With the 2024-25 NHL regular season drawing to a close, it's time to take a way-too-early look at what fantasy drafts could look like next campaign. First-round selections provide managers with a significant piece around which to build. While injuries provide stumbling blocks and randomness, using a first-round pick on a high-risk, high-reward player who doesn't pan out won't necessarily result in a poor finish. However, savvy managers can mitigate the risks by choosing players with reliability and durability to blend with their statistical prowess.

1. Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers

McDavid missed more games in 2024-25 than he has in a while, but fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned. His ability to stay healthy hasn't been much of an issue in the past, and he is still a strong bet to surpass the 100-point plateau while racking up shots on goal and power-play points. Since 2021-22, the 28-year-old center has led the league with 190 points with the man advantage. McDavid has consistently been one of the best point-per-game talents in the league and remains a set-it-and-forget-it selection at No. 1 overall. 

2. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche

MacKinnon reached another gear in 2023-24 and had another outstanding performance this campaign. He sat out the final three contests of Colorado's regular-season schedule, which cost him a chance to claim his first Art Ross Trophy, but he had the most assists (84) and shots on net (320) in the league before his absence. Over the past two years, he has the second-most power-play points. MacKinnon's 10.0 shooting percentage in 2024-25 is in line with his career average (10.5), but returning to 40 to 50 tallies in 2025-26 is achievable with a little more puck luck.   

3. Leon Draisaitl, C/LW, Edmonton Oilers

Like McDavid, Draisaitl dealt with more injury issues in 2024-25 than in previous seasons, but he shouldn't have an injury-prone label going into the 2025-26 campaign. Draisaitl has topped the 100-point plateau six times, including four straight seasons. He has reached the 50-goal mark on four occasions and is on track to win the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy for the first time. Having eligibility as a winger gives him additional value. 

4. Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning

Kucherov has been healthy for three consecutive campaigns, and his fantasy stock has risen dramatically. He has been comfortably surpassing 100 points while topping 80 helpers twice and hitting 100 assists in 2023-24. Since the 2022-23 campaign, Kucherov has led the league in power-play points. Fantasy managers wouldn't be wrong to select him sooner, though, especially if a right-wing forward is an early roster priority.

5. Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs

Matthews lost some luster in 2024-25 while playing through a nagging upper-body injury. Falling from 69 goals in 2023-24 to 30-plus tallies is a significant drop, but the potential for a bounce-back showing is high because of his natural scoring ability and his propensity to fire shots on the net. If he does fall slightly in drafts, he could be a tremendous value addition. 

6. Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche

Makar is still the best blueliner to take in fantasy and the only one worthy of going in the first round. Despite the injuries, Quinn Hughes had a great season, and Zach Werenski was excellent because he stayed healthy, but Makar remains the cream of the crop. The 25-year-old Makar has reached the 90-point plateau in consecutive seasons and finds the back of the net like a forward, hitting 30 for the first time in 2024-25. He also racks up shots, power-play points and blocks, giving him a tremendously high ceiling. 

7. David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins

In a brutal season for the Bruins, Pastrnak was an offensive force. He has topped 40 goals and 100 points in three straight campaigns. Pastrnak has been credited with the most shots on target during those three years and is one of only two players with more than 1,000, joining MacKinnon. The 28-year-old Pastrnak remains a valuable fantasy winger going into 2025-26. 

8. Kirill Kaprizov, LW, Minnesota Wild

Before running into injury problems in late December, Kaprizov was one of just five players at 50 points. He had 23 goals and 27 assists in his first 34 outings. Going into 2024-25, Kaprizov hit the 40-goal mark in three straight seasons, topping 100 points once and getting 96 points in 2023-24. He might be one more shortened campaign away from being an injury risk, but he remains an incredibly productive player that some fantasy managers may forget about on draft day. 

