Top 10 Fantasy Hockey Rookies for 2025-26
The arrival of a new NHL season always brings a fresh wave of talent, but the 2025-26 campaign is especially intriguing for fantasy managers. With a highly touted rookie class headlined by blue-chip prospects and a handful of immediate-impact players, the opportunity to gain an edge on your league rivals is significant—if you know which names to trust. NHL.com’s latest rookie rankings shine a spotlight on the top 10 newcomers, and we break down what these young stars mean for your fantasy draft and season-long strategy.
What’s New & Why It Matters
This year’s rookie crop features a balanced mix of high-upside forwards, promising defensemen, and a couple of netminders with a real shot at regular NHL minutes. Notably, Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders leads the rookie defensemen, while Ivan Demidov (Montreal Canadiens) headlines the forwards. Goaltending hopeful Jakub Dobes also cracks the list, offering a rare rookie option in net. Several of these players are already ranked inside the top 150 overall, signaling that they’re not just future assets, but could contribute right away in standard fantasy formats.
With many teams in transition and looking to inject youth into their lineups, usage rates and power-play opportunities for these rookies could be significant. Fantasy managers should also watch for preseason line combinations, as early chemistry and deployment will be crucial for projecting production and value.
Fantasy Implications
Points-Only
In pure scoring leagues, Ivan Demidov stands out as a likely candidate to make an immediate offensive impact for Montreal. His ranking (106th overall) indicates he could slot into a top-six role, with the potential for power-play time. Matthew Schaefer (71st overall) isn’t just the top rookie defenseman—he could also be a rare blue-line points producer, especially if he finds himself on the Islanders’ first power-play unit. Other names to monitor include Beckett Sennecke, who, while ranked outside the top 150, could climb quickly if he secures a scoring-line role.
Categories / Bangers
For multi-category leagues, Jakub Dobes is worth a look as a depth goalie. His ranking (151st) suggests he could see significant starts, and Montreal’s defensive structure may help his ratios. Defenseman Matthew Schaefer also projects to contribute in blocks and hits, making him a potential banger-league asset if his minutes are robust. Zeev Buium, another rookie defenseman, is a trade target for those seeking peripheral stats, as his projected role in Minnesota could yield healthy totals in hits and shots.
Dynasty / Keeper
Rookies are gold in dynasty formats, and this year’s class is no exception. Matthew Schaefer should be a priority add for teams seeking long-term blue-line anchors. Ivan Demidov’s offensive ceiling makes him a must-watch, especially if he adapts quickly to the NHL pace. Beckett Sennecke, while not an immediate star, should be monitored closely for future breakout potential. Managers with deep benches or taxi squads should consider stashing these names before their value spikes.
Who to Add / Stream / Watch
- Matthew Schaefer (NYI, D) – Top rookie defenseman, likely to see big minutes and PP time.
- Ivan Demidov (MTL, F) – High-upside winger with top-six and PP1 potential; monitor for early chemistry.
- Jakub Dobes (MTL, G) – Projected to compete for the starting job; valuable for goalie depth.
- Zeev Buium (MIN, D) – Trade target for banger leagues; strong peripheral upside if he earns a regular role.
- Beckett Sennecke (ANA, F) – Worth a watch in dynasty; could rise quickly with the right deployment.
- Other Notables: Watch for preseason risers—rookies who stick in the top six or PP units could be immediate pickups.
Fantasy Takeaways
- Matthew Schaefer is a must-add in dynasty and a viable late-round flier in redraft leagues, given his top-75 ranking and likely usage.
- Ivan Demidov’s offensive potential is real, but managers should monitor his adjustment period before fully committing in points-only formats.
- Jakub Dobes offers sneaky value as a rookie goalie, especially in leagues that reward starts and saves.
- Zeev Buium’s multi-category appeal makes him a worthwhile trade target for teams needing defensive depth and peripherals.
- Beckett Sennecke is a long-term watch in dynasty, with breakout potential if his development accelerates.
Source: NHL.com. See the original for full details.