How have you prepped for the draft?

I won't get too detailed, but I've been doing some analysis on a slightly more detailed version of the spreadsheet I shared in this thread: redditdynastyhockey.freeforums.net/thread/59/proposed-category-values-spreadsheet-stats

In live drafts, I would have a definitely ordered list of which players I would pick when and where. In this draft, there is more time in between draft picks, so I figure I will analyse my positional needs as the draft progresses.

Given that this is a keeper league, it will be interesting to see how much people prioritise young potential over proven veterans. The prospects draft will be especially interesting in this respect! Will it be the 'proven' Gaudreau/Forsberg, rising Drouin/Kuznetsov, or raw McDavid/Eichel that will go first?

That's a great point. It should be interesting to see the value older players get. I'm especially interested to see where guys like Chara, Datsyuk and even Jagr land. 

Sure, but you can't enforce that. At the end of the day, you have 18 hours to make a pick. I agree though, you shouldn't be using that time to develop a strategy. 

By constantly replacing GM's less than a week before the draft so we have enough teams...

Lol but seriously, I usually rank by position based on averages and age, then do some secondary sorting based on gut feelings. It's given me success so far, but I have no clue how it will fair in a league this hardcore.

I don't htink so. Again the 18 hours are in place so people have time to make picks. I don't want to reduce the time and screw somebody over who has a 12 hour work day and can't possible make a pick.

That's why the 18/12 rule is in effect. It's meant to help people with jobs with long hours or the time difference between picks. Whether it's early or late in the draft we should be expecting people to make quick picks no matter.

However, I disagree that late picks don't matter. I think the late picks in this draft will determine which teams will be bad, good, or great. Hockey knowledge will reign supreme!

I'm concerned as well. That's why missing picks has a very harsh penalty.

It's true. Hopefully just the long term keeper league and passion keeps people invested.

I'd be surprised if we didn't lose at least one more person mid-draft. And there will be turnover time to time.

These rankings were updated on Friday: www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=774415&navid=DL|NHL|Microsite-Fantasy

Kessel has got a bump there. They obviously don't take into account our league's specific categories, but it's worth a browse.

Another note: If it were me, I wouldn't rely too much on last year's point totals in determining best available. So much happened this offseason, it's not an entirely accurate representation of the value of some of these guys (case in point, injuries to guys like Kane, Perry, etc)

I see Foligno going round 2. He hits too which helps