NHL Dynasty Digest: 07/06/2025 - Shabanov Comes to North America, Ehlers to Flourish in Carolina
Here’s your curated weekly dynasty digest specific to NHL content published this week by The Scrolling Scout, enjoy!
Rankings
This week our dynasty hockey rookie ranks for the top 25 of the 2025 draft class went live on the rankings hub, see them below
| Player | Rank |
|---|---|
| Matthew Schaefer | 1 |
| Micheal Misa | 2 |
| Porter Martone | 3 |
| Anton Frondell | 4 |
| James Hagens | 5 |
| Victor Eklund | 6 |
| Caleb Desnoyers | 7 |
| Brady Martin | 8 |
| Jake O’Brien | 9 |
| Roger McQueen | 10 |
| Braeden Cootes | 11 |
| Carter Bear | 12 |
| Jack Nesbitt | 13 |
| Ben Kindel | 14 |
| Cole Reschny | 15 |
| Kashawn Aitchenson | 16 |
| Lynden Lakovic | 17 |
| Pyotr Andreyanov (G) | 18 |
| Joshua Ravensberger (G) | 19 |
| Cullen Potter | 20 |
| Bill Zonnon | 21 |
| Justin Carbonneau | 22 |
| Semyon Frolov (G) | 23 |
| Daniil Prokhorov | 24 |
| Jackson Smith | 25 |
Mitch Marner – VGK – RW
🔁 Traded from TOR to Vegas, signs massive extension
Vegas lands a top-line winger with elite fantasy upside. Toronto’s core finally breaks apart. Expect shakeups on both sides of this blockbuster.
Brad Marchand – FLA – LW
📝 Re-signed: 6-year extension
After helping Florida win a second Cup, Marchand locks in long term. Expect middle-six usage moving forward, but still plenty of fantasy value — especially in points + hits formats.
Vladislav Gavrikov – NYR – D
📝 Signs with Rangers after Kings let him walk
A reliable top-pairing defenseman who fits well next to Adam Fox. Should log solid minutes and provide deep-league value in blocks and assists.
Matthew Schaefer – NYI – D
📝 No. 1 overall pick sets bold expectations
Wants to make the opening night roster as a rookie defenseman. He’s the clear-cut 1.01 in fantasy rookie drafts and could make an early fantasy impact.
Dan Vladar – PHI – G
📝 Signs with Flyers in tandem goalie move
Philadelphia opts for a shared crease. Vladar will battle for the job behind a rugged defense under Rick Tocchet. Intriguing stash for deeper goalie leagues.
Viktor Arvidsson – BOS – RW
🔁 Traded from EDM to Boston
Boston capitalizes on Edmonton’s cap crunch, adding Arvidsson after a disappointing Oilers Finals run. Edmonton clears room for Bouchard and Nurse extensions. Arvidsson should slot into a key middle-six role in Boston.
John Gibson – DET – G
🔁 Finally traded after years of rumors
The longtime Anaheim goalie is headed to Detroit in a deal that sends Petr Mrazek back to the Ducks. Gibson’s fantasy stock could rebound behind a younger, more competitive Red Wings team.
Noah Dobson – MTL – D
🔁 Traded from NYI to Montreal
The Islanders move their top D to make way for Matthew Schaefer sending Dobson to Montreal. He’ll form a new-look top pair with Lane Hutson and retain strong fantasy appeal in all formats.
J.J. Peterka – UTH – RW
🔁 Traded from BUF to Utah, signs 5-year deal
Contract talks with Buffalo broke down, and Utah pounced. Peterka earns a new deal and likely lands on the top line — big dynasty stock rise in points leagues.
Ranking the 2025 draftees by how soon they could make the NHL.
The NHL pipeline is loaded with potential, but only a few rookies are positioned to break through virtually right away. Here are 10 names to watch as candidates to log NHL minutes in 2025 or 2026 - whether it’s an opening night debut or a midseason call-up.
