Edgehalla

Who to start · 2025-26

Mika Zibanejad vs Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

Mika ZibanejadMika ZibanejadRangers · CentrevsRyan Nugent-HopkinsRyan Nugent-HopkinsOilers · Centre

Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Mika Zibanejad projects to 2.27 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins's 1.70.

Zibanejad had 78 points in 81 games; Nugent-Hopkins had 56 in 72 games.

This week Zibanejad has 1 game left; Nugent-Hopkins has 1 left. We project Zibanejad for 1.8 ESPN points to Nugent-Hopkins's 1.4.

Mika Zibanejad has the better number in 21 of the 35 stats both are ranked on.

Zibanejad's biggest edges: Turnover Ledger /60 −0.001, Hits 105, Luck Meter +47.

Nugent-Hopkins's biggest edges: Forecheck xG /60 0.34, Top skating speed 22.8, Offensive-zone time 46.0%.

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

Fantasy value: your scoring

Mika Zibanejad

2.31

fantasy points per game

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

1.70

fantasy points per game

Under ESPN default points, Mika Zibanejad has the edge.

Per-stat breakdown under ESPN default points
Points per game fromZibanejadNugent-Hopkins
Goals (+2)0.840.56
Assists (+1)0.540.50
Power-play points (+0.5)0.220.20
Shorthanded points (+0.5)0.010.01
Shots on goal (+0.1)0.270.18
Hits (+0.1)0.130.03
Blocks (+0.5)0.310.22

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

Mika Zibanejad and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 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.

ZibanejadNugent-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.

Mika Zibanejad

4games (1 left)

1.8proj. ESPN pts

  • Tue, Sep 29 @ BOS
  • Thu, Oct 1 vs TBL
  • Fri, Oct 2 @ DETB2B
    Schedule edge −9.3 win%
  • Sun, Oct 4 vs UTA1.8 pts
    Schedule edge +9.3 win%

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

3games (1 left)

1.4proj. ESPN pts

  • Tue, Sep 29 vs VAN
  • Thu, Oct 1 @ VAN
  • Sat, Oct 3 vs SEA1.4 pts

Similar matchups

FAQ

Should I start Mika Zibanejad or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in fantasy hockey?
Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Mika Zibanejad projects to 2.27 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins's 1.70. Zibanejad had 78 points in 81 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, Mika Zibanejad or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins?
On 2025-26 numbers, Mika Zibanejad leads in 21 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 →