Rookie Watch: Ivan Demidov and 11 Other Must-Know Prospects for the Season

Without a doubt, these skilled newcomers can inject new energy into both their respective teams and your fantasy roster. Some will make an impact sooner than others. Essential draft targets for dynasty and keeper leagues, these twelve Calder Trophy contenders could also prove to be valuable assets in most standard redraft competitions.

Ivan Demidov, F, Montreal Canadiens

As an individual, Ivan Demidov, the early Calder Trophy favorite, is an undeniably dazzling talent. While his offensive production is certain, the extent of his success will largely hinge on how well the young forward integrates with his linemates. Prior to the regular season, Demidov is projected to play alongside Patrik Laine and center Kirby Dach. If both Laine and Dach can maintain their fitness — a notable “if” given their injury histories — and this trio develops strong chemistry, expect significant fireworks. Should they not click, coach Martin St. Louis will swiftly adjust lines to maximize the potential of the Canadiens` fifth-overall 2024 draft pick. Therefore, fantasy managers who invest in Demidov likely have little reason to worry.

Further boosting Demidov`s prospects is the expectation that he will contribute on the top power play unit, joining Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. His brief seven-game stint in the NHL last spring, including playoff action, also bodes well. This dynamic winger possesses a ceiling of 65 points, with a substantial portion likely coming from power-play opportunities. Draft him with confidence, recognizing his significant potential.

Jimmy Snuggerud, F, St. Louis Blues

Playing on a top line and power play alongside Robert Thomas, the University of Minnesota alum is poised to accumulate points. While he may not match his collegiate pace of 1.28 points per game from Big-10 competition, a solid point total is expected—perhaps in the range of 60-65. Drafted three years ago, Snuggerud is now fully prepared for the NHL. I consider this physical winger, often compared to Toronto`s Matthew Knies, a strong Calder candidate, ranking him just behind Demidov on my early ballot.

Ryan Leonard, F, Washington Capitals

Persistent and physical, Leonard is another versatile forward with a knack for scoring goals. Skating on a scoring line with his current billet, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and contributing to the Capitals` secondary power play, the 20-year-old is expected to produce points comparable to the top names on this list. This should make his occasional habit of leaving dishes in the Dubois household sink all the more forgivable. Additionally, count on the Massachusetts native to deliver at least a couple of hits every game.

Ville Koivunen, F, Pittsburgh Penguins

Put simply, if Koivunen secures a spot on a top line (and potentially the power play) with Sidney Crosby, he will undoubtedly be a contributor. A role on Evgeni Malkin`s unit wouldn`t be a bad alternative either. Drafted back in 2021, the now 22-year-old recorded seven assists in just eight games with the Penguins last season. While other rookies may be garnering more preseason buzz, Koivunen`s potential should not be overlooked as a valuable deep-league dark horse.

Michael Misa, F, San Jose Sharks

Coach Ryan Warsofsky seems impressed with Misa`s camp performance so far, even granting the young center an opportunity on the Sharks` second scoring line. Should this year`s second-overall draft pick displace Alexander Wennberg from that slot and earn significant power-play minutes, he`s poised for substantial offensive output. While perhaps not Celebrini-esque rookie numbers, around the 60-point mark is a reasonable projection to start. This burgeoning star is remarkably fast. Combined with his extensive skillset, this speed helped him tally an impressive 62 goals and 72 assists in 65 games with the Saginaw Spirit last season. Misa warrants a roster spot in deeper fantasy scoring leagues.

Maxim Shabanov, F, New York Islanders

The Islanders are in desperate need of increased offensive production. Perhaps KHL-export Maxim Shabanov can address this, potentially emerging as a top-line threat alongside center Bo Horvat and fellow New York newcomer Jonathan Drouin. Recall Artemi Panarin`s 77-point rookie season with the Blackhawks at age 24? Patrick Roy and the Islanders` management are undoubtedly hoping for a similar impact from their more seasoned rookie, who turns 25 this October. Shabanov presents a compelling fantasy sleeper opportunity for the 2025-26 season.

Sam Rinzel, D, Chicago Blackhawks

Anchoring Chicago`s top power play—a role he`s likely to command—and possessing an impressive shot, the 21-year-old defenseman Sam Rinzel is destined to produce points. He will also frequently engage physically and block enough shots to satisfy managers in ESPN standard leagues. Currently not a household name outside of Chicago, Rinzel will quickly gain recognition among both fantasy players and hockey enthusiasts. Provided that plus/minus doesn`t carry excessive weight in your league, this towering defender is a must-draft prospect for any deeper competition.

Zayne Parekh, D, Calgary Flames

Flames fans are understandably thrilled about Zayne Parekh`s impending arrival. After an astounding 107 points in 61 games with the Saginaw Spirit, the 19-year-old seems destined for the NHL this season. Should Calgary trade Rasmus Andersson as anticipated, Parekh is set to anchor the secondary power play. He`s eventually projected to skate alongside shutdown defenseman Kevin Bahl, which will grant him additional offensive freedom at even strength. Gifted with a tenacious edge, the ninth-overall pick from 2024 offers extra appeal to fantasy managers who value penalty minutes.

Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild

Zeev Buium is poised to reward his fantasy managers as a valuable contributor… eventually. However, unless he displaces Brock Faber on the Wild`s top power play or Jared Spurgeon on the second unit, his numbers this season might be rather modest. Aside from potentially blocking a significant number of shots, the University of Denver alumnus is likely a year or two away from making a substantial impact in conventional redraft leagues. This remains true unless he secures a spot on one of those critical special teams units. Therefore, it`s wise to monitor his deployment closely.

Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders

Head coach Patrick Roy stated, “We`re going to give him time,” which is understandable given that June`s No. 1 overall draft pick, Matthew Schaefer, just turned 18 this September. That`s exceptionally young for any skater, let alone a defenseman. There`s no doubt Schaefer will post elite numbers once he gets his full-time opportunity, though two weeks before the regular season, it doesn`t feel like that will be this year. Nevertheless, he is a franchise defenseman and a future star. So, if your dynasty or keeper league team is in a rebuilding phase, acquire this talent immediately.

Yaroslav Askarov, G, San Jose Sharks

Indeed, Yaroslav Askarov will play—and play a lot. With Alex Nedeljkovic as the only other primary option, the 23-year-old needn`t worry about ample NHL ice time this season. The larger question, however, is whether the steadily improving Sharks can perform adequately in front of whoever is in net. If San Jose significantly surpasses last year`s 20-win total, Askarov could emerge as a strong sleeper pick in deeper fantasy leagues. This is a plausible scenario if Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund each progress as anticipated. While I won`t draft him immediately, I`ll closely monitor San Jose`s early season performance to determine if Askarov warrants picking up from the waiver wire.

Leevi Merilainen, G, Ottawa Senators

Should Linus Ullmark miss significant time, as he did last season, 23-year-old Leevi Merilainen could prove to be an exceptional fantasy surprise in 2024-25. When called up from the Belleville Senators last winter, he posted an impressive 8-3-1 record, a 1.99 GAA, a .925 SV%, and earned three shutouts. Quite a solid performance. This season`s full-time backup for a strong Senators squad is expected to see considerably more action. Keep Merilainen on your fantasy radar as a viable streaming option, at the very least.