Fantasy hockey draft preview – Top ten rookies to know this season

They serve as both the present and the future for their respective organizations and your own fantasy team. Undeniably initial targets in the dynasty and goalkeeper leagues, the following 10 premature Calder Trophy candidates also show promising performances as valuable players in most reformulation leagues.

Macklin Celebrini, C, San Jose Sharks

A goal/assist showing in his first turn on NHL ice this preseason certainly won't upset expectations. Nor should it, as this year's first overall draft pick will center a Sharks top line alongside Tyler Toffoli and (likely) Fabian Zetterlund right from the start. A place in the primary position of power is also for the 18-year-old to lose. Although a repeat of last year's numbers at Boston University (1.7 points/game) is far too big an ask, the youngest ever winner of the Hobey Baker Award expects to reach 60 with ease. Quite a few of them count as goals. San Jose is better this year. Celebrini, an immediate target in the fantasy dynasty league, helps them do just that.

Logan Stankoven, RW, Dallas Stars

Last year Stankoven participated in 24 matches and fell below the participation limit without having a game left. Yet he remains a rookie. One with great promise to build on his taste of a crusade that has seen the 21-year-old score six goals and eight assists. That's in addition to the 57 points earned in 47 games while playing with adults in the AHL. His underlying NHL numbers are even more impressive. In five-on-five action, Stankoven led the stars in goals for percentage (63.09 GF%), Corsi for percentage (58.68 CF%) and goals for/60 minutes (3.69 GF/60), according Evolving hockey.

While it's hardly a full season, 24 games is substantial enough to get excited about. Together with Wyatt Johnston and newcomer Mavrik Bourque (keep an eye on him too), Stankoven is emerging as a fast-rising star in one of the better teams in the West.

Matvei Michkov, RW, Philadelphia Flyers

One of the most dynamic forwards for the Flyers this preseason, Michkov lives up to the hype. He hustles, creates chances, protects the puck and scores.

According to head coach John Tortorella, “He can protect the puck, and he's certainly willing to be in the areas to get the puck.” High praisesource considered.

Barring an unexpected change of direction, Michkov will start the 2024-2025 season on equal terms with Morgan Frost and Owen Tippett. After three seasons of scoring against men in the KHL, he's starting to produce. This young guy is the complete package, fantasy and otherwise. Bet he finishes in the top four in scoring, if not better, for the Flyers this season.

Kotter Gauthier, LW, Anaheim Ducks

After gaining 20 pounds this season, Gauthier is ready to propel himself into a permanent top-six position with a young Ducks team.

“I didn't want to come into the league and be tossed around by all the big defensemen they have in the NHL now,” the 20-year-old said. NHL.com mid-September. “I wanted to be physical, play my game and not be timid with anyone else. It feels good so far, I'm not too slow at the moment.”

After scoring 38 goals and 27 assists in 41 games at Boston College last season, the fifth overall draft pick (2022) earned an assist in his one and only NHL game. A regular role alongside center Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry or veteran Alex Killorn should provide Gauthier with much more of the same. He is also expected to feature in the club's top flight. The added incentive of having something to prove after trying to engineer a trade away from the team that drafted him shouldn't hurt either.

Will Smith, C/W San Jose Sharks

Celebrini's training camp roommate — both he and Smith are expected to move in with retired Sharks Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau, respectively, once the season starts — is another budding performer worthy of fantasy consideration outside of the dynasty league. The Boston College alumna, who is expected to skate somewhere in the top six for San Jose, could also burst out for impressive scoring numbers right away.

Hey, a year older, Smith racked up more points than Celebrini in college, and some experts think he might be able to play pro again. However it plays out, the Bay Area's internal battle for the productive supremacy of rookies could be fun to watch. Select the versatile forward in deeper reshuffle leagues.

Nikolai Kovalenko, RW, Colorado Avalanche

A fantasy wild card in year one, the older rookie could either find a role in Colorado's top six alongside center Casey Mittelstadt or see less than 10 minutes per game on the fourth line. Even if he gets the first one right, who knows what will happen if/when Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin return.

So what's to like about the soon-to-be 25-year-old KHL export? He is gifted offensively, as evidenced by the recent preseason loss to the Stars in which he earned two primary assists. Coach Jared Bednar likes him, and there's the aforementioned experience factor. Kovalenko has been successfully competing against men in the Kontinental Hockey League since 2018.

If nothing else, keep an eye on him as a streaming option, should the barely Calder-eligible forward secure a top gig with the Avs.

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Lane Hutson, D, Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens fans are excited about this kid, and for good reason. After a productive run with Boston University in which he averaged 1.3 points per game, the diminutive defenseman scored an assist in each of two NHL games with Montreal to round out the 2023-2024 season while averaging nearly 23 minutes of ice time.

It's not a matter of as the 20 year old reaches the plateau of over 45 points, but when. This year? Next? A lot could depend on whether Hutson has a shot at the Habs' No. 1 power play instead of the No. 2. The young blueliner is a must-draft performer in dynasty and goalie leagues and should also be considered in all but the most superficial of re-draft leagues.

Arthur Silow, G, Vancouver Canucks

While Thatcher Demko remains sidelined indefinitely with a uniquely problematic knee issue, Silovs currently serves as the No. 1 goaltender for a Canucks team that finished atop the Pacific just a season ago. For what it's worth, he was fantastic in a recent 3-1 win over the Kraken in preseason, offering hope that the largely untested 23-year-old could be able to build on last season's promise.

There is no doubt about how Silovs will fare after just nine regular season appearances (through two campaigns) and ten in the playoffs. But then again, this is a very good Vancouver team and the Latvian has generally performed well when given an unexpected assignment. Everything is going positively, it is said that he could seriously compete for the Calder. After securing another proven performer, or two in smaller leagues, Silovs is certainly worth a fantasy swing in any redraft leagues.

Dustin Wolf, G, Calgary Flames

The most pressing concern is that the rebuilding Flames likely won't win many games in 2024-2025. With that in mind, Calgary's current top players are expected to play a substantial portion of them. My guess is more than netminding partner Dan Vladar. If the Flames lose less often than expected, Wolf could become one of the most valuable under-the-radar pickups of the year. We'll see.

Justus Annunen, G, Colorado Avalanche

Something happens with Alexandar Georgiev – who is in the final year of his current contract – and Annunen will likely take over Colorado's No. 1 spot immediately. That might not be the most tragic turn for the Avs, as the 24-year-old was good to excellent – ​​14-8-1, 2.25 GAA, .928 SV% – when he was offered the opportunity a season ago. At the very least, it presents itself as another worthwhile streaming option when it's up and running.

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