I find these posts so absurdly directed at one reader, the kind that is in your pool, it's hard to take away any sort of relevant insight regarding fantasy hockey at all.

Something like draft strategy takes so many considerations, for example pool size, stats weighting, pool type even. Everything just seems to be completely glossed over.
- sushi

There are how many types of fantasy pools?

Honest question?

I can do only my best to cover what is the most common fantasy pools. I can't tell someone where to pick during their draft. I give my advice on success that works in a number of different pools. I'm quite sure most people come in and keep an open mind and are able to take my thoughts and hopefully help them in their drafts. If your pool takes time on ice and number of salt sniffs on the bench then I'm sorry I can't help.

Not trying to be snarky either, I will be covering the hockeybuzz pool and giving some strategy into that and of course a number of other fantasy related subjects as the season goes on.

The season has yet to begin, so I can't tell you from pre season much more other than some rankings and predictions and why I've chosen them.

I find these posts so absurdly directed at one reader, the kind that is in your pool, it's hard to take away any sort of relevant insight regarding fantasy hockey at all.

Something like draft strategy takes so many considerations, for example pool size, stats weighting, pool type even. Everything just seems to be completely glossed over.
- sushi

Need someone to tell ya what you should being do ya?

This blog is to offer insights that you can USE to develop your own draft strategy.

It's not going to spell poop out for you. But apparently you don't understand that the best way to develop opinion is to read as many other opinions as possible.

Something like draft strategy is your own responsibility.

But continue your misplaced arrogance, because honestly, I won't put up with it for long

I drafted Lundquvist and Bishop 1st 2 rounds.

Final product is:

Thornton
Backes
Fillpula
Marchand
Steen
Simmonds
Hornqvist
Jagr
Doughty
Markov
Josi
McDonagh
Leddy
King Henrik
Bishop
Scrivens

There are how many types of fantasy pools?

Honest question?

I can do only my best to cover what is the most common fantasy pools. I can't tell someone where to pick during their draft. I give my advice on success that works in a number of different pools. I'm quite sure most people come in and keep an open mind and are able to take my thoughts and hopefully help them in their drafts. If your pool takes time on ice and number of salt sniffs on the bench then I'm sorry I can't help.

Not trying to be snarky either, I will be covering the hockeybuzz pool and giving some strategy into that and of course a number of other fantasy related subjects as the season goes on.

The season has yet to begin, so I can't tell you from pre season much more other than some rankings and predictions and why I've chosen them.
- Lucas Neilson

Roto, H2H, Auction, Box, Points Only, Salary Cap, Single Season and the many variations crossing one over with the other.

Just to clarify our pool has already done an offline draft so to just assume I came here to be told what to do is off-basis, I came to read about fantasy hockey but it's lacking a broad enough appeal for the various branches of the game

Need someone to tell ya what you should being do ya?

This blog is to offer insights that you can USE to develop your own draft strategy.

It's not going to spell poop out for you. But apparently you don't understand that the best way to develop opinion is to read as many other opinions as possible.

Something like draft strategy is your own responsibility.

But continue your misplaced arrogance, because honestly, I won't put up with it for long
- Dozzer

I'm sorry, I don't think my post warranted such a response. I stated nothing of the writers ability or position, it was clearly outlined the direction was just aimed at a narrow segment of the pie.

I drafted Lundquvist and Bishop 1st 2 rounds.

Final product is:

Thornton
Backes
Fillpula
Marchand
Steen
Simmonds
Hornqvist
Jagr
Doughty
Markov
Josi
McDonagh
Leddy
King Henrik
Bishop
Scrivens
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Two beauty goalies no doubt they should have no problem holding the fort! What king of stat breakup do you have for your pool? Hopefully your upper forward drafts produce like they can!! I like the Nice variety of picks with guys like Simmonds and backes. Great overall fantasy players...

Finished my drafting finally today. Here's my haul: (We did Forwards, Defense, and Goalies as seperate "sections" meaning one day was all forwards, another was defense, etc.)

Jonathan Toews - 1st Round Pick FWD
John Tavares - 2nd Round Pick FWD
Logan Couture - 3rd Round Pick FWD
Max Paccioretty - 4th Round Pick FWD
Kyle Okposo - 5th Round Pick FWD
Milan Lucic - 6th Round Pick FWD
(Number for Pick Selection Order: #9/12)

Duncan Keith - 1st Round Pick DEF
Alex Pietrangelo - 2nd Round Pick DEF
Ryan Suter - 3rd Round Pick DEF
Christian Ehrhoff - 4th Round Pick DEF
(Number for Pick Selection Order: #8/12)

Ben Bishop - 1st (And Only) Round Pick GOA
(Number of Pick Selection #8/12)

*Backup Goalie and 2 Bench Players Are Signed via FA

Any thoughts on this? And also, would MA Fleury be a good backup? I've been considering Gaborik as a good bench player too. Any tips are welcomed. Thought I did pretty good.

Lucas many thanks on your insight,I took a ride down the QEW and picked Bernier,thanks

Lucas many thanks on your insight,I took a ride down the QEW and picked Bernier,thanks
- tamaz

Good choice man.

