Nathan McKinnon lands at third in a high-variance 10-team format, with McKinnon and McDavid sitting in a tight top tier. Auston Matthews surges at the 8th pick, showcasing a two-way profile and near-50-goal pace that keeps him fantasy anchor material even when lineups shift. Connor Hellebuyck looms as a bold zero-G favorite from the sixth slot, while Jaromir-style patience on goalies surfaces as a viable path in this format.

The duo of Bedard and Raymond anchor the forward corps as breakout bets, with Bedard representing the long-term ceiling and Raymond poised for sustained top-line production in Detroit. The back end leans on Hedman as a first defenseman, with Hedman’s durability and power-play impact key to balanced builds. Nashville’s Saros and Tampa’s Bobrovsky appear as late-round upside bets in this goalie-heavy field, emphasizing value over panic.

Across the table, the mock emphasizes a forward-first cadence, with careful budget allocation to defensive studs like Harley and Morsy and a willingness to ride top-line wings into the playoffs. The session underscores the strategic tilt: maximize forwards early, secure a reliable goalie trio later, and exploit positional flexibility to shore up every category.

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.

Igor Shesterkin anchors a New York Rangers turnaround saga, with a summer roadmap that centers on regaining elite form after a franchise-record extension raised the temperature on every night the puck leaves his stick. The discussion weighs worst-case risk (mid-season funks, veteran pressure) against best-case returns (playoff-elite, leadership emergence) and emphasizes the need for stronger support from teammates and a cleaner start to the campaign. The topic also contrasts Shesterkin’s artistry with the realities of a volatile goalie position and the risks and rewards of paying top dollar for a perennial big-game performer.

Artemi Panarin’s pivotal presence and Dylan Garand’s progression offer a broader lens: the Rangers’ ceiling hinges on both stabilizing goaltending and tighter team cohesion. The panel flags Demko, Oettinger, Vasilevskiy, Bobrovsky, and Quick as benchmark playoff enforcers, underscoring that the best path to a deep run involves a multi-cat effort—hot goalie nights, timely scoring, and a defense that keeps chances reasonable. All of this sets the stage for a high-stakes, eye-popping 2025-26 for the Rangers.

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.

The Locked on NHL podcast discusses the upcoming season for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, and New Jersey Devils, focusing on their off-season strategies and playoff potential. The Lightning, retaining their core, aim for another title despite a quiet off-season. Meanwhile, the Red Wings, led by key players like Dylan Larkin and newcomer John Gibson, are looking to finally secure a playoff spot after years of near misses. The Devils hope to advance further in the playoffs, with Jack Hughes as a standout player but needing more depth to compete.