Who to start · 2025-26
Nathan MacKinnon vs Sam Malinski
Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Nathan MacKinnon projects to 3.32 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Sam Malinski's 1.44.
MacKinnon had 127 points in 80 games; Malinski had 40 in 82 games.
This week MacKinnon has 1 game left; Malinski has 1 left. We project MacKinnon for 3.2 ESPN points to Malinski's 1.4.
Nathan MacKinnon has the better number in 24 of the 34 stats both are ranked on.
MacKinnon's biggest edges: Ice time per game 22:16, Ice-time share 36.6%, Power-play time per game 4:13.
Malinski's biggest edges: Forecheck xG /60 0.44, High-danger chances 58.1%, Turnover Ledger /60 −0.110.
- • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 2 G, 0 A, 1 PPP, 8 SOG.
- • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 PPP, 2 SOG.
Fantasy value: your scoring
Nathan MacKinnon
3.32
fantasy points per game
Sam Malinski
1.44
fantasy points per game
Under ESPN default points, Nathan MacKinnon has the edge.
| Points per game from | MacKinnon | Malinski |
|---|---|---|
| Goals (+2) | 1.49 | 0.18 |
| Assists (+1) | 0.87 | 0.37 |
| Power-play points (+0.5) | 0.21 | 0.01 |
| Shorthanded points (+0.5) | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Shots on goal (+0.1) | 0.46 | 0.20 |
| Hits (+0.1) | 0.09 | 0.05 |
| Blocks (+0.5) | 0.21 | 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: MacKinnon vs Malinski
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.
MacKinnon blocked 1 of Malinski's shots; Malinski blocked 0 of MacKinnon's.
Goals each scored with the other picking up an assist (as teammates).
On the ice together
463:31 at 5-on-5 over 90 games, 2025-26 to 2026-27
- Shot attempts
- 603–395
- 60.4%
- Expected goals
- 27.2–17.4
- 61.1%
- Goals
- 35–10
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.
Nathan MacKinnon
2games (1 left)
3.2proj. ESPN pts (season rate)
- Wed, Sep 30 vs LAK
- Sat, Oct 3 vs STL3.2 pts
Sam Malinski
2games (1 left)
1.4proj. ESPN pts (season rate)
- Wed, Sep 30 vs LAK
- Sat, Oct 3 vs STL1.4 pts
Similar matchups
FAQ
- Should I start Nathan MacKinnon or Sam Malinski in fantasy hockey?
- Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Nathan MacKinnon projects to 3.32 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Sam Malinski's 1.44. MacKinnon had 127 points in 80 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, Nathan MacKinnon or Sam Malinski?
- On 2025-26 numbers, Nathan MacKinnon 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 →