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Breakout candidate for each team
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NOTES: Sleepers, players who are usually attainable around the top 120 overall or later, are underrated fantasy options who can exceed their average draft positions (ADP) this season.
Anaheim Ducks
Cutter Gauthier, F: The No. 5 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft was tied with Matvei Michkov of the Philadelphia Flyers for the rookie lead in even-strength goals (18) last season and tied with Alex Killorn for Anaheim’s lead in that category. Gauthier had 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) over his final 27 games last season and has the potential to eclipse the 30-goal mark in his second season given his high shot volume (190 shots on goal; second on Ducks behind Frank Vatrano’s 234). Per NHL EDGE stats, Gauthier ranked among the forward leaders in 20-plus mph speed bursts (200; 95th percentile), average shot speed (64.13 mph; 93rd percentile) and midrange goals (10; 90th percentile). — Troy Perlowitz
Boston Bruins
Elias Lindholm, F: The 30-year-old finished his first season in Boston with 11 points (five goals, six assists) over his final 11 games. Lindholm found chemistry during that span on the top line with elite goal scorers David Pastrnak (43 goals; fifth in NHL) and Morgan Geekie (33 goals; tied for 26th in NHL); that trio combined to score 15 goals when on the ice together at 5-on-5 for the Bruins over those final 11 games. Per NHL EDGE stats, Lindholm ranked among the forward leaders in high-danger shots on goal (70; 93rd percentile), long-range shots on goal (17; 86th percentile) and total skating distance (226.41 miles; 85th percentile). — Troy Perlowitz
Buffalo Sabres
Jiri Kulich, F: He had 24 points (15 goals, nine assists) in 62 games as a rookie last season and mostly played on a line with elite forward Tage Thompson, who led the NHL in 5-on-5 goals (33) last season. Kulich, 21, is expected to remain Buffalo’s top-line center and should receive more power-play ice time after the Sabres traded wing JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth. Per NHL EDGE stats, Kulich ranked in the 83rd percentile in 20-plus mph speed bursts (141) and 91st percentile in average shot speed (63.11 mph) among forwards last season. — Chris Meaney
Calgary Flames
Zayne Parekh, D: The rookie scored a midrange goal in his NHL debut, which was his only game last season, and joins a deep group of fantasy defensemen for Calgary, which also has MacKenzie Weegar and another proven point producer in Rasmus Andersson (career-high 50 points in 2021-22). Parekh, who led Ontario Hockey League defensemen in goals (33) and points (107 in 61 games; fifth among all skaters in league) last season for Saginaw, joins goalie Dustin Wolf among NHL.com’s top 40 keeper rankings and should be considered a fringe top five rookie for this season. — Pete Jensen
Carolina Hurricanes
Taylor Hall, F: The 33-year-old veteran was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks on Jan. 24 and finished the regular season strong with 16 points (eight goals, eight assists) in his final 19 games. Hall, a seven-time 20-goal scorer who won the Hart Trophy in 2018, should see top-nine and power-play usage for the Hurricanes, who reached the Eastern Conference Final last season. Per NHL EDGE stats, Hall scored 12 of his 18 goals from high-danger areas last season and ranked among the forward leaders in average skating distance per 60 minutes (10.21 miles; 92nd percentile), 20-plus mph speed bursts (162; 88th percentile) and long-range shots on goal (22; 92nd percentile). — Troy Perlowitz
Chicago Blackhawks
Sam Rinzel, D: The No. 25 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft was promoted to the Blackhawks near the end of last season and finished with five assists, three on the power play, 22 shots on goal and 12 hits in nine games. Rinzel ranked second on Chicago in average ice time (23:22 per game) and even-strength ice time (19:28 per game) and was tied for third in power-play ice time per game (2:24). The rookie defenseman could start the season on the first power-play unit, and, per NHL EDGE stats, finished in the 80th percentile among defensemen in average skating distance per 60 minutes at all strengths (8.80 miles) and 85th percentile at even strength (9.00). — Chris Meaney
Colorado Avalanche
