**Best Fantasy Hockey Draft Tips: Breakout Defensemen Picks for 2024-25**
Fantasy hockey enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the next breakout star to add to their roster. When it comes to defensemen, finding those hidden gems can make all the difference in a successful fantasy season. In this article, we will delve into the world of breakout defensemen picks for the upcoming 2024-25 season, analyzing key factors and potential candidates to keep an eye on.
**Defining Breakout Candidates**
To kick things off, let’s establish what criteria we are looking for in potential breakout defensemen for the 2024-25 season. We are targeting defenders who are 24 years and 105 days old, with approximately 132 NHL games under their belt. This age and experience threshold allows us to identify players who are on the cusp of reaching their fantasy prime.
In comparison to forwards, defensemen tend to take a bit longer to hit their peak in terms of fantasy production. The average age for top defensemen in terms of fantasy points over the past 15 NHL seasons is around 28 years and 122 days old. This indicates that defensemen often require more time to establish themselves as impactful fantasy assets.
By focusing on defensemen who debuted in or after the 2009-10 season, are at least 25.7 years old, and have at least 100 games of NHL experience, we can pinpoint the age and experience range for players who have broken out in the past. Utilizing a 30-game rolling average of at least 1.7 fantasy points per game (FPPG), we can determine when a “breakout” occurred for these players.
**Analyzing Breakout Candidates**
After applying these criteria, we have narrowed down our list to 13 promising defensemen who have the potential to break out in the 2024-25 season. These players meet the following requirements:
– Younger than 25 years and 105 days old
– Below 1.7 FPPG for their career
– Between 92 and 172 games of NHL experience
– Have not sustained a 30-game average of 1.7 FPPG or better
Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout breakout candidates for the upcoming season:
**1. Alex Vlasic, D, Chicago Blackhawks**
– FPPG: 1.39
– Age: 23.2 years old
– Games played: 97
Vlasic has been logging top-pairing minutes alongside Seth Jones for the Blackhawks, showcasing his potential for fantasy value. With the addition of new talent up front and an improving roster, Vlasic could see an uptick in his stats this season.
**2. Jamie Drysdale, D, Philadelphia Flyers**
– FPPG: 1.3
– Age: 22.4 years old
– Games played: 147
Drysdale is part of a strong defensive core in Philadelphia, with Cam York already breaking out. However, with the potential for increased offensive output from the team, Drysdale could carve out a significant role on the second pairing.
**3. Kevin Bahl, D, Calgary Flames**
– FPPG: 1.04
– Age: 24.2 years old
– Games played: 148
Bahl, acquired in the Jacob Markstrom trade, is poised for a top-four spot on the Flames’ defense. With the opportunity for ample ice time, Bahl could make a fantasy impact for deeper rosters this season.
**4. Philip Broberg, D, St. Louis Blues**
– FPPG: 0.71
– Age: 23.2 years old
– Games played: 101
Acquired via offer sheet, Broberg brings untapped offensive potential to the Blues’ blue line. With a chance to compete for power-play time, Broberg could emerge as a fantasy asset if he can secure a role on the man advantage.
**Potential Breakout Picks**
In addition to the highlighted candidates, there are several other defensemen worth considering for breakout potential in the 2024-25 season. Players like Olen Zellweger of the Anaheim Ducks and Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings have shown promise and could be valuable additions to fantasy rosters.
**Conclusion**
As fantasy hockey managers gear up for the 2024-25 season, identifying breakout defensemen picks is crucial for building a championship-caliber roster. By evaluating key criteria such as age, experience, and potential for offensive production, fantasy enthusiasts can pinpoint hidden gems that could make a significant impact on their teams. Keep an eye on players like Alex Vlasic, Jamie Drysdale, Kevin Bahl, and Philip Broberg as potential breakout candidates for the upcoming season.