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There is still quite a bit of the 2024-25 NHL season left to be played. But after a week and change in the books, there are some clear early risers (and fallers) on our rankings of all 32 clubs.

But beyond the new 1-32 list, do you need some help with your fantasy hockey roster? If so, you’re in luck, because Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash have provided a waiver wire target from each team.

Keep in mind that it’s not too late to play ESPN fantasy hockey this season. Sign up for free and start playing today!

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends 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 previous edition, published Oct. 7. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 80.0%

Logan Stankoven, F (68.8% available, 1.9 FPPG, 7.6 fantasy points): The rookie is contributing from wherever coach Pete DeBoer plunks him in the lineup, be it on the top unit or elsewhere. Through his first four games, the versatile youngster provided an assist on goals by five different teammates, including one on the power play.

Next seven days: vs. EDM (Oct. 19), @ BUF (Oct. 22), @ BOS (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 87.5%

Will Cuylle, F (98.5% available, 2.3 FPPG, 7.0 fantasy points): Reilly Smith would be the only other likely available place to look, but there’s more potential in Cuylle getting enough minutes to earn a fantasy-relevant amount of hits and shots. It looks like this third line will get enough 5-on-5 minutes to do the job.

Next seven days: @ TOR (Oct. 19), @ MTL (Oct. 22), vs. FLA (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 75.0%

Anthony Stolarz, G (66.9% available, 13.8 FPPG, 4.6 fantasy points): With a head start on an injured Joseph Woll, Stolarz is doing his best to create some early separation for the crease-share lead. A permanent 60-40 share is more than enough for fantasy stardom on this winning team.

Next seven days: vs. NYR (Oct. 19), vs. TB (Oct. 21), @ CBJ (Oct. 22), vs. STL (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 58.3%

Anton Lundell, F (93.3% available, 2.0 FPPG, 7.8 fantasy points): With Aleksander Barkov to miss at least the rest of the month, Lundell is a top-line center for the Cats with Sam Reinhart on his wing. It’s not a shock he has four points in three games since Barkov was hurt.

Next seven days: vs. VGK (Oct. 19), vs. MIN (Oct. 22), @ NYR (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 71.4%

Jake Allen, G (88.5% available, 16.4 FPPG, 8.2 fantasy points): Early returns suggest this will be a beneficial arrangement between Allen and Jacob Markstrom this season. Even with a 40% crease share, it looks like Allen is worth having on daily-lineup rosters.

Next seven days: vs. WSH (Oct. 19), vs. TB (Oct. 22), @ DET (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 100.0%

Gabriel Vilardi, F (86.7% available, 0.8 FPPG, 2.5 fantasy points): As long as he remains a fixture on the Jets’ top line and power play with Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, Vilardi will put up impressive scoring numbers in short order — just as he did last season, when not out injured.

Next seven days: vs. SJ (Oct. 18), vs. PIT (Oct. 20), @ STL (Oct. 22), @ SEA (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 60.0%

Ilya Samsonov, G (48.3% available, 6.4 FPPG, 6.4 fantasy points): You can bet your bottom casino chip Samsonov intends to challenge Adin Hill for the starter’s gig with one of the better teams in the West. Including preseason play, the former Leaf and Capital has performed well to this point.

Next seven days: @ FLA (Oct. 19), vs. LA (Oct. 22)


Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 60.0%

Pavel Zacha, F (71.0% available, 1.1 FPPG, 4.6 fantasy points): Zacha held on to his role as linemate to David Pastrnak, splitting faceoff duties on the top line with Elias Lindholm. What really juices him for fantasy is that he also stays with them both when the Bruins go on the power play.

Next seven days: @ UTAH (Oct. 19), @ NSH (Oct. 22), vs. DAL (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 100.0%

J.J. Moser, D (96.1% available, 2.1 FPPG, 2.1 fantasy points): Victor Hedman‘s new defense partner plays a physical game and will be due a ton of ice time thanks to his running mate. The blocked shot statistics should help keep him on the fringes of roster-worthy.

