Fantasy hockey rankings for the 2026-27 NHL season begin to emerge

The 2026-27 NHL season approaches with preseason games set to begin on Sept. 19 and the regular season following at the end of the month. Fantasy hockey participants are preparing for upcoming drafts, with Scott Pianowski releasing consensus positional rankings to assist league managers. Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon hold the top spots in the initial rankings, reflecting their consistent standing as league MVP candidates. MacKinnon enters the campaign coming off a 53-goal season that earned him the Rocket Richard trophy. Nikita Kucherov, who captured the Hart Trophy as league MVP last season, remains a top-tier option after recording 130 points. Yahoo Sports has opened public and private league lobbies to accommodate the start of the fantasy cycle.

• 7:38 PMYahoo Sports — 2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Rankings