Fantasy - NHL Player Rankings: 50-41

This week, we're counting down the top 50 players in fantasy hockey for the 2015-16 regular season.

The 2015-16 NHL season may still be a couple months away, but it is never too early to start preparing for fantasy drafts.

Here's a look at players 41 to 50 to target, with some relevant stats from this past season.

50. Oilers F Connor McDavid, Sabres F Jack Eichel

Where these phenoms rank at the end of the season is anyone's guess, but McDavid and Eichel belong on this list based on their highly touted potential alone.

Billed as "generational talents," it shouldn't be unreasonable to expect high-end fantasy production from both rookies.

Thirty goals and a point per game? Sure, why not.

49. Lightning D Victor Hedman

Were it not for a pair of significant injuries in the past two seasons, Hedman would have likely established himself among the elite at his position.

The 24-year-old certainly had the look of a high-level fantasy defenseman during the Lightning's run to the Stanley Cup Final, and, if healthy, should challenge the career-high 13 goals and 42 assists set in 2013-14.

48. Jets D Dustin Byfuglien

The hulking Jets defenseman was a force last season, and would have eclipsed 50 points for the fourth consecutive full season were it not for a late-season suspension.

Heading into a contract year, expect 20 goals and 50-plus points.

47. Senators F Kyle Turris

Turris broke out over the past two seasons with the Senators, and has the look of a sure-fire No.1 fantasy center.

The 25-year-old is averaging 25 goals without missing a game since the beginning of 2013-14, and, now surrounded by a host of young, capable wingers, is set to ramp up his assist totals.

46. Sharks F Joe Thornton

Like a fine wine, Thornton is ageing well, showing no signs of slowing down.

The Sharks pivot remains one of the game's finest playmakers, and is always a threat to hit 20 goals provided he passes a bit less and shoots a bit more.

45. Red Wings F Henrik Zetterberg

Zetterberg is another veteran who still has plenty to offer. He averaged almost a point per game this past season with star center Pavel Datsyuk out of the lineup for 19 games.

A reunion over an extended period of time should help raise Zetterberg's goal and shot totals even higher.

44. Blue Jackets G Sergei Bobrovsky

The Blue Jackets will enter 2015-16 as one of the league's biggest bounce-back candidates after an injury-plagued season, and having a Vezina Trophy winner in the bank is always a plus.

Bobrovsky's 2014-15 numbers were strong despite missing periods of time with a groin issue, and he should provide great value for those who miss out on bigger names on draft day.

43. Flames D Mark Giordano

Speaking of NHL awards, Giordano has played at a Norris Trophy level early in the past two seasons, only to be sidelined due to injury.

When he's been on the ice, however, he's been one of the most productive defensemen in the league, something that should continue as the Flames' core continues to make positive strides.

42. Kings F Anze Kopitar

Like the Kings as a group, Kopitar had a down 2014-15, but remained a Selke candidate based on his strong two-way play. Of utmost importance in fantasy circles, of course, is points, points, and more points.

In a contract year, expect Kopitar to put them up in bunches and eclipse the 70-point mark once again.

41. Sharks F Logan Couture

This forward's game can only be described as haute Couture.

The 26-year-old center is entering his prime and will be relied upon more in the Sharks' offensive plans. Look for Couture to follow up his career-high 67 points this past season with 30 goals and 70 points.