Unlocking Your Championship Roster: A Strategic Guide to the 2025-26 NHL Fantasy Hockey Draft

Decoding the Point System: ESPN Standard Scoring Explained

Before diving into individual players, understanding your league`s scoring system is paramount. Our insights are tailored for the widely adopted ESPN Fantasy standard format, which rewards a diverse skill set. This isn`t just about goals and assists; it`s about valuing the unsung heroes and the multi-category monsters.

The Pillars of Production: Unquestionable Forwards

Some players are simply too good to ignore. They are the cornerstones, the ones who consistently deliver elite offensive numbers, often anchoring a potent power play. Drafting one of these early picks secures a high floor for your team, allowing you to take calculated risks later.

Nikita Kucherov (F, Tampa Bay Lightning)

When discussing top-tier forwards, names like MacKinnon, McDavid, and Draisaitl often dominate the conversation. Yet, Kucherov, the “Kuch Bomb,” consistently makes a compelling case to be drafted alongside them, if not ahead. His ability to lead the league in assists while maintaining an impressive goal-scoring pace (e.g., 44 goals, 37 goals in recent seasons) is remarkable. Add to this his consistent shot volume and unparalleled power-play production (a staggering 99 PP points over the last two seasons), and you have a player who simply knows how to fill the stat sheet. Furthermore, his recent durability and the fact that Russia`s Olympic exclusion grants him a mid-season break suggest he`ll be fresh and ready to perform down the stretch. Entering the final two years of his contract, one might even detect a subtle motivation to impress, not that he truly needs it.

The Ascending Talents: Breakout Forwards & System Beneficiaries

Here`s where the draft truly becomes interesting. Identifying players on the cusp of a breakout, those who stand to benefit from new linemates, system changes, or increased opportunity, can be the difference between a good team and a great one.

Pavel Dorofeyev (F, Vegas Golden Knights)

The offseason saw a significant shift in Vegas with the acquisition of Mitch Marner. While attention naturally gravitates to how Marner impacts the top lines, the astute fantasy manager looks for who benefits from such a move. Dorofeyev, fresh off a 35-goal, 52-point campaign, is an intriguing candidate. His shooting percentage has been consistent, and his shot volume increased significantly. If he lands a coveted spot alongside Jack Eichel and Marner — a pairing that would demand a strong finisher to complement their playmaking — Dorofeyev could see his numbers soar even higher, especially given his knack for power-play goals on an already efficient unit. It`s a calculated gamble, but one with potentially massive returns.

Nick Suzuki (F, Montreal Canadiens)

Consistency in growth is a beautiful thing in fantasy hockey. Suzuki has steadily climbed the point ladder, from 66 to 77 to a career-high 89 points last season, crossing the 30-goal mark twice. What makes this even more impressive is that he maintained his goal output despite a drop in power-play goals. Playing alongside Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky, a line that demonstrated elite even-strength scoring last season, provides a stable, high-production environment. Suzuki`s value is further enhanced by his consistent shot volume and a surprising contribution in hits and blocks for a top-line center. The added incentive of an Olympic spot (after being snubbed for the 4 Nations Face-Off) could fuel an even more inspired season.

Alex Tuch (F, Buffalo Sabres)

Tuch embodies the ideal player for ESPN`s standard scoring. Goals are worth double assists, and blocked shots are highly valued. Tuch, last season, blocked more shots (113) than any other forward in the NHL, complementing that with 73 hits and 36 goals. This unique blend of offensive firepower and defensive commitment makes him a multi-category powerhouse. While his power-play production has room for improvement, his consistent even-strength output, often alongside star center Tage Thompson, makes him an exceptionally well-rounded fantasy asset. He`s not just scoring; he`s contributing in every relevant category, making him a stealthy MVP candidate in the right format.

