Sean Allen presents a fantasy hockey forward tier list, using an airport boarding analogy to explain the concept. Tiers group players of similar value, reducing draft-day panic. The tiers are based on his projections, blending three-year averages, comparable player data, and manual adjustments.

Tier 1 includes Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Macklin Celebrini, and Nikita Kucherov, all projected above 221 points. Allen argues these four are the only correct top-four picks, surpassing defensemen and goalies.

Tier 2 features players like Nick Suzuki, Matt Boldy, Wyatt Johnston, and Martin Necas, with Auston Matthews, Leon Draisaitl, and Jason Robertson noted as potential risers. The tier is defined by their exclusion from Tier 1 but remains safe for early picks.

The list is based on ESPN standard scoring, with projected points listed for each player. Allen emphasizes that these are his personal rankings, not official ESPN rankings.