Connor McDavid’s extension remains a patient, cap-aware decision as Edmonton weighs long-term value and a championship window. McDavid has signaled he’ll take his time, while Oilers leadership publicly backs him as a core piece for years. Kirill Kaprizov’s looming deal could lift top salaries, influencing the market and how Edmonton structures around its captain. Cap trajectory, roster balance, and the Cup goal shape the negotiation.

The evolving market and Edmonton’s willingness to preserve flexibility point to an extended process, with structure—length, AAV, protections—carrying as much weight as total dollars. For fantasy managers, the impact hinges on how the Oilers allocate around McDavid once a deal is in place.

Rumors swirl around Kirill Kaprizov and the Minnesota Wild: a trade-list request is floated amid discussions of a mega-contract and an extension, with Kaprizov’s full no-move clause limiting options. Turned down an eight-year, $16 million per season offer, signaling his camp may be seeking even bigger terms. As market signals grow louder, Minnesota faces a potential pivot between keeping Kaprizov long-term and exploring a trade if talks stall into the season, a dynamic that could reshape Wild and league fantasy value.

The chatter ties Leafs and Crosby into the larger puzzle, with Elliotte Friedman suggesting other teams could push to outbid and Kaprizov and his reps weighing options. The situation feeds fantasy-focused narratives: who benefits if Kaprizov stays, who loses if he moves, and how price tags shift Wild assets and wider player markets. All signs point to a high-stakes, yearlong storyline that could redefine risk and upside across rosters.

ESPN fantasy hockey hinges on goaltending. A starter thriving in saves and wins, while limiting goals against, can swing a season; a couple of bad outings can derail it. Top nets like Vasilevskiy, Hellebuyck and Oettinger offer clear cushions, while Shesterkin and Gustavsson present high ceilings. The piece advocates drafting one elite goalie early, then shopping for sleepers to fill the rest in 10-12 team leagues, using workload trends to guide picks.

Beyond the obvious anchors, it spotlights mid-tier options and late-round gambles, such as Swayman, and emphasizes monitoring surges and coaching context. In deeper leagues, secure a one-two punch, then pivot to high-ceiling backups who can emerge. ESPN Mock Draft Lobby is recommended to test rosters and refine the strategy.

Kaprizov turned down an eight-year, 128 million extension from Minnesota that would have set NHL records for average value and total value, a move Guerin says won’t spark panic and will keep Kirill in focus as talks continue.

Kaprizov’s decision casts a spotlight on cap dynamics, with Draisaitl currently atop the AAV ladder and Ovechkin’s historic deal serving as a benchmark. The Wild insist they’re in a good spot with Kirill and remain committed to a long-term fit.