Will Cuylle (F, New York Rangers)

If you`re looking for a genuine breakout candidate, Cuylle`s trajectory is steeply upward. After a 20-goal, 25-assist season that included a substantial jump in shots, 301 hits, 50 blocked shots, and three shorthanded points, he appears poised for a top-six role with the Rangers. Crucially, the departure of Chris Kreider frees up a significant net-front position on the Rangers` power play. If Cuylle steps into this role, his power-play points, which were minimal last season, could skyrocket. His ability to rack up hits and blocks adds a valuable dimension to his scoring potential, making him a high-upside pick for managers willing to trust a promising young talent in an expanded role.

Blue-Line Boosters: High-Impact Defensemen

Defensemen who can contribute offensively, especially on the power play, are rare and valuable commodities. Finding those who also chip in with blocks and hits transforms them into fantasy gold.

Evan Bouchard (D, Edmonton Oilers)

Bouchard is a fascinating study in contrast between real-world hockey and fantasy relevance. While his defensive liabilities and turnovers might draw criticism from NHL analysts, his fantasy value remains largely untarnished. Playing alongside offensive juggernauts like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl guarantees elite power-play production. Despite a slight regression in power-play points last season, his overall offensive output (189 points over three seasons, tied for fourth in PP points among defensemen) is undeniable. His booming shot from the point is a constant threat, ensuring a high volume of shots on goal (around 230 per season). Assuming last season was an anomaly and not a trend, Bouchard remains a top-tier fantasy blueliner whose offensive prowess more than compensates for any defensive shortcomings in the eyes of fantasy managers.

Jackson LaCombe (D, Anaheim Ducks)

For those seeking a less obvious but equally intriguing defensive option, LaCombe merits serious consideration. Completing his second full NHL season with 43 points (14 goals, 29 assists) and a significant increase in shots, coupled with 129 blocked shots, he`s earned an Olympic orientation camp invite for a reason. With Joel Quenneville now behind the bench and a maturing Ducks roster, the team is expected to improve, which directly benefits offensive defensemen. LaCombe is primed for increased shot volume and more power-play minutes, positioning him for a significant jump in production. He`s the kind of under-the-radar pick that can make you look like a genius in your draft.

Sam Rinzel (D, Chicago Blackhawks)

Here’s our boldest flag-planting. While Kucherov is a certainty, Rinzel is a high-risk, high-reward rookie. With only nine NHL games under his belt last season (five assists), the buzz around this 2022 first-round pick is undeniable. Chicago anticipates him stepping into a top-pairing role, a significant opportunity for a young defenseman. While predicting rookie production is always speculative, the potential for 40-plus points, especially if he earns significant power-play time, is tantalizing. His physical development and defensive zone improvements, combined with his raw talent, could make him a viable multi-category fantasy defenseman from day one. Keep an eye on training camp; if he locks down a spot, he could be a waiver wire sprint or a late-round steal.

Guardian Angels: Goaltenders to Trust (and Target)

Goaltending in fantasy hockey is notoriously volatile, yet securing a reliable netminder can be a league-winning move. Wins are king, but don`t overlook save volume and shutout potential.

Karel Vejmelka (G, Utah Mammoth)

With a new nickname and legitimate playoff aspirations for the Utah Mammoth, Vejmelka stands to be a significant beneficiary. After a surprising 89-point season and some strategic offseason additions, the team is trending upwards. Vejmelka, who inked a five-year extension, is the undisputed starter and played a staggering 58 games last season, including a grueling 21 in March and April. In ESPN`s standard scoring, where wins are heavily weighted, a starter on an improving team is a clear target. His 26 wins last season could easily see an increase if Utah meets its contention expectations, making him a reliable source of those crucial four-point victories.

Mackenzie Blackwood (G, Colorado Avalanche)

The allure of Blackwood lies in his potential to be the starting goalie for a Stanley Cup contender. The Avalanche are consistently a 100-point team, offering a fertile ground for wins. His 22 wins and three shutouts in 37 games last season after joining Colorado were a promising sign. The significant caveat, however, is his health. Last season marked the first time he surpassed 50 games played in his career, and early preseason injuries are a nagging concern. If he can stay healthy and shoulder the starter`s workload, he could be an absolute steal, providing elite fantasy points from wins and saves. But, and this is a big “if,” his durability remains the primary question mark that fantasy managers must weigh carefully.