The Montreal Canadiens were expected to sign top prospect Michael Hayes over the weekend, now that their team is out of the NCAA Frozen Four.

The University of Michigan was upset by the University of Denver in the semifinals, losing a 4–3 decision in double overtime. Hayes was sparingly used, as he was dealing with an injury that caused him to miss the previous elimination game.

However, according to reports, Hayes will return to the NCAA to play his junior season, which means he will not join the Montreal Canadiens until the end of the 2026–27 season. This development is quite surprising, given that most insiders assumed a deal was imminent, and yet, beyond the disappointment of failing to add a high-end prospect to the mix, the decision makes sense when evaluating all angles.

seeing the forest for the trees

While Hayes represents the team’s best hopes to ultimately fill the No. 2 center spot internally, it is questionable whether he will be able to provide an immediate impact when making the jump from amateur to professional hockey, which is one of the biggest challenges any young player will face early in his career.

By staying in the NCAA for an additional season, not only would Hayes have another chance to win a national championship, thus erasing the bad taste left in his mouth by his recent elimination, it would also allow him to fine-tune some aspects of his skill set that are not considered ready for the NHL, including his defensive positioning.

He will still be considered Montreal’s top prospect after the season ends, and it is highly unlikely he will want to waive his rights, and sign with another NHL club. More likely, once he signs his entry-level contract, the Canadiens will get a polished player who is fresh off a dominant season as one of the best athletes in the NCAA.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

As the NHL season draws to a close, awards voting is just around the corner. From the Senators’ perspective, Travis Greene deserves a mention in the Jack Adams race. Jake Sanderson does the same in Norris Conversation. However, perhaps most deserving of the Selke Trophy debate for the league’s top defensive forward is Shane Pinto. Let’s get into the details.

Read more: It’s time to rally around Brady Tkachuk

shane pinto by numbers

The fun part about this award is that the offensive numbers somehow matter. It’s almost as if this award goes to the best defensive forward who also puts up big-time offensive stats. I guess it can be argued that spending time in the offensive zone is great defense, but then you might as well give the award to Connor McDavid every year. Shane Pinto is a true defense-first forward. His offensive numbers are solid, but he is the third-ranked offensive center with the Senators behind Tim Stuetzle and Dylan Cozens. His job is to defend first and foremost. Here are some key numbers to show Pinto’s defensive value:

• 2:13 Shorthand time on ice/game
• 2 shorthand goals, 4 shorthand points
• 49 blocked shots
• 68.6% of defensive zones start at even strength
• 297 defensive zone faceoff

Pinto ranks first or second among Senators forwards in all of the above statistics. To the Senators’ credit, they have some forwards who take their defensive responsibilities very seriously. Guys like Ridley Gregg, Michael Amadio and Claude Giroux all deserve a lot of credit for helping the Sens become one of the best defensive teams in the NHL.

However, it is the Pinto that stands above them all. A goal late? Pinto will be on ice. Murder as punishment? Pinto is out there. Matching the opposition’s best line-up? Pinto is given work again and again. Often, he is successful in neutralizing the other team’s best offensive players.

Ottawa Senators defensive numbers

The Senators are a middling team in terms of goals against. They rank 17th, giving up 3.04 goals per game. Their penalty kill is even worse, ranking 29th in the NHL at 75%. Goaltending has been the main reason for those failures. His .876 SV% ranks 30th in the NHL, and that’s actually an improvement from the beginning of the year. On January 30 he had a league worst .866 SV. Even their current save percentage is the franchise’s worst since 1993–94. Shorthanded, Linus Ullmark has a save percentage of .811 while Levi Merilainen is even worse at .806.

The Senators are allowing just 24.4 shots per game. This ranks third-best in the NHL behind the Hurricanes (23.8) and Golden Knights (24.3). These three are far ahead of the rest of the players in the league. The fourth-best team, the Flyers, are worse at 25.4 shots against per game. In fact, these three teams have remained in the top three for the last 13 years. In terms of shot attempts, the Senators are third (3,299) behind the Hurricanes (3,032) and Lightning (3,248).

Travis Green deserves a lot of credit for the Senators’ defensive play. The forward he relies on most to lead the team in the mentality of blocking shots is undoubtedly Shane Pinto. Green is sure to give Stützle and Cozens more offensive opportunities and better offensive wingers. Pinto’s most common classmates are Giroux, Amadio, Greg, and Cousins. When you’re on Pinto’s line, you know to expect the best forward from other teams, and a lot of defensive zone starts occur.

final thoughts

It’s clear how much other teams think of the Senators’ defensive game. Opposing coaches and players have often commented on how difficult it is to play against the Senators. His strength is bullet prevention and Shane Pinto is at the forefront in this regard.

It can be difficult to value defensive play. Goaltending, linemates, and the situations that coaches put players in play a factor in the advanced metrics that people point to for defensive value. This is where the old eye test becomes so valuable. Watching the Senators, it’s clear how much Pinto means to the team. 20+ goals and 40+ points are nice, but it’s his defensive game that shines most.

Inevitably, awards voting is often narrative based. Groupthink is also often involved. In Selke’s case, it seems a player has to build up a few years before he can be seriously considered for the award. Well, why not start the buildup to Shane Pinto now? He is as valuable a defensive forward as there is in the entire NHL. It’s time for people to realize how worthy he is of Selke Trophy votes.

Danny was born and raised in Ottawa and still lives in that city. He has followed… more about Danny McCloskey

The Montreal Canadiens are one of the hottest teams in the NHL, and they could be getting a very interesting reinforcement in the form of NCAA star Michael Hayes.

The 19-year-old Hayes enjoyed a stellar sophomore season with the University of Michigan, scoring 13 goals and 39 assists in 39 games. He finished the season with 52 points, more than Gavin McKenna (Penn State), Porter Martone (50 points, Michigan State) and James Hagens (47 points, Boston College).

But for Hayes it’s not just a matter of production.

His playing style is the epitome of dynamic hockey.

He executes his plays at full speed, combining elite playmaking with high-level vision. This is the driving force behind Hayes’ No. 1 ranking among Montreal Canadiens prospects, as voted on by Habs fans.

