The fastest way to draft with confidence is to know exactly how deep each position runs before you sit down. These are our 2026-27 fantasy hockey positional rankings, sorted into tiers at center, left wing, right wing, defense and goalie, so you always know when a position is about to dry up and when you can safely wait. They pair with our free Top 200 overall cheat sheet and draft strategy guide.

Quick Facts: 2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Positional Rankings

• Center is the deepest position; you can wait and still find scoring in the middle rounds.
• Defense is the scarcest skater position. Elite, category-filling defensemen go early because of a steep cliff behind them.
• Cale Makar is the No. 1 defenseman and a first-round pick in every format.
• Andrei Vasilevskiy is the No. 1 goalie, but only about a dozen goalies are true set-and-forget starters.
• Wing is deep at both left and right, making it easy to backfill goals and assists after other positions.
• Draft by tiers, not names: act when a position tier is about to empty.

2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Centers Rankings

Center is the deepest position on the board, so you can find scoring here into the middle rounds. The elite pivots (Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Leon Draisaitl) still deserve top picks for their multi-category production, but the real edge is patience: let others reach and scoop value later. Center eligibility is valuable in leagues with a dedicated C slot, so track who qualifies.

2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Left Wings Rankings

Left wing is where a lot of middle-round scoring lives. Kirill Kaprizov headlines the group as a first-round talent, and the position stays productive well past the top tier. If you loaded up on defense or a goalie early, this is a great place to backfill goals and assists.

2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Right Wings Rankings

Right wing is both star-heavy at the top (Nikita Kucherov, David Pastrnak) and deep in the middle, which makes it one of the easier positions to fill without reaching. Grab one of the elite scorers if the value falls to you, then trust the depth to round out your wings later.

2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Defensemen Rankings

Defense is the scarce skater position, and it is where drafts are won and lost. The category-filling blueliners at the top (Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes, Zach Werenski) come off the board early because there is a steep cliff behind them. Secure at least one elite, multi-category defenseman before the run, then hunt for power-play value later.

Need the full overall board to see where these defensemen fall against forwards? Grab the Top 200 cheat sheet.

2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Goalies Rankings

Goaltending is the make-or-break position. Either invest in a top-tier workhorse who anchors your ratios, or wait, draft two high-volume starters, and stream the rest. What loses is settling for one mid-tier goalie and hoping. For full tiers and an in-season streaming plan, see our dedicated goalie guide.

This is the short version. Our 2026-27 goalie rankings and streaming guide ranks 33 goalies with full draft tiers and an in-season streaming plan.

How to Draft by Position

Balance is everything. Because center and wing are deep, you rarely need to reach there early, so let the scarce positions dictate your first moves: secure an elite, category-filling defenseman before the run, decide early whether you are anchoring your crease or streaming it, and then feast on forward depth in the middle rounds. Watch dual eligibility too, since a player who qualifies at two spots gives your lineup the flexibility to plug holes all season. For the complete plan behind these tiers, read our fantasy hockey draft strategy guide.

Positional Rankings FAQ

Which position should I draft first in fantasy hockey?

It depends on your format, but the safest first move is to secure a scarce building block: an elite, category-filling defenseman or a top-tier goalie. Center and wing are deep enough that you can wait without missing out on scoring.

How many of each position should I draft?

In a standard league, aim for roughly two to three centers, three to four wings, four to six defensemen, and two to three goalies, then adjust to your roster slots. Prioritize depth at defense because the position thins out fast.

Is defense really the scarcest position?

Yes. After the top tier of multi-category defensemen, production drops off sharply, so waiting on the position often leaves you chasing points and blocks all season. Grab at least one elite blueliner early.

Does center or wing eligibility matter more?

Center eligibility is more valuable because leagues usually start more forwards than centers, so a center-eligible player gives you flexibility. Players with dual wing eligibility also help you fill lineup holes week to week.

More 2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Tools

• 2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Rankings: Top 200 Cheat Sheet (Printable PDF)
• 2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Draft Strategy: How to Win Your League
• 2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Goalie Rankings and Streaming Guide

For the official season calendar as you plan around matchups, see the official NHL schedule.

Will Lewis Editor, Author

Will Lewis has covered sports for over 18 years, specializing in bracketology, tournament predictions, and in-depth analysis across college hoops, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and more. March Madness is his favorite season, fueling his quest for perfect brackets before diving into pro playoffs. A lifelong Kentucky Wildcats fan, Bengals supporter since the Joe Montana era, and now a Padres devotee, Will delivers reliable, fan-first insights at Sports Brackets. Connect on X or comment. He loves talking brackets and more.

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