Way-Too-Early Top-12 Fantasy Hockey Mock Draft for 2026-27 NHL Season

As the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off, it’s never too early to start strategizing for the upcoming 2026-27 fantasy hockey drafts. With potential roster changes looming due to the NHL Draft, free agency, and trades, rankings are bound to shift. Injuries could also play a role in altering player values, especially during the playoffs and training camp. Nevertheless, this early look can serve as a solid foundation for first-round selections.

Leading the charge is Connor McDavid, who once again showcased his elite talent during the 2025-26 season. He topped the league with an impressive 90 assists and 138 points over 82 games, securing his sixth Art Ross Trophy. McDavid has now reached the 100-point mark in six consecutive seasons and has led the NHL in points four times during that span. His dominance was evident with 43 multipoint performances and 54 power-play points this past season, making him a must-have in any fantasy lineup.

While Nathan MacKinnon has yet to claim the top spot in league scoring, he did take home his first Maurice Richard Trophy in 2025-26 after netting a career-high 53 goals. MacKinnon led the NHL with a remarkable plus-57 rating, along with 42 even-strength goals and 350 shots on goal. His ability to generate offense has consistently placed him among the elite, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers.

Meanwhile, Nikita Kucherov continued his scoring prowess, exceeding the 100-point mark for the fourth straight season with 130 points in 76 games. His 44 goals this season further cemented his status as a top-tier forward, and he was second in the league with 40 multipoint efforts. Over the last three seasons, Kucherov has amassed an astounding 395 points, although his shots per 60 minutes have seen a gradual decline, which could impact his future fantasy value.

Leon Draisaitl made a significant impact despite only playing 65 games in 2025-26, finishing with 35 goals and 97 points. He ranked fourth in the league in points before missing the final 14 games of the season, and he tied for third overall with 42 power-play points. With a history of five consecutive 100-point seasons, Draisaitl is poised for a bounce-back year in 2026-27.

Rising star Connor Bedard took a major leap in his sophomore season, racking up 45 goals and 115 points, including 33 on the power play. His performance nearly propelled the rebuilding Sharks into playoff contention, making him a top prospect for the upcoming draft. At just 19 years old, Bedard’s trajectory suggests he will be a hot commodity in fantasy leagues.

Defenseman Cale Makar had a solid season with 79 points in 75 games, although it marked a slight decline from his previous two campaigns. He still managed to score at least 20 goals for the third consecutive year and ranked third among defensemen with 29 power-play points. Makar leads all blueliners with 261 points over the past three seasons, underscoring his value in fantasy drafts.

David Pastrnak reached the 100-point milestone for the fourth straight season in 2025-26, though he saw a dip in goal production with just 29. However, he recorded a career-high 71 assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. His shooting percentage also fell below his career average, suggesting potential for improvement in the upcoming season.

Martin Necas has emerged as a key player for the Avalanche since being acquired from the Hurricanes. In 2025-26, he set personal bests in goals (38), assists (62), and points (100), adding to his fantasy appeal. His ability to contribute on the power play with 24 points further solidifies his value.

Across the league, Mikko Rantanen posted a productive season with the Dallas Stars, accumulating 22 goals and a team-high 55 assists despite only appearing in 64 games. His impressive production suggests he can maintain fantasy relevance, especially considering his consistent performance over the past few seasons.

Kirill Kaprizov had a strong season, scoring 45 goals and adding 44 assists in 78 games. Although he experienced a dip in production towards the end of the season, his scoring potential makes him a desirable first-round pick for fantasy GMs.

Jason Robertson narrowly missed returning to his 2022-23 form but still managed to score 45 goals and accumulate 96 points. His fifth-place finish in the league with 41 power-play points adds to his fantasy value, making him a solid choice in the upcoming draft.

On the blue line, Evan Bouchard led all defensemen with 74 assists and 95 points in 2025-26, achieving personal bests across the board. His offensive contributions, including 33 power-play points, position him as a top-tier defenseman for the next fantasy season.

Lastly, Auston Matthews had a challenging season, recording only 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games. However, his history of scoring prowess provides considerable bounce-back potential. Nick Suzuki also made headlines by surpassing the 100-point mark for the first time, cementing his status as a rising star in the league.

As the draft approaches, keep an eye on Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski, who are expected to be high picks due to their offensive capabilities from the blue line. Jack Hughes remains a wildcard; his offensive talent is undeniable, but his injury history could temper his fantasy allure.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.