EDGE Stats Tiers: Key Fantasy Hockey Targets for 2025-26

Advanced EDGE data is shining a light on some intriguing fantasy hockey values for 2025-26. Rather than chasing name value, smart managers are targeting players whose usage, shot volume and power-play roles point to sustainable production. Here’s how to tier Lane Hutson, Rickard Rakell, Boone Jenner and John Klingberg for the season ahead.

What’s New & Why It Matters

The EDGE-driven view from NHL.com highlights four players whose underlying numbers and deployment suggest fantasy value that may not be fully priced in by your league-mates. Hutson is emerging as an offensive driver on the blue line for the Montreal Canadiens, already trusted on the top power play. Klingberg has resurfaced as a focal point of the San Jose Sharks attack, leading the team in ice time and recent scoring.

Up front, Rakell’s shot volume and offensive-zone usage with the Pittsburgh Penguins make him a classic hot-streak streamer in scoring leagues. Jenner continues to do a bit of everything for the Columbus Blue Jackets, blending shots and scoring in a top-six role. When EDGE stats back up the eye test on usage and opportunity, that’s your cue to act before the rest of your league catches on.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

Tier 1: High-upside offensive defenseman – Hutson belongs in a premium scoring tier for defensemen thanks to his combination of offensive instincts and PP1 deployment. In points-only formats, a blueliner who drives offense and lives on the top unit is often worth more than a middling forward. His strong EDGE profile suggests the production is skill- and role-driven, not a fluke hot streak.

Tier 2: Power-play quarterback with volume opportunity – Klingberg’s recent surge and heavy usage in San Jose put him in that next scoring tier. The Sharks may not be an offensive juggernaut, but a defenseman leading his team in ice time and running the power play can still be a reliable mid-tier producer. In points-only leagues, he’s firmly rosterable as a D2/D3 type with upside if the Sharks’ offense overperforms expectations.

Tier 3: Streamable scoring winger – Rakell’s value in points-only formats is tied to his current deployment and shot volume. Skating in a scoring role with heavy offensive-zone starts gives him a strong floor when he’s hot, but his production tends to come in waves. That profile lands him in a streaming tier: ride him when the schedule is favorable or when he’s clicking, but don’t be afraid to churn the spot if the points dry up.

Tier 4: Depth scorer with streaky upside – Jenner’s points-only value is more muted. He can chip in goals and assists, but his true edge lies in multi-cat formats. In pure scoring leagues he’s more of a depth piece or matchup play, especially when he’s riding shotgun with more skilled linemates. Think of him as a flexible bench option rather than a locked-in starter.

Categories / Bangers

Tier 1: Multi-category blue-line weapon – Hutson’s EDGE profile points to strong offensive contributions, and his role suggests he’ll also help in shots and power-play points. While he’s not a classic banger, the combination of scoring categories from the back end can be a difference-maker. In leagues that count PPP, he jumps a full tier and should be treated as a cornerstone defenseman.

Tier 2: Volume shooter with scoring upside – Rakell’s shot-heavy game is ideal for categories formats. Even when the points aren’t flowing, he can help you win shots and contribute on the power play. That makes him a valuable short-term add when you’re chasing SOG or PPP in a given matchup week.

Tier 2: Quiet category filler at forward – Jenner’s consistent shot production and steady scoring place him firmly in the multi-cat conversation. He may not dominate any single category, but he can chip in across goals, shots and potentially some peripheral stats depending on your format. That versatility earns him a mid-tier spot in bangers leagues and makes him an excellent glue piece on competitive rosters.

Tier 3: Specialist offensive defenseman – Klingberg is more of a category specialist. His value leans heavily on assists, power-play points and perhaps shot volume from the blue line. He’s less likely to help in hits or blocks, but if you’re punting those categories or simply need an injection of PP production, he fits nicely as a mid-tier D option.

Dynasty / Keeper

Tier 1: Cornerstone keeper – Hutson is the clear dynasty prize from this group. An offensive defenseman with strong EDGE metrics at a young age, already trusted on PP1 for Montreal, is the kind of profile you build around in long-term formats. His ceiling is that of a perennial top-20 fantasy defenseman if the Canadiens’ offense continues to grow around him.

Tier 2: Short- to mid-term asset – Klingberg’s resurgence in San Jose is encouraging, but his dynasty value is more about the next couple of seasons than a long runway. In keeper formats with limited slots, he’s more of a win-now hold than a long-term stash. If your team is rebuilding, he’s a logical sell-high candidate using tools like the NHL Trade Analyzer to gauge market value.

Tier 3: Productive veteran support – Rakell fits best as a complementary piece in dynasty. His role alongside high-end talent in Pittsburgh gives him short-term value, but his long-term outlook is more volatile. In shallow keeper setups, he’s usually on the outside looking in for protected spots, though he remains a useful roster player while the Penguins’ core is still driving offense.

Tier 3: Stable but limited-upside forward – Jenner’s game should age reasonably well, but his fantasy ceiling is capped by role and skill set. In deep dynasty leagues he’s a solid hold for contending teams that need reliable depth, yet he’s rarely a priority keeper. Think of him as a useful veteran who can bridge the gap while your higher-upside prospects develop.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Lane Hutson – Add (all but the shallowest leagues): PP1 role and strong EDGE metrics make him a must-roster offensive defenseman with real breakout potential.
John Klingberg – Add (standard and deep leagues): Leading the Sharks in ice time and recent scoring, he’s a prime target if you need blue-line offense and power-play help.
Rickard Rakell – Short-term stream (points-only and categories): High shot volume and offensive-zone usage make him ideal to stream when the Penguins have a favorable schedule.
Boone Jenner – Watchlist / depth add (bangers and deep formats): Consistent shots and steady production make him a strong multi-cat depth piece, especially in larger leagues.

Fantasy Takeaways

Prioritize Lane Hutson as a high-upside offensive defenseman; his PP1 role and EDGE profile justify aggressive acquisition in most formats.
John Klingberg’s heavy usage and recent scoring in San Jose make him a valuable mid-tier blue-liner, especially if you’re chasing power-play production.
Use Rickard Rakell as a schedule- and streak-based streamer, leveraging his shot volume and offensive deployment when you need a short-term scoring boost.
Boone Jenner is a quietly strong multi-category contributor whose consistent shot output and recent form warrant a watchlist or depth spot in bangers leagues.
EDGE stats-backed roles and usage should guide your add/stream decisions more than name value, especially for emerging options like Hutson.

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