Stats Accurate as of January 16, 2026
The 2025-26 NHL season has delivered unexpected twists, breakout performances, and a changing of the guard in fantasy hockey dominance. From rookie sensations to veterans defying expectations, here’s our comprehensive look at the top 50 fantasy performers through mid-January.
The Elite Tier (1-5)
1. Connor McDavid – Edmonton Oilers
Stats: 46 GP | 30 G | 50 A | 80 PTS | 1.74 PPG
The captain remains the most dangerous offensive weapon in hockey. McDavid’s 80 points lead the league, and his playmaking ability (50 assists) continues to set him apart. Despite the Oilers’ inconsistent start, McDavid is on pace for another Art Ross Trophy campaign.
2. Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche
Stats: 44 GP | 36 G | 42 A | 78 PTS | 1.77 PPG
MacKinnon is having an absurd season, leading the NHL with 36 goals while maintaining elite playmaking numbers. His +48 rating is otherworldly, and he’s shooting at an incredible rate. The reigning Hart Trophy winner is making a strong case for a repeat.
3. Macklin Celebrini – San Jose Sharks
Stats: 45 GP | 24 G | 46 A | 70 PTS | 1.56 PPG
The most stunning story of the season. The 18-year-old rookie is third in NHL scoring and carrying the Sharks’ offense. His 46 assists demonstrate elite vision, making him an instant fantasy superstar.
4. Nikita Kucherov – Tampa Bay Lightning
Stats: 40 GP | 23 G | 44 A | 67 PTS | 1.68 PPG
Kucherov maintains his spot among the elite despite playing fewer games. His 1.68 points-per-game pace would lead the league if he had the games played. The Russian sniper remains a fantasy anchor.
5. Leon Draisaitl – Edmonton Oilers
Stats: 46 GP | 24 G | 40 A | 64 PTS | 1.39 PPG
McDavid’s wingman continues to produce at an elite level. While his PPG is down slightly from recent years, Draisaitl’s goal-scoring remains deadly, and he’s a lock for 45+ goals and 100+ points.
The First Tier Elites (6-15)
6. Mikko Rantanen – Dallas Stars
Stats: 44 GP | 18 G | 43 A | 61 PTS | 1.39 PPG
The trade to Dallas has worked perfectly for fantasy owners. Rantanen’s playmaking (43 assists) is thriving with new linemates, and he’s on pace for a career-high in assists.
7. Martin Nečas – Colorado Avalanche
Stats: 44 GP | 20 G | 35 A | 55 PTS | 1.25 PPG
Nečas’ move to Colorado has been transformational. Playing alongside MacKinnon and Makar, he’s posted a ridiculous +39 rating and is having his breakout season at age 26.
8. David Pastrňák – Boston Bruins
Stats: 41 GP | 19 G | 36 A | 55 PTS | 1.34 PPG
Despite the Bruins’ struggles, Pasta remains elite. His 1.34 PPG pace keeps him among the league’s best pure scorers, though the -4 rating reflects Boston’s defensive issues.
9. Jason Robertson – Dallas Stars
Stats: 45 GP | 26 G | 28 A | 54 PTS | 1.20 PPG
Robertson leads Dallas with 26 goals and has formed excellent chemistry with Rantanen. His even-strength scoring and power-play production make him a fantasy gem.
10. Kirill Kaprizov – Minnesota Wild
Stats: 47 GP | 25 G | 27 A | 52 PTS | 1.11 PPG
After injury concerns last season, Kaprizov is healthy and producing. His 25 goals and consistent play anchor the Wild’s offense, making him a top-10 fantasy asset.
11. Mark Scheifele – Winnipeg Jets
Stats: 44 GP | 22 G | 30 A | 52 PTS | 1.18 PPG
Scheifele’s resurgence continues. His balanced scoring (22-30-52) makes him valuable in all fantasy categories, and he’s back to his All-Star form.
12. Kyle Connor – Winnipeg Jets
Stats: 44 GP | 21 G | 31 A | 52 PTS | 1.18 PPG
Connor remains one of the most consistent performers in fantasy hockey. His shot volume and even-strength production make him a weekly contributor across categories.
