The Ultimate Guide to Drafting the Best Fantasy Hockey Team

Are you a die-hard fantasy hockey fan looking to draft the ultimate winning team this year? Look no further! This guide will provide you with everything you need to know in order to create a powerhouse team that dominates the ice.

From understanding player statistics and NHL scheduling patterns, to selecting the perfect balance of forwards, defensemen, and goalies, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out in the world of fantasy hockey, our expert tips and strategies will help give your team an edge over the competition.

“Fantasy sports are more than just games; they are platforms for connecting with friends and family, bonding over shared interests, and practicing essential strategic thinking skills. ” – Mike Sheetz

So strap on your skates, grab your favorite team’s jersey and let’s get started drafting the best fantasy hockey team yet!

Understanding the Scoring System

The scoring system in fantasy hockey can be quite complex, but it is essential to understand how points are awarded if you want to make wise drafting decisions. In most leagues, players earn points for several categories, including goals, assists, plus/minus ratings, power-play points, shots on goal, penalty minutes and faceoffs won.

When evaluating players for your team, it’s important to look beyond just their overall point totals from the previous season. For example, a player who scored a lot of his points on the power play may not be as valuable as another player with fewer total points but better all-around stats.

“Drafting strategy should take into account both current performance and potential future output. “

In addition to individual statistics, team dynamics also play an important role in determining which players are worth drafting. A skilled centerman may not score many points if he doesn’t have quality wingers to pass the puck to or if his team has poor offensive chemistry.

This is where doing research prior to your draft becomes crucial. Look up player projections and read expert opinions on which skaters are poised for breakout seasons or likely to see dips in production based on their team situations or historical trends.

In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of fantasy hockey’s scoring system requires careful attention to detail and thorough analysis of both individual and team factors. Drafting strategy should take into account both current performance and potential future output – by following these principles when making roster decisions, you’ll give yourself a competitive edge over your opponents come game time.

Points per game

In fantasy hockey, it’s important to draft players who are consistently scoring points for their team. One way to measure this is by looking at a player’s points per game (PPG) statistic. PPG calculates the average number of points that a player scores in each game they play.

When considering which player to draft based on PPG, there are a few factors to keep in mind:

“It’s not always about drafting the highest-scoring players; consistency is key, ” said fantasy hockey expert John Smithson. “You want someone who can put up points on a regular basis. “

For example, Player A may have scored 50 total points over 60 games, giving them an average PPG of. 83. Player B may have scored 40 total points over only 45 games, resulting in an impressive PPG of. 89. In this case, it would be wise to consider drafting Player B as they have proven themselves capable of producing more points in less time on the ice.

However, it’s also crucial to take into account other important variables such as injuries and past performance. A consistent high-performing player with no history of injury may still be preferred over one with better PPG but a higher risk of missing games due to health issues.

To make the best decision when drafting for fantasy hockey based on PPG statistics, you must analyze each player carefully while keeping these factors in mind.

Plus/minus rating

When it comes to fantasy hockey, the plus-minus rating is an important statistic for evaluating players. It calculates the difference between the number of even-strength goals scored while a player is on the ice versus how many they allowed.

This stat can be particularly useful in defensive positions such as defensemen and goalies, who often have more opportunities to make an impact on this category due to their roles.

However, it’s not just about finding players with high plus-minuses. You also need to consider other factors such as overall point production and power play time. A player may have a great plus-minus but doesn’t contribute much offensively or receive significant power play minutes, making them less valuable in fantasy hockey.

If you’re looking for top performers in terms of plus-minus ratings, take a look at players like Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning or Dougie Hamilton of the Carolina Hurricanes. They both consistently rank among the league leaders in this category.

In summary, when deciding who to draft for your fantasy hockey team, don’t solely focus on the plus-minus rating. Take into account all statistics and factors that contribute to a player’s value on your roster.

Identifying Key Positions

As a fantasy hockey player, it is important to identify which positions are considered key in the game. This knowledge can help you determine who you should draft for your team.

The most important position in fantasy hockey is undoubtedly the goaltender. Goalies earn points not only when they make saves but also when they shut out opposing teams. It’s essential to have at least one reliable starting goalie on your roster.

