Edmonton Oilers fantasy projections for 2023-24

As part of NHL.com's 32 in 32 series, the fantasy hockey staff has projections for relevant players on the Edmonton Oilers. Players are listed in order of fantasy rank for this season. For more coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy and subscribe for free to the "NHL Fantasy on Ice" podcast.

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Connor McDavid, C

NHL.com fantasy rank: 1

Reason for optimism:McDavid had a historic season in 2022-23, leading the NHL in goals (64), assists (89) and points (153), the most since Mario Lemieux had 161 for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1995-96. McDavid also led the League in power-play points (71), was second in power-play goals (21), third in shots on goal (352) and tied for third in short-handed goals (four) and short-handed points (seven).

NHL.com point projection: 160

Oilers 32 in 32: Season preview | 3 Questions | Top prospects

Leon Draisaitl, C/LW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 2

Reason for optimism:Draisaitl set NHL career highs in assists (76), points (128), power-play goals (32; first in NHL) and power-play points (62) in 80 games last season. He also scored at least 50 goals (52) for the third time in the past five seasons.

NHL.com point projection: 130

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C/LW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 34

Reason for optimism: Like McDavid and Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins set numerous NHL career highs last season, including in goals (37), assists (67), points (104; previous career high was 69), power-play goals (15) and power-play points (53). Nugent-Hopkins continues to have major fantasy upside heading into this season due to his spot on the top power-play unit.

NHL.com point projection: 93

Zach Hyman, LW/RW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 44

Reason for optimism:Hyman averaged more than one point per game (83 points in 79 games) and scored at least 30 goals (36) for the first time in his NHL career last season. He greatly benefits from exposure to McDavid, Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins and Evan Bouchard on the top power-play unit for the Oilers, whose man-advantage was the best in NHL history last season (32.4 percent).

NHL.com point projection: 77

Evander Kane, LW

NHL.com fantasy rank: 46

Reason for optimism:Kane, who is tied for 29th in the NHL in goals per game (0.42) since 2019-20, has a high fantasy floor despite being limited to fewer than 50 games in each of the past two seasons. Kane was second on Edmonton in shots on goal per game (3.56) last season and plays in the top six, giving him exposure to either McDavid or Draisaitl.

NHL.com point projection: 70

Evan Bouchard, D

NHL.com fantasy rank: 63

Reason for optimism: Bouchard led the NHL in power-play points (15; four goals, 11 assists) and all defensemen in points (17; four goals, 13 assists) in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games last season. That came after he had a strong end to the regular season, when he had 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) in his final 19 games. Like many players on the Oilers, Bouchard has a high fantasy ceiling with him playing on the top power-play unit.

NHL.com point projection: 62

Other EDM players to consider in fantasy: Stuart Skinner, G; Darnell Nurse, D; Mattias Ekholm, D; Connor Brown, RW

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