With December almost in the rearview mirror, it's time to spotlight the NHLers who owned the final month of the calendar year.

From superstars who reached full throttle to a few unexpected names who forced their way into the fantasy spotlight, here are the Top 10 performers of the month of December.

(Statistics courtesy of Frozen Tools and current to the afternoon of December 27, 2025)

10. Brady Tkachuk, LW, Ottawa Senators

Tkachuk is back like he never left. Since returning from injury to face the St. Louis Blues in his hometown on November 28, Ottawa's captain posted 13 points (six goals, seven assists) while firing a whopping 63 shots on goal, once again reminding fantasy managers why he's the undisputed multi-cat king. Even when Ottawa falters, Tkachuk's elite shot generation, steady powerplay production, and trademark physical edge make him among the safest starts in the fantasy universe.

9. Zach Hyman, LW/RW, Edmonton Oilers

Zach Hyman continues to thrive alongside hockey royalty. Over the past month, Hyman delivered 17 points (10 goals, seven assists), burying chances consistently with his patented nose-for-the-net style. His eight powerplay points underscores just how lethal Edmonton's top unit remains when Hyman is in the lineup. Every Batman needs a Robin, and so long as Hyman is stapled to Connor McDavid, he'll continue to play the part to perfection.

8. Darren Raddysh, D, Tampa Bay Lightning

Raddysh quietly put together one of the most productive months among all NHL defencemen. Logging extra heavy minutes for Tampa Bay in the absence of captain Victor Hedman, Raddysh impressed with 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) over the past month. His willingness to activate offensively and fire pucks with reckless abandon paid major dividends for the Lightning and his fantasy managers alike. There's still plenty of hockey left this season, but Darren Raddysh is quickly running away with the award for pickup of the year.

7. Joel Hofer, G, St. Louis Blues

Hofer unexpectedly earned his place on this list with a month of sheer excellence between the pipes in St. Louis. Over the past month, Hofer recorded five wins (including two shutouts), together with a pristine 1.85 GAA and a .933 SV%. With Jordan Binnington struggling immensely this season, Hofer has taken the reigns in the St. Louis net, singlehandedly keeping the Blues afloat in the NHL's airtight Western Conference.

6. Mikko Rantanen, LW/RW, Dallas Stars

Rantanen did Mikko Rantanen things in December, piling up 23 points (four goals, 19 assists) while continuing to thrive as one of the league's premier offensive weapons. Though his shot total (28 SOGs) sat lower than usual, his chemistry with Dallas' other stars remained lethal as ever. With Dallas humming like never before, Rantanen remains one of the most reliable anchors in all of fantasy hockey.

5. Macklin Celebrini, C, San Jose Sharks

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Celebrini continues to prove that the sophomore slump can't stand the heat. Celebrini followed up a stellar November with another monster month, posting 21 points (five goals, 16 assists) while firing an impressive 43 shots. Even at 19 years old, Celebrini's unteachable blend of skill, motor, and maturity continues to separate him from his peers, making December yet another month-long reminder that the future is bright in San Jose.

4. Moritz Seider, D, Detroit Red Wings

Seider was in peak form all December long. As per usual, the Red Wings leaned heavily on their franchise defenceman this month – and Seider responded in a big way, amassing 13 points (three goals, 10 assists), 17 penalty minutes, and a strong +11 rating. His physicality (22 hits, 32 blocks) pairs beautifully with his steady offensive contributions, making Seider arguably the most complete two-way defenceman in the NHL.

3. Leon Draisaitl, C/LW, Edmonton Oilers

Draisaitl spent December terrorizing penalty kills across the league. He racked up an eye-popping 26 points (six goals, 20 assists) (including a staggering 15 powerplay points), once again proving that Edmonton's man advantage is one of the most dangerous the NHL has ever known. With 44 shots and his usual clinical efficiency, Draisaitl remained the Oilers' offensive metronome, orchestrating games with patience, strength, and elite hockey IQ all December long.

2. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche

This month was yet another reminder that Nathan MacKinnon operates on a different plane. In December, Nate Dogg produced 22 points (12 goals, 10 assists), 63 shots, and a jaw-dropping +19 rating. Put simply, every MacKinnon shift bore the imprint of a superstar determined to dictate games on his own terms. MacKinnon continues to set the standard league-wide, and his Avalanche teammates are admirably following his lead.

1. Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers

At the top of this list sits none other than Connor McDavid. He dominated December with 33 points (13 goals, 20 assists) (including 17 powerplay points), 55 shots, and a +7 rating for good measure. Whether picking apart defences on the powerplay or dismantling opponents on the rush at full speed, McDavid looked untouchable for the entire month. Indeed, December was another McDavid masterclass – and a reminder that, when he's fully unleashed, no one else compares to McJesus.

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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, January 5. Have a great week everyone!