There could be no more rewarding feeling in fantasy hockey than targeting a player in the final rounds of your draft who exceeds all expectations and becomes a man of choice for your fantasy team. Moments like this have made many fantasy GMs feel smarter than everyone else, if only for a moment.

We have highlighted 5 skaters who will either be drafted at the end of a draft or maybe not at all. All players will be under 200 in Fantrax Average Draft Position (ADP) and under 25% in Fantasy Manager Drafting (D%).

Not using Fantrax for your fantasy hockey league? Check out our Fantasy Hockey Commissioner and find out why you should be.

5 Late Round Fantasy Hockey Bargains

Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Carolina Hurricanes, AD – (ADP 248), (21-D%)

The offer sheet the Canes gave Kotkaniemi this offseason has been one of the most interesting deals this summer. The one-year, $ 6.1 million deal with a $ 20 signing bonus has left many wondering if the Canes are motivated by revenge. The year before, the Montreal Canadiens had handed an offer sheet to the Canes, Sebastian Aho. It may be a coincidence that the Canes pursued a Habs player, but that $ 20 signing bonus that was included in the offer sheet, indicates that there may have been something something more.

The bet on Kotkaniemi finally comes down to the fact that this former 3rd pick in the draft is still only 21 years old, with already three seasons of experience in the NHL and still a huge advantage in his game. playoffs with Montreal and, in my opinion, is poised to become a legitimate top-six forward in the league. The Canes have a very skilled attacking set and over the past few seasons they have dominated attacking zone possession and shooting generation. Their playstyle should be perfectly suited to Kotkaniemi’s skills. With a center group including Aho, Jordan Staal and Vincent Trocheck, Kotkaniemi is likely to play more on the left wing this season, which will also ease any pressure he may have felt as an apparent heir to the first or second center. hockey. Montreal crazy market.

I think Kotkaniemi will be one of the surprises in this coming season. If he’s available in the final rounds of your draft, he should be worth it.

Alex Tuch, Vegas Golden Knights, AD – (ADP 335), (15-D%)

In 2018-19, Tuch scored 20 goals and 50 points for the Golden Knights. He looked like he was on his way to becoming a star player in the NHL. After a year in decline in 2019-2020, Tuch reappeared as a 25-goal, 50-point player last season. He’s one of the most dynamic players to watch in the league and you can’t help but feel there is even more offense in his game. His poor statistical season in 2020 has clearly taken Tuch off the radar. many fantasy managers. It would be a great opportunity to take advantage of that apathy, grab Tuch with an end-of-round pick, and watch other managers in your league kick each other for their oversight.

Pavel Zacha, New Jersey Devils, C – (ADP 402), (7-D%)

It took longer than expected, but in 2020-21 Zacha finally began to show why the Devils selected him 6th overall in 2015. The 24-year-old had a breakthrough mini-year, scoring at a rate of 27 G and 57 PT. Zacha generated more shots on goal, won more face-offs (51%) and was on his way to a career high in PP points. He is set to get frontline PP minutes again this season and if one is to believe that last year was the start of his game’s growth, a 30 G and 65 PT season could be in the cards for the great Czech center. As a late selection, it could be the steal of your draft if it picks up where it left off last season.

Filip Zadina, Detroit Red Wings, AG, AD – (ADP 430), (6-D%)

Since being drafted no.6 in 2018, Zadina has played sparingly for three seasons with the Wings, averaging 0.35 PPG. This coming season, you can expect 21-year-old Zadina to get the first six minutes and be part of the first PP unit for the rebuilding of the Wings. Zadina is a dynamic offensive player. He was a dominant player in his only season with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Junior League as well as in his draft year at the World Junior Championships with the Czech National Team. The Wings have high expectations for Zadina and he will have every opportunity to make this season his breakthrough year.

Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues, C, RW – (ADP 497), (1-D%)

Thomas was the Blues’ 1st round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, finishing 20th overall. A gifted offensive player, he was a little under 0.65 PPG in 2019-2020. He fell back a bit last season, but now with a new contract in his pocket he’s locked in a leading position among the top 9 and he can look forward to getting some important PP minutes. There is a lot of growth to come in the production of this 22 year old. This could be the year Thomas takes it to the next level.

These 5 skaters all seem to be under the radar of most fantastic leagues. There is always a risk factor when selecting a player who has not been consistent at the NHL level. However, these highlighted players all have the potential to see their production and value grow from what they currently are. As they say; no risk, no reward!

For more help in preparing for the rapidly approaching NHL season, check out our 2021-22 Fantasy Hockey Draft Kit!

Fantrax was one of the fastest growing fantasy sites of 2020, and we’re not stopping now. With multi-team exchanges, designated league stewards / directors and easy drag and drop click methods, Fantrax is sure to excite the serious fantasy sports fan – join now for a free year at Fantrax.com .