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 squads. 

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

Anthony Cirelli, C, Lightning (37% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots/Blocks/Faceoffs

Cirelli is off to a red-hot start this season, amassing seven goals and 11 points through 12 games. He hasn't gone more than two games without reaching the scoresheet. Cirelli is currently riding a three-game point streak, picking up two goals and two helpers. He also has nine blocked shots, eight hits and 20 shots on net for additional category coverage. Finally, Cirelli ranks 15th in the league with 120 faceoff wins, though his 49.8% success rate leaves some room for improvement. He has been productive in a top-six role and appears poised to reach new career highs offensively in 2025-26. Tampa Bay plays three times this week, and Cirelli has plenty of long-term value. 

Will Cuylle, LW/RW, Rangers (37% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Hits

Following a sluggish start to the season, Cuylle has one goal on 12 shots and four assists during a four-game point streak. He has also provided five blocked shots and 10 hits during that period. Cuylle had a great deal of fantasy potential going into the 2025-26 campaign after posting 45 points and 301 hits in 82 games last season. His emergence on the scoresheet is an encouraging sign for banger league managers ahead of a three-game week for the Rangers. 

Chris Kreider, LW, Ducks (34% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots/Hits/PP

Kreider had four goals and one assist in five games before missing four straight contests because of hand-foot-and-mouth disease. He has netted two goals, including one on the power play, on seven shots in two appearances since returning to the lineup. He has a team-leading four markers with the man advantage and skates on the top line. Kreider also racks up hits and shots, making him worthy of more fantasy attention. The Ducks play four times this week. 

Jonathan Huberdeau, Flames, C/LW (31% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots 

After being absent for the opening five games of the season because of an undisclosed injury, Huberdeau has been firing on all cylinders of late. He has three goals on eight shots and three assists during a five-game point spree. The 32-year-old forward has averaged a career-high 19:34 of ice time per game. He notched 28 goals and 62 points last campaign after topping the 50-point plateau in each of the previous two seasons. Huberdeau's injury and Calgary's offensive struggles probably contributed to him flying under the radar. However, his proven track record and productive play make him a more than serviceable addition for scoring leagues. 

Marco Rossi, C, Wild (29% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/PP

Rossi has compiled three goals and nine assists over 12 games this season. He has added 22 shots on net, seven blocked shots and nine hits during that span while averaging a career-high 18:21 of ice time per outing. Rossi has two tallies and five helpers over his five-game point streak. He has been productive on the top line and could easily surpass his previous best of 60 points from the 2024-25 regular season if he continues to click alongside a healthy Kirill Kaprizov this campaign. We featured the 24-year-old Rossi as a pickup option before, but he should be rostered in more leagues. He is a solid addition for fantasy managers ahead of a busy Minnesota slate that includes four games this week. 

Philipp Kurashev, C/RW, Sharks (19% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots

Kurashev didn't have a point in five straight appearances, while sitting as a healthy scratch for two games, before logging just 11:21 of ice time in his return to the lineup against New Jersey on Oct. 24. However, his role has increased substantially since then. He's topped 20 minutes of playing time in three of his last five outings while piling up four goals, 17 shots and four helpers during a five-game point streak. Kurashev's consistency could become a problem again, but he is worthy of at least a short-term pickup during a three-game week for San Jose. 

Jaden Schwartz, Kraken, C/LW (25% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Hits 

Schwartz has registered at least one point in eight of his first 11 outings this season. He has accumulated four goals, six assists, 21 shots on target, 10 blocked shots and 18 hits. Schwartz was one point away from returning to 50, a mark he has reached five times before, including having a career high of 63 in 2014-15. He is on pace to shatter that this campaign, but the likelihood that he slows down offensively is fairly high. Still, Schwartz is a valuable top-six forward for Seattle, and he should be a useful player for fantasy squads. The Kraken play four times this week, giving him plenty of short-term appeal. 

Artem Zub, D, Senators (14% rostered)

Category Coverage: Assists/Points/Shots/Blocks 

Zub has topped 20 points in a season on only two occasions in the NHL, but he has been productive since the end of October. He has one goal and five assists in his last six contests while adding six shots on net, five blocked shots and eight hits. He has one goal and two helpers across his three-game point streak. While his offensive contributions are likely to decrease in the long run, his category coverage makes him an intriguing option at the moment. Ottawa is in action three times this week. 

