MCKEEN’S 2026-27 NHL YEARBOOK: Fantasy Prospect Rankings – Top 30 Forwards

When preparing a fantasy draft or evaluating prospects for a trade in your fantasy league, you need to understand the difference between rankings and fantasy rankings.

The difference can be subtle, or significant depending on your league's scoring and format. Generally speaking, fantasy rankings are based on projected point production.

I have found that the vast majority of readers who read and follow my work are in dynasty keeper leagues with peripheral stats, or bangers leagues. The following rankings are based on projected point production and include added value to players who can contribute to other categories, such as hits, blocks, PIMs, and faceoff wins.

In fantasy hockey, we have a limited number of prospect roster spots, and as such I put higher value on prospects who have a quicker ETA to the NHL or have superstar upside.

This will help you identify the top 30 forwards, 20 defencemen, and ten goalies to target in your fantasy leagues.

To be considered a prospect, skaters must be under 26-years-old as of September 15th, 2026, and have played in under 60 career games, or less than 35 in a single season. For goalies, less than 30 career games played, or 15 in a single season.

Top 30 Forwards

1. Gavin McKenna, LW – Toronto Maple Leafs

Winning the draft lottery was a massive stroke of Luck for the Leafs. Selecting McKenna first overall gives them an impact, franchise core player who could be a major contributor for years. Does McKenna have McDavid or Crosby upside? No, not likely. But he projects safely as an offensive, play-driving winger with comparisons in style to Patrick Kane and Nikita Kucherov.  Playing in the NCAA in his draft year helped McKenna prepare for the jump to the NHL, and he improved some of his shortcomings in the second half of his season at Penn State. The Leafs would love him to seize a first line role with Matthews and Knies and bring some panache to the offence.

2. Ivar Stenberg, LW – San Jose Sharks

The easiest pick in the 2026 NHL Draft may have been second overall, selecting whichever franchise winger the Leafs did not select at first overall. The Sharks consolation prize with the second selection was Stenberg. Stenberg had a tremendous draft year playing in the SHL, WJC, and WC and dominated at every level as an 18-year-old. Look for Stenberg to slot alongside Celebrini in the coming season and be a favourite for the Calder Trophy. The Sharks have amassed a very impressive collection of elite prospects with Celebrini and Stenberg as their crown jewels.

3. Porter Martone, RW – Philadelphia Flyers

Many players took advantage of the open window allowing CHL players to join the NCAA, and none benefited from it more than Martone. The NCAA is significantly closer to the NHL than the CHL and offers a development path that prepares select players the opportunity to play against bigger, older, stronger, faster competition. Martone shined with Michigan State as a freshman, scoring 50 points and 78 PIMs in 35 games. Martone signed with the Flyers after the school year ended and walking into a top role with the Flyers scoring ten points in nine games to close the season, with another five points in ten playoff games. Martone has arrived as a top six winger.

4. Tij Iginla, LW – Utah Mammoth

A hip injury that required surgery cut his D+1 season short to just 21 games. Iginla had a big bounce back season in his final year in the WHL, scoring 41 goals and 90 points in 48 games with the Rockets. Tij plays the game much like his old man did and comparing him to Hall of Famer Jarome is not nepotism, it is very warranted. Tij is a highly skilled and competitive player that has some determination in his game that says he will not be denied. Iginla will turn pro for the coming season and do not be surprised if he breaks camp on the NHL roster rather than in the AHL.

5. Anton Frondell, C – Chicago Blackhawks

The Hawks selected Frondell third overall in the 2025 NHL Draft and loaned him back to the SHL for more development. He had a solid SHL season and was impressive internationally with Sweden. He finished the year in the NHL scoring nine points in the last 12 games with the Hawks, showing he has arrived as a top six NHL player. Frondell may ultimately end up as a winger, but you should count on him posting around point per-game production over his career.

6. Ilya Protas, LW – Washington Capitals

I was hesitant to rank Protas as high as I did in last year's ranking where he placed ninth overall. Turn out, I was not overvaluing him, just ahead of the curve. The Caps 2024 second round pick has been the hottest rising hockey prospect since his draft. His D+1 year was outstanding leading the OHL in scoring 50 goals and 124 points with Windsor. The question was, could the 6-foot-foot-5, 225-foot-pound power forward succeed at the AHL level? The answer was hell yes! The 19-year-old led the Hershey Bears in scoring 29 goals and 66 points in 69 games. His play commanded an NHL look and in four games in April, he scored four points with the big club. Protas will join his big brother in the NHL where the duo will be just as menacing as the Tkachuk brothers.