9. Artemi Panarin, LW, New York Rangers

The Rangers earned the unfortunate distinction of being the fourth team in NHL history to miss the playoffs after winning the Presidents' Trophy the year before. However, Panarin was a consistent offensive threat. He needs only one point in the team's regular-season finale to reach 90 for a fifth straight season. Since the 2021-22 campaign, he ranks sixth in points and fifth in power-play points. Panarin should remain a reliable producer in 2025-26. 

10. Mitch Marner, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

After coming close in 2021-22 and 2022-23, Marner hit the 100-point plateau for the first time in his NHL career this season. Since the 2021-22 campaign, he has the eighth-most points in the league. His fantasy value will change if he leaves the Maple Leafs via free agency in the summer. Still, Marner's playmaking skills and ability to contribute in all situations make him an intriguing first-round talent. 

11. Mikko Rantanen, RW, Dallas Stars

Rantanen's fantasy value has taken a hit away from the Avalanche. However, he has been better with Dallas after a brief stop with Carolina. He has been piling up assists at a rate on par with the highest of his career despite not seeing as much ice time as he did in Colorado. He still has considerable offensive ability, and fantasy managers won't have to deal with the uncertainty of free agency after Rantanen signed an eight-year contract to remain with the Stars. 

12. Connor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg Jets

If a goaltender is going to go in the first round, it should be Hellebuyck. He is a workhorse with consistently solid numbers. He will likely win his third Vezina Trophy and could receive attention for the Hart Trophy. Since the 2021-22 campaign, Hellebuyck has led the league in wins, shutouts and saves. 

Honorable Mentions:

Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights: Eichel finally stayed healthy and predictably had a breakout performance, but a late-season injury could hurt his draft stock. He has first-round talent as a high-volume shot generator and an outstanding producer if potential fantasy managers believe he has turned the corner on his health issues. 

Sam Reinhart, RW, Florida Panthers: Reinhart provides plenty of category coverage between goals, points, shots and hits to be worthy of first-round consideration. The drop in production from his career year in 2024-25 wasn't as pronounced as some pundits thought it would be. 

Matthew Tkachuk, LW/RW, Florida Panthers: After being limited to 52 appearances in 2024-25, Tkachuk's fantasy value will probably decrease in the eyes of many potential fantasy managers. Still, he provides excellent category coverage and a high offensive ceiling. 

Jack Hughes, C, New Jersey Devils: Hughes has appeared in 62 games in consecutive seasons and has reached the 70-point mark on both occasions. He had 99 points in 2022-23 and possesses 100-point upside, but injury concerns are growing. 

With the regular season set to close on April 17, this final edition for the 2024-25 campaign will cover the remaining week and a half on the schedule.

Hopefully, fantasy managers discovered under-the-radar gems on the waiver wire this campaign, and this column helped pave the way for league success and contributed to championships. 

Let's get into the suggestions for your consideration.

Blake Coleman, C/LW/RW, Flames (29% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots/Hits

Coleman has earned two goals and one assist in the last two games after failing to earn a point in six consecutive contests. He is showing signs of heating up down the stretch, which the low-scoring Flames could desperately use as the team attempts to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot. Coleman has been credited with 23 shots on net and 16 hits in his past eight outings. Calgary plays six times, including two matchups versus San Jose, one against Anaheim and a crucial meeting with Minnesota during a busy four-game week. 

Andrei Kuzmenko, LW/RW, Kings (20% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots

After seven straight games without a point, Kuzmenko has heated up with Los Angeles. He has registered five goals and 11 points in his last nine outings, including three tallies and four helpers across his four-game point spree. Kuzmenko is playing for his third team this season, and now that he's emerged from his adjustment period, he is back to producing as a top-line winger should. He also occupies a spot on the first power-play unit, but he has just two assists on the man advantage. Still, the potential for more points is there for Kuzmenko, especially with the Kings scheduled to play three games this week and three more times a week later. 

