Two hosts run a mock draft focused on best-available value, weighing a bold early goalie pick against a stacked forward core. Matthews appears as a late-first-round value, Hellebuyck anchors a zero-G strategy, and the duo pairs Eichel, Nylander, and Robertson with high-upside wingers. They highlight dual-eligibility plays, Montreal’s young back-end, and Philly/Carolina pivot points, while outlining signup details for listener leagues and the September windows to enter.

Fox eyes a bounceback season as the Rangers lean on him to drive a sharper defense and re-energize a lagging power play. Leadership questions frame Fox as a potential de facto captain on the blue line, with a top pairing next to Gavrikov shaping a steadier, more mobile unit. The episode also weighs Miller and Trocheck as captaincy front-runners, while Fox’s motivation is sharpened by Olympic snubs and outside chatter about his decline.

The discussion highlights Fox as the engine of the power play, the linchpin of the defense, and a catalyst for a Rangers resurgence in 2024-25. It connects Fox’s on-ice responsibilities to leadership gaps and confirms that improving chemistry with Gavrikov could unlock Fox’s playmaking and PP production, driving fantasy upside for Fox and teammates alike.

The Carolina Hurricanes are generating buzz in the fantasy hockey community as they gear up for the season with a promising roster. With significant offseason moves, including the acquisitions of Nikolai Ehlers and K'Andre Miller, the Hurricanes are set to enhance their forward depth.

Particularly, Ehlers is expected to thrive alongside Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis, bringing elite offensive talent to the top line. The potential for point production is noteworthy, especially considering that the Hurricanes had a less-than-stellar power play last season, which could improve with Ehlers' involvement. Additionally, both Miller and Ehlers provide opportunities for fantasy managers to seize valuable players at lower average draft positions.

The NHL free agency period has sparked significant shifts across teams, impacting fantasy hockey values. Key signings include Nikolai Ehlers agreeing to a six-year, $51 million deal with the Carolina Hurricanes, bolstering their attacking core and potentially shifting the dynamics of players like Andrei Svechnikov. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens continue to build a promising young core with emerging talents like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, making them a sleeper team for fantasy leagues.

As free agency progresses, substantial moves from the Florida Panthers position them as serious contenders, while teams like the LA Kings and Edmonton Oilers have struggled, raising concerns about their competitive edge. The landscape of fantasy hockey is evolving rapidly, and astute managers must adapt to these changes to secure valuable assets in upcoming drafts.

The latest Real Kipper and Bourne show highlights a busy offseason for the NHL, particularly surrounding player signings and managerial changes. Kevin Weekes broke news about Nick Eers joining the Carolina Hurricanes on a lucrative six-year contract worth $8.5 million per year, marking him as their second-highest paid player. The Hurricanes are positioning themselves as strong contenders, with significant cap space still available.

Ken Holland, the new GM of the LA Kings, shared insights on his team’s strategy and recent acquisitions aimed at bolstering their lineup, notably with Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin for defensive depth. The Kings are also focused on nurturing young talents like Quinton Byfield, who is expected to step up in the coming season. With teams like the Florida Panthers setting a physical precedent in the playoffs, Holland emphasized the importance of building a heavier roster.