Rookies always come with a lot of boom or bust potential, especially for redraft leagues. While I wouldn’t recommend reaching too early on any rookie, they are always the types of players I want to snag late in the draft or early on the waiver wire. If they don’t pan out, there will be other options available. If they hit, it can go a long way towards a successful fantasy hockey season. Here are my initial rookie rankings for the 2025-26 fantasy hockey season.
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2025-26 Top 10 Fantasy Hockey Rookie Rankings
10) Yaroslav Askarov, G, San Jose Sharks
There is a promising talent here with Askarov, and it looks like he will be given the opportunity to take the starting goalie role. The problem is that the Sharks are still rebuilding, so if your league counts GAA and save percentage, he could suffer in those areas. He likely won’t pick up too many wins either, but he can help you out with saves, and if he’s a volume starter, it gives you more chances to start him in your lineup.
9) Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders
Normally, I’d be higher on the latest first overall draft pick. However, Schaefer missed a significant portion of last season, and his role with the Islanders remains uncertain. At worst, he may only play a few games, then be sent down, while at best, he could play a top-four role and run the first power-play unit. There is a good chance he is sheltered, at least early on, which gives me some hesitation about how he will produce this season.
8) Maxim Shabanov, RW, New York Islanders
Shabanov thrived in the KHL with 67 points in 65 games last year, ranking him third in league scoring. He decided to take his talents to the NHL, signing a one-year deal with the Islanders. This is a team that needs an offensive spark, so I’m expecting to see Shabanov relied upon for scoring. He’s older at age 24, and while I don’t think he’ll be the next Artemi Panarin, he could carve out a top-six role.
7) Alexander Nikishin, D, Carolina Hurricanes
It wasn’t too long ago that he was considered the top defenseman prospect not playing in the NHL. Well, now he’s made the move over to North America and should be a regular in the Hurricanes’ lineup. The Canes have a deep defense and have Shayne Gostisbehere, who will likely run the first unit power play. Regardless, Nikishin will have plenty of talent surrounding him, and he is one of the older players on this list at 24, so he won’t need as much sheltering.
6) Ryan Leonard, RW, Washington Capitals
Leonard made his NHL debut late last season, playing in nine games, scoring one goal. His play seemed to be higher quality than his offensive output, so I think we’ll see better offensive results as he plays his first full NHL season. He should provide good category coverage, too, with PIM, shots on goal, and hits.
5) Michael Misa, C, San Jose Sharks
The second overall pick from the 2025 draft, Misa looks more poised to make an immediate fantasy impact. Last year’s rookie star, Mack Celebrini, is the Sharks’ top center, but Misa could take the second line center role as soon as this year. He should also see time on the second power play unit.
4) Sam Rinzel, D, Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks have a few promising young defensemen in their ranks, but Rinzel is the one who looks primed to run their top power play unit. He had five assists in nine games last season, three of which were scored on the man advantage. He also averaged 23:22 of ice time per game, so he’s quickly earned the coach’s confidence. That bodes well for him retaining his role.
3) Jimmy Snuggerud, RW, St. Louis Blues
Snuggerud joined the Blues lineup late last season and earned himself a spot instantly. It’s all the more impressive given that the team was battling for a playoff spot. He had four points in seven games and scored another four points in seven playoff matches. He’s slated to play in the Blues’ top six, and possibly even the top line, giving him a great opportunity to succeed.
2) Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild
Making his NHL debut in the playoffs, Buium was thrust into a high-pressure situation and didn’t look out of place. He was given some time on the top power play unit. If he can take hold of that role again, displacing Brock Faber, Buium could bank a good amount of points playing on a unit with Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy.
1) Ivan Demidov, RW, Montreal Canadiens
Some years it’s difficult to choose the top-ranked rookie, but not this year. Ivan Demidov is the easy frontrunner. He had two points in two games last year, and while it’s a very small sample size, he looked very promising in those contests. He was also considered by many to be the second-best option, at least in fantasy hockey, during the 2024 entry draft. Falling to 5th felt like a steal for Montreal, and they’re about to reap the rewards.
Other Rookies to consider:
- Isaac Howard, LW, Edmonton Oilers
- Ville Koivunen, LW, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Leevi Merilainen, G, Ottawa Senators
- Zayne Parekh, D, Calgary Flames
- Gabe Perreault, RW, New York Rangers
- Matthew Savoie, C, Edmonton Oilers
- Jesper Wallstedt, G, Minnesota Wild
- Danila Yurov, LW, Minnesota Wild
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