Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Penguins have always been known for their amazing centers and their ability to put the puck in the back of the net.
However, in recent seasons defenseman Kris Letang has become one of the premier offensive-minded defenders, and has constantly made plays for the Penguins. He has also become an amazing fantasy hockey asset and should be on top of everyone’s draft day cheat sheets.
In just 51 games last year, Letang racked up an unbelievable 42 points from the backline. He scored 10 goals and assisted on 32 more. While his 40-plus points was amazing for a fantasy defender, Letang averaged almost a point per game from behind the blue line, and has truly matured into one of the best fantasy defenders in the NHL.
Letang will have an even bigger season in 2013, as he will be heavily featured in the team’s specialty lines. He will be a power play monster this season, as head coach Dan Bylsma said that Letang would be the only defender used in power play situations. This gives him a distinct advantage in the fantasy world, because it will only allow him to put up more points on the power play for fantasy owners as well.
The 25-year-old is the future of fantasy defensemen. He can score, he can distribute the puck, and more importantly, he is always on the ice for the Pens. Most defenders only add points once in awhile for fantasy owners, but the sport now offers a half dozen athletic defenders who can contribute on a nightly basis.
Letang will be a top-five fantasy hockey defenseman and the kid will be a reliable starting defender all year long. Draft him in the first three rounds and don’t think twice about it, because he will finish as one of the best defenders in all of fantasy.
