Welcome back to Analytics Advantage. As we enter the final weeks of the fantasy season, savvy roster moves are more critical than ever. This week, we spotlight Pierre-Luc Dubois, Lane Hutson, Mika Zibanejad, Brock Boeser, and Morgan Rielly, five players who are either trending up, undervalued, or offer valuable multi-category upside for fantasy managers looking to make a push.

Using position-adjusted per-60 metrics, we break down each player's offensive contributions, defensive involvement, and overall fantasy value to help you make informed decisions heading into the playoff stretch.

Analysis Overview

To assess these players, we rely on per-60 statistics, which normalize production regardless of ice time. This method allows for more accurate comparisons and a clearer understanding of player impact. The primary metrics 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 their position-specific league averages

                •             FPPG vs. TOI Scatter Plot to highlight player efficiency and usage

                •             Hits/60 vs. Shots Blocked/60 Bubble Chart to showcase physicality and defensive involvement

Washington Capitals | Pierre-Luc Dubois (Forward)

Key Strengths: Elite playmaking, strong rebound generation, consistent scoring

Concerns: Low physicality, limited defensive involvement

Dubois has found another gear lately, offering one of the best assist rates among forwards at 2.05 Assists/60 — a mark that places him in the 95th percentile. Combined with 2.94 Points/60 (91st percentile) and 17.36 TOI/GP (78th percentile), he's proven to be a reliable producer when given quality ice time.

Despite the strong offensive profile, Dubois isn't making much impact physically. His Hits/60 (2.76, 31st percentile) and Takeaways (41st percentile) fall below league norms, limiting his upside in multi-cat leagues. However, his rush involvement (10.0 Rush Attempts, 78th percentile) and rebound generation (26.0, 77th percentile) speak to his value as a chance creator. A strong shooting percentage (15%) helps offset slightly below-average shot volume (50th percentile).

Fantasy Outlook: Dubois is a high-floor forward who thrives in assist-heavy or points leagues. He isn't an all-around stat stuffer but offers strong secondary scoring and rush involvement, making him a great depth piece down the stretch

Montreal Canadiens | Lane Hutson (Defenseman)

Key Strengths: Elite playmaking, strong transition play, excellent takeaway rate

Concerns: Low shot and hit volume, high turnover rate

Despite being early into his NHL career, Hutson has stood out as a high-impact offensive defenseman. His 2.04 Assists/60 ranks in the 99th percentile, with a corresponding 2.22 Points/60 (98th percentile), both well above the league average for his position. His IPP of 0.58 and high OZ Start % (72%, 96th percentile) reflect how heavily involved he is in the Canadiens’ scoring chances.

That said, Hutson does not bring much in physical categories. His Hits/60 (1.39, 19th percentile) and Blocks/60 (3.93, 35th percentile) are low, and while his giveaway count is high (93, 91st percentile), it's somewhat balanced by an elite 99th percentile in takeaways (51). The shot volume is also a bit underwhelming at 2.97 Shots/60 (26th percentile).

Fantasy Outlook: Hutson is best suited for points-only formats or leagues that reward assists and puck possession. He's an exciting playmaking defenseman with excellent upside, especially with his high ice time and offensive deployment.

New York Rangers | Mika Zibanejad (Forward)

Key Strengths: Strong assist production, elite rush attempts, solid shot generation

Concerns: Low hit and block rates, moderate efficiency

Zibanejad has continued to provide balanced offensive value with 1.51 Assists/60 (85th percentile) and 7.03 Shots/60 (69th percentile). His Points/60 comes in at 2.20, nearly half a point above the league average, and his ice time (18.79 TOI/GP, 88th percentile) reflects his top-six role and special team usage.

