3 goalie coaches the Devils could pursue

It appears Sunny Mehta has gone through his process of identifying the New Jersey Devils’ weaknesses, and he has broken up with the dead weight.

Thus, Devils GM fired Dave Rogalski on Tuesday and is rehiring Sergei Brylin within the organization. He will not be in a coaching capacity.

Sheldon Keefe will remain as head coach of the Devils, and Keefe hired Brad Shaw and Jeremy Colliton to remain as his assistants.

However, the Devils need to replace Braylin behind the bench and hire Rogalski – widely known as the Martin Brodeur hire – as a goaltending coach.

The search to replace both is currently ongoing. Starting at the goaltending coach position, who could Mehta and Keefe pursue for the position?

Leo Luongo-Florida Panthers/Charlotte Checkers

Well, now that Mehta is in charge and Braden Birch as his right-hand man, why not go back to the Florida well that has worked so far?

Leo Luongo, younger brother of Hall-of-Fame goaltender Roberto Luongo, has played two NHL roles with the Florida Panthers. He was previously their goaltending development coach in 2020-21 – where he helped Sergei Bobrovsky have a strong year and helped Chris Dreigger turn in a stellar performance. He then graduated to Director of Player Development, and is now Director of Goaltending for Florida’s AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers.

Luongo is a member of a first-of-its-kind goaltending excellence department in Florida that has helped develop netminders such as Dreigger, Joey Daccord and Spencer Knight.

Part of Luongo’s responsibility as Director of Goaltending is to streamline the structure between Florida and Charlotte so that NHL and AHL goaltenders can receive similar development and mentorship.

In fact, he has been a key part of Florida’s organization that has helped Luongo and Florida win two Stanley Cups.

This would certainly bode well for NHL goaltenders and developing netminders like Mikhail Yegorov and Jakub Malek.

Luongo could also help develop his own goaltending excellence department in New Jersey and ultimately end the revolving door of weak goaltenders in the Devils organization.

Hannu Toivonen-Toronto Marlies

If we’re looking for a goaltending coach to match Keefe, look no further than Hannu Toivonen, who overlapped with Keefe for three seasons in the Toronto organization.

Former pro goaltender turned goalie coach Toivonen has been labeled the Toronto Marlies goaltending guru after helping bring Ilya Samsonov back to NHL standard and successfully develop Dennis Hildeby early in his career.

With Samsonov in particular, Toivunen’s task was to get him back on track as a goaltender after taking a leave of absence for a “physical and mental reset”.

Toivonen’s role in Samsonov’s resurgence when he returned on January 14 after a 10-day reset was instrumental in his return to the Maple Leafs on the tail end of the 2023–2024 season. Samsonov posted a well below average .862 SV$ and 3.94 GAA in his first 15 games. He was assigned to the AHL Marlies to work on himself, and Samsonov received dedicated one-on-one mentoring from Toivonen.

Through focused sessions on the ice and support from the team’s development and performance staff, Toivonen helped Samsonov rebuild his confidence, refine his technique, and restore his mental intensity. The results were shocking. Upon his return, Samsonov delivered a much-improved .904 SV% and 2.70 GAA over his final 25 games, demonstrating the profound impact of Toivonen’s guidance in helping the Russian netminder regain his form and stabilize the Maple Leafs’ crease.

Now, it appears Toivonen is grooming another young goaltender in Toronto, named Artur Akhtyamov, who finished his first season as the starting goaltender for the Marlies with a 2.88 GAA and .904 SV% in 37 games. Akhtiyamov carried his strong regular season performance into the postseason where he has posted a 2.25 GAA and .916 SV% in eight games so far.

A source told New Jersey Hockey Now that Toivonen is “deserving of a promotion” and would be an excellent choice to take over the Devils’ vacant position.

Curtis Sanford-Toronto Maple Leafs

It seems more like the Devils could take Toivonen from Toronto rather than displace Curtis Sanford, who is already the goaltending coach in Toronto.

