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Auston Matthews could be traded this offseason. With the Toronto Maple Leafs missing the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, Matthews has refused to commit to another season in Toronto until he is confident about the direction of the organization. The Maple Leafs star has been involved in NHL trade rumors, and they won’t be ending any time soon.

Below, we’ll take a look at five potential trade destinations for Matthews during the 2026 NHL offseason.

minnesota wild

If Matthews wants to win a Stanley Cup, the Minnesota Wild would be the best landing spot for him. Led by Matt Boldy, Brock Faber and Quinn Hughes, the Wild have the potential to make a deep run during the 2026-27 NHL season. Matthews would love to play with his Olympic teammates, so Minnesota should be on his list of preferred trade destinations.

san jose sharks

The San Jose Sharks are a rising organization in the NHL, and Matthews will turn them into contenders. Led by Maclin Celebrini, the Sharks are poised for contention for a long time after landing three top-3 picks over the past three years. Matthews will join San Jose with an eye on the Stanley Cup alongside Celebrini.

anaheim ducks

The Anaheim Ducks came out of nowhere during the 2025-26 NHL season, and they are here to stay. The Ducks have a strong young core with Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlson and Mason McTavish. If Matthews wants to compete long-term, Anaheim is another good option. The Ducks will be in contention for the next decade and Matthews can lead them to victory in the Western Conference.

utah mammoth

The future is bright for the Utah Mammoth in the Western Conference. Utah has arguably the most movable assets of any organization in the NHL, giving the team flexibility moving forward. Matthews would love to join up with one of his Olympic teammates, like Minnesota, under Clayton Keller. Mammoth has the assets to accomplish this, but will they be Matthews’ preferred destination?

Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings could be the top trade destination for Matthews. With the retirement of Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles is looking for another leader, and while Quinton Byfield is an up-and-coming player for the organization, Matthews will take it to the next level. The Maple Leafs superstar is from California, so he’d be happy to go home, too.

READ MORE: NHL Insider gives big update on Auston Matthews’ future with Toronto Maple Leafs

Austin Konensky is a writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and more. His work can also…more about Austin Konensky

You shouldn’t put anything past Bill Guerin. That’s why you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that he’s attempted to poach the youngest Hughes brother from the New Jersey Devils.

If you haven’t heard of it, visit the link below.

Yesterday was a good day for New Jersey Hockey Now. We’ve acquired Daniel Amoia who is joining me on Devil’s Beat.

NJHN is your go-to Devils source for all your New Jersey hockey needs, and we’re taking it to another level with Daniel.

You can find his author page here.

Daniel made his first publication yesterday which is also below, but stay tuned for more to come.

Elsewhere, Quinn on the Future in Minnesota, Heavily Fined on Torts, and More!

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: interesting. So, Bill Guerin has as much interest in bringing all of the Hughes brothers to Minnesota as the Devils have in employing all of them in New Jersey. evidence? Guerin called Tom Fitzgerald about a possible trade for Luke Hughes.

So, given the fact that Guerin feels the need to give himself an advantage when it comes to the Hughes brothers, what does this mean for how he feels about his chances of retaining Quinn Hughes? Daniel Amoia breaks it down in his first appearance with New Jersey Hockey Now.

📺 devil’s rink report: It has been reported that Auston Matthews’ future in Toronto is uncertain. Well, some people have drawn attention to New Jersey in a potential franchise changing trade. In the latest video on Devils Rink Report, I break down the deal that’s received a lot of backlash online and weigh in on whether it makes sense.

Last week, we went live with immediate reaction after the draft lottery. The full episode can be found here 👇🏼

Please like and subscribe our Youtube channel And turn on those notifications when we go live every Friday!

For podcast listeners, we have officially launched on multiple platforms. Listen to Devil’s Rink Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

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NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

Athletic ($): I mean, what else was he going to say? He loses all his leverage in contract negotiations by saying otherwise. At the Minnesota Wild exit meetings, Quinn Hughes was asked and stated that he was interested in remaining in Minnesota.

As many have already pointed out, Zach Parise said the same thing before leaving the Devils… for the Wild!

We will see what happens.

Forever Blueshirts: John Tortorella always finds a way back into the spotlight. New York Rangers fans know his fiery passion, and now the Vegas Golden Knights do too. And man, is the NHL attacking Torts with a big hammer. Tortorella has been heavily fined, and Vegas is being forced to forfeit a high draft pick for refusing to hold a media availability after eliminating the Anaheim Ducks.

pittsburgh hockey now: What’s next for Ricard Raquel who has definitely been pushed back from 2024-25? The decision here is definitely in the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose Hockey Now: Okay, no big deal. This is his second year in the league and Maclin Celebrini was fourth in league scoring with 104 points. Well, on July 1st, he is eligible to extend with the San Jose Sharks. What will that look like?

