2025-26 Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide: Top Picks for Forwards, Defensemen, and Goalies
As NHL training camps approach, fantasy hockey enthusiasts are gearing up for mock drafts to prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The top tier of forwards, including Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov, and Leon Draisaitl, are highly sought after and offer consistent production for fantasy teams. These elite players have proven themselves with impressive stats and accolades, making them valuable assets for any fantasy roster.
When it comes to defensemen, Cale Makar stands out as a top pick with his impressive offensive contributions over the past two seasons. While Makar is a safe bet for fantasy success, other defensemen like Quinn Hughes, Evan Bouchard, Rasmus Dahlin, Victor Hedman, and Zach Werenski also offer strong options to anchor a fantasy team's blue line.
In the goaltending department, Connor Hellebuyck has been a reliable workhorse, making him a desirable choice for fantasy managers. With multiple Vezina Trophy wins and impressive stats in wins and shutouts, Hellebuyck is a top-tier goalie option. However, some fantasy managers may opt to wait on drafting a goalie due to the position's unpredictability. In that case, goalies like Andrei Vasilevskiy, Jake Oettinger, and Sergei Bobrovsky provide solid alternatives for fantasy teams looking to secure their goaltending situation.
As fantasy hockey drafts approach, fantasy managers have a wealth of talent to choose from in the forward, defense, and goaltending positions. Whether selecting from the elite forwards, top defensemen, or reliable goaltenders, fantasy teams have the opportunity to build a strong roster for the upcoming season. With careful planning and strategic drafting, fantasy managers can set themselves up for success in the 2025-26 fantasy hockey season.