Story Summary
New 84-game point projections for forwards and defencemen are available ahead of the 2026-27 season. Connor McDavid (EDM) leads forwards at 135 points, while Cale Makar (COL) heads defencemen at 87. The estimates are intended as a fantasy-draft baseline, particularly for points-only leagues, and account for factors including past performance, projected line combinations, power-play usage, injury history, upside, age and contract status.
Key Facts
- Projections are for an 84-game season and quantify expected point totals for forwards and defencemen.
- Connor McDavid, F, EDM: 135 projected points – the highest total among forwards.
- Nathan MacKinnon, F, COL: 130 projected points (second among forwards).
- Nikita Kucherov, F, TBL: 125 projected points (third among forwards).
- Macklin Celebrini, F, SJS: 122 projected points (fourth among forwards).
- Leon Draisaitl, F, EDM: 117 projected points (fifth among forwards).
- Cale Makar, D, COL: 87 projected points – the highest total among defencemen.
- Evan Bouchard, D, EDM: 86 projected points (second among defencemen).
- Quinn Hughes, D, MIN: 86 projected points (tied for second among defencemen).
- Connor Bedard, F, CHI is shown with an 81-point projection and marked (INJ.) in the list.
- The projections were developed using factors including past regular-season and playoff performance, projected line combinations, power-play usage, injury history or concern, sleeper upside, anticipated regression or bounce-back candidacy, age and contract status.
- The projections are described as safe point estimates that do not indicate a player’s ceiling or floor and should be used as a basis for fantasy draft picks, especially in points-only leagues.
IHM Discussion
The projections establish a points-based hierarchy for fantasy managers preparing for 2026-27. Connor McDavid’s 135-point estimate puts him ahead of Nathan MacKinnon (130) and Nikita Kucherov (125), while Macklin Celebrini is projected for 122.
On the blue line, Cale Makar leads at 87 points, with Evan Bouchard and Quinn Hughes each projected for 86. In points-only formats, that group offers rare scoring potential from defence.
These are described as safe estimates rather than ceilings or floors. Connor Bedard is listed at 81 points and marked injured, while Seth Jarvis, Troy Terry, Kevin Fiala and Owen Tippett are also noted among key injuries or absences. The figures are useful draft baselines, not guarantees.
Why It Matters
For points-only fantasy leagues, the estimates offer a straightforward comparison of expected production across positions. McDavid leads the forward list, while Makar, Bouchard and Hughes set the pace among defencemen. Managers in category-based formats should note that points projections alone do not account for peripheral categories.
Mini Q&A
Who is projected to lead forwards in points for 2026-27?
Connor McDavid (EDM) is projected to lead forwards with 135 points.
Which defenceman tops the projections?
Cale Makar (COL) tops the defencemen list with 87 projected points.
Are these projections for a full season?
Yes. The projections are quantified for an 84-game season.
Do these numbers represent each player’s ceiling?
No. The projections are described as safe point estimates and do not indicate a player’s ceiling or floor.
Are any injuries or absences highlighted?
Yes. Reportedly, key injuries/absences including Seth Jarvis, Troy Terry, Kevin Fiala and Owen Tippett; Connor Bedard is shown are (INJ.) next to his 81-point projection.
Coach Mark Comment
For points-only drafting, projected power-play usage and expected line combinations are important context behind the totals. Treat these figures as a starting point, then monitor injury status and deployment through pre-season.
IHM Final View
Use the numbers as a drafting framework – particularly in points-only formats – while retaining awareness that injuries, role changes and in-season regression or breakout performances will reshape the leaderboard once games begin.