The 2023-24 season is rapidly approaching, which means it is time for fantasy hockey. Picking your fantasy hockey roster can be challenging, and this is especially so when choosing between stars. When it comes to wingers, two notable names who stand out are David Pastrnak (Boston Bruins) and Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers). Both players are superstars, yes, but which is better for your fantasy hockey roster? Let’s dive into that now.
Pastrnak vs. Panarin In 2023 Fantasy Hockey
The Case for Pastrnak
David Pastrnak is coming off the best season of his excellent career. In 82 games, the Bruins superstar winger had 62 goals, 52 assists, and 113 points – all new career-highs. He completely blew past his previous career-highs of 48 goals, 47 assists, and 95 points. He has taken his game up to another level and will be looking to replicate it in 2023-24.
Even if Pastrnak’s numbers drop off a bit from last season’s totals, he will still be a very valuable addition to your fantasy hockey team. At a minimum, he is a consistent 40-goal and 90-point threat. Having that kind of offensive production on your fantasy hockey roster is extremely beneficial.
With the Bruins losing so many players this summer, Pastrnak is also set to have a bigger leadership role. This rise in responsibility will lead to even more playing time, so expect big things from No. 88 this season.
The Case for Panarin
While Pastrnak is an elite sniper, Panarin is an elite playmaker. The 31-year-old winger is coming off another spectacular season, posting 29 goals, 63 assists, and 92 points. Although he did not have the same offensive numbers as Pastrnak, it was the second season in a row that he had at least 90 points.
Panarin is the model of regular-season consistency in the NHL. Over the last six seasons, he has been an over-a-point-per-game player, and he was just under one in his first two NHL campaigns. With that, he has had over 90 points in three out of the last four seasons. In 2020-21, he had 58 points in just 42 games, so he would have easily hit 90 then if it was a full season, too. Meanwhile, besides his remarkable 2022-23 season, Pastrnak has only hit at least 90 points one other time in his career.
Ultimately, Panarin is a player to select if you value consistency. He will always be a 90-point threat and has zero trouble producing more than a point per game.
You Get a True Star In Either Player
Overall, Pastrnak and Panarin are both must-haves for your fantasy hockey team. Because goals are extremely valued, many may lean more toward Pastrnak, especially after his 61-goal season. However, Panarin’s elite playmaking ability allows him to be one of the NHL’s top point-producers each and every season.
In the end, it all comes down to your preference. If you want one of the game’s top snipers, Pastrnak should be on your radar. However, if you value point-per-game players, Panarin warrants real consideration. We will now need to wait and see how these two players perform from here. It would not be surprising if they are among the NHL’s leading point producers yet again.
Looking for more great fantasy hockey analysis? Check out our 2023 Fantasy Hockey Draft Kit for team previews, rankings, and all the sleepers you can shake a stick at.