Connor McDavid made headlines someday earlier than the 2025-26 NHL season will get underway as he signed a two-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers. Fantasy hockey managers are conversant in McDavid’s prowess on the ice, and the three-time Hart Trophy winner is anticipated to go off the board early in 2025 Fantasy hockey drafts. The identical could be stated about Tampa Bay Lightning ahead Nikita Kucherov, who has elevated Fantasy hockey worth after he led the NHL with 121 factors (37 objectives, 84 assists) in 78 regular-season video games final season.
You’ll be able to’t speak about Fantasy hockey with out speaking about Nathan MacKinnon, who’s one among a number of Colorado Avalanche gamers anticipated to be drafted early in Fantasy hockey swimming pools. Ought to you choose MacKinnon or one among his teammates early in your Fantasy hockey draft? Earlier than making any 2025-26 Fantasy hockey picks, try the Fantasy hockey rankings 2025-26 from the confirmed pc mannequin at SportsLine.
The mannequin was created by Mike McClure, a predictive information engineer {and professional} day by day Fantasy participant with greater than $2 million in profession winnings. He is used his prediction mannequin to simulate your entire 2025-26 NHL schedule 10,000 instances and establish the highest Fantasy hockey sleepers, breakouts and busts. Head to SportsLine now to see them.
Prime 2025-26 Fantasy hockey picks
One of many 2025-26 Fantasy hockey sleepers SportsLine has recognized: Predators ahead Steven Stamkos. The 35-year-old acquired off to a gradual begin in his first marketing campaign with Nashville and solely scored 53 factors (27 objectives, 26 assists) in 82 video games, his lowest numbers since his rookie season. Nonetheless, the mannequin was inspired by Stamkos’ late-season push and thinks he has extra Fantasy hockey worth than his ADP suggests.
The 2-time Stanley Cup winner scored 20 factors (10 objectives, 10 assists) in his final 24 video games of the 2024-25 season, which included 5 power-play objectives and one game-winning marker. Teaming up alongside teenager Fedor Svechkov, he may help the second-year centerman tackle a bigger position and get the Predators extra offensive zone time. McClure’s mannequin values Stamkos at No. 24, which drastically exceeds his ADP of 105.
One other shock: Crimson Wings defenseman Moritz Seider is among the high Fantasy hockey breakouts this season. The German blueliner, 24, has flown beneath the radar in his first few years within the NHL given Detroit has spent the final decade-plus in a rebuild. His improved play final season encourages the mannequin that he could have a giant 2025-26 marketing campaign.
Seider was compelled to tackle a much bigger position final season when the Crimson Wings traded fellow defenseman Jake Walman. Even with extra obligations, Seider improved on protection — a career-low minus-5 — in addition to on particular groups — a career-high 24 power-play factors — whereas averaging a career-high 25:04 minutes per sport. His ADP is over 110 however the SportsLine mannequin values him at No. 46, making him an intriguing participant to think about for Fantasy hockey managers. See the total rankings proper right here.
The way to discover confirmed 2025-26 Fantasy hockey rankings
The mannequin has additionally made a stunning name on Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin, who confronted a league-leading 1,751 photographs in opposition to final season. You’ll be able to solely see the most recent Fantasy hockey rankings 2025-26 right here.
So what is the precise worth of each NHL participant within the 2025-26 Fantasy hockey rankings? Go to SportsLine now to get Fantasy hockey rankings, all from a DFS professional who has received greater than $2 million in his profession and has simulated your entire NHL season 10,000 instances, and discover out.