Brock Nelson, F: The center had 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 19 games, three on the power play, after being acquired by the Avalanche from the New York Islanders last season. He’s expected to remain on the second line, where he could bring exposure to talented wings in Valeri Nichushkin, Artturi Lehkonen and/or Gabriel Landeskog. Nelson is a three-time 30-goal scorer from his time with the Islanders and, per NHL EDGE stats, ranked among the forward leaders in total skating distance (259.89 miles; 97th percentile), midrange shots on goal (77; 93rd percentile) and 20-plus mph speed bursts (171; 91st percentile) last season. — Pete Jensen
Columbus Blue Jackets
Boone Jenner, F: He didn’t make his season debut until Feb. 22 because of shoulder surgery but was still productive last season with 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) and 70 shots on goal in 26 games. Jenner (199 career goals) is one goal away from joining Rick Nash (289) and Cam Atkinson (213) as the only players to score 200 goals for the Blue Jackets in their history. He has a high fantasy ceiling for Columbus, which led the NHL in 5-on-5 goals last season (201), especially given his strong hits coverage (2.2 per game in career). Per NHL EDGE stats, Jenner ranked among the League leaders in high-danger goals in both 2023-24 (18; 94th percentile) and 2022-23 (17; 92nd percentile). — Troy Perlowitz
Dallas Stars
Lian Bichsel, D: The defenseman had nine points (four goals, five assists), 39 shots on goal and 155 hits in 38 games as a rookie last regular season. In 18 Stanley Cup Playoff games, Bichsel led the Stars and ranked eighth in the NHL with 75 hits. He had at least four hits in nine of those games, including 13 in one game against the Winnipeg Jets in the second round. Bischel could be one of the League leaders in hits over a full season, and, per NHL EDGE stats, ranked in the 92nd percentile among defensemen in average shot speed (74.33 mph) last season. — Chris Meaney
Detroit Red Wings
John Gibson, G: The veteran goalie has bounce-back potential with the Red Wings after being acquired from the Anaheim Ducks. Among those who played at least 25 games last season, Gibson ranked fourth in even-strength save percentage (.930 in 29 games). Gibson has had a high fantasy ceiling in the past; he had three seasons of at least a .920 save percentage and 40 games played for the Ducks, with his best performance coming in 2017-18 (31 wins, .926 save percentage, four shutouts in 60 games). Per NHL EDGE stats, Gibson ranked second in long-range save percentage (.990) behind Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins (.991) last season. — Pete Jensen
Edmonton Oilers
Isaac Howard, F: The Oilers acquired the 21-year-old in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning on July 8. Howard led the NCAA in points per game (1.41; 52 in 37 games) last season for Michigan State University and won the Hobey Baker Award. He is expected to challenge for a middle-six forward spot as a rookie after the Oilers’ offseason departures, including forwards Corey Perry (signed with Los Angeles Kings), Evander Kane (traded to Vancouver Canucks) and Connor Brown (signed with New Jersey Devils). Howard is among NHL.com’s top 10 fantasy rookies for this season, and, per NHL EDGE stats, the Oilers led the NHL in high-danger shots on goal (703) and ranked second in 20-plus mph speed bursts (2,250) last season. — Troy Perlowitz
Florida Panthers
Mackie Samoskevich, F: He was among the NHL rookie leaders in points (31 in 72 games; 11th), power-play points (11; sixth) and hits (134; eighth) last season. Samoskevich, who only played four games for the Panthers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, could see top-six usage with forward Matthew Tkachuk’s injury concern (torn adductor muscle and sports hernia injury). Samoskevich frequently played on the second line with center Sam Bennett last season and saw time on the top power-play unit when Tkachuk was injured. Per NHL EDGE stats, Samoskevich ranked among the forward leaders last season in 22-plus mph speed bursts (14; 94th percentile), 20-plus mph bursts (173; 91st percentile), top skating speed (23.12 mph; 89th percentile) and offensive zone time percentage (46.8; 95th percentile). — Chris Meaney
Los Angeles Kings
Andrei Kuzmenko, F: The forward had 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 22 games last season after being traded to the Kings on March 7; the only other player moved before the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline who had more points than Kuzmenko was Mikko Rantanen of the Dallas Stars (18 in 20 games). Kuzmenko, who played mostly on the top line and first power play with center Anze Kopitar and wing Adrian Kempe, has bounce-back potential considering he scored 39 goals in his first NHL season with the Vancouver Canucks in 2022-23. Per NHL EDGE stats, Kuzmenko ranked highly among forwards in top shot speed (92.47 mph; 90th percentile) and offensive zone time percentage (45.8; 92nd percentile). — Troy Perlowitz
