What is a High GAR in Hockey?

When it comes to evaluating hockey players, the statistics can be overwhelming. One particular metric that has gained traction in recent years is Goals Above Replacement (GAR). This metric was created to give a more comprehensive understanding of a player’s impact on the game beyond just scoring goals. In this article, we will take a closer look at what is considered a high GAR in hockey and why it matters.

Understanding hockey analytics can be daunting for even the most seasoned fans. However, by breaking down the complexities of GAR, we can better understand how a player contributes to their team’s success.

GAR is a valuable tool for teams, coaches, and fans to evaluate players and make strategic decisions. In this article, we will examine how GAR is calculated, what are the typical values for high GAR, and how players can improve their GAR on the ice.

If you want to improve your understanding of advanced hockey metrics and how they impact a player’s value, keep reading!

Understanding Hockey Analytics

As the game of hockey evolves, so does the way it is analyzed. Understanding hockey analytics is key to comprehending how teams, players, and coaches make decisions both on and off the ice. Analytics are used to provide insight into various aspects of the game, from player performance to team strategy.

One of the most commonly used metrics in hockey analytics is goals above replacement (GAR). GAR is used to assess a player’s contribution to their team relative to a replacement-level player. In other words, it measures how much better a player is than a hypothetical player that could easily be obtained from the waiver wire.

Analytics can also be used to evaluate a team’s performance as a whole. Metrics such as Corsi For Percentage (CF%) and Expected Goals Percentage (xG%) are commonly used to assess a team’s possession and offensive capabilities, respectively. These metrics can be used to identify areas of weakness and help teams improve their play.

Although analytics have become more prevalent in recent years, it’s important to note that they are not the be-all and end-all of hockey analysis. Coaches, scouts, and analysts still use their expertise and intuition to make decisions, and analytics should be used to supplement their observations and knowledge.

Having a basic understanding of hockey analytics can help fans and analysts alike gain a deeper appreciation for the game. It allows us to better understand the intricacies of the sport and the factors that contribute to a team’s success or failure.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of hockey analytics, let’s dive deeper into why GAR is an important metric to consider when evaluating a player’s performance.

The basics of hockey analytics

Analytics has revolutionized the way sports teams make decisions. In hockey, analytics can help coaches and general managers identify strengths and weaknesses of players and teams. The basic idea of hockey analytics is to use data to get a better understanding of what is happening on the ice. There are several statistics that are used to evaluate player performance, and GAR is one of them.

Goals Above Replacement (GAR) is a statistic that measures a player’s overall contribution to their team, compared to a replacement-level player. GAR takes into account a player’s offense, defense, and penalties. It is a valuable tool for evaluating player performance and can help teams make informed decisions about which players to sign or trade.

To understand GAR, it’s important to know the difference between replacement level and average level players. Replacement level players are those who are readily available to be called up from the minor leagues or who are available as free agents. Average level players are those who are expected to be on an NHL roster. GAR compares a player’s contribution to their team to that of a replacement-level player.

GAR can be broken down into several components, including Offensive GAR, Defensive GAR, and Penalty GAR. Offensive GAR measures a player’s offensive contributions, while Defensive GAR measures a player’s defensive contributions. Penalty GAR measures a player’s impact on the game while they are serving penalties.

Another important concept in hockey analytics is Corsi. Corsi is a statistic that measures shot attempts. It is used to evaluate puck possession and a team’s ability to generate shot attempts. The higher a player’s Corsi, the more they contribute to their team’s possession and shot generation.

Why is GAR important?

Measuring player performance: GAR is an essential metric for measuring a player’s on-ice performance. It allows for a comprehensive evaluation of a player’s contributions to their team’s success, taking into account both their offensive and defensive skills.

Comparing players: GAR enables comparisons between players across different teams, positions, and eras. This metric provides a standardized way to assess a player’s value, making it easier to evaluate and compare players objectively.

Assessing team performance: By calculating the total GAR for a team, coaches and analysts can assess the overall effectiveness of the team’s players. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and to make strategic decisions for the team’s future success.

