Fantasy Hockey Buy-Low Candidates: Zach Hyman, Dylan Larkin and More

Hey folks. Going the other way from our sell-high piece, we're now looking at players who will rebound and can be acquired at a significant discount, especially from desperate or impatient fantasy managers.

One of the best ways to improve your fantasy hockey team is to recognize when a player's current value doesn't match what he could provide over the rest of the season. A slow start, an injury or even an uncomfortable situation with a team can create an opportunity to acquire a talented player for pennies on the dollar.

Not every struggling player is worth buying, of course. We want players with a history of production, the talent to turn things around and a path to getting back to fantasy relevance. Today, we're looking at four players who could be worth targeting before their value climbs again. 

Let's dive in and see what bargains we can get for your roster, with a long-term plan in mind.

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Zach Hyman - Edmonton Oilers

Hyman has been one of the biggest disappointments in fantasy hockey this season, but I think this is a great opportunity to buy low. He's dealt with multiple injuries already and has just one goal and one assist through six games, despite playing alongside Connor McDavid for much of the time. Considering McDavid is on a record-setting pace, Hyman's lack of production has been especially frustrating.

The good news is that Hyman is finally back in the lineup after being activated from injured reserve ahead of Saturday's game against Vancouver. He returned on the second line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Kasperi Kapanen, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him reunited with McDavid once he gets back up to speed. Hyman has too consistent a history of goal scoring to write him off after a handful of injury-interrupted games.

I also expect Mike Babcock to give him every opportunity to get going again. Babcock has shown plenty of trust in Hyman, going back to their time with the Maple Leafs, and with his ability to get to the net and create opportunities for skilled players, I don't see him being short on chances. He's scored 54 goals in a season before and had 31 goals in just 58 games last year, so the scoring ability is certainly still there.

Fantasy outlook: Hyman is a buy-low target in just about every format. Some managers have already become frustrated enough to drop him, so I'd check the waiver wire before anything else. If he's still rostered, make an offer while his value is at its lowest because I expect him to return to his usual goal-scoring ways once he's healthy and finds his rhythm again.

Will Smith - San Jose Sharks

Smith is an interesting buy-low candidate because there's very little reason to believe he can't get back to the level of production we saw last season. He has 11 points through 18 games, but after putting up 59 points in 69 games last year, I think we're looking at a player who is simply taking some time to find his rhythm.

His deployment is about as good as you could ask for, playing alongside Macklin Celebrini, one of the best young players of this generation. He's also receiving significant powerplay time and averaging more than 19 minutes per game, so the opportunities are certainly there. Eventually, I expect the chemistry between these two to start clicking again.

Smith has the talent, the linemates and the opportunity to become a much more productive fantasy option. He's still only 21 years old, and I don't think a slow stretch early in the season should change how we view his long-term potential.

Fantasy outlook: This is a waiting game, and I'd be looking to buy Smith before his production catches up with his deployment. If his current manager is getting impatient, see what it would take to acquire him. I expect him to get back to producing at a similar level to last season, with even more upside as he continues developing alongside Celebrini.

Dylan Larkin - Detroit Red Wings

Larkin is one of the more intriguing buy-low candidates in fantasy hockey right now, as the former Detroit captain remains suspended while waiting for the Red Wings to complete a trade he has requested. There is no question about his talent, and I fully expect him to make an immediate impact wherever he lands. He's an established top line forward who has consistently produced at a high level.

I actually see some similarities between this situation and Connor Hellebuyck's recent trade, and we all know how that worked out. Sometimes a fresh start is exactly what a player needs, and I think Larkin could benefit from getting out of Detroit and joining a team where he can focus on hockey again. 

Several opposing arenas have even heard chants of "We want Larkin!" when the Red Wings come to town, which tells you how much attention this situation is getting.

The biggest question is how long this situation will drag on and where Larkin eventually ends up. His no-trade clause complicates things, but there should be plenty of teams interested in acquiring a player with his ability and experience. Once a deal gets done, I expect him to step right into a significant role and become a major contributor.

Fantasy outlook: Larkin is a risky buy low, but the potential reward is enormous. If his current manager is tired of waiting and willing to move him at a discount, I'd be making an offer. You could be acquiring an elite fantasy forward just before a change of scenery gives his production a major boost. Plus, for the time being, you can place him on IR and wait it out, but his current owner will know that too.

Mika Zibanejad - New York Rangers

Zibanejad is a great buy-low candidate if his manager is getting impatient with his start to the season. He's still producing at a reasonable rate, but his goal scoring has been slower than usual, and I think there's plenty of room for improvement from an established elite fantasy forward.

His deployment is exactly what you want to see, playing on the top line and the first powerplay unit for one of the deeper rosters in the league. He's averaging over 20 minutes per game, so the opportunities are there, and I don't see any reason to believe his role is going to change.

Zibanejad has a history of high-end production, including a 91-point season and 34 goals last season. His current shooting percentage is also below his career average, which gives me reason to believe the goals will start coming if he continues getting the same quality of opportunities.

Fantasy outlook: Zibanejad is usually a top-round pick in redraft leagues, and I wouldn't let a slow start change that perception too much. Patience is key here, but if you have an impatient manager in your league, this could be a good opportunity to acquire him at a discount before he gets rolling again.