Introduction

You might be of the belief that the average draft position (ADP) of a player in your fantasy hockey league is a good measure of when that player might be taken in drafts this Summer. Under normal circumstances, you would be right. For example, Connor McDavid currently has an ADP value of 1.1, indicating that he is being selected first overall (on average) in drafts this Summer. This number hasn't changed since the Yahoo fantasy hockey system opened in mid-August. It is safe to say that you can expect McDavid to go first overall in your typical fantasy hockey drafts.

But when, if ever, might the ADP of a player be misleading?

ADP Momentum

So far this Summer, there has been no outstanding news about Claude Giroux. He has not suffered any injuries; he has not been traded; and he is expected to play with linemates similar to the ones from last year. We know what there is to know about Claude Giroux. As a result of this, Giroux's ADP value has remained fixed all Summer long (at just below 21). Figure 1 reveals how Giroux's ADP has changed since the Yahoo fantasy hockey system opened.

Figure 1: Claude Giroux's 2018 ADP Values

We'll define a player's rate of change in his ADP over time as his ADP Momentum. In this specific case, Giroux's ADP Momentum is essentially zero. Because of this, it is safe for you to assume that Giroux's ADP value of 20.8 is a reasonable expectation of where he'll be drafted in leagues this Summer. If you're counting on drafting Giroux, waiting until the third round would be a mistake.

You can use this idea of ADP Momentum to avoid pitfalls during your draft. Many managers have taken an interest in drafting Max Pacioretty following his trade to the Vegas Golden Knights. If you were to look at Pacioretty's ADP this morning, you'd find that he's being drafted with an ADP of 95.5. This suggests, in a 12-team league, that Pacioretty would be waiting for you late in Round 8. But, if you're not employing the concept of ADP Momentum, you'll end up disappointed and frustrated on draft day. Why? Because there is little to no chance that Pacioretty will fall into your lap in Round 8. "But wait, his ADP says I can get him in Round 8," you protest!

Pacioretty's ADP Momentum, seen in Figure 2, says otherwise. While it is true that Pacioretty's ADP (as of this morning) sits at 95.5, it's also true that Pacioretty's ADP includes all of those weeks he spent with an ADP at 115 or higher. Ask yourself the following question: if all of Pacioretty's ADP values were larger (much larger for weeks) than 95.5 prior to this morning, how is it possible that his ADP value right now is 95.5? The answer is that managers are currently drafting Pacioretty with much earlier picks. How much earlier? We'd need some propietary data (e.g., how many managers drafted Pacioretty at different ADP values - and on what dates!) from Yahoo to know for sure. But anecdotal data from recent mock drafts with 12 human managers suggests he is selected during, or before, Round 7.

Figure 2: Max Pacioretty's 2018 ADP Values

While all managers will have access to static ADP data during their drafts, you can't find ADP Momentum data anywhere - except at Left Wing Lock.

Get Your Draft Kit Today

If you're looking for a chance to take advangtage of these ADP momentum swings, then consider downloading one of our fantasy hockey draft kits this season. You won't be disappointed. We'll use your scoring system to craft customized player projections and rankings so that you can dominate your fantasy hockey draft.

For 12 years, you've trusted Left Wing Lock as a reliable source to bring you accurate starting goalie information, line combinations, and player news alerts. That same passion and dedication fuels us as we create what we believe are the best fantasy hockey draft kits available. We invite you to let us build your customized fantasy hockey draft kit for the 2018-2019 season. Order your kit today!