Ranking the top-10 wingers in the Metro Division

Jesper Bratt moved up the list following a 73-point campaign. How high did he reach?

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Every year I like to go position-by-position and rank the top-10 players in the Metro Division.

I started the mini-series on Monday, looking at the best centers in the Metro. Up next are the wingers.

1. Johnny Gaudreau

Look away, friends. Top spot goes to the Metro Division’s newest star; one the Devils failed to lure to New Jersey.

Gaudreau is coming off the best season of his career. He netted 40 goals for the first time, recorded 115 points, posted very strong on-ice metrics, and led the entire league – by far – in even-strength production.

While Gaudreau reached new heights this past season, this ranking is by no means fuelled by recency bias. His body of work over the last three years is remarkably good.

From 2019-22, Gaudreau posted a 53.37 CF%, 54.65 xGF%, and ridiculous +63 goal differential at 5v5.

His raw numbers were equally as impressive. Gaudreau slotted 7th in 5v5 points and recorded more primary assists than all but Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon.

Evolving-Hockey had Gaudreau worth 45.7 Goals Above Replacement during that period, which ranks 1st among all forwards currently playing for Metro Division teams.

At 29 it’s probably fair to say we have seen the best from Gaudreau, however, the dynamic offensive winger has plenty of gas left in the tank and should remain one of the game’s elite forwards for at least a few more seasons.

2. Artemi Panarin