Introduction

Fantasy hockey drafts can be overwhelming, but with the right strategy, you can gain a significant edge. This guide breaks down the top NHL forwards into tiers, helping you make informed decisions during your draft.

Tier 1: The Elite

1. Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers: Projected 260.5 points. The undisputed king of fantasy hockey.
2. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche: Projected 253.7 points. Consistent top-tier performer.
3. Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs: Projected 245.9 points. Goal-scoring machine.
4. Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers: Projected 232.9 points. Elite playmaker and scorer.

Tier 2: The Near-Elite

5. David Pastrnak, W, Boston Bruins: Projected 224.3 points. Reliable goal scorer.
6. Sam Reinhart, C, Florida Panthers: Projected 218.5 points. Emerging as a top fantasy option.
7. Nikita Kucherov, W, Tampa Bay Lightning: Projected 208.6 points. Veteran with elite skills.
8. Kirill Kaprizov, W, Minnesota Wild: Projected 205.9 points. Dynamic and consistent.

Tier 3: The High-Upside

9. Dylan Guenther, W, Utah Mammoth: Projected 198.2 points. Young talent with high potential.
10. Elias Pettersson, C, Vancouver Canucks: Projected 197.8 points. Skilled and versatile.
11. Brady Tkachuk, W, Ottawa Senators: Projected 195.7 points. Physical and productive.
12. J.T. Miller, W, New York Rangers: Projected 195.4 points. Reliable scorer.

Tier 4: The Solid Contributors

14. Nick Suzuki, C, Montreal Canadiens: Projected 190.6 points. Consistent and reliable.
15. Jack Hughes, C, New Jersey Devils: Projected 190.3 points. High upside with room to grow.
16. William Nylander, W, Toronto Maple Leafs: Projected 189.9 points. Skilled and productive.
17. Mikko Rantanen, W, Dallas Stars: Projected 189.4 points. Consistent performer.

Tier 5: The Reliable

35. Jake Guentzel, C, Tampa Bay Lightning: Projected 173.3 points. Proven scorer.
36. Martin Necas, C, Colorado Avalanche: Projected 172.4 points. Emerging talent.
37. Aleksander Barkov, C, Florida Panthers: Projected 171.3 points. Reliable and skilled.
38. Vincent Trocheck, C, New York Rangers: Projected 170.7 points. Consistent contributor.

Tier 6: The Bounce-Back Candidates

47. Alex DeBrincat, W, Detroit Red Wings: Projected 165.4 points. Potential for a strong season.
48. Steven Stamkos, C, Nashville Predators: Projected 164.9 points. Veteran with rebound potential.
49. Adrian Kempe, W, Los Angeles Kings: Projected 164.5 points. Reliable scorer.
50. Gabriel Vilardi, C, Winnipeg Jets: Projected 163.6 points. High upside.

Tier 7: The High-Upside

60. Juraj Slafkovsky, W, Montreal Canadiens: Projected 159.0 points. Young talent with potential.
61. Matthew Tkachuk, W, Florida Panthers: Projected 157.6 points. Physical and productive.
62. Dylan Larkin, C, Detroit Red Wings: Projected 156.6 points. Consistent performer.
63. Carter Verhaeghe, C, Florida Panthers: Projected 155.0 points. Emerging talent.

Tier 8: The Reclamation Projects

81. Nazem Kadri, C, Calgary Flames: Projected 146.1 points. Potential for a rebound.
82. Tomas Hertl, C, Vegas Golden Knights: Projected 145.7 points. Skilled and versatile.
83. Elias Lindholm, C, Boston Bruins: Projected 145.6 points. Reliable contributor.
84. Owen Tippett, W, Philadelphia Flyers: Projected 145.1 points. High upside.

Tier 9: The Lottery Tickets

115. Jonathan Marchessault, C, Nashville Predators: Projected 134.4 points. Reliable scorer.
116. Tyler Toffoli, C, San Jose Sharks: Projected 134.0 points. Consistent performer.
117. Kiefer Sherwood, W, Vancouver Canucks: Projected 133.4 points. Emerging talent.
118. Mikael Granlund, C, Anaheim Ducks: Projected 132.7 points. Skilled and versatile.

Conclusion

Understanding player tiers is crucial for a successful fantasy hockey draft. By grouping players into tiers, you can make more informed decisions and avoid panic during your draft. Use this guide to build a winning team and dominate your league in 2025.