Fantasy Hockey 2025: Avoid These Overdrafted Players for Better Value

The players listed below possess plenty of fantasy value for the 2025-26 season, but aren't worth selecting at their current average draft position (ADP). Some managers may still be willing to reach for them, depending on positional need or league settings, but the risk may not be worth the reward and could set back your roster construction going into the upcoming campaign. Make sure to comb through the player list before and during your draft to ensure you are getting the most out of our picks.  

Alex Ovechkin, LW/RW, Washington Capitals - 42.1 ADP 

Ovechkin became the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer last season, surpassing Wayne Gretzky's total of 894. The 40-year-old Ovechkin found the back of the net 44 times in 2024-25 to reach 897 markers. He didn't let a fracture in his left fibula stand in the way of making history. Despite being limited to 65 appearances, he also added 29 assists, 237 shots on target and 110 hits. However, there are some red flags ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. He is coming off a season in which he registered a career-high 18.6 shooting percentage, and he likely won't have the same level of motivation. Father Time eventually comes for us all, and the veteran winger has already been managing a lower-body injury during training camp. While most players receive a boost while playing in a contract year, it could be a distraction for Ovechkin amid questions regarding his future in the NHL. However, he could still be capable of scoring 30-35 goals and reaching the 60-point plateau to provide potential fantasy managers with some value.  

Matthew Tkachuk, LW/RW, Florida Panthers - 46.1 ADP

After being limited to 52 appearances last season, Tkachuk will miss the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign. He suffered a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia injury on the same side while representing the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. He sat out the final 25 games of the regular season before playing through the injuries in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 27-year-old winger was productive in the postseason, supplying eight goals and 23 points in 23 games to help the Panthers win back-to-back titles. However, it could keep him on the shelf until December or January. Tkachuk may also attempt to expedite his recovery to ensure he plays for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. His health makes him a risky proposition on draft day, and his stock could fall a bit more before the start of the NHL season. However, he remains a high-end stash option because he will likely be productive when he's in the lineup. 

Lane Hutson, D, Montreal Canadiens - 49.8 ADP

Hutson became a popular waiver-wire addition during his 2024-25 rookie campaign. He chipped in six goals and led the Canadiens with 60 assists in 80 games en route to capturing the Calder Trophy, which is awarded annually to the league's top first-year player. The 21-year-old also ranked second on the team with 26 power-play points. Hutson surpassed the franchise's previous bests held by Chris Chelios for assists and points by a rookie blueliner. Even though the diminutive defender posted only 40 hits and a minus-2 rating, he managed to tack on 123 blocked shots. However, he was credited with a mere 91 shots on goal, collecting three shots in a game on just four occasions. Fantasy managers should expect more bang for their buck for the 10th defenseman off the board. He doesn't have the same category coverage as his peers within that range. His power-play production could take a slight hit in the 2025-26 season if Montreal creates a 50/50 or 60/40 split with newcomer Noah Dobson picking up minutes on the second combination. Hutson should be a productive player during his sophomore season, but paying a premium for him could hurt prospective poolies in leagues that tally up more than points.  

Darcy Kuemper, G, Los Angeles Kings - 52.5 ADP

Kuemper entered the 2024-25 season as a top bounce-back candidate, and he proved to be an excellent value pick for fantasy managers. However, he is being overrated now as the eighth netminder off the board. The 35-year-old should post solid numbers again in a system that allowed the second-fewest shots against per game last campaign. However, the premium being asked to take him is far too high. The defense corps also took a hit in the offseason when Vladislav Gavrikov signed with the New York Rangers in free agency, and the Kings dealt Jordan Spence to Ottawa. The Kings added Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci as replacements, but they represent a significant downgrade. That could have an impact on Kuemper's numbers, and Forsberg could cut into his start count.  

Juraj Slafkovsky, LW/RW, Montreal Canadiens - 100.6 ADP

Slafkovsky accounted for a career-high 51 points in 79 games last season after earning 50 points across 82 appearances in 2023-24. He also dropped from 20 goals on a 13.2 shooting percentage to 18 on a 13.5 shooting percentage. He did tie for 26th among forwards with 194 hits in the 2024-25 campaign, making him an intriguing option for banger leagues. Fantasy managers may be thinking he is due for a breakout year, but he shouldn't be in the top 100. He is being selected ahead of Dylan Holloway, Kirill Marchenko, Roope Hintz, Andrei Svechnikov, Dylan Guenther, Tom Wilson, Zach Hyman and several others with far greater upside. That will likely change as the start of the year draws closer. Slafkovsky could also face competition in the top six from offseason acquisition Zachary Bolduc or Calder Trophy favorite Ivan Demidov, who has an ADP of 129.5, this season.   

Alexander Nikishin, D, Carolina Hurricanes - 110.1 ADP

Nikishin suited up in four games with the Hurricanes in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, earning one assist, three shots on goal, two blocked shots and 17 hits. Before coming to North America, he showcased considerable offensive upside in the KHL. He registered 45 goals and 157 points across 193 games over the past three seasons. However, the NHL is a significant step up in competition, and he may not be in the spots necessary to make an impact in his first season. He is poised to crack Carolina's roster, serving in a depth role and likely seeing time with the second power-play unit. Shayne Gostisbehere, who has an ADP of 127.8, has been occupying the point on the top man-advantage combination during training camp. The 23-year-old Nikishin could reach 100 shots and 100 hits in the 2025-26 campaign, but being a factor offensively may be a challenge unless injuries open up an opportunity for more responsibilities. He has far more fantasy value in keeper formats, and it's surprising to see his draft stock be this high right off the bat.