If you’ve got a short question (preferably hockey-based) that you think I could answer or give my opinion on without having to write a 2500 word deep-dive about it, this is the place for it.
Good question. I think the point is that no one GM should be seen as The Analytics GM just like no GM should be seen as The Eye Test GM. Playing into that eyetest vs analytics culture war is an easy way for people who justifiably believe that using advanced metrics to guide personnel decisions is a good idea to get dismissed because of a single manager's poor performance. It also misleads because "analytics" means a whole lot of things.
Can you please make rankings for each position? I would really love to see a ranking by someone who knows what they’re talking about and doesn’t put Draisaitl above Crosby
I'm not planning on doing it in image form, might do a series of articles in the offseason with top 30 at each position like Andrew Berkshire used to do. But I would need plenty of room to justify picks and avoid the "you're the guy who said ___ was better than ____" treatment
Which characteristics that are not currently accounted for in public xG models (e.g. pre-shot movement, screens, etc) do you think are most significant, and how significant do you think they are?
Thanks for the response! the scoring for skaters are straight points. 1 goal = 1 point, 1 assist = 1 point. It is a 9 team league with a protection list of 20
Also, I am a Rags fan, so are there any players in the lineup that are good analytically that most people don’t think of?(other than the obvious ones like Fox and Panarin).
When measuring expected goals, is a shot from the slot measured the same whether its Sidney Crosby or Jack Johnson? In other words is player quality taken into account?
No, but given the sample size of Fenwick and all the variables (e.g. is a Crosby slapshot from the point more dangerous than a Weber slapshot from the point?) I don't think it's too much of an issue.
McDavid, Hall, and Giroux probably. Hall has a very good case for it, and I can see why he won. Giroux had the best WAR and WOWY differential but Couturier was basically just as good so I'm open to the arg that that knocks him down a bit.
What are the best stats to use to measure a forwards abilities to play defense?
Have Barkov and Tavares really regressed as much as everyone think they have? Would you say they’re no longer top 10 centres? Top 15?
Other than Barrie and Ceci, who else do you see as anchors in the leafs lineup?
Will you be making an article on the Jack Adams award?
Couldn't really think of a way to do one to be honest with you.
Since Chayka has quit a lot of people are saying he was never an analytics GM. So which GMs are?
Good question. I think the point is that no one GM should be seen as The Analytics GM just like no GM should be seen as The Eye Test GM. Playing into that eyetest vs analytics culture war is an easy way for people who justifiably believe that using advanced metrics to guide personnel decisions is a good idea to get dismissed because of a single manager's poor performance. It also misleads because "analytics" means a whole lot of things.
Who do you think will win the cup and why?
Lightning are the smart pick but I'll say Penguins with Marino totally breaking out
Can you please make rankings for each position? I would really love to see a ranking by someone who knows what they’re talking about and doesn’t put Draisaitl above Crosby
I'm not planning on doing it in image form, might do a series of articles in the offseason with top 30 at each position like Andrew Berkshire used to do. But I would need plenty of room to justify picks and avoid the "you're the guy who said ___ was better than ____" treatment
Top 3 ciders consumed thus far during the "Summer of Cider"?
apple would definitely be #1
Would you rather build a team around Pettersson or Matthews, and do you think Pettersson can surpass Mackinnon someday?
Pettersson, and you could theoretically make the case that he already has...
Who would you say is the best two way forward in the league right now
Mark Stone
Who is your biggest breakout candidate,
Bjorkstrand if Torts finally gives him a 1st line spot and PP time.
Is auston Matthews a top 5 players in the league
Top 5 centre probably.
Favourite player on the Habs
Gallagher
Which characteristics that are not currently accounted for in public xG models (e.g. pre-shot movement, screens, etc) do you think are most significant, and how significant do you think they are?
Passing is probably the biggest one, leads to guys like Patrick Kane consistently outperforming the expected metrics by a longshot
Does Charles Hudon deserve a spot in the NHL?
No, IMO
Would you protect Cirelli in a keeper league?
Depends what the league values, but he's an awesome player. Not great on the powerplay and will probably never be on that top unit though.
Thanks for the response! the scoring for skaters are straight points. 1 goal = 1 point, 1 assist = 1 point. It is a 9 team league with a protection list of 20
is there any ducks that you see have a bright future?
Dyl would be the guy to ask about that... or Saad haha
When evaluating a draft eligible prospect, what key stats are most translatable to the pro game?
I have absolutely no idea, not a prospects guy at all.
Based on this season, Nylander or Eichel?
Also, are McDavid and Draisaitl really that bad defensively?
1. Eichel
2. Yes they are, and Jack Han's next book is going to feature a collaborative chapter we wrote breaking down the Xs and Os of it as well.
Awesome, thanks for the reply!
Also, I am a Rags fan, so are there any players in the lineup that are good analytically that most people don’t think of?(other than the obvious ones like Fox and Panarin).
Tony DeAngelo, and that's about it.
When measuring expected goals, is a shot from the slot measured the same whether its Sidney Crosby or Jack Johnson? In other words is player quality taken into account?
No, but given the sample size of Fenwick and all the variables (e.g. is a Crosby slapshot from the point more dangerous than a Weber slapshot from the point?) I don't think it's too much of an issue.
Which, if any, Leafs/Marlies player was the most resistant to your methods but eventually came around and embraced them wholeheartedly?
You're asking the wrong Jack that question haha
What’s the best way to learn more about putting analytics to use, rather than just knowing what certain stats are?
Going through the HockeyGraphs archive is a good way to start
Who's expected to provide more value over the next three years: Kadri or Kerfoot?
Just for the remainders of their contract, Kerfoot (4.9 WAR) in 3 years vs Kadri (4.0 WAR) in two years
What was/is your top 3 for the 2018 Hart? Was Hall a deserving winner?
McDavid, Hall, and Giroux probably. Hall has a very good case for it, and I can see why he won. Giroux had the best WAR and WOWY differential but Couturier was basically just as good so I'm open to the arg that that knocks him down a bit.
who is better between Matthews and eichel
I would take Matthews pretty easily