Dynasty Deep Dive, a look at potential diamonds in the rough.
- One Team at a Time
- Sep 30
- 5 min read
Dynasty Deep Dive: Under-the-Radar Prospects Poised for Breakout Impact
In dynasty NHL fantasy leagues, stashing prospects can yield massive rewards years down the line, and finding mid-round gems with clear paths to production is the name of the game. With the 2025-26 season heating up in training camps, this article dives into six under-the-radar forwards and defenders. These aren’t household names like Matvei Michkov or Cutter Gauthier, but they’re sneaky value picks, late-round fliers or farm team holds who could land in scoring lines or power-play units. Each profile includes recent stats from their latest campaigns and dynasty context, tailored for multi-cat leagues (goals, assists, shots, hits/blocks ) with a focus on long-term upside over redraft flash in the pan.
Alex Bump, LW, PHI
A key contributor to his college team's national championship win at UMass, Alex Bump projects as a third-line player with modest offensive upside. Known for relentless effort and playing the game the right way, he brings a mid-level shot suited for the NHL.
Bump’s stock has surged entering his first full pro season after a standout sophomore year at UMass, where he recorded 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points in 42 NCAA games during 2024-25, a 1.12 points-per-game clip signaling pro readiness. The 21-year-old (drafted 133rd overall in 2022) signed a three-year ELC worth $950K AAV last summer and ranks among Philly’s top young prospects, driven by his two-way reliability and wrist shot that generated 142 SOG in college. For dynasty leagues, he projects for 25-30 points as a bottom-six staple by 2026-27. In formats that reward hits and takeaways, Bump’s motor makes him a stash worth a 200-250 ADP in deep drafts, especially with Philly’s youth movement opening third-line spots behind Michkov and company.
Emitt Finnie, RW/C, DET
A relatively unknown product from Detroit’s system, Emitt Finnie is a standout skater who brings consistent effort and has turned heads in camp. He projects as a potential roster member out of camp, with a strong chance to see NHL games this year, likely as a third-line scorer with decent offensive upside.
The hometown kid (born in Lethbridge, drafted 201st overall in 2023) exploded in his overage WHL year with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, posting 37 goals and 47 assists for 84 points in 55 games, numbers that earned him captaincy and a spot on Grand Rapids’ AHL roster. At 20 years old and 5'11"/170 lbs, Finnie’s blazing skating has scouts buzzing in Detroit’s camp, where he’s pushing for a nine-game audition amid injuries to veterans. Fantasy-wise, his junior production suggests a 0.4-0.5 points-per-game clip in limited AHL duty this year, scaling to 20-25 NHL points by 2027 as his floor. Dynasty managers should target him in the final rounds (300+ ADP) for his shot volume (over 200 SOG in juniors) and penalty-kill potential, a low-risk lotto ticket in a rebuilding Wings pipeline.
Nikita Grebenkin, RW, PHI
With a distinct style marked by skill and silkiness, Nikita Grebenkin stands out from the rest of this list. If he commits to defensive responsibility and earns Rick Tocchet's trust in camp, he could emerge as a top-6 player.
Acquired from Toronto in a 2024 trade, the 22-year-old Russian (drafted 87th overall in 2022) combines KHL-honed vision with a 6'2" frame that screams top-six potential if he shores up his defensive game. His North American transition was seamless: 19 goals and 41 points in the KHL (2023-24), followed by a strong AHL debut with Lehigh Valley (4G, 10A in 13 games through early 2025). Among Philly’s top young prospects, Grebenkin could hit 40-50 points if he secures middle-six minutes under Tocchet’s system. For dynasty leagues, he’s a 150-200 ADP target in playmaking formats, with his 1.2 assists per 60 in the AHL suggesting PP2 potential, though defensive lapses could limit him to 25-30 points as a tweener. Monitor camp for signs he’s earning Tocchet’s confidence.
Adam Wilsby, D, NSH
An average-sized defender with exceptional hockey IQ, Adam Wilsby excels at getting shots on net and shutting down opposing forwards. While he may be more valuable in real life than fantasy, he has the tools to be a top-4 NHL defender.
The 25-year-old Swede (101st overall, 2020) broke into Nashville’s NHL lineup last season, recording 1 goal and 4 assists for 5 points in 23 games, alongside 33 SOG, 18 hits, and 17 blocks that highlight his shutdown ability. At 6'0"/192 lbs, his IQ shines in transition, maintaining steady production across AHL and NHL samples last year (a modest 0.22 points-per-game pace in the NHL). Early projections have him slotting into Nashville’s top defensive pair alongside Roman Josi, with roster changes creating opportunities for bigger minutes. For fantasy, he projects at 20-25 points with 100+ blocks and 120 SOG in a full season, making him ideal for multi-cat dynasty rosters but less appealing in points-only formats. Stash him off waivers or in the 300+ range, his $775K cap hit through 2027 positions him as a long-term hold for defensive depth.
Justin Hryckowian, C/LW, DAL
A former Hobey Baker nominee in college and AHL Rookie of the Year last season, Justin Hryckowian is a smaller skater with decent size and skating ability. While smaller players can dominate the AHL but struggle in the NHL, his skill set suggests he’s worth a stash or late-round redraft pick for his potential to click in a top-6 role, especially as Dallas’s aging core opens up opportunities.
The undrafted gem (signed by Dallas in 2023) earned AHL Rookie of the Year honors with the Texas Stars, blending Hobey Baker buzz from Boston University with elite two-way play, strong defensive metrics, and 25-30 goal potential. At 5'10"/194 lbs and 24 years old, his skating offsets size concerns, and with Jamie Benn (36) and Tyler Seguin (34) slowing down, Hryckowian’s path to middle-six minutes looks promising. As a top-tier prospect forward, he offers 30-40 point upside by 2026 if he cracks the top six. A dynasty darling, he’s worth a 150-200 ADP for his faceoff wins (52% in AHL) and PP eligibility, potentially a budget Wyatt Johnston if Dallas’ aging core frees up ice time.
Arseny Gritsyuk, RW, NJD
A KHL standout expected to play with New Jersey this year, Arseny Gritsyuk doesn't exactly fit coach Sheldon Keefe’s preference for bottom-six identity lines as a skilled playmaker,but his point production at a young age in the KHL mirrors players who’ve transitioned to successful NHL careers.
The 24-year-old (129th overall, 2019) is NHL-ready after a career-high 17 goals and 27 assists (44 points) in 49 KHL games with SKA St. Petersburg last season. At 5'11"/195 lbs, Gritsyuk’s vision (1.5 primary assists per 60 in KHL) positions him for 20-30 points in a full rookie year. For dynasty leagues, he’s a 200-250 ADP stash in playmaking formats, offering bottom-six reliability with PP flashes if Timo Meier’s line needs depth. His low floor and high ceiling make him a compelling pick in Jersey’s revamped attack.
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