Fantasy points can be described as fantasy points at the end. When it comes to predicting future fantasy points, certain fantasy points should not be valued more than others.
Primary assists versus secondary assist is the most obvious distinction. There are many secondary assists that can be considered valid points in a skilled play on ice. However, not all secondary assists are equal. Secondary assists are more than just happenstance.
Yes, primary assists can be cited that are as minor as a goal being scored. However, each additional name that is attached to a goal will increase the chance that the award of a point is less relevant to the goal. ESPN standard leagues consider primary and secondary assist the same. Let’s look at the results by taking out secondary assists.
But let’s not stop there. When digging deeper, the bonus points for special team players is another one that I like to eliminate. When a goal occurs on the powerplay or while a team has to use its shorthanded player, ESPN standard leagues give out a bonus of 0.5 points. Although this bonus is more common than some secondary assists it is still an exception to the rule. The coaches decide what situation the player will be in. Although most penalty kills and power plays won’t affect the player’s makeup throughout the season, this is one thing that we can remove when taking a closer look at what I call primary fantasy points.
After removing special team bonuses and secondary assists, we have a fantasy profile consisting of two points for goals, one for primary assists, 0.5 points each for blocked shots, and 0.1 for hits or shots on goal.
All statistics accurate as of Nov. 20.
Red flags
It is important to be clear that just because a player collects secondary assists on the power plays doesn’t automatically mean they are a red flag. Mitchell Marner The NHL’s worst loser of fantasy points is Marner, who has lost 10 of his assists as secondary assists and 10 on special teams. (And, after all the stats have been scraped, Marner scored a secondary, power play assist on Monday to boost both totals). Marner has no chance of losing his top-six winger role or his power-play role. There must be some concern that the production might raise a red flag about a player. These secondary and bonus points are not a concern for Marner.
Alex Pietrangelo, D, Vegas Golden Knights (14.5 fantasy point from secondary assists or special teams): This mark ranks second in the NHL behind Marner. Pietrangelo did add two additional secondary assists on Monday night. However, there are some concerns about Pietrangelo. To see the most important, we need only look back to last season. Shea Theodore You will get more advantage minutes. Pietrangelo was the Knights’ return this season. However, that doesn’t mean they have a commitment to Pietrangelo on the top unit until April. Theodore is actually more productive than Pietrangelo with 27 power-play points. He also has 350 minutes of icetime, while Pietrangelo only has 17 points and 285 minutes.
Morgan Rielly, D, Toronto Maple Leafs Rielly fears that any Leafs power play without a dry spell will essentially wipe out his fantasy value. Although Rielly may have a little less fantasy points from special teams and secondary helpers than Pietrangelo, he still has a lot of fantasy points. If you strip away Rielly’s power-play production, secondary assists, and other fantasy points, there’s not much left to admire. It would be fantastic, and probably inevitable, for the Leafs to get back at five-on-5 like last season. There’s a possibility that someone else will replace Rielly, who left Monday’s game with an injury.Mark Giordano, Rasmus SandinThe power play will be tested by Rielly. They could be a threat to Rielly’s long-term outlook.
Mathew Barzal, C, New York Islanders (12.5 fantasy point from secondary assists or special teams): Barzal’s eight helpers have been secondary (nine if the stats are recalculated). It would be better to see more points from goals and primary assists so that you can know they will continue coming at a higher rate than one point per game. Barzal’s best year, outside of his incredible rookie campaign in 2019,-20, saw him only have 11 secondary assists. This was in a profile which included 30 primary assists and 19 goal in 68 games. I’m already wishing Barzal had more goals this season, considering he has almost doubled his secondary assist total.
Patrick Kane, W, Chicago Blackhawks (12.5 fantasy points from secondary assist and special teams): Kane’s overall production has been very stagnant this season. Max Domi Andreas AthanasiouHis most frequent linemates have been third-liners in recent seasons and press box players. Kane cannot be held responsible for not doing much fantasy. Kane is only 408th in fantasy points with 15.2 fantasy points if you subtract his secondary assists, special teams bonuses, and that’s it. Ouch.
Brandon Montour, D, Florida Panthers (12.5 fantasy point from secondary assists or special teams): This is a red flag that Montour’s extra stats are not going to last. First, his fantasy production falls significantly. Aaron Ekblad is currently in the Panthers roster. Montour posted 3.12 fantasy points per games (FPPG) in the 10 games Montour played while Ekblad did not. Montour has averaged 1.98 FPPG in seven games that had Ekblad. Montour is still an excellent fantasy asset, even though he’s not as effective with Ekblad in his lineup.
Artturi Lehkonen, C/W, Colorado Avalanche (11.5 fantasy points for secondary assists and special team): Based on the Avalanche’s power play, we already know how Lehkonen reacts to heat and cold. Lehkonen’s first unit powerplay time has a sunset date that will be in effect for the last three to four months of the season. This is perhaps more important than expected as the months move faster than we think. Gabriel Landeskog will be returning to the top spot in the second half of this season. Lehkonen is now outside the top 200 fantasy skaters if you subtract his secondary assists and points for special teams.
