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Fantasy Hockey TOI and PPTOI Trends in Week 10
When you’re in a deep league with a full-size NHL starting lineup and seven bench positions for a 27-man roster like I am, top line and power play ice time are indispensable factors in analyzing waiver pickups. Both of these factors change over the course of the season, so here in Week 10 we’re going to dive a bit deeper into each of them to highlight the latest trends.
Stephen Weiss, Forward, Detroit
It's been a troubling couple of seasons for Weiss (C eligibility; 11% owned in Yahoo leagues), who played a combined 43 games in that span thanks to wrist and groin injuries. But since making his return, the former 60-point man proved he still has it. In his first seven games back, Weiss recorded four goals and six assists.
He has proven he can produce in this league in the past, but it has been a while since he has been healthy. His ice time isn't anything to write home about, often under the 15-minute mark, but he does see valuable power play time on a red-hot Red Wings unit, one of the best in the league currently. Snatch up Weiss if you need some help at the center position.
Johnny Gaudreau, Forward, Calgary
Gaudreau (LW eligibility; 34% owned in Yahoo leagues) continues to prove why he was such a dominant collegiate player for Boston College, and is a big reason why the Flames are in contention for a playoff spot as one of the league's most pleasant surprises this season. With five goals and 16 assists this season and currently riding a four-game point streak, 'Johnny Hockey' has been instrumental in the Flames' strong start to the 2014-15 campaign. Coach Bob Hartley has and will continue to give the rookie forward the chance to shine, playing top minutes both at even strength and with the man advantage.
Especially if you're in a keeper league, snag the former Hobey Baker winner off the waiver wire immediately.
Mika Zibanejad, Forward, Ottawa
Zibanejad (C, RW eligibility; 6% owned in Yahoo leagues) has been somewhat of an enigma for the Senators' brass and fantasy owners alike. The former first-round pick is capable of performances like the ones he has turned in recently–four-game point streak with a four-point game against Vancouver Dec. 7–but he is also capable of cooling off quickly. Much like the Senators as a whole this season, you can't be sure about what you're going to get from Zibanejad. Fantasy hockey is all about riding a player while he's hot, so pick up the young forward while he's still producing.
Thomas Hickey, Defense, NY Islanders
Hickey (2% owned in Yahoo leagues) is an interesting case. A former first-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings, he couldn't quite crack the lineup over there for whatever reason. But thanks to injuries and a change of scenery, Hickey is currently thriving on Long Island with the likes of Johnny Boychuk out. He has amassed six points in his last eight games on the Isles' blue line, playing upwards of 24:30 in that time. While he mostly plays the penalty kill as far as special teams are concerned, he still saw 1:46 of power play time last game against St. Louis.
While the Islanders blue line continues to heal, consider Hickey if you need a short-term boost on the blue line.
