The NHL Goal Chase is back for another day of high-stakes fantasy hockey action, and with key matchups across the league, there are plenty of goal-scorer options to consider. With the regular season winding down, players are locked in on securing a strong finish, and fantasy managers should be too. Here are three top picks for April 9, backed by stats, matchups, and recent form.
Matthew Schaefer is the top target for the New York Islanders, who are facing the Toronto Maple Leafs in a crucial matchup. The rookie defenseman is just one goal away from tying Brian Leetch’s historic record of 23 goals by a rookie defenseman in a single season. Schaefer has remained productive with seven assists and 30 shots on goal during his eight-game goal drought. He has three points and five shots in two games against Toronto this season and leads all defensemen in speed bursts of 22-plus mph. With new coach Peter DeBoer taking the reins in a must-win situation, Schaefer is a high-upside pick.
Jack Eichel is another strong candidate for the Vegas Golden Knights, who are set to face the struggling Seattle Kraken. Eichel leads the team in points (82) and assists (57), and he ranks second in goals (25). The Kraken have the second-worst penalty kill (71.8%) and allow the third-most goals per game (3.86) since the Olympics. Eichel ranks fifth in the NHL in 20-plus mph speed bursts (353) and is among the top forwards in high-danger goals and shot metrics. With a potent line alongside Mitch Marner and Mark Stone, Eichel is in a prime spot to find the back of the net.
Mark Scheifele is a consistent fantasy asset for the Winnipeg Jets and a top pick against the St. Louis Blues. Scheifele leads the Jets in points and ranks in the top 10 in the league, with 97 total points this season. He has 14 points in his last seven games and has 49 points in 47 career games against St. Louis. Scheifele is tied for third in midrange goals (18) and ranks in the 90th percentile or higher in skating and shot metrics. With the Blues struggling defensively, Scheifele is a safe and high-upside selection.
With the NHL Goal Chase in full swing, these three players offer the best combination of opportunity, production, and matchup advantage. Look for Schaefer, Eichel, and Scheifele to lead the way in today’s slate. The next round of games will be played on April 10, so lock in your picks and keep the streak alive.
Johnny Cardoso is set to undergo surgery on his right ankle after sustaining the injury during training with Atletico Madrid and later aggravating it in the Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal. The 24-year-old midfielder is expected to miss significant time with a recovery timeline
20 hours ago
The Springfield Thunderbirds defeated the Providence Bruins, 3-1, in the best-of-seven Atlantic Division Semifinals to advance to the division finals for the first time since 2018. Springfield becomes the first AHL team in 25 years to win two playoff series after finishing the regular season at .500
20 hours ago
The National Hockey League has announced the six finalists for the 2026 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, with three from the U.S. and three from Canada. Fans have until May 24 to vote for their favorite nominee at NHL.com/OReeAward. The winners, one in each country, will each receive a $30,000 don
20 hours ago
The Minnesota Wild defeated the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 in Game 3 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoff series on Saturday night, evening the best-of-seven matchup at two games apiece. Minnesota scored three unanswered goals in the first period and limited the Avs to just one power-play goal on th
20 hours ago