J.J. Moser, D, Arizona Coyotes (Nine fantasy points for secondary assists and special team members) Jakob ChychrunThe return of’s really nails this fantasy coffin. Moser posted 2.0 FPPG through 16 games to begin this season. This was a respectable start. Moser was pushed from the top power-play team by Chychrun. He was no longer relevant.
Hampus Lindholm, D, Boston Bruins (8.5 fantasy point from secondary assists or special teams) Lindholm managed to earn one power-play in each of the five games since. Charlie McAvoy His power-play time has dropped since McAvoy returned. Lindholm’s average advantage time was 3:21 before McAvoy returned. But, with McAvoy back, Lindholm now has a 1:58 advantage. Expect Lindholm will slowly lose his role as an everyday fantasy deployment.
Green lights
This exercise is positive in two ways. You can see the production as being more stable because they don’t get many fantasy points from special teams or secondary assists. The second is that they Are Many fantasy points are earned from secondary assists or special team members, which is an exciting new role that will be a benefit in the future.
It is all about understanding the situation for each individual player. Take this first example.
Mikhail Sergachev, D, Tampa Bay Lightning (11 fantasy point from secondary assist and special team): Although I could have easily inserted Sergachev with the red flags based upon how many of his fantasy point are coming from special and secondary teams, this is a major positive. It may not last forever, but Sergachev will continue to be a top power-play player this season.
0:52
Mikhail Sergachev’s goal gives Lightning a 4-0 lead over the Capitals.
Alec Martinez, D, Vegas Golden Knights (one fantasy point from special teams and secondary assists): The ultimate prime fantasy-point product, throwing himself in front a lot more pucks that any other defenseman. Martinez, as mentioned in this week’s fantasy rankings, is on pace not only to beat but also to obliterate his single-season blocked shots mark. Martinez isn’t counting on secondary assists or points (he only has four points on Monday after doubling his season total). This means that his stat total doesn’t have any secondary support. Martinez might actually be due more goals and assists this season than he has, so we may see him challenge for the top fantasy defenseman spot in the months ahead.
Mark Scheifele, C, Winnipeg Jets 2.5% fantasy points from secondary assist and special teams: Scheifele’s primary fantasy points are encouraging. This is mainly because he is well-positioned to collect lots of secondary points when the puck bounces his way. Scheifele’s total assists are being lowered by a lack of special teams. Nikolaj Ehlers. However, we learned this week that Ehlers won’t be coming back to save the topline any time soon. She will undergo sports hernia treatment next week. It is not clear what the Jets will do to spark Scheifele’s career and boost his top line. Mason Appleton While he played the role for a prolonged time, he wasn’t able to impress and is now being hurt. Sam Gagner This is a temporary solution, but it can’t be considered permanent. They would be in the same situation if they tried to rob the second line. There are some high-drafted picks among the Jets’ AHL teens (Brad LambertChaz Lucius), but it would be better to let them develop there. Scheifele still manages 2.0 FPPG and has room for growth.
Jared Spurgeon, D, Minnesota Wild 1.5 fantasy points for secondary assists and special team: At this point, the writing is on the wall. Calen Addison The top power-play unit needs to be replaced. Since Oct. 29, the Wild advantage has been three-for-30, ranking last in conversions. Addison keeps being rolled out in the hope of something better. The Wild are so determined to make it work that they dressed seven defensemen in their last match. Addison was basically used as a power-play specialist, with only nine shifts and seven minutes of ice. Spurgeon is the team’s veteran default on the advantage. Spurgeon’s fantasy-relevant 1.8FPPG this season is very close to reality. Power-play responsibility would help tremendously.
Jake Guentzel, W, Pittsburgh Penguins (3.5 fantasy points for secondary assists or special teams): Guentzel’s season-high 2.4 FPPG is a huge accomplishment. He has only received two secondary assists, and three points from special teams. Why? He was 36th in the NHL for power-play points over the past two seasons. You have to believe that those additional stats will be coming.
Jamie Benn, C/W, Dallas Stars (8.5 fantasy fantasy points from special teams and secondary assists): Benn has to have these special-team fantasy points, as it’s difficult to do a lot from the third line. While Benn remains a top power-play unit player, there is no reason to believe that his special teams and secondary points will change.
Gabriel Vilardi, C, Los Angeles Kings (2) Fantasy points from special teams and secondary assists: Vilardi hasn’t been adding to his total by playing special teams or secondary assists. This is because he lost the power play he had earned through his hot scoring. As with many other breakout candidates, he’ll fluctuate in his fantasy value. However, the fact that so many points are coming straight off his stick is a net plus.