Fantasy hockey enthusiasts preparing for the 2026‑27 season are increasingly focused on discovering players whose market value does not fully reflect their potential contributions, a strategy that can differentiate a championship roster from the rest of the league.
Undervalued Gems for the 2026‑27 Fantasy Hockey Draft
Will Smith, a 21‑year‑old forward for the San Jose Sharks, is positioned for a breakout campaign thanks to expanded ice time and the anticipated rise of teammate Macklin Celebrini, whose own offensive development should create additional scoring opportunities for Smith.
In net, Jakub Dobes of the Montreal Canadiens offers a compelling value pick; at 25 years old he posted a 69 % win rate during limited playoff action, indicating that he could transition into a full‑time starting role as the Canadiens’ defensive group improves.
Veteran center Mika Zibanejad, 33, continues to deliver elite fantasy numbers despite being largely overlooked in drafts, with a track record of surpassing 30 goals and 30 assists while maintaining over 200 shots on goal in each of the past several seasons.
Andrei Svechnikov, the former second‑overall selection now playing for the Carolina Hurricanes, has reshaped his role into a primary offensive option, posting 24 goals, 56 points and 124 shots on goal during the final stretch of the 2025‑26 season.
St. Louis Blues forward Jimmy Snuggerud, a 22‑year‑old first‑round pick, made a striking late‑season surge, recording 14 goals, 36 points and 87 shots on goal over his last 31 games, highlighting his high upside for re‑draft and keeper formats.
Together, these athletes illustrate a clear pattern: younger players poised for increased responsibility, a veteran whose consistency remains underappreciated, and goaltenders whose playoff success hints at future starter status, all of which present attractive opportunities for fantasy managers seeking undervalued talent in the 2026‑27 draft.