Undervalued Stars Ready to Rebound
As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, fantasy hockey managers are on the lookout for players who underperformed last year but have the potential to bounce back. Drawing from recent analyses, several athletes stand out as prime candidates to exceed expectations and deliver significant value in drafts. These players, often overlooked due to a down season, could be the key to building a championship roster.
Among the forwards, Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks is frequently highlighted as a top regression candidate. After a dip in production last season, experts believe he could return to a 30-plus goal and 80-plus point pace with a fresh start under the team's evolving dynamics. Similarly, Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres, who posted 29 goals and 56 points in 71 games last year, is seen as a strong contender to reclaim his elite scoring form from previous campaigns.
Goalies and Defensemen to Watch
On the goaltending front, Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers is noted for his potential to rebound. Despite challenges last season, analysts point to a steadier defensive lineup in front of him as a reason to expect improved stats in the upcoming year. Shayna Goldman from The Athletic also identifies Calgary Flames netminder Dustin Wolf as a promising option, citing his potential rise among fantasy-relevant goalies.
Defensemen like John Klingberg are also in the conversation for positive regression. With an opportunity to reclaim a key role on his team, Klingberg could return to being a valuable asset for fantasy managers seeking offensive production from the blue line. These players represent calculated risks that could pay off handsomely if they rediscover their past form.
Strategic Drafting for Maximum Value
Drafting bounce-back candidates offers a strategic edge, allowing managers to acquire high-upside players at a lower cost. Sources emphasize the importance of monitoring preseason performances to gauge readiness and potential role changes within their respective teams. Players like Pettersson and Shesterkin, if they show early signs of returning to form, could quickly climb draft boards.
Additionally, lesser-known names such as Spencer Knight of the Chicago Blackhawks, with a career record of 49 wins, 33 losses, and 9 ties alongside a 2.83 goals-against average, are cited as undervalued picks who might surprise. Fantasy managers who prioritize these rebound candidates at reasonable average draft positions could gain significant advantages, reshaping the dynamics of their leagues for the 2025-26 season.