In the fantasy hockey world, it's never too early to look ahead at draft season to start pondering and plotting moves to get a leg up on other GMs who might be slacking. Digging into numbers, doing advanced research, and having a constant eye on how the rest of the playoffs unfold are all excellent ways to keep a finger on the fantasy pulse while monitoring players on the rise.

Postseason performances, both good and bad, can have a direct impact on where certain players will be drafted come next fall. With that in mind, we're taking a dive into the top-10 fantasy pieces that have boosted their value with strong postseason play over the past two weeks of NHL action.

10. Brady Skjei

This one is likely the deepest cut on the list as Skjei's contributions to the Carolina Hurricanes mostly fly under-the-radar, but the 30-year-old veteran is following up a great regular season of 13 goals and 34 assists with strong playoff production while anchoring the Canes' second pairing and power-play unit. Skjei will be an excellent option in deeper fantasy formats and keeper leagues next season, especially if he continues to put up points and fill out categories like he has through the first round with five assists, 12 shots on net, eight blocked shots, and seven hits.

9.  Arturs Silovs

The goalie carousel out west for the Vancouver Canucks keeps on spinning, as reports emerged Sunday that number one netminder Thatcher Demko could return to the lineup soon. Until then, third-string Latvian upstart Arturs Silovs is likely to continue to be the guy in the blue paint for Rick Tocchet's team. Silovs has international experience as the starting goaltender for the Latvian national team and the third-stringer is currently looking calm, cool, and collected making the most of his first taste of NHL postseason hockey. Obviously, next season and for the foreseeable future, the crease in Van City is Demko's and Silovs' future isn't exactly crystal clear. However, when it comes to the fantasy hockey side of things, you never can have too many options and in keeper/dynasty leagues Silovs could end up being a very intriguing option – especially if he continues to put up the numbers he has through his first three games. Silovs is rocking a 2-1 record to go along with a sparkling .938 save percentage, 1.70 goals-against average, and a shutout. The kid's got game.

8. Matthew Knies

Speaking of which, Toronto Maple Leafs young gun Matthew Knies is also fitting in seamlessly during the NHL's postseason as he currently leads all rookies in playoff scoring with three points. Knies has seven points in 14 career postseason games, he's only 21 years old, and as he continues to get comfortable using his big frame to create chances, his fantasy hockey value will rise. Knies has proven he can get it done when it matters most and he will have a huge opportunity next season to play with the likes of Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Do not sleep on Knies, he's going to be a great late-round addition to any squad.

7. Jeremy Swayman

If it wasn't clear who the number one guy was in Boston before, it is now. Swayman stymied the Maple Leafs for the majority of the first round, allowing only nine total goals in six games while rocking a sensational .950 SV.%. Swayman is a restricted free agent this summer and is in line for a juicy payday, which won't factor into his fantasy value, but if he keeps performing like he has of late he will be one of the first five-or-six goaltenders off the board in upcoming fantasy drafts.

6. Noah Hanifin

The Vegas Golden Knights weren't able to squeak it out against the Dallas Stars on Sunday night, but that's got absolutely nothing to do with Noah Hanifin. The big trade-deadline addition showed up in a major way for the Knights over their seven-game battle with Dallas, putting up two goals, three assists, 12 shots, and 12 blocks while logging well over 20 minutes of ice time per night and anchoring Vegas' top power-play unit. Hanifin is locked down long term with a very good Golden Knights team, making him an even more attractive rearguard option with his value on the come up.

5. Vincent Trocheck

Another week and another shoutout to one of the most complete two-way players and fantasy assets in the game today: Vinny Trocheck is an absolute beautician. This guy really does it all and he's anchoring a dangerous line for the Rangers right now that has Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere on his flanks. Trocheck's value is rising in a hurry on the back of eight games of phenomenal production that's seen the veteran register four goals (three on the man advantage), four assists, 14 hits, 12 shots on net, four blocked shots, and an incredible 67 percent success rate in the faceoff dot. Double-circle Trocheck for another big year next season. He really shouldn't be around much past the end of third or fourth rounds.

4. Wyatt Johnston

There is so much to love about Wyatt Johnston's game and he's not even 20 years old yet. Poise, ability to show up in the clutch, a lethal shot, you name it and Johnston's already got it all at elite levels. Johnston looks like a 10-year vet out there right now and is a huge difference-maker for a Dallas team that is very much for real. The Toronto product is leading the NHL in shots on net during the playoffs and he also has seven points and a game-winning goal under his belt. Remember this name because it's going to be one you want on your roster year in and year out.

3. Seth Jarvis

If you haven't been buying into Seth Jarvis just yet, it's time to wake up and smell the smoke. The fire coming off Jarvis' stick right now is almost tangible, as the slick-skating winger currently leads the Canes in goals and points with four and eight, respectively. Jarvis showed all regular-season long that he deserves to be a top-six forward and he's backing that up with a fantastic postseason showing that's powering the Hurricanes' offensive attack. Much like Johnston above, Jarvis is just scratching the surface of his talent, next season he breaks out.

2. Carter Verhaeghe

This is all you need to hear about Verhaeghe and his value on the rise: not only does he have nine points to sit tied for the lead for the Florida Panthers in playoff scoring, his overtime winner in Game 2 against the Tampa Bay Lightning moved him into a tie for third all-time for playoff OT goals (five) in NHL history, sitting behind only Maurice Richard and Joe Sakic. OK, one more thing. Verhaeghe, who is in the midst of his prime on a very dangerous Panthers club, has legit perennial 40-goal potential. Make sure you keep an eye on his availability as he's in line for another season north of 70 points.

1. Evan Bouchard

Dedicated hockey heads have been all over Evan Bouchard and his elite offensive ability for the past couple seasons. However, if for some reason you find yourself in a league where GMs are a bit newer to the game and Bouchard becomes available, jump all over him as he's quickly becoming a top-five offensive option on the blue line. A lot of that obviously has to do with the unreal power-play the Edmonton Oilers roll out that includes the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, among many others, but Bouchard has a nasty shot and is an absolute natural quarterbacking rearguard. Bouchard leads all d-men in playoff scoring with nine points, vaulting his fantasy value to a point where he's a lock to be taken in the first three or four rounds.