NHL Power Rankings: One player from each team to add or drop in fantasy
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Sean Allen
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Victoria Matiash
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Victoria Matiash
Fantasy Hockey
- ESPN.com Fantasy Contributor since 2010
- Part-time anchor at NEWSTALK1010
The 2023-24 NHL season turned 1 month old on Thursday (aww…), and it’s been a hot time for reflection upon the trends that may or may not stick for the duration. We’re also coming up on the all-important benchmark of American Thanksgiving; teams in playoff position at that time make the playoffs around 80% of the time.
With all of that in mind, here are our updated 1-32 Power Rankings for this week. As a special gift, we’ve asked ESPN fantasy hockey analysts Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash to suggest a player (or players) from each team to add/drop from your fantasy roster; Sean handled the Eastern teams, while Victoria tackled the West.
And just a reminder: It’s not too late to sign up for ESPN Fantasy Hockey! Create your team and play for free today.
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors each send in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list here.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the preseason edition, published Nov. 3. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 82.14%
Next seven days: vs. SJ (Nov. 10), @ WSH (Nov. 14), @ MTL (Nov. 16)
Remember when William Karlsson (available in 34% of leagues) erupted for 43 goals and 78 points in his first season with the Knights? Well, he’s revisiting that pace six years later. Unlike Vegas’ other heavy fantasy hitters, he might be available in your league. If so, snag him.
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 88.46%
Next seven days: @ MTL (Nov. 11), @ BUF (Nov. 14)
Despite their standing, the fantasy pickings are slim on the Bruins. That said, Pavel Zacha (available in 76% of leagues) has a connection with David Pastrnak that should make him a serviceable pickup. Zacha is cresting 20 minutes per game of average ice time lately.
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 80.77%
Next seven days: vs. CBJ (Nov. 12)
Erik Gustafsson (available in 79% of leagues) will be a fantasy powerhouse until Adam Fox, placed on long-term injured reserve, returns to the Rangers lineup. In the two games since Fox was hurt, Gustafsson picked up four points.
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 80.77%
Next seven days: @ TOR (Nov. 11), @ MTL (Nov. 12), vs. NYI (Nov. 15), @ CGY (Nov. 16)
Defenseman Filip Hronek (available in 32% of leagues) is criminally underappreciated across the fantasy spectrum. Maybe because position-leading point scorer Quinn Hughes is making so much positive noise. Whatever the reason, Hronek is riding a seven-game point streak, so add him if you’re able.
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 66.67%
Next seven days: vs. STL (Nov. 11), @ SEA (Nov. 13), vs. ANA (Nov. 15)
Devon Toews (rostered in 72% of leagues) has served as a fantasy dud, outside of ATOI, since the first week of the season. Bench him, at minimum, until there are tangible signs of a turnaround.
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 73.08%
Next seven days: vs. PHI (Nov. 11), vs. FLA (Nov. 16)
Why is Phillip Danault much more popular in fantasy play than Trevor Moore? It makes little sense. Pick up Moore (available in 70% of leagues) before your league mates catch on to the top-six winger’s point-per-game production.
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 70.83%
Next seven days: @ WPG (Nov. 11), @ MIN (Nov. 12), vs. ARI (Nov. 14)
Center Wyatt Johnston (available in 89% of leagues) serves as a sneaky addition in deeper leagues. With his dreary start to November serving as an exception, the sophomore has been mostly reliable.
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 61.54%
Next seven days: @ FLA (Nov. 10), @ TB (Nov. 11), vs. PHI (Nov. 15)
“Indefinitely” could mean months on the shelf for goaltender Frederik Andersen, out with issues related to blood clots. That’s a wide-open door for Antti Raanta (available in 90% of leagues) or Pyotr Kochetkov (available in 72% of leagues) to take the job and run with it on your fantasy roster.
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 62.50%
Next seven days: vs. WSH (Nov. 10), @ WPG (Nov. 14), @ PIT (Nov. 16)
A handful of leagues are still sleeping on Luke Hughes (available in 14% of leagues). Make no mistake: Hughes, not Dougie Hamilton, is the quarterback of what will be a dangerous power play once his brother Jack is healthy.
