Barzal anchors a late‑round plan with dual eligibility and strong power‑play upside, paired with Horvat’s finishing touch. Jet Greaves is a Zer0G goalie sleeper behind Columbus’s emerging roster, while Adam Fantilli and Frank Nazar provide solid middle‑center depth for Columbus and Chicago with high upside as the season unfolds. On the New York Rangers, Miller and Zibanejad offer high floor and big‑shot production, with Wright showing late‑season Seattle breakout potential. Lock wings and defense early, then mine middle men and goalies later.

Isles, Rangers, and Wings dominate the preseason chatter as teams weigh a swift rebuild against ceiling seasons. Barzal and Horvat anchor New York’s attack while Shesterkin backs a veteran-like core in New York; Detroit leans on Larkin, Seider, and Raymond to spark a possible midseason surge. Fantasy angles hinge on line changes, defensive pivots, and whether the Rangers can maximize their new balance with Fox and Lafrenière, while Detroit bets on youth to shorten the reset.

Expect tighter payroll decisions and smarter risk/reward moves dictating value on the wing and in goal. If Barzal, Miller, and Shesterkin regain peak form, top-line fantasy floors rise; if Detroit’s youngsters blossom, late-round steals could emerge as the season unfolds.

The New York Islanders may not be the most glamorous team, but they possess significant fantasy assets that can help bolster your roster. With the upcoming 2025-26 fantasy hockey draft looming, it’s essential to focus on the Islanders' top performers, starting with Anders Lee, who boasts impressive statistics from last season, including 54 points and solid physical stats with 121 hits.

Next, Mathew Barzal remains a player of interest, with a potential rebound in production despite injury concerns hampering his last season. Though he had only 30 games played, his ceiling remains high given his previous performance. Noah Dobson's defensive contributions and offensive potential also make him a player to watch, along with Bo Horvat, who led the team in scoring despite a mediocre season overall. Lastly, Illya Sorokin stands out as a top goalie to target, showing resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

The NHL's trade landscape continues to evolve, impacting fantasy hockey leagues as injuries and transactions unfold. The recent injuries to Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders and Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets have significant implications for both teams and fantasy managers. Barzal is out with a recurring lower body injury, having totaled only 20 points this season, prompting discussions about his dropping value in fantasy leagues. Meanwhile, Marchenko's broken jaw leaves the Blue Jackets without their top offensive player. Both teams, vying for playoff spots, must navigate these setbacks strategically, potentially adjusting lineups and seeking reinforcement through trades.

As these teams confront the harsh realities of the playoff race, the trade deadline looms, and the pressure mounts for general managers. The Islanders must maintain offensive production while contending with Barzal's injury, who, despite his struggles, had shown signs of improvement before his latest setback. On the other hand, the Blue Jackets must cope with Marchenko's absence while managing a series of injuries to key players. The podcast emphasizes the importance of monitoring these developments closely, as they could shape the trajectory of both teams down the stretch.