Top Rookie Picks for the 2025-26 Fantasy Hockey Season

The 2025-26 NHL season is shaping up to be a banner year for rookie talent, with a new wave of prospects poised to make a significant fantasy impact. Whether you're planning your draft or looking for midseason gems, understanding which first-year players could break out is crucial to staying ahead in your league. Here, we break down the top rookie options and what fantasy managers should expect from this promising class.

What’s New & Why It Matters

This year’s rookie crop is especially intriguing: not only does it feature blue-chip prospects with immediate opportunity, but several are projected to play key roles on their NHL squads from day one. Matthew Schaefer (NYI) headlines the group as a defenseman with clear path to major minutes, while Ivan Demidov (MTL) brings high offensive expectations to a Montreal Canadiens lineup in need of scoring punch. Goaltending is also in focus, with Jakub Dobes (MTL) and Yaroslav Askarov (NSH) both having a realistic shot at carving out fantasy-relevant workloads. As the Calder Trophy conversation heats up, these rookies aren’t just future stars—they’re potential difference-makers right now.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

Pure scoring leagues should pay close attention to Ivan Demidov. His offensive toolkit and likely top-six deployment make him a must-draft in deeper formats, and he could flirt with 50+ points if he finds chemistry early. Matthew Schaefer, while a defenseman, projects to see power-play time and carries 40-point upside thanks to his puck-moving ability. Beckett Sennecke (ANA) offers sneaky value if he sticks in a scoring role, but his floor is lower than Demidov’s.

Categories / Bangers

Physical stats are where Beckett Sennecke shines. Expect him to contribute in hits and PIMs alongside moderate scoring, making him a valuable multi-cat option. Schaefer’s all-around game should yield solid peripherals—think blocked shots and plus-minus—while Askarov and Dobes, if given the net, could rack up saves and wins on teams with improving defensive structures.

Dynasty / Keeper

In long-term formats, all eyes are on Dobes and Askarov in goal. Both have the pedigree and opportunity to become franchise netminders, but patience may be required as they adjust to the NHL grind. Demidov’s ceiling is especially enticing for dynasty managers, while Schaefer’s two-way skill set suggests a stable, multi-year fantasy contributor. Monitoring deployment and early-season usage rates will be key for dynasty decisions.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Matthew Schaefer (NYI) – Top rookie defenseman, likely to see heavy minutes and PP1 looks.
Ivan Demidov (MTL) – High-upside forward, probable top-six usage and immediate scoring potential.
Jakub Dobes (MTL) – Goalie with a shot at significant starts; watch for early performance and workload.
Beckett Sennecke (ANA) – Brings a physical edge and could chip in with points and hits.
Yaroslav Askarov (NSH) – Elite pedigree; stash in deeper leagues or stream if he earns the crease.
Anton Silayev – Monitor for potential call-up; big, mobile D with two-way upside.
Macklin Celebrini – High draft pedigree, watch for deployment and line combinations.

Fantasy Takeaways

Draft Schaefer early in multi-cat and categories leagues—his all-around contributions and likely PP1 time on Long Island make him a rare rookie D worth targeting aggressively.
Demidov is the top scoring rookie to target in points-only and deeper formats; his offensive skillset and opportunity in Montreal could translate to a strong rookie campaign.
Goalies Dobes and Askarov offer high-upside stashes for dynasty and deeper leagues, but monitor their early-season starts and team situations closely.
Sennecke is a banger-league sleeper—his blend of physicality and offense fits well for managers needing hits, PIMs, and secondary scoring.
Monitor deployment trends and injury news—rookie usage can fluctuate, so stay flexible and ready to pounce on waiver-wire opportunities.

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