Kale Makar sits atop a sprawling, offense-heavy era for defensemen, with Quinn Hughes nudging him as the session’s closest challenger. Adam Fox anchors the Rangers’ puck-driving backbone, and Thomas Harley’s breakout season is a marquee storyline for Dallas. Charlie McAvoy, Evan Bouchard, and Zack Werenski form a formidable mid-range tier, while Gustav Forsling, Rasmus Dahlin, Jacob Slavin, and Erik Karlsson round out a defensive corps that now defines fantasy value as much by transition play as by shut-down ability.

The dialogue underscores that the Norris conversation is as much about skating, gap control, and power-play impact as raw points. Heiskanen and Karlsson surface in lighter spots, reminding us mobility and IQ still swing fantasy upside, even if pure totals don’t always shout. Oilers fans especially should note Bouchard’s ascent, a reminder that elite defensemen now pace the fantasy game from the back end.

In practice, owners should lean into players who eat minutes, run the top power play, and push transition plays. The top five or six names are likely to be the season-long anchors, with the rest offering robust complementary value depending on team context and minutes. This top-10 map signals a shift: offense now defines a defenseman’s fantasy ceiling as much as his defensive chops did a decade ago.

NHLPA media tour in Las Vegas sparked a flurry of fantasy-relevant chatter: Kirill Kaprizov reportedly turned down an 8-year, $16M-per-season offer from Minnesota, fueling talk of a bigger market or trade play. The Hughes brothers dominated Canucks talk, with captaincy front and Jack and Luke looming on New Jersey’s horizon. Crosby discussed future plans in Pittsburgh as Vancouver’s core eyes a bold season. Calgary’s goalie market, led by Dustin Wolf, also factors into the cap and playoff calculus.

Across the league, McDavid’s potential market ceiling, Olympic-year prep, and the tug-of-war between staying put and seeking opportunity kept players and managers weighing risk vs. reward. Health and emotion ran through the narratives, shaping early-season fantasy projections and trade chatter.

Two Hughes brothers loom over Vancouver as Las Vegas buzzes with trade chatter. Jack Hughes publically voiced interest in someday playing with Quinn, sparking fuel for Canucks–vs–Devils speculations and a potential blockbuster package that could bring both Hughes siblings to one roster.

Meanwhile, Bedard’s future in Chicago, Wolf’s seven-year Calgary extension, and Crosby/Ovechkin loyalty frame a weekend of big moves and big ideas about where stars finish their careers and where teams might chase a playoff bid next season.

Taylor Hall’s move to Carolina could unlock more top-six ice time and lift his fantasy ceiling, especially in deeper formats. Morgan Frost in Calgary and Marco Kasper in Detroit offer sleeper appeal as their roles expand, while Jamie Benn remains a steady late-round value for multi-category leagues. Will Cuylé, Jake Neighbours, and Kiefer Sherwood emerge as useful late picks as bigger roles materialize, with Connor Bedard and other Rangers stars framed as rookie and rebound targets.

The discussion weaves through Rangers’ strong core (Mika Zibanejad, JT Miller, Artemi Panarin) and DET/NHL leaders, highlighting how minute-by-minute trajectories and line-mate contexts shape streaming and DFS decisions. It also leans into prospect ceilings and division dynamics for a season RPG-style approach.

Columbus Blue Jackets surprised again by leaning into internal growth. Fantilli and Johnson appear poised to shoulder more responsibility, while Monahan’s health and a steadier goaltending situation could lift the offense. The team might take a small step back in wins but improve as a cohesive unit, with a potential deadline pivot toward adding a proven goalie.

Utah Mammoth eye a playoff push, anchored by goaltending and a young core that could blossom in a tougher Central. Vancouver Canucks enter a season of high drama, from leadership and scoring to Demko’s health and a shifting locker room. If Pettersson and Kane deliver, Vancouver can swing between top-three ceiling and mid-pack volatility; October will tell.