As the NHL regular season enters its final two weeks, the league is splitting into two distinct worlds. For the contenders, the focus shifts toward the grind of the postseason. For the rest, the competitive calendar has essentially closed, leaving a wide gap of silence before the next campaign begins.
For fantasy managers, this lull is a dangerous period. It is simple to overlook the late-season surges and rookie debuts that often define the following year’s draft board. Identifying the right mix of established keepers and high-upside sleepers now is the only way to avoid the mid-season scramble for talent.
Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, several emerging trends suggest a shift in value, particularly among young defenders and a new wave of goaltending stability. From the resurgence of veteran anchors to the arrival of NCAA standouts, these are the essential fantasy hockey notes for next season.
The New Guard in the Crease
Goaltending remains the most volatile position in fantasy hockey, but recent data suggests a stabilization in two key markets. In Boston, Jeremy Swayman has successfully navigated a rebound year. After a challenging previous campaign, Swayman has regained his form with the Boston Bruins, posting a 30-15-4 record. His advanced metrics are equally compelling, featuring a 15.73 GSAA and a 50.59 GSAx, confirming his return as a top-tier viable option for any roster.
Meanwhile, a significant shift has occurred in Montreal. Jakub Dobes has effectively claimed the starting role for the Montreal Canadiens. Since taking over the primary workload in late January, Dobes has place up an 11-3-1 record with a .923 save percentage and a 2.32 goals-against average (GAA). His performance positions him as a potential top-10 fantasy netminder for the coming year.
The Canadiens are not relying on Dobes alone, however. Jacob Fowler has shown immediate promise in his rookie appearances, recording a 3-1 record with a .907 save percentage and a 2.52 GAA over the same stretch. Whereas Dobes is likely to carry the heavier load—potentially a 65-35 split in starts—Fowler’s ceiling makes him a priority target in dynasty formats.
Breakout Candidates and Rookie Impact
The arrival of collegiate talent is providing a fresh spark to several rosters. Porter Martone’s brief debut with the Philadelphia Flyers has already signaled top-six potential. In a single appearance following his time at Michigan State, Martone logged nearly 17 minutes of ice time on a scoring line and the power play, registering five shots on goal. His combination of physicality and shot volume suggests he could be a 60-point producer as a full-time NHLer.
In St. Louis, Jimmy Snuggerud is proving to be a late-season gem. After an inconsistent start and a wrist injury in December, the 21-year-ancient has found a point-per-game rhythm. Since Jan. 23, Snuggerud has recorded 10 goals and 14 assists in 24 games, leading all Blues players in scoring during that window. Given his role on the top scoring line and power play, he carries a realistic 80-point potential for next season.
On the blue line, Cole Hutson is redefining the Capitals’ approach to the power play. The former Boston University standout has recorded five points in his first seven games with the Washington Capitals, with every single point coming on the man advantage. As the team moves away from the veteran presence of John Carlson, Hutson is projected to anchor the No. 1 power-play unit by next autumn.
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Jimmy Snuggerud scores goal vs. Maple Leafs
Jimmy Snuggerud nets goal for Blues
High-Ceiling Wildcards
Some of the most intriguing fantasy hockey notes for next season involve players who have finally found the right environment to maximize their talent. Anthony Mantha is a prime example. After a decade of inconsistency across multiple stops, Mantha has found his stride in Pittsburgh. He is currently on pace for 30-plus goals and 30-plus assists, serving as a critical component of the Penguins’ offense and a reliable substitute on the first power-play unit.
In Seattle, Bobby McMann has emerged as a scoring threat since arriving via trade from Toronto. In nine contests, McMann has recorded seven goals and four assists, including four power-play points. Combined with 18 hits, he is averaging 2.7 fantasy points per game in standard formats. While he is currently a pending unrestricted free agent, his ability to produce as a “2.0 performer” makes him a high-priority target if he re-signs with the Kraken.
Finally, the chemistry developing in San Jose is a goldmine for fantasy managers. Macklin Celebrini has already surpassed 105 points, but his running mate, Will Smith, is the true breakout candidate. Smith is currently pacing at 0.9 points per game and follows a rookie season where he tallied 45 points in 74 games. Given his role on the top line and power play alongside Celebrini, a minimum of 85 points is a reasonable projection for Smith next season.
Projected Impact of Emerging Talent
| Player | Role | Key Metric/Projection | Fantasy Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will Smith | Top-Six Forward | 85+ Points | High (Breakout) | |
| Jimmy Snuggerud | Top-Six Forward | 80-Point Potential | Medium (Sleeper) | |
| Cole Hutson | PP1 Defenseman | Specialist | High (Dynasty) | |
| Porter Martone | Top-Six Forward | 60+ Points | Medium (Sleeper) |
As teams prepare for the off-season, the next official checkpoint for fantasy managers will be the start of the free agency period, which will determine the fate of players like Bobby McMann and the potential movement of veteran assets. Monitoring these contract negotiations will be essential for finalizing keeper lists.
We want to hear from you. Which of these sleepers are you targeting for your dynasty league, and who did we miss? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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