Springtime hockey tends to reveal a number of similar characteristics when it comes to how teams get it done in April, May, and June: winning on the road, elite special teams play, good goaltending, and of course, the ability to roll four lines. Depth is a word you hear a lot at this time of the NHL season and for excellent reason, bottom-six forwards and unsung heroes with limited ice time can still regularly make major contributions to teams' Stanley Cup runs and this season is no exception.

Moreover, these are exactly the same type of players that bring the completeness and balance that fantasy hockey GMs are looking for to round out their rosters. Depending on the format of your league, bottom-six pieces might not even be options that need exploring, however, there are a lot of fantasy formats out there where pegging the right under-the-radar name can be a major factor in how your season plays out. As an ode to the sometimes underappreciated and unnoticed, we're breaking down our top-10 favourite fantasy assets that thrive in bottom-six roles.

These players might not always grab headlines or dominate fantasy chatter but their consistent, multi-category contributions make them invaluable assets, particularly in deeper or more specialized formats.

10. Barclay Goodrow

The tenth spot on any list is always a tough one to fill but Goodrow is on a heater right now and he's a beast when it comes to hits, blocked shots, and penalty minutes which is where his value in fantasy hockey stems from. His versatility and ability to contribute across multiple categories earns him his spot. Goodrow’s knack for stepping up in big moments, including scoring timely goals, makes him a valuable depth option in deeper formats, especially if he can return to the 30-plus-player he was the previous two seasons.

9. Brandon Tanev

When you build out an NHL roster, players like Tanev are the type of player opponents absolutely hate and Seattle Kraken fans love that multiple GMs would like on their team. A hidden fantasy gem for leagues that reward peripheral stats like hits and blocked shots, Tanev's high motor and relentlessness on the forecheck make him an intriguing option in deep leagues. Tanev also uses his speed to disrupt opposing offenses, leading to turnovers and opportunities while also chipping in with secondary scoring. When he's on his game Tanev is a difference-maker who can contribute with his physicality and timely goals.

8. Jean-Gabriel Pageau

Pageau is a faceoff specialist and a staple on the Islanders’ penalty kill. His ability to win key draws and his defensive responsibility translate into valuable fantasy opportunities at the the other end. Pageau’s occasional offensive outbursts add another layer of appeal, particularly in leagues that count faceoff wins and shorthanded stats. Considering he's north of 30 years old it's also really impressive how much Pageau throws his body around, as 196 hits and 81 blocked shots this season sprinkle in added peripheral categorical value to his 40-point potential.

7. Yanni Gourde

Aside from being just an all-around standup human being and leader on and off the ice, Gourde brings energy and tenacity to the Kraken's lineup while often playing crucial minutes in all situations. His multi-category contributions include points, hits, and special teams play that make him the perfect week-to-week injury fill in or backend of the draft target in much deeper leagues. Gourde’s ability to step up in different roles makes him a versatile fantasy asset who can add value with offense, physicality, penalty minutes, as well as blocked shots as the veteran pivot registered 33 points, 156 hits, 52 blocks, and 62 PIMs this past season for Seattle.

6. Dakota Joshua

Three words for this man: Banger League Beauty. Joshua has emerged as a reliable bottom-six forward with a physical edge who can impact the game both with his body and the ability to score a big goal or two. His propensity for hits and willingness to engage in battles make him valuable in leagues that reward physicality but the 28-year-old Dearborn, Michigan product is also starting to show some flair in the O-zone. Fresh off a big postseason performance for the Canucks of four goals and four assists in 13 is a sign of things to come, making him a sneaky pick for adding depth to fantasy rosters.

5. Blake Coleman

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Coleman is known for his gritty style and relentless work ethic. He consistently contributes to hits, blocks, and shorthanded points, making him a valuable asset in multi-category leagues. Coleman’s ability to score clutch goals and provide secondary offense boosts his fantasy stock significantly.

4. Nicholas Paul

Paul’s big-bodied presence and defensive acumen make him a staple in the Lightning’s bottom six. He excels in puck battles and is often deployed in key defensive situations while still bringing 40-45 value. Paul’s contributions in hits, blocks, and occasional offensive production make him a solid fantasy option for deeper leagues.

3. Sam Bennett

This one is a bit of a deeper cut as Bennett definitely spent time in the top-six during his career and tenure with the Panthers, but his game is much better suited spending time with grit-grinders of the world and eating slightly less minutes. His offensive upside and gritty presence on one of the best teams in the NHL makes him a high-value depth player who is fresh off a solid peripheral fantasy campaign that saw Bennett put up 41 points, 100 penalty minutes, 173 hits, and 171 shots on net. Don't sleep on Bennett for the end of the upcoming draft boards, he's the perfect addition to round out your team in banger leagues.

2. Mason Marchment

The six-foot-four Marchment has proven to be an effective bottom-six forward with a knack for finding the scoresheet to the tune of 54 goals over his five seasons in the NHL. His physical play, big frame, and ability to contribute points make him an attractive option. Marchment’s role on special teams on a very good Dallas Stars club further enhances his value and considering the strong bounce-back regular season in which he set a career-high with 53 points and solid playoff showing, Marchment's value is slowly rising.

1. Adam Lowry

There is a lot of love about Lowry's all-around game and he is the prototypical NHL captain who clearly lets his play do the talking while also dictating the physicality of most games he plays in. As a key penalty killer and faceoff specialist for the Jets, he racks up shorthanded points and faceoff wins. Lowry’s physicality, including hits and blocks, combined with his ability to score timely goals, makes him an invaluable fantasy asset for any GM looking to bolster their roster depth.