However, the Maple Leafs are going through changes of their own, and the arrival of a new head coach does not guarantee Sanford will remain in his position.

Sanford is a former NHL goaltender turned coach who has spent his coaching career in the Maple Leafs, Utica Comets and Abbotsford Canucks organizations.

In Toronto, Craig Berube inherited Sanford, who was hired by Keefe as goaltending coach in 2022–23.

Their most recent results don’t jump off the page in terms of their goaltenders’ performance. However, this is a result of the team’s poor performance overall.

In recent seasons, Sanford has put up some solid numbers from goaltenders such as Martin Jones, Joseph Woll, and Anthony Stolarz.

Depending on his luck in Toronto, Sanford’s familiarity with Keefe could attract him to New Jersey as the 46-year-old goalie coach looks to continue his career in the NHL.

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#goalie #coaches #Devils #pursue

Las Vegas Raiders tipped to pursue All-Pro pass-catcher

Most would agree that the Las Vegas Raiders have done a good job of rebuilding immediately and building a much stronger supporting cast for Kirk Cousins ​​and Fernando Mendoza than they did with Geno Smith last year.

While the offensive line has improved, questions remain at the pass-catcher position. Have the Raiders provided their new-look QB room with enough weapons?

Sports IllustratedEva Geitheim doesn’t think so, but she has a possible solution in mind. He believes the Raiders should try to sign free agent receiver Deebo Samuel.

“The Raiders haven’t invested any high picks in a receiver during this year’s draft, and need more help at the position. Deebo Samuel is no longer as explosive as he was at his peak, but he remained productive last season in Washington as he recorded 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns. New coach Clint Kubiak is familiar with Samuel, dating back to his time on the 49ers in 2023. “, making Las Vegas a perfect fit for the veteran wideout.”

SI’s Eva Geitheim on the Raiders signing Deebo Samuel

Samuel, a one-time All-Pro receiver, is still only 30 years old. While Samuel only recorded 727 receiving yards last season, that’s 31 more than any Raiders player in 2025.

He may not fit the profile of a No. 1 receiver, but there’s no doubt that Samuel could help provide a spark for the Raiders as a complement to Brock Bowers. The question is whether there is mutual interest in it.

Although Samuel has not been linked to another team, it is possible he would welcome the opportunity the Raiders could provide. The Raiders signed Jalen Naylor to a three-year, $35 million contract this offseason and expect him to be one of their premier pass-catchers. He will compete for targets with 2025 second-round pick Jack Beech, 2025 fourth-round pick Donte Thornton and Trey Tucker.

The Raiders may prefer to roll the dice on a young man they are developing into reliable playmakers. If that’s the case, they probably wouldn’t call up a veteran like Samuel. Still, if Las Vegas goes into camp and realizes their prospects aren’t quite ready for primetime, Samuel could be just what the Raiders need.

RELATED: 2026 NFL QB rankings: From the NFL’s worst starting QBs to the best

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‘Will not find the door closed’ – Sunderland encouraged to pursue summer move

Sunderland Having previously tried to sign Andre-Frank Zambo Anguilla from Napoli, he has been given encouragement for another move.

Last summer, there were doubts over the Cameroon international’s future at Naples. This came as Napoli won their second Serie A title in three years, with the midfielder once again making a key contribution.

That’s when Sunderland attempted to sign the ex-Fulham player upon their return to the top-flight. sports witness Covered his approach, as Zambo Anguilla preferred to compete for silverware for Napoli rather than head to the Stadium of Light.

There were indications that his family were keen to return to England, but that did not change the 30-year-old’s mind.

Now, things are changing and Regis Le Bris’ team has been given a chance.

napoli now open for sale

Il Mattino – relayed by footballnapoli1926There are reports that several Napoli players could end up in England in the summer.

There is a possibility that Zambo Anguilla goes down that route. The newspaper has made it clear that if the Black Cats come forward to Cameroon, this time they will ‘not find the door closed’.

The Italian giants are aware that they may be forced to sell some key players this summer. Zambo Anguissa is now seen as a senior member of the team, but he could depart in 2027 with his current deal intact.

