NHL.com releases 2026-27 fantasy point projections, led by McDavid and MacKinnon

NHL.com has released 2026-27 fantasy hockey point projections for the upcoming NHL season, publishing projected forward and defenseman point totals on an 84-game basis. The list’s top end is led by Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers with 135 points and Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche with 130, followed by Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning, 125) and Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks, 122).

Among other high-end forwards, Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton, 117), David Pastrnak (Boston Bruins, 102) and Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild, 99) are listed within the 100-point range, with multiple clubs represented across the top projections. Connor McDavid’s Oilers are also shown with Draisaitl and others later in the totals, while teams such as the Avalanche, Lightning, and Bruins appear repeatedly near the upper end.

NHL.com also provides projected defenseman points for fantasy purposes, led by Cale Makar (Colorado, 87), with Evan Bouchard (Edmonton, 86), Quinn Hughes (Minnesota, 86), and Zach Werenski (Columbus, 83) next. The defenseman list includes projected totals for players across the league, including Lane Hutson (Montreal, 80) and Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo, 75).

In its methodology notes, NHL.com emphasizes that the point totals are “safe point estimates” rather than player ceilings or floors, and that injuries could affect whether a player meets or nears a projection. NHL.com further lists key injuries/absences used in the projection context, including Seth Jarvis (Carolina), Troy Terry (Anaheim), Kevin Fiala (Los Angeles), Owen Tippett (Philadelphia), Cale Makar (Colorado), and others named in the release’s injury/absence section.

The projections are presented as a collaborative effort by NHL.com analysts Pete Jensen, Chris Meaney and Troy Perlowitz. The full projections and rankings are available on NHL.com/Fantasy, with NHL.com stating it also provides related fantasy rankings and analysis.

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk