Unmasking the Rising Stars in Fantasy Hockey 2024-2025

In the world of fantasy hockey, success often hinges on a player’s skill set and the opportunity to exploit it. A player’s ability to score goals and assists is magnified when they are part of a top-tier scoring line or power play, compared to being in the bottom six. In light of this, we present to you a sneak peek into some of the lesser-known fantasy forwards poised to make a significant impact due to their on-ice partnerships in the 2024-2025 season.

Tyler Bertuzzi, W, Chicago Blackhawks

Tyler Bertuzzi is set to have his first 55-plus point season since his 62-point performance in 68 games with the Red Wings in 2021-22. This is largely due to his prime ice time with Connor Bedard. Despite a slow start last season with the Maple Leafs, Bertuzzi picked up his pace towards the end, scoring 22 points, including 15 goals, in his last 29 games. In addition to his scoring prowess, his physical playing style adds an extra dimension to leagues that reward hits.

Fantasy stack: Bedard/Bertuzzi

Jake DeBrusk, W, Vancouver Canucks

At 27, Jake DeBrusk is relishing his chance to play alongside Elias Pettersson. DeBrusk acknowledges the magnitude of this opportunity and is ready to shoulder it. With a new contract and in his prime, DeBrusk is poised to achieve a career-first of 30 goals and possibly even 40 if he develops a strong synergy with Pettersson and maintains his health.

Fantasy stack: Pettersson/DeBrusk

Mats Zuccarello, W, Minnesota Wild

Despite being a consistent performer, 37-year-old Mats Zuccarello often goes unnoticed in the fantasy hockey world. His undervalued status allows shrewd managers to bolster their rosters with a player who amassed 63 points in 69 games last season. Zuccarello is slated to continue his top line/power play role with Kirill Kaprizov.

Fantasy stack: Kaprizov/Zuccarello

Jeff Skinner, W, Edmonton Oilers

Jeff Skinner seems to be the lucky winger to play alongside Leon Draisaitl this season. Skinner, who scored 35 goals and 47 assists in 79 games for Buffalo just two years ago, is in an ideal position to match or surpass that tally, thanks to his lucrative role with Draisaitl.

Fantasy stack: Draisaitl/Skinner

JJ Peterka, W, Buffalo Sabres

A rising star on the horizon, JJ Peterka is on the brink of a breakout season. After racking up 32 points in his rookie season and a significant improvement in his second season, the forward is set to easily score 30/30 in his third season with linemates Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch.

Fantasy stack: Thompson/Peterka

Matthew Knies, W, Toronto Maple Leafs

Matthew Knies, in the final year of his entry-level contract, is ready to make a substantial impact. The 21-year-old, who earned 35 points in his rookie year, is poised to become a near point-per-game player this season, playing on a top line with Auston Matthews and Mitchell Marner.

Fantasy stack: Matthews/Knies

Anthony Duclair, W, New York Islanders

For Anthony Duclair, consistency is the key. When he’s in form, he’s explosive. As he enters his first of four seasons with the Islanders, a regular role on a top line with Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal should aid his performance.

Fantasy stack: Horvat/Duclair

And More to Watch…

Other players to keep an eye on include Tommy Novak, C, Nashville Predators (Fantasy stack: Stamkos/Novak); Shane Pinto, C, Ottawa Senators (Fantasy stack: Norris/Pinto); J.T. Compher, C, Detroit Red Wings (Fantasy stack: Kane/Compher); Kirby Dach, C, Montreal Canadiens; and Reilly Smith, W, New York Rangers. These players are all set to make a significant impact in the 2024-2025 fantasy hockey season.