September 22, 2026 • 12:03 PM EDT
Updated 1 hours ago
Looking for players that have disappointed lately but are primed to reward you in fantasy drafts? If your league runs deep, this is where you find those forgotten veterans with potential to swing your season. Let’s get one thing straight. A sleeper here isn’t about breakout kids; it’s about guys with a track record who’ve drifted off radar, overlooked because of injuries or tough seasons — but still carrying upside if things break right. If you’re scraping the late rounds for difference makers, these are the names to know.
I’m keeping the spotlight on players drafted in under 60 percent of leagues, so we’re not talking about guys like Auston Matthews, who’ll never really catch anyone by surprise. We’re digging for sneaky value.
According to Yahoo Sports, a handful of veterans stand out because their draft rates are low, but the ceiling remains high if a few things go their way. Let’s dive in, starting with the goalie who could be a season-changer—if the dominoes fall right.
Stuart Skinner, Jets (G)
ADP: 124.2 | Drafted: 2 percent of leagues
It’s easy to skip Stuart Skinner after last year’s rough surface stats: a 2.92 GAA and .888 save rate don’t exactly sing “fantasy hero.” But peel back the layers — Skinner was actually solid, with plus-8.3 goals saved above expected (Moneypuck), keeping him in the upper half of NHL starters. Importantly, his GSAx per 60 ranked 23rd among 59 goalies with a real workload. That means he outperformed the defense in front of him, something sharp fantasy managers always key in on.
What makes Skinner especially appealing is Winnipeg’s mess with Connor Hellebuyck. The current number one hasn’t reported and wants a trade, making it a real possibility that Skinner opens as the starter or takes over soon. With his track record of positive contributions, if Skinner steps into a starter’s load, he instantly becomes a worthy gamble in later rounds. Nothing is guaranteed here, but that’s the definition of a sleeper — and in the final rounds, he’s the sort of all-upside swing you want if your goalie situation is shaky.
- Skinner’s advanced stats show solid play despite surface numbers
- If Hellebuyck moves, Skinner’s fantasy value jumps fast
- Low draft rate means you get him for almost nothing
- Positive trends in goals saved above expected over several seasons
Mason McTavish, Blues (C)
ADP: 131.8 | Drafted: 2 percent
McTavish is a classic change-of-scenery candidate. St. Louis acquired him after Anaheim decided to cut ties. He’ll probably centre the Blues’ second line, but the fresh start is the big story. He’s still just 23, has power-forward potential, and can chip in across categories — perfect if your league rewards penalty minutes. For a free pick, he’s got intrigue if you like versatile depth, even if the breakout isn’t guaranteed.
Carter Verhaeghe, Panthers (LW)
ADP: 133.2 | Drafted: 3 percent
Two years ago, Verhaeghe hit the 70-point mark. He’s slipped since, but last year featured a career-low shooting percentage and a banged-up Florida team. Now, with better health and the addition of Brady Tkachuk, Verhaeghe should play with elite linemates and regain some of that scoring touch. He’s worth a look late if you believe in positive regression and a healthy Panthers squad.
Matt Duchene, Stars (C/RW)
ADP: 136.4 | Drafted: 6 percent
Duchene’s production tanked last year mostly due to injury. When healthy later in the season, he looked more like his old self, scoring at a much higher clip. Yes, he’s getting up there in age at 35, but for a late-round dart throw, the risk is modest. If he holds up, you’re looking at solid secondary scoring at a huge discount.
Thomas Chabot, Senators (D)
ADP: 141.7 | Drafted: 39 percent
Chabot is all about health. He’s averaged over 50 points per 82 games in his career, but durability is the question. He’s the ultimate dice roll for defense: high reward if things finally go right, but history says you’ll need a backup plan.
Akira Schmid, Panthers (G)
ADP: N/A
If Florida’s new starter Jacob Markstrom falters — never a guarantee at 36 with declining stats — Schmid will get his shot. His numbers are up and down, but he’s young enough that improvement is realistic, and Florida’s offense can cover some mistakes. Schmid is an ultra-deep-league stash, but if you want goalie lottery tickets, he fits.
What Changed This Offseason, and Why Does It Matter?
- Connor Hellebuyck refusing to attend camp opens starting spot for Skinner
- Mason McTavish gets a new start in St. Louis, offering more category potential
- Florida’s lineup gets healthier and stronger, boosting Verhaeghe’s upside
- Duchene’s late-season recovery suggests his poor year was circumstantial, not decline
- Markstrom’s age and slide leave the door ajar for Schmid
Key Takeaways for 2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Sleepers
- Stuart Skinner is a no-risk, all-upside goalie draft target if Hellebuyck is moved
- Mason McTavish worth a late pick for multi-category leagues seeking breakout potential
- Carter Verhaeghe could rebound strongly if Florida’s top-six stays healthy
- Matt Duchene is still worth a flyer if he holds up physically
- Chabot is a classic “swing-for-the-fences” late defenseman pick
- Akira Schmid is a deep-league stash if you want Panther exposure and Markstrom slips
- Veteran players on new teams or in new roles can deliver undervalued returns
- Don’t chase reputation; mine the low-drafted pool for seasoned upside where others aren’t looking
More coverage: latest NHL news, NHL betting hub and today’s NHL picks.
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