The NHL season is just around the corner, and just about every NHL fan who enjoys fantasy is joining leagues and preparing to draft their teams. In a fantasy hockey draft, there are the obvious choices. However, if you are looking for a sleeper pick on the blue line, then look no further. Here are three sleeper players to consider for your fantasy draft.
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3 Defensemen Sleepers
Shayne Gostisbehere, Carolina Hurricanes
When looking at your blue line in fantasy, managers typically go for players who generate points. There are the obvious choices like Quinn Hughes, Cale Makar, and Zach Werenski. But there are a few names that go much later in fantasy drafts that still generate points. Carolina Hurricanes’ Shayne Gostisbehere is one of those defensemen.
Over his career, he has earned a reputation as an offensive defenseman who gets plenty of power play time. Last season, he scored seven goals and 38 assists for 45 points in 70 games. The year before, he had 56 points in 81 games. This season, he will likely play the same role, meaning he should easily hit the 40-point mark again. If he stays healthy and gets top power play minutes, he may even hit the 50-point mark.
Gustav Forsling, Florida Panthers
It’s surprising that Florida Panthers’ Gustav Forsling makes the list, but he does. Typically, most fantasy managers overlook him. Over the last few seasons, he has shown that he can score, which is exactly what fantasy hockey fans should look for.
Last season, he posted 31 points in 80 games and finished a plus-33. The year before, he had 39 points in 79 games and was a plus-56. Since joining the Panthers, he has shown that he can take another step. There’s a good chance he builds on that this season and surpasses his career high. If he does, he’ll be a monster in the plus/minus category. Over the last five seasons, he’s plus-166, so he’s a lock to help you win that category if it applies to your league.
Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs
Next up, Morgan Rielly of the Toronto Maple Leafs is looking to have a bounce-back year. Last season wasn’t great for him. In 82 games, he scored seven goals and 34 assists for 41 points. This season, without Mitch Marner on the power play, he gets a chance to quarterback the top unit.
That alone should boost his offensive output. During the preseason, he looked good with the top group. If he can carry that into the regular season, he should add at least 15 points to last year’s total. If he gets back to how he played during the 2023-24 season, when he scored 58 points in 72 games, not only will the Maple Leafs appreciate it, fantasy hockey managers will love it, and he’ll feel much better about his game.
There are a few other names that come to mind for defensemen. If hits count as a category, Radko Gudas, Luke Schenn, and Jeremy Lauzon are strong picks. There are also some young players who could be solid pickups. Zayne Parekh and Zeev Buium are two names that stand out. Regardless, Gostisbehere, Forsling, and Rielly are some of the best sleeper defensemen options in your fantasy hockey league.
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