The NHL season opens with a mix of renewed optimism and big questions across Canada’s seven teams, with fantasy managers eyeing contract moves, health forecasts, and workload shifts that could swing points and minutes. From McDavid’s looming extension in Edmonton to Marner’s move in Toronto, every franchise faces decisions that ripple into fantasy lineups and betting models. Rebuilds in Montreal and Vancouver meet fresh coaching and roster tweaks, while Winnipeg and Ottawa push for playoff tempo and stability at the top of the lineup.

Mitch Marner’s exit reshapes Toronto’s top six as training camp opens. Matthews steps into a leadership role, while new wingers like Max Domi and Matias Maccelli are pegged to join him, with Matthew Knies at left wing. Vegas counters with Marner teamed with Jack Eichel, altering both rosters’ offensive dynamics. Toronto adds depth through Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy, Michael Pezzetta and Travis Boyd, plus a possible rookie push from Easton Cowan. Domi’s day-to-day injury status and Stolarz contract talks headline the business side as the Leafs pursue a refreshed core ahead of the Oct. 8 season opener versus Montreal.

Fantasy angles center on who fills Marner’s production hole, how Matthews’ line chemistry develops with the newcomer trio, and which Leafs players earn expanded roles to push for 70+ points. The club signals a forward-focused reset while keeping the core defense and goal-tending intact, aiming to translate a deeper roster into more consistent postseason outcomes. Meanwhile, Vancouver’s Joshua swap and the Leafs’ depth moves set up a crowded camp battle with real fantasy upside.

Matthew Tkachuk will miss the start of the Florida Panthers season with a lower-body injury, likely sidelining him until December. He logged 52 games last year, posting 57 points, after twice winning the Cup and tearing an adductor and a sports hernia during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Fantasy managers should plan for a big early-season void, with Reinhart and Verhaeghe stepping into larger roles and the Panthers needing depth to weather the absence.

The U.S. Olympic setup remains hopeful, as GM Bill Guerin says they’re planning to have Tkachuk in Milano Cortina 2026, shaping a potential high-impact duo with Brady Tkachuk down the line. Florida also faces injury headwinds beyond Tkachuk, with Tomas Nosek out long-term, tightening the margins for roster depth and production as the season opens. Tkachuk’s Cup-winning moments and leadership will be missed early, but the pipeline could push others to elevated fantasy value.