Sport: NHL
The NHL season is just around the corner, and just about every NHL fan who enjoys fantasy hockey 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 in the forward department, then you’ve come to the right place.
The 2025-26 NHL season is coming fast. Make this the season you add fantasy hockey to your Fantrax repertoire! Head on over to Fantrax.com to see Fantasy Hockey done right!
3 Forward Sleepers for 2025 Fantasy Hockey Drafts
Andrew Mangiapane, Edmonton Oilers
It definitely makes sense for people to overlook Andrew Mangiapane, especially considering how his last few seasons have gone. However, when you take into consideration that he will be on a very offensive Edmonton Oilers team, it may be smart to pick him.
Obviously, no one can say for sure that he will play on a line with Connor McDavid. But he could, with Zach Hyman out for the start of the season. It may make sense for the Oilers to start the veteran forward on a line with McDavid until Hyman returns. Last season with the Washington Capitals, he scored 28 points in 81 games. This season, he could hit 40+ points if he plays in the top six.
Tyler Toffoli, San Jose Sharks
Next on the list is Tyler Toffoli of the San Jose Sharks, who is the definition of a sleeper pick. Most fantasy hockey players might let him go in a draft because he plays on a very bad Sharks team. But because of his linemates and the offense he can produce, you should pick him.
Last season, he scored 30 goals and 24 assists for 54 points in 78 games. This season, Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith are a year older. Plus, Michael Misa and Sam Dickinson joined the team, which adds to their offense. Toffoli could hit the 60-point mark for only the second time in his career. He may be the most underrated player on this list.
Dylan Strome, Washington Capitals
Lastly, Dylan Strome shouldn’t surprise anyone. Last season, he had a career year, and people will still overlook him. He scored 29 goals and 53 assists for 82 points in 82 games. He has essentially locked up the center role alongside Alex Ovechkin, who is looking to build on his goal record.
Depending on how many teams are in your respective league, Strome could go in the later rounds. But if you have the typical amount, in and around 10 teams, Strome could still be available and might go undrafted. If he’s still available, he’s a lock to score at least 60 points, if not more, this season.
There are a handful of other players who could make this list, such as Ryan Donato of the Chicago Blackhawks, Sean Monahan of the Columbus Blue Jackets, or even Marco Kasper of the Detroit Red Wings. But the players listed above have the chance to be true sleepers in any fantasy hockey draft. Picks that can be taken in the late rounds of a draft and can have extremely good payoffs. They are low risk, high reward, but again, the payoff could be very good.
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!