John Tavares is on the cusp of a historic milestone, sitting at 494 goals and likely to reach 500 this season as the 49th player to join that elite club. The Maple Leafs rely on his steady production and leadership as he heads into his eighth year in Toronto, a cornerstone who still drives the offense and sets the tone for a young core.

He took a substantial pay cut to stay with the Leafs, a move teammates applaud as leadership and belief in the club’s window. The veteran mentor role grows with Matthews, Nylander, Knies, and a deeper roster, all while he eyes a Stanley Cup chase. Fantasy managers should weigh his continued top-line production against age and team depth.

The Leafs remain grounded in pursuit of a title, with Tavares pledging to deliver another strong season and the organization believing in a sustained winner’s arc. His milestone chase adds a compelling narrative layer for fantasy projections and daily-league decisions.

Six NHL breakout candidates for 2025-26 could reshape fantasy rosters: Connor Bedard should push toward an 85–90 point pace with expanded minutes and rising shooting efficiency in Chicago. Quinton Byfield is poised to anchor the Kings’ top six, taking on tougher minutes and PP time en route to a 30-goal, 45-assist season. Matty Beniers enters classic two-way breakout territory, while Zach Benson could double his production with better linemates in Buffalo. Cole Perfetti and Logan Stankoven also carry clear routes to 70-plus point seasons with more ice time and power-play exposure. Dylan Guenther and Matthew Knies serve as reminders that big roles are often the gateway to fantasy relevance, even if their teams are rebuilding.

Leafs GM Brad Treliving won’t rush a top-six fix, opting to test chemistry with Matthews and Knies in camp before pursuing external help. Internal options will be weighed against cost and fit, with emphasis on forechecking and puck pursuit. Matias Maccelli surfaced in camp chatter as a potential internal fit, while the group remains six days into camp and the process continues.

Seven breakout candidates eyeing 2025-26 fantasy hockey glory. Cooley looks to lock No.1 center duties with bigger minutes and power-play time, aiming for 70+ points and 30 goals. Knies ascends to Toronto’s top line, credible 70-point upside with heavy shots and hits. Carlsson should become a go-to producer for Anaheim, potentially crossing 60 points as a full-season regular. Eklund emerged as a major Sharks playmaker with 60+ point potential, while Fantilli and Perfetti are primed for top-six roles and strong multi-cat value. Cuylle brings heavy-hit upside with Rangers’ wing opportunities and growing scoring touch.