2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Fades: Potential draft busts and overvalued players to avoid

A couple of bonus players are worth mentioning before we get started. The uncertainty surrounding Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck during training camp makes them worrisome draft options. Larkin hasn't participated in Detroit 's camp yet because of an upper-body injury, while Hellebuyck is serving a suspension for not reporting to Winnipeg 's camp. Both have trade requests pending, making it unclear when they will be back on the ice and which team they'll play for in 2026-27.

Marchand suited up for only 52 games in the last NHL campaign due to persistent injuries. He still managed to pile up 27 goals, 54 points and 138 shots on net when he was in the lineup. He has been going around the 145th pick in Yahoo leagues and has been selected in 47% of pools. While it's probably safer to avoid him, he does have outstanding appeal as a stash option. The 38-year-old forward hoped to avoid surgery over the offseason, but opted to have a procedure in the summer that will keep him out until at least November. It's believed that he has been dealing with a hip and sports hernia injury, which can be notoriously difficult to recover from fully, and his age likely won't help the matter. It could take him some time to ramp back up to game speed, and the risk of aggravating the issue is high.

What a difference a year makes. Wedgewood went from being a popular waiver-wire hero in 2025-26 to being a bit overvalued this time around. He was chosen in 15% of leagues and had an average draft position (ADP) of 141.9 last campaign, but now he is the seventh goaltender off the board ahead of the 2026-27 season. Colorado's netminders carry plenty of fantasy value because of the talent that plays in front of them. Wedgewood will be a solid option between the pipes, but his 31-6-6 record, 2.02 goals-against average (GAA) and .921 save percentage (SV%) may have set unrealistic expectations. That will be a tough act to follow.