How To Draft Your Fantasy Hockey Team
Drafting a successful fantasy hockey team requires careful planning and consideration. Here are five facts to keep in mind when building your roster:
1. Understand the Scoring System: Before drafting your team, study the scoring system of your fantasy league. Different leagues may assign different values to various statistical categories such as goals, assists, saves, and plus-minus. Knowing the scoring system will help you prioritize certain players and adapt your strategy accordingly.
2. Research Player Rankings: Familiarize yourself with the rankings of players for the upcoming season. Many websites and publications provide comprehensive player rankings based on their performance and potential. Referencing these rankings can help you identify top-tier players who should be prioritized during the draft.
3. Balance Offensive and Defensive Players: While goal-scoring forwards tend to be highly sought after in fantasy hockey, don’t neglect the importance of drafting solid defensemen and goaltenders. Balancing offensive production with a strong defense and reliable goaltending will give your team a competitive edge.
4. Consider Positional Scarcity: Take into account the scarcity of certain positions when drafting your team. Some positions may have a limited number of elite players, so securing a top-tier player in those positions early in the draft can be crucial. Understanding positional scarcity will help you build a well-rounded team that covers all the key positions.
5. Keep an Eye on Injuries and Suspensions: Stay updated on any injury or suspension news before your draft. Injuries can significantly impact a player’s performance and availability throughout the season. Avoid drafting players with recurring or severe injuries, as they may not provide consistent production.
FAQs about Drafting a Fantasy Hockey Team:
1. Should I focus on drafting forwards or defensemen first?
It ultimately depends on the scoring system and your league’s roster requirements. Generally, forwards tend to have a higher point-scoring potential, but drafting a few elite defensemen early can be beneficial.
2. How important is it to draft a top-tier goaltender?
Drafting a reliable goaltender is crucial as they contribute significantly to your team’s save percentage and goals against average. However, there is more depth in the goaltender position, so you may not need to prioritize it early in the draft.
3. Can I draft a player who is currently injured?
While it’s possible to draft an injured player, it is generally not recommended. Injured players may miss a significant number of games or underperform upon return, impacting your team’s overall production.
4. Should I prioritize young, up-and-coming players or experienced veterans?
A balance of both is ideal. While young players may have immense potential, experienced veterans offer consistency and reliability. Opt for a mix of established veterans and rising stars when drafting your team.
5. How should I approach drafting players on the same real-life team?
Drafting players from the same real-life team can provide benefits if that team has a high-scoring offense. However, be cautious not to overload your roster with players from one team, as a poor performance from that team can harm your overall production.
6. Is it better to focus on players from successful NHL teams?
While players on successful NHL teams may have more scoring opportunities, it’s not necessary to exclusively target players from winning teams. Talent can emerge from all teams, and focusing solely on successful teams may limit your options.
7. Should I draft players based on their performance in previous seasons?
Past performance can be an indicator of a player’s skill, but it should not be the sole determining factor. Consider a player’s current situation, lineup changes, and potential for growth when making your decisions.
BOTTOM LINE: To draft a successful fantasy hockey team, familiarize yourself with the scoring system, research player rankings, balance your roster between offense and defense, consider positional scarcity, and stay updated on injuries and suspensions. A well-rounded team with a mix of established veterans and rising stars will give you the best chance for success.
