I am constantly receiving e-mails, tweets, and messages on the DobberHockey forums asking for trade advice. It is always good to get a second (and third) opinion, as there are many biases that can cloud your ability to accurately evaluate a potential transaction.

The same player can have a very different fantasy hockey value depending on rules and scoring categories specific to each league. A very simple example is to analyze a 70-point center. Most leagues differentiate between centers and wingers, and in general the center ice position is deeper in terms of talent than either wing. If a league doesn't differentiate between the forward positions, a 70-point center and a 70-point winger hold exactly the same value. In most leagues where forwards are categorized by left wing, center, and right wing, a 70-point center is roughly worth a 62 or 63-point winger (again, just an example).

However, there are four rules with regards to trading that are applicable in almost every single type of league. It doesn't matter if you count hits, blocked shots, giveaways, takeaways, or shootout goals in addition to the more typical stats. I am always able to apply at least one of the following rules to every single trade I evaluate for DobberHockey readers and members.

Writing for the guide (and the site) brings me nothing but joy, but it has also seriously hampered my ability to trade in my own pools. All of my competitors know about and read the site on a daily basis, and I am very open with my thoughts on players, teams, sleepers, overrated players, and so on. When I propose a trade, my trading partner is usually quick to a) reject the trade, and b) post it on the forums and ask for opinions.

Anyway, that's enough complaining for now. Simply put, if you want to become more successful in your hockey league(s), read these rules, apply them, reread them, and reapply them. I have won many pools and helped others win many pools by strictly following them. Enjoy!

To find out what the four rules are… pick up the 2010-11 DobberHockey Fantasy Guide! Released August 1st and updated on a regular basis right up until the puck drops in early October.