As the 2024-25 NHL regular season approaches its conclusion on April 17th, teams are actively vying for playoff berths or positioning for the draft lottery.

Fantasy hockey playoffs have commenced in standard leagues this week. If you find yourself trailing, don`t be discouraged; there`s still ample opportunity to reverse your fortunes during this two-week playoff period.

In addition to the updated NHL team rankings, Sean Allen (Eastern Conference) and Victoria Matiash (Western Conference) have pinpointed the top fantasy hockey free agent pickups who are still widely available to bolster your team for the final push.

Ranking Methodology: A panel of ESPN hockey experts, including commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors, submits weekly polls ranking teams from 1 to 32 based on performance through Wednesday`s games. These polls are aggregated to create the definitive power rankings list.

Note: “Previous ranking” refers to the ranking from the prior week`s edition, published on March 14th. Point percentages are calculated up to and including Thursday`s games.

Contents

1. Washington Capitals
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Pierre-Luc Dubois, F (41.4% availability)
2. Winnipeg Jets
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Dylan Samberg, D (92% availability)
3. Carolina Hurricanes
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Shayne Gostisbehere, D (51.6% availability)
4. Dallas Stars
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Casey DeSmith, G (96.2% availability)
5. Vegas Golden Knights
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Pavel Dorofeyev, F (59.4% availability)
6. Florida Panthers
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Mackie Samoskevich, F (91.6% availability)
7. Colorado Avalanche
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Scott Wedgewood, G (95.3% availability)
8. Toronto Maple Leafs
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Matthew Knies, F (35.9% availability)
9. Edmonton Oilers
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Calvin Pickard, G (96.7% availability)
10. Tampa Bay Lightning
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Oliver Bjorkstrand, F (59.3% availability)
11. Los Angeles Kings
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Quinton Byfield, F (52.4% availability)
12. Minnesota Wild
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Ryan Hartman, F (77.3% availability)
13. New Jersey Devils
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Luke Hughes, D (56.3% availability)
14. Ottawa Senators
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Dylan Cozens, F (41% availability)
15. St. Louis Blues
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Jake Neighbours, F (83.9% availability)
16. Vancouver Canucks
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Kevin Lankinen, G (39.8% availability)
17. Montreal Canadiens
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Patrik Laine, F (35% availability)
18. Calgary Flames
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Dan Vladar, G (98% availability)
19. Utah Hockey Club
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Nick Schmaltz, F (68.5% availability)
20. New York Rangers
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Will Cuylle, F (67% availability)
21. New York Islanders
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Kyle Palmieri, F (51.2% availability)
22. Columbus Blue Jackets
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Adam Fantilli, F (57.3% availability)
23. Detroit Red Wings
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Patrick Kane, F (32.5% availability)
24. Boston Bruins
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Mason Lohrei, D (89% availability)
25. Anaheim Ducks
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Leo Carlsson, F (64.1% availability)
26. Pittsburgh Penguins
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Tristan Jarry, G (87.2% availability)
27. Seattle Kraken
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Jordan Eberle, F (89.0% availability)
28. Philadelphia Flyers
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Matvei Michkov, F (49.5% availability)
29. Buffalo Sabres
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Josh Norris, F (48.8% availability)
30. Nashville Predators
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Brady Skjei, D (47.5% availability)
31. Chicago Blackhawks
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Ryan Donato, F (71.1% availability)
32. San Jose Sharks
Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Will Smith, F (91.8% availability)

1. Washington Capitals

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 72.46%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Pierre-Luc Dubois, F (41.4% availability)

Dubois`s performance has significantly improved since joining Washington, making him a valuable fantasy asset. Despite being ranked 39th in fantasy points among forwards since December 1st, he`s still available in many leagues.

Next seven days: vs. FLA (March 22), @ WPG (March 25), @ MIN (March 27)

2. Winnipeg Jets

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 71.43%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Dylan Samberg, D (92% availability)

Samberg has emerged as a standout defenseman for Winnipeg, excelling in blocked shots and shots on goal. His recent performance, including goals and assists, makes him a worthwhile addition in deeper fantasy leagues.

Next seven days: vs. BUF (March 23), vs. WSH (March 25)

3. Carolina Hurricanes

Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 64.71%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Shayne Gostisbehere, D (51.6% availability)

While Jankowski`s scoring streak is notable, Gostisbehere offers more consistent fantasy value, especially with his significant power-play time, contributing to a large portion of his season points.

Next seven days: @ LA (March 22), @ ANA (March 23), vs. NSH (March 25)

4. Dallas Stars

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 66.18%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Casey DeSmith, G (96.2% availability)

With a busy upcoming schedule for the Stars, DeSmith is poised to get playing time, making him a strong streaming option. His impressive stats since mid-January highlight his viability as a fantasy goalie.

