Every championship fantasy roster has at least one sleeper on it. These five forwards are exactly that in 2026-27.
1. Jordan Kyrou | RW | Washington Capitals
2025–26: 72 GP | 18 G | 28 A | 46 PTS
Four straight 60-plus point seasons before last year’s dip made Kyrou one of the most discussed trade targets in the league and Washington paid a significant price to get him, sending Connor McMichael, a prospect, and the 16th overall pick to St. Louis. He waived his no-trade clause to make it happen and arrived with something to prove. He slots alongside Pierre-Luc Dubois and Ovechkin on what projects as one of Washington’s top two lines, with first power play unit time and the best supporting cast of his career. He said it himself: “I’ve got a lot to prove and have a bounce back year.” Believe him.
Projection Tier: 70 to 79 Points
Expected Range: 75 Points
Floor: 69 Points
Ceiling: 83 Points
Fantasy Risk Rating: Low
Opportunity: 5/5
Trend: Bounce Back
2. Jimmy Snuggerud | RW | St. Louis Blues
2025–26: 70 GP | 21 G | 30 A | 51 PTS
Snuggerud’s rookie season was one of the quietest 51-point campaigns in recent memory and that is precisely the opportunity. He played on the top line alongside Robert Thomas and Dylan Holloway, a trio that was one of the most dangerous in the Central Division in the second half of the season. Thomas posted 37 points in his final 30 games. Holloway added 34 in his final 26. Snuggerud was right there with them. That line returns intact in 2026-27, and Snuggerud enters his sophomore season as the confirmed first power play unit right winger.
Projection Tier: 70 to 79 Points
Expected Range: 77 Points
Floor: 65 Points
Ceiling: 82 Points
Fantasy Risk Rating: Medium
Opportunity: 5/5
Trend: Trending Up
3. Beckett Sennecke | RW | Anaheim Ducks
2025–26: 82 GP | 23 G | 37 A | 60 PTS
Sennecke played all 82 games, posted 60 points, and is somehow still being drafted outside the top 40 in most leagues. He operates alongside Leo Carlsson, now signed to one of the richest contracts in NHL history, on an Anaheim offence that is building toward genuine contention. Sixty points as a 20-year-old rookie in a full season is not a ceiling. It is a starting point. The situation, the linemates, and the age all point in the same direction.
Projection Tier: 70 to 79 Points
Expected Range: 70 Points
Floor: 65 Points
Ceiling: 75 Points
Fantasy Risk Rating: Low
Opportunity: 5/5
Trend: Trending Up
4. William Eklund | LW | Ottawa Senators
2025–26: 78 GP | 15 G | 38 A | 53 PTS
Eklund was acquired from San Jose as part of the offseason trade that sent a first-round pick to the Sharks, and the situation change is the entire story. In San Jose he was a secondary piece behind Celebrini with limited top-line access. In Ottawa he steps into a top-six role alongside Tim Stützle and Drake Batherson, two of the most dangerous offensive players in the Atlantic Division, with first power play unit time now available. He posted 38 assists in 78 games in a sheltered role. Unlock that playmaking ability with elite linemates and the ceiling rises significantly.
Projection Tier: 60 to 69 Points
Expected Range: 68 Points
Floor: 60 Points
Ceiling: 75 Points
Fantasy Risk Rating: Medium to High
Opportunity: 5/5
Trend: Breakout
5. Ryan Leonard | RW | Washington Capitals
2025–26: 75 GP | 20 G | 25 A | 45 PTS
Leonard delivered a strong rookie season, 20 goals and 45 points in 75 games, and enters 2026-27 on a Washington roster that is significantly better than the one he debuted on. He is projected on the third line alongside Dubois and Alex Tuch, giving him capable linemates and a role where he can continue developing without top-line pressure. He is 21 years old, enters his second NHL season with a full year of experience, and plays with the physical compete level that trends toward more production as young players mature. His point total is going one direction.
Projection Tier: 60 to 69 Points
Expected Range: 61 Points
Floor: 58 Points
Ceiling: 69 Points
Fantasy Risk Rating: Moderate
Opportunity: 4/5
Trend: Trending Up
Statistics sourced from NHL.com, PuckPedia, Russian Machine Never Breaks, The Hockey Writers, Daily Faceoff, and Bleeding Blue, July 2026.
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