Minnesota Wild
Zeev Buium, D: The rookie had a power-play assist and two shots on goal in four Stanley Cup Playoff games last season, and could be an instant offensive threat for a Minnesota team that has not had a defenseman score at least 15 goals in a single season since Brent Burns had 17 in 2010-11. Buium, who had 48 points (13 goals, 35 assists) in 41 games while averaging 27:03 of ice time per game as a sophomore at the University of Denver, joins forward teammates Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi among NHL.com’s top 50 keeper rankings and should be considered a top five rookie for this season. — Troy Perlowitz
Montreal Canadiens
Zack Bolduc, F: The 22-year-old forward covered categories for the St. Louis Blues last season with 36 points (19 goals, 17 assists), seven power-play goals, 12 power-play points, 120 shots on goal and 108 hits in 72 games. After the 4 Nations Face-Off (Feb. 22), Bolduc led NHL rookies in both goals (13 in 26 games) and power-play goals (six) and was tied for first in his class in power-play points (nine) with his new Canadiens teammate, defenseman Lane Hutson. Bolduc is expected to play center on Montreal’s second line with two goal scorers in rookie Ivan Demidov and wing Patrik Laine. Per NHL EDGE stats, Bolduc ranked highly among forwards in top shot speed (92.10 mph; 88th percentile), average shot speed (61.82 mph; 86th percentile) and midrange goals (10; 90th percentile) last season. — Chris Meaney
Nashville Predators
Jonathan Marchessault, F: Known for his strong category coverage, Marchessault ranked second on the Predators in assists (35), points (56), even-strength goals (17), power-play points (23) and shots on goal (206) last season. Considering Marchessault had a career-high 75 points with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017-18 and won the Conn Smythe Trophy when they won the Stanley Cup in 2023 (25 points in 22 games during that postseason), he should be considered a prime fantasy bounce-back candidate. Per NHL EDGE stats, Marchessault ranked highly among forwards in all three shots by location categories: high-danger shots on goal (66; 91st percentile), midrange shots on goal (54; 84th percentile) and long-range shots on goal (20; 90th percentile). — Pete Jensen
New Jersey Devils
Evgenii Dadonov, F: The 36-year-old signed a one-year contract on July 1 after having 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) with the Dallas Stars last regular season. Dadonov, a five-time 20-goal scorer who has had a career-high 28 goals twice (2017-18, 2018-19), has proven he can produce even in a bottom-six role; his average ice time (13:32 per game) was the fewest of any 20-goal scorer in the NHL last season. Per NHL EDGE stats, Dadonov ranked highly among forwards in average skating distance per 60 minutes (10.41 miles; 96th percentile), 20-plus mph speed bursts (149; 86th percentile) and high-danger shots on goal (53; 81st percentile). — Troy Perlowitz
New York Islanders
Maxim Shabanov, F: The 24-year-old rookie averaged more than a point per game in the Kontinental Hockey League last season (67 in 65 games) and signed a one-year entry-level contract with New York this offseason. Shabanov had 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 21 KHL playoff games and led that league in playoff goals. He could compete for a top-six role alongside Bo Horvat and/or Mathew Barzal in his rookie season, and, per NHL EDGE stats, joins an Islanders offense that ranked seventh in the NHL in high-danger shots on goal (624) last season but was below the League average in high-danger shooting percentage (19.2). — Chris Meaney
New York Rangers
Gabe Perreault, F: The Rangers rookie ranked fifth in the NCAA in assists (32) and was tied for seventh in points per game (1.30; 48 in 37 games) last season for Boston College. After veteran wing Chris Kreider was traded to the Ducks this offseason, Perreault will compete with Will Cuylle and Alexis Lafrenière for top-six and/or first power-play usage in his first full season. Per NHL EDGE stats, the Rangers ranked seventh in both midrange goals (86; seventh) and midrange shots on goal (674) last season despite missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs. — Pete Jensen
