Tampa Bay kept its core and added depth pieces to bolster the bottom six, notably Pontus Holmberg, Sam O’Reilly, and Jacob Pelletier, in a season framed as a smart, not splashy, retool. The goal is to shore up depth that wore down the roster and keep the high-end talent healthy enough to pressure the Florida Panthers.

Health and youth are the X-factors: Mitchell Chaffee and JJ Moser could see bigger roles, while the defense behind Hedman and the goalie tandem must hold the line if injuries pop up. If those pieces pay off and the stars stay healthy, Tampa Bay remains a threat in a tough Atlantic.

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.

The Tampa Bay Lightning's forward group remains a prime target for fantasy hockey players, showcasing a wealth of potential with at least five players likely to be picked in the early rounds of drafts. Notably, Brandon Hagel has emerged as a standout, following a significant breakout season and proving to be a dual-eligible player with explosive offensive contributions. Braden Point is also featured prominently, noted for his speed and scoring ability, making him a strong candidate for fantasy leagues.

Andre Vasilevskiy provides a solid backbone as the team's elite goalie, essential for any fantasy roster. With a history of high save percentages and consistent performance, he should be a top pick. Finally, Nikita Kucherov stands out as a top-five candidate, known for his high point production and playmaking skills, making him indispensable in any fantasy lineup. Overall, the Lightning's roster offers a mix of reliability and explosive potential, making them a strategic choice for fantasy enthusiasts.