1. Matthew Schaefer – NYI – D
The clear 1.01 in rookie drafts has already stated his goal: make the opening night roster. The Islanders believe in him, and he plays a mature, NHL-ready game. The path is wide open aside from 21 year old AHL graduate Isaiah George who is also competing for the Islanders final Defenseman spot.
2024-25 Stats: 17 games, 7 goals, 15 assists, 22 points in the OHL
Projected NHL Role: Top Pairing Defenseman
2. Michael Misa – SJS – LW
Elite skating and offensive instincts should fast-track Misa into a middle-six role. San Jose’s rebuild means opportunity will come early. The Sharks signed veteran winger Philipp Kurashev to keep Misa's spot in the top six warm but it seems like only a matter of time with his torrid production.
2024-25 Stats: 65 games, 62 goals, 72 assists, 134 points in the OHL
Projected NHL Role: Top Line Winger
3. Porter Martone – PHI – RW
Physical and polished, Martone looks like a Tocchet favorite in the making. Could be a bottom-six contributor as early as late year one. Martone benefits in this list from the lack of depth the Flyers have at Forward at his size. The organization will be pushing to get this guy in the pros as soon as possible.
2024-25 Stats: 57 games, 37 goals, 61 assists, 98 points in the OHL
Projected NHL Role: Top Six Winger
4. Anton Frondell – CHI – C
Smart, poised center who plays a pro-style game. He's heading back to Sweden for 2025 but is in play for 2026. Frondell could slot in behind Bedard by mid-season 2026. Frondell will compete with 2022 first round pick Frank Nazar for the second line center role in year one.
2024-25 Stats: 29 games, 11 goals, 14 assists, 25 points in the Swedish Div. 2
Projected NHL Role: Top Six Center
5. Radim Mrtka – BUF – D
Buffalo lacks NHL-ready blueliners behind Dahlin and Power. Mrtka’s size and defensive polish make him a sneaky 2026 opening roster candidate. There is some concern his offensive production will not translate to the pros but his size and skill should lead to plenty of minutes and counting stats.
2024-25 Stats: 43 games, 3 goals, 32 assists, 35 points in the WHL
Projected NHL Role: Middle Pairing Defenseman
6. Victor Eklund – NYI – LW
The lesser-known Eklund, but a smooth, smart winger with great off-puck habits. Could be fast-tracked to fill depth roles as early on as 2026. Eklund's calling card is his two-way game that allows him to stay on the ice in all situations.
2024-25 Stats: 42 games, 19 goals, 12 assists, 31 points in Swedish Div. 2
Projected NHL Role: Top Six Winger
7. Brady Martin – NSH – C
Still a long shot to make the leap in year one or two, but Martin’s work ethic and defensive zone awareness give him a coach-friendly path. Has the making of a player who can come up early and provide energy minutes in a bottom six roles before ascending up the depth chart. He may be too low on this list.
2024-25 Stats: 57 games, 33 points, 39 assists, 72 points in the OHL
Projected NHL Role: Top Six Center
8. Kashawn Aitcheson – NYI – D
9. Justin Carbonneau – STL – RW
Strong junior numbers and a versatile toolkit make him a name to watch. A year or two away, but if St. Louis needs scoring depth, don’t be surprised. Has all the physical tools to make the jump in late 2026 or early 2027.
2024-25 Stats: 68 games, 46 goals, 43 assists, 89 points in the QMJHL
Projected NHL Role: Middle Six Forward
10. Malcolm Spence – NYR – LW
A dynamic skater with strong puck protection and transition ability. Spence thrives in open ice and plays with a motor that coaches love. The Rangers could slot him into a bottom-six energy role as soon as 2026.
2024-25 Stats: 65 games, 32 goals, 41 assists, 73 points in the OHL
Projected NHL Role: Middle Six Forward
Trending Topics:
KHL Star Shabanov Chooses Islanders: What It Means for Fantasy & Dynasty
The KHL winger chose his NHL home for the 2025–26 season on Wednesday, signing with the New York Islanders.