Ottawa Senators
Dylan Cozens, F: The center had 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in 21 games, including eight on the power play, after being acquired by the Senators from the Buffalo Sabres last season and finished with NHL career highs in hits (205) and blocked shots (45). He’s expected to remain on the second line, as well as on the top power play, and should bring exposure to elite fantasy options in forwards Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stützle and defenseman Jake Sanderson. Cozens has had a high goal ceiling in the past (31 with Sabres in 2022-23) and is attainable outside the top 175 overall based on fantasy average draft position. Per NHL EDGE stats, Cozens ranked among the forward leaders in midrange shots on goal (91; 96th percentile), midrange goals (10; 90th percentile) and 20-plus mph speed bursts (144; 84th percentile). — Troy Perlowitz
Philadelphia Flyers
Owen Tippett, F: Since 2022-23, Tippett is one of six players in the NHL to have at least 75 goals, 350 hits and 700 shots on goal. Tippett has scored at least 20 goals in three straight seasons and, given his elite category coverage, is flying under the radar in fantasy with an average draft position outside the top 150 overall. Per NHL EDGE stats, Tippett ranked fourth in the entire League in 22-plus mph speed bursts (38) last season and was also a standout in top shot speed (93.18 mph; 91st percentile), average shot speed (62.85 mph; 90th percentile) and midrange shots on goal (68; 91st percentile). — Chris Meaney
Pittsburgh Penguins
Rickard Rakell, F: He led the Penguins in goals (career-high 35) last season and was second in points (career-high 70), even-strength points (51) and shots on goal (203) behind his elite linemate Sidney Crosby (91 points; 64 even-strength points; 227 shots on goal). Rakell brings strong hits coverage (116 last season; third on Pittsburgh) and is a potential fantasy bargain attainable outside the top 150 based on average draft position. Per NHL EDGE stats, Rakell led the Penguins in high-danger goals (22; tied for ninth in League) and high-danger shots on goal (88; 97th percentile among forwards) last season. — Pete Jensen
San Jose Sharks
Will Smith, F: From Jan. 20 to the end of the regular season, the only NHL rookie with more points than Smith (30 in 34 games) was his teammate Macklin Celebrini (31 in 34 games). He’s expected to remain in a top-six role, which could mean more exposure to Celebrini at even strength or a spot next to rookie Michael Misa. Smith also ranked highly among rookies in even-strength points (33; tied for fifth) and power-play goals (five; tied for fourth) last season. Smith, who is not being drafted on average in fantasy, is ranked among NHL.com’s top 15 for keeper and dynasty leagues. Per NHL EDGE stats, Smith ranked among the forward leaders in long-range shots on goal (27; 95th percentile) and average shot speed (63.24 mph; 91st percentile). — Troy Perlowitz
Seattle Kraken
Shane Wright, F: The center had NHL career highs in goals (19), assists (25), points (44; fourth on Kraken), power-play points (13; third on team), power-play goals (seven; led team) and average ice time (14:04 per game) last season. From Jan. 1 to the end of the season, Wright was tied for second on the Kraken in points (28 in 44 games; behind Jared McCann’s 33) and tied for third in power-play points (seven) but is going undrafted on average in fantasy. Per NHL EDGE stats, Wright ranked among the forward leaders in 20-plus mph speed bursts (209; 96th percentile) last season. — Chris Meaney
St. Louis Blues
Cam Fowler, D: Acquired from the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 14, Fowler tied the best points-per-game average of his NHL career last season (0.59) and became a hot fantasy commodity after joining St. Louis (36 points, eight on power play, in 51 games). Fowler, who then had 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in seven games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, has a chance to surpass his previous career high in points (48 with Ducks in 2022-23) and is attainable around the top 140 overall (39th among defensemen) based on fantasy average draft position. Per NHL EDGE stats, Fowler ranks highly among defensemen in power-play offensive zone time percentage (59.9; 85th percentile). — Pete Jensen
Tampa Bay Lightning
