CBS Fantasy Hockey Draft Strategies Revealed

CBS Fantasy Hockey enthusiasts, gather around! If you’re looking to dominate your league this season, it’s time to delve into the art and science of drafting. The CBS Fantasy Hockey platform offers a dynamic and competitive environment, making it crucial to have a solid draft strategy. From understanding player values to exploiting positional advantages, let’s explore the strategies that can propel your team to the top.

Understanding the Draft Mechanics

Before we dive into specific strategies, it’s essential to grasp the mechanics of the CBS Fantasy Hockey draft. Whether you’re in a snake draft or an auction draft, knowing the rules, scoring system, and roster requirements is the foundation of a successful draft.

Snake Drafts

In a snake draft, the order of picks reverses after each round. If you pick first in the first round, you’ll pick last in the second round, and so on. This format requires careful planning to balance your roster across all positions while anticipating the needs of your opponents.

Auction Drafts

Auction drafts are a different beast. Each manager has a budget to bid on players, creating a dynamic and strategic environment. It’s not just about knowing the top players but also about managing your budget wisely and knowing when to splurge and when to save.

Key Strategies for Dominating the CBS Fantasy Hockey Draft

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the strategies that can help you build a championship-caliber team.

1. Prioritize Elite Centers

Centers are the backbone of any fantasy hockey team. They are often the highest-scoring players and can contribute across multiple categories. In CBS Fantasy Hockey, securing an elite center early in the draft can set the tone for your entire team. Look for players like Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon who consistently deliver high points and contribute in assists, power-play points, and shots on goal.

2. Focus on Multi-Category Contributors

Players who excel in multiple categories are invaluable in fantasy hockey. Instead of picking a one-dimensional player, target those who can contribute in goals, assists, plus/minus, power-play points, and penalty minutes. Players like Patrice Bergeron and Mark Stone are excellent examples of multi-category contributors who can boost your team’s performance across the board.

3. Don’t Ignore Defensemen

While forwards often steal the spotlight, defensemen can be game-changers in fantasy hockey. Elite defensemen like Victor Hedman and John Carlson not only rack up points but also contribute in categories like blocked shots and time on ice. Prioritizing top-tier defensemen early can give you a significant edge over competitors who focus solely on forwards.

4. Balance Risk and Reward

Drafting is about balancing high-risk, high-reward players with steady performers. Taking a chance on a breakout candidate can pay off, but it’s essential to have a solid foundation of reliable players. Identify a few high-upside players to target in the mid-to-late rounds, but don’t neglect proven veterans who consistently deliver.

5. Keep an Eye on Goalies

Goalies can be tricky in fantasy hockey due to their variability. In CBS Fantasy Hockey, it’s crucial to draft a reliable starting goalie who will get plenty of ice time and opportunities for wins and shutouts. Consider snagging one of the top goalies like Andrei Vasilevskiy or Connor Hellebuyck early, but don’t be afraid to draft a high-upside backup later in the draft.

6. Exploit Positional Scarcity

Certain positions in fantasy hockey are deeper than others. For example, right wings might be scarcer compared to left wings. Understanding these positional dynamics allows you to exploit scarcity and draft accordingly. If you notice that right wings are flying off the board, don’t hesitate to reach for one to avoid getting stuck with subpar options.

7. Stay Informed on Injuries and News

Player injuries and news updates can drastically affect draft values. Staying informed about the latest news, especially during the preseason, can give you an edge. Monitor player statuses and be ready to adjust your draft strategy accordingly. In CBS Fantasy Hockey, being the most informed manager can lead to savvy picks and steals in the draft.

Advanced Draft Techniques

For those looking to take their draft game to the next level, here are some advanced techniques to consider.

1. Tier-Based Drafting

Tier-based drafting involves grouping players of similar value into tiers. This approach helps you make better decisions on the fly by knowing when a drop-off in talent is imminent. For example, if there are three top-tier centers left and you’re debating between a center and a defenseman, you might opt for the center if the next tier of centers is significantly weaker.

