Welcome back to Analytics Advantage! With the NHL campaign well underway, key players are already standing out, and fantasy managers are reaping the rewards. This week, we'll delve into Fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG), a comprehensive stat that incorporates points from goals, assists, shots, blocked shots, and hits, giving a balanced view of a player's overall fantasy value.

This analysis highlights the top 30 players by FPPG, split into three segments: the top 10, players ranked 11-20, and those ranked 21-30. Additionally, we'll examine the most efficient players; those who generate the highest fantasy points relative to their Time on Ice (TOI).

It's important to note the rankings might see fluctuations as the schedule progresses. A good example is Macklin Celebrini—though he's among the top due to his FPPG, his inclusion is due to a single game, underscoring the small sample size that comes into play early in the year.

Now, let's dive into the Top 10 players who are shaping the landscape of fantasy hockey.

Rasmus Andersson (CGY)

Rasmus Andersson has been a cornerstone of the Calgary defense, consistently contributing across multiple categories. He's sitting at 15.27 FPPG, tallying 3 goals and 5 assists across 9 games. His average TOI/GP is a solid 23:48, ensuring ample opportunities for involvement on both ends of the ice. With 23 blocked shots, Andersson adds defensive value to his offensive production, making him a premier fantasy defenseman for multi-category leagues. Additionally, his 9 shots on goal round out his versatile contributions to the Flames' blue line.

Ross Colton (COL)

Ross Colton has wasted no time making an impact in his new role with the Avalanche. His current FPPG stands at 14.86, and he's already netted 6 goals alongside 1 assist over 7 games. Colton's ability to contribute physically is evident from his 25 shots on goal and 24 hits, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers in leagues that reward hits and shots. With 19:41 TOI/GP, Colton is playing a substantial role in Colorado's offensive schemes, and his all-around game makes him a top option for fantasy owners.

Tom Wilson (WSH)

Known for his physicality, Tom Wilson is showing he can also deliver offensively, with an FPPG of 15.52. Over  games, Wilson has contributed 5 goals and 1 assist, while still maintaining his reputation as a physical force with 15 hits and 9 blocked shots. His 19:24 TOI/GP demonstrates that he's a trusted player in Washington's top-six with consistent opportunities to deliver points across categories. Fantasy managers can count on Wilson not only for points but also for his contributions in hits and blocks, making him a well-rounded fantasy asset.

While the Top 10 players have been setting the pace early in the season, the next group of players (ranked 11-20 by FPPG) are also proving to be valuable contributors to fantasy rosters. This section features players who might not always grab the headlines but are making consistent impacts across multiple categories.

11-20: Reliable Contributors

Moritz Seider (DET)

Seider continues to establish himself as a top defenseman in Detroit, with an FPPG of 13.67. In six games, he's accumulated 1 goal and 2 assists while racking up an impressive 28 hits and 20 blocked shots. Seider's strong presence on the ice is reflected in his 24:17 TOI per game, giving him ample opportunity to produce in multiple categories. His combination of offensive contributions and physicality makes him a must-own in fantasy leagues, especially those that reward peripherals like hits and blocked shots.

Timo Meier (N.J)

Timo Meier has been a force for the New Jersey Devils early in the season, posting an FPPG of 13.31. With 4 goals and 5 assists through his first nine games, he's consistently contributing to the scoreboard. Meier has also added 33 shots on goal, proving to be a shooting machine for fantasy owners. His 17:15 TOI per game, combined with his 17 hits, shows that Meier is not just about offensive production—he brings value across the board.

Vincent Trocheck (NYR)

Trocheck continues to be a versatile asset for the Rangers, boasting an FPPG of 13.93 across seven games. With 2 goals, 5 assists, and 19 shots, he's a solid contributor offensively. What stands out, though, are his 14 hits and 8 blocked shots, adding significant value in leagues that reward peripheral stats. Trocheck's 21:39 TOI per game underscores his integral role on the Rangers' power play and in key situations.

