Bedard anchors Chicago’s rebuild, immediately lifting fantasy value as a potential top-line center with Nazar and Kaiser shaping a high-upside rookie core. Slaggert and Lardis add cheap depth with big ceiling, while Bourque provides a seasoned option to bridge the youth movement. Donato offers veteran secondary scoring, keeping the top six afloat while the kids grow into real NHL roles.

The show pushes a long-term, youth-forward plan over splashy signings, arguing the cap and development path will define this era. Bjorkstrand is discussed as a veteran piece who could help now, but the emphasis stays on Nazar, Bedard, and the other young skaters maturing into reliable fantasy contributors as the season unfolds.