The Hockey News has released its fantasy hockey ranking of the top 10 centers projected for the 2026-27 NHL season, a list that spotlights the players who will drive offensive production and value in fantasy leagues.
Fantasy Hockey's Top 10 Centers for 2026-27
Leading the pack is Connor McDavid, who secures the number one spot thanks to his sixth Art Ross Trophy and a decade of consistent performance that includes averaging more than 22 minutes of ice time per game.
Right behind him, Nathan MacKinnon holds the second position, his explosive offensive style having topped the league in shots for three straight seasons, even as his point totals dipped toward the end of the most recent campaign.
Coming in third, 20‑year‑old Macklin Celebrini has shown a marked jump in point production, climbing from 0.90 to 1.40 points per game, and is currently fourth in Hart Trophy voting, underscoring his rapid rise.
Leon Draisaitl occupies the fourth slot, his career shooting percentage of 18.6% reflecting efficiency, though his fantasy value is tempered by relatively lower volume.
Jack Eichel is fifth, with the potential to reach the 100‑point plateau if he commits to an offensive approach, despite a history of injuries that have limited his availability.
Auston Matthews, ranked sixth, continues to be a prolific scorer, boasting a career total of 428 goals since entering the NHL, even as his recent goal output has slipped.
Tage Thompson, seventh, has repeatedly posted at least 40 goals per season and appears poised for further growth as the Buffalo Sabres improve around him.
Jack Hughes, eighth, impressed with a breakout 99‑point season, yet his progress is hampered by a shoulder injury and inconsistent game time.
Nick Suzuki rounds out the top nine with a strong 2025‑26 campaign, finishing just shy of the top tier, while Tier‑3 candidates such as Connor Bedard and Sidney Crosby also generate buzz for their high‑ceiling potential.
Closing the list, Aleksander Barkov is tenth, prized for his two‑way contributions and the ability to sustain a point‑per‑game average despite a modest scoring résumé.