Crafting a fantasy hockey draft tier starts with your own comfort and control. A quick, flexible tiering approach can turn a simple list into a powerful draft tool in minutes, letting you adapt as picks unfold. The top blueliners anchor the early tiers, with Makar leading a cohort that includes Weegar, Werenski and Dahlin; Harley and Seider shape the next block, while solid veterans fill the middle. The method keeps you confident and ahead without overloading projections.

The 2025–26 Norris Trophy landscape centers on three frontrunners: Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski, with a pack of seasoned stars ready to push. Makar sits as the +135 favorite, driven by 30 goals and 92 points last season, plus heavy minutes and elite power play. Hughes trails at +190, known for 60 assists and 76 points in 68 games, with durability the key risk. Werenski jumps to +850 after a 82-point breakout season, yet team context and playoff progress could swing the vote. Beyond them, the field features Dahlin, Josi and others who could seize momentum in a tight, narrative-driven race.

The Buffalo Sabres' hopes for a postseason return have once again been dashed, marking a 14-year playoff drought, the longest in North American professional sports history. General Manager Kevyn Adams highlighted challenges attracting talent to Buffalo, noting the city’s lack of appeal compared to warmer climates. Despite offseason moves, including the buyout of Jeff Skinner and the addition of minor players, the Sabres failed to find the scoring punch needed to contend.

A significant early-season slump saw the team lose 13 consecutive games, which proved insurmountable. Players like Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch are not matching their previous offensive outputs, and injuries have further complicated matters. While the core remains intact, including key players like Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, questions loom about whether the Sabres can finally escape their long-standing playoff purgatory.