Scott Wedgewood, G, Avalanche (20% rostered) for Starts/Saves/Wins

Wedgewood could split starts with Mackenzie Blackwood in Colorado's final four games of 2024-25 this week. They both got two outings last week, and Wedgewood stopped 46 of 50 shots en route to going 1-0-1 with a .920 save percentage. He has posted a record of 11-4-1 with two shutouts, a 2.00 GAA and a .919 save percentage in 17 appearances for Colorado this season. The Avalanche play four times in six days to wrap up their regular-season schedule, including a weekend back-to-back. Wedgewood may receive two starts to keep Blackwood fresh before the playoffs.

Cam Fowler, D, Blues (19% rostered) for Assists/Points/Shots/Blocks

Fowler has been held off the scoresheet on only one occasion in his last six appearances, accumulating two goals and seven assists. He has one goal and five helpers during his three-game point streak. Since being acquired from Anaheim in mid-December, Fowler has compiled nine goals, 34 points, 62 shots on net and 57 blocked shots in 47 outings for St. Louis. The Blues have only four games remaining but play three times this week. 

Ryan McDonagh, D, Lightning (15% rostered) for Assists/Points/Blocks/Plus-Minus

McDonagh hasn't been the 40-point producer he used to be for a while now, but he has been rolling offensively since March 6. He has one goal and nine assists in his last 15 appearances thanks to regular shifts alongside Tampa Bay's top two lines. McDonagh has added 15 shots and 28 blocks during that span. He also leads the league with a plus-41 rating. If the 35-year-old defender continues his late-season surge, McDonagh could provide solid category coverage in Tampa Bay's final six games of the 2024-25 regular season, which includes four outings this week. 

Jackson Blake, RW, Hurricanes (9% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots/PP

Blake has generated four goals on 24 shots and nine points in his last 10 outings, including two markers and two helpers on the man advantage. He has been clicking on the top line with Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis at even strength while seeing time on the first power-play combination. The 21-year-old Blake has climbed into the top 10 point producers among rookies and has plenty of offensive promise across Carolina's remaining six games, including four matches this week. 

Trevor Zegras, C/LW, Ducks (7% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots

Since March 9, Zegras has been all over the scoresheet. He has four goals and 12 points in his last 14 appearances and hasn't gone more than two straight games without earning at least one point. Zegras has collected 93 shots and 42 hits through 51 appearances, and the 24-year-old is poised to conclude the campaign on a high note offensively. Anaheim has six games remaining, including four contests this week. 

James Reimer, G, Sabres (5% rostered) for Starts/Saves/Wins

Reimer has emerged as a solid spot starter down the stretch. He has won six games in a row, stopping 164 of 181 shots. Eight of the 17 goals he allowed in that stretch came in victories over Pittsburgh and Washington, but he was excellent in triumphs over Winnipeg, Tampa Bay and Ottawa (twice). Buffalo has six games remaining, and Reimer could see most of the starts due to the struggles of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The Sabres play four times this week, including a back-to-back situation. 

Ryan Leonard, RW, Capitals (4% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots/Hits

Leonard has racked up 14 hits in four games after joining Washington from the college ranks. His only point was an empty-netter against Chicago on Friday, but the opportunity for more production down the home stretch should be tantalizing for potential fantasy managers. Leonard has skated in the top six, and his skill as a goal-scorer will become more evident as he gains experience. The 20-year-old forward has plenty of keeper value and could be worthy of a depth roster spot in standard leagues in the Capitals' final five games of the regular season. 

Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, Blues (1% rostered) for Assists/Points/Shots

Snuggerud has topped 16 minutes of playing time in two straight contests, earning two assists and two shots. He has been logging time on the top line with Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich at even strength while seeing action with Brayden Schenn and Jake Neighbours on the power play. The 20-year-old Snuggerud possesses considerable offensive upside in St. Louis' final four games of the regular season, especially with Dylan Holloway out week-to-week because of a lower-body injury. 

