Prepare for another thrilling fantasy hockey season as the NHL kicks off its 2025-26 regular season on Tuesday, October 7. The Florida Panthers will be eyeing a third consecutive Stanley Cup, albeit without some of their star players. The Utah Mammoth debut under a new name, carrying high postseason expectations. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins aim to bounce back after a disappointing previous season. How will these narratives unfold, and where can fantasy managers uncover valuable assets within each squad?
Fantasy hockey analysts Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash present their team-by-team previews, complete with player recommendations and potential sleeper picks. Sean covers the Eastern Conference teams, while Victoria focuses on the Western Conference.
Jump Ahead to Team Previews:
- Anaheim Ducks
- Boston Bruins
- Buffalo Sabres
- Calgary Flames
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Colorado Avalanche
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- Dallas Stars
- Detroit Red Wings
- Edmonton Oilers
- Florida Panthers
- Los Angeles Kings
- Minnesota Wild
- Montreal Canadiens
- Nashville Predators
- New Jersey Devils
- New York Islanders
- New York Rangers
- Ottawa Senators
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- San Jose Sharks
- Seattle Kraken
- St. Louis Blues
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Utah Mammoth
- Vancouver Canucks
- Vegas Golden Knights
- Washington Capitals
- Winnipeg Jets
Anaheim Ducks
Lukas Dostal is set to become Anaheim`s primary goaltender. Should the Ducks make their anticipated leap forward, the 25-year-old could secure a spot among the top 15 fantasy netminders. Center Leo Carlsson, playing alongside new winger Chris Kreider, is projected to reach a new level of offensive production, potentially surpassing 60 points. On the blue line, Jackson LaCombe is expected to exceed the 55-point mark as the full-time anchor on Anaheim`s top power play unit.
Boston Bruins
With subdued expectations, the Bruins might offer unexpected fantasy value. While no one is overlooking David Pastrnak as a clear first-round pick, the potential workload for goaltender Jeremy Swayman, the defensive production of Charlie McAvoy, and Elias Lindholm`s renewed opportunity as the top-line center make them compelling targets that could be underestimated.
Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo`s roster is filled with high-risk, high-reward fantasy options. While Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson are considered safe choices, the success of players like Josh Norris, Alex Tuch, and Jiri Kulich is less certain. With Dahlin anchoring the defense, there`s also a question as to whether Bowen Byram or Owen Power can generate sufficient fantasy production.
Calgary Flames
Following their first full NHL seasons, goaltender Dustin Wolf and forward Matt Coronato won`t be surprising anyone this draft. However, rookie Zayne Parekh for 2025-26 might. This is especially true if he secures a spot on the secondary power play, particularly if Rasmus Andersson is traded. Additionally, it’s worth remembering that Nazem Kadri consistently outperforms fantasy managers` typical valuation of him.
Carolina Hurricanes
Nikolaj Ehlers has consistently been one of the most efficient per-minute fantasy forwards and could see an expanded role. Both K`Andre Miller and Alexander Nikishin have the potential to become fantasy mainstays on defense if they receive favorable deployment, but Shayne Gostisbehere still poses a threat to siphon power-play time.
Chicago Blackhawks
An anticipated rebound year for Connor Bedard should see him approach or achieve a point-per-game pace for the first time. Sophomore Frank Nazar offers sleeper potential as Chicago`s second-line center and a power-play partner for Bedard. Rookie defenseman Sam Rinzel deserves attention in deeper scoring leagues as the team`s primary power-play anchor.
Colorado Avalanche
While Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are top-ranked at their positions, Colorado`s second scoring line holds significant intrigue. If Gabriel Landeskog returns close to his previous form, Valeri Nichushkin can stay healthy, and center Brock Nelson connects well with both, fantasy managers could uncover significant value in later draft rounds.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Is this the season some of the young Blue Jackets finally break out for significant fantasy production? Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson appear on the cusp, following Kirill Marchenko`s strong 2024-25 season. If the team starts winning more consistently, Elvis Merzlikins – or even sleeper candidate Jet Greaves – could become intriguing options in goal.
Dallas Stars
While Mikko Rantanen might not reach 100 points away from Nathan MacKinnon, around 90 points alongside Wyatt Johnston and Roope Hintz is a reasonable expectation. If Mavrik Bourque secures a spot in the Stars` top six, he will be a valuable roster addition in deeper fantasy leagues.
