The 2025-26 NHL hockey season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with superstars returning to peak form and a new wave of young talent breaking through across the league. As NHL fantasy draft day approaches, having a reliable set of player rankings becomes crucial for building a championship-caliber roster.
Our list ranks the top 50 fantasy options, taking into account recent performance, team context, line minutes, and special teams usage. Whether managing a seasoned squad or entering a league for the first time, these rankings are designed to give managers a clear edge and a strategic roadmap for the coming fantasy season
Top 50 NHL Fantasy Rankings
- Nathan MacKinnon, COL, F
- Connor McDavid, EDM, F
- Leon Draisaitl, EDM, F
- Nikita Kucherov, TBL, F
- Cale Makar, COL, D
- Kirill Kaprizov, MIN, F
- Brady Tkachuk, OTT, F
- David Pastrnak, BOS, F
- Auston Matthews, TOR, F
- Mikko Rantanen, DAL, F
- Connor Hellebuyck, WPG, G
- Jack Eichel, VGK, F
- Kyle Connor, WPG, F
- Andrei Vasilevskiy, TBL, G
- Zach Werenski, CBJ, D
- Quinn Hughes, VAN, D
- Sidney Crosby, PIT, F
- Sam Reinhart, FLA, F
- Tage Thompson, BUF, F
- William Nylander, TOR, F
- Jack Hughes, NJD, F
- Alex Ovechkin, WSH, F
- Matthew Tkachuk, FLA, F
- Mark Scheifele, WPG, F
- Mackenzie Blackwood, COL, G
- Mitch Marner, TOR, F
- Brayden Point, TBL, F
- Nick Suzuki, MTL, F
- Martin Necas, COL, F
- Filip Forsberg, NSH, F
- Jake Oettinger, DAL, G
- Sergei Bobrovsky, FLA, G
- Artemi Panarin, NYR, F
- Jake Guentzel, TBL, F
- Macklin Celebrini, SJS, F
- Matt Boldy, MIN, F
- Aleksander Barkov, FLA, F
- Jason Robertson, DAL, F
- Clayton Keller, UTA, F
- Victor Hedman, TBL, D
- Moritz Seider, DET, D
- Jesper Bratt, NJD, F
- Dylan Guenther, UTA, F
- Brandon Hagel, TBL, F
- Tom Wilson, WSH, F
- Robert Thomas, STL, F
- Cole Caufield, MTL, F
- John Tavares, TOR, F
- J.T. Miller, NYR, F
- Rasmus Dahlin, BUF, D
Cutter Gauthier, Elias Lindholm, Mackenzie Blackwood Fantasy Sleepers
Cutter Gauthier (ANA) finished his rookie year tied for the lead in even-strength goals among all NHL rookies, notching 18 even-strength tallies and generating a remarkable 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) over his last 27 games. Thanks to his excellent shot volume (190 shots), top-tier speed, and a projected bump in power-play opportunities with Anaheim’s improved roster, Gauthier has legitimate 30-goal upside, making him a premier sleeper pick for fantasy managers targeting breakout scorers.
The Ducks’ offensive depth has improved with key additions, positioning Gauthier for more ice time and potential top-six usage, though he’ll need to stand out in a crowded forward group to fully realize his fantasy potential.
Elias Lindholm (BOS) adapted quickly after arriving in Boston, posting 11 points (five goals, six assists) over his final 11 games of last season, while skating alongside elite playmakers like David Pastrnak. Lindholm excelled at creating high-danger chances (70 high-danger shots, 93rd percentile among forwards) and logged heavy ice time (over 226 miles skated), suggesting he’s primed for a career resurgence if he remains atop the Bruins’ first line.
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His strong late-season chemistry with Pastrnak and Geekie, plus Boston’s reliance on his two-way skill set, places Lindholm in an ideal spot to outperform his average draft position in 2025-26.
Mackenzie Blackwood (COL) emerged as a surprise fantasy asset last season, earning the Avalanche’s starting spot after a stellar run in the final months. Blackwood posted consistently strong save numbers and gave Colorado the dependable goaltending they’d been seeking, making him a potential high-upside late-round pick.
With the Avalanche strengthening their blue line and offense, Blackwood is poised for a breakout campaign, capable of delivering both top-10 goalie stats and significant value in leagues that reward wins and save percentage.
