Who to start · 2025-26
Connor McDavid vs Leon Draisaitl
Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Connor McDavid projects to 3.45 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Leon Draisaitl's 2.96.
McDavid had 138 points in 82 games; Draisaitl had 97 in 65 games.
This week McDavid has 1 game left with 1 tough matchup; Draisaitl has 1 left with 1 tough matchup. We project McDavid for 2.3 ESPN points to Draisaitl's 2.0.
Connor McDavid has the better number in 26 of the 36 stats both are ranked on.
McDavid's biggest edges: Transition attempts /60 2.12, Net penalties drawn /60 +1.05, Blocked shots 30.
Draisaitl's biggest edges: Faceoff win % 56.9%, Draw Equity /100 +0.077, Goals above expected +0.1.
- • 2026-27 so far: 2 GP, 1 G, 6 A, 2 PPP, 3 SOG.
- • 2026-27 so far: 2 GP, 2 G, 2 A, 2 PPP, 10 SOG.
Fantasy value: your scoring
Connor McDavid
3.45
fantasy points per game
Leon Draisaitl
2.96
fantasy points per game
Under ESPN default points, Connor McDavid has the edge.
| Points per game from | McDavid | Draisaitl |
|---|---|---|
| Goals (+2) | 1.15 | 1.19 |
| Assists (+1) | 1.32 | 0.96 |
| Power-play points (+0.5) | 0.35 | 0.34 |
| Shorthanded points (+0.5) | 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Shots on goal (+0.1) | 0.35 | 0.31 |
| Hits (+0.1) | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Blocks (+0.5) | 0.22 | 0.10 |
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: McDavid vs Draisaitl
Every event between them in NHL play-by-play, 2017-18 to 2026-27: games against each other, faceoffs, shots on goal, hits and penalties. Regular season and playoffs.
McDavid blocked 1 of Draisaitl's shots; Draisaitl blocked 0 of McDavid's.
Goals each scored with the other picking up an assist (as teammates).
On the ice together
360:17 at 5-on-5 over 62 games, 2025-26 to 2026-27
- Shot attempts
- 401–280
- 58.9%
- Expected goals
- 22.7–14.6
- 60.8%
- Goals
- 22–19
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.
Connor McDavid
3games (1 left)
2.3proj. ESPN pts
- Tue, Sep 29 vs VANOpp allows 4th-most FP to CLikely vs Kevin Lankinen (.875)
- Thu, Oct 1 @ VANOpp allows 4th-most FP to CLikely vs Kevin Lankinen (.875)
- Sat, Oct 3 vs SEA2.3 ptsOpp allows 6th-fewest FP to CLikely vs Joey Daccord (.897)
Leon Draisaitl
3games (1 left)
2.0proj. ESPN pts
- Tue, Sep 29 vs VANOpp allows 4th-most FP to CLikely vs Kevin Lankinen (.875)
- Thu, Oct 1 @ VANOpp allows 4th-most FP to CLikely vs Kevin Lankinen (.875)
- Sat, Oct 3 vs SEA2.0 ptsOpp allows 6th-fewest FP to CLikely vs Joey Daccord (.897)
Similar matchups
FAQ
- Should I start Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl 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 Leon Draisaitl's 2.96. McDavid had 138 points in 82 games; Draisaitl had 97 in 65 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, Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl?
- On 2025-26 numbers, Connor McDavid leads in 26 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 →