Top 10 Rookies Showing Multi-Cat Potential

Puneet Sharma

2025-06-23

In today's fantasy hockey landscape, managers in multi-category formats know it takes more than just goals and assists to build a winning roster. Blocks, hits, and shot volume play a critical role in separating the top teams from the pack. While rookies often get attention for their scoring potential, those who contribute across multiple categories are fantasy gold. This article dives into 10 first-year players who not only made an NHL impact but showed signs they could be long-term, multi-cat staples. Whether it is heavy hitting, shot generation, or responsible defensive play, these rookies are worth targeting in deeper formats and keeper leagues alike. The minimum games played requirement was 50 games for this exercise so that we could get some decent numbers and make some decent projections on player stats.

Enjoy!

10. Conor Geekie – Tampa Bay Lightning

Conor Geekie's first season in Tampa Bay offered plenty to like. In 52 games, he posted 97 hits and 25 blocks, decent physical numbers for a rookie center adjusting to NHL speed. Offensively, his 58 shots on goal were modest, but he displayed a net-front presence and a willingness to shoot. With a full season, his SOG pace would project closer to 90. As his role expands and power play opportunities increase, Geekie has 40-point potential in the coming seasons. His size, grit, and developing offensive touch make him a sneaky asset in banger leagues with upside for more.

9. Emil Heineman – Montreal Canadiens

Emil Heineman did not generate much buzz, but he quietly carved out a valuable role in Montreal's bottom six, especially for multi-cat fantasy formats. In 62 games, he racked up 172 hits, 64 shots, and 24 blocks. His shot rate projects close to one per game over a full season, and his physical presence helped him stick in the lineup. Montreal's rebuild gives players like him a chance to earn more trust and minutes. He's not flashy and will not carry your offense, but if you are chasing hits, blocks, and decent peripherals, Heineman deserves a look in deeper leagues.

8. Zachary L'Heureux – Nashville Predators

If you are looking for a winger who give you that old-school edge, Zachary L'Heureux deserves a long look. Across 62 games with Nashville, he posted 78 shots on goal, and 25 blocks, an impressive stat line for any rookie. He also dished out 198 hits. As the season wore on, his role grew steadily, earning middle-six minutes and time on the second power play unit. L'Heureux plays with bite, thrives in high-tempo situations, toes the line and sometimes even crosses it. Even if his ceiling lands around 40 points, the combination of hits and supporting categories makes him a dependable asset with the potential to grow.

7. Macklin Celebrini – San Jose Sharks

This might raise a few eyebrows, so let us break it down. Despite only playing 70 games, Celebrini piled up 236 shots on goal with a 10.6% shooting rate, elite volume that reflects his shoot-first mentality. That alone is impressive in itself, even if the rest of his stat line (37 hits, 23 blocks) is more complementary than standout. He handled nearly 20 minutes a night, 68% PP share, and did not look out of place in the circle at 48.2%. He is not a true multi-cat stud just yet, but the shot volume plants the flag, hence why he comes in at No. 7 for now.

6. Lane Hutson – Montreal Canadiens

This is another one that might catch a few off guard. Lane Hutson's NHL debut was one of the most anticipated among defense prospects, and he delivered this year. Despite his smaller frame, the highly skilled blueliner posted 123 blocks, 90 shots, and 40 hits, strong numbers for a rookie defenseman. He logged key minutes, earned power play time, and never looked out of place physically. The 123 blocked shots stood out the most, a surprising stat that elevated his value beyond expectations. In fantasy formats, Hutson is already a long-term hold due to his offensive ceiling, now combine that with quality peripherals, watch out.

5. Zack Bolduc – St. Louis Blues

Zack Bolduc showed this season he could become a regular in St. Louis' top six. In his first season with the Blues, he posted 36 points and a solid 16% shooting percentage. His offense is still developing, but his work ethic and adaptability have earned praise. In 72 games, he generated 119 shots on goal and delivered 108 hits, demonstrating strong two-way play with a physical edge. As the Blues navigate a transition, he has a real chance to expand his role by driving play and creating offense off the cycle. He plays both centre and wing, so his Yahoo! dual eligibility makes him a sneaky, balanced fantasy add.

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4. Cutter Gauthier – Anaheim Ducks

Gauthier did not light the league on fire offensively, but 20 goals and 43 points in his rookie season is a strong baseline. He showed solid shot volume with 190 on net, which holds weight in deeper and multi-cat formats. Even with just 14:09 TOI and a 32% power-play share, his high-motor, gritty style stood out. He racked up 68 hits and chipped in 51 blocks, decent peripheral value for a rookie forward. The offensive upside may take some time, but the floor is already fantasy-worthy. His blend of volume and physical play will not disappear on your roster. Especially in banger leagues, he brings just enough across the board to stay relevant.

3. Maxim Tsyplakov – New York Islanders

Tsyplakov quietly delivered steady value in his first NHL season, carving out a role on the Islanders middle six. He recorded 10 goals and 35 points over 77 games while bringing pace, size, and a physical edge to the lineup. He did not shy from contact, finishing with 139 hits. His 115 shots on goal point to a willingness to attack the net, and he chipped in 40 blocks, rare support from a forward. Playing just under 15 minutes a night, there is clear room for more if his usage grows. With 25 assists and an 8.7 shooting percentage, there is even a hint of offensive upside. Any scoring progression only raises his value.

2. Mackie Samoskevich – Florida Panthers

In 72 games, Samoskevich produced 15 goals and 31 points, added 129 shots and 134 hits while bringing consistent energy to every shift. His pace and pressure on the forecheck gave Florida flexibility, while his growing confidence with the puck led to 11 points power play points, despite limited minutes. He plays with urgency, creates chances through effort, and is not shy about using his shot. As Florida faces potential upcoming roster changes, Samoskevich is well-positioned to earn more opportunity. In multi-category formats, he offers immediate value with room to grow as a high-volume peripheral contributor.

1. Marco Kasper – Detroit Red Wings

Kasper delivered one of the more well-rounded rookies campaigns this season. He logged close to 15:30 per game and handled defensive assignments with maturity. Detroit gave him top-six usage and leaned on him heavily in key situations. Kasper scored 19 goals and 37 points, with 145 shots, 156 hits, and 48 blocks, strong numbers for a first-year center. Even when not producing, Kasper filled the stat sheet across multiple categories, offering a reliable fantasy floor. He produced only four power-play points while seeing just under 25 percent of Detroit's PP time. The offensive upside may take time, but his physicality and shot volume keep him fantasy-relevant with room to grow in keeper and dynasty formats.

Thanks for reading! See you next week! For more fantasy hockey content and analysis, follow me on X @Punters_hockey. If you have any questions about your team or a trade? My DMs are always open — happy to help!

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