Kale Makar sits atop a sprawling, offense-heavy era for defensemen, with Quinn Hughes nudging him as the session’s closest challenger. Adam Fox anchors the Rangers’ puck-driving backbone, and Thomas Harley’s breakout season is a marquee storyline for Dallas. Charlie McAvoy, Evan Bouchard, and Zack Werenski form a formidable mid-range tier, while Gustav Forsling, Rasmus Dahlin, Jacob Slavin, and Erik Karlsson round out a defensive corps that now defines fantasy value as much by transition play as by shut-down ability.

The dialogue underscores that the Norris conversation is as much about skating, gap control, and power-play impact as raw points. Heiskanen and Karlsson surface in lighter spots, reminding us mobility and IQ still swing fantasy upside, even if pure totals don’t always shout. Oilers fans especially should note Bouchard’s ascent, a reminder that elite defensemen now pace the fantasy game from the back end.

In practice, owners should lean into players who eat minutes, run the top power play, and push transition plays. The top five or six names are likely to be the season-long anchors, with the rest offering robust complementary value depending on team context and minutes. This top-10 map signals a shift: offense now defines a defenseman’s fantasy ceiling as much as his defensive chops did a decade ago.

Barzal anchors a late‑round plan with dual eligibility and strong power‑play upside, paired with Horvat’s finishing touch. Jet Greaves is a Zer0G goalie sleeper behind Columbus’s emerging roster, while Adam Fantilli and Frank Nazar provide solid middle‑center depth for Columbus and Chicago with high upside as the season unfolds. On the New York Rangers, Miller and Zibanejad offer high floor and big‑shot production, with Wright showing late‑season Seattle breakout potential. Lock wings and defense early, then mine middle men and goalies later.

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.

With the NHL season heating up, teams are making significant roster adjustments that could impact fantasy leagues. The St. Louis Blues are focused on enhancing their offensive strategies, particularly looking to maximize the potential of their forwards such as Brayden Schenn and Robert Thomas. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers are banking on Igor Shesterkin to maintain his elite performance, which is crucial for their playoff aspirations.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, featuring young talent like Adam Fantilli, are looking to develop future stars while balancing the need to compete this season. The emergence of players like Fantilli may offer valuable fantasy returns for savvy managers. On the other hand, the Minnesota Wild are integrating new players to bolster their depth, aiming for a balance that could yield dividends in both real-life performance and fantasy stats.