Which NHL teams are currently ranked highest by ESPN?

The Colorado Avalanche are currently ranked No. 1, with the Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers, and Toronto Maple Leafs also seeing positive movement in the rankings.

Who should fantasy hockey managers drop from the Minnesota Wild or New Jersey Devils?

Fantasy analysts suggest panic for players on teams like the Minnesota Wild and New Jersey Devils, indicating potential struggles or underperformance.

What advice is given for fantasy hockey players like Valeri Nichushkin?

For players like Valeri Nichushkin, analysts advise patience when healthy, suggesting managers maximize his production when fit and utilize IR spots when he is injured.

Home / Sports / NHL Fantasy Hockey: Drop or Hold Decisions

NHL Fantasy Hockey: Drop or Hold Decisions

12 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Colorado Avalanche maintains No. 1 ranking, but not unanimously.
Fantasy analysts advise on keeping or dropping specific NHL players.
Several teams see ranking shifts in the latest NHL Power Rankings.

NHL Fantasy Hockey: Drop or Hold Decisions

The Colorado Avalanche have once again secured the No. 1 position in the latest NHL Power Rankings for the 2025-26 season, though this week's assessment saw a split decision among analysts. Alongside this top ranking, the Philadelphia Flyers and Toronto Maple Leafs experienced upward movement, while the Minnesota Wild and New Jersey Devils saw their standings decline.

Fantasy hockey experts Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash provide critical insights for team managers, offering specific 'keep or drop' recommendations for players across different NHL clubs. These analyses are crucial for navigating roster decisions as the season progresses, with new leagues forming weekly on ESPN.

This comprehensive update is based on a poll from ESPN's hockey panel, reflecting games played through Wednesday. The rankings consider points percentages achieved through Thursday, offering a snapshot of current team performance and individual player fantasy value.