Key Fantasy Hockey Picks and Player Projections for 2025-26
The new NHL season brings with it a fresh slate of fantasy hockey opportunities and challenges. With player roles evolving, injury news emerging, and breakout candidates surfacing, managers need to remain nimble and informed. This season’s projections and early trends highlight a mix of established superstars and intriguing risers, especially as teams experiment with line combinations and special teams deployment. Let’s break down what’s new, why it matters, and how to take advantage of this year’s key fantasy hockey picks and projections for 2025-26.
What’s New & Why It Matters
The 2025-26 fantasy landscape is already shifting, thanks to a handful of notable player promotions and award-contending performances. Jack Roslovic has earned a coveted power play role with the Edmonton Oilers, skating alongside elite talents like Leon Draisaitl. This bump in deployment could translate into meaningful fantasy value, especially in points-driven formats. Elsewhere, perennial contenders such as Nathan MacKinnon and Connor Hellebuyck are positioned to chase major hardware, with MacKinnon in the Rocket Richard Trophy conversation and Hellebuyck a favorite for the Vezina.
On the blue line, Cale Makar remains a Norris Trophy frontrunner, while emerging prospects like Matthew Schaefer are generating dynasty buzz as potential Calder candidates. These developments impact fantasy rosters not only at the top end, but also in terms of streaming, depth adds, and long-term planning. Understanding usage trends, power play assignments, and injury news is crucial for exploiting edges as the season unfolds.
Fantasy Implications
Points-Only
In pure scoring leagues, opportunity is king. Roslovic’s elevation to Edmonton’s top power play unit is a prime example of how deployment can unlock value. Skating with Draisaitl and McDavid, even secondary options can see their production spike. Meanwhile, MacKinnon’s goal-scoring prowess cements his status as a foundational piece in any points-only format. On the back end, Makar’s offensive instincts and heavy usage ensure he remains one of the league’s most bankable defensemen.
Goaltending is often the swing factor, and Hellebuyck’s consistency as Winnipeg’s workhorse makes him a must-roster in points leagues, especially as he chases Vezina honors. Monitoring prospect call-ups and injury replacements remains vital for finding value before the rest of your league does.
Categories / Bangers
For those in multi-category leagues, it’s about more than just points. MacKinnon’s high shot volume and propensity for power play goals boost his value in goal-heavy or SOG-weighted formats. Roslovic, with increased ice time, could chip in with secondary stats like faceoff wins and even hits, depending on his usage. Makar, while not a classic banger, contributes with blocks and shots, and his elite skating means he’s rarely a minus in plus/minus.
In goal, Hellebuyck’s saves totals and potential for shutouts make him a category monster, while also offering stability in GAA and wins. Managers should also keep tabs on injury updates and schedule density to maximize starts and peripheral stat accumulation.
Dynasty / Keeper
Long-term formats demand a forward-thinking approach. Matthew Schaefer’s Calder buzz signals a high ceiling for dynasty managers willing to be patient. Prospect development is rarely linear, but early indicators suggest Schaefer could be fantasy-relevant sooner than later. Makar and MacKinnon remain elite keeper assets given their age and sustained production, while Hellebuyck’s durability and situation in Winnipeg offer continued value, though goalie volatility always warrants caution.
In deeper leagues, tracking power play promotions and emerging young talent—like Roslovic’s new role—is crucial for staying ahead of the curve. Dynasty managers should also monitor contract situations and potential team changes, as these can dramatically alter player outlooks year-to-year.
Who to Add / Stream / Watch
- Jack Roslovic (EDM): Recent promotion to the Oilers’ top power play could spark a scoring surge—ideal streaming option in points leagues.
- Nathan MacKinnon (COL): A trade target for managers needing goals and shots; his role and consistency are elite.
- Connor Hellebuyck (WPG): If somehow unclaimed, he’s a priority add for any team needing dependable goalie stats.
- Cale Makar (COL): Always a must-roster, but especially valuable if your league rewards defense scoring and power play points.
- Matthew Schaefer (rookie): Dynasty managers should track his usage and early returns as a potential Calder dark horse.
- Edmonton Oilers streamers: Edmonton’s favorable schedule makes their secondary scorers worth a look for short-term boosts.
Fantasy Takeaways
- Monitor player usage—especially power play promotions—as these can quickly shift fantasy value.
- Superstars like MacKinnon and Makar remain foundational assets, but don’t overlook emerging players with new roles.
- Goaltending stability is rare; secure top options like Hellebuyck when possible, but be ready to pivot if injuries or schedules dictate.
- Dynasty managers should keep tabs on prospect developments and Calder chatter for future upside.
Source: NHL.com. See the original for full details.