When the NHL resumes play after the Olympic pause, there will be approximately 20 games remaining in the regular season. There are many usual suspects for this season’s statistical leaders, but there are also many players who have been overlooked. They made a positive impact on their respective teams and built momentum for the season ahead. Only time will tell if they will become household names. Here are the top five underrated NHL players in 2026.
5. RW Collingraff – San Jose Sharks
January 27, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tom Willander (5) and San Jose Sharks forward Collin Graf (51) during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
San Jose is not in playoff contention, and team points leader MacLean Celebrini is the main attraction. Right winger Collin Graf continues to play for the fourth-youngest team in the NHL. Before this season, the 2024 undrafted player briefly played for the Sharks in 2023 and 2024. This season, Graf participated in 54 of the team’s 55 games, scoring 15 goals, 16 assists, and +4. The 23-year-old’s performance has been ranked 6thth in points and 1Yingshi In terms of field goal percentage.
advertise
More: 2026 Winter Olympics medal count and standings enter February 15
4. RW Josh Doan – Buffalo Sabers
Drafted on 2ND A second-round pick (2021) from the Arizona Coyotes, Josh Doan was traded to the Buffalo Sabers in June 2025 by the renamed Utah Mammoths. In Doan, Buffalo adds more young player to league’s second-highest rosterND– Youngest on the list. In his first season with the Sabers, Doan played an integral role on the team that currently holds the Eastern Conference’s first wild-card berth. The right winger has 18 goals and 21 assists and ranks third on the team in offensive scoring. As Buffalo continues to contend for the playoffs, Doan will be relied upon in key situations.
3. C Morgan Geekie – Boston Bruins
February 1, 2026; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Boston Bruins center Morgan Giggy (39) reacts after scoring a goal during the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2026 Stadium Series Hockey Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Geekie failed to produce consistently in his first four seasons in the NHL and signed with Boston in 2023. He showed flashes of potential heading into the 2023 season and received more playing time a season ago. In the 2024-2025 season, Geekie scored 33 goals and provided 24 assists. Geekie hasn’t slowed down this season, scoring 32 goals, 22 assists, and scoring a career-high 20 power-play points. center is 2ND Leading the Bruins in scoring and helping the team secure the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
advertise
2. G Jet Leggings – Columbus Blue Jackets
Greaves signed a professional contract with the team’s AHL affiliate in 2021. After making one appearance in the 2022-23 season, the goalkeeper played sparingly over the next two seasons. Greaves leads the Blue Jackets in goaltending this year. Elvis Merzlikins started the season as the team’s starting goaltender, but poor performance allowed Greaves to see more starts before becoming the team’s top option. Jeter Greaves leads Columbus goalies in games played (37), wins (18), goals-against average (2.62), save percentage (.910) and shutouts (2). Thanks to improved offense and Greaves’ play, the Blue Jackets are within striking distance of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
1. D JJ Moser – Tampa Bay Lightning
January 26, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman JJ Moser (90) skates with a puck during the first period against the Utah Mammoths at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
JJ Moser was drafted to fill a glaring hole on defense after linebacker Victor Hedman underwent elbow surgery in December. The increased role resulted in Tampa Bay’s most production in two seasons, Moser was 2ND In points, 2ND in TOI, and 1Yingshi On-ice expected goals differential for Lightning defensemen. Moser’s five goals and 14 assists don’t put him among the NHL’s top defensemen, but he played a crucial role in Tampa Bay’s winning streak, helping them capture first place in the Atlantic Division. JJ Moser ranks 5th among all NHL defensementh Expected goal differential on ice.
advertise
— Enjoy free coverage of top news and trending stories from The Big Lead —
Daytona 500: 2026 Daytona 500 starting lineup and TV schedule
NFL: Tennessee Titans new logo leaked in Fanatics incident?
NBA: Mike McClung shares 2026 NBA slam dunk game Arsenal fans were robbed of
golf: 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am tee times, Sunday 4th round brackets
Viral: 2026 Winter Olympics star compares muscles with NFL running back Saquon Barkley
The post Top 5 Underrated NHL Players of 2026, Ranked appeared first on The Big Lead.