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.

New Jersey Devils focus on health and cap discipline as they push for a deep playoff run. Jack Hughes is cleared for camp, Luke Hughes’ extension remains a top cap priority, and Ondrej Palat could be moved to free payroll. Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier anchor the core, with medical recoveries shaping early-season usage. The club faces a delicate balance: keep the star power intact while trimming salaries and preserving long-term flexibility. The overarching theme is a disciplined rebuild powered by a healthy roster and smart contracts, aiming to maximize fantasy upside as the Devils chase a Cup chase.

Dealmaking and development intertwine: if Hughes plays 75+ games and Palat heads out, New Jersey could compound depth here and still contend in a thin Metro. Luke Hughes’ long-term deal will set the market for blue-line talent, and the team will lean on their young core to step into bigger roles. Health remains the largest single variable, but the framework is there for a high-ceiling fantasy season with steady contributors beyond the obvious stars.

In the latest episode focused on fantasy hockey, injury woes continue to plague Fantasy GMs with key players sidelined. Miro Heiskanen and Kaden Guhle are among the latest casualties, both now listed as day-to-day. Nico Hischier, a foundational player for the New Jersey Devils, is also out with an upper body injury, significantly impacting the team's offensive strategy. Despite these setbacks, there is some optimism surrounding Drew Doughty's debut with the Los Angeles Kings, which could shift fantasy dynamics for defensemen.

Key discussions also highlight the surprising narratives surrounding incidents leading to these injuries, particularly involving players like Mark Stone. The importance of staying active on the waiver wire is emphasized, as the fantasy landscape can change rapidly with these injuries.