2025-26 Fantasy Hockey Projections and Player Insights
The 2025-26 NHL season is underway, and fantasy hockey managers are already searching for any edge they can find. With new stars emerging, perennial contenders chasing hardware, and dark horses vying for breakout campaigns, projections and player insights are more vital than ever. Let’s break down the most relevant names and trends, focusing on fantasy impact across all formats.
What’s New & Why It Matters
This season’s early returns have already shifted some expectations. Aliaksei Protas has taken a leap for the Washington Capitals, leading his club in even-strength production and forcing his way into the fantasy conversation. Meanwhile, futures markets highlight familiar faces: Nathan MacKinnon and Jack Eichel are projected to battle for the Art Ross and Hart Trophies, while goaltenders like Connor Hellebuyck and Igor Shesterkin headline Vezina discussions. These projections aren’t just for bragging rights—they’re a direct window into usage trends, line stability, and the risk/reward balance that fantasy managers must weigh each week.
Fantasy Implications
Points-Only
In pure scoring leagues, the focus remains on top-line deployment and power-play usage. Nathan MacKinnon is a clear target; his consistent offensive production and role as the centerpiece of Colorado’s attack make him a set-and-forget asset. Jack Eichel’s resurgence in Vegas, especially if he maintains top-unit power-play minutes, cements his high floor and ceiling. For those seeking value, keep an eye on emerging playmakers like Protas—if his even-strength scoring translates to more special teams exposure, his upside grows considerably.
Categories / Bangers
Multi-category leagues require a broader lens. Connor Hellebuyck is a foundational piece for any fantasy roster, with elite volume and ratios that make him a Vezina frontrunner. On the skater side, players who combine offense with hits, blocks, and shots are at a premium. Protas’s well-rounded stat line, particularly if he continues to see top-six minutes, makes him a sneaky add in deeper leagues. Always monitor deployment—those logging heavy minutes at even strength and on special teams are best positioned to fill multiple categories.
Dynasty / Keeper
Long-term formats are all about identifying tomorrow’s stars today. Matthew Schaefer’s name is already surfacing in Calder Trophy chatter, making him a must-watch for dynasty managers. The key here is to balance patience with upside—rookies and young players who earn meaningful roles early in the season often see their fantasy stock soar. Don’t overlook goalies with clear paths to starts, as even a single breakout campaign can change the complexion of a dynasty roster.
Who to Add / Stream / Watch
- Aliaksei Protas (WSH): Leading the Capitals in even-strength points—watch for increased PP usage.
- Connor Hellebuyck (WPG): Vezina candidate with elite workload and ratios; add if available.
- Matthew Schaefer (rookie): Calder Trophy buzz and future upside for dynasty formats.
- Jack Eichel (VGK): Top-line, top-PP deployment—trade target for points leagues.
- Igor Shesterkin (NYR): High-upside goalie, especially valuable in categories formats.
- Evan Bouchard (EDM): Power-play quarterback with breakout potential if available on waivers.
- Cole Caufield (MTL): Volume shooter with upside if his line stabilizes.
Fantasy Takeaways
- Monitor emerging talents like Protas for category and points-only value, especially if their usage increases.
- Elite goaltenders such as Hellebuyck and Shesterkin remain foundational in all non-points-only formats.
- Target award contenders (MacKinnon, Eichel) for their combination of talent, deployment, and team context.
- Dynasty managers should prioritize rookies with clear paths to minutes—Schaefer is a prime example.
- Always track power-play assignments; shifts in PP1 usage can rapidly change a player’s fantasy ceiling.
Source: NHL.com. See the original for full details.