Plant My Flag: Top 10 Fantasy Hockey Players to Draft in 2025-26

The Picks:

Nikita Kucherov, F, Tampa Bay Lightning

Most fantasy hockey projections consistently rank the same elite forwards at the top: Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Auston Matthews, David Pastrnak, and Kucherov. While any of these picks are solid, I lean towards Kucherov for a couple of compelling reasons.

Despite leading the NHL in assists for two consecutive seasons, his goal-scoring prowess has not diminished. Kucherov recorded 44 goals in 2023-24 and followed up with 37 last season. He has maintained three straight seasons with at least 265 shots on goal. Over the past two seasons, no player has accumulated more power-play points (99). This consistent offensive production is unlikely to wane, given the talent surrounding him in Tampa Bay, including defenseman Victor Hedman (66 points) and his linemates Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point. Their line averaged over four goals per 60 minutes of even-strength ice time.

Kucherov is an offensive powerhouse and remarkably durable, having missed only five games over the past three regular seasons. Furthermore, with Russia not participating in the Olympic hockey tournament, he`ll benefit from a mid-season break. While he has nothing to prove, it`s worth noting he`s entering the final two years of his contract, often a motivator for peak performance.

Pavel Dorofeyev, F, Vegas Golden Knights

The most significant offseason acquisition for the Golden Knights was star winger Mitch Marner from the Maple Leafs. This naturally raises questions about Marner`s role within the Vegas forward group and on special teams, and which players will most benefit from his arrival.

Initial speculation suggested Marner would play alongside top-line center Jack Eichel. However, coach Bruce Cassidy recently indicated that the two stars still need to develop chemistry. Both players thrive on puck possession and playmaking, which could lead them to drive separate lines. But if their chemistry clicks, forming a dynamic duo, Cassidy stated they would need a strong finisher on their wing.

This is where Dorofeyev enters the picture.

The 24-year-old winger enjoyed the breakout season many anticipated, scoring 35 goals and 52 points in 82 games last season. His shooting percentage (13.8) remained consistent, while his shot total climbed to a career-high 254. He notched 13 of his goals on the power play, which ranked second in efficiency (28.3%) last season, only behind Winnipeg. Now, that unit adds Marner, who ranks 10th in power-play points (96) over the last three seasons.

Naturally, there`s concern that Ivan Barbashev, given his previous chemistry with Eichel, could claim a spot next to Eichel and Marner if they play together. However, I`m wagering that Dorofeyev`s finishing ability will earn him significant ice time with either Eichel, Marner, or both, signaling that last season was just a preview of even greater achievements.

Nick Suzuki, F, Montreal Canadiens

Suzuki has shown impressive growth in his point totals over the past three seasons, climbing from 66 to 77, and reaching a career-high of 89 points last season. He has also surpassed the 30-goal mark in each of the last two seasons. Achieving 30 goals is particularly notable considering his power-play goal total decreased from 12 to four during that period.

Similar to Kucherov, Suzuki offers a valuable level of predictability. It`s expected that he will once again be partnered with Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky for the Canadiens. This line produced 4.3 goals per 60 minutes of even-strength play last season, the highest among any trio with at least 500 minutes played together.

Anything less than 30 goals and 80-90 points would be disappointing for Suzuki. From a fantasy perspective, he has averaged 2.11 shots per game over the last three seasons and contributes a higher number of blocks and hits than one might expect from a top-line center. He also begins the season with a significant incentive: a potential spot on Team Canada for the Olympics, having been overlooked for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Alex Tuch, F, Buffalo Sabres

Some players are simply tailor-made for ESPN Fantasy Hockey. While goals are the most valuable stat for skaters in standard league scoring (two fantasy points per goal), blocked shots are also highly prized, earning 0.5 points each. A player who can consistently score goals while also blocking a significant number of shots becomes a prime target on draft day.

This perfectly describes Alex Tuch.

Last season, no forward in the NHL blocked as many shots as Tuch (113), and he added 73 hits for good measure. He scored 36 goals (on 196 shots) for the second time in three seasons, tallying 67 points in 82 games – his first full 82-game season in his career. His consistent ice time with star center Tage Thompson undoubtedly contributed to his success and is expected to continue this season. There`s also room for improvement, particularly on the power play where he managed a modest 11 points.

Not all fantasy hockey scoring systems are identical, and some may not fully appreciate Tuch`s unique blend of contributions. However, for ESPN standard scoring, he is the prototypical draft choice.

Will Cuylle, F, New York Rangers

Will Cuylle is undeniably poised for a breakout season. In his second full NHL campaign, Cuylle recorded 20 goals and 25 assists in 82 games, significantly increasing his shot total by 33. He also contributed 301 hits, 50 blocked shots, and three shorthanded points, including two goals. His tantalizing year-over-year improvement strongly suggests he`s earned a spot in the Rangers` top six this season.

Cuylle frequently skated with J.T. Miller at center and Mika Zibanejad at right wing. Assuming new coach Mike Sullivan opts to keep Zibanejad on the wing – a position where the veteran scorer found his rhythm after a challenging start to last season – that line averaged 3.8 goals per 60 minutes at even strength.

