Pre-season draft rankings have changed rapidly over the last month, with some talent playing better than expected throughout the early stages of their respective seasons. Listed below are three prospects who have been overachieving so far, and are proving to be players who can help managers improve their fantasy hockey keeper or dynasty leagues.
More Fantasy Hockey Analysis: | Goalie Streamers | Buy-Low, Sell-High | Prospect Report | Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire
Fantasy Hockey Prospect Report
Daxon Rudolph – Prince Albert Raiders
For owners looking for an aggressive two-way defenseman who can score on a nightly basis, Daxon Rudolph is a reliable option to target in next year’s draft. This season, the 17-year-old has recorded 9 points through 11 games for the Prince Albert Raiders, having continued his hot streak from last year’s playoffs, where he averaged just over a point per game.
Throughout last year’s regular season, Rudolph wasn’t afraid to showcase his offensive confidence, having logged 41 points in 64 games. However, his scoring ability hasn’t taken away from his defensive game, as he finished last year’s campaign with a +13 rating. For fantasy owners who feel their depth on the back end is suffering this season, Rudolph is a point-getting defenseman whose consistency has been the key to his success thus far.
Viggo Bjorck – Djurgårdens IF
After scoring 74 points in just 42 games for Djurgårdens IF last season, Viggo Bjorck has quickly become the hottest Swedish prospect heading into next year’s draft. Although he’s one of the smaller prospects today, his size hasn’t affected his skill on the ice, often being praised for his quick hands and offensive awareness.
When it comes to fantasy impact, being a shorter right winger won’t make him valuable in categories like hits, blocks, or face-offs. However, that shouldn’t deter managers from drafting him purely for his natural scoring ability. In addition to his historic year in Sweden, he proved to be a playoff performer by registering 15 points in 9 games throughout the postseason.
J.P. Hurlbert – Kamloops Blazers
There’s not one player in the WHL today more impressive than J.P. Hurlbert, who has quickly climbed draft charts after averaging two points per game this season. Along with being the WHL’s league leader, Hurlbert’s hard work in the early goings has led him to be selected to compete in the 2025 CHL USA Prospect Challenge. To put in perspective the 17-year-old’s growth over the summer, he’s nearly matched his point total from last season through just 14 games. During the 2024-25 campaign, he recorded 31 points in 34 games in the USHL and is just four points away from surpassing that total on the Kamloops Blazers. Heading into next season, fantasy managers will need to act fast if they’d like to roster Hurlbert, who continues to improve his stock on a weekly basis.
It’s still early to truly predict which prospects will be worthy of a roster spot in fantasy hockey next season, but Rudolph, Bjorck, and Hurlbert are all showing signs of being future stars in the NHL. Make sure to return next week for advice on the best upcoming prospects to target heading into next year’s draft.
Fantrax is one of the fastest-growing fantasy sites in the fantasy sports industry, and we’re not stopping anytime soon. We are the most customizable, easy-to-use, and feature-rich platform in the industry, offering the greatest fantasy experience for your dynasty, keeper, redraft, and best ball leagues. Fantasy sports doesn’t sleep, and neither does Fantrax, with seasons running 365 days a year. Take your fantasy leagues to the next level now at Fantrax.com!
