Edgehalla

Who to start · 2025-26

Braden Schneider vs Mika Zibanejad

Braden SchneiderBraden SchneiderRangers · DefencevsMika ZibanejadMika ZibanejadRangers · Centre

Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Mika Zibanejad projects to 2.27 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Braden Schneider's 1.37.

Schneider had 18 points in 82 games; Zibanejad had 78 in 81 games.

This week Schneider has 1 game left with 1 tough matchup; Zibanejad has 1 left with 1 tough matchup. We project Zibanejad for 1.4 ESPN points to Schneider's 1.2.

Mika Zibanejad has the better number in 29 of the 34 stats both are ranked on.

Schneider's biggest edges: Transition attempts /60 0.47, Plus/minus −5, Hits 163.

Zibanejad's biggest edges: Goals above expected +5.8, Luck Meter +47, Offensive-zone start % 58.9%.

  • • 2026-27 so far: 3 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PPP, 6 SOG.
  • • 2026-27 so far: 3 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 1 PPP, 6 SOG.

Fantasy value: your scoring

Braden Schneider

1.37

fantasy points per game

Mika Zibanejad

2.27

fantasy points per game

Under ESPN default points, Mika Zibanejad has the edge.

Per-stat breakdown under ESPN default points
Points per game fromSchneiderZibanejad
Goals (+2)0.040.81
Assists (+1)0.160.51
Power-play points (+0.5)0.000.21
Shorthanded points (+0.5)0.000.01
Shots on goal (+0.1)0.140.25
Hits (+0.1)0.210.14
Blocks (+0.5)0.820.34

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: Schneider vs Zibanejad

Every event between them in NHL play-by-play, 2021-22 to 2026-27: games against each other, faceoffs, shots on goal, hits and penalties. Regular season and playoffs.

SchneiderZibanejad
0Shots blocked by the other2

Schneider blocked 0 of Zibanejad's shots; Zibanejad blocked 2 of Schneider's.

4Goals set up by the other4

Goals each scored with the other picking up an assist (as teammates).

On the ice together

409:54 at 5-on-5 over 84 games, 2025-26 to 2026-27

Shot attempts
332–449
42.5%
Expected goals
14.2–17.3
45.2%
Goals
13–22

Every stat, side by side

Season values; bars are percentiles at each player's position (longer is better). Click a stat for its explainer.

SchneiderZibanejad

Fantasy box score

Possession & shot quality (5-on-5 on-ice)

Transition, turnovers & faceoffs

Usage

Special teams & discipline

Luck & trend

NHL EDGE tracking

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.

Braden Schneider

4games (1 left)

1.2proj. ESPN pts

  • Tue, Sep 29 @ BOS
    Opp allows 8th-fewest FP to DLikely vs Jeremy Swayman (.908)
  • Thu, Oct 1 vs TBL
    Opp allows 7th-most FP to DLikely vs Andrei Vasilevskiy (.912)
  • Fri, Oct 2 @ DETB2B
    Opp allows 15th-most FP to DSchedule edge −9.3 win%Likely vs John Gibson (.901)
  • Sun, Oct 4 vs UTA1.2 pts
    Opp allows 2nd-fewest FP to DSchedule edge +9.3 win%Likely vs Karel Vejmelka (.897)

Mika Zibanejad

4games (1 left)

1.4proj. ESPN pts

  • Tue, Sep 29 @ BOS
    Opp allows 5th-fewest FP to CLikely vs Jeremy Swayman (.908)
  • Thu, Oct 1 vs TBL
    Opp allows 11th-most FP to CLikely vs Andrei Vasilevskiy (.912)
  • Fri, Oct 2 @ DETB2B
    Opp allows 4th-fewest FP to CSchedule edge −9.3 win%Likely vs John Gibson (.901)
  • Sun, Oct 4 vs UTA1.4 pts
    Opp allows 2nd-fewest FP to CSchedule edge +9.3 win%Likely vs Karel Vejmelka (.897)

Similar matchups

FAQ

Should I start Braden Schneider or Mika Zibanejad in fantasy hockey?
Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Mika Zibanejad projects to 2.27 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Braden Schneider's 1.37. Schneider had 18 points in 82 games; Zibanejad had 78 in 81 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, Braden Schneider or Mika Zibanejad?
On 2025-26 numbers, Mika Zibanejad leads in 29 of 34 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 →