Philly hockey now: Here’s how the Philadelphia Flyers are becoming a destination players want to visit.

Montreal hockey now: It may not be as sustainable as it has been for them, but the Montreal Canadiens are succeeding in their adversity.

Toronto Hockey Now: What does Auston Matthews’ future hold with the Toronto Maple Leafs? Here’s the latest update from inside.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

The New Jersey Devils’ ownership was unwilling to compromise for the status quo. That’s why they parted ways with Tom Fitzgerald and brought in Sunny Mehta.

Now, this doesn’t mean that they brought Mehta in with the idea that he would replace Nico Hischier. However, he gave Mehta complete autonomy to do business as he wished.

So if Mehta really wants to differentiate himself from the status quo of the previous regime, he will have to find a way to accomplish what he could not. We will know more about it in the link below.

Elsewhere, a Blueshirts trade target, Philly and Matvey Michkov, and more.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: So then, Mehta was brought in to separate. What better way to prove this than with a daring Quinn Hughes trade. Here’s how he might unite the Hughes Triangular force in New Jersey.

📺 devil’s rink report: It has been reported that Auston Matthews’ future in Toronto is uncertain. Well, some people have drawn attention to New Jersey in a potential franchise changing trade. In the latest video on Devils Rink Report, I break down the deal that’s received a lot of backlash online and weigh in on whether it makes sense.

Last week, we went live with immediate reaction after the draft lottery. The full episode can be found here 👇🏼

Please like and subscribe our Youtube channel And turn on those notifications when we go live every Friday!

For podcast listeners, we have officially launched on multiple platforms. Listen to Devil’s Rink Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

Too! Devil’s Rink Report is now on TikTok – follow us here.

sign up for new jersey hockey now Newsletter for daily Devils intel straight to your inbox.

NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

Athletic ($): The Vegas Golden Knights say they got their swag back under John Tortorella on the way to eliminating the Anaheim Ducks and advancing to the Western Conference Finals.

Forever Blueshirts: This would also be a name to watch for the Devils if the Vegas Golden Knights can’t shut him down. Pavel Dorofeyev has proven to be a legitimate NHL sniper. Can the New York Rangers free him?

pittsburgh hockey now: Wayne Gretzky may be considered the best of all time in terms of professional hockey players. However, he trails only two Pittsburgh Penguins in CHL history.

Florida hockey now: Chris Knoblauch found out the hard way that being an NHL head coach isn’t a very secure job when the Edmonton Oilers fired him yesterday before the start of his three-year extension.

Philly hockey now: Forget the infamy of Matvei Michkov that Philadelphia Flyers fans believed was reality. GM Daniel Briere supported the young Russian by explaining the process and what would happen next.

Montreal hockey now: We’re heading into Game 6 after the Montreal Canadiens crushed the Buffalo Sabers last night.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

Over the weekend, the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2025-26 season came to a sad end with a 30-point loss and finalizing a four-game sweep by the New York Knicks in the NBA Playoffs semifinals. Being defeated so badly by its I-95 rivals sent a clear message that changes would be made this summer.

It officially started on Tuesday when the 76ers fired president of basketball operations Daryl Morey. While they would be willing to move Joel Embiid and the $186 million remaining on his contract, the chances of a deal are extremely slim. However, that may not be the case with fellow expensive and frequently injured veteran Paul George.

According to NBA insider Jake Fisher, the nine-time All-Star has “improved his trade value around the NBA somewhat,” and the ability to opt out of the final year of his deal in 2028 and sign a long-term deal at a lower annual average could make him attractive to some teams this summer.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at four potential trades the 76ers could make in the offseason for Paul George.

Paul George to Kings for Zach LaVine

The Sacramento Kings have their own well-paid, injury-prone swingman in Zach LaVine. While he is only 31 years old, the two-time All-Star has played 50 or more games only once in the last three seasons. However, assuming they pick up their player option for next season, Philly would still take him in to see what a season with Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe would look like.

There is risk in the deal for the Kings because George is older, but if he can’t be traded and can remain on the roster next season, he’s probably a better fit with Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan.

Paul George and the Bulls’ 2027 first-rounder for Patrick Williams

In any deal, the 76ers would likely need to take back a bad contract. One idea would be to send George to the Chicago Bulls for Patrick Williams. The forward has three years left on his deal, but the total is less than what George makes in a season. Giving them far more cap flexibility in the short and long term. Especially if they extend the maxi soon.

For the Bulls, if healthy, George makes them far better and can be a veteran leader while they continue to develop Josh Giddy and Matas Buzzelis. And for the Sixers, they freed up a ton of cap space and gained a solid depth piece for the bench.

Paul George in Heat for Andrew Wiggins and Nikola Jovic

If Andrew Wiggins opts out of the final year of his current contract with the Miami Heat – which he is expected to do – then he, along with Nikola Jovic, could be a target in a summer Paul George trade to create a money matchup.

