The NHL preseason has never mattered less, so much so the league is taking preseason games away next year. While established stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have little to prove in September, for teams at large and fringe players, there is no greater opportunity to get yourself noticed. Host Nick Zararis explores why players like Ike Howard and Matthew Savoie's roles in the preseason is more important than their stat production.

 0:00 Intro: NHL preseason's diminishing value 

4:37 Preseason matters most for fringe players 

9:11 Practical applications of preseason games

 13:47 Evaluating defensemen pairings and prospects 

22:33 Building confidence through preseason play 

26:38 Preseason's true purpose: Opportunity for prospects 

Discussion: What the Edmonton Oilers can accomplish in the preseason | Learning lessons 

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