Too many fantasy hockey managers forget that success in multi-category leagues hinges on more than goals and assists. Managers who exclusively focus on scoring categories can find themselves outmatched in the banger stats – hits, blocks, and penalty minutes – that also decide weekly matchups. While pure goal scorers may be harder to replace, neglecting the physical side of the game leaves value on the table.

With this in mind, here are the Top 10 bangers who can help you dominate your multi-cat leagues this season.

(Statistics courtesy of Frozen Tools)

10. Jack McBain, C/LW, Utah Hockey Club

A third-round pick in 2018 (63rd overall), Jack McBain has carved out a niche in the NHL by doing the dirty work. Known for his physical play, McBain posted 78 penalty minutes, 291 hits, and 50 blocks in 82 games last season. What often goes unnoticed, though, is McBain's sneaky offensive upside. McBain produced 33 points in 24 games during his final season at Boston College and has shown flashes of that skill at the NHL level, stepping up on Utah's top line earlier this year with Barrett Hayton out of the lineup. McBain may not be a fixture in the top six, but he has the tools to stay relevant in banger leagues.

9. Martin Pospisil, C/RW, Calgary Flames

Selected 105th overall in 2018, Martin Pospisil made his presence felt last season by playing with relentless physicality. In 81 games, Pospisil racked up 84 penalty minutes, 301 hits, and 26 blocks. Pospisil walks a fine line with his aggressive style, but when he's an elite banger valuable so long as he's on the ice. Although he's currently sidelined with an injury, expect Pospisil to pick up right where he left off upon his return.

8. Arber Xhekaj, D, Montreal Canadiens

Undrafted but impossible to ignore, Arber Xhekaj has built a reputation as one of the league's most intimidating enforcers. Last season, Wi-Fi finished with the fifth most penalty minutes leaguewide (118) and was tied for 15th in fighting majors (6). Even with that much time in the box, Xhekaj still managed career highs in both hits (180) and blocks (63) in 70 games last year. His combination of size, toughness, and energy makes him a fantasy asset in most multi-cat formats. If your team needs grit, PIMs, and steady peripherals from the blue line, Xhekaj might be your guy.

7. Tom Wilson, RW, Washington Capitals

There are few players in fantasy hockey who impact multi-cat leagues like Tom Wilson. At 6'4", 225 lbs., Wilson's a total beast who piled up 100 penalty minutes, 233 hits, and 71 blocks last season. But he's much more than just a banger: Terrible Tom also ranked fifth in team scoring last season with 65 points (33 goals, 32 assists) in 81 games. Wilson's rare mix of scoring and physicality makes him an anchor in any multi-cat league. He's likely rostered in your league, but if your team lacks grit, Wilson's worth emptying the tank for.

6. Jacob Trouba, D, Anaheim Ducks

2024-2025 was an unusual season for Jacob Trouba, who found himself traded from New York to Anaheim while serving as the Rangers' captain. But despite the change of scenery, Trouba remained one of the league's most dependable physical defencemen, posting 66 penalty minutes, 162 hits, and 208 blocks across 77 games. Now 32 and no longer at his peak fantasy value, Trouba continues to deliver strong peripherals on Anaheim's blue line.

5. Brady Tkachuk, C/LW, Ottawa Senators

If Tom Wilson is a beast, Brady Tkachuk is a unicorn. The 2018 fourth-overall pick continues to set the standard for elite multi-cat production. Last season, Tkachuk racked up 33 goals, 36 assists, 123 penalty minutes, 228 hits, and 33 blocks – any multi-cat fantasy manager's dream. Unfortunately, Brady's expected to miss 6-8 weeks following thumb surgery, but once he returns, expect more of the same high-intensity play. Whether it's throwing the body, dropping the gloves, or driving Ottawa's offence, Tkachuk's combination of grit and scoring makes him one of the most valuable assets in fantasy hockey.

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4. Kiefer Sherwood, RW, Vancouver Canucks

Kiefer Sherwood might be the best-kept secret in banger leagues. One year after Jeremy Lauzon broke Matt Martin's 10-year-old record for most hits in a season (383), Sherwood shattered it with a staggering 462 hits last season, nearly double his previous career high (234). Surprisingly, Sherwood's penalty minutes were modest (35), but he showed he can do more than just crash and bang by registering 40 points (19 goals, 21 assists). If somehow, Kiefer's still available in your banger league and you're considering picking him up…I Sherwood.

3. Radko Gudas, D, Anaheim Ducks

If there's such a thing as a "proven banger," Radko Gudas defines it. The veteran blueliner has topped 100 penalty minutes four times in his career and remains a perennial leader in hits and blocks. Donning the "C" for Anaheim, Gudas registered 33 minor penalties last season – sixth-most in the league – and is showing no signs of slowing down at 35 years old.

2. Nikita Zadorov, D, Boston Bruins

With Zdeno Chara retired, Boston needed a new "Big Z," and Nikita Zadorov has filled that void, both literally and figuratively. Z led the league in penalty minutes (145), minors (40), and misconducts (3) last season, while also ranking tied for ninth in majors (7). Zadorov added 219 hits and 107 blocks, solidifying his status as one of the NHL's most feared enforcers. Now in his 13th NHL season, the 6'6" blueliner remains as mean as ever – and so long as he's in the league, you can bet Z will bang with the best of em'.

1. Mathieu Olivier, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets

Kiefer Sherwood's 2024-25 campaign was remarkable, but Mathieu Olivier's was legendary. Olivier emerged as the pickup of the year in banger leagues, recording 32 points (18 goals, 14 assists), ranking second in penalty minutes (139), and leading the league with 15 fighting majors – five more than the next closest player. Despite a relatively slow start to 2025-2026, it's only a matter of time until Olivier finds his rhythm again. And when he does, expect the hits, fights, and consistent chaos to return in scores.

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That's all for this week! Follow me on X @SmoothE27 for more fantasy hockey content and analysis, and feel free to DM me with any questions about your team.

Stay tuned for the next Top 10 on Monday, October 27. Have a great week everyone!