The 2025 NHL season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years, as a new wave of young talent begins to take center stage. From breakout forwards lighting the lamp to rookie defensemen anchoring power plays, fantasy managers are seeing fresh names become weekly lineup locks. The influx of elite prospects is transforming both real and fantasy hockey landscapes, offering managers a chance to get ahead of the curve before these players’ values skyrocket. If you’re looking to build a dynasty core or find waiver-wire gold, these emerging stars deserve your full attention.

Ivan Demidov, F – Montreal Canadiens

Rookie Ivan Demidov has been on quite the ride over the past year. Before joining the Montreal Canadiens at the end of the 2024-25 season, the 6′1″, 192-pound right winger broke Minnesota Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov’s KHL scoring record for points by an under-20 player. With 49 points, he shattered Kaprizov’s record by seven.

Then he seamlessly fit into the youthful Canadiens squad, contributing immediately late in the regular season and into the playoffs. So far this season, he has registered 4 points in 6 games, showcasing soft hands, excellent vision, and the maturity of an advanced prospect. He only figures to get more comfortable as the year progresses, and a point total of 50+ is realistic this year. For fantasy managers looking for a mid-tier forward stash with breakout upside, Demidov is one of the most compelling young assets on the market.

Zayne Perekh, D – Calgary Flames

Without question, Zayne Perekh—a right-shooting defenseman listed at 6′0″ and 179 pounds—possesses serious offensive upside. In 2024, he was voted top defenseman in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), posting 96 points in 66 games as a 17-year-old with Saginaw.

Presently, he’s getting his feet wet on a young Flames squad, playing behind veterans Rasmus Andersson and Mackenzie Weegar. However, Andersson has publicly requested a trade, and once he’s dealt, Perekh is poised to move up the depth chart—likely onto the second-pairing and the second-unit power play. That scenario could elevate his ice time, boost his offensive chances, and translate directly to higher fantasy point totals as the season advances.

Jimmy Snuggerud, F – St. Louis Blues

After finishing his NCAA career last March—where he was a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award—the 6′1″ right winger joined the St. Louis Blues. Although he only played seven playoff games in a first-round loss to the Winnipeg Jets, he distinguished himself with 1 goal and 3 assists and stood out for his strong two-way work.

So far this season, Snuggerud has accumulated 4 points in 7 games. The gritty winger, who also possesses a deft scoring touch, is firmly in a top-6 role within St. Louis’s forward corps. Fantasy managers can reasonably project him for 40+ points once his minutes stabilize and chemistry builds—making him a strong target in redraft and dynasty formats.

Ryan Leonard, F – Washington Capitals

A finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 2025, Ryan Leonard arrived in Washington with glowing credentials—two consecutive 30-goal seasons in college, dominance internationally, and a 6′1″, 205-pound frame built for physicality and scoring.

He plays a well-rounded game: protecting the puck, creating scoring chances, and delivering goals. On a powerful Capitals squad loaded with offensive weapons, Leonard has the opportunity to both score and assist at a high rate. As his comfort level grows at the NHL level, fantasy owners should expect his production to rise accordingly.

Matthew Schaefer, D – New York Islanders

Not even 10 games into his NHL career, 18-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer—standing 6′2″ and 186 pounds—is already demonstrating why he was the first overall pick in the 2025 Entry Draft. His skating ability is otherworldly: he jumps into plays in the offensive zone, then recovers defensively with a powerful stride.

Projecting 20+ minutes per game and a spot on the first-unit power play, Schaefer has the workload and talent to hit 40+ points this season. For fantasy managers seeking a long-term asset from the blue line, he is one of the most intriguing young defensemen in the league.

Artyom Levshunov, D – Chicago Blackhawks

In 18 games last year, 19-year-old Artyom Levshunov showed the Blackhawks he has the potential to become a fixture on their blueline for years to come. With 6 assists, 20 blocked shots, and 19 hits, the second‐overall pick in 2024 displayed a strong all-around game. He averaged just over 20 minutes of ice time per game and should maintain or increase that this year. With a projected 20–30 point range on defense, Levshunov offers solid value for fantasy managers targeting young blue-line contributors.

Honorable Mentions

• Sam Rinzel, D – Chicago Blackhawks
• Michael Misa, F – San Jose Sharks
• Ville Koivunen, F – Pittsburgh Penguins
• Matt Savoie, F – Edmonton Oilers

As this new generation of NHL talent takes flight, fantasy managers who act early stand to reap the rewards. Whether it’s Ivan Demidov’s offensive wizardry, Zayne Perekh’s blue-line scoring upside, or Matthew Schaefer’s dynamic skating, each of these prospects has the potential to become a franchise cornerstone in both dynasty and redraft leagues. Keep a close eye on their usage trends, power-play time, and chemistry with linemates—it’s often those subtle shifts that predict breakouts before they happen. The youth movement is officially underway, and smart managers will seize the opportunity before these names are no longer secrets.