Who to start · 2025-26
Bryan Rust vs Evgeni Malkin
Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Bryan Rust projects to 2.28 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Evgeni Malkin's 2.12.
Rust had 65 points in 72 games; Malkin had 61 in 56 games.
This week Rust has 1 game left; Malkin has 1 left. We project Rust for 2.3 ESPN points to Malkin's 2.1.
Bryan Rust has the better number in 17 of the 33 stats both are ranked on.
Rust's biggest edges: Blocked shots 71, Top skating speed 22.8, 20+ mph bursts 124.
Malkin's biggest edges: Sequence xG 53.9%, Expected goals 53.5%, Faceoffs won 109.
- • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 1 PPP, 2 SOG.
Fantasy value: your scoring
Bryan Rust
2.28
fantasy points per game
Evgeni Malkin
2.08
fantasy points per game
Under ESPN default points, Bryan Rust has the edge.
| Points per game from | Rust | Malkin |
|---|---|---|
| Goals (+2) | 0.81 | 0.68 |
| Assists (+1) | 0.50 | 0.75 |
| Power-play points (+0.5) | 0.17 | 0.20 |
| Shorthanded points (+0.5) | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| Shots on goal (+0.1) | 0.25 | 0.26 |
| Hits (+0.1) | 0.05 | 0.04 |
| Blocks (+0.5) | 0.49 | 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: Rust vs Malkin
Every event between them in NHL play-by-play, 2017-18 to 2025-26: games against each other, faceoffs, shots on goal, hits and penalties. Regular season and playoffs.
Rust blocked 2 of Malkin's shots; Malkin blocked 0 of Rust's.
Goals each scored with the other picking up an assist (as teammates).
On the ice together
29:02 at 5-on-5 over 11 games, 2025-26
- Shot attempts
- 26–29
- 47.3%
- Expected goals
- 1.5–1.4
- 52.7%
- Goals
- 0–2
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.
Bryan Rust
2games (1 left)
2.3proj. ESPN pts (season rate)
- Wed, Sep 30 @ PHI
- Sat, Oct 3 vs MTL2.3 pts
Evgeni Malkin
2games (1 left)
2.1proj. ESPN pts (season rate)
- Wed, Sep 30 @ PHI
- Sat, Oct 3 vs MTL2.1 pts
Similar matchups
FAQ
- Should I start Bryan Rust or Evgeni Malkin in fantasy hockey?
- Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Bryan Rust projects to 2.28 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Evgeni Malkin's 2.12. Rust had 65 points in 72 games; Malkin had 61 in 56 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, Bryan Rust or Evgeni Malkin?
- On 2025-26 numbers, Bryan Rust leads in 17 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 →