The 2026‑27 fantasy hockey draft is shaping up to be a landscape where savvy managers can gain a competitive edge by targeting players whose market value does not fully reflect their upcoming contributions.
Key Undervalued Picks
Adrian Kempe enters the season with a clear pathway to 45 goals, a projection bolstered by the arrival of Artemi Panarin as his primary playmaker, a combination that should unlock more scoring opportunities than in previous years.
Minnesota’s net‑minding situation also creates a prime fantasy opportunity: with Filip Gustavsson sidelined, Jesper Wallstedt is poised to become the undisputed No. 1 goalie, likely logging 45 to 50 starts while refining his save percentage to a level that can place him among the top‑five fantasy net‑minders.
Will Smith brings elite playmaking acumen, ranking in the 94th percentile for primary assists per 60 minutes among forwards, a metric that suggests he could flirt with a point‑per‑game season and serve as a potent secondary option behind top‑tier centers.
JJ Peterka, now paired with David Pastrnak after his acquisition by Boston, is projected to reach a ceiling of 35‑40‑75, turning a player who previously struggled into a high‑value draft pick with a clear path to elevated scoring and playmaking production.
Matt Savoie’s blend of versatility, penalty‑kill responsibility and expected increased ice time with Edmonton positions him as a breakout candidate, capable of adding significant minutes and contributing across multiple statistical categories.
The True ADP metric, which reflects actual draft positions across all fantasy leagues, underscores how the market continues to undervalue Kempe’s upside and Wallstedt’s emerging role, making both selections strategic cornerstones for any roster.
Together, these players illustrate how strategic drafting based on projected role expansion, coaching changes and favorable matchups can yield substantial returns, giving fantasy teams a decisive advantage in the upcoming season.