Winning a championship is making sure you have a good mix of superstars and key depth pieces. While the big names grab headlines, overlooked and underrated players can be just as valuable when they are in the right spot. With the trade deadline approaching, star players will be on the move, but so will important depth pieces. Some trades will work, others won't, but savvy fantasy managers know how to spot hidden value. Today, we are focusing on players who can give your team a boost, whether they are available on your waivers or cheap via trade. Always keep in mind your league's settings and if these players will make an impact on your team. Not only that, with players on the move, things change fast, so make sure you double-check players' situations before making that move!

10. Kiefer Sherwood (Vancouver Canucks)

Sherwood is putting together another solid season, pretty much in line with his previous years. He is sitting at 13 goals and 10 assists, pacing for 34 points, right on brand with his past production. Where he really earns his keep is in the peripherals, stacking up 100 SOG, 323 hits, and 25 blocked shots so far this season. In standard points leagues, he is not moving the needle, but in banger leagues? If he's still sitting on the wire, I would be shocked. If by some chance he is available, go get him now. His physical play and steady peripheral output make him well worth a pick up.

9. Brayden Schenn (St. Louis Blues)

With the Trade Deadline looming, teams are circling Brayden Schenn like vultures and for good reason. The veteran center is locked into St. Louis' second line, posting 12 goals and 26 assists for a 50-point pace. While his scoring has dipped from his prime, his peripherals remain rock solid with 153 hits, 106 SOG, and a faceoff win rate above 50%. His role in St. Louis is secure, but if he is dealt to a contender, his ice time (and production) could take a hit. Still, Schenn's mix of offense, grit, and a reliable fantasy floor makes him a solid pickup. If he's on your waiver wire, snagging him is a low-risk, high-reward move.

8. Jason Zucker (Buffalo Sabres)

The Sabres have a solid schedule for the first week of fantasy playoffs, but the big question is, will Zucker still be in Buffalo after March 7th? The pending UFA has been a bright spot on a Sabres team that is otherwise in shambles, and surprisingly, he has been producing at the highest point pace of his career (67-point pace). If he sticks around past the deadline, he could be a sneaky asset down the stretch. If he is available, grab him now, stash him, and see how things shake out. It's a bit of a wait-and-see play, but it could pay off.

7. Pavel Dorofeyev (Vegas Golden Knights)

Pavel Dorofeyev came out of the break red-hot, piling up 12 points in 10 games to start January. However, February has been quieter (three points in seven games), so a frustrated GM may have cut bait. Despite the dip, he is still locked into a prime role, skating on the second line with Tomas Hertl and holding a top power-play spot. With 24 goals and 13 assists, he is on pace for 51 points on a Vegas team always in the Cup hunt. His deployment remains elite, and it is only a matter of time before he heats up again. Don't sleep on him.

6. Will Cuylle (New York Rangers)

Will Cuylle is putting together a solid sophomore season with 16 goals, 31 points, 30 PIM, 109 SOG, and a massive 221 hits. Slotted alongside JT Miller and Mika Zibanejad, he is on pace for 43 points and could crack 300 hits as a bruising middle-six winger. His mix of physicality and depth scoring makes him a solid fantasy asset. Lately, he's been heating up with three goals and an assist in his last five games while getting ice time in all situations. Power-play time has been limited, but with Chris Kreider on IR, he has slid onto PP2. If you need a gritty, multi-category contributor, Cuylle is worth a look.

5. Filip Chytil (Vancouver Canucks)

Chytil may be a player who is likely sitting on the waiver wire in most leagues. The Canucks are in a bit of a mess right now, Miller is gone, Brock Boeser's name keeps swirling in trade rumors, and the team's direction is anyone's guess. But one thing we do know is that Filip Chytil is getting a real shot to prove himself. Since joining Vancouver, he has put up six points in nine games and on the season, he sits at 13 goals, 26 points, and 116 shots. The Canucks have slotted him into a top-six role as their second-line center while also giving him a spot on the first power-play unit. In a points league, Chytil is absolutely worth a look.

4. Troy Terry (Anaheim Ducks)

Troy Terry is quietly having a solid season with 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points in 54 games (0.83 PPG), putting him on pace for 68 points, an improvement from last year's 54. He has consistently been in the 60–70-point range, so this tracks. If he stays on pace, expect around 23 more points down the stretch. Timing is key, factor that into your fantasy playoffs. He can be a difference-maker, but remember, Terry is a pure scorer and playmaker with minimal peripheral contributions. Make sure he fits your team's needs before making a move.

3. Timo Meier (New Jersey Devils)

Timo Meier is easily the biggest name on this list, yet somehow, he has become New Jersey's version of William Nylander under Sheldon Keefe, stuck in the doghouse for reasons beyond logic. Why he is not locked into the top power-play unit is a mystery, but that just means you have a chance at a buy-low on Meier. If a frustrated GM in your league is ready to cut bait, now is your chance to pounce. Meier is tracking for his lowest point total since 2020-21, but his shots and hits still hold fantasy value. If he somehow lands on PP1? Jackpot. Take the gamble, you at least know what his floor will be at.

2. Mason Lohrei (Boston Bruins)

Mason Lohrei has stepped up as a reliable fill-in with McAvoy sidelined – both earlier in the year and again now after McAvoy got banged up at the 4 Nations tournament. With top-four minutes and power-play reps, he has a solid opportunity to keep producing from the blue line. Through 54 games, he has recorded 28 points (13 on the PP), 65 shots, and 77 blocks, making him a great depth add in deeper leagues. His offensive upside gives him some fantasy appeal, especially if you need help on defense heading into the playoffs. He won't carry your squad, but he is more than capable of chipping in when it matters most.

1. Boone Jenner (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Boone Jenner has been a game-changer since returning from a shoulder injury that kept him out for the first 56 games. In just four games after the 4 Nations Face-Off, he has notched seven assists, nine shots, seven hits, and six blocked shots. While the sample size is small, Jenner's 51.5% faceoff win rate since his return is solid, and he is known for strong peripherals that offset occasional slumps in production. He is hot out of the gate, so if he is available, grab him off the waiver wire. If not, try sending a trade offer to the GM who is holding him.

Thanks for reading! See you next week. For more content/fantasy hockey analysis, follow and message me on X @Punters_hockey.