Shayna Goldman, an NHL analysis specialist, and Dom Luszczyszyn, a hockey analytics expert, delve into the intricate world of NHL player rankings. They discuss the newly expanded player tiers, including a dedicated goalie category. The duo debates the rankings of notable players like Matthews and Hughes while exploring fan interactions that shape these evaluations. Insightful comparisons between defensemen and an engaging look at goaltending performance highlight the conversation, capturing the complexities of assessing talent in the ever-evolving hockey landscape.
The Athletic NHL player tiers expanded this year to include 150 players, categorizing them into five distinct levels based on performance.
The introduction of goaltenders into the player tiers highlights the importance of individual positions in evaluating overall player contributions.
Debates surrounding player rankings reveal the impact of regular-season performance versus playoff success on tier placements and evaluations.
Deep dives
Apple Sports App Features
The Apple Sports app provides users with real-time football scores, dynamic drive tracking, and live play-by-play updates, making it a fast and efficient tool for sports fans. It also offers detailed statistics on teams and players, standings, and live betting odds. The app is designed with speed and simplicity in mind, allowing users to customize their experience by focusing on their favorite leagues, conferences, and teams. Available for free on the App Store in the US, Canada, and the UK, the app is a valuable resource for avid football enthusiasts.
Partnership with BetMGM
Listeners are encouraged to take advantage of a partnership with BetMGM, which includes special offers for those who sign up using the bonus code 'theathletic'. New customers can receive a one-year subscription to The Athletic, along with a first bet offer of up to $1,500. The offer aims to incentivize new users to engage with the betting platform, highlighting the potential benefits of making informed sports bets through BetMGM. This collaboration connects fans more closely to the podcast while expanding their opportunities for sports wagering.
Analyzing NHL Player Tiers
The discussion centers around the release of the Athletic’s player tiers for the NHL, categorizing 150 players into various groups based on performance metrics and expert evaluations. The introduction of goalies into the tiers marks a significant change compared to previous years, with notable discussions about players like Igor Shesterkin as the top goalie due to his playoff performances. The tiers include categories like MVPs and franchise players, reflecting the community's excitement and debate over player rankings, which can differ widely based on individual perspectives. This breakdown serves as a foundation for conversations about player value and contributions to their teams.
Impact of Player Performance on Rankings
Discussions arose regarding players like Sidney Crosby and Austin Matthews, exploring their standings within their respective tiers based on recent performances. Crosby's placement outside the top tier sparks debate due to concerns about aging, despite his impressive scoring capabilities from last season. Conversely, Matthews is noted for his goalscoring prowess and defensive play but is often questioned regarding his playoff impact, indicating that postseason performance highly influences tier placements. The engaging conversation emphasizes how statistical performance intertwines with external perceptions in shaping player rankings.
Emerging Talents and Future Projections
New and emerging players like Wyatt Johnston and Tim Stutzla are compared, highlighting their potential for future success in the NHL. While Johnston remains in tier four due to the need for consistency, Stutzla's lower placement raises questions about his level of growth amid the Senators' struggles. The experts acknowledge that young players often require time and development to reach their full potential, which adds a dynamic layer to how talent is evaluated and projected in upcoming seasons. This ongoing push for advancement illustrates the balance between current performance and expected growth in player evaluations.
Hailey Salvian and Sean Gentille welcome Shayna Goldman and Dom Luszczyszyn to deep dive The Athletic NHL player tiers. This year's project involves 150 players, broken down into five tiers, the MVP cornerstones, the franchise pillars, the all-star candidates, the bona-fide stars and the elite support. This season we expanded the tiers by one and adding 25 extra players, and goaltenders.
