Fantasy Hockey Underrated Gems: Five Players You Should Target

Hey folks. Fantasy league drafts are right around the corner, some already even starting. That's why we need to look at some players who are considered underrated for their ADP and projections, but I believe should be ranked higher in both.

I am not talking about your top players, or first rounders, but the guys in the middle who might get overlooked who you should be keeping an eye on and trying to snag for your team this year in your fantasy league draft.

I've got five players to discuss and have a look at what they were able to produce last year, where they are heading into this season, and why I think they could provide some excellent value at their current draft position. Let's dive right in and take a look!

ADP is a useful guide, but it shouldn't dictate your draft. Let's break down when I want to target forwards, defensemen and goalies, when I prefer established players over youth, and how I adjust my strategy depending on whether I'm trying to win now or later.

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Pavel Dorofeyev - New York Rangers

Dorofeyev had a huge breakout season last year, scoring 37 goals and 64 points in 82 games, but I think people are expecting a pretty significant dropoff after his move to New York. While I don't expect him to take another huge step forward this season, I also don't expect him to fall off a cliff.

Dorofeyev should be playing top line minutes and should have a spot on the top powerplay unit, which is exactly the kind of deployment I want to see from a player I am targeting as a draft gem. His spot in the lineup is solidified, and even though he won't be surrounded by the same level of talent he had in Vegas, he is still going to be given every opportunity to produce.

The Rangers are not the same team the Golden Knights were, and that is certainly something to consider. But I think the fantasy community is putting too much weight on that and not enough on the fact that Dorofeyev is still a 25-year-old coming off a 37-goal season who is going to be one of the focal points of his new team's offense.

He probably won't score 40+ goals or take another massive step forward this year, but I think a lot of people are expecting him to take a pretty big step backwards. I don't see it happening. That's why I think Dorofeyev is a steal at his current draft position.

Jesper Bratt - New Jersey Devils

Bratt fell off a cliff last year, and I think the fantasy community is overreacting to it. After putting up 88 points the year before, Bratt dropped down to 71 last season, and a career-long goal drought certainly did not help his projections heading into this year.

Jack Hughes also missed significant time with an injury, which certainly didn't help Bratt either. When these two are playing together, there is a pretty clear chemistry and offensive connection that makes both players more dangerous. Hughes is healthy heading into this season, and I expect that to be a big boost for Bratt.

I still believe Bratt has the ability to be a point-per-game player easily, especially with Hughes alongside him. He has already shown us that ability, and I don't think one down season suddenly changes the player he is. Bratt won't have a repeat of last season - mark my words.

Grab Bratt at a discount before everyone else remembers that he is an elite talent.

Jet Greaves - Columbus Blue Jackets

I already talked about Greaves in my goalie ADP bargains article, but he is absolutely worthy of being mentioned here too. At this point, I don't understand how fantasy managers are still letting this guy fall so far in drafts.

Greaves stole the crease in Columbus last season and never really gave it back. He played 55 games, started 53 of them, and established himself as a legitimate NHL workhorse. This wasn't a situation where Columbus was simply throwing him into the crease because they had nobody else. Greaves earned the starts and repeatedly gave his team a chance to win.

What really gets me excited is that he did it behind a Blue Jackets team that wasn't exactly a powerhouse. Greaves had to stand on his head at times just to give Columbus a chance, and he did. Now he has another year of NHL experience under his belt, and Columbus clearly believes in him after handing him a three-year $5M AAV contract.

I don't view Greaves as a backup who might eventually get his opportunity. He's already had the opportunity. He took the crease, handled the workload and showed that he can steal games for Columbus.

There is a legitimate path to another 50-plus starts, and if Columbus continues taking steps forward, the wins can follow. At his current ADP, you're getting a young starting goalie with proven NHL production and plenty of room to improve.

Greaves can steal games for the Blue Jackets, and at this price, he can steal you fantasy matchups, too.

JJ Peterka - Boston Bruins

Peterka is another player who changed teams this offseason, and I think people are seriously overlooking what he may be able to accomplish in Boston. His minutes and utilization were significantly reduced in Utah last season, and now he is going from that situation to potentially playing on the top line alongside David Pastrnak and getting time on the top powerplay.

That is a massive difference in opportunity.

Peterka can be a streaky player, but I think the added deployment should help both his production and his consistency. He has already shown that he can produce in the NHL, and now he is going to have better linemates, more ice time and a much bigger role with the Bruins.

People are looking at what he did last season and seem to be forgetting that his situation in Utah wasn't exactly ideal for fantasy production. I think Boston is going to give him the opportunity to get back to being the player we saw before the move, and potentially take another step forward.

Playing alongside Pastrnak and getting powerplay time is exactly the kind of opportunity I want to see when looking for a draft gem. People are seriously overlooking what Peterka may be able to accomplish in Boston, and I think that could make him one of the better values on the board.

Bowen Byram - Chicago Blackhawks

Is it finally Bo season? I think Chicago might finally be the spot where Byram can shine. He is joining a young Blackhawks team where he won't be stuck behind a legitimate No. 1 defenseman, and for the first time in his career, I think he can truly be the guy on the blueline.

Chicago gave up the fourth overall pick to acquire Byram, so it is pretty clear what they think of him. He is going to have maximum deployment, and I expect him to quarterback the top powerplay unit alongside Connor Bedard. And with Patrick Kane also making his return to Chicago, there is going to be plenty of offensive talent for Byram to work with.

Byram has always had the talent, but it feels like something has been holding him back. Whether it was injuries, playing behind other talented defensemen, or simply not having the right opportunity, he has never really had the chance to completely break out and take over a team's top role.

I think that changes in Chicago.

Byram finally has a chance to be the guy, and there isn't anyone but himself standing in his way. If he can stay healthy and take advantage of the massive opportunity Chicago is giving him, I think we could finally see the breakout season everyone has been waiting for.

So is it finally Bo season? I think it might be.