13. Cale Makar – Colorado Avalanche
Stats: 44 GP | 13 G | 38 A | 51 PTS | 1.16 PPG
The best defenseman in fantasy hockey. Makar’s 38 assists lead all defensemen, his +30 rating is elite, and he quarterbacks the league’s most dangerous power play.
14. Matt Boldy – Minnesota Wild
Stats: 47 GP | 27 G | 23 A | 50 PTS | 1.06 PPG
Boldy’s breakout is in full effect. His 27 goals lead the Wild and rank among the league leaders. The 24-year-old is becoming a legitimate elite scorer.
15. Wyatt Johnston – Dallas Stars
Stats: 45 GP | 24 G | 26 A | 50 PTS | 1.11 PPG
Johnston’s sophomore surge continues. Playing with elite talent in Dallas, the 20-year-old is a top young gun and fantasy stud with 24 goals already.
The Premium Performers (16-25)
16. Artemi Panarin – New York Rangers
Stats: 46 GP | 16 G | 34 A | 50 PTS | 1.09 PPG
Panarin’s playmaking remains elite despite the Rangers’ struggles. His 34 assists keep him relevant in fantasy, though the -13 rating is concerning.
17. Nick Suzuki – Montreal Canadiens
Stats: 46 GP | 14 G | 36 A | 50 PTS | 1.09 PPG
Suzuki is having a career year, quarterbacking Montreal’s surprisingly potent offense. His 36 assists and +18 rating make him a fantasy bargain.
18. Sidney Crosby – Pittsburgh Penguins
Stats: 44 GP | 24 G | 25 A | 49 PTS | 1.11 PPG
Father Time remains undefeated, but Crosby isn’t listening. At 37, Sid’s 24 goals show he can still score, making him a vintage fantasy performer.
19. Alex DeBrincat – Detroit Red Wings
Stats: 47 GP | 24 G | 25 A | 49 PTS | 1.04 PPG
DeBrincat’s move to Detroit is paying off. His balanced scoring and consistency make him a fantasy staple in any league format.
20. Lucas Raymond – Detroit Red Wings
Stats: 45 GP | 14 G | 35 A | 49 PTS | 1.09 PPG
Raymond’s playmaking has elevated him to elite status. His 35 assists show remarkable vision, and he’s become Detroit’s offensive catalyst.
21. Jack Eichel – Vegas Golden Knights
Stats: 37 GP | 16 G | 32 A | 48 PTS | 1.30 PPG
When healthy, Eichel is elite. His 1.30 PPG pace is among the league’s best, making him a must-own if he can stay on the ice.
22. Jake Guentzel – Tampa Bay Lightning
Stats: 44 GP | 20 G | 27 A | 47 PTS | 1.07 PPG
Guentzel’s chemistry with Kucherov is fantastic. His even-strength production and power-play time make him a fantasy winner.
23. Zach Werenski – Columbus Blue Jackets
Stats: 41 GP | 16 G | 31 A | 47 PTS | 1.15 PPG
The best offensive defenseman after Makar. Werenski’s 16 goals from the blue line are elite, and his power-play dominance is fantasy gold.
24. Brad Marchand – Florida Panthers
Stats: 41 GP | 23 G | 23 A | 46 PTS | 1.12 PPG
Marchand’s move to Florida has rejuvenated his career. His 23 goals and physical play make him valuable in multi-category leagues.
25. Connor Bedard – Chicago Blackhawks
Stats: 33 GP | 19 G | 27 A | 46 PTS | 1.39 PPG
Despite missing time, Bedard’s 1.39 PPG pace is absurd. When healthy, he’s a top-10 fantasy player. His upside remains through the roof.
The Solid Fantasy Assets (26-35)
26. Evan Bouchard – Edmonton Oilers
Stats: 46 GP | 11 G | 35 A | 46 PTS | 1.00 PPG
Bouchard’s power-play quarterbacking makes him fantasy-relevant. His 35 assists from the blue line are elite production.
