Hidden Gems is back for Part 3, and we're heading into the Central Division! 💎

Blake is joined once again by Louis Boulet of LB-Hockey to uncover eight players who might not be obvious fantasy hockey draft targets, but have the underlying skills and potential opportunities to become seriously interesting in 2026-27.

With training camp underway, we're looking beyond the box score to explore current line combinations, power-play deployment, microstats and the specific circumstances that could unlock each player's fantasy value.

This episode features:

🏒 Frank Nazar (CHI) — Elite transition ability and a potential breakout opportunity alongside Patrick Kane.

🏒 Sam Malinski (COL) — A 40-point defenseman who produced almost entirely without power-play minutes.

🏒 Justin Hryckowian (DAL) — A forechecking and defensive monster whose offensive upside depends on deployment.

🏒 Bobby Brink (MIN) — A sneaky playmaker who could thrive alongside Minnesota's elite offensive talent.

🏒 Mavrik Bourque (NSH) — A fresh start, a six-year contract and an opportunity to centre Filip Forsberg.

🏒 Connor McMichael (STL) — Can a new environment help him rediscover his 26-goal scoring touch?

🏒 Michael Carcone (UTA) — Outstanding per-minute offensive numbers trapped in a limited role.

🏒 Cole Perfetti (WPG) — A healthy offseason and a potential top-line, PP1 opportunity alongside Winnipeg's biggest stars.

These aren't all players you need to draft today. They're players you need to know before the opportunity arrives.

Eight teams. Eight Hidden Gems. Plenty of fantasy upside.

Let's get to BIZ!

🏒 Welcome to Apples and Ginos – Your Ultimate Fantasy Hockey Edge!Every week we dive deep into fantasy hockey insights, player analysis, waiver wire pickups, trade targets, lineup tips, and more to help you dominate your league. Hosted by Nate Groot Nibbelink and Blake Creamer, this channel is dedicated to giving you the tools you need to make smart, informed decisions all season long.🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos, rankings, and updates:https://www.youtube.com/@applesginos💬 Join the community:Discord: https://discord.gg/a3hZkJzK2aApples and Ginos on X: https://x.com/ApplesGinosBlake Creamer on X: https://x.com/BlakeCreamerAGInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/applesginos/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@applesandginos

** Buy the 2026-27 Apples & Ginos Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide on Patreon!**Create a free account and purchase this post:https://www.patreon.com/applesginos/posts/2026-27-apples-168262832

STOP overpaying for players in your fantasy hockey drafts!

Blake breaks down 5 reaches and 5 values on EACH of Yahoo, ESPN and Fantrax, using the Apples & Ginos projections to expose overpriced picks and uncover potential draft-day steals.

Why is Jack Hughes falling so far on ESPN? Is the Porter Martone hype getting out of control? And how are players like Dylan Holloway, Andrei Svechnikov and Brayden Point available at these prices?

Different platforms. Different draft rooms. Different opportunities.

Know what you're paying for, find the discounts, and GET TO BIZ! 🍎🏒

🍎 FREE Apples & Ginos player projections are available through our Discord and X accounts!🏒 Welcome to Apples and Ginos – Your Ultimate Fantasy Hockey Edge!Every week we dive deep into fantasy hockey insights, player analysis, waiver wire pickups, trade targets, lineup tips, and more to help you dominate your league. Hosted by Nate Groot Nibbelink and Blake Creamer, this channel is dedicated to giving you the tools you need to make smart, informed decisions all season long.🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos, rankings, and updates:https://www.youtube.com/@applesginos💬 Join the community:Discord: https://discord.gg/a3hZkJzK2aApples and Ginos on X: https://x.com/ApplesGinosBlake Creamer on X: https://x.com/BlakeCreamerAGInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/applesginos/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@applesandginos

Nate details six players who could hit the 100-point threshold for the first time in their careers in 2026-27.

** Buy the 2026-27 Apples & Ginos Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide on Patreon!**

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Cale Makar - 1:58

William Nylander - 5:35

Clayton Keller - 9:38

Leo Carlsson - 15:50

Robert Thomas - 20:00

Logan Cooley - 22:41

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🍎 Apples & Ginos Fantasy Hockey

Fantasy hockey projections, rankings, strategy, sleepers, breakouts and everything you need to dominate your draft.

