15 Fantasy Hockey Best Players of All Time

Brandon McNally

Updated on:

Fantasy hockey is becoming an increasingly popular way to enjoy the game of ice hockey. It involves assembling a team from NHL players and then competing against other teams based on the statistics generated by those players or teams. Fantasy leagues can have anywhere between 8-12 participants, but some may even have up to 20 people in them. This type of fantasy sports gives fans who are not affiliated with any particular team an opportunity to express their fandom for certain players and gain satisfaction through watching how well they do throughout the season.

Table of Contents

1. Roope Hintz

Dallas Stars

Roope Hintz Career

  • NHL team: Dallas Stars
  • Former teams: Ilves
  • HIFK
  • NHL Draft: 49th overall, 2015
  • Dallas Stars

Hintz was selected by the Dallas Stars in the 2nd round, #48 overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Hintz had a breakout season with 36 goals and 60 assists for 106 points in 82 games played with Texas of the American Hockey League (AHL).

He made his NHL debut on January 5th, 2018 against Arizona and scored his first career goal later that night. On March 1st, 2019 he recorded an assist against Edmonton to help secure a 3-1 victory for Dallas; this would be his 100th career point as a Star player.

In 2020, Hintz was named team captain of Team Finland at the World Championship tournament held in France.

He helped lead Finland to its 6th consecutive championship title despite being injured during game 4 of their semi-final matchup against Sweden which ended their chance at winning gold medal outright due to tiebreakers.

Also Played For: dallas stars

2. Sam Reinhart

Florida Panthers

Sam Reinhart Career

  • NHL team: Florida Panthers
  • Former teams: Buffalo Sabres
  • National team: Canada
  • NHL Draft: 2nd overall, 2014
  • Buffalo Sabres
  • Playing career: 2014–present

Reinhart was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round, fifth overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Reinhart played for Team Canada at both the World Junior Championship and the World Championships in 2015 and 2017, respectively.

Reinhart has 82 points (30 goals and 50 assists) through 136 regular season games with Buffalo Sabres since being drafted in 2013. 

In December of 2018, Reinhart signed a five-year contract extension with the Sabres worth $36 million US dollars including an annual salary cap hit of $6 million US dollars beginning in the 2020-21 season.

In his second full year as captain of Buffalo's AHL affiliate Rochester Americans during the 2016-17 season, Reinhart led all players on the team with 104 points (42 goals and 62 assists). 

He also won the Calder Cup championship that same year as Amerks defeated Toronto Marlies 4 games to 1 in best-of seven series.

Also Played For: florida panthers

3. Chandler Stephenson

Vegas Golden Knights

Chandler Stephenson

Stephenson played college hockey at Boston University before joining the Washington Capitals in 2017. Stephenson was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round of the 2013 NHL Draft, but he never played for them due to an injury.

Stephenson signed with the Capitals as a free agent in 2017 and had a breakout season, scoring 22 goals and 38 points in 82 games. Stephenson ranks second all-time on Boston University's career goal list with 36 goals and is also third on their career point list with 81 points (42 goals, 41 assists).

In 2018, Stephenson became one of only four players ever to score 100 points in each of his final two seasons of collegiate hockey (along with Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane, and John Tavares). As part of Canada's World Junior Hockey Championship team that won the gold medal in 2016.

Chandler Stephenson scored five goals en route to being named tournament MVP – becoming just the fourth player ever to win back-to-back World Juniors titles after Matt Duchene (2009–10), Jonathan Toews (2005–06), and Doug Gilmour (1985–86).

On March 30th, 2019 he announced his retirement from professional hockey following 18 seasons playing professionally including parts of six consecutive years where he averaged over 20 minutes per game.

4. Troy Terry

Anaheim Ducks

Troy Terry

Troy Terry is a young American basketball player who has achieved some success in his career so far. He was born on September 10th, 1997 and stands at 6'1'' tall, which makes him an imposing figure on the court.

Terry started playing basketball when he was just five years old and quickly became a top talent in his area. In 2015, he joined the University of Denver where he made an immediate impact by becoming one of the team's key players.

His performance caught the attention of professional teams, but it wasn't until 2017 that Troy signed with Denver Nuggets, reuniting him with former college coach Brian Shaw. 

So far this season Troy has put up impressive numbers as part of Denver's rotation and looks set to continue developing his game moving forward Troy Terry was drafted 148th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2015 NHL Draft.

Troy Terry has played for the United States at multiple international tournaments, most notably the World Junior Championship where he helped Team USA to a gold medal in 2016. 

Troy Terry is currently playing with the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL and has had some success so far this season scoring four goals and ten assists for 14 points in 28 games. Troy Terry is an exciting player who can play both right-wing and center, making him valuable on any team he plays for.

