Top Fantasy Hockey Breakout Candidates for 2025-26

Every fantasy hockey season brings a new wave of breakout candidates—players poised to leap beyond their draft-day value and become league-winners. For 2025-26, the focus is on emerging talent ready to seize bigger roles, benefit from improved team context, or simply take the next step in their development. Below, we break down why these players matter, how they fit different fantasy formats, and who you should be adding, streaming, or watching as the season unfolds.

What’s New & Why It Matters

This year’s breakout list zeroes in on young players and overlooked veterans who are primed for a production surge. Notably, the list avoids last season’s Calder finalists and this year’s rookies, instead spotlighting those who have shown flashes but haven’t yet reached their ceiling. The focus is on players benefiting from increased opportunity—whether that’s a move up the depth chart, a new team, or an improved supporting cast. For fantasy managers, this means potential to grab high-upside assets late in drafts or off the waiver wire, maximizing value as the season progresses.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

In points-only leagues, upside is king. Players like Juraj Slafkovsky stand out, as his scoring potential in Montreal is on the rise thanks to a likely top-six role and more power-play exposure. Similarly, William Eklund could quietly rack up points as a centerpiece of San Jose’s youth movement, especially if he locks down top-line and PP1 minutes. Goalies matter less in pure points formats, but Mackenzie Blackwood should be monitored for his win potential in Colorado’s system.

Categories / Bangers

Multi-category leagues demand a more nuanced approach. Slafkovsky’s value jumps here, as he not only projects for more goals and assists but also reliably contributes hits—a rare combo for a young forward. Lukas Dostal becomes a sneaky add in leagues counting saves and wins, as Anaheim’s improving roster could give him more starts and better support. Defensemen were less prominent on this year’s breakout list, but keep an eye on any blueliners who start logging PP1 time or see a spike in shot blocks and hits.

Dynasty / Keeper

Long-term formats are all about projecting the next big thing. Quinton Byfield is a classic dynasty stash: his underlying numbers and increasing role in the LA Kings’ offense signal a possible breakout, even if the counting stats haven’t caught up yet. Eklund’s trajectory in San Jose also makes him a strong hold, with the potential to become a foundational piece as the team rebuilds. Both are worth monitoring for sustained growth, not just a one-year spike.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Mackenzie Blackwood – Gets a boost behind Colorado's defense and should see plenty of win opportunities.
Juraj Slafkovsky – Power-forward traits plus top-six minutes equal breakout upside in Montreal.
Quinton Byfield – Increased usage in LA’s top-six and exposure to elite linemates make him a prime watch.
Lukas Dostal – Could take over Anaheim’s crease; improved team play should boost his fantasy relevance.
William Eklund – Potential to anchor San Jose’s offense and earn PP1 deployment.
Marco Rossi – Quietly building a case for a bigger role in Minnesota’s forward group.
Philip Tomasino – May benefit from more ice time and power-play looks with Nashville.

Fantasy Takeaways

Target opportunity, not just talent: Many breakout candidates are set for bigger roles, whether it’s moving up a line or earning more special teams time.
Monitor team context: Goalies like Blackwood and Dostal gain value from improved rosters and defensive support.
Don’t overlook multi-cat contributors: Slafkovsky’s blend of hits and scoring makes him especially valuable in bangers leagues.
Dynasty managers should stay patient: Players like Byfield and Eklund may take a few months to fully break out, but the long-term payoff is real.
Streaming is key early on: Watch for hot starts and changing usage patterns, especially with young players on the cusp of bigger roles.

Source: NHL.com (2025-09-26). See the original for full details.