Who to start · 2025-26
Josh Manson vs Sam Malinski
Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Josh Manson projects to 1.48 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Sam Malinski's 1.44.
Manson had 31 points in 79 games; Malinski had 40 in 82 games.
This week Manson has 1 game left with 1 tough matchup; Malinski has 1 left with 1 tough matchup. We project Manson for 1.1 ESPN points to Malinski's 1.1.
Sam Malinski has the better number in 25 of the 34 stats both are ranked on.
Manson's biggest edges: Penalty minutes 91, Hits 174, Ascension score 49.
Malinski's biggest edges: Offensive-zone start % 50.8%, Net penalties drawn /60 −0.29, Top skating speed 22.9.
- • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 0 PPP, 1 SOG.
- • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PPP, 2 SOG.
Fantasy value: your scoring
Josh Manson
1.48
fantasy points per game
Sam Malinski
1.44
fantasy points per game
Under ESPN default points, Josh Manson has the edge.
| Points per game from | Manson | Malinski |
|---|---|---|
| Goals (+2) | 0.12 | 0.18 |
| Assists (+1) | 0.37 | 0.37 |
| Power-play points (+0.5) | 0.00 | 0.01 |
| Shorthanded points (+0.5) | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Shots on goal (+0.1) | 0.16 | 0.20 |
| Hits (+0.1) | 0.21 | 0.05 |
| Blocks (+0.5) | 0.62 | 0.64 |
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: Manson vs Malinski
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.
On the ice together
68:47 at 5-on-5 over 30 games, 2025-26 to 2026-27
- Shot attempts
- 83–52
- 61.5%
- Expected goals
- 3.8–1.5
- 71.4%
- Goals
- 6–1
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.
Josh Manson
2games (1 left)
1.1proj. ESPN pts
- Wed, Sep 30 vs LAKOpp allows 3rd-most FP to DLikely vs Darcy Kuemper (.891)
- Sat, Oct 3 vs STL1.1 ptsOpp allows 4th-fewest FP to DSchedule edge +10.1 win%vs Jordan Binnington (.873)
Sam Malinski
2games (1 left)
1.1proj. ESPN pts
- Wed, Sep 30 vs LAKOpp allows 3rd-most FP to DLikely vs Darcy Kuemper (.891)
- Sat, Oct 3 vs STL1.1 ptsOpp allows 4th-fewest FP to DSchedule edge +10.1 win%vs Jordan Binnington (.873)
Similar matchups
FAQ
- Should I start Josh Manson or Sam Malinski in fantasy hockey?
- Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Josh Manson projects to 1.48 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Sam Malinski's 1.44. Manson had 31 points in 79 games; Malinski had 40 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, Josh Manson or Sam Malinski?
- On 2025-26 numbers, Sam Malinski leads in 25 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 →