As the 2026‑27 NHL season approaches, fantasy analysts are turning their attention to a handful of players whose underlying metrics hint at a significant jump in performance. While some have already shown flashes of brilliance, others are poised to capitalize on new roles, better on‑ice situations, and evolving team dynamics.
Key Players to Watch
Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets stands out for his elite even‑strength creation, ranking near the top of expected‑goal charts despite currently sitting low in actual goals. With a projected ice‑time increase and a more favorable power‑play split, he could realistically target 32 to 36 points, making him a compelling late‑round pick.
Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils has already demonstrated a high shot volume and solid expected‑goal numbers among defensemen. A more advantageous power‑play deployment could unlock additional scoring, positioning him as a valuable late‑round fantasy asset.
Alex Laferriere of the Los Angeles Kings endured a stagnant statistical line despite seeing more ice time, largely due to an unfavorable on‑ice environment. However, his 209 shots and 255 hits suggest a player who can contribute across categories, and improved luck could translate into a breakout season.
Jimmy Snuggerud of the St. Louis Blues surged late in the season, with 93 percent of his points coming at even strength. His rising shot volume and role‑based breakout indicate a player whose production could climb steadily as his minutes increase.
Clayton Keller of the Utah Oilers finished the season strong, especially on the power play, and his team’s improvement in that area could push him to career‑high totals. If Utah’s power play reaches league‑average efficiency, Keller’s point projection could see a marked rise.
Fantasy Implications
The common thread among these candidates is a combination of increased responsibility and underlying metrics that outpace current output. For fantasy managers, targeting players like Fantilli, Hughes, Laferriere, Snuggerud, and Keller in later rounds could yield high returns, especially if their teams continue to trend upward in special‑teams efficiency and ice‑time allocation. Monitoring preseason line combinations and power‑play units will be essential to gauge just how substantial these breakout possibilities become.