The NHL offseason is shaping up to be active, with the free agency period commencing on July 1st. Key players like Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett, and Nikolaj Ehlers are anticipated to be available, alongside numerous others potentially involved in trades.
For fantasy hockey enthusiasts seeking an advantage, understanding potential role changes and the availability of key positions is vital for assessing players` fantasy value before drafts.
This analysis will be updated frequently with new signings and trades, detailing their likely impact on fantasy hockey rosters.
JJ Peterka, W, Utah Mammoth: Although Peterka, at 23, is a rising fantasy player (achieving 1.72 fantasy points per game in 2024-25), his ice time might decrease with the Mammoth. Having averaged 18:11 with the Sabres, including significant top power-play time (2:54), he might face reduced opportunities on a deeper Utah roster. To exceed last season`s performance and become a fantasy difference-maker, securing a spot on the primary power play unit is crucial. Given that Clayton Keller, Dylan Guenther, and Logan Cooley appear set for top roles, Peterka must earn the remaining forward spot. His breakthrough was fueled by an increase of 11 power-play points from the previous season, highlighting the importance of his deployment. For keeper leagues, Peterka`s long-term fantasy potential remains high as part of Utah`s core. Dynasty league managers should value him highly. Regarding the players moving to the Sabres, Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan might have situational fantasy value in 2025-26 based on their usage. While their per-minute stats suggest upside, they are likely waiver wire options rather than draft targets early in the season.
Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks: Despite missing the entire 2024-25 regular season, Kane demonstrated his fantasy relevance during the Oilers` Stanley Cup Final run, averaging 1.7 fantasy points per game over 21 playoff games – sufficient for borderline fantasy consideration. This production occurred with limited ice time alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. With Brock Boeser expected to leave Vancouver and potential further offseason changes, Kane could become the Canucks` premier scoring winger. This move might elevate his fantasy value, particularly if he plays with Elias Pettersson (assuming Pettersson rebounds) and receives power-play time, which was scarce for him in Edmonton.
Mason Marchment to the Seattle Kraken: Marchment represents a player whose fantasy value can fluctuate but becomes useful in hot streaks when matched with suitable linemates. Seattle`s roster, known for its depth rather than reliance on star players, provides a fitting environment for such a winger. Consequently, Marchment could potentially slot anywhere from the third to the first line, depending on line combinations. However, his fantasy upside is limited by his likely ice time, which might remain around 15 minutes per game unless he earns a spot alongside Matty Beniers. He has displayed defensive acumen (described as “Selke-like”), which enhances his appeal in leagues that count the plus/minus statistic, where he has ranked among the top 20 forwards over the last four years.
Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers: For fantasy managers completing their drafts with established core players, Zegras joining the Flyers presents a worthwhile late-round gamble. His initial high profile, boosted by highlight-reel plays like the `Michigan`, has diminished, but it`s worth considering how much of this decline is due to his previous team environment and injuries. A pessimistic view might suggest his situation hasn`t significantly improved with a move to another rebuilding team like the Flyers. Conversely, an optimistic perspective hopes his injury misfortunes over the last two seasons won`t continue; Zegras missed 76 games in that period, severely impacting his fantasy output. Even in a relatively healthy 2022-23 season where he played 81 games and averaged 18:49 of ice time, his 1.65 fantasy points per game was below expectations. With the Flyers, Zegras will compete for center minutes alongside players like Sean Couturier and Noah Cates, but the potential ice time is available. Playing with promising wingers like Matvei Michkov and Travis Konecny offers the possibility of rekindling his offensive potential.
Duncan Priestley