Predicting how fantasy hockey rookies will perform is always a challenge. Many of us expect them to be instant superstars, but forecasting rookie success in the NHL is fantasy hockey's biggest unknown. Fans and fantasy managers fantasize about overnight stars like Sidney Crosby, bursting for 102 points as a 2005-06 Penguins phenom, or Connor McDavid, scoring 48 goals and 77 helpers in his 2015-16 rookie campaign.

But reality often resembles the slow start of Alexis Lafreniere, the 2020 No. 1 overall pick, who took two years to top 50 points with the Rangers, or Jack Hughes, whose injury-ridden 2019-20 rookie campaign mustered only 21 points before he became a 99-point-per-season campaigner by 2022-23. These bright-eyed prospects have to learn to handle the wear and tear of 84-game seasons, physical hockey, and game-changing pressure.

Still, drafting top-tier young talent is a vital fantasy hockey draft strategy that could help you win a championship. We just have to balance the hype with reality. Let’s take a look at some notable fantasy hockey rookies for this upcoming season.

2026 Fantasy Hockey Rookies: First-Year Players to Watch

Fantasy Hockey Winger Rookies

Gavin McKenna

Team: Toronto Maple Leafs | Position: LW

The hype around Gavin McKenna this season is elevated, but can he be fantasy hockey relevant right away? He dominated in the Western Hockey League (WHL) before taking his talents to Penn State (NCAA) last year, scoring 51 points in 35 games. It doesn’t sound like a historic pace, but he was a kid playing against opponents much bigger, stronger, and more physical than him. He did well, but now he is going to a team with a fanbase that truly believes they have a chance to win.

Sometimes the lights shine too bright for certain players in Toronto, and while there’s no reason to think McKenna can’t turn into an elite player for many years to come, asking him to come into this season and rack up 65-plus points is a stretch. If you’re taking him before the 10th round in standard 12-team leagues, he’s going too early. The Leafs will face immense pressure this season, and the kid won’t be immune to his own developmental battles. There is nothing wrong with having him on your roster; just be smart about where you draft him.

Porter Martone

Team: Philadelphia Flyers | Position: RW

If there’s one player among this year's fantasy hockey rookies I am incredibly excited to watch, it is Porter Martone. Like McKenna, he dominated the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and then moved to Michigan (NCAA), where he posted highly respectable numbers. The key difference is that Martone actually gained some NHL experience last season, and he is a sizable player, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 215 pounds. Additionally, he scored nine points in his first ten NHL games, which is incredibly impressive.

Rick Tocchet is a demanding coach, especially if players aren't in shape and defensively responsible. Asking a 19-year-old to excel defensively at the NHL level can be challenging. Despite this, Martone projects to be a focal point of the Flyers' offense and will have the opportunity to play quality minutes. Similar to McKenna's fantasy outlook, it is important to manage expectations and be smart about where you draft him.
 

 

 

Fantasy Hockey Defenseman Rookies

Cole Hutson

Team: Washington Capitals | Position: D

We have seen back-to-back seasons where a defenseman has been named Rookie of the Year. Could Cole Hutson make it three in a row? The 20-year-old finished two impressive seasons with Boston University (NCAA) and transitioned to the NHL at the tail end of last year, where he appeared to fit in seamlessly. Like his brother Lane, Cole is an undersized defenseman known for his elite footwork and ability to create high-danger offensive opportunities. In just 14 games, he accumulated 10 points, with six of those coming on the power play.

Washington has improved its forward group, and nothing seems to stand in the way of Hutson securing a full-time role with the Capitals. Although he may not log a substantial number of minutes out of the gate—especially with Jakob Chychrun still serving as the main anchor on the blue line—a player with Hutson’s sheer offensive talent will find ways to produce when he gets on the ice.

The only factor that may limit Hutson’s playing time is the depth of talent on a Washington roster built to compete for a Stanley Cup. If defensive challenges arise during the season, as they often do, he might find himself playing fewer minutes or sitting in the press box. Only time will tell how his rookie campaign unfolds.

Fantasy Hockey Center Rookies

Anton Frondell

Team: Chicago Blackhawks | Position: C

After a strong performance at the 2026 World Juniors and a successful season in Sweden, Anton Frondell joined the Blackhawks at the end of the year and made a notable impression. Scoring nine points in 12 games may not seem earth-shattering, but for a young player just starting on a struggling team, it is quite an accomplishment. Frondell will have plenty of opportunities to establish himself, but like most fantasy hockey rookies, he will likely experience some growing pains.

The Blackhawks continue to rebuild as a franchise, and consistent success in the NHL requires proficiency in all aspects of the game—which has not been the case in Chicago for several seasons. However, once Connor Bedard returns from injury, the two young stars should be able to develop dynamic chemistry, hopefully leading to a highly productive first season for the 19-year-old Frondell. I consider him a fantastic candidate for a late-round flier pick.

 

 

 

Fantasy Hockey Goalie Rookies

Sebastian Cossa

Team: Utah Mammoth | Position: G

We discussed Sebastian Cossa in the Top 10 Sleepers section for this season, but I wanted to highlight him again here because his potential as a rookie is enormous. Cossa is 23 years old and has spent considerable time developing in the American Hockey League (AHL). He has proven he deserves a legitimate chance in the NHL, but for whatever reason, Detroit chose a different route and traded him to Utah.

The Mammoth play in a highly competitive division, and they addressed several roster needs this offseason, including goaltending. Karel Vejmelka racked up an impressive 38 wins last season but struggled heavily with his ratios, posting a 2.73 GAA and an .897 SV%. Those numbers are concerning for a goalie who was just a few wins shy of 40. If Utah wants more stability in the crease, they have a young, towering rookie ready to step in. Cossa wasn’t brought into this organization to sit on the bench; he is expected to push for starts.

The lingering question is: how many games will he actually start? Ideally, he should see around 45 games this season, but it will ultimately depend on him seizing the opportunities he gets and maintaining his grasp on the crease when Vejmelka falters. If you are targeting fantasy hockey rookies with high upside to round out your goaltending depth, Cossa is a player who can be snagged with one of the final selections in most drafts or monitored closely on the waiver wire.