In that way, despite the fact that he has only spent two seasons in the NCAA, and has yet to play a single game of professional hockey, you can argue that Hayes is one of the team’s most NHL-ready prospects.

“Michigan lost, the Michael Hayes clock is on,” Elliotte Friedman explained on his latest 32 Thoughts podcast. “We’ll see where it goes in the next few days.”

michael hayes status

We can expect Hayes to sign a contract in the near future, although the nature of said contract may vary. As established by Nicolas Cloutier, the contract will not necessarily last in the NHL, even though this is the most likely scenario. There is a possibility that Hayes and the Canadiens will want to test the waters in the AHL through an amateur tryout before signing an NHL deal.

However, in all likelihood Hayes will want to waste a year of his entry-level contract by signing in the NHL, which will lead to some important decisions in Montreal’s lineup.

Hayes is currently dealing with an injury that caused him to miss a few playoff games for the University of Michigan, so rushing out a contract signing is not a priority when it comes to signing, but once he is ready to play, head coach Martin St-Louis will need to establish the ideal usage for the talented prospect.

It’s a situation that’s complicated by the team’s injuries, or lack thereof.

The Habs are a remarkably healthy team at the moment, a rare occurrence for an organization known for overstocking hospitals.

On the flip side of the coin, just because a player is given the green light to play in the NHL doesn’t mean they aren’t going to struggle with minor issues. Many, if not most, NHL players have persistent health issues that are not serious enough to keep them out of the lineup.

With that in mind, the Canadiens may be able to rest some of their players in the final stretch of the season. Of course, the fact that first place in the Atlantic Division is still up for grabs may influence Montreal’s roster decisions, but I digress.

Montreal Canadiens Forward Situation

The only forward who is still on the mend is Patrik Laine, leaving 14 healthy players fighting for 12 spots. That number will increase to 15 if Hayes signs a contract, allowing at least three forwards to see games in the press box as healthy scratches.

It’s also important to remember that Hayes is expected to eventually become one of the top-six players for the Canadiens, meaning the ideal usage would involve filling that role as early as possible. Hopefully, the days of forcing an extremely talented young player to be on the fourth line in a role unsuitable for his skill set are over.

Given that there is little chance that Saint-Louis will want to disrupt his elite first line (again), the second line signals for the hedge.

And yet, given that the only two relatively permanent players on the second line are also first-year players (Ivan Demidov and Oliver Kapanen), there is some logic in suggesting that running a trio with three rookies could spell trouble.

But if there’s one coach in the NHL who will give the experiment a legitimate shot, it’s definitely St.-Louis.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers failed to live up to expectations last season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Now, coming off an offseason that created a void with the departures of Lavonte David and Mike Evans, it appears a major change could be coming early in the 2026 NFL Draft.

ESPN’s Jordan Reed wrote that he believes there is a “very real possibility” that the Buccaneers select Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Saadiq with the 15th overall pick.

RELATED: 2026 dynasty fantasy football rankings by position, including Kenyon Saadiq

The 6-foot-3 Sadiq earned second-team All-American honors at Oregon last season and won the Big Ten Tight End of the Year award. He is viewed as a consensus top-20 talent in the 2026 NFL Draft class, with many viewing him as one of the best offensive weapons in the class.

He has been compared to All-Pro tight end Trey McBride by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, partially due to his running routes at all three levels and his ability to generate yards after the catch. Additionally, as another benefit to the NFL team that landed him, he has demonstrated a willingness to block and is at least usable in that role with room for improvement.

RELATED: Buccaneers interested in former first-round pick

Reed noted that tight end is one of the positions that the Buccaneers front office and coaching staff are “keying in” as potential Round 1 areas to address. Barring a trade, Sadiq would be the only tight end worth considering with a top-20 selection.

Tampa Bay seems relatively set at wide receiver with the trio of Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan for a three-receiver set. However, under new offensive coordinator Zach Robinson, it also appears that we could see more than 12 personnel sets from the Buccaneers’ offense in 2026. If so, Sadiq could potentially overtake Cade Otton as the top threat at the position.

If Saadiq is off the board while the Buccaneers are on the clock with the 15th overall pick, Tampa Bay is also reportedly eyeing the defensive end. With several edge rushers projected to go in the top 20, there’s a good chance the Buccaneers land one of their top targets.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

Flori Bidunga is the top college basketball player in the NCAA transfer portal. Coming off a breakout season with the Kansas Jayhawks, Bidunga is an elite defensive anchor and high-efficiency finisher known for his incredible shot-blocking and explosive athleticism. The 20-year-old is dominant in the paint, shooting 64% from the field.

During the 2025–26 season, Bidunga averaged 13.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.6 blocks per game. The 6-foot-10 standout finished seventh with a 64.0 field goal percentage while playing 31.6 minutes per match. Needless to say, Bidunga is going to demand a hefty price in the NCAA transfer portal.

Here are the five best landing spots for Bidunga as a top transfer player.

North Carolina Tar Heels

The North Carolina Tar Heels are looking to rebuild under new head coach Michael Malone, and Flory Bidunga would be a wonderful pick. With Caleb Wilson and Henry Visser likely leaving for the NBA, North Carolina could use a player of Bidunga’s caliber. The only drawback may be the unpredictability of Malone’s coaching style in college basketball.

louisville cardinals

The Louisville Cardinals are looking to bounce back after a disappointing season. Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey had a great first year, but the continuity did not carry into his second campaign. Now, Bidunga is scheduled to meet with the Cardinals on Friday, and if all goes well, he could eventually leave Kansas for Louisville.

St. John’s Red Storm

The St. John’s Red Storm need to replace Zubie Ejiofor, and Bidunga would be an excellent option. Ejiofor had elite defensive versatility, rim protection and rebounding with St. John’s, matching Bidunga’s strength on the court. If St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino wants to keep the same blueprint, Bidunga should be on the first line.

duke blue devils

The Duke Blue Devils would love to add Bidunga to their frontcourt. Patrick Ngongba is expected to declare for the NBA Draft, creating a huge need for a big man for the 2026-27 college basketball season. It would be a steep price to land Bidunga, but he would fit head coach John Scheyer’s system as Duke tries to climb the hill.

michigan wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines could lose Ade Mara and Moraz Johnson Jr. to the NBA Draft, leaving Budinga as an excellent fit. Even if Johnson stays, the 20-year-old big man will be a great addition to the frontcourt as head coach Dusty Mays looks for another national championship. Michigan is a major destination for transfer players, and Budinga will be an anchor for the team.

