Are you gearing up for the fantasy hockey season and wondering what positions to draft first? Look no further than this ultimate guide to drafting positions in fantasy hockey. When it comes to drafting, it’s important to have a solid strategy in place to maximize your points potential and give you an edge over your opponents.
So, what order should you draft positions in? Is it all about loading up on forwards, or should you prioritize defensemen and goaltenders? In this guide, we’ll explore the optimal drafting strategy and give you insider tips from top fantasy hockey players.
Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy hockey veteran or a newcomer to the game, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools to draft a winning team. So grab your pen, put on your thinking cap, and let’s dive into the ultimate strategy for drafting positions in fantasy hockey.
Ready to take your fantasy hockey game to the next level? Keep reading to learn the ultimate strategy for drafting positions in fantasy hockey and gain the knowledge you need to dominate your league this season.
Table of Contents
Maximizing Points: Which Positions Should Be Your Top Priority?
When it comes to drafting positions in fantasy hockey, maximizing your points potential should be your top priority. But which positions should you focus on to achieve this goal? The answer may surprise you.
While forwards tend to score the most points in fantasy hockey, it’s important to remember that a well-rounded team is key to success. With that in mind, here are three key positions to prioritize in your draft:
Elite Defensemen
Defensemen may not always be the first position that comes to mind when drafting, but having an elite defenseman on your team can make a huge impact. With their ability to contribute to both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game, a top-tier defenseman can earn you valuable points in multiple categories. Look for defensemen who can contribute to goals, assists, shots on goal, and power play points.
Goalies
Goalies are arguably the most important position in fantasy hockey, as they have the potential to earn you the most points. A solid goaltender can earn you points for wins, shutouts, saves, and save percentage. While it’s important to prioritize elite goaltenders in your draft, keep in mind that having a strong backup goalie can also help you earn points and avoid losing them in case of injury or underperformance.
Centers
Centers are the most valuable position among forwards in fantasy hockey. They tend to score the most points, contribute to multiple categories, and are often involved in power play opportunities. Look for centers who can contribute to goals, assists, shots on goal, faceoffs won, and power play points.
By prioritizing these key positions in your draft, you can maximize your points potential and build a well-rounded team that can compete at the highest level. So go forth, fantasy hockey managers, and draft with confidence!
Defense Wins Championships: Why Drafting Defensemen Early Can Give You an Edge
When it comes to fantasy hockey, many managers focus on drafting forwards early and overlook defensemen. However, having a strong defense can make all the difference in winning a championship. Here are a few reasons why drafting defensemen early can give you an edge:
Firstly, defensemen often contribute to multiple categories, such as blocked shots, hits, and plus/minus, making them more valuable than many forwards who only contribute in a few categories. Additionally, defensemen who play on the power play can provide a significant boost in points, as they have more opportunities to score and assist.
Top Defensive Players
To maximize the benefits of drafting defensemen early, it’s essential to target the top players at the position. Players like Victor Hedman, Adam Fox, and Cale Makar are elite defensemen who contribute across multiple categories and have the potential to put up big points.
Picking Defensemen in the Mid-Rounds
While it’s important to draft elite defensemen early, there are also plenty of value picks to be found in the mid-rounds. Players like Quinn Hughes, John Klingberg, and Darnell Nurse are all solid options who can provide a boost to your defense without breaking the bank.
The Importance of Streaming Defensemen
Even if you don’t draft an elite defensemen, you can still maximize your points by streaming the position throughout the season. Keep an eye on which defensemen are hot and playing on the power play, and don’t be afraid to drop a player who’s underperforming. Injuries can also create opportunities for lesser-known defensemen to step up and make an impact.
In conclusion, while drafting defensemen early may not be as flashy as drafting forwards, it can give you a significant edge in winning your fantasy hockey league. By targeting top players, finding value in the mid-rounds, and streaming the position throughout the season, you can build a dominant defense that can help carry your team to victory.
Goaltenders: The Most Important Position in Fantasy Hockey
If you’re looking to dominate in fantasy hockey, then you need to understand the importance of the goaltender position. In many ways, the goalie is the backbone of your team. They have a unique ability to singlehandedly win or lose games for your team. A good goalie can make all the difference between a championship-winning season and a mediocre one. So, what makes the goalie position so important in fantasy hockey?
First and foremost, goaltenders have the ability to earn you the most fantasy points of any position. When a goalie plays well, they can earn you a significant amount of points, especially in categories such as wins, save percentage, and shutouts. Plus, since most leagues only require you to start one goalie per game, having a top-tier goalie on your roster can give you a huge advantage over your opponents.
Goalie Stats That Matter
- Wins: Goaltenders earn 4-5 points for each win. This category is the easiest to predict since the starting goalie for a team is almost always credited with the win if their team comes out on top.
- Save Percentage: This category is an indication of how many shots a goaltender saves. The higher the save percentage, the more points your goalie will earn for you. Goalies with a save percentage of .910 or above are considered to be above average.
- Shutouts: When a goalie prevents the opposing team from scoring in a game, they earn a shutout. This is a rare feat, so goalies who can rack up shutouts are extremely valuable in fantasy hockey.
Drafting Strategies for Goalies
Given the importance of the goalie position in fantasy hockey, it’s no surprise that they tend to get drafted early in most drafts. In fact, many experts recommend selecting a goalie with one of your first two picks. However, this can vary depending on the size of your league and the specific scoring categories being used.
