Cheat sheet: The names you need to know when you draft

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  ESPN FantasySep 25, 2026, 06:47 AM ET

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Whether you've been planning all summer or you waited until the last minute, ESPN Fantasy is here to help you with our convenient printable cheat sheet to help you at your fantasy hockey draft. From the first round to the last and from a category league to a points one, the experts here at ESPN Fantasy have a preseason's worth of analysis and picks at your fingertips before the NHL drops the puck on Tuesday, September 29.

If you don't have a league yet, there is still time to create your own or join a public league. Practice your draft strategy with the Mock Draft Lobby, where you can draft as many times as you'd like. And don't forget, you can still create or join a league after Opening Night, as new leagues start every Monday. Never played fantasy hockey before? No need to worry, getting started is free and easy, and we've got the advice to manage your team all season long.

The PDF aggregates names and tiers featured in the following columns:

• Tiers rankings for forwards and defensemen

• Goalie position preview

• Sean Allen's breakout forwards and defensemen

• Greg Wysynski's "Plant my Flag" list

• Sean Allen's late-round picks

• Victoria Matiash's sleepers and busts

• Sean Allen's bounce-back players

• Victoria Matiash's top 10 rookies to know

• Sean Allen's players more valuable in different leagues