Why Edmonton's top line still sets the price for everyone else

Every fantasy hockey conversation eventually comes back to Edmonton, and for good reason. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl give managers something very few players can offer: production that holds up against any opponent, in any building, on any night of the week.

The less obvious part is how much the supporting cast benefits. Evan Bouchard's value as a power-play quarterback rests heavily on getting the puck to two of the best finishers and playmakers in the league. Managers who chase his numbers should know exactly where they come from.

Our view is simple. Pay up for the stars if you can, and treat the Oilers' secondary pieces as useful players with a real ceiling rather than as bargains. The market usually knows what it is looking at here.