If you miss out on the top goaltenders in the draft, don’t worry. There are still plenty of quality goalies available later on. Look for goaltenders on teams with strong defenses, as they are more likely to earn you wins and shutouts. Also, consider drafting a backup goalie to pair with your starter. This will give you more opportunities to earn points and will also provide insurance in case your starter gets injured or goes through a slump.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, if you want to succeed in fantasy hockey, you need to have a strong goaltender on your roster. Look for goalies who have a proven track record of success in categories such as wins, save percentage, and shutouts. Draft them early, and pair them with a solid backup goalie to maximize your chances of success.
Don’t Sleep on the Dark Horses: Finding Value in Late Round Picks
Every year, fantasy hockey players spend countless hours researching and analyzing their early round draft picks. But what about those late round picks that can make all the difference? Don’t overlook the potential value that can be found in these picks.
Here are some tips for finding those hidden gems:
Look for Players with Increased Opportunities
- Role Changes: Look for players who have changed teams or have been given new roles on their current team. A player who was a third-line center last year may have been promoted to the top line this year, giving them more opportunities to score points.
- Injuries: Injuries to key players on a team can open up opportunities for others to step up and produce.
Target Young Players with Upside
Young players who have yet to reach their full potential can often be found in the later rounds of drafts. Look for players who have shown flashes of brilliance but haven’t quite put it all together yet.
Players in this category may have had injury problems or may have been playing behind more established players, limiting their opportunities to shine. But if they get the chance to play a larger role, they could be the breakout stars of the season.
Pay Attention to Players on Underrated Teams
- Less Competition: Players on underrated teams may not get as much attention as those on more high-profile teams. This means that they may be available in later rounds of drafts, despite having solid potential.
- Opportunity for Growth: Players on underrated teams may be young and still developing, giving them room to grow and improve over the course of the season.
Remember, while early round draft picks are important, it’s those late round picks that can make all the difference. Keep these tips in mind and you just might find yourself with a roster full of dark horse players who help you win your league.
Expert Insights: Tips and Tricks from Top Fantasy Hockey Players
If you’re looking to dominate your fantasy hockey league, it pays to get advice from those who have already succeeded. We’ve compiled tips and tricks from some of the top fantasy hockey players to help you gain an edge on the competition.
First and foremost, it’s important to stay up to date on player news and updates. Whether it’s injuries, trades, or changes in line combinations, staying informed can help you make the right moves to maximize your team’s potential. Another key tip is to focus on categories rather than just individual players. By targeting categories like hits, blocks, and power play points, you can gain an advantage in specific areas and gain an edge over your opponents.
Tip #1: Stay Active on the Waiver Wire
- Waiver wire: Check the waiver wire regularly for players who can help fill gaps in your roster, especially in categories where you’re lacking.
- Stream: Consider streaming players for short periods of time to gain an edge in specific categories or to fill in for injured players.
Tip #2: Be Strategic with Trades
- Sell high: Look for opportunities to trade players who are performing above their typical level for players who are underperforming but have high potential.
- Buy low: Similarly, look for opportunities to trade for players who are underperforming but have a history of high production.
Tip #3: Utilize Advanced Stats
Corsi: Corsi is a statistic that measures shot attempts, which can be used to evaluate a player’s offensive contribution to their team.
Fenwick: Fenwick is similar to Corsi, but only takes into account shot attempts that hit the net or are blocked. This can give a more accurate picture of a player’s shooting ability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal order to draft positions in fantasy hockey?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question as it largely depends on your league’s scoring system and your personal preferences. Generally, it’s a good idea to prioritize elite forwards over defensemen and goaltenders in the early rounds of your draft. However, if your league has a strong emphasis on goaltending, it may make sense to select a top-tier goalie in the first few rounds. Keep in mind that it’s important to have a well-rounded team, so don’t neglect any position entirely.
Should I prioritize centers over wings in my draft?
Centers generally have a greater impact on fantasy hockey than wingers, as they tend to contribute more in categories like assists and faceoff wins. However, this doesn’t mean that you should ignore top-tier wingers altogether. It’s all about finding the right balance for your team.
Is it important to draft defensemen early in my draft?
Elite defensemen can certainly make a big impact in fantasy hockey, but it’s generally more important to prioritize elite forwards and goaltenders in the early rounds of your draft. That being said, there are some defensemen who are worth selecting early, particularly those who are capable of contributing offensively and/or racking up a high number of hits and blocked shots.
When should I draft my starting goaltender?
The ideal round to draft your starting goaltender largely depends on the depth of your league and the number of teams participating. In most cases, it’s a good idea to select a starting goaltender within the first four or five rounds of your draft. However, if your league places a strong emphasis on goaltending or has a high number of teams, you may need to select a goalie even earlier than that.
Should I draft a backup goaltender?
It’s generally a good idea to draft a backup goaltender, particularly if your league has a limited number of roster spots. Injuries and poor performances can happen at any time, so having a reliable backup can help ensure that you’re not caught off guard. Look for a goaltender who plays for a team with a strong defense and is capable of earning a decent amount of wins.
How important is it to keep track of player injuries?
Keeping track of player injuries is extremely important in fantasy hockey, as it can have a big impact on your team’s success. Be sure to regularly check injury reports and update your roster accordingly. If one of your top players is dealing with a long-term injury, you may need to consider making a trade or picking up a free agent to help fill the void.