Five Prospects to Stash

Under 15% Owned on FanTrax

If you play in a deep dynasty league, there’s significant value in adding lesser-known prospects. Given time, their potential value can far exceed that of a typical free-agent pickup from a couple of years ago. Here’s a list of prospects I like—many of whom I’ve stashed myself. Each of these players is owned in less than 15% of leagues on FanTrax.

C - Carson Rehkopf - (SEA - 14%)

Rehkopf was drafted 50th overall by Seattle in 2023, and all he did in his D+1 season is score 52 goals in 60 games for the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers. He also added 4 points in 5 games, good for third on the team for Canada’s world junior entry.

He’s very average as a skater but he’s got a tremendous shot and good hockey sense. If he can put the puck in the net he can be very valuable for your fantasy squad. Seattle needs more scoring and Rehkopf could top out in a second line role in a few years. Through 11 games in the OHL this year he has 21 points, his 1.91 PPG is good for 4th in the league.

D - Mikhail Gulyayev (COL - 14%)

Gulyayev currently plays for Avangard Omsk in the KHL and was drafted 31st overall by the Avalanche in 2023. The Avs have shown a willingness to play smaller defensemen if they bring other strong skills to the table. Listed at 5’10’’ and 172 pounds, Gulyayev will need to rely on his offensive abilities to make it to the NHL. Fortunately for us fantasy hockey owners, it’s his offensive talent we’re interested in. His transition game is top-notch, and his skating is high-end. If he can further develop his in-zone play and power-play abilities, he has the potential to be a solid second-pair defenseman with power-play opportunities.

Like other smaller defensemen, he doesn’t bring much physicality to his game, though he’s effective at stopping rushes in transition. With a unique skill set, he’s definitely a player to keep on your radar—especially if your league mates haven’t noticed him yet.

W - Nikita Artamonov (CAR - 13%)

Is it just me, or does it feel like Carolina always finds steals on draft day? They might have another in Nikita Artamonov. Through 20 games with Torpedo in the KHL, Artamonov has 19 points. To put that in perspective, over the past 15 years, no other player in the KHL has maintained a 0.95 PPG pace in a U-20 season. Vladimir Tarasenko finished his D+2 season at 0.87 PPG, Kirill Kaprizov scored 42 points in 49 games in his D+2 season, and Matvei Michkov tallied 41 in 48 games last year. This puts Artamonov in truly rare company.

Artamonov possesses strong hockey sense, a high compete level, and excellent vision. While he may not be a natural finisher, he consistently puts himself in scoring positions. He’s committed to Torpedo for this season and the next, but by 2026, he could join the Canes and slot right into their middle-six. Don’t overlook him because he fell to 50th in this years draft.

W - Andrew Basha (CGY - 12%)

Andrew Basha was selected 41st overall by Calgary in this past year’s draft. He’s a strong play-driver who plays with good pace and is relentless on the puck—traits that could quickly make him a coach’s favorite. Basha has the mentality coaches love, and he has the versatility to succeed in the league in a variety of roles, even if he doesn’t end up in a true scoring role. While he may not project as a first-liner, he looks like the type of player who can contribute solid peripheral stats, even if his point totals aren’t elite.

G - Yegor Zavragin (PHI 6%)

Goalies who perform well in the KHL at a young age always grab my attention. Young goalies who perform well in the KHL always catch my attention. Looking around the league, the success rate of Russian goalies with similar production is pretty high, and Zavragin might be next in line. Drafted 87th overall by the Flyers in 2023 as the 7th goalie off the board, he’s already flashing his potential.

In his D+1 year, he’s been nothing short of phenomenal, posting a 2.15 GAA, a .936 save percentage, and two shutouts through 12 starts. At 6’2”, size isn’t an issue, either. Goalies always take time to develop, but with Zavragin, I’m willing to hold on and wait it out.