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 2026-27 fantasy hockey season.
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2026-27 Top 10 Fantasy Hockey Rookie Rankings
10) Ilya Protas, LW, Washington Capitals
The Capitals have both Protas brothers and may play them on the same line. Aliaksei has established himself as a 50-60 point player, with room to grow. Ilya joins a deep Washington forward group, where he’ll get to play with other offensive players and could be quicker than Aliaksei at making a fantasy impact.
9) James Hagens, C, Boston Bruins
Hagens got a taste of NHL action, playing in two regular season games, then three more in the playoffs. There’s a lot of upside with him, but I think the Bruins will ease him in, rather than putting him in a prime offensive role right away. He figures to start on the third line, but could make his way up the lineup as the season progresses.
8) Sergei Murashov, G, Pittsburgh Penguins
I was initially expecting to have Jacob Fowler as the top rookie goaltender. He’s still a good option, but I feel that the playoff run by Jakub Dobes has solidified him as the starter in Montreal. Meanwhile, the Penguins don’t have as much certainty between the pipes. Artus Silovs remains there and is likely to begin as the starter. With Stuart Skinner moving on, the Penguins like what they have in Murashov as his replacement. I view him as the rookie netminder with the best chance at taking the starting role.
7) Konsta Helenius, C, Buffalo Sabres
Helenius earned himself a call-up last January and made a quick impression. He scored three points in his second NHL contest. He cooled off after that, but there’s no doubting the upside is there. With the Sabres moving on from Alex Tuch, they’re looking to replace that offense internally. Helenius could be one of the main beneficiaries.
6) Roman Kantserov, RW, Chicago Blackhawks
The 22-year-old is coming off an impressive season in the KHL, scoring 64 points in 63 games, making him a top-10 scorer last year. Kantserov will make the jump to North America, where he’s expected to earn a top-six slot for Chicago. They’re a team that’s looking to take the next step, and getting some offensive firepower is needed. So I expect to see Kantserov given plenty of opportunity to utilize his skill set.
5) Ivar Stenberg, LW, San Jose Sharks
The Sharks get another lottery pick, this time drafting Stenberg. With William Eklund being dealt to the Ottawa Senators, this signals that Stenberg will secure a top-nine role. Which line he lands on remains to be seen, and he could find himself shuffled around as San Jose has some good options on the wings.
4) Cole Hutson, D, Washington Capitals
After trading long-time Capital John Carlson, a spot opened up for Hutson late last season. He made a good impression, scoring 10 points in 14 appearances, including six points on the power play. There is a lot of excitement after the success of his older brother Lane Hutson. With Cole, I would temper expectations a bit, as the Capitals still have Jakob Chychrun, who will likely run the top power play, pushing Hutson to the second unit.
3) Anton Frondell, C, Chicago Blackhawks
I feel like his late-season run of nine points in 12 games flew under the radar. Drafted third overall in 2025, Frondell will be a key piece to the Blackhawks’ future. However, he’s going to be relied upon heavily early on, with Connor Bedard sidelined from shoulder surgery. This should result in Frondell starting as a top-six center, and he might move to the wing when Bedard returns.
2) Gavin McKenna, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs
The first overall selection in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. He’s an easy decision to rank high on the list. McKenna has plenty of upside, and joins a Leafs team that already boasts star talent. If he were joining a team that had been rebuilding for a number of years, I’d estimate about 60 points from him. The chance to play on a line with Auston Matthews or William Nylander puts an even higher expectation on McKenna.
1) Porter Martone, RW, Philadelphia Flyers
Martone joined the Flyers late last season and made an immediate impact, scoring 10 points in nine contests. He continued to impress in the playoffs and quickly established himself as a key player to his club. Like McKenna, I’m expecting Martone to score 60-70 points. What separates Martone is his category coverage. He should have a higher volume of shots and hits, making him an all-around great asset to your fantasy team.
Other rookies to consider:
Viggo Bjorck, C, Winnipeg Jets
Jacob Fowler, G, Montreal Canadiens
Tij Iginla, LW, Utah Mammoth
David Reinbacher, D, Montreal Canadiens
Carter Yakemchuk, D, Ottawa Senators
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