Welcome back to the continuation of the 2025-26 fantasy season with Dobber Hockey! As we head into the holidays and the end of the calendar year, this means the NHL season is nearly halfway complete.
Whether you are scanning the waiver wire for possible adds or scouring the trade market to improve your team, we have the information you need. Managers, let’s look ahead at the upcoming week in fantasy hockey.
Fantasy Hockey Player Outlook
Taking a look at which players you should be targeting in your league’s fantasy season. Who can be had on the waiver wire, and who should you avoid picking up? Take a look at our fantasy hockey players’ outlook for the upcoming week.
*Note: All stats are courtesy of ESPN Fantasy Hockey.
Mid-Season Adds (Claim these players on the waiver wire)
John Gibson, G, Detroit Red Wings, Rostered-23.9%
Veteran goaltender John Gibson was acquired by Detroit in the off-season as they looked to solidify their goaltending position. After a shaky start, Gibson and the Wings have been on a tear as of late. His ownership is far too low for a starting goaltender on a surging Atlantic squad.
Josh Norris, C, Buffalo Sabres, Rostered-42.2%
Norris has endured injury troubles throughout his young career. However, when he’s healthy, he’s been productive. This season has been no different as he has ten points in as many games. The Sabres are climbing their way back into the playoff race and as long as he can remain healthy, Norris will continue to be a big part of that resurgence.
Young Players to Build Off (Young players who are hot right now)
William Eklund, LW, San Jose Sharks, Rostered-61%
23-year-old William Eklund is having another solid season for the San Jose Sharks, He plays in the team’s top-six as well as on their number one powerplay. He remains a decent fantasy option in all league formats.
Olen Zellweger, D, Anaheim Ducks, Rostered-6.1%
The Ducks and their young defender Olen Zellweger have risen to relevance this season. Anaheim has thrust themselves into a top three position in the Pacific Division and Zellweger has been a big part of that. His play has made him a relevant fantasy option on the backend.
Buy-Now Players (You should trade for these players as soon as possible)
Juraj Slafkovsky, LW, Montreal Canadiens, Rostered-71.2%
Slafkovsky typically is a slow starter who turns his play up a notch in the second half of the season. However, we haven’t reached the halfway mark yet and he is looking dominant in comparison to the start of the year. Since being put on a line with rookies Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov, Slafkovsky has looked like the number one pick he was drafted to be.
Steven Stamkos, C, Nashville Predators, Rostered-81.4%
After his and the Predators poor start to the year it seemed as though he had lost all fantasy value. However, as of late, he has looked like the Tampa Bay version of himself. A recent four goal performance has given life to his fantasy season. Managers should buy-now on the veteran while he continues to fill the back of the net.
Steer Clear (Players you should avoid in fantasy leagues, or trade immediately if you own them)
Luke Hughes, D, New Jersey Devils, Rostered-63.7%
Hughes has put up decent numbers this season, but he has struggled down the stretch. The Devils and fantasy managers expect more from their top defender but right now he doesn’t bring consistent fantasy value.
Matt Duchene, C, Dallas Stars, Rostered-34.7%
After re-signing in Dallas in the off-season, Matt Duchene has struggled this campaign. He missed a large bulk of the year with injury, but in 13 games he has managed only five points. He doesn’t play a large enough role on a stacked Stars team to provide managers with consistent production.
NHL Team Outlooks
Analyzing the upcoming week’s schedule and looking at which NHL teams are expected to have a strong week and who will be in tough. Which teams’ players should you be buying stock in, and which teams should you avoid at all costs? Take a peek at the NHL team outlook for the upcoming week.
*Note: This week’s analysis runs from Dec 26-Dec 1. The weekly fantasy matchup runs from Dec 29-4. Teams that play more games during the week/matchup often gain favor in the schedule analysis.
Matchup Favorites (These teams will pay dividends in the coming games.)
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes sit atop the Eastern Conference for a reason. They’ve been dominant this season and are showing no signs of slowing down. Their upcoming homestand will only build upon their lead in the East.
New York Islanders
The Islanders have surprised many with their play this season. Led by rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, they have thrust their way into playoff position. Their weak upcoming schedule should allow them to maintain their position.
Vancouver Canucks
Since trading their captain Quinn Hughes to Minnesota, the Canucks have found some newfound life in their game. While they still find themselves near the bottom of the league, their upcoming schedule should be reason for optimism.
Matchup Killers (Avoid players from these teams at all costs in the upcoming games.)
Boston Bruins
After a strong start to the 2025-26 season, the Boston Bruins have come back down to Earth as of late. The Atlantic division is wide open, but the Bruins find themselves on the road and could lose even more ground.
Montreal Canadiens
Montreal has been riddled with injuries this year, but their stars have helped them overcome their health issues and move back into a top ten position in the NHL. However, they face their toughest stretch of the season and won’t be back at the Bell Centre until well into the New Year.
New York Rangers
Without their star defender Adam Fox, the Rangers have been unable to find consistency. That trend doesn’t project to change on their upcoming road trip against several tough division rivals.
*For more hockey and fantasy coverage, follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @Cdesjardins67