Calder Trophy candidates Demidov, Snuggerud, Leonard, Koivunen, Misa, Shabanov, Rinzel, Parekh, Buium, Schaefer, Askarov and Merilainen stand out as high-upside targets for dynasty and keeper rosters. Demidov could hit a 65-point ceiling with Montreal if Laine and Dach stay healthy and gel; Snuggerud projects 60–65 on a top line; Leonard brings multi-cat value with scoring and hits; Koivunen could thrive on Crosby’s wing. Deeper leagues eye Misa, Rinzel and Parekh for immediate gains, while Buium and Merilainen loom as longer-term upside.

Value opportunities arise from top-line opportunities, exclusive power-play roles, and the ability to contribute across categories. The mix of young talent across Montreal, St. Louis, Washington, Pittsburgh and San Jose creates multiple viable in-season streams for fantasy managers. Dynasty rosters should pounce on these rookies now, and redraft players may find late-round steals among this group as the season unfolds.

In short, these rookies offer a blend of immediate point upside, multi-category contributions and long-term growth potential. Target the right mix of high-floor producers and high-ceiling dice rolls to build a versatile, championship-ready roster.

Ottawa rallied past Toronto in a tight pre-season affair, tying on Shane Pinto’s power-play strike with two minutes left and winning 16 seconds into overtime after Fabian Zetterlund opened the comeback with a short-handed marker. Toronto built a 2-0 lead on Matthews and McMann, but the Senators outshot the Leafs and rode goaltenders Merilainen and Shepard to the upset.

Across the league, Caufield and Suzuki fueled Montreal’s 4-2 win over Philadelphia, Emberson’s late winner lifted Edmonton past Winnipeg, and Calgary depths lit up Seattle with Kerins’ PP goal as the Flames pulled away. The night underscored the depth battle and line-juggling that will shape fantasy rosters come October.

Canada’s sports fandom tilts heavily toward hockey, with 58% following the NHL and half of women surveyed confirming NHL appeal. The NHL leads the national follow-rate, while the NFL, MLB, CFL and NBA fill the next spots, underscoring a hockey-driven fantasy landscape even as new leagues like PWHL and the Toronto Tempo enter the conversation. Star power dominates, with Connor McDavid topping favorites, Sidney Crosby close behind in many regions, and Auston Matthews rounding out the big five; Cole Caufield leads in Quebec, and Brad Marchand looms as Atlantic pride.

For fantasy, the narrative centers on the five anchors McDavid, Crosby, Matthews, Caufield, and Marchand, whose production streams shape early-season bidding and lineup construction. The report’s regional nuances and the rise of women’s hockey hint at evolving fantasy ecosystems beyond the NHL, suggesting depth in cross-league exposure as the sport expands its footprint across Canada and beyond.

Montreal’s window to contend hinges on a mature core and smart, patient development. Suzuki, Caufield, Slafkovsky, Hutson, and Guhle form the nucleus, backed by a front office whose plan is finally bearing fruit. The addition of Noah Dobson from the Islanders gives the back end a veteran push, while extensions for Slafkovsky and Guhle lock in leadership on the blueline and in the locker room. The narrative shifts from rebuild to return-to-playoff-caliber, with the organization signaling it’s time to push for a deep run this year.

Gorton and Hughes are credited with assembling a young, talented group that still has room to grow, yet is ready to contribute meaningfully in fantasy terms. The Canadiens face heightened expectations, but the blend of youth with proven pieces suggests a competitive floor and upside scenario for several skaters. The path to a Cup someday remains, but the near-term focus is clear: return to the playoffs and establish Montreal as a steady contender for multiple seasons.

In fantasy terms, Montreal’s ceiling rises with the growth curve of Suzuki and Caufield, the two anchors who can drive scoring and power-play impact. Slafkovsky’s development, Hutson’s creative transition game, and Guhle’s all-purpose defenseman role will dictate line combos and PP time. If the Dobson acquisition sticks and the core progresses as expected, Montreal could produce a more reliable, multi-category fantasy profile this season, even if championship scenarios remain a few steps away.