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