While the trade would be a risk for Miami if they can’t make a big deal for a star this summer — Giannis Antetokounmpo — and lose Norman Powell in free agency, George would be a good backup plan to fill that scoring void while improving his defense a bit.

Paul George to Pelicans for Jordan Poole and Herb Jones

Another direction the 76ers could take to move George is to call the New Orleans Pelicans on the phone and see about their interest in taking the future Hall of Famer in a deal for Jordan Poole and Herb Jones. The guard will be paid more than $34 million next season, but this is the last year of his deal.

If George can stay healthy for most of the year the Pelicans will definitely be a better team next season. For the 76ers, they get a good bench scorer for one year and a good perimeter defender in Jones to shore up the roster.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Sunny Mehta should undoubtedly make a bold effort to improve the New Jersey Devils this offseason.

The latest conversation involves one of the biggest names regarding Auston Matthews’ uncertain future in Toronto. There is certainly appeal in including the best goalscorer of this generation who has the potential to chase down Alexander Ovechkin’s goalscoring record.

However, does the proposed package that everyone is talking about online make sense?

Details are linked below on the Devils Rink Report YouTube page.

Elsewhere, there’s more added to Worlds, the Charlie Coyle domino effect, and more.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

Canada added three big names to the 2026 IIHF World Championship yesterday, including the Devils’ own Dawson Mercer.

📺 devil’s rink report: It has been reported that Auston Matthews’ future in Toronto is uncertain. Well, some people have drawn attention to New Jersey in a potential franchise changing trade. In the latest video on Devils Rink Report, I break down the deal that’s received a lot of backlash online and weigh in on whether it makes sense.

Earlier this week, we went live with immediate reaction after the draft lottery. The full episode can be found here 👇🏼

Please like and subscribe our Youtube channel And turn on those notifications when we go live every Friday!

For podcast listeners, we have officially launched on multiple platforms. Listen to Devil’s Rink Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

Too! Devil’s Rink Report is now on TikTok – follow us here.

sign up for new jersey hockey now Newsletter for daily Devils intel straight to your inbox.

NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

NHL.com: It’s disappointing to think that Charlie Coyle was probably going to be the top center on the free agent market this summer. However, the Columbus Blue Jackets shut him down.

Forever Blueshirts: There is a domino effect here. Now that Coyle has locked in with the Blue Jackets, it really improves the New York Rangers’ trade plans with Vincent Trocheck.

pittsburgh hockey now: At his year-end press conference, Kyle Dubas explained that he wants to keep the Pittsburgh Penguins’ core together, including Evgeni Malkin.

Boston hockey now: The Boston Bruins are without a captain following the retirement of Patrice Bergeron. However, here’s why it’s not too early to take a name just yet.

Philly hockey now: In the exit interview, Matvey Michkov explained that he knew he was not as good as he could be and plans to become better for the Philadelphia Flyers next season.

San Jose Hockey Now: Will the San Jose Sharks trade the 2nd overall pick? If they do, they can learn from select trades in the top-10 range. (+)

Detroit hockey now: If the Detroit Red Wings are to have success, they need more from Dylan Larkin.

Montreal hockey now: The most interesting statistic amid the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff run concerns their top line and their lack of production.

Athletic ($): The Buffalo Sabers won a close Game 4 against the Habs. Here’s how Mattias Samuelsson led the defensive attack.

More confirmed ($): The Vegas Golden Knights won Game 5 last night and the Anaheim Ducks’ backs are against the wall. Despite being on the verge of extinction, this is why the young rebels are not worried, but curious.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

Sunny Mehta’s new right-hand man comes from the same organization from where the New Jersey Devils poached him.

Each of them got to work with and under Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito for several years, and we all saw how well built they were.

You can’t help but get excited by what New Jersey has to offer. More details on who Mehta appointed as his new assistant GM yesterday in the link below.

Also in the link, Devils draft targets, potential Blueshirts trade, and more.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: Sunny Mehta placed his first fingerprints on the front office, hiring Braden Birch—the Florida Panthers’ former director of hockey operations—as assistant general manager.

And if you were unsure about Birch, this Hall-of-Famer and future NHL executive had nothing but positive things to say about the new appointment:

Looking at the draft, I’m still of the position that Mehta should be traded with the 12th overall pick. However, if he doesn’t find a partner, here are five must-see forwards the Devils should target in the first round.

📺 devil’s rink report: There is debate over whether the Devils should retain their 12th overall pick or trade it for immediate help. On the Devils Rink Report YouTube channel, I explained clearly why they should be aggressive about doing this later.

Earlier this week, we went live with immediate reaction after the draft lottery. The full episode can be found here 👇🏼

Please like and subscribe our Youtube channel And turn on those notifications when we go live every Friday!