27. Mitch Marner – Vegas Golden Knights
Stats: 44 GP | 10 G | 36 A | 46 PTS | 1.05 PPG
Post-trade, Marner is thriving in Vegas. His 36 assists and elite playmaking fit perfectly with Vegas’ scoring depth.
28. Sam Reinhart – Florida Panthers
Stats: 45 GP | 24 G | 21 A | 45 PTS | 1.00 PPG
Reinhart’s goal-scoring remains elite. His 24 goals keep him fantasy-relevant despite Florida’s defensive inconsistencies.
29. Tim Stützle – Ottawa Senators
Stats: 44 GP | 19 G | 26 A | 45 PTS | 1.02 PPG
Stützle continues his ascension to elite status. The German star’s balanced scoring makes him a fantasy cornerstone.
30. Sebastian Aho – Carolina Hurricanes
Stats: 46 GP | 17 G | 28 A | 45 PTS | 0.98 PPG
Aho remains Carolina’s offensive engine. His consistency and multi-category contribution keep him valuable.
31. Lane Hutson – Montreal Canadiens
Stats: 46 GP | 8 G | 37 A | 45 PTS | 0.98 PPG
The rookie defenseman is a sensation. His 37 assists lead all rookie blue-liners and make him a fantasy steal.
32. Leo Carlsson – Anaheim Ducks
Stats: 44 GP | 18 G | 26 A | 44 PTS | 1.00 PPG
Another young star emerges. Carlsson’s point-per-game pace as a 20-year-old makes him a dynasty league goldmine.
33. William Nylander – Toronto Maple Leafs
Stats: 34 GP | 15 G | 29 A | 44 PTS | 1.29 PPG
When healthy, Nylander is elite. His 1.29 PPG pace shows what he can do, but injury concerns lower his ranking.
34. Cole Caufield – Montreal Canadiens
Stats: 46 GP | 21 G | 22 A | 43 PTS | 0.93 PPG
Caufield’s pure goal-scoring makes him valuable. His shot volume and power-play time secure his fantasy relevance.
35. Clayton Keller – Utah Mammoth
Stats: 46 GP | 13 G | 30 A | 43 PTS | 0.93 PPG
Keller anchors Utah’s offense. His playmaking (30 assists) and consistency make him a fantasy staple.
The Quality Fantasy Options (36-50)
36. Dylan Larkin – Detroit Red Wings
Stats: 47 GP | 23 G | 19 A | 42 PTS | 0.89 PPG
Larkin’s goal-scoring (23) keeps him relevant, and his Detroit captaincy means consistent ice time and power-play opportunities.
37. Tom Wilson – Washington Capitals
Stats: 41 GP | 22 G | 20 A | 42 PTS | 1.02 PPG
Wilson’s physicality (59 PIM) and scoring make him a unique fantasy asset in multi-category leagues. His +20 rating is fantastic.
38. Tage Thompson – Buffalo Sabres
Stats: 44 GP | 22 G | 20 A | 42 PTS | 0.95 PPG
Thompson’s elite shot and goal-scoring keep him valuable despite Buffalo’s struggles. His size and power-play prowess are fantasy gold.
39. Troy Terry – Anaheim Ducks
Stats: 43 GP | 13 G | 29 A | 42 PTS | 0.98 PPG
Terry’s playmaking on a young Ducks team makes him a sleeper. His 29 assists show excellent vision and consistency.
40. Morgan Geekie – Boston Bruins
Stats: 45 GP | 25 G | 16 A | 41 PTS | 0.91 PPG
Geekie’s 25 goals are a pleasant surprise. His shooting percentage is elite, making him a sneaky fantasy contributor.
41. Brandon Hagel – Tampa Bay Lightning
Stats: 39 GP | 22 G | 19 A | 41 PTS | 1.05 PPG
Hagel’s speed and finishing ability shine in Tampa. His +25 rating reflects excellent two-way play.
42. Mika Zibanejad – New York Rangers
Stats: 46 GP | 18 G | 23 A | 41 PTS | 0.89 PPG
Despite the Rangers’ struggles, Zibanejad’s talent keeps him fantasy-relevant. His power-play time ensures consistent production.
