As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, fantasy hockey enthusiasts are gearing up for their drafts. Understanding player rankings and tiers is crucial for building a competitive team. Below, we explore the key rankings for forwards, defensemen, and goalies to help you make informed decisions during your draft.
2025-26 Fantasy Hockey Draft Rankings
Top Forwards to Consider
- Tier 1: Nathan MacKinnon (COL), Connor McDavid (EDM)
- Tier 2: Leon Draisaitl (EDM), Nikita Kucherov (TBL), Kirill Kaprizov (MIN), David Pastrnak (BOS), Mikko Rantanen (DAL), Jack Eichel (VGK), Auston Matthews (TOR), Kyle Connor (WPG), Brady Tkachuk (OTT)
- Tier 3: Sidney Crosby (PIT), Sam Reinhart (FLA), William Nylander (TOR), Jack Hughes (NJD), Mitch Marner (VGK), Brayden Point (TBL), Alex Ovechkin (WSH)
- Tier 4: Nick Suzuki (MTL), Artemi Panarin (NYR), Filip Forsberg (NSH), Jake Guentzel (TBL), Clayton Keller (UTA), Martin Necas (COL), Mark Scheifele (WPG), Tage Thompson (BUF)
Defensive Powerhouses
- Tier 1: Cale Makar (COL)
- Tier 2: Quinn Hughes (VAN)
- Tier 3: Zach Werenski (CBJ), Victor Hedman (TBL), Evan Bouchard (EDM), Rasmus Dahlin (BUF), Moritz Seider (DET)
- Tier 4: Adam Fox (NYR), Josh Morrissey (WPG), Jakob Chychrun (WSH), Dougie Hamilton (NJD), Shea Theodore (VGK)
Goalies to Watch
- Tier 1: Connor Hellebuyck (WPG), Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL)
- Tier 2: Jake Oettinger (DAL), Sergei Bobrovsky (FLA), Igor Shesterkin (NYR)
- Tier 3: Mackenzie Blackwood (COL, INJ.), Logan Thompson (WSH), Filip Gustavsson (MIN)
- Tier 4: Anthony Stolarz (TOR), Adin Hill (VGK), Linus Ullmark (OTT)
Strategic Drafting Tips
Prioritizing players based on their tier rankings can significantly enhance your fantasy hockey team. Those in higher tiers generally offer greater potential for scoring and overall contribution to your team. Keep an eye on injuries and preseason performances, as they can impact a player’s draft stock.
Being aware of your league’s scoring system is also essential. Adapt your strategy accordingly by focusing on categories that your chosen players excel in. Smart drafting combines knowledge, strategy, and a bit of luck.
As the 2025-26 season unfolds, stay informed and ready to adjust your roster for optimal performance. Happy drafting!
