Coming into a new fantasy hockey season, it can be tempting to focus on drafting young-guns who could find early success. However, some of the NHL’s most tenured veterans shouldn’t be overlooked, as many older players have proven to be the most consistent pieces to a fantasy team in recent years.
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Target These Veterans in Fantasy Hockey
John Tavares – Toronto Maple Leafs
John Tavares continues to silence critics as he continues to age, remaining a 60-plus point player over his last five seasons with the Maple Leafs. Entering last year’s campaign, there were questions about Tavares’ health and his ability to produce, but he managed to play 82 games and once again eclipse the 30-goal mark.
Additionally, Tavares continues to be one of the best face-off men in the league, ranking third amongst all players for most wins on the draw last year. The Mississauga native did record his worst plus/minus total of his career playing on a poor Toronto team, but with the Leafs looking to bounce back with a revamped squad, he’s yet to give fantasy managers a reason to worry about his production.
Evgeni Malkin – Pittsburgh Penguins
At 40 years of age, it’s incredible what Evgeni Malkin has been able to accomplish as he enters his 21st season in the NHL. Last year, Malkin tallied 61 points in 56 games and still proved to be a contributor to Pittsburgh’s power play by logging 22 points on the man advantage. The main concern with Malkin is his health, as he was sidelined twice last season. That said, if the future Hockey Hall of Famer is still available in the late rounds of the draft, he is an ideal player to insert in a utility position and use during weeks when power-play points are needed.
Gabriel Landeskog – Colorado Avalanche
After missing three consecutive seasons due to a severe right knee injury, Landeskog was back in a Colorado Avalanche jersey for the 2025-26 campaign and produced serviceable numbers for his team. In 60 games played, Landeskog scored 14 goals and 21 assists, but ultimately failed to play a full season due to multiple injuries.
This year, Landeskog is returning to a loaded Avalanche team, and the 33-year-old could be worth taking a chance on if he can manage to avoid getting hurt. In addition to playing in Colorado’s top six, Landeskog offers value in peripheral categories like hits, but is also a winger who takes plenty of face-offs.
Injuries and less production are often the two main reasons why many veterans get passed on in the draft, but it’s worth taking a chance on any of the three names above, especially if they can avoid being sidelined. Plus, players like Malkin and Landeskog should be available in later rounds and can be high-reward options without using a top pick.
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