The NHL’s collective bargaining agreement limited the terms of his deal, but Shabanov hopes it’s just the first of many paydays to come as he establishes himself in North America.
The 24‑year‑old was reportedly pursued by both the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers, but he opted for Long Island, citing his perceived fit with the Islanders’ style and roster.
Undersized but Skilled
At just 5’8”, Shabanov will have his work cut out for him as he transitions to the more physical, grinding style of the NHL. Still, his offensive talent is undeniable. Last season in the KHL, Shabanov posted 23 goals and 44 assists in 65 games — a pace that made him one of the most intriguing free agents on the market.
Fantasy Outlook
Shabanov is expected to start the season in the Islanders’ middle six. Without a guaranteed power‑play role, he’s more of a watch‑list candidate in year‑long leagues — someone to monitor early in the season to see if his scoring touch translates.
In dynasty formats, however, his youth, skillset, and clear path to ice time make him a hot name in rookie drafts this summer. Managers in rebuilds or deeper leagues should strongly consider taking a flyer on him.
Final Word
Shabanov’s arrival in New York adds an intriguing wrinkle to the Islanders’ lineup. If he can adjust to the NHL’s pace and physicality, his scoring touch could make him a valuable asset for years to come — both on the ice and in your dynasty roster.
Dynasty Spotlight: Mikael Granlund’s Move to Anaheim
Mikael Granlund has been a quiet fantasy stud for over a decade, offering consistent multi-category production and veteran versatility. His recent move to Anaheim has dynasty managers watching closely—and for good reason.
After a productive bounce-back campaign in San Jose, Granlund was dealt to Dallas ahead of free agency, where he remained effective. He totaled 21 points in 31 regular season games with the Stars and added 10 more in 18 playoff contests, showcasing his ability to contribute even in a more limited role.
That limited role is worth noting. Granlund saw his average time on ice drop from 20 minutes per game with the Sharks to just 17 with the Stars. Power play usage declined too—from 3:15 per game in San Jose to just over two minutes in Dallas. His penalty kill usage was cut nearly in half. While still productive, the volume just wasn’t the same.
Now, entering his age-34 season, Granlund has a chance to bounce back once again. Anaheim’s young core could benefit from his playmaking, and there’s a clear path to a top-six role with top-unit power play minutes. While his days of 60+ point upside are likely past, a healthy, productive Granlund in Anaheim could be a valuable depth asset in deep dynasty leagues—especially for contenders looking for short-term help with built-in floor.
Verdict: In dynasty leagues, Granlund is worth a speculative add or hold. Monitor early usage in Anaheim closely—if he’s on PP1 and logging close to 18 minutes per night, he’ll be a steady starting option and potential trade chip down the line.
Nikolaj Ehlers Heads to Carolina With Top-Line Opportunity
Nikolaj Ehlers leaves Winnipeg with hopes of finally becoming a true top‑line, 20‑minute‑per‑night player — something he was never given in his last three seasons with the Jets, where his ice time was held below 16 minutes per game.
In Carolina, the Hurricanes are expected to slot Ehlers into their first‑line winger role at both even strength and on the power play. Ehlers has been a consistent point producer despite often being buried on Winnipeg’s third line. Now in a featured role, we might finally see his ceiling as a fantasy asset.
Winnipeg, meanwhile, will turn to veteran sniper Gustav Nyquist to help fill the void. Nyquist had a career‑best 79‑point campaign in Nashville in 2023–24 but regressed sharply last season, posting just 28 points in 79 games.
Ehlers’ 2024–25 stat line speaks to his steady production:
24 goals, 39 assists, 63 points in 69 games.
If Carolina can unlock the full potential of his offensive game with more minutes and better linemates, Ehlers could be one of the biggest risers in fantasy hockey this season.
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