Next seven days: vs. PHI (March 22), vs. MIN (March 24), @ EDM (March 26), @ CGY (March 27)

5. Vegas Golden Knights

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 64.71%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Pavel Dorofeyev, F (59.4% availability)

Dorofeyev and Hertl are performing well together, but Dorofeyev is the more readily available fantasy option in many leagues, offering solid production.

Next seven days: vs. DET (March 22), vs. TB (March 23), @ MIN (March 25)

6. Florida Panthers

Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 63.04%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Mackie Samoskevich, F (91.6% availability)

Samoskevich is playing high in the Panthers` lineup and delivering strong fantasy points per minute, outperforming some of the league`s top players, making him a valuable pickup.

Next seven days: @ WSH (March 22), vs. PIT (March 23)

7. Colorado Avalanche

Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 62.14%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Scott Wedgewood, G (95.3% availability)

Wedgewood is seeing increased playing time for Colorado and securing wins, making him an attractive streaming goalie option for fantasy playoffs.

Next seven days: @ MTL (March 22), vs. DET (March 25), vs. LA (March 27)

8. Toronto Maple Leafs

Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 63.04%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Matthew Knies, F (35.9% availability)

Knies, despite slightly lower availability, is a high-potential player who should be rostered in more leagues. His fantasy point production when playing with Matthews is significant.

Next seven days: @ NSH (March 22), vs. PHI (March 25), @ SJ (March 27)

9. Edmonton Oilers

Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 61.59%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Calvin Pickard, G (96.7% availability)

Pickard has been outperforming Skinner recently and could see more starts, making him a worthwhile fantasy goalie pickup for managers needing help in that position.

Next seven days: vs. SEA (March 22), vs. DAL (March 26), @ SEA (March 27)

10. Tampa Bay Lightning

Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 62.50%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Oliver Bjorkstrand, F (59.3% availability)

Bjorkstrand`s consistent power-play role offers reliable fantasy production, making him a solid choice for the remainder of the season, though Gourde is also worth watching.

Next seven days: @ UTA (March 22), @ VGK (March 23), vs. PIT (March 25), vs. UTA (March 27)

11. Los Angeles Kings

Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 61.94%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Quinton Byfield, F (52.4% availability)

Byfield is playing significant minutes and is currently on a scoring streak, making him a timely fantasy pickup as the Kings fight for playoff positioning.

Next seven days: vs. CAR (March 22), vs. BOS (March 23), vs. NYR (March 25), @ COL (March 27)

12. Minnesota Wild

Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 60.15%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Ryan Hartman, F (77.3% availability)

Hartman is showing improved performance and is a candidate for top-line minutes due to Rossi`s injury, increasing his fantasy relevance.

Next seven days: vs. BUF (March 22), @ DAL (March 24), vs. VGK (March 25), vs. WSH (March 27)

13. New Jersey Devils

Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 57.14%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Luke Hughes, D (56.3% availability)

With injuries on the Devils, Hughes has increased opportunity and fantasy value, stepping in for Hamilton on the blue line and being widely available.

Next seven days: vs. OTT (March 22), vs. VAN (March 24), @ CHI (March 26)

14. Ottawa Senators

Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 56.62%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Dylan Cozens, F (41% availability)

Cozens is excelling in Ottawa with increased ice time and physicality, offering a strong combination of hits and points for fantasy managers.

Next seven days: @ NJ (March 22), @ BUF (March 25), @ DET (March 27)

15. St. Louis Blues

Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 55.00%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Jake Neighbours, F (83.9% availability)

Neighbours is performing well on a line with Thomas and Buchnevich, making him a significantly undervalued fantasy asset who should be picked up in more leagues.

Next seven days: vs. CHI (March 22), vs. NSH (March 23), vs. MTL (March 25), @ NSH (March 27)

16. Vancouver Canucks

Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 55.07%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Kevin Lankinen, G (39.8% availability)

With Demko`s status uncertain, Lankinen is crucial for Vancouver`s playoff push and is a viable fantasy goalie, especially with key players returning to form.

Next seven days: @ NYR (March 22), @ NJ (March 24), @ NYI (March 26)

17. Montreal Canadiens

Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 54.41%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Patrik Laine, F (35% availability)

Laine`s fantasy value is on the rise due to improved power-play scoring, making him an interesting option as Montreal aims for a wild-card spot, though increased shot volume would further enhance his value.

Next seven days: vs. COL (March 22), @ STL (March 25), @ PHI (March 27)

18. Calgary Flames

Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 55.15%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Dan Vladar, G (98% availability)

Valuable fantasy assets are scarce on Calgary, but Vladar is a streaming option in net when he starts, as he has shown capability to perform.

