Who to start · 2025-26
Emil Heineman vs Matthew Schaefer
Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Matthew Schaefer projects to 2.02 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Emil Heineman's 1.57.
Heineman had 31 points in 82 games; Schaefer had 59 in 82 games.
This week Heineman has 1 game left; Schaefer has 1 left. We project Schaefer for 2.1 ESPN points to Heineman's 1.5.
Matthew Schaefer has the better number in 24 of the 34 stats both are ranked on.
Heineman's biggest edges: Hits 247, Hardest shot 97.3, Forecheck xG /60 0.30.
Schaefer's biggest edges: Faceoffs won 0, Plus/minus +13, Luck Meter +34.
- • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 0 PPP, 1 SOG.
- • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PPP, 3 SOG.
Fantasy value: your scoring
Emil Heineman
1.57
fantasy points per game
Matthew Schaefer
2.02
fantasy points per game
Under ESPN default points, Matthew Schaefer has the edge.
| Points per game from | Heineman | Schaefer |
|---|---|---|
| Goals (+2) | 0.63 | 0.53 |
| Assists (+1) | 0.10 | 0.41 |
| Power-play points (+0.5) | 0.02 | 0.10 |
| Shorthanded points (+0.5) | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Shots on goal (+0.1) | 0.21 | 0.27 |
| Hits (+0.1) | 0.30 | 0.05 |
| Blocks (+0.5) | 0.31 | 0.67 |
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: Heineman vs Schaefer
Every event between them in NHL play-by-play, 2025-26 to 2026-27: games against each other, faceoffs, shots on goal, hits and penalties. Regular season and playoffs.
Heineman blocked 1 of Schaefer's shots; Schaefer blocked 0 of Heineman's.
Goals each scored with the other picking up an assist (as teammates).
On the ice together
460:47 at 5-on-5 over 82 games, 2025-26 to 2026-27
- Shot attempts
- 464–458
- 50.3%
- Expected goals
- 20.3–20.2
- 50.1%
- Goals
- 21–17
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.
Emil Heineman
2games (1 left)
1.5proj. ESPN pts (season rate)
- Wed, Sep 30 @ TORSchedule edge +9.3 win%
- Sat, Oct 3 vs NJD1.5 pts
Matthew Schaefer
2games (1 left)
2.1proj. ESPN pts (season rate)
- Wed, Sep 30 @ TORSchedule edge +9.3 win%
- Sat, Oct 3 vs NJD2.1 pts
Similar matchups
FAQ
- Should I start Emil Heineman or Matthew Schaefer in fantasy hockey?
- Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Matthew Schaefer projects to 2.02 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Emil Heineman's 1.57. Heineman had 31 points in 82 games; Schaefer had 59 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, Emil Heineman or Matthew Schaefer?
- On 2025-26 numbers, Matthew Schaefer leads in 24 of 34 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 →