7. Igor Chernyshov, LW – San Jose Sharks

The Sharks got a steal with the first pick in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft in Chernyshov. He missed the first half of his D+1 season due to injury but posted an eye-popping 55 points in 33 games in the OHL with Saginaw when he returned. Last season he started in the AHL and ended up splitting the season between the Barracuda and Sharks, scoring 19 points in 28 NHL games. The 6-foot-2 power forward is now a full-time NHL player and top six winger that will also provide good peripheral stats.

8. Isaac Howard, LW – Edmonton Oilers

Ranked third on this list last year, Howard has fallen hard. After being traded to the Oilers for Sam O’Reilly Howard looked poised to step into the NHL to ride shotgun with either Connor McDavad, or Leon Draisaitl. Howard had a good preseason, but once the regular season hit and things got real, he quickly fell out of the top six. He played a total of 29 NHL games (just enough to maintain eligibility for this list) and scored five points. Ho-hum. But what keeps him inside the top ten on this list is the 24 goals and 50 points he scored in 47 AHL games in Bakersfield. I still believe in Howard. He could see more development time in the AHL this year but look for a long NHL career with 70-to-80-point potential or more with his centre options in Edmonton.

9. James Hagens, C – Boston Bruins

For a good portion of his draft year, Hagens was ranked either first, or in the top three of his class. He ended up falling to seventh overall to Boston. Fast forward one year and his stock has bounced back on the heels of a 47-point freshman season at Boston College with strong showings with Team USA at both the WJC and WC. Hagens signed an AHL deal to finish the season in Providence, and four points in six games showed he was NHL ready and joined the Bruins for two regular season and three playoff games. Hagens will play in the NHL in the coming season as he will begin his ascent to the Bruins first line centre.

10. Michael Hage, C – Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens 2024 first-round pick (21^st overall) has two seasons of NCAA development under his belt and a stat line of 26 goals and 86 points in 72 career games with the University of Michigan. Hage was dominant for Canada at the WJC with 15 points in seven games and could be NHL ready today. But Hage will return for his junior year to play with his brother and should get a cup of coffee with the Canadiens at the end of the season. When he arrives, he should assume the 2C position behind Nick Suzuki rather quickly.

11. Alexander Zharovsky, RW – Montreal Canadiens

Speaking of the Canadiens future second line, Zharovsky should be another late season addition that could make a big impact. The 6-foot-2 Russian puck magician will return to the KHL for the coming season to follow up his Rookie of the Year 42-point performance. Zharovsky has one more year remaining on his KHL contract but expect him to sign with Montreal when his season with Salavat concludes. A second line of Hage, Zharovsky and Ivan Demidov gives Montreal a very formidable top six forward group.

12. Konsta Helenius, C – Buffalo Sabres

Helenius was selected 14^th overall in the 2024 Draft by Buffalo. He went from the NHL Draft to the AHL where as an 18-year-old rookie, he posted 35 points, in 65 games. He scored another six in eight playoff games as a precursor to what was coming. His sophomore AHL campaign production exploded to 63 points in as many games, and he earned his NHL debut playing in nine games and producing four points. Helenius is NHL ready now and is a likely candidate to make the NHL roster out of training camp. He is a player on the rise.

13. Jake O’Brien, C – Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken have now had five NHL drafts to find a franchise scoring forward. They have selected the likes of Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, Berkley Catton, Jagger Firkus, and Eduard Sale. While all of these options could still emerge as the guy for the Kraken, it is popular opinion the Jake O’Brien has the highest potential of the group. The 6-foot-2 centre posted 98 points in his draft year and had another monster season leading the powerhouse Brantford Bulldogs in scoring with 93 points. O’Brien joined the AHL affiliate Coachella Valley Firebirds for their four game playoff series but was held pointless. Expect him to sign and take advantage of the newly opened window, allowing 19-year-old players to join the AHL.

14. Roman Kantserov, RW – Chicago Blackhawks

Another highly skilled Russian winger coming to America is Roman Kantserov. The Russian sniper scored 36 goals to lead the KHL in scoring as a 21-year-old. That accomplishment set a new record for an under 22-year-old, eclipsing the previous record of 30 held by Kirill Kaprizov. Kantserov was a Hawks second round pick in 2023. His size at 5-foot-9, 176 pounds is a concern and is part of what kept his draft rankings outside of the first round. But his continued development and production at the KHL level is inspiring. Playing full time with Connor Bedard could put him into Calder Trophy consideration.

15. Caleb Desnoyers, C – Utah Mammoth

Desnoyers had a slow start to his season after wrist surgery held him out of training camp, but by the WJC he found his sea legs and with Team Canada posted six assists in seven games and he finished the year with 78 points in 45 games with the Moncton Wildcats. Now healthy, Desnoyers is signed and will try to break camp with the Mammoth where he could eventually fill the second line centre role behind Logan Cooley, proving a strong two-way presence with strength in draws. His fantasy ceiling may not be elite, but his floor is quite high, and he should be contributing sooner than later.

