The NHL season is set to deliver another wave of fantasy hockey dominance from young stars and emerging talents. NHL.com has ranked the top 25-and-under players for keeper and dynasty leagues, offering a roadmap for long-term success in fantasy rosters. Macklin Celebrini leads the charge as the top-ranked player, followed by Connor Bedard and Matthew Schaefer. These rankings are based on age, team security, and long-term potential.
Celebrini, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick, has already shown elite offensive production, averaging 1.2 points per game in his rookie season. Bedard, the 2023 first overall pick, has been a consistent point-per-game player for the Chicago Blackhawks and is on pace for a 100-point season. Schaefer, the 2024 first-rounder, has solidified his role as a top-four defenseman for the Islanders and is averaging 0.7 points per game.
Jack Hughes has remained one of the most reliable fantasy assets, contributing 75 points in 82 games last season. Meanwhile, Wyatt Johnston is quickly becoming a household name in Dallas, producing 58 points in 76 games while playing top-six minutes. Young defensemen like Jake Sanderson and Luke Hughes continue to climb the rankings, with both averaging over 0.6 points per game in their first full NHL seasons.
Goalies like Spencer Knight and Yaroslav Askarov are also rising in dynasty value. Knight posted a 2.47 GAA and 0.923 save percentage for the Blackhawks, while Askarov has emerged as a top-tier netminder for the Sharks, with a 2.35 GAA and 0.931 SV%. For fantasy managers, securing a young, high-upside goalie can be just as valuable as locking in a top forward.
The rankings also highlight emerging names like Cole Caufield, Ivan Demidov, and Cole Hutson, all of whom have shown flashes of elite production and are expected to take the next step in 2026. Caufield, in particular, has averaged 0.55 points per game in limited ice time, with the potential to break out as a top-six forward.
With the 2026 NHL Draft on the horizon, fantasy managers should monitor top prospects like Michael Hage and Caleb Desnoyers. While not yet on this list, they are expected to be high-value assets in the coming seasons. The rankings will be updated as the draft unfolds and new prospects make their NHL debuts.
Keep an eye on the top 25-and-under rankings as the season progresses and for updates on rising players who could impact your fantasy roster.
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