Connor McDavid sits at the top of fantasy hierarchy, followed by Leon Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon, Kale Makar and Nikita Kucherov. McDavid’s per-60 pace and scoring ceiling render him an absolute cornerstone, while Draisaitl’s two-way brilliance sustains multi‑cat value even as Edmonton’s offense evolves. MacKinnon combines power and speed for league‑leading iso nights, Makar brings 100‑point upside from the blue line, and Kucherov’s creative execution keeps Tampa’s offense explosive when healthy.

Kaprizov enters the top-five conversation if Minnesota’s attack takes off; Barkov gets honorable‑mention for elite all‑around impact; Matthews remains a top‑ten anchor with upside, and Eichel plus Hellebuyck surface as strong value in goalie‑heavy formats. The chat also hints at a shifting pecking order, with emerging talents like Kaprizov threatening to challenge the established five as the season approaches.

Five through six is a real-estate grab in this Monday mock draft, with Cale Makar and Kirill Kaprizov pegged as the obvious core pieces to anchor a title-run. The convo leans into a heavy-forward build, wary of spending early picks on goalies, and leans on elite peripherals from players like Pastrnak, McDavid, and MacKinnon to fuel counting stats. The boys dissect positional balance, the zero-goalie approach, and late-round value plays like Wyatt Johnston, Tage Thompson, and Noah Dobson, crafting a blueprint for a competitive lineup even before preseason has begun. The banter stays sharp on risk: rising stars, injury considerations, and the inevitable snipe picks that shift rosters in a flash.

This week’s episode of Locked On NHL tackled the intricacies of roster building in the NHL under the constraints of a salary cap, encouraging listeners to think strategically about player value versus cost. The hosts, Nick Seraris and Hunter, exchanged ideas while each constructed an ideal team comprised of players from various franchises. Emphasis was placed on the importance of securing star players, with Nick selecting Jack Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov as cornerstones for his team. Hunter countered with established stars like Connor McDavid and Cale Makar, showcasing different strategies in roster construction.

Amidst discussions about player value, the hosts highlighted the need for balanced offensive and defensive units, debating the merits of choosing offensive talent versus defensive depth. They emphasized that while star players often command high salaries, the challenge lies in maximizing overall team performance while adhering to the cap. The episode provided insights into how teams can best utilize their budget to build competitive rosters, making it invaluable for fantasy enthusiasts and serious sports bettors alike.

Anticipation builds for the upcoming NHL fantasy draft season as discussions about top fantasy targets heat up. The Colorado Avalanche, a team with notable talent and some injury concerns, are the main focus. Gabriel Landeskog, though struggling with injuries, is viewed as a key player for potential late-round value, thanks to his scoring ability. Valeri Nichushkin also features prominently, with a mixed history of health but high point production when on the ice. Mackenzie Blackwood emerges as a promising goaltending option, having shown potential during his last season. Kale Makar is recognized as a unique asset among defensemen, capable of high offensive output, while Nathan McKinnon remains a hot topic for his fantasy draft status, often debated as a top overall pick against Connor McDavid.

The recent clash between Team Canada and Team USA exemplified high-stakes international hockey, culminating in a thrilling showdown that saw Canada narrowly escape a late-game scare. After a commanding start, leading 4-0, Canada found themselves clinging to a 5-3 victory amid a late surge from Finland. Notably, key players like Connor McDavid, Nathan McKinnon, and Jordan Binnington emerged as pivotal figures during this decisive match.

Jordan Binnington's role as the starting goalie surprised many, considering the recent struggles he faced. Despite speculation about a goaltending change, Coach John Cooper opted to stick with Binnington, citing his championship experience and the need for consistency as factors in his decision. Looking ahead to the upcoming final, the presence of top players like McDavid and McKinnon, combined with the return of Kale Makar, provides an optimistic outlook for Canada's chances against a formidable U.S. squad, which has shown remarkable resilience and intensity.