Draft tips to keep in mind when you’re on the clock

Get an Edge in Fantasy Hockey Drafts with These Tips

If you want to dominate your fantasy hockey draft, it’s crucial to optimize your draft strategy and make wise decisions. Here are some essential tips and tricks to give you a significant advantage over your competition on draft day.

Do Your Homework

Don’t underestimate the importance of doing research before your draft. Spending even 15-20 minutes familiarizing yourself with the latest player rankings, injuries, and preseason performances can make a big difference. This knowledge will help you make informed choices and identify potential sleepers or breakout candidates.

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Investing time and energy into managing your team before and after the draft will greatly improve your chances of success.

Understand Your League Settings

Not every fantasy league is the same. Each league may have different scoring formats and valued statistics. Pay attention to specific settings like hits or blocks, as they can greatly impact a player’s value. For example, a player like Brady Tkachuk, who is already a top-15 pick in most formats, becomes an even more valuable option in leagues that prioritize hits.

Knowing how your league settings affect player rankings will help you make strategic decisions and target players who excel in those areas.

Trust Your Instincts

While it’s helpful to have rankings and cheat sheets, don’t be afraid to trust your gut. If you have a strong feeling about a player, even if they’re not ranked as high, go with your instinct. However, be sure to separate personal bias from your decision-making process.

Put Fandom Aside

Being a fan of a particular team shouldn’t cloud your judgment during the draft. Don’t let loyalty to your favorite team influence your picks. Focus on selecting the best players, regardless of which team they play for. This will prevent you from making biased choices and ensure you have a well-rounded team.

Maintain an Updated Queue

Having an updated queue during the draft is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a backup plan in case of any technical issues or internet outages. Secondly, it allows you to break the draft into manageable segments, making it easier to identify and select players based on their value and availability.

Prioritize Goaltenders

Goaltenders are a valuable asset in fantasy hockey. Since there are fewer elite goaltenders compared to skaters, it’s important to target them early in the draft. Investing in a top-tier goalie will provide stability and could be a significant advantage over your opponents. If you end up with surplus goaltenders, you can always trade them for other assets.

Consider Age and Injury Risk

Age and injury risk are essential factors to consider when drafting your team. While older players like Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby can still be productive, be aware that they may carry higher injury risks. Understanding the potential risks and rewards for each player will help you make more informed decisions.

Use the “Tier” Method

Organize your players into tiers based on their skill level and potential contributions. This method helps you prioritize your picks and avoid missing out on preferred options. For example, create a top tier of defensemen and monitor their status throughout the draft to secure one of them before the talent pool diminishes.

Be Willing to Adjust

Drafting prospects can be tempting, but keep in mind that most rookies may not immediately provide fantasy value. Don’t hesitate to drop a struggling rookie for a more productive player from the waiver wire. Adaptability is crucial in fantasy hockey, so be prepared to make necessary adjustments to optimize your team.