Bold Fantasy Hockey Predictions for 2025-26 Season

The dawn of the 2025-26 NHL season brings not just fresh faces and new line combinations, but also a wave of daring fantasy hockey predictions. NHL.com’s fantasy staff has laid out some audacious scenarios for both players and teams, challenging managers to look beyond the obvious and embrace high-upside strategies. These bold takes can help you spot breakout stars, avoid groupthink, and seize an edge in your league—if you’re willing to take the plunge.

What’s New & Why It Matters

This season’s bold predictions break from the consensus, spotlighting players poised for dramatic leaps and teams set to defy expectations. The list includes rookie sensations like Macklin Celebrini aiming for elite production, and established names such as Roman Josi projected to deliver uniquely valuable stat lines. These forecasts are not just idle speculation—they reflect changing usage, evolving team contexts, and the emergence of new power-play quarterbacks and netminders. For fantasy managers, the message is clear: Opportunity and upside abound for those who can read between the lines.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

In pure points leagues, the spotlight is on offensive ceiling. Macklin Celebrini is touted as a potential top-10 scorer, a rare feat for a rookie. His likely deployment on the San Jose Sharks’ top line and power play could make him a season-defining value. Similarly, Matt Boldy is pegged for a breakout 40/40 campaign, suggesting a leap into the league’s offensive elite. These picks highlight the importance of tracking not just talent, but also role stability and linemate quality.

Categories / Bangers

For managers in multi-category or banger leagues, the focus shifts to all-around contributors. Roman Josi stands out as a unicorn, projected to excel in points, shots, and blocked shots—making him a rare asset who can anchor your blue line across formats. On the forward front, Dylan Guenther is forecasted for a top-five goal-scoring finish, boosting his value in leagues that reward goals, shots, and even power-play points if he sticks on PP1 for the new Utah Mammoth. In goal, Jet Greaves is a name to track for his potential to crack the upper echelon in save percentage, especially if he cements a high-volume starter’s role.

Dynasty / Keeper

Long-term formats require a different lens. Zayne Parekh is highlighted as a rookie defenseman with the tools to lead his class in scoring, making him an enticing stash for dynasty managers. Celebrini’s ceiling is even higher, with the potential to be a franchise cornerstone if he lives up to the hype. The key is to monitor usage rates, special teams deployment, and early chemistry—especially for rookies who could quickly climb depth charts or hit the rookie wall. Investing early in these high-upside assets could yield multi-year rewards.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Macklin Celebrini – Monitor for top-line, PP1 usage and elite rookie scoring upside.
Dylan Guenther – Target for goal-heavy formats; could emerge as a league leader if role solidifies.
Matt Boldy – Worth a look for a points breakout; dual-threat with goals and assists.
Roman Josi – Stream or acquire for his rare blend of points, shots, and blocks from the blue line.
Zayne Parekh – Add in dynasty for his potential to lead rookie defensemen in scoring.
Jet Greaves – Watch for save percentage spikes if he earns the starter’s job in Columbus.

Fantasy Takeaways

Embracing bold predictions can be the difference between a middling finish and a championship run. This year, keep a close eye on rookies in high-leverage roles, such as Celebrini and Parekh. Established players like Josi and Guenther could vastly outperform typical ADP if these forecasts hit. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks, especially early in the season when usage patterns and line combinations are still settling. Finally, remember that bold does not mean reckless—monitor trends, watch for injuries, and be ready to pivot if regression or opportunity knocks.

Source: NHL.com (2025-10-03). See the original for full details.