2. Value-Based Drafting (VBD)

Value-based drafting assigns a value to each player based on their projected performance relative to the baseline for their position. This method helps identify players who offer the best value, regardless of their position. In CBS Fantasy Hockey, using VBD can help you uncover hidden gems and avoid overpaying for big names.

3. Mock Drafts

Participating in mock drafts is an excellent way to prepare for the real thing. Mock drafts allow you to test different strategies, get a feel for player values, and understand the flow of the draft. The more you practice, the more confident and adaptable you’ll be during the actual draft.

4. Leverage ADP Data

Average Draft Position (ADP) data shows where players are typically being drafted. This information can be invaluable for identifying players who are being undervalued or overvalued. In CBS Fantasy Hockey, leveraging ADP data can help you find bargains and avoid reaching for players too early.

5. Roster Construction Strategy

Having a clear plan for your roster construction is key. Determine how many players you want to draft for each position and stick to your plan, adjusting as necessary based on the flow of the draft. This strategy ensures you have a balanced team and avoid ending up with too many players at one position and not enough at another.

Positional Draft Strategies

Each position in CBS Fantasy Hockey requires a unique approach. Here’s a closer look at how to handle each one.

Centers

As mentioned earlier, centers are critical due to their scoring potential and multi-category contributions. Draft at least two top-tier centers if possible and consider adding depth later with high-upside players.

Left Wings

Left wings can be less deep than centers, so securing a top player early is advisable. Players like Artemi Panarin and Alex Ovechkin offer elite scoring and category coverage. Don’t neglect this position, but be mindful of the talent pool depth.

Right Wings

Right wings are often the shallowest position, making it crucial to grab top talent early. Look for players like David Pastrnak or Patrick Kane who can dominate in scoring categories. Keeping an eye on positional eligibility can also help you find additional value.

Defensemen

A solid defense can anchor your fantasy team. Aim to draft at least one top-tier defenseman and fill out your roster with reliable options who contribute across multiple categories. Consider players like Dougie Hamilton or Roman Josi who can provide scoring, power-play points, and hits.

Goalies

As discussed, goalies are volatile but essential. Draft a top goalie early to secure stability in your crease and consider a high-upside backup later. Don’t overlook the importance of having two solid goalies, as their performance can heavily influence your weekly matchups.

Late-Round Steals and Sleepers

Finding late-round steals and sleepers can be the difference between a good team and a great one. These players often provide tremendous value compared to their draft position and can significantly boost your chances of success.

Identifying Sleepers

Sleepers are players who are undervalued and have the potential to outperform their draft position. Look for young players poised for a breakout season, veterans who have changed teams and are in better situations, or players returning from injury. Doing thorough research and staying updated on preseason performances can help you identify these gems.

Late-Round Targets

In the later rounds, focus on players with high upside or those who can fill specific needs on your roster. Consider players like rookies who might get significant ice time, or veterans who are undervalued due to a poor previous season. Examples include someone like Alexis Lafrenière, who might have a breakout season, or a veteran like Joe Thornton who could provide value in a new role.

CBS Fantasy Hockey

Dominating your CBS Fantasy Hockey draft requires preparation, strategy, and adaptability. By prioritizing elite centers, focusing on multi-category contributors, and balancing risk and reward, you can build a robust team capable of competing at the highest level. Don’t forget the importance of defensemen and goalies, and always be on the lookout for late-round steals and sleepers.

Advanced techniques like tier-based drafting, value-based drafting, and leveraging ADP data can give you an additional edge. Practicing with mock drafts and having a clear roster construction strategy will further enhance your chances of success.

Remember, the key to a successful draft is flexibility. Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on the flow of the draft and the actions of your opponents. Stay informed, stay sharp, and most importantly, have fun. With these strategies in hand, you’re ready to conquer the CBS Fantasy Hockey draft and skate your way to victory!