Fantasy Hockey Team Previews: Outlooks and Player Picks for Every Team

Prepare for an exhilarating 2025-26 ESPN Fantasy Hockey season, kicking off with the NHL regular season on Tuesday, October 7th. The Florida Panthers aim for an unprecedented third consecutive Stanley Cup, despite some key player departures. Meanwhile, the rebranded Utah Mammoth start with high postseason hopes. The New York Rangers and Boston Bruins are eager to rebound after disappointing previous campaigns. This guide explores the anticipated dynamics and identifies valuable fantasy assets for each team.

Fantasy Hockey analysts Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash offer in-depth team previews, highlighting essential player picks and potential sleeper candidates. Sean covers the Eastern Conference, while Victoria provides insights for the Western Conference teams.

Anaheim Ducks

Lukas Dostal is set to become Anaheim`s primary netminder. If the Ducks improve as expected, the 25-year-old could ascend into the top 15 fantasy goalies. Center Leo Carlsson, alongside new winger Chris Kreider, is projected for a significant offensive leap, potentially surpassing 60 points. On defense, Jackson LaCombe is poised to exceed 55 points as the full-time anchor of Anaheim`s top power play.

Boston Bruins

Despite low expectations, the Bruins might offer surprising fantasy value. While David Pastrnak remains a top-tier fantasy pick, Jeremy Swayman`s anticipated heavy workload, Charlie McAvoy`s defensive production, and Elias Lindholm`s second opportunity as the top-line center make them attractive, yet possibly undervalued, targets.

Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo`s roster features numerous high-risk, high-reward fantasy options. Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson are reliable choices, but not all of Josh Norris, Alex Tuch, and Jiri Kulich are guaranteed to deliver. With Dahlin anchoring the blue line, it`s uncertain whether Bowen Byram or Owen Power can secure sufficient fantasy relevance.

Calgary Flames

After their full rookie seasons, neither goaltender Dustin Wolf nor forward Matt Coronato will be fantasy surprises. However, 2025-26 rookie Zayne Parekh could be a breakout candidate, especially if he secures a secondary power-play role, possibly after a Rasmus Andersson trade. A yearly reminder: Nazem Kadri often outperforms fantasy managers` expectations.

Carolina Hurricanes

Nikolaj Ehlers, consistently one of fantasy`s most productive forwards on a per-minute basis, might see an expanded role. K`Andre Miller and Alexander Nikishin both possess the potential to become fantasy defensive mainstays with optimal deployment, but Shayne Gostisbehere`s presence could still limit their power-play time.

Chicago Blackhawks

An anticipated bounce-back year for Connor Bedard should see him approach or achieve a point-per-game pace for the first time. Sophomore Frank Nazar has sleeper potential as Chicago`s second-line center and a power-play partner for Bedard. Rookie defenseman Sam Rinzel is worth monitoring in deeper scoring leagues as the team`s top power-play anchor.

Colorado Avalanche

While Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are undisputed top-ranked players at their positions, the Avalanche`s second scoring line presents intriguing possibilities. If Gabriel Landeskog returns close to his previous form, Valeri Nichushkin remains healthy, and center Brock Nelson effectively integrates with both, some fortunate fantasy managers could find significant value from later draft rounds.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Could this be the season several young Blue Jackets achieve fantasy breakout status? Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson appear on the cusp, following Kirill Marchenko`s impressive 2024-25 season. If the team starts winning more consistently, Elvis Merzlikins – or even sleeper Jet Greaves – could offer some goaltending intrigue.

Dallas Stars

Mikko Rantanen might not reach 100 points away from Nathan MacKinnon, but around 90 points alongside Wyatt Johnston and Roope Hintz is a realistic expectation. If Mavrik Bourque earns a spot in the Stars` top six, he`ll be a valuable addition in deeper fantasy leagues.

Detroit Red Wings

Marco Kasper continues his push toward becoming a fantasy regular, while a healthy Patrick Kane might be overlooked in drafts. Simon Edvinsson possesses the tools to be a valuable source of hits and blocks with increased ice time. There`s also a risk that consistent performers like Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Alex DeBrincat might be drafted later than they should be due to their steady, rather than flashy, production.