Vitek Vanecek, G, Mammoth (2% rostered)

Category Coverage: Starts/Saves/Wins 

Vanecek has performed well this season despite being used sparingly behind Karel Vejmelka. The 29-year-old Vanecek has posted a 2-1-0 record with a 2.00 GAA and a .913 save percentage in his first three appearances with Utah. The Mammoth have two back-to-back situations this week, which could result in two starts for Vanecek.  

Nicholas Robertson, RW, Maple Leafs (3% rostered)

Category Coverage: Goals/Points/Shots/Hits 

Robertson generated three goals and five points in his last four appearances. He was a healthy scratch for a game before his recent offensive explosion, which includes two straight multipoint efforts consisting of one goal and one assist. Robertson's ice time was 17:22 and 15:20 during that stretch, and he saw playing time in Toronto's top-six forward group. Locking down a consistent role in the lineup has been an issue for him in the past, but skating alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies will give Robertson's fantasy upside a significant boost for as long as it lasts. Toronto plays four times at home this week. 

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 squads. 

[Join or create a fantasy hockey league for the 2025-26 NHL season]

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

Nick Schmaltz, C/RW, Mammoth (30% rostered on Yahoo)

Category coverage: Assists, Points, Shots, Power-play points

Schmaltz has surpassed the 60-point mark in two straight seasons, and he is well on his way toward another productive year. He has supplied an assist in each of his first two appearances while providing seven shots. He still occupies a spot on the top power-play unit and skates alongside Clayton Keller at even strength. The 29-year-old Schmaltz won't help potential fantasy managers in hits and blocks, but should score at least 20 goals and 60 points in 2025-26 while topping 175 shots. Utah is in action four times this week, including three appearances on home ice. 

Marco Rossi, C, Wild (28% rostered)

Category coverage: Asts, Pts, SOG, PPP

Rossi progressed in 2024-25 with 24 goals and 60 points across 82 games. After agreeing to a three-year contract with Minnesota in the summer, he has been on the scoresheet in consecutive contests to begin the 2025-26 campaign. He has one goal, two helpers (one on the power play), five shots, two blocks and one hit. The 24-year-old Rossi should find another level this year while skating on Minnesota's top line between Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy. The Wild play four times this week, including three on the road. 

Zachary Bolduc, RW, Canadiens (29% rostered)

Category coverage: G, Pts, SOG, Hits, PPP

Bolduc has been hot out of the gate with his new team. After being acquired from the Blues during the offseason, the 22-year-old forward has scored a goal in three straight games to begin the 2025-26 campaign with the Canadiens. He has added one assist, 10 shots and four hits while averaging a career-high 15:03 of ice time per contest. Bolduc also has one goal and one assist on the power play. He has already made an impact early in his Montreal tenure, and it wouldn't be surprising if he set more personal bests this campaign because of an increased role with his new team. Montreal plays three times this week. 

Calvin Pickard, G, Oilers (21% rostered)

Category coverage: Starts, Saves, Wins

Pickard stopped 14 shots in a 3-1 win over Vancouver on Saturday. He got the nod in Edmonton's second game of the season after Stuart Skinner surrendered three goals on 22 shots in a 4-3 shootout loss to Calgary on Wednesday. The 33-year-old Pickard has gone 34-17-2 with a 2.61 GAA and a .903 save percentage across 59 appearances over the last two campaigns. He has been a solid No. 2 option and is likely to see his fair share of action if Skinner continues to struggle with consistency. The Oilers play four times this week, including a weekend back-to-back, and Pickard could get one or two starts. 

Marco Kasper, C/LW, Red Wings (20% rostered)

Category coverage: G, Pts, SOG, Hits

Kasper showcased considerable upside in 2024-25 during his rookie campaign while contributing 19 goals, 37 points, 145 shots and 156 hits across 77 games. He heated up down the stretch with nine goals and five assists in his final 18 outings. Kasper has one goal, five shots and five hits through two appearances this season. He has been a great fit in the top-six forward group of Detroit. Kasper has played between Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat this year, but has skated alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond in the past. The 21-year-old Kasper possesses plenty of value as a short- or long-term pickup. Detroit plays four times this week, including three matches at home. 

Shane Pinto, C, Senators (27% rostered)

Category coverage: G, Pts, SOG, Faceoffs

Pinto has netted two goals in each of the first two games of the season. He has picked up one assist and seven shots over that span. He ranks third on the team with 12 faceoff wins while winning 70.8% of his 17 draws. He hasn't earned a power-play point, yet, but is playing on the top power-play unit. Despite a third-line role at even strength, he has averaged nearly 18 minutes of ice time per match. He has reached the 20-goal plateau in two of the past three seasons, and his superb start makes him worthy of more fantasy attention. Ottawa plays four times this week, including three home games. 

