Alex DeBrincat

DeBrincat struggled mightily during his third season in 2019-20, mustering just 18 goals in 70 games after scoring 41 during the 2018-19 campaign. His eight even-strength goals ranked outside the top 200, and his 8.7 shooting percentage ranked 149th out of 156 forwards who scored at least 15 goals. It feels like a blip on the radar considering how well DeBrincat's career started, and his team-leading 10 power-play goals suggest his struggles can be at least partially attributed to a spell of bad luck, rather than a lack of talent. A strong bounce-back season in 2020-21 is likely for such a gifted finisher, but he needs a strong playmaking center to feed him the puck, meaning his offensive production will depend on who he gets to play with. Only 17 players scored more than 30 goals last season; if all goes well for DeBrincat, he could find himself back in their company once again during the upcoming campaign. He'll be a great value pick should he drop to the lower rounds due to his tremendous goal-scoring upside.

DeBrincat has quickly established himself as one of the NHL's most lethal goal scorers. During his sophomore campaign in 2018-19, the 5-foot-7 American established a new career high with 41 scores in 82 games, which left him in a tie with six other players for sixth most in the NHL at the conclusion of the campaign. The 2016 second-round pick wasn't just a one-trick pony, either, racking up 35 helpers en route to a total of 76 points on the season - narrowly missing the point-per-game mark. There's no reason to believe that DeBrincat will take a step back in 2019-20, and although it'd be unwise for fantasy owners to draft him with the expectation that he'll eclipse the 40-goal threshold for a second straight campaign, it would hardly be surprising to see him eclipse 80 points for the first time in his career while firing 220-plus shots on net. DeBrincat is a rising star in the NHL, and should remain an elite fantasy option for years to come.

DeBrincat was one of the lone bright spots for the Blackhawks in 2017-18, as he was able to lead the team in goals (28) as a rookie while totaling 52 points in 82 contests. The 20-year-old winger's diminutive frame clearly wasn't an issue, and it's safe to assume he'll only continue to improve during his sophomore season in 2018-19. The 2016 second-round (39th overall) pick will likely spend most of his time skating with Patrick Kane and Nick Schmaltz on Chicago's second line at full strength while also logging significant time on the man advantage as a member of the top power-pay unit. DeBrincat could easily top the 30-goal and 60-point marks this season, making him a desirable asset in all fantasy formats.

DeBrincat has put up absurd numbers in major junior over the past three seasons, racking up 332 points (167 goals, 165 assists) in 191 games. Many attributed his high level of production during his rookie season in the OHL -- 104 points in 68 games -- to his elite linemate Connor McDavid, but he answered those critics by racking up 228 points over his next two seasons with the Erie Otters. The 2016 second-round pick is only 5-foot-7, so it was believed he would likely spend the majority of the 2017-18 campaign growing accustomed to the physical rigors of the AHL before making the jump to the big club, but he's spent most of Chicago's training camp skating with Patrick Kane and Nick Schmaltz on the club's second line, indicating he'll likely start this season in a top-six role with the Blackhawks. If that comes to fruition, DeBrincat will suddenly become a highly intriguing option in redraft leagues, and a must-own player in dynasty formats. The pint-sized American could be in for a highly productive rookie campaign.