READ MORE: John Blackwell enters transfer portal – top 5 landing spots

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

Guglielmo Vicario has struggled tottenham Discussion has now intensified regarding his future throughout the season and transfer.

sports witness Inter Milan’s interest in the Italian has been covered, as they are about to lose Yann Sommer. Vicario is believed to be keen on the move and has already agreed personal terms with the Nerazzurri.

Claims regarding Tottenham’s asking price have varied. But it has become clear that Inter Sporting director Piero Ausilio has met with Vicario’s agent, and watched the player in the Champions League game against Atletico Madrid.

With time ticking towards the end of the season, Inter are now highly focused on bringing the goalkeeper back to Italy.

Tottenham player discussed during transfer meeting

calciomarket Pasquale GuaroJoe, an authority on Inter, reports that there is a positive mood at the Nerazzurri right now. They defeated rivals Roma and have a shot at the Serie A title.

As a result, they want to make plans for their youth setup and summer transfers. Oaktree ownership held a series of meetings with several sections of the club to discuss some priority areas. A transfer meeting was held yesterday and Tottenham’s Vicario was a topic.

He is currently Inter’s priority target to replace Sommer. The aim is to further the discussion regarding the 29-year-old and reach a consensus regarding a move for him.

Vicario appears to be ‘the only name on the table’ at the moment, which shows how important the goalkeeping role is for Cristian Chivu’s side.

TeaOttenham should be prepared for the approach

Inter Milan wants Vicario, that much is clear. They also tried to sign him before Tottenham bought him from Empoli, where he impressed between the sticks.

Now, he has a very good relationship with his agent, Gabriele Giuffrida. This would help with summer transfers, as Vicario’s contract expires in 2028. This makes 2026 the best time for him to leave Tottenham.

This will be beneficial for Intermediate also. The Italy international’s standard has dropped, giving Chivu’s side the chance to negotiate a good discount. They are not going to spend much on the market, so it could all depend on how much Spurs want for their stopper.

It seems as if Inter are slowly tightening their grip on the deal. With personal terms agreed, they can now put pressure on Vicario to make a move to Tottenham.

A new ESPN NFL mock draft shows a player who is often projected to be picked in the top five this month will fall to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12 overall.

After another seven win season, the Cowboys need to improve their selection in this month’s NFL Draft. Fortunately for Dallas, they will have a chance to add two top-20 players to the event after acquiring an additional first-round pick before this season’s trade deadline.

Along with their two selections in Round 1 – 12 and 20, respectively – the Cowboys have been linked to a variety of stud prospects, including Tennessee cornerback Jerrod McCoy and Washington receiver Denzel Boston. However, along with two first-rounders, they have also been linked to a top-five trade-up to land one of the best players in this year’s class.

However, they may not need to give up one of those selections in order to bring elite talent to the event. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Peter Scherzer released his new NFL mock draft, and at pick 12, he has the Cowboys getting Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs.

Caleb Downs stats: 68 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions

He wrote, “Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia told me on ‘The Schrager Hour’ that Downs will be the smartest player on whichever team drafts him and should be the face of the franchise.” “The Cowboys need that on defense, even if the safety isn’t given the same importance as a pass rusher or cornerback.

“Downs can team up with Jalen Thompson and Malik Hooker and help cut down the big plays that plagued Dallas last season. If he’s on the board, he’ll be a steal at No. 12.”

There has been much speculation that Downs could go fifth to the New York Giants. Additionally, many draft analysts view him as one of the most NFL-ready players in this year’s class due to his impressive versatility and high football IQ. The All-American and Jim Thorpe Award winner had 68 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions and a sack last season.

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

Big changes are coming for the New York Islanders. The main focus is on their new head coach, but they are also considering recalling their top prospect.

Addressing the Islanders media regarding the firing of Patrick Roy and the hiring of Peter DeBoer, general manager Matthew Darche did not rule out recalling top prospect Victor Eklund.

“We’re looking at everything,” Darche said. “Every day we want to have the best roster we have [on the ice]”

As his season in Sweden ended, on March 26, Eklund was reassigned by the Islanders from Djurgården of the SHL to the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League. Since then, he has recorded six assists in four games while showing exceptional offensive creativity.

“It was really fun,” Eklund said. “I wanted to play as soon as possible because I was so excited.”

Eklund’s brief sample of AHL success comes off the back of a solid SHL season in which he scored six goals and 24 points in 43 games as a 19-year-old.

Now, the Islanders have tightened their belts after falling out of playoff position as a result of a four-game slump and a 3-7-0 record in their last 10 games.

Thus, Roy is out, and DeBoer is in, as Darche is not going to let the season he is having go to waste by acquiring Brayden Schenn at the 2026 NHL trade deadline.

The Islanders are out of playoff position with 89 after they were eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday. The Flyers have a game in hand on the Islanders, so Darche and company, and sidelining Eklund with four games left in the season and the Stanley Cup playoffs on the line, will speak volumes about the confidence the Islanders organization has in Eklund.

The Islanders drafted Eklund in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft with the first of back-to-back selections they received from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Noah Dobson.

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

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell revealed this week that one of his top players could have an expanded role next season.

After a two-point winless season, the Lions took a disappointing 2025. Went 9-8 and missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season. This will be an important offseason, and in an effort to get more out of his talented offense next season, Campbell has made some notable changes.

Offensive coordinator John Morton is out, being replaced by Drew Petzing. The Lions hired former New York Giants OC Mike Kafka as their new passing game coordinator, and added fan favorite lineman Dan Skipper as an offensive assistant. However, this may not be the only notable change to the offense in 2026.

“We didn’t look at Jahmir Gibbs as a runner. He was a weapon,” Campbell said in NFL meetings this week. [h/t Pro Football Talk]. “We felt like Gibbs, this guy is going to explode. Yes, he’s a runner. He can run all schemes; he can run inside, outside, perimeter, but he can also be lethal out of the backfield, and we’re not even there yet.

