The initial enumeration of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ prospective free agents read like Santa’s scroll-like “nice” list.

The good names of 44 players appeared beneath “SASKATCHEWAN” when the CFL distributed a full accounting of everyone who, as of Nov. 28, was eligible to test free agency in February.

Thirty of those players were in the lineup for the West Division champions when they defeated the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 in the 112th Grey Cup Game.

On Nov. 16 at Princess Auto Stadium, Saskatchewan’s roster included:

• Trevor Harris, who was named the Grey Cup’s MVP after completing 23 of 27 passes for 302 yards. His completion percentage (85.2) established a Grey Cup single-game record.

• Samuel Emilus, whose 10-catch, 108-yard gem led to recognition as the Grey Cup’s Most Valuable Canadian.

• Jermarcus Hardrick — the CFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2025. Hardrick was part of a fortress-like front that did not allow a sack in the Western Final or the Grey Cup.

• Short-yardage quarterback Tommy Stevens, who ran for two of Saskatchewan’s three touchdowns on Nov. 16.

Now, let’s revisit the Nov. 28 list …

Harris signed a one-year contract extension on Dec. 4.

The next day, Stevens re-upped for two years.

Hardrick re-signed on Dec. 9.

Then came a pre-Christmas gift. It was announced on Wednesday morning that Emilus has signed a two-year contract extension.

Imagine if Emilus had hit the opening market. An elite receiver — one who happens to possess a Canadian passport — would have had several potential suitors.

His skills were widely appreciated before the 2025 Grey Cup Game. But the Roughriders-Alouettes clash could not have provided a better (or timelier) advertisement, from his perspective.

So much for the bidding war.

Vice-President of Football Operations and General Manager Jeremy O’Day has secured the services of Emilus for two more years. The 2027 season, remember, will conclude with a Mosaic Stadium-based Grey Cup Game.

The immediate emphasis on 2026 and, in the words of Harris, to “run it back.”

Harris was one of three players (along with Hardrick and Emilus) who received a major individual award during Grey Cup Week.

Each one of them is back, thanks to fruitful negotiations in recent weeks.

In the cases of Harris and Hardrick, free agency was their ticket to Saskatchewan.

Harris joined the Green and White in 2023. Hardrick entered the equation the following year, as did running back A.J. Ouellette.

Ouellette and Hardrick were on opposite sides when the 2022 Grey Cup Game was played at Mosaic Stadium. Ouellette scored two touchdowns to help the Toronto Argonauts edge the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 24-23.

The following year, Ouellette rushed for 1,009 yards with a 15-3 Toronto team. Hardrick — the West’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2023 — helped Winnipeg reach its fourth consecutive Grey Cup Game.

By adding Ouellette and Hardrick, the Roughriders added intangibles to accompany immense talent. Both players brought championship credentials to Saskatchewan.

Fast forward to 2025. Rival GMs can look at every free agent on the Roughriders’ list and know that the “proven winner” label is applicable.

That complicates the challenge facing O’Day in a salary-capped world.

Yet, he has been able to consummate deals with nine would-be free agents well before the Free Agency Communication Window opens on Feb. 1.

In addition to re-signing the aforementioned players, O’Day has negotiated new deals with defensive backs Jayden Dalke and Jaxon Ford, fullback Albert Awachie, running back Thomas Bertrand-Hudon and defensive tackle Caleb Sanders.

Overall, the news is exciting, if not surprising.

Rewind to 2024, when the Roughriders boasted nine divisional All-CFL selections. Everyone on that star-studded list returned for 2025.

Emilus, offensive lineman Logan Ferland and defensive halfback Rolan Milligan Jr. were already under contract for 2025 before their contracts were extended. (Milligan Jr. occupied two all-star spots in 2024. He was recognized as a defensive halfback and a special teams standout.)

Cover linebacker C.J. Reavis signed a two-year pact on Dec. 23, 2023.

Middle linebacker Jameer Thurman and cornerback Marcus Sayles both have a season remaining on two-year contracts. Harris and defensive tackle Micah Johnson agreed to one-year contracts for 2025.

That, dear reader, is how you build a champion.

And how you strive to build another one.