Hello and welcome back to Geek of the Week! In this week's article, I am going to dive into the peripheral categories in multicat leagues: Hits and Blocks. In most leagues, it is usually not worth holding onto someone if they contribute nothing in the points cats, even if they are great in these peripheral stats, Sometimes, it is worth it if they are dominant and consistent in these peripheral stats, like Radko Gudas has been in the past. It is especially valuable if these players are Defensemen as that 4^th or 5^th D slot generally does not generate as much offense anyways compared to a forward slot on your roster.

Early Notes: Hits

In previous seasons, it was worth it to have Gudas taking up one of those D slots in multicat leagues as he would be pretty consistent at getting around 4 hits per game, mixed in with a shot or two and a block or two. Sometimes he would lock up that hits category with one of those 10-hit games. This season though, Gudas has not been hitting as much on Anaheim, with only 2.6 hits per game, but he has been blocking much more with 2.3 blocks per game. He did have 6 hits in his last game, but it seems as though his game has changed as a Duck. Given that he does not dominate in the hits category anymore, he is not worth holding onto in most multicat leagues. He is definitely worth a stream here and there though if you need help in both hits and blocks.

We've actually not had many defensemen bringing it in the hits category. Not one defenseman has averaged over 3 hits per game this season. Last season there were 10, with 3 averaging over 4 a game (Gudas, Luke Schenn, and Billy Sweezey). The season prior there were 13, with 4 averaging over 4 a game.

It is hard to say if this trend will continue, but it is worth keeping an eye on that hits category as the season moves forward. If a defenseman emerges as someone who puts up 4+ hits a game consistently, he will be worth the roster spot. I will be keeping an eye on Luke Schenn when he returns from injury, who averaged 4.54 hits per game last season and had 4 hits in his only game this season. Gudas warrants being closely monitored given his history; with his 6-hit game last game, maybe he has turned a corner. Brayden Pachal has averaged 4 hits per game in his last 4, but he finds himself in an out of the lineup on a stacked Vegas team. If he can find a consistent role, maybe he emerges as a new hits leader.

If no one emerges as standing out with close to 4 hits a game, it may be more worth it to just grab those defensemen that have offensive potential that can steadily provide 2 hits and 2 blocks a game. Guys like Matt Roy, Adam Larsson, or Ben Chiarot.

Early Notes: Blocks

Blocks have seen an opposite trend to hits in so far this season. There's been many more players with tons of blocks. There's been 11 players averaging 3 or more blocks a game. Last season there was only one, Alec Martinez. The season prior, there were none. This trend could also return to previous season numbers, but it is worth it to examine who is providing those extra blocks this year.

Jacob Trouba is averaging 3.67 blocks so far. He has some offensive potential and provides 2 hits a game so he is definitely a valuable asset in bangers leagues. Take advantage of these blocks if you can. Kaiden Guhle has emerged as a multicat stud with offensive upside. He is averaging 3.57 blocks per game, 1.43 hits, and 2 shots on goal. At only 10% owned, he could be a worthy add in multicat leagues. Finally, Mario Ferraro has emerged as a multicat stud with 3 blocks a game, 1.64 hits and 2.36 shots per game. With San Jose leading the league in shot attempts against, if anyone will continue to block shots at this rate, it is Ferraro. While the big hitters aren't separating themselves from the pack, it is worth it to chase these block leaders for their multicat value.

Hope you enjoyed! See you next week.

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