Jason Mowry via Getty Images

Fantasy hockey managers looking to tinker with their rosters will benefit from zeroing in on specific categories. Whether you are looking for long-term fits or short-term options, there should be a plethora of potential pickups to help your fantasy squad. With most leagues entering the championship phase of the fantasy season, maximizing schedules and matchups has become all the more important. 

Let's get into this week's suggestions for your consideration.

Jonathan Drouin, LW/RW, Avalanche (29% rostered) for Assists/Points/Shots/PP

Drouin's four-game point streak ended in Saturday's 2-1 loss to St. Louis, but he has compiled two goals, seven assists and 10 shots in his last seven outings. He has added four blocks and four hits during that span, though his steady point production in a talented top six and a prime spot on a potent power play have been his greatest fantasy assets in 2024-25. He has collected 26 helpers and 37 points through 41 appearances this campaign, which would've put him on track for about a 74-point season had he stayed healthier in the first part of the year. He should be rostered in more leagues, especially during a four-game week for Colorado. 

Taylor Hall, LW, Hurricanes (28% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots/PP

Hall had one goal and one assist in his first 12 outings with Carolina after being acquired from Chicago. However, he has heated up in March, generating seven goals and 12 points in his last 11 appearances while adding four blocks and nine hits. Hall has five goals and one assist during a four-game point spree. His role increased when Andrei Svechnikov was out due to an injury, but he has maintained his momentum since Svechnikov's return to the lineup. The 33-year-old Hall is still operating on Carolina's top power-play combination, which has helped him secure four tallies and one helper, and he has become a solid contributor on the second line. The Hurricanes play three times this week, including off-day contests on Wednesday and Friday. 

Boone Jenner, C/LW, Blue Jackets (26% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots/Hits/Faceoffs

Jenner has accounted for five goals and 15 points through 16 appearances this season. Aside from a three-game slump in mid-March, he has been remarkably consistent on the scoresheet. He has earned five goals on 18 shots and one assist during his four-game point spree. Jenner has also won 100 of his 185 faceoffs while collecting 31 hits and 44 shots on the net. He has provided valuable depth scoring for Columbus and occupies a place on the top power-play combination. He has plenty of value going into a four-game week for the Blue Jackets. 

Pius Suter, C/LW, Canucks (21% rostered) for Assists/Points/Shots/Hits

Suter has been active on the scoresheet since late January, registering 11 goals and 23 points over a 28-game stretch. His scoring pace has quickened in March, with seven goals and 15 points in 15 appearances. Suter has provided one power-play helper, a shorthanded assist, 12 blocks and 15 hits during that span. His fantasy value has increased due to the absence of Elias Pettersson and Filip Chytil, who are both out indefinitely. If Petterson and Chytil remain on the shelf during a three-game week for Vancouver, Suter possesses considerable upside as the team's first-line center. 

Mackie Samoskevich, RW, Panthers (17% rostered) for Assists/Points/Shots/Hits/PP

Samoskevich concluded March with four goals, 32 shots, nine points, 12 blocks and 39 hits in 13 appearances. He should hold his spot in the top six down the final stretch due to the absence of Matthew Tkachuk. Samoskevich had two markers and six points with the man advantage during that span and has maintained his spot on the top power-play unit despite Brad Marchand's presence in the lineup. It's unclear how long that will last, but it gives Samoskevich's fantasy outlook a significant boost going into a four-game week for Florida.

William Karlsson, C, Golden Knights (17% rostered) for Assists/Points/Shots/Blocks/Faceoffs

Karlsson has contributed six assists, including three on the power play, in six outings after missing 20 games because of a lower-body injury. His goal and point production are down significantly from his 30-goal, 60-point performance across 70 appearances in 2023-24, but that was an unsustainable pace. Still, it does show he can find another gear down the stretch and snap out of his 20-game goalless drought. After all, his 6.9 shooting percentage is well below his 12.6 career average. If Tomas Hertl remains unavailable, the power-play points should remain plentiful for Karlsson on the top unit. The 33-year-old Karlsson is having his best campaign in the faceoff circle, winning 58.2 percent of his 540 puck drops. He has some under-the-radar value heading into a four-game week for Vegas. 