Where he truly excels is in rush creation (18.0 Rush Attempts/60, 98th percentile) and rebound generation (29.0, 83rd percentile). However, he lacks value in peripheral categories like Hits/60 (1.86, 18th percentile) and Blocks/60 (1.86, 39th percentile), which makes him less appealing in banger leagues. His giveaway rate is a concern (92nd percentile), but he offsets it somewhat with solid takeaways and strong faceoff results (52%).

Fantasy Outlook: Zibanejad remains a strong asset in scoring and shot-volume leagues. While he lacks a physical edge, his involvement in offensive rushes and faceoff wins makes him a multi-category contributor in the right format.

Vancouver Canucks | Brock Boeser (Forward)

Key Strengths: Goal-scoring ability, strong shooting percentage, offensive deployment

Concerns: Below-average hits and blocks, inconsistent secondary stats

Boeser has quietly posted another strong scoring season. His 1.19 Goals/60 ranks in the 86th percentile among forwards, backed by a very efficient 18% shooting percentage (90th percentile). He adds value with 6.44 Shots/60 (58th percentile) and continues to benefit from a high offensive zone start rate (70%, 82nd percentile).

Defensively, Boeser isn't offering much. His Hits/60 (3.47) and Blocks/60 (1.54) rank below average, and his Takeaways (62nd percentile) are solid but not standout. However, his rebound creation (26.0, 77th percentile) and relatively low giveaways (36, 50th percentile) enhance his scoring potential.

Fantasy Outlook: Boeser is a strong scoring forward for goal-heavy formats. His efficiency and deployment give him weekly upside, though he doesn't provide much in terms of hits or blocked shots.

Toronto Maple Leafs | Morgan Rielly (Defenseman)

Key Strengths: Steady point production, high OZ deployment, rebound generation

Concerns: Limited physicality, high giveaway rate

Rielly continues to be one of the more consistent offensive defensemen in fantasy. His 1.06 Assists/60 (84th percentile) and 1.33 Points/60 (83rd percentile) are well above average for blueliners. He shoots frequently (4.39 Shots/60, 67th percentile) and ranks near the top of his position group in offensive zone deployment (69%, 93rd percentile).

Despite his offensive upside, Rielly provides minimal value in hits (0.80/60, 7th percentile) and blocks (4.09/60, 40th percentile). His giveaway total (94, 92nd percentile) is high, though partially mitigated by average takeaway numbers and a strong presence in creating rebounds (29.0, 92nd percentile).

Fantasy Outlook: Rielly is a valuable offensive defenseman, particularly in point-focused leagues. His lack of physical contributions limits his utility in banger formats, but his consistent scoring from the back end remains appealing.

Final Takeaways

As fantasy leagues reach their most critical stretch, identifying consistent performers with strong underlying metrics can be the edge that helps managers secure a title. This week's featured players provide value in varying ways depending on league format and team needs.

Pierre-Luc Dubois is emerging as a strong facilitator with elite assist production and solid rebound generation. While he lacks physicality, his playmaking and consistent point totals make him a viable option in scoring-focused leagues.

Lane Hutson immediately made his mark from the blue line with top-tier assist numbers and elite takeaway metrics. Though he lacks shot volume and physicality, his offensive zone usage and minute load suggest strong upside in point-heavy leagues.

Mika Zibanejad remains a reliable presence in multi-category formats, with consistent assist production, strong rush play, and faceoff efficiency. His goal totals and physicality may be underwhelming, but he offers valuable depth in competitive rosters.

Brock Boeser continues to score efficiently, with above-average goal totals and strong shooting percentages. While his peripheral contributions are limited, he remains a strong depth option for managers in need of secondary scoring.

Morgan Rielly rounds out the list with a dependable offensive profile from the back end. His high offensive zone usage, assist totals, and time on ice make him a valuable contributor, even if his physical numbers remain modest.

For fantasy managers chasing consistency and offensive production, Dubois, Hutson, and Rielly offer excellent value. Zibanejad and Boeser remain steady options for rosters needing depth and balanced contributions.

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Data Source: NaturalStatTrick (April 1, 2025)