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Who to start · 2025-26

Connor McDavid vs Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Connor McDavidConnor McDavidOilers · CentrevsRyan Nugent-HopkinsRyan Nugent-HopkinsOilers · Centre

Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Connor McDavid projects to 3.45 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins's 1.70.

McDavid had 138 points in 82 games; Nugent-Hopkins had 56 in 72 games.

This week McDavid has 1 game left with 1 tough matchup; Nugent-Hopkins has 1 left with 1 tough matchup. We project McDavid for 2.3 ESPN points to Nugent-Hopkins's 1.1.

Connor McDavid has the better number in 32 of the 35 stats both are ranked on.

McDavid's biggest edges: Plus/minus +17, Net penalties drawn /60 +1.05, 20+ mph bursts 681.

Nugent-Hopkins's biggest edges: Hardest shot 88.5, Goals above expected +2.6, Blocked shots 31.

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

Fantasy value: your scoring

Connor McDavid

3.21

fantasy points per game

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

1.70

fantasy points per game

Under ESPN default points, Connor McDavid has the edge.

Per-stat breakdown under ESPN default points
Points per game fromMcDavidNugent-Hopkins
Goals (+2)1.170.56
Assists (+1)1.100.50
Power-play points (+0.5)0.330.20
Shorthanded points (+0.5)0.010.01
Shots on goal (+0.1)0.370.18
Hits (+0.1)0.050.03
Blocks (+0.5)0.180.22

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: McDavid vs Nugent-Hopkins

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.

McDavidNugent-Hopkins
2Shots blocked by the other1

McDavid blocked 2 of Nugent-Hopkins's shots; Nugent-Hopkins blocked 1 of McDavid's.

73Goals set up by the other100

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

On the ice together

564:36 at 5-on-5 over 60 games, 2025-26

Shot attempts
590–564
51.1%
Expected goals
33.7–27.6
54.9%
Goals
31–28

Every stat, side by side

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

McDavidNugent-Hopkins

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.

Connor McDavid

3games (1 left)

2.3proj. ESPN pts

  • Tue, Sep 29 vs VAN
    Opp allows 6th-most FP to CLikely vs Kevin Lankinen (.875)
  • Thu, Oct 1 @ VAN
    Opp allows 6th-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)

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

3games (1 left)

1.1proj. ESPN pts

  • Tue, Sep 29 vs VAN
    Opp allows 6th-most FP to CLikely vs Kevin Lankinen (.875)
  • Thu, Oct 1 @ VAN
    Opp allows 6th-most FP to CLikely vs Kevin Lankinen (.875)
  • Sat, Oct 3 vs SEA1.1 pts
    Opp allows 6th-fewest FP to CLikely vs Joey Daccord (.897)

Similar matchups

FAQ

Should I start Connor McDavid or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 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 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins's 1.70. McDavid had 138 points in 82 games; Nugent-Hopkins had 56 in 72 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 Ryan Nugent-Hopkins?
On 2025-26 numbers, Connor McDavid leads in 32 of 35 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 →