As the 2025-26 NHL regular season winds down and the playoff race reaches a fever pitch, savvy managers are already looking toward the horizon. While the current hardware is still up for grabs, the foundation for a 2026-27 championship is built on the moves you make today. Identifying fantasy hockey notes for next season early allows you to capitalize on trade windows and keeper selections before the market corrects itself.
The landscape has shifted dramatically over the last twelve months. From blockbuster trades at the 2026 deadline to the emergence of the 2025 draft class, the player pool looks very different than it did a year ago. Here are the top 10 essential notes to guide your strategy for the upcoming campaign.
1. Porter Martone’s Sophomore Surge in Philly
After being selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2025 NHL Draft, Porter Martone has lived up to the hype. His combination of power-forward grit and elite finishing has made him a multi-category monster. As he enters his second full season in 2026-27, expect Martone to see increased top-line minutes. He is a primary target for managers in banger leagues who need hits and goals in equal measure.
2. Anton Frondell and the Blackhawks’ Youth Movement
Anton Frondell has solidified himself as a cornerstone of the Chicago Blackhawks' rebuild. His hockey IQ and playmaking ability have complemented the existing core perfectly. Heading into next season, Frondell’s floor is remarkably high due to his consistent power-play deployment. He is a must-keep in dynasty formats and a high-upside mid-round pick in redraft leagues.
3. Bobby McMann’s New Life in Seattle
One of the biggest stories of the 2026 trade deadline was Bobby McMann moving from Toronto to the Seattle Kraken. While some feared a drop in production away from the Leafs' stars, McMann has flourished with a heavier workload in the Pacific Northwest. In Seattle, he is no longer a depth piece but a featured offensive weapon. These fantasy hockey notes for next season suggest McMann could be a 25-30 goal sleeper if he maintains his current shot volume.
4. Cole Hutson: The New Power Play Architect in D.C.
The Washington Capitals made a splash by signing Cole Hutson in March 2026. The dynamic defenseman has wasted no time showcasing the elite vision that made him a standout prospect. As Washington transitions their blue line, Hutson is the heir apparent to the top power-play unit. His skating and puck-moving skills make him a high-end target for managers looking for assists and power-play points from the back end.
5. Will Smith Entering the "Third-Year Breakout" Zone
Having completed two full NHL seasons, Will Smith is no longer the fresh-faced rookie in San Jose. History shows that elite prospects often take their biggest statistical leap in their third year. After establishing a consistent 60-point pace over the last two seasons, Smith is primed to explode into the point-per-game tier in 2026-27. Don't let his "veteran" status in your league's eyes distract you from his massive ceiling.
6. Jeremy Swayman: The Workhorse Era
Jeremy Swayman has officially moved past the tandem era in Boston. Now established as a true Tier 1 starter, his value next season hinges on his ability to handle a 60-game workload. His peripheral stats (GAA and SV%) remain elite, but it is the projected increase in win totals that makes him a potential top-three goaltender off the board in 2026 drafts.
7. Jakub Dobes Challenging for the Montreal Crease
The Montreal Canadiens' goaltending situation remains fluid, and Jakub Dobes is the name to watch. After a stellar AHL campaign, Dobes has proven he can handle professional pressure. If he can secure the 1B role or outright win the starting job in training camp, he will be one of the most valuable waiver-wire additions for the 2026-27 season.
8. Jimmy Snuggerud’s Top-Six Opportunity
The St. Louis Blues have been patient with Jimmy Snuggerud, and that patience is about to pay off for fantasy managers. With several veteran contracts coming off the books, Snuggerud is slated for a permanent top-six role next season. His high-volume shooting makes him a safe bet for 200+ shots on goal, providing a solid floor even if his shooting percentage fluctuates.
9. Anthony Mantha’s Veteran Reliability
While not the flashiest name on the list, Anthony Mantha remains a crucial depth piece for fantasy rosters. Entering the 2026-27 season, Mantha’s value lies in his consistency and ability to play up and down the lineup. He is a perfect target for managers who need to stabilize their right-wing depth without spending high draft capital.
10. Looking Ahead: The 2026 Draft Class
Finally, keep an eye on the 2026 NHL Draft prospects like Gavin McKenna. While they won't impact the NHL immediately, their landing spots will dictate the long-term strategy for keeper and dynasty leagues. These fantasy hockey notes for next season emphasize that the draft in June will be the first major domino to fall for the 2026-27 fantasy cycle.
Summary of Key Targets
- Top Breakout: Will Smith (SJS)
- Best Trade Target: Bobby McMann (SEA)
- Elite Keeper: Porter Martone (PHI)
- Deep Sleeper: Jakub Dobes (MTL)
Sources & Original Reporting
