Top Fantasy Hockey Draft Steals for 2025-26
Every fantasy hockey manager dreams of landing that late-round gem — the player who outpaces expectations and becomes a cornerstone of your roster. For the 2025-26 season, identifying undervalued assets is more crucial than ever, as NHL roles shift and ADPs fluctuate. Below, we break down the latest insights from NHL.com, highlighting the best draft bargains and explaining why they matter for your fantasy strategy.
What’s New & Why It Matters
This season, several players are flying under the radar due to last year’s injuries, role uncertainty, or simply being overshadowed by bigger names. NHL.com’s latest analysis spotlights forwards like Gabriel Vilardi and Dylan Strome, defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, and goaltender Sam Montembeault as potential steals. Each of these players is poised for a larger role or is coming off a season that hints at untapped upside. With managers often chasing last year’s stats, there’s a window to exploit undervalued ADPs and secure high-upside contributors for a fraction of the draft-day cost.
Fantasy Implications
Points-Only
In pure scoring formats, the focus is on players who can rack up goals and assists regardless of peripheral stats. Vilardi’s knack for finishing around the net and Strome’s chemistry with Washington’s top wingers make them especially intriguing. Both have shown they can produce when healthy and given top-six minutes. If you’re looking to maximize points without worrying about hits or blocks, these two should be high on your radar, especially in the middle rounds.
Categories / Bangers
Managers in multi-cat or banger leagues should pay close attention to players who contribute not just offensively but also in secondary stats. Shayne Gostisbehere stands out here: his role as a power-play specialist with Carolina means plenty of shots, assists, and PPPs, while his willingness to shoot and block shots offers a steady floor. Montembeault, meanwhile, brings the potential for wins and saves if Montreal’s defense holds, making him a sneaky depth option in leagues that reward goalie volume.
Dynasty / Keeper
Long-term formats are all about upside and sustainability. While Vilardi and Strome are still in their prime scoring years, managers should also keep tabs on Aaron Ekblad. Though not a featured bargain this draft, injuries on his team could thrust him into a more offensive role, making him a candidate for a mid-season value spike. Dynasty managers should monitor his usage and be ready to pounce if his deployment changes.
Who to Add / Stream / Watch
- Gabriel Vilardi – Reliable goal-scorer with strong power-play presence; undervalued in most drafts.
- Dylan Strome – Top-line center duties in Washington create steady point potential.
- Shayne Gostisbehere – Power-play quarterback in Carolina, ideal for boosting PPP and assists.
- Sam Montembeault – Montreal’s likely starter; offers high-volume starts and sneaky win upside.
- Aaron Ekblad – Monitor for increased role if Panthers’ blue line thins; could be a waiver-wire gem mid-season.
Fantasy Takeaways
- Target Vilardi in the mid-to-late rounds for his goal and power-play upside, especially in points-only and categories formats.
- Montembeault is a smart pick for goalie depth; his workload and team context could yield more wins than expected.
- Strome’s top-line role alongside elite talent gives him a high floor, making him a strong late-round target.
- Gostisbehere is a must-add for managers needing power-play production from the blue line.
- Keep an eye on Ekblad for a potential breakout if his usage increases due to injuries or trades.
Source: NHL.com (2025-10-03). See the original for full details.