Next seven days: @ OTT (Oct. 19), @ TOR (Oct. 21), @ NJ (Oct. 22), vs. MIN (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 40.0%

Viktor Arvidsson, F (51.5% available, 0.6 FPPG, 2.4 fantasy points): No, it hasn’t been a great start, but fresh on-ice chemistry often isn’t forged overnight. As long as coach Kris Knoblauch is sticking with Arvidsson in his top six, fantasy managers in deeper leagues should do the same. The production will come.

Next seven days: @ DAL (Oct. 19), vs. CAR (Oct. 22)


Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 50.0%

Shayne Gostisbehere, D (68.4% available, 1.4 FPPG, 1.4 fantasy points): It’s only two games, but 20 minutes of average ice time is above expectations. We knew Gostisbehere could steal power-play time, but the added counting minutes is huge for his fantasy output.

Next seven days: @ PIT (Oct. 18), @ STL (Oct. 19), @ EDM (Oct. 22), @ CGY (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 75.0%

Jake Middleton, D (77.7% available, 2.9 FPPG, 11.5 fantasy points): The Wild blueliner is worth his fantasy salt in any league that rewards hits and blocked shots. Brock Faber‘s top-pairing partner can also be counted on for pitching in on the production side enough to average 2.0 FPPG.

Next seven days: @ CBJ (Oct. 19), @ FLA (Oct. 22), @ TB (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 70.0%

Barrett Hayton, F (65.4% available, 2.7 FPPG, 13.3 fantasy points): Clayton Keller‘s center has earned at least one point in all five games to launch 2024-25, comprising four goals and two assists. Unlike Keller and winger Dylan Guenther, Hayton remains available in more than half of ESPN fantasy leagues. For now.

Next seven days: vs. BOS (Oct. 19), vs. OTT (Oct. 22), vs. COL (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 100.0%

Jonathan Huberdeau, F (41.9% available, 3.2 FPPG, 12.7 fantasy points): The Flames’ trio of Huberdeau, Martin Pospisil and Anthony Mantha have combined for 15 points through four games. Of those three, Huberdeau is the only member of the club’s top power play.

Next seven days: @ SEA (Oct. 19), vs. PIT (Oct. 22), vs. CAR (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 60.0%

Joel Blomqvist, G (98.6% available, 8.8 FPPG, 2.9 fantasy points): This is becoming less and less speculative. The pump is primed for a hostile takeover of the crease by the talented, young netminder. Tristan Jarry has been shaky and Alex Nedeljkovic is injured. More solid starts could force the Pens’ hand.

Next seven days: vs. CAR (Oct. 18), @ WPG (Oct. 20), @ CGY (Oct. 22)


Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 60.0%

Brandt Clarke, D (82.6% available, 2.4 FPPG, 9.5 fantasy points): Filling in for Drew Doughty on the Kings’ No. 1 power play, the eighth overall draft selection (2021) has three assists with the extra skater, plus another at even strength, though four games. Doughty isn’t expected back until late December at the earliest.

Next seven days: @ ANA (Oct. 20), @ VGK (Oct. 22), vs. SJ (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 0.0%

Casey Mittelstadt, F (68.3% available, 2.5 FPPG, 9.8 fantasy points): The Colorado center has more goals than Nathan MacKinnon. That trend won’t last, but a temporary spot on the top power-play unit ensures Mittelstadt will continue to produce with the extra skater. Then more at even strength once Valeri Nichushkin, Artturi Lehkonen and others are back in the mix.

Next seven days: vs. ANA (Oct. 18), @ SJ (Oct. 20), @ SEA (Oct. 22), @ UTAH (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 50.0%

Maxim Tsyplakov, F (97.3% available, 1.5 FPPG, 4.4 fantasy points): Though Anthony Duclair is another tempting option, the unknown upside of Tsyplakov is admittedly intriguing. Especially with the Isles giving him ample ice time (17:39 per game) and power-play time (3:04).

