Two fantasy hockey hosts zero in on possible regression candidates for draft season, highlighting six names with clear red-flag potential. Heiskanen carries a lower offensive ceiling than elite peers, especially if Dallas splits the power-play duties with Harley. Moritz Seider’s point output may not reach the outlier 73 seen once, and his floor sits around the 40–50 range depending on PP deployment. Swayman faces a leaky Boston defense and could lose value in a 50/50 split, while Pettersson’s production could dip from a career peak amid Vancouver’s surrounding turmoil. Seth Jarvis sits in a similar risk zone, with upside largely tied to team context and line mates.

Harley’s emergence shakes up Dallas’ top unit talk, presenting a classic dynasty vs. redraft moment: is Harley the new PP1 quarterback, or does Heiskanen still anchor power plays enough to keep him valuable in categories that reward shots and blocks? The conversation threads through targets and fades to guide savvy fantasy managers on where to push or pass in the early rounds.

Noah Dobson’s Montreal reset could lift him toward a 65–70 point pace, anchored by a refreshed top six and expanded power play.

Jeremy Swayman enters a season with less off-ice disruption and a steadier Bruins blue line, boosting his fantasy floor and win potential.

Austin Matthews should rebound behind Toronto’s strengthened supporting cast, with Carter Verhaeghe delivering sustained two‑way value in Florida. Andrei Svechnikov’s return to form in Carolina makes him a top‑tier two‑way asset, while Mitch Marner remains central to Toronto’s attack.

Late draft whispers around Mason Lohrei and Anton Wahlberg point to valuable depth in the blue lines and deeper leagues.

Boston's new hire underscores a tight, supportive locker room and rapid onboarding. That culture often steadies the fantasy floor for depth players and rewards versatility over flash, making mid-round Bruins bets more palatable.

If the system prioritizes possession and structured defense, Bruins assets outside the top line can deliver steady points, blocks, and peripherals. For bettors, focus on players who contribute across categories rather than relying on a single scorer.

Tampa Bay’s off-season pivots around holding the core while upgrading the defense and discipline without blowing the cap. Kucherov, Point, Stamkos, Hedman, and Vasilevskiy remain fantasy anchors, but the room for big acquisitions is closed. The real question: can TB cultivate depth and a tougher defensive identity to challenge Florida’s Panthers and a deeper east? The answer will shape your fantasy stance on TB stars and sleeper d-men in drafts.

Expect continued emphasis on structured penalty kill, stable coaching, and rookie contributions from the wings. If young speed can complement the star power, TB can stay a playoff threat; if not, the window could narrow quickly, making a few late-round picks on Lightning depth a savvy move.