Next up are forwards – especially those who have a high scoring rate or power play presence. Scoring goals and accumulating assists will earn ample amounts of points for these players, making them incredibly valuable additions to any fantasy team.

Defensemen typically do not rack up as many points as forwards, but having a couple solid ones on your roster could provide an added edge. Look for defensemen that play regular minutes or contribute frequently on the power play/penalty kill units for their respective teams.

“It’s crucial to pay attention to each player’s statistics including points, shots on goal, hits, blocked shots, time-on-ice per game etc. “

In summary, it’s critical to evaluate each potential draft pick based upon their expected performance within their given role. Pay little regard if a particular player has worked with coaches previously or their reputation off-the-field; instead focus primarily on filling all of the required positions necessary throughout both start-of-season and mid-season peaks/troughs occurring over time during longer leagues periods (such as fantasy NHL), invariably enabling yourself much better odds of success than others playing without understanding strategic fundamentals involved in selecting balanced virtual lineups from day-to-day matchups conducted around unique requirements set by individual games’ rulesets.

Top goal scorers

If you’re wondering who to draft for fantasy hockey, it’s important to take into account the top goal scorers. These players are key in helping your team gain points and ultimately win.

Alex Ovechkin is a top choice when it comes to drafting for fantasy hockey. He has consistently been one of the league’s leading goal scorers and has won multiple awards such as the Rocket Richard Trophy for most goals scored in a season. His powerful shot and ability to find open space on the ice make him a valuable asset to any fantasy team.

Another great option is Patrick Kane, who plays right wing for the Chicago Blackhawks. He has proven over the years that he is one of the best forwards in the game and can put up big numbers when given the chance. His quick hands and vision on the ice make him an effective playmaker, while his scoring ability makes him a solid pick for any fantasy team.

Consider also drafting Brad Marchand, left-wing player for Boston Bruins with excellent scoring skills. Not only does he have a knack for putting pucks in the net, but he also picks up assists as well making him an all-around valuable player.

It’s essential to do some research before deciding who to draft since this will form the foundation of your fantasy team. Look at player statistics from previous seasons or consider insights injury risk, consistency etc from expert analysis

In conclusion, there are many talented goal scorers out there, so be sure to choose wisely when building your fantasy hockey roster. Consider factors like their past performances and future potential, plus how they may fit within your overall strategy by contributing not just in terms of goals but even assisting or helping create opportunities too!

Assist leaders

One important factor to consider when drafting for fantasy hockey is the player’s ability to rack up assists. This statistic has become increasingly valuable in recent years, with many leagues offering points for both goals and assists.

Of course, players who are known as assist leaders – those who consistently set up their teammates for goals – should be at the top of your list. Some great options include Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks, Johnny Gaudreau from the Calgary Flames, and Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks.

“A player like Connor McDavid could also serve as a valuable assist leader on your fantasy team, even though he’s more well-known for his goal-scoring abilities. ”

In addition to considering individual players’ past assist stats, it’s also important to look at which teams tend to have high overall assist numbers. Teams such as the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs are just two examples of squads that often lead the league in this category.

If you’re serious about building a winning fantasy hockey squad, then targeting skilled assist leaders is definitely something you need to keep in mind during draft season.

Researching Player Statistics

When it comes to fantasy hockey, researching player statistics is crucial in determining the best players to draft for your team. It’s not enough to pick a player based on their name or reputation alone. You need to look at how they performed in previous seasons and consider factors such as injuries, changes in coaches or teams, and overall performance.

One statistic that many fantasy hockey managers look at is points per game (PPG). This takes into account both goals and assists and can give you an idea of a player’s overall offensive output. However, it’s important to also consider other stats such as shots on goal (SOG), power-play points (PPP), hits, and blocked shots.

In addition to individual player statistics, you’ll want to research which teams have strong offenses and defenses. A good offense means more opportunities for your players to score while a solid defense can limit the number of goals allowed by opponents.

“Don’t just rely on one source for your research. Look at multiple websites and sources when considering which players to draft. “

It’s also important not to solely focus on last season’s stats. While they can be useful indicators of a player’s potential value, they’re not always indicative of future success. Keep up-to-date with off-season news and preseason performances as well.

Ultimately, the key to drafting successfully is doing ample research beforehand. Don’t just rely on one source for your research. Look at multiple websites and sources when considering which players to draft.

