"While recency bias could be partly to blame, it still feels like this year's crop of rookies is one of the strongest in years. Less a group that's dominated by one or two dazzling individuals, but more so by the number of players who are already contributing in positive and tangible fashion to their NHL squads. A few of whom also deserve rostering in some redraft fantasy leagues straight away."
"For crying out loud, the teen just broke one of Bobby Orr's lofty records. Scoring twice against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday, Schaefer is now the youngest defenseman in NHL history to pot multiple goals in a game, passing the legendary Hall of Famer. More than holding his own at the highest level in a game dominated by grown-ups, the just-turned 18-year-old is rounding into a genuine fantasy gem."
The 2025 rookie crop is unusually strong, with many players already contributing positively and tangibly to NHL teams rather than the group being dominated by one or two stars. Several rookies are fantasy-relevant immediately and should be considered for redraft leagues; all mentioned players qualify for dynasty or deep-keeper formats. Each named player has played at least 10 games, triggering entry-level contracts and increasing the probability of sticking with NHL clubs. Matthew Schaefer broke a Bobby Orr record by becoming the youngest defenseman to score multiple goals in a game, and he has produced five goals, six assists, five power-play points and 41 shots.
Read at ESPN.com
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