Edmonton Oilers

Beyond the elite offensive duo, Evan Bouchard and Jake Walman are projected as top 10 and top 20 fantasy defensemen, respectively. Newly acquired forward Trent Frederic, who could see ice time with McDavid, offers sleeper value in leagues that reward physical play (hits and blocks). Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is also due for a rebound season.

Florida Panthers

Don`t let Matthew Tkachuk slip too far in drafts; his early absence can be managed using an IR spot. Seth Jones` fantasy value could surge as the power-play anchor. The highly effective playoff line of Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen, and Brad Marchand is worth monitoring to see if their chemistry continues.

Los Angeles Kings

Transitioning to replace the retiring Anze Kopitar, rising star Quinton Byfield is poised for a significant leap this season, with a projected minimum of 65 points. Three seasons after scoring 39 goals in Vancouver, the well-traveled Andrei Kuzmenko, playing for his next contract, finds himself on the Kings` top line and power play. While unlikely to replicate last season`s stellar ESPN standard league performance, goaltender Darcy Kuemper should remain a top-10 fantasy option.

Minnesota Wild

When healthy, Kirill Kaprizov is a top-tier fantasy forward, so managers might gamble on him playing over 75 games this season. Veteran Vladimir Tarasenko, joining his sixth team in four years, is a deep-league target, especially if he secures a spot on the top power-play unit. Rookie defender Zeev Buium is a must-draft in keeper/dynasty leagues.

Montreal Canadiens

Montreal boasts numerous sleeper candidates, though not all will succeed. Rookie Ivan Demidov showcases immense talent, Zack Bolduc finished strong last season, and Kirby Dach could center them both. The blue-line trio of Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson, and David Savard creates a murky fantasy outlook, and goaltender Sam Montembeault needs to find consistency. Above all, Juraj Slafkovsky appears ready to enter the elite tier.

Nashville Predators

Forward Filip Forsberg consistently performs as a top-12 fantasy forward, regardless of the Predators` team success. If Nashville improves after last year`s struggles, Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault are poised for strong rebound campaigns. The same applies to goaltender Juuse Saros, who warrants a much higher ranking. A healthy Roman Josi remains among the best fantasy defensemen.

New Jersey Devils

Alongside their reliable early-round fantasy producers, the Devils offer high-upside picks for later draft rounds. Luke Hughes is ready to challenge the injury-prone Dougie Hamilton for top power-play quarterback duties. Evgenii Dadonov or KHL import Arseny Gritsyuk present intriguing options if they maintain a spot in the top six.

New York Islanders

Bo Horvat tied for 100th in fantasy points last season, making the Islanders almost unique in not having a top-100 player. Mat Barzal and Mat Schaefer could change this. Ilya Sorokin needs a big season to restore fantasy managers` faith, with hopeful signs from his fourth-place goalie ranking after January 1st last season.

New York Rangers

From Presidents` Trophy winners to missing the playoffs, most Rangers` fantasy output mirrored their team`s decline. Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox can rebound if the power play regains its former effectiveness. Alexis Lafreniere has an opportunity for a significant step forward. Will Cuylle was a pleasant surprise, but sustaining that pace is uncertain.

Ottawa Senators

Dylan Cozens possesses high upside if he secures top power-play time in his first full season with the Senators. Fabian Zetterlund shows similar potential, though his deployment is a bigger question mark. Linus Ullmark was elite apart from injuries and a lack of wins, both of which could be rectified in 2025-26.

Philadelphia Flyers

New coach Rick Tocchet and top-six addition Trevor Zegras boost the Flyers` fantasy prospects. Zegras, Tyson Foerster, and Jamie Drysdale are low-investment targets if their roles solidify. Don`t overlook physical defensemen like Travis Sanheim and Nick Seeler, who were roster locks last year in standard leagues valuing hits and blocks.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Trade rumors surrounding Sidney Crosby cast a long shadow, but he and Erik Karlsson will deliver fantasy value irrespective of their uniforms. Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust offer stability if they remain with the team, but are among the most likely to be traded if the Penguins continue their rebuild.

