Outlook Quinn Hughes
Hughes enters Minnesota tenure as an elite blueline playmaker
Quinn Hughes enters the season entrenched as Minnesota's clear number-one defenseman. Recent headlines have touched on his contract extension talks, though Hughes confirmed he feels no rush before camp and is comfortable in Minnesota. In his prime at age 27, he is set to quarterback the top power play and handle massive minutes.
Hughes arrives with an established track record of elite playmaking, having tallied 81 points last season and 96 points two years prior. Our season projection forecasts 76 points (including 34 power-play points) and 187 shots across 74 games. While his hit volume remains negligible, an expected 87 blocks provide a decent defensive baseline.
With an ADP of 28.4, Hughes routinely commands early third-round capital as a top-tier fantasy blueliner. Our projections validate that draft spot, establishing him as an elite D1 whose game-breaking assist totals and power-play mastery heavily outweigh his lack of physical category coverage.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Dylan Strome
Dylan Strome remains a reliable top-six pivot with steady power-play upside in Washington
At 29 years old, Dylan Strome enters the season entrenched as Washington's top center option on the depth chart. After a career-best 89-point campaign two years ago, his scoring leveled off in 2025 to 19 goals and 58 points across 82 games. He continues to log heavy ice time, averaging over 17 minutes per contest while providing stable playmaking down the middle.
Our models project nearly identical stability for the upcoming season, forecasting 58 points (19 goals, 39 assists) across 80 games along with 143 shots on goal and 21 power-play points. Strome provides minimal peripheral value in hits and penalty minutes, making his fantasy value heavily tied to man-advantage production and top-six linemates.
With an ADP hovering around 155, Strome is being drafted in the late-middle rounds as a high-floor depth forward. While his lack of shot volume caps his ceiling, his secure role as Washington's primary pivot and power-play distributor makes him an attractive value at that draft cost.
Updated 1 day ago
