Underrated Players for Your Fantasy Hockey Team
In the world of fantasy ice hockey, the key to success lies in identifying those players who, despite not being the most publicized, have the potential to exceed expectations. The ability to detect these “sleepers” or hidden players, who can make the difference on your team, is fundamental. This year, we will analyze beyond the initial player rankings in the fantasy ranking, also considering factors such as Average Draft Position (ADP), reputation, and name value. Below, we present a list of underrated players who could be key in your draft.Potential “Sleepers”
Lukas Dostal, G, Anaheim Ducks (No. 23 Goalie)
With John Gibson now in Detroit, Dostal is shaping up to be the undisputed starting goalie for a rising Ducks team. The additions of Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund, along with young stars Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, predict an improvement for the team, as does the arrival of a successful coach like Joel Quenneville. Dostal is expected to have his best personal numbers and play at least 55 games in the 2025-26 season. Take advantage of this emerging gem as your third goalie and reap the rewards in your fantasy league.Andrei Kuzmenko, F, Los Angeles Kings (No. 230 forward)Playing on an offensive line with a center like Anze Kopitar is a great opportunity. Although Kuzmenko may not repeat the 74 points he achieved in his first NHL season, he is expected to score more than 65 points playing alongside Kopitar and Adrian Kempe, with a good number of points on the power play. Make sure Kuzmenko is in the right position at the start of the season.Cole Perfetti, F, Winnipeg Jets (No. 155 forward)Perfetti is an ideal candidate to shine in the 2025-26 season. With the departure of Nikolaj Ehlers, Perfetti is expected to play on the second offensive line and, more promisingly, be a starter on the power play with Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor. More than 65 points are anticipated this season.Matias Maccelli, F, Toronto Maple Leafs (No. 138 forward)
If Maccelli manages to stay on one of the Leafs’ main lines, in the place previously occupied by Marner, he will have an exceptional season. Playing alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies guarantees points. If not, playing on a second line with John Tavares and William Nylander wouldn’t be a bad option either. Overall, Maccelli should be excited about his potential in Toronto.Mathew Barzal, F, New York Islanders (No. 117 forward)
After a past season marked by injuries, Barzal feels good, both mentally and physically. With good health and at his best, Barzal has the potential to score a point per game, as when he scored 80 points in 80 games two seasons ago.Will Cuylle, F, New York Rangers (No. 87 forward)Much is expected of Cuylle, with expectations of 30 goals and 30 assists. In addition, he is expected to add a good number of shots and an exceptional number of hits. Playing full-time on an attacking line with Miller and Mika Zibanejad, along with minutes on the power play, increases that promise. Cuylle could become a household name very soon.Trevor Zegras, F, Philadelphia Flyers (No. 106 forward)A move from Anaheim to Philadelphia could be beneficial for Zegras. Although a spot on the second offensive line and on the power play seems like the worst-case scenario, he could also play on the first line with Matvei Michkov and Travis Konecny. It’s important to monitor how new coach Rick Tocchet manages his lineup, especially how he uses Zegras. At just 24 years old, this player has the potential to score 70 points. In a new environment, he is positioned to generate impact in deeper leagues.Morgan Geekie, F, Boston Bruins (No. 136 forward)
Geekie scored 57 points in 77 games with the Bruins last season. A full season on the first offensive line and on the power play with Elias Lindholm and, more significantly, David Pastrnak, should propel Geekie close to 70 points.JJ Peterka, F, Utah Mammoth (No. 79 Forward)
A spot on the attack line with Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley, and on the power play alongside Clayton Keller, should allow Peterka to reach 70 points, at a minimum, for the first time in his young career. This young player also has a good shot on goal. Now, after his departure from the Sabres, he is the highest-paid forward on his new club. It’s time to justify that salary.Ivan Barbashev, F, Vegas Golden Knights (No. 148 forward)Playing primarily on the first line with Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, Barbashev averaged 0.73 points per game last season. If Marner replaces Mark Stone, Barbashev could see a slight increase in his production. This solid forward is also known for his physical play, which benefits managers in leagues that reward hits.Shayne Gostisbehere, D, Carolina Hurricanes (No. 51 defense)He scored more power-play points (27) than any other player except Cale Makar, Jake Sanderson, and Quinn Hughes, in addition to 18 other regular-play goals, in just 70 games. Expected to repeat that performance as the main anchor of Carolina’s power play unit, Gostisbehere deserves greater recognition in leagues that value production with an extra player.Cam Fowler, D, St. Louis Blues (No. 74 defense)
Undervalued as a fantasy player, the former Ducks player scored 36 points in just 51 games after joining the Blues in December. Approaching 500 career points, the power play’s main anchor will score another 45 in his first full season with St. Louis. For those who appreciate incentivized players, know that Fowler is also in the final year of his current contract.Players to Avoid
The selection of players in the fantasy draft is not only based on identifying “sleepers”, but also on avoiding those players who could disappoint. Below, we present some players who may not meet expectations in the upcoming season.Connor Bedard, F, Chicago Blackhawks (No. 38 forward)The Blackhawks star needs a stronger supporting cast. Until then, the 2024 Calder winner will not surpass the one-point-per-game barrier. Blackhawks management should start improving the team as soon as possible.Steven Stamkos, F, Nashville Predators (No. 24 forward)
The Lightning’s legend scored only 53 points in Nashville last year. Although we don’t expect them to repeat that unusually low performance, they are also unlikely to reach 75 points. Therefore, the 20th position in the ranking seems out of place.Mike Matheson, D, Montreal Canadiens (No. 18 defense)
In the shadow of Lane Hutson, Matheson saw his production drop from 62 points in 2023-24 to 31 last season. Now that Noah Dobson is on the team, how many power-play points can we expect from the 31-year-old player? Answer: Not enough to justify his high ranking.
Brent Burns, D, Colorado Avalanche (No. 53 defense)
Joining his fourth team in 22 years, the veteran defenseman will have another chance to win the Stanley Cup. We don’t expect the 40-year-old to complain much about being behind Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Samuel Girard, etc. After scoring 61 points in Carolina in 2022-23, Burns only managed 29 last season. That sum seems to be his ceiling with the Avalanche.
Logan Thompson, G, Washington Capitals (No. 12 Goalie)
Coming from Vegas, Thompson was a surprise to many in the 2024-25 season. The concern now is whether he can come close to his impressive 31-6-6 record (most likely not) for a Capitals team trying to replicate its 111-point campaign. (That probably won’t happen either). Thompson’s .910 save percentage suggests that many other things went well to secure such an impressive win percentage. He’s a good fantasy goalie, no doubt, but not our first choice for a number 2 in reasonably sized leagues.
