Fantasy Hockey Rookie Rankings: Early 2025-26 Impact Guide

Rookies can swing fantasy leagues, but only a few actually deliver usable production right away. With early rankings in hand, we can separate true impact options from longer-term stashes. Below, we dig into how Matthew Schaefer, Ivan Demidov, Beckett Sennecke, Yaroslav Askarov and Jesper Wallstedt fit into your 2025-26 fantasy plans across formats.

What’s New & Why It Matters

The latest rankings highlight a clear hierarchy among incoming fantasy rookies. On defense, Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders lands as the highest-rated rookie overall, slotted around the mid-tier of standard fantasy options (roughly 70th overall). That kind of placement usually signals a player who should matter in all but the shallowest leagues from day one.

Up front, Ivan Demidov projects as a key offensive piece for the Montreal Canadiens, while Beckett Sennecke offers scoring depth for the Anaheim Ducks. Both forwards fall into the mid-range of fantasy relevance, implying they could be viable in standard leagues but are closer to streaming territory than automatic every-week starters.

In goal, the rankings treat Yaroslav Askarov of the San Jose Sharks and Jesper Wallstedt of the Minnesota Wild as future building blocks rather than immediate workhorses. Their placement outside the core fantasy starter range suggests more of a stash-and-see approach, particularly in dynasty formats where patience is rewarded.

For fantasy managers, the key takeaway is role and runway: Schaefer profiles as an instant contributor, Demidov and Sennecke are upside forwards who may need the right deployment, and Askarov/Wallstedt are long-view goalie investments whose value spikes if they seize a starting job sooner than expected.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

In points-only formats, you’re chasing pure scoring and power-play exposure. That makes Schaefer’s ranking especially intriguing. A rookie defenseman landing around 70th overall suggests the expectation of meaningful offense, likely via power-play usage and steady minutes. If he lands on the Islanders’ top power-play unit at any point, he becomes a strong play in all points leagues, with a realistic path to being a top-four defense option on your fantasy roster.

Demidov’s placement in the 130s overall reflects a promising but not fully established scoring profile. For points-only leagues, that usually translates to a middle-six forward who could spike in value if he earns top-line or first-unit power-play deployment in Montreal. He’s the kind of rookie you can comfortably roster in deeper points leagues and treat as a high-upside swing in standard formats, especially if your league rewards pure offensive output.

Sennecke, ranked just behind Demidov, looks more like a complementary scorer. In points-only, he’s a fringe roster piece in standard leagues but a nice depth option in deeper formats where 50–60 point upside has real value. His fantasy relevance will ebb and flow with his spot in Anaheim’s lineup; stretches alongside the Ducks’ best offensive players could make him a strong short-term play.

Askarov and Wallstedt are tougher sells in points-only redraft leagues, where goalie volume and team strength matter a ton. Their rankings in the 150s suggest limited immediate win and shutout upside. Unless your league uses very deep benches or multiple goalie slots, they’re better left as watchlist names rather than active roster pieces in one-year points-only setups.

Categories / Bangers

Multi-category formats change the calculus. Schaefer’s value likely rises further if he brings a mix of shots, blocks and possibly hits on top of his offense. A rookie defenseman who can contribute across categories becomes extremely valuable, especially if he’s logging heavy minutes. In leagues that count blocks and hits, Schaefer could be a foundational piece, not just a rookie flyer.

Demidov’s primary appeal in categories leagues will be goals, assists, power-play points and shot volume. If he’s aggressive in shooting the puck, he can be more than just a points-only asset. Managers in leagues that count shots on goal should monitor his early-season volume closely; a strong shot rate would justify holding him through the inevitable rookie cold spells.

Sennecke likely profiles as a depth scorer with some peripheral contributions. In bangers formats, his path to relevance is tied to whether he can add hits or PIM on top of his scoring. If he’s used in a more physical role, he could become a sneaky multi-cat option in deeper leagues. Otherwise, think of him as a streaming winger for favorable matchups and hot streaks.

Goalie categories are where Askarov and Wallstedt become interesting. Even if they don’t start the season as clear No. 1 options, any stretch where they pick up consistent starts could provide strong save totals and decent ratios. In leagues that reward saves heavily, they can become spot-start options or speculative adds when injuries or slumps hit the starters in front of them.

Dynasty / Keeper

Dynasty managers should view this rookie group through a longer lens. Schaefer’s high overall ranking as a rookie defenseman hints at a potential cornerstone fantasy blueliner. If he hits his ceiling, you’re looking at a player who can anchor your defense for years, contributing in both points and peripherals. In keeper formats, he’s worth locking in early, even if his first season is more solid than spectacular.

Demidov carries classic top-six forward upside. In dynasty, that means you’re willing to ride out inconsistency and potential deployment issues in year one because the long-term payoff could be a high-end scoring winger in Montreal. He’s a strong target for rebuilding teams that can afford patience.

Sennecke’s dynasty value is more role-dependent. If he cements himself as a top-six fixture on Anaheim’s wing, he can be a steady 60-point type with occasional spikes. If he settles into a middle-six role, he’s more of a depth piece for contending dynasty rosters. His ranking suggests real upside but also some uncertainty about his ultimate ceiling.

Askarov and Wallstedt are prototypical dynasty goalie stashes. Their rankings in the 150s overall still place them firmly on the radar, but the expectation is that their prime fantasy years are ahead, not immediate. In long-term formats, they’re exactly the kind of goalies you want to acquire before they become entrenched starters. Once either one takes over a clear No. 1 job in San Jose or Minnesota, their trade value in dynasty leagues will jump significantly—something to keep in mind when using tools like the NHL Trade Analyzer to gauge market value.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Matthew Schaefer – Add (all formats): Top-ranked rookie with clear path to significant minutes on the Islanders’ blue line and strong multi-cat upside.
Ivan Demidov – Add (standard and deep): Promising offensive forward for Montreal who could become a core scorer if he lands in the top six and on PP1.
Beckett Sennecke – Short-term stream / Add (deep): Depth scoring option in Anaheim, ideal as a streamer in standard leagues and a hold in deeper formats.
Yaroslav Askarov – Watchlist (redraft), Add (dynasty): Ranked just outside core starters, with long-term upside as a potential No. 1 in San Jose.
Jesper Wallstedt – Watchlist (redraft), Add (dynasty): Similar long-term profile in Minnesota; stash where benches are deep and goalie categories are valuable.

Fantasy Takeaways

Matthew Schaefer’s placement as the top rookie and around 70th overall makes him an immediate add in virtually all formats, especially where defensemen are scarce.
Ivan Demidov and Beckett Sennecke project as useful forwards with scoring upside; prioritize Demidov in standard leagues and treat Sennecke as a strong depth piece or streamer.
Yaroslav Askarov and Jesper Wallstedt are better treated as dynasty stashes than redraft starters, but both should be monitored closely for any sign of expanded roles.
In categories leagues, Schaefer’s potential for blocks, shots and overall volume can push him into near cornerstone territory on defense.
Use early-season deployment—especially power-play usage and goalie start patterns—to quickly adjust your exposure to this rookie class.

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