Max Pacioretty is a dependable option in multicategory leagues.

After last season’s disappointing playoffs, the Montreal Canadiens looked to retool their roster over the summer. Sending highly touted defensive prospect Mikhail Sergachev to the Lightning, the Canadiens received in return Jonathan Drouin, who should revitalize the offense as Montreal’s new number one center. And to replace Markov (who bolted to the KHL at the start of free agency) came Karl Alzner, who will play an important part in patrolling the Canadiens’ blue line this season. But throughout the changes remains the Canadiens captain, Max Pacioretty, ready to keep consistently providing you with top fantasy value.

Drafted in the first round by the Canadiens in the 2007 NHL Draft, Pacioretty initially didn’t make an immediate impact on the club, only tallying 25 points in his first 86 games over two seasons. However, by the time he turned 23, he amped up his scoring and tallied 33 goals and 65 points in 79 games. Since then, Pacioretty has consistently been one of Montreal’s (and the NHL’s) top scorers, bringing plenty of fantasy value with him too.

Just last year, Pacioretty had another somewhat-underrated excellent season. According to our trusty Fantasy Hockey Geek tool, he actually had the 32nd most fantasy value out of all players (using an average 12-team H2H Yahoo league measuring G, A, PPP, SOG, Hits, W, SV%, GAA, and SO in our rankings).
 

Ahead of players such as Auston Matthews, Artemi Panarin, and John Tavares, Pacioretty’s point totals played an instrumental part in propelling him to the top of the fantasy hockey rankings. His 35 goals ranked eighth in the league amongst all skaters while his 67 points were 26^th best overall. Not to mention, he dominated with shots, registering the ninth-most in the NHL with 268. His only real main detractor was his low power-play points, as his 13 power-play points were tied with Thomas Vanek and Paul Stastny at 126^th most in the NHL. His hit totals aren’t fantastic but they’re fine for a player of his offensive talents, as they were average totals out of all 30-goal scorers and 25-goal scorers.

But despite his value, Pacioretty doesn’t seem to always get the credit that he deserves. He’s rarely talked about as a great fantasy option and is usually slightly undervalued in drafts. This season, his average draft position in ESPN is 42^nd overall while in Fantrax it’s 45^th overall. Using the Fantasy Hockey Geek tool, in our average league (combined with Dobber’s projections for the season), Pacioretty comes out with the 26^th most value out of all skaters.
 

It’s almost a guarantee that Pacioretty will once again clear the 30-goal mark and he’s projected to score the 10th most goals in the league. Add that to his 33 assists, 291 shots, 23 power play points, and 83 hits and you have one of the most well-round, valuable players available. His point totals are excellent and his peripherals give him an edge over other elite scorers. Players like Artemi Panarin and Phil Kessel may also pile up the points, but their value is dragged down in most leagues by their lower shot and hit totals, places where Pacioretty thrives and provides a lot of value.

Pacioretty isn’t necessarily undervalued throughout fantasy circles, but he doesn’t seem to always get the credit that he deserves. For years he’s been one of the top forward options in fantasy, but people seem to be hesitant in drafting him extremely high. If you’re still drafting, don’t be afraid to take Pacioretty early, as odds are he’ll put up another great season for your fantasy hockey team. 

To identify more players with great value in your specific league settings, check out Fantasy Hockey Geek to generate custom rankings tailored for you. With the Season Toolkit, you can use our advanced tools to manage to the top and take down the title. Head to the Dobber Sports Shop and pick it up today!