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.

Noah Dobson’s Montreal reset could lift him toward a 65–70 point pace, anchored by a refreshed top six and expanded power play.

Jeremy Swayman enters a season with less off-ice disruption and a steadier Bruins blue line, boosting his fantasy floor and win potential.

Austin Matthews should rebound behind Toronto’s strengthened supporting cast, with Carter Verhaeghe delivering sustained two‑way value in Florida. Andrei Svechnikov’s return to form in Carolina makes him a top‑tier two‑way asset, while Mitch Marner remains central to Toronto’s attack.

Late draft whispers around Mason Lohrei and Anton Wahlberg point to valuable depth in the blue lines and deeper leagues.

NHL Milan tour signals aggressive growth moves: a 2028 World Cup with eight teams, an Olympic cadence anchored around Milan 2026, and a calendar push that could trim training camps and even nudge start dates earlier in future CBAs. High-stakes signings underscore Chicago and Minnesota bets—Frank Nazar’s seven-year pact and Marco Rossi’s three-year, $15M deal—highlighting young talent as the league leans into longer-term returns.

Fantasy takeaway: between global events, longer signings, and potential schedule shifts, expect more roster churn and subtle value shifts early. Nazar, Rossi and a few other signings could reshape lines and PP units, while McDavid-era franchises eye opportunities around extensions and cap dynamics. Stay nimble on sleepers and leverage international duties when projecting workload and availability.