The NHL offseason promises significant activity as players become eligible to sign with new teams starting July 1st. Key names like Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett, and Nikolaj Ehlers are anticipated to test the market, alongside numerous others potentially available via trade.
For those seeking a competitive edge in fantasy hockey, understanding how player roles might change and which prime positions will open up is vital for assessing player value shifts before drafts. This analysis provides insights into free agent signings and trades and their anticipated fantasy impact.
Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights: The former Maple Leafs star is expected to see an increase in goal scoring, playing on a top line and power play alongside skilled center Jack Eichel. He should consistently produce 90-100 points. This move slightly boosts Marner`s fantasy value in leagues where goals are weighted more heavily. An uptick in shots is also likely for the 28-year-old winger. Even in standard leagues valuing goals and assists equally, Marner remains a high draft priority after the elite tier is selected.
More intriguing is the potential effect of this sign-and-trade deal (which sent Nicolas Roy to Toronto) on Mark Stone. If Marner replaces the veteran on Eichel`s wing as expected (a $12 million player is unlikely to be placed on the second line), Stone`s even-strength production is likely to decrease. Coupled with his history of injuries, Stone is projected for a performance regression after averaging 2.1 fantasy points per game last season in ESPN standard leagues. Furthermore, either Stone or Pavel Dorofeyev (less likely Tomas Hertl) is the probable candidate to move to the secondary power play unit to accommodate Marner on the top unit. Dorofeyev, who recorded 17 power-play points last season, is the current best guess.
In Toronto, GM Brad Treliving faces a significant void upfront following Marner`s departure. While whoever skates on the top line with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies will inevitably score, this player might not even be within the organization as of early July. Considering current forwards like Matias Maccelli or others don`t seem ideal full-time replacements for Marner, fantasy managers should closely monitor additional player acquisitions by the Maple Leafs this summer.
K`Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes: Miller possesses the potential to become a valuable fantasy asset. However, his role isn`t necessarily expanding from his time with the Rangers in Carolina. The Hurricanes already feature established minute-eaters like Jaccob Slavin and Sean Walker, with Alexander Nikishin potentially stepping into the top role, and Shayne Gostisbehere serving as the power-play specialist. Nonetheless, Miller`s fantasy value stems from contributions in hits, blocks, and sufficient offense, making him a reliable option as a fourth fantasy defenseman with the possibility of climbing higher.
John Klingberg to the San Jose Sharks: Klingberg`s performance during the Oilers` playoff run was sufficient for the Sharks to sign him as a potential power-play quarterback fallback option. He has struggled to find consistency since leaving the Stars in 2021-22, but after surgical repair and at 33, he may still have valuable years left. The Sharks lack a proven NHL puck-mover on defense, so Klingberg will compete with younger players for power-play time. If he secures this role, he presents sleeper fantasy appeal, particularly in leagues that disregard plus/minus.
Mikael Granlund to the Anaheim Ducks: A strong performance last season restored Granlund`s value to levels not seen since his tenure with the Minnesota Wild. His fantasy relevance heavily relies on securing significant ice time, which was unlikely lower on the depth chart in Dallas. His move to Anaheim, where opportunity is available, is therefore encouraging. If he can obtain at least 19 minutes per night and a spot on the first power-play unit – both achievable on this roster – Granlund could deliver serviceable fantasy statistics. He is a solid late-round target when filling out starting lineup spots during your draft.
James van Riemsdyk to the Detroit Red Wings: With Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond established and Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane expected to remain linemates, top-six minutes are available in Detroit. Veteran van Riemsdyk has been somewhat overlooked in depth roles with the Blue Jackets and Bruins, but he still demonstrates a knack for scoring, netting 16 goals last season despite limited usage. He will likely get a look alongside one of the top duos. While it may not translate into significant fantasy relevance, it`s worth monitoring.
Jonathan Drouin to the New York Islanders: If Drouin lands on a top line and power play with Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal, the 30-year-old has the potential to accumulate 60-65 points, a notable portion coming with the man advantage. Recall he posted 37 points in just 43 games with the Avalanche last season alongside Nathan MacKinnon. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should keep this potential wild card on their radar during the later draft stages or once the 2025-26 season begins.
Conversely, Drouin`s fit with Nathan MacKinnon was exceptional and he may not replicate that success elsewhere, including most fantasy lineups. While the Islanders are retooling their forward group, Drouin would need a very specific combination of sheltered minutes and prominent usage to be statistically effective. Even with favorable circumstances in Colorado, his production wasn`t consistent enough for everyday fantasy use, serving more as a spot-start or injury fill-in option. Avoid drafting him, but keep his name handy in case he quickly develops chemistry with a top-line center and secures power-play time early in the season.
Jonathan Toews to the Winnipeg Jets: Predicting Toews` on-ice contribution for the Jets is challenging. However, his signing is a low-risk move for a team facing postseason challenges, given his leadership and playoff experience. From a fantasy perspective, his value is highly uncertain until we see him play. Toews hasn`t played since 2022-23 and hasn`t been a relevant fantasy option since before the pandemic. Furthermore, Winnipeg`s most reliable fantasy value is concentrated in the top line of Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Gabriel Vilardi, which is unlikely to be broken up for depth scoring after its dominant 2024-25 season.