Lucas Neilson: Fantasy – Drafting Strategy
Maximize your output
- Lucas Neilson

Like the the strategy you put forth high end FW first and goaile 2nd. I'm drafting 9th and 4th(snake style) in my draft on Monday. I hope Kopitar is still there at 9. I would have taken Lehtonen in the 2nd round, but I'm leery of him now with the concussion.

I fully expect some of the guys in my league to take a goalie or 2 in the first round. I think it will be something close to this

1. Crosby
2. Ovechkin
3. Stamkos
4. Malkin
5. Kessel
6. Lundqvist/Quick
7. Lundqvist/Quick

Then I expect all hell to break loose

Roto, H2H, Auction, Box, Points Only, Salary Cap, Single Season and the many variations crossing one over with the other.

Just to clarify our pool has already done an offline draft so to just assume I came here to be told what to do is off-basis, I came to read about fantasy hockey but it's lacking a broad enough appeal for the various branches of the game
- sushi

roto, h2h, points only and single season are all very similar and would all fall under the bracket i have covered for the last month. small bit on keepers as well but they are all so different with how many players on each team, how many are drafted, how many are kept each year (keepers) and so on.

the box pool is simple, pick whoever in the box you think is the best point producing player.

salary cap is like the HBSL - which i will be going into great detail on each week of the regular season.

I hope you take the time to check out the upcoming Fantasy blogs, sorry if none of them have helped you as of yet

Finished my drafting finally today. Here's my haul: (We did Forwards, Defense, and Goalies as seperate "sections" meaning one day was all forwards, another was defense, etc.)

Jonathan Toews - 1st Round Pick FWD
John Tavares - 2nd Round Pick FWD
Logan Couture - 3rd Round Pick FWD
Max Paccioretty - 4th Round Pick FWD
Kyle Okposo - 5th Round Pick FWD
Milan Lucic - 6th Round Pick FWD
(Number for Pick Selection Order: #9/12)

Duncan Keith - 1st Round Pick DEF
Alex Pietrangelo - 2nd Round Pick DEF
Ryan Suter - 3rd Round Pick DEF
Christian Ehrhoff - 4th Round Pick DEF
(Number for Pick Selection Order: #8/12)

Ben Bishop - 1st (And Only) Round Pick GOA
(Number of Pick Selection #8/12)

*Backup Goalie and 2 Bench Players Are Signed via FA

Any thoughts on this? And also, would MA Fleury be a good backup? I've been considering Gaborik as a good bench player too. Any tips are welcomed. Thought I did pretty good.
- SabresNHL

Gaborik is an excellent bench player, and Fleury had a great season last year (he is actually great in regular season play, its playoffs he can stink). With that being said; Pits did lose some good D men, but a healthy letang should pay off.


As for your team...wow thats incredible that you got Toews Tavares and Couture. Some great high end talent, Toews is one of my personal favorites

What are some other choices on forward and goaltending for your FA pickups? Maybe I can help you decide between a couple you are thinking..

Lucas many thanks on your insight,I took a ride down the QEW and picked Bernier,thanks
- tamaz

hahhahaha well done!

I hope for you, and me that things work out in your favor!

Like the the strategy you put forth high end FW first and goaile 2nd. I'm drafting 9th and 4th(snake style) in my draft on Monday. I hope Kopitar is still there at 9. I would have taken Lehtonen in the 2nd round, but I'm leery of him now with the concussion.

I fully expect some of the guys in my league to take a goalie or 2 in the first round. I think it will be something close to this

1. Crosby
2. Ovechkin
3. Stamkos
4. Malkin
5. Kessel
6. Lundqvist/Quick
7. Lundqvist/Quick

Then I expect all hell to break loose
- tomburton99

The way I see it, there is about 15 guys in the NHL who I feel should put up close to a point per game or higher, if you can get two of these guys and 1 stud goalie you can usually do a good job filling the rest with your hockey smarts and a good sleeper or gem in the rough so to say. There are always a few that blossom and you just have to keep a close eye on someone and take the risk and be smart enough to keep them after.

great example last year; Tommy Wingles.

Need someone to tell ya what you should being do ya?

This blog is to offer insights that you can USE to develop your own draft strategy.

It's not going to spell poop out for you. But apparently you don't understand that the best way to develop opinion is to read as many other opinions as possible.

Something like draft strategy is your own responsibility.

But continue your misplaced arrogance, because honestly, I won't put up with it for long
- Dozzer

very much so, thanks dozzy

The way I see it, there is about 15 guys in the NHL who I feel should put up close to a point per game or higher, if you can get two of these guys and 1 stud goalie you can usually do a good job filling the rest with your hockey smarts and a good sleeper or gem in the rough so to say. There are always a few that blossom and you just have to keep a close eye on someone and take the risk and be smart enough to keep them after.

great example last year; Tommy Wingles.

- Lucas Neilson

I would want to go Forward at 9th and 16th, but I'll be forced to go after a goalie. Goalies go so fast in my league.

Goalies points are reallly high too, so you have to get one legit #1.

