Welcome back to Analytics Advantage. As the NHL season progresses, fantasy managers are constantly searching for players who can provide an edge. This week, we highlight Pierre-Luc Dubois, Matvei Michkov, Claude Giroux, Frank Vatrano, and Thomas Chabot—players whose recent performances warrant a closer look.

Using per-60 metrics, we evaluate their offensive production, defensive impact, and overall fantasy value, ensuring you have the insights needed to make informed lineup decisions.

Analysis Overview

To evaluate these players, we rely on per-60 statistics including Goals, Assists, Shots, Hits, Shots Blocked, and Fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG/60). These metrics help normalize production across different ice times, providing a clearer view of a player's impact.

Visual Analysis Includes:

• Stacked Bar Graphs comparing each player's per-60 stats to position-specific league averages
• FPPG vs. TOI Scatter Plot to highlight player efficiency based on ice time
• Hits/60 vs. Shots Blocked/60 Bubble Chart to showcase defensive impact and physicality

Pierre-Luc Dubois (WSH – F)

Key Strengths: Strong playmaking, efficient ice time usage, decent shooting percentage
Concerns: Below-average shot volume, limited physicality

Dubois continues to be a strong facilitator, ranking in the 95th percentile for Assists/60 (2.10) and the 92nd percentile for Primary Points/60 (2.33). His shooting percentage (14%) suggests efficiency, but his Shots/60 (5.91, 43rd percentile) remains below average, limiting his scoring ceiling.

Defensively, Dubois doesn't contribute much in banger leagues. His Hits/60 (2.96, 35th percentile) and Shots Blocked/60 (2.73, 72nd percentile) suggest a moderate two-way presence but not enough to make a major fantasy impact outside of scoring categories.

Fantasy Outlook: Dubois is a strong assist-heavy fantasy asset with decent goal production, but his limited shot volume and lack of physicality reduce his value in multi-category leagues.

Matvei Michkov (PHI – F)

Key Strengths: Goal-scoring ability, offensive zone presence, high shot volume
Concerns: Weak defensive contributions, high giveaways

Michkov has been an offensive force, ranking in the 85th percentile for Goals/60 (1.18) and the 87th percentile for Assists/60 (1.62). His Shots/60 (8.70, 87th percentile) places him among the better volume shooters in the league, further supporting his scoring upside.

However, his defensive metrics are underwhelming. His Hits/60 (1.30, 11th percentile) and Shots Blocked/60 (1.18, 14th percentile) indicate he does not provide much value outside of offense.

Fantasy Outlook: Michkov is a high-end offensive contributor but lacks the defensive elements needed for deeper fantasy formats. He is best suited for leagues prioritizing goal-scoring and power-play production.

Claude Giroux (OTT – F)

Key Strengths: Playmaking ability, strong transition game, faceoff excellence

Concerns: Below-average goal production, limited defensive value

Giroux remains a reliable setup man, ranking in the 80th percentile for Assists/60 (1.43). His Rush Attempts (9.00, 81st percentile) showcase his ability to generate transition offense.

However, he lacks physicality and defensive contributions. His Hits/60 (2.65, 31st percentile) and Shots Blocked/60 (1.43, 21st percentile) do not provide additional fantasy value in multi-category formats.

Fantasy Outlook: Giroux remains a strong option for assists and faceoff wins, but his lack of goal-scoring and defensive impact limits his fantasy ceiling.

Frank Vatrano (ANA – F)

Key Strengths: High shot volume, effective goal-scoring, moderate physicality

Concerns: Below-average shooting percentage, turnover concerns

Vatrano is one of the league's top volume shooters, ranking in the 98th percentile for Shots/60 (10.78). His Goals/60 (1.02, 76th percentile) and FPPG/60 (10.83, 95th percentile) suggest he is a strong multi-category fantasy contributor.

His Hits/60 (7.55, 68th percentile) add further value in physical leagues. However, his Shooting Percentage (9%) is slightly below league average, which could lead to inconsistency in goal-scoring.

Fantasy Outlook: Vatrano is a strong all-around fantasy asset with significant shot volume, moderate physicality, and above-average goal-scoring ability.

Thomas Chabot (OTT – D)

Key Strengths: Offensive contributions, high time on ice, puck-moving ability

Concerns: Low physicality, below-average shot-blocking

Chabot is one of the most relied-upon defensemen in the NHL, averaging 23:20 TOI/GP (88th percentile). His Shots/60 (6.14, 91st percentile) and Assists/60 (1.10, 87th percentile) make him a strong option for point production from the blue line.

However, his Hits/60 (1.80, 27th percentile) and Shots Blocked/60 (4.16, 46th percentile) suggest he is not a major contributor in physical leagues.

Fantasy Outlook: Chabot is a high-usage offensive defenseman who provides consistent scoring from the blue line but lacks the defensive peripherals to maximize fantasy value in banger leagues.

Final Takeaways

• Dubois is a strong playmaker with efficient shooting but lacks physicality.
• Michkov is an aggressive scorer but lacks defensive contributions.
• Giroux remains a solid assist-heavy fantasy option but has limited goal-scoring.
• Vatrano is an elite volume shooter with a well-rounded fantasy profile.
• Chabot provides offensive value from the blue line but lacks defensive peripherals.

If you need offensive production, Michkov and Vatrano are excellent adds. If your league prioritizes assists, Dubois and Giroux provide value. For defensive production, Chabot remains a strong option in point-heavy formats.

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.

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Data Source: NaturalStatTrick (March 4, 2025)