🔥 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.
Pepsi Zero Sugar NHL Goalie Challenge picks
Each Tuesday, NHL fans can play the Pepsi Zero Sugar NHL Goalie Challenge. For more coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy. The weekly contest will allow fans to showcase their knowledge by choosing team goalies for three different categories (win, fewest goals against, most saves) with bonus points awarded for any shutouts from your team goalie picks. NOTE: Fans can create their own leagues or join the “NHL Fantasy on Ice” podcast group (league code: BT219R). — Potential win: Carolina Hurricanes (vs. NSH) The Hurricanes are once again the best possession team in the NHL (58.5 shot attempts percentage at 5-on-5) and allowing the fewest shots on goal per game (25.2). The Nashville Predators, meanwhile, are averaging the fewest goals per game (2.54) in the League this season and remain without injured defenseman Roman Josi. The Hurricanes’ goalie tandem of Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov has helped them win nine of their past 10 games. Andersen has 11 wins, a .918 save percentage and one shutout in 16 games this season. Kochetkov has an NHL career-high 25 wins in 41 games this season and has combined for 10 shutouts over the past three seasons (tied for eighth in League over span). — Pete Jensen Chance at fewest goals allowed: Colorado Avalanche (vs. DET) Since Mackenzie Blackwood made his Avalanche debut on Dec. 14, 2024 following a trade from the San Jose Sharks, his new team ranks second in fewest goals allowed (2.33) and fourth in shots on goal differential (plus-4.6) per game. Among NHL goalies to make at least 20 starts over that span, Blackwood ranks sixth in both save percentage (.917; .909 in 19 games with Sharks) and goals-against average (2.22; 3.00 with Sharks). The Avalanche have won seven straight home games against the Detroit Red Wings, their second longest active home win streak against a single opponent (11 straight home wins against the Sharks); Colorado has allowed no more than three goals in all seven of those games and outshot Detroit in five of them. For the Red Wings, this will be the second leg of a back-to-back after defeating the Utah Hockey Club 5-1 on Monday (Detroit: 2-5-1 in second half of back-to-back games this season). Per NHL EDGE stats, Blackwood ranks seventh in the League in high-danger save percentage (.832). — Troy Perlowitz Chance at most saves: New York Rangers (at LAK) The Rangers have allowed the fifth-most shots per game (30.1) this season and the third-most on the road (31.3). Igor Shesterkin ranks first in shots against (1,526), second in saves (1,384) and fifth in saves per game (26.11) among goalies with 2,000 minutes of ice time. Shesterkin, who had a shutout in his most-recent road game, is tied for second in the NHL with five shutouts. He has a 2.74 goals-against average and .915 save percentage on the road (compared to 2.87 GAA and .900 SV% at home). Per NHL EDGE stats, Shesterkin is fifth in games with a save percentage greater than .900 (31), is first in high-danger shots against (437) and high-danger saves (360) and is second in midrange shots against (437) and tied for second in midrange saves (387). His high-danger save percentage is .824 and league average is .806. — Chris Meaney
Fantasy hockey schedule cheat sheet: this week, rest of season
MOST/FEWEST GAMES (Week 23: Mar. 25-Mar. 30) Most games (four) with players to target: Buffalo Sabres–JJ Peterka, W; Ryan McLeod, C; Jason Zucker, LW Dallas Stars–Mason Marchment, LW; Lian Bichsel, D Detroit Red Wings–Marco Kasper, C/LW; Vladimir Tarasenko, W; Ben Chiarot, D; Simon Edvinsson, D Los Angeles Kings–Andrei Kuzmenko, W; Warren Foegele, W; Tanner Jeannot, W Minnesota Wild–Ryan Hartman, C/RW; Mats Zuccarello, RW; Jared Spurgeon, D; Marco Rossi, C; Jonas Brodin, D Montreal Canadiens–Patrik Laine, W; Christian Dvorak, C; Brendan Gallagher, RW; Alexandre Carrier, D New Jersey Devils–Cody Glass, C/RW; Stefan Noesen, W; Erik Haula, C/LW; Brenden Dillon, D New York Islanders–Simon Holmstrom, RW; Kyle Palmieri, RW; Jean-Gabriel