Leafs open the season amid a wave of changes, with Easton Cowan earning a spot but not tonight, Nick Robertson on a path to regular minutes, and Michelli integrating with Matthews as the club reshapes its top six. The pod highlights questions about goaltending depth, Morgan Rielly’s role on the power play, and whether a new mix can produce timely scoring without Mitch Marner. Across the league, Connor McDavid signs a short-term deal to keep Edmonton’s window wide open while Bedard looms as Chicago’s future centerpiece, and Vancouver, Ottawa, and Montreal push intriguing rosters into the spotlight.

There’s debate on the Oilers’ Cup odds with McDavid, the Senators’ young core, and Lane Hudson’s breakout potential for Montreal, alongside Bedard’s rookie impact in Chicago. The discussion also dives into Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor contract dynamics, the Canucks’ goaltending health, and the broader question of how teams will adapt to a faster game and a rising tide of youth. Night one sets the table for sky-high expectations, with several teams racing to prove they can compete at the top without a single dominant veteran.