Teuvo Teravainen, LW/RW, Blackhawks (17% rostered)

Category coverage: Asts, Pts, SOG, PPP

Teravainen came close to hitting the 60-point plateau for the fifth time in his career during his first season with Chicago in 2024-25. He notched 15 goals while ranking second on the team with 43 assists and 24 power-play points across 82 appearances. He is off to a good start this campaign, earning one goal and three helpers in three outings thanks to a pair of multipoint performances. He has two shots and one assist on the man-advantage over that span. Teravainen continues to be an integral part of the Blackhawks' top-six, and he should be rostered in more fantasy leagues. Chicago has four games scheduled for this week. 

Dmitry Orlov, D, Sharks (9% rostered)

Category coverage: Asts, Pts, SOG, Hits, Blocks

Orlov has earned at least one assist in two consecutive contests to begin the 2025-26 season. He has amassed three helpers, four shots, seven hits and one block. He has seen an increase in playing time with the Sharks, up to 21:32 per game after averaging 18:36 in two years with Carolina. The 34-year-old Orlov hasn't reached the 40-point mark yet in his NHL career, but he is capable of solid category coverage. San Jose plays three times this week. 

Mackie Samoskevich, RW, Panthers (8% rostered)

Category coverage: Asts, Pts, SOG, Hits, PPP

Samoskevich has reached the scoresheet in two of Florida's first three games, collecting one goal and two assists. He also has six shots on goal and eight hits while chipping in one goal and one helper on the man-advantage. While his ice time has been up and down early in the year, he has been productive across several categories. Samoskevich is worthy of a short-term pickup during a busy four-game road trip this week for the Panthers. 

Beckett Sennecke, RW, Ducks (7% rostered)

Category coverage: G, Pts, SOG, Hits

Sennecke has burst onto the NHL scene with two goals, one assist, eight shots and five hits through two games. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft is occupying a top-six role with the Ducks due to the absence of Ryan Strome, who is out with an upper-body injury. The 19-year-old Sennecke has a tremendous amount of fantasy value in keeper leagues, and his category coverage makes him an intriguing target for standard formats. Anaheim plays three times this week, including two on home ice. 

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The players listed below possess plenty of fantasy hockey value for the 2025-26 season, but aren't worth selecting at their current average draft position (ADP). Some managers may still be willing to reach for them, depending on positional need or league settings, but the risk may not be worth the reward and could set back your roster construction going into the upcoming campaign.

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Make sure to comb through the player list before and during your draft to ensure you are getting the most out of our picks.  

Alex Ovechkin, LW/RW, Washington Capitals - 45.5 ADP

Ovechkin became the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer last season, surpassing Wayne Gretzky's total of 894. The 40-year-old Ovechkin found the back of the net 44 times in 2024-25 to reach 897 markers. He didn't let a fracture in his left fibula stand in the way of making history. Despite being limited to 65 appearances, he also added 29 assists, 237 shots on target and 110 hits. However, there are some red flags ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

He is coming off a season in which he registered a career-high 18.6 shooting percentage, and he likely won't have the same level of motivation. Father Time eventually comes for us all, and the veteran winger has already been managing a lower-body injury during training camp. While most players receive a boost while playing in a contract year, it could be a distraction for Ovechkin amid questions regarding his future in the NHL. However, he could still be capable of scoring 30-35 goals and reaching the 60-point plateau to provide potential fantasy managers with some value.  

Matthew Tkachuk, LW/RW, Florida Panthers - 61.3 ADP

After being limited to 52 appearances last season, Tkachuk will miss the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign. He suffered a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia injury on the same side while representing the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. He sat out the final 25 games of the regular season before playing through the injuries in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 27-year-old winger was productive in the postseason, supplying eight goals and 23 points in 23 games to help the Panthers win back-to-back titles.

However, it could keep him on the shelf until December or January. Tkachuk may also attempt to expedite his recovery to ensure he plays for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. His health makes him a risky proposition on draft day, and his stock could fall a bit more before the start of the NHL season. However, he remains a high-end stash option because he will likely be productive when he's in the lineup. 

