9 fantasy hockey sleepers (Matvei Michkov!) to target in your 2024 draft
charles curtis
·2-min read
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 28: Matvei Michkov is selected by the Philadelphia Flyers with seventh overall pick during round one of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena on June 28, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775989686 ORIG FILE ID: 1503533783
Fantasy hockey season is officially here for the 2024-25 season in the NHL! WOOHOO!
So if you have your draft coming up and you need help finding those names who could go from middle to late rounds into possible stardom, you've come to the right place: a look at some of the sleepers for you to target in your upcoming draft.
This is a mix of forwards, defensemen and goalies who could end up blasting past their ADP to help win your league.
So let’s dive in and help you find some of those diamonds in the rough this season:
1. F Matvei Michkov, Philadelphia Flyers
Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Philadelphia Flyers draft pick Matvei Michkov shakes hands with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected with the seventh pick in round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
I don't know how much of a sleeper the much-hyped rookie will be, but if he drops, go get him. There's so much talent there.
2. F Viktor Arvidsson, Edmonton Oilers
Feb 10, 2019; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) celebrates after scoring during the third period against the St. Louis Blues at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: USATSI-383872 ORIG FILE ID: 20190210_ads_ah2_013.JPG
He's now an Oiler, which means he might play with some of the biggest offensive names in the game. That means he could explode,
3. F Reilly Smith, New York Rangers
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 12: Reilly Smith #19 and Ivan Barbashev #49 of the Vegas Golden Knights react after Smith scored a second-period power-play goal against the Edmonton Oilers in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Oilers 4-3. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775973556 ORIG FILE ID: 1489638232
Another old face in a new place. This time, the vet could skate on the Blueshirts' top line, and that could mean good numbers.
4. G Anthony Stolarz, Toronto Maple Leafs
Dec 30, 2023; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers goaltender Anthony Stolarz (41) locates the puck during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-714635 (Via OlyDrop)
If he's the starting goalie for a very good Maple Leafs team and not Joseph Woll, Stolarz could payoff serious dividends.
5. D Shayne Gostisbehere, Carolina Hurricanes
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 28: Shayne Gostisbehere #41 of the Detroit Red Wings skates during the first period of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on March 28, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
He amassed 56 points last year with the Red Wings and now he's with the Hurricanes again. If anything, he should be drafted higher than he is this year and his plus-minus will rise.
6. F Anthony Duclair, New York Islanders
Feb 17, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing Anthony Duclair (10) reacts after scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-714934 ORIG FILE ID: 20240217_amo_yl1_108.JPG
He scored 24 goals and 42 points with two teams last year, and with the Islanders, I think he can get over 30 tallies with ease.
7. F Pavel Buchnevich, St. Louis Blues
Feb 22, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Pavel Buchnevich (89) reacts after scoring against the New York Islanders during the second period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-714968 ORIG FILE ID: 20242202_jwc_ac1_016 .JPG
He's consistently in the 60-70 point range. What's not to love?
8. F Mason Marchment, Dallas Stars
Jun 2, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Dallas Stars left winger Mason Marchment (27) crashes into the net and Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner (74) during the third period in game six of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
The 22 goals were just the beginning.
9. D Sean Durzi, Utah Hockey Club
TEMPE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 16: Sean Durzi #50 of the Arizona Coyotes is tripped by Jordan Martinook #48 of the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period of the NHL game at Mullett Arena on February 16, 2024 in Tempe, Arizona. The Hurricanes defeated the Coyotes 5-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776034062 ORIG FILE ID: 2016933511
He had 38 points in 2022-23, followed by 41 last year. The needle is pointing up here.
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