Atlantic Division chaos looms: Panthers return core and chase another deep run, Lightning reloads with familiar faces, Leafs rebuild with depth to replace Mitch Marner, and Senators lean on their rising young core for a playoff push. FanDuel over/under numbers spotlight the race (Panthers 105.5, Lightning 102.5, Leafs 99.5, Senators 95.5) and set the table for early-season traps, injuries, and breakout fantasy opportunities across a crowded four-way battle.

LA Kings, Dallas Stars, and Toronto Maple Leafs face big questions ahead of 2025-26. Kings chase Edmonton’s playoff dragon, relying on Kopitar’s veteran leadership, and counting on Brandt Clarke stepping up alongside Doughty, Kempe and Fiala to push past the ceiling. Dallas aims to reset after DeBoer’s controversial finish, juggling Robertson’s looming extension with Harley’s development and cap pressure. Toronto weighs internal churn, Marner’s exit scenario, and how to unlock depth and goaltending to finally advance in the playoffs.

McDavid and Barkov anchor a Friday NHL front, with injury updates, cup chatter, and contract talk shaping early-season decisions. Leafs’ top-six depth, Kaprizov’s health, Crosby’s enduring influence, and the league-wide free-agent tax dynamic color fantasy projections. The crew weighs Edmonton’s Cup window, adds a few rising stories (Toews, Ovechkin, Mishkov chatter), and tees up how winners and sleepers could reshape rosters and bets this season.

Brad Tree Living lays out a tight, telling Leafs camp: pursue a top-six forward to play with Matthews and Nylander, weigh internal options like Easton Cowan, and shore up goaltending with Woll unavailable. Depth across the lineup is emphasized, cap realities loom, and the city’s sports week—Jays and Yankees chatter mixed with hockey buzz—frames Toronto as a busy, high-stakes market.