Sport: NHL

Just over a month into the NHL season, superstars like Artemi Panarin and Alex Ovechkin have been underperforming so far, but their reputation as elite players has kept many fantasy hockey managers from giving up on them. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the players listed below, who are still heavily rostered in several leagues but continue to show no signs of improvement. Here are the three forwards that should be dropped without hesitation in this week’s Cold List.

More Fantasy Hockey Analysis: | Goalie Streamers | Buy-Low, Sell-High | Fantasy Hockey Cold List | Prospect Report | NHL Injury Report | Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire

Fantasy Hockey Cold List
Matvei Michkov – Philadelphia Flyers

After being one of the hottest rookies coming out of last season, Matvei Michkov has significantly cooled off throughout the 2025-26 campaign thus far. In his first 12 games, the 20-year-old has managed to score just one goal, having failed to produce in five-on-five and on the power-play. Additionally, his lack of production has led to his ice time being cut short, as he’s now averaging under 15 minutes a night on the Flyers’ second line.

Unfortunately, the Russian doesn’t provide much fantasy value unless he’s scoring, which also makes him a difficult player to trade. Therefore, instead of waiting to see a spark from Michkov, it’s best to move on from the right winger and replace him with a player who can target multiple stat categories.

Andrei Svechnikov – Carolina Hurricanes

Andrei Svechnikov has been one of the most consistent 50-plus point players in the NHL over the last five years, but he’s really struggled to find his game offensively this season. The 25-year-old has tallied just 3 points in 11 games thus far, but unlike most years, his fantasy value hasn’t been saved by his peripheral stats.

Svechnikov is proven to be a physical forward who shoots the puck often, but he’s barely thrown the body compared to previous years, while averaging just 2.2 shots per game. If Svechnikov was producing elsewhere on the ice outside of scoring, it would be worth holding onto him, but otherwise, he’s just been taking up space on the majority of rosters in Fantasy Hockey.

Devon Toews – Colorado Avalanche

Despite playing nearly 25 minutes a night, Devon Toews is becoming nearly unplayable in Fantasy Hockey. After 13 games, Toews has only collected 3 assists, 3 hits, and has failed to produce on the power-play. It’s understandable that managers would draft a star who’s on the same line as Cale Makar, but he’s clearly just been focusing on defense this year, which isn’t very helpful for Fantasy Hockey.

Traditionally, Toews is one of the most reliable players for blocks on the Avalanche, but he’s currently struggling to deliver in that category, having averaged just one block per game. At this point, there are plenty of other defensemen on the waiver wire that will provide both offense and physical value over Toews.

Michkov, Svechnikov, and Toews are starting to pass the point of no return in Fantasy Hockey, meaning most owners will likely have no interest in trading for them. Although it can sting dropping a player that might’ve been selected higher in the draft, it’s best to move on before they become one of the reasons a fantasy team misses the playoffs. Make sure to return next week for another round of the Fantasy Hockey Cold List.

Fantrax is one of the fastest-growing fantasy sites in the fantasy sports industry, and we’re not stopping anytime soon. We are the most customizable, easy-to-use, and feature-rich platform in the industry, offering the greatest fantasy experience for your dynasty, keeper, redraft, and best ball leagues. Fantasy sports doesn’t sleep, and neither does Fantrax, with seasons running 365 days a year. Take your fantasy leagues to the next level now at Fantrax.com!