The NHL fantasy season brings excitement and tough decisions. Every year, certain players carry high expectations that don’t match their actual production.
Identifying potential busts requires looking beyond last season’s numbers. Age, injury history, and team changes all play crucial roles in player performance.
Here are five players who might not live up to their draft position this season.
Regression Candidates
Some players had career years that may be difficult to repeat. Shooting percentages above normal levels often return to average. Players who exceeded their typical point totals face natural regression.
Age becomes a factor for veterans over 30. Physical decline can happen quickly in hockey.
Injury Concerns
Players returning from major injuries carry risk. Recovery timelines don’t always match expectations. Some injuries affect skating speed or shot power permanently.
Concussion history creates particular concerns. Players with multiple head injuries face ongoing uncertainty.
Team Situation Changes
Roster moves can dramatically impact fantasy value. A player might lose power play time to new additions. Line combinations often change with new teammates or coaching staff.
Contract disputes sometimes affect player motivation or ice time. Pending unrestricted free agents may not receive the same opportunities.
Advanced Metrics Warning Signs
Underlying statistics sometimes reveal problems before they show up in points. Shot generation and quality of chances matter more than luck-driven results.
Players who relied heavily on power play production face risk if their team’s special teams decline.
The key is balancing risk with potential reward. Every draft includes some calculated gambles, but avoiding obvious pitfalls helps build stronger rosters.
Smart fantasy managers research beyond surface statistics. Understanding context makes the difference between winning and losing seasons.
