Seven breakout candidates eyeing 2025-26 fantasy hockey glory. Cooley looks to lock No.1 center duties with bigger minutes and power-play time, aiming for 70+ points and 30 goals. Knies ascends to Toronto’s top line, credible 70-point upside with heavy shots and hits. Carlsson should become a go-to producer for Anaheim, potentially crossing 60 points as a full-season regular. Eklund emerged as a major Sharks playmaker with 60+ point potential, while Fantilli and Perfetti are primed for top-six roles and strong multi-cat value. Cuylle brings heavy-hit upside with Rangers’ wing opportunities and growing scoring touch.

NHL fantasy flag-planting for 2025-26 centers on proven stars and high-upside youngsters, led by Kucherov’s consistent scoring and premier power play production. A mix of veteran accuracy, breakout potential with new line dynamics, and goaltending depth across Utah and Colorado shapes a balanced ESPN standard lineup. The format favors multi-category contributors and reliable workloads, with opportunities for rookies like Rinzel to surprise and veterans like Bouchard to anchor blue-line production.

Key stories include Dorofeyev benefiting from Marner’s Vegas arrival, Suzuki’s top-line chemistry with Caufield, Tuch’s goals plus blocks, Cuylle’s Rangers breakout path, and steady goaltending upside from Vejmelka and Blackwood. It’s a bold blend of floors and ceilings designed for 2025-26 fantasy success.