For podcast listeners, we have officially launched on multiple platforms. Listen to Devil’s Rink Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

Too! Devil’s Rink Report is now on TikTok – follow us here.

sign up for new jersey hockey now Newsletter for daily Devils intel straight to your inbox.

NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

Forever Blueshirts: That’s why the New York Rangers have a big decision to make when it comes to Drew Fortescue.

pittsburgh hockey now: The Pittsburgh Penguins certainly exceeded expectations this season by making the Stanley Cup playoffs. Here’s how each of the big three, Sindy Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, contributed.

Boston hockey now: That’s why the Boston Bruins are having to trade for speed and skill this summer.

Montreal hockey now: The Montreal Canadiens’ post-season success has been marked by consistency in goal. More from Mark Dumont about Jacob Dobbs on this occasion.

Colorado hockey now: That’s why Jared Bednar’s gamble on Mackenzie Blackwood in Game 3 paid off in the Colorado Avalanche’s 5-2 win over the Minnesota Wild and a 3-1 series lead.

Athletic ($): What will the New York Rangers do with their fifth overall selection? What Vince Mercagliano is hearing includes the possibility of a trade.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

One way or another, the New Jersey Devils need to upgrade this summer.

Will it be via trade or free agency? This is for Sunny Mehta to decide. However, one has fewer options than the other.

In the link given below, I have explained which path Sunny Mehta should take aggressively.

Elsewhere, how does the official salary cap affect the Blueshirts, Pittsburgh and others.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: Now that we’ve established that the 12th overall pick should definitely be acquired aggressively, here are four Devils trade targets Sunny Mehta should explore.

There is still hockey to be played and several Devils players will be playing in the World Championships in Switzerland. Paul Cotter is the latest to be named to Team USA.

📺 devil’s rink report: There is debate over whether the Devils should retain their 12th overall pick or trade it for immediate help. On the Devils Rink Report YouTube channel, I explained clearly why they should be aggressive about doing this later.

Earlier this week, we went live with immediate reaction after the draft lottery. The full episode can be found here 👇🏼

Please like and subscribe our Youtube channel And turn on those notifications when we go live every Friday!

For podcast listeners, we have officially launched on multiple platforms. Listen to Devil’s Rink Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

Too! Devil’s Rink Report is now on TikTok – follow us here.

sign up for new jersey hockey now Newsletter for daily Devils intel straight to your inbox.

NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

Forever Blueshirts: Here’s how much the New York Rangers will have to spend in free agency once the 2026-27 salary cap is officially finalized. This is a lot.

pittsburgh hockey now: Speaking of the new salary cap, here’s how it could affect the Pittsburgh Penguins’ rebuild.

San Jose Hockey Now: Sheng Peng says Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg are not the only ones to consider at second overall – if they are available. Here are five additional names the San Jose Sharks may consider.

Philly hockey now: The Philadelphia Flyers are coming. The Carolina Hurricanes are one game away from defeating a young Philly team. Here’s how they got there.

Montreal hockey now: Game 1 went to the Buffalo Sabers but despite the loss, here are three positives for the Montreal Canadiens.

Athletic ($): it’s early. However, here are Chris Johnston’s top-20 unrestricted free agents to watch.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

ipswich town achieved direct promotion to the Premier League after finishing second in the Championship.

Chuba Akpom played a role in Ipswich Town’s return to the top flight, managing two goals and one assist in 29 league appearances.

The English club initially signed him on loan from Ajax in August 2025.

Earlier that month, Sport Witness broadcast news Ipswich Town included a compulsory buyout in case of promotion. The same source said the price was €8m plus €2m in potential bonuses.

With their promotion to the Premier League confirmed, Ipswich Town made the 30-year-old be permanent On Tuesday. He has signed a contract at Portman Road until 2029.

Details of sale to Ipswich Town

De Telegraaf journalist Mike Verweij is delighted with Chuba Akpom’s permanent move to the English club and discussed the deal on the podcast Kick-Off. football news Circulating my comments.

The forward joined the Dutch club from Middlesbrough in August 2023 for around €12.3m.

Verweij says the sale raised €9.3m for Ajax.

Alex Kroos was technical director when Akpom moved to England on loan and left Ajax in January. The journalist praised the official for adding a buyout clause as part of the temporary deal.

“Alex Croes didn’t do many things right, but this is clearly a top segment,” He said.

“Especially because you see he didn’t even come on as a substitute in those promotion matches against Queens Park Rangers. He sat on the bench for 90 minutes. That’s been the situation for the last few weeks.

“I think the Ajax management are happy. Otherwise, you would not only not have got him back, but you would also have had to pay his huge salary next year. And you would never have been able to sell him for €9.3m.”

Akpom hopes for better performance in PL

Before joining Ipswich Town, Chuba Akpom played for several English clubs. These include Arsenal, Brentford, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, Hull City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Middlesbrough.

