Landon Sim, 21, is in rookie camp with the Marlies after signing as a free agent, intent on climbing from junior success to pro status. A summer training moment with John Tavares created a tangible Leafs link, underscoring a lineage of competitiveness and earned grit. Sim’s path weaves through Memorial Cup pedigree, Blues exhibitions, and a network of rising Maple Leafs prospects, with a Montreal weekend tournament as a proving ground.

He’s driven by a family legacy (his father Jon Sim won the Stanley Cup) and the mentorship style of Craig Berube, a coach who values hard work. The feature traces his ties to Easton Cowan, Ben Danford and Jacob Quillan, his London Knights roots, and his bid to translate AHL promise into an NHL opportunity.

Connor McDavid isn’t in a rush to re-sign with Edmonton, and the Oilers are playing the long game. LeBrun says the negotiation will be quick once McDavid is ready, but the key question is what length and structure he wants to commit to. The earliest worry for Oilers fans could come at season start if there’s no extension, yet McDavid’s leverage is clear: he wants to understand the team’s direction before sealing a multi-year deal. Leon Draisaitl’s extension a year ago provides context, but the center of gravity remains McDavid’s timeline and the franchise’s future shape.

Edmonton will stay patient and cordial, building the path to a deal around McDavid’s heart and mind. If or when he signs, expect a compact, five-minute negotiation rather than a protracted auction. The broader rumor mill about All-Star concepts and other contracts underscores how fragile cap planning remains, but this is squarely a McDavid-first situation that could redefine the Oilers’ ceiling for years to come.

Auston Matthews enters a pivotal season in Toronto, tasked with carrying more of the scoring load after Mitch Marner’s blockbuster move to Vegas signaled a new Leafs era. Nicolas Roy returns to the lineup, giving Toronto added depth as Matthews pursues Mats Sundin’s all‑time Leafs goal mark in a season that starts Oct. 8 against Montreal. The club leans on leadership and a refreshed supporting cast, with John Tavares and Max Domi among those stepping into mentorship and on-ice roles during a transitional year.

Toronto’s nine straight playoff appearances remain the backdrop, but the on-ice chemistry will be under a microscope as players adapt to a different top six and new line combos. Brampton’s charity game highlighted a culture of accountability and community, underscoring how this Leafs group blends veteran guidance with youthful opportunity as fantasy managers scan for breakout values in a season ripe with change.

In short, Matthews’ goal pace, the quiet addition of Roy, and the reshuffled depth chart could redefine who benefits in fantasy leagues, especially in multi-category formats where two-way play and PP1 time carry extra weight. The Oct. 8 opener against Montreal doubles as a test of how Toronto’s new pieces gel with its marquee captain.

The NHL landscape is buzzing as teams prepare for the upcoming season. Key players are making headlines with their performances in the preseason, with some showing significant potential to impact fantasy leagues. Notably, rookies and young talents are stepping up, making them interesting picks for fantasy managers looking for breakout players. The traditional stars are also maintaining their form, while some veterans aim to bounce back from disappointing previous seasons, adding intrigue to draft strategies.

Injuries, trades, and team dynamics will be critical factors as the season unfolds. Monitoring player health and the intricacies of line combinations will be essential for fantasy owners aiming to make informed decisions. As the puck drops, keeping an eye on player usage and performance trends will be key to crafting a competitive fantasy roster.