Offseason preview – Nine rising stars who impressed this season

They emerge every campaign. Fantasy gems who exceed preseason expectations with unprecedented performances, all the while helping their respective managers climb the standings. Rostering even one of these perceived overachievers can make the difference between securing the ultimate fantasy prize and falling short. Particularly in deeper leagues.

While some of these unanticipated showings are momentary flashes-in-pans – sizzling seasons amidst otherwise more pedestrian careers – others serve as harbingers for many more fruitful fantasy campaigns. Here’s a handful of such candidates who not only burst onto the fantasy scene in 2023-24, but stand to enjoy similar success in years to come.

Wyatt Johnston, F, Dallas Stars : A key component of the Stars’ most dangerous line to wrap 2023-24, Johnston is fully justifying his 23rd-overall selection back in 2021. Forging palpable chemistry with veteran Jamie Benn and rookie Logan Stankoven, the 20-year-old center hit the 30-goal mark in only his second NHL season. He’ll score more than 35 next year, along with contributing an equal number of helpers. That Johnston remains available in nearly half of ESPN Fantasy leagues right now suggests he might again not garner proper respect next fall. Which could prove lucky for drafting managers who do pay proper attention.

Alexis Lafreniere, F, New York Rangers : Some promising young players clearly need a little more seasoning than others. While the first three fell short of expectation, even the most grumbly of Rangers fans can’t complain about the value the No. 1 draft pick (2020) is providing in his fourth NHL season (on a two-year bridge deal worth $2.325-million AAV). A current fixture on a scoring line with Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck, Lafreniere is piling up the points in the waning days of 2023-24, rewarding his managers to the tune of 2.7 fantasy points/game since March 14. No question, his performance through the postseason, however long or short that stretch runs, will be further scrutinized. But this still-only-22-year-old appears to have finally found his scoring stride heading into that final contract year in New York. He’s definitely worth a late-round fantasy selection next fall.

Seth Jarvis, F, Carolina Hurricanes Now an…