Optimal NHL Lines: Fantasy Hockey Strategy & Player Picks

By Sean Allen

In the competitive world of fantasy hockey, individual talent alone, exemplified by players like Nathan MacKinnon or Nikita Kucherov, isn`t always the sole determinant of success. The chemistry and effectiveness of a player`s linemates play a crucial role in their fantasy prospects. Imagine a fantasy league where, instead of drafting individual players, you select entire forward lines or defensive pairs, with points awarded only when all members of that unit are on the ice together at even strength (5-on-5).

While our fantasy teams don`t operate under such strict rules, this concept provides an excellent framework for identifying which NHL lines and pairings are truly clicking early in the season. Understanding these dynamics can give managers a significant edge.

Below, we present the top forward lines based on their total fantasy points earned when all three members are on the ice together at even strength:

The primary takeaway is straightforward: acquire players from these high-performing lines whenever possible. Artturi Lehkonen, available in 60% of leagues, is an obvious first target. Sean Monahan (73.0% available) and Andrei Kuzmenko (81.7%) also offer accessible routes into some of the league`s top-producing units.

The Chicago Blackhawks unit should be widely available, with all three members seeing power-play time alongside Connor Bedard. In deeper leagues, Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha`s fantasy production will largely depend on Evgeni Malkin`s consistency, which has fluctuated in recent seasons.

However, the standout gem here is Zack Bolduc (C, Montreal Canadiens, available in 40.3% of leagues). His even-strength line with veteran Brendan Gallagher and a healthy Kirby Dach has been consistently generating fantasy points across all standard categories. Even more compelling, when removing the 5-on-5 restriction, the Canadiens` top power-play unit — featuring Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Bolduc — has accumulated 12.8 fantasy points. This means Bolduc is a contributing member of two separate top-20 fantasy lines early in the season. His role on the top power play wasn`t a certainty pre-season, with rookie Ivan Demidov expected to get reps, but Bolduc`s performance, especially given his strong power-play stats late last season with the St. Louis Blues, solidifies his specialist value.

Defensive pairings offer a slightly different dynamic. Simply gaining “access” to a pairing isn`t always as impactful, as point totals are generally lower, and there`s less trickle-down scoring compared to forward lines. For instance, Brandon Carlo shouldn`t automatically be on your fantasy roster just because he and Morgan Rielly form a top-10 fantasy duo. Nevertheless, there are still some valuable back-end roster options emerging. Nils Lundkvist, Martin Fehervary, Mario Ferraro, and Nikita Zadorov all make a case for roster spots in deeper leagues.

The ice time allocated to Shayne Gostisbehere is perhaps the most actionable insight. His pairing with Alexander Nikishin is significantly boosting his overall totals. While he was somewhat sheltered at 5-on-5 by the Hurricanes last season, this partnership is performing exceptionally well so far. Beyond being among the leading defensive duos in fantasy points, the Hurricanes have scored five goals with this pair on the ice (the most in the NHL for any pairing) while allowing only one. Gostisbehere is available in 40.7% of leagues, with Nikishin available in 89.5%.

Goalie Notes

Early-season statistics for goalies (“this week” vs. “season”) are nearly identical due to the small sample size. Beyond a few injury updates, it`s generally too soon to draw significant conclusions about the goaltending landscape.

• Colorado Avalanche (four games):
  • Scott Wedgewood (50.7% available): Wedgewood`s value in daily lineup formats remains, given his results and a likely 35% crease share. However, once Mackenzie Blackwood returns from injury (possibly this week), he is expected to reclaim the starting role and contract.
• Detroit Red Wings (three games):
  • Cam Talbot (90.1% available): Talbot has quickly transitioned from an afterthought to a must-roster goalie. While it`s premature to dismiss John Gibson entirely, Talbot`s strong start suggests the Red Wings could win enough games to make his value significant.
  • John Gibson (76.8% available): Showing negative fantasy points (-8.4) early on.
• Montreal Canadiens (three games):
  • Sam Montembeault (19.8% available):
  • Jakub Dobes (94.2% available): This duo has had a solid start, with Dobes stepping up when called upon. The next few weeks will clarify the division of starts, but Dobes isn`t a priority add yet unless his share of starts pushes past 40%.
• Utah Mammoth (three games):
  • Karel Vejmelka (65.7% available):
  • Vitek Vanecek (99.0% available): With Vanecek`s start already played on Monday, Vejmelka could potentially play all three of the Mammoth`s remaining games this week. His availability percentage might look very different after facing the Flames, Sharks, and Bruins.