16. Viggo Bjorck, C – Winnipeg Jets

The concerns with ranking Viggo at 15th are his size, 5-foot-9, 181pounds and his age, 18-years-old, fresh from the 2026 NHL Draft.  The reasons he ranks this high are his hockey sense, his compete level, his skill, and he has signed with the Jets and could very conceivably make the team this fall. He has already had success playing older, bigger competition in the SHL, was dominant at the WJC and impressed again with Sweden at the WC with six points in eight games. Bjorck is respected by his peers, revered by his teammates and will be loved by the Jets fans when he arrives. One thing I learned about him in watching his game in his draft year is his will to win and succeed. Underestimate him at your own peril.

17. Andrew Cristall, LW – Washington Capitals

The prolific offensive winger posted a 95-point season in just 54 games in his draft year. The Capitals drafted him 40th overall in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft. His draft stock was low as his size at 5-foot-10" 187 pounds left some asking if he could produce at the professional level. Last year he made his pro debut and was second in team scoring with 60 points in 72 games with the Hershey Bears. Cristall has made a successful jump to the AHL and showed he can produce in the playoffs as well with seven points in six games. He is close to NHL and could start the year in Washington but could still see more AHL development as the Washington forward top six is crowded.

18. Caleb Malhotra, C – Vancouver Canucks

Malhotra enjoyed a monster breakout season as an OHL rookie with the Brantford Bulldogs. Always committed to the NCAA development route, he joined the OHL for his draft year one the CHL to NCAA window opened. Malhotra scored 84 points in 64 regular season games and another 26 in 15 playoff games. The Bulldogs were an All-Star roster, but Malhotra immediately played his way into a top line role and as a play driver. All eyes will be watching to see if his high-end offensive production can carry over to the NCAA at Boston University. Even if his offence is not elite at the pro level, he still projects as a reliable two-way, top six centre.

19. Jonathan Lekkerimaki, RW – Vancouver Canucks

The stock watch on Lekkerimaki is falling. After a promising debut in North America in 2024-25 where he split time between the AHL and NHL, he was trending up. Expectations that he would be a full-time NHL player last season, but injuries limited him to a total of 34 games. Only 13 of those games were with the Canucks, and his production of only three points is underwhelming. Lekkerimaki needs a bounce back season as he is trending from blue chip prospect, to boom or bust.

20. Bradly Nadeau, RW – Carolina Hurricanes

Would the real Bradly Nadeau please stand up? Fantasy owners are waiting on the Nadeau that had an NCAA freshman year of 46 points in 37 games. Or the AHL Nadeau that has 114 points in 116 career games with the Chicago Wolves. Then there was the Team Canada WJC Nadeau that was expected to be an offensive scoring leader but only scored two points in five games. The NHL Nadeau is even more underwhelming with just four points in 15 games with the Hurricanes. Still only 21-years-old, it is too soon to label Nadeau as a “tweener”, but he needs to show some NHL production this year. Can he do it on the defending Stanly Cup Champions?

21. Victor Eklund, RW – New York Islanders

The Islanders 2025 first round pick (16^th overall) had a great D+1 season. After signing with the Islanders, he was loaned to Djurgardens in the SHL where he produced 24 points in 43 games. Eklund was a key player in Sweden's World Junior Gold Medal scoring eight points in seven games. While undersized at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds he is an aggressive forechecking player with a high compete level. Eklund finished the season in North America with an impressive AHL showing of ten points in nine games and played in his debut NHL game, recording his first career point. Eklund may start the season in the AHL with the Hammers but could end up with more NHL games than AHL games by seasons end.

22. Cole Reschny, C – Calgary Flames

The playmaking centre had an impressive transition from the WHL to the NCAA where he scored 35 points in 36 games with the University of North Dakota. But of those 35 points, only six were goals. Yes, Reschny is more of a playmaker than goal scorer, but he did score back-to-back 20+ goal seasons with the Victoria Royals. With the Flames in a rebuild, Reschny will return to the NCAA for his sophomore season where he will work on developing his goal scoring and strength. He needs some time but is trending towards a 1B or second line centre for the Flames.

23. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, LW/RW - Detroit Red Wings

Selected 15^th overall in 2025, MBN played his rookie season in the AHL in 2025-foot-26 and made an impact. Both physically and on the score sheet. While only 6-foot-1, 207 pounds, he plays a heavy game, is physical, strong on the boards and in front of the net. He scored 20 goals and 44 points in 60 games in Grand Rapids. His strong play earned him an NHL recall, and while in 14 games he only posted one point, he delivered 43 hits. Detroit's depth is not overwhelming, and there is a real opportunity for MBN to steal an NHL roster spot out of camp.

