Just as the echoes of the Stanley Cup celebration begin to fade, the relentless cycle of the NHL moves forward, bringing with it the eagerly anticipated launch of the 2025-26 fantasy hockey season. For dedicated managers, the off-season isn`t a time for rest, but rather for strategic planning, analyzing team changes, and, crucially, poring over the first set of player rankings that will shape early draft boards.
The initial rankings for the upcoming season have been released, providing the first official look at how top players are projected to perform under standard fantasy scoring metrics. Leading the charge among skaters is Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon, cementing his status as a premier fantasy asset. In goal, Winnipeg`s Connor Hellebuyck stands out, highlighting the significant value elite goaltending can command in this format. These rankings serve as a foundational layer for managers beginning to construct their draft strategies, whether they are preparing for a new draft or evaluating keeper decisions.
Beyond the top few names, the rankings reflect a dynamic off-season landscape. Notable player movements, such as Mitch Marner heading to the Vegas Golden Knights or veteran defenseman Brent Burns joining the Colorado Avalanche, introduce fascinating new variables. These changes don`t just impact the real-world NHL; they fundamentally shift player contexts and potential fantasy outputs. A high-profile move can elevate or depress a player`s value depending on their new linemates, power-play opportunities, and team system. The integration of top draft prospects, like Matthew Schaefer recently selected first overall by the New York Islanders, also adds layers of intrigue, as managers debate how quickly these future stars might impact fantasy rosters.
The methodology behind these rankings is tied directly to projected fantasy point production based on a standard scoring system that awards points for goals, assists, shots, hits, blocked shots, and special teams contributions for skaters, and wins, overtime losses, shutouts, saves, and goals against for goaltenders. Understanding this scoring system is paramount, as it influences which player archetypes rise to the top. For instance, players who accumulate high shot or hit totals, even if their raw goal/assist numbers are slightly lower than other stars, can become unexpectedly valuable fantasy contributors in this specific environment. Similarly, dependable goalies who face a high volume of shots can rack up significant points through saves, offsetting negative points from goals against.
While the full list of ranked players provides a comprehensive look across various positions and projected tiers, the real value lies in using these rankings as a guide for thoughtful analysis. They are not merely a list to follow blindly, but rather a springboard for deeper investigation. Why is a certain player ranked higher or lower than expected? What is their potential role on their new team? How does their team`s overall strength and schedule look for the coming season? Answering these questions, informed by the initial ranking projections, is key to drafting a competitive fantasy roster.
The 2025-26 NHL season promises another year of unpredictable excitement on the ice, and consequently, in the world of fantasy hockey. Armed with the first set of rankings and an awareness of the off-season`s strategic shifts, managers are now better equipped to navigate the complexities of draft preparation and build teams poised for success. The draft looms, and informed decisions made now will lay the groundwork for a compelling fantasy season.
Rupert Hartwell