Not everyone can be a fantasy hockey star, but there are some valuable 2024 Week 9 peripheral players that don’t rely on points to contribute. These players won’t be in the running for the Art Ross or Rocket trophies. They are strong fantasy assets that round out your team providing safer floors than players whose value relies on point production. Let’s take a look at some of the best 2024 Week 9 peripheral players to add to your team.
Hit Leaders to Add or Trade For
There are three players in the Metropolitan division right now who are all ranked in the top 30 for hits this season and who have been valuable fantasy hockey players. These players are Will Cuylle, Stefan Noesen, and Mathieu Olivier.
Will Cuylle is about to cross the 100-hit mark while entering his 25th game of the season. Cuylle currently has the sixth most hits in the league and is one hit behind Brady Tkachuk for fifth. He not only has been contributing with physicality, he has been a massive point producer for the Rangers with nine goals and 11 assists. We mentioned Cuylle recently as a player to add, and he remains one of the best 2024 Week 9 peripheral players in the league. With his roster percentage rising, Cuylle might have to be acquired through a trade, but is worth the price.
Stefan Noesen is another player we have previously mentioned as a must-add. After a hot start, Noesen has been promoted to the top line in New Jersey. As a fantasy hockey player, he is doing everything a manager could want with solid hits, shots, and point totals. At 70% rostered on Fantrax, he may no longer be available in free agency, but he is worth sending a trade offer for if you need some peripheral coverage.
Mathieu Olivier has made some highlight reels recently with entertaining fights this season. When he isn’t in the penalty box, he is hitting everything that moves on the ice. Olivier has 79 hits on the year and is ranked 13th among all players in that category. He has been accomplishing this while playing just over 13 minutes per game. At under 30% rostered on Fantrax, Olivier is a great streamer or hold if your league values hits.
Block Leading Defencemen to Acquire
A duo of defencemen who have been named to the 4 Nations Face-Off roster for Canada are great trade targets in leagues that count blocks.
Colton Parayko contributes value in just about every fantasy category. Currently ranked sixth in blocks, Parayko has been producing more than a hit per game and nearly two SOG per game. Peripheral coverage like this provides a safe floor, and his career-high 37-point pace comes at a bonus as a deep league acquisition.
Travis Sanheim has been a hot player as of late, with nine points in his last nine games. Averaging over 25 minutes TOI per game, Sanheim has plenty of opportunity to contribute fantasy value by way of blocking shots. With 59 blocks and 58 SOG so far, Sanheim offers a safe fantasy as a depth defenceman. Now 83% owned on Fantrax, Sanheim is a solid trade target in fantasy hockey.
High Shooting Peripheral Players to Check-In On
Anders Lee has been red hot lately. In his last three games, Lee has three goals and six points. He has also had six shots in that span. Lee has registered 82 SOG already this season and has the highest SOG/60 rate in his last ten seasons. With good deployment, peripheral coverage, and a career-high point pace, Lee makes for a great fantasy hockey add.
Dylan Cozens is starting to be dropped in leagues. Although his point production may be lacking, his SOG and hit rates are at a valuable level. His SOG/60 is nearly at the same pace it was when he broke out for 68 points two seasons ago. Cozens’ shooting percentage is currently below his career average by 2.9% and could see positive regression resulting in more goals. A good sign for fantasy owners is his newfound hit rate. Averaging 2.5 hits per game, he is providing over a hit per game more than he ever has. If he can start producing more points, he will be a must-add player in fantasy hockey.
Main Photo: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
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