As only two weeks are left in the National Hockey League’s standard season, half of the teams are preparing to conclude their competitive schedule. Other participants will journey to their native towns or vacation homes approximately every fortnight, until just two continue competing on the ice around the middle of June. Even at that juncture, the subsequent standard campaign is months away — allowing ample opportunity to overlook crucial personal fantasy insights. This is especially true following the delay for those immediately excluded from the postseason festivities.
From that perspective, we present 10 significant observations to remember prior to restarting the fantasy mechanism. As expected, several talented young players are attracting notice here.
Jeremy Swayman has re-emerged as a dependable goaltending choice: Credit where it is merited, the goaltender personally informed us to anticipate a strong comeback campaign prior to the season’s commencement in autumn. Following the previous year’s failure, Swayman has certainly regained favor among both Bruins supporters and fantasy general managers alike, exhibiting a 30-15-4 win-loss record, 15.73 GSAA, and 50.59 GSAx (according to Evolving Hockey) before Thursday’s matchup against the
Jakub Dobes stands as a premier fantasy goaltender (with recognition for burgeoning talent Jacob Fowler): Sam Montembeault’s period as a participating member of the Canadiens seems to have concluded. Having largely assumed Montembeault’s role since late January, Dobes has achieved an 11-3-1 record, boasting a .923 save percentage and 2.32 goals-against average. During his inaugural season, Fowler holds a 3-1 record, with a .907 save percentage and 2.52 goals-against average over the identical period. Building on this winter’s successful start, a 65-35 division of play could be anticipated for the upcoming season between the older and younger player. Fantasy general managers should certainly bear in mind that brilliant promise. Indeed, this is an excellent Canadiens team expected to stay playoff-contending for many seasons ahead, which merely acts as an additional element boosting Dobes’ fantasy appeal.
Porter Martone projects as a top-six forward in the NHL: Admittedly, it has only been one contest, yet in his initial appearance with the Flyers following Michigan State’s elimination from NCAA contention, Martone accumulated nearly 17 minutes on an offensive line and during power plays and directed five attempts at the Capitals’ goaltender, Logan Thompson. This sizable youngster’s prospects are exceptionally promising. Acquire him as a long-term asset immediately and/or keep him in mind next autumn, especially if you need a rookie who enjoys shooting, is physically robust, and can achieve over 60 points.
Anthony Mantha constitutes an essential component of the Penguins’ offensive strategy: Following over a decade and stints with four other NHL franchises, the 2013 first-round selection seems to be finally discovering his genuine offensive rhythm in Pittsburgh. Projected to achieve more than 30 goals and 30 assists, the recently three-time father is fashioning an impressive debut season with the Penguins, especially considering the dismal performance in November.
Effective when positioned with various line partners among the Penguins’ leading six forwards, Mantha additionally functions as a primary stand-in should a crucial member of the premier power-play unit be indisposed (a frequent occurrence among this veteran roster). Perhaps the 31-year-old will revert to his erratic tendencies upon securing a new agreement after the current campaign. Alternatively, he might net 40 goals, having broken the 30-goal barrier for the initial time in his professional tenure. As a fantasy dark horse, his upside is attractive.
Bobby McMann stands as a prolific scorer: At least, in Seattle. Having arrived with the Kraken through a trade from Toronto, the impending unrestricted free agent has amassed seven goals and four assists (with four coming on the man advantage) from 27 shots across nine matches. Adding 18 hits, this translates to an average of 2.7 fantasy points per game within ESPN Fantasy’s typical leagues. Certainly, an extra motivation exists to establish a favorable initial perception and, without doubt, the 29-year-old is eagerly bolstering his credentials before his subsequent agreement, but nevertheless. Among Seattle’s present group of attackers, alongside a fit Jared McCann, McMann exhibits the highest likelihood of performing as a 2.0 fantasy asset in 2026-27, provided, naturally, he extends his agreement with the team.
Will Smith demonstrates genuine breakout capability: The second-year player, Macklin Celebrini — with 105 points and accumulating — is quite exceptional. No prompting is required regarding this. More pertinently for our discussion, his linemate on the premier offensive unit and power play is also experiencing a strong campaign. Having tallied 45 points in 74 games during his rookie year last season, the 21-year-old is currently tracking at 0.9 points per game this season. Project Smith for at least 85 points in the coming year. Although the Boston College graduate is a talented individual intrinsically, occasionally it’s additionally about the associations maintained. Operating as Celebrini’s on-ice companion offers the utmost promise.
Do not overlook Jimmy Snuggerud: Considered an early Calder Trophy candidate last autumn, the 23rd overall selection (2022) is witnessing two distinct phases within his authentic debut professional season. Following a rather unimpressive beginning and being sidelined for the majority of December due to a wrist ailment, Snuggerud has subsequently established a point-per-game pace, netting 10 goals and 14 assists in 24 matches since January 23rd. No other Blues player has accumulated more points during that period. An undervalued fantasy asset over the last month, the 21-year-old is prepared to continue his strong performance from this season on St. Louis’ premier offensive unit and man advantage. A keen shot-taker, he possesses the capability for an 80-point season.
Cole Hutson excels as a premier power-play contributor: The promise of this youthful defenseman is a factor why the Capitals have ceased utilizing the esteemed veteran John Carlson. The sibling of Lane and Quinn has recorded five points across his initial seven appearances, with each one accumulated during the man advantage. Anticipate his impact when he begins directing more shots on goal. Despite still being a teenager, the ex-Boston University Terrier is expected to lead Washington’s primary power-play formation as soon as the upcoming autumn.