Understanding Fantasy Hockey Player Performance
In the realm of fantasy hockey, a closer look at player performance can reveal fascinating patterns. Consider nine players from last season: Steven Stamkos, Fabian Zetterlund, Mark Stone, Tyler Toffoli, Jake DeBrusk, Kiefer Sherwood, Nikolaj Ehlers, Ryan O’Reilly, and Morgan Geekie. These athletes, each noteworthy for their fantasy contributions, finished the season with total points that are strikingly similar, each landing within just a power-play goal away from one another in terms of fantasy scoring. This overlap raises an important question for fantasy drafters: how do you effectively tier your players?
The Importance of Tiering in Drafting
Understanding that tiering can streamline the drafting process greatly enhances a manager’s chances of success. If your strategy consists of merely a numbered list, the sudden disappearance of a targeted player can throw you into chaos. Imagine planning to select either Player A or Player B, only to find them both gone by the time it’s your turn. In a situation like this, without established tiers, the backup options may lead to panic and rushed decisions.
Instead, tiering groups players into categories of similar value. If your top pick within a tier gets selected, you can confidently pivot to the next player on your list without losing your composure, knowing they are equally appealing to you. This method not only mitigates anxiety during drafts but also grants insight into when noticeable talent drops occur. For those keen on crafting their own tier lists, examining the rankings of defensemen can provide a beneficial reference point.
Personalized Rankings Overview
The following is an outline of my personalized rankings, which differ from those found on ESPN’s platform, as they utilize my tailored projections. At the pinnacle of the tiers:
- Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers: (projected: 260.5, previous season: 174.1)
- Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche: (projected: 253.7, previous season: 231.6)
- Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs: (projected: 245.9, previous season: 199.6)
- Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers: (projected: 232.9, previous season: 214.2)
While Draisaitl’s placement within this elite group might invite discussion—perhaps he fits better in Tier 2—the consistency of these players is remarkable, with each appearing in the top 10 fantasy forwards at least five times over recent seasons. The only exception being MacKinnon, who missed a placement in six of those seasons.
Notable Inclusions in the Rankings
As we move through the rankings, some notable inclusions are:
- David Pastrnak, W, Boston Bruins: (projected: 224.3, previous season: 210.2)
- Sam Reinhart, C, Florida Panthers: (projected: 218.5, previous season: 200.5)
- Nikita Kucherov, W, Tampa Bay Lightning: (projected: 208.6, previous season: 226.4)
- Kirill Kaprizov, W, Minnesota Wild: (projected: 205.9, previous season: 112.6)
While some may contest Kucherov’s position in Tier 2, factors such as age play a significant role in assessing his current performance trajectory.
Balancing Youth and Experience
The upcoming players, from Dylan Guenther of the Utah Mammoth to Elias Pettersson with the Vancouver Canucks, further exhibit diverse potential, showcasing a blend of established performance and promising prospects. Balancing youth and experience is crucial as fantasy managers create depth for their rosters.
Conclusion
These rankings illustrate the importance of having a structured approach to drafting, where managers can predict trends and identify risk while ensuring they’ve filled their roster with competitive forwards. As the fantasy draft season approaches, strategizing around tiers can offer managers a clearer path to success, turning the chaos of a draft into a well-coordinated plan. The fantasy hockey landscape offers an abundance of talent across various tiers, making it essential for drafters to grow adept at navigating these choices and ultimately thriving in their leagues.
