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Who to start · 2025-26

Chandler Stephenson vs Nathan MacKinnon

Chandler StephensonChandler StephensonKraken · CentrevsNathan MacKinnonNathan MacKinnonAvalanche · Centre

Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Nathan MacKinnon projects to 3.32 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Chandler Stephenson's 1.47.

Stephenson had 49 points in 80 games; MacKinnon had 127 in 80 games.

This week Stephenson has 2 games left with 1 soft matchup; MacKinnon has 1 left. We project Stephenson for 3.0 ESPN points to MacKinnon's 2.8.

Nathan MacKinnon has the better number in 28 of the 36 stats both are ranked on.

Stephenson's biggest edges: Turnover Ledger /60 −0.020, Blocked shots 56, Shorthanded points 2.

MacKinnon's biggest edges: Scoring chances 59.3%, Sequence xG 59.5%, Expected goals 59.7%.

  • • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 0 PPP, 2 SOG.
  • • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 2 G, 0 A, 1 PPP, 8 SOG.

Fantasy value: your scoring

Chandler Stephenson

1.47

fantasy points per game

Nathan MacKinnon

3.32

fantasy points per game

Under ESPN default points, Nathan MacKinnon has the edge.

Per-stat breakdown under ESPN default points
Points per game fromStephensonMacKinnon
Goals (+2)0.501.49
Assists (+1)0.390.87
Power-play points (+0.5)0.090.21
Shorthanded points (+0.5)0.010.00
Shots on goal (+0.1)0.120.46
Hits (+0.1)0.020.09
Blocks (+0.5)0.330.21

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

Chandler Stephenson and Nathan MacKinnon 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.

StephensonMacKinnon

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.

Chandler Stephenson

3games (2 left)

3.0proj. ESPN pts

  • Thu, Oct 1 @ CGY
    Opp allows 2nd-most FP to C
  • Sat, Oct 3 @ EDM1.5 pts
    Opp allows 9th-most FP to C
  • Sun, Oct 4 vs CGYB2B1.5 pts
    Opp allows 2nd-most FP to C

Nathan MacKinnon

2games (1 left)

2.8proj. ESPN pts

  • Wed, Sep 30 vs LAK
    Opp allows the most FP to C
  • Sat, Oct 3 vs STL2.8 pts
    Schedule edge +9.3 win%

Similar matchups

FAQ

Should I start Chandler Stephenson or Nathan MacKinnon in fantasy hockey?
Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Nathan MacKinnon projects to 3.32 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Chandler Stephenson's 1.47. Stephenson had 49 points in 80 games; MacKinnon had 127 in 80 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, Chandler Stephenson or Nathan MacKinnon?
On 2025-26 numbers, Nathan MacKinnon leads in 28 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 →