Edmonton maintains the Pacific’s elite status through McDavid and Draisaitl, even as goaltending uncertainty lingers and McDavid’s contract year weighs on the room. Vegas’ addition of Mitch Marner raises the bar for the conference, while Anaheim’s youth movement, led by Dostal and a budding core, threatens to roughen the chase. Vancouver and Seattle stay in the mix amid coaching shifts, with Calgary and San Jose watching the margins as the West gears up for a high-stakes, star-driven race.

Predictions hinge on Ducks’ veteran help and Canucks’ health, while Oilers’ and Knights’ rosters dictate fantasy value across the division. The league braces for a winter where every top line can swing series and where goaltending depth could decide playoff fates. It’s a season of opportunity and risk for fantasy managers eyeing the West’s power brokers.

Ducks sleeper Lukas Dostal stands out as a potential 55+ game starter behind a retooled lineup, making him a late-round goalie target with upside. Kuzmenko lands in a prime spot on Kopitar’s wing, a 65+ point pace feasible in top-line duty and power play time. Perfetti is primed for a breakthrough in Winnipeg on a second line and top PP, while Barzal returns to health with 80-point ceiling if his hot-streak carries into a full season.

These picks hinge on opportunity, health and line-mate chemistry, with a few clear risks: Barzal’s health history, Kuzmenko’s initial role, Perfetti’s consistency and the Jets’ overall offensive depth. For managers chasing value, these names offer meaningful upside without breaking the bank in drafts, especially in deeper formats that reward PP time and shot volume.

The Anaheim Ducks are gearing up for the impending NHL season with notable shifts in their roster, including the trade of veteran goalie John Gibson to the Detroit Red Wings. The Ducks are set to position Lukas Dostal and Petr Mrazek as their primary goaltending duo, although discussions around bolstering the roster are ongoing. One potential deal could see Mrazek traded to the Edmonton Oilers, a scenario previously hinted at by NHL writer Lyle Richardson. Mrazek's availability, contingent on his performance and the Ducks' standings, makes him a valuable trade asset for the Ducks.

With Mrazek's contract expiring next July, the Ducks aim to leverage this situation to acquire draft picks or other assets, supporting their long-term strategy of rebuilding and strengthening their roster for future competitions. Meanwhile, the Oilers could benefit from Mrazek's experience during playoff runs, making this proposed trade mutually advantageous.