July 2, 2026
By Ryan Baker
With just three weeks remaining in the 2026 season, playoff races are tightening, and spots are filling up. Each game carries more pressure, more implications, and more excitement. Week 11 features crucial matchups out West and in the Central, and these seven players are ones to watch this weekend:
Nate De Morgan, Minnesota Wind Chill
There are very few players in this league who can be inserted into a championship contender’s offense, change the way they operate, and execute game after game. Nate De Morgan is one of them for the Minnesota Wind Chill. The 20-year-old has come onto the scene and been the biggest weapon for the Wind Chill through his five games. De Morgan is a lefty who can throw from anywhere on the field, and he features a righty hammer, one of the most deceptive throws in the league. His ability allows the Minnesota receivers to cut in ways they haven’t been able to in recent years. His 31 scores are the third-most on the team, even though he’s played three fewer games than most of his teammates. With games against the Union and Thunderbirds, he could post some monstrous stat lines.
Jace Duennebeil, Salt Lake Shred
For the Salt Lake Shred, a win over the Seattle Cascades could clinch a playoff berth this weekend, and they will need to ride the hot hand of Jace Duennebeil. While they haven’t translated to wins, Duennebeil has come up big in the biggest games for the Shred this year. He’s scored four goals in each of his last two games, and those were against two of the best defenses in the league. Those were his third and fourth four-goal performances of the year. Not to mention, he’s been the top target for Chad Yorgason and Jordan Kerr all year. His 26 goals are the most on the Shred and the seventh-most in the league. A difference for Duennebeil this year is that he is being more involved in setting up scores. He has 12 hockey assists on the season, doubling his totals from 2025 and 2024.
Elliot Hawkins, Indianapolis AlleyCats
The Indianapolis AlleyCats are in must-win territory, being 2-5 and fourth in the Central Division. This weekend, they get the chance to do some damage with games against Madison and the Chicago Union. The good thing is that they see a majority of their star players back in the lineup, led by Elliot Hawkins. Hawkins leads the team in assists, total yards, and receiving yards, despite only playing in four games. His ability to make any throw from any spot on the field, combined with his downfield prowess, makes him one of the most dangerous players in the league. He ranks as the fifth-most impactful player across the UFA and the fourth-most impactful player per possession. Simply put, the AlleyCats are a way different team when he is on the field, and that’ll be one of the most important factors this weekend.
Pawel Janas, Chicago Union
The Chicago Union could still turn the tide and make a playoff push in the final stretch of the season, even with the 1-6 record. That stretch starts this weekend with games against the Minnesota Wind Chill and Indianapolis AlleyCats. Pawel Janas has been the engine for the Union this year. His player impact of 12.8279 ranks him as the 13th-most important player in the league. Janas is also playing some of the most efficient frisbee of his nine-year career. His completion percentage of 97.14 is the highest we’ve seen, and he’s been doing it in every way. Janas is the most balanced thrower in the league when it comes to where he is throwing the disc. Whether it’s swinging the disc, shooting deeps, or getting chunk yardage, Janas is doing it at an undeniable clip.
Garrett Martin, Seattle Cascades
A win against either the Colorado Apex or Salt Lake Shred this weekend would clinch a playoff berth for the Seattle Cascades. Garrett Martin will be central to getting them there. Martin has been the soul of the Seattle offense, but has seen a slight dip in efficiency. Before his two most recent games, he had just two turnovers, but accrued seven in those last two games. Regardless, that doesn’t take away from the masterful season he’s been having. Martin’s 38 scores and perfect completion rate on his 10 hucks make him just one of three players in the league with at least 30 scores and a perfect huck completion rate with at least five attempts. If he bounces back from the brief turnover bug, the Cascades will glide into the clinched playoff berth with relative ease.
Max Pettenuzzo, Toronto Rush
Two weeks ago, Toronto Rush’s Max Pettenuzzo made an appearance on this list. Since then, he’s played two games in which he posted a combined 11 assists, 5 goals, and 5 blocks, making the quick reappearance rightfully deserved. The rookie has been the most surprising contributor to the Rush in 2026 and has kept them within a game of the DC Breeze. Playing the Montreal Royal this weekend is a must-win to keep them within striking distance of DC, and Pettenuzzo will look to continue his Rookie of the Year campaign. His 42.544 adjusted expected contribution blows the 2026 rookie class out of the water, with the next highest at 36.334. The combo of him and Martin Gallant have become one of the most dynamic duos across the UFA.
Pieran Robert, Madison Radicals
The Madison Radicals currently sit second in the Central Division with a chance to secure a home playoff game with a win this weekend versus the Indianapolis AlleyCats. Pieran Robert, arguably the team’s MVP this year, will play a major factor in whether that happens or not. After being a spark for their transition offense in his first two years, he’s taken on more of an offensive role in 2026. His 29 goals and 12 blocks are the 6th and 13th-most in the league, respectively, both leading his team. Robert is one of two players with 12 or more blocks who play more offense than defense. The biggest difference this year is his leadership role. Robert has repeatedly spoken to his team during the huddle on the sideline and has been very vocal, which has directly affected the team's success.
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