Fantasy Hockey Sleepers and Breakout Candidates from the Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers were a force to be reckoned with last season. Their high-octane offense and strong performances from young players make them a team to watch in fantasy hockey. But with established stars like Aleksander Barkov often going in the early rounds, the Panthers are looking to solidify their roster. 

Bounce Back Potential: Sam Bennett

While not necessarily a sleeper, Sam Bennett could see a significant increase in fantasy value in 2023-24. Often overshadowed by linemates Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe, Bennett quietly put together a strong season. He ranked third on the Panthers in 5-on-5 goals per 60 minutes, showcasing his offensive capabilities.  

Underrated in fantasy, Bennett provides multi-category value with hits and shots on goal, making him a late-round steal. With a full season alongside proven scorers like Tkachuk and Verhaeghe, Bennett could see a jump in points and solidify himself as a valuable fantasy asset.

Rising Star: Anton Lundell

The 2020 first-round pick, Anton Lundell, is poised for a breakout season. After a promising rookie campaign with 44 points in 65 games, Lundell saw a slight dip in production last year.  However, this could be attributed to a sophomore slump rather than a lack of talent. Lundell possesses the skillset to be a top-six forward, and many believe 2023-24 will be his breakout year.  

With the Panthers potentially looking to shake up their line combinations after last season’s playoff disappointment, Lundell could find himself playing alongside elite scorers, boosting his offensive output.  Keep an eye on Lundell in the middle rounds of your draft; his well-rounded skillset and potential for increased ice time make him a player with significant upside.

Under-the-Radar Prospect: Grigori Denisenko

For fantasy players seeking a deep sleeper, Grigori Denisenko is an intriguing option. The 2018 first-round pick hasn’t yet become a regular at the NHL level, but this season could be his chance to shine.  Denisenko has impressed in the AHL, showcasing his offensive talent with strong point totals.  

The Panthers are expected to give him more opportunities at the NHL level, and with the right role, Denisenko could finally break out.  He’s a skilled forward with the potential to be a middle-six winger, contributing goals, assists, and potentially even power-play time. Given his limited NHL experience, Denisenko is a high-risk, high-reward pick. But for those willing to gamble on his talent, he could be a late-round gem who provides valuable depth to your fantasy team.

Moreover, fans who are looking to bet on NHL games can visit the best betting sites for information regarding the favorites and underdogs. These sites often provide in-depth analysis and expert opinions on player performance and fantasy value. These resources can help fantasy hockey fans uncover hidden gems and potential breakout stars within the Panthers’ roster.

Defensemen to Watch: MacKenzie Weegar and Josh Mahura

While the Panthers’ offense rightfully steals the spotlight, their defensemen shouldn’t be completely ignored in fantasy drafts. MacKenzie Weegar is a steady contributor on the blue line, consistently scoring points and contributing hits and blocks. Weegar could see an increase in power-play time this season, further boosting his fantasy value.  

Another name to watch is Josh Mahura. The young defenseman impressed in limited action last season and could see an expanded role in 2023-24. If Mahura can earn more ice time and power-play opportunities, he could become a valuable source of peripheral stats for fantasy managers.

Factors to Consider

As the Florida Panthers gear up for the upcoming season, fantasy hockey enthusiasts should keep an eye on several key factors. First, the team may tinker with its line combinations early on, especially during training camp. 

This experimentation could lead to new player pairings, so staying updated with the latest news is essential to see how these lines evolve. Skaters who find themselves alongside established scorers like Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk could see a boost in their fantasy value due to the increased likelihood of accruing points.

Another critical aspect to monitor is power-play opportunities. Success in fantasy hockey often hinges on players receiving significant power-play time. Keep closely monitoring which players are deployed on the Panthers’ power-play units during the preseason and early regular season. Those who consistently see action with the man advantage are poised to have a notable advantage in terms of fantasy point production.

Additionally, the coaching change in Florida adds an element of intrigue. With Paul Maurice taking the helm as the new head coach, the team’s playing style may be adjusted. 

While Maurice is expected to maintain the Panthers’ offensive flair, observing how he utilizes certain players could provide valuable insights for fantasy hockey managers. Understanding Maurice’s strategies and player deployments could help make informed decisions when managing fantasy rosters throughout the season.

Final Thoughts

The Florida Panthers boast a deep and talented roster, offering fantasy managers various options beyond the usual star picks. By keeping an eye on players poised for a bounce-back season like Sam Bennett, youngsters on the rise like Anton Lundell and Grigori Denisenko, and underrated defensemen like Josh Mahura, fans can snag valuable contributors who can propel your fantasy team to the top.