Top 100 Fantasy Hockey Forwards for 2025-26
With the NHL season in full swing, fantasy hockey managers are constantly seeking the edge that sets their roster apart. NHL.com's freshly released top 100 forward rankings for 2025-26 provide a crucial snapshot of player value, factoring in real-time performance, line usage, and evolving injury situations. Whether you're fighting for the top of your league or clawing up the standings, these rankings and the analysis below will help you make sharper roster moves and capitalize on emerging trends.
What’s New & Why It Matters
This season's rankings reflect not only raw scoring totals but also the nuances that drive fantasy value: power-play deployment, line stability, and health. Nathan MacKinnon has surged to the top spot thanks to a lethal combination of even-strength dominance and top-unit power-play usage. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl remain elite, but subtle shifts—such as evolving linemates and minor injuries—keep managers on their toes. Meanwhile, the emergence of high-upside rookies and the impact of midseason injuries (like those affecting Auston Matthews and Anthony Cirelli) are reshaping the streaming landscape and trade market.
Fantasy Implications
Points-Only
For those in pure points leagues, top-line and power-play exposure are king. MacKinnon, McDavid, and Draisaitl continue to anchor the elite tier, but managers should monitor injury news—like Matthews’ current absence—which can open up short-term streaming opportunities or force tough sit/start decisions. Young talents such as Wyatt Johnston are quietly establishing themselves as reliable secondary scoring options, especially if their usage remains steady. Roster flexibility is key: be ready to pivot if a top-six forward slides into a cold streak or gets bumped off the first power-play unit.
Categories / Bangers
In multi-category leagues, the value calculus shifts. Players like Kirill Kaprizov are gold for their consistent shot volume, power-play points, and occasional physicality. However, injuries can quickly sap a player’s all-around contributions—Anthony Cirelli is a prime example, as his absence leaves a void in hits, blocks, and faceoff wins. Managers should also weigh schedule advantages: teams with more games in a given week (such as the Colorado Avalanche) offer prime streaming value for peripherals and counting stats alike.
Dynasty / Keeper
Long-term managers have plenty to watch. Macklin Celebrini headlines the new wave of fantasy-relevant rookies, boasting both immediate upside and a sky-high ceiling for future seasons. Tracking deployment trends is critical—if Celebrini cements himself in a top-six and power-play role, his dynasty value could skyrocket. Conversely, veterans with declining usage or persistent injuries may be candidates to sell high or move on from in keeper formats. Monitoring the next generation of breakout candidates (like Johnston) ensures you’re always a step ahead in your league’s arms race.
Who to Add / Stream / Watch
- Macklin Celebrini (Add, Dynasty): Rookie with immediate impact potential and long-term upside.
- Wyatt Johnston (Watch, Points-Only): Consistent secondary scorer with increasing ice time.
- Kirill Kaprizov (Trade Target, Categories): Elite shot and power-play contributor, worth acquiring if available.
- Anthony Cirelli (Drop, Categories): Injury issues limit his short-term and ROS value.
- Auston Matthews (Start/Sit, Points-Only): Monitor injury status; bench until healthy.
- Valeri Nichushkin (Stream, Short-Term): Benefiting from top-line minutes with Colorado during a heavy schedule week.
- Nick Suzuki (Add, ROS): Reliable top-six and PP1 role, trending up in both points and categories.
- Matty Beniers (Watch, Dynasty): Showing signs of a sophomore surge; worth monitoring for breakout potential.
Fantasy Takeaways
- Elite forwards like Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, and Leon Draisaitl remain must-starts, but managers should stay vigilant for injury updates and line shuffles.
- Emerging rookies and sophomores—especially those earning power-play time—can provide a crucial edge, particularly in dynasty and deep leagues.
- Multi-category managers should prioritize healthy forwards on teams with schedule advantages and strong PP1 roles. Use the NHL Trade Analyzer to evaluate trade opportunities for category monsters like Kaprizov.
- Don’t hesitate to drop or bench injured or underperforming forwards, even if they have name value. Maximizing games played and lineup flexibility is critical as the season progresses.
Source: NHL.com. See the original for full details.