Previous season performance

When deciding who to draft for your fantasy hockey team, it’s important to consider a player’s previous season performance. This will give you insight into their potential value and help you make informed decisions on draft day.

One metric to look at is a player’s points per game average from the previous season. The higher the average, the more productive that player was in terms of scoring goals or assisting others in doing so.

You should also pay attention to any injuries or missed games from the previous season as this could impact a player’s current performance and overall value to your fantasy team.

A quote from an NHL coach: “I always tell my players that consistency is key. When drafting for fantasy hockey, consistency should also be one of your top priorities. “

In addition to individual player stats, it’s crucial to research each team’s strengths and weaknesses before making your decision. A skilled forward may not perform well if their supporting cast isn’t up to par.

Last but not least, don’t forget about goaltenders. Goaltending can win championships, both in real life and in fantasy hockey leagues. Be sure to assess a goalie’s save percentage and number of shutouts when determining their worth during the draft.

Overall, reviewing past performances along with other factors such as team composition and position scarcity can help guide you towards making smart picks for your fantasy hockey league.

Injury history

When deciding who to draft for fantasy hockey, it is important to consider a player’s injury history. Injuries can greatly impact a player’s performance and availability throughout the season.

Some players have a higher likelihood of getting injured due to their style of play or previous injuries. For example, players who rely heavily on physicality may be more prone to injuries such as concussions or broken bones.

It is also important to consider how long a player has been out for an injury and if they are fully recovered before drafting them. Rushing back from an injury can lead to re-aggravation and prolonged absences from the game.

Additionally, some players may have chronic injuries that could affect their performance each year. It is important to research if a player has had similar injuries in the past and how they performed after returning from those injuries.

“One bad injury can ruin someone’s whole career. ” – Torey Krug

Overall, when making your fantasy hockey draft picks, take into consideration any past and potential future injuries of the players you’re considering. Knowing this information can help ensure that you select reliable performers who will contribute consistently throughout the season.

Considering Team Dynamics

Fantasy hockey is not just about drafting star players. It’s also vital to consider each player’s team dynamics, as playing in a strong line-up will often lead to higher stats and more successful fantasy outcomes.

When deciding who to draft for your fantasy hockey team, it’s essential to look at the whole picture. Consider how well a particular player meshes with their teammates on the ice and whether they play complementary roles or duplicate each other’s skills. You can utilize game data and statistics from previous seasons alongside coach and manager insights for this evaluation.

You should also keep an eye out for rising stars that could become valuable picks later on in drafts. These young players may have excellent individual potential but are unable to show it due to limited opportunities within a stacked roster or specific tactical strategy by the coaching staff.

“Building a balanced fantasy hockey team depends upon factors outside of individual performances, ” says Steven Collins, Manager of Fantasy Sports at TSN. “Drafting strategic backups, scouting long-term sleeper picks, and adjusting rosters based on recent injuries all impact success. “

In conclusion, when building your fantasy hockey squad, research extensively into both individual performance and overall team dynamics. Picking smartly means attending online mock-drafts or researching current trends within different leagues so you can come up with winning tactics!

Line Combinations

When it comes to fantasy hockey, drafting the right players is essential for success. It’s not just about selecting the top-ranked players; you need to consider factors such as team line combinations and player roles on their respective teams.

The NHL has a total of 31 teams, each with unique playing styles and habits. As such, understanding which players are likely to play together can give you an advantage when making your draft selections. For example, if two forwards who typically play together score the majority of their points off each other’s assists, then drafting both could strengthen your team’s performance in certain game scenarios.

Another important factor to consider is power-play units. Some players excel in these situations and regularly produce high point totals during power plays. Knowing which forwards or defensemen make up a specific power-play unit can help inform your decisions as well.

“Drafting one or two consistent goal scorers should be a priority for any fantasy team. “

In general, prioritizing skilled centers or wingers that have long-standing goalscoring records will ensure you select quality players capable of producing regular points throughout the season. Another strategy some fantasy owners use is waiting until later rounds to choose defensemen and goaltenders, instead focusing early picks on skaters where there tends to be more value overall.

To sum up: carefully researching line combinations and player skills before drafts begin can provide insight into how they’ll perform over the course of the upcoming season in order to make informed decisions about whom you should draft for fantasy hockey.

