As the crisp chill of autumn approaches, so too does the exhilarating return of the National Hockey League. For fantasy hockey enthusiasts, this means more than just puck drops and highlight-reel goals; it`s the annual intellectual gladiatorial contest of the draft. The 2025-26 season promises a familiar blend of established dominance and burgeoning potential, with a few curveballs that could decide your league championship. Forget the crystal ball; we`re here to offer a technical, yet engaging, dissection of what lies ahead, identifying the stalwarts, the sleepers, and the strategies to navigate the NHL`s ever-shifting landscape.
The Reigning Dynasties and Their Chasing Pack
The Florida Panthers, fresh off an unprecedented third consecutive Stanley Cup, enter the season with a target on their backs. While a dynasty in the making, even the most formidable empires face internal challenges. Their “stars,” as the common parlance suggests, might not all be returning to grace the ice. This presents an immediate conundrum for fantasy managers: how much draft capital do you invest in a slightly depleted, albeit historically dominant, squad? Expect Matthew Tkachuk to remain a high-value pick, though his early-season absence might tempt those with a robust IR spot. But keep an eye on secondary scorers like Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen; their playoff magic could translate into surprising regular-season output.
Meanwhile, powerhouses like the Colorado Avalanche, perennial contenders, boast undeniable top-tier talent. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar consistently anchor the top of their respective positional rankings. However, the true intrigue often lies in their supporting cast. If Gabriel Landeskog can miraculously return to form and Valeri Nichushkin maintains his health, Colorado`s second line could become a treasure trove of late-round value. This is where the savvy manager separates themselves from the casual drafter—identifying the pieces around the titans that inflate their statistical output.
The Ascendant Stars: Rookies, Sophomores, and Resurgences
Every season, the league witnesses the ascension of young talent. The 2025-26 campaign is no different, with a fresh crop of hopefuls and second-year sensations poised for breakout performances. In Chicago, the much-anticipated rebound year from **Connor Bedard** should see him comfortably reach or exceed a point-per-game pace. Accompanying him, sophomore Frank Nazar has the potential to cement his role as a second-line center and a power-play partner to Bedard, offering considerable sleeper value. And for those in deeper keeper leagues, rookie defender Sam Rinzel as Chicago`s top power-play anchor is a name to earmark.
Anaheim`s young core continues its development, with Leo Carlsson projected to hit another productive level. A 60-point season is hardly beyond his reach, especially with new linemate Chris Kreider. On the blue line, Jackson LaCombe is expected to exceed the 55-point plateau as the full-time anchor on Anaheim’s top power play. These are the players who, if drafted at the right spot, can provide disproportionate returns relative to their average draft position.
Then there are the “new identities.” The Utah Mammoth (formerly the Arizona Coyotes) embark on a fresh chapter. For fantasy managers, this rebranding often comes with renewed energy and, crucially, new opportunities. Clayton Keller remains an undervalued asset on the fantasy spectrum, poised for nearly 100 points. A healthy Dylan Guenther could net 35 goals, and new acquisition JJ Peterka projects for 70 points. A team on the rise creates fertile ground for breakout performances, and the Mammoth are ripe for the picking.
The Underestimated and the Unsung Heroes (A.K.A. “Sleepers”)
The most satisfying fantasy picks are often those that fly under the radar. These are the players who outperform their draft position, becoming linchpins on your roster while your league-mates scratch their heads. In Calgary, Nazem Kadri is a prime example—perennially more valuable than fantasy managers give him credit for. His consistent production, particularly in categories like shots and hits, makes him a steady, reliable option in the mid-to-late rounds.
The Boston Bruins, with expectations lower after a surprising season, could offer significant under-the-radar value. Beyond the obvious brilliance of David Pastrnak, Jeremy Swayman`s projected workload, Charlie McAvoy`s blue-line output, and Elias Lindholm`s second chance at a top-line center role make them underrated targets who might be available later than their true value suggests. Similarly, Detroit’s Marco Kasper is pushing toward fantasy-lock status, while a healthy Patrick Kane could slip past drafters, a potential steal for those willing to take a calculated risk.
Goalies often fall into this category. Lukas Dostal in Anaheim, if the Ducks take another step forward, could crack the top 15. In Columbus, if wins start to follow, Elvis Merzlikins—or even sleeper Jet Greaves—carry some crease intrigue. And with the newly-named Utah Mammoth challenging for a playoff spot, Karel Vejmelka could make some managers very happy as a sleeper between the pipes. Goaltending is notoriously volatile, but identifying these hidden gems can be a league-winning move.
Navigating the Currents of Team Dynamics and Trade Winds
Beyond individual talent, team dynamics play a crucial role. Consider the Toronto Maple Leafs in their post-Marner era. While the core “fantasy appeal at the top” remains with Auston Matthews and William Nylander, the depth deployment will shape secondary options. Matias Maccelli and Max Domi could land top-line duties, offering high upside if their roles solidify. This is where diligence pays off – monitoring training camp reports and early-season line combinations becomes paramount.
Trade rumors, such as those swirling around Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh, cast long shadows. Yet, Crosby and Erik Karlsson will deliver fantasy value regardless of the uniform. The key is to assess the potential impact of a move on their surrounding cast and overall team performance. Similarly, the New York Rangers, after a disappointing season following a Presidents` Trophy run, offer rebound potential for stars like Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox, provided their power play regains its form.
Even teams without significant turnover present interesting cases. The Vancouver Canucks are rife with “fantasy maybes,” save for the undeniable Quinn Hughes. Elias Pettersson`s potential 70-to-100 point season, Brock Boeser`s scoring resurgence, or Evander Kane`s ability to stay healthy for a 30-goal run are all questions that add intrigue and risk to their fantasy outlook.
The Goalie Gambit: High Risk, High Reward
Goaltending in fantasy hockey is a tightrope walk. The position can be the most frustrating and the most rewarding. With Adin Hill potentially solidifying the No. 1 gig for a very good Vegas team, he presents a high-upside pick. Conversely, Ilya Sorokin in New York needs a big season to restore fantasy faith after a challenging year, though his late-season performance offers a glimmer of hope.
The rise of “tandems” and the increasing focus on workload management make predicting goalie performance a statistical nightmare. However, identifying goalies like Linus Ullmark (Ottawa), who was elite despite injury and a lack of wins, means recognizing fixable issues that could translate into significant value. Similarly, if Anthony Stolarz or Joseph Woll in Toronto can secure 55 starts, they possess top-five fantasy goalie upside. It`s a calculated gamble, but one often necessary to build a championship roster.
As you prepare for your 2025-26 fantasy hockey draft, remember that success stems from a blend of statistical analysis, informed speculation, and a healthy appreciation for the unpredictable nature of sports. From the established giants like MacKinnon and Pastrnak to the rising talents like Bedard and Celebrini, and the undervalued gems such as Nazem Kadri or Karel Vejmelka, every player represents a calculated risk and a potential reward. Embrace the chaos, trust your instincts, and may your draft day be filled with fortunate bounces and shrewd selections. The ice is set, the puck is about to drop, and your fantasy glory awaits.
Jasper Hawthorne 
Dominic Ashworth