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 57.14%
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Nov. 11), @ STL (Nov. 14), @ CHI (Nov. 16)
Check your waiver wire to see Andrei Vasilevskiy is available, as he is in 8% of ESPN leagues. On track to return before the end of November, he’s always a top fantasy goaltender, even if he gets limited usage at the start.
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 57.14%
Next seven days: vs. CBJ (Nov. 11), vs. OTT (Nov. 16)
Lucas Raymond (available in 74% of leagues) is set up to be an everyday fantasy winger thanks to his role alongside Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Larkin. He recently started joining them on the power play, too, so pick him up now before the points start accumulating.
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 53.85%
Next seven days: vs. CGY (Nov. 10), vs. VAN (Nov. 11)
Joseph Woll (available in 49% of leagues) continues to write a hero’s-journey tale for his rookie season, outperforming and outshining Ilya Samsonov in the crease at every turn. Pick him up now before the rostering snowball finds him on someone else’s team.
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 62.50%
Next seven days: vs. CAR (Nov. 10), vs. CHI (Nov. 12), @ SJ (Nov. 14), @ LA (Nov. 16)
Double-check your league’s free agent list for defenseman Brandon Montour (available in 12% of leagues), as he is expected to start travelling with the team and return later this month. The power play will be all his to quarterback after his breakout last season.
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 61.54%
Next seven days: vs. DAL (Nov. 11), vs. NJ (Nov. 14)
You can dump Nikolaj Ehlers (rostered in 32% of leagues) in shallower fantasy competition. The Jets are winning a bit without him playing significant minutes, or contributing much to the scoresheet. Later on, give the forward a fresh look when he gets back in scoring rhythm.
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 58.33%
Next seven days: vs. PHI (Nov. 10), vs. SJ (Nov. 12), @ NSH (Nov. 14), @ COL (Nov. 15)
Impressive production from the Ducks’ second scoring line, centered by sophomore Mason McTavish, is one big reason the club is enjoying so much success. A burgeoning star, McTavish (available in 32% of leagues) should be rostered in all but the shallowest of leagues.
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 54.17%
Next seven days: vs. WSH (Nov. 11), @ EDM (Nov. 13), @ VAN (Nov. 15), @ SEA (Nov. 16)
Goals and assists aren’t the only way to earn fantasy points. When not banged up from blocking shots, Scott Mayfield (available in 89% of leagues) uses those blocks to earn more fantasy points per game than all but four defensemen in the NHL.
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: @ NSH (Nov. 11), @ DAL (Nov. 14), @ CBJ (Nov. 16)
Following a slow start, top-six forward Mattias Maccelli (available in 54% of leagues) is proving to be a worthy addition to teams in deeper leagues — and perhaps even in shallower leagues, if he continues to produce at his current pace.
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: vs. MIN (Nov. 10), @ PIT (Nov. 11), vs. BOS (Nov. 14)
He won’t hit the next level with Rasmus Dahlin around, but Owen Power (available in 58% of leagues) is doing enough to deserve a spot on most rosters — and would ascend to elite territory if Dahlin misses any time.
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 46.15%
Next seven days: @ BUF (Nov. 10), vs. DAL (Nov. 12)
Defenseman Jared Spurgeon (available in 45% of leagues) is due back any moment now, and goodness knows the Wild could use him. Perhaps your fantasy squad might as well? The Wild captain put up 34 points and blocked 179 shots last season.
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 50.00%
Next seven days: vs. BUF (Nov. 11), @ CBJ (Nov. 14), vs. NJ (Nov. 16)
Reilly Smith (available in 77% of leagues) has pushed past Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell as the choice for fourth forward on the power play. If you add him to your team, you can enjoy games like Saturday’s four-point outburst in the future.
