Welcome back to another year of fantasy hockey at Dobber! With the regular season just days away, it's time to begin our weekly fantasy dive. In this column, whether you are scanning the waiver wire for possible adds or scouring the trade market to improve your team, we have the information you need. Managers, let’s look ahead at the upcoming weeks in fantasy hockey.

Fantasy Hockey Player Outlook

Who can be had on the waiver wire, and who should you avoid picking up? Check out the fantasy hockey players’ outlook for the upcoming week.

*Note: All stats are courtesy of Frozen Tools

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

Tyson Foerster, RW, Philadelphia Flyers, Rostered-4.1%

Despite missing most of the 2025-26 campaign due to injury, Foerster was still productive when healthy, notching 13 goals in 29 games. He's expected to start the campaign on the top line and top power-play unit. The young Flyers group may take a step back this upcoming season; however, it could be a step forward for Foerster.

Mavrik Bourque, C, Nashville Predators, Rostered-4.6%

Bourque was traded in the offseason from the Dallas Stars to Nashville. The 24-year-old will be afforded more opportunities on a Nashville squad that is much thinner than the Stars team he was on previously. He should slot into the Predators' second-line center role immediately. He managed 41 points in 82 games last season, and with more ice time, he should see an increase in productivity. Bourque could be an underrated pickup for managers in the late rounds or in free agency in smaller leagues.

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

Gavin McKenna, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs, Rostered-82.8%

To begin the year, it only makes sense to have the number one overall pick in this category. McKenna will be given top-six minutes and power-play time with elite players right out of the gate in Toronto. As far as rookies are concerned, not all of them receive the type of minutes that McKenna will immediately get. It appears he'll start alongside John Tavares and William Nylander, which is a dream scenario for a youngster. Eventually we could see him move up to play with Auston Matthews, where McKenna's playmaking could make them an ideal duo.

Ivar Stenberg, LW, San Jose Sharks, Rostered-35.7%

Naturally, the second overall pick, Ivar Stenberg, is to follow McKenna. Stenberg should eventually receive top minutes alongside some elite talent like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, even if he's starting in the middle 6 for now. He will be a big part of the young core in San Jose moving forward. Between McKenna and Stenberg, it's unclear which of the two will adapt and excel more quickly to the NHL level; however, Stenberg's experience in Sweden should serve him well.

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

Anthony Mantha, LW, New Jersey Devils, Rostered-36.5%

Mantha signed with the Devils after achieving a career high in both goals and points with Pittsburgh last season. Normally this would be a good sign if not for the timing of things. He received a lot of opportunity with the Penguins, both at even strength and on the power-play. Now on the Devils, he won't be afforded the same opportunities due to the depth on the wings in New Jersey. It's never a good idea to bet on a player who had their breakout season in their 30s, and that’s the case here for Mantha. He's a prime regression candidate who managers should steer clear of.

Dan Vladar, G, Philadelphia Flyers, Rostered-67.9%

Dan Vladar was one of the main reasons for the Flyers' return to the postseason in 2025-26. His play was vital down the stretch for Philadelphia during their playoff chase and in the first-round victory over Pittsburgh. He was given a new five-year contract as a result, worth $27-million. However, the Flyers and Vladar overachieved in many people’s eyes last season and are poised for regression. Vladar has never been a bona fide starter throughout his time in the NHL, and much like the aforementioned Anthony Mantha, he is coming off his best year late in his career. He is also dealing with some injury troubles in the preseason, which is something to monitor.

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

Ivan Demidov, RW, Montreal Canadiens, Rostered-68.2%

After an impressive rookie campaign that earned him a Calder nomination, Demidov is readying for his sophomore season after registering 62 points during his first year in Montreal. Demidov helped the Canadiens reach the Conference Finals, and his experience from Year 1 should serve him well this season. He'll be a part of a dynamic top power-play unit and will have some help at even strength as well in the form of Juraj Slafkovsky. Demidov's ranking is well below his actual value on many draft boards, and it could be an opportunity for managers to capitalize.

Luke Evangelista, RW, New Jersey Devils, Rostered-45.2%

Evangelista was a part of one of the more puzzling moves of the summer as the Predators shipped their young star to New Jersey. He put up impressive numbers despite the lack of a supporting cast and team success in Nashville. Now with the Devils, Evangelista will have the opportunity to play top-six minutes alongside elite players like Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Nico Hischier. He is poised to build upon his 56-point campaign last season.

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 covers the period of Sep 25-Oct 1. The weekly fantasy matchup runs from Sep 28-Oct 4. 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.)

Edmonton Oilers

            The Oilers prepare for a new season with a controversial new face behind the bench, as well as new names in the crease. They should get off to a hot start as they're slated to begin their year with two games against the Vancouver Canucks as well as a tilt against the Seattle Kraken.

New York Rangers

            The Rangers are projected to finish near the bottom of the standings this season, as the core is largely past its prime and they've shipped off Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck. However, they have a favorable schedule to begin the season.

Toronto Maple Leafs

            Toronto is prepared to enter a new era with McKenna at the helm. They hope to get back on track after a disappointing 2025-26 season. The additions of Sergei Bobrovsky, a revamped bottom six, as well as the number one pick (McKenna) will make for an interesting watch this season. They hope to get off to a hot start against their bitter rivals in the Montreal Canadiens.

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

Anaheim Ducks

As the season is just beginning during the middle of this period, some teams aren't starting play until the middle of the fantasy matchup. In the case of the Ducks, they only have one matchup, on the road against the Vegas Golden Knights. Anaheim's defense core is thin, and they'll be in trouble during their first test versus Vegas.

Ottawa Senators

            Much like the Ducks, Ottawa only has one matchup during this period, in Toronto. The Senators will be playing their first game without their former captain Brady Tkachuk. It's a new era for the Senators as they take on a revamped Maple Leafs team.

St. Louis Blues

            St. Louis faces a daunting first test against two juggernaut squads in the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas. The team has a new look as they've added young talent like Connor McMichael and Mason McTavish. Whether or not they'll push for a playoff spot remains to be seen.