Oliver Bjorkstrand, F: The wing had nine points (five goals, four assists), four on the power play, in 18 games with the Lightning after being acquired from the Seattle Kraken last season. Though he was unable to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs because of a thigh injury, Bjorkstrand is expected to remain in a middle-six, second power-play role for Tampa Bay, which led the NHL in goals per game (3.56) last season. Bjorkstrand is a six-time 20-goal scorer from his time with the Kraken and Columbus Blue Jackets and, per NHL EDGE stats, ranked among the forward leaders in long-range shots on goal (27; 95th percentile), average shot speed (62.44 mph; 88th percentile) and high-danger goals (13; 84th percentile) last season. — Troy Perlowitz
Toronto Maple Leafs
Matias Maccelli, F: The wing had 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 55 games for Utah last season but has bounce-back appeal upon joining the Maple Leafs considering his strong assist (40) and point (57) totals with the Arizona Coyotes in 2023-24. The 24-year-old should compete for a top-six role with the Maple Leafs, especially after Mitch Marner left Toronto to sign with the Vegas Golden Knights this offseason, and could start this season on their top line with elite center Auston Matthews and wing Matthew Knies. Per NHL EDGE stats, Maccelli ranked highly among forwards in average shot speed (62.85 mph; 90th percentile) last season. — Chris Meaney
Utah Mammoth
Karel Vejmelka, G: He took over as Utah’s No. 1 goalie last season and reached career bests in games played (58), starts (55), wins (26), goals-against average (2.58) and save percentage (.904). Vejmelka had a plus-7 goal differential and kept his team in plenty of games last season; he had a .930 save percentage or better in 21 different games (tied for 10th in NHL), going 16-3-1 in his 20 decisions over that span. Per NHL EDGE stats, Vejmelka also had strong underlying numbers, ranking tied for eighth in long-range save percentage (.984). With the Mammoth adding wing JJ Peterka to their strong young forward group and veteran defenseman Nate Schmidt from the champion Panthers to their defense, Vejmelka is a potential fantasy bargain attainable outside the top 140 overall (25th among goalies) based on average draft position. — Pete Jensen
Vancouver Canucks
Jake DeBrusk, F: In his first season with the Canucks, DeBrusk led them with an NHL career-high 28 goals and was among the NHL leaders in power-play goals (14; tied for fifth); he had scored a total of 13 power-play goals in the previous four seasons combined with the Boston Bruins. DeBrusk, who also brings strong hits coverage (at least 85 in each of the past three seasons), could reach an even higher gear if he sticks on the top line at even strength with talented forwards Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser. Per NHL EDGE stats, DeBrusk ranked among the League leaders in high-danger goals (24; tied for fourth) and high-danger shots on goal (88; 97th percentile among forwards) last season. — Troy Perlowitz
Vegas Golden Knights
Noah Hanifin, D: In his first full season with the Golden Knights, the defenseman had 39 points (10 goals, 29 assists), 10 power-play points, 145 shots on goal, 106 blocks and averaged 21:33 per game. Hanifin, who has scored at least 10 goals in three of his past four seasons, could exceed his NHL career highs in goals (13), assists (38), points (48), power-play points (13) and shots on goal (189) this season with defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (lower body) out for the season. Per NHL EDGE stats, Hanifin ranked among the leaders at his position in 20-plus mph speed bursts (91; 94th percentile), top skating speed (22.99 mph; 92nd percentile), skating distance at even strength (231.61 miles; 95th percentile), midrange goals (six; tied for eighth), midrange shots on goal (30; 90th percentile), long-range shots on goal (79; 92nd percentile) and long-range goals (three; 85th percentile). — Chris Meaney
Washington Capitals
Ryan Leonard, F: The 20-year-old had one goal in nine regular season games and one assist in eight Stanley Cup Playoff games after signing his entry-level contract on March 31. Leonard joins Washington’s deep group of goal scorers, led by Alex Ovechkin (44 goals, tied for third in NHL) and including others who had career highs last season in Tom Wilson (33), Aliaksei Protas (30) and Dylan Strome (29). Leonard led the NCAA in goals (30 in 37 games) last season for Boston College and was a Hobey Baker Award finalist after becoming the first NCAA player with back-to-back 30-goal seasons since Cam Atkinson in 2009-10 and 2010-11. Leonard is among NHL.com’s top 40 fantasy keeper rankings and top five rookies for this season. — Troy Perlowitz
Winnipeg Jets