Calvin Pickard, G, Oilers (16% rostered) for Starts/Saves/Wins

Pickard has been solid when called upon this season, posting a record of 18-8-1 with a 2.71 goals-against average and an .899 save percentage through 30 appearances. In his last six outings, he has posted a 3-1-1 record with a 2.47 GAA and a .916 save percentage. With Stuart Skinner unavailable for at least the start of Edmonton's road trip, Pickard could be between the pipes for all three games this week versus Vegas, San Jose and Los Angeles. He already has a victory over the Sharks this season, but the Golden Knights and Kings are challenging opponents. Still, Pickard is a solid option for fantasy managers seeking a starter.

Morgan Geekie, C/LW/RW, Bruins (14% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots/Hits

Geekie has accumulated five goals, seven points, 11 shots and eight hits in his last six outings. Despite a disappointing season for Boston as a whole, he has reached career highs in goals (27), points (42), shots (133) and average ice time (16:47). After spending some time apart, Geekie is back alongside David Pastrnak on the top line, and the former has plenty of fantasy appeal if he keeps that spot in the lineup during a four-game week for the Bruins. 

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Yegor Sharangovich, C/LW/RW, Flames (11% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots

Sharangovich scored a goal against Edmonton on Saturday after being a healthy scratch in Calgary's previous contest. He had only one goal and one assist in 14 games before sitting in the press box, but the 26-year-old forward isn't a stranger to hot and cold stretches. He had five goals and 11 points in 14 outings previously. Due to the absence of Connor Zary, Sharangovich stands a good chance of heating up again while playing on Calgary's top line, and his triple forward eligibility makes him a versatile lineup option. The Flames play four times this week. 

Vitek Vanecek, G, Panthers (6% rostered) for Starts/Saves/Wins

Vanecek lost to the Islanders and Capitals after posting a 21-save shutout victory against Buffalo in his Florida debut. He was decent versus New York, but a rough showing versus Washington upped his GAA to 3.04 and dropped his save percentage to .897. Still, Vanecek is an intriguing option because Florida has two back-to-back situations this week. He could play against Montreal on Tuesday and Detroit on Sunday.

Fantasy managers looking to tinker with their rosters will benefit from zeroing in on specific categories. Whether you are looking for long-term fits or short-term options, there should be a plethora of potential pickups to help your fantasy squad. 

Let's get into this week's suggestions for your consideration.

Hunter Dyke via Getty Images

Nick Schmaltz, C/RW, Hockey Club (35% rostered) for Assists/Points/Shots

Despite amassing six goals and 16 points in his last 14 outings, Schmaltz is still widely available in fantasy leagues. He is worth adding from the waiver wire ahead of a four-game week for Utah. Schmaltz has been productive on the top line alongside Clayton Keller at even strength, though his lack of power-play points (one goal, three assists) during that 14-game stretch is slightly concerning. Still, the 29-year-old Schmaltz ranks third on his team with 20 points on the man advantage. He also sits third on the club with 156 shots on target. For fantasy managers seeking an offensive boost, Schmaltz is a great option. 

Mason Marchment, LW, Stars (26% rostered) for Assists/Points/Shots/Hits

Marchment's four-game point streak ended in Saturday's 3-2 overtime win over Philadelphia, but his production in March still makes him an attractive pickup option for potential fantasy managers. He has accounted for three goals (two on the power play), four assists, 18 shots and 15 hits through 10 appearances this month. While the team has missed the presence of injured forward Tyler Seguin, Marchment has been productive alongside Matt Duchene this season. Had Marchment stayed healthier, he could have flirted with the 60-point mark in 2024-25. Dallas plays four times this week, including games on Monday and Wednesday, making Marchment a solid roster choice. 

