Introduction
In the fast-paced world of professional hockey, certain players seem to struggle with converting shots into goals, a trend that can leave both NHL teams and fantasy hockey managers frustrated. Often, this discrepancy can be attributed to mere bad luck, as athletes shoot frequently and effectively yet fail to reflect those efforts on the scoreboard. As the 2025-26 season approaches a quarter mark, numerous forwards are skating with remarkable shooting averages, yet their goal tallies are disappointingly low, signaling a likely shift back to averages that could ultimately benefit your fantasy roster.
Underachieving Forwards
This analysis will spotlight a selection of forwards who are currently underachieving, focusing on centers and wingers whose shooting percentages slump below the norm. We’ll also reference their Individual Expected Goals (ixG) stats from Evolving Hockey, hinting at the probability of an imminent scoring surge. These players are prime candidates for savvy fantasy managers to consider for potential trades to enhance their teams.
Nazem Kadri
Nazem Kadri of the Calgary Flames stands out with just four goals despite launching 72 shots, resulting in a shooting percentage of only 5.6%. Historically, Kadri averages 0.31 goals per game over more than 1,000 NHL contests. His recent performance starkly contrasts with his career average, suggesting he’s poised for a breakout in the near future, potentially as early as this weekend against the Dallas Stars. His fantasy points averaged last season were impressive, making him an attractive target in trades.
Nikolaj Ehlers
Nikolaj Ehlers, who recently transitioned to the Carolina Hurricanes, shows a brighter picture—his point total is steadily rising. Excluding his early warmup games, Ehlers has amassed 0.87 points per game over the past nine matchups, scoring four goals during this stretch. Playing in significant roles on the second scoring line and the top power play unit, he thrives off the ice time and opportunities, hinting at even more points should he team up with elite players like Sebastian Aho.
J.T. Miller
J.T. Miller of the New York Rangers has recently shown improvement after initially posting a subpar shooting percentage. This past week, he contributed significantly with two goals in a game against the Colorado Avalanche, increasing his scoring total. Given his average of over 20 minutes on ice and a career shooting percentage of almost 15%, Miller remains a viable asset for fantasy teams, particularly if his current manager is feeling impatient.
Quinton Byfield
With the Los Angeles Kings, Quinton Byfield is fulfilling high expectations, centering the top line and the power play. Byfield, with a shooting percentage around 7.4%, is set to surpass the 30-goal mark this season, thus becoming an asset in nearly all fantasy leagues. Currently, he’s still available in many leagues, making him a suitable candidate for acquisition.
Jonathan Marchessault
On the other hand, Jonathan Marchessault of the Nashville Predators is experiencing a goal drought, having not recorded a point in his last seven games. Yet, with demonstrated scoring capabilities highlighted by his previous 42-goal season with Vegas, Marchessault could soon turn things around. His value might be worth a gamble as he seeks to regain his scoring touch after a recent break.
Martin Necas
Amidst these players, there’s Martin Necas with the Colorado Avalanche. His current goal tally is impressive; however, skepticism about his ability to maintain this scoring rate persists given historical patterns. He certainly provides great returns in fantasy leagues, especially on power plays alongside elite players, but potential trade discussions may hold merit, particularly for managers in search of balanced scoring.
Tyler Bertuzzi
Lastly, Tyler Bertuzzi of the Chicago Blackhawks, while currently riding a respectable scoring wave, had previously demonstrated inconsistency. Given his knack for sporadic scoring, fantasy managers should recognize the signs of a potential downturn.
Kiefer Sherwood
Lastly, Kiefer Sherwood of the Vancouver Canucks finds himself entrenched in good fortune as well. Expected to have only five goals based on his performance metrics, Sherwood has surprisingly netted 12 so far. Despite showcasing a career-high last season, it’s unrealistic for managers to hinge bets on a sustained level of such prolific scoring throughout the remainder of the season, particularly for deeper fantasy leagues that reward diverse contributions.