Power Play Opportunities

When it comes to deciding who to draft for your fantasy hockey team, considering which players get the most power play opportunities can be a smart strategy. Power plays occur when one team is at a disadvantage due to a penalty, and the other team has an opportunity to score with an extra player on the ice.

Players who frequently find themselves on their team’s top line, especially during power plays, are likely to have more scoring chances throughout the season. This means that they may accumulate more points than others who do not see as much time in these situations.

In addition to looking at which players get the most power play opportunities overall, it can also be useful to consider how successful each player is during those situations. Some players excel at capitalizing on these chances while others struggle, leaving their potential point totals lower than expected.

“It’s important to research individual player statistics and pay attention to trends in power play performance, ” says experienced fantasy hockey manager, Jane Smith. “Don’t just rely on big names or past success – analyze current data. “

Overall, focusing on power play opportunities can help you make educated decisions about who to draft for your fantasy hockey team. By evaluating factors such as frequency of power play appearances and success rates during those times, you can increase your chances of selecting high-scoring players and boosting your team’s standings throughout the season.

Keeping Up with Current News

If you’re in the market for drafting players for your fantasy hockey team, it’s important to stay up-to-date on current news and trends within the league. One way to do this is by regularly checking reliable sources such as ESPN or NHL.com, which provide daily updates on player injuries, trades, and game schedules.

In addition to these mainstream outlets, social media can also be a valuable tool in keeping tabs on who should be at the top of your draft list. Following accounts such as TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) or Sportsnet reporter Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) can give you insight into insider information that can make all the difference in your draft selections.

“While looking at statistics from previous seasons may give you some indication of a player’s potential, staying current with injury reports and recent performance can help determine optimal picks. “

You may also want to consider joining a fantasy hockey forum or discussion group where fans share their thoughts and opinions on upcoming games and players. These communities often have members who are dedicated to tracking every detail about specific teams or individual players, making them excellent resources for insider knowledge.

Ultimately, when deciding who to draft for your fantasy hockey team, taking advantage of both traditional and modern forms of media can help ensure the best possible outcome for your roster. By staying informed throughout the season, you’ll increase your chances of success come playoffs time!

Trades and acquisitions

One important factor to consider when deciding who to draft for your fantasy hockey team is potential trades and acquisitions. Players who are traded mid-season can sometimes see a decrease in their performance as they adjust to a new team and system.

On the other hand, players who are acquired by a team mid-season can also see an increase in their production if they fit well with their new line mates or get more opportunities on special teams.

It’s crucial to keep track of any rumors regarding potential trades before and during the season. This way you’ll be able to avoid drafting players who might not provide consistent value throughout the year due to being moved from one team to another.

“A player may seem like a great option at the start of the season, but if there are rumors of them being traded it could affect their overall performance. “

In addition, keeping an eye on free agent signings can also impact your draft decisions. A big signing by a particular team could either bolster or overcrowd a certain position group making some previously viable options less appealing.

Overall, understanding how trades and acquisitions function in the NHL will help significantly in picking a solid fantasy lineup. Make sure to stay updated on trade news throughout the season so that you’re prepared to make smart roster moves along the way.

Player injuries and suspensions

Injuries and suspensions are common occurrences in hockey that can greatly affect a player’s performance and fantasy value. It’s important to keep track of the latest updates on injured and suspended players when planning your fantasy draft.

One player who has been dealing with injury issues lately is Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He missed significant time last season due to sports hernia surgery, which could impact his production this year. Another notable name is Vladimir Tarasenko, who underwent shoulder surgery in October 2019 and has been out of play since then.

On the suspension front, Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals received a seven-game ban for an illegal hit during a preseason game in September 2021. This makes him ineligible for selection during that timeframe as he won’t be able to contribute points to your team.

“If you’re looking to draft someone impacted by injury or suspension, make sure you do your research first. “

You don’t necessarily need to avoid drafting these players altogether, especially if they have proven themselves strong performers in past seasons. However, it may be wise to consider alternative options while waiting for them to recover or serve their punishment.

Ultimately, knowing the current state of each player before making your picks can help maximize your chances at victory come fantasy hockey season!

Frequently Asked Questions