Undervalued Fantasy Hockey Stars to Target in the 2026‑27 Draft
A look at five players whose statistics and situational advantages suggest they may be undervalued in upcoming drafts.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning San Jose, California, USA across Hockey, Soccer, Football.
A look at five players whose statistics and situational advantages suggest they may be undervalued in upcoming drafts.

Jacob Melanson, a fifth‑round pick turned enforcer, has signed a three‑year extension and is on pace to challenge the NHL’s single‑season hit record, blending hard‑hitting style with durability despite injury setbacks.

The Colorado Avalanche’s upcoming rookie tournament in San Jose will feature a talented group of prospects, including T.J. Hughes, Ilya Nabokov, Sean Behrens and Matt DiMarsico, as the organization aims to showcase its depth and develop the next generation of NHL talent.

The San Francisco Bay Area is rapidly becoming a focal point for women’s professional sports, with new leagues, teams and community programs driving growth across hockey, soccer and rugby.

Owen Fowler has been named captain of Maine’s men’s hockey team for the 2024‑25 season, bringing his Hockey East defensive accolades and career‑high offensive production to a roster eager to return to the NCAA Tournament.

The Avalanche opened its 2026 rookie camp in Colorado, featuring standout forward T.J. Hughes and KHL‑trained goalie Ilya Nabokov, who will compete for starting duties alongside veterans and emerging prospects.
Despite lofty expectations, the USC Trojans are grappling with low stadium crowds and early setbacks, raising questions about the program's direction.

From Nashville’s draft rooms to a potential front‑office overhaul in Detroit, Jeff Kealty’s blend of scouting acumen and organizational experience positions him as a compelling candidate to reshape the Red Wings’ future.

From basement dwellers to sixth‑place hopefuls, St. Louis CITY SC is rewriting its narrative with tactical innovation, key player breakthroughs and a clear recruitment vision.

The newly formed coaching staff, featuring Uffe Lundberg, Jessica Turi and Kristen O'Neill, brings varied backgrounds to shape the San Jose franchise’s future.

Five‑time Olympic medalist Hilary Knight signs a record‑extending contract with the newly formed PWHL Detroit, bringing her storied career and leadership to a team poised to make an immediate impact in the league’s inaugural season.

After a tightly contested battle, Duke selects Walker Eget to lead the offense, banking on his Division I pedigree while confronting the challenges of ACC play.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are evaluating professional tryout offers for left‑handed defensemen to fill an unsettled spot on their blue line, balancing experienced veterans with promising prospects.

Sacramento State’s football program is transitioning to the FBS after an early Mid‑American Conference invitation, driven by Coach Alonzo Carter’s unconventional tactics, a $7 million NIL boost, and ambitions to heighten student engagement and national exposure.

The Wichita Thunder have added a promising young forward whose WHL championship experience and playmaking prowess could reshape the team’s outlook for the 2026‑27 season.

UC Santa Barbara’s men’s soccer team began its campaign with a 3-0 victory over San Jose State, delivering a revenge narrative from six decades ago and setting the tone for upcoming marquee matchups.

Simon Tobin's retirement marks the end of a distinguished era for San José State men's soccer. The program welcomes interim coach Chuy Sanchez and returning associate head coach Jamie Reid as they prepare for the 2026 Mountain West season opener against UC Santa Barbara.

Longtime San José State men's soccer coach Simon Tobin announced his retirement on August 31, paving the way for interim coach Jesus 'Chuy' Sanchez and returning associate head coach Jamie Reid as the program enters its first Mountain West season

San José State University honors the late James ‘Jim’ Carter, celebrating his athletic triumphs, entrepreneurial successes, and enduring community impact.

A record crowd of 25,433 filled Sanford Stadium as Georgia's soccer team opened its season with a dominant 6-0 win, celebrating the legacy of the 1996 Olympic gold medal and showcasing the program's rapid rise.

The Hockey News forecasts a significant jump for the San Jose Sharks in the 2026‑27 season, with rookie forward Colin Graf expected to anchor a roster overhaul that could usher in a contender status within a few years.

A 2024‑25 Upper Deck Young Guns Outburst Gold rookie card of forward Macklin Celebrini sold for $1.28 million, becoming the highest‑priced hockey card ever auctioned publicly.

Matt Kelly’s resignation from Providence College and his upcoming move to Bishop Kearney mark a strategic shift, driven by a desire to blend his playing legacy with a fresh coaching challenge in a warmer environment.

Claire Hutton’s path from a small-town soccer enthusiast to a key figure for Bay FC and the USWNT illustrates the growing investment in female athletes, highlighted by a state‑of‑the‑art training center and a legacy‑building vision.