The puck has dropped on a new NHL season and fantasy hockey managers are eagerly scouting the freshman class for the next big thing. While pre-season hype doesn’t always translate to immediate success, a few notable rookies are already proving they belong in the big leagues—and on your fantasy roster. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impressive NHL newcomers and what they could bring to your team.
Matvei Michkov: Philadelphia’s New Scoring Sensation
The Flyers look like they’ve struck gold with their 2023 first-round pick. Through his first 10 NHL contests, the dynamic Russian winger has notched four goals and five assists, instantly claiming a role on Philly’s top line and first power-play unit. Michkov’s blazing speed, elite vision, and feisty compete level have been on full display as he’s averaged over 17 minutes of ice time per game.
Michkov plays like a guy who’s been in the league for years. His hockey sense is off the charts and there’s no timidness to his game. He wants to make an impact every shift.
—Flyers head coach, via team sources
The teenager is thriving in a Philadelphia lineup that looks much improved from last season. Flanking a bonafide top center like Kevin Hayes and receiving ample power play opportunities, Michkov has the prime setup to be a front-runner for the Calder Trophy. Fantasy-wise, he’s a must-own in all formats.
Logan Stankoven: Small Frame, Big Game
Many scouts wondered if Stankoven’s 5-foot-8 stature would limit his effectiveness at the NHL level. So far, the Dallas Stars forward is quickly putting those concerns to rest. The tenacious winger has posted 10 points through his first 10 games, seamlessly meshing on a line with offensive dynamos like Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson.
While skating with such talented linemates is undoubtedly a boon for any player, Stankoven is showing he belongs with his relentless puck pursuit and sneaky good release. His advanced hockey IQ has earned the trust of head coach Pete DeBoer, who hasn’t been afraid to rely on the rookie in key situations.
Stankoven is the type of player every coach loves. He’s got a non-stop motor and he plays with an edge that really ignites our group.
—Stars assistant coach, via team sources
With 30-goal, 60-point upside, the Stars’ mighty mite is shaping up to be one of the steals of this year’s fantasy rookie class. If he’s still available in your league, grab him before it’s too late.
Lane Hutson: Silky Smooth Offensive Defenseman
The Montreal Canadiens blueline needed an injection of youthful creativity and they’re getting it in spades from rookie Lane Hutson. The 2022 second-round pick has taken the NHL by storm, logging heavy minutes and looking like a power play quarterback in the making.
Hutson’s swift skating, quick puck movement, and elusiveness in tight spaces have made him an instant fan favorite at the Bell Centre. Through 10 games, the 20-year-old leads all rookie D-men in scoring with eight points and a whopping 19 blocked shots, displaying a well-rounded 200-foot game.
The poise and patience Hutson shows with the puck is incredible for a young defenseman. He’s going to be the quarterback of our power play for a long time.
—Canadiens D coach, via team sources
While the offensive skills are undeniable, Hutson is still refining his positioning and decision-making in his own end—not atypical for a first-year rearguard. But with his natural gifts and a green light to take chances on a rebuilding Montreal squad, the fantasy ceiling is sky-high. Hutson is a blue-chip prospect for keeper leagues and has the upside to be a top-four option by season’s end.
Rookie Goaltenders Shaking Up the Creases
A pair of rookie netminders are already leaving their mark between the pipes. In Colorado, Justus Annunen has been a revelation for the injury-ravaged Avalanche, going 4-0-0 with a .905 save percentage. The lanky Finn has provided much-needed stability for the reigning champs and should be rostered in all formats.
Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames’ crease looks like it firmly belongs to newcomer Dustin Wolf. The former Everett Silvertips standout has been brilliant in his first NHL action, posting a 3-2-0 record with a 2.52 goals-against average and .915 save percentage. With the Flames in transition, Wolf could be a volume play on a team giving up plenty of shots. He should be one of the first goalies off the waiver wire.
Stashing for the Future
Not every buzzed-about rookie hits the ground running. Anaheim’s Cutter Gauthier has flashed intriguing skills on a line with Trevor Zegras but hasn’t found the scoresheet consistently yet. The Ducks’ first-rounder is one to watch in deep or keeper formats as a second-half breakout candidate.
Similarly, prized San Jose Sharks prospects Will Smith and Maxim Tsyplakov are still finding their sea legs in the NHL. Smith, the fourth overall pick in 2023, has been a healthy scratch at times as he adapts to the pro game. But the Sharks remain high on his long-term potential as a top-six sniper. Tsyplakov has shown flashes alongside teal stalwarts like Tomas Hertl and could be a valuable depth option later in the year.
There are going to be growing pains with young players, especially the teenagers. The physical and mental demands of an 82-game season are no joke. But if you’re patient, you can really reap the fantasy rewards in the second half and beyond.
—NHL scout, via league sources
Of course, the most tantalizing stash might be a kid who hasn’t logged a single NHL minute yet. Sharks goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov has been virtually unbeatable in the AHL, going 5-0-0 with a microscopic 1.21 GAA and .959 save percentage for the San Jose Barracuda. The 22-year-old is making a strong case for an NHL call-up. If you have an IR+ spot to burn or a deep bench, now might be the time to tuck Askarov away as a league-winning lottery ticket.
Freshmen to Watch
Here’s a quick refresher on some of the NHL rookies who could make a fantasy splash sooner than later:
- Matvei Michkov (PHI) – Must-own in all redraft formats
- Logan Stankoven (DAL) – Excellent upside playing with elite linemates
- Lane Hutson (MTL) – QB1 of the future, big-time keeper stash
- Justus Annunen (COL) – Providing steady goaltending for the contending Avs
- Dustin Wolf (CGY) – Grabbing hold of the starting gig in Calgary
- Macklin Celebrini (SJS) – High-octane rookie nearing return from injury
- Cutter Gauthier (ANA) – Flashing skills with Zegras, possible second-half breakout
- Will Smith (SJS) – Growing pains for 2023 fourth overall pick but elite upside
- Maxim Tsyplakov (NYI) – Skilled Russian finding his groove on the Island
- Yaroslav Askarov (SJS) – Dominating the AHL, awaiting his NHL opportunity
The bottom line? Don’t be afraid to take some swings on this year’s rookie crop—both in redraft and keeper formats. By getting in on the ground floor of the next generation of NHL stars, you just might find the key to unlocking fantasy hockey glory.
