Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Pickups and Sleepers: TOI & PPTOI Trends (Week 8)

Fantasy Hockey TOI and PPTOI Trends in Week 8

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 8 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.

I've got to start out with a defenseman because he's producing like a forward, and he's that hot of a commodity right now.

John Klingberg, Defense, Dallas Stars

Get used to hearing this name. He is only owned in 10% of Yahoo leagues, but he's got six points in his first seven games for the Stars. Klingberg won't keep that pace up, but he has looked solid as a young offensive defenseman. He also sees an average of 23:36 per game, so it's evident coach Lindy Ruff trusts his defensive ability, too. None of his points have come by way of the power play, but since he's averaging 2:20 per game with the man advantage, he'll get some points there sooner than later with how potent the Dallas power play is and how skilled he is.

The 22-year-old former fifth-round pick is still developing, but should make a great pickup, whether you're in a keeper league or single season league alike.

Nick Bjugstad, Forward, Florida Panthers

Bjugstad is riding a four-game point streak into Week 8, and accumulated seven goals and 10 points in an eight-game span from Nov. 6 to Nov. 22. This comes after a slow start, as he only put up one point in his previous 10 games. And after posting 38 points in his first full season last year, it looks like Bjugstad is blossoming in his sophomore year. Seeing upward of 20 minutes each night, including top time with the man advantage, Bjugstad is a low-key pickup that should give you great return, whether it's a temporary or permanent keeper-style acquisition.

Being on a team that doesn't have an overwhelming offense, Bjugstad will experience his ups and downs, but will get every opportunity to be the top center, and he's certainly playing like it right now. He's only owned in 10% of leagues, so take advantage and pick him up.

Zemgus Girgensons, Forward, Buffalo Sabres

Girgensons has been a pleasant surprise for a struggling Sabres squad this season. Known for his persistency and hard work in his rookie season last year, the 20-year-old Latvian has shown a flair for the offense this year, while playing huge even-strength, power play and even shorthanded minutes. Girgensons has eight points in his last nine games and 11 in 21 contests overall, while averaging 17:49 of ice time per game. After posting 22 points in 70 games last year, I would expect Girgensons to double that output.

Additionally, he's a plus-five this season, which is impressive. You might take a hit on your plus-minus over the course of the season, considering he's playing on Buffalo, but he's going to receive every opportunity to produce. Especially if you're in a keeper league, give Girgensons a hard look.

Boone Jenner, Forward, Columbus Blue Jackets

Since returning from injury to make his season debut, Jenner has provided Columbus with a big body and a handy scoring touch. In nine games, Jenner has produced one goal, but also five assists, while averaging 19:25 of ice time. Additionally, the 21- year-old averages 2:20 of man-advantage time per contest, proving he can be a valuable asset for your team should you need the offensive punch.

Last season, he amassed 16 goals and 29 points in his 72-game rookie campaign. With six points in nine games already this season, it looks like Jenner is ready to take the next step into a bigger role for the Blue Jackets. Pick him up if you're in a deep league and/or a keeper league.

Brayden McNabb, Defense, Los Angeles Kings

Injuries and other issues (see Slava Voynov) on the Kings' blue line–the most recent of which is Alec Martinez–have allowed others to step in and play big minutes. McNabb has taken full advantage, and is producing thus far for Los Angeles, with four assists in his last six games. I'll be the first to say that he won't keep that sort of pace up, but he has seen a jump in ice time from anywhere between 10 and 15 minutes to roughly between 18 and 21 minutes, including power play time. And in fantasy hockey, it's all about riding the hot hand or the hand who reaps the benefits of having an injured teammate (sounds rather cold, doesn't it?).

If you're in a fix defensively, look to McNabb as a temporary option until the Kings' regulars are back in action.