Welcome back to this week's edition of Analytics Advantage! As the NHL season continues, fantasy hockey managers are on the lookout for players who can help them gain a competitive edge. This week, we highlight five players with intriguing performances and potential: Pierre-Luc Dubois, William Karlsson, Matthew Knies, Jackson LaCombe, and Mattias Ekholm. With the season heating up, these players have demonstrated qualities that set them apart in various aspects of the game, making them invaluable assets for fantasy managers aiming to climb the standings.

Analysis Overview

We utilized key per-60 metrics to evaluate players' contributions relative to league averages. These metrics include Goals/60, Assists/60, Shots/60, Hits/60, Shots Blocked/60, and Fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG/60).

Visual aids included:

1. Stacked Bar Graphs comparing each player to league averages, allowing managers to easily identify areas of strength and improvement.

2. Scatter Plot (FPPG vs. TOI/GP) showing player efficiency based on ice time and how they maximize opportunities on the ice.

3. Bubble Chart (Hits/60 vs. Shots Blocked/60) highlighting defensive impacts and how certain players excel in physical and defensive aspects of the game.

Player Analyses

Pierre-Luc Dubois (WSH – C)

Pierre-Luc Dubois continues to showcase his offensive versatility, with 9 goals and 29 assists over 47 games. His 7.95 FPPG/60 and 2.82 Points/60 demonstrate his value as a reliable fantasy asset. Dubois' Goals/60 (0.67) and Assists/60 (2.15) reflect a balanced scoring approach, while his Hits/60 (3.04) and Shots Blocked/60 (2.74) add moderate value in peripheral categories. In addition, his ability to maintain a consistent offensive presence makes him a dependable choice in balanced fantasy leagues.

The scatter plot (FPPG vs. TOI/GP) places Dubois above average, highlighting his ability to produce efficiently in balanced leagues. His overall contributions are complemented by his strong ice-time management, ensuring that he remains a consistent performer across multiple categories.

Fantasy Takeaway: Dubois is a strong all-around option, particularly for leagues emphasizing assists and secondary scoring metrics. His balanced gameplay and moderate peripherals make him a versatile player who fits various fantasy formats.

William Karlsson (VGK – C)

William Karlsson has been a steady contributor for the Vegas Golden Knights, with 7 goals and 11 assists over 38 games. His 7.38 FPPG/60 and 1.65 Points/60 highlight consistent production. Karlsson's Goals/60 (0.64) and Assists/60 (1.01) are complemented by impressive shot volume at 8.18 Shots/60. However, his Hits/60 (1.38) and Shots Blocked/60 (2.48) remain below average, which limits his value in leagues that weigh heavily on peripheral stats.

The stacked bar graph emphasizes Karlsson's scoring potential and shot generation while pointing out areas for improvement in physical categories. His ability to generate shots consistently makes him a desirable option in leagues that reward offensive metrics.

Fantasy Takeaway: Karlsson's high shot volume makes him a valuable pick in leagues that reward offensive consistency and shot metrics. His role as a reliable forward ensures that he will continue to contribute in key offensive categories.

Matthew Knies (TOR – LW)

Matthew Knies has emerged as a dynamic offensive force, recording 18 goals and 13 assists over 46 games. His 8.40 FPPG/60 and 2.19 Points/60 underscore his breakout potential. Knies' Goals/60 (1.27) and Shots/60 (5.66) are standout metrics, while his Hits/60 (7.42) make him a dual-category asset. However, his Shots Blocked/60 (1.56) lags behind league averages, leaving room for improvement in defensive contributions.

The scatter plot shows Knies excelling in FPPG relative to his ice time, marking him as an efficient contributor. His high goal production and physicality on the ice provide managers with a rare combination of scoring and hits, making him a highly valuable asset.

Fantasy Takeaway: Knies is a must-roster player in leagues valuing goals and hits, with solid shot production as a bonus. His ability to excel in multiple categories ensures his place as a top choice for fantasy managers seeking a high-impact forward, provided the injury on Wednesday night isn't serious.

Jackson LaCombe (ANA – D)

Jackson LaCombe has been a reliable presence on the Anaheim Ducks' blue line, with 8 goals and 12 assists over 40 games. His 8.85 FPPG/60 and 1.46 Points/60 reflect strong offensive contributions for a defenseman. LaCombe's Shots/60 (5.91) and Shots Blocked/60 (5.04) highlight his versatility, though his Hits/60 (2.19) remains below average for his position. Despite this, his offensive metrics more than compensate for his lower hit totals.

The bubble chart emphasizes LaCombe's defensive contributions, particularly his ability to block shots while maintaining offensive output. His role on the Ducks' blue line ensures that he continues to contribute meaningfully to both scoring and defensive categories.

Fantasy Takeaway: LaCombe is an excellent pick for managers in leagues rewarding blocked shots and defensemen with scoring upside. His balanced contributions across categories make him a valuable defensive asset.

Mattias Ekholm (EDM – D)

Mattias Ekholm has delivered steady defensive play for the Edmonton Oilers, contributing 6 goals and 12 assists over 47 games. His 7.97 FPPG/60 and 1.01 Points/60 highlight his reliability. Ekholm's Shots/60 (5.82) and Shots Blocked/60 (3.69) are solid metrics, though his Hits/60 (1.73) is below average, limiting his value in leagues heavily rewarding physicality.

The bubble chart showcases Ekholm's consistency in blocking shots and generating offensive chances from the blue line. His ability to deliver steady production makes him a dependable pick for managers in need of consistent defensive contributors.

Fantasy Takeaway: Ekholm remains a dependable option for managers in leagues valuing blocks and steady production from defensemen. His contributions in both scoring and defensive metrics make him a versatile choice.

Key Takeaways

Pierre-Luc Dubois: A reliable two-way player with strong assist production and moderate peripherals, offering versatility in balanced formats.

William Karlsson: A high shot-volume forward offering consistent offensive contributions and a solid presence in shot-heavy leagues.

Matthew Knies: A breakout star excelling in goals, hits, and overall FPPG, providing managers with a rare dual-category asset.

Jackson LaCombe: A versatile defenseman contributing to both offensive and defensive categories, with strong shot-blocking and scoring metrics.

Mattias Ekholm: A steady blueliner excelling in blocked shots and secondary scoring, delivering consistent performance across games.

How FPPG is Calculated

Fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG) combines goals, assists, shots, blocks, and hits, weighted to reflect their fantasy relevance, divided by games played. This calculation ensures that players are evaluated comprehensively based on their overall contributions to fantasy scoring.

Tips for Fantasy Managers

1. Leverage Defensive Specialists: Ekholm and LaCombe excel in blocks and provide steady value from the blue line, making them indispensable in leagues valuing defense.

2. Prioritize Shot Volume: Karlsson and Knies offer high shot rates that enhance offensive potential, ensuring consistent scoring opportunities.

3. Monitor Dual-Category Players: Knies's combination of goals and hits makes him a valuable fantasy asset, especially in leagues rewarding physical and scoring stats.

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Data Source: NaturalStatTrick (January 21, 2025)