2026-27 Fantasy Hockey: 20 Players We’re Targeting This Season
The season is almost here. The drafts are underway. It’s time to put our money where our mouth is.
We’ve spent the preseason breaking down rookies, identifying sleepers, highlighting breakout candidates and looking for players whose draft stock is on the move. Now it’s time to bring it all together.
Welcome to The Add List + Hit List.
This isn’t a ranking of the best players in the NHL. It’s a collection of players we want on our fantasy teams. Some are established stars who can carry a roster, some are young players ready to take another step, and others are potential draft-day bargains who could make a huge difference over the course of the season.
We’ve picked 20 players across forwards, defensemen and goaltenders. Some will require an early investment, while others could be available much later in your draft. There are no guarantees in fantasy hockey. Injuries, slumps and unexpected changes in playing time can derail even the best plans. But these are the players we’re watching closely as we prepare for the 2026-27 season.
Let’s get to it.
FORWARDS
1. Wyatt Johnston
Position: C/RW
Team: Dallas Stars
Wyatt Johnston has quickly developed into one of the most intriguing young forwards in fantasy hockey. He’s already established himself as a key part of Dallas’s offence, and at just 23 years old, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Johnston has the goal-scoring ability to be a consistent fantasy contributor, but what makes him particularly appealing is his potential to take another step in overall production, he’s done it every season since coming into the league. He’s also a valuable power-play option, and his ability to play both centre and wing gives fantasy managers some flexibility. With Dallas continuing to build around its talented core, Johnston has the opportunity to become one of the league’s most productive young forwards.
The Add List Take: Johnston is one of those players we’re happy to invest in. He’s already producing, but we believe there’s another level to his game. If he continues to develop as expected, he could deliver first-round fantasy value.
2. Jason Robertson
Position: LW/RW
Team: Dallas Stars
Jason Robertson is one of the most reliable offensive players in fantasy hockey, and he’s firmly on our Hit List for 2026-27. He’s a proven goal scorer who consistently generates offence and remains a major part of Dallas’s power play. Robertson has the ability to produce big numbers without needing to rely on a sudden breakout or an unexpected opportunity. His combination of goal-scoring and playmaking makes him valuable in virtually every points-based league. While some fantasy managers may focus on younger players with breakout potential, Robertson offers something just as important: a proven track record of high-end production.
The Add List Take: We’re targeting Robertson because we know what we’re getting. He’s a legitimate offensive cornerstone, and we wouldn’t hesitate to build part of our fantasy roster around him.
3. Clayton Keller
Position: LW/RW
Team: Utah Mammoth
Clayton Keller has become one of the most quietly dependable offensive players in fantasy hockey. He’s an excellent playmaker, a dangerous shooter and the focal point of Utah’s offence. Keller’s ability to generate points consistently makes him an appealing fantasy option, particularly in leagues that reward assists and power-play production. He’s also entering a season where Utah’s young core has another year of experience behind it. If the Mammoth continue to improve offensively, Keller could benefit from better support around him. He’s not necessarily the flashiest name on our list, but he’s a player who can quietly deliver excellent fantasy numbers.
The Add List Take: Keller is a player we want because of his consistency and offensive role. He’s a proven producer who should remain heavily involved in Utah’s attack. We like his chances of delivering another productive season.
4. Leo Carlsson
Position: C
Team: Anaheim Ducks
Leo Carlsson is one of the young forwards we’re especially excited about heading into this season. The former high draft pick has already shown that he can produce at the NHL level, and his combination of size, skill and vision gives him tremendous upside. Carlsson has the potential to become a dominant offensive centre, and his development will be a major storyline in Anaheim this season. With the Ducks continuing to build around their young talent, Carlsson should have every opportunity to take on a larger role. If he can stay healthy and continue improving, a significant jump in production is well within reach.
The Add List Take: Carlsson is exactly the kind of player we want to target in fantasy drafts. He’s young, talented and still has considerable upside. We’re betting on another step forward, and we wouldn’t be surprised if he finishes the season among the league’s more productive young centres.
