Fantasy Hockey EDGE Projections: Players to Target for 2025-26
Advanced tracking and EDGE-style stats are changing how we evaluate fantasy talent. Instead of just boxscore results, we can now lean on usage, shot volume, and power-play deployment to spot value before it shows up in the standings. For 2025-26, that means rethinking how we treat emerging defensemen, high-volume shooters, and award-caliber superstars.
What’s New & Why It Matters
The big shift in this EDGE-driven look is how much weight we put on role and process. For example, Anaheim defenseman Jackson LaCombe is highlighted not because he’s a household name, but because his ice time and power-play usage point to a breakout profile. Heavy minutes plus top-unit deployment are exactly what you want when hunting for undervalued blue-line production.
On the forward side, scorers like Tage Thompson, David Pastrnak, and Alex Ovechkin stand out for their goal and shot potential. EDGE-style data reinforces what we already suspect: when these players are firing a ton of pucks on net and living on PP1, the fantasy ceiling stays elite even if shooting luck wobbles. For someone like Thompson, favorable matchups (such as facing Calgary) only amplify that upside in the short term.
The article also folds in futures and award races, which matters more than it might seem for fantasy. A player like Nathan MacKinnon being a serious contender for multiple NHL awards tells you his environment, usage, and talent are all aligned. That’s exactly the type of profile you want to aggressively pursue in trades, especially in points-only leagues where raw scoring is king.
Finally, prospects and young talents such as Cutter Gauthier enter the conversation as long-term bets. They may not dominate immediately, but their trajectory, opportunity, and underlying indicators can justify an early stash in deeper or dynasty formats.
Fantasy Implications
Points-Only
In points-only formats, you’re chasing pure offense and power-play exposure. That’s where EDGE-style projections are most straightforward: they highlight who is consistently involved in dangerous chances and who is stapled to PP1.
Nathan MacKinnon profiles as a premium trade target. Award-level buzz implies massive usage, elite linemates, and a system built around his strengths. If there’s any dip in surface production early in the season, it’s an opportunity to buy before the numbers catch up to the underlying play-driving.
Tage Thompson remains a must-start whenever he draws soft matchups. The EDGE lens reinforces his value: a big shot, heavy usage, and a central role on the man advantage. When Buffalo’s offense is humming, he’s at the heart of it. In points-only, you’re not benching that profile unless injury or a dramatic role change intervenes.
David Pastrnak and Alex Ovechkin are also framed as volume shooters with huge goal potential. Even if their finishing ebbs at times, the combination of top-line, top-PP usage and relentless shot generation keeps them locked in as core pieces. Don’t overthink short slumps; their process is too strong.
For defense, Jackson LaCombe becomes intriguing if he’s running or sharing top power-play duties. On a rebuilding Anaheim squad, a defender logging big minutes and touching the puck on the breakout can quietly rack up assists and secondary points, especially if the Ducks’ young forwards take a step.
Categories / Bangers
In multi-category leagues, the EDGE view helps you find players who contribute across the board, not just on the scoresheet. Shot volume, power-play time, and overall ice time are crucial here.
Tage Thompson offers an appealing blend of goals, shots, and power-play points. When he’s in a good matchup, he’s not just a points-only play; he can swing SOG and PPP as well. In weekly formats, leaning into those favorable spots can win you categories almost single-handedly.
Alex Tuch is a classic categories streamer. Positioned well in the Buffalo lineup, he can chip in goals, assists, and shots while sometimes adding a bit of physicality. When the Sabres have a dense schedule or soft opponents, Tuch becomes a high-upside short-term add who can fill multiple stat columns.
Jackson LaCombe has value beyond points if his minutes stay high. Heavy usage often means more blocks and some hits, and if he’s trusted in all situations, the counting stats can quietly accumulate. In deeper categories formats, that sort of across-the-board contribution from the blue line is extremely useful.
Meanwhile, elite shooters like David Pastrnak and Alex Ovechkin remain category anchors. Their shot volume alone can tilt SOG, and when the goals come in bunches, they can single-handedly swing your week. EDGE-style metrics that confirm they’re still generating quality chances are your cue to stay patient through any cold spells.
Dynasty / Keeper
Dynasty managers should pay close attention to how EDGE stats highlight development curves and opportunity. It’s not just about who is scoring now, but who is being groomed for bigger roles.
Cutter Gauthier stands out as a long-term investment. While the summary doesn’t dive into his exact deployment, the recommendation to consider him in dynasty formats suggests a strong combination of talent and projected opportunity. If he’s already showing flashes in limited minutes, that’s exactly the kind of profile to stash before a full breakout.
Jackson LaCombe also fits the dynasty mold. A young defenseman already trusted with heavy ice time and power-play work can grow into a cornerstone fantasy asset. Even if the early production is uneven, the role itself is a massive green flag for future value.
At the top end, players like Nathan MacKinnon are foundational keeper pieces. Award consideration underscores that he’s not just elite now; he’s likely to remain a top-tier fantasy option for years, assuming health. In keepers, you pay a premium for that level of stability and ceiling.
Forwards such as Tage Thompson fall into the “core but still ascending” bucket. His combination of size, shot, and usage suggests he can remain a high-end fantasy contributor through his prime. In dynasty, that’s a player you build around rather than shop unless you’re getting a massive haul.
Who to Add / Stream / Watch
- Jackson LaCombe – Watchlist/Add in deep leagues: rising ice time and power-play role hint at a breakout blue-liner.
- Tage Thompson – Automatic start: elite scoring profile with exploitable matchups like Calgary on the schedule.
- Cutter Gauthier – Dynasty add: long-term upside and trajectory make him worth stashing before the breakout hits.
- Alex Tuch – Short-term stream: strong lineup spot in Buffalo gives him multi-category upside during busy weeks.
- Nathan MacKinnon – Trade target: award-level ceiling makes him worth paying up for in points-heavy formats.
- David Pastrnak – Hold/Buy: shot-heavy, goal-scoring profile remains a pillar for both points and SOG categories.
- Alex Ovechkin – Hold: still a premier volume shooter with power-play goal upside, especially valuable in goal-weighted formats.
Fantasy Takeaways
- Jackson LaCombe should be on your radar in categories and deeper formats thanks to heavy minutes and power-play usage.
- Tage Thompson is a clear start in points-only leagues when he draws favorable matchups.
- Cutter Gauthier is a smart dynasty stash, with the potential to grow into a long-term fantasy asset.
- Alex Tuch is an ideal streamer for goals and points when Buffalo’s schedule lines up.
- Use tools like the NHL Trade Analyzer to explore buying high-end scorers such as Nathan MacKinnon in trades.
Source: NHL.com. See the original for full details.