Identifying undervalued players: GAR can highlight players who are making significant contributions to their team’s success but may not receive the recognition they deserve. This can be particularly useful in identifying undervalued players who could be valuable assets for other teams.

One of the main reasons why GAR is important in hockey is because it allows teams and scouts to evaluate player performance in a more nuanced way. With GAR, individual player contributions can be better understood and appreciated, beyond the traditional box score statistics like goals and assists.

GAR provides a more complete picture of a player’s on-ice impact, taking into account factors like possession, shot quality, and the context in which those shots were taken. This helps to identify players who may be underrated or undervalued based on traditional statistics alone.

By using GAR to evaluate players, teams can make more informed decisions about who to sign, trade, or draft. It can also help teams identify areas where they may need to improve their roster, by pinpointing players who are not contributing as much as they should be.

GAR is particularly valuable in evaluating defensive players, whose contributions often go unnoticed by traditional statistics. By accounting for a player’s defensive play and their ability to prevent goals, GAR can help identify players who excel at shutting down the opposition and preventing scoring chances.

GAR’s impact on team success

Team management and strategy: Understanding the GAR of individual players can help coaches and managers make informed decisions about line combinations, player usage, and trade or draft targets. Teams with higher GAR values have a better chance of winning games and achieving success in the long term.

Salary allocation: GAR can also play a role in salary negotiations and contract decisions. Players with high GAR values are likely to command higher salaries and are often sought after by teams. Teams that prioritize GAR when allocating salary resources are more likely to have a successful roster.

League trends: As the use of analytics becomes more prevalent in the NHL, GAR has become an increasingly important statistic for evaluating players and predicting team success. Teams that stay ahead of the curve and prioritize GAR may have a competitive advantage over those that do not.

Championship success: Many recent Stanley Cup-winning teams have had high GAR values, including the 2020 Tampa Bay Lightning. This suggests that GAR is an important factor in achieving team success and winning championships.

How is GAR calculated?

Goals Above Replacement (GAR) is a statistic that measures a player’s value in comparison to a replacement-level player. A replacement-level player is defined as one who is freely available in the league and can be acquired without cost.

The formula for calculating GAR is a combination of individual player statistics and the league average. GAR takes into account various factors, including the player’s position, the quality of his teammates, and the strength of his opposition.

Some of the factors used to calculate GAR include even-strength offense and defense, power-play offense and defense, penalty-killing, faceoffs, and shot generation.

Calculating GAR is a complex process, and there are different methods used by different organizations. However, the basic concept remains the same – to measure a player’s value based on his performance in comparison to a replacement-level player.

GAR is an advanced statistic that is becoming increasingly popular in the hockey community as a way to evaluate player performance. It is used by many NHL teams and is also available to fans through various online platforms.

The variables used in GAR calculation

The Goals Above Replacement (GAR) is a complex statistic that takes into account many different variables to evaluate a player’s overall contribution to their team. These variables include:

• Player’s position: Since the roles and responsibilities of each position in hockey are different, the contribution of each player needs to be evaluated in a position-specific manner.
• Game state: GAR takes into account the game state (even-strength, power play, shorthanded, etc.) in which a player is performing to give a more accurate evaluation of their performance.
• Shot attempts: GAR considers the number of shot attempts a player takes and the quality of those attempts to evaluate their offensive contribution.
• Defensive play: GAR also takes into account a player’s defensive contributions, such as blocked shots, takeaways, and hits, to evaluate their overall defensive impact on the game.

By incorporating these and other variables, GAR provides a more comprehensive evaluation of a player’s performance than traditional statistics like goals and assists. However, it should be noted that GAR is not a perfect measure and should be used in conjunction with other evaluative tools.

Next, let’s take a closer look at typical GAR values and what they mean for players.

What are the typical GAR values?

Now that we know what GAR is and how it’s calculated, let’s take a closer look at the typical GAR values in the NHL.