Lane Hutson, D, Montreal Canadiens - 50.7 ADP

Hutson became a popular waiver-wire addition during his 2024-25 rookie campaign. He chipped in six goals and led the Canadiens with 60 assists in 80 games en route to capturing the Calder Trophy, which is awarded annually to the league's top first-year player. The 21-year-old also ranked second on the team with 26 power-play points. Hutson surpassed the franchise's previous bests held by Chris Chelios for assists and points by a rookie blueliner. Even though the diminutive defender posted only 40 hits and a minus-2 rating, he managed to tack on 123 blocked shots. However, he was credited with a mere 91 shots on goal, collecting three shots in a game on just four occasions.

Fantasy managers should expect more bang for their buck for the 10th defenseman off the board. He doesn't have the same category coverage as his peers within that range. His power-play production could take a slight hit in the 2025-26 season if Montreal creates a 50/50 or 60/40 split with newcomer Noah Dobson picking up minutes on the second combination. Hutson should be a productive player during his sophomore season, but paying a premium for him could hurt prospective poolies in leagues that tally up more than points.  

Darcy Kuemper, G, Los Angeles Kings - 52.1 ADP

Kuemper entered the 2024-25 season as a top bounce-back candidate, and he proved to be an excellent value pick for fantasy managers. However, he is being overrated now as the eighth netminder off the board. The 35-year-old should post solid numbers again in a system that allowed the second-fewest shots against per game last campaign. However, the premium being asked to take him is far too high.

The defense corps also took a hit in the offseason when Vladislav Gavrikov signed with the New York Rangers in free agency, and the Kings dealt Jordan Spence to Ottawa. The Kings added Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci as replacements, but they represent a significant downgrade. That could have an impact on Kuemper's numbers, and Forsberg could cut into his start count.  

Juraj Slafkovsky, LW/RW, Montreal Canadiens - 109.4 ADP

Slafkovsky accounted for a career-high 51 points in 79 games last season after earning 50 points across 82 appearances in 2023-24. He also dropped from 20 goals on a 13.2 shooting percentage to 18 on a 13.5 shooting percentage. He did tie for 26th among forwards with 194 hits in the 2024-25 campaign, making him an intriguing option for banger leagues. Fantasy managers may be thinking he is due for a breakout year, but he shouldn't be in the top 110.

He is being selected ahead of Dylan Holloway, Kirill Marchenko, Roope Hintz, Andrei Svechnikov, Dylan Guenther, Tom Wilson, Zach Hyman and several others with far greater upside. That will likely change as the start of the year draws closer. Slafkovsky could also face competition in the top six from offseason acquisition Zachary Bolduc or Calder Trophy favorite Ivan Demidov, who has an ADP of 126.6, this season.   

Alexander Nikishin, D, Carolina Hurricanes - 108.7 ADP

Nikishin suited up in four games with the Hurricanes in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, earning one assist, three shots on goal, two blocked shots and 17 hits. Before coming to North America, he showcased considerable offensive upside in the KHL. He registered 45 goals and 157 points across 193 games over the past three seasons. However, the NHL is a significant step up in competition, and he may not be in the spots necessary to make an impact in his first season.

He is poised to crack Carolina's roster, serving in a depth role and likely seeing time with the second power-play unit. Shayne Gostisbehere, who has an ADP of 127.8, has been occupying the point on the top man-advantage combination during training camp. The 23-year-old Nikishin could reach 100 shots and 100 hits in the 2025-26 campaign, but being a factor offensively may be a challenge unless injuries open up an opportunity for more responsibilities. He has far more fantasy value in keeper formats, and it's surprising to see his draft stock be this high right off the bat. 

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Identifying fantasy hockey breakout candidates on draft day is an excellent way to find value in the later rounds and win fantasy league championships. For the 2025-26 season, I decided to narrow the scope by excluding first- and second-year skaters from the equation. Still, there will be plenty of youth on display, as they are poised to take the next step after gaining some valuable NHL experience.

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They find themselves in favourable positions to receive increased roles in the upcoming campaign and should make significant impacts. 

Logan Cooley: Key Fantasy Asset for Utah Mammoth

Cooley made plenty of progress in his sophomore season, earning 25 goals and 40 assists in 75 appearances after collecting 44 points across 82 outings in his rookie campaign. He is already well on his way toward becoming a star, and he should find another gear in 2025-26. After spending most of the first half of the year on the second line, he performed exceptionally well alongside Clayton Keller on the top combination in the second half of 2024-25.

