The 25-26 NHL season is approaching. And to mark the occasion, we present 10 players who should be on the radar in your hockey pool.
Matt Duchene
Noah Dobson
The Canadiens now have an abundance of young, dynamic talent up front, which means Dobson will have plenty of options to feed and a strong supporting cast to boost his production.
He’s already an elite puck-moving defenseman, and in a market where he’ll be given every chance to shine, Dobson could easily surpass expectations. He’s a hidden gem in fantasy pools.
Will Smith
Steven Stamkos
Zachary Bolduc
Zachary Bolduc could be one of the sneaky good picks this year. Much like Noah Dobson, his move to Montreal puts him in an ideal position to reach new heights. In his rookie season, he already impressed with 19 goals, proving he can adapt quickly and find ways to contribute offensively.
Surrounded by a wave of young, talented forwards, Bolduc should only see his confidence and opportunities grow.
His skating, scoring instincts, and ability to seize big moments make him a strong breakout candidate. If his rookie year was any indication, his career trajectory is very promising for poolies.
Cole Perfetti
Frank Nazar
Yaroslav Askarov
Yaroslav Askarov could be one of the most intriguing goalie picks in fantasy this year. With San Jose in need of stability in net, he has a real chance to claim the No. 1 job. If he carries over the dominance he showed in the AHL—where he consistently posted excellent numbers—he could surprise a lot of people.
The Sharks may not be a powerhouse, but a reliable starting goalie who faces plenty of shots can still rack up strong fantasy value. Askarov’s pedigree and recent success suggest he’s ready to make the leap and deliver for poolies
Brock Boeser
Brock Boeser remains one of the most consistent goal scorers in the NHL, and that reliability makes him a sneaky strong fantasy option. No matter the season, he always seems to find a way to get on the scoresheet, whether it’s on the power play or in key moments during even-strength play.
His shot, hockey sense, and ability to find open spaces make him a constant threat, even if his supporting cast changes. Fantasy managers who overlook Boeser may miss out on steady point production.
He’s a proven goal scorer who quietly delivers year after year.
Matt Boldy
Boldy combines skill, speed, and scoring touch in a way few forwards can match, making him a consistent threat every night. His ability to produce across all situations, including power play and clutch moments, makes him incredibly valuable for any pool.
Overlooking him just because of geography would be a huge mistake—he’s a player who consistently delivers elite results.