Browsing by Author "Lear, Joel"

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Quantifying and Qualifying Player Success in the National Hockey League
(2024) Lear, Joel
School of Business | Bachelor's thesis
This literature review delves into player evaluation in the NHL and presents both quantifiable and qualitative methods of measuring the success of players. It goes through traditional statistics such as goals and assists which have received criticism for being too simplistic and failing to consider outside factors that affect them. Player evaluation, like the game of hockey itself, has improved in recent years with more advanced statistics like Fenwick and Corsi. Advanced analytics tries to provide a more nuanced understanding of player contributions. This study also addresses the multidimensional aspects of player success considering both offensive and defensive play, clutch performance, and leadership qualities. While intangibles aren’t easily quantifiable, they are key factors in providing a holistic analysis of how successful a player is. On top of this, the thesis focuses on how a player’s draft position and developmental pathway contribute to his success in the National Hockey League. It emphasizes that while advanced analytics has improved the quantifiable evaluation of players it is detrimental to integrate qualitative measurements for the comprehensive understanding of player performance. Overall, this research contributes to the evolving field of player assessment in hockey, advocating for a balanced approach that combines statistical data with an appreciation of intangible qualities, thereby informing future scouting and analytical strategies in the NHL.