43. Trevor Zegras – Philadelphia Flyers
Stats: 44 GP | 17 G | 24 A | 41 PTS | 0.93 PPG
Zegras’ trade to Philly has worked out well. His creativity and skill make him an entertaining and productive fantasy asset.
44. Nick Schmaltz – Utah Mammoth
Stats: 46 GP | 16 G | 25 A | 41 PTS | 0.89 PPG
Schmaltz’s playmaking (25 assists) supports Utah’s offense. He’s a solid fantasy option in deeper leagues.
45. Mark Stone – Vegas Golden Knights
Stats: 28 GP | 15 G | 26 A | 41 PTS | 1.46 PPG
Stone’s 1.46 PPG pace is elite, but injury concerns are real. When playing, he’s a top-20 player. Health is the only question.
46. Cutter Gauthier – Anaheim Ducks
Stats: 45 GP | 20 G | 20 A | 40 PTS | 0.89 PPG
The power-forward prospect is delivering. His 20 goals as a rookie make him a fantasy sleeper with upside.
47. Alexander Ovechkin – Washington Capitals
Stats: 46 GP | 20 G | 20 A | 40 PTS | 0.87 PPG
The ageless wonder continues. Ovechkin’s 20 goals keep him in the chase for Gretzky’s record, and he remains fantasy-relevant.
48. Gabriel Vilardi – Winnipeg Jets
Stats: 44 GP | 18 G | 22 A | 40 PTS | 0.91 PPG
Vilardi’s consistent scoring in Winnipeg makes him a quality fantasy depth piece. His balanced production is valuable.
49. Drake Batherson – Ottawa Senators
Stats: 41 GP | 17 G | 23 A | 40 PTS | 0.98 PPG
Batherson’s scoring touch makes him Ottawa’s secondary weapon. His near point-per-game pace is impressive.
50. John Tavares – Toronto Maple Leafs
Stats: 44 GP | 16 G | 24 A | 40 PTS | 0.91 PPG
The veteran center continues to produce. Tavares’ consistency and power-play time keep him fantasy-viable in his mid-30s.
Notable Honorable Mentions
Tomas Hertl (VGK – 39 PTS): Solid two-way center with consistent production
Darren Raddysh (TBL – 39 PTS): Breakout season for the defenseman with elite offensive numbers
Ivan Demidov (MTL – 39 PTS): Russian rookie sensation with elite playmaking
Quinn Hughes (MIN – 39 PTS): Post-trade production remains strong
Juraj Slafkovský (MTL – 38 PTS): Young power forward continues development
Goaltending Elite
While this list focuses on skaters, these netminders are fantasy gold:
- Mackenzie Blackwood (COL) – 13-1-1, 2.07 GAA, .924 SV%
- Jesper Wallstedt (MIN) – 12-3-4, 2.42 GAA, .923 SV%, 4 SO
- Scott Wedgewood (COL) – 19-3-4, 2.19 GAA, .917 SV%
- Logan Thompson (WSH) – 16-12-4, 2.35 GAA, .916 SV%
- Andrei Vasilevskiy (TBL) – 18-7-2, 2.33 GAA, .913 SV%
Fantasy Takeaways
Biggest Surprises: Celebrini’s dominance, Geekie’s goal-scoring, Boldy’s breakout, and Carlsson’s consistency have been the season’s most pleasant fantasy surprises.
Injury Concerns: Bedard’s missed time and Stone’s availability issues remain worrisome for fantasy owners despite their elite production.
Trade Winners: Rantanen (Dallas), Nečas (Colorado), Marchand (Florida), and Zegras (Philadelphia) have all thrived after changes of scenery.
Dynasty Gems: If you’re in a keeper league, Celebrini, Bedard, Johnston, Carlsson, Boldy, and Hutson are foundation pieces for the next decade.
The 2025-26 season continues to provide fantasy gold, with the perfect mix of veteran excellence and young superstar emergence creating one of the most competitive fantasy landscapes in recent memory.
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Statistics accurate as of games played through January 16, 2026. All data sourced from Elite Prospects and NHL official statistics.