Post by : Shivana Rahim

How Does The Athletic's Fantasy Hockey Ranking Compare to NHL's?

The 2025 fantasy hockey season is fast approaching, and if there is one thing that excites fans and fantasy managers alike, it’s the battle of the rankings. While The Athletic and NHL.com both present top player lists and cheat sheets to help draft fantasy teams, their rankings often show marked differences. Understanding these fantasy hockey trends and why discrepancies exist is key to crafting a winning roster that performs all season.

Fantasy hockey players often rely on rankings to make critical decisions during drafts. Yet, no two ranking lists are identical, bringing both insight and confusion. The Athletic’s fantasy hockey cheat sheet tends to reflect nuanced analysis with considerations like power-play potential and player usage, while NHL.com’s rankings often focus on baseline stats like goals, assists, and shots. Let’s dive deeper into these differences and what they mean for serious fantasy drafters.

Why Do Athletic and NHL Fantasy Rankings Differ?

The first crucial insight is that rankings between The Athletic and NHL.com are not about one being right or wrong—they are about perspective and methodology. For instance, The Athletic places considerable emphasis on situational factors like coaching changes and special teams usage, which directly impact a player's projected fantasy value.

A prime example is Valeri Nichushkin, who shows the biggest gap between the two lists. While NHL.com ranks him relatively low due to a scoring decline last season, The Athletic projects higher value, factoring in a new coach and potential increased power-play time. This nuanced outlook can be a fantasy advantage for managers who are willing to dig deeper rather than pick the consensus.

Key Players to Watch in Fantasy Hockey 2025

Another intriguing trend is how emerging players are valued differently. The likes of Ivan Dorofeyev and standout playoff performers like Bennett have different expectations depending on which cheat sheet you follow.

• Ivan Dorofeyev’s offensive potential spikes if lined with top players but is adjusted based on team tendencies.

• Bennett’s playoff performance hints at untapped potential, but his regular-season consistency is questioned, affecting rankings.

Such insights highlight that understanding the underlying context behind rankings is essential. If a player’s increased shot volume or power-play role is likely, managers can capitalize on higher upside picks.

How to Use Ranking Differences to Your Advantage

The choice of rankings depends on your fantasy league’s format, risk tolerance, and strategy. For more conservative drafters, NHL.com's consistent approach may feel safer. However, for those chasing a competitive edge, incorporating The Athletic’s insights on player roles and team dynamics can uncover hidden gems.

Remember, categories used—such as goals, assists, power-play points, hits, and blocked shots for skaters, or wins and shutouts for goalies—should align with your league's scoring system to maximize value from these rankings.

Preparing for the 2025 NHL Fantasy Season

With the ongoing offseason trades and rookies stepping in, the 2025 fantasy hockey draft landscape is dynamic. Monitoring the differences in rankings is just one part of a comprehensive fantasy strategy. Keeping an eye on preseason performances, line combinations, and injuries will further refine your draft picks.

Lastly, don’t shy away from using mixed data sources. Combining rankings from diverse and respected sources like The Athletic and NHL.com can boost your odds of assembling a balanced and high-performing fantasy hockey team.

By understanding these fantasy hockey trends and the strengths of various ranking sources, fantasy managers can draft smarter and set themselves up for success in the 2025 NHL season. Stay tuned for weekly updates and expert insights as the season unfolds.