Fantasy Hockey: Key Notes and Predictions for 2025-26

As another NHL regular season concludes, fantasy hockey enthusiasts are reflecting on the surprises, disappointments, and crucial insights it provided. Before we fully close the book on 2024-25 and head into the offseason, let`s examine one significant fantasy takeaway from each team to keep in mind for the next season.

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Team-by-Team Fantasy Hockey Notes

Anaheim Ducks

Jackson LaCombe: Potential 50-Point Defenseman

After a slow start, Jackson LaCombe has been producing at a rate of 0.73 points per game since December 1st. This is impressive for a second-year player. As the Anaheim Ducks` leading scorer among defensemen, he also quarterbacks the team`s primary power-play unit alongside promising young talents like Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish. His fantasy outlook is very promising.

Boston Bruins

Jeremy Swayman: Questionable Goaltending Choice

Whether it`s due to a delayed season start, insufficient team support, poor performance, or likely a combination of these, Jeremy Swayman is having a challenging year. His statistics – a 3.12 Goals Against Average and .892 save percentage – are career lows by a significant margin. Unless Boston makes substantial offseason changes or shows signs of a clear turnaround, Swayman should be avoided in most fantasy leagues, except for the very deepest ones.

Buffalo Sabres

JJ Peterka: A Rising Star

Following a solid 50-point season, this 2020 second-round pick for the Sabres is now third in team scoring, only behind Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, with 0.85 points per game. A consistent presence in the top-six forwards and on the first power-play unit, Peterka`s momentum is building towards the end of the season, averaging 2.3 fantasy points per game in standard leagues recently.

Calgary Flames

Dustin Wolf: Approaching Elite Status

Dustin Wolf is a legitimate contender for the Calder Trophy, and for good reason. His strong play as a rookie goalie has kept the Flames in playoff contention. Beyond his impressive fantasy stats – ranking 11th overall in total fantasy points – Wolf is also fourth in Goals Saved Above Expected with 28.5, according to advanced metrics. His future is bright with a rising Calgary team, and he could be a steal as a fantasy goalie option next season.

Carolina Hurricanes

Shayne Gostisbehere: Power-Play Specialist

Remarkably, Shayne Gostisbehere ranks fourth among NHL defensemen in power-play points with 23, despite missing some games. While he doesn`t contribute heavily in blocks or shots, this veteran defenseman provides a valuable boost in leagues that prioritize special teams production.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Sean Monahan: Top-Line Center

Adam Fantilli deserves credit for effectively filling in on the top line while Sean Monahan was injured. Some speculated Fantilli might retain the role even after Monahan`s return, but that wasn`t the case. In his first game back, Monahan played nearly 19 minutes and recorded two assists on the top line. With several years remaining on his contract, the veteran center could maintain his position and point production.

Chicago Blackhawks

Connor Bedard: In a League of His Own

While Ryan Donato has shown recent scoring, Connor Bedard remains Chicago`s only consistently productive fantasy forward. Other Blackhawks forwards have underperformed expectations. Until new talent emerges, fantasy managers should look elsewhere for reliable scoring options.

Colorado Avalanche

Valeri Nichushkin: A Fantasy Standout

When healthy, Valeri Nichushkin is a highly impactful and undervalued fantasy performer. Averaging 2.4 fantasy points per game recently, he`s surprisingly still available in a significant portion of fantasy leagues. Any manager with an injured reserve spot should consider adding this impactful player.

Dallas Stars

Thomas Harley: Potential for Regression

Thomas Harley is proving to be a quality defenseman for the Stars. However, it`s noteworthy that over half of his points have come since Miro Heiskanen`s injury. While Harley remains valuable, expecting the same point-per-game pace may be unrealistic once Heiskanen returns.

Detroit Red Wings

Patrick Kane: Back to Form

Patrick Kane reports feeling like himself again after hip surgery in 2023, evidenced by his strong production since late December. As a pending free agent, Kane should be considered as a mid-round fantasy pick, particularly if his health continues to improve.

Edmonton Oilers

Stuart Skinner: Overrated Fantasy Goalie

Despite past successes, Stuart Skinner`s current season is less impressive. His save percentage is average, and advanced metrics suggest he`s not performing as a top-tier goalie. There are better fantasy goaltending options available.

Florida Panthers

Mackie Samoskevich: Sleeper Potential

Mackie Samoskevich could be a sleeper pick in deeper leagues, depending on whether he secures a top-six role next season. Playing with Sam Bennett, the rookie has shown promising production recently.

