The Toronto Maple Leafs face the challenge of replacing Mitch Marner, a vital two-way player, after his departure. The organization has taken an analytical approach to this transition, opting to distribute Marner's $10.9 million cap hit among multiple players. They've secured Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy, and Michael Pezzetta, totaling $10.5 million in combined salaries. Each brings unique skills to the roster, ensuring a blend of grit and finesse.

Despite Marner's absence, expectations remain high for the Maple Leafs. The new signings aim to maintain the team's competitiveness, emphasizing that depth can compensate for the loss of star talent. While none of the newcomers are expected to replicate Marner's impact individually, the hope is that collectively they will help the team achieve success in the upcoming season.

Expectations surrounding Zakhar Bardakov are on the rise as the Avalanche prepare for the upcoming season. The Avalanche's general manager has expressed enthusiasm about Bardakov's potential, noting his impressive performance in the KHL, where he nearly doubled his career-high points tally last season. This has led to speculation about whether he can earn a spot on the NHL roster, especially as the team looks to solidify its depth in the bottom six.

With several roster spots available, competition during training camp is expected to be fierce. Bardakov's playing style is compared to that of Miles Wood, highlighting his ability to create chaos on the ice. As the Avalanche navigate their roster decisions, Bardakov's performance will be closely scrutinized, especially given the potential for him to leapfrog other contenders from the Eagles.