Top Fantasy Hockey Prospects: Calder Trophy Candidates
The world of ice hockey is gearing up for a new season and with it, the excitement of discovering the young prospects who could make a difference on your fantasy team. These talented rookies promise to inject energy and freshness into their respective teams, and of course, into your roster of fantasy. Here we present a dozen Calder Trophy candidates who could be valuable in most leagues.Ivan Demidov, F, Montreal Canadiens
Demidov, a dazzling talent, is one of the favorites for the Calder. His production will largely depend on how he integrates with his linemates. He is expected to play with Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach. If both manage to stay healthy and the trio works, get ready. In addition, Demidov is expected to participate in the power play with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, which increases his potential. His experience in the NHL, including the playoffs, is also a plus. This dynamic winger has a potential of 65 points, with a good portion of them coming from the power play. Make sure to select him!Jimmy Snuggerud, F, St. Louis Blues
Playing on a top line and in the power play with Robert Thomas, this University of Minnesota product will accumulate points. How about between 60-65? Snuggerud, who was drafted three years ago, is completely ready. This physical winger, comparable to Toronto’s Matthew Knies, is a strong contender for the Calder.Ryan Leonard, F, Washington Capitals
Leonard, a complete forward, can also score goals. Playing on a scoring line with Pierre-Luc Dubois and competing on the Capitals’ second power play, the 20-year-old will add points. In addition, Leonard is expected to contribute at least a couple of hits each game.Ville Koivunen, F, Pittsburgh Penguins
If Koivunen stays on a top line (and possibly in the power play) with Sidney Crosby, he will contribute. A position on Evgeni Malkin’s unit wouldn’t be bad either. Although other rookies seem to be getting more attention in the preseason, Koivunen’s potential cannot be overlooked.Michael Misa, F, San Jose Sharks
Coach Ryan Warsofsky seems pleased with Misa’s performance at training camp, and has even given the young center a chance on the Sharks’ second scoring line. If this year’s second overall pick ends up supplanting Alexander Wennberg in that position, along with minutes on the power play, he will make a lot of productive noise. This rising star is fast and scored 62 goals and 72 assists in 65 games with the Saginaw Spirit last season. Misa deserves a spot on your team in deeper scoring fantasy leagues.Maxim Shabanov, F, New York Islanders
The Islanders desperately need more scoring. The player from the KHL could contribute in that department as a threat on the top line alongside center Bo Horvat and newcomer Jonathan Drouin. Shabanov is a valuable bet as a fantasy sleeper in 2025-26.Sam Rinzel, D, Chicago Blackhawks
Anchoring Chicago’s superior power play and with an impressive shot, the 21-year-old player will inevitably score points. He will also use his body often while blocking enough shots to satisfy any manager in standard leagues. Rinzel will become familiar to fantasy players and hockey fanatics very soon. As long as the +/- doesn’t weigh too heavily, the burly defenseman is a must-have prospect in any deeper league.Zayne Parekh, D, Calgary Flames
Flames fans are very excited about this kid’s appearance, and with good reason. After accumulating an astonishing 107 points in 61 games with the Saginaw Spirit, the 19-year-old player seems to be on his way to playing in the big leagues this year. Gifted with great aggressiveness, Parekh will also enjoy the added freedom to contribute offensively on an equal footing. The ninth pick in the draft (2024) has an extra shine for fantasy managers who appreciate penalty minutes.Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild
Will reward your fantasy managers like a valuable player… someday. Unless Buium replaces Brock Faber on the Wild’s top power-play unit, or Jared Spurgeon on the second, this year’s numbers could be more modest. Unless he makes one of the aforementioned special teams. So, keep an eye on how it develops.Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders
Head coach Patrick Roy: “We’ll give him time.” Which makes sense, considering the number 1 pick from June turned 18 this September. That’s young for any skater, let alone a defenseman. Schaefer will undoubtedly put up superior numbers when he gets his full-time opportunity, which, two weeks before the regular season begins, doesn’t seem like it will be this year. But this is a franchise defenseman and a future star. So, if your dynasty/keeper team is in rebuild mode, get this kid ASAP.Yaroslav Askarov, G, San Jose Sharks
He’s going to play, for sure. With Alex Nedeljkovic as the other option, the 23-year-old player doesn’t have to worry about seeing a good dose of action in the NHL this season. The most important question is whether the constantly improving Sharks can perform well enough in front of whoever is in goal. If San Jose wins significantly more games than they did last year (20), Askarov could be a good surprise pick in deeper fantasy leagues.Leevi Merilainen, G, Ottawa Senators
If Linus Ullmark loses significant playing time, as he did last season, the 23-year-old player could be an exceptional surprise in the 2024-25 season. When he was called up from the Belleville Senators last winter, he recorded an 8-3-1 record, 1.99 GAA, .925 SV%, while earning three shutouts. This year’s full-time backup, for a good Senators team, will see much more action this year. Keep Merilainen on your fantasy radar as a viable option.
Other players to consider:
- Matt Savoie, F, Edmonton Oilers
- Isaac Howard, F, Edmonton Oilers
- Rutger McGroarty (IR), F, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Gabe Perreault, F, New York Rangers
- Alexander Nikishin, D, Carolina Hurricanes
- Sam Dickinson, D, San Jose Sharks