This makes 2026 the last opportunity for Napoli to make some significant earnings from player sales.

Zambo Anguissa’s family are also believed to be keen to return to England. This could swing things in Sunderland’s favour, as Napoli are currently prioritizing a sale over Premier League clubs.

Our View: The Black Cats must rise to the occasion

The former Fulham man is unlikely to spend much on a move in the summer due to his contract situation.

Last summer, Sunderland signed a Premier League-proven midfielder in Granit Xhaka. Like the Swiss star, Zambo Anguilla has also won league titles while away from the English top-flight. He is even younger than Xhaka was when he arrived at the Stadium of Light.

The only drawback to this move would be Zambo Anguilla’s recent fitness record. He has struggled physically this season and it has held him back throughout the campaign.

But for a low fee, he could be a gamble worth taking on for Sunderland.

#find #door #closed #Sunderland #encouraged #pursue #summer #move

Arsenal pursue 18-year-old forward – what makes the player so special

armory

armory Sao Paulo youngster Lucca Marques is being monitored, with Sport Witness sources having previously revealed the Gunners’ strong interest in the 18-year-old.

Our initial report Now its importance is increasing as the player’s profile continues to rise in Brazil. But how does he play, and why is he attracting the attention of Arsenal, a club already equipped with a diverse range of forwards?

Arsenal transfer profile and playing style

Lucca Marques, born in 2007, is one of the standout products of São Paulo’s Cotia academy.

Arsenal transfer target joined at under-11 level and quickly built a reputation for his goal threat. His most productive youth campaign came at under-17 level, when he scored 12 goals in 34 matches.

Since then they have grown rapidly. He played a key role in São Paulo’s Copinha-winning campaign, playing eight matches and starting six. Soon after, he was promoted to the senior team by Luis Zubeldia, the manager at the time.

Standing at 1.72 meters tall, Lucca is a right-footed attacker who prefers to operate on the wings. From either side, he cuts inside while maintaining control on his stronger foot.

He is primarily used on the left, but he is also comfortable switching to the right wing or operating more centrally as an attacking midfielder. That versatility adds another layer to his profile and Arsenal transfer interest.

During his time at senior level, he has often been deployed on the left flank, which is not a problem for him at all. His Historic equalizer against Libertad The score was scored from that position.

Close control and unpredictability

Luca Marx is in first place for his ball control. He keeps the ball extremely close to his feet, allowing him to work into tight spaces and make quick escapes from pressure. In youth football, he has consistently been viewed as a difficult player for this reason.

That control directly impacts its unpredictability. While many reverse wingers rely only on cutting inside, Lucca mixes up his decisions well. He can cut infield to shoot or combine, but he also attacks the outside lane and drives to the byline.

Because of this, defenders have difficulty reading him. They cannot fully commit to blocking the inside channel or the outside run. That hesitation becomes one of his main weapons.

Movement, deception and decision making

Another notable element of Lucca Marques’s game is how much he moves across the pitch. He does not remain confined to any one zone. Instead, he constantly changes positions to find space and receive the ball in better situations.

He often tries to isolate defenders in one-on-one situations. Once there, his ability to conceal his next action becomes critical. He can accelerate quickly, stop quickly, or change direction with minimal backlift.

This deceptive style is unusual for a right-footed player. Generally, attackers attacking from the right side attack with the left foot. Arsenal’s goal contradicted that expectation. When he drives inside with his stronger foot, he often catches defenders off balance.

Also, he shows patience beyond his years. In moments close to goal, he makes cool decisions, whether that means finishing or picking out a pass.

Even though he was playing as a left inverted winger, his equalizer against Libertad is a good example – receiving wide out, cutting inside, dribbling with close control and delivering precise strikes under pressure.

Furthermore, he is not physically imposing, especially against a tough team like Arsenal. But he compensates for this with speed and agility. His speed over short distances helps him create quick separation.

For Mikel Arteta, that flexibility may be particularly relevant. The club already has a wide range of options, each with a different profile. What Lucca offers is a blend of technical control, speed and unpredictability that is not easy to find.

