Every fantasy hockey manager knows the feeling. As players fly off the draft board, you secretly eye a hidden gem, an overlooked asset you`re convinced is a fantasy points powerhouse. When your turn arrives, a quick check confirms your target is still available, and you make the pick, confident it will propel your team to victory and leave your league mates envious of your strategic insight.
This list presents ten players I’m endorsing for the 2025-26 NHL season, players I`m `planting my flag` on. While some are clear contenders, others are sleeper picks – those undervalued talents you hope no one else spots, ready to deliver impressive fantasy production.
My choices are based on projected performance for the upcoming season and their ability to accumulate points under the standard ESPN Fantasy Hockey scoring system, which is as follows:
- Skaters: Goals = 2 points, Assists = 1 point, Shots and Hits = 0.1 points, Blocked shots and Special-teams points = 0.5 points;
- Goaltenders: Wins = 4 points, OT losses = 1 point, Shutouts = 3 points, Saves = 0.2 points, Goals against = -2 points.
Here’s the `Plant My Flag` list for the 2025-26 season. May all your selections lead to success!
Nikita Kucherov, F, Tampa Bay Lightning
Most fantasy hockey projections consistently rank the same top five or six forwards: Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Auston Matthews, David Pastrnak, and Kucherov. Drafting any of them is a solid move, but I favor Kucherov for a couple of key reasons.
Despite leading the NHL in assists for two consecutive seasons, his goal-scoring hasn`t suffered. Kucherov netted 44 goals in 2023-24 and 37 last season, with three straight seasons of at least 265 shots on goal. Over the past two seasons, no player has accumulated more power-play points (99). There`s no indication this consistency will wane, given the talent surrounding him in Tampa Bay, from defenseman Victor Hedman (66 points) to linemates Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point. Their line averaged over four goals per 60 minutes of even-strength ice time.
He’s an offensive powerhouse and remarkably durable, having missed only five games in the last three regular seasons. Furthermore, with Russia not participating in the Olympic hockey tournament, he`ll get a mid-season break. While Kucherov has nothing left to prove, it`s worth noting he`s entering the final two years of his contract, which could fuel another stellar campaign.
Pavel Dorofeyev, F, Vegas Golden Knights
The most significant offseason move in an otherwise quiet period was the Golden Knights` acquisition of star winger Mitch Marner from the Maple Leafs. Naturally, a major question for the 2025-26 season is how Marner fits into Vegas`s forward group and special teams, and which players will benefit most from his arrival.
Upon his trade, immediate speculation arose about Marner playing with top center Jack Eichel. Coach Bruce Cassidy recently told NHL.com that the two stars still need to develop chemistry. Both players like to control the puck and generate plays. This could mean they end up leading their own lines, but if their chemistry thrives and they form a dynamic duo, Cassidy indicated they’ll need a strong finisher on their wing.
This is where Dorofeyev enters the picture.
The 24-year-old winger had the breakout season many anticipated, recording 35 goals and 52 points in 82 games last season. His shooting percentage (13.8) remained consistent year-over-year, while his shot total surged to 254, a career high over his four seasons. He scored 13 of his goals on the power play, a unit that finished second in efficiency (28.3%) last season, only behind Winnipeg. Now, that unit adds Marner, who ranks tenth in power-play points (96) over the past three seasons.
Am I concerned that Ivan Barbashev might secure the spot next to Eichel and Marner if they play together? Absolutely, given Barbashev’s prior chemistry with Eichel. However, I’m betting Dorofeyev’s finishing ability will earn him ice time with Eichel, Marner, or both, making last season a prelude to even greater achievements.
Nick Suzuki, F, Montreal Canadiens
Suzuki has shown impressive growth in his point totals over the past three seasons, climbing from 66 to 77 and reaching a career-high 89 points last season. He has also surpassed the 30-goal mark in each of the last two seasons. Achieving 30 goals even as his power-play goal total dropped from 12 to four is particularly noteworthy.
Similar to Kucherov, I appreciate the predictability Suzuki offers. It’s reasonable to assume he’ll once again be paired with Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky for the Canadiens. That line generated 4.3 goals per 60 minutes of even-strength play together last season, the highest among any trio with at least 500 minutes played.
Anything less than 30 goals and 80-90 points for Suzuki this season would be a disappointment. From a fantasy perspective, he’s averaged 2.11 shots per game over the past three seasons and contributes a higher number of blocks and hits than one might expect from a top-line center. He also starts the season with a significant motivation: a potential spot on Team Canada for the Olympics, especially after not being included in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Alex Tuch, F, Buffalo Sabres
Some players are simply perfectly suited for ESPN Fantasy Hockey. Goals are the most valuable stat for skaters in standard league scoring, earning two fantasy points per tally. However, blocked shots also carry a premium, awarding 0.5 points per block. A player capable of scoring a significant number of goals while also blocking a substantial amount of shots should be a priority on your draft board.
This brings us to Alex Tuch.
Last season, no forward in the NHL blocked more shots than Tuch (113), and he added 73 hits for good measure. He scored 36 goals (on 196 shots) for the second time in three seasons, accumulating 67 points in 82 games last season – the first time he played a full 82-game schedule in his career. His consistent ice time with star center Tage Thompson undoubtedly contributed to this success and will hopefully continue this season. There’s still room for improvement, particularly on the power play, where he only managed a modest 11 points.
Not all fantasy hockey scoring systems are identical, and some may not value Tuch’s unique contributions as highly. But for ESPN`s standard scoring format, he is a quintessential fantasy asset.
