Egor Chinakhov and Logan Stankoven emerge as 2026-2027 fantasy hockey targets

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 3:05 PM

Last updated Sep 11, 2026

Egor Chinakhov and Logan Stankoven emerge as 2026-2027 fantasy hockey targets

Summary

As the 2026-2027 NHL season approaches, several young players are identified as prime candidates for expanded roles and increased scoring. Egor Chinakhov enters the season in the Pittsburgh Penguins top-six rotation after a strong finish to the 2025-26 campaign following his trade from Columbus. Logan Stankoven, who signed an eight-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, looks to build on an 11-goal playoff performance. Other players expected to take significant steps forward include Buffalo Sabres winger Zach Benson, coming off a career-best 43-point season, and Calgary Flames forward Matvei Gridin. These athletes are highlighted as high-potential selections for fantasy managers looking for emerging talent outside of the rookie class. Each player faces different circumstances, ranging from stable top-line deployments to the need for increased ice time on rebuilding rosters.

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Key Details

•Egor Chinakhov recorded 18 goals in 43 games after joining the Pittsburgh Penguins last season.
•Logan Stankoven scored 11 goals during the Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup run.
•Zach Benson signed a seven-year, $52.5 million extension with the Buffalo Sabres this summer.
•Matvei Gridin is positioned for an expanded role within the Calgary Flames forward group.
•The analysis excludes Calder Trophy-eligible rookies to focus on players with established NHL experience.

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