NHL Fantasy Hockey Primer: 10 Durable Players You Can Trust

NHL Fantasy Hockey Primer: 10 Durable Players You Can Trust in 2016-17

That time of year is upon us, NHL fantasy hockey drafts are just around the corner. We here at Puck Prose want to share our knowledge to help fans get prepared to make those tough selections.

If you ask any veteran of fantasy sports or pools, they will tell you a key element to success is durability. After all, it doesn’t matter how talented a player is if he’s sitting on the injured reserve (IR).

There’s no secret formula or strategy to avoiding injuries. You could select an entire team with a solid track record, and still find yourself immersed in injuries. The safest bet is to mix things up; target both players with durability in recent years, and individuals you believe can deliver a healthy season.

Let me give you a great example: St.Louis Blues F Jaden Schwartz had an excellent track record leading up to 2015-16 when he was limited to just 33 games. History suggests he should have no problem bouncing back, and the Blues agree handing him a hefty long-term deal this summer.

In today’s NHL fantasy hockey primer, we turn our focus to the most durable players over the past half decade or so. Chances are that at least one player on this list misses some time due to injury in 2016-17, but these are the guys you should generally be able to trust.

NHL Fantasy Hockey: 10 Durable Players

Keith Yandle, Florida Panthers

Apr 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Keith Yandle (93) moves the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

No player has appeared in more games over the past seven seasons than Keith Yandle. In fact, he hasn’t missed a game since 2009. Better yet, his 84-game season between Arizona/New York in 2014-15 puts him a couple of games ahead of what should be the max amount possible.

Phil Kessel, Pittsburgh Penguins

Jun 1, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Phil Kessel (81) skates with the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the third period in game two of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks

May 25, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) passes against the St. Louis Blues in the second period of game six in the Western Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

Both durable and consistent, Sharks captain Joe Pavelski has 35 goals/70 points or more in each of the last three seasons. He hasn’t missed a game over the past five years, and has 47 postseason appearances over that stretch.

Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks

May 9, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; San Jose Sharks center Patrick Marleau (12) against the Nashville Predators in game six of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Similar to Keith Yandle in the fact that he hasn’t missed a game since 2009 (past seven seasons) but two fewer games played due to the Yotes/Rangers trade. Marleau should be considered the NHL’s most durable player. Over 18 seasons, Patrick Marleau has only missed 31 games total. You would have to go all the way back to his rookie season in 1997-98 to find his fewest games played at 74.

Brian Campbell, Chicago Blackhawks

Feb 28, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Brian Campbell (51) skates with the puck in the second period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Minnesota Wild beat the Florida Panthers 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

There’s no reason to draft Campbell if you’re in a keeper pool. At 37-years-old, Brian Campbell is in the final stage of his career. Over the course of one season though, this 17-year veteran continues to show no signs of wear and tear on the body. He hasn’t missed a game since 2011, a span lasting five seasons.

Andrew Cogliano, Anaheim Ducks

Mar 30, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Andrew Cogliano (7) controls the puck in the second period of the game against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

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The only man who can challenge Patrick Marleau for the distinction of Mr.Durability is Andrew Cogliano – although he only has nine years of experience.

Since being selected 25th overall by Edmonton back in 2005 and entering the league in 2007-08, Cogliano is yet to miss a game over his nine-year NHL career.

Unless you’re in a deep pool though, you probably won’t be selecting players who average around 30-35 points.

Karl Alzner, Washington Capitals

Apr 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner (27) during the second period against the Philadelphia Flyers in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Here’s a defender you would only consider in deeper formats since he maxes out around 20 points. This two-way blue liner has yet to miss a game since stepping up full-time in 2010-11, providing six years of stability for the Caps.

Justin Williams, Washington Capitals

Apr 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Justin Williams (14) looks to pass the puck during the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Williams had some difficulty staying healthy early in his career with Philadelphia and Carolina, but with age comes dependability apparently. Justin has only missed one game over the past five seasons, which includes 76 playoff appearances.

Troy Brouwer, Calgary Flames

May 17, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Troy Brouwer (36) skates with the puck against the San Jose Sharks in game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoff at Scottrade Center. The Sharks won the game 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports /

Calgary’s new addition brings a healthy track record. Since breaking into the league on a full-time basis in 2008-09, Brouwer has appeared in 601 of a possible 622 games (21 games missed in eight years).

Troy is riding a hot streak with three straight 82-game seasons after missing just one during the lock-out shortened year of 2012-13.

Tomas Plekanec, Montreal Canadiens

Apr 9, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Tomas Plekanec (14) skates with the puck against Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /

At 33-years-old, Tomas Plekanec continues to be a reliable option for the Canadiens. Over the past 11 seasons, the Czech center is averaging 76 games/year. In fact, he’s only missed 11 games since 2006. Tomas missed a single game in 2011-12, 2012-13, and 2013-14 before appearing in all 82 games the past two seasons (2014-15 and 2015-16).

Next: Potential 2016-17 Calder Trophy Candidates

Other Durable Players:

Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks
Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings
Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings
Nick Leddy, New York Islanders
Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators
Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars
Reilly Smith, Florida Panthers
Ryan Johansen, Nashville Predators
Brayden Schenn, Philadelphia Flyers
Andy Greene, New Jersey Devils

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