5. Drake Batherson
Position: RW
Team: Ottawa Senators
Drake Batherson has quietly become one of the more productive forwards in Ottawa, and he’s a player we believe deserves plenty of attention on draft day. He has a strong combination of shooting ability, playmaking and power-play production. Batherson is also entering a season with an established role in an Ottawa offence that has plenty of talented players. His ability to contribute in multiple offensive categories makes him an appealing option, especially for fantasy managers looking for dependable production beyond the early rounds. He’s not always the first name mentioned when discussing Ottawa’s top forwards, but his fantasy value shouldn’t be overlooked.
The Add List Take: Batherson is one of our favourite targets because he offers a nice blend of production and potential value. He’s capable of putting up strong numbers, and we’re expecting him to remain an important part of Ottawa’s offence.
6. Will Smith
Position: C/RW
Team: San Jose Sharks
Will Smith is one of the young players we’re keeping a close eye on this season. The talented forward has the offensive instincts and creativity to become a major contributor in San Jose. He’s still developing, but the potential is obvious. Smith’s vision and puck skills make him a natural fit for an offensive role, and playing alongside other young talent gives the Sharks an exciting group of forwards. The key for fantasy managers will be watching how much responsibility he receives, particularly on the power play. If his role continues to grow, Smith could become a very interesting fantasy option.
The Add List Take: Smith is a player we’re willing to take a chance on. He’s not a finished product, but the offensive upside is significant. We believe he’s capable of making a meaningful jump this season, and we’re comfortable betting on his talent…and for me, if i missed out on Celebrini, I’m happy to have Smith just to have a piece of that offense.
7. Trevor Zegras
Position: C/LW/RW
Team: Philadelphia Flyers
Trevor Zegras is one of the most interesting players on our Hit List. His creativity and offensive skill have never been in question, but translating that talent into consistent fantasy production has been the challenge. A fresh opportunity in Philadelphia gives him a chance to establish himself and take on a larger role. Zegras has the hands and vision to create scoring chances that few players can, and he has the ability to be a difference-maker when he’s playing with confidence. If he can find consistency and make the most of his opportunities, he could become a valuable fantasy contributor.
The Add List Take: Zegras is a calculated gamble. We’re not ignoring the inconsistency, but we’re also not forgetting the offensive talent. If things click in Philadelphia, he has the potential to outperform his draft position.
8. Jordan Kyrou
Position: RW
Team: Washington Capitals
Jordan Kyrou has the speed and offensive ability to be a major fantasy contributor. He’s a dangerous player in transition, possesses an excellent shot and has the skill to create offence on his own. A change of scenery in Washington gives him a fresh opportunity to establish himself in a new offensive environment. The Capitals have a mix of veteran talent and young players, and Kyrou’s speed could add another dimension to their attack. His fantasy value will depend on how quickly he settles into his new surroundings and what kind of role he earns, but the upside is certainly there.
The Add List Take: Kyrou is one of our favourite players to target outside the very top tier. He has the talent to produce at a high level, and we’re intrigued by what he could accomplish in Washington. He’s a player we’d be happy to add to our roster.
9. Brady Tkachuk
Position: LW
Team: Florida Panthers
Brady Tkachuk brings a combination of goal-scoring, physical play and offensive production that makes him an extremely valuable fantasy asset. He can contribute in multiple categories, making him particularly appealing in leagues that count hits and shots in addition to goals and assists. Tkachuk has consistently demonstrated that he can be a difference-maker, and his aggressive style gives him a fantasy advantage that many skilled forwards simply don’t offer. Joining Florida adds another interesting chapter to his career, and he’ll have the opportunity to contribute to an established offensive group.
The Add List Take: Tkachuk is the kind of player who can help fantasy managers in several different categories…and if crayon eating was a category, he’s be the perfect player. We love the combination of scoring and physicality, and he’s a player we’d be thrilled to have anchoring our forward group.
10. Jimmy Snuggerud
Position: RW
Team: St. Louis Blues
Jimmy Snuggerud is one of the young forwards we’re particularly excited about heading into the 2026-27 season. The talented winger has an excellent shot, strong offensive instincts and the ability to make plays in tight spaces. He’s shown plenty of promise, and the opportunity to establish himself as a regular contributor in St. Louis makes him an intriguing fantasy target. Snuggerud has the potential to become an important part of the Blues’ offence, and if he earns a prominent role, which he will, he could deliver a significant return on his draft-day investment. His combination of goal-scoring ability and offensive upside makes him a player worth targeting.