Detroit Red Wings
Marco Kasper continues to advance towards becoming a fantasy lock, while a healthy Patrick Kane might be overlooked by some drafters. Simon Edvinsson possesses the skills to be a hits-and-blocks standout with increased minutes. There`s also a subtle risk that reliable mainstays like Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Alex DeBrincat could be underestimated simply because of their consistent production.
Edmonton Oilers
Beyond the elite offensive duo, Evan Bouchard and Jake Walman are projected as top 10 and top 20 fantasy defensemen, respectively. As a player who might earn ice time with Connor McDavid, newly acquired forward Trent Frederic holds sleeper value in leagues that reward physical play like hits and blocks, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is due for a bounce-back year.
Florida Panthers
Don`t let Matthew Tkachuk fall too far in your draft, as his early absence can be managed using an IR spot. Seth Jones could see a jump in value as the team`s power-play anchor. The line of Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Brad Marchand, which performed exceptionally well in the playoffs, is worth monitoring to see if their chemistry continues.
Los Angeles Kings
As he transitions to take over for the retiring Anze Kopitar, rising star Quinton Byfield is projected to finally make another significant leap forward this season, expecting a minimum of 65 points from the young center. Three seasons removed from scoring 39 goals, the well-traveled Andrei Kuzmenko is playing for his next contract on the Kings` top line and power play. While unlikely to repeat last season`s stellar performance in standard ESPN leagues, goaltender Darcy Kuemper should still remain a top-10 fantasy option.
Minnesota Wild
When healthy, Kirill Kaprizov is a top-tier fantasy forward, so managers might take a chance on the winger playing upwards of 75 games this season. Joining his sixth team in four years, veteran Vladimir Tarasenko presents as a strong contender in extra-deep fantasy leagues, particularly if he stays on the top power play unit. Rookie defender Zeev Buium is a must-draft in keeper and dynasty competitions.
Montreal Canadiens
Montreal boasts numerous sleeper candidates, though not all will hit their potential. Rookie Ivan Demidov oozes talent, Zack Bolduc surged late last season, and Kirby Dach could center both. The defensive mix of Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson, and David Savard is somewhat unpredictable, while goaltender Sam Montembeault needs to find consistency. Above all, Juraj Slafkovsky appears poised to enter the elite tier of fantasy players.
Nashville Predators
Forward Filip Forsberg is a top-12 fantasy forward, regardless of the Nashville squad`s overall success. If the Predators manage to improve after last year`s struggles, Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault are set for strong rebound campaigns. The same goes for goaltender Juuse Saros, who deserves a much higher ranking. A healthy Roman Josi remains among the best fantasy defensemen.
New Jersey Devils
Alongside several consistent, early-round fantasy producers, the Devils offer some high-upside picks to consider in later draft rounds. Luke Hughes is ready to challenge the injury-prone Dougie Hamilton for quarterback duties on the top power play. Evgenii Dadonov or KHL import Arseny Gritsyuk present intriguing possibilities if they secure spots in the top six.
New York Islanders
Bo Horvat was tied for 100th overall in fantasy points last season, making the Islanders almost the only franchise without a player in the top 100. The emergence of Mathew Barzal and Matt Schaefer could change that. Ilya Sorokin needs a strong season to restore fantasy managers` faith, and there`s hope as he ranked fourth among goalies after January 1st last season.
New York Rangers
From Presidents` Trophy winners to missing the playoffs, the fantasy output for most Rangers mirrored their team`s decline. Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox can rebound if the power play regains its form. Alexis Lafreniere has an opportunity to take a significant step forward. Will Cuylle was a pleasant surprise, but maintaining that pace remains questionable.
Ottawa Senators
The ceiling is high for Dylan Cozens if he secures top power-play time in his first full season with the Senators. Fabian Zetterlund has similar upside, though his deployment is a bigger question mark. Linus Ullmark was elite aside from injury and lack of wins, both of which are potentially fixable for 2025-26.
