Edgehalla

Who to start · 2025-26

Brock Nelson vs Connor McDavid

Brock NelsonBrock NelsonAvalanche · CentrevsConnor McDavidConnor McDavidOilers · Centre

Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Connor McDavid projects to 3.45 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Brock Nelson's 2.23.

Nelson had 65 points in 81 games; McDavid had 138 in 82 games.

This week Nelson has 1 game left; McDavid has 1 left with 1 tough matchup. We project McDavid for 2.3 ESPN points to Nelson's 1.6.

Connor McDavid has the better number in 22 of the 36 stats both are ranked on.

Nelson's biggest edges: Turnover Ledger /60 +0.000, Blocked shots 65, Goals above expected +0.2.

McDavid's biggest edges: Transition attempts /60 2.12, Ascension score 62, Net penalties drawn /60 +1.05.

  • • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 PPP, 1 SOG.
  • • 2026-27 so far: 2 GP, 1 G, 6 A, 2 PPP, 3 SOG.

Fantasy value: your scoring

Brock Nelson

2.23

fantasy points per game

Connor McDavid

3.45

fantasy points per game

Under ESPN default points, Connor McDavid has the edge.

Per-stat breakdown under ESPN default points
Points per game fromNelsonMcDavid
Goals (+2)0.891.15
Assists (+1)0.501.32
Power-play points (+0.5)0.200.35
Shorthanded points (+0.5)0.010.01
Shots on goal (+0.1)0.220.35
Hits (+0.1)0.040.05
Blocks (+0.5)0.380.22

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

Brock Nelson and Connor McDavid have no head-to-head events in our data yet (regular season and playoffs since 2019-20).

Every stat, side by side

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

NelsonMcDavid

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.

Brock Nelson

2games (1 left)

1.6proj. ESPN pts

  • Wed, Sep 30 vs LAK
    Opp allows the most FP to CLikely vs Darcy Kuemper (.891)
  • Sat, Oct 3 vs STL1.6 pts
    Schedule edge +10.1 win%vs Jordan Binnington (.873)

Connor McDavid

3games (1 left)

2.3proj. ESPN pts

  • Tue, Sep 29 vs VAN
    Opp allows 4th-most FP to CLikely vs Kevin Lankinen (.875)
  • Thu, Oct 1 @ VAN
    Opp allows 4th-most FP to CLikely vs Kevin Lankinen (.875)
  • Sat, Oct 3 vs SEA2.3 pts
    Opp allows 6th-fewest FP to CLikely vs Joey Daccord (.897)

Similar matchups

FAQ

Should I start Brock Nelson or Connor McDavid in fantasy hockey?
Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Connor McDavid projects to 3.45 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Brock Nelson's 2.23. Nelson had 65 points in 81 games; McDavid had 138 in 82 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, Brock Nelson or Connor McDavid?
On 2025-26 numbers, Connor McDavid leads in 22 of 36 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 →