Forwards: In general, a top-line forward will have a GAR value of around 20, while a third-line forward will have a GAR value of around 5-

Defensemen: A top-pairing defenseman will have a GAR value of around 15-20, while a third-pairing defenseman will have a GAR value of around

Goalies: Goalies are evaluated differently than skaters, and their GAR values are typically lower. An elite starting goalie will have a GAR value of around 15-20, while a backup goalie will have a GAR value of around

It’s important to note that these values can vary depending on a player’s role and position, and should not be taken as absolute benchmarks for success.

Next, let’s take a look at some of the top players in the league and their GAR values, to gain a better understanding of how this statistic can be used to evaluate individual performance.

How to interpret GAR values

Interpreting GAR values can be tricky because they are relative to the player’s position and the league average. Generally, a positive GAR value indicates that a player is above average in terms of their overall contributions, while a negative GAR value indicates the opposite.

It’s important to keep in mind that GAR is not the only metric used to evaluate player performance and should be used in conjunction with other statistics and observations. Additionally, context matters, and a player’s role on the team, the quality of their linemates, and their usage by the coaching staff can all impact their GAR value.

When looking at a player’s GAR value, it’s helpful to compare it to other players at the same position and in the same league. For example, a defenseman with a GAR of 10 might be very good compared to other defensemen in their league, but not necessarily as good as a forward with a GAR of 10 compared to other forwards in their league.

Comparing GAR values across positions

It is important to note that GAR values should not be directly compared between different positions. This is because different positions have different roles and responsibilities on the ice, and therefore different ways of contributing to their team’s success.

For example, a high GAR value for a forward might indicate that they score a lot of goals and create scoring chances for their teammates, while a high GAR value for a defenseman might indicate that they are good at preventing the opposing team from scoring and transitioning the puck up the ice.

Therefore, when interpreting GAR values, it is important to consider the player’s position and the context in which they are contributing to their team’s success. Comparing GAR values between players of the same position can be more informative for evaluating individual performance.

Additionally, GAR values can also be used to compare a player’s performance to other players within their position group, such as comparing a forward’s GAR to other forwards in the league. This can provide a more accurate assessment of how a player is performing relative to their peers.

GAR values of top NHL players

Rank	Player	GAR Value
1	Connor McDavid	33.4
2	Nathan MacKinnon	31.6
3	Leon Draisaitl	30.4
4	Brad Marchand	27.2

The GAR (Goals Above Replacement) statistic has become an increasingly popular way to evaluate hockey players, as it takes into account a player’s overall value beyond just their scoring ability. By comparing a player’s performance to that of a replacement-level player, GAR provides a more complete picture of a player’s impact on their team.

Unsurprisingly, the top players in the NHL tend to have the highest GAR values. In the 2021-2022 season, Connor McDavid led the league with a remarkable GAR value of 33.McDavid’s incredible speed and skill on the ice make him a dominant force in every game he plays, and his GAR value reflects that.

Nathan MacKinnon, the talented center for the Colorado Avalanche, is another player who consistently ranks among the league’s best in GAR. In the 2021-2022 season, MacKinnon’s GAR value was 31.6, putting him in second place behind McDavid. MacKinnon’s explosive skating and impressive offensive skills make him a constant threat to score.

Another player who has consistently put up high GAR values in recent seasons is Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers. Draisaitl’s combination of size, speed, and skill make him a force to be reckoned with on the ice, and his GAR value of 30.4 in the 2021-2022 season was the third-highest in the league.

Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins rounds out the top four NHL players in terms of GAR value for the 2021-2022 season. Marchand is known for his gritty, hard-working style of play, and his GAR value of 27.2 reflects his ability to make a difference on both ends of the ice.

How can players improve their GAR?

Improving a player’s Game Score Above Replacement (GAR) is crucial for enhancing their value to their team. One way to improve a player’s GAR is by increasing their ice time. Players who are given more ice time tend to have more opportunities to score goals, make assists, and contribute defensively, all of which can increase their GAR.

Another way to improve a player’s GAR is by enhancing their skills. Players who have excellent stickhandling, shooting, and passing abilities can create more scoring chances, which can ultimately increase their GAR. Additionally, improving a player’s skating speed and agility can also help them become more effective on both ends of the ice, contributing to a higher GAR.

