8 Western Conference Playoff Pool Sleepers: 1 from each team
If you’re looking for a sleeper pick or two to put your playoff pool roster over the top this spring, it may be best to do the brunt of your shopping in the Western Conference.
The bracket appears to be wide open.
Traditionally, sleepers can be classified as players who are projected to drastically outplay their average draft position. From pending contract status to gaining a promotion due to injury to a strong regular season finish, there’s an abundance of factors that could ultimately help contribute to a player’s surge in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
With that in mind, here’s one sleeper to target from each of the eight Western Conference playoff teams:
Colorado Avalanche – Forward – Valeri Nichushkin
The 28-year-old followed up a strong showing last postseason (nine goals, six assists, 15 points) by tallying 17 goals and 47 points in 52 regular season outings in 2022-23. With Gabriel Landeskog now officially done for the year, the coast is now clear for Nichushkin to ride shotgun with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen moving forward.
Dallas Stars – Forward – Jamie Benn
With 33 goals and 78 points, the 33-year-old experienced an epic resurgence in the regular season. In fact, this was the power forward’s best statistical output since the 2017-18 campaign. Considering the large body of work, it’s reasonable to suggest that the Stars captain will continue motoring right along in the postseason.
Minnesota Wild – Forward – Matthew Boldy
Unequivocally, Boldy’s one of the hottest players in the league entering the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Seriously. The budding star scored 15 goals in his final 20 outings of the regular season; Minnesota played a lot of those games without Kirill Kaprizov. Simply put, Boldy’s been on a different planet for quite some time now; watch out.
Vegas Golden Knights – Forward – Mark Stone
He hasn’t played since January 12th, but still, he’s Mark Stone. Furthermore, in 43 regular season games, the Golden Knights captain tallied 17 goals and 38 points. On top of that, the 30-year-old should line up with a motivated Jack Eichel, who’s slated to take part in the postseason for the first time in his career.
Edmonton Oilers – Forward – Evander Kane
Anyone else remember what Evander Kane did last spring? Yeah, all he did was muster 13 goals in 15 games as the Oilers got to their first Conference Final since 2005-06. With all the weapons in Edmonton, it’s easy to sleep on a guy like Kane. DON’T.
Los Angeles Kings – Forward – Adrian Kempe
It’s time for Adrian Kempe to stop flying under the radar in playoff pools. Remarkably, the 26-year-old came out this season and bested his 35-goal output in 2021-22 by scoring 41 this time around. Additionally, he had two goals and six points in seven playoff outings last spring. Kempe’s one of the best kept secrets in fantasy hockey right now.
Seattle Kraken – Defence – Vince Dunn
If you’re looking for someone stealth on the back end to target late in your draft, look no further than Dunn, who’s coming off a breakout 64-point campaign. In their first postseason go-around, the Kraken are playing will be playing with house money, which should inspire some pressure-free play. Considering what Vegas has done in the playoffs, you just never know what can happen.
Winnipeg Jets – Forward – Kyle Connor
For most players, scoring 31 goals is impressive as hell. But when you’re Kyle Connor however, more is expected of you, especially when you’re coming off a 47-goal campaign. You know what can make everyone forget about his massive goal drought this season? A postseason resurgence. In 35 career playoff games, Connor has nine goals and 23 points.