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.

Conor McDavid’s looming free agency has hockey fans buzzing about a bold, if improbable, Broadway pivot. The Rangers would pitch stability, leadership, and a fast track to immediate contention—centerpiece to a nontraditional rebuild era headlined by Igor Shesterkin and an improving roster. Yet the challenge is surgical: McDavid is likely to pursue top-dollar, top-term terms, and New York’s cap reality would demand surgical moves and a patient approach to preserve depth. The podcast argues the move remains a long shot (roughly 15–20%), but the exercise matters: it frames how a team with creaky room for error could chase a once-in-a-generation talent without wrecking the future.

Financial math matters as much as fit. The cap is rising (roughly 95.5M this season, with estimates near 104M ahead), leaving significant but finite space to chase McDavid while keeping Panarin intact and preserving a viable core. McDavid’s next contract would push $17–18M per year, likely the ceiling for any genuine pursuit. The Rangers could theoretically balance that with cap-clearing moves and strategic signings, but nothing here is simple: the roster would be lean, and the goaltending tandem around Shesterkin would be pivotal in any sales pitch.

The show leans toward McDavid staying with Edmonton as the most probable outcome, citing home, family, and the Oilers’ core. If he does depart, Toronto or New York would rise to the top of the list, with the Rangers offering a unique market, leadership void, and a go-to goalie in Shesterkin to sweeten the deal. The discussion centers less on money and more on environment, leadership, and timing—elements the Rangers would need in spades to woo a player of McDavid’s stature.

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.