Picking the right guys for your fantasy hockey team can be both simple and tricky at the same time. Do you try to target the big names? How about drafting an entire line of players in order to monopolize their points? Or maybe you try to go after those guys that others wouldn’t know about to really push over the edge. There are plenty of guys that can help your fantasy hockey team this year, but let’s take a look at the sleeper guys who will fall under the radar but really help your team throughout the season.

When looking for sleepers, you want to find guys that others won’t pinpoint right away, and a lot of the time that means youth. There are some really talented scoring machines who have only been around for a year or two, or are just entering the NHL this season. Right off the bat you have to look at Nazem Kadri of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kadri has been making great strides to solidify his place on the Leafs’ roster, and has been creating excellent chemistry with star Phil Kessel. Kadri has the skill to be a top scorer in this league, especially with an offense as talented as Toronto’s.

Speaking of youth, how about looking at two rookies this year who are simply beasts. Obviously the guy taken first overall, Nathan MacKinnon, is going to get scouted by some folks, but as a rookie he’s sure to fall somewhat in your fantasy draft. MacKinnon is incredibly talented and will make a huge impact with the rising Avalanche. Ok, so the #1 pick is a guy to draft, but how about some other guys making their first real impact in the league?

Filip Forsberg on the Nashville Predators and Mark Schiefele have gained some experience since they were drafted and are sure to be impact players this season. They play on teams with a ton of talent around them and have some great teammates to learn from.

Moving to more veteran players, Mikhail Grabovski left the Maple Leafs in the offseason to play with Alex Ovechkin and company in Washington. Grabovski is a very talented player and scorer, and given his new supporting cast – there’s no doubt he’s going to shine this season. Players rack up points just by skating next to Ovechkin and Niklas Backstrom. Grab up Grabobski before someone else does… assuming people realize what he’s capable of.

Speaking of talented offensive teams you have to look at the San Jose Sharks and all they have to offer. Sure fantasy owners are going to target Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, but what about Joe Pavelski and Brent Burns. Pavelski is an insanely talented and fiery forward who can score almost on demand playing with Marleau and Thornton. Burns is an awesome forward (with sick beard-growing capabilities) and he racks up huge +/- numbers which means he’s on the ice when his boys score. Get these two guys and you’re going places.

Ok, so we covered the skaters, how about some goalies? Without a doubt, Jonathan Bernier is a huge sleeper pick. Moving from the #2 position in Los Angeles to fight for a starting role in Toronto, Bernier is really talented and will help the Leafs fight for a playoff spot this year. He’s got the skills to be a #1 so ride him all season to make your fantasy team #1 too. Also, moving back to the Sharks, their goaltender Antti Niemi is a huge sleeper pick based on the fact that San Jose is known for their scoring. He’s got a ton of talent and is a major part in their success in recent seasons.

When putting a fantasy team together it’s not just about the stars – it’s about the glue guys to help your team seamless. Make sure to nab some of the above sleepers and you’ll be set all season.