With NHL training camps underway, it’s time to look ahead at what the 2025-26 season may bring.
In this installment, we’ll spotlight six fantasy hockey breakout candidates — players you can count on to deliver critical points for your roster.
Brad Marchand, Winger, Florida Panthers
The former Bruins captain found new life in Florida after being dealt at the NHL trade deadline last March. Once he recovered from a nagging upper-body injury, he returned to the lineup and played inspired hockey, looking 27 rather than 37 as he helped lead the Panthers to a second straight Stanley Cup.
That resurgence should carry into this season, especially with F Matthew Tkachuk sidelined for an extended period following off-season lower-body surgery. In Tkachuk’s absence, Marchand will see more ice time and added power-play opportunities, giving him every chance to remain productive.
Expect him to finish in the 60-to-70 point range, a solid return for a veteran who continues to defy his age.
Macklin Celebrini, Center, San Jose Sharks
If Celebrini — the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft — had played in a bigger market than San Jose, his impressive rookie season might have received more attention.
Even on a young Sharks team still finding its identity, he managed to rack up 63 points in 70 games, despite limited supporting talent. Along the way, he showed off sharp playmaking instincts, a deceptively lethal scoring touch, and a toughness that belied his age.
With a full year of experience now under his belt — plus an improved supporting cast for the 2025-26 season — expect the 6’0”, 195-pound center to surpass the 70-point mark. If he stays healthy and sees over 20 minutes of ice time per game, Celebrini could become a must-watch fantasy option and a key piece in deep-league lineups.
Dustin Wolf, Goaltender, Calgary Flames
The Flames were a surprise in 2024-25, pushing for a playoff spot despite most experts labeling them as a team in the midst of a rebuild. If there was one key reason for Calgary’s unexpected success, it was goaltender Dustin Wolf.
In a word, he was spectacular — posting 29 wins behind a 2.64 goals-against average (GAA) and a .910 save percentage. Wolf essentially lifted a mediocre team into near-playoff contention with his lights-out performance between the pipes. The 6’0”, 166-pound California native — undersized by NHL goalie standards — looks poised to continue that upward trajectory in the 2025-26 season.
Matt Barzal, Center, New York Islanders
Barzal endured an injury-plagued season last year, playing just 30 games and recording 20 points in the process. However, he had amassed 85 points the previous season, a career high. Provided he’s fully recovered, he should be expected to finish in the 70-to-80 point range, as he has consistently been close to a point-per-game player. Adding to his potential, the arrival of Matthew Schafer—the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft—should boost Barzal’s production, as the offensively gifted defenseman is likely to feed him the puck regularly.
Cole Perfetti, Center/Wing, Winnipeg Jets
The Jets selected Perfetti 10th overall in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft. Since stepping into the lineup in the 2021-22 season, his point production has improved steadily each year, rising from 7 to 30, then 38, and finally 50 points last season. With dynamic winger Nikolai Ehlers now in Carolina via free agency, Perfetti will be elevated to the Jets’ second line alongside C Jonathan Toews and W Gustav Nyqvist. That additional ice time, combined with regular power-play minutes, positions the talented playmaker to surpass 60 points in the coming season.
Ivan Demidov, Winger, Montreal Canadiens
Demidov joined the Canadiens last year and made an immediate impact with his offensive flair. In just two regular-season games, he recorded two points, then added another two points in the playoffs during a five-game loss to the veteran-laden Washington Capitals. With his excellent vision and soft touch around the net, Demidov – a solid 6'1”, 192-pound winger – is poised for plenty of ice time this season, both on regular shifts and the power play. Having already experienced some regular-season and playoff action, he knows what to expect at the NHL level. Given that foundation, look for him to reach 40 points, possibly more, as his ceiling is exceptionally high.
