*Note: Stats courtesy of Frozen Tools

It's bubble keeper week at Dobber Hockey! This week we’re examining ten players who are on the bubble in fantasy keeper leagues. Typical keeper league formats allow teams to keep anywhere between 3-6 players. Deciding on which players to keep can be a difficult choice for any manager, as many different factors can impact the decision-making process. We're here to make those decisions easier as we take a look at the Top 10 Bubble Keeper Players and whether or not you should hold onto them.

10. Victor Hedman, D, Tampa Bay Lightning

It wasn't long ago that Victor Hedman was a bona fide top-5 blueliner in the NHL. However, injuries and age have finally caught up with him. He appeared in only 33 games, managing 17 points. Darren Raddysh took over the power play in his absence, and now it appears as though John Carlson will do the same. Hedman is well past his prime, and with the new wave of defensemen that have entered the NHL, he's too big of a risk to hold onto any longer in keeper leagues.

9. Dylan Holloway, LW, St. Louis Blues

Dylan Holloway is coming off of a breakout campaign in St. Louis that saw him record 51 points in only 59 games. His production earned him a 5 year 7.75 million AAV deal this summer. He's a player that is sitting right on the bubble in many fantasy keeper leagues. At 24 years old on a new-look Blues squad, there is plenty of room for growth from Holloway. He's a worthwhile bet for those managers who may be on the fence.

8. Josh Morrissey, D, Winnipeg Jets

Morrissey has quickly been falling in many independent defenseman rankings. This is not necessarily indicative of his play but rather the plethora of talent around the league. Young blue liners like Lane Hutson, Matthew Schaefer, etc have all surpassed him in many people’s eyes. Morrissey's production is still at a high level, but he doesn't have much support around him on a struggling Winnipeg Jets. He is still worth keeping in many leagues, but with the amount of talent on the board, he's no longer a lock in keeper drafts.

7. Thomas Harley, D, Dallas Stars

Thomas Harley had an underwhelming 2025-26 campaign and playoff run for Dallas. He had previously cemented himself as one of the premier young defensive players in the NHL, highlighted by his play for Team Canada as a late addition to the Four Nations roster. While last season was definitely a setback, at only 25, a down year shouldn't completely deter managers from keeping him on their roster.

6. Kirill Marchenko, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets

Marchenko has been at the center of many trade rumors in the offseason after being linked to the Montreal Canadiens. While a trade out of Columbus could actually improve his value and production, it appears he will begin the season in Ohio. Marchenko is good for around 30 goals and 70 points on a consistent basis. The Russian forward is only 26 years old and may still have more to give from a production standpoint. While he's on the bubble in some leagues, he should be someone managers lean towards keeping.

5. Jakob Chychrun, D, Washington Capitals

Chychrun is an interesting case heading into next season. Last year, he scored a career-high 26 goals and 60 points. With John Carlson gone, he will be more relied upon offensively for the Capitals along with rookie Cole Hutson. However, it's never smart to put too much stock into a player who is coming off a career season, especially with Chychrun's past injury history. There are much more consistent defenseman who would be safer keeper picks. 

4. Roman Josi, D, Nashville Predators

Much like Victor Hedman, Roman Josi was once one of the best of the best on the blueline. However, age and health have diminished his perceived value around the league. At this point in his career, he still brings a ton of value to any fantasy team, but in leagues with limited keepers, there are better options than Josi at this stage of his career.

3. Dylan Larkin, C, Detroit Red Wings

It's been an interesting summer for Dylan Larkin, whose name has been in trade talks following his request to be moved. With Steve Yzerman gone and training camp fast approaching, it is becoming increasingly likely that he remains a member of the Red Wings to begin the year. What this means for his fantasy value remains to be seen. However, as the captain and driving force of the Wings offense, he should see higher production rather than in a secondary role on a contender.

2. Elias Pettersson, C, Vancouver Canucks

Few players have experienced a fall from grace quite like Elias Pettersson has over the last several years. He went from a 100-point player to someone who is now potentially not worth holding onto any longer. From on-ice issues to uninspired play, Pettersson looks nothing like the player who was once expected to lead Vancouver to the promised land. This will be the last chance for him to prove he is still an elite player in the league before the risk is no longer worth the potential reward.

1. Brayden Point, C, Tampa Bay Lightning

Brayden Point is the most polarizing player on this list and has become the most difficult choice on whether or not to keep. Before last season, Point would have been a no-brainer keeper, but he is coming off an underwhelming year that saw him record 50 points in 63 games. He was a regular 40-goal, 80-point player before that, so was this just a one-off? Point dealt with injuries last season, but even when healthy, he looked like a shell of the player we have become accustomed to. He was previously seen as a top 20 player in the league, but at 30 years old, which version of Brayden Point will we see moving forward?

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