*Note: Stats courtesy of ESPN Fantasy Hockey

The Second round of the 2026 playoffs is in full swing!  With the round in progress, we can analyze the best remaining players in the postseason. Which skaters hold the most fantasy value the rest of the way, and who are the best overall players who made it past round one? Let's take a look at the top ten fantasy skaters in round number two. (Note: This list is limited to skaters and therefore does not include goaltenders.)

Honorable Mentions: Lane Hutson (Montreal Canadiens), Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres), Mitch Marner (Vegas Golden Knights), Mark Stone (Vegas Golden Knights), Cole Caufield(Montreal Canadiens).

10. Martin Necas, C, Colorado Avalanche

Martin Necas was the big piece that Colorado received in the Mikko Rantanen blockbuster. So far, that trade has paid dividends as Necas has ridden shotgun alongside Mackinnon this season and become a true superstar in the league. His regular-season point totals and the fact that he’s on the Avalanche give him the edge over some of the honorable mentions on this list.

9. Tage Thompson, C, Buffalo Sabres

Tage Thompson is an absolute force for the Buffalo Sabres, and he needs to continue to be that force if the team hopes to move on to the next round. They are a strong young squad, but much of their offense comes from the backend, and Thompson is the only true star the team has up front right now.

8. Matt Boldy, LW, Minnesota Wild

On a team with superstars Kirill Kaprizov and Quinn Hughes, Matthew Boldy has established himself as a star in his own right. His goal scoring has continued into the playoffs, and he is one of the best pure snipers left in the postseason.

7. Sebastian Aho, C, Carolina Hurricanes

Aho and the Hurricanes are looking to make it past the Conference Finals, a hurdle that has plagued them in recent seasons. Carolina is deep offensively, and Sebastian Aho is at the helm of it all. Carolina has a clear path to the Stanley Cup Finals, making Aho one of the best-value players remaining.

6. Nick Suzuki, C, Montreal Canadiens

Captain Nick Suzuki has led the young Montreal Canadiens squad to its second straight playoff berth. After his first 100-point season, he had a slow start offensively in the first round. However, he's begun to get on the scoresheet, and even when he isn’t racking up points, he contributes in his own end and was just nominated for the Selke award. If Montreal goes on a deep run, their captain has immense fantasy upside as he drives the boat for the Canadiens.

5. Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights     

Since coming to Vegas, Jack Eichel has already carried the franchise to its first Stanley Cup Championship. New bench boss John Tortorella has this team firing on all cylinders since his hiring. With the team’s stars finding their offensive game, Eichel should be viewed as the second-best center remaining in the playoffs.

4. Kirill Kaprizov, RW, Minnesota Wild

As the highest-paid player in the NHL, Kirill Kaprizov is expected to carry the load offensively for Minnesota. He consistently delivers in the regular season, and now he's carrying that success into the postseason. Kaprizov has one of the highest fantasy ceilings of any player remaining in the first round.

3. Quinn Hughes, D, Minnesota Wild

Quinn Hughes was arguably the Wild's MVP throughout the first round of the playoffs. He has revitalized this team’s backend and power play since being acquired mid-season by Minnesota. His impact can't be understated, and if he can help Minnesota spark a comeback against the Avalanche, it would push him into the discussion for best defenceman in the league with our next player on the list.

2. Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche

Cale Makar edges out Quinn Hughes as the best defenceman left in the second round. His pedigree gives him the slight advantage over Hughes, and so far, the Avalanche and Makar have had the upper hand in their playoff matchup. Expect him to continue his dominance from the backend and push for a second career Conn Smythe Trophy.

1. Nathan Mackinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche

With Connor McDavid out of the picture, Nathan Mackinnon is undoubtedly the best player remaining in these playoffs. With Colorado expected to continue on a deep run, he also holds the most fantasy value. Despite a slow start in round one, Mackinnon and the Avalanche are firing on all cylinders in round two. Mackinnon should be the odds-on favorite to lead these playoffs in scoring and fantasy points.

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