Pageau, C/RW; Anthony Duclair, LW; Tony DeAngelo, D; Alexander Romanov, D Ottawa Senators–Dylan Cozens, C; David Perron, W; Ridly Greig, C/RW; Artem Zub, D Toronto Maple Leafs–Bobby McMann, LW; Max Domi, C/LW; Jake McCabe, D Utah Hockey Club–Logan Cooley, C; Nick Schultz, C/RW; Barrett Hayton, C; Jack McBain, C/LW; Ian Cole, D Vancouver Canucks–Jake DeBrusk, W; Kiefer Sherwood, W; Pius Suter, C/LW; Tyler Myers, D Fewest games (two): Boston BruinsFlorida Panthers — BACK-TO-BACK GAMES (Week 23: Mar. 24-Mar. 30) Buffalo Sabres Columbus Blue Jackets Dallas Stars–Casey DeSmith, G Detroit Red Wings Edmonton Oilers–Calvin Pickard, G Los Angeles Kings–David Rittich, G Minnesota Wild Montreal Canadiens New Jersey Devils–Jake Allen, G New York Islanders New York Rangers Ottawa Senators San Jose Sharks Toronto Maple Leafs–Joseph Woll, G Utah Hockey Club Vegas Golden Knights–Ilya Solovyov, G — LIGHTER SCHEDULED NIGHTS (Mar. 24-Mar. 30) NOTE: If you’re looking to stream players in fantasy from teams that play on the lighter scheduled nights, those days are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Below are the teams with at least two games scheduled for those days. Monday – 4 gamesTuesday – 10 gamesWednesday – 4 gamesThursday – 10 gamesFriday – 6 gamesSaturday – 11 gamesSunday – 8 games Vancouver Canucks – Mon, Wed, Fri, SunNew Jersey Devils – Mon, Wed, Fri, SatUtah Hockey Club – Mon, Thu, Fri, SunNew York Islanders – Mon, Wed, Sat, SunDallas Stars – Mon, Wed, Thu, SatMontreal Canadiens – Tue, Thu, Fri, SunAnaheim Ducks – Wed, Fri, Sun–Mason McTavish, C; Troy Terry, C/RW; Leo Carlsson, C; Jacob Trouba, D; Radko Gudas, D; Cutter Gauthier, LW; Trevor Zegras, C/LWChicago Blackhawks – Wed, Fri, Sun–Ryan Donato, F; Teuvo Teravainen, W; Tyler Bertuzzi, W; Alex Vlasic, D; Connor Murphy, DColumbus Blue Jackets – Mon, Fri, Sat–Sean Monahan, C; Boone Jenner, C/LW; Kent Johnson, F; Mathieu Olivier, RW; Adam Fantilli, C; Dmitri Voronkov, LWWinnipeg Jets – Tue, Fri, Sun–Cole Perfetti, F; Luke Schenn, DFlorida Panthers – Fri, Sun–Mackie Samoskevich, RW — BACK-TO-BACK GAMES (rest of season) Most: T1. Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vegas Golden Knights (3) Fewest: T1. Tampa Bay Lightning, St. Louis Blues (0)T2. Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Nashville Predators, Seattle Kraken, Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets (1) — STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE (rest of season) Most difficult (opponent points percentages): 1. Detroit Red Wings (.590)2. Seattle Kraken (.583)3. Nashville Predators (.580)4. Chicago Blackhawks (.579)5. Winnipeg Jets (.578)6. New York Islanders (.574)7. San Jose Sharks (.571)8. Minnesota Wild (.569)T9. Vancouver Canucks (.567)T9. Anaheim Ducks (.567) Most favorable (opponent points percentages): 1. Ottawa Senators (.512)2. Philadelphia Flyers (.517)3. Tampa Bay Lightning (.528)4. New Jersey Devils (.529)5. Edmonton Oilers (.530)6. Boston Bruins (.532)7. Dallas Stars (.533)T8. Toronto Maple Leafs (.535)T8. Pittsburgh Penguins (.535)T10. Vegas Golden Knights (.536)T10. Montreal Canadiens (.536) — HOME/ROAD GAMES (rest of season) Most home games: T1. Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators (9)T2. Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning (7) Most road games: T1. Detroit Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights, Washington Capitals (8)T2. Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs (7)
‘NHL Fantasy on Ice’ podcast available now
