This article is part of our The Man Advantage series.
Since no team has played more than 11 games, we still need a larger sample size to accurately determine power-play value. However, here are some players who have been particularly prolific with the man advantage so far that could still be available in some leagues.
Cam Atkinson, RW, CLM – Atkinson has quietly scored at least 21 goals in his last three seasons, and last year he put up career-best numbers in goals (27) and points (53). However, he has never had more than 10 power-play points in a single campaign. As such, it's interesting to see Atkinson with five power-play points in a mere eight games. It certainly seems like Atkinson is getting a bigger opportunity with the extra man than he has before, which should continue given how well he's performed so far.
Nazem Kadri, C, TOR – While Kadri hasn't been as potent with the man advantage as his teammate William Nylander, he does have four power-play points in 10 games. Kadri was once one of Toronto's young guns, but the sudden influx of promising youngsters has decreased his offensive role slightly. Still, he's only 26 and had 14 power-play points last year, there's still plenty of room for Kadri in this offense.
Marcus Johansson, C, WAS – Can you guess who leads the Capitals in points? You probably can now, because it would be weird if the answer wasn't "Marcus Johansson." He has 11 points in nine games, four of
Since no team has played more than 11 games, we still need a larger sample size to accurately determine power-play value. However, here are some players who have been particularly prolific with the man advantage so far that could still be available in some leagues.
Cam Atkinson, RW, CLM – Atkinson has quietly scored at least 21 goals in his last three seasons, and last year he put up career-best numbers in goals (27) and points (53). However, he has never had more than 10 power-play points in a single campaign. As such, it's interesting to see Atkinson with five power-play points in a mere eight games. It certainly seems like Atkinson is getting a bigger opportunity with the extra man than he has before, which should continue given how well he's performed so far.
Nazem Kadri, C, TOR – While Kadri hasn't been as potent with the man advantage as his teammate William Nylander, he does have four power-play points in 10 games. Kadri was once one of Toronto's young guns, but the sudden influx of promising youngsters has decreased his offensive role slightly. Still, he's only 26 and had 14 power-play points last year, there's still plenty of room for Kadri in this offense.
Marcus Johansson, C, WAS – Can you guess who leads the Capitals in points? You probably can now, because it would be weird if the answer wasn't "Marcus Johansson." He has 11 points in nine games, four of which have come on the power play. While he's not as big of a name as Alex Ovechkin or Nicklas Backstrom, Johansson has at least 14 power-play points in his last three seasons. He can definitely help your team glean power-play points, but this year it seems like he may be able to help out elsewhere too.
Frans Nielsen, C, DET – With Pavel Datsyuk gone and Henrik Zetterberg no longer able to shoulder the load he once could, Nielsen finds himself as Detroit's top center in his first year with the club. All four of Nielsen's assists have come on the power play, and he had at least 18 power-play points in his last three seasons with the Islanders.
Mark Streit, D, PHI – Speaking of former Islanders, Streit has been an offensive force for much of his career. Yes, he's 38 now, but it was only two seasons ago he racked up 30 power-play points. He has four so far, and he's playing well to start the season with and without the extra man, so perhaps there's still some life left in him.
Zach Werenski, D, CLM – Werenski is perhaps the most exciting, promising young defensemen in the NHL. The 19-year-old rookie has eight points in eight games, with four points coming on the power play. He's taken 24 shots on goal, so clearly he is getting involved offensively, and he's averaging more than two minutes per game with the extra man. If for some reason the youngster is still available, do whatever it takes to go get him.