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 54.55%
Next seven days: @ NJ (Nov. 10), @ NYI (Nov. 11), vs. VGK (Nov. 14)
A goal-scoring burst quickly pushed Dylan Strome (available in 83% of leagues) up the depth chart to the top line. Strome is worth a pickup because he’s almost always on the ice whenever Alex Ovechkin is, which is the key to acquiring fantasy points on the Capitals.
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 53.85%
Next seven days: vs. BOS (Nov. 11), vs. VAN (Nov. 12), vs. CGY (Nov. 14), vs. VGK (Nov. 16)
Sean Monahan (available in 69% of leagues) is turning back the clock, thanks in no small part to his locked-in role on the top power-play unit with the youngsters. The pace will surely dip, but it can afford to after his hot start (2.1 fantasy points per game).
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 54.17%
Next seven days: @ COL (Nov. 11), vs. TB (Nov. 14), @ SJ (Nov. 16)
It might be time to drop Jordan Kyrou (rostered in 88% of leagues) in shallow leagues. He can’t score against quality teams, or even against some less quality teams. Browse your waiver wire. Guaranteed there’s a less popular fantasy forward available who’s kicking in greater returns.
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 38.46%
Next seven days: vs. ARI (Nov. 11), vs. ANA (Nov. 14)
Does your league reward blocked shots? Alexandre Carrier (available in 69% of leagues) blocks a lot of them. More than anyone else in the NHL not named Jacob Trouba. The Predators blueliner also pitches in the odd assist as a bonus.
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 42.31%
Next seven days: @ ANA (Nov. 10), @ LA (Nov. 11), @ CAR (Nov. 15)
Peppering shots, time on the top line and opportunities on the power play show that Cam Atkinson (available in 76% of leagues) is all the way back after missing last season. The depth chart is fluid for the Flyers, but Atkinson is a staple so far, and should be added.
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 41.67%
Next seven days: vs. CGY (Nov. 11), vs. DET (Nov. 16)
Note that Jake Sanderson‘s (available in 18% of leagues) outburst of offense started even before Thomas Chabot was injured. Sanderson should be picked up in all leagues as the power-play quarterback for the Sens’ offense.
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 42.31%
Next seven days: @ DET (Nov. 11), @ NYR (Nov. 12), vs. PIT (Nov. 14), vs. ARI (Nov. 16)
In a shallower fantasy league? I could get behind dropping Johnny Gaudreau even though it’s early. Returns have been poor and even last season’s totals were near-replacement level in a 10-team league. Sit tight in deeper leagues, as the offense will change when Patrik Laine returns.
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 46.43%
Next seven days: vs. EDM (Nov. 11), vs. COL (Nov. 13), @ EDM (Nov. 15), vs. NYI (Nov. 16)
Making the most of his limited minutes, defenseman Justin Schultz (available in 98% of leagues) is currently on a tear with a four-game point streak. Anchoring Seattle’s top power play certainly helps. Sub him onto your fantasy roster, if only temporarily, while he’s riding hot.
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 20.83%
Next seven days: @ SEA (Nov. 11), vs. NYI (Nov. 13), vs. SEA (Nov. 15)
Regardless of how the Oilers are faring, Evander Kane (available in 47% of leagues) sports way too much upside to bypass. With his multipoint performances more than making up for the odd worthless outing, it all works out wonderfully in the fantasy wash.
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 37.50%
Next seven days: @ TOR (Nov. 10), @ OTT (Nov. 11), @ MTL (Nov. 14), vs. VAN (Nov. 16)
Add Nazem Kadri (available in 85% of leagues) if you need a scoring boost up front. The former fantasy gem is starting to look his old feisty, productive self, with all-around numbers to match.
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 41.67%
Next seven days: @ FLA (Nov. 12), vs. TB (Nov. 16)
Clear your fantasy roster of any Blackhawk not named Connor Bedard, Taylor Hall or Seth Jones. At least until other players on the depth chart begin to contribute with any sense of consistency.
