10 Young Players to Watch for Your Hockey Pool

Kent Johnson is a fascinating breakout candidate for poolies in 2025-26. The Columbus Blue Jackets forward has already shown flashes of elite creativity, silky hands, and dynamic vision that make him a natural playmaker.

After dealing with inconsistency and limited opportunity earlier in his career, Johnson is entering a season where his role should expand significantly. With the Jackets leaning on their young core, he is expected to see more top-six minutes and regular power-play duty.

Johnson thrives in open ice and has the skill set to drive offense both as a scorer and a setup man. If he can stay consistent and take advantage of his ice time, he could transform into one of the NHL’s most intriguing young producers this year.

Leo Carlsson enters the 2025-26 season as the centerpiece of Anaheim’s rebuild and a player with enormous fantasy hockey upside. The 6’3” Swedish center combines size, poise, and a mature two-way game well beyond his age.

His ability to drive offense while being trusted in all situations is elite. He’s expected to log heavy minutes, often against top competition, and will likely be a fixture on the Ducks’ first power-play unit.

Already showing flashes of being a franchise cornerstone, he has the tools to make the jump toward becoming a point-per-game threat sooner than later.

Anton Lundell is a sleeper pick worth monitoring in 2025-26. The Finnish center has steadily grown into a trusted two-way player for the Florida Panthers, but this season could bring a stronger offensive push.

Lundell’s high hockey IQ, responsible play, and smooth puck distribution make him a natural fit for more minutes and possible power-play time. With Florida’s forward depth, he has the tools to thrive in a secondary scoring role and chip in consistently.

If his usage increases, Lundell could finally deliver the offensive breakout that complements his strong defensive game, making him a valuable fantasy option.

Ivan Demidov will be one of the NHL’s most exciting rookies to watch.

Drafted for his elite skill and offensive instincts, the dynamic Russian winger has the creativity, puck control, and vision to become an instant impact player. Demidov thrives in one-on-one situations, using quick hands and deceptive speed to generate scoring chances.

With a strong shot and playmaking ability, he’s capable of producing in multiple ways, especially if given top-six minutes and power-play opportunities. While adjusting to the NHL may take time, his pure talent makes him a high-upside fantasy option with breakout potential.

Juraj Slafkovsky will be one of the prime breakout candidates for the Montreal Canadiens.

After showing significant growth last year, the big winger is beginning to pair his physical presence with increasing offensive confidence. Slafkovsky has the size and strength to dominate along the boards and in front of the net, but what makes him special is his improving vision and finishing touch.

With more chemistry alongside Montreal’s top forwards and increased power-play usage, he has the tools to become a consistent producer. If his trajectory continues, Slafkovsky could establish himself as a cornerstone scoring threat starting this year.

Shane Wright has an opportunity to prove why he was once projected as a top overall pick. The Seattle Kraken center has taken a patient development path, but his well-rounded game is ready for more responsibility. Wright is strong in the faceoff circle, reliable defensively, and has a quick, accurate release that can translate into steady scoring.

With Seattle looking for more offensive punch, he’s expected to see top-six minutes and power-play time. If he gains confidence and consistency, Wright could take a major step forward, turning into a valuable fantasy option with multi-category upside.

Connor Bedard became one of the most highly anticipated young stars in the NHL.

The Chicago Blackhawks phenom has already shown elite scoring instincts, lightning-quick release, and incredible vision on the ice. Bedard thrives in high-tempo situations and can create offense seemingly out of nowhere, making him a top fantasy option.

With the Blackhawks continuing to build around their young core, he is poised for increased ice time, power-play opportunities, and a leadership role at just 20 years old. If he continues his rapid development, Bedard could emerge as one of the league’s premier point producers this season.

Macklin Celebrini, cleary,  one of the most exciting young prospects to watch next season.

The forward has elite offensive instincts, vision, and puck-handling skills that allow him to generate scoring chances in any situation. Celebrini combines creativity with a quick release, making him a dual threat as both a goal scorer and playmaker.

While still developing physically, his hockey IQ and positioning allow him to compete effectively at the NHL level. Celebrini has the potential to produce immediately, making him a high-upside fantasy option and a player to watch closely this season.

Lane Hutson is one of the most intriguing young defensemen to track in 2025-26.

Despite his smaller frame, the Montreal Canadiens prospect has dazzled with elite skating, vision, and offensive instincts. Hutson thrives at moving the puck in transition and creating offense from the blue line, particularly on the power play where his creativity can shine.

His ability to read the game and make quick decisions allows him to generate scoring chances for teammates while also contributing goals himself. If he earns steady minutes in Montreal’s top-four, Hutson could quickly emerge as a valuable fantasy defenseman with strong point upside.