Next seven days: vs. MTL (Oct. 19), vs. DET (Oct. 22)


Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 50.0%

Jake DeBrusk, F (60.0% available, 1.8 FPPG, 5.5 fantasy points): Any fantasy manager who believes Elias Pettersson will soon return to form should also anticipate solid numbers from his new winger. DeBrusk has 70-point potential alongside Pettersson when the center hits his best level.

Next seven days: @ PHI (Oct. 19), @ CHI (Oct. 22)


Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 50.0%

Josh Norris, F (87.1% available, 3.4 FPPG, 10.2 fantasy points): Off to a hot start, Norris is making us forget the injury-riddled recent seasons we’ve endured. As is the theme for early season fantasy targets, he’s fueling his stats with power-play opportunities.

Next seven days: vs. TB (Oct. 19), @ UTAH (Oct. 22)


Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 0.0%

Gustav Nyquist, F (74.2% available, 0.4 FPPG, 1.1 fantasy points): Give it a minute. Nyquist registered only four points in his first month with the Predators last season, then wrapped up with 75 total. As long as the veteran winger sticks on a scoring line with Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly, we’ll see an uptick in production soon.

Next seven days: vs. DET (Oct. 19), vs. BOS (Oct. 22)


Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 60.0%

Jordan Eberle, F (88.0% available, 2.6 FPPG, 10.0 fantasy points): The Kraken’s new captain is off to a hot start, potting three goals and an assist through his first four contests. A gig on a new-look power play — including Vegas export Chandler Stephenson — offers additional fantasy promise.

Next seven days: vs. CGY (Oct. 19), vs. COL (Oct. 22), vs. WPG (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 66.7%

Tom Wilson, F (74.0% available, 4.2 FPPG, 4.2 fantasy points): This is still Tom “Bodycheck” Wilson we are talking about. The Caps have an upgraded top six, and he’s still a major part of it. He should be rostered in more leagues.

Next seven days: @ NJ (Oct. 19), @ PHI (Oct. 22), vs. PHI (Oct. 23)


Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 60.0%

Philip Broberg, D (92.0% available, 1.7 FPPG, 6.9 fantasy points): Heading into Thursday’s tilt with the Islanders, the eighth overall draft selection (2019) has pitched in a point per game through four. A regular top-four role and spot on the secondary power play should result in a breakout season from the former Oiler.

Next seven days: vs. CAR (Oct. 19), vs. WPG (Oct. 22), @ TOR (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 37.5%

Jamie Drysdale, D (93.1% available, 1.6 FPPG, 3.2 fantasy points): A healthy Drysdale came in with the quarterback job on the power play, supplanting Cam York despite York’s success last season. This Flyers’ power play was brutal in 2023-24, but the talent has been upgraded thanks to rookie Matvei Michkov.

Next seven days: vs. VAN (Oct. 19), vs. WSH (Oct. 22), @ WSH (Oct. 23)


Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 25.0%

Owen Power, D (67.5% available, 1.4 FPPG, 5.4 fantasy points): While we could make an argument for Power or his defense partner Bowen Byram, Power is the one getting blue-line time on the first unit for the power play alongside Rasmus Dahlin.

Next seven days: @ CHI (Oct. 19), vs. DAL (Oct. 22)


Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 25.0%

J.T. Compher, F (93.4% available, 1.6 FPPG, 4.9 fantasy points): It might not last because it’s currently at the expense of both Alex DeBrincat and Vladimir Tarasenko, but Compher is rolling on the top power-play unit. It’s his only access to ice time with Dylan Larkin, which is key in Detroit.

Next seven days: @ NSH (Oct. 19), @ NYI (Oct. 22), vs. NJ (Oct. 24)


Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 40.0%

Kirby Dach, F (93.8% available, 1.3 FPPG, 5.1 fantasy points): The Habs are light on fantasy options beyond the top line, but Dach joins them on the power play. He has had plenty of power-play time, averaging 4:31 across the first four games.