🏒 Welcome to Apples and Ginos – Your Ultimate Fantasy Hockey Edge!

Every week we dive deep into fantasy hockey insights, player analysis, waiver wire pickups, trade targets, lineup tips, and more to help you dominate your league. Hosted by Nate Groot Nibbelink and Blake Creamer, this channel is dedicated to giving you the tools you need to make smart, informed decisions all season long.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos, rankings, and updates:

https://www.youtube.com/@applesginos

💬 Join the community:

Discord: https://discord.gg/a3hZkJzK2a

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🎧 Listen to the podcast:

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#FantasyHockey #NHLFantasy #HockeyAdvice #WaiverWire #NHL #FantasyHockeyTips #ApplesAndGinos

Nate live streams a $150 entry H2H Points league draft using APL settings (https://applesandginos.com/apl) versus A&G patrons.

** Buy the 2026-27 Apples & Ginos Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide on Patreon!**

Create a free account and purchase this post:

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Get a first time deposit match of up to $100 when using promo code "GINOS"!

** Join the Apples & Ginos Patron League wait list HERE: https://applesandginos.com/apl/ **

🍎 Apples & Ginos Fantasy Hockey

Fantasy hockey projections, rankings, strategy, sleepers, breakouts and everything you need to dominate your draft.

🏒 Welcome to Apples and Ginos – Your Ultimate Fantasy Hockey Edge!

Every week we dive deep into fantasy hockey insights, player analysis, waiver wire pickups, trade targets, lineup tips, and more to help you dominate your league. Hosted by Nate Groot Nibbelink and Blake Creamer, this channel is dedicated to giving you the tools you need to make smart, informed decisions all season long.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos, rankings, and updates:

https://www.youtube.com/@applesginos

💬 Join the community:

Discord: https://discord.gg/a3hZkJzK2a

Apples and Ginos on X: https://x.com/ApplesGinos

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/applesginos/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@applesandginos

🎧 Listen to the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4mVuWl51pWQ3SYGvXKuKe7?si=ebea8bc7c23046d0

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/apples-ginos-fantasy-hockey-podcast/id1592937637

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#FantasyHockey #NHLFantasy #HockeyAdvice #WaiverWire #NHL #FantasyHockeyTips #ApplesAndGinos

It’s time for another ADP Battle.

Blake is joined by Josh, co-host of the Banger Management Fantasy Hockey Podcast, to go head-to-head on six difficult decisions for 2026-27 fantasy hockey drafts.

The concept is simple: two players going in a similar range, two sides to the debate. Who would you draft — and why?

This time we’re looking through the lens of a Bangers Categories League counting Goals, Assists, Hits, Blocks, Power-Play Points and Shots on Goal.

🥊 Jack Hughes vs. Jason Robertson
🥊 Matthew Schaefer vs. Lane Hutson
🥊 Andrei Svechnikov vs. Juraj Slafkovsky
🥊 Logan Cooley vs. Porter Martone
🥊 Alex Laferriere vs. Will Cuylle
🥊 Jakub Dobeš vs. Jet Greaves

Blake and Josh use projections, category coverage, role, upside and roster construction to make the case for their side of every battle.

Some of these are close. Some… not so much.

Who would YOU take? Let's get to BIZ!

🏒 Welcome to Apples and Ginos – Your Ultimate Fantasy Hockey Edge!Every week we dive deep into fantasy hockey insights, player analysis, waiver wire pickups, trade targets, lineup tips, and more to help you dominate your league. Hosted by Nate Groot Nibbelink and Blake Creamer, this channel is dedicated to giving you the tools you need to make smart, informed decisions all season long.🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos, rankings, and updates:https://www.youtube.com/@applesginos💬 Join the community:Discord: https://discord.gg/a3hZkJzK2aApples and Ginos on X: https://x.com/ApplesGinosBlake Creamer on X: https://x.com/BlakeCreamerAGInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/applesginos/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@applesandginos

