*Note: Stats courtesy of Frozen Tools

While it isn't traditional, many fantasy managers enjoy participating in banger leagues. These types of formats feature different scoring metrics such as hits, penalty minutes, shots, and blocks, as being more, or equally as valuable as, goals and points. While Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, etc., are still some of the top options in these leagues due to their dominant scoring totals, today we will be analyzing players who make their mark in banger formats. Let's take a look at the Top 10 Banger League Fantasy Players.

HM's: Sam Bennett (Florida Panthers), Jack McBain (Utah Mammoth), Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings), Yakov Trenin (Minnesota Wild), Keegan Kolesar (Vegas Golden Knights)

10.Nikita Zadorov, D, Boston Bruins

Nikita Zadorov is the definition of an imposing physical presence on the ice for the Boston Bruins. He doesn't have much offense to give; however, his high hit and blocked shot totals more than make up for that in banger league formats. Not to mention, he is no stranger to dropping the mitts and accumulates plenty of penalty minutes throughout the course of the season. Zadorov provides a stable and consistent presence on the backend for the Bruins and fantasy managers alike.

9. Mathieu Olivier, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets

Olivier is known as arguably the best fighter in the game today. However, over the last two seasons he's complemented that style of play by producing on the scoresheet as well. He's a staple in the Blue Jackets bottom–six, and the penalty minutes that he accumulates are enough to make him a sought-after banger league forward.

8. Eeli Tolvanen, RW, Seattle Kraken

Eeli Tolvanen is probably the least physical of any of the players on this list. However, he has a high volume of shots and is good for around 15-20 goals a season. He still throws his body at a good clip, though, and had 81 shot blocks last season to go along with that. He was a high draft pick who realized his scoring alone wouldn't be enough to keep him in the NHL. Tolvanen has transformed his game to become a relied-upon depth option in Seattle.

7. Radko Gudas, D, Florida Panthers

Very few players play with an edge quite like Radko Gudas does. He is one of the most physical players in the NHL, which has often led to him crossing the line and being faced with disciplinary action from the league. He captained the Anaheim Ducks for the last two seasons and will now be headed back to Florida, where he hoisted the Stanley Cup. There shouldn't be any adjustment period for Gudas as he settles into his new role.

6. Kiefer Sherwood, RW, San Jose Sharks

Kiefer Sherwood made a name for himself during his stint with the Canucks. The volume of hits that he was throwing was mind-boggling in some games, and not to mention he found the back of the net 23 times in 2025-26 as well as 19 the year prior. This made him a sought-after trade candidate for a young Sharks team. However, his play dropped off following the trade. Sherwood can be relied upon for his hit totals, but don't expect him to score at the pace he did in Vancouver.

5. Vasily Podkolzin, LW,  Edmonton Oilers

Vasily Podkolzin has become an important member of the Edmonton Oilers offense. After seeming like he might fizzle out of the NHL, he has elevated his game in new ways since joining the Oilers. He managed 37 points last season to go along with 242 hits. Being a physical forward who sees top-six minutes with McDavid and Leon Draisaitl should make Podkolzin an underrated pickup for managers.

4. Jacob Trouba, D, San Jose Sharks

After playing with Anaheim last season, Jacob Trouba signed with the rival San Jose Sharks in the offseason. Trouba is known for his devastating body checks, which have long been the staple of his game. Despite this, he still puts up solid numbers from the back end, as he registered 35 points last season. He is the type of defenseman that is sought after to fill out a fantasy roster, especially in this format.

3. Matthew Tkachuk, LW, Florida Panthers

Matthew Tkachuk has been one of the NHL's top point producers over the last few seasons, while still being an elite pest. However, he missed the majority of the 2025-26 campaign due to injury. His loss, along with that of Aleksander Barkov, caused the Panthers to miss the playoffs entirely. With a healthy roster and the additions they made in the offseason, the Panthers and Tkachuk should return to their usual winning ways.

2. Tom Wilson, RW, Washington Capitals

Wilson is the definition of a banger league player. He scores at an elite clip, fights, and is one of the best hitters in the NHL. The Capitals added some high-end wingers this offseason in Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou, while Ryan Leonard and Ilya Protas are also expected to take a step forward. This likely means less ice for Wilson next season as it's unclear which line he'll slot into or if he will be featured on the top power play. However, even if his ice time and point totals dip, his other stat categories still make him one of the most valued players in banger leagues.

1. Brady Tkachuk, LW, Florida Panthers

Brady Tkachuk has long been a fantasy darling, and this is amplified in banger league formats. While he doesn't score at the same elite clip as his brother, Brady is still good for 70 points a season. His high hit totals and shot volume, combined with his scoring ability, see him top this list. It will be interesting to see how playing alongside his brother following the trade to Florida will impact his game. In all likelihood, having two Tkachuks together will only amplify their physical play.

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