2025-2026 Previews: Metropolitan Division – Razzball Fantasy Hockey

Comfortable Wednesday, Razzball trustworthy!

I’m again once more this week with one other Divisional Preview.

Final week, we checked in on the Atlantic Division. Should you missed it, you may open that up right here.

This week, we’re headed to the Large Metropolis to take a look at the Metropolitan Division. 

Can the Capitals cost their option to one other divisional title? 

Is Jet Greaves going to depart Elvis Merzlikins “All Shook Up” within the Blue Jackets’ crease?

What the heck are we speculated to name Sid “The Child” Crosby now that he’s 38 years previous?!

I won’t reply all of those burning questions right now, however that doesn’t imply you shouldn’t be trying out the products in…

Carolina Hurricanes – 47-30-5. 99 PTS – 2nd within the division.

IN: Mike Reilly, Ok’Andre Miller, Nikolaj Ehlers, Cayden Primeau

OUT: Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov, Jesper Quick, Jack Roslovic, Spencer Martin, Dustin Tokarski

DEPTH CHART

Different notable names on the depth chart: Eric Robinson, Tyson Jost, Cayden Primeau, Mike Reilly

Marmo Magic – One identify to count on good issues from this 12 months

Nikolaj Ehlers – Ehlers grew to become a really wealthy man when he signed a $51 million take care of the Canes this summer season. The whole lot is lining up for Ehlers to have an enormous 12 months. He’s driving shotgun to Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, and he’s cemented a spot on PP1. He’ll be a cut price on draft day, and so long as you don’t count on 82 video games from him, he’ll provide you with a superb return in your funding.

Marmo Meh – A participant I’d keep away from drafting or including to my roster (for now)

Taylor Corridor – Do you’re feeling previous now?

How about now?

It looks like a lifetime in the past that we had been listening to the arguments in favor of Corridor earlier than Seguin or Seguin earlier than Corridor. Now, each of those high picks from the 2010 entry draft are of their early 30s and shells of their former selves. Corridor ought to be a pleasant complement to a strong Carolina offense this 12 months, simply don’t count on an MVP-caliber season from the previous boy.

Marmo Marvel – A Rookie/Teenager who has the potential to impress. Add these guys to your Dynasty rosters proper now

Alexander Nikishin – This was a tricky one to choose, and, ultimately, I went with the cookie-cutter alternative. Final 12 months, Nikishin was thought of the perfect participant on this planet who had but to play within the NHL, so when Carolina added him to their playoff roster, the thrill was at an all-time excessive. He ended up a -5 in 4 GP and tallied only one help within the playoffs, however followers are extra involved with the lengthy recreation right here. He’s anticipated to be introduced alongside slowly (I learn an article yesterday about Nikishin not getting PP time to begin the 12 months), however like lots of different ones on this part right now, he’s keeper league gold.

Columbus Blue Jackets – 40-33-9. 89 PTS – 4th within the division.

IN: Charlie Coyle, Isac Lundestrom, Miles Wooden

OUT: Daniil Tarasov, James van Riemsdyk, Sean Kuraly, Justin Danforth, Jack Johnson, Luke Kunin, Jordan Harris, Kevin Labanc, Christian Fischer, Cole Clayton

DEPTH CHART

Different notable names on the depth chart: Hudson Fasching

Marmo Magic – One identify to count on good issues from this 12 months

Kirill Marchenko – 21, 23, 31. These are the three aim totals from Marchenko from his first three years within the league. The opposite quantity that’s eye-popping is 25. That’s how previous this child is, so the room is there for much more enchancment in his fourth full season. I’m not able to name him the following Ovechkin or Kovalchuk, however he’s prepared to affix the dialog if we’re speaking about the perfect goal-scoring Russian wingers within the league.

Marmo Meh – A participant I’d keep away from drafting or including to my roster (for now)

Elvis Merzlikins – It could be ‘Heartbreak Lodge’ time quickly for The King. Elvis isn’t a horrible goalie by any means, however the .892 SV% and 26-21-5 file final 12 months opened the door for competitors this 12 months. And the competitors has arrived. It’s not a stretch to say that Merzlikins may go from starter to backup behind Jet Greaves as early as the primary week of November if the latter will get off to a scorching begin.

