The landscape of fantasy hockey has evolved significantly, placing an even higher premium on depth, multi-category contribution, and finding players positioned for breakout campaigns due to expanded roles, system changes, or natural progression. Chen’s list highlights a fascinating mix of rising young stars, established veterans poised for bounce-back or elevated production, and intriguing newcomers ready to disrupt the status quo.
Heading the list of sleeper options is Anton Frondell, the talented center skating for the Chicago Blackhawks. Frondell enters the upcoming campaign with immense expectations, and fantasy managers looking to capture lightning in a bottle will want to keep a close watch on where he lands on draft day. Playing within a rebuilding yet evolving Chicago system could afford the young forward ample opportunities to secure valuable minutes, potentially translating into significant offensive output that far exceeds his draft-day value.
Following closely at the number two spot is Ryan Leonard of the Washington Capitals. Leonard has long been heralded for his combination of high-end skill, competitiveness, and offensive instincts. As the Capitals transition their roster and look to inject younger blood into their core, Leonard stands out as a prime candidate to carve out a meaningful role. For fantasy managers searching for a right wing with a robust skill set who can contribute across multiple categories, Leonard represents a high-ceiling gamble worth taking before the middle rounds dry up.
Securing the third spot on the list is Carter Verhaeghe of the Florida Panthers. Unlike some of the younger, unproven names populating the sleeper rankings, Verhaeghe is an established offensive force who has proven his capability to produce alongside elite talent in Florida. However, fluctuations in draft positioning often leave proven wingers like Verhaeghe slipping slightly past where their production suggests they should go. Fantasy owners looking for reliable goal-scoring and consistent top-six deployment on a competitive Panthers squad will find tremendous value in targeting him.
At number four is William Eklund, who lines up on either the left or right wing for the Ottawa Senators. Eklund has steadily developed into a dynamic playmaker with exceptional vision and skating ability. A change in scenery or an expanded role within Ottawa’s forward group places him in an optimal position to take a massive step forward this season. Multi-position eligibility only adds to his fantasy appeal, giving managers valuable lineup flexibility while chasing breakout offensive numbers.
The fifth position features JJ Peterka, the versatile left wing and right wing now operating within the Boston Bruins organization. Peterka has flashed brilliant offensive capabilities throughout his professional career, and shifting to a storied franchise like Boston could provide the exact catalyst needed to unlock his full fantasy potential. Wingers with dual-position eligibility who find themselves in favorable deployment situations are staples of a successful draft strategy, making Peterka an attractive target for managers seeking depth and scoring punch.
Rounding out the middle tier of Chen’s selections is Jack Quinn, the right winger for the Buffalo Sabres, sitting at number six. Quinn has battled various health hurdles in the past, which has temporarily suppressed his draft stock in some fantasy circles. When healthy, however, Quinn possesses the pure goal-scoring touch and offensive zone awareness that can reward patient managers handsomely. Securing a player of his offensive pedigree in the later rounds of a draft represents a classic high-reward, low-risk proposition.
At number seven, Marco Rossi is highlighted as a center for the Vancouver Canucks. Rossi has relentlessly worked to establish himself as a reliable, high-IQ contributor at the NHL level. Finding a reliable center with top-nine or potential top-six upside in the later rounds is a crucial component of draft success, and Rossi’s technical acumen and offensive vision make him an intriguing piece for fantasy squads seeking depth up the middle.
The eighth spot introduces Ivar Stenberg, the promising left winger of the San Jose Sharks. As San Jose continues to reshape its roster around a wave of incoming talent, players like Stenberg are given the runway necessary to showcase their offensive talents. Fantasy managers participating in deeper leagues or keeper formats will want to circle Stenberg’s name as a sleeper who could dramatically outperform his initial draft ranking if he secures regular top-six minutes and power-play time.
At number nine is Roman Kantserov, another exciting young piece for the Chicago Blackhawks, skating on the right wing. Kantserov joins teammate Frondell on Chen’s radar, signaling that the talent pipeline in Chicago is generating significant fantasy intrigue. Wingers who can generate offense efficiently and capitalize on secondary scoring chances are invaluable for rounding out a competitive roster.
Rounding out the top 10 sleeper picks is goaltender Nico Daws of the New Jersey Devils. Netminders are notoriously difficult to project in fantasy hockey, and finding a reliable option outside of the elite tier can often make or break a manager’s season. Daws presents an intriguing sleeper profile for those looking to shore up their crease without spending premium draft capital on starting goaltenders early in the draft.
Beyond the traditional sleeper selections, Chen’s analysis also highlights a couple of standout rookies who demand attention as the season approaches. Porter Martone, a dynamic right winger now with the Philadelphia Flyers, enters the professional conversation with significant physical and offensive tools. If Martone can quickly adjust to the pace and demands of the NHL, he could emerge as a surprise contributor in fantasy leagues that reward physical metrics alongside scoring.
Finally, Gavin McKenna of the Toronto Maple Leafs rounds out the notable rookies to watch. McKenna’s immense offensive talent and high-profile arrival in a hockey-mad market like Toronto ensure that all eyes will be watching his progression. While relying heavily on rookies in standard redraft leagues carries inherent risk, monitoring McKenna’s integration into the Maple Leafs lineup will be essential for managers looking to capitalize on high-end rookie production as the 2026-27 NHL campaign unfolds.