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 19.23%
Next seven days: @ VGK (Nov. 10), @ ANA (Nov. 12), vs. FLA (Nov. 14), vs. STL (Nov. 16)
Ex-Wild defenseman Calen Addison (available in 97% of leagues) will be afforded every opportunity to make the Sharks better, at even strength and on the power play. He’ll put up points, maybe even more than 40 by season’s end. Consider giving Addison a whirl if you’re in a deep league.
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Adam Rittenberg
BOULDER, Colo. — Colorado coach Deion Sanders said he feels “healthy and vibrant” after returning to the field for preseason practices after undergoing surgery to remove his bladder after a cancerous tumor was found.
Sanders, 57, said he has been walking at least a mile around campus following Colorado’s practices, which began last week. He was away from the team for the late spring and early summer following the surgery in May. Dr. Janet Kukreja, director of urological oncology at University of Colorado Cancer Center, said July 30 that Sanders, who lost about 25 pounds during his recovery, is “cured of cancer.”
“I’m healthy, I’m vibrant, I’m my old self,” Sanders said. “I’m loving life right now. I’m trying my best to live to the fullest, considering what transpired.”
Sanders credited Colorado’s assistant coaches and support staff for overseeing the program during his absence. The Pro Football Hall of Famer enters his third season as Buffaloes coach this fall.
“They’ve given me tremendous comfort,” Sanders said. “I never had to call 100 times and check on the house, because I felt like the house is going to be OK. That’s why you try your best to hire correct, so you don’t have to check on the house night and day. They did a good job, especially strength and conditioning.”
Colorado improved from four to nine wins in Sanders’ second season, but the team loses Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, the No. 2 pick in April’s NFL draft, as well as record-setting quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the son of Deion Sanders. The Buffaloes have an influx of new players, including quarterbacks Kaidon Salter and Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis, who are competing for the starting job, as well as new staff members such as Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk, who is coaching the Buffaloes’ running backs.
Despite the changes and his own health challenges, Deion Sanders expects Colorado to continue ascending. The Buffaloes open the season Aug. 29 when they host Georgia Tech.
“The next phase is we’re going to win differently, but we’re going to win,” Sanders said. “I don’t know if it’s going to be the Hail Mary’s at the end of the game, but it’s going to be hell during the game, because we want to be physical and we want to run the heck out of the football.”
Sanders said it will feel “a little weird, a little strange” to not be coaching Shedeur when the quarterback starts his first NFL preseason game for the Cleveland Browns on Friday night at Carolina. Deion Sanders said he and Shedeur had spoken several times Friday morning. Despite being projected as a top quarterback in the draft, Shedeur Sanders fell to the fifth round.
“A lot of people are approaching it like a preseason game, he’s approaching like a game, and that’s how he’s always approached everything, to prepare and approach it like this is it,” Deion Sanders said. “He’s thankful and appreciative of the opportunity. He don’t get covered in, you know, all the rhetoric in the media.
“Some of the stuff is just ignorant. Some of it is really adolescent, he far surpasses that, and I can’t wait to see him play.”
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Adam Rittenberg
LSU starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier aggravated the patellar tendinitis he has been dealing with in his knee but will not miss any significant time, coach Brian Kelly said Friday.
Kelly dropped in ahead of a news conference Friday with offensive coordinator Joe Sloan to tell reporters that Nussmeier did not suffer a severe knee injury or even a new one. According to Kelly, Nussmeier has chronic tendinitis in his knee and “probably just planted the wrong way” during Wednesday’s practice.
Nussmeier ranked fifth nationally in passing yards (4,052) last season, his first as LSU’s starter, and projects as an NFL first-round draft pick in 2026.
“It’s not torn, there’s no fraying, there’s none of that,” Kelly said. “This is preexisting. … There’s nothing to really see on film with it, but it pissed it off. He aggravated it a little bit, but he’s good to go.”
Kelly said Nussmeier’s injury ranks 1.5 out of 10 in terms of severity. Asked whether it’s the right or left knee, Kelly said he didn’t know, adding, “It’s not a serious injury. Guys are dealing with tendinitis virtually every day in life.”
LSU opens the season Aug. 30 at Clemson.
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