PROPS FOR TUE. SEPT. 29 🎯
Player to watch for goal, shots on goal and/or power-play point: Gavin McKenna, F, TOR (vs. MTL; 7 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN)
The Toronto Maple Leafs rookie is expected to make his NHL debut against the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday and is a threat to score a goal in the top six with either Auston Matthews or his preseason linemates William Nylander and John Tavares. McKenna had one assist and four shots on goal in two preseason games and was a standout for Penn State University last season; during his freshman season (2025-26), the 18-year-old was tied for fifth in the NCAA with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 games. Per NHL EDGE stats, McKenna had two 20-plus mph speed bursts in the preseason, with his max skating speed being 20.52 mph. It's also worth noting the Maple Leafs traded for high-scoring forward Kirill Marchenko on Monday and could have him in the lineup for the season opener Tuesday. -- Pete Jensen
Read more: Fantasy projection for McKenna | EDGE stats impact of Marchenko trade
Player for goal and/or point: JJ Peterka, F, BOS (vs. NYR; 8 p.m. ET; ESPN)
Peterka, a three-time 25-goal scorer, is expected to make his Boston Bruins debut on their top line with elite forward and newly named captain David Pastrnak. Peterka, who is tied for 16th in the NHL in 5-on-5 goals the past three seasons combined (61 since 2023-24), has bounce-back potential if he plays on the first power-play unit with exposure to Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie (led team in goals last season with 39). Per NHL EDGE stats, Peterka is among the forward leaders in 20-plus mph speed bursts (212; 97th percentile) and ranks highly at the position in mid-range shots on goal (65; 89th percentile) and mid-range goals (nine; 89th percentile). The New York Rangers allowed an average of five goals in three games against the Bruins last season. -- Troy Perlowitz