Zack Bolduc to the Montreal Canadiens: Montreal made an excellent gamble, leveraging their defensive prospect depth to potentially steal a player from the Blues. Following the 4 Nations Face-Off last season, Bolduc recorded 13 goals and averaged 2.06 fantasy points per game over 26 contests, contributing to the Blues` playoff push, despite playing on the third line. At minimum, the Canadiens acquired a quality bottom-six forward. On the upside, Bolduc will likely receive more minutes and opportunities to develop, potentially making him a fantasy sleeper. Notably, nine of his 18 points in those final 26 games came on the power play.
Matias Maccelli to the Toronto Maple Leafs: An exceptionally creative playmaker, Maccelli has other areas in his game that differ from the Marner he replaces, and he won`t replicate Marner`s fantasy output. However, Maccelli shouldn`t be completely overlooked. The Leafs need wingers for their key scorers, and a significant spot is open alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on the top line. Maccelli is primarily a passer, but his 78 assists in 146 games as a depth player with the Arizona Coyotes at age 22-23 hint at what Toronto hopes he can provide with increased ice time and elite linemates. He`s a valuable player to stash on your bench during drafts, with his fantasy stock potentially rising closer to the season if his role becomes solidified.
Viktor Arvidsson to the Boston Bruins: It`s been a while since Arvidsson reached 30 goals (last in 2018-19), but his fantasy relevance is more recent than you might think. He finished the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons firmly in everyday starter territory, averaging 1.91 and 1.83 FPPG respectively. The 2022-23 campaign is particularly noteworthy for his 25 power-play points, a relevant statistic for a Bruins roster that, aside from David Pastrnak, lacks another forward who has consistently earned significant power-play time. Arvidsson is a longshot for high-end production, but he`s worth considering late in drafts if your roster needs goals or shots.
Dan Vladar to the Philadelphia Flyers: It`s unlikely Vladar will become a fantasy hero in Philadelphia and instantly dominate. However, given the recent scarcity of reliable fantasy goaltenders, he shouldn`t be dismissed outright. Looking at broader statistics, the Flyers allowed the eighth-fewest shots on goal per game last season but finished fifth in goals against. This suggests the team limits chances effectively, but their goaltenders have allowed a high percentage of shots to become goals. Vladar has had his struggles, even as a backup in Calgary, but he does have one season of fantasy relevance on his resume – 2.44 FPPG as a rookie in 2021-22. Samuel Ersson has higher upside and is expected to start the season as the presumed starter. Therefore, many factors would need to align perfectly for Vladar, but keep his name in mind in the final rounds if you need to add a third goalie.
Vladislav Gavrikov to the New York Rangers: The upside of Gavrikov joining the Rangers is the virtual certainty of heavy minutes on their defense, reflected in his seven-year, $7 million per season contract. Beyond ice time, the former Kings/Blue Jackets defenseman can be relied upon for a good volume of shots (1.4 per game in 2024-25), even more blocks (1.7 per game), and some offensive contribution (30 points in 2024-25). His durability – playing all 82 games last season – makes him a useful asset in deeper fantasy leagues that emphasize defensive categories and ice time.
Vladimir Tarasenko to the Minnesota Wild: Having averaged only 2.74 goals per game in 2024-25 (ranking 25th in the league), the Wild are taking a chance that the former prolific scorer can somewhat return to his earlier form. Tarasenko averaged 0.86 points per game, weighted heavily toward goals, from 2013-14 to 2023-24, but managed only a modest 33 points in 80 games with the Red Wings last season while logging just 14:47 of ice time. A more significant role in Minnesota, potentially on the second line and power play, should lead to increased production, especially if the 33-year-old reverts to his previous shooting habits.
Entering the final year of his current contract also provides Tarasenko with additional motivation to prove his continued value. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues who could benefit from a player capable of around 60 points might consider taking a late-draft gamble on the winger, similar to GM Bill Guerin`s decision. This decision is contingent, of course, on his apparent fit within Minnesota`s lineup during training camp.
John Gibson to the Detroit Red Wings: After finally being traded from the team that drafted him in 2011, there`s little doubt Gibson is poised to become the primary starting goaltender in Detroit, at least through the 2025-26 season. The 38-year-old Cam Talbot has only one year remaining on his contract, prospect Sebastien Cossa is likely to spend another season mostly in Grand Rapids, and 20-year-old Trey Augustine is returning to Michigan State. If he can stay healthy (a persistent concern), Gibson should be expected to start around 55 games for his new team. The bigger challenge for fantasy managers is predicting which version of the long-time Ducks netminder Detroit will get.
