Minute Men: The Top-10 Fantasy Targets Making The Most Of Minimal Ice Time
Flip Livingstone
2024-10-21
Finding a diamond in the fantasy rough is the kind of angle that astute GMs regularly cover. Not every winning team is built solely on superstars eating 19-plus minutes a night. Sometimes, it's the players maximizing limited playing time by putting up points and covering peripheral categories in 10-to-15 minutes of ice time per night. Depending on the league format, the value of the below players could even be higher, making these pieces even more attractive targets that should be considered if available on the waiver wire or even spicier, via trade.
10) Will Cuylle
Back-to-back weeks of top-10 installments for the Fern Avenue Public School product Will Cuylle. The Roncesvalles, west-end Toronto local deserves some love for the production he's putting up right now in under 14 minutes a night on a balanced third line for a dangerous New York Rangers club, who is the only Eastern Conference team yet to lose in regulation. Cuylle is the definition of a banger-league beauty who currently has the sixth-most hits in the NHL with 24 to go along with a respectable four points, 11 shots on net, and plus-four rating. Should Cuylle continue to form chemistry with linemates Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko and further earn head coach Peter Laviolette's trust, the 22-year-old former Falcon could be the kind of fantasy piece that started out as a waiver add but sticks as a legit substitute piece.
9) Paul Cotter
Known for his work ethic and gritty style of play, Cotter has quietly emerged as a valuable asset in fantasy leagues this season playing on the fourth line for Sheldon Keefe's crew. Seemingly out of nowhere, Cotter has managed to rack up six points already this season for the first-place New Jersey Devils while also chipping in with key hits and timely goals. He may not see top-line minutes, but he makes the most of the ice time he does get. Keep riding with this Devils group right now anyway possible, they are looking like a force to be reckoned with this season.
8) Alex Laferriere
The 22-year-old winger is quickly making a name for himself with the Los Angeles Kings. Playing mostly on the third line, Laferriere combines speed, forechecking ability, and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. His energy is contagious, and it often leads to prime scoring opportunities and five points this year in only just over 15 minutes of ice time. While his minutes are limited, he's been able to contribute with timely points and key peripherals like hits and blocked shots. Laferriere is the kind of player that can quietly fill up your fantasy stat sheet while flying under the radar of many GMs.
7) Stefan Noesen
Noesen has carved out a niche role in the New Jersey Devils' bottom-six along with Cotter above, but don’t let his low minutes fool you. His net-front presence and willingness to take punishment in front of the goalie make him a valuable asset who's off to a hot start with two goals and six assists to go along with 19 hits, 11 shots on net, and five penalty minutes. If Noesen can stay hot on a loaded offensively gifted Devils club, he's likely a fantasy target you can add multiple times over the course of the season for a bump in points and hits when New Jersey has a favourable week.
6) Mason Marchment
Marchment brings a physical edge to the Dallas Stars’ lineup, and that physicality translates well in fantasy hockey, particularly in banger leagues. Known for his hard-hitting style and ability to throw opponents off their game, Marchment complements his play with a scoring touch, making him valuable in leagues that count hits, penalty minutes, and points. Though his minutes are limited to currently sit at the 15:04 mark per game, his versatility allows him to contribute across the board to the tune of six points, 10 hits, and eight penalty minutes through six games, making him a sneaky pick in deeper leagues or for streaming purposes.
5) Nikolaj Ehlers
Ehlers' pure speed and skill have kept him fantasy-relevant even when playing under 15 minutes a night. Injuries have hampered him in recent seasons, but when healthy, Ehlers has an incredible ability to drive possession and create offense, often outperforming his limited ice time. The Winnipeg Jets winger is a shot generator who has shown flashes of brilliance on the power play over the course of his career, making him a high-upside target if his minutes increase, but even now, he's a solid depth option for fantasy GMs needing offensive production.
4) Logan Cooley
Cooley has quickly established himself as one of the brightest young stars in the NHL, showing poise and offensive creativity in limited minutes for the Utah (Yeti) Hockey Club. While his ice time was managed carefully in his rookie season, Cooley’s getting more leash this year while flaunting his ability to impact the game whenever he's on the ice. His vision and puck-handling skills lead to plenty of high-danger chances and have produced six assists through five games in under 15 minutes a night. If his role continues to expand like most predict, expect Cooley to be a cornerstone piece in Utah and must-add in all fantasy hockey formats.
3) Logan Stankoven
Another rising young stud out of the Dallas organization, Stankoven has impressed with his high-energy play and offensive instincts while settling in nicely to a top-six role for the Stars on Pete DeBoer's second line. The young forward has displayed a knack for getting into scoring positions and creating chances for his linemates, who right now happen to be fellow first-liners Roope Hintz and perennial 90-point threat Jason Robertson. His hockey IQ allows him to be effective in short bursts, and even though his minutes are still fluctuating, Stankoven's already made a noticeable impact in a short period of time.
Much like his Utah running mate above, Guenther has been making waves early on this campaign, utilizing his lethal shot and natural scoring ability to pop five goals on 18 shots and one game-winner. Even though he's not getting heavy minutes, just yet, Guenther's offensive upside is undeniable. He's a sniper who can score in bunches and his power-play usage means that even in somewhat limited ice time of under 16 minutes a night, he's able to generate points and make an impact. Guenther's potential for growth makes him an even more valuable asset in dynasty and keeper leagues, but even in the short term, his goal-scoring touch is worth taking a chance on if for some reason he's still out there on the waiver wire.
1) JJ Peterka
Given how nasty Peterka has looked through the first five games and with his ice time already creeping north of 16 minutes, we're pushing the boundaries of the scope of this week's list just a bit with the inclusion of the dangerous young German shooter. The 22-year-old second-round draft steal has been a revelation for the Buffalo Sabres this season, already tallying four goals in five games. Peterka's dynamic skating and puck skills make him a key contributor despite limited minutes up to this point of his career on a stacked Sabres offense. If Peterka continues to develop, he could be a breakout star, but for now, fantasy GMs should keep their finger on the pulse while looking for production in somewhat limited minutes.