He will be looking to continue his development in 2018–19 with the hope of being signed by a higher-level team next year.

5. Jordan Kyrou

San Antonio Rampage

Jordan Kyrou Career

  • 2018: United States
  • 2014: Canada 
  • 2016: Canada
  • 2018: Canada

Kyrou is a talented and promising young player who has already made a name for himself in the NHL. 

Kyrou was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft, but he opted to join the San Antonio Rampage instead.

Kyrou had an impressive rookie season with San Antonio, scoring 41 points (15 goals and 26 assists) in 71 games played. 

In 2018-19, Kyrou continued his good play with 56 points (17 goals and 39 assists) in 82 games played as well as being named to Team North America at the World Cup of Hockey where he led all players with 9 points (4 goals and 5 assists).

As expected, Kyrous's production dipped slightly this past season with 43 points (14 goals and 29 assists) in 78 games played but he remains a key part of both San Antonio’s offense and defense moving forward. 

Although primarily known for his offensive abilities, Kyrou also brings some much needed toughness to both ends of the ice which makes him very valuable on any team he plays on.

Also Played For: sarnia sting, nhl under 25

6. Noah Dobson

New York Islanders

Noah Dobson Career

  • 2016–17: Acadie–Bathurst Titan
  • 2017–18: Acadie–Bathurst Titan
  • 2018–19: Acadie–Bathurst Titan
  • 2018–19: Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
  • 2019–20: New York Islanders

Noah Dobson is a Canadian actor and singer. He first came to prominence in the role of Max on Nickelodeon's hit show "Make It or Break It". Dobson has since starred in such films as "The DUFF" and "Noah".

In 2019, he released his self-titled debut album which debuted at number one on the Billboard charts. Dobson currently resides in Los Angeles with his family Dobson was drafted by the New York Islanders in 2018 as a right-handed defenceman.

Dobson has played for the Islanders during their 2019–present season, recording one goal and five assists. Dobson is known for his hard work on the ice and his defensive play, which have seen him become an important part of the team over time.

7. Tyson Barrie

Edmonton Oilers

Tyson Barrie Career

  • NHL team: Nashville Predators
  • Former teams: Colorado Avalanche
  • Toronto Maple Leafs
  • Edmonton Oilers
  • National team: Canada
  • NHL Draft: 64th overall, 2009
  • Colorado Avalanche

Tyson Barrie is a Canadian defenceman who has played in the NHL for the Colorado Avalanche and Toronto Maple Leafs. He was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the first round, seventh overall, of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

After two seasons with Calgary, he was traded to Toronto in exchange for Casey Cizikas and Matt Stajan on July 1, 2009. In his first season with Toronto, he led all defensemen with 63 points (21 goals and 42 assists) despite missing 21 games due to injury.

This made him only the fourth player in franchise history to lead their team in scoring while appearing in at least 50 games (the others being Mats Sundin [1996-97], Doug Gilmour [1988-89] and Darryl Sittler [1977-78]).

The following year he helped lead Toronto back into playoff contention as they finished fifth place in Eastern Conference standings; however, they were eliminated by Boston Bruins 4–1 during the First Round of playoffs. 

On July 1st of 2015, Tyson Barrie signed a five-year deal worth $25 million dollars with then-current divisional rivals Edmonton Oilers which reunited him once again with his former head coach Patrick Roy who coached both players when they were playing for Montreal Canadiens together from 2010 until 2014. 

Tyson Barrie started out his career playing junior hockey for Medicine Hat Tigers where he had an impressive offensive output accumulating 99 points over 156 games including 41 goals before being drafted 7th overall by Calgary Flames ahead of highly touted prospects such as Zach Bogosian or Alex Pietrangelo.

After 2 successful years splitting time between rookie league affiliates Abbotsford Heat & Stockton Heat, he finally got called up to play 68 games alongside captain Jarome Iginla & newcomer. 

Jay Bouwmeester during 09 - 10 campaign contributed 5 assists before getting traded midseason leading up to 2011 -12 season. 

This would be one of Tyson's most productive seasons statistically recording 39 points alongside 43 penalty minutes averaging 23:38 minutes per game before sustaining an ankle injury that sidelined him 11 contests. 

This ultimately cost HC Calgary a chance at making it past first-round elimination against Vancouver Canucks after dropping 3 straight home matchups starting 8/11 vs San Jose Sharks and ending 9/29 vs Anaheim Ducks followed by 10/13 @Edmonton Oilers. Returning shortly thereafter on 12/19 Night versus Nashville.

