The NHL preseason is always full of surprises, and the 2025 slate is no exception. From late bloomers chasing roster spots to prospects forcing their way into the fantasy conversation, here are the Top 10 players who have stood out during the 2025-2026 NHL preseason thus far.

(Statistics courtesy of Frozen Tools and current to September 28, 2025)

10.   Matthew Phillips, Anaheim Ducks

At 27 years old, Matthew Phillips was proving persistence pays off. Despite an impressive AHL track record (including 57 points in 65 AHL games with the Colorado Eagles last year), Phillips only has 34 career NHL games to his name – three with Calgary between 2020 and 2023 and 31 with Pittsburgh and Washington last season.

In two preseason games with the Ducks, Phillips has scored three goals while spending time alongside veterans Mikael Granlund and Alex Killorn at even strength. Together, the trio has dominated in nearly 10 minutes of even-strength time, generating 14 chances and 10 shots while allowing only three chances and no shots against. Currently without an NHL contract, Phillips was playing for keeps – and making a strong case to "phlip" the script in 2025-2026. Unfortunately he was released from his tryout agreement late Sunday.

9.   Rodrigo Ābols, Philadelphia Flyers

At 29 years old, Rodrigo Ābols is making a final push to spark his NHL career. In a recent interview, Ābols spoke openly about the personal sacrifices involved in pursuing his lifelong dream:

Rodrigo Abols said the dark side of pro hockey and pursuing his NHL dream was his wife and child living in hotel as he traveled for games.

Abols came to U.S. last season and made his NHL debut at 29. Spent time in AHL and NHL.

He's now trying to stick with the big club. pic.twitter.com/EAlxZ59HsR

— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) September 24, 2025

This preseason, Ābols has collected two points in four games and played alongside Christian Dvorak and Owen Tippett. While it remains unclear whether Ābols will crack Philly's opening night roster, Ābols' determination makes him impossible not to root for.

8. Fedor Svechkov, Nashville Predators

Last season was a major disappointment across the board in Nashville, and Fedor Svechkov felt it as much as anyone. The Predators' 2021 first-round pick (19^th overall) managed only 17 points in 52 games while averaging just 12 minutes and 53 seconds of ice time and a little over a minute on the power play.

Thankfully for the Preds, this preseason has been a different story. Through four games, Svechkov has averaged nearly 19 minutes of ice time and 3 minutes and 21 seconds on the man advantage, including shifts on Nashville's loaded top power-play unit. If the team rebounds, Svechkov could emerge as a deep sleeper this season.

7.   Jani Nyman, Seattle Kraken

While it's easy to overreact to preseason numbers, Jani Nyman is making it difficult to resist. Although Seattle's 2022 second-round pick (49^th overall) has only six points in 12 career NHL games (three goals, three assists), he's already racked up four goals in three preseason contests (albeit, on just five shots).

Notwithstanding his extreme puck luck, Nyman skated on the top line at practice on Sunday with Matty Beniers and Jordan Eberle and also worked with the top powerplay unit, indicating the Kraken are hopping on the bandwagon. With injuries piling up in Seattle already (including to Kaapo Kakko and Jared McCann), his teammates' misfortune may turn out to be Nyman's opportunity this season.

6.   Zack Bolduc, Montreal Canadiens

Zach Bolduc enjoyed a strong season in St. Louis last year, finishing with 36 points (19 goals, 17 assists). Bolduc really caught fire in the final quarter of the season, producing 14 points (nine goals, five assists) over his final 19 games while adding excellent peripheral stats.

On July 1, Bolduc was dealt to Montreal in exchange for Logan Mailloux and is skating on the Canadiens' third line with Alex Newhook and Oliver Kapanen at training camp. While Bolduc's late-season surge and steady all-around numbers make him a potential sleeper in deep fantasy leagues, a modest upgrade to his deployment could immediately transform him into a must-own fantasy player.

5.   Oliver Bjorkstrand, Tampa Bay Lightning

A five-time 20-goal scorer, Oliver Bjorkstrand was acquired by Tampa Bay at last season's trade deadline to bolster the team's playoff push. While Bjorkstrand has mostly been skating on the Bolts' third line at even strength this preseason, he's spent considerable time in Steven Stamkos' old flank spot on the team's star-studded top powerplay unit.

Tampa Bay's powerplay was lethal once again last season, converting at a 25.86 percent clip to rank fifth in the league. If Bjorkstrand keeps his position on Tampa's top unit, he'll become a must-own player in most fantasy leagues.

4.   Trent Frederic, Edmonton Oilers

Trent Frederic has been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity during the Oilers' training camp – lining up alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Following surprisingly unremarkable start to the preseason, the trio clicked in a big way last night, combining for seven points in a 4-3 win against the Canucks.

Frederic is a hard-nosed and versatile forward who showed banger league beauty potential during his time in Boston. If he can secure a regular role with Edmonton's top stars, he's likely headed for the most productive season of his career.

3.   Arseny Gritsyuk, New Jersey Devils

Arseny Gritsyuk practiced on a line with Jesper Bratt and Jack Hughes this past Saturday, a promising development for a player with no NHL experience. Gritsyuk comes over from the KHL after several impressive seasons, including 44 points (17 goals, 27 assists) in 49 games for SKA St. Petersburg last year.

Grits has passed the eye test in the early going, showcasing a wicked release and natural offensive instincts in five preseason games. Playing on a one-year deal, Gritsyuk is a prime sleeper candidate who could be in line for a significant payday if he delivers in 2025-26.

2.   Zayne Parekh, Calgary Flames

Zayne Parekh is turning heads this preseason with his smooth skating and quick, creative puck movement. This preseason, the Flames' 2024 first-round pick (9^th overall) has logged heavy minutes while quarterbacking the team's top powerplay unit. Parekh appears poised to crack the opening night roster, and if he retains that top powerplay role once the regular season begins, he could quickly become a household name in fantasy hockey.

1.   Anton Lundell, Florida Panthers

Anton Lundell is already familiar name, but he now has a massive opportunity following a season-ending knee injury to Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov in practice a few days ago. Lundell has already shown that he can handle a top-six role and is set to receive an extended run in that spot this season, barring an unlikely trade for a star centre such as Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. Already a respected NHL player, Lundell has the chance to reach a new level, and the sky is the limit for him this year.

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Stay tuned for the next Top 10 on Monday, October 6. Have a great week everyone!