My primary question regarding Cuylle revolves around his power-play usage. He averaged only 0:45 on the man advantage last season, resulting in just three power-play points. With Chris Kreider, who averaged 2:54 in power-play ice time for the Rangers, now playing for the Anaheim Ducks, Cuylle could step into a crucial net-front role on New York`s power play. If this happens, his fantasy statistics could skyrocket.

Evan Bouchard, D, Edmonton Oilers

Evan Bouchard exemplifies the contrast between actual NHL analysis and fantasy hockey value. In the NHL, he`s often criticized as an incomplete defenseman, prone to defensive liabilities and giving away the puck 128 times last season – the third most in the league. However, in fantasy hockey, these shortcomings are largely overshadowed by his elite point production while playing alongside Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the rest of the high-octane Oilers.

Over the last three seasons, Bouchard ranks ninth in points (189) and is tied for fourth in power-play points (74) among defensemen. He is also tied for eighth in goals (40), a particularly enticing aspect of his game for fantasy managers due to his powerful shot on the Oilers` potent power play.

I sincerely hope I`m not overinvesting in a player whose value is slowly eroding. His 2024-25 campaign saw a slight regression across the board, notably with nine fewer power-play points. This dip led to ESPN ranking him No. 45 overall this season. However, I`m operating under the assumption that this was an anomaly and that the point-per-game defenseman we witnessed in 2023-24 is the true “Bouch Bomb.” Regardless, he`s also expected to deliver around 230 shots on goal.

Jackson LaCombe, D, Anaheim Ducks

If you`re unfamiliar with Jackson LaCombe, it`s time to take notice. The 24-year-old completed his second full NHL season with 43 points (14 goals, 29 assists) in 75 games, significantly increasing his shots on goal by 79 year-over-year. He also recorded 129 blocked shots, earning him an invitation to Team USA`s Olympic orientation camp this summer.

I anticipate the Ducks will be an improved team overall under Joel Quenneville, leading a maturing group of talented players. This alone should greatly benefit LaCombe. I`m also keen to see which defenseman will primarily partner with LaCombe, who played extensively with both Radko Gudas and Olen Zellweger last season.

LaCombe is poised for another leap in offensive production, driven by a higher shot volume and increased power-play time. He might still be just under the radar enough to be a savvy, “hipster” pick in your fantasy draft.

Sam Rinzel, D, Chicago Blackhawks

There’s a lot of chalk on this list; suggesting “Draft Nikita Kucherov!” isn`t exactly a daring call. So, let’s take a chance on a slightly less certain prospect. Let’s plant our flag on a neophyte.

Sam Rinzel enters the 2025-26 season with limited NHL experience, having played nine games last season and recording five assists. The buzz around this rookie is considerable, with many in Chicago predicting he could step into a top-pairing defenseman role for the Blackhawks this season.

Rinzel was drafted 25th overall in 2022 out of Chaska High School in Minnesota. He was considered a raw talent who needed physical and defensive development. He played two NCAA seasons at Minnesota before making the jump to the NHL last season.

It’s truly anyone’s guess what he will offer the Hawks this season, assuming he gets a prominent role. Perhaps 40-plus points with sufficient power-play time? A combination of blocks and hits that make him a viable fantasy defenseman? That’s the exciting upside.

It’s worth mentioning that Calgary Flames defenseman Zayne Parekh was also considered for this spot. If he makes the team in training camp, I might rush to the waiver wire, because that kid can absolutely light up the scoreboard.

Karel Vejmelka, G, Utah Mammoth

The Utah Mammoth have two key things going for them this season: a new nickname and legitimate playoff expectations following last season’s 89-point debut in Salt Lake City. They`ve bolstered their roster with some solid additions (JJ Peterka, Nate Schmidt) to an already improving young team, signaling an eye towards contention. If the team climbs in the standings, Vejmelka stands to be a significant beneficiary.

The 29-year-old goalie signed a five-year extension in March, solidifying his status as Utah`s starter. He played 58 games last season out of necessity due to the team`s goaltending depth chart, including 21 games in March and April. ESPN Fantasy standard scoring places a premium on wins, and Vejmelka recorded 26 of them last season. He is well-positioned to improve on that total if Utah meets its expectations.

Mackenzie Blackwood, G, Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche are poised for another 100-point season in the Western Conference, and Mackenzie Blackwood is expected to build on his performance from last season. He secured 22 wins in 37 games after joining from the San Jose Sharks, including three shutouts.

Now for the caveat: Last season marked the first time Blackwood played more than 50 games in his career. While some previous seasons saw him in a tandem role, much of his inability to stay in the lineup was due to injury. The fact that he was already dealing with an injury in the preseason doesn`t inspire much confidence in his durability. That said: if he plays, he has the potential to be a fantasy-point producing netminder for a Stanley Cup contender.

The emphasis is truly on `if he plays.` Otherwise, it`ll be time to plant my flag in another crease.