ESPN 2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide and Player Rankings

Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid lead the top tier of fantasy targets for the 2026-27 NHL season.

Nathan MacKinnon, Nikita Kucherov, Macklin Celebrini, and Connor McDavid represent the top tier of available players for the 2026-27 fantasy hockey season. According to ESPN’s Victoria Matiash, these elite skaters are capable of averaging over 3.0 points per game in standard points leagues. Once this quartet is selected, the second tier of forwards includes Leon Draisaitl, Jason Robertson, and David Pastrnak.

Defensemen and goaltenders follow the initial forward rush. Cale Makar, Zach Werenski, Evan Bouchard, Moritz Seider, Charlie McAvoy, and Jake Sanderson all averaged between 2.4 and 2.6 fantasy points per game last season. Quinn Hughes, Rasmus Dahlin, and Lane Hutson followed with 2.2 points per game. In net, Andrei Vasilevskiy and Jake Oettinger remain top-tier options, while Logan Thompson is projected as a top-five fantasy goaltender for the Washington Capitals.

Breakout candidates for the upcoming campaign include Cutter Gauthier, who recorded 41 goals last season, and Cole Caufield, who finished with 88 points and 51 goals. San Jose’s Will Smith is identified as a potential riser at age 21, alongside Buffalo winger Zach Benson. On defense, Brandt Clarke and rookie Cole Hutson are expected to see increased roles.

Injury management strategies highlight Seth Jarvis as a draft target despite shoulder surgery that may sideline him until November or December. Other players currently eligible for injured reserve slots include Connor Bedard and Frederik Andersen, the latter of whom recently moved to Edmonton. Managers are advised to monitor Brandon Bussi, who enters the season as a top-15 netminder after posting a 31-6-2 record and 2.44 GAA.