The “NHL Fantasy on Ice” podcast is your go-to source for fantasy hockey, betting and EDGE stats coverage. For more coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy. Nick Alberga and Jake Hahn have the 24/7/365 pulse of the fantasy hockey world. Whether you play daily fantasy or are in a season-long league or pool, the NHL Fantasy on Ice crew, including fantasy gurus Pete Jensen and Chris Meaney, brings the knowledge and advice to give you an edge over your competition. The hosts also dip their toes into the ever-growing world of sports betting. In the newest episode, Alberga and Hahn catch up with all the latest injury news, including absences of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl for the Edmonton Oilers and upcoming return of Sean Monahan for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and all the schedule info to get you ready for this fantasy playoff week. Jensen joins for his top pickups, including hidden gems like Zack Bolduc, Matt Coronato, Joel Hofer and Simon Holmstrom, and the guys answer questions on whether to hold Adam Fantilli and/or Kirill Marchenko now that Monahan is back. Then, in “On the Money,” presented by Bet365, Meaney gives his favorite prop angles, thoughts on Connor Hellebuyck now being the Hart Trophy favorite and more. The guys give their picks and parlay ideas for upcoming games this week.
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)
WHL awards expansion team to Penticton Vees; application process begins for Chilliwack
One of the most storied franchises in the BCHL is heading to the Western Hockey League (WHL). On Monday, the WHL officially announced that the Penticton Vees would be joining the league via expansion for the upcoming 2025-26 season. The WHL also announced that they had initiated talks with the city of Chilliwack regarding expansion for the 2026-27 season. The WHL and the Penticton Vees will host an Expansion Draft on May 7th. With Penticton joining, the club would be the 12th team in the WHL’s Western Conference and the sixth in the B.C. Division, joining the Vancouver Giants, Kelowna Rockets, Kamloops Blazers, Victoria Royals and Prince George Cougars. The expansion fee is yet to be official, but sources have told Daily Faceoff it is estimated to be between $12 and $15 million, which includes a payment to the Kelowna Rockets for territorial rights. “This is an exciting day, as the Western Hockey League takes its next step as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “Communities within B.C. produce talented young players from thriving grassroots hockey programs and we’re pleased to deliver WHL franchises to two important centres in the province – Penticton and Chilliwack. In each market the WHL operates in, we aim to serve as role models within the local hockey community, business community, and beyond. We look forward to the opportunity to continue these efforts in Penticton and Chilliwack.”
NHL power rankings: Wolf and Flames still in playoff hunt
While there’s still a lot of moving parts, some are beginning to pull away, and we already have one team securing a spot and another two officially being eliminated. There’s still plenty of teams left in the hunt for the final few spots though, so it’s far from over. Hunter Crowther and I continue to navigate through the results so far this season with another week of our co-op power rankings. I have my same old system in which I aggregate six stats (points %, 5-on-5 goal differential, 5-on-5 xGF/60, 5-on-5 xGA/60, power play xGF/60, and shorthanded xGA/60, all coming courtesy of Natural Stat Trick) to come up with a list that eliminates my own biases, along with a rule that no team can be above a team that’s more than five points ahead of them in the standings or has clinched a playoff spot when they haven’t, regardless of where the aggregate places them. On the other hand, Hunter goes off his own intellect and pure vibes, and together, we find a way to combine it and meet in the middle. 1. Washington Capitals Record: 47-15-8, +76Last Week: 2nd (+1)Hunter’s Rank: 1stScott’s Rank: 1st Scott: The Capitals are officially the first team in the season to clinch a playoff spot, and I don’t think there’s too many people at the start of the season that would have guessed that they would be the first team to do so. With a 12-point lead on the next closest threat in both the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference, they can basically hop on cruise control for the final 12 games and focus on getting Alex Ovechkin to Wayne Gretzky’s goal record (he got another goal last week) and resting for the playoffs. It’ll be interesting to see in the final few games which one of those takes priority for the Caps in the final stretch.