Saves: .25 points for every 1 save
Wins: 5 points
Shutout: 3 points
Assist: 2 points
Goals: 3 points

I would want to go Forward at 9th and 16th, but I'll be forced to go after a goalie. Goalies go so fast in my league.

Goalies points are reallly high too, so you have to get one legit #1.

Saves: .25 points for every 1 save
Wins: 5 points
Shutout: 3 points
Assist: 2 points
Goals: 3 points
- tomburton99

I still feel you can pick a great goalie in the third round.
Make a list of your top 20 and take the best remaining when it's ur turn that's what I'd do

Two beauty goalies no doubt they should have no problem holding the fort! What king of stat breakup do you have for your pool? Hopefully your upper forward drafts produce like they can!! I like the Nice variety of picks with guys like Simmonds and backes. Great overall fantasy players...
- Lucas Neilson

Just basics. Not as in depth as I like but.... it is a free league with randoms. My paid league doesn't look like it is happening.

Roto League.
G, A, +/-. PIMS, PPP, SOG, W, GAA, SV%, SO

I would want to go Forward at 9th and 16th, but I'll be forced to go after a goalie. Goalies go so fast in my league.

Goalies points are reallly high too, so you have to get one legit #1.

Saves: .25 points for every 1 save
Wins: 5 points
Shutout: 3 points
Assist: 2 points
Goals: 3 points
- tomburton99

I made a blog w a list if you want to refer to it

Just basics. Not as in depth as I like but.... it is a free league with randoms. My paid league doesn't look like it is happening.

Roto League.
G, A, +/-. PIMS, PPP, SOG, W, GAA, SV%, SO
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

then by picking 2 goalies at the start was a wise choice because there are 6 categories for forwards/defense and 4 categories for goalies.

well done, that should do well for you, especially since you have some quality grit players

I made a blog w a list if you want to refer to it
- Lucas Neilson

I remember that blog.

Finished my drafting finally today. Here's my haul: (We did Forwards, Defense, and Goalies as seperate "sections" meaning one day was all forwards, another was defense, etc.)

Jonathan Toews - 1st Round Pick FWD
John Tavares - 2nd Round Pick FWD
Logan Couture - 3rd Round Pick FWD
Max Paccioretty - 4th Round Pick FWD
Kyle Okposo - 5th Round Pick FWD
Milan Lucic - 6th Round Pick FWD
(Number for Pick Selection Order: #9/12)

Duncan Keith - 1st Round Pick DEF
Alex Pietrangelo - 2nd Round Pick DEF
Ryan Suter - 3rd Round Pick DEF
Christian Ehrhoff - 4th Round Pick DEF
(Number for Pick Selection Order: #8/12)

Ben Bishop - 1st (And Only) Round Pick GOA
(Number of Pick Selection #8/12)

*Backup Goalie and 2 Bench Players Are Signed via FA

Any thoughts on this? And also, would MA Fleury be a good backup? I've been considering Gaborik as a good bench player too. Any tips are welcomed. Thought I did pretty good.
- SabresNHL

Are you saying that you were able to grap JT 16th overall?

Grabo will go home and be the Beast that Takes down Puutin.

He's the worlds only hope !!!

I'm sorry, I don't think my post warranted such a response. I stated nothing of the writers ability or position, it was clearly outlined the direction was just aimed at a narrow segment of the pie.
- sushi

excuse me?

I find these posts so absurdly directed at one reader, the kind that is in your pool, it's hard to take away any sort of relevant insight regarding fantasy hockey at all.

if you dont see how thats a jab you are socially inept.

opinions are allowed.. open criticism of the blogs are not

I am glad you said something, I was hoping someone would!

Take a look at defensive points, you see how few d men get even 40 points? Like mentioned above there is really only a small number of guys who consistently put up big points. How many 45-50 point forwards are there? unless you have a very in depth draft of 20+ players I believe you can get D men in the later rounds who have just as good of a chance at producing slightly less than the big names like weber and Keith...yet you are picking them 7+ rounds later, where the much bigger drop is from the 65+ point players you are drafting in the 3-6 rounds on average.

Would you rather J Benn or pietrangelo/letang/kronwall?

I'm taking Benn over karlsson even.

Everyone has a dif. Strategy just letting you know what's worked best for me!

- Lucas Neilson

Well yeah Benn goes in the first or second round though in nearly every pool - I'm talking about drafting these guys in that 3-6 round. I do agree though that there are a much smaller number of elite level D but i think you can still look at nearly 15 D that will put up points to warrant a 3rd to 6th round pick. OEL, Keith, Subban, Weber, Seabrook, Byfuglien, Pietrangelo, Giordano, Chara, Doughty, Karlsson, Suter, and Letang can all be a 45-50 pt D (i'm sure i missed several as well).

I've just found lately in my pools i'm seeing D going earlier and earlier and if i dont draft some of the aforementioned D I end up with a pretty shoddy d core that leaves me wanting. In the past though i did draft like your mentioning and take a risk on D that i think could potentially hit that 40-45 pt mark and draft them late but i havent had a ton of luck with that type of guy.