Rest of the season Fantasy hockey rankings

Below are my updated 2021 rest of season fantasy hockey rankings for the NHL season. You’ll see left-wing rankings, right-wing rankings, center rankings, defense rankings and goalie rankings. There are only four weeks left until fantasy hockey playoffs so I took into consideration the number of games some teams have to make up. As you see each week in my waiver wire rankings, I take four and five-game streams quite seriously. 

It’s important to keep in mind that I ranked the following players with a certain scoring system in mind: Goals, assists, power-play points, shots on goal, hits, and blocks. I did not account for plus/minus or penalty minutes. Adjust accordingly if you play with those statistics, but I think most are leaving plus/minus out of their scoring settings. Here’s a “High Stakes Draft Strategy” article that helps explain the importance of drafting goal scorers and those who hit. 

This is why you’re seeing Brady Tkachuk higher and Quinn Hughes lower. If you’re playing with just goals and assists, Hughes is a top-five fantasy defenseman. He didn’t rank inside the top 20 at defense last season in leagues with hits and blocks, despite a phenomenal rookie season. If you’re playing with hits, Tkachuk is a top 10 left winger. 

The term “Banger Leagues” is becoming more popular in season-long formats, which is why I’ve given a bump to those who contribute with hits and blocks. For those who play in leagues with face-off wins, be sure to target a center with dual eligibility.