7 Fantasy Hockey Sleeper Picks to Dominate Your 2025 Draft

Every fantasy hockey manager dreams of uncovering the diamond in the rough-that late-round pick who outperforms their draft position and becomes a cornerstone of a championship roster. Identifying these players requires more than just looking at last year's stats; it demands foresight, an understanding of team dynamics, and recognising potential before it becomes obvious. The key to winning your league often lies in finding value where others don't see it, and that's precisely what fantasy hockey sleeper picks are all about.

This guide is designed to give you that competitive advantage. We will break down seven specific players poised for a breakout season, moving beyond the obvious names that will be gone in the early rounds. These are the players often overlooked, undervalued, or underestimated, but who possess the talent and opportunity to deliver significant returns on their average draft position (ADP).

We will provide a detailed analysis for each player, exploring their current situation, upside potential, and why they should be on your draft board. Our analysis dives into deployment, power-play opportunities, and advanced metrics to give you the actionable intelligence needed to build a deeper, more resilient team. By targeting these sleepers, you can gain a critical edge over your competition.

1. Dylan Cozens (Buffalo Sabres)

When searching for high-upside fantasy hockey sleeper picks, targeting a young, skilled centre on the cusp of a breakout is a proven strategy. Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabres perfectly fits this profile. Entering his age-23 season, the former 7th overall pick has all the tools to significantly outperform his average draft position (ADP).

Cozens combines elite skating with a 6-foot-3 frame, a rare blend that creates matchup nightmares for opposing defences. He has already demonstrated his goal-scoring potential with a 31-goal, 68-point campaign in 2022-23, proving he has the finishing touch to be a fantasy force. While his production dipped last season, this creates a valuable buying opportunity for savvy managers who recognise his underlying talent and potential for a major bounce-back.

Why Cozens is Undervalued

The primary reason Cozens is a sleeper is his recent statistical regression, which will cause many fantasy managers to overlook him. However, context is crucial. The entire Sabres team underperformed offensively last season, and Cozens’ shooting percentage fell well below his career average. This suggests positive regression is highly likely, especially as he continues to earn significant ice time, including a role on one of the top two power-play units.

For a quick reference on his established potential, this infographic highlights some of Cozens' key career metrics.

These numbers illustrate a player who has already produced at a high level and is trusted with significant on-ice responsibility at a young age.

Draft Strategy and Projections

Cozens is an ideal target in the middle rounds of your draft, typically after the more established names have been selected. He offers the potential for top-tier production at a discounted price.

• Target Rounds: 8-12 (in a standard 12-team league).
• Best Fit: Leagues that reward goals, shots on goal (SOG), and power-play points (PPP).
• Projection: A return to the 25-30 goal and 65-70 point range is a reasonable expectation, with the potential for even more if Buffalo’s offence clicks.

By drafting Cozens, you are investing in a high-ceiling player poised for a significant role in an improving offensive system. For a deeper dive into where he fits in the broader landscape, you can see how he compares to others in our comprehensive 2025 fantasy NHL rankings. He is one of the most compelling fantasy hockey sleeper picks available this year.

2. Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings)

Finding a defenceman who contributes across all categories without a first-round price tag is a championship-winning move in fantasy hockey. Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings is that player. The former Calder Trophy winner has already established himself as a legitimate #1 defenceman, logging huge minutes against top competition and quarterbacking Detroit’s power play. Entering his fourth season, Seider is poised to elevate his offensive game, making him one of the most valuable fantasy hockey sleeper picks on the blue line.

Seider offers a rare and coveted combination of skill and physicality. He’s not just a point-producer; he is an elite contributor in peripheral categories like hits and blocked shots, providing a high floor for fantasy production. As the young, skilled core in Detroit continues to mature and improve, Seider’s offensive numbers are set to climb, giving him a ceiling that few other defencemen outside the elite tier possess.

