NHL.com released its top 200 overall fantasy hockey player rankings for the 2025-26 season, sparking plenty of discussion around player value and expectations. Among the names that stood out was Mitch Marner, who was ranked outside the top 20 despite coming off a career-best campaign.
Marner, ranked 24th, was dealt to the Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade deal on the edge of free agency, securing an eight-year, $96 million contract in the process. Toronto, in return, received forward Nicolas Roy, marking the end of Marner’s nearly decade-long tenure with the Maple Leafs. The move wasn’t just about money or a change of scenery; it was about chasing what had always eluded him in Toronto: a Stanley Cup.
Mitch Marner’s Fantasy Hockey Ranking in NHL.com’s Top 200 for 2025-26
Coming off a career-best season with 102 points (27 goals and 75 assists) in 81 games, Marner proved he could dominate offensively, carrying much of Toronto’s playmaking load. Still, the Leafs repeatedly stumbled in the postseason, never advancing past the second round in his nine years with the team. For Marner, that reality was tough to swallow, and he made no secret of his motivation. In his eyes, Vegas offered the best chance.
Top 5 offseason movers:
1. Mitch Marner, VGK
2. Nikolaj Ehlers, CAR
3. JJ Peterka, UTA
4. Noah Dobson, MTL
5. Mikael Granlund, ANA#FantasyHockey top 200 rankings ⤵️https://t.co/jYI27fXEdy— NHL Fantasy / EDGE 🏒 (@NHLFantasy) July 18, 2025
The Golden Knights, just a few years removed from their championship run, provide exactly the kind of environment Marner has long sought: depth across the lineup, veteran leadership and an organization unafraid to swing big in pursuit of titles. It’s no coincidence that Marner’s decision came after watching Vegas consistently push deep into the postseason, something Toronto couldn’t replicate. For a player defined by his offensive wizardry but often judged by team failures, the move is both an escape and an opportunity.
Landing outside the top 20 in the NHL rankings adds another wrinkle to Marner’s story. At 24th, he sits just behind some of the league’s biggest stars, including New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes (No. 20), Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (No. 21) and Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (No. 22). Even Colorado Avalanche goalie Mackenzie Blackwood edged him at No. 23. Falling just below these established names highlights both the depth of today’s NHL talent and the fine margins separating elite players from the next tier — those who have either reached new heights or already cemented legacies.
Surrounded by stars like Jack Eichel and a roster already proven in playoff battles, Marner has the chance to redefine his career trajectory and outplay his ranking with the Golden Knights.