Jahmir Gibbs stats (2025): 243 rushes, 1,223 rushing yards, 77 catches, 616 receiving yards, 18 total TDs

He said, “We think this guy can play some receiver roles. He’s dynamic, and he’s a difference maker. Those don’t come around very often.”

Last season, Gibbs solidified his place as one of the best backs in the NFL, not just by posting 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. He also had 77 catches for 616 yards and five more TDs. Right now it can be said that he is already a receiver.

However, it seems like Campbell wants to step aside and line up the three-time Pro Bowler as a wide receiver next season. Which will give the Detroit offense another look that is hard to match.

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

According to ESPN’s updated NFL Mock Draft, the player who looked likely to be taken early in the top 10 of the NFL Draft will fall to the Miami Dolphins at No. 11 overall.

After a disappointing 7–10 season, change was expected. However, Miami fans got more than they expected. He fired head coach Mike McDaniels and replaced him with Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Then they started working on reimagining the roster.

The Dolphins took on a lot of dead cap, breaking up with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, linebacker Bradley Chubb and receiver Tyreek Hill. They then traded veterans Minkah Fitzpatrick and Jaylen Waddle. The bold overhaul has left glaring holes on the roster, especially in the wide receiver room.

That’s why the Dolphins have been linked to several pass catchers with their pick at No. 11 in the draft, including USC’s Makai Lemon and Arizona State’s Jordan Tyson. However, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper believes a stud WR prospect who many thought could go top five will fall to Miami.

Will Carnell Tate fall to the Dolphins at No. 11 in the NFL Draft?

“Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill are gone. But Carnell Tate’s route-running ability, sure hands and range as a pass catcher will move quarterback Malik Willis to WR1 and boost the Dolphins’ lackluster receiver room,” Kiper wrote in ESPN’s new NFL mock draft.

The Ohio State star has long been considered the top receiver in this year’s class, with projections calling him going to the New York Giants at No. 5 or the Cleveland Browns at No. 6. However, in ESPN’s mocks, he is the second WR off the board after the Browns took Lemon with their first pick.

Some draft pundits, obviously, believe the Trojan star is the best receiver in the 2026 class. But many are impressed by Tate’s all-round skills and ability to make an immediate impact in the NFL. If he loses to the Dolphins at 11, Miami’s decision-makers won’t be disappointed.

Tate had a breakout season in 2025, posting 875 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 51 catches.

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

A new report has revealed who the Dallas Mavericks had top choices to replace Nico Harrison as general manager/team president and why they won’t land either of them.

The last 13 months have been tough for Mavericks fans. Last February, Dallas fans were completely stunned when the organization traded away top star Luka Doncic entering his prime. And for the Los Angeles Lakers no less. Since then the situation has become even worse.

Kyrie Irving tore his ACL shortly after the trade and has yet to return to the court. Anthony Davis, returning in blockbuster trade, could barely stay healthy – and was ultimately shipped to the Washington Wizards earlier this year. While they were fortunate to have the No. 1 pick in the draft and rising star Cooper Flagg, the team’s poor play early in the season was too much for the executive suite to handle, and Harrison was ousted as GM and president.

Since then, there has been much speculation as to who might replace the most hated man in Dallas basketball. On Wednesday, NBA insider Marc Stein offered a big update on the search that won’t actually start until the regular season ends, and the top names on the Mavericks’ wish list.

According to Stein, ownership has some “lofty ambitions” and is curious if it can lure away Oklahoma City’s Sam Presti, San Antonio’s RC Buford and Boston’s Brad Stevens. However, obtaining all three is close to impossible as they “are generally considered lifers with their respective franchises, who would not be costly to try to pry away. Strong only begins to describe the executive/team bond there.”

Dallas Mavericks interested in Golden State Warriors legend Bob Myers

Another big name linked to the Dallas opening is two-time Executive of the Year winner Bob Myers. However, the man who helped build the Golden State Warriors’ recent dynasty currently has an opportunity that seems too good to pass up.

“Myers currently has a highly lucrative job as President of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which requires him to provide high-level consulting for all pro sports franchises in the HBSE portfolio,” Stein wrote. “This includes the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers as well as the New Jersey Devils and Crystal Palace Football Club… Myers is also part of the hierarchy with the Josh Harris-owned Washington Commanders.”

Steen says landing Myers is considered a long shot, and he has already fielded interest from the Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks.

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

While the Montreal Canadiens continue to have success, their longtime rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs, have finally acknowledged that their Stanley Cup window has closed.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the lessons Canadiens should remember as the Maple Leafs attempt to identify what went wrong.

1 – It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock and roll

When it comes to building a roster competitive for the Stanley Cup, there is no foolproof recipe, and the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.

Take the Washington Capitals, for example.

Even with the best goalscorer in NHL history in the lineup, it took them two years to qualify for the playoffs. And once Alex Ovechkin got his first taste of springtime hockey, it took 11 years for him and the Capitals to finally capture the Stanley Cup.

It’s been 12 years of disappointment, a heavy price to pay for any fan base.

In fact, many of the best teams in NHL history have failed miserably in their respective playoff contests. The Boston Bruins scored the most points in league history in 2022–23 with 135, and yet, they lost to the Florida Panthers in the first round. The Tampa Bay Lightning scored 128 points in 2018–19, the third-most in NHL history. They were eliminated in the first round by the Columbus Blue Jackets in four consecutive games.

The Maple Leafs were never able to get beyond the second round, failing to win two series for nine years in a row, which ultimately led them to remove talented players from the mix in exchange for more conflict, a recipe that slowly but surely eluded them from the ultimate prize.

The lesson in this case is that it’s not always easy to convince passionate fans like Montreal and Toronto to show a little more patience.

Simply put, winning the Stanley Cup is incredibly difficult, and some of the greatest greats in league history have failed to lift hockey’s Holy Grail.

2 – Property Management

While there is certainly some logic involved in trading future assets for NHL-ready players, a trend that was popularized by the Lightning, there must be some semblance of asset management there.