Marmo Marvel – A Rookie/Teenager who has the potential to impress. Add these guys to your Dynasty rosters proper now

Adam Fantilli – There isn’t a lot to say right here apart from you’ll want to push him up your draft boards earlier than another person snipes him. 31 targets in his first 12 months is ridiculous sufficient, however once you think about a 16.1% taking pictures share, he may give us much more in 2025-2026. He’s already the second-line middle and a mainstay on the PP. Having Sean Monahan as a mentor within the center will assist, too.

New Jersey Devils – 42-33-7. 91 PTS – third within the division.

IN: Connor Brown, Evgenii Dadonov, Juho Lammikko

OUT: Nolan Foote, Erik Haula, Tomas Tatar, Curtis Lazar, Justin Dowling, Nathan Bastian, Daniel Sprong, Brian Dumoulin

DEPTH CHART

Different notable names on the depth chart: Juho Lammikko, Nathan Lagare, Johnathan Kovacevic

Marmo Magic – One identify to count on good issues from this 12 months

Luke Hughes – The 22-year-old defender was already the perfect of the bunch in New Jersey, and now he’s bought 63 million causes to smile. Final week, the youthful Hughes ended his holdout and signed a 7-year extension with the Devils after placing up back-to-back 40-point seasons and exhibiting he’s able to take over the reins because the PP king from Dougie Hamilton. The one factor this man wants to fret about now’s the way to get his different brother to bolt from Vancouver and reunite the household within the Backyard State.

Marmo Meh – A participant I’d keep away from drafting or including to my roster (for now)

Connor Brown – Talking of recent offers, Connor Brown signed a 4-year take care of the Devils after a few disappointing seasons in Edmonton. I’ve seen a number of projections tabbing him as a bottom-six winger. I don’t assume he’ll be a complete bust, but when he’s not lined up with Jack Hughes or Nico Hischier, we are able to kiss any bounce-back plans goodbye.

Marmo Marvel – A Rookie/Teenager who has the potential to impress. Add these guys to your Dynasty rosters proper now

Simon Nemec – He spent a while within the AHL to get himself some minutes and expertise at each ends of the ice. Now, the administration staff thinks he’s prepared for an everyday gig. The Devils boast a stable D-corp, so Nemec will probably be eased into the fold. Studying from veterans and growing alongside Luke Hughes ought to assist him take that subsequent step. 

New York Islanders – 35-35-12. 82 PTS – sixth within the division.

IN: Maxim Shabanov, Emil Heineman, Ethan Bear, Daniel Rittich

OUT: Noah Dobson, Matt Martin, Mike Reilly, Hudson Fasching

DEPTH CHART

Different notable names on the depth chart: Ethan Bear, Semyon Varlamov, Kyle MacLean, Maxim Shabanov

Marmo Magic – One identify to count on good issues from this 12 months

Ilya Sorokin – I virtually went with Bo Horvat right here, however the straightforward argument is that Sorokin is the perfect participant on the staff. I appeared to see if they’d a man who may present PIMs in your multi-category leagues (there wasn’t one), and I appeared for a 70+ level scorer too (there wasn’t a type of both). Sorokin is a lock for 30 wins, a handful of shutouts, and a wholesome save share. He ought to be among the many high 10 goalies off the draft board this 12 months and ranks at #70 in Viz’s Prime 200 total.

Marmo Meh – A participant I’d keep away from drafting or including to my roster (for now)

Mathew Barzal and Jonathan Drouin – It was robust to choose one from the 2 of those guys, and since they’ve bought related dangers, it felt proper to place them each down right here. Barzal missed 52 video games final 12 months with an “higher physique damage” after which with a busted-up kneecap that required surgical procedure. Drouin’s damage report was much less particular, because the winger missed 39 video games with “higher and decrease physique” accidents. Barzal has stated he doesn’t assume his knee will ever be 100% once more, and Drouin has missed preseason video games with an “sickness”. No matter that each one means is as much as your interpretation, however for me, it means a tough go on the draft board.

Marmo Marvel – A Rookie/Teenager who has the potential to impress. Add these guys to your Dynasty rosters proper now

Matthew Schaefer – So that you’re telling me that the Islanders had two groups end under them of their division AND they ended up with the primary total decide within the 2025 NHL Entry draft? Ouch. When a staff can roll out a #1 total draft decide of their opening night time lineup, it’s robust to take anybody else as the perfect up-and-coming skater on the staff. Schaefer was damage for many of the 12 months after he broke his collarbone on the World Juniors in December. 22 factors in 17 video games for Erie within the OHL was a pleasant option to say goodbye to his ‘minor league’ years – two of them – and good day to the Islanders’ blue line for the following 10-15 years. He’s a high decide in dynasty leagues when you’re in search of the following massive factor on the blueline.