The Add List Take: Snuggerud is exactly the type of young player we want on our fantasy teams. He’s got the talent to take a big step forward, and we’re excited about what he could accomplish this season. He’s a player we’d be happy to target before his fantasy value catches up with his potential.
DEFENSEMEN
11. Quinn Hughes
Position: D
Team: Minnesota Wild
Quinn Hughes is one of the most dynamic offensive defensemen in the NHL. His skating, vision and ability to control the puck make him a major threat every time he’s on the ice. Hughes is an elite playmaker who can generate offence from the blue line, and his power-play production makes him particularly valuable in fantasy leagues. His arrival in Minnesota gives the Wild a high-end offensive weapon on defense, and his ability to distribute the puck should benefit the team’s forwards. Hughes has already established himself as one of the NHL’s premier defensemen, and we’re expecting him to remain a major fantasy contributor.
The Add List Take: Hughes is a player who can give fantasy managers a significant advantage at a position where elite offensive production is difficult to find. He’s a major part of our Hit List, and we’re expecting another excellent season, maybe even as the top fantasy defenseman.
12. Matthew Schaefer
Position: D
Team: New York Islanders
Matthew Schaefer is one of the most exciting young defensemen in hockey. He’s an exceptional skater with the offensive instincts to make an immediate impact at the NHL level, he showed it last year. His ability to move the puck, create scoring chances and contribute offensively gives him considerable fantasy upside. Of course, young defensemen can experience growing pains, and fantasy managers should be prepared for some inconsistency. But Schaefer has the talent to become a major part of the Islanders’ future, and his offensive upside makes him an intriguing draft target.
The Add List Take: Schaefer is a high-upside pick. We’re betting on his talent and that he’ll continue to build on his role in New York. He’s not without risk, but the potential reward makes him worth targeting.
13. Cole Hutson
Position: D
Team: Washington Capitals
Cole Hutson is another young defenseman we’re excited about. His offensive instincts and puck-moving ability make him an intriguing fantasy prospect, particularly if he can earn regular power-play opportunities. Hutson has the skill set to contribute offensively, and his development will be worth watching as the season gets underway. The biggest question is how quickly he can establish himself at the NHL level and how much playing time he’ll receive. If he earns a meaningful role, his offensive talent could make him a valuable fantasy option.
The Add List Take: Hutson is a player we’re targeting for his upside. He may need some time to find his footing, but the offensive ability is there. In all leagues, he’s a name worth keeping firmly on your radar and should be on your roster.
14. Mikhail Sergachev
Position: D
Team: Utah Mammoth
Mikhail Sergachev is a proven offensive defenseman who offers fantasy managers a combination of power-play production, shots and physical play. He’s capable of contributing in multiple categories, and his experience makes him a valuable presence on Utah’s blue line. Sergachev has the ability to produce offensively while also contributing in the less glamorous categories that can make a difference in fantasy leagues. With Utah continuing to develop its roster, his role on defense should remain important. He’s a player who can provide steady production without needing to rely on a breakout season.
The Add List Take: Sergachev is a player we like because of his versatility. He can contribute in several categories, and his offensive ability gives him a higher ceiling than many defensemen available in the middle rounds. He’s a solid target for fantasy managers looking to strengthen their blue line.
15. Mackenzie Weegar
Position: D
Team: Utah Mammoth
Mackenzie Weegar may not have the offensive upside of some of the other defensemen on our list, but he offers something fantasy managers shouldn’t overlook: a well-rounded game. He’s capable of contributing in several categories, including points, shots, hits and blocked shots. Weegar also plays a significant role for the Mammoth, giving him opportunities to accumulate valuable fantasy statistics. While he may not be a player who leads your team in points, his contributions in other categories can make him a useful addition to almost any fantasy roster.
The Add List Take: Weegar is a player who can help fill out a fantasy roster. We like his ability to contribute across multiple categories, and he’s the type of defenseman who can provide value without needing to score every night. He’s also primed for a bounce back season after a few down years in the black hole of offense that is Calgary.
GOALTENDERS
16. Logan Thompson
Position: G
Team: Washington Capitals
Logan Thompson has established himself as a dependable NHL goaltender, and he’s one of our favourite fantasy options heading into the season. He’s shown that he can handle a significant workload, and his performances have made him a valuable part of Washington’s plans. For fantasy managers, the combination of ability and opportunity is important. Thompson has the potential to deliver strong numbers if he receives a substantial share of the starts. Washington’s overall performance will also play a major role in determining his fantasy value, but we’re comfortable targeting him as a key part of our goaltending group.
