Connor McDavid leads the draft as the safe cornerstone for 10-team rosters, with Nathan MacKinnon a close second thanks to elite volume and a high ceiling. Leon Draisaitl and Calgary’s Connor Zary surface as high-upside early picks, while McKenzie Weegar and Dustin Wolf anchor Calgary’s back end with strong peripheral upside. The show emphasizes balancing wings, blue-line anchors like Sanderson, and the value of dual-eligibility forwards like Boldy and Keller, plus a keeper eye on standout goalies.

Beyond the top tier, Reinhardt, Keller, Point, Robertson and Crosby appear as key secondary targets, with Kadri and Couture offering mid-round floor in central roles. The mock underscores that in a 10-team format, early wing depth, defenseman reach and goalie insurance shape rosters. Expect lots of camp chatter and ADP shifts as drafts heat up.

Montreal’s off-season surge centers on Nick Suzuki’s 89-point breakout, Lane Hutson’s record-breaking rookie season, and a young core (Caulfield, Slafkovsky) that has fans dreaming of a rapid rise. A bold Noah Dobson acquisition underscores patience over panic, with the front office prioritizing a puck-moving blueline and cost-controlled talent. The discussion widens to second-line center targets (Kadri, Bennett, McTavish) and even hypothetical high-profile suitors like Crosby, highlighting Montreal’s win-now aspirations within a brutal Atlantic frame.

External expectations are tempered by internal realism: the Canadians need a reliable 2C and more depth, while Suzuki’s leadership and the organization’s flexibility hint at a best-possible window in the next 2–3 years. The vibe is buoyant, but the path remains a careful rebuild with upside anchored in a blossoming core.

Across these threads, the episode paints a franchise ready to contend soon, not later, while acknowledging the practical limits of a team still stacking futures. The narrative balances optimism with strategic risk, keeping fantasy rosters and dynasty plans in sharp focus as puck drop approaches.

The Calgary Flames are aiming for redemption after narrowly missing the playoffs last season, and there are several fantasy targets worth considering. Nazem Kadri, the team's top scorer, is a must-draft, boasting impressive stats including 35 goals and 67 points last season. Meanwhile, MacKenzie Weegar stands out defensively, providing solid peripheral stats along with his scoring ability. Blake Coleman offers multifaceted contributions, particularly in banger leagues, while Jonathan Huberdeau remains a valuable playmaker despite a dip in goals. Lastly, rookie Matt Coronato is an intriguing option with significant upside.

In a thrilling display of skill, the Western Canada showdown highlighted some standout performances in this week's highlights. A significant play was initiated by a remarkable save from Dustin Wolf, showcasing his defensive prowess. However, the real star was Nazem Kadri, who demonstrated elite hand control, signaling a peak in his performance as the season progresses.

Another highlight was Cole Peretti's sensational goal where he executed a dirty dangle around Derek Forbort, ultimately scoring with finesse. This jaw-dropping maneuver not only electrified the crowd but also solidified Peretti's position as a player to watch as he heats up this season.

The podcast highlights two remarkable goals scored by Nazem Kadri and an impressive shot from NZ Cry a Pouette, emphasizing their skill and creativity on the ice. Kadri's back-to-back highlight-reel goals showcase his ability to navigate through defenders and finish with elegance. The episode reflects on the artistry of scoring and the competitive nature of players pushing each other to excel further. The enthusiasm for the Cal Tire goals of the week is palpable, as listeners are encouraged to pick their favorite from these standout moments, emphasizing the entertainment value of hockey.