Welcome back to Analytics Advantage. As the fantasy hockey playoffs approach, securing strong pickups can make the difference between advancing and an early exit. This week, we highlight Artturi Lehkonen, Anton Lundell, Boone Jenner, Brady Skjei, and Justin Faulk, whose underlying metrics suggest they can provide valuable contributions in fantasy formats.

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

Analysis Overview

To evaluate these players, we rely on per-60 statistics, which normalize production across different ice times to give a clearer view of impact. The key categories analyzed include:

                •             Goals/60

                •             Assists/60

                •             Primary Points/60

                •             Shots/60

                •             Hits/60

                •             Shots Blocked/60

                •             Fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG/60)

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

Player Analysis

Colorado Avalanche | Artturi Lehkonen Fantasy Analysis (Forward)

Key Strengths: Goal-scoring efficiency, high shooting percentage, favorable deployment

Concerns: Low playmaking, minimal physicality

Lehkonen has been an efficient scorer, ranking in the 92nd percentile for Goals/60 (1.35) while converting at an elite 21.9% shooting percentage. His shot volume is near league average (6.14 Shots/60, 51st percentile), but his offensive contributions rely more on finishing than volume.

Despite his strong goal-scoring, Lehkonen's playmaking is below average, ranking in the 36th percentile for Assists/60 (0.75). His peripheral stats offer little value, with Hits/60 (1.30) and Shots Blocked/60 (1.75) ranking in the bottom third of forwards. His high offensive zone start percentage (67.2%, 78th percentile) ensures continued scoring chances, but he isn't a primary puck carrier, as indicated by his low Rush Attempts (45th percentile).

Fantasy Outlook: Lehkonen is a strong goal-scoring option for managers in need of finishing ability but lacks playmaking and physical contributions. Best suited for scoring-focused leagues rather than multi-category formats.

Florida Panthers | Anton Lundell Fantasy Analysis (Forward)

Key Strengths: Balanced offensive production, strong playmaking, faceoff efficiency

Concerns: Moderate goal-scoring, high turnovers

Lundell offers a well-rounded fantasy profile, ranking in the 78th percentile for Assists/60 (1.38) and 72nd percentile for Primary Points/60 (1.70). His involvement in playmaking is reflected in a high IPP (75.9%, 90th percentile), meaning he contributes to a significant portion of his team's scoring when on the ice.

His shot volume (6.58 Shots/60, 60th percentile) is respectable, though he isn't an elite shooter. Defensively, he provides solid value, ranking in the 55th percentile for Hits/60 (5.36) and 64th percentile for Shots Blocked/60 (2.55). His 52% faceoff win rate and 16.63 TOI/GP (70th percentile) further enhance his fantasy appeal. However, his high giveaway rate (79th percentile) could lead to inconsistent performances.

Fantasy Outlook: Lundell is a strong depth add in leagues valuing assists and faceoffs, but his moderate goal production and turnover issues limit his ceiling.

St. Louis Blues | Justin Faulk Fantasy Analysis (Defenseman)

Key Strengths: Playmaking from the blue line, solid shot volume, high offensive deployment

Concerns: Low goal output, limited defensive impact

Faulk is a steady offensive presence among defensemen, ranking in the 84th percentile for Assists/60 (1.06) while averaging 4.27 Shots/60 (63rd percentile). However, his goal-scoring is minimal, sitting in the 35th percentile for Goals/60 (0.12).

Despite a heavy offensive workload (22.38 TOI/GP, 84th percentile), Faulk offers limited defensive value. His Hits/60 (2.88) and Shots Blocked/60 (3.82) rank below league average, making him less valuable in leagues that emphasize those categories. His strong offensive zone deployment (52.6% OZS) and high rebound creation (94th percentile) ensure scoring chances, but his lack of physicality and shot blocking lower his multi-category appeal.

Fantasy Outlook: Faulk is a useful point-producing defenseman but lacks contributions in peripheral categories. Best suited for leagues that prioritize offensive defensemen.

Nashville Predators | Brady Skjei Fantasy Analysis (Defenseman)

Key Strengths: Strong offensive presence, high shot volume, transition play

Concerns: Below-average physicality, limited shot-blocking

Skjei provides offensive value from the blue line, ranking in the 85th percentile for Goals/60 (0.37) and 83rd percentile for Shots/60 (5.37). His involvement in transition play is reflected in a high Rush Attempt rate (91st percentile).

Despite his offensive upside, Skjei lacks physical contributions, ranking in the 30th percentile for Hits/60 (1.95) and 11th percentile for Shots Blocked/60 (3.01). His 21.68 TOI/GP (80th percentile) ensures steady ice time, but his defensive-zone involvement is minimal, limiting his impact in leagues that emphasize defensive stats.

Fantasy Outlook: Skjei is a strong pickup in point-heavy formats but lacks value in leagues requiring hits and blocked shots.

Columbus Blue Jackets | Boone Jenner Fantasy Analysis (Forward)

Key Strengths: Strong shot volume, reliable two-way play, solid faceoff performer

Concerns: Limited scoring consistency, low playmaking impact

Jenner has recently returned from injury, which explains his inflated assist numbers. Historically, he is not a high-end playmaker but contributes through strong shot volume and reliable two-way play. His Shots/60 (7.33, 73rd percentile) is a key asset, but his Goals/60 (0.00, 6th percentile) show that he has yet to find his scoring touch since returning. His Hits/60 (6.49, 63rd percentile) and Blocked Shots/60 (3.10, 80th percentile) make him a solid option in leagues that value physicality and defensive contributions.

While Jenner does not provide elite offensive production, he remains a solid middle-six forward with strong faceoff numbers (Faceoff Win %: 52%, 79th percentile). However, his complete lack of goal-scoring and reliance on teammates for points make him a depth fantasy option rather than a must-roster player.

Fantasy Outlook: Jenner is a viable option in leagues that reward faceoff wins, hits, and blocked shots, but he lacks elite scoring upside. Expect modest offensive production with solid multi-category contributions.

Final Takeaways

As the fantasy playoffs approach, targeting players who fit specific team needs can make a crucial difference. Based on their recent performance and underlying metrics, here's how this week's highlighted players stack up.

Lehkonen provides strong goal-scoring ability and high shooting efficiency but does not contribute much in the physical categories. His high shooting percentage suggests potential regression, but his top-six role in Colorado ensures he remains a valuable fantasy option.

Lundell offers a well-rounded game, contributing with assists, solid shot volume, and strong defensive metrics. His faceoff efficiency and transition play make him a strong depth option, especially in leagues that reward secondary statistics.

Faulk remains a steady blue-line presence with good assist production and strong offensive zone involvement. While his lack of goal-scoring limits his ceiling, his ice time and puck-moving ability make him a reliable fantasy defenseman.

Skjei provides a mix of offensive production and shot volume but does not contribute much in the physical categories. His high rush attempts and strong shooting percentage indicate he is capable of scoring, but he lacks elite fantasy upside.

Jenner, despite a recent surge in assists, is better known for his all-around game rather than elite playmaking. His shot volume and defensive contributions make him a useful multi-category forward, but his goal-scoring struggles limit his overall fantasy value.

For managers looking to bolster their fantasy roster, Lehkonen and Lundell provide strong offensive upside, while Jenner and Faulk offer value in multi-category leagues. Skjei remains a serviceable depth defenseman for teams needing additional blue-line production.

Stay Connected

For personalized advice or more in-depth analysis:

•             Twitter/X: @DH_staspup

•             Email: staspup@proton.me

•             Bluesky: stasp.bsky.social

Data Source: NaturalStatTrick (March 20, 2025)