We have reached the mid-way point of the 2025-26 NHL season, so as we head into the new year, and 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 look ahead at the upcoming week in fantasy hockey.

Fantasy Hockey Player Outlook

Let's take a spin around the league to see which players you should be targeting in your fantasy league. 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. 

Mid-Season Adds (Claim these players on the waiver wire)

Eeli Tolvanen, RW, San Jose Sharks, Rostered-50.7%

            Tolvanen is red hot as of late, with 10 points in his last eight contests. The Seattle forward has been a top source of offense on a team that is sorely lacking consistent producers in that area.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, G, Buffalo Sabres, Rostered-8.1%

            The Sabres’ recent success can largely be attributed to their goaltender Alex Lyon. Unfortunately for Buffalo, he went down with an injury and remains without a clear timetable for his return. If the team continues to play well, UPL could be an underrated fantasy addition.

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

Igor Chernyshov, LW, San Jose Sharks, Rostered-11.1%

            Sharks rookie forward Igor Chernyshov has had an excellent start to his NHL career. The 20-year-old has eight points in his first seven games. Unfortunately, it's too late to work himself into Calder conversations, but his production should continue if he remains on the top line with Macklin Celebrini.

Zach Benson, LW, Buffalo Sabres, Rostered-6.4%

            The Sabres are currently on a 10-game heater and are showing no signs of slowing down as they aim for their first playoff berth in a decade and a half. Youngster Zach Benson has been a big part of their winning streak due to his recent offensive success with four goals in his last nine games.

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

Samuel Montembeault, G, Montreal Canadiens, Rostered-40.2%

            Montembeault had a horrendous start to his season. After initially being the team’s starter, he spent some time in the AHL on a conditioning stint. In his absence, Jacob Fowler and Jakub Dobes have shared the crease. Montembeault recently rejoined the Canadiens and looked good in his first appearance. With his ownership still high, it may be worth buying on the Habs goalie as the team continues its winning ways.

Jared McCann, C, Seattle Kraken, Rostered-55.9%

            Jared McCann missed a large portion of the season due to injury. However, he’s been productive when healthy. Being one of the few offensive weapons for the Kraken, McCann is usually a lock for 20-30 goals a season.

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

Pavel Buchnevich, RW, St. Louis Blues, Rostered-21.8%

            Buchnevich has been a solid depth option in fantasy over the last few years. However, much like many players on the Blues this season, he has struggled offensively. Many managers have been selling Buchnevich, and anyone who still has him rostered should strongly consider cutting him loose.

Rickard Rakell, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins, Rostered-73.7%

            Rakell has struggled to produce for Pittsburgh this year with only four goals in 19 games, despite the success of line mate Sidney Crosby. His ownership is far too high for the fantasy upside he provides.

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 NHL team outlook for the upcoming week.

*Note: This week’s analysis runs from Jan 2-8. The weekly fantasy matchup runs from Jan 5-11. 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.)

Calgary Flames

            The Flames have turned their season around of late and are nearing the playoff picture. Expect them to keep on rolling as they have a weak upcoming schedule.

Columbus Blue Jackets

            The Blue Jackets are dead last in the Eastern Conference. However, they have a favorable schedule ahead, and with the tight East standings, no team is truly out of the playoff picture.

New Jersey Devils

            The Devils have been struggling despite Jack Hughes' recent return. They should be able to regain their winning ways soon, however, thanks to their upcoming schedule.

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

Florida Panthers

            The Florida Panthers have won six of their last ten contests as they battle in the extremely tight Atlantic Division. However, they head up to Canada before returning home to face the Avalanche. The upcoming games will be a challenge for the Panthers.

Tampa Bay Lightning

            The Lightning find themselves in the midst of a six-game win streak. However, they have a thin upcoming schedule. Do not expect them to pay dividends in the upcoming games.

Winnipeg Jets

            The Jets have been in freefall during recent weeks. They find themselves near the bottom of the league despite having Connor Hellebuyck return to action. They need to find their game quickly before they dig themselves into too deep a hole to climb out of.

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