Welcome back to another season of fantasy hockey at Dobber! With the season now underway, 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)

Alex Newhook, C, Montreal Canadiens, Rostered-3.4%

Despite his injuries last season, Newhook was very productive when healthy, setting a career high in goals per game. He carried that success into the playoffs, becoming one of the MVPs of the Canadiens' run to the Eastern Conference Final. This season, Newhook is starting the season centering the team’s second line, as he is flanked by Juraj Slafkovsky and Ivan Demidov. If the early returns are positive, he could take over the second line role for the time being from the injured Oliver Kapanen.

J.J. Peterka, LW, Boston Bruins, Rostered-42.6%

After recording 68 points with Buffalo in 2024-25, Peterka struggled last season in Utah. This led to his offseason trade to the Boston Bruins. Now, he is playing on Boston's top line with David Pastrnak. Playing alongside one of the game’s biggest superstars, Peterka could regain his form and surpass his career-high totals this season. He's a talented player in his own right and is an intriguing early add in fantasy.

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

Ryan Leonard, RW, Washington Capitals, Rostered-24.7%

Leonard didn't quite have the production that fans had hoped for in his rookie season, but he still managed 45 points despite playing mainly in the bottom-six. In the offseason, he signed a mega-extension to keep him in Washington long-term. The Capitals are one of the most improved teams of the offseason, but Leonard still finds himself on the second line alongside Alex Ovechkin and Dylan Strome. This could be the year that he breaks out and becomes the next star in Washington.

Fraser Minten, C, Boston Bruins, Rostered-10.6%

After signing an extension in the offseason, Minten has solidified himself as the Bruins ‘ second-line center of the future. Although he's beginning the year on the third trio, Boston's center depth is the biggest weakness of the team. As a result, it's possible that Minten could move up the lineup and play with the team's elite players as the season progresses.

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

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Edmonton Oilers, Rostered-57.4%

Nugent-Hopkins was absent for the team’s home opener on Tuesday night and is expected to miss a couple of weeks for Edmonton. He's been a staple of the Oilers top-six, frequently playing with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, Nugent-Hopkins had a down year in 2025-26. With several young players making impacts in the lineup such as Matthew Savoie(injured), Vasily Podkolzin, Isaac Howard, and Colton Dach, Nugent-Hopkins role may continue to decrease when he returns.

Tristan Jarry, G, Edmonton Oilers, Rostered-12.7%

After being acquired from Pittsburgh to alleviate the Edmonton Oilers goaltending woes last season, Jarry faltered down the stretch. As a result, the team acquired Frederik Andersen and Devon Levi in the offseason. However, Levi is inexperienced, and Andersen went down with an injury ahead of training camp. This led to Jarry being the team’s starter on opening night. He had an abysmal performance, and the Oilers will almost certainly turn to Levi moving forward. While the Oilers defensive systems have failed their goalies in the past, Jarry still needs to shoulder some of the blame for his play.

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

Kirill Marchenko, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs, Rostered-95%

Marchenko was acquired in a blockbuster deal that sent Matthew Knies to Columbus. The Leafs' new shiny toy impressed in the season opener, despite having only 24 hours to travel and adjust to his new environment. Marchenko brings more high-end skill than Knies, and he'll be playing with better players in Toronto than he ever did in Columbus. He could easily set new career highs this season for the Maple Leafs.

Bowen Byram, D, Chicago Blackhawks, Rostered-92%

Byram finds himself on the Chicago Blackhawks for the 2025-26 season. During his time in Buffalo, he was slotted behind Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, and he felt as though he could be a number one defenseman on another team. Now in Chicago, Byram will be the go-to guy. He faces high expectations as the team gave up a massive package to acquire him and subsequently signed him to a 12.5 million AAV deal.

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?

*Note: This week’s analysis covers the period of Oct 2-8. The weekly fantasy matchup runs from Oct 5-11. Teams that play more games during the week/matchup often gain favor in the schedule analysis.

Matchup Favorites (Players from these teams will pay dividends in the coming games.)

Ottawa Senators

Despite playing largely on the road to begin the season, Ottawa has a chance to get out to a great start to their campaign. They play three division rivals in Boston, Toronto, and Detroit. This will give them an opportunity to gain valuable points early on in a loaded Atlantic Division.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets' direction is unclear heading into 2026-27. Their MVP Connor Hellebuyck is suspended after failing to report to training camp as he awaits the fulfillment of his trade request. Winnipeg struggled last season with him in the lineup, so having Stuart Skinner as their new starter doesn't bode well. Despite this, they have a favorable early schedule outside of a matchup with Colorado.

Vegas Golden Knights

Following their run to the Stanley Cup Finals, the Vegas Golden Knights look to have a rebound regular season. In a weak Pacific Division, they should have no trouble qualifying for the postseason, despite the loss of Pavel Dorofeyev. Their favorable early schedule should see them get off to a running start to begin the season.

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

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets are entering a new era this season. They made Adam Fantilli their franchise cornerstone with his next contract extension as well as traded away Marchenko for Knies. The team will look much different this season, but don't expect them to hit the ground running as they have a thin schedule to begin the campaign.

Edmonton Oilers

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The Oilers had a disappointing start to their season, allowing six goals in an overtime loss to Vancouver in their home opener. They have two of the best players in the world and find themselves in a weak Pacific Division. As a result, they should have no trouble making the playoffs. However, don't expect them to pay dividends early on, especially with Jarry between the pipes.

Florida Panthers

The Panthers are now fully healthy and are looking to return to the postseason in 2026-27. While they began the season with an impressive win over the Stanley Cup Champs, Florida faces a tough slate ahead.