Los Angeles Kings

Darcy Kuemper: Top-Tier Goaltender

Darcy Kuemper ranks surprisingly high in total fantasy points among goalies, even when considering games played. He remains available in a significant portion of fantasy leagues, making him an undervalued asset.

Minnesota Wild

Filip Gustavsson: Elite Goaltender

Filip Gustavsson is among the league`s best goalies. His record is even more impressive considering key injuries on his team. He should be a high consideration when drafting a top goalie next season.

Montreal Canadiens

Nick Suzuki: Top-15 Center

Nick Suzuki ranks high among forwards in total fantasy points, partly due to his exceptional durability. His consistent availability is a valuable asset for fantasy managers.

Nashville Predators

Steven Stamkos: Bounce-back Candidate

Despite a tough season for Nashville, Steven Stamkos has shown signs of improvement recently. While not a top-tier fantasy player anymore, he could return to solid form with a fresh start next season.

New Jersey Devils

Jacob Markstrom: Goalie Concerns

Jacob Markstrom, expected to be a top goalie, has underperformed this season. His teammate, Jake Allen, has been the better fantasy option. This is a concern for Markstrom`s fantasy value moving forward.

New York Islanders

Kyle Palmieri: Streaky but Clutch

Kyle Palmieri is a valuable streaming option, known for scoring in bursts when it matters. As a pending free agent, he remains a useful fantasy substitute when needed.

New York Rangers

Alexis Lafreniere: Not Yet Worth Roster Spot

Despite opportunities on the top lines, Alexis Lafreniere`s production remains underwhelming. He may still be rostered in too many leagues based on past potential rather than current output.

Ottawa Senators

Dylan Cozens: Thriving in Ottawa

Dylan Cozens has been productive since joining Ottawa, showing potential to replicate his career-best season. A change of scenery has benefited him, and his fantasy stock should rise next season.

Philadelphia Flyers

Matvei Michkov: Set to Emerge

Matvei Michkov is showing promise and could flourish further with a new coach and potential offseason additions. He`s a top fantasy forward for the Flyers moving forward.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Kris Letang: Past His Prime

Kris Letang`s production has declined significantly from his peak. Fantasy managers should be wary of drafting him too high based on past reputation. Focus on younger, rising defensemen instead.

San Jose Sharks

Will Smith: Super Sleeper Potential

Will Smith is performing exceptionally well for the Sharks, even outperforming highly-touted rookies. Despite his strong play, he`s still under-rostered in fantasy leagues, making him a potential sleeper.

Seattle Kraken

Matty Beniers: Limited Fantasy Value

Matty Beniers` production is modest, not justifying a roster spot in most fantasy leagues beyond the deepest ones.

St. Louis Blues

Jordan Binnington: Inconsistent Performance

Jordan Binnington`s performance has been inconsistent, with a recent improvement after a tournament. His play down the stretch will determine if he can be considered a top fantasy goalie.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Brandon Hagel: Legitimate Fantasy Asset

Brandon Hagel is proving his previous strong season wasn`t a fluke. He`s on pace for even greater production and is undervalued compared to higher-profile teammates.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Matthew Knies: Just Beginning

Matthew Knies is showing significant potential, playing on a top line and power play. He`s a worthy mid-round pick, especially in leagues that reward hits.

Utah Hockey Club

Logan Cooley: Star in the Making

Logan Cooley is developing into a star player, showing significant improvement. He has high potential for next season and could be a sneaky mid-round draft pick.

Vancouver Canucks

Thatcher Demko: Health Dependent

Thatcher Demko`s fantasy value depends on his health. Monitoring his performance through the end of the season will be crucial to assess his reliability for next season.

Vegas Golden Knights

Shea Theodore: Consistently Underrated

Shea Theodore remains an underrated fantasy defenseman, consistently leading Vegas defensemen in scoring when healthy. He should be drafted as a top-tier defenseman.

Washington Capitals

Aliaksei Protas: Deserves More Respect

Aliaksei Protas is producing at a high rate, playing in Washington`s top-six forwards. He could take another step forward in fantasy value next season with increased power-play time.

Winnipeg Jets

Gabriel Vilardi: Proven Fantasy Performer

Gabriel Vilardi has proven his fantasy value on Winnipeg`s top line. Despite an injury, he`s having a career year and projects to be a strong fantasy contributor next season.