*Note: Stats courtesy of Frozen Tools

The 2026-27 NHL season is officially underway! This week, we’re looking at some of the biggest league storylines around the league that can affect specific players’ fantasy value. This list gives managers insight into how to view and manage rostered players with uncertain futures. Here are the Top 10 Fantasy Storylines.

*For more hockey and fantasy coverage, follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @Cdesjardins67

10. How long will RFA Alexander Nikishin hold out?

After only one season, sophomore Alex Nikishin has already requested a trade, despite the Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup victory. The Hurricanes likely can't afford to pay Nikishin what he wants, especially given the contracts handed out around the league recently. If traded, he will see a bigger role than he saw on a deep Carolina blue line. On a new team, his fantasy value should skyrocket. However, as of now, it's unclear how long he could hold out, and without a contract we won’t be seeing him in action anytime soon.

9. Can Jakub Dobes repeat his playoff success?

One of the biggest goaltenders to watch is Montreal Canadiens Jakub Dobes. After earning the starting role in the second half of 2025-26, Dobes excelled in the position. His play continued into the postseason, where he was one of the most dominant netminders in the playoffs, leading Montreal to the Eastern Conference Final. The question is whether he can continue that success over a full season as the starter. This makes him a polarizing player in fantasy drafts. The Canadiens season likely hinges on his play, and if he excels, it could make him one of the top overall goalies this year.

8. What version of Elias Pettersson will we see this season?

We are only a few seasons removed from Elias Pettersson being a borderline top-10 pick in fantasy drafts. However, we've seen him and the Canucks experience a fall from grace that saw their core blown up. Now that the team is heading into a rebuild, it's unclear what kind of place that Pettersson has on the roster at this point. His ceiling is a 100-point player; however, he'll have little support around him in Vancouver, making a rebound season unlikely. He's worth a draft pick in the late rounds, but don't bank on Pettersson returning to peak form at this point.

7. Can Auston Matthews return to Rocket Richard form?

Following his 69-goal campaign two years ago, it seemed as though Auston Matthews was destined to succeed Alex Ovechkin as the next great goal scorer in the league, capturing several more Rocket Richard trophies. However, the last two seasons haven't been close to the same level of production. He hasn’t reached even the 40-goal mark since. This has left questions regarding Matthews perceived fantasy value around the league. If he returns to his previous scoring clip, he is a slam-dunk top-10 fantasy pick. However, drafting him that high based on the last two years is a gamble.

6. Will Leo Carlsson live up to his massive contract?

Leo Carlsson's offer sheet sent shockwaves throughout the hockey world. While the Anaheim Ducks matched the Flyers’ offer, the deal made Carlsson the highest-paid player in NHL history for a short period of time. He slowed down his pace of production towards the end of last season, partly due to injury; he was one of the top scorers in the NHL for half of the year. He showed that he is in the same tier as players like Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini, forming the next faces of the NHL. Carlsson can easily hit a point per game next season, but don't draft him based on his contract; instead, draft him based on what he can provide in the coming season alone.

5. Edmonton Oilers goaltending woes: Who will be the answer?

The Edmonton Oilers goaltending woes continue to be a negative storyline plaguing the team. Their newest addition, Frederik Andersen, is expected to be out until at least December. Tristan Jarry's debut didn't spark much confidence, and as a result, they will almost assuredly turn to the inexperienced Devon Levi. One of the Oilers goaltending trio will have to claim the reins eventually if the team has any hope at Stanley Cup aspirations. Fantasy managers should avoid reliance on any of these three moving forward.

4. What kind of immediate impact will Gavin McKenna have in Toronto?

First-overall pick Gavin McKenna, to nobody’s surprise, has made the Maple Leafs opening-night roster. He'll be afforded every opportunity for success on a revamped Leafs roster. McKenna will begin the season alongside John Tavares and William Nylander. However, we saw him struggle to adapt to the NCAA to begin last season. It's possible that despite playing alongside elite linemates, he has the same early struggles this year. With that being said, don't lose hope if McKenna struggles to produce early on; his talent will ultimately prevail as he adjusts to the pace of play in the NHL. Hold on to him as long as possible, especially in a keeper format.

3. Will Quinn Hughes sign an extension with the Wild?

The Minnesota Wild paid a hefty price tag to acquire Quinn Hughes‘ services last season. However, it appears that they've made no progress on inking him to an extension. Hughes is set to become a free agent in the offseason. Speculation is that he would like to join his brothers in New Jersey if the opportunity arose. The storyline around his contract will linger over Hughes and the Wild throughout the season until it is resolved. While it is a distraction, don't expect it to limit him from being anything less than a top-five fantasy defenseman.

2. Does Dylan Larkin stay with the team this season?

Dylan Larkin has spent his entire career with the winged wheel on his chest. The Michigan native has worn the "C" for the Red Wings since 2021 but was recently stripped of that honor after requesting a trade out of Detroit. Larkin is currently injured, and there is no timetable for when he might return to action, or even if he will do so for the Red Wings. As of now, fantasy managers should be avoiding him at all costs until the later rounds, when they can then stash him on Injured Reserve.

1. When and where will Connor Hellebuyck be traded?

The Connor Hellebuyck trade saga has been dominating news in the hockey world as of late. Arguably the best goaltender in the league, his trade request came just ahead of training camp. Hellebuyck has subsequently been suspended by the Winnipeg Jets after failing to report to camp. Despite being an elite netminder, Hellebuyck had a lackluster season in Winnipeg in 2025-26. It’s unclear what team would be willing to give up the assets necessary to acquire the 33-year-old who has five years remaining on a contract carrying an annual value of 8.5 million. For fantasy managers, Hellebuyck should be avoided until the late rounds. Since he is suspended, he can't be stashed on injured reserve. It's unclear when he may return to action or what kind of condition he'll be in once he’s back in the crease.

*For more hockey and fantasy coverage, follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @Cdesjardins67