2026 Playoff Fantasy Rankings: Skaters, Goalies and Strategy

The Stanley Cup Playoffs demand a different fantasy mindset than the regular season. Short series, matchup swings and hot goalies can flip pools in a week. Using NHL.com’s playoff pool rankings as a guide, let’s break down how to attack your postseason formats around elite options like Mitch Marner, Jack Eichel, Frederik Andersen and upside plays such as Ivan Demidov.

What’s New & Why It Matters

NHL.com’s experts have laid out a playoff-specific ranking board that treats the postseason as its own ecosystem. The headline takeaway is that Marner is graded as the top skater overall, now driving offense for the Vegas Golden Knights as a top-line, first power-play winger. Eichel lands right behind him among skaters, giving Vegas a one-two fantasy punch that can carry pools if the Golden Knights go on a deep run.

On the blue line, Lane Hutson emerges as the top defenseman option for playoff pools. That’s a notable shift toward youth and upside, especially given his offensive profile and opportunity with the Montreal Canadiens. In goal, Andersen is ranked as the premier netminder, reflecting both his starting role for the Carolina Hurricanes and their perceived ability to stack wins in a multi-round run.

The other big wrinkle is the inclusion of Demidov as a viable fantasy piece already. As a rookie in Montreal, he’s not projected to be a top-tier playoff scorer yet, but his ranking signals that he’s worth consideration in deeper formats and, especially, in long-view dynasty setups where his playoff reps could be a springboard.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

In points-only playoff pools, volume of games and offensive role rule everything. Marner being ranked as the top skater tells you two things: Vegas is viewed as a strong candidate to play a lot of games, and Marner is expected to be at the center of that scoring. As a top-line winger with prime power-play usage, he should be one of the first names you lock into any roster that rewards pure scoring.

Eichel’s placement right behind Marner reinforces the idea that stacking Vegas forwards is a viable strategy. As a top-six center with first-unit power-play time, he brings both goal-scoring and playmaking, and he’s the kind of player who can dominate a series if he gets rolling. In pools where you can load up on one team, pairing Marner and Eichel gives you exposure to almost every high-leverage scoring situation the Golden Knights generate.

Hutson’s status as the top-ranked defenseman is especially important in points-only formats that require or reward defense scoring. Even if Montreal doesn’t project as a favorite to go deep, Hutson’s offensive ceiling and likely power-play responsibilities make him a high-upside blue-line pick when the elite forwards are off the board. He’s the kind of D who can keep pace with mid-tier forwards on pure points.

Demidov is more of a swing in points-only playoff pools. As a rookie, his ice time and usage could fluctuate, but his inclusion in the rankings signals that he has enough skill to make an impact if he sticks in a scoring role. In larger pools or formats that reward bold picks, he’s a reasonable late roster spot when you’re chasing upside over floor.

Categories / Bangers

In multi-category playoff formats, Andersen’s ranking as the top goalie is a massive edge. Goaltending stats—wins, save percentage, goals-against average, sometimes shutouts—tend to be scarce and swing matchups quickly. As Carolina’s starter, Andersen is positioned to start the bulk of their playoff games, and the Hurricanes’ defensive structure boosts his odds of strong rate stats along with volume wins.

Marner and Eichel remain elite in categories formats, but their value shifts slightly. Marner’s playmaking and power-play role should translate into strong assists and power-play points, while Eichel’s shot volume and goal-scoring give him a higher ceiling in goals and shots on goal. If your format leans heavily on shots and goals, Eichel closes the gap on Marner and may even be preferable depending on scoring weights.

Hutson can add value in categories that count shots, power-play points and sometimes blocks, though you shouldn’t expect heavy banger stats from him. He’s more of an offensive specialist than a hits-and-blocks monster, so he fits best on teams that already have a strong base of peripherals from other skaters.

Demidov’s category appeal is mostly speculative right now. If he earns a meaningful role, his skill set suggests he could contribute in shots and power-play points, but in most categories formats he’s more of a watchlist or deep-league bench play until his usage stabilizes.

Dynasty / Keeper

Dynasty and keeper managers should read these playoff rankings as an early signal of how the fantasy community views long-term value. Marner and Eichel being at the top of the skater list reinforces their status as cornerstone pieces; nothing new there, but it’s a reminder that their situations remain extremely favorable heading into and through the playoffs.

Hutson’s rise to the top defense slot is a bigger dynasty story. Being treated as the premier playoff defenseman this early in his career suggests that his offensive upside is both real and near-term. If you can still acquire him at anything less than elite defenseman prices, he’s a priority target in long-term formats, especially where defense scoring is scarce.

Demidov is the clearest dynasty arrow-up name here. The fact that he’s already recommended as an add in dynasty formats, despite being a rookie on a developing Montreal team, shows how high his ceiling is perceived to be. Even if his immediate playoff impact is modest, these are the types of players you stash now and let the development curve work for you. His first taste of playoff hockey could accelerate his growth and his role.

In goal, Andersen’s top ranking is more about the next couple of playoff runs than the distant future, but it does confirm that he’s still viewed as a reliable starter on a strong team. In dynasty, he’s more of a win-now piece than a long-term anchor, but that has real value if you’re contending and need stability in net.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Mitch Marner – Add (all formats): Top-ranked skater, locked into a top-line, PP1 role on a team projected for a deep run.
Jack Eichel – Trade target / Add: Elite playoff center with first-unit power-play usage who can rack up goals and shots.
Frederik Andersen – Start: Top-ranked goalie and clear starter for a strong defensive team, ideal for wins and rate stats.
Lane Hutson – Add (points-heavy, D-required): Highest-ranked defenseman, offering rare blue-line scoring upside.
Ivan Demidov – Watchlist / Deep add: Rookie with significant upside in Montreal, especially appealing in dynasty and deeper playoff pools.

Fantasy Takeaways

Build around Marner as a foundational skater in playoff pools, especially in points-only formats.
Prioritize Andersen early in categories leagues where goaltending can decide matchups.
View Eichel as a premium target if you want to stack Vegas offense for a potential long run.
Lean into Hutson’s offensive ceiling when you need impact scoring from the blue line.
Stash Demidov in dynasty and monitor his playoff usage closely for an early breakout sign.

Source: NHL.com. See the original for full details.