Next seven days: @ NYI (Oct. 19), vs. NYR (Oct. 22)


Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 66.7%

Lukas Dostal, G (86.6% available, 7.1 FPPG, 14.2 fantasy points): One shutout win against the Sharks and a lively hard-fought victory over a spunky Utah bunch suggests the Ducks’ current No. 1 could serve as a viable option in the deepest of fantasy leagues. At least until John Gibson (appendectomy) returns, and when the matchup makes sense.

Next seven days: @ COL (Oct. 18), vs. LA (Oct. 20), vs. SJ (Oct. 22)


Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 50.0%

Kent Johnson, F (94.9% available, 3.0 FPPG, 6.1 fantasy points): The skill has been there all along, so it’s no surprise that 20:12 of ice time per game in the early stages of the season has teased out results. Ice time and power-play time are the keys to his success, and he’s getting both.

Next seven days: vs. MIN (Oct. 19), vs. TOR (Oct. 22)


Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 50.0%

Alec Martinez, D (96.4% available, 2.3 FPPG, 9.0 fantasy points): The veteran defenseman is back to his shot-blocking ways, ranking third in the league early on. Martinez finished with 165 blocks last season, despite playing only 55 games. He also pitches in more points than the typical high-end shot-blocking defender.

Next seven days: vs. BUF (Oct. 19), vs. VAN (Oct. 22)


Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 25.0%

Jake Walman, D (87.1% available, 2.0 FPPG, 6.0 fantasy points): The Sharks defender is eager to both shoot on net and block a good number of opposing shots. He’s also pegged to provide a hearty serving of time on ice, including quality minutes on the club’s No. 1 power play.

Next seven days: @ WPG (Oct. 18), vs. COL (Oct. 20), @ ANA (Oct. 22), @ LA (Oct. 24)

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Hard-throwing rookie Misiorowski going to ASG

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Hard-throwing rookie Misiorowski going to ASG

Hard-throwing rookie Jacob Misiorowski is a National League All-Star replacement, giving the Milwaukee Brewers right-hander a chance to break Paul Skenes‘ record for the fewest big league appearances before playing in the Midsummer Classic.

Misiorowski was named Friday night to replace Chicago Cubs lefty Matthew Boyd, who will be unavailable for the All-Star Game on Tuesday night in Atlanta because he is scheduled to start Saturday at the New York Yankees.

The 23-year-old Misiorowski has made just five starts for the Brewers, going 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA while averaging 99.3 mph on his fastball, with 89 pitches that have reached 100 mph.

If he pitches at Truist Park, Misiorowski will make it consecutive years for a player to set the mark for fewest big league games before an All-Star showing.

Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander getting ready for his second All-Star appearance, had made 11 starts in the majors when he was chosen as the NL starter for last year’s All-Star Game at Texas. He pitched a scoreless inning.

“I’m speechless,” said a teary-eyed Misiorowski, who said he was given the news a few minutes before the Brewers’ 8-3 victory over Washington. “It’s awesome. It’s very unexpected and it’s an honor.”

Misiorowski is the 30th first-time All-Star and 16th replacement this year. There are now 80 total All-Stars.

“He’s impressive. He’s got some of the best stuff in the game right now, even though he’s a young pitcher,” said Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who is a starting AL outfielder for his seventh All-Star nod. “He’s going to be a special pitcher in this game for a long time so I think he deserved it and it’s going be pretty cool for him and his family.”

Carlos Rodón, Carlos Estévez and Casey Mize were named replacement pitchers on the AL roster.

The New York Yankees‘ Rodón, an All-Star for the third time in five seasons, will replace teammate Max Fried for Tuesday’s game in Atlanta. Fried will be unavailable because he is scheduled to start Saturday against the Chicago Cubs.

In his final start before the All-Star game, Rodón allowed four hits and struck out eight in eight innings in an 11-0 victory over the Cubs.

