In the world of fantasy hockey, there’s a common misconception that physical play is a dying art. However, the numbers suggest that we’re living in a golden age of hits and blocked shots. Last season, 15 players recorded over 100 fantasy points from hits and blocked shots alone, the most in a single season since 2009-10.
These players, including Moritz Seider, Colton Parayko, and MacKenzie Weegar, are providing significant value to their fantasy owners. In fact, every single one of them finished among the top 250 skaters in fantasy points last season.
So, what’s driving this surge in physical play? For starters, being a defenseman is a prerequisite. Ice time is also crucial, as 10 of the 15 players who topped 100 fantasy points from hits and blocked shots last season ranked among the top 100 in ice time per game. Being a penalty-killer is also important, as 11 of the 15 were among the top 100 in shorthanded time on ice per game.
In shallower or medium-sized fantasy leagues, it’s not about predicting which players will emerge as new physical threats, but rather being aware that such players have value and are underappreciated. Of the 15 players mentioned, eight are available in at least 30% of fantasy leagues.
For those looking to get ahead of the competition, consider defenders like Nick Seeler, Ilya Lyubushkin, and Jacob Bernard-Docker, who have high fantasy point rates from hits and blocked shots per 60 minutes, but are available in virtually every fantasy league.
Shifting gears to forwards, shots on goal are a crucial aspect of fantasy hockey. An individual’s shot attempt percentage can be a strong indicator of their fantasy potential. The average shot attempt percentage for forwards with at least 200 shot attempts in each of the past two seasons is 51.3%, while defensemen average 43.9%.
Players who experienced a drop in shot attempts percentage last season, but have a track record of taking plenty of shots, could be due for a rebound. Teuvo Teravainen, Sam Bennett, and Oliver Bjorkstrand are just a few examples of players who may be worth targeting.
On the flip side, players who saw a spike in their shot attempts percentage, such as Brock Nelson, Kyle Palmieri, and Gabriel Vilardi, could be worth keeping an eye on.
In the end, understanding the importance of physical play and shot attempts can give fantasy owners a significant edge in their leagues.
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