Being a fantasy team manager isn’t a simple job. It requires you to follow and remember where players moved to during the offseason, where they’re playing in the lineup, and who they’re playing with. Being an effective player is one aspect of fantasy relevance, but just as important as that is a player’s situation and opportunity. Players can go from being waiver wire fodder to must-own fantasy assets depending on their team and role.
After another crazy offseason of player movement, there are a handful of players who found new homes that immediately made them worth a look in fantasy. Below are some under-the-radar players who switched teams this offseason that are worth a late-round flyer in your draft.
Oliver Kylington, D – Colorado Avalanche
After a long summer of waiting to see where he’d land, Oliver Kylington found arguably the best landing spot possible. In the Colorado Avalanche, Kylington finds himself suiting up for one of the most dynamic offensive teams in hockey, which should, in theory, perfectly suit his skillset. Kylington has been completely off the radar in fantasy for essentially two years due to his time away from the sport, but let’s not forget what he achieved the last time he played a full season.
Back in 2021–22 on the high-flying Flames, Kylington broke out with 31 points and 138 shots across 73 games, averaging around 18 minutes a night. If Kylington can earn a similar role with the Avalanche, he could produce right around the same type of numbers, considering how lethal the Avs’ offence is. His role in training camp is worth monitoring as it will largely determine his value to start the year.
Tomas Tatar, LW – New Jersey Devils
Tomas Tatar is back in New Jersey, the same place that saw him post 20 goals and 48 points in 2022–23. After a tough 2023–24 season split between two teams, Tatar is very much a buy-low sleeper candidate. The New Jersey Devils are absolutely loaded on offence, and Tatar has a real shot to start the year in the top six for a few reasons. The last time he played on the Devils, he spent his time primarily alongside Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer, meaning the Devils could try him there again to start the year.
Secondly, there’s the fact that Mercer is still unsigned to this point and may not start the year on the roster, opening up a top-six spot for Tatar. Lastly, Tatar will likely be competing with Ondrej Palat for a top-six spot on the left side, which isn’t exactly stiff competition. He has a real shot to be playing top-six minutes along with second power play unit time, making him worth a late pick.
Anthony Mantha, RW – Calgary Flames
Normally, I wouldn’t endorse owning any Calgary Flame in fantasy not named Nazem Kadri, but new addition Anthony Mantha may provide some actual value this season. Mantha put up a decent 2023–24 season with 23 goals and 44 points in 74 games while playing under 15 minutes a night. Now, on a Flames roster that is devoid of veteran talent on the wing, Mantha could be in line for a gigantic increase in ice time, which should come with an increase in production.
Given his contract is for just one year, the Flames are likely looking to put him in a position to succeed in order to boost his value before the trade deadline. Expect Mantha to operate as one of the team’s primary wingers at even strength and on the power play. Even on a bad roster, Mantha should be able to put up some solid numbers, given the minutes he’ll be getting.
Daniel Sprong, RW – Vancouver Canucks
Daniel Sprong is an enigma. Despite averaging just 11:44 minutes of ice time over the past two seasons, he’s put up 39 goals, 89 points, 26 power play points, and 306 shots in 142 games. That’s some incredible, efficient work. He’s also done it playing for some average teams in the Kraken and Red Wings. Now a member of the stacked Vancouver Canucks offence, Sprong has a chance to finally have his big breakout season and become a household name in fantasy.
As of right now, there are some wide-open spots on the wing in Vancouver alongside two superstar centres in Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller. If Sprong can earn a spot with either of those two, look out. For context, his primary centre last season was Christian Fischer. The year before that, it was Morgan Geekie. If he lands a spot in the Canucks’ top-six, he has a very real 25-goal, 50-point potential, if not higher.
