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.

The podcast dives into the top five fantasy defensemen ahead of the upcoming NHL season, highlighting players like Jake Sanderson, who has made significant strides with the Ottawa Senators, showcasing durability and point production. Also discussed are the implications of power play contributions from players like Evan Bouchard and Mackenzie Weegar as they gear up for a new season.

As the playoff vibes intensify, the hosts analyze the performances of teams like the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets, noting critical player stats that fantasy managers should keep an eye on. Key matchups and player profiles are dissected to equip fans for the fantasy draft.

Fantasy hockey managers are revisiting the rollercoaster of player performances this season, focusing on those who fell short of expectations. Essential insights are shared for identifying players to avoid in drafts next season, emphasizing the importance of knowing which athletes underperformed.

Highlighted are Brock Faber, whose disappointing stats make him a potential late-round pick, and Evan Bouchard, whose past postseason success hasn’t translated to this season. Other key mentions include Alexis Lafrenière and Connor Bedard, both highly drafted players that did not meet lofty expectations, leading to discussions about their future value. Goalies like Jeremy Swayman also take the spotlight for their significant declines.

Quinn Hughes showcased his elite skills as he executed a stunning backhand goal just 34 seconds into the game. His agility and finesse were on full display as he maneuvered past Jacob Trouba, marking a highlight in what is expected to be a competitive season.

Another standout moment came from Evan Bard of the Edmonton Oilers, who delivered a spectacular coast-to-coast goal. Bard's impressive toe drag maneuver between the legs of Thomas Chabot before firing the puck into the net has placed him as a strong contender for Goal of the Year. His performance has certainly caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, establishing him as a player to watch this season.

In this week's Cal Tire Goals of the Week, both players exemplified the talent and creativity that make hockey exciting to watch, with their goals representing the high level of competition and skill present in the league this season.