Power-Play Notes

• Leo Carlsson, C, Anaheim Ducks (76.7% available): The Ducks have been aggressive offensively this season, and Carlsson is central to their attack, holding a prime role on the power play.
• Sean Monahan, C, Columbus Blue Jackets (73.0% available): Averaging 3:24 of power-play time per game, Monahan is driving the top unit for the Blue Jackets. This, combined with his top-line 5-on-5 role, strengthens his case as an early-season waiver add.
• Sam Rinzel, D, Chicago Blackhawks (80.0% available): Chicago`s top power-play unit has struggled with only five shots on goal in 11:04 of total power-play time, while the second unit scored on Monday. If the top group doesn`t improve, Rinzel is the most likely candidate for a swap-out, with Artyom Levshunov and PP specialist Matt Grzelcyk waiting.
• David Tomasek, RW, Edmonton Oilers (99.3% available): While a significant 5-on-5 role is lacking, Tomasek`s value stems from his power-play exposure. He`s locked onto the first unit, which has scored two goals in two games and is generating ample chances.
• Anton Lundell, LW, Florida Panthers (34.1% available): While the Panthers` top unit has two power-play goals, their second unit has four in less than half the ice time. Lundell is a must-add across all formats, boasting three power-play points in four games.
• Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild (62.9% available): With two more power-play goals on Monday, the Wild`s top unit has now accumulated six for the season. This group is exceptionally productive, and Buium should be rostered everywhere for his power-play contributions alone.
• Dougie Hamilton, D, New Jersey Devils (14.9% available): After two games with balanced power-play units, the Devils adjusted on Monday, replacing Dawson Mercer and Luke Hughes on the first unit with Timo Meier and Dougie Hamilton. This change led to the top unit`s first power-play goal.
• Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning (79.1% available): Likely an attempt to add depth to the second unit, Bjorkstrand currently remains a fixture on the first power play, while Brandon Hagel skates with the second group. His fantasy value would be significantly boosted if he could also secure a spot in the top-six at 5-on-5.

Droppables

It`s too early in the campaign for any definitive “must-drops,” especially for players whose slow starts might turn around. While it`s premature to cut ties, another week or two of weak production will start to differentiate expendable players from essential ones.

In the meantime, here are a few players and their early ice-time trends worth monitoring. We`ll revisit them with a larger sample size if their minutes don`t increase:

• Frank Vatrano, RW, Anaheim Ducks (rostered in 76.5%): 12:14 TOI per game, 1.2 FPPG
• Adam Fantilli, C, Columbus Blue Jackets (rostered in 95.3%): 15:40 TOI per game, 1.6 FPPG
• Gabriel Landeskog, LW, Colorado Avalanche (rostered in 68.3%): 13:51 TOI per game, 0.5 FPPG
• Ivan Demidov, RW, Montreal Canadiens (rostered in 49.3%): 13:15 TOI per game, 0.4 FPPG
• Matvei Michkov, RW, Philadelphia Flyers (rostered in 87.3%): 14:25 TOI per game, 0.1 FPPG
• Elias Pettersson, C, Vancouver Canucks (rostered in 97.6%): 15:57 TOI per game, 1.5 FPPG

Less than 16 minutes per game for Pettersson? This is certainly a situation we`ll be watching closely in the coming weeks.