As Alex Ovechkin approaches Wayne Gretzky's seemingly unbreakable all-time goals record, the question of who might succeed him as the NHL's next great goal-scorer arises. Four prominent names surface in this debate due to their impressive scoring capabilities and potential longevity in the league.

Auston Matthews, at just 27, has netted 397 goals in 622 games, consistently scoring at least 34 goals per season. If he maintains this pace, he could reach 800 goals. Connor McDavid, while an elite playmaker with 361 goals in 708 games, may struggle to reach the record unless he significantly boosts his goal tally as he ages. Leon Draisaitl, with 399 goals in 789 games and a history of 50+ goal seasons, emerges as a dark horse. Meanwhile, David Pastrnak, with 385 goals in 749 games, would need to replicate his 61-goal season more frequently to stay in contention.

Daily Fantasy Hockey is back, and with a nine-game slate on April 3, 2025, fantasy hockey enthusiasts have a plethora of options to consider. Top implied team totals are led by the Edmonton Oilers at 4.2, followed closely by the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars. In goal, Andrei Vasilevskiy emerges as a solid pick against the Ottawa Senators, boasting strong recent performance despite some underlying concerns. For offensive picks, Leon Draisaitl and Nazem Kadri are expected to shine, with favorable matchups against struggling defenses.

Value plays and stack options abound, with players like Viktor Arvidsson and Joel Farabee also anticipated to make a significant impact. The importance of monitoring player statuses and injury updates cannot be overstated, as they can heavily influence lineup decisions. Utilize RotoBaller's DFS tools to optimize your strategy and stay ahead in your contests.

As Alex Ovechkin inches closer to breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal record, anticipation builds within the NHL community. Having recently scored his 891st goal, Ovechkin is now only four goals shy of matching Gretzky's legendary tally, setting the stage for an unprecedented moment in hockey history. Gretzky himself will be present at all remaining Capitals games, accompanied by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and other officials, showcasing the significance of this milestone.

The Capitals' strategy for the record-breaking event mirrors what was done during Gretzky's achievement in 1994, as the league plans to pause the game for a formal ceremony to celebrate Ovechkin’s historic goal, regardless of playoff implications. This not only highlights the importance of individual accomplishments in sports but also cements Ovechkin's legacy as one of the greats within hockey lore.

The Edmonton Oilers have fortified their roster by signing David Tomasek and Josh Samanski, aiming to enhance their offensive capabilities for the upcoming season. Tomasek, a 29-year-old forward from Prague, has shown remarkable performance in the Swedish Elite League, winning the league title with Farjestad BK. Leading with 57 points—including 33 assists—his contribution to Czechia’s gold medal at the 2024 World Hockey Championship further underscores his prowess. In contrast, 23-year-old Samanski has spent time in the German league, where he led his team with 14 goals, showcasing his potential as a significant player for the Oilers.

Tomasek's one-year contract is pegged at $1.2 million, reflecting the Oilers' strategic investment in experienced talent. Meanwhile, Samanski’s entry-level two-year deal suggests the Oilers are looking at long-term development by bringing in younger players who have already demonstrated success in their respective leagues. As the Oilers prepare to face the San Jose Sharks next, both players will be pivotal to strengthen their lineup and compete effectively in the NHL.

Josh Samanski has officially joined the Edmonton Oilers on a two-year entry-level contract, starting next season. The 23-year-old forward, standing at six-foot-five and weighing 190 pounds, comes from a successful stint with the Straubing Tigers in Germany's top league, where he showcased his scoring ability. In 193 regular-season games, Samanski netted 40 goals and provided 53 assists.

His performance in the last season was particularly impressive, leading the Tigers with 14 goals and sharing the lead with 26 assists. This move indicates the Oilers' commitment to enhancing their roster with young talent, as they look ahead to the upcoming season with renewed energy.