However, he has only played four matches in the Premier League with the Gunners. One was during the 2013/14 season and the remaining three were in the following season for a total of 28 minutes.

transfer market Estimate his value at €5m. The highest was €12m in June 2023, when he was at Middlesbrough.

After digesting Sunny Mehta’s comments as the new general manager of the New Jersey Devils, I understand that he hinted at the fate of the head coach.

His appearance at the convention was enough evidence for me to believe that Sheldon Keefe may return. But he said a lot more about Keefe that leads me to believe he’ll be behind the bench again next season.

More information on this in the Devil’s Rink Report link below.

Also below, a potential Devils trade partner, a big breakout in Ottawa, and much more.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: Sunny Mehta may already have a devil’s trade partner, as Manher, a fellow general, explained that no one on his team is untouchable.

📺 devil’s rink report: While Mehta pointed out that everything is still under evaluation, I discussed the latest Devils Rink report that it certainly seems like they hinted that Sheldon Keefe may remain as head coach.

Full episode here 👇🏼

Please like and subscribe our Youtube channel And turn on those notifications when we go live every Friday!

For podcast listeners, we have officially launched on multiple platforms. Listen to Devil’s Rink Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

Too! Devil’s Rink Report is now on TikTok – follow us here.

sign up for new jersey hockey now Newsletter for daily Devils intel straight to your inbox.

NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

Forever Blueshirts: That’s why the new leadership of Mika Zibanejad is important for the New York Rangers moving forward.

Athletic ($): Are the Anaheim Ducks witnessing the birth of a franchise defenseman? Jackson Lacombe is eye-opening in the first round against the Edmonton Oilers.

Pittsburgh hockey now: Put brooms away in Pennsylvania. Here’s how the changes gave the Pittsburgh Penguins new life in the Game 4 win that saved them from elimination.

Detroit hockey now: In the midst of missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, Steve Yzerman addressed the unwanted milestone.

Montreal hockey now: Here are the top three reasons why the Montreal Canadiens have the edge over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first-round series.

Carolina hockey now: Tyler Kleven delivered a powerful blow to Carolina Hurricanes’ Alexander Nikishin on Saturday as the Carolina Hurricanes swept the Ottawa Senators. Rod Brind’Amour addresses the hit and provides an update after the game.

Here’s the hit:

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Dallas Cowboys fans have a lot to look forward to. Not only is Cowboys owner Jerry Jones never afraid to make a big deal, but Dallas already enters April 23 with two first-round picks. Certainly, fireworks are in order.

Additionally, there are plenty of rumors suggesting the Cowboys are trying to trade for the prospect they want most. We now have a better idea of ​​which players the Cowboys have strong interest in.

According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Cowboys are actually leaning toward a huge defensive overhaul with their two first-round selections. They’re willing to negotiate a trade, but Dallas hasn’t really been very active in discussing deals yet this week. However, the two prospects the Cowboys have set their sights on are Miami running back Ruben Benn Jr. and Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.

The Giants trading up for the 10th pick could change how the draft board falls ahead of Dallas at No. 12. Previous reports indicated that the Cowboys were trying to trade up to the Giants at No. 5.

Well, now the Giants have traded ahead of the Cowboys for another pick before No. 12. Would this mark a move from Dallas? If so, Styles may actually be the player Dallas wants, as it is believed he could play the No. 5 spot for New York.

RELATED: Dallas Cowboys urged to trade for Pro Bowl cornerback

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Newcastle United’s The recruitment team didn’t need much convincing in Porto – but they might have walked away with some names confirmed rather than discovered.

The 1–1 draw with Nottingham Forest was far from a quiet game. Porto applied pressure, created chances and set up long spells. For a team like Newcastle, which values ​​intensity and physical output as much as technical quality, it was a useful environment in which to assess players.

portuguese newspapers game And to ball Both noted the presence of scouts from across Europe, including Newcastle United. And while several players impressed, two in particular felt like familiar checkpoints rather than new revelations.

Transfer target delivered for Newcastle United

William Gomes is not a new name for Newcastle United. The club kept an eye on him during his time in Sao Paulo’s academyWhen he was already building a reputation as a direct and productive winger.

Now at Porto, the 20-year-old is turning that promise into output. He scored the opener here with a well-timed run to the far post and was dangerous throughout.

Their numbers underline this trend. Three shots, two successful dribbles and six duels were won on the night. More broadly, he now has four in his last five games and 13 goals for the season, making him Porto’s second top scorer.

Gabry Veiga also falls into the category of “well-known”. Newcastle United were linked with him last summerWhen he was playing for Al-Ahly, and his performance here showed why he was of interest.

The 23-year-old was at the center of everything Porto did going forward. He assisted on the goal, completed 26 of 29 passes and created two clear chances. More than that, he set the pace. When Porto pushed the tempo, it usually started with him.

