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NHL Fantasy Hockey: Underrated Players to Target

By Ryan Ritchie

Apr 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers left wing Jakub Voracek (93) takes a shot during the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers left wing Jakub Voracek (93) takes a shot during the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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NHL Fantasy Hockey: Underrated Players That You Can Target in Your Draft/Fantasy Bargains

Moving on to the second part of our series dedicated to NHL fantasy hockey rankings in 2016-17, we flip the switch from overrated to undervalued players. These individuals could be considered fantasy bargains based on their average draft range.

As we mentioned in our last piece, those pulling the strings at major outlets dedicated to NHL fantasy hockey tend to have a short-term memory. Just as these folks like to overvalue a player based on one good season, a disappointing campaign (sometimes because of injury) leaves certain players ranked much lower than they should be.

Finding these gems (and many others that exist) in your NHL fantasy hockey draft is the first step to success in 2016-17. Adjustments and tweaks can be made along the way, but it’s important to pick well on draft day.

NHL Fantasy Hockey: 5 Fantasy Bargains Based on Their Rankings

Jakub Voracek, Philadelphia Flyers (#73 ESPN rankings)

Apr 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers left wing Jakub Voracek (93) during the second period against the Washington Capitals in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers left wing Jakub Voracek (93) during the second period against the Washington Capitals in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

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After showing progression in three straight years finally peaking at 81 points in 2014-15, Voracek took a step back this past season. His shooting percentage was abnormally low compared to his career average, and only scored 11 goals (55 points).

Even if he’s unable to match that 81-point campaign, he should be capable of 70-plus playing alongside Claude Giroux. Plus, who knows how much extra offense Shayne Gostisbehere and Ivan Provorov can create in 2016-17.

When your other choices may include the likes of Max Pacioretty, Kyle Palmieri, Jason Spezza, David Backes, or Alexander Steen, bet on Jakub Voracek rebounding this upcoming season.

Ondrej Palat (#106 ESPN rankings) and Tyler Johnson (#146 ESPN rankings), Tampa Bay Lightning

Mar 7, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) celebrates his goal with center Tyler Johnson (9) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) celebrates his goal with center Tyler Johnson (9) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Palat racked up 59 and 63 points in his previous two seasons before his recent disappointment (40 points in 2015-16). Johnson had 50 and 72 points in the previous two campaigns before seeing his total dip to 38 points in 69 games this past season.

Apparently someone forgot that Tampa Bay was the most potent offense before Dallas took over. All in fairness, it was a down year for the Lightning due to several different factors. Don’t expect the same in 2016-17, as this team should challenge the Stars for most goals scored.

Numbers should improve across the board for numerous players, including both Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat. Either one of these guys could make for a great mid-to-late round steal.

Cam Talbot, Edmonton Oilers (#183 ESPN rankings)

Mar 12, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goalie Cam Talbot (33) guards his net against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period at Rexall Place. Arizona Coyotes won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers goalie Cam Talbot (33) guards his net against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period at Rexall Place. Arizona Coyotes won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Talbot had a solid season going 21-27-3 with a 2.55GAA and .917 save percentage. He has proven himself a capable starter for now and could easily improve upon those numbers as the team around him gets better.

Let’s not get confused though. The chances of Talbot reaching that elite or star level is unlikely. Those goalies put up Cory Schneider type numbers (2014-15 and 2015-16) with a losing record.

All that being said, for a guy ranked 183rd on ESPN, Cam Talbot is a steal. It’s a rare luxury to find a bonafide starter in the late rounds of a draft. Even if he performs similar to this past season, the pick has already paid for itself. Chances are the Oilers show at least some improvement at the bare minimum, so any extra wins or shutouts are a bonus.

Robin Lehner, Buffalo Sabres (#188 ESPN rankings)

Mar 5, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres goalie Robin Lehner (40) looks for the puck during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres goalie Robin Lehner (40) looks for the puck during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

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Before you go ahead and select Michal Neuvirth, Antti Niemi, Kari Lehtonen, Jaroslav Halak, Connor Hellebuyck, or Ryan Miller (among others in the same range), your focus should be squarely on one of these first two goalies mentioned in our list.

Why roll the dice on a netminders immersed in tandems or uncertain situations when you can draft a fairly secure starter?

The only reason Robin Lehner ranks so low is because he missed a large chunk of his first season with the Buffalo Sabres. He played extremely well upon return late in the season, and has the talent to be a quality starter in the NHL. Some may call it a risk, but if you’re still looking for a goalie this late, Lehner and Talbot are fairly low-risk options in comparison to others at that point.

Next: Top 20 Players Under 20 Years of Age

Niklas Kronwall, Detroit Red Wings (#241 ESPN rankings)

Apr 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall (55) passes the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of the game two of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall (55) passes the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of the game two of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

How about a number one defenseman ranked so low he could easily be overlooked in basic formats? Niklas Kronwall missed some time in 2015-16 due to injury and posted his lowest point total (26) since 2006-07. Here’s a guy you could count on for 35-40 points/year for close to a decade. His peak years are behind him at 35-years-old, but if all it costs you is a late round pick, it’s worth a roll of the dice.

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