Fantasy Hockey 2025-26: Weekly Strength of Schedule and Streaming Targets — Week 8
Finding an edge in fantasy hockey often comes down to maximizing your man games — and targeting players with favourable matchups. Our Fantasy Hockey Strength of Schedule tool helps you do precisely that.
Each week, we evaluate every NHL team’s upcoming slate using three key factors:
- Games Played: More games mean more opportunities for fantasy points.
- Strength of Schedule (SOS): Based on opponent difficulty, the higher the score, the easier the matchups.
- Light Nights: Nights with eight or fewer NHL games, when it’s easier to fit extra players into your active lineup.
By combining these three components, the tool highlights which teams — and streamers — are best positioned for fantasy success this week.
If you’re looking for a full breakdown of every team’s upcoming schedule, check out our Fantasy Hockey Strength of Schedule Tool — updated daily to show which teams have the most games and valuable light-night matchups each week.
Week 8 Strength of Schedule
Week 8 Streaming Targets
Because of American Thanksgiving on Thursday, the NHL schedule for Week 8 of the Fantasy Hockey Season is condensed into six days. As a result, there are only three Light Nights (eight games or fewer) this week. Only three teams play twice on those Light Nights, so they will be the primary focus for streaming options this week.
Washington Capitals
Among the three teams with two Light Nights, the Washington Capitals have the most favourable schedule. Their first Light Night comes Monday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who continue to struggle defensively. Their second comes Sunday against the Islanders, who, while not a strong defensive team, have benefited from excellent goaltending this year. The matchups offer a solid blend of opportunity and upside depending on format.
Connor McMichael (C/LW — 13% Rostered)
McMichael was a recommended add on the DFO Fantasy Show last week when he was skating on the top line with Dylan Strome and Alex Ovechkin. Due to Nic Dowd’s injury, he has since shifted back to the third line, but importantly, he continues to play heavy minutes in all situations. Over his last five games, he has produced one goal, five assists, and 12 shots on goal while averaging 17:34 TOI/gm. Even with the line change, the combination of usage and recent production keeps him squarely in streamer consideration.
Ryan Leonard (RW — 7% Rostered)
Leonard originally projected as more of a banger-league target, but his fantasy appeal increased significantly after he was promoted to the top power-play unit during Sunday’s practice. His ice time has been trending upward—he has logged at least 15 minutes in back-to-back games and is averaging 14:14 over his last four. In November, Leonard has contributed two goals, three assists, 24 shots (2.2 per game), and 17 hits (1.5 per game). He has been efficient with his opportunities, and the PP1 bump gives him legitimate upside in all formats this week.
Anthony Beauvillier (LW — 1% Rostered)
Beauvillier is more of a deep-league option but remains viable as long as he continues to skate alongside Strome and Ovechkin. That line has posted excellent underlying numbers at 5v5, including 3.7 xGF/60, 35.1 SCF/60, and 16.4 HDCF/60. Though Beauvillier’s production has not fully matched the process (three goals and one assist in his last 10 games), the opportunity is strong enough to warrant a short-term stream in deeper formats.
Justin Sourdif (RW — 0% Rostered)
If Leonard is unavailable, Sourdif is a very reliable banger-league fallback. Since being promoted into the top six with Tom Wilson and Aliaksei Protas, he has produced three points (2G, 1A) in six games. More importantly, he is offering category stability with 2.3 shots and 1.7 hits per game in that span. For leagues that count peripherals, he provides a safe floor with moderate upside.
Dallas Stars
Dallas is one of just two teams in action on Tuesday (@ Edmonton) and then play again on Sunday when they host the Senators. With injuries, suspensions, and line shuffling continuing to impact their lineup, it is important to monitor their combinations throughout the week, but a few players stand out as worthwhile targets.
Tyler Seguin (C/RW — 25% Rostered)
The Stars’ scoring is heavily concentrated among a small group of forwards, making them a difficult team to stream from. However, Seguin is clearly the best option this week. He is skating with Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson and has been on a strong run with four goals and four assists in his last nine games. With Mikko Rantanen suspended for Tuesday’s game, there is also a realistic chance Seguin sees time on the top power-play unit, as he did on Saturday after Rantanen was ejected. While his recent 40 SH% is unsustainable, the deployment and schedule make him a strong short-term add.
Jamie Benn (C/LW — 9% Rostered)
Benn made his season debut last Tuesday and has recorded one assist, four shots, and eight hits across his first three games. After opening on the fourth line, he was elevated to a unit with Wyatt Johnston and Rantanen on Saturday. That line will be less potent with Rantanen unavailable in Edmonton, but it should still give Benn enough ice time to make him a viable streamer. He is most valuable in banger formats thanks to his hit volume, but he still has some offensive upside to offer.
Esa Lindell (D — 14% Rostered)
With Thomas Harley sidelined, Lindell has seen an increase in responsibility, averaging 24:29 per game over his last four contests. He has two assists during that span and has been playing on the Stars’ second power-play unit. Although PP2 does not receive heavy usage, it still provides a modest offensive bump. For points leagues that count blocked shots, Lindell offers an excellent floor and increased opportunity given the heavy workload.
Ottawa Senators
The Senators’ schedule is less favourable, with a difficult matchup in Los Angeles on Monday followed by a visit to Dallas on Sunday. Their line combinations have also been inconsistent all season, making their streaming options more volatile. Still, there are a few names who can deliver value if appropriately deployed.
Dylan Cozens (C — 49% Rostered)
Cozens’ linemates tend to change frequently, but he consistently logs strong minutes and remains a fixture on the top power-play unit. Over his last six games, he has two goals, four assists, two power-play points, 13 shots, and 17 hits. He is nearly 50% rostered, so he may not be available in competitive leagues, but in some non-banger formats there’s a chance he slipped through.
Shane Pinto (C — 48% Rostered)
One of the few stable elements in Ottawa’s lineup this season has been Pinto’s deployment alongside Claude Giroux. Together, they have produced excellent 5v5 results, including 3.0 xGF/60, 32.2 SCF/60, 15.5 HDCF/60, and a 15-9 goal differential across 186 minutes. Pinto’s early-season goal pace has cooled off, but he still has seven points in his last 12 games and remains a strong streaming option if available.
Claude Giroux (LW/RW — 17% Rostered)
Giroux has benefitted from OTT3’s strong underlying play, posting 10 points (3G, 7A) in his last 14 games while averaging 2.3 shots and 1.1 hits. His production is steady, his role is secure, and his floor is high, making him one of the safer week-long streamers.
David Perron (LW/RW — 2% Rostered)
Perron is more of a deep-league option because his deployment changes frequently. He could start Monday on the top line with Tim Stützle, but he has not remained in that role for long stretches. Regardless, he has been productive with 10 points in his last 17 games and averages roughly 14 minutes per night. If he sticks with Stützle, he becomes a worthwhile short-term add.