Top 200 Fantasy Hockey Rankings: How to Attack the 2026-27 Board

The new top 200 fantasy hockey rankings for 2026-27 are out, and they confirm a few things we already knew while raising some important questions. Connor McDavid still rules the board, but the rise of rookies like Macklin Celebrini and the dominance of elite defensemen such as Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes change how you should build your roster. Below, we unpack what these rankings really mean by position and format so you can turn a big list of names into a clear plan.

What’s New & Why It Matters

The rankings lean heavily into proven superstars while also baking in upside for emerging talent. McDavid sits at the very top thanks to his unmatched multi-category scoring profile and secure role as an elite center for the EDM. That’s not news, but it reinforces that you build around him if you can.

The more interesting wrinkle is how aggressively the list treats Celebrini. Slotted as a high-end option despite being a rookie top-six forward for the SJS, he’s clearly being valued for immediate impact, not just long-term promise. That tells you the expectation is significant usage and prime offensive deployment right away.

On the blue line, Makar is treated like a foundational piece rather than just a strong defenseman. His role as a top-pair, PP1 quarterback for the COL makes him the rare defender who can keep pace with high-end forwards in raw production. Hughes, now an offensive driver for the MIN, is also pushed up for his assists and power-play contributions, signaling that elite puck-movers are being prioritized.

In goal, Andrei Vasilevskiy is clearly ranked as a top netminder. His status as the starting goalie for the TBL and his track record in wins and shutouts give him a tier of his own in the crease. The rankings are telling you that if you want true stability in net, he’s the benchmark.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

In points-only formats, the rankings underline a simple truth: McDavid is your best path to a scoring edge. His combination of goals, assists and power-play production is still the safest bet at the very top of the board. Any time you can secure that kind of gap over replacement, you do it.

Celebrini’s placement suggests he’s expected to step in as a primary offensive option rather than a sheltered rookie. In points-only leagues, that makes him a high-upside core piece; you’re betting on talent and opportunity more than a long track record. Managers who are comfortable embracing some volatility can benefit if he hits his projected ceiling quickly.

On defense, Makar’s rank essentially treats him like a forward who happens to have a D next to his name. In points-only, that positional edge is enormous: you can lock in elite scoring from the blue line and then load up on forwards later. Hughes profiles similarly, though more assist-heavy; his value spikes in formats that reward power-play points and secondary assists.

Goalies are less critical in pure points leagues, but Vasilevskiy’s strong placement still matters. If your scoring gives meaningful weight to wins and shutouts, he’s one of the few goalies who can justify being prioritized over mid-tier forwards.

Categories / Bangers

In multi-category formats, the rankings emphasize players who can fill multiple columns. McDavid remains elite not just because of points, but also because his shot volume and power-play role help in goals, assists, PPP and often SOG. He’s a category anchor.

Celebrini’s value in these leagues depends on how quickly he adapts. The rankings imply confidence that he’ll contribute across scoring categories right away. Even if he doesn’t bring heavy hits or PIM, strong goal and assist totals with power-play usage can still make him a core piece.

Makar and Hughes are particularly important in categories leagues. Makar offers goals, assists, PPP and strong shot totals from the back end, making him a cornerstone for managers who don’t want to chase offense from multiple depth defensemen. Hughes, while more assist-leaning, can dominate assists and power-play points, which are often harder to find on the waiver wire than hits or blocks.

Vasilevskiy’s ranking reflects his ability to stabilize goalie categories almost by himself. Wins and shutouts are the obvious strengths, but his overall presence lets you take more risks with skaters, knowing your crease is secure. In leagues where goalie stats are volatile, that stability is a huge edge.

Dynasty / Keeper

For long-term formats, the rankings send a clear signal on who you should be building around. McDavid remains a franchise cornerstone; nothing in these rankings suggests his dominance is fading. You’re not just getting current production, you’re locking in elite output for years.

Celebrini is the big dynasty winner. Being highlighted as a prime target indicates the expectation of both immediate and sustained impact. In keepers and dynasty, that combination is gold: you can compete now while also securing a long-term centerpiece for your forward group.

Makar’s status as the top defenseman makes him one of the most valuable non-forward assets in any long-term format. Elite offensive defensemen with PP1 roles tend to age well in fantasy terms, and his ranking reflects that. Hughes isn’t far behind; his offensive profile and power-play usage give him a long runway of relevance, especially in leagues that reward assists and PPP heavily.

Vasilevskiy’s long-term value hinges on how you view goalie volatility. The rankings clearly still see him as a top option, which means if your format rewards goalie stability, he’s a strong keeper. Just be mindful that goalies, more than skaters, can see bigger swings year to year.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Connor McDavid – Add/Build Around (all leagues): Clear top overall option; if you can acquire him, you reshape your entire roster around his elite production.
Macklin Celebrini – Priority Add (standard & dynasty): Ranked aggressively for a rookie, signaling immediate top-six usage and strong scoring upside.
Cale Makar – Premium Add (all leagues): Treated like a forward-level scorer from defense, with PP1 time making him a true lineup cornerstone.
Quinn Hughes – Strong Add (points & categories): High-end assists and power-play impact make him ideal if you need offense from the blue line.
Andrei Vasilevskiy – Anchor Goalie (all leagues): Ranked as a top netminder for wins and shutouts, giving you rare stability in goal.

Fantasy Takeaways

McDavid remains the clear-cut top overall option, and any plan should start with how to maximize his impact if he’s on your roster.
Celebrini is being valued as an immediate difference-maker, especially in dynasty and keeper formats where his long-term upside shines.
Makar stands alone as the premier offensive defenseman, worthy of being treated like a core scoring piece, not just a positional fill.
Hughes offers elite assist and power-play production from the blue line, making him especially valuable in categories leagues.
Vasilevskiy is still the standard for high-end goalie production, giving you a strong foundation in net when others are chasing volatility.

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