8. Evan Bouchard

Edmonton Oilers

Evan Bouchard

Evan Bouchard is a young player in the NHL who has had a meteoric rise up the ranks. He was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and made his debut with them this season playing 46 games.

He's been impressive for Bakersfield Condors, scoring 21 goals and 66 points in 73 games so far this season. 

His play has caught the attention of many teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks who are both reportedly interested in acquiring him at some point during next season or beyond.

Evan is an excellent skater with good puck control, making him difficult to knock off of the puck even when he's being pressured by opponents high up on the ice Evan Bouchard was drafted 10th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. 

He is a defenceman and shoots right. Evan has played for the London Knights of the OHL since 2016-17, where he won back-to-back championships with them in 2017-18.

In May 2018, he made his debut with Canada at the World Juniors Championships, scoring two goals in seven games en route to winning a gold medal. On November 2nd, 2018, Evan scored his first NHL goal against Connor Hellebuyck of Winnipeg Jets on Hockey Night in Canada's game 7 victory over their rivals from Manitoba. 

Currently playing for Edmonton Oilers, Evan is looking to continue building upon his impressive rookie season and help lead them toward championship contention next year.

9. Matt Boldy

Minnesota Wild

Matt Boldy Career

  • 2016–17: Dexter School
  • 2017–18: U.S. National Development Team
  • 2018–19: U.S. National Development Team
  • 2019–20: Boston College
  • 2020–21: Boston College
  • 2020–21: Iowa Wild

Matt Boldy is an American singer and songwriter. He first came to prominence in 2018 with the release of his debut EP, "Light Up The Night." 

His singles "Good Times" and "Alone" both charted on Billboard's US Hot Country Songs charts. Boldy has since released two more albums - 2019's self-titled album and 2020's "Songs From A Room Full Of Strangers." 

In addition to his music career, Boldy is also a model and actor who has appeared in campaigns for brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Nike, Coca-Cola Zero, Beats by Dre, and Lululemon Athletica among others.

Matt lives in Millis with his family Matt Boldy is a right-wing for the Minnesota Wild and has represented the United States at the international level. Matt was drafted 12th overall in 2019, and made his NHL debut that year. 

He has since become an important part of the team, scoring 26 goals in 199 games played so far. Boldy is known for his speed and skill on the ice, which have helped him to develop into one of the league's best players.

He is dedicated to improving both as a player and person, hoping to help Minnesota Wild qualify for the playoffs soon. Matt will continue playing at a high level for many years to come- making him an excellent investment for any hockey fan.

Also Played For: massachusetts hockey

10. Carter Verhaeghe

Florida Panthers

Carter Verhaeghe Career

  • NHL team: Florida Panthers
  • Former teams: Tampa Bay Lightning
  • NHL Draft: 82nd overall, 2013
  • Toronto Maple Leafs
  • Playing career: 2014–present

Carter Verhaeghe is a 27-year-old center from Waterdown, Ontario. He was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round of the 2014 NHL Draft and made his debut with them in 2017.

Injuries have limited him to just 49 games over three seasons but he has shown flashes of brilliance, most notably in 2018 when he scored 17 goals and 42 points in 54 games for Montreal.

The Canadiens traded Verhaeghe to the Edmonton Oilers at the trade deadline this year and he has started well with them, scoring six goals and 13 points in 22 games so far this season. 

Verhaeghe will be looking to establish himself as an everyday player with either team next season and continue his development as one of Canada's top young centers Carter Verhaeghe is a left-handed shooter who has played in the NHL for three different teams.

He was drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2013 and spent two seasons with them before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2015. Verhaeghe then signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent in 2017, where he currently plays.

11. Seth Jarvis

Carolina Hurricanes

Seth Jarvis Career

  • NHL team: Carolina Hurricanes
  • NHL Draft: 13th overall, 2020
  • Carolina Hurricanes

Seth Jarvis was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2nd round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. 

Seth is a left-handed shot and played minor hockey for the Winnipeg Jets before being traded to their affiliate, Manitoba Moose, where he would show great promise offensively and defensively.

Seth had an impressive rookie season with Carolina scoring 18 goals and 43 points in 76 games despite missing time due to injury. 

He has continued his offensive production as a sophomore posting 21 goals and 53 points in 79 games which led all rookies in scoring at the time of his nomination for the AHL Rookie of The Year Award.

His 2017-2018 campaign saw him lead all Hurricanes players with 24 assists while also leading team defensemen with 37 points (10th overall). 

Seth will be looking to build off this strong performance when he returns from serving an eight-game suspension for checking from behind on Toronto’s Frederik Gauthier during Game 3 of their playoff series last year.

