Top 5 Underrated NHL Players in 2026

These overlooked stars are making a big impact for their teams this season.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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As the NHL resumes play after the Olympic break, there are several players flying under the radar who are making significant contributions to their teams. This list highlights the top five underrated NHL players in 2026, including a right winger for the San Jose Sharks, a young gun for the Buffalo Sabres, a center reviving his career with the Boston Bruins, a goaltender leading the charge for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and a defenseman stepping up for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Why it matters

These underrated players are proving their worth and could be on the verge of becoming household names in the NHL. Their strong performances are helping to keep their teams in playoff contention, showcasing the depth and talent across the league.

The details

The five players highlighted - Collin Graf, Josh Doan, Morgan Geekie, Jet Greaves, and J.J. Moser - have all made major impacts for their respective teams this season. From Graf's efficient scoring for the Sharks to Doan's integral role in Buffalo's playoff push, these players are producing at a high level despite flying under the radar. Geekie has revived his career in Boston, Greaves has taken over the starting job in Columbus, and Moser has stepped up in a big way for the Lightning with Victor Hedman out.

  • The NHL will resume play following the Olympic pause, with roughly 20 games remaining in the regular season.
  • Collin Graf has played in 54 of the Sharks' 55 games this season.
  • Josh Doan was traded from the Utah Mammoth to the Buffalo Sabres in June 2025.
  • Morgan Geekie signed with the Boston Bruins in 2023 and is having a career year.
  • Jet Greaves took over as the starting goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets this season.
  • J.J. Moser has stepped up in a bigger role for the Tampa Bay Lightning with Victor Hedman out due to injury.

The players

Collin Graf

A right winger for the San Jose Sharks who is producing at a high level despite the team's struggles, ranking 6th in points and 1st in shot percentage.

Josh Doan

A right winger for the Buffalo Sabres who was traded from the Utah Mammoth in 2025 and is playing an integral role for the team's playoff push.

Morgan Geekie

A center for the Boston Bruins who signed with the team in 2023 and is having a career year, ranking 2nd on the team in points.

Jet Greaves

The starting goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets, leading the team in several key goaltending categories and helping them stay in the playoff race.

J.J. Moser

A defenseman for the Tampa Bay Lightning who has stepped up in a bigger role with Victor Hedman out, ranking 2nd in points and TOI among Lightning defensemen.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

These underrated players are proving their worth and could be on the verge of becoming household names in the NHL. Their strong performances are helping to keep their teams in playoff contention, showcasing the depth and talent across the league.