Nathan MacKinnon vs. Connor McDavid and 2026-27 Fantasy Draft Lessons

NHL.com’s 2026-27 fantasy hockey mock gives us an early look at how sharp rooms might treat the very top of the board. The headline: Nathan MacKinnon went first overall, edging out Connor McDavid. Add in where Cale Makar, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and rookie Macklin Celebrini landed, and you’ve got a clear snapshot of current market sentiment. Let’s translate that into actionable fantasy strategy for 2026-27.

What’s New & Why It Matters

The biggest shift is philosophical: MacKinnon going ahead of McDavid signals that managers are willing to prioritize a safer multi-category profile and team context over McDavid’s historic ceiling. In a 12-team, 16-player format covering standard categories, that small change at the top can ripple through the first two or three rounds as managers react.

On defense, Makar clearly separated from the pack as the first blueliner off the board. His early selection reinforces the idea that there is a true positional anchor at defense, and that many managers are comfortable paying a premium for the edge he provides in scoring from the back end.

In net, Vasilevskiy was the first goalie taken, underscoring that drafters still trust his combination of workload, wins, and shutout upside. Even in an era where many managers wait on goalies, seeing him set the goalie market tells you when the room is likely to start a run at the position.

Finally, Celebrini’s aggressive selection for the San Jose Sharks hints that managers are ready to treat him as more than just a stash. His perceived breakout potential is already being priced in, especially in deeper leagues and long-term formats.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

In pure scoring formats, the MacKinnon-over-McDavid decision is less about categories and more about projecting who will simply rack up more points with fewer headaches. MacKinnon’s placement as the top pick in this mock suggests that many managers see him as having a comparable ceiling with slightly less risk. If you’re drafting in the top two, this mock effectively gives you permission to take whichever of the two you trust more without feeling like you’re making a mistake.

McDavid falling to second overall doesn’t change his profile: he remains an elite forward and a justifiable 1.01 in any room. But if your league mates are leaning MacKinnon, you might find yourself landing McDavid at a small discount more often than in previous seasons. That’s a leverage opportunity in competitive leagues.

Makar’s early selection in a points-only setup emphasizes his unique value as a defenseman who scores like a top forward. Locking in that kind of production from the blue line allows you to be more flexible with your forward picks later, knowing you’ve already banked elite offense from a scarce position.

Celebrini’s high slot in the mock tells you that managers are willing to pay for upside right away. In points-only leagues, that means you’ll likely need to be proactive if you want him; waiting for a late value might not be realistic if your league mirrors this mock.

Categories / Bangers

In multi-category formats, MacKinnon’s edge is even clearer. His selection at the very top reflects his ability to contribute across the board—goals, assists, shots, and the peripheral stats that separate good fantasy teams from great ones. If your scoring leans heavily on volume stats, this mock is a reminder that MacKinnon can be the safest foundation piece.

McDavid still brings elite category juice, but the mock hints that some managers may be slightly more concerned about context and category balance. If that sentiment holds in your league, you might be able to build a more balanced roster by grabbing McDavid at second overall and pairing him with a high-volume shooter or banger in the next turn.

Makar’s status as the top defenseman is particularly important in categories leagues. His early selection reflects not just points but also his ability to contribute in shots, power-play production, and other counting stats from a position where many players are one-dimensional. Managers who secure Makar can afford to take more category specialists later without sacrificing offense.

Vasilevskiy being the first goalie off the board reinforces his reputation as a category anchor in wins and shutouts, with strong ratios. Even if you’re a goalie skeptic, this mock shows where the market might start the goalie run. If you want Vasilevskiy, you’ll likely need to be willing to pay that premium; if you prefer to wait, use his selection as your signal to pivot into value at skater positions while others chase netminders.

Dynasty / Keeper

For long-term formats, Celebrini is the most important takeaway. His high draft position in the mock confirms that he’s being treated as a future star rather than a speculative flier. In dynasty and keeper leagues, that means the buy-low window is likely already closed. If you want him, you may have to pay full breakout pricing, whether in your initial selection or via trade.

MacKinnon and McDavid remain foundational dynasty pieces, and their proximity at the top of the mock suggests that age and long-term outlook aren’t separating them meaningfully in managers’ minds. You can comfortably build a multi-year contender around either one, focusing more on how they fit your league’s scoring and your existing core.

Makar’s early selection underscores his status as a franchise defenseman in dynasty. Locking him in gives you long-term stability at a notoriously volatile position. If you’re considering moving him, this mock is a reminder to demand a king’s ransom—his perceived value is as high as ever.

Vasilevskiy’s placement as the first goalie indicates that, even with the usual volatility in net, managers still see him as a multi-year solution. In dynasty, that justifies investing in him if your contention window is open now, but also cautions against overpaying if you’re multiple years away from competing.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Nathan MacKinnon – Add / Build-Around: Treat him as a legitimate 1.01 in all formats, with elite scoring and multi-category stability.
Connor McDavid – Add / Potential Value at 1.02: If he consistently goes second, you’re getting a generational scorer at a slight discount.
Cale Makar – Add as Elite D Anchor: Clear top defenseman who lets you dominate offense from the blue line and draft more flexibly later.
Andrei Vasilevskiy – Add as Goalie #1: First goalie off the board and a reliable workhorse for wins and shutout upside.
Macklin Celebrini – Add in Deep / Dynasty, Watch in Shallow: High mock position signals breakout potential, especially valuable in long-term formats.

Fantasy Takeaways

MacKinnon going ahead of McDavid confirms he’s a fully justifiable first overall pick, especially in multi-category formats.
McDavid slipping to second doesn’t hurt his profile; it simply creates occasional value if your league follows this mock.
Makar’s early selection cements him as the clear top defenseman and a worthy early-round cornerstone.
Vasilevskiy being the first goalie taken shows managers still prioritize a true workhorse when setting their goalie strategy.
Celebrini’s aggressive slot in the mock tells dynasty and keeper managers to treat him as a future star, not a speculative stash.

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