Tolvanen and Rakell Lead Dual-Position Fantasy Value Picks

The ice gleams under the arena lights, reflecting the sharp edges of skates carving into the white surface. In the quiet hum of the pre-season grind, a new wave of fantasy prospects emerges from the data, their value defined not just by goals, but by the sheer physicality of their game. The draft board is no longer a simple list of names; it is a map of positional leverage, where a player’s eligibility at two wings can shift the entire strategy of a twelve-team league.

DobberHockey’s latest analysis dives into the mechanics of these multi-position players, specifically those marked with left and right winger designations. By applying a Z-Score method that benchmarks output against replacement-level options, the report isolates a group of forwards who offer disproportionate value relative to their average draft position. This is not about chasing star power, but about finding the hidden gears in the machine that turn when the roster runs thin.

Eeli Tolvanen’s peripheral stat surge

Eeli Tolvanen of the New York Rangers stands out as a primary candidate for left-wing usage. His profile is a study in contrasts: while his shooting percentage dipped to 8.5% in the 2025-26 season, a sharp drop from his previous three-year average of 14%, his physical impact remains formidable. Projections for the upcoming campaign suggest 21 goals and 22 assists over 84 games, but the true value lies in the accompanying 152 shots, along with significant blocks and hits.

In a league where goal and assist categories are crowded, Tolvanen’s ability to contribute to multiple categories makes him a versatile asset. Although he skates on the third line during training camp, the potential for him to displace Oliver Bjorkstrand for a second-line role adds a layer of upside. For fantasy managers seeking a player who can pad stats across the board without demanding a first-round pick, Tolvanen represents a calculated risk with a high reward ceiling.

Rakell’s resilience against aging roster

Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins presents a different kind of value proposition. Despite missing 22 games last season, his reputation remains anchored in a prior 35-goal, 35-assist campaign. The fear of an aging Penguins roster has depressed his draft value, placing him around pick 130 on Fantrax, significantly later than comparable players like Andrei Svechnikov. This gap offers a window for managers to secure a player with proven production at a discount.

Rakell’s projected 84-game output includes 30 goals, 30 assists, and 200 shots, supported by 100 hits and 60 blocks. His fantasy value as a left winger, calculated at 5.16, mirrors that of Svechnikov at right wing, yet the draft cost is half. This efficiency stems from his ability to blend offensive production with physical engagement, a combination that is rare among wingers. The question is whether the Penguins’ defensive structure can support his offensive load, or if the floor will finally fall.

Strategic positioning in deep leagues

The broader implication of these projections is the strategic shift required in deep leagues. When a player’s value is derived from goals, assists, and power-play points, the left-wing slot becomes the optimal choice due to lower baseline productivity expectations. Conversely, if the value is rooted in hits and blocks, the right-wing slot offers a better comparative advantage. This nuanced approach allows managers to maximize the utility of their roster, ensuring that every player is deployed in the position where their statistical profile shines brightest.

As the season approaches, the focus must shift from static rankings to dynamic positional value. The data suggests that ignoring these nuances can lead to significant losses in categories that matter. By leveraging the insights from DobberHockey, managers can navigate the draft with a clearer understanding of where the true value lies, turning potential misses into strategic wins.