As the NHL gears up for the 2025-26 season, fantasy hockey enthusiasts are already strategizing their drafts. With the Florida Panthers celebrating back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, teams across the league are making significant moves to strengthen their rosters. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top players and draft strategies to help you dominate your fantasy league.

Key Player Moves

• Matthew Schaefer: Drafted first overall by the New York Islanders.
• Mitch Marner: Traded to the Vegas Golden Knights.
• Brent Burns: Signed with the Colorado Avalanche.

Fantasy Hockey Rankings

These rankings are based on expected fantasy points for the 2025-26 NHL season, considering standard ESPN Fantasy scoring:

• 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).

Top 10 Players

1. Nathan MacKinnon, Col (C1)
2. Auston Matthews, Tor (C2)
3. Connor Hellebuyck, Wpg (G1)
4. David Pastrnak, Bos (RW1)
5. Connor McDavid, Edm (C3)
6. Matthew Tkachuk, Fla (LW1)
7. Cale Makar, Col (D1)
8. Brady Tkachuk, Ott (LW2)
9. Filip Forsberg, Nsh (RW2)
10. Leon Draisaitl, Edm (C4)

Draft Strategies

• Keeper Leagues: Focus on young talent with high upside.
• Redraft Leagues: Prioritize proven performers and consistent scorers.
• Custom Leagues: Tailor your draft strategy to your league’s specific scoring settings.

Conclusion

Start planning your 2025-26 fantasy hockey team today with these expert rankings and strategies. Whether you’re in a keeper league or a redraft league, these insights will help you build a championship-caliber team.

Ready to play? Sign up for ESPN Fantasy Hockey today and customize your league with myriad settings and features.