Tony DeAngelo, D, Islanders (14% rostered) for Assists/Shots/Blocks/PP

DeAngelo has collected one goal, six helpers, 15 shots and eight blocks in his past eight appearances. Due to two multipoint efforts, he has five assists in the last four contests while logging more than 23 minutes in each game. DeAngelo has been playing on the top unit power-play combination alongside Noah Dobson. The 29-year-old DeAngelo offers decent category coverage going into a four-game week for the Islanders. 

Ryan Hartman, C/RW, Wild (12% rostered) for Assists/Shots/Hits/PP

Since returning from an eight-game suspension, Hartman has produced three goals and three assists in nine appearances. He hasn't gone more than one outing without finding the scoresheet during that nine-game run while posting eight hits and four power-play points (two goals, two assists). Despite being bumped from a top-six spot, Hartman still plays on Minnesota's first unit in man-advantage situations, giving him fantasy value ahead of a four-game week for Minnesota. 

Bobby McMann, LW, Maple Leafs (6% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots/Hits

McMann has already reached career highs in 2024-25, tallying 19 goals and 31 points through 62 games. He has two goals, one assist, 12 shots and five hits in the past four contests. McMann has been skating on the second line with red-hot forwards John Tavares and William Nylander. The Maple Leafs play four times this week, including a three-game road trip in California. The 28-year-old McMann has plenty of fantasy upside if he maintains a spot in Toronto's talented top six. 

Ryan McLeod, C, Sabres (4% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots

McLeod also appeared in last week's installment before racking up two goals and four assists in four games. Granted, he erupted for one goal and four points in a 5-3 win over Winnipeg on Sunday. Still, McLeod has been all over the scoresheet since January, generating 11 goals and 24 points in his last 25 outings. He has earned three goals and 11 points in nine appearances ahead of a four-game week for the Sabres. McLeod has been a fixture in the top six at even strength while seeing time on the power play and penalty kill. 

David Perron, LW/RW, Senators (3% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots/Hits

Perron has been a steady source of offensive production in March, accumulating five goals and three assists in 11 games. He has added 11 shots and 27 hits over that stretch to supplement his fantasy appeal. Perron has been building momentum on Ottawa's second line alongside Dylan Cozens and Drake Batherson. The 36-year-old Perron was among last week's recommendations and remains a solid under-the-radar option. The Senators play four times this week against opponents below them in the standings. 

Simon Holmstrom, RW, Islanders (3% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots

Holmstrom has registered three goals on nine shots and one assist during his four-game point streak. He has earned career highs in 2024-25, notching 17 goals and 38 points through 62 appearances. Holmstrom has topped 20 minutes of playing time in eight of the last 12 games. He has been skating on the top line with Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri at even strength and the first power-play combination. It's a big four-game week for the Islanders, including matchups on Monday and Wednesday, as the team battles for a playoff spot. Holmstrom possesses under-the-radar fantasy upside if he remains hot offensively. 

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Cody Glass, C/RW, Devils (1% rostered) for Assists/Points/Shots/Hits

Since being acquired from Pittsburgh at the trade deadline, Glass has been a great addition for the Devils. He has supplied two goals, four assists, six shots, three blocks and six hits in seven matches. With Jack Hughes out for the remainder of 2024-25 following shoulder surgery, Glass has been centering the second line alongside Jesper Bratt, who has a team-leading 81 points through 71 games. The 25-year-old Glass has failed to earn at least one point on only two occasions since joining the Devils. If Glass' newfound consistency and category coverage continue, he will have plenty of upside in deeper leagues during a busy week for New Jersey. The team plays four times, including contests on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 

Brendan Gallagher, RW, Canadiens (1% rostered) for Goals/Points/Shots

Gallagher has compiled two goals on nine shots and three assists across a three-game point streak. He has struggled with offensive consistency in 2024-25, but he's tied for third on the team with 17 goals and has 129 shots on the net. Montreal plays four times this week as the team attempts to secure a playoff berth, and Gallagher has emerged as a solid contributor.