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With the end of the NHL season drawing to a close, it's time to hand out some end of season awards. theScore's fantasy department wants YOU, the readers and fantasy players, to vote and decide the winner of each award. When voting, value players relative to standard league scoring:
| Skaters | Goalies |
|---|---|
| Goals | Wins |
| Assists | SV% |
| +/- | GAA |
| PPP | Shutouts |
| PIMs | |
| SOG |
Criteria: The Fantasy MVP should be awarded to the player who was the most valuable fantasy player during the 2016-17 season. Consistent season-long production and positional eligibility/scarcity should be factored in. Bonus points should be given to a player if he stepped up his play during the fantasy playoffs.
Nominee: C Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
| G | A | +/- | PPP | PIM | SOG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | 45 | 17 | 25 | 24 | 255 |
The case: Over the course of Crosby's career, he has been more of a pass-first type of player. This year he is shooting the puck more and it has led to his highest goal total since 2009-10. This goal-scoring has made Crosby even more valuable in fantasy circles, as goals are harder to come by than assists. The only knocks on Crosby are his lone C eligibility and the fact he missed six games during the fantasy season.
Nominee: C Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
| G | A | +/- | PPP | PIM | SOG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 70 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 251 |
The case: Unlike Crosby, McDavid didn't miss a game all season long. He too, has only center eligibility, which dampers his value ever so slightly. He has collected more points than anyone in the league this season, albeit coming with assists more often than not. Nonetheless, his consistent production has been incredible.
Nominee: D Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks
| G | A | +/- | PPP | PIM | SOG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 47 | 19 | 25 | 40 | 320 |
The case: Burns provided fantasy owners with elite forward-like production from a position of scarce point producers. This would have allowed Burns owners to address the deep forward position later in drafts. He, amazingly, led the NHL in shots on goal, though he faded slightly down the stretch.
(Photos courtesy Action Images)
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