The Leafs have traded many of their first-round picks, with little long-term value in returns. Spending a first-round pick on a defensive defenseman like Brandon Carlo, while only convincing the Bruins to provide top-5 pick protection, is the epitome of a high-risk, low-return type of deal.

Why is Boston’s Brandon Carlo draft pick only protected in the top five?

Brad Treliving: “Because that’s what we had to do to get the deal done last year.”

How hard did you work for top-10?

“We pushed.”

– Luke Fox (@lukefoxjukebox) 6 March 2026

Another good example of a wasted asset was the acquisition of Scott Laughton. The Leafs once again used a first-round pick to complete the deal, and while Laughton provided more energy to the team than most of his teammates, he was ultimately dealt to the Los Angeles Kings at the NHL trade deadline in exchange for a conditional third-round pick.

It’s easy to criticize with the power of hindsight, although I would argue that both deals were easy to criticize even in a contemporary setting.

The Canadiens have already traded some of their picks in the first round, including the deal they got for Noah Dobson, however, they ensured that he will be with the team throughout his tenure, and he fits into the ideal age group of the rest of the main players.

Adding players can be great, and first-round picks are fine as long as the deals stick to the vision set by management.

3 – Make a plan, stick to it

Speaking of vision, it’s quite clear that the Maple Leafs struggled to establish a long-term vision with their talented group of players. Having a blind spot big enough for two divisional rivals should be considered a hockey sin.

You could even argue that this is still an issue, based on Keith Pelley’s recent press conference.

Thoughts on the Pele presser:

1) They still have no vision. No firm was hired, no hierarchy was set. That doesn’t mean they won’t get it right, but they are just promoting it.

2) Pelé told prospective GMs he didn’t want to hear about scorched-earth rebuilding.

– Brian Hayes (@HayesTSN) 31 March 2026

Luckily for the Canadians, sticking to the plan is the name of the game in Montreal, but the pressure will eventually mount.

At that point, the temptation to stray from the plan will emerge, and it will be up to Kent Hughes and company to stay true to their original vision.

4 – Scoring is fun, defending is important

The Canadiens, like the Leafs, love to score goals, but it’s fair to say that defense usually takes a backseat when it comes to their on-ice tactics.

Having a good goaltender may help hide the problem, but it doesn’t address the root of the problem.

Former Calgary Flames analyst Kent Wilson said it best.

“Stopping shots is like killing rats. It’s better not to do it, but if you’re doing it all the time it tells you that you have bigger problems.”

The Canadiens block as many shots as they allow too many shots, a situation that risks being exposed in the seven-game series.

Aside from a first line of Juraj Slafkowski, Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, most Canadiens lines have difficulty outplaying their opponents. As far as defensemen, with the exception of Lane Hutson and Adam Engstrom, they also tend to lag.

The Habs are one of the most entertaining teams in the league, and they have a penchant for staging comebacks late in games, but that’s symptomatic of a larger issue that has plagued them for years.

As the saying goes, defense wins championships.

5 – Keep the pipeline flowing

The Leafs did a good job putting together a relatively strong lineup, however, it would be hard for you to argue that they bolstered their lineup with a steady stream of young, talented players.

Trading away first-round picks like Candy was part of the problem, and there were some highlights like Matthew Nease, but for the most part, the Leafs had to pay a high price to add mediocre players to the lineup.

Having prospects like Michael Hayes, Alexander Zarovsky and LJ Mooney up front, not to mention Bryce Pickford, Adam Engstrom and David Reinbacher on the blue line, should ease this concern somewhat, but it may not sustain the team for 10 or more years, especially if draft picks start to dry up.

A healthy balance between drafting and using draft picks to improve an NHL roster is always in order.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

RB Leipzig sensation Yann Diomande has detailed his battle to reach the top, as he eyes a move to Liverpool in the future.

Sportbild had a big interview with the 19-year-old todayIn which he has given details of his struggle to reach where he is today.

Diomande left his family for football

Yann Diomande has become one of the Bundesliga’s breakout stars since joining Leipzig in a €20m deal last summer. Since then, he has scored 11 goals and eight assists in 29 games in all competitions.

It’s rapid progress for a young player who was playing for the U.S. team DME Academy four years ago. He joined CD Leganés in Spain in January 2025 and then moved to Germany last summer.

He is now being linked with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, with Leipzig valuing him at €100m. Diomande also admitted at the beginning of the year He wants to play for Liverpool somedayint.

Diomande could not have been more blunt, saying: “I want to play for Liverpool. I’m a big Liverpool fan. My dad dreams of seeing me play at Anfield!”

However, for now he is being patient. “I still have big goals. Everything comes in its time,” He said.

childhood struggle

Diomande grew up in harsh conditions in Abidjan. His father moved to France, leaving the family in a cramped house with very little money. Football became his escape.

“I left my family and went to a village where I could play,” he explained. “This was my passion and a chance to achieve something.”

However, football was not easy at that time. The pitches were scorched and most of the children were playing wearing sandals. Diomande did the same, until an academy coach gave him his first real shoes. He even slept at the coach’s house because home life was very difficult.

Despite his struggles, his talent blossomed and he was soon offered admission to Yulee High School in Florida. But his family could only afford one ticket, meaning he went alone. That came with its own challenges.

“I was far away from my family, friends and my country. It was very difficult in the beginning. Of course, everything in America was different from Africa.

“Plus, there was a huge time difference, so we weren’t able to talk to each other very often. I arrived there and couldn’t speak a word of English. But I learned the language on my own within a few months using the Duolingo app.”

“In America, people mainly like football and basketball. But when I played on the football team there, more and more spectators came. They wanted to watch me and my friends and have liked football ever since. It made me proud.”

Europe’s stance

In early 2025, Spanish side Leganés offered him a contract. Yann Diomande did not hesitate.

“When you come from Africa, it’s a big opportunity for you and your whole family. You know, as a child, I always told them at home that I would be a professional footballer. I kept my word. It makes me incredibly proud that I can support my family at such a young age.”

Not long ago, he was making his debut against Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe. “I was so excited that I didn’t think about it before or after.

“I couldn’t sleep, I was promoted to the first team just two days before the game, and I never dreamed they would include me in the squad against Real Madrid. When they told me, I was extremely happy and immediately called my mother.”