In this episode, Brian, Ryan & Evan walk through their bold takes for the 2026-2027 fantasy hockey season.** Buy the 2026-27 Apples & Ginos Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide on Patreon!**Create a free account and purchase this post:https://www.patreon.com/applesginos/posts/2026-27-apples-168262832** Sign up for the Apples & Ginos Patron League HERE: https://applesandginos.com/apl/ **🏒 Welcome to Apples and Ginos – Your Ultimate Fantasy Hockey Edge!Every week we dive deep into fantasy hockey insights, player analysis, waiver wire pickups, trade targets, lineup tips, and more to help you dominate your league. Hosted by Nate Groot Nibbelink and Blake Creamer, this channel is dedicated to giving you the tools you need to make smart, informed decisions all season long.🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos, rankings, and updates:https://www.youtube.com/@applesginos📧 Sign up for our free fantasy hockey newsletter:https://mailchi.mp/applesandginos/welcome-to-apples-and-ginos-fantasy-hockey – get exclusive content, tips, and player breakdowns straight to your inbox.💬 Join the community:Discord: https://discord.gg/a3hZkJzK2aApples and Ginos on X: https://x.com/ApplesGinosBlake Creamer on X: https://x.com/BlakeCreamerAGRyan-TopCheddarFantasy on X: https://x.com/fantasycheddarInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/applesginos/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@applesandginos🎧 Listen to the podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4mVuWl51pWQ3SYGvXKuKe7?si=ebea8bc7c23046d0Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/apples-ginos-fantasy-hockey-podcast/id1592937637All platforms: https://linktr.ee/applesandginos#FantasyHockey #NHLFantasy #HockeyAdvice #WaiverWire #NHL #FantasyHockeyTips #ApplesAndGinos

In this episode, Ryan talks through eight breakout candidates who are on the threshold of fantasy greatness if they can combine their talent with some opportunity this season.

Adam Fantilli - 9:34

Jimmy Snuggerud - 12:25

Will Smith - 15:10

Jesper Wallstedt - 17:04

Zeev Buium - 20:21

Frank Nazar - 24:10

Tyson Foerster - 26:34

Ryan Leonard - 30:12

** Buy the 2026-27 Apples & Ginos Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide on Patreon!**

Create a free account and purchase this post:

https://www.patreon.com/applesginos/posts/2026-27-apples-168262832

** Sign up for the Apples & Ginos Patron League HERE: https://applesandginos.com/apl/ **

🍎 Apples & Ginos Fantasy Hockey

Fantasy hockey projections, rankings, strategy, sleepers, breakouts and everything you need to dominate your draft.

🏒 Welcome to Apples and Ginos – Your Ultimate Fantasy Hockey Edge!

Every week we dive deep into fantasy hockey insights, player analysis, waiver wire pickups, trade targets, lineup tips, and more to help you dominate your league. Hosted by Nate Groot Nibbelink and Blake Creamer, this channel is dedicated to giving you the tools you need to make smart, informed decisions all season long.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos, rankings, and updates:

https://www.youtube.com/@applesginos

💬 Join the community:

Discord: https://discord.gg/a3hZkJzK2a

Apples and Ginos on X: https://x.com/ApplesGinos

Blake Creamer on X: https://x.com/BlakeCreamerAG

Ryan-TopCheddarFantasy on X: https://x.com/fantasycheddar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/applesginos/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@applesandginos

🎧 Listen to the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4mVuWl51pWQ3SYGvXKuKe7?si=ebea8bc7c23046d0

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/apples-ginos-fantasy-hockey-podcast/id1592937637

All platforms: https://linktr.ee/applesandginos

#FantasyHockey #NHLFantasy #HockeyAdvice #WaiverWire #NHL #FantasyHockeyTips #ApplesAndGinos

Blake breaks down the Top 10 fantasy hockey defencemen for 2026-27 in both Points leagues and Category leagues.

The rankings aren’t identical, and that’s the point. We look at how goals, assists, power-play production, shots, hits and blocks change the value of players like Cale Makar, Zach Werenski, Evan Bouchard, Quinn Hughes, Rasmus Dahlin, Matthew Schaefer and more.

We also dig into why some defencemen rise in category formats, why others are better suited to points scoring.

If you’re preparing for a 2026-27 fantasy hockey draft, this is your quick guide to the blue liners worth prioritizing.

Let's get to BIZ!!