Fofana fits the Newcastle United mold

If Gomes and Veiga bring the talent, Sékou Fofana provides something closer to Newcastle’s identity. A true Czech Tiote-esque player.

The 30-year-old midfielder covered ground, advanced with the ball and made defensive contributions on the pitch. He recorded several recoveries, interceptions and duels won, as well as leading turnovers.

There is a familiarity in that profile. Newcastle have based much of their recent success on players who can do a little bit of everything, and Fofana fits that description perfectly.

Supporting cast and opposition notes

Pepe added energy from the bench and helped Porto maintain the pressure towards the end of the game. Young attacker Deniz Gul also showed flashes of brilliance as a more physical forward option, even if his influence faded with results.

For Nottingham Forest, Stefan Ortega was key in keeping the scores level. The Manchester City loanee made a number of vital saves which ensured Porto’s dominance did not translate into a lead.

What does this mean for Newcastle

It wasn’t about uncovering hidden gems. It was about confirming the impressions.

William Gomes is developing into a winger with real output. Gabriel Veiga is a midfielder who is capable of controlling the game. Sékou Fofana provides the kind of all-action presence that Newcastle value.

In that sense, the trip to Porto served its purpose. Not everything needs to be a surprise – sometimes it just needs explaining.

Serie A clubs have always been closely monitored Manchester UnitedJoshua Zirkzee. Now, Atalanta are keen on a transfer for the striker.

As recently as last week, sports witness Covered Napoli’s interest in the Dutchman. He is believed to have had preliminary talks with director Giovanni Manna Keane along with his crew.

This came after AS Roma attempted a deal in the winter. Manchester United’s demands proved problematic, as the Giallorossi could not match their price-tag.

Still, it feels like a return to Italy is inevitable for Zirkzee. This could also include a possible arrival at Old Trafford.

Atalanta on Manchester United transfer trail

All Atalanta According to reports the 24-year-old man had been a wanted man in Bergamo for a long time. Interest first came straight after his stint at Bologna and Atalanta are now pursuing a summer deal.

La Dea are receiving indications that Zirkzee will leave Manchester United in the summer. They want to take advantage of this and are keeping a close eye on the situation.

Raffaele Palladino considers the striker suitable for the setup, even if the deal is not easy. There is also competition from Roma and Como, with the situation being billed as a ‘transfer battle’.

Over the past few months, Manchester United Continuous Mentioned as a lover for Ederson. He had made an offer to them earlier too but it was not enough.

The Brazilian’s contract at Bergamo expires in 2027, which could give the Red Devils the opportunity of a summer deal.

All parties can benefit from the deal

It is becoming clear that Djirkzi has no future at Manchester United. He has not started even once under Michael Carrick and was not a key part of Ruben Amorim’s team either.

A move away from Old Trafford will help him and he has already made his mark in Serie A.

As far as Ederson is concerned, he is at the right age to take the big step. 2026 offers Atalanta the perfect time to make a sale, as they would not like to lose a key player for free in 2027, especially since he is not signing a new deal.

Furthermore, Manchester United is in dire need of midfielders as Casemiro is on his way out. It appears that Manuel Ugarte is also departing, making at least two midfield signings very important. Ederson fits this role, having played mainly as a number eight at Bergamo.

Nico Hischier’s uncertainty over his future with the New Jersey Devils must be troubling.

In light of the Devils firing general manager Tom Fitzgerald, Hischier was asked if he would be willing to sign an extension under a new arrangement when he became eligible on July 1.

His answer doesn’t give any confidence about his future in New Jersey.

“I’m just focused on playing hockey here,” Hischier said. “I still have another year. I’m with the Devils right now, and then we’ll see what happens.”

There is no way the Devils should trade Hischier if they have a feeling he wants to stay in New Jersey. However, if they get any suggestion that they want a change, there are ways for devils to come out of it with little or no loss.

First, the Devils will need a new GM. Whoever that GM is, he should be fired in the same manner as Vegas Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon – an offensive-minded manager who isn’t afraid to make a move for the betterment of his roster.

Once a GM’s name comes out and if there is any hesitation from Hischier to commit, the Devils should explore trade options.

Of course, that leaves New Jersey without a 2C. However, when they get there they will have to cross that bridge.

The Devils have two viable options to extract something in return for Hischier.

minnesota wild

On any other team that doesn’t have a top-10 player in the league like Jack Hughes, Hischier is a 1C. Well, the Minnesota Wild are hungry for a first-line center, and Hischier could be their solution.

In return?

The Devils are going to need Quinn Hughes.

New Jersey did not have a clear No. 1 defenseman heading into the 2025–26 season, something that ultimately led to their demise.

Recently, Luke Hughes and Dougie Hamilton have played better, and as a result, the Devils have improved.