Moving beyond the top 20, we delve into the 21-30 ranked players. These players may fly under the radar but have been quietly putting up strong fantasy performances. Their consistent production across a range of categories makes them valuable additions, especially in deeper leagues.

21-30: Underrated Assets

Sebastian Aho (CAR)

Sebastian Aho continues to be a consistent performer for the Carolina Hurricanes, posting an FPPG of 13.00. In five games, he's tallied 2 goals and 4 assists, along with 19 shots on goal, proving his value as a top offensive contributor. Aho's 20:27 TOI/GP highlights his integral role in Carolina's offense, making him a must-start in all fantasy formats. His balanced production ensures that he remains a reliable fantasy asset, especially as he continues to be a go-to player for the Hurricanes.

Yegor Chinakhov (CBJ)

Yegor Chinakhov has quickly emerged as a key offensive asset for the Columbus Blue Jackets, delivering an FPPG of 12.60. Through six games, he's recorded 3 goals and 4 assists, alongside 20 shots on goal. Chinakhov's versatility extends beyond just scoring—he's added 8 hits to his fantasy resume, making him valuable in leagues that reward physical play. His 18:46 TOI/GP indicates he's receiving ample ice time to continue contributing, and he's certainly a player to watch as the season progresses.

Mackenzie Weegar (CGY)

Mackenzie Weegar has proven to be a consistent performer for the Calgary Flames, with an FPPG of 11.82. Weegar's balanced game is reflected in his 3 goals, 1 assist, 14 shots on goal, and 15 hits through six appearances. With a TOI/GP of 22:30, Weegar is logging significant minutes and contributing across multiple categories, making him a solid option in deeper fantasy leagues. His ability to deliver on both ends of the ice ensures that he remains a valuable defensive asset for fantasy owners.

As we move into the final group, we shift our focus to efficiency. The following players may not have the most ice time, but they are making the most of every minute, producing significant fantasy points relative to their TOI.

Most Efficient Players

Brady Tkachuk (OTT)

Brady Tkachuk remains one of the most impactful forwards in the league, consistently delivering in both offensive and physical categories. With an impressive FPPG of 14.40, Tkachuk has already recorded 3 goals and 5 assists in six games. What makes him stand out is his efficiency: Tkachuk is maximizing his opportunities with a 0.79 efficiency rating, a testament to his ability to generate fantasy points with fewer minutes compared to some other top players. His 21 shots on goal and 14 hits further solidify his status as one of the most reliable players in multi-category leagues.

Cole Koepke (BOS)

Despite seeing limited ice time, Cole Koepke has been a hidden gem for the Bruins this season, maintaining an FPPG of 8.89 with an efficiency rating of 0.68. Koepke has netted 3 goals and 3 assists through six games, despite averaging just 10:53 TOI/GP. His 19 hits showcase his physical presence, and his ability to contribute offensively in a shorter time frame makes him an intriguing option for fantasy managers looking for value in deeper leagues. Koepke's efficient production will be one to monitor as the season progresses.

Will Cuylle (NYR)

Will Cuylle is quickly becoming one of the most efficient contributors for the New York Rangers. His FPPG of 11.67 paired with an impressive 0.87 efficiency rating makes him a standout performer in the early part of the season. In just 13:27 TOI/GP, Cuylle has managed to score 1 goal and tally 5 assists, along with 14 shots on goal and 28 hits. His physical presence and offensive contributions make him a valuable asset in multi-category leagues, especially for those looking for a well-rounded player with high efficiency.

As we move further into the NHL season, these players have proven to be some of the most valuable in fantasy hockey, whether through consistent offensive production, physical play, or remarkable efficiency on the ice. While FPPG provides an excellent snapshot of overall performance, efficiency metrics offer another layer of insight, especially for players like Koepke and Cuylle, who make the most of their limited minutes.

Remember, fantasy hockey is a long-view game, and staying on top of emerging trends and standout performers can make all the difference. Be sure to monitor player performance closely as the season unfolds.

Thank you for reading! 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 entire rosters, please DM an email or email me at [email protected]).