🏒 Welcome to Apples and Ginos – Your Ultimate Fantasy Hockey Edge!Every week we dive deep into fantasy hockey insights, player analysis, waiver wire pickups, trade targets, lineup tips, and more to help you dominate your league. Hosted by Nate Groot Nibbelink and Blake Creamer, this channel is dedicated to giving you the tools you need to make smart, informed decisions all season long.🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos, rankings, and updates:https://www.youtube.com/@applesginos💬 Join the community:Discord: https://discord.gg/a3hZkJzK2aApples and Ginos on X: https://x.com/ApplesGinosBlake Creamer on X: https://x.com/BlakeCreamerAGInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/applesginos/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@applesandginos

** Buy the 2026-27 Apples & Ginos Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide on Patreon!**

Create a free account and purchase this post:

https://www.patreon.com/applesginos/posts/2026-27-apples-168262832

In this episode, Nate talks through eight players who could win you your league, but also might lose you your league if you're not careful.

Auston Matthews - 1:40

Brady Tkachuk - 6:18

Moritz Seider - 10:02

Jakob Chychrun - 12:59

Darren Raddysh - 16:46

John Carlson - 20:25

J.T. Miller - 23:27

Porter Martone - 25:38

** Sign up for the Apples & Ginos Patron League HERE: https://applesandginos.com/apl/ **

🍎 Apples & Ginos Fantasy Hockey

Fantasy hockey projections, rankings, strategy, sleepers, breakouts and everything you need to dominate your draft.

🏒 Welcome to Apples and Ginos – Your Ultimate Fantasy Hockey Edge!

Every week we dive deep into fantasy hockey insights, player analysis, waiver wire pickups, trade targets, lineup tips, and more to help you dominate your league. Hosted by Nate Groot Nibbelink and Blake Creamer, this channel is dedicated to giving you the tools you need to make smart, informed decisions all season long.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos, rankings, and updates:

https://www.youtube.com/@applesginos

💬 Join the community:

Discord: https://discord.gg/a3hZkJzK2a

Apples and Ginos on X: https://x.com/ApplesGinos

Blake Creamer on X: https://x.com/BlakeCreamerAG

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/applesginos/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@applesandginos

🎧 Listen to the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4mVuWl51pWQ3SYGvXKuKe7?si=ebea8bc7c23046d0

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/apples-ginos-fantasy-hockey-podcast/id1592937637

All platforms: https://linktr.ee/applesandginos

#FantasyHockey #NHLFantasy #HockeyAdvice #WaiverWire #NHL #FantasyHockeyTips #ApplesAndGinos

Nate live streams Drafters best ball drafts, reviews his APL team, sneaks in a Yahoo mock draft, and takes questions from viewers.

** Buy the 2026-27 Apples & Ginos Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide on Patreon!**

Create a free account and purchase this post:

https://www.patreon.com/applesginos/posts/2026-27-apples-168262832

Get a first time deposit match of up to $100 when using promo code "GINOS"!

** Join the Apples & Ginos Patron League wait list HERE: https://applesandginos.com/apl/ **

🍎 Apples & Ginos Fantasy Hockey

Fantasy hockey projections, rankings, strategy, sleepers, breakouts and everything you need to dominate your draft.

🏒 Welcome to Apples and Ginos – Your Ultimate Fantasy Hockey Edge!

Every week we dive deep into fantasy hockey insights, player analysis, waiver wire pickups, trade targets, lineup tips, and more to help you dominate your league. Hosted by Nate Groot Nibbelink and Blake Creamer, this channel is dedicated to giving you the tools you need to make smart, informed decisions all season long.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos, rankings, and updates:

https://www.youtube.com/@applesginos

💬 Join the community:

Discord: https://discord.gg/a3hZkJzK2a

Apples and Ginos on X: https://x.com/ApplesGinos

Blake Creamer on X: https://x.com/BlakeCreamerAG

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/applesginos/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@applesandginos

🎧 Listen to the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4mVuWl51pWQ3SYGvXKuKe7?si=ebea8bc7c23046d0

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/apples-ginos-fantasy-hockey-podcast/id1592937637

All platforms: https://linktr.ee/applesandginos

#FantasyHockey #NHLFantasy #HockeyAdvice #WaiverWire #NHL #FantasyHockeyTips #ApplesAndGinos