Still, Quinn is the ultimate No. 1 defenseman, and transformed the Devils from the playoffs to a Stanley Cup contender.

Yes, Fitzgerald nails that situation in the 2025-26 season. Yet, he has yet to put pen to paper in Minnesota. If the Devils are adamant about uniting the Hughes tri-force in New Jersey, Hischier might be their best bargaining chip to do so.

It’s not over until it’s over. A new, aggressive GM should definitely explore this option.

ottawa senators

If not Quinn, Brady Tkachuk is the next best thing.

Up north, there is now speculation over Tkachuk’s future with the Ottawa Senators after some controversial comments on a podcast by Tkachuk and his brother Matthew Tkachuk.

Well, if there’s any reason to believe Tkachuk could be on his way out of Ottawa, he’s undoubtedly the next best thing to Jack Hughes, if it wouldn’t be Quinn.

Tkachuk and Jack have remained close through the United States Hockey Development Program. However, their friendship has grown to another level after Hughes and Tkachuk won gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Tkachuk would finally give the Devils a legitimate first line with Jack and Jesper Bratt.

On the contract side of things, both Tkachuk and Hischier’s contracts expire on July 1, 2027. The Senators captain has a full no-move clause, while there is a 10-team no-trade list.

Still, it’s hard to see a situation where Tkachuk refuses to be traded to New Jersey, a team that has the Jacks as the face of their franchise and is close enough to contend.

If the Devils captain indicates at all that he is not committed to remaining in New Jersey, a new GM should be aggressive but make sure he maximizes his return.

Quinn or Tkachuk certainly mitigate the damage of losing Hischier, though they will need to find a new 2C.

There’s still plenty of time to figure this out, but buckle up. It could be a bumpy ride.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Santiago Bueno has openly admitted that the club’s January transfer business has left the team “significantly weakened”.

talking to efe and relayed by Mundo DeportivoBueno addressed the impact of losing several players during the January window.

Jørgen Strand Larsson, John Arias, Emmanuel Egbadou, Fer López, Marshall Munetsi and Kijana Hoever all left Wolves in January, while the club only added Adam Armstrong and Angel Gomes.

The club saw those deals as part of a long-term team rebuild, with the prospect of a drop into the Championship becoming increasingly likely.

“We were weakened quite a bit” – Bueno on Wolves’ winter exit

Bueno appeared unhappy with the club’s turnover and made it clear how his departure affected the team.

“It was a little difficult for us because we were very depleted, and I don’t think we brought what it took to replace him,” He said.

“Despite this, the team is very united, and we are all pulling together to move forward.”

Why Fer López struggled and why Bueno still believes in him

While Strand Larsson, Arias and Egbadou left on permanent deals, Ferr López returned to former club Celta Vigo on loan.

He was one of several summer signings who failed to make an impact at Molineux this season.

Since returning to Spain, she has rediscovered her form and happiness. He now plays regularly for the team that finished seventh in La Liga and competes in the Europa League.

That turnaround has seen him go from starting just two league games at Wolves since his return to appearing in seven La Liga matches and three Europa League games. Expectations remain that he will leave permanently in the summer, but Bueno defended the 21-year-old.

“Feir is a brilliant player. He is a very young boy who has not played many professional matches. It is not easy to get to the Premier League, which is the most demanding league in the world,” He said.

“It is a very physical competition and very different from what they are used to, which is why the players need an adaptation period. The team situation also worked against them, and when such situations arise, it becomes very difficult.

“He is showing at Celta what a good player he is, and if not now, he will perform at this level here or wherever he plays in the future.”

A message the wolves can’t ignore

Santiago Bueno’s honesty reflects concerns shared by many supporters. Wolves needed reinforcements, not a net loss of quality.

His comments stop short of directly criticizing the club, but they do underline a team stretched thin and relying heavily on unity to reach the end of the season.

That unity has been visible lately, which can only be a positive for the difficult months ahead.

Newcastle United sent a representative to watch Brazilian team Gremio defender Vieri during Sunday’s Porto Alegre state championship final, according to a report from local outlet. globo esporte.

The Premier League club have been keeping an eye on the 21-year-old for some time. However, his latest performances have strengthened that interest.

Vieri has started Grêmio’s last three matches under manager Luis Castro. In total, he has already made seven appearances this season. His performance in a 3–0 win over local rivals Internazionale attracted particular attention. The centre-back’s precise tackle set up Grêmio’s second goal and the overall performance in the derby secured them the trophy.

That performance did not go unnoticed.

Newcastle United are monitoring closely

Newcastle officials were present at the Arena do Grêmio specifically to observe Vieri. Magpies representatives watched from the VIP box during the meeting with the player’s agents.

The Defender is seen internally as a promising long-term option.

