NOTE: Some elite-level fantasy performers from the 2023 postseason (e.g. Matthew Tkachuk, Jack Eichel, Joe Pavelski, Mark Stone, Sergei Bobrovsky, Jonathan Marchessault) improved their stock for fantasy drafts in 2023-24 but have been excluded from this list.
Roope Hintz, C, DAL
The Dallas Stars center was tied for the third most points (24 in 19 games) in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs behind Vegas Golden Knights forwards Jack Eichel (26) and Jonathan Marchessault (25). Hintz was Dallas' leader in playoff points, goals (10), assists (14) and tied with teammate Jason Robertson for their most power-play points (10). Hintz also had more than a point per game during the regular season (75 in 73 games), has had consecutive 37-goal seasons playing on one of the best lines in the NHL with Robertson and veteran Joe Pavelski and now has much more recognition as one of the most explosive forwards in the League.
Range to target Hintz in fantasy drafts: Top 25 overall player
Evan Bouchard, D, EDM
The Edmonton Oilers defenseman led the NHL at the position with 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) in 12 games this postseason and led the League in power-play points (15). Bouchard has a high fantasy ceiling on the top power-play unit with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman. Bouchard had a slow start to the regular season but thrived down the stretch (19 points in final 21 regular-season games) and in the playoffs after Tyson Barrie was traded to the Nashville Predators.
Range to target Bouchard in fantasy drafts: Top 15 defenseman
Adin Hill, G, VGK
The Golden Knights goalie had a breakout postseason, going 11-4 with a .932 save percentage, and led them to their first Stanley Cup title. Hill had a particularly strong series against Dallas in the Western Conference Final with two shutouts in six games. Hill has never played more than 27 games in a regular season but should now be considered in fantasy drafts -- especially after re-signing with Vegas, where he could remain the starter or be part of a strong tandem with Logan Thompson.
Range to target Hill in fantasy drafts: Top 25 goalie
Matthew Knies, LW, TOR
The Toronto Maple Leafs wing appeared in three regular-season NHL games (one assist) but was impactful in the postseason with four points (one goal, three assists) in seven games prior to sustaining an injury. Knies saw time in the top six in the playoffs, including on a line with elite center Auston Matthews -- making Knies worth prioritizing in fantasy keeper and dynasty leagues and targeting as a rookie sleeper in standard drafts. It's worth noting Knies will compete with Toronto's offseason wing additions Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi for top-line minutes.
Range to target Knies in fantasy drafts: Top five rookie
Akira Schmid, G, NJD
The New Jersey Devils goalie appeared in nine games this postseason and had a .921 save percentage and two shutouts. The 23-year-old played 18 NHL games during the regular season and was 9-5-2 with a .922 save percentage in that span. Schmid's fantasy value has drastically increased with a chance to not only stick in the NHL this upcoming season but also solidify the starting job for New Jersey over Vitek Vanecek and Mackenzie Blackwood. Schmid should be prioritized in keeper and dynasty leagues considering the Devils have one of the best young cores in the NHL.
Range to target Schmid in fantasy drafts: Top 20 goalie
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Other players who gained value in the playoffs to consider in fantasy drafts: Taylor Hall, LW, CHI; Luke Hughes, D, NJD; Ivan Barbashev, F, VGK; Neal Pionk, D, WPG; Tye Kartye, F, SEA
