Welcome back to Analytics Advantage! With the preseason in motion, we're taking one more week to analyze existing data before diving into the fresh numbers from the 2025 campaign. This week's focus is all about player profiles—spotlighting those who I believe are primed to make significant strides compared to last year.

By revisiting and analyzing these players' past performance, we can anticipate where they may show growth and offer value in upcoming drafts. This analysis will be a useful tool for shaping your strategy and making more informed decisions as draft day approaches.

Let's break down the players I see with the most potential for improvement and how they might fit into your draft plans.

Why These Players Are Set for Improvement

In the world of fantasy hockey, it's critical to not only target known performers but also to identify players who are poised to take the next step in their development. By examining key metrics such as ice time, shot volume, and team role, I've identified several players who could surprise us this year. Let's break down their potential and how they might offer hidden value in your drafts.

Owen Tippett

Last Year's Performance:

Owen Tippett's breakout potential became evident last year, where he showed his ability to create scoring chances and drive play. His shot volume significantly increased, and he demonstrated his knack for finding high-danger scoring areas. Despite facing tougher defensive matchups, Tippett still managed to deliver strong offensive numbers, especially in leagues that value shots on goal.

Why He'll Improve:

Looking ahead, Tippett is expected to take on a larger role in the offensive scheme. With more consistent power-play time and a potential bump in his minutes, his goal-scoring upside is high. His combination of speed and shooting accuracy makes him a threat to surpass last year's totals, especially if his team's offense continues to evolve.

Draft Strategy:

Tippett is an ideal mid-round pick for managers seeking to bolster their goals and shots categories. His upward trajectory in offensive production, particularly in power-play points, makes him a valuable asset in category leagues. If you're in need of a forward with goal-scoring potential, Tippett should be on your radar.

Dylan Guenther

Last Year's Performance:

In his rookie year, Dylan Guenther showed flashes of brilliance, albeit in a limited role. His offensive instincts and quick release helped him produce efficiently in the minutes he was given. While he didn't play a full slate of games, Guenther's per-60 statistics indicate he has the potential to produce at a higher level with more ice time.

Why He'll Improve:

With another year of development under his belt, Guenther is poised to see an expanded role in the top-six. As he gains experience and builds chemistry with his linemates, expect his shot volume and scoring opportunities to rise. His ability to score in tight spaces makes him a breakout candidate, particularly in deeper fantasy formats.

Draft Strategy:

Guenther is a high-upside sleeper pick, especially in dynasty leagues or later rounds of standard drafts. Managers who are willing to take a chance on a young, developing player could be rewarded with a breakout campaign. Keep an eye on him, particularly if his ice time increases during the preseason.

JJ Peterka

Last Year's Performance:

JJ Peterka may have flown under the radar for many fantasy managers, but he quietly put together a strong campaign, contributing across multiple categories. His speed and forechecking ability were key components of his game, and he showed flashes of offensive upside with solid assist numbers.

Why He'll Improve:

Peterka is expected to play a more significant role in his team's offense this year. As he continues to develop his playmaking skills, he could see a notable bump in assists and point totals. His underlying metrics suggest he is due for a breakout, especially if given more time with the top lines.

Draft Strategy:

Peterka is a solid outside-the-top-100 sleeper. He offers a balanced stat line and could be a valuable addition for managers looking for a player who can contribute in assists, shots, and the occasional goal. Don't overlook Peterka, as he could offer sneaky value in multi-category leagues.

Brock Faber

Last Year's Performance:

Brock Faber made his mark last year as a reliable defensive presence. While his offensive numbers were limited, his peripheral stats, particularly in blocked shots and hits, were excellent. Faber's ability to shut down opposing forwards made him a valuable asset in leagues that reward defensive categories.

Why He'll Improve:

Faber's role is expected to grow this year, especially on the penalty kill and in shutdown situations. While his offensive upside remains limited, his peripherals—especially in blocks and hits—should continue to rise as his ice time increases. If he can chip in the occasional assist, his value in deeper leagues will be even greater.

Draft Strategy:

Faber is a strong late-round pick for managers looking to shore up their defensive categories. His high floor in hits and blocked shots makes him a safe pick in leagues that emphasize those stats. While he may not provide much offense, his reliability in defensive stats can make a big difference in roto formats.

Olen Zellweger

Last Year's Performance:

Though still young, Olen Zellweger's talent was evident in his limited appearances last year. Known for his puck-moving ability and offensive mindset, Zellweger showed flashes of the elite skill set that has scouts excited about his future. His power-play potential is particularly intriguing.

Why He'll Improve:

Zellweger is expected to see an expanded role this year, particularly on the power play. His ability to quarterback from the blue line, combined with his excellent vision and skating, gives him the potential to rack up assists and points. If given the opportunity, Zellweger could be a breakout candidate in points-heavy leagues.

Draft Strategy:

In dynasty leagues, Zellweger is a must-own player. For standard formats, he's a late-round flyer with significant upside, especially in leagues that reward power-play points. If your league values defensemen who can produce offensively, Zellweger should be on your watchlist.

Logan Stankoven

Last Year Performance:

Logan Stankoven's limited ice time last year didn't fully showcase his offensive capabilities. However, his performance in key moments, especially in high-danger areas, hinted at his scoring potential. His ability to generate offense in tight spaces makes him an exciting prospect.

Why He'll Improve:

As Stankoven moves into a more prominent role, his offensive production is expected to rise. With top-six minutes and more power-play opportunities, he's in line to see significant improvements in goals and assists. His high hockey IQ and quick release make him a strong candidate for a breakout campaign.

Draft Strategy:

Stankoven is an excellent late-round pick for managers looking to add offensive upside. He's particularly valuable in leagues that reward goals and assists, and his potential to play a larger role this year makes him a high-risk, high-reward option.

By identifying players who are primed for improvement based on their metrics and opportunity, you can gain an edge in your upcoming drafts. Whether you're looking for sleeper picks like Dylan Guenther or reliable category contributors like Brock Faber, these profiles should help guide your strategy.

Keep an eye on these players as the year progresses—they could be the difference-makers in your fantasy leagues!

Thank you for reading and have a great rest of your day! Feel free to reach out on Twitter/X – @DH_staspup for any questions, corrections, or comments. You can also ask for any player's graph or a whole set of graphs for your roster—I can post it, DM, or email. (For whole rosters, please DM an email or email me: [email protected]).