Two hosts run a mock draft focused on best-available value, weighing a bold early goalie pick against a stacked forward core. Matthews appears as a late-first-round value, Hellebuyck anchors a zero-G strategy, and the duo pairs Eichel, Nylander, and Robertson with high-upside wingers. They highlight dual-eligibility plays, Montreal’s young back-end, and Philly/Carolina pivot points, while outlining signup details for listener leagues and the September windows to enter.

Mitch Marner’s 100-point production is the Leafs’ central question this season, forcing Austin Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares to shoulder more playmaking and scoring while internal options like Dakota Joshua and a reworked bottom six push for relief. Toronto’s path hinges on depth, cap flexibility, and smart re-signings that keep 1A/1B lanes open for next year’s targets.

San Jose overhauls its blue line with Dmitri Orlov and John Klingberg, while Sam Dickinson, Will Smith and Quint Musty battle for NHL spots amid a broader youth surge. Utah Mammoth, led by Clayton Keller, eye a playoff push as veterans blend with rising talents, underscoring a league-wide tilt toward balancing proven strength with hotly contested developmental bets.

Mitch Marner's 102-point production casts a long shadow over Toronto's training-camp plans, forcing a heavy internal push from Matthew Knies, William Nylander, and Max Domi as the Leafs reshuffle for 2024-25. Austin Matthews could shoulder more scoring responsibility, supported by Matias Michelli and the newly minted depth. Dakota Joshua's mid-six bite and John Tavares's hometown discount add scale and cap flexibility, while Morgan Riley and Brandon Carlo anchor a defense aimed at a steadier, more complete game.

Leafs fans will watch Knies step into a larger role, Nylander adapt to a playmaking-heavy surrounding cast, and Matthews navigate a less-elite setup without Marner. The strategic moves—Joshua's addition, Tavares's deal, and Riley-Carlo pairings—keep Toronto competitive now and cap-friendly for a big free-agent push next summer. The off-season math seeks depth, identity, and sustained scoring without surrendering future flexibility.