Top Fantasy Hockey Player Rankings for 2025-26
The 2025-26 fantasy hockey season is already generating buzz, and the latest player rankings are here to help you build a championship roster. With new stars breaking out and established names shifting in value, understanding how these changes impact your draft and in-season strategy is crucial. This breakdown goes beyond the list—diving into why these players matter, how to leverage their upside, and which names belong on your radar in every format.
What’s New & Why It Matters
This year’s rankings reflect a changing of the guard. Young talents like Jack Hughes and Wyatt Johnston are climbing fast, signaling potential breakouts and shifting the balance at the top of drafts. Managers can’t simply rely on last year’s results—usage rates, power-play deployment, and line stability are all in flux. Injuries and team dynamics are also shaking up the pecking order, making it more important than ever to monitor trends and adjust your draft board accordingly.
Fantasy Implications
Points-Only
In pure scoring formats, the rise of Jack Hughes is especially notable. He’s projected to anchor his team’s top line and first power-play unit, giving him a clear path to elite point totals. Managers should also watch for promising goalies—those with strong win and shutout potential can swing matchups, especially given the volatility at the position. Prioritize players with stable roles on high-scoring teams and proven health.
Categories / Bangers
Emerging stars aren’t just about goals and assists—they’re also making an impact in multi-cat leagues. Rising forwards who chip in with shots, hits, and blocks are especially valuable. Don’t overlook defensemen who can be streamed for their peripheral stats, particularly those who see heavy minutes and penalty kill time. The best category managers will blend upside with consistency, targeting players who fill multiple boxes.
Dynasty / Keeper
Long-term formats are all about finding the next wave of superstars. Wyatt Johnston’s upward trajectory makes him a must-stash in dynasty leagues, as his ice time and offensive role are set to grow. Investing early in breakouts before their value spikes can be a league-winning move. Keep a close eye on young players earning power-play opportunities or moving into top-six roles—they often make the biggest leaps year-over-year.
Who to Add / Stream / Watch
- Jack Hughes – High-upside pick with elite scoring and PP1 usage, draft early.
- Wyatt Johnston – Trending up in dynasty/keeper formats, poised for bigger role.
- Emerging top-ranked defensemen – Stream for hits, blocks, and spot starts in banger leagues.
- Promising goalies – Target those with clear starter’s crease and strong team context for points leagues.
- Breakout forwards – Watch for preseason line assignments and power-play promotions.
- Young defensemen with PP1 looks – Upside for both points and categories, especially if paired with elite forwards.
- Injury returnees – Value can spike quickly if they reclaim top-line roles.
Fantasy Takeaways
- Draft Jack Hughes early in all formats—he’s primed for a top-tier season with expanded offensive opportunity.
- Add Wyatt Johnston to your dynasty watchlist; his development curve points to long-term value.
- Don’t sleep on rising stars—target them in trades before their price jumps.
- Stream defensemen for short-term category boosts, especially in banger leagues.
- Secure promising goalies early; stable netminders remain scarce and can anchor your roster.
Source: ESPN.com. See the original for full details.