2024-25 NHL Fantasy Hockey: 32 Key Takeaways & Bold Predictions for Next Season

Anaheim Ducks

Jackson LaCombe emerges as elite fantasy defenseman
Since December 1st, LaCombe has been producing at a 50-point pace (0.73 PTS/GM) while quarterbacking Anaheim's top power play unit. His chemistry with young stars Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish suggests even greater production next season.

Boston Bruins

Jeremy Swayman's concerning regression
Posting career-worst numbers (3.12 GAA, .892 SV%), Swayman's fantasy value has cratered. Boston's defensive structure and his late start due to contract negotiations both contributed. Fantasy managers should approach with caution in 2024-25 drafts.

Buffalo Sabres

JJ Peterka's breakout campaign
The 22-year-old German winger ranks 3rd in team scoring (0.85 PTS/GM) while anchoring Buffalo's top power play. His recent surge (2.3 FPPG last month) suggests 70+ points next season is achievable.

Carolina Hurricanes

Shayne Gostisbehere's power play mastery
With 23 PPP (4th among D-men), "Ghost" has reinvented himself as a premium power play weapon. While his even-strength deployment limits value, he's a perfect late-round target in PPP-heavy leagues.

Fantasy Gold Mines

• Dallas Stars: Thomas Harley's production (24 points in 23 games post-Heiskanen injury) makes him a sell-high candidate
• Edmonton Oilers: Stuart Skinner's underlying metrics (0.7 GAR) contradict his Stanley Cup Final hype
• Florida Panthers: Mackie Samoskevich's late-season surge (9 points in 12 games) foreshadows top-6 potential

Goaltending Landscape

Rookies to Watch

1. Will Smith (SJ): 0.95 PTS/GM since January with team-best +8 rating
2. Matvei Michkov (PHI): Showing elite flashes despite limited ice time
3. Logan Cooley (UTAH): 0.84 PTS/GM in breakout sophomore campaign

Pro Tip: Monitor offseason moves – players like Steven Stamkos (potential bounce-back) and Dylan Cozens (change-of-scenery boost) could offer tremendous value.