Liverpool in the future?

Now the focus is on the future. Whether he will remain at RB Leipzig after the summer is uncertain.

A report in late March emphasized that Liverpool ready to make move to sign him As a replacement for Mohamed Salah. Either way Diomande has big ambitions.

“My brother once told me that I should win everything there is to win. And that’s exactly what I’m trying to do: I want to win every title someday. And I know I can do it.”

🇪🇸 Jules Conde | Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea front page transfer controversy

➡️ The Reds are rumored to have an offer of €80 million potentially acceptable
🔁 Kounde joins PL clubs every year… a traditionhttps://t.co/UIX8fZLvHX #lfc #mcfc #cfc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 1, 2026

The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner – just a few weeks away – and the Kansas City Chiefs are sitting on a chest of picks we haven’t seen in the Patrick Mahomes era. We’re talking top-10 picks, three shots in the top 40 and eight picks in the first five rounds. Translation? Brett Veach has the ability to reload this roster in a big way with young, impactful talent.

Let’s be real – the defense didn’t exactly bring the heat last season. Casey finished 22nd in sacks, and the pass rush was unable to consistently get to the house. That has to be changed. Good news? This draft class is loaded with juice off the edge and playmakers in the secondary – exactly what the Chiefs need to get that unit back to championship level and take pressure off their high-octane offense.

With that in mind, here are two prospects that ESPN’s Matt Miller is circling for draft night.

reuben ben jr

Reuben Benn Jr. is built like a wrecking ball off the edge – about 6’2″-6’3″, 260-275, with a compact frame that’s all about power and pop. Over three seasons (2023-2025), he prepared for 38 games and filled the stat sheet: 121 total tackles, 33.5 TFL, 20.5 sacks, as well as a handful of splash games with a forced fumble and even a pick.

But 2025? That’s when he really flipped the switch – 54 tackles, 15.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, and a ridiculous 92.5 PFF grade that put him in the top-three among all EDGE defenders in the country. Oh—and 67 total pressure. The dude was staying in the backfield.

Turn on the tape, and it’s easy to see why he’s climbing the boards. Ben has that explosive first step, plays with natural leverage, and wins with violent hands and a nonstop motor. He’s not your typical tall, hunched pass rusher. He’s more of a power disrupter who can break loose in the pocket and act as a bully. And it’s not just pass rush juice, he’s a legitimate edge-setter in the run game, stays disciplined in his gaps, and shows high football IQ through the game.

This is exactly the kind of chess piece DC Steve Spagnuolo likes. The Chiefs manage to generate pressure without constantly attacking, and Benn fits that mold perfectly. He can win outside, kick inside when passing underneath and create chaos from multiple alignments. Add to your production against top-tier competition, including big-time performances in playoff level games. And you’re looking at a guy who’s already been battle-tested.

The resume also supports it: ACC Defensive Player of the Year, All-American honors, the Hendricks Award, and one of the highest-rated EDGE defenders in college football. If Casey wants someone who can bring instant heat and toughen up that front, Benn has “plug-and-play disruptor” written all over him.

Avion Terrell

Avion Terrell is the type of DB that just screams ‘Spags Guy’. At about 5’11”, 180-186 pounds, he’s not the biggest corner in the class – but he plays much bigger than his measurables. A three-year contributor at Clemson (39 games, 31 starts), Terrell filled the stat sheet with 128 tackles, 30 pass breakups, 4 sacks, 3 picks and a ridiculous 8 forced fumbles – setting a Clemson DB record. This is not normal production for any corner… this is the creation of chaos.

His 2025 tape also supports this. He logged 46 tackles, 11 PBUs, 5 forced fumbles and 3 sacks, while locking things down in coverage, giving up only 340 yards passing all year. No interceptions, sure, but don’t get it twisted, the QBs weren’t testing him much. The man was still pressing and disrupting everything that came his way, earning All-American and First-Team All-ACC honors in the process.

And yes- check the blood lines. He’s the younger brother of AJ Terrell, and you can see his polished, technically sound play throughout the film. He’s disciplined, smooth and coachable, which is exactly what Steve Spagnuolo looks for in his DB room.

Is the plan suitable? Almost perfect. Spags likes corners that can do a little bit of everything – press, tackle, blitz, rotate inside – and Terrell checks every box. He has been lined up outside, kicked in the slot, and even comes down as a safety in run support. Blitz ability also emerges, with 4 career sacks and legitimate time off the edge.

But what really sets him apart is how he generates turnovers. Doesn’t just pick up, he punches the ball. Those 8 forced fumbles (including 5 in 2025, leading the ACC) are elite production and fit perfectly into KC’s defensive identity of causing chaos and stealing possessions.

Bottom line: This is not just a projection of symptoms. Terrell is a battle-tested, high-IQ corner with 31 starts, big-game reps and a playing style that fits Kansas City like a glove. Plug him into that secondary, and you’ll get a tone-setter who tackles like a safety and plays every moment with that dog mentality.

RELATED: Did the KC Chiefs unveil a potential Round 1 target in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The NHL used to have 30 teams before expanding to 32 in the last decade. In 2017, the Vegas Golden Knights debuted and won their first Stanley Cup in 2023. Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken head into 2021 as they continue to work toward their second playoff berth. However, the NHL is looking to expand even further, and two destinations have emerged.

As Jeff Marek reports at The Sheet, Atlanta and Houston are considered top-2 NHL expansion destinations. Atlanta fielded two NHL teams, but they never lasted. The Flames were in Atlanta from 1972 to 1980 before moving to Calgary. Then, the Thrashers came to the city from 1999 to 2011 before becoming the Winnipeg Jets.

The city lost NHL teams twice due to poor performance on the ice, weak attendance, and ownership instability. They also faced financial losses, an inability to build a dedicated fan base, and management problems. However, could the third time be a charm?

Houston, meanwhile, has never had an NHL team, but has hosted minor league and World Hockey Association teams. Most notably, hockey legend Gordie Howe was a member of the Houston Eros during the 1970s. Despite not having an NHL team, Houston has always been mentioned as a potential expansion city.

