Word spread quickly that star player Connor McDavid finalized a two-year contract agreement with the Edmonton Oilers, a development occurring the day prior to the commencement of the 2025-26 NHL season. Those involved in simulated hockey leagues are well-acquainted with McDavid’s exceptional skills on the ice. Having secured the Hart Trophy three times, he is anticipated to be among the first players chosen in the 2025 simulated hockey drafts. A similar expectation surrounds Nikita Kucherov, a forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Kucherov’s importance in simulated hockey has risen following his NHL-leading performance of 121 points (comprising 37 goals and 84 assists) across 78 regular-season matches during the previous season.
Discussion of simulated hockey inevitably includes Nathan MacKinnon, recognized as a key member of the Colorado Avalanche and predicted to be an early selection in simulated hockey competitions. The question arises: Should MacKinnon, or perhaps one of his teammates, be your initial choice in the simulated hockey draft? Prior to deciding on your selections for the 2025-26 simulated hockey season, it is advisable to consult the 2025-26 simulated hockey rankings provided by SportsLine’s predictive computer model.
The model is the creation of Mike McClure, a data engineer specializing in prediction and a seasoned participant in daily simulated leagues, with career earnings exceeding $2 million. He has employed his predictive model to simulate the complete 2025-26 NHL schedule 10,000 times, pinpointing potential overachievers, emerging talents, and underperforming players for simulated hockey. Visit SportsLine immediately to explore his findings.
Top 2025-26 Fantasy hockey picks
Among the potential overachievers for the 2025-26 simulated hockey season identified by SportsLine is Steven Stamkos, a forward for the Predators. The 35-year-old experienced a sluggish start in his debut season with Nashville, amassing only 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists) over 82 games, marking his lowest statistics since his initial season. Nevertheless, the model expresses optimism based on Stamkos’ improved performance towards the season’s end, suggesting he possesses greater value for simulated hockey than his Average Draft Position (ADP) indicates.
The two-time Stanley Cup champion accumulated 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) during his final 24 games of the 2024-25 season, which featured five goals scored during power-play situations and one game-winning goal. Partnering with young Fedor Svechkov, he can contribute to the second-year center’s development and enhance the Predators’ time in the offensive zone. McClure’s model ranks Stamkos at No. 24, a significant elevation from his ADP of 105.
Another noteworthy consideration is Moritz Seider, a defenseman for the Red Wings, identified as a prime candidate for breakout performance this season in simulated hockey. The 24-year-old German defenseman has maintained a low profile during his initial NHL seasons, coinciding with Detroit’s extensive rebuilding phase over the past decade. His enhanced performance in the previous season lends confidence to the model’s projection of a successful 2025-26 campaign.
Seider was compelled to assume increased responsibility last season following the Red Wings’ decision to trade fellow defenseman Jake Walman. Despite these additional duties, Seider demonstrated improvements in defense, evidenced by a career-low minus-5 rating, and in special teams, achieving a career-high of 24 points during power plays, while averaging a career-high of 25:04 minutes per game. His ADP surpasses 110, yet the SportsLine model values him at No. 46, positioning him as a potentially valuable acquisition for simulated hockey participants. Access the comprehensive rankings here.
How to find proven 2025-26 Fantasy hockey rankings
The model also offers a surprising assessment of Igor Shesterkin, the Rangers’ goalie, who confronted a league-leading 1,751 shots against during the previous season. The most current simulated hockey rankings for 2025-26 are exclusively available here.
What is the precise value of each NHL player according to the 2025-26 simulated hockey rankings? Visit SportsLine to gain access to these rankings, compiled by a professional DFS player with over $2 million in career winnings, who has simulated the entire NHL season 10,000 times.
