Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Pickups and Sleepers: TOI & PPTOI Trends (Week 7)

Fantasy Hockey TOI and PPTOI Trends in Week 7

Heading into each fantasy hockey season and over the course of the season, there are two factors–among others–I try to key in on when filling out my roster that are easily overlooked by many managers.

The first is whether or not a player, no matter the team, sees action on the top line or defense pairing. That’s typically a no-brainer unless you’re dealing with players from the weaker NHL teams. The second is whether he typically plays on the power play or not.  

And when you’re in a deep league with a full-size NHL starting line-up and seven bench positions for a 27-man roster like I am, said factors are indispensable. Both of these factors change over the course of the season, so here in Week 7 we're going to dive a bit deeper into each of them to highlight the latest trends.

Let me start out by saying that though a player sees power play minutes, it doesn’t necessarily mean he gets a lot of 5-on-5 minutes. And on the contrary, a player may see a lot of 5-on-5 minutes, but not necessarily much power play time. But that’s what I’m here to help clarify on a weekly basis so you can scoop up the right player off the waiver wire to help your team, depending on your personal situation.

Elias Lindholm, Forward, Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes' first-round, fifth-overall pick (12% owned in Yahoo leagues) in 2013 has impressed early on in his sophomore campaign, having posted six goals and nine points in 16 games to help his club turn the proverbial ship around after going winless in the first eight contests.

It was reported on Nov. 14 that Lindholm–averaging 16:59 in ice time per game–had been dealing with a foot issue, but he didn't miss any games and in the two ensuing tilts, and while he did not register a point he did record five hits and three blocks. Now, with captain Eric Staal back in the lineup, expect that to give Lindholm's game a boost, too, whether it be at even strength or on the power play, as Lindholm averages 2:41 in power play time per game.

One nice bonus is his ability to fill in at either center or right wing in Yahoo leagues. If you're in a keeper or dynasty league especially, scoop up the blossoming 19-year-old forward right now.

P.A. Parenteau, Forward, Montreal Canadiens

Parenteau is only owned in 27% of Yahoo leagues currently, and plays for the league's current top dog in Montreal.  With five goals and nine points in 19 games, he has contributed in a secondary role for the Habs, but playing with the likes of Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais will provide Parenteau with ample opportunity to produce. He averages 15:31 per game, but also 2:16 in man-advantage time on what is quite a potent power play with the offensive personnel Montreal possesses.

If you're in a moderate-to-deep league, give Parenteau a hard look. He has proven he can produce in the NHL, and is on pace for 21 goals, which is about what he averages in a full season.

Mikkel Boedker, Forward, Arizona Coyotes

It's hard to believe Boedker is only owned in 17% of Yahoo leagues. The budding 24-year-old, former eighth-overall pick of the Coyotes has amassed seven goals and 12 points in 18 games this season. Last season, Boedker set career-highs across the board, tallying 19 goals and 51 points in 82 games. He is currently on pace for 53 points, but also 31 goals. Those numbers could jump, too, if Boedker remains a consistent producer due to a six-game pointless span in late October.

The Danish-born forward averages 18:03 per game and also a solid 3:33 in power play time per game playing on the top unit. At 24, Boedker looks poised to reach new heights. Despite a weak supporting offensive cast in Arizona, Boedker is arguably the top forward on the team. Grab him now, especially if you're in a keeper or dynasty league.

Sergei Gonchar, Defense, Montreal Canadiens

The 40-year-old veteran (only 5% owned in Yahoo leagues) is proving he still has it. His time in Dallas didn't go as well as expected, but sometimes a change of scenery can make a world of difference, and it has thus far for Gonchar. In two games with the Canadiens, he has two assists. And after averaging around 13 minutes in his last games with the Stars, Gonchar immediately stepped into the Montreal lineup to play 20 minutes in his debut against Boston. In Montreal's last game against Detroit, the Russian rearguard played 2:37 on the power play. Despite not recording any points, he had some great opportunities–including a shot off the post–and was effective in getting the puck through to the net.

For being the league's top team, it's surprising to hear Montreal's power play is in the bottom 10 overall, but Gonchar should help that and will get plenty of opportunity to do so. Consider picking him up to boost your fantasy blue line.

Toby Enstrom, Defense, Winnipeg Jets

Enstrom's woes of last season look to be behind him. The 30-year-old defenseman is capable of a 50-point season and with nine points through his first 19 games, it's very possible he returns to that mark this year. Enstrom plays huge minutes for Winnipeg–averaging 25:16 per game and 4:19 with the man advantage–and will continue to get every opportunity to be the top producer on the back end.

Winnipeg, as a whole, has been an up-and-down club early in this season, but Enstrom is only 29% owned in Yahoo leagues and will provide you with an offensive punch on the back-end if you need one. As with any pickup, it all depends on how deep your league is, but considering he's available, why wouldn't you want a top power play defenseman who sees more than a period of ice time on average?