Why Seider is Undervalued

Many fantasy managers get tunnel vision, focusing solely on point production from their defencemen. While Seider’s point totals have been solid (hovering around 42-50 points), they haven’t yet reached the elite 60+ point plateau, causing him to slide down draft boards. This is a mistake. His value is anchored by his exceptional multi-category coverage. Last season, he racked up nearly 200 hits and 200 blocked shots, numbers that provide immense weekly value, especially in head-to-head formats.

Furthermore, with offensive talents like Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Larkin, and Lucas Raymond driving the play, Seider’s power-play point totals are primed for significant growth. He is the undisputed quarterback of the top unit, and as the team’s overall offence improves, his assists and power-play points will naturally increase. You are drafting him at his floor, with a significant ceiling yet to be reached.

Draft Strategy and Projections

Seider is the perfect D2 or high-end D3 for any fantasy roster, providing a stable base of production with the potential for top-10 upside. His draft position often doesn't reflect his true multi-category impact, creating excellent value.

• Target Rounds: 6-9 (in a standard 12-team league).
• Best Fit: Roto or Head-to-Head leagues that count Hits, BLKS, and PPP.
• Projection: A baseline of 10-15 goals and 40-45 assists for a 50-60 point season, complemented by 180+ hits and 190+ blocks.

Drafting Seider allows you to build a well-rounded defence corps without spending an early-round pick. For more analysis on where defencemen like him slot in, check our complete guide to fantasy hockey draft strategy. His unique statistical profile makes him a player who can single-handedly win you weekly matchups.

3. Matty Beniers (Seattle Kraken)

One of the most effective strategies for finding fantasy hockey sleeper picks is to bet on elite, young talent coming off a down year. Matty Beniers, the cornerstone centre for the Seattle Kraken, is the textbook definition of this archetype. After a brilliant Calder Trophy-winning rookie campaign, Beniers is poised for a significant rebound that savvy fantasy managers can capitalise on.

Beniers possesses the high-end hockey IQ and two-way responsibility of a veteran, combined with the offensive upside that made him the 2nd overall pick in 2021. His 57-point rookie season was no fluke; it was a clear demonstration of his ability to drive play and produce at the NHL level. A sophomore slump, plagued by a team-wide offensive drought and a dip in shooting percentage, has created the perfect buying opportunity for a player of his calibre.

Why Beniers is Undervalued

Beniers will slide down draft boards due to his disappointing 37-point output last season. Many will view his rookie year as an outlier, but a closer look suggests the opposite. His individual and team-level shooting percentages cratered, a statistical anomaly that is highly likely to correct itself. As the undisputed top-line centre, he will continue to see premium ice time in all situations, including the top power-play unit, giving him every chance to bounce back in a big way.

His foundational skills and established role are undeniable. As the offensive leader for the Kraken, his production ceiling remains incredibly high, especially if Seattle's offence finds more consistency under a new coaching staff. He is a prime candidate for positive regression.

Draft Strategy and Projections

Beniers represents immense value in the mid-to-late rounds of standard fantasy drafts. He offers the potential for first-line centre production at a fraction of the cost, making him an ideal C2 or C3 on your roster with a massive ceiling.

• Target Rounds: 9-13 (in a standard 12-team league).
• Best Fit: Keeper leagues and formats that reward points and power-play points (PPP).
• Projection: A return to the 20-25 goal and 55-65 point range is a very achievable floor, with the potential to exceed his rookie totals if the Kraken power play improves.

Drafting Beniers is an investment in pedigree and opportunity. He is one of the most promising fantasy hockey sleeper picks available, and if he starts the season slow, keep an eye on him as a top target on the fantasy hockey waiver wire.

4. Jake Sanderson (Ottawa Senators)

When hunting for value on the blue line, one of the best strategies is to target young, elite-skating defencemen poised to take on larger offensive roles. Jake Sanderson of the Ottawa Senators is a prime example of this archetype. The former 5th overall pick has already established himself as a legitimate top-pairing defender, but his offensive game is just beginning to surface, making him one of the most intriguing fantasy hockey sleeper picks available on defence.

Sanderson possesses the smooth skating, puck-moving skills, and hockey intelligence to become a premier fantasy asset. He has shown steady offensive growth, culminating in a 10-goal, 38-point season last year, but that production merely scratches the surface of his potential. As Ottawa’s system matures and he earns more offensive zone deployment, his point totals are set to climb significantly.

