As the 2026 fantasy hockey draft draws near, analyst Bruno has turned his focus to the top 60 Yahoo selections, looking for players whose statistical profiles suggest they can deliver far more value than their average draft position.
Top Centers
Jack Hughes, who posted 77 points in 61 games last season, is projected to eclipse the 100‑point mark if he receives consistent ice time, making him a compelling early‑round choice despite his current ADP. Tage Thompson, a 40‑goal, 81‑point contributor with elite five‑on‑five and power‑play production, offers a similarly high ceiling and should be targeted in the opening rounds.
Dylan Guenther, the Utah standout who led his team in goals, shots and assists with 40 tallies and 73 points, is poised to translate that offensive volume into an 80‑point season, while Juraj Slafkovsky adds a blend of 30 goals, 73 points and 15 power‑play markers, complemented by a physical footprint of 105 hits and 78 blocks that boosts his overall fantasy value.
Defensive Depth
Zach Werenski, the Norris Trophy winner, has accumulated 163 points over the past two seasons and leads NHL defensemen in shot attempts, providing an uncommon offensive surge for a blue‑line stalwart. Rookie Matthew Schaefer, the Calder Trophy recipient, posted 23 goals and 59 points in his debut season, and analysts expect a sophomore leap that could push his point total well beyond the 60‑point threshold.
In net, Andrei Vasilevskiy brings a 2.31 GAA, 39 wins and a second Vezina Trophy, establishing himself as a dependable first‑round goaltender, while Logan Thompson, with a 2.44 GAA, four shutouts and elite advanced metrics, represents a strong value pick in the third round.
Together, these eight players illustrate a clear pattern: high‑upside talent that can outpace their draft cost, giving fantasy managers a strategic edge in the early rounds of the 2026 draft.