Also Played For: national hockey league

12. Dawson Mercer

New Jersey Devils

Dawson Mercer

Dawson Mercer is a young player who has been drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 2022. Mercer was born in Bay Roberts, Newfoundland and Labrador on October 27th, 2001.

He is 6'0" tall and weighs 183 pounds which makes him very strong for his size. Mercer played soccer until he was 11 years old when he started playing hockey as an alternate captain for his team at school because his dad wanted him to try it out instead of just playing one sport all the time like most kids do these days.

Dawson Mercer is a 20-year-old center from Canada who was drafted in the 2020 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils. Mercer has played for Team Canada at various junior levels, including playing on their World Junior Championship team in 2018. 

Mercer is an offensive player with good skating and hockey sense. He has been used primarily as a center over the past few years, but can also play wing or defense if needed.

Mercer had a breakout season in 2019–20, scoring 25 goals and 44 points in 73 games for the Belleville Bulls of the OHL playoffs before being called up to play for Canada at the World Championships where he won a silver medal. 

Mercer is considered one of Canada's top young prospects and looks set to continue his development into an elite NHL player.

13. Shayne Gostisbehere

Arizona Coyotes

Shayne Gostisbehere

Shayne Gostisbehere is a defenseman in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers. He was drafted by the team in 2013, and has since become one of their most important players.

Shayne Gostisbehere started his career with the Florida Panthers before being traded to Philadelphia for Jakub Voracek on February 26th, 2017. 

Shayne Gostisbehere has been awarded three Stanley Cups as part of Team USA's roster at various championships - two World Juniors (2013, 2015) and one IIHF World Championships (2017).

Shayne Gostisbehere is known for his high-energy playstyle and strong defensive abilities which have made him an integral player for both Philadelphia Flyers and Team USA over the years. In addition to playing hockey, Shayne also enjoys surfing and snowboarding when he's not busy training or playing games.

14. Vince Dunn

Seattle Kraken

Vince Dunn Career

  • 2012–13: Thorold Blackhawks
  • 2013–14: Niagara IceDogs
  • 2014–15: Niagara IceDogs
  • 2015–16: Niagara IceDogs
  • 2016–17: Chicago Wolves
  • 2017–18: St. Louis Blues
  • 2017–18: Chicago Wolves

Vince Dunn is a 26-year-old Canadian professional ice hockey winger. He was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the third round, 85th overall, of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

Dunn made his professional debut with the Blues' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, The San Antonio Rampage, in 2016–17 and scored five goals and eight assists for 13 points in 39 games before joining their primary team for 2017–18 where he recorded nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points in 73 games.

In 2018–19, Dunn enjoyed a breakout season with the Blues scoring 22 goals and 44 assists for 68 points in 80 games en route to being named an alternate captain at age 23 years old making him one of only two players under 24 to achieve.

This honor that year along with Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins On July 1, 2019, it was announced that Dunn had signed a six-year contract extension worth $36 million ($6 million per season) with the Blues.

Also Played For: st louis blues trade

15. Boone Jenner

Columbus Blue Jackets

Boone Jenner

Boone Jenner is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He was drafted eighth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. 

Jenner made his National Hockey League debut with the Blue Jackets during the 2013–14 season and recorded his first career point, an assist, in a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on October 17, 2013.

In 2017–18 he played for Team Canada at both the World Championship and Olympic Winter Games tournaments, winning gold at each event. 

After being traded to Anaheim Ducks in June 2018, he signed with Les Sables d'Olonne of France's Ligue Magnus as a free agent later that month Boone Jenner was drafted 37th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2011 NHL Draft.

Boone has spent most of his career playing for the Blue Jackets, but he has also had stints with the Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks. Boone is a skilled center who can score goals and drive to the net effectively. 

He is an excellent passer and playmaker, which makes him very valuable on offense as well as on defense. Boone is an intelligent player who always seems to know where he needs to be on the ice in order to help his team win games.

He will likely be a long-time fixture in Columbus' lineup, continuing to provide skill and leadership for years to come.

Final Words

Fantasy hockey is becoming an increasingly popular way to enjoy the game of ice hockey. It involves players drafting and managing a team of fictional players, who compete in a season-long league.

Some of the best fantasy hockey players ever include Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Gordie Howe and Bobby Orr.

Photo of author

Brandon McNally

I have been playing hockey my whole life. I am currently a professional hockey player with the Calgary Flames. I am also a part time coach at the University of Calgary and the head coach of the Calgary Northstars Minor Hockey Association. I have always wanted to be an NHL player and I am very excited to be one! My hobbies are playing hockey, coaching, and spending time with my family. LinkedIn

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