Finally, a player can improve their GAR by developing their defensive skills. A player who is skilled at blocking shots, breaking up plays, and winning faceoffs can have a significant impact on their team’s performance, leading to an increase in their GAR. Additionally, being disciplined and avoiding penalties can prevent the opposing team from scoring, which can contribute to a higher GAR for the player.

Focusing on on-ice impact

• Scoring: The most obvious way a player impacts the game is by scoring goals. But there’s more to it than just putting the puck in the net. Players who consistently create scoring chances, draw penalties, and contribute to their team’s offensive zone time can make a big difference in a game’s outcome.
• Defense: While scoring is certainly important, a team can’t win without playing solid defense. Players who excel at blocking shots, breaking up passes, and disrupting the opposition’s offensive zone time are crucial to their team’s success. Good defense often leads to transition opportunities and can swing momentum in a game.
• Special Teams: Power plays and penalty kills are essential parts of the game, and players who perform well on special teams can have a huge impact. A skilled power-play quarterback can create scoring chances with precise passes, while a penalty killer who can disrupt the opposition’s setup can help keep the puck out of his team’s net.
• Intangibles: Finally, there are certain aspects of a player’s game that can be harder to quantify but no less important. Things like leadership, work ethic, and the ability to perform under pressure can make a significant difference in a team’s success. Players who consistently bring these intangibles to the ice can set a positive tone for their team and inspire their teammates to elevate their own games.

Of course, a player’s on-ice impact can’t always be measured in concrete terms. The eye test and a player’s overall body of work can provide valuable context that numbers alone can’t capture. But by focusing on these key areas – scoring, defense, special teams, and intangibles – we can gain a better understanding of how a player contributes to his team’s success.

Developing skills relevant to GAR

1. Hockey sense: One of the most important skills for players looking to improve their GAR (Goals Above Replacement) is developing their hockey sense. This involves not just being aware of where the puck is on the ice, but anticipating where it will be next and making smart decisions with and without the puck. Players with strong hockey sense tend to be more effective on both ends of the ice and can help drive play in the right direction.
2. Skating: Another key skill for players looking to improve their GAR is skating. Quickness, agility, and balance are all essential components of effective skating, and players who can move efficiently around the ice are often able to create and capitalize on more opportunities. Improving skating ability can also help players become more effective defensively, allowing them to close gaps and break up plays more effectively.
3. Shooting: Finally, players looking to improve their GAR should focus on developing their shooting ability. This doesn’t just mean being able to put the puck in the net – it also means being able to get shots off quickly and accurately, and to create scoring chances for themselves and their teammates. Players who can consistently generate high-quality scoring chances are valuable assets to their teams and can have a big impact on a game’s outcome.

Improving these skills takes time, effort, and practice. It’s important to work on them consistently and to seek out feedback and guidance from coaches and more experienced players. But by focusing on developing strong hockey sense, improving skating ability, and honing shooting skills, players can take important steps towards improving their GAR and becoming more effective contributors to their teams.

Maximizing opportunities for positive GAR actions

It is important to focus on opportunities for positive GAR actions both on and off the ice. Coaches can help their players develop strong habits and positive behaviors by setting clear expectations and consistently reinforcing them. This can include things like emphasizing teamwork, encouraging good communication, and rewarding players who demonstrate a commitment to sportsmanship and fair play.

One key way to maximize opportunities for positive GAR actions is to build a strong team culture. This can involve creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background or skill level. Coaches can also work with their players to set goals and develop strategies for achieving them, which can help to build confidence and motivation.

Another important factor in maximizing opportunities for positive GAR actions is to create a safe and supportive environment for players to learn and grow. This can involve providing access to resources and support services, such as counseling or mental health services, as well as creating opportunities for players to get involved in community outreach and volunteer work.

Finally, coaches can help their players maximize opportunities for positive GAR actions by leading by example. By demonstrating a commitment to sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play, coaches can inspire their players to do the same. This can include things like showing respect for opponents, following the rules of the game, and treating everyone with kindness and respect both on and off the ice.

Frequently Asked Questions