Will Cuylle, F, New York Rangers
Here’s a player truly poised for a breakout season. In his second full NHL season, Cuylle recorded 20 goals and 25 assists in 82 games, with his shot total increasing by 33. He also delivered 301 hits, 50 blocked shots, and three shorthanded points, including two goals. His year-over-year improvement is tantalizing enough, but he’s also likely secured a spot in the Rangers’ top-six forward group this season.
Cuylle spent considerable time skating with J.T. Miller at center and Mika Zibanejad at right wing. Assuming new coach Mike Sullivan opts to keep Zibanejad on the wing – where the veteran scorer found his rhythm after a challenging start to last season – that line averaged 3.8 goals per 60 minutes at even strength.
My biggest question regarding Cuylle revolves around the power play. He averaged only 0:45 of power-play time per game last season for the Rangers, resulting in just three power-play points. Chris Kreider, who averaged 2:54 on the man advantage for the Rangers last season, is now with the Anaheim Ducks. Cuylle could potentially step into his role at the net front on New York’s power play, and if that happens, his offensive stats could skyrocket.
Evan Bouchard, D, Edmonton Oilers
Bouchard perfectly illustrates the dichotomy between actual hockey and fantasy hockey. In the NHL, he faces criticism as an incomplete defenseman, often viewed as a liability in his own end, having given away the puck 128 times last season—the third most in the league. However, in fantasy hockey, all these concerns are overshadowed by his elite point production, especially while playing alongside Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the rest of the high-powered Oilers offense.
Among defensemen, Bouchard ranks ninth in points (189) over the last three seasons and is tied for fourth in power-play points (74). He`s also tied for eighth in goals (40), which is one of the most appealing aspects of his game from a fantasy perspective, thanks to his booming shot on the Oilers’ potent power play.
I genuinely hope I’m not staking my claim on eroding ground. His 2024-25 campaign saw his numbers dip across the board, primarily due to nine fewer power-play points. This regression is why he’s ranked No. 45 overall this season by ESPN. I`m operating on the assumption that this was an anomaly and that the point-per-game defenseman we witnessed in 2023-24 is the true `Bouch Bomb.` Either way, he’s also reliably good for around 230 shots on goal.
Jackson LaCombe, D, Anaheim Ducks
If you’re unfamiliar with the name, get ready to learn it. The 24-year-old completed his second full NHL season with 43 points (14 goals, 29 assists) in 75 games, experiencing a significant jump of 79 shots on goal year-over-year. He also contributed 129 blocked shots, earning him an invite to Team USA’s Olympic orientation camp this summer.
I anticipate the Ducks will be an improved team overall under Joel Quenneville, leading a maturing group of talented players. This alone is bound to benefit LaCombe. I’m also curious to see which defenseman he spends the most time with, as he played extensively with both Radko Gudas and Olen Zellweger last season.
LaCombe is poised for another leap in his offensive production with increased shot volume and additional power-play minutes. He might just be under the radar enough to be a savvy, “hipster” pick in your fantasy draft.
Sam Rinzel, D, Chicago Blackhawks
There`s a fair amount of safe, predictable advice on this list. Suggesting “Draft Nikita Kucherov!” isn`t exactly a bold claim. So, let’s take a chance on a slightly less certain prospect. Let’s plant our flag on a promising newcomer.
Sam Rinzel enters the 2025-26 season with nine games of NHL experience, in which he recorded five assists last season. The buzz around this rookie is palpable, with many in Chicago predicting he could become a top-pairing defenseman for the Blackhawks this season.
Rinzel was drafted 25th overall in 2022 from Chaska High School in Minnesota. He was considered a raw talent who needed to develop physically and defensively. He played two seasons in the NCAA at Minnesota before making the jump to the NHL last season.
Look, it’s anyone’s guess what he`ll truly deliver for the Hawks this season, assuming he gets significant ice time. Perhaps 40-plus points with sufficient power-play opportunities? A combination of blocks and hits that establish him as a viable fantasy defenseman? That’s the potential upside.
I should also mention that Calgary Flames defenseman Zayne Parekh was considered for this spot. If he makes the team out of training camp, I might rush to the waiver wire because that kid is an undeniable scorer.
Karel Vejmelka, G, Utah Mammoth
Utah boasts two significant things this season: a new nickname and genuine playoff expectations following last season’s 89-point debut in Salt Lake City. They`ve added a few quality players (JJ Peterka, Nate Schmidt) to an improving young roster with an eye toward contention. If their ascent in the standings continues, Vejmelka should be the primary beneficiary.
The 29-year-old goaltender signed a five-year extension in March, solidifying his status as Utah’s starter. He played 58 games last season out of necessity due to the team’s goaltending depth chart, including 21 games in March and April. The ESPN Fantasy standard scoring system places a high premium on wins. Vejmelka secured 26 wins last season and could significantly improve on that number if Utah meets expectations.
Mackenzie Blackwood, G, Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are positioned for another 100-point season in the Western Conference, and Blackwood is set to build on his performance from last season. He earned 22 wins in 37 games after joining from the San Jose Sharks, including three shutouts.
Now for the crucial caveat: Last season marked the first time Blackwood played more than 50 games in his career. While some of this can be attributed to often being a tandem goalie in previous seasons, much was due to his prior inability to consistently stay in the lineup. The fact that he was already dealing with an injury in the preseason doesn’t inspire immense confidence in his durability. That said: If he plays, he has the potential to be a fantasy-point-producing netminder for a Stanley Cup contender.
The emphasis is truly on `if he plays.` Otherwise, it might be time to plant my flag in another crease.
