Hello, all you fantasy hockey enthusiasts! Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned player, there’s always room to enhance your draft strategy and elevate your fantasy team. If you’re looking to leave your opponents in the dust this season, you’re in the right place. We’re going to delve into some fundamental advice for newcomers before we raise the game with some advanced strategies that even the pros might find enlightening. Buckle up because we’re about to embark on a journey into the exciting world of fantasy hockey strategy.

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The Basics: Strategies for Beginners

Know Your Scoring System

Before your league’s draft day, take the time to understand the scoring system thoroughly. Are you in a points league, a roto league, or a head-to-head category league? Each type of league requires different strategies and emphasizes different types of players. Make sure you’re fully aware of how your players will earn points.

Diversify Your Assets

A balanced team is crucial in fantasy hockey. Don’t fall into the trap of only filling your roster with forwards because they may appear to have better stats. Defensemen and goaltenders can provide considerable value, and often, the difference between winning and losing is found in these positions.

Understand Player Roles

It’s essential to know that not all players on a team’s first line or top power-play unit are equal. Some are more responsible for scoring, while others may play supporting roles. Given the opportunity, ensure you’re picking the former over the latter.

Up Your Game: Advanced Drafting Strategies

Shift Your Focus Mid-Draft

One of the secrets to mastering the fantasy hockey draft is recognizing value beyond the surface-level stats. Once you’ve secured your top-tier forwards and a reliable goaltender, consider shifting your focus to defensemen and potential breakout players. Defensemen, particularly those who log plenty of minutes and contribute to power plays, often provide excellent value in the mid-rounds. Similarly, young players or those stepping into prominent roles can outperform their draft position.

Consider Possession Metrics

Here’s something not every fantasy player considers—possession metrics, often referred to as Corsi and Fenwick. These statistics measure the total shots directed toward the net during even-strength play. Players with high Corsi and Fenwick typically spend more time in the offensive zone, which translates into more opportunities for points. This can be especially helpful in identifying valuable defensemen who may not always light up the traditional stats sheet.

Play the Schedule

This is an often overlooked but savvy strategy. NHL teams do not play an equal number of games each week, and this discrepancy can be exploited. Players on teams with a heavy schedule during your fantasy playoffs could be the difference-makers you need. Furthermore, pay attention to off-night scheduling. Most NHL games occur on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Players from teams that play on off-nights can be valuable since they provide flexibility in setting your lineup.

Remember, fantasy hockey isn’t an exact science, and part of the fun is that element of unpredictability. Yet, these strategies can provide you with a blueprint to navigate the tumultuous waters of your draft, helping you emerge with a robust and balanced roster. Here’s to crushing your draft and having an amazing fantasy hockey season!