🔥 Top 10 Fantasy Hockey Targets for Hits, Blocks & Shots (2025–26 Season)
Heading into the 2025–26 NHL season, fantasy hockey managers in banger leagues—those that reward hits, blocked shots, and shots on goal—should prioritize players who consistently deliver across these categories. While specific statistics for the upcoming season are not yet available, we can identify top candidates based on their recent performances and historical trends. 1. Jeremy Lauzon (NSH) 2024 Hits Leader: Lauzon led the NHL with 355 hits in 2024, averaging 5.22 hits per game. His physical style makes him a valuable asset in leagues that reward hits. 2. Kiefer Sherwood (COL) Emerging Force: Sherwood posted 200 hits in just 34 games during the 2024–25 season, averaging 5.88 hits per game. If he maintains this pace, he could become a top-tier contributor in banger formats. 3. Brady Tkachuk (OTT) All-Around Contributor: Tkachuk recorded 310 hits in 2024, averaging 3.73 hits per game, and also finished top five for shots. His ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him a valuable pick. 4. Colton Parayko (STL) Defensive Presence: Parayko blocked 219 shots in 2024, averaging 2.64 blocks per game. His shot-blocking ability adds significant value in leagues that reward this category. 5. Moritz Seider (DET) Elite Defenseman: Seider blocked 209 shots in 2024, averaging 2.61 blocks per game. His defensive prowess makes him a top-tier fantasy defenseman. 6. MacKenzie Weegar (CGY) All-Around Defenseman: Weegar blocked 194 shots in 2024, averaging 2.43 blocks per game. His ability to contribute in multiple defensive categories enhances his fantasy appeal. 7. Darnell Nurse (EDM) Physical Presence: Nurse blocked 205 shots in 2024, averaging 2.63 blocks per game. His physical style and shot-blocking ability make him a valuable asset in banger leagues. 8. Jacob Trouba (ANA) Defensive Leader: Trouba blocked 216 shots in 2024, averaging 2.81 blocks per game. His shot-blocking ability adds significant value in leagues that reward this category. 9. Brayden McNabb (VGK) Reliable Defenseman: McNabb blocked 194 shots in 2024, averaging 2.43 blocks per game. His consistency in shot-blocking makes him a dependable choice in banger formats. 10. Nick Seeler (PHI) Physical Contributor: Seeler blocked 205 shots in 2024, averaging 2.63 blocks per game. His physical style and shot-blocking ability enhance his fantasy value. Strategy Tips for Banger Leagues Prioritize Multi-Category Contributors: Players who contribute across hits, blocks, and shots provide consistent value. Monitor Ice Time: Players with higher ice time, especially on the penalty kill, are more likely to accumulate hits and blocks. Consider Forward Eligibility: Forwards who contribute in these categories can be valuable additions to your roster. By targeting players who excel in hits, blocks, and shots, you can build a well-rounded team that excels in banger leagues.
Fantasy hockey top 10 waiver wire pickups
FORWARD Sean Monahan, C, CBJ46 percent rostered in fantasy -Expected to return Monday after wrist injury-41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) in 41 games & career-high plus-17 this season-EDGE stat: Among forward leaders in power-play offensive zone time percentage; half of his goals have come from high-danger areas Nick Schmaltz, C/RW, UTA34 percent rostered in fantasy -16 points (six goals, 10 assists), 4 on power play, and 37 shots on goal in his past 14 games-Playing on potent top line and first power play with Clayton Keller and Logan Cooley-UTA plays Monday (vs. DET), Thursday (at TBL), Friday (at FLA) and Sunday (at CHI)-EDGE stats: Among forward leaders in 20-plus mph speed bursts, total skating distances, high-danger shots on goal, midrange shots on goal and long-range shots on goal Jonathan Drouin, LW/RW, COL22 percent rostered in fantasy -5 points (1 goal, 4 assists), including 3 power-play assists, in his past four games-Playing on top line with Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin at even strength and first power play-COL plays Tuesday (vs. DET), Thursday (vs. LAK) and Saturday (vs. STL)-EDGE stats: Among forward leaders in top skating speed and offensive zone time percentage at all strengths William Eklund, LW, SJS17 percent rostered in fantasy -NHL career highs in assists (36) and points (52 in 65 games) this season-Playing on top line with rookies Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith-15 points (6 goals, 9 assists), 4 on power play, and 32 shots on goal in past 16 games-SJS plays Thursday (vs. TOR), Saturday (vs. NYR) and Sunday (at LAK)-EDGE stats: Among forward leaders in top shot speed and total skating distance William Karlsson, VGK, C15 percent rostered in fantasy -2 assists, 1 on power play, and 3 hits in 3 games since returning from injury-Playing on third line, but Tomas Hertl sustained an injury Sunday-VGK play Tuesday (at MIN), Friday (at CHI) and Saturday (at NSH)-EDGE stats: Among forward leaders in 22-plus mph speed bursts and long-range shots on goal Zack Bolduc, C/RW, STL4 percent rostered in fantasy -Skating on even-strength line with forwards Robert Thomas and Jake Neighbours-9 points (6 goals, 3 assists), 3 on power play, with 23 hits in 12 games this month-STL plays Tuesday (vs. MTL), Thursday (at NSH) and Saturday (at COL)-EDGE stats: Ranks highly in average skating distance per 60 at all strengths, offensive zone time percentage at even strength and high-danger shooting percentage Matt Coronato, RW, CGY4 percent rostered in fantasy -3-game goal streak with 4 in span, 2 on power play-Playing on second line with Jonathan Huberdeau and Morgan Frost and first power play-CGY plays Tuesday (vs. SEA), Thursday (vs. DAL) and Saturday (at EDM)-EDGE stats: Among leaders in midrange shots on goal, midrange goals and long-range goals Other forward to consider adding: Simon Holmstrom, RW, NYI (3 percent rostered) DEFENSEMAN Dylan Samberg, WPG18 percent rostered in fantasy -4 points (2 goals, 2 assists), 13 shots on goal, 12 blocks in past 5 games-95 blocks, 21:25 per game (fourth among WPG skaters) this season-WPG plays Tuesday (vs. WSH), Friday (vs. NJD) and Sunday (vs. VAN)-EDGE stats: Among leaders in long-range goals Tony DeAngelo, NYI14 percent rostered in fantasy -5 assists, 1 on power play, in past 4 games-13 points, 2 PPP, 42 shots on goal, 30 blocks in 22 games this season-NYI plays Monday (vs. CBJ), Wednesday (vs. VAN), Saturday (at TBL) and Sunday (at CAR)-EDGE stats: Recorded his top skating speed of season vs. CGY on Saturday (21.83 mph) Other D-men to consider adding: Philip Broberg, STL (10 percent rostered); Sam Malinski, COL (1 percent rostered) GOALIE Joel Hofer, STL9 percent rostered in fantasy -3-0-0 with a .956 save percentage over his past three games-14-7-3 with 1 shutout this season-STL plays Tuesday (vs. MTL), Thursday (at NSH) and Saturday (at COL)-EDGE stat: Among leaders in long-range save percentage Other goalie to consider adding: Jake Allen, NJD (22 percent rostered)