Updated Fantasy Hockey Top 200 Rankings for 2025-26
The latest top 200 fantasy hockey player rankings for the 2025-26 NHL season have arrived, offering managers a crucial tool for maximizing roster value and outmaneuvering the competition. With player movement, evolving line combinations, and injuries shaking up the landscape, these rankings—anchored by elite talents like Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid—provide a timely snapshot for fantasy success in standard leagues.
What’s New & Why It Matters
The new rankings reflect a dynamic NHL landscape. Nathan MacKinnon claims the top spot, a testament to his multi-category dominance and consistent deployment on the Colorado Avalanche’s top line and top power-play unit. Rising stars like Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini break into the upper echelon, signaling a shift toward youth and upside. Conversely, injuries to key contributors such as Auston Matthews and Brandon Hagel have immediate fantasy ramifications, underscoring the importance of monitoring health and deployment trends.
Managers should also note changes in power-play configurations and line combinations, which can dramatically affect player ceilings. For example, the Avalanche’s continued reliance on MacKinnon and Cale Makar in all offensive situations cements their elite status, while the emergence of Bedard as Chicago’s offensive centerpiece fast-tracks his fantasy relevance. Goaltending remains volatile, but Connor Hellebuyck stands out as a reliable option on a defensively sound Winnipeg team.
Fantasy Implications
Points-Only
In points-only formats, the emphasis is on players with stable top-six roles and consistent power-play exposure. MacKinnon’s stranglehold on the Avalanche’s offense makes him a set-and-forget anchor, while McDavid and Draisaitl remain perennial 100-point threats. Bedard’s rapid ascent to the Blackhawks’ PP1 gives him a legitimate shot at 70+ points, even on a rebuilding roster.
Managers should be wary of players with fluctuating usage or injury concerns. Matthews’ injury clouds his immediate outlook, though his ceiling remains elite when healthy. Celebrini, ranked 16th, is already skating heavy minutes and could outperform expectations if his linemates stabilize.
Categories / Bangers
In multi-category leagues, deployment and peripherals are king. MacKinnon’s shot volume, faceoff wins, and power-play production make him a unicorn. Draisaitl and Matthews (when healthy) offer similar multi-cat appeal, especially with their goal-scoring prowess and PP1 roles. Bedard is trending up in shots and power-play points, but his peripheral floor is still developing.
On the bangers front, watch for players who contribute hits and blocks in addition to offense. Hagel’s injury removes a source of cheap peripherals for now, so managers may need to pivot to healthy, high-volume wingers or defensemen. Makar blends elite point upside with solid shot totals for a blueliner, though he’s less of a physical contributor compared to some peers.
Dynasty / Keeper
Long-term formats are seeing a youth movement. Celebrini’s top-20 ranking as a rookie cements his status as a foundational piece for rebuilding teams. Bedard’s trajectory remains sky-high, and his heavy usage as a teenager bodes well for future seasons. Managers should also keep an eye on emerging talents with stable NHL roles and PP1 upside, even if their immediate production lags behind established stars.
For veterans, sustainability and health are key. MacKinnon and McDavid remain blue-chip assets, but dynasty managers must weigh age and injury history when considering trade offers or long-term holds.
Who to Add / Stream / Watch
- Nathan MacKinnon (COL): Elite usage, PP1 lock, and top-line stability make him a must-acquire in all formats.
- Connor Bedard (CHI): Heavy minutes and top power-play role; high-upside add even as a rookie.
- Macklin Celebrini (SJS): Rapidly climbing rankings; watch for increased usage and linemate upgrades.
- Cale Makar (COL): Top offensive defenseman with heavy PP1 deployment and shot volume.
- Connor Hellebuyck (WPG): Anchor goalie with strong win and save potential on a defensively solid team.
- Auston Matthews (TOR): Monitor injury status; elite when healthy but currently a risky start.
- Brandon Hagel (TBL): Consider dropping while injured; peripherals and scoring take a hit.
Fantasy Takeaways
- MacKinnon’s all-situations usage and health make him a premier trade target in points and categories leagues.
- Emerging stars like Bedard and Celebrini are already fantasy relevant and should be rostered or stashed in all but the shallowest formats.
- Injury monitoring is critical—Matthews’ and Hagel’s absences create both risk and opportunity for savvy managers.
- Goaltending remains volatile, but Hellebuyck’s workload and team context keep him among the safest options.
- Dynasty managers should prioritize young players with clear PP1 roles and upward trajectories, even if their teams are in transition.
Source: NHL.com. See the original for full details.