New York Rangers – 39-36-7. 85 PTS – fifth within the division. 

IN: Taylor Raddysh, Vladislav Gavrikov, Derrick Pouliot, Scott Morrow

OUT: Arthur Kaliyev, Zac Jones, Chris Kreider, Ok’Andre Miller

DEPTH CHART

Different notable names on the depth chart: Gabe Perrault, Jonny Brodzinski, Derek Pouliot, Scott Morrow, Louis Dominigue

Marmo Magic – One identify to count on good issues from this 12 months

Artemi Panarin – Contract 12 months! I virtually left it at that, however The Bread Man is gonna be in search of some severe bread come this summer season. Mike Sullivan introduced on Monday that Panrin could be able to rock for Opening Evening, and as of the ultimate edit right here, he was pencilled into the beginning 12. The 33-year-old Russian will probably be seeking to money in on one final deal, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he took a run at one other 50-goal, 100-point season. (He had 49/120 in 2023-2024).

Marmo Meh – A participant I’d keep away from drafting or including to my roster (for now)

Taylor Raddysh – The free agent add wasn’t an enormous splash, however with no open spots within the Prime 6 ahead group, the Rangers didn’t have to goal for the highest shelf. Raddysh is a serviceable third line RW with the flexibility to chip in a half dozen targets and round 20 PTS, however don’t count on a lot else in the way in which of a breakout or any further class help (like hits, blocks, takeaways).

Marmo Marvel – A Rookie/Teenager who has the potential to impress. Add these guys to your Dynasty rosters proper now

Will Cuylle – At 23 years previous, this one nonetheless qualifies as a teenager who can impress. Cuylle took an enormous leap ahead in his second (full) season with 20 G and 25 A in 82 GP. He’s slotted in because the 2nd line RW with an honest serving to of PP time. The 13.2 taking pictures share ought to imply a leap in targets if he can construct on the 152 SOG from final 12 months with an elevated position in 2025-2026.

Philadelphia Flyers – 33-39-10. 76 PTS – eighth within the division.

IN: Trevor Zegras, Christian Dvorak, Noah Juulsen, Dan Vladar

OUT: Olle Lycksell, Ryan Poehling, Jakob Pelletier

DEPTH CHART

Different notable names on the depth chart: Adam Ginning, Noah Juulsen, Cam York, Emil Andrae, Jeff Luchanko

Marmo Magic – One identify to count on good issues from this 12 months

Matvei Michkov – On the danger of being referred to as a brown noser and a suck as much as the boss, I went with one in every of Viz’s favourite wingers this season for the Marmo Magic decide. I’m an enormous believer in Michkov, too, and assume that he may take one other massive step ahead in 2025-2026. If anybody missed it, Michkov was Viz’s first Daring Prediction in his article yesterday. I don’t know if he hits the 90-point threshold like Viz says in there, however I wouldn’t be shocked if he took an enormous leap ahead from his 26-goal, 63-point freshman season.

Marmo Meh – A participant I’d keep away from drafting or including to my roster (for now)

Any Philly Goalie – Samuel Ersson is a p…erson that I needed to look as much as see if he had greater than a handful of video games final 12 months (he began 44). The numbers aren’t horrible, however this isn’t a man you wish to draft in your squad until you’re in a particularly deep league the place it’s important to gown 3 lively goalies every week. Former Bruin Dan “Darth” Vladar is probably going not the reply right here both. No less than I’d take Vladar as a last-round reserve decide in a 32-team dynasty league, although.

Marmo Marvel – A Rookie/Teenager who has the potential to impress. Add these guys to your Dynasty rosters proper now

Trevor Zegras – I do know! He’s not a rookie! However Sean Couturier appeared horrible final 12 months, and this child continues to be simply 24 years previous. He ought to flourish within the high middle position in Philly and will develop into the second most cherished orange-Flyer behind this man.

Pittsburgh Penguins – 34-36-12. 80 PTS – seventh within the division.

