10 Bold Fantasy Hockey Predictions 2025-26
Summary of NHL Fantasy Predictions:
Here’s a breakdown of the NHL fantasy predictions from the provided text:
1. Washington Capitals – Fade Them in drafts:
* Reasoning: The Capitals benefited from high shooting percentages (especially Aliaksei Protas’ unsustainable 21.1%) and potentially a boost from Alex Ovechkin’s goal chase. They weren’t elite at chance generation.
* Takeaway: Expect regression from key players and avoid drafting them highly.
2. Seth Jarvis (Carolina Hurricanes) – Breakout Star:
* Prediction: Jarvis will reach 40 goals and 80 points, becoming Carolina’s most valuable fantasy player.
* Reasoning: He finished strong last season, is now on the first line wiht Sebastian Aho and Nikolaj Ehlers, and is still young (23). He’s already a strong two-way player with a solid floor.
* Note: Monitor a recent shoulder injury, but he reports feeling good.
3. Luke Hughes (New Jersey Devils) – Top-Tier Defenseman:
* Prediction: Hughes will achieve 60 points,becoming a top fantasy defenseman.
* Reasoning: The Devils are phasing out Dougie Hamilton, opening up power play time for Hughes. His brother Jack wants him on the top unit. he’s only 21 and has already shown 40-point potential.
* Caveat: This prediction is contingent on Hughes signing a contract quickly.
4.Rookie Defensemen (matthew Schaefer, Zeev Buium, Zayne Parekh) – Hype vs. Production:
* Prediction: Real-life hype will exceed fantasy production this season for these three rookie defensemen.
* Reasoning: They have high pedigree, but history shows that even elite defensemen take time to develop into high-end fantasy contributors (citing examples like Lane Hutson, Cale Makar, Quinn hughes, Miro Heiskanen, and Rasmus Dahlin).
* Important Note: This is not a long-term negative outlook on their potential.