The Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs are two of the NHL’s Original Six franchises, and both are now rebounding from decades of futility.

Before 2010, Chicago had won only three Stanley Cups despite being around since the 1926-27 season. It has now been crowned champions twice in the past four seasons.

Toronto, still Cup-less since 1967 (sorry Leafs fans), made the playoffs in 2013 for the first time since 2004, breaking the longest-running playoff drought in hockey. It appears as if it will continue to improve after a productive offseason and a good amount of young talent.

It goes without saying, neither of these two teams would be where they are now without their top offensive performers.

Patrick Kane played a huge role in both of Chicago’s Stanley Cup titles. In 2010, he scored the iconic Cup-clinching overtime goal in Game Six to give the Windy City it’s first Stanley Cup since 1961.

In 2013, Kane led the team to another Stanley Cup, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP.

Toronto’s playoff drought ended thanks in part to the man that has led the Leafs in scoring the past four seasons: Phil Kessel.

While Kane and Kessel are both very viable fantasy options, Kane stands out for a reason.

Kane had arguably the best season of his career in 2013, and the kid known for beating up a cab driver and partying in Wisconsin frat houses has proven that he has come a long ways in a short time in terms of maturity.

Kane can be thrown out there with anyone in hockey and he will still be a top points-producer. What’s remarkable is that not only is he an elite scorer, but so are his teammates.

When Patrick Kane hits the ice, so will names like Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, and Marian Hossa.

If Kane’s own abilities weren’t enough to bolster his numbers, his supporting cast puts him over the top.

Kessel is still one of the best offensive players in hockey and can definitely be expected to lead the Maple Leafs in scoring for a fifth consecutive year.

He is still a very good choice for your fantasy team, but the fact that he isn’t playing next to All-Stars every shift knocks his fantasy value down a little lower than Kane’s.

Even though Phil Kessel is a solid player and a good pickup in the early-to-middle rounds of your fantasy draft, Patrick Kane should be chosen in front of him if they are both available.