The NHL won’t force an expansion to 34 teams, but it’s clearly something that could happen in the next few seasons. Thirty-two teams have been great for the game and hockey is growing even more in North America. If the league is to expand, it would make sense to bring in two new cities at the same time.

Houston and Atlanta have different hockey histories; However, both may find an NHL team in the next few years.

Read more: New rumor reveals NHL’s stance on play-in tournament for Stanley Cup Playoffs

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

One of Indiana’s top players in the transfer portal has just learned that head coach Curt Cignetti wants his player to bring a humble approach to practice and game days.

Just a few months after celebrating the first national championship in program history, Cignetti and the Hoosiers have begun their spring construction for the 2026 college football season. Indiana is expected to be a playoff contender again this year. And this is partly due to a strong transfer portal class.

Two notable players the school brought to the portal are former TCU starting quarterback Josh Hoover and talented Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh. The pair were brought in to fill the huge void left by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and star pass catcher Omar Cooper, Jr.

It seems Marsh is well aware of the high expectations from the defending champions. And he looked forward to facing them with confidence after wearing gold cleats for practice on Thursday. Well, that didn’t sit well with their new head coach. Not even one bit.

Indiana transfer chewed out by Curt Cignetti during spring practice

“I didn’t like his gold shoes he wore today,” Cignetti told the media after Thursday’s practice. “He found out what it meant to get your ass busted. I don’t know if that happened to him very often at Michigan State. This was before the practice started. That was a wake-up call.”

Clearly, the coach has no interest in Marsh bringing whatever spunk and showmanship he might allow with the Spartans in Indiana. It is definitely worrying to “explode” so soon after joining the team. However, the coach also said he thought the receiver was working hard in practice and doing a “great job.”

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

The Brooklyn Nets have their sights set on the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. With 10 games left in the regular season, the rebuilding squad is ranked No. 3 in the draft lottery standings. If the season ended today, the Nets would have a 52.1 percent chance of being picked in the top four and could fall no lower than seventh.

Many of the draft’s top prospects will square off on Wednesday and Thursday during the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. With that, here are the top four players Nets fans should keep an eye on.

4. Keaton Wagler – PG/SG, Illinois

Wagler has been the biggest surprise of this year’s draft cycle. A three-star recruit and the No. 261 player in the Class of 2025, according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings, he wasn’t on the radar of most draft analysts this summer. Fast forward six months, and he’s made his way into the top-10 of mock drafts.

Wagler’s excellent shooting, ball-handling and high-level playmaking cannot be denied. While the freshman is a limited athlete, his speed, finesse and high-IQ have allowed him to flourish as a dominant creator. The 6-foot-6 guard is averaging 17.8 points per game while shooting 40.8 percent on 10.1 three-point attempts per 100 possessions. He has been one of the most efficient facilitators in the class, averaging 4.4 assists per game with a 2.48 assist/to ratio.

Despite concerns about his limited versatility and ground athleticism, Wagler is able to get to the rim using ball screens, shot fakes and change-of-pace moves. His rim frequency and efficiency have been in line with other top guard prospects, as he has attempted 4.1 close-tos per 36 minutes and converted at a 58.5 percent clip.

The Nets may be hesitant in taking another lead ball-handler with a limited athletic profile after selecting Igor Demin eighth overall last June. However, if they fall at the low end of their lottery range, Wagler should be included in the conversation.

Wagler’s limited athleticism has led to some struggles against more athletic, physical safeties. After Illinois’ impressive first and second round wins over Penn and VCU, it will face a tough test against Houston’s top-ranked defense on Thursday at 10:05 pm EST.

3. Darius Acuff Jr. – PG, Arkansas

Acuff may be the biggest player in this year’s class since the beginning of tournament play. The freshman led Arkansas to the SEC Championship and became the first player to lead the conference in points and assists per game since Pete Maravich in 1969–70. He is averaging 30.2 points and 7.2 assists while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 48.6 percent in three SEC Tournament appearances and two NCAA Tournament games.

It’s no exaggeration to call Acuff the most talented offensive player in this year’s class. He’s an elite shooter, converting at a 44.6 percent clip on 9.1 three-point attempts per 100 possessions with a mix of catch-and-shoot and pull-up looks. The 6-foot-3 guard is also a talented court-mapper and decision-maker, averaging 6.5 assists and committing only 2.2 turnovers per game (3.01 est/to).

But as good as Acuff’s offense has been, its defensive shortcomings are hard to ignore. He struggles to defend at the point of attack or navigate off-ball actions. Many have questioned whether Acuff’s size would fit at the combine at 6 feet 3 inches, and the NBA has moved away from undersized guards who need to hide on defense. The front office will have to decide whether Acuff’s ridiculous shooting season is an outlier or his bottom line, and whether it outweighs his shortcomings on the other end.

Brooklyn has strayed away from drafting smaller guards during Shawn Marks’ tenure. The Nets GM pointed to positional size as the main selling point of the team’s 2025 class. Still, Acuff’s aggressive production and ability to thrive on the biggest stage is attractive. After scoring 36 points on 11 of 22 shooting during a second-round win over High Point, Acuff and Arkansas will face No. 1-seed Arizona on Thursday at 9:45 p.m. EST.

2. Kingston Flemings – PG, Houston

Flemings headlined the second tier of guard prospects behind Kansas star Darrin Peterson for most of the season. The Houston star’s 6-foot-4 frame, elite athleticism and two-way versatility will give him a strong claim for the No. 5 spot on the draft board.

Flemings is the most explosive guard in this year’s class. He creates advantages with ease and consistently takes advantage of his paint touch. The freshman has been an adequate finisher (57.3 percent on close twos) while posting elite numbers as a mid-range shooter (44.4 percent on far twos) and playmaker (5.2 assists per game, 2.85 ast/to ratio). Considering his defensive value, NBA front offices should jump on the idea of ​​bringing him into their building.

Fleming’s low three-point volume will give some scouts pause. He has attempted just 5.6 threes per 100 possessions. However, he has converted at a 38.8 percent clip. His efficiency from the mid-range and free-throw line (84.3 percent) may ease any concerns.

