Every dynasty manager is searching for the next player whose value is about to explode.
Whether it's a breakout postseason, an expanded role, or another year of development, identifying these players before the rest of your league can be the difference between building a contender and building a champion.
Here are our five favourite dynasty players who are primed to take the next step during the 2026-27 NHL season.
1. Zach Benson (LW/RW, Buffalo Sabres)
If you watched Buffalo's playoff run this past spring, you already know why Zach Benson tops this list.
The 21-year-old looked completely unfazed by the moment, playing with relentless energy while producing offensively against some of the league's best competition. His hockey IQ, elite work ethic, and ability to make plays under pressure were on full display, and it felt like a glimpse of what's to come.
Benson has all the tools to become a cornerstone player in Buffalo's young core. With another year of development and an increased offensive role, a 70-point breakout season is well within reach. If that happens, expect his dynasty value to climb into the upper tier of young NHL forwards.
2. Logan Stankoven (RW, Carolina Hurricanes)
Logan Stankoven announced himself to the hockey world during Carolina's playoff run.
The young winger was one of the Hurricanes' most dangerous offensive players, consistently creating scoring chances with his speed, relentless motor, and finishing ability. He looked completely at home in high-pressure situations, proving he belongs among Carolina's top offensive weapons.
This season, Stankoven has an opportunity to lock down a permanent top-six role and become a fixture on the power play. If he builds on his outstanding postseason, don't be surprised if he finishes the year as one of dynasty hockey's biggest risers.
3. Matvei Michkov (RW, Philadelphia Flyers)
Matvei Michkov has already established himself as one of the NHL's brightest young stars, but we still don't think he's reached his ceiling.
While admittedly suffering from a bit of a sophomore slump, the Flyers continue to build their offense around the dynamic winger, and all signs point toward an even larger role this season. Michkov possesses elite puck skills, creativity, and finishing ability, giving him legitimate 100-point upside as Philadelphia's young core continues to develop.
While his dynasty value is already high, another leap offensively could vault him into the conversation with the league's elite fantasy forwards. If you're fortunate enough to have Michkov on your roster, don't be surprised if he's viewed as a consensus first-round startup pick by this time next year.
4. Zeev Buium (D, Vancouver Canucks)
Few young defensemen have seen their dynasty outlook improve more than Zeev Buium.
After being acquired by Vancouver, Buium suddenly finds himself with a tremendous opportunity. The Canucks are expected to give him every chance to establish himself as the cornerstone of their blue line, with a legitimate path to becoming the club's long-term No. 1 defenseman and power-play quarterback.
Elite offensive defensemen are among the rarest assets in dynasty hockey, and Buium possesses the skating, vision, and puck-moving ability to become one. If he capitalizes on his expanded opportunity, don't be surprised if his dynasty value skyrockets over the next 12 months.
5. Tyson Foerster (RW, Philadelphia Flyers)
Tyson Foerster has quietly become one of the NHL's most underrated young forwards.
Already known for his elite shot and goal-scoring instincts, Foerster continues to round out the rest of his game, earning more ice time and responsibility with Philadelphia. As the Flyers continue to build around their talented young core, he'll be given every opportunity to become one of the focal points of their offense.
If his offensive usage continues to increase, Foerster has all the tools to become a consistent 30-goal scorer and one of the biggest dynasty value risers this season.
Final Thoughts
Finding breakout players before everyone else is one of the biggest advantages in dynasty fantasy hockey.
Benson, Stankoven, Michkov, Buium, and Foerster all have one thing in common: they're on the verge of taking on even bigger roles while already proving they can succeed at the NHL level. Whether it's playoff momentum, increased opportunity, or continued development, each has a realistic path to becoming a significantly more valuable dynasty asset by this time next year.
If you're looking to get ahead of your league mates, now is the time to invest. By the end of the 2026-27 season, don't be surprised if every player on this list is valued significantly higher than they are today.