The recent trade sending Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers has created buzz, offering both teams new opportunities as they shape their rosters. For the Flyers, acquiring Zegras—a player once seen as a future franchise centerpiece—could be a low-risk, high-reward move. With one year left on his contract, they aim to tap into his offensive talent without the burden of being the face of the franchise. Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks, with ample cap space, look to shift focus by developing new talent and possibly making aggressive moves.

On the other hand, the Buffalo Sabres find themselves at a crossroads, pondering their future direction. With the longest playoff drought in the NHL, they are faced with questions about whether to push forward or take a step back. The upcoming draft presents an opportunity to potentially reshape their lineup. The Sabres' decisions could significantly impact their star players, like Tage Thompson, who may seek winning opportunities elsewhere if the team's trajectory does not improve.

The Edmonton Oilers are navigating a complex offseason, with Conor McDavid's indecision regarding a contract extension taking center stage. As McDavid contemplates his future, the Oilers must strategize to maximize their cap space, particularly with expected extensions for players like Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard. With cap increases looming, shorter-term deals might be advantageous for McDavid, suggesting he's weighing the long-term implications of his next contract.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks are poised to make significant moves ahead of the NHL Draft, holding the coveted third overall pick. Speculation about trading the pick for a young, impactful player has emerged, with names like JJ Peterka linked to possible deals. Blackhawks management faces pressure to bolster their roster to support burgeoning stars like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, all while maintaining financial flexibility.

Bo Byram has emerged as a prime trade target for the New York Rangers. The 23-year-old defenseman, currently with the Buffalo Sabres, has caught the attention of teams looking to bolster their defensive roster. After a standout season, Byram’s potential availability sets the stage for a bidding war among interested franchises. The Rangers, facing a thin free-agent market, might find trading for Byram more appealing compared to free agency. However, acquiring him would likely come at a steep price.

The Rangers are also evaluating potential unrestricted free agents such as Jamie Benn and Vladislav Gavrikov, although Benn is expected to remain with the Dallas Stars. The focus on Byram is pivotal because he represents an opportunity for the Rangers to secure a young player with significant upside. Byram's statistics indicate he can provide solid offensive contributions and defensive reliability, having demonstrated his potential in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The latest episode of Locked On Fantasy Hockey features an insightful solo session from Steel Rooden, diving into his favorite players to target in upcoming fantasy drafts. Steel emphasizes Brady Tkachuk as a must-have, citing his impressive all-around stats, including significant hits and offensive contributions, making him an absolute steal if picked in the second round. Along with Tkachuk, he highlights McKenzie Weegar, who is undervalued but boasts substantial defensive peripherals, and Alex Tuch, a rising star on the Buffalo Sabres, whose play is enhanced by his strong offensive linemates. He also discusses Robert Thomas's untapped potential if he increases his shooting frequency, and Joel Eriksson Ek’s versatility as a two-way forward, despite a down year due to injury. Steel's analysis urges listeners to consider these players for their fantasy lineups, emphasizing their potential to outperform their draft positions.