NHL's 2025 top-25 blends proven stars with budding stars and splits the difference between regular-season dominance and playoff pedigree. Panarin’s drop sparks debate about whether goals alone outrun clutch moments, while Hedman, Slavin and Heiskanen anchor a defense-first core that could tilt where players land this season.

FanDuel’s top-10 Cup odds spark a season-long debate across the league. Jets need more offensive pop, Leafs must replace Marner’s production while relying on a sturdy, if aging, defense and goaltending, Devils face health questions, and Hurricanes’ high-velocity game must translate to deep playoff runs. Panthers must survive Barkov’s absence, Avalanche depth is tested, Vegas stays elite if healthy, Lightning face aging concerns, Dallas must finally push through conference finals, and Edmonton’s bid hinges on goaltending and McDavid’s contract.

Edmonton’s Connor McDavid anchors a premier center class, with Leon Draisaitl riding shotgun and a wave of two-way, high-scoring peers across the league. Sebastian Aho and Sasha Barkov pace strong defensive-by-design games, while Jack Eichel, Jack Hughes, Braden Point, and Nathan MacKinnon push the ceiling with elite skating and playmaking. Austin Matthews, Sidney Crosby, and Matthew Tkachuk round out a star-studded cohort whose fantasy value hinges on health, supporting casts, and playoff impact.

The pod emphasizes staying healthy to unlock peak scoring runs, the importance of a strong power play, and the grind of translating regular-season form to the postseason. Expect movement near the top as geography, line combos, and Olympic showings reshape who lands where in standard and best-ball leagues.

Metro Division sleepers rise as fantasy drafts approach: Adam Fantilli anchors Columbus as a high-upside third center with clear PP time, a profile that could push 60+ multi-cat fantasy points if he locks top-six minutes. Samuel Ersson gives Flyers’ fantasy managers a credible goalie floor with favorable schedules and a path to 25+ wins in a developing crease army. Timo Meier’s Devils landing injects instant top-six scoring and PP1 upside, while Logan Stankoven shores up Carolina’s youth-driven depth and top-six potential behind Svechnikov and Jarvis.

Columbus’ youth, Flyers’ goalie depth, Devils’ offensive upgrade, and Hurricanes’ stacked young core reshape the sleeper map. Islanders and Capitals get late-round floors from veterans, while Penguins’ Mantha lockers in as a power-forward seam option. Overall, the metro slate trades in big upside at every level, rewarding patient rostering and smart late-round gambles as drafts loom.