Auston Matthews enters a pivotal season in Toronto, tasked with carrying more of the scoring load after Mitch Marner’s blockbuster move to Vegas signaled a new Leafs era. Nicolas Roy returns to the lineup, giving Toronto added depth as Matthews pursues Mats Sundin’s all‑time Leafs goal mark in a season that starts Oct. 8 against Montreal. The club leans on leadership and a refreshed supporting cast, with John Tavares and Max Domi among those stepping into mentorship and on-ice roles during a transitional year.

Toronto’s nine straight playoff appearances remain the backdrop, but the on-ice chemistry will be under a microscope as players adapt to a different top six and new line combos. Brampton’s charity game highlighted a culture of accountability and community, underscoring how this Leafs group blends veteran guidance with youthful opportunity as fantasy managers scan for breakout values in a season ripe with change.

In short, Matthews’ goal pace, the quiet addition of Roy, and the reshuffled depth chart could redefine who benefits in fantasy leagues, especially in multi-category formats where two-way play and PP1 time carry extra weight. The Oct. 8 opener against Montreal doubles as a test of how Toronto’s new pieces gel with its marquee captain.

With the recent acquisition of Mitch Marner by the Vegas Golden Knights, the Toronto Maple Leafs are actively searching for a top-six forward to enhance their newly revamped roster. General manager Brad Treliving acknowledges the need for more talent upfront despite recent depth additions. He emphasizes the importance of making strategic moves to replace Marner's offensive contributions. Given the scarcity of elite free agents, trades now represent Toronto's best opportunity to bolster their offense.

One potential trade target is New York Islanders captain Anders Lee, as suggested by NHL analyst Lyle Richardson. Lee, 35, is in the final year of his contract, and if the Islanders' playoff hopes dwindle, he may be available. With a proven track record, including a 29-goal season last year, he could fill the gap left by Marner effectively, provided Toronto manages its salary cap strategically.

To bolster their roster, the Toronto Maple Leafs may need to trade players due to limited salary cap space. Veteran winger Max Domi is considered a potential trade candidate after a modest performance last season, where he recorded 33 points in 74 games. His current contract, which has three years remaining at $3.75 million per year, could be a hurdle for any acquiring team.

General Manager Brad Treliving aims to add another top-six forward and has acknowledged the challenges in the current market. The Leafs' recent sign-and-trade involving Mitch Marner has left them with just under $5 million in cap space, complicating their efforts to upgrade the lineup. Domi's offensive skills might still attract teams looking for experienced depth, but his inconsistency as a bottom-six player raises questions about his fit in Toronto's long-term plans.

Max Domi of the Toronto Maple Leafs recently celebrated the return of Jonathan Toews to the NHL, sharing a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. Toews, a Chicago Blackhawks legend, signed a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets, marking his comeback after battling health issues. Domi, who played alongside Toews during the 2022-23 season, expressed pride in Toews' resilience. The former captain of the Blackhawks had faced significant health challenges, including long COVID and chronic inflammatory response syndrome, which had sidelined him during previous seasons. This new chapter allows Toews to return home to Manitoba, where he aims to make a significant impact.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff run came to an abrupt halt in a decisive Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers, who triumphed 6-1. This defeat marked the fifth career Game 7 win over the Maple Leafs for Brad Marchand, now dubbed the "Maple Leafs Executioner." In an unexpected show of humility, Marchand credited the collective strength of his team over his individual performance, insisting that success in these crucial games results from deep team dynamics rather than individual prowess.

After a scoreless first period, the Panthers exploded with three goals in just over six minutes during the second, showcasing their offensive depth. The Leafs managed only a single goal from Max Domi before the Panthers secured their place in the Eastern Conference Final, including Marchand's empty-netter, as they aim for back-to-back Stanley Cups.