The Add List Take: Thompson is a goalie we’re confident targeting. He has demonstrated that he can handle the workload, and we like his potential to deliver a strong season. In a position where consistency can be difficult to find, he offers plenty of appeal.
17. Karel Vejmelka
Position: G
Team: Utah Mammoth
Karel Vejmelka is an interesting fantasy option because of his potential workload. Goaltenders who receive a large number of starts can provide significant value, even if their teams aren’t among the league’s elite. Vejmelka has experience handling a heavy workload, and his role in Utah makes him worth considering. The Mammoth are continuing to build their roster, and their progress could have a direct impact on his fantasy numbers. He’s not necessarily a low-risk option, but the opportunity to accumulate wins and saves makes him an appealing target.
The Add List Take: Vejmelka is a goalie we’re willing to take a chance on. His workload could make him valuable, particularly in leagues that reward saves and starts. If Utah takes another step forward, he could provide excellent fantasy value.
18. Jesper Wallstedt
Position: G
Team: Minnesota Wild
Jesper Wallstedt is one of the most intriguing young goaltenders in the NHL. He’s been viewed as a goaltender with significant potential, and the opportunity to establish himself in Minnesota makes him an exciting fantasy target. Young goalies can be unpredictable, but Wallstedt has the talent to become a valuable fantasy option if he earns a substantial share of the starts. Playing behind a competitive Minnesota team could also help his chances of accumulating wins. The key will be monitoring how the Wild manage their goaltending situation and how quickly Wallstedt can take on a larger role.
The Add List Take: Wallstedt is a player we’re especially interested in. He has the potential to become a long-term fantasy asset, and we’re excited to see what he can do with a bigger opportunity. He’s a goalie we’d be comfortable taking a chance on.
19. Brandon Bussi
Position: G
Team: Carolina Hurricanes
Brandon Bussi is a fascinating fantasy target heading into the season. Carolina has traditionally been a strong environment for goaltenders, thanks to its ability to limit scoring chances and control play. That makes the opportunity to earn starts with the Hurricanes particularly appealing. Bussi still has plenty to prove, and his fantasy value will depend heavily on how the team’s goaltending situation develops. However, if he earns a meaningful role, he could benefit from playing behind a team that regularly gives its goaltenders a chance to succeed.
The Add List Take: Bussi is one of our more speculative picks, but that’s exactly why we’re interested. He has an opportunity to become a valuable fantasy option, and the team in front of him gives him an appealing situation. He’s a name to remember when the later rounds arrive.
20. Jakub Dobes
Position: G
Team: Montreal Canadiens
Jakub Dobes rounds out our Hit List, and he’s a goaltender we’re keeping a close eye on. He’s shown flashes of the ability that make him an intriguing NHL prospect, and the opportunity to establish himself in Montreal could give him significant fantasy value. The Canadiens have an improving roster, and a stronger team in front of him would certainly help his chances of putting together a productive season. As with any young goaltender, consistency and playing time will be important factors. But Dobes has the potential to become a valuable option if he can earn a regular role.
The Add List Take: Dobes is a goalie we’re willing to take a late-round chance on. There’s some uncertainty surrounding his workload, but the upside is appealing. If he earns more starts than expected, he could turn into a very useful fantasy pickup.
THE FINAL WORD: OUR HIT LIST IS SET
That’s our 2026-27 Add List + Hit List.
Twenty players. Three positions. One goal: find the players who can help us build a championship fantasy roster.
We’ve got established stars like Jason Robertson, Brady Tkachuk and Quinn Hughes. We’ve got young players like Leo Carlsson, Will Smith and Matthew Schaefer who could take major steps forward. And we’ve got goaltenders who offer a mix of experience, opportunity and upside.
Not every player on this list will have a breakout season. That’s the nature of fantasy hockey. But these are the players we’re willing to invest in, whether we’re spending an early-round pick or looking for value later in the draft. As always, draft based on your league’s scoring system, roster requirements and the players available when you’re on the clock. And don’t be afraid to take a chance on a player you believe in. The season is almost here. It’s time to draft.
Good luck, and happy drafting.
+ The Add List +