Top Fantasy Hockey Picks and Award Contenders for 2025-26
As the 2025-26 NHL season heats up, fantasy hockey managers are on the hunt for every edge they can find. With advanced stats from NHL EDGE and a keen eye on recent trends, the latest insights help you identify the players poised to deliver—whether you’re chasing points, categories, or prepping for the future. Here’s what’s new and what it means for your fantasy squad.
What’s New & Why It Matters
Several forwards are emerging as must-watch options due to favorable usage, hot streaks, and evolving team situations. Drake Batherson continues to thrive against divisional rivals, while Kirill Marchenko is making noise with his shot volume. Veterans like Corey Perry are proving they still have fantasy relevance, particularly in banger formats. Meanwhile, injuries across the league are opening up opportunities for players like Tyler Seguin, who’s stepping into a top-line role for the Dallas Stars. On the awards front, perennial powerhouses like Nathan MacKinnon and Connor Hellebuyck are early favorites, but it’s the under-the-radar contributors who could swing your league.
Fantasy Implications
Points-Only
Batherson’s consistent production, especially against Montreal, makes him a strong candidate for points-only formats. His four-game point streak and history of success versus the Canadiens signal a player who’s not just hot, but also reliable in the right matchups. Seguin’s elevation to the Stars’ top line gives him a significant boost, especially with top teammates sidelined. If he maintains top-six usage and power-play exposure, his value in points leagues could spike in the short term.
Categories / Bangers
Marchenko’s high-volume shooting is exactly what managers crave in leagues counting shots and goals. Facing a porous St. Louis defense, he’s primed for a big week. Perry, meanwhile, is thriving in a high-danger scoring role for the Kings, riding a five-game point streak. His ability to contribute in hits and PIMs, alongside points, makes him a versatile streaming option in banger-heavy formats.
Dynasty / Keeper
While the spotlight here is on immediate contributors, managers in dynasty and keeper leagues should monitor how these emerging roles stick. Batherson’s age and consistent deployment suggest long-term value, especially if he continues to see prime offensive minutes. Marchenko’s underlying shot metrics hint at a sustainable scoring profile, while Seguin’s resurgence may be more short-lived given his age and injury history. Keep an eye on which young players seize expanded roles due to injuries or lineup shuffles, as these can turn into lasting fantasy assets.
Who to Add / Stream / Watch
- Drake Batherson (OTT): Monitor for multi-category upside, especially in favorable matchups like Montreal.
- Kirill Marchenko (CBJ): Stream for shots and goal potential, especially with a soft schedule ahead.
- Corey Perry (LAK): Start for banger formats while his scoring streak and high-danger usage last.
- Tyler Seguin (DAL): Add for short-term points surge with top-line deployment due to injuries.
- Alex Iafallo (MIN): Watch for increased ice time and secondary scoring opportunities.
- Adam Fantilli (CBJ): Stash in deeper leagues for potential breakout with more minutes.
- Sean Monahan (MTL): Stream in points leagues if he sticks in a top-six role.
- Erik Haula (NJD): Consider as a depth add for faceoff wins and hits.
Fantasy Takeaways
- Track players benefiting from injuries or lineup changes—short-term surges can be league-winners.
- Prioritize shot volume and power-play usage, especially for streamers like Marchenko.
- Veterans like Perry can provide sneaky value in banger categories when their role expands.
- Don’t overlook matchups—players like Batherson with a track record against certain teams can be matchup-proof streamers.
- Dynasty managers should monitor which young players are earning trust and minutes; today’s streamer can be tomorrow’s breakout.
Source: NHL.com. See the original for full details.