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
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
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“Phil the Thrill” is riding a similar streak to Yandle; he hasn’t missed a game over the past six seasons dating all the way back to 2010 (his second year in Toronto).
He got off to a slow start in Pittsburgh, but if you take his stats after March 11th, 2016 (Evgeni Malkin injury) through the playoffs, the numbers would suggest Kessel projects to put up approximately 30 goals – 40 assists in 2016-17 playing alongside Carl Hagelin and Nick Bonino.
Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks
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
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
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
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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
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
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
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
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