Updated Top 200 Fantasy Hockey Player Rankings for 2025-26

With the NHL season in full swing, fantasy hockey managers are scrambling for every edge. NHL.com’s freshly updated top 200 player rankings for 2025-26 provide an invaluable roadmap for optimizing your roster, whether you’re chasing a championship or building for the future. Let’s break down what’s new, why it matters, and how to use these rankings for maximum fantasy impact.

What’s New & Why It Matters

This update reflects shifts in player value due to a mix of performance trends, line changes, power-play assignments, and injury news. Top-tier stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid remain elite, but there are important risers and fallers you can’t ignore. Notably, rookies like Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard have cracked the upper echelon, while injuries to established names—such as Auston Matthews and Aleksander Barkov—force managers to adjust quickly. The rankings weigh not just raw points, but also deployment (PP1 vs. PP2), linemate quality, and schedule factors, offering a multidimensional snapshot of player value right now.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

In pure scoring leagues, the top of the list is dominated by high-octane forwards and a select few defensemen with elite offensive roles. Nathan MacKinnon headlines the group, thriving as Colorado’s engine and benefitting from heavy usage at even strength and on the top power play. Cale Makar remains the gold standard among defensemen, thanks to his PP1 quarterbacking and ability to drive play. Among goalies, Connor Hellebuyck stands out for his consistency and the Winnipeg Jets’ defensive structure, making him a reliable anchor in net. Rookies like Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard are already producing and offer massive upside, especially in keeper formats.

Categories / Bangers

For leagues counting hits, blocks, and other peripherals, the calculus changes. While MacKinnon and McDavid are still top-tier, players with multi-cat profiles become more valuable. Defensemen who log big minutes and pile up blocks and hits—think Darnell Nurse or Jacob Trouba—see their stock rise. The loss of Aleksander Barkov (likely out for the season) creates a significant void, so managers in banger leagues should pivot to healthy two-way centers or wingers who bring physicality. Goaltenders with high save counts and strong win potential, like Hellebuyck, are especially valuable in categories setups.

Dynasty / Keeper

Younger talents are climbing the ranks, with Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard already showing star potential. Their early production, combined with top-line and power-play roles, makes them must-haves in dynasty formats. Meanwhile, veterans with injury concerns or declining usage (such as Barkov) are riskier long-term holds. This is a prime window to buy low on emerging stars or stash high-upside prospects before they fully break out.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Macklin Celebrini – Rookie with top-six and PP1 usage, high ceiling in all formats.
Connor Bedard – Already producing, cornerstone for dynasty and a strong add if available.
Connor Hellebuyck – Volume starter with favorable upcoming schedule; stream for wins/saves.
Cole Caufield – Hot streak, increased shooting volume, and PP1 time with Montreal.
Owen Power – Trending up as Buffalo’s top-pair defender, more offensive zone starts.
Matty Beniers – Quietly heating up, top-six staple, and seeing more PP time in Seattle.
Igor Shesterkin – If dropped due to a slow start, stash for a likely rebound.
Evan Bouchard – Edmonton’s PP1 quarterback, strong secondary scoring and shot volume.

Fantasy Takeaways

Elite forwards like Nathan MacKinnon retain top value—trade for them if the opportunity arises, especially in points-only leagues.
Rookies Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard are must-adds in dynasty and strong contributors already.
Injuries to key players (e.g., Aleksander Barkov) mean you should be aggressive in dropping or replacing them in categories leagues.
Streaming goalies like Connor Hellebuyck can provide a crucial edge in tight weekly matchups.
Monitor line and PP1 deployment closely—usage shifts can quickly change a player’s value. For more, see our guide on how to value PP1 time.

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