“This one’s a little special for me,” said Rodón, an All-Star in 2021 and ’22 who was 3-8 in his first season with the Yankees two years ago before rebounding. “I wasn’t good when I first got here, and I just wanted to prove that I wasn’t to going to give up and just put my best foot forward and try to win as many games as I can.”

The Kansas City Royals‘ Estévez replaces Texas’ Jacob deGrom, who is scheduled to start at Houston on Saturday night. Estévez was a 2023 All-Star when he was with the Los Angeles Angels.

Mize takes the spot held by Boston‘s Garrett Crochet, who is scheduled to start Saturday against Tampa Bay. Mize gives the Tigers six All-Stars, most of any team and tied for the franchise record.

Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia will replace Tampa Bay‘s Brandon Lowe, who went on the injured list with left oblique tightness. The additions of Estévez and Garcia give the Royals four All-Stars, matching their 2024 total.

The Seattle Mariners announced center fielder Julio Rodríguez will not participate, and he was replaced by teammate Randy Arozarena. Rodríguez had been voted onto the AL roster via the players’ ballot. The Mariners, who have five All-Stars, said Rodríguez will use the break to “recuperate, rest and prepare for the second half.”

Arozarena is an All-Star for the second time. He started in left field for the AL two years ago, when he was with Tampa Bay. Arozarena was the runner-up to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the 2023 Home Run Derby.

Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen, a first-time All-Star, is replacing Angels left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, who is scheduled to start Saturday night at Arizona. Rasmussen is 7-5 with a 2.82 ERA in 18 starts.

San Diego added a third NL All-Star reliever in lefty Adrián Morejón, who replaces Philadelphia starter Zack Wheeler. The Phillies’ right-hander is scheduled to start at San Diego on Saturday night. Morejón entered the weekend with a 1.71 ERA in 45 appearances.

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Giants’ Devers dealing with disk injury in back

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Giants' Devers dealing with disk injury in back

SAN FRANCISCO — Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers is dealing with a disk injury in his lower back that has limited his production since joining his new club.

Manager Bob Melvin is hopeful Devers won’t require a stint on the injured list given the upcoming time off for the All-Star break.

Devers has begun anti-inflammatory medication for the irritation symptoms he is experiencing and is playing through the issue. He underwent an MRI exam Thursday.

“He went on some medication, feels a little bit better today. We’ll see how he responds to that,” Melvin said Friday. “I’m glad we got the MRI done so we know what’s going on.”

Acquired last month from the Red Sox, Devers entered the series opener Friday against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers batting .245 with 23 strikeouts, four doubles, a home run and six RBIs over his past 14 games dating to June 26. He was hitting .261 with 17 homers and 67 RBIs overall.

The Giants took on Devers’ mega contract when they traded for him June 15 to boost their offense after the slugger made it known he didn’t want to play first base for Boston. But he arrived in the Bay Area insisting he would do anything asked of him to help San Francisco win.

A three-time All-Star, Devers signed a $313.5 million, 10-year contract with the Red Sox in 2023.

On Friday, he was in the lineup as DH batting third. He isn’t ready to play the field, including first base, where he has been doing regular fielding work.

“He feels it mostly running, probably a little bit at the plate, but not as much as when he’s running bases,” Melvin said. “I think with the break hopefully [he’ll be OK]. I think he’s been playing through it for a little bit, basically since he’s been here. It’s the reason he’s not out in the field right now.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Cardinals’ Arenado (sprained finger) exits early

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Cardinals' Arenado (sprained finger) exits early

The St. Louis Cardinals removed star third baseman Nolan Arenado from their 6-5 loss to the visiting Atlanta Braves on Friday night because of a sprained right index finger.

Arenado, who was 1-for-3, was replaced in the seventh inning by Thomas Saggese. While it was unclear how Arenado hurt the finger, it is the same injury that kept him out of two games last week during a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Arenado has 10 home runs and 42 RBIs in 84 games this season.

Field Level Media contributed to this report.

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