The 21-year-old Cooley will likely lock down the team's No. 1 center role this season, and the increase in responsibilities, including more minutes in power-play situations, should improve his statistics. He has 30-goal upside and should comfortably surpass the 70-point plateau.  

Matthew Knies: Rising Star for Toronto Maple Leafs

Following his promotion to the top line, Knies made significant strides in the 2024-25 season. He compiled 29 goals, 58 points, 153 shots on net and 182 hits in 78 matches. While his 19.1 shooting percentage may seem high, it is realistically sustainable. The majority of his chances were high-danger ones around the front of the goal, and he will get plenty of opportunities in the 2025-26 campaign with linemate Auston Matthews funnelling pucks toward opposing goaltenders. The 22-year-old Knies plays a physical game, which enhances his value in banger leagues. He will log big minutes and could flirt with the 70-point mark.  

Leo Carlsson: Promising Talent for Anaheim Ducks

After being brought along slowly during his rookie year, Carlsson became a regular in the lineup in the 2024-25 campaign. His scoring rates improved despite reductions in shots per 60 minutes and average ice time per contest. However, he should remedy those concerns this season. He will likely see playing time in all situations for the Ducks. He stands a good chance of cementing himself as a go-to producer, whether he skates alongside veterans Chris Kreider, Alex Killorn and Troy Terry, or plays with fellow emerging talents like Cutter Gauthier and Mason McTavish. The 20-year-old Carlsson supplied 20 goals, 45 points and 114 shots on target across 76 appearances last season. The No. 2 selection in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft has the potential to jump over the 60-point mark this campaign. 

William Eklund: Emerging Playmaker for San Jose Sharks

Eklund registered a team-high 41 assists and ranked second on the Sharks with 58 points and 16 power-play points in 77 appearances last season. His 2024-25 performance marked a significant leap forward after he had 45 points across 80 contests in the 2023-24 campaign. He got a lift from having rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini and Tyler Toffoli, the latter of which joined the team via free agency in July of 2024. The 22-year-old Eklund still has room to grow further, and a 20-goal and 60-plus point effort is well within his reach. He still has one more season remaining on his entry-level contract, but after signing a three-year, $16.8 million contract in the summer, he will be part of the team's exciting young core for the foreseeable future.  

Adam Fantilli: A Top Fantasy Prospect in Columbus

In his sophomore season last year, Fantilli tied for the team lead with 31 goals and ranked third on the Blue Jackets with 48 even-strength points. When Sean Monahan went down with a wrist injury, Fantilli moved up to the top line and racked up 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists) in 28 games.

The 20-year-old Fantilli remained hot down the stretch, netting 10 goals on 35 shots and adding two assists in 13 outings. While he's unlikely to maintain that level of shooting prowess over the course of a full season, he has considerable fantasy appeal going into his third NHL season. He is a valuable top-six forward on a Columbus team that tied for seventh in the league in goals per game (3.26) last campaign. He also earned 113 hits, making him a burgeoning banger-league keeper. If he gets an increased role on the man advantage this campaign, he could cross into the 60-point plateau. 

Cole Perfetti: Rising Stock in Fantasy Leagues

Perfetti posted career highs in 2024-25, racking up 32 assists, 50 points, 143 shots on goal and 71 hits across all 82 regular-season contests. He also clocked a personal-best average ice time of 15:11 per game, which seems likely to climb even higher in 2025-26 after Nikolaj Ehlers departed for the Carolina Hurricanes via free agency. Perfetti's five-on-five production will be interesting to monitor, especially if he plays alongside newcomers Jonathan Toews and Gustav Nyquist. Still, there is a great deal to like about Perfetti's fantasy upside this campaign, especially if he secures a spot on the top power-play combination. He could be within the 60-70 point range. 

Will Cuylle: Fantasy Potential with the New York Rangers

Cuylle made a name for himself in fantasy formats that favor physical play by ranking fourth in the NHL with 301 hits last season. He also generated 20 goals, 45 points, 152 shots on net and 50 blocked shots in 82 games. After collecting nine goals and 18 points in 21 contests during a hot start to the 2024-25 campaign, he slowed down drastically amid the Rangers' struggles. However, he managed to provide 12 points, including nine helpers, in 20 outings to conclude the year. He logged most of his playing time down the stretch with J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin. With Kreider out of the picture, Cuylle has a chance to establish himself as a top-six forward for the Rangers in 2025-26. The 23-year-old Cuylle will be a valuable source of hits, and his offensive game is expected to continue improving.