San Jose Sharks

The ascending Sharks are brimming with future fantasy stars. Beyond Macklin Celebrini, sophomore Will Smith displays point-per-game potential. Second-overall pick Michael Misa, in contention for a roster spot out of camp, is a dynasty dream selection with incredible offensive upside. If the Sharks become consistently competitive, 23-year-old goalie Yaroslav Askarov could emerge as the season`s top sleeper goaltender.

Seattle Kraken

Forward Eeli Tolvanen warrants fantasy consideration in leagues that reward hits, as he also contributes sufficiently in scoring. Goaltender Joey Daccord will start enough games to maintain relevance in deeper leagues, and possibly exceed expectations if the Kraken can secure more wins. Otherwise, this Seattle squad isn`t overflowing with fantasy promise.

St. Louis Blues

St. Louis is home to many underappreciated fantasy talents, such as top center Robert Thomas, who averaged 1.10 points per game over the last two seasons. Defenseman Cam Fowler, the power-play anchor, collected 36 points in 51 games after joining the Blues from Anaheim last year. Prospect Jimmy Snuggeruud is flying under the rookie radar despite being offered a spot on the club`s top line and power play, attracting less attention than others.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning`s fantasy appeal remains driven by its stars, but secondary roles are crucial. Anthony Cirelli established relevance as a second-line center last season, creating an opportunity for wingers like Oliver Bjorkstrand or Conor Geekie to follow suit. Identifying who secures a spot in the middle six will determine the sleeper values here.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs, post-Marner, still possess significant top-tier fantasy appeal, but depth deployment will shape secondary options. Matias Maccelli and Max Domi could land top-line duties. If either Anthony Stolarz or Joseph Woll starts 55 games, they hold top-five fantasy goalie potential.

Utah Mammoth

On track for nearly 100 points for the first time in his career, Clayton Keller remains undervalued across the fantasy hockey landscape. A healthy Dylan Guenther could score upwards of 35 goals, while ex-Sabre JJ Peterka is projected for 70 points in his new environment. If these pieces align and the newly named Mammoth contend for a playoff spot, goaltender Karel Vejmelka could prove to be a highly rewarding sleeper between the pipes for many managers.

Vancouver Canucks

Unless he`s irrevocably struggling – and the player himself strongly denies it – the Canucks` top center has nowhere to go but up. Whether Elias Pettersson achieves a 70-point season or closer to his past 100-point form is uncertain. Perhaps a newly-signed Brock Boeser will return to his 70-plus scoring ways. Maybe new Canuck Evander Kane can stay healthy for a nearly 30-goal run. Vancouver presents many fantasy “maybes,” with Quinn Hughes being the only top-tier sure thing.

Vegas Golden Knights

Enjoying top-line minutes with Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner, combined with secondary power-play opportunities, Ivan Barbashev should record 30 goals and 35 assists in 2025-26. Unlike Eichel and Marner, he will likely be available in later draft rounds. Following Akira Schmid`s promotion to backup, the starting role for a very strong Vegas team is Adin Hill`s to lose. Defender Shea Theodore remains the anchor on a top power play that could be even better with Marner joining.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals were a surprise last season, being one of only five teams with five 25-goal scorers. Aliaksei Protas and Connor McMichael aim to build on their breakouts, while Ryan Leonard and playoff standout Anthony Beauvillier push for roster spots. On defense, John Carlson and Jakob Chychrun complement each other effectively. Logan Thompson is worth stashing early.

Winnipeg Jets

Rich in fantasy talent from goal out, forward Cole Perfetti is poised to join the Jets` strong core as Nikolaj Ehlers` replacement on the top power play. After regaining his form, new second-line center Jonathan Toews possesses dark-horse potential in extra-deep fantasy leagues. Winger Kyle Connor is bound to score 50 goals one year, perhaps in 2025-26, as he plays on an expiring contract.