Welcome back to the continuation of the 2025-26 fantasy season with Dobber Hockey! Whether you are scanning the waiver wire for possible additions or scouring the trade market to improve your team, we have the information you need. Managers, let's preview the upcoming week in fantasy hockey.

Fantasy Hockey Player Outlook

Let's take a look at 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? Here are our fantasy hockey players’ outlook for the upcoming week.

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

Mid-Season Adds (Claim these players on the waiver wire)

Tyler Toffoli, RW, San Jose Sharks, Rostered-59.1%

Sharks veteran forward Tyler Toffoli is enjoying another productive season. The team has surged into an unexpected playoff spot led by young superstar Macklin Celebrini. Toffoli factors into the Sharks top-six already, but with the recent injury to Will Smith, he could see time alongside Celebrini.

Patrick Kane, RW, Detroit Red Wings, Rostered-47.6%

Despite his recent injury, Patrick Kane is a solid waiver candidate mid-way through the season. He is on a point-per-game pace with the Red Wings, and his chemistry with Alex DeBrincat has seen him find a youthful resurgence.

Young Players to Build Off (Young players who are hot right now)

Zeev Buium, D, Vancouver Canucks, Rostered-37.4%

Twenty-year-old Zeev Buium was one of the key pieces in a blockbuster trade that sent Quinn Hughes to Minnesota. He managed a goal and an assist in his first game with his new club. Buium will now be the top dog on Vancouver's blue line, which could lead to an uptick in his productivity.

Danila Yurov, C, Minnesota Wild, Rostered-1.2%

Danila Yurov is another benefactor of the Quinn Hughes deal. The young centerman now finds himself in a top-six role for the Wild following Marco Rossi's departure. With four points in his last three contests, he now has some fantasy relevance in larger league formats.

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

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Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Edmonton Oilers, Rostered-71.8%

Nugent-Hopkins has missed some time this season with injury, but he has managed 27 points in 26 games during his limited action. His fantasy ownership is surprisingly low for a player who sees frequent ice time alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid has been on another level this season, and he could help Nugent-Hopkins return to his 22-23 level of production.

Mark Stone, RW, Vegas Golden Knights, Rostered-82.9%

Stone missed a large portion of the year due to injury. However, he has one of the best points-per-game averages in the NHL this season. Now healthy and vying for a roster spot on Team Canada, Mark Stone is a strong buy-now candidate down the stretch.

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

Kiefer Sherwood, RW, Vancouver Canucks, Rostered-77.7%

Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood was on a torrid pace to begin the 2025-26 season. However, he has come back down to Earth as of late with just a single point in his last 11 contests. Sherwood's early-season pace was never sustainable for a depth player. He still holds some value in the hits department, but managers who are anticipating him returning to his early-season form should sell him before it's too late.

Dougie Hamilton, D, New Jersey Devils, Rostered-69.3%

Devils defender Dougie Hamilton is enduring a massive slump down the stretch. He has just a single point over his last 19 games played. These struggles can largely be attributed to the emergence of youngsters Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec on the back end. Without power-play time, Hamilton's value will remain at an all-time low.

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 our outlook for the upcoming week.

*Note: This week’s analysis runs from Dec 19-Dec 25. The weekly fantasy matchup runs from Dec 22-28. 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.)

Boston Bruins

After a disappointing 2024-25 season, the Bruins remain in the tight playoff race in the Eastern Conference. Their upcoming homestand should allow them to gain some ground in the Atlantic Division.

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Los Angeles Kings

The Kings have been reeling as of late to the tune of four straight losses before a win in Tampa Bay. However, they return home to Los Angeles for the next three contests with hopes that they can find their game.

Ottawa Senators

The Senators have had a rollercoaster 2025-26 season, and it has been no different as of late, as they are just 4-6 over their last ten games. They have a favorable schedule in the coming games, which should allow them to find some consistency.

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

Calgary Flames

The Flames have been a team to avoid throughout the year, but they've found some success in the recent games. However, they face a thin upcoming schedule against some less-than-favorable opponents.

Utah Mammoth

The Mammoth have been struggling down the stretch in large part due to the injury to their young star Logan Cooley. They face some tough opponents, including the powerhouse Avalanche, in the coming games.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets' prayers have been answered as their MVP goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck, recently returned from injury. Winnipeg needs to go on a streak to regain some ground in the Western Conference playoff race. However, the coming games likely won't allow them to do that.