Philadelphia Flyers
New coach Rick Tocchet and top-six addition Trevor Zegras boost the Flyers` fantasy outlook. Zegras, Tyson Foerster, and Jamie Drysdale are all low-investment targets if their roles solidify. Don`t overlook physical defensemen, as Travis Sanheim and Nick Seeler were valuable roster additions last year in standard leagues that reward hits and blocks.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Trade rumors surrounding Sidney Crosby cast a long shadow, but he and Erik Karlsson will deliver fantasy value regardless of their uniform. Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust offer stability if they remain with the team, but they are among the most likely to be dealt if the Penguins continue their rebuild.
San Jose Sharks
The up-and-coming Sharks are teeming with future fantasy stars. Beyond Macklin Celebrini, fellow sophomore Will Smith possesses point-per-game potential. In contention to make the squad out of training camp, second-overall pick Michael Misa represents a dynasty dream selection with incredible offensive upside. If the Sharks become consistently competitive, 23-year-old goaltender Yaroslav Askarov could prove to be the goalie sleeper of the season.
Seattle Kraken
Forward Eeli Tolvanen is worth fantasy consideration in leagues that reward hits, as he provides sufficient scoring otherwise. Goaltender Joey Daccord will start enough games to remain relevant in deeper leagues, and possibly even more so if the Kraken can secure a few more wins. Beyond these, this Seattle squad isn`t exactly brimming with fantasy promise.
St. Louis Blues
St. Louis is full of under-appreciated fantasy talent, like top center Robert Thomas, who averaged 1.10 points per game over the past two seasons. Or power-play anchor Cam Fowler, who collected 36 points in 51 games after joining the Blues from Anaheim last year. Then there`s prospect Jimmy Snuggeruud, who is flying under the rookie radar while others attract more attention, despite being offered a shot on the club`s top line and power play.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning`s fantasy appeal remains star-driven, but secondary roles are crucial. Anthony Cirelli carved out relevance as a second-line pivot last season, creating an opportunity for a winger like Oliver Bjorkstrand or Conor Geekie to follow suit. Determining who secures a spot in the middle six will reveal the sleeper values here.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The post-Marner Leafs still boast plenty of fantasy appeal at the top, but depth deployment will shape the secondary options. Matias Maccelli and Max Domi could land top-line duties. If either Anthony Stolarz or Joseph Woll reaches 55 starts, they possess top-five fantasy goalie upside.
Utah Mammoth
On a trajectory for nearly 100 points for the first time in his career, Clayton Keller remains undervalued across the fantasy hockey spectrum. A healthy Dylan Guenther could score upwards of 35 goals, while former Sabre JJ Peterka projects for 70 points in his new environment. If all these pieces come together, and the newly-named Mammoth contend for a playoff spot, goaltender Karel Vejmelka is going to make some managers very happy as a sleeper pick between the pipes.
Vancouver Canucks
Unless he`s irrevocably struggling – and the player himself strongly assures otherwise – there`s nowhere to go but up for the Canucks` top center. Whether that translates into a 70-point season for Elias Pettersson, or closer to 100 like his best days, is hard to determine. Perhaps a freshly signed Brock Boeser returns to his 70-plus scoring ways. Maybe new Canuck Evander Kane can stay healthy for a nearly 30-goal run. There are many fantasy “maybes” in Vancouver, with Quinn Hughes being the only top-tier sure thing.
Vegas Golden Knights
Enjoying top-line minutes with Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner, along with shifts on the secondary power play, should see Ivan Barbashev notch 30 goals and 35 assists in 2025-26. Unlike the other two, he`ll likely be available in most later draft rounds. Following Akira Schmid`s promotion to backup, the starting role with a very strong Vegas team is Adin Hill`s to lose. Defender Shea Theodore remains the anchor on a top power play that could be even better with Marner on board.
Washington Capitals
The Capitals were a surprise among just five teams with five 25-goal scorers last season. Aliaksei Protas and Connor McMichael look to build on their breakout performances, while Ryan Leonard and playoff surprise Anthony Beauvillier push for roster spots. On defense, John Carlson and Jakob Chychrun complement each other well. Goaltender Logan Thompson is worth stashing early.
Winnipeg Jets
Rich in fantasy talent from the net out, forward Cole Perfetti is poised to join the Jets` strong core of competitors as Nikolaj Ehlers` replacement on the top power play. After regaining his form, new second-line center Jonathan Toews offers dark-horse potential in extra-deep fantasy leagues. Winger Kyle Connor is going to score 50 goals one year; perhaps in 2025-26, when he`s on an expiring contract.
