There is no clear-cut No. 1 rookie in fantasy hockey leagues this season, unlike last year when Connor Bedard was the obvious choice. I expect that only Macklin Celebrini will play a full schedule from the 2024 NHL Draft class, and the remainder of the players will be from previous drafts. Without any further ado, here are the top-10 fantasy hockey rookies for the 2024-25 campaign.
Michkov was selected seventh overall in 2023, and had everyone known that the Russian would have been available to the NHL for the 2024-25 season, he would have been drafted second, behind only Connor Bedard. Michkov is a stud and has elite offensive skills. He managed 19 goals and 41 points in 48 games with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL last season, an outstanding total for a 19-year-old in any professional league, let alone the second-best league on the planet.
Look for Michkov to get a top-six role with the Flyers at the start of the season, along with first power-play time, and don’t be surprised if he is on the top line by Christmas. Expect 25 goals and 65 points at a minimum, if he can stay healthy the entire season.
Celebrini was selected first overall in 2024, and rightfully so; he has elite skills and was a no-brainer for the top pick. Celebrini was the youngest player at the NCAA level last season and won the Hobey Baker Award as the best college player.
Celebrini has 32 goals and 64 points in 38 NCAA games with Boston University. He moves on to a young Sharks team that will give him every opportunity to see top-six minutes, as well as play on the top power play. Celebrini is expected to get 25 goals and 55-plus points this season. If he is able to do so, he will battle Michkov for the Calder Trophy.
[Create or join a Yahoo Fantasy hockey league for the 2024-25 NHL season]
Gauthier is in an envious spot with the Ducks, as he is projected to play on the top line alongside Leo Carlsson and Alex Killorn. On top of that, Gauthier is also expected to play on the first power-play unit. Gauthier was dealt to the Ducks from Philadelphia after it was reported he did not want to play for the Flyers. Anaheim took advantage of the situation in January of 2024, then inking him to an entry-level contract after he completed his sophomore season at Boston College, where he…