Several intriguing NHL free-agent options linger for the New York Rangers, led by a late-season wave of bargains that could slot into a deep, competitive lineup. The discussion centers on a forward profile like Jack Roslovic and veteran defensemen who could bring steadiness on the blue line without crippling cap space. The conversation stresses the league-wide cap squeeze late in the offseason, and the reality that any acquisition would likely require moving salary elsewhere, potentially via a trade such as a salary-dump.

Meanwhile, the in-house side of the Rangers’ plans advanced with two goaltender resignings: Talyn Boyko and Dylan Garand. Garand, the Hartford Wolf Pack’s standout prospect, is viewed as a likely future NHL backup, while Boyko has quietly improved and could push for the Wolf Pack’s crease. The episode also weighs the current NHL pecking order for goaltenders in New York, with Igor Shesterkin anchoring the NHL squad and Quick serving as a veteran presence in the pipeline.

Fantasy-minded listeners should note the potential for a late addition to impact the bottom six, the possible cap-necessitated trades, and the development track for Garand and Boyko in Hartford. The Rangers’ path remains fluid, with strategic depth-building and a clear eye on both immediate help and long-term goaltending succession.

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.

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.

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.