Why Sanderson is Undervalued

Sanderson is often overlooked in fantasy drafts because his real-world defensive value overshadows his offensive stats, and he has shared power-play duties with other talented players. However, this perception creates a major buying opportunity. Sanderson’s ice time is already elite, and his role on the power play is expected to expand. His shot volume and puck-carrying metrics suggest a player ready to take the next step offensively.

This video highlights his dynamic two-way abilities and the offensive flashes that make him such an exciting fantasy prospect.

As he gains confidence and experience, expect his peripheral stats, particularly in categories like shots and blocked shots, to make him a well-rounded contributor.

Draft Strategy and Projections

Sanderson is the perfect target as your third or fourth defenceman, providing a high-upside option in the mid-to-late rounds where offensive defencemen are scarce. His floor is safe due to his minutes and defensive contributions, but his ceiling is that of a top-20 fantasy blueliner.

• Target Rounds: 10-14 (in a standard 12-team league).
• Best Fit: All formats, but especially valuable in leagues that count shots, blocked shots, and power-play points (PPP). He’s also an elite target in dynasty or keeper leagues.
• Projection: A 45-50 point season is a very realistic next step, with the potential to exceed that if he solidifies his role as the quarterback of the top power-play unit.

Drafting Sanderson is a savvy investment in blossoming talent. For more insights on where he stands among his peers, check out our comprehensive 2025 fantasy NHL rankings. He represents excellent value and could be a league-winning pick from the blue line.

5. Mason McTavish (Anaheim Ducks)

Targeting a former high draft pick on a young, rebuilding team is a classic fantasy hockey sleeper pick strategy, and Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks embodies this archetype. The 3rd overall selection in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, McTavish is a rugged power forward with a goal-scorer's touch, poised to take on a larger offensive role for a team on the rise.

McTavish has already flashed his potential, posting consecutive 40-plus point seasons before his 22nd birthday. He blends a powerful 6-foot-1 frame with high-end skill, allowing him to win puck battles along the boards and create offence in high-danger areas around the net. His physical style also adds value in multi-category leagues that reward hits, giving him a solid fantasy floor even when he isn’t scoring.

Why McTavish is Undervalued

Many fantasy managers will shy away from players on non-playoff teams, causing McTavish's draft stock to fall. However, this creates a prime opportunity. He is locked into a top-six role and sees consistent time on Anaheim’s top power-play unit, giving him every chance to produce. With a developing core that includes Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, the Ducks' offence is set to improve, and McTavish will be a primary beneficiary.

His production of 19 goals and 42 points in 64 games last season projects to a 54-point pace over a full 82-game schedule. This established baseline, combined with his pedigree and prime deployment, makes him one of the most compelling fantasy hockey sleeper picks heading into the season.

Draft Strategy and Projections

McTavish is the perfect high-upside player to target in the later-middle rounds after you have built a solid foundation for your roster. His multi-category contributions make him a valuable asset, especially in bangers leagues.

• Target Rounds: 12-16 (in a standard 12-team league).
• Best Fit: Leagues that value goals, shots, power-play points (PPP), and hits (HITS).
• Projection: A breakout to the 25-goal, 60-point mark is well within reach, with significant potential for more if he solidifies his role as a primary offensive driver.

Drafting McTavish is a bet on talent and opportunity converging. As the season progresses, you can evaluate his performance and decide if he's a long-term hold or a valuable trade chip, which you can analyze using a fantasy hockey trade analyzer.

6. Kent Johnson (Columbus Blue Jackets)

When digging for late-round lottery tickets, pinpointing a supremely skilled young player with a clear path to an elevated role is a recipe for fantasy success. Kent Johnson of the Columbus Blue Jackets is the embodiment of this profile. The former 5th overall pick possesses elite playmaking ability and offensive creativity, making him one of the most intriguing fantasy hockey sleeper picks for managers willing to take a chance on high-end talent.

