1st in FenClose% Relative (6.13%)

Voracek is on the cusp of being an elite forward. He’ll have to overcome one of three epic goal scorers in the Metropolitan Division to be considered a top three wing in the Metropolitan Division.

Next: Phil The Thrill

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Power Rankings: #3

Coming in at number three on our list of the best Metropolitan Division wings is yet another newcomer. The Pittsburgh Penguins made the biggest splash of the offseason when they traded for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel. Kessel was severely underutilized in Toronto. He was expected to be the star in Toronto. Kessel is one of those guys who can’t be the best player on your team. Pittsburgh is a perfect fit for him because they have Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Kessel has never played with an elite center for an extended period of time during his career. That’s going to change next season regardless of who his center is. Kessel scored goals with Tyler Bozak. Imagine what he can do with an elite center.

Kessel’s possession stats are awful because he was so poorly utilized in Toronto. That should change in Pittsburgh. I’m willing to give Kessel’s dreadful possession stats a pass because he stuffs the score sheet like few can.

3rd in even-strength goals per 60 minutes (1.03)
7th in even-strength assists per 60 minutes (1.14)
4th in even-strength points per 60 minutes (2.17)
2nd in power play assists per 60 minutes (3.72)
4th in power play points per 60 minutes (5.45)

Toronto is dreadfully bad at possession, so it’s impressive that Kessel was able to produce at such a high level. Playing with Crosby and/or Malkin should help those numbers rise even higher. He has questions about his defense that he must answer. Will his defense improve playing alongside better players? Or will he still be a liability on defense? Only time will tell.

Next: Crosby Stills and Nash

Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Power Rankings: #2

Coming in at number two on our list of the best Metropolitan Division wings is New York Rangers forward Rick Nash. Nash tends to attract a lot of hate because of his inability to show up in the postseason. However, even at his worst, he’s still an excellent two-way forward. He’s paid to score goals, but his two-way play is extremely valuable and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Nash is arguably the most efficient wing in the division at even strength. That’s pretty important considering that games are played primarily at even strength.

1st in even-strength goals per 60 minutes (1.52)
1st in even-strength points per 60 minutes (2.49)

Nash doesn’t contribute much on the Rangers power play. That’s more of an indictment of New York’s power play than it is of Nash. Nash’s possession stats are quite impressive. He is positive in every possession stat and generally makes his team better when he’s on the ice.

So who’s number one? It should be fairly obvious.

Next: Who's #1?

Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Power Rankings: #1

It should come as no surprise that Alex Ovechkin is the best wing in the Metropolitan Division. Let’s put some perspective into his dominance.

Ovechkin has won the Rocket Richard Trophy (most goals) five times in his career. The only other person on this list to win the award? Nash won it back in 2003-2004 (split it with Jarome Iginla and Ilya Kovalchuk).
He has 216 points since the beginning of the 2012-2013 season. The next closest wing? Voracek (189).
He has scored 136 goals over the past three seasons. The next closest on this list? Rick Nash (89).
Despite what people say, his defense isn’t terrible. He has always been a positive possession player by a pretty wide margin.

Ovechkin’s job is to score goals. He does it better than everyone else. It’s comical how much better he is at scoring goals than everyone else. He gets the criticism of not getting enough assists. However, assists are not as valuable as goals. There would be a Wayne Gretzky award given to the guy who gets the most assists each season if assists were as meaningful as goals.

Ovechkin’s cemented at the top of this list. If someone else wants to be the best wing in the Metropolitan Division, they’ll have to outperform Ovechkin. Good luck doing that.

Next: NHL Power Rankings

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