Edmonton’s Connor McDavid anchors a premier center class, with Leon Draisaitl riding shotgun and a wave of two-way, high-scoring peers across the league. Sebastian Aho and Sasha Barkov pace strong defensive-by-design games, while Jack Eichel, Jack Hughes, Braden Point, and Nathan MacKinnon push the ceiling with elite skating and playmaking. Austin Matthews, Sidney Crosby, and Matthew Tkachuk round out a star-studded cohort whose fantasy value hinges on health, supporting casts, and playoff impact.

The pod emphasizes staying healthy to unlock peak scoring runs, the importance of a strong power play, and the grind of translating regular-season form to the postseason. Expect movement near the top as geography, line combos, and Olympic showings reshape who lands where in standard and best-ball leagues.

Charlottetown hosts the 32 Thoughts crew as they dissect the NHL’s looming cap era and the marquee players shaping it. McDavid’s next deal looms large, with talk centering on a number likely below the past ceiling and how Edmonton might balance the rest of the roster around him. Panarin’s unsigned status with the Rangers, Kopitar’s willingness to take less, and Kaprizov’s rising value all illustrate a league where teams are calculating cap flexibility against elite talent. Young Canadiens and Islanders prospects, plus Crosby and Toews rumors, deepen the hype as teams chase playoff viability.

Fantasy angles emerge: future contracts, roster clarity, and the season’s early performances will dictate where value lives—especially around McDavid, Matthews, and Panarin. Depth charts will swing on late signings and surprise entries from the depth players who can crack lineups or special-team units. The vibe: expect a postseason-friendly rush of moves that will reshape sleepers and busts alike before opening night.