Johnson is a dynamic offensive force whose game is built on exceptional vision and hockey IQ. He has already shown flashes of brilliance at the NHL level, including a 16-goal, 40-point campaign in his first full season. While a torn labrum cut his 2023-24 season short, that injury now shrouds his immense potential, allowing him to fall to the later rounds of fantasy drafts where the risk is minimal and the reward is substantial.

Why Johnson is Undervalued

Johnson’s value is suppressed due to his recent injury and the perception that he has not yet put it all together. However, this overlooks his elite pedigree, which includes dominant performances at the University of Michigan and on the international stage for Canada. With a new coaching staff in Columbus and a full recovery expected, Johnson is primed for a top-six role and significant power-play time alongside other skilled forwards like Johnny Gaudreau and Zach Werenski.

His situation is a classic "buy-low" opportunity. Many will forget about his 40-point rookie season and focus only on the injury-derailed sophomore year. Savvy managers will see this as a chance to acquire a potential point-per-game player at a fraction of the cost.

Draft Strategy and Projections

Johnson is the perfect high-upside flyer to select in the final rounds of your draft. He is a low-risk pick who could provide massive returns if he secures the offensive deployment he is capable of earning.

• Target Rounds: 14-18+ (in a standard 12-team league).
• Best Fit: Keeper/dynasty leagues and standard leagues that value assists and power-play points (PPP).
• Projection: A healthy Johnson could realistically achieve 15-20 goals and 55-60 points, with a ceiling for much more if he clicks with Columbus' top offensive weapons.

By drafting Johnson, you are making a low-cost investment in pure skill. Keep a close eye on his usage in the pre-season, but don't hesitate to stash him on your roster. For more insights on late-round gems, explore our full list of potential breakout players for 2024-25 to round out your championship-calibre team.

7. Simon Nemec (New Jersey Devils)

When drafting your fantasy defence corps, finding a young, puck-moving blueliner with immense offensive upside is a game-changing move. Simon Nemec of the New Jersey Devils is the perfect candidate for this role. As the 2nd overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft, Nemec possesses elite hockey sense and the two-way skills to become a fantasy star, making him one of the most intriguing fantasy hockey sleeper picks available on the backend.

Nemec brings a remarkably mature and polished game for his age, showcasing the ability to quarterback a power play and contribute offensively without sacrificing defensive responsibility. After a successful 60-game stint in his rookie season where he put up 19 points, he is poised for an expanded role. Playing within New Jersey's fast-paced, high-octane system provides the ideal environment for his offensive talents to flourish and significantly outperform his late-round draft cost.

Why Nemec is Undervalued

Nemec is often overlooked in fantasy drafts because he is still a developing player on a team with other established offensive names. The departure of Dougie Hamilton to injury last season opened the door for Nemec to gain valuable NHL experience, but many fantasy managers will still view him as a prospect rather than an immediate contributor. This perception creates a fantastic opportunity to acquire a future top-pairing defenceman at a bargain price.

His underlying numbers and pedigree, including dominating professional leagues in Slovakia as a teenager and strong international performances, point toward a player ready to take the next step. With a full NHL season under his belt, his confidence and deployment, particularly on the power play, are expected to increase substantially.

Draft Strategy and Projections

Nemec is the ideal high-upside D3 or D4 target for your fantasy roster, offering league-winning potential from a late-round pick. His value is even higher in dynasty formats, but he is ready to make a redraft impact now.

• Target Rounds: 14-18 (in a standard 12-team league).
• Best Fit: Leagues that reward assists, power-play points (PPP), and blocked shots.
• Projection: A 35-40 point season is a very achievable baseline, with the potential to exceed 45 points if he secures a permanent spot on one of the top two power-play units.

By selecting Nemec, you are investing in top-tier draft capital on an offensively gifted team. For more analysis on where young defencemen like him fit, you can review our complete list of fantasy hockey D-man rankings. He represents a low-risk, high-reward pick that could pay massive dividends.