Arsenal leading the race as interest is confirmed

That profile explains why Arsenal have moved up quickly. This also explains why competition is now increasing.

german outlet image The situation has now been confirmed and an important detail has been added: Arsenal are currently the frontrunners in the race for Lucca Marx.

Borussia Dortmund are also in the picture and have made a detailed investigation into the player. However, the German outlet indicates that the Premier League side are ahead at this stage.

With Lucca under contract until 2028, Sao Paulo are in a strong position. His current valuation sits around €3m (£2.6m), but any deal is expected to be much higher than this figure.

For Arsenal, the decision may now revolve around timing. Move quickly, and they’ll secure a high-end talent. Wait, competition is likely to increase rapidly.


#Arsenal #pursue #18yearold #player #special

The Arizona Cardinals could pursue a top running back for Mike LaFleur’s offense

The Arizona Cardinals offense will get a new look in 2026 after firing Jonathan Gannon and hiring Mike LaFleur as head coach. However, after finishing 23rd in scoring, a change is a good thing in this regard.

One particular area where Arizona struggled mightily was with a rushing attack that finished with the second fewest yards. Yet, after season-ending injuries to James Conner, Jonavon Knight, and Trey Benson, their ground game did not receive much of a chance.

With the Cardinals entering a new regime, perhaps it’s time for a fresh start, too.

Recently, ESPN’s Rich Cimini suggested that the Cardinals could be a suitor for one of the top free agent running backs available, the Jets’ Breece Hall.

“He (Breece Hall) will only be 25, which is one reason why he will be one of the most coveted free agents. The Arizona Cardinals, coached by former Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, could be a potential suitor.”

ESPN’s Rich Cimini on Breece Hall

Connor is under contract through 2026, but it’s likely the Cardinals will move on from the 30-year-old after he was limited to just three games last season. Connor has a cap hit of $9.6 million for next season, but he is also a two-time Pro Bowler.

Still, Hall, who is also excellent as a pass-catcher, is six years younger, and he is more versatile for Coach LaFleur’s offense. If the price is right, Arizona, which is projected to have about $33 million in cap space, could use a portion of it on Hall.

RELATED: Arizona Cardinals linked to future Hall of Fame QB

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Club maintains contact with Manchester United bench warmer – plans to pursue summer exit

Turkish club Besiktas has not cut off contact with Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayandir. They will try to sign him in the summer transfer window.

This is according to Photomack. The Turkish outlet reports that Besiktas management will attempt to finalize a deal for the summer after failing in January.

Beyinder looks set to leave Manchester United in the near future after slipping down the pecking order at the Old Trafford. He found himself as the number one last season while Andre Onana was struggling.

But Sené Lammens’ impressive performances since his summer arrival have changed that. He is now second best under Michael Carrick.

january transfer window interest

This led to interest in him during the January transfer window. Sport Witness covered two separate reports regarding his future.

The first one actually came out back in November. It added that Besiktas were interested. If they find a way, the goalkeeper can return to his homeland.

Then, at the end of the transfer window, Sport Witness again covered a report In which it was said that Manchester United had blocked the exit at the last minute. It appears that they are leaving any business until the summer.

Now Fotomac reports that Besiktas intend to return for the Manchester United goalkeeper in the summer.

They have not broken contact with him but have maintained it. Instead, their plan is to finalize a deal in the summer by ‘pushing the boundaries’ during the summer window. It seems his plan is to get the best deal possible from Manchester United.

it makes sense to get out

Maybe Beindir will help on that front. His time at Old Trafford was not an enjoyable one, with only 17 appearances to his name in all competitions. They have conceded 31 of these goals and kept only three clean sheets.

Having been dominant since day one, he is now firmly behind Senne Lammens and is unlikely to replace him if he remains fit. A return to Türkiye would make sense, and it looks like Besiktas wants to do that.

#Club #maintains #contact #Manchester #United #bench #warmer #plans #pursue #summer #exit