NHL picks, props, fantasy projections for upcoming games
Players to watch with EDGE stats insights; free-to-play game advice; podcast analysis
By Fantasy Hockey Staff
NHL.com's fantasy hockey staff provides daily players to watch for props in various categories and free-to-play games throughout the 2026-27 season. For more coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy.
MORE FANTASY COVERAGE 馃搱
Top 200 rankings | Projected lineups
Weekly top 10 pickups | Cheat sheet
Play 'NHL Fantasy Stars' game 猸愶笍
Top 10 pickups for Week 1; Stanley Cup predictions
Listen on SpotifyPROPS FOR TUE. SEPT. 29 馃幆
Player to watch for goal, shots on goal and/or power-play point: Gavin McKenna, F, TOR (vs. MTL; 7 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN)
The Toronto Maple Leafs rookie is expected to make his NHL debut against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday and is a threat to score a goal in the top six with either Auston Matthews or his preseason linemates William Nylander and John Tavares. McKenna had one assist and four shots on goal in two preseason games and was a standout for Penn State University last season; during his freshman season (2025-26), the 18-year-old was tied for fifth in the NCAA with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 games. Per NHL EDGE stats, McKenna had two 20-plus mph speed bursts in the preseason, with his max skating speed being 20.52 mph. It's also worth noting the Maple Leafs traded for high-scoring forward Kirill Marchenko on Monday and could have him in the lineup for the season opener Tuesday. -- Pete Jensen
Read more: Fantasy projection for McKenna | EDGE stats impact of Marchenko trade
Player for goal and/or point: JJ Peterka, F, BOS (vs. NYR; 8 p.m. ET; ESPN)
Peterka, a three-time 25-goal scorer, is expected to make his Boston Bruins debut on their top line with elite forward and newly named captain David Pastrnak. Peterka, who is tied for 16th in the NHL in 5-on-5 goals the past three seasons combined (61 since 2023-24), has bounce-back potential if he plays on the first power-play unit with exposure to Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie (led team in goals last season with 39). Per NHL EDGE stats, Peterka is among the forward leaders in 20-plus mph speed bursts (212; 97th percentile) and ranks highly at the position in mid-range shots on goal (65; 89th percentile) and mid-range goals (nine; 89th percentile). The New York Rangers allowed an average of five goals in three games against the Bruins last season. -- Troy Perlowitz
'NHL FANTASY STARS' PICK 猸愶笍
Roman Kantserov, F, CHI (at VGK; 10:30 p.m. ET; ESPN, TVAS2) NOTE: Available for 100 coins in 'NHL Fantasy Stars' game
The Chicago Blackhawks rookie is expected to make his NHL debut on the first line with Patrick Kane and Oliver Moore. Kantserov, who led the Kontinental Hockey League in goals (36) last season, also is expected to start the season on the first power play with Kane, Anton Frondell, Tyler Bertuzzi and Bowen Byram. Kantserov, who's 22 years old, could have a prominent role with top center Connor Bedard injured. Per NHL EDGE stats, the Blackhawks ranked third in average shot speed (59.65 mph) last season despite missing the postseason. -- Chris Meaney
