10 sleepers to target in your 2023-24 fantasy hockey draft

If you’re going to walk away with a fantasy hockey title this season, there’s no question hitting on a couple sleeper picks in your draft could go a long way in setting you up for success down the road.

A sleeper can be categorized as someone who could or is very likely to punch above their weight in terms of average draft position. From experiencing a classic bounce-back season to finally living up to expectation to erupting unexpectedly altogether, there’s no shortage of factors that could lead to a player’s sudden surge in productivity.

With all that in mind, here are 10 potential sleepers to consider targeting in your draft:

*NA Rank = Where I ranked the player in my pre-season top-250*

Jakub Vrana, LW/RW, St. Louis Blues (NA Rank: 137)

After being moved to Detroit ahead of the 2021 trade deadline, Vrana was a monster. Keeping with the theme, the dual-eligible winger ripped it up for St. Louis to finish off last season after being dealt there at the deadline. In 20 outings, he racked up 10 goals and 14 points. The 27-year-old has all the tools, but as we’re all aware by now, he comes with some baggage off the ice. Assuming all that’s in the rear-view mirror, Vrana could be primed for career numbers across the board in 2023-24.

Pavel Zacha, C, Boston Bruins (NA Rank: 145)

With both Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retiring this summer, barring something unforeseen, Zacha is expected to start the season as Boston’s No. 1 centre. And while he has some pretty big skates to fill, the former Devil deserves a lot of credit: He’s coming off a fantastic year where he notched 21 goals and 57 points suiting up in all 82 regular season contests. Vrana will see a ton of David Pastrnak exposure, and that’s all you need to know.

Connor Brown, LW/RW, Edmonton Oilers (NA Rank: 164)

Two words: Connor McDavid. If all goes according to plan in training camp, Brown, who’s coming off ACL surgery, is expected to start the year on Edmonton’s top line alongside his former Erie Otters teammate. Translation: He could rip it up. Unfortunately, due to the injury, the 29-year-old suited up in just four games last season for the Washington Capitals. He failed to register a point. Additionally, Brown should see some time on Edmonton’s second power play unit.  

Seth Jones, D, Chicago Blackhawks (NA Rank: 166)

The Blackhawks may not be rich in talent or depth, but they do possess one of the most highly touted prospects in recent memory in Connor Bedard. Indisputably, that prolific attachment alone should help to significantly boost Jones’ fantasy value. After registering 51 points in his first season with Chicago, the 28-year-old blueliner mustered just 37 in year two. Jones should have no problem putting up some numbers, especially on the power play.

Brandon Hagel, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning (NA Rank: 170)

The 25-year-old winger, who’s fresh off landing a monster eight-year extension this summer, is coming off a breakout year where he tallied 30 goals and 64 points. Furthermore, Alex Killorn leaving for Anaheim undoubtedly opens the door for Hagel to become a top-six fixture in Tampa for many years to come. And that means a good deal of exposure to Tampa’s big boys. Most importantly, he should see first power play reps, too.

Elvis Merzlikins, G, Columbus Blue Jackets (NA Rank: 186)

For all intents and purposes, the Columbus Blue Jackets were a defensive tire fire last season, something that should change drastically under Mike Babcock. On top of that, Zach Werenski’s back and healthy. Due to injury, the 26-year-old only played in 13 games last season. Additionally, Columbus added Damon Severson and Ivan Provorov to the back end this summer. On paper, they’re better defensively, but we’ll see if it translates to the ice. Furthermore, Merzlikins was dreadful last season. The 29-year-old was 7-18-2 with a 4.23 goals-against average and 0.876 save-percentage.

Ryan Johansen, C, Colorado Avalanche (Rank: 191)

Now with his third NHL team, the 31-year-old pivot, who’s coming off a terrible 12-goal, 28-point campaign with Nashville, is expected to centre Colorado’s second line alongside Artturi Lehkonen and Valeri Nichushkin. By far, the Avalanche will be the best and most powerful team Johansen’s ever played for, and in turn, that should bode favourably for his fantasy value. Lookout for Johansen.

Sean Durzi, D, Arizona Coyotes (NA Rank: 197)

Following his offseason move from the Kings to the Coyotes, the coast is considerably clear for Durzi to run Arizona’s first power play unit this season. In 72 outings with Los Angeles in 2022-23, the 24-year-old notched nine goals and 38 points, 16 of which came with the man advantage. With prolific attachment ahead to the likes of Clayton Keller and Logan Cooley, among others, Durzi could be ready to pop-off. Brace yourselves.

Mason McTavish, LW/RW, Anaheim Ducks (NA Rank: 209)

Now that he’s had a year to get his feet under him in the NHL, the 20-year-old forward should have no problem taking the next step offensively in year No. 2. Despite a slow start in his rookie campaign, the 2021 third overall pick still managed to pick up 17 goals and 43 points. McTavish is expected to start the year in Anaheim’s top-six potentially on a line with newcomer Alex Killorn. He should be on the first power play unit, too.

Jonathan Drouin, LW, Colorado Avalanche (NA Rank: 239)

No better way to try and get your career back on track then by linking up with your old QMJHL teammate. That’s right, Drouin and Nathan MacKinnon, who ripped it up together a decade ago with the Halifax Mooseheads, are not only on the same team again but they’re also expected to be on the same line again, too. It goes without saying but a possible Drouin, MacKinnon, Rantanen trio could do a bit of damage. That said, it’s understandable to be skeptical about Drouin, who’s yet to re-find his game from his days in Tampa. The 28-year-old’s coming off a putrid two-goal, 29-point campaign with Montreal.