Igor Shesterkin anchors the NHL’s goalie elite, with Connor Hellebuyck and Sergei Bobrovsky close behind. Andrei Vasilevskiy sits in the next tier, then Juuse Saros, Illya Sorokin, and Jeremy Swayman. Frederik Andersen and Darcy Kuemper round out the top 10, offering durability and playoff pedigree.

Context matters as much as talent: regular-season metrics mingle with playoff performance and team support. Shesterkin remains the anchor; Kuemper and Andersen provide steady workloads and potential streaming wins when the schedule is dense.

Taylor Hall’s move to Carolina could unlock more top-six ice time and lift his fantasy ceiling, especially in deeper formats. Morgan Frost in Calgary and Marco Kasper in Detroit offer sleeper appeal as their roles expand, while Jamie Benn remains a steady late-round value for multi-category leagues. Will Cuylé, Jake Neighbours, and Kiefer Sherwood emerge as useful late picks as bigger roles materialize, with Connor Bedard and other Rangers stars framed as rookie and rebound targets.

The discussion weaves through Rangers’ strong core (Mika Zibanejad, JT Miller, Artemi Panarin) and DET/NHL leaders, highlighting how minute-by-minute trajectories and line-mate contexts shape streaming and DFS decisions. It also leans into prospect ceilings and division dynamics for a season RPG-style approach.

Columbus Blue Jackets surprised again by leaning into internal growth. Fantilli and Johnson appear poised to shoulder more responsibility, while Monahan’s health and a steadier goaltending situation could lift the offense. The team might take a small step back in wins but improve as a cohesive unit, with a potential deadline pivot toward adding a proven goalie.

Utah Mammoth eye a playoff push, anchored by goaltending and a young core that could blossom in a tougher Central. Vancouver Canucks enter a season of high drama, from leadership and scoring to Demko’s health and a shifting locker room. If Pettersson and Kane deliver, Vancouver can swing between top-three ceiling and mid-pack volatility; October will tell.