The important thing is that this is not a sudden development. The Magpies have followed him since the start of the year. Meanwhile, Botafogo attempted to sign him on loan in January. Grêmio rejected the offer, believing that the purchase option was set too low.

As a result, the Brazilian club moved quickly to secure his future.

Vieri’s recent trajectory has shown resilience. Against Juventude, he conceded a penalty but responded by scoring from distance. That goal forced a draw and pushed the contest to penalties, where Grêmio advanced. Their response to adverse conditions has been noted locally.

Contract protection and financial picture

To protect themselves from increasing interest, Grêmio extended Vieri’s contract until December 2029. His previous deal was set to expire in 2027.

The new release clause reflects that confidence. For Brazilian clubs, it is around £10.5m (about €12m). For overseas sides, the figure is set at €50m (£43m).

That assessment sends a clear message. Gremio sees him as a key asset, not a short-term sale.

Vieri made his senior debut in 2025. He plays primarily as a centre-back, but can also operate as a left-back when required. At 21, he fits the profile that Newcastle often target – young, versatile and with resell potential.

What’s next for Newcastle?

There is no sign of a formal bid at this time. Nevertheless, Newcastle’s presence in such a high-profile match suggests genuine assessment rather than casual scouting.

If Vieri retains his starting role and continues to impress in major fixtures, the €50m (£43m) clause will be at the center of any discussion.

Much will depend on whether Newcastle decide whether they are ready for an immediate integration or to sign a long-term project. Either way, Gremio has firmly established itself in the conversation.

The Los Angeles Lakers underwent a change in leadership earlier this season, with longtime franchise owner Jenny Buss deciding to sell a majority share of the franchise to Mark Walter, who is now making some changes to the team’s brain trust. In recent days, the Lakers announced that executive Lon Rosen will be the team’s new president of business operations.

Rosen was the executive vice president and chief marketing officer of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Walter called on him to take on the role as president of the Lakers. With connections made during his time with the Dodgers, Rosen would enlist the help of Dodgers executives Andrew Friedman and Farhan Zaidi, the combo who led L.A.’s operations during consecutive World Series title-winning seasons.

For Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka, this means he will work closely with both of them, collaborating with them on roster personnel matters. According to Dan Woik of The Athletic, Pelinka “will continue to handle basketball operations” while working within an “expanded front office.”

The next few years are going to be important for the Lakers; They have to start completely building around Luka Doncic, which will take them a year or two.

The Lakers front office is poised to play a key role over the next few seasons

The Lakers’ trade for Doncic is one they would make 10 out of 10 times, but the roster they built was designed to maximize the James-Anthony Davis-led core. They are so lacking in defensive infrastructure that it will take a year or two for them to emerge as legitimate contenders in the West.

The team is preparing for the 2027 free agency period, when players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic could potentially hit free agency. It’s unclear whether Pelinka will remain with the Lakers until then, but it’s clear from their front office what the intention is.

Atletico Madrid have set their sights on Chelsea’s Nicholas Jackson, according to YW Sports.

At the end of last summer, Chelsea let the striker join Bayern Munich on loan with a conditional obligation to buy. This clause will come into effect if he makes a certain number of appearances this season.

The Senegal international has played 641 minutes in 22 matches in all competitions, scoring five goals and contributing one assist.

Bayern Munich unlikely to retain Chelsea player

Three months ago, Sports Witness Covered claims from Germany The Bundesliga side are unlikely to buy him for €65 million.

Next month, former Senegalese defender Ferdinand Colli urged the 24-year-old To finish this season at Bayern Munich.

He was confident that his compatriot would attract interest even if the Bavarian club decided against retaining the player.

Chelsea accepted his loan offer when Enzo Maresca was in charge at Stamford Bridge. Liam Rosenior replaced the Italian in January and it is unlikely to have any impact on Jackson’s future at the west London club.

Rosenior’s side considering summer sale

If Bayern Munich does not make his stay permanent, he will have to return to Chelsea. However, the report claims that a return is ‘not part of his immediate plans’ and the Premier League side are also considering selling him in the summer.

This comes as Diego Simeone’s side are keeping a close eye on the former Villarreal man’s situation.

Los Rojiblancos are expecting the exit of Julian Alvarez after this season and are considering options in the market.

YW Sport say the Madrid club see the Chelsea-owned player as an opportunity to market, with his ability to operate in multiple attacking positions also making HM an interesting target for Atletico.

The outlet says other teams, including ‘several English sides’, are also keeping an eye on Jackson. However, their details have not been mentioned. A move to Turkey could also be an option for Senegal in the next window.

Therefore, Wiw Sport State ‘Next summer could be a turning point for the Lions’ strikers, with a number of possibilities at their disposal.’

Atletico, for their part, are now focusing on the league clash against Espanyol and next week’s Champions League tie against Club Brugge. The first leg in Belgium ended in a 3–3 draw.