Drafting rookies in fantasy hockey is a dangerous game. It’s not advisable in redraft leagues, but in keeper or dynasty leagues, the risk/reward factor can be very beneficial. Sometimes the only chance you’ll have at the next star player is to draft him before your league-mates catch on. Here are my top 10 choices for fantasy hockey rookies this season, along with 10 more rookies worth consideration.
2024-25 Top 10 Fantasy Hockey Rookies
10) Josh Doan, RW, Utah Hockey Club
Doan followed in his father’s footsteps and made an impact for the Arizona Coyotes last year. He scored nine points in 11 games, despite not getting time on the power play. He’s likely to settle into a bottom-six role, but he’s shown he has some offensive upside. He might have some upside in category and roto leagues too, as he posted 23 shots, seven hits, seven blocks, and a plus-6 rating last year.
9) Maxim Tsyplakov, RW, New York Islanders
It’s not often you see a 26-year-old rookie, but he just barely meets eligibility as he was 25 on Sep 15, which is the league’s cutoff date for the age requirement. Tsyplakov is joining an Islanders team that could use a boost in their scoring, but it remains to be seen where he’ll fit into their lineup. If he can grab onto a scoring role, he makes for an interesting target that could surprise.
8) Dustin Wolf, G, Calgary Flames
There are a few noteworthy rookie goalies heading into the season, but others come with greater uncertainty. Yaroslav Askarov has to contend with Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek. Jesper Wallstedt will share duties with Filip Gustavsson and Marc-Andre Fleury. Arturs Silovs will be behind Thatcher Demko when healthy. Meanwhile, the trade of Jacob Markstrom means the Flames will be going with a tandem of Wolf and Daniel Vladar. Wolf went 7-7-1 last year, with a 3.16 GAA and .893 save percentage. While those stats aren’t great by any means, knowing he’s going to get plenty of ice time makes him more appealing. Especially if your league uses saves as a scoring category.
7) Rutger McGroarty, C/RW, Pittsburgh Penguins
Drafted by the Winnipeg Jets 14th overall in 2022, McGroarty was traded to the Penguins during the offseason. The expectation is that he will be on the opening night roster. Pittsburgh doesn’t have anyone locked in to be the second-line right winger, so it’s very possible that McGroarty earns that spot. Playing in a top-six role alongside Evgeni Malkin for the bulk of the season would be a significant boost to his fantasy value as opposed to playing on the third line.
6) Will Smith, C, San Jose Sharks
Tomas Hertl was traded at last year’s trade deadline, and Logan Couture was limited to just six contests from a groin injury. Couture is still recovering, so it’s not expected that he will be available for the start of the season. That means San Jose will be without their top two centers from last year. This gives Smith an opportunity to jump right in and play meaningful minutes. The 2023 fourth-overall pick has had an impressive development and will look to translate his success to the NHL level.
5) Lane Hutson, D, Montreal Canadiens
This year there doesn’t appear to be too many options for rookie blue liners that have a chance at making an impact in fantasy hockey. Hutson made his way into two NHL games last year and posted a pair of assists. He’s known for his offensive capabilities, so it’s not out of the question that he snags the top spot on the man advantage.
4) Cutter Gauthier, LW, Anaheim Ducks
After being drafted fifth overall by Philadelphia in 2022, Gauthier was dealt to Anaheim mid-way through last season. He played one game for the Ducks, posting an assist, three shots, and a plus-1 rating. He’s set to be on the Ducks full-time this coming season. He’ll have an opportunity to play in the top six, with one of Leo Carlsson, Trevor Zegras, or Mason McTavish. It’s a young and inexperienced forward group, but there is plenty of potential to be had. One caution I have is Anaheim rested Leo Carlsson at times in his rookie campaign last season. It’s possible the same is done with Gauthier.
3) Logan Stankoven, RW, Dallas Stars
The player with the most NHL experience on the list, as Stankoven played 24 games last season, and 19 more in the playoffs. He scored 14 points in those 24 regular season contests and will be a lock to have a full-time spot this season. Despite the loss of Joe Pavelski, the Stars have a deep forward group. Stankoven could find himself on any of the top three lines, but each line has plenty of talent so he will be in a good position to succeed.
2) Matvei Michkov, RW, Philadelphia Flyers
Michkov was the seventh overall pick in the 2023 entry draft, however, many considered him to be the player with the second-highest fantasy hockey ceiling in the draft, after Connor Bedard. Michkov is expected to jump right into a top-six role for the Flyers and play on the top power-play unit. It would not surprise me to see Michkov as the league’s top rookie this season, however, my one hesitation is Head Coach John Tortorella. The coaching systems in place may place less emphasis on offense and creativity. The concern is only for this year, in the long run, Michkov will be a star.
1) Mack Celebrini, C, San Jose Sharks
The first overall pick from the 2024 entry draft. Celebrini is not only expected to make San Jose’s opening night roster but also be a driving force for their offense. He will be given every opportunity to succeed, at both even strength and on the power play, as he becomes the next face of the Sharks franchise.
Other rookies to consider:
- Yaroslav Askarov, G, San Jose Sharks
- Mavrik Bourque, C, Dallas Stars
- Marat Khusnutdinov, C, Minnesota Wild
- Nikolai Kovalenko, RW, Colorado Avalanche
- Bradly Nadeau, C, Carolina Hurricanes
- Frank Nazar, C/RW, Chicago Blackhawks
- Arturs Silovs, G, Vancouver Canucks
- Jesper Wallstedt, G, Minnesota Wild
- Shane Wright, C, Seattle Kraken
- Olen Zellweger, D, Anaheim Ducks