Jake Guentzel

Guentzel is a first-line, goal-scoring winger who thinks the game at the same speed as linemate and future Hall-of-Famer Sidney Crosby. And two seasons ago, that netted Guentzel 40 goals and 76 points. Last season, he missed significant time with a major shoulder injury, but he should be ready to roll come January. He will play a big role on the Pens' top power-play unit and alongside Sid the Kid at even strength. Guentzel is set to deliver the best point-per-game rate of his career.

It was yet another banner year for Guentzel in 2018-19, as he set career highs in goals (40), assists (36) and shots (227) while posting a plus-13 rating in 82 games. The tenacious winger has improved every year since making his NHL debut in 2016-17, and has cemented his role skating on Sidney Crosby's wing on the Penguins' top line over the past two seasons. The one knock on the youngster's game has been a lack of productivity on the power play, however, it appears that could be at an end now that Phil Kessel is no longer in the picture. With a spot now open on the No. 1 power-play unit, Guentzel figures to see himself bumped up to the top group in 2019-20. The additional ice time and opportunity that will come with that role could help Guentzel surpass the 80-point mark for the first time in his career this season, making him an elite fantasy option in all formats.

Guentzel set career highs in goals (22), assists (26) and shots on goal (171) in 2017-18 -- his second year but first full campaign. While he's only 5-foot-11 and 167 pounds, the speedy winger is not afraid to throw his body around, as he dished out 142 hits last year. After trying out many different combinations, Pittsburgh may have finally found a long-term winger for Sidney Crosby in “Jake N Bake,” who provides a solid scoring touch, high-end skating ability and a strong hockey IQ. If he remains locked in on the top line, there is little doubt the 22-year-old will set another round of career bests this upcoming season.

After tallying 33 points in 40 regular-season games and following that up with a rookie-record 21 in 25 playoff contests, Guentzel is a near lock to join the ever-prolific Sidney Crosby on the Penguins’ top line to start the 2017-18 campaign. A natural center, the 22-year-old’s meteoric ascension could cause many a fantasy owner to overreach, but the savvier types know that he’s facing a limited role on the man advantage and his 19.8 shooting percentage from last year is not sustainable. While the speedy pivot starred in the AHL and doesn't seem like a candidate for a sophomore slump, breaking the bank on a player with less than a full season’s worth of NHL experience might not be the best course of action -- even with Crosby at his side.

The Penguins snagged Guentzel in the third-round pick of the 2013 draft. At 5-foot-9, 153 pounds, the smallish centerman will need to prove himself every step of the way. The 19-year-old scored 29 goals and 73 points in 60 games for Sioux City of the USHL last year. Guentzel is likely several seasons away from fighting for a roster spot.