Who to start · 2025-26
Alexander Nikishin vs Sebastian Aho
Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Sebastian Aho projects to 2.01 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Alexander Nikishin's 1.50.
Nikishin had 33 points in 81 games; Aho had 80 in 79 games.
This week Nikishin has 1 game left with 1 soft matchup; Aho has 1 left with 1 soft matchup. We project Aho for 2.2 ESPN points to Nikishin's 1.7.
Sebastian Aho has the better number in 22 of the 33 stats both are ranked on.
Nikishin's biggest edges: Goals above expected +2.7, Turnover Ledger /60 −0.043, Hits 132.
Aho's biggest edges: Ice-time share 32.2%, Ice time per game 19:37, Penalty minutes 46.
- • 2026-27 so far: 2 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 1 PPP, 6 SOG.
Fantasy value: your scoring
Alexander Nikishin
1.50
fantasy points per game
Sebastian Aho
2.03
fantasy points per game
Under ESPN default points, Sebastian Aho has the edge.
| Points per game from | Nikishin | Aho |
|---|---|---|
| Goals (+2) | 0.27 | 0.68 |
| Assists (+1) | 0.27 | 0.67 |
| Power-play points (+0.5) | 0.06 | 0.16 |
| Shorthanded points (+0.5) | 0.01 | 0.04 |
| Shots on goal (+0.1) | 0.15 | 0.25 |
| Hits (+0.1) | 0.16 | 0.08 |
| Blocks (+0.5) | 0.58 | 0.15 |
Per-game rates from the selected sample; blended mixes last season with this season, weighting this season more as games are played. Categories are scored as z-scores against qualified players at the same position. Your custom weights are saved in this browser only.
Head-to-head: Nikishin vs Aho
Every event between them in NHL play-by-play, 2025-26 to 2025-26: games against each other, faceoffs, shots on goal, hits and penalties. Regular season and playoffs.
Goals each scored with the other picking up an assist (as teammates).
On the ice together
276:19 at 5-on-5 over 82 games, 2025-26
- Shot attempts
- 348–230
- 60.2%
- Expected goals
- 14.8–14.0
- 51.3%
- Goals
- 11–12
Every stat, side by side
Season values; bars are percentiles at each player's position (longer is better). Click a stat for its explainer.
Fantasy box score
Possession & shot quality (5-on-5 on-ice)
Transition, turnovers & faceoffs
Usage
Special teams & discipline
This week's schedule
Sep 28 to Oct 4. More games usually wins a weekly start/sit. Chips show how many fantasy points the opponent allows to the player's position (soft or tough), the Schedule Edge from rest and travel, and the likely opposing goalie with his save percentage. Projections use ESPN default points for the games left.
Alexander Nikishin
3games (1 left)
1.7proj. ESPN pts
- Tue, Sep 29 vs FLAOpp allows 15th-fewest FP to DLikely vs Jacob Markstrom (.883)
- Fri, Oct 2 vs WSHOpp allows 5th-fewest FP to DLikely vs Logan Thompson (.912)
- Sat, Oct 3 @ PHIB2B1.7 ptsOpp allows 2nd-most FP to DSchedule edge −8.7 win%vs Joseph Woll (.899)
Sebastian Aho
3games (1 left)
2.2proj. ESPN pts
- Tue, Sep 29 vs FLAOpp allows 10th-fewest FP to CLikely vs Jacob Markstrom (.883)
- Fri, Oct 2 vs WSHOpp allows 9th-fewest FP to CLikely vs Logan Thompson (.912)
- Sat, Oct 3 @ PHIB2B2.2 ptsOpp allows 7th-most FP to CSchedule edge −8.7 win%vs Joseph Woll (.899)
Similar matchups
FAQ
- Should I start Alexander Nikishin or Sebastian Aho in fantasy hockey?
- Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Sebastian Aho projects to 2.01 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Alexander Nikishin's 1.50. Nikishin had 33 points in 81 games; Aho had 80 in 79 games. Check this week's games and your league's scoring in the fantasy panel above, since more games usually decide a weekly start.
- Who is better, Alexander Nikishin or Sebastian Aho?
- On 2025-26 numbers, Sebastian Aho leads in 22 of 33 stats where both qualify, from scoring and power-play production to on-ice shot share and NHL EDGE tracking.
2025-26 regular season from NHL play-by-play, shift charts and NHL EDGE, processed by Edgehalla. Head-to-head covers every loaded season (play-by-play from 2019-20; on-ice matchups from 2025-26).Compare other players →