Next seven days: @ NYI (March 22), vs. SEA (March 25), vs. DAL (March 27)

19. Utah Hockey Club

Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 52.90%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Nick Schmaltz, F (68.5% availability)

While Utah has flashier fantasy options, Schmaltz in his current productive streak is a valuable pickup, especially playing alongside Keller.

Next seven days: vs. TB (March 22), vs. DET (March 24), @ TB (March 27)

20. New York Rangers

Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 51.43%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Will Cuylle, F (67% availability)

Cuylle has secured a top-six role with the Rangers, offering a rare combination of physicality and scoring, making him a unique fantasy asset.

Next seven days: vs. VAN (March 22), @ LA (March 25)

21. New York Islanders

Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 52.94%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Kyle Palmieri, F (51.2% availability)

Palmieri has been a consistent goal scorer recently, playing on the top line with Horvat, and is the main fantasy focus for the Islanders, especially with Barzal`s potential absence.

Next seven days: vs. CGY (March 22), vs. CBJ (March 24), vs. VAN (March 26)

22. Columbus Blue Jackets

Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 52.21%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Adam Fantilli, F (57.3% availability)

Fantilli`s top-line role is secure even with Monahan`s return, and he`s been a solid fantasy performer recently, especially considering his second-year status.

Next seven days: @ PIT (March 21), @ NYI (March 24)

23. Detroit Red Wings

Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 51.47%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Patrick Kane, F (32.5% availability)

Kane, while not widely available, is the best fantasy option on the Red Wings you might find, still possessing game-breaking potential as highlighted by his recent point surge.

Next seven days: @ VGK (March 22), @ UTA (March 24), @ COL (March 25), vs. OTT (March 27)

24. Boston Bruins

Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 49.29%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Mason Lohrei, D (89% availability)

Lohrei is getting significant power-play time for the Bruins and offers upside, especially for those seeking defensive help in fantasy leagues post-trade deadline.

Next seven days: @ SJ (March 22), @ LA (March 23), @ ANA (March 26)

25. Anaheim Ducks

Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 49.28%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Leo Carlsson, F (64.1% availability)

Carlsson is Anaheim`s top fantasy forward since the break, leading the team in goals and providing consistent fantasy point production.

Next seven days: vs. CAR (March 23), vs. BOS (March 26)

26. Pittsburgh Penguins

Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 47.14%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Tristan Jarry, G (87.2% availability)

Jarry is showing signs of resurgence, making a late-season push for fantasy value. His recent wins suggest he might be regaining form, but he remains a risky fantasy play.

Next seven days: vs. CBJ (March 21), @ FLA (March 23), @ TB (March 25), @ BUF (March 27)

27. Seattle Kraken

Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 46.43%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Jordan Eberle, F (89.0% availability)

Eberle is producing well on his scoring line since returning from injury, offering decent fantasy production in recent games.

Next seven days: @ EDM (March 22), @ CGY (March 25), vs. EDM (March 27)

28. Philadelphia Flyers

Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 45.71%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Matvei Michkov, F (49.5% availability)

Fantasy options are limited on the Flyers, but Michkov offers potential for hot streaks and remains one of the few players capable of providing a fantasy spark.

Next seven days: @ DAL (March 22), @ CHI (March 23), @ TOR (March 25), vs. MTL (March 27)

29. Buffalo Sabres

Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 44.78%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Josh Norris, F (48.8% availability)

Norris, now with Buffalo, still has fantasy potential when healthy due to his role and linemates, especially upon Thompson`s return.

Next seven days: @ MIN (March 22), @ WPG (March 23), vs. OTT (March 25), vs. PIT (March 27)

30. Nashville Predators

Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 42.65%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Brady Skjei, D (47.5% availability)

Skjei is providing solid blue-line fantasy production filling in for Josi, contributing points, shots, blocks, and hits.

Next seven days: vs. TOR (March 22), @ STL (March 23), @ CAR (March 25), s. STL (March 27)

31. Chicago Blackhawks

Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 35.51%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Ryan Donato, F (71.1% availability)

Donato is a deeper league fantasy option on a team lacking flash, providing consistent point production in a top-six and power-play role.

Next seven days: @ STL (March 22), vs. PHI (March 23), vs. NJ (March 26)

32. San Jose Sharks

Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 32.61%

Fantasy Hockey Pickup: Will Smith, F (91.8% availability)

Smith is the Sharks` most productive forward recently besides Celebrini, getting significant ice time and shots, making him a rookie to watch.

Next seven days: vs. BOS (March 22), vs. TOR (March 27)

NHL Power Rankings and Fantasy Playoff Pickups