There are so many talented right wingers in the NHL, but here are the top five in my opinion:
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Phil Kessel - I know this may surprise some people in ranking him over the likes of Marian Gaborik, Jerome Iginla, Daniel Alfredsson or Marian Hossa. The reason why I am high on Kessel is that he is the most upside being 23 years old. Kessel scored 30 goals in 70 games with little help around him last season. He also had a full off season to work on his strength and conditioning which he has not enjoyed in previous seasons due to illness or recovering from surgery. So far Kessel looks stronger and faster. Kessel has one of the games quickest shot releases, possesses a hard shot and high end skating ability. Kessel has an improved supporting cast around him, which will make his life on the ice easier which should result in higher production. If the Leafs are going to succeed they will need Kessel to put up big numbers and be their go to guy.
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Corey Perry - Perry may not be the prettiest player to watch but he possesses a frame that allows him to dominate in tight areas and in right front of net where it can get ugly. Perry is a
frustrating player to play against since he plays on the edge, will constantly test his boundaries and can wear down other team’s defenders. What makes Perry dangerous is that there a few players that are willing to play his style of game and he is a perfect fit to play alongside Ryan Getzlaf. Perry should continue to produce and will be regarded as one of the best power forwards in the NHL.
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Alexander Semin- Semin is one of the games most creative players. Semin has soft hands and a quick wrist shot. Semin has produced some nice numbers and will continue to produce those numbers especially that he is in contract year. The big questions surrounding Semin is that will he be able to improve his defensive game and will he show up to play in the playoffs. If Semin can improve on the questions surrounding him, he could potentially be the best on this list and will likely be rewarded with a rich contract to a destination of his choosing.
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Martin St. Louis - Don’t let St. Louis’ size fool you, he plays bigger than his posted size . St. Louis skill set is ideal for playing alongside emerging superstar Steven Stamkos. St. Louis is a creative
playmaker and offers plenty of versatility. The only thing that causes some concern for the guy they call Mighty Mouse is that you wonder when age could catch up to him.
1) Patrick Kane - Patrick Kane is one of most exciting players to see play the game. The 21 year old Kane has a sense for the game that allows him to make the players around him better and plays with swagger that rubs off on his teammates. Although Kane has some holes in his games, he is extremely good at what he does and will continue improve which is downright scary to say.
Honourable mention: Marian Hossa, Marian Gaborik, Daniel Alfredsson, Jerome Iginla, Bobby Ryan.