One of the league`s top goalies early in his career, Gibson posted a 119-77 record, .921 SV%, and 2.42 GAA from his debut season through 2018-19 in Anaheim. Performance declined afterward, partly due to a lack of team support. However, the 12-year veteran showed signs of resurgence with an improving Ducks squad in 2024-25, achieving a .912 SV%, 2.73 GAA, and 9.71 Goals Saved Above Average (according to Evolving Hockey) over 29 games. If he can replicate those figures with a Red Wings team arguably comparable in quality to the Ducks team he left, while also seeing a significant increase in playing time, Gibson could be a top-15 fantasy goaltender in most standard leagues, provided he remains reasonably healthy.
Going the other way, Petr Mrazek is expected to serve as the backup to current RFA Lukas Dostal in Anaheim. The 25-year-old demonstrated capability as a number one starter last season and would have been more successful with better team support. Only the Sharks and Predators scored fewer goals than the Ducks in 2024-25. However, with the continued development of young players like Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, plus the addition of veteran Chris Kreider, Anaheim is on an upward trajectory. If everything proceeds as anticipated, Dostal could finish among the top-20 fantasy points earners in ESPN standard leagues by season`s end.
Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens: Despite a substantial drop in production in 2024-25 after erupting for 70 points the previous season, Dobson still averaged 2.0 fantasy points per game in ESPN standard leagues – a respectable figure. Fantasy managers should anticipate a similar rate with his new team in Montreal, where the 25-year-old will play heavy minutes at even-strength and compete for time on the secondary power play, assuming reigning Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson continues to anchor the primary unit. Even without sparkling scoring numbers, Dobson is a well-rounded performer who shoots the puck frequently and blocks shots regularly, making him a valuable draft pick depending on league size.
On the Islanders side, Dobson`s departure creates an opportunity for first-overall draft pick Matthew Schaefer to potentially take over as the top power-play anchor, should the teenager make the NHL lineup, which is not guaranteed. This situation warrants close observation throughout training camp and the start of the 2025-26 season.
JJ Peterka, to the Utah Mammoth: While Peterka is clearly a rising player – achieving fantasy relevance at just 23 with 1.72 fantasy points per game in 2024-25 – it`s plausible he might see fewer key minutes with the Mammoth. After averaging 18:11 per game for the Sabres, including 2:54 on the top power-play unit, he may need to produce efficiently with less ice time on a suddenly deeper roster. For Peterka to surpass last season`s performance and become a significant fantasy contributor, a spot on the top power play is essential. With Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther, and Logan Cooley likely locks, Peterka needs to secure the final forward spot. His jump of 11 power-play points from 2023-24 was crucial to his breakout, emphasizing the importance of that deployment. His future remains bright in keeper leagues, as Peterka is part of a core expected to be fantasy-relevant for years. Dynasty managers should value him accordingly. Heading to the Sabres, both Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan could offer situational fantasy value in 2025-26 based on their usage. Their underlying statistics suggest fantasy upside if given sufficient minutes, but they aren`t necessary draft picks and will likely be available on waivers early on.
Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks: After missing the entire 2024-25 season, Kane demonstrated he could still be fantasy-relevant during the Oilers` run to the Stanley Cup Final, earning 1.7 fantasy points per game across 21 playoff games – borderline relevance in standard leagues. This was achieved with limited time alongside Leon Draisaitl (fifth among forwards in shared five-on-five minutes) and Connor McDavid (seventh). Given the expectation that Brock Boeser will leave the Canucks and pending other offseason moves, Kane might be Vancouver`s best option for scoring from the wing entering the season. This could elevate him back into a fantasy role, particularly if he finds time with a (hopefully) rebounding Elias Pettersson and secures power-play minutes (which he didn`t get much of in Edmonton).
Mason Marchment to the Seattle Kraken: Marchment is the type of player who can be fantasy-useful in stretches when paired with the right linemates. The Kraken appear to be an ideal environment for this kind of winger, as their lineup emphasizes depth over star power. Consequently, Marchment could potentially find himself anywhere from the third to the first line depending on deployment (or arguably, any of the Kraken`s top three lines could be considered their first or third). The limitation is that his ceiling is restricted by ice time, which may hover around 15 minutes per game unless he gets assigned alongside Matty Beniers. He has shown defensive ability akin to a Selke candidate, so if your league still tracks plus/minus, Marchment`s appeal increases – he ranked in the top 20 among forwards in that category over the past four seasons.
Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers: If you are nearing the end of your draft and your starting lineup is solid, there are worse options to take a chance on than Zegras in a new environment with the Flyers. The buzz around Zegras has diminished significantly since his “Michigan”-fueled rookie season, but how much of that is due to his former team environment and injuries? The pessimistic view is that his new surroundings in Philadelphia, also a rebuilding team, aren`t significantly better. However, optimistically, he`s unlikely to suffer the same level of injury misfortune for a third consecutive season. Zegras missed 76 games over the past two seasons, and his fantasy production plummeted. Even in a full 81-game season in 2022-23, averaging 18:49 per game, he only produced 1.65 fantasy points per game, which isn`t sufficient for standard leagues. Zegras will compete with Sean Couturier and Noah Cates for center ice time, but the opportunity is present. With potential wingers like Matvei Michkov and Travis Konecny, the upside remains.