Fantasy Hockey Sleeper Picks Comparison

Player	Implementation Complexity 🔄	Resource Requirements ⚡	Expected Outcomes 📊	Ideal Use Cases 💡	Key Advantages ⭐
Dylan Cozens (Buffalo Sabres)	Moderate – Young player developing role	Moderate – Gains from power play & versatility	Potential high offensive breakout, multi-category impact	Middle rounds draft, bench stash, deeper leagues	Elite skating, size, multi-position use
Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings)	Moderate – Established top defender	High – Top pairing and PP1 ice time	Consistent multi-category production, defensive reliability	Draft as D2/D3, hit/block-heavy leagues	Calder winner, durable, power play QB
Matty Beniers (Seattle Kraken)	Moderate – Sophomore with key role	Moderate – Top-line center & PP time	Proven rookie success with balanced two-way play	Middle rounds, keeper leagues, monitoring chemistry	Calder winner, hockey IQ, low injury risk
Jake Sanderson (Ottawa Senators)	Higher – Defensive rookie with upside	Moderate – Competes for PP and top 4 minutes	High offensive ceiling from defense, developing team	Sleeper D3+, dynasty leagues	Offensive defenseman, elite skating, PP potential
Mason McTavish (Anaheim Ducks)	Moderate – Developing power forward	Moderate – Physical style with injury risk	Physical, multi-category contributor with upside	Later rounds, hits counted leagues, bench depth	Net-front presence, skill and size
Kent Johnson (Columbus Blue Jackets)	Higher – Needs development and ice time	Moderate – Plays with evolving role	High offensive upside, creative playmaker	Late-round flyer, keeper stash	Elite passing, creativity, low draft cost
Simon Nemec (New Jersey Devils)	Higher – Young defenseman with potential	Moderate – Competing for ice time	Multi-category contributor, power play roles	Late-round defense pick, dynasty focus	Mature two-way game, high-powered system

Drafting Smarter, Not Harder, for a Championship Season

Successfully navigating your fantasy hockey draft is about identifying value where others see risk or overlook potential. The seven players we've detailed, from Dylan Cozens in Buffalo to Simon Nemec in New Jersey, are more than just names on a list; they represent a strategic pathway to building a championship-calibre roster. While your early-round picks secure a foundation of proven, high-end talent, it's the astute selections in the mid-to-late rounds that truly separate the contenders from the rest of the league. Unearthing these fantasy hockey sleeper picks is the art that transforms a good team into a great one.

The common thread linking players like Moritz Seider, Matty Beniers, and Jake Sanderson is opportunity married with talent. These aren't just prospects with potential; they are young, skilled players poised to take on significant roles, see increased ice time, and benefit from evolving team dynamics. Your league-mates might still be drafting them based on last season's numbers, giving you a crucial edge. Remembering this principle allows you to exploit market inefficiencies and build a team with a much higher ceiling than its draft position would suggest.

Key Takeaways for Your Draft Strategy

To transform these insights into a winning draft, focus on these actionable steps:

• Contextualize Your Targets: Don't just add these names to your queue. Understand why they are undervalued. Is it due to a previous injury, a slow start last season, or a projected jump in power-play time? Knowing the "why" helps you confidently make the pick, even if it feels like a reach to others.
• Balance Upside with Stability: While swinging for the fences with sleepers like Kent Johnson or Mason McTavish is exciting, ensure your roster has a core of reliable, high-floor players. A championship team is built on both breakout stars and consistent performers.
• Monitor Pre-Season Developments: A player's value can change dramatically during training camp. Keep a close eye on line combinations, power-play units, and coaching comments. A player like Cozens moving to a permanent top-six role with first-unit power-play time solidifies his sleeper status. Our Pre-Season Player News section can be an invaluable resource for this.

Ultimately, identifying the best fantasy hockey sleeper picks is about proactive research and strategic foresight. It’s about looking beyond the standard rankings and recognising where a player’s situation is about to improve significantly. By targeting players on the cusp of a breakout, you are not just filling out your roster; you are actively constructing a team designed to outperform its draft-day expectations. This proactive approach is what consistently leads to fantasy hockey glory. Armed with this knowledge, you are now equipped to find the hidden gems that will define your 2025 season.

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