Avalanche start 3-0-0 behind Wedgwood’s steady fill-in for Blackwood, Landeskog’s return lending leadership, and Burns’ veteran edge stabilizing the blue line. Early energy and improved pace hint at last year’s rust fading as the team builds depth and structure.

Offense centers on Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon, with Burns mentoring a younger pairing. Haxtall’s new special-teams approach shows promise on the power play, which must finish more consistently. Dallas and Buffalo loom as early-season tests to confirm whether the surge sticks and goaltending holds.

McDavid's two-year extension to 25 million keeps Edmonton’s window to win intact, framed by Jud Mulaver’s patient, data-driven process that prioritized fit over max-term dollars. Escrow refunds and a rising cap loom large for roster planning, while Bedard’s surge in Chicago and Detroit’s youth movement add fantasy upside. Montreal’s Hudson negotiations and World Cup host chatter pepper the market outlook in a way that blends on-ice and business angles.

Fantasy takeaway: Oilers’ ability to keep star talent while preserving cap space bodes well for supporting casts and late-round upside. Bedard, Kane, and Detroit’s youngsters offer early sleeper potential as cap dynamics shift, and market shifts from the Hudson saga to the Cup bid could ripple roster moves in 2024-25 and beyond.

Leafs fell 6-3 to Detroit as a second-period collapse exposed a developing group. Three new forwards flashed but need time to click, while Wah and Michelli provided spark. Ekman-Larsson on the left flank faltered as the defense looked out of sync.

Matthews created chances, even hitting the post, signaling a potential rebound if chemistry comes together. The power play stayed stagnant, underscoring the need for a true passer. Detroit's pace and structure controlled the game, pushing lineup tweaks early this season.

Atlantic Division preview blends razor-thin fantasy lines with injury risk and breakout potential. Tampa Bay sits atop the map, Leafs nudge close, Panthers face star losses and Barkov injuries, while Montreal and Ottawa push for playoff detail. Detroit and Buffalo battle mid-pack utility, with Boston lurking as a defensive-upside sleeper. Core players drive rookie ceilings, PP1 leverage, and goaltending workload across nine clubs.