Welcome back to the continuation of the 2025-26 fantasy season with Dobber Hockey! With the NHL season over a quarter of the way complete, this also means fantasy managers are in the midst of their league’s season. 

Whether you are scanning the waiver wire for possible additions or scouring the trade market to improve your team, we have the information you need. Managers, let's peruse the upcoming week in fantasy hockey.

Fantasy Hockey Player Outlook

Looking at which players you should be targeting in your league’s fantasy season. Who can be had on the waiver wire, and who should you avoid picking up? Take a look at our fantasy hockey players’ outlook for the upcoming week.

*Note: All stats are courtesy of ESPN Fantasy Hockey. 

Early Season Adds (Claim these players on the waiver wire)

Marcus Johansson, LW, Minnesota Wild, Rostered-29.4%

            Marcus Johansson finds himself in a good offensive position in the Wild's top-six group. As a result, he's found some recent offensive success. He could be making a case for a spot on Team Sweden's roster in February.

Andre Burakovsky, LW, Chicago Blackhawks, Rostered- 18.7%

            Despite a recent injury, Burakovsky should be back in the coming games. Upon his return, he will find himself in an offensive role alongside superstar Connor Bedard once again. Playing with an offensive talent like Bedard brings him instant fantasy value. In larger leagues he could be a solid depth option.

Young Players to Build Off (Young players off to hot starts)

Will Cuylle, LW, New York Rangers, Rostered-73.8%

            Cuylle isn't a massive offensive threat, but he brings some fantasy value in other departments, finding himself in the Rangers top six, and chipping in on the scoresheet. His high ownership reflects his well-rounded fantasy value.

Josh Doan, RW, Buffalo Sabres, Rostered-9.3%

            Originally seen as a throw-in in the J.J. Peterka trade, Josh Doan has proved his merit on his new team in Buffalo. He likely isn't a relevant option in smaller leagues; however, in larger leagues, managers should take a hard look at the 23-year-old in the short term.

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

Brady Tkachuk, LW, Ottawa Senators, Rostered-94.9%

The Senators' captain is returning on Friday to play for the first time since October 13th. This might be the only opportunity that fantasy managers have to snag the versatile forward, as you can expect him to hit the ground running.

Mark Stone, RW, Vegas Golden Knights, Rostered-67.6%

            Much like Tkachuk, Mark Stone has returned from injury for the Vegas Golden Knights. He had a blazing hot start to his season before injury with 13 points in only six games. He's found himself on a line with Mitch Marner in his return as well as on the top power play.

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

Thomas Chabot, D, Ottawa Senators, Rostered-65.6%

            Chabot returned from injury for the Senators before missing the following game after having suspectedly reaggravating his injury. Even when healthy, Chabot hasn't been consistent. He has taken on a lesser role in the shadow of Jake Sanderson.

Matvei Michkov, RW, Philadelphia Flyers, Rostered-66.9%

            Michkov hasn't been able to regain his scoring touch as he continues his sophomore slump. His ownership remains high despite his struggles. Managers should be selling him as soon as possible.

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 outlooks for the upcoming week.

*Note: This week’s analysis runs from Nov 28-Dec 4. The weekly fantasy matchup runs from Dec 1-7. 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.)

Anaheim Ducks

            The Ducks have flown high recently and find themselves atop the Pacific Division. Led by their young stars, Anaheim has surprised the hockey world with its success. Their upcoming games should pay dividends and allow them to continue their winning ways.

Dallas Stars

            The Stars are one of the juggernauts in the NHL, and it's hard to find a stretch of games that wouldn't be favorable for them. With that being said, their next few games should help keep them at the top of the standings.

New Jersey Devils

            Despite losing Jack Hughes due to injury, the Devils still sit at the top of the Metropolitan Division. With an upcoming homestand, they look to continue building on their position in their star forward’s absence.

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

Buffalo Sabres

            Despite the parity in the Eastern Conference, many have already pegged the Sabres to finish at the bottom of the pack this season. Their upcoming stretch of games won't do them any favors.

Nashville Predators

            The Predators find themselves dead last in the NHL a quarter of the way through the season. Their upcoming stretch of games will likely push them closer to being sellers at the deadline.

Seattle Kraken

            Seattle has surprised teams with its early success despite the least amount of star power in the league. However, their upcoming slate should bring them down a notch in the standings.

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