Welcome back to another year of fantasy with Dobber Hockey! With the NHL season underway, this also means fantasy managers are in the midst of their league season. 

Whether you are scanning the waiver wire for possible adds or scouring the trade market, we have the information you need. Managers, let's take a look at this fantasy hockey season!

Fantasy Hockey Player Outlook

This is perusing which players you should be targeting in your league’s fantasy season; who can be had on the waiver wire, and who should you avoid picking up? This is our fantasy hockey players’ outlook for the upcoming week.

*Note: All stats are courtesy of ESPN Fantasy Hockey. 

Early Season Adds (Claim these players on the waiver wire)

Dmitri Voronkov, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets, Rostered-70%

            Blue Jackets forward Dmitri Voronkov has had a hot start to the season with 10 points in as many games. Managers are starting to take notice of the 25-year-olds breakout campaign as his ownership is up to seventy percent. He plays on the top line and the top power-play unit. Along with Kirill Marchenko, he is the catalyst for much of the Jackets offense. In larger leagues, he may still be on the market.

Valeri Nichushkin, RW, Colorado Avalanche, 45.9%

            Valeri Nichushkin's low ownership is surprising considering the role he plays in the Avalanche offense. He is positioned in the top six on a team that is ranked second in goals so far this season, and plays with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar on the power play. He has been a reliable producer over the last several seasons and fantasy managers should capitalize on his availability.

Young Players to Build Off (Young players off to hot starts)

Will Smith, C, San Jose Sharks, Rostered-60%

            Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini have been dominant for the Sharks to begin the year as the two sophomore forwards are the main catalysts for the team's offense. While the Sharks aren't a strong team overall, Smith still provides high value and is in the early stages of a breakout campaign for San Jose.

Ivan Demidov, RW, Montreal Canadiens, Rostered-50%

            Montreal Canadiens top prospect Ivan Demidov was the clear Calder favorite heading into the 2025-26 season. So far, he's shown why, as he has nine points in his first 11 games. He has now been promoted to the team's top power play which ranks in the top ten across the NHL. Demidov's value will only increase as the season progresses, and he gains more confidence at the highest level.

Buy-Now Players (You should trade for these players as soon as possible)

Seth Jarvis, RW, Carolina Hurricanes, Rostered-97.5%

            Seth Jarvis, along with Sebastian Aho, has emerged as a catalyst for the Hurricanes offense. Carolina is one of the juggernauts of the league and Jarvis is a huge part of their success. His value will only continue to grow as the season progresses, and fantasy managers should trade for him before the price tag becomes too steep.

Moritz Seider, D, Detroit Red Wings, Rostered 96.7%

            Despite the Red Wings early success, Moritz Seider has had a slow start to the year. He has managed just four points (all assists) from the back end so far this season. However, even when he's not putting up the points, Seider still provides fantasy value in the hits department. He quarterbacks the Red Wings power play which is ninth in the NHL to begin the year, so the points will come for him. Managers should consider trading for the young blueliner before he breaks through offensively and his market value resets.

Steer Clear (Players you should avoid in fantasy leagues, or trade immediately if you own them)

Steven Stamkos, C, Nashville Predators, Rostered-84.8%

            Stamkos' stint in Nashville has been a far cry from his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite only managing two points in 12 games, the Predators forward is still rostered in almost 85 percent of leagues. Nashville is one of the worst offensive teams across the league and their power play isn't any better. Stamkos' value has never been lower and at 35 years old, it appears his best days are far behind him. If he can't find success in the coming games, managers should act accordingly.

Devon Toews, D, Colorado Avalanche, Rostered-60.8%

            Despite playing alongside Cale Makar on a high-flying Avalanche offense, Devon Toews hasn't been able to produce much in fantasy. He has only one assist on the year and rarely sees time with the man advantage. He is still an elite defenseman in the NHL but as a fantasy option he isn't consistent enough to be a reliable starter. In smaller leagues he shouldn't be rostered.

NHL Team Outlooks

Analyzing the upcoming week’s schedule and looking at which NHL teams are expected to have a strong week and who will be in tough. Which teams’ players should you be buying stock in, and which teams should you avoid at all costs? Take a peek at the NHL team outlook for the upcoming week.

*Note: This week’s analysis runs from October 31-Nov 6. The weekly Fantasy Matchup runs from Nov 3-Nov 9. Teams that play more games during the week/matchup often gain favor in the schedule analysis.

Matchup Favorites (These teams will pay dividends in the coming games.)

Nashville Predators

The Predators offense has struggled to generate much, however, they play three out of their next four games at home. Juuse Saros has rebounded early and if their top guns can get going, they have an opportunity to collect some points in the standings in the coming games.

Washington Capitals

            Despite a slow start from their captain Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals have amassed a 6-4 record. With four games on the slate and three against Eastern rivals, Washington has a good chance to gain some ground in the Metropolitan division.

Calgary Flames

            The Flames have been arguably the worst team in the NHL thus far in 2025-26, and their offense has been non-existent in front of goaltender Dustin Wolf. However, they will break through offensively at some point. The coming games present a strong chance to do so as they will be facing four relatively weak teams.

Matchup Killers (Avoid players from these teams at all costs in the upcoming games.)

New York Rangers

            The Rangers have a bit of a break in their schedule with only two contests over the next week. Their only home game comes against a surging Hurricanes squad which doesn't bode well for a New York team that has struggled to find the back of the net.

Ottawa Senators

            The Senators face three Original Six rivals over the next seven days. They've been struggling a bit defensively in their last couple of games and expect that to continue as they head into Montreal on Saturday night where the Canadiens have all the momentum.

Pittsburgh Penguins

            The Penguins have gotten off to a surprisingly strong start to their campaign. They were expected to be a bottom dwelling team to begin the season. However, it's likely that the coming games will be the beginning of their fall back down to reality.

Relative Schedule

Friday, Oct 31 to Thursday, Nov 6

Best Bets

Relative Schedule Value

Steer Clear

Saturday, Nov 1 to Friday, Nov 7

Best Bets

Steer Clear

Sunday, Nov 2 to Saturday Nov 8

Best Bets

Steer Clear

Monday, Nov 3 to Sunday Nov 9

Best Bets

Steer Clear

*For more hockey and fantasy coverage, follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @Cdesjardins67