NHL 2023 Season Preview & Season-long DFS Projections

October 10, 2023

October 10, 2023

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) steals the puck from Vegas Golden Knights center Nicolas Roy (10) during the second period of Game 5 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series Friday, May 12, 2023, in Las Vegas

NHL 2023 Season Preview and Storylines

After an offseason that always seems too long, puck is finally back tonight. To get you ready for all of the action throughout this season, we put together this 2023 NHL preview and covered our top NHL season-long DFS projections so you can enjoy the action for all 82 games.

Last year we saw the Las Vegas Golden Knights take home Lord Stanley’s Cup for the first time in franchise history after joining the league through expansion in 2017. This year they close out the final game of opening night. We’re already in for some hot matchups on night 1 and this season is expected to be one of the best in years.

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NHL 2023 Opening Night Schedule

  • Predators vs. Lightning - 5:30pm
  • Blackhawks vs. Penguins - 8:00pm
  • Kraken vs. Golden Nights  - 10:30pm

NHL 2023 Season Storylines to Follow

Young Talent Rising

As stars like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin approach the twilight of their illustrious careers, the NHL is in need of other stars to rise up. Thankfully with young veterans like Connor McDavid and Austin Matthews, things are trending in the right direction.

The real headliner though, is Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks rookie and number 1 overall draft pick in this year’s draft. Bedard is the most hyped draft pick since McDavid just a few years ago and is said to have a higher ceiling if he can reach his potential. All eyes will be on him on opening night as he tries to save this once great Chicago hockey club.

Ovechkin Chasing Gretzky and NHL History

While he’s certainly close to retirement, the Great 8 is sticking around for as long as it takes for him to pass Wayne Gretzy’s all-time goal scoring record of 894. Currently, Ovechkin has 822 and if he can tally a few more 30-40 goal seasons- he’ll be there in no time.

Patrick Kane Free Agency

As Connor Bedard hopes to fill the shoes of an NHL superstar, that superstar looks to find a new home. After departing the Blackhawks and the New York Rangers, Patrick Kane is now an unrestricted free agent. 

Despite his age, and recent injuries, most teams would be hard-pressed to not at least consider signing the 3-time Stanley Cup Champion to a 1 year deal. The star is focusing primarily on his finances in his next contract so ring chasing likely won’t be a factor in his pursuit. With that said, we all know the legend wouldn’t turn down a chance to have a few beers with Lord Stanley one more time. 

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NHL 2023 Season-long DFS Projections

Season-long entries are the best way to enjoy NHL daily fantasy sports for the entire 2023 NHL season. It’s as simple as regular entries but you get to follow all year. Check out our top NHL season-long DFS projections and then lock in your entries on the board today!

Points

Nathan MacKinnon - F, COL

Nate MacKinnon had a monster year for the Av’s in 2022. In the end they fell short of postseason glory but not for lack of production from MacKinnon. This season the Avalanche are set to have another deep run and MacKinnon should play a large role.

Last season he tallied 111 points and he’s currently projected the second highest points of anyone on the board so it should be a fun entry to follow all year.

To view all NHL season-long DFS Projections and place entries, click here.

Connor McDavid - F, EDM

Despite all of the buzz around rookie Connor Bedard, Connor McDavid is without a doubt the best player in the NHL and likely will be for a while. Will he surpass Gretzky as the greatest ever? We don't know yet, but this season he’s projected to score the highest points in the NHL on our board.

Last year he racked up an impressive 153 points, about 20 higher than his projection for this season. Whatever happens, locking in this entry won’t lack excitement.

To view all NHL season-long DFS Projections and place entries, click here.

Goals

Alex Ovechkin - F, WSH

His best days might be in the rear view, Ovi remains a top goal scorer in the NHL. Ask any Caps fan and they’ll tell you, in fact they probably won’t shut up about it. “Ovi from the office” is something all short handed units fear in the NHL, his one-timer slapshot is consistently one the best in the league and he’s almost 40.

More than that, he’s in a race to pass Gretzky for the all-time scoring record. Last year he scored 42 and his single season record is 65. While he probably won’t set any records this season, if he stays healthy he’s sure to pass Gretzky soon

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Connor Bedard - F, CHI

It’s far too early to say if Bedard will go down as one of the greats, but following him this season is sure to bring thrills to Chicago fans. As the most touted and hyped up prospect in years, he’ll need to come ready to play right out of the gate.

Whatever happens this year, be sure to keep an eye on the Blackhawks’ new hope.

To view all NHL season-long DFS Projections and place entries, click here.

Goalie Wins

Sergei Bobrovsky - G, FLA

Last year’s playoff run for the Panthers was historic. Upset after upset against the top teams in the East before ultimately falling short in the Cup Finals. The whole team rose to the challenge and one of the most important was goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.

Last year he earned 24 wins in the regular season. This year he’s projected at 28.5. If the Panthers hope to keep the electric run alive, Bobrovsky will need to lead the way.

To view all NHL season-long DFS Projections and place entries, click here.

NHL Daily Fantasy Sports with PrizePicks

Puck is back. LFG. For hockey fans like us, nothing is better than playoff puck but a close second would be NHL daily fantasy sports. Lucky for you, PrizePicks is the premier NHL DFS platform for all NHL fans.

Lock in your entries, follow along with PrizePicks NHL DFS this season, and don’t miss a second of the action.

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