Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Pickups and Sleepers: TOI & PPTOI Trends (Week 9)

Fantasy Hockey TOI and PPTOI Trends in Week 9

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 9 we’re going to dive a bit deeper into each of them to highlight the latest trends.

Alex Killorn, Forward, Tampa Bay Lightning

Since returning from an upper-body injury on Nov. 13, Killorn (C, LW eligibility, 16% owned in Yahoo leagues) has done nothing but produce, with eight points in his first eight games back for the Lightning. His dual position eligibility is a nice plus for those in leagues that have specific forward positions established.

With 41 points in his first full, 82-game season last year, Killorn is on pace to set new career highs in goals and points. His overall ice time isn't anything spectacular, as he averages 15:17 per game, but also 1:37 of power play time on a potent Tampa Bay team, which makes him a valuable fantasy asset.

Tomas Jurco, Forward, Detroit Redwings

Like Killorn, Jurco (RW eligibility; 2% owned in Yahoo leagues) made his return to the Red Wings lineup with as big an impact as the team could hope for. This is technically his first full season as he was up and down last year for Detroit, suiting up in only 36 contests and recording 15 points. But the 21-year-old forward has two goals and seven assists for nine points in 21 games this season. Here's the kicker: seven of those points have come in his last seven games. Jurco was a healthy scratch for three games in early November, but he has looked like a much better player in his first nine games back. Sometimes being taken out of the lineup can do wonders for a player, and it looks like this has benefitted Jurco greatly.

The problem is that Jurco's time on the ice is quite limited, despite how well he's producing right now. He sees an average of 11:43 per game, but he does also get around 1:58 of power play time per game on average, too. That doesn't sound overly promising, but there's two reasons it very well could be: he has proven he possesses the skill to keep producing at such a pace; secondly, it's the exact same scenario for Tyler Toffoli in Los Angeles, and he finds a way to keep producing, as well, so it's not unheard of.

Vincent Trocheck, Forward, Florida Panthers

The Panthers are hurting right now with injury, but the replacements from the AHL are keeping them afloat in the Eastern Conference. Trocheck (C eligibility; 1% owned in Yahoo leagues) is one such player, and he's making it incredibly difficult for the team to send him back down one the regulars return.

In 13 games this season, the 21-year-old Pittsburgh native has recorded eight points. He's only averaging 13:10 of ice time and 0:40 of power play time, so it leaves a little to be desired, but should Florida keep him up, he'll be a valuable asset. He has eight points in 20 games last season, and he is already producing at a better rate than last season. He's a proven scorer, having won the OHL scoring title in his last year of juniors, posting 50 goals and 109 points between Saginaw and Plymouth in 64 games. If you're in a dynasty or keeper league, consider adding Trocheck.

Kris Russell, Defense, Calgary Flames

Russell (10% owned in Yahoo leagues) is a big part of a resurgent Flames squad this season, playing 23 minutes on average per night and 2:32 of time with the man advantage. In his first season with Calgary last year, he posted a career-high of 29 points in 68 games. Currently, Russell has nine assists in 23 games, which isn't overwhelming, but seeing that power play time is a huge bonus. He's good for shots on goal, too, if your league counts that.

As I mention in the opening that I post every week, I try to key in on guys that play big minutes overall and power play minutes. Russell has offensive ability, and is worth consideration if you need help on the back end.