Edgehalla

Who to start · 2025-26

Mika Zibanejad vs Will Cuylle

Mika ZibanejadMika ZibanejadRangers · CentrevsWill CuylleWill CuylleRangers · Left wing

Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Mika Zibanejad projects to 2.27 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Will Cuylle's 1.63.

Zibanejad had 78 points in 81 games; Cuylle had 38 in 82 games.

This week Zibanejad has 1 game left with 1 tough matchup; Cuylle has 1 left with 1 tough matchup. We project Zibanejad for 1.4 ESPN points to Cuylle's 1.4.

Mika Zibanejad has the better number in 24 of the 34 stats both are ranked on.

Zibanejad's biggest edges: Goals above expected +5.8, Luck Meter +47, Faceoffs won 574.

Cuylle's biggest edges: Penalty minutes 65, Hits 302, Forecheck xG /60 0.32.

  • • 2026-27 so far: 3 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 1 PPP, 6 SOG.
  • • 2026-27 so far: 3 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 PPP, 8 SOG.

Fantasy value: your scoring

Mika Zibanejad

2.27

fantasy points per game

Will Cuylle

1.63

fantasy points per game

Under ESPN default points, Mika Zibanejad has the edge.

Per-stat breakdown under ESPN default points
Points per game fromZibanejadCuylle
Goals (+2)0.810.41
Assists (+1)0.510.24
Power-play points (+0.5)0.210.07
Shorthanded points (+0.5)0.010.00
Shots on goal (+0.1)0.250.20
Hits (+0.1)0.140.37
Blocks (+0.5)0.340.35

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: Zibanejad vs Cuylle

Every event between them in NHL play-by-play, 2023-24 to 2026-27: games against each other, faceoffs, shots on goal, hits and penalties. Regular season and playoffs.

ZibanejadCuylle
0Shots blocked by the other7

Zibanejad blocked 0 of Cuylle's shots; Cuylle blocked 7 of Zibanejad's.

5Goals set up by the other7

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

On the ice together

256:30 at 5-on-5 over 33 games, 2025-26 to 2026-27

Shot attempts
233–267
46.6%
Expected goals
9.2–10.3
47.1%
Goals
8–7

Every stat, side by side

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

ZibanejadCuylle

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)

1.4proj. ESPN pts

  • Tue, Sep 29 @ BOS
    Opp allows 5th-fewest FP to CLikely vs Jeremy Swayman (.908)
  • Thu, Oct 1 vs TBL
    Opp allows 11th-most FP to CLikely vs Andrei Vasilevskiy (.912)
  • Fri, Oct 2 @ DETB2B
    Opp allows 4th-fewest FP to CSchedule edge −9.3 win%Likely vs John Gibson (.901)
  • Sun, Oct 4 vs UTA1.4 pts
    Opp allows 2nd-fewest FP to CSchedule edge +9.3 win%Likely vs Karel Vejmelka (.897)

Will Cuylle

4games (1 left)

1.4proj. ESPN pts

  • Tue, Sep 29 @ BOS
    Opp allows 12th-fewest FP to LWLikely vs Jeremy Swayman (.908)
  • Thu, Oct 1 vs TBL
    Opp allows 6th-most FP to LWLikely vs Andrei Vasilevskiy (.912)
  • Fri, Oct 2 @ DETB2B
    Opp allows 13th-most FP to LWSchedule edge −9.3 win%Likely vs John Gibson (.901)
  • Sun, Oct 4 vs UTA1.4 pts
    Opp allows 3rd-fewest FP to LWSchedule edge +9.3 win%Likely vs Karel Vejmelka (.897)

Similar matchups

FAQ

Should I start Mika Zibanejad or Will Cuylle 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 Will Cuylle's 1.63. Zibanejad had 78 points in 81 games; Cuylle had 38 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, Mika Zibanejad or Will Cuylle?
On 2025-26 numbers, Mika Zibanejad 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 →