IN: Anthony Mantha, Justin Brazeau, Matt Dumba, Connor Clifton, Parker Wotherspoon, Alexander Alexeyev, Arturs Silvos

OUT: Matt Grzelcyk, Conor Timmins, Alex Nedelijkovic, Matt Nieto, Emil Bernstrom

DEPTH CHART

Different notable names on the depth chart: Kevin Hayes, Benjamin Kindel, Danton Heinen, Rutger McGroarty, Ryan Graves, Alexander Alexeyev

Marmo Magic – One identify to count on good issues from this 12 months

Ville Koivunen – For the file, I had Bryan Rust in right here final week and was able to hype up one other stable 12 months for him, however he was injured in follow on Monday and is anticipated to overlook no less than two weeks. One man’s trash is one other man’s treasure…or one thing like that. Koivunen impressed sufficient final 12 months with 7 factors in an 8-game audition method again in April. And now he’s slated to begin on Sidney Crosby’s wing? Signal me up.

Marmo Meh – A participant I’d keep away from drafting or including to my roster (for now)

Kris Letang – The previous high protection decide in fantasy leagues has lastly entered the ‘previous age’ class of professional athletes. Letang is 38 years previous now, simply had a process to restore a gap in his coronary heart, and is a part of the previous guard in Pittsburgh who will probably be tasked with mentoring the children. He’ll nonetheless get Prime 4 minutes and PP1 time, however I don’t count on him to play one other 82-game season earlier than he ultimately hangs them up. Enjoyable reality: He has two 82-game seasons. 2023-2024 and 2010-2011 (I’d’ve misplaced that wager).

Marmo Marvel – A Rookie/Teenager who has the potential to impress. Add these guys to your Dynasty rosters proper now

Philip Tomasino – I may have flipped Tomasino with Koivunen, however I made a decision to depart the 24-year-old right here as a result of he looks like a teenager who may faucet into one thing particular. Tomasino was a aim scorer within the OHL with the Niagara Ice Canines, and the speedy winger signed a one-year deal on July 1st to remain in Pittsburgh. With a roster filled with older veterans, Tomasino may impress early and get moved into a much bigger position sooner somewhat than later. If the Pens tank early and begin to ship out the older guys, he may discover himself in a Prime 6 position fairly rapidly.

Washington Capitals – 51-22-9. 111 PTS – 1st within the division.

IN: Justin Sourdif, Declan Chisholm

OUT: Lars Eller, Andrew Mangiapane, Alexander Alexeyev, Taylor Raddysh

DEPTH CHART

Different notable names on the depth chart: Hendrix Lapierre, Sonny Milano, Ethen Frank, Declan Chisholm, Dylan McIlrath

Marmo Magic – One identify to count on good issues from this 12 months

Logan Thompson – I’m going to exit on a limb right here and say that each Washington Capitals fan hopes that Workforce Canada leaves Logan Thompson off its Olympic roster once they’re introduced as a result of it actually labored out nicely when he was snubbed within the 4 Nations Faceoff tourney.

Thompson performed like a person possessed and had a big chip on his shoulder when he discovered he wouldn’t be representing his house nation in final 12 months’s mid-season get-together. He responded by profitable 8 of his first 9 video games, and completed with a 31-6-5 file in 43 video games. He’s not being drafted like a high goalie (135 ADP on Fantrax), and he shouldn’t be the 18th-ranked backstop out of our common starters. Get in on this cut price whilst you nonetheless can.

Marmo Meh – A participant I’d keep away from drafting or including to my roster (for now)

Pierre-Luc Dubois – I attempt to put private bias apart after I’m on the draft desk (or within the digital draft room), however typically it’s robust to shake that feeling of being burned. Idiot me as soon as, shake on you, idiot me twice…you’re not gonna idiot me once more. Or one thing like that. Should you’re in search of a man who ought to play 80 video games and never come near recording some extent per recreation, perhaps that is for you, however I’m not falling for the promise of “upside”. Particularly when he’s nicely previous the age of an up-and-coming prospect. (He’s 27).

Marmo Marvel – A Rookie/Teenager who has the potential to impress. Add these guys to your Dynasty rosters proper now

Ryan Leonard – The child from Massachusetts impressed sufficient in a 9-game audition final 12 months to sneak his method right into a backside 6 position with some powerplay time. Now, as a follow-up, Leonard is able to take the following step.  Again-to-back 30-goal seasons at Boston School and a World Juniors MVP imply his resume is stacked. Lock him in when you’re in a keeper league.

That’s all, of us! I hope you loved it. Be happy to drop any questions or feedback under, and be sure you come again to go to me subsequent Wednesday after I leap over to the Western Convention and preview the Central Division.

Observe me @marmosdad on Twitter/X and Bluesky @marmosdad.bsky.social