24. Brady Martin, C – Nashville Predators

After being selected fifth overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Brady Martin had a D+1 season of ups and downs. Martin had a strong first training camp and made the Predators opening night roster. But after three regular season games, he returned to the Soo in the OHL. He had a hot start with 11 points in the first five games, then we cold with no points in the next five games. Martin was dominant for Canada at the WJC where he had eight points in six games but suffered a significant shoulder injury that cost him a month of playing time.  His second half was inconsistent as the shoulder troubled him. Martin is a strong and physical player that can provide offensive support in a top six role. He will bring offensive and peripheral stat contributions.

25. Charlie Stramel, C – Minnesota Wild

After being selected 21^st overall in 2023 by the Wild, Stramel played two seasons in the NCAA at the University of Wisconsin. Despite his pedigree, he struggled with the Badgers posting only 20 points over 67 games. A move to Michigan State got his game back on track, and in his senior year he posted 19 goals, 44 points in 37 games and was named a Hobey Baker finalist. Still only 21-years-old, the 6-foot-3, 216-pound power forward will see some development time in the AHL with the Iowa Wild for the coming season. He should get a cup of coffee with the big club and be in a position this time next year to make the team full-time.

26. Roger McQueen, C – Anaheim Ducks

Big Rog has Tage Thompson upside in his game. And similar to Tage, it may take McQueen some time to realize his full potential. McQueen was one of many CHL players to move to the NCAA last year and for the more physically developed players like the 6-foot-6, 203 pound McQueen, it was a decision made with the goal of fast tracking to the NHL. As a freshman at Providence, McQueen scored 27 points and had 45 PIMs in 36 games. When his season concluded, he signed with the Ducks and played the final seven regular season games in the AHL with San Diego, scoring three points. Expect McQueen to require at least a full season or more of AHL development as he continues to develop towards his projection of dominant, physical and offensive first line centre.

27. Cayden Lindstrom, C – Columbus Blue Jackets

It has been a rough go for the big man since being drafted fourth overall by Columbus in 2024. The 6-foot-3, 220 pound centre missed his entire D+1 regular season after back surgery. Lindstrom opted to make his comeback in the NCAA, rather than return to junior and played with a stacked Michigan State team. He struggled as a freshman in both production and quality of ice time. The adjustment was a difficult one and coupled with a year's worth of rust; he only produced 10 points in 31 games. But the adjustment to NCAA is a big one; big players take longer to develop, and he stayed healthy for the entire season. With Porter Martone moving to the NHL, Lindstrom should see an increased role with the Spartans and could see a big sophomore spike in production similar to what Dean Leturneau produced.

28. Trevor Connelly, LW – Vegas Golden Knights

There are several red flags on Connelly's file, including but not limited to character flaws, discipline concerns, and injury history. They raise serious concerns about his potential to play in the NHL. Where there are very little concerns about his ability to play in the NHL is his on-ice production and ability. He is a dynamic, offensive creative force and skater. Connelly played his rookie season in the AHL with the Henderson Silver Knights, scoring 49 points in 46 games. Connelly will return to the AHL for more development in his overall game and should start seeing some NHL recalls. Vegas does not have a storied record of developing their drafted prospects, but Connelly could be the first graduate and be an impact player.

29. Rutger McGroarty, C/RW

McGroarty had a big sophomore season splitting time between the AHL and NHL regularly. His AHL point pace nearly doubled from 0.65 to 1.13, while his NHL games played increased from eight games to 24. It was an important season of development as the Penguins continue to rebuild, adding depth to their prospect pool and young NHL players to the roster. McGroarty is a smart, two-way, and physical player. His skating limitations may force him to the wing as an NHL player, but that could happen out of training camp.

30. Dean Letourneau, C – Boston Bruins

Drafting players who posted gawdy counting stats in high school can be risky business. The Bruins selected the 6-foot-7, 229-pound centre after posting 127 points in 56 games at St. Andrews. That risk looked like it blew up in their face as in his D+1 season in the NCAA at Providence, Letourneau struggled mightily scoring zero goals and just three assists in 36 games with Boston College. What a difference a year makes, Letourneau had a massive bounce back season as a sophomore to the tune of 22 goals and 39 points in 36 games with the Eagles. Big players tend to take longer to develop, and Letourneau will return for his junior season at Boston College. He may need a few more years of development, but he has shaken the “Bust” label and is now a must own fantasy prospect.