Building a Keeper or a Dynasty league isn’t easy. Whether it’s the league formats, draft structure, or player transactions, there are a whole load of things to think about if you want to create a competitive, enjoyable, and sustainable fantasy hockey experience. And that means being hyper-aware of what’s going on not just within your league, but across the entire hockey landscape.
Tracking the NHL, for instance, is crucial for understanding team dynamics and anticipating player performance changes in your system. And that’s why so many people kept a keen eye on the 2025 NHL draft class, which happened on June 27th and 28th at LA Live’s Peacock Theater.
The NHL Draft Class: Explained
For those unaware, the NHL draft class refers to the group of eligible young players selected by NHL teams during the annual NHL Entry Draft. Teams pick from a pool of talented young prospects – whether that’s teenagers from junior leagues, collegiate programs, or European leagues – and add them to their rosters as fresh new talent. Each draft class is unique and can significantly impact the NHL’s future, as these players essentially represent the next generation of stars and potentially even franchise cornerstone.
These classes usually generate a load of interest. Not only are NHL enthusiasts eager to see who will become the next big name for their team, but there’s also the sportsbook world – draft outcomes can quickly shift online gambling markets, particularly in futures betting where sportsbooks offer odds on ‘rookie of the year’ candidates – and fantasy hockey managers, who will be assessing which of these young talents could offer long-term value.
Top Picks from the 2025 Draft Class
It is these players, of course, who will likely be implicated in Keeper and Dynasty leagues in some way over the next few years.
To give an example, one of the most powerful players in fantasy hockey right now is Connor McDavid. Whether it’s his scoring ability or power play production, he became a hit for fantasy hockey managers almost as soon as he hit the ice, with some even trading away entire packages of star players just to acquire him.
He’s still one of the most valuable players from a fantasy hockey perspective, but it’s important to remember that some of the players named in the 2025 NHL draft class could become just as foundational in the coming years.
Let’s look at Matthew Schaefer, for instance. Known mainly for this two-way capability, Schaefer was selected 1st overall for the New York Islanders, with his ability to control the tempo of a game being the main reason his name was an attractive one. In fantasy leagues that reward blocks, time on ice, and power-play points, his upside is potentially massive – especially if he secures a top-pairing role within the next few seasons.
There’s also Michael Misa, picked 2nd overall by the San Jose Sharks, who delivered a staggering 134 points in 65 games during his time at the Saginaw Spirit. Praised for his NHL-ready offensive instincts, Misa is a player every dynasty manager should be taking very seriously. If he earns a top-six role and power-play time early in San Jose, he could easily follow a trajectory similar to players like Jack Hughes or Trevor Zegras – impactful young forwards who quickly became fantasy mainstays.
As well as him, we have Anton Frondell, Brady Martin, Jake O’Brien, Roger McQueen. The list of excellent, and potentially top players named in the 2025 NHL draft class goes on, so if you’re a manager in the Keeper or Dynasty leagues, this is a perfect opportunity for you to identify long-term value before anyone else does.
Conclusion
Just make sure you’re smart about it. Managers who secured McDavid early are still reaping the rewards nearly a decade later, and that proves how investing in young talent can pay massive long-term dividends in leagues as competitive as these ones – perhaps even leading you to be named in the fantasy awards at the end of the season! But you need to pay attention to the right things.
Basic stats like goals and assists matter, of course, but real dynasty gold is found in deeper analysis – things like time on the ice, shot generation, power-play deployment, and even a team’s rebuild trajectory. A player on the verge of top-line minutes is often more valuable than one stuck in a crowded depth chart, so it’s your job to read between the lines and make a decision that you know you can depend on.
