Last season, the Chicago Blackhawks seemed more likely to pick up a player off waivers rather than make a draft selection in fantasy hockey. This season, the situation will be somewhat similar, but to a lesser degree.
There are a few players worth considering toward the end of your fantasy hockey draft, such as Tyler Bertuzzi and Petr Mrazek. Additionally, there are others who deserve serious attention in the mid-to-late rounds, with the top player on this list expected to be drafted in the early-to-mid rounds.
Connor Bedard
Connor Bedard faced a challenging situation last season but still managed to play impressive hockey on a historically poor team. With 61 points and 22 goals in 68 games, his debut was remarkable. Now, with a more talented team and experience under his belt, Bedard is expected to have an even better season.
ESPN forecasts that Bedard will score 34 goals and tally 76 points, including 24 on the power play. While these projections may not be extraordinary, Bedard appears to be a strong, if not exceptional, mid-round pick.
Teuvo Teravainen
Teuvo Teravainen might not be the top player in Carolina, nor will he be in Chicago with Connor Bedard taking that role, but he has consistently proven his ability to score over 20 goals, as he did with 25 last season.
While he might not be the main star in Chicago, his presence won’t be overshadowed to the same extent. ESPN projects him to achieve 65 points, 24 goals, and 16 power play points. He should be available in the mid-to-late rounds, making him a valuable addition for depth on your fantasy hockey team.
Seth Jones
Seth Jones is the sleeper to watch for in Chicago this season. Despite a not-so-great performance last year, where he scored eight goals, 31 points, and nine power play points, he’s poised for a stronger return in 2024-25 alongside the rest of the Blackhawks.
ESPN projects Jones to have at least 32 points, nine goals, and 12 power play points. If other players overlook Jones on draft day, take advantage and grab him in the later rounds for added value.