Houston defeated Idaho and Texas A&M in the first two rounds of the tournament. Fleming faces a much tougher challenge Thursday against Wagler and third-seeded Illinois.

1. Cam Boozer – PF/C, Duke

According to many metrics, Boozer has been the best player in college basketball this season. The 6-foot-9 standout has made his historic mark from high school and the AAU circuit to Duke. He averaged 22.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists on .563/.398/.787 shooting splits while leading the Blue Devils to a 34–2 record.

Boozer has posted a +19.45 box plus/minus, the second-highest of any college player in the last 16 years, trailing only former Duke star Zion Williamson (+20.1, 2018-2019).

The star freshman is widely considered a safe bet in the top three of the draft. Boozer has led Duke’s offense with his steady ball-handling, passing and shooting. He consistently makes the right reads with the ball in his hands while dominating as an interior scorer and showing promise as an outside shooter. Although he has been an elite defensive rebounder, his ground athleticism and above average lateral speed have raised questions about his NBA outlook.

Boozer was shaky during Duke’s narrow first-round win over Siena. However, he bounced back with a stellar performance in the second half during a decisive second-round win over TCU. They face a tough test against St. John’s and reigning Big East Defensive Player of the Year Zubie Ejiofor on Friday at 10 PM EST.

West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes says Nuno Espirito Santo’s arrival at his Premier League side has personally benefited him.

The midfielder arrived in the UK when Southampton signed him from Sporting in August 2024.

Southampton were relegated from the Championship, allowing West Ham to secure his services for more than £40 million last August [€46.2m].

At the time, the Premier League team was manager of the team with Graham Potter and was replaced by Nuno in September.

The 21-year-old played 2,506 minutes in 30 matches for the Hammers, three of which were under Potter. He scored three goals and three assists in the Premier League and his per game statistics in the league are given below.

His performances for West Ham led to his first call up from Portugal manager Roberto Martínez for the March international break.

Nuno’s importance to West Ham

Earlier today, Mateus Fernandes attended a press-conference game Has released his comments. He is happy to make a place in the national team.

“I’m very happy to be here. It’s always been a goal this season. I know the quality in the national team is very high. It’s probably the best team at the moment individually. It was a nice surprise. It was something I worked for,” He said.

The player is expected to not only make his debut for Portugal but also make it to the World Cup.

West Ham now sit 18th in the table, one point behind 17th-placed Tottenham Hotspur. They have lost only three matches since Paco Jemez was appointed as Nuno Espirito Santo’s assistant in January.

spaniard recently said When he arrived at the club, morale in the group was low. He talked about increasing confidence within the club. The midfielder is now insisting Nuno’s side should not be involved in a relegation battle.

“Last year I had to find the positive things. The daily work, the things we do off the field, the separation when we lose so we don’t always be in a negative ‘vibe’. It was very important for me to strengthen myself at West Ham this year.” Fernandes explained.

“The arrival of manager Nuno also gave me a lot of stability. He trusts me a lot and when you feel the manager’s confidence, things happen naturally. I also know the size of the club, which is fighting for top spot in the Premier League table. We are not happy, but we have to change things.”

portugal matches and teams

• Friendly vs Mexico on 28 March [29th UK time]
• Friendly vs USA on 31 March

Players called up by Roberto Martínez:

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Rui Silva (Sporting CP)

Defenders: Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Diogo Delot (Manchester United), Joao Cancelo (FC Barcelona), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Antonio Silva (SL Benfica), Tomás Araujo (SL Benfica).

Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al Hilal), Samu Costa (Mallorca), Mateus Fernandes (West Ham), Joao Neves (PSG), Vitinha (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Rodrigo Mora (FC Porto).

Forwards: Ricardo Horta (SC Braga), Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting CP), Joao Félix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincao (Sporting CP), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), Goncalo Ramos (PSG).

🇮🇹Federico Gatti | €25m could be enough for West Ham and Nottingham Forest 💷 Financial concerns are forcing an exithttps://t.co/FpRX2p28Pt #whufc #nffc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 11 March 2026

At the beginning of the offseason, New York Jets general manager Darren Maugy identified quarterback as the team’s biggest weakness. Rumors were already suggesting Justin Fields was out long before the Jets traded him to the Chiefs.

At the start of free agency, the Jets got their new starting quarterback by trading for Geno Smith from the Raiders. But Smith is 35 years old, and he is only under contract through the 2026 season. By 2027, the Jets will again need another new starting quarterback.

Still, the Jets not only brought in Smith to potentially be a bridge starter, but they are also identifying potential long-term solutions at QB.

According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, the Jets’ GM recently met with Miami (FL) QB prospect Carson Beck. The next day, Mauggi watched closely as Beck went through his Miami Pro Day. Still, it’s not just Beck’s infatuation; The Jets are also investigating other QB prospects.

SNY’s Jets insider Connor Hughes reports that the Jets also held a private workout with Penn State QB Drew Allar. Several Jets officials observed Allard make several throws to his receivers with the Nittany Lions.

Neither quarterback is viewed as a first-round prospect. However, they are both in the next tier of QBs who could be selected outside of the first round. With a total of nine draft selections, the Jets have plenty of ammo to go around and get their guy. Don’t expect this to happen with the second overall pick in the first round.

New York also has the 16th, 33rd and 44th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. After that, he has no selection till 103. Thus, either the Jets will have their potential QB of the future after making their pick at 44, or they can target a trade that becomes safer a little later.

Chances are, the QB they want still won’t be available at 103. With an aging veteran who is tossing an NFL-high 17 interceptions, the Jets should be viewed as one of the most desperate teams to solve the QB position this offseason.

RELATED: 2026 NFL mock draft after the first wave of free agency

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

Many different players from different backgrounds have reached NBA stardom over the years, but historically, the best of the best players played in the McDonald’s All-American Game at the end of their high school careers before reaching the top level of basketball. However, the NBA has never before had so much foreign talent dominate the league.

Five of the consensus top six players currently in the NBA came from abroad or were not born in the United States. Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and Victor Vembanyama are all European, and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is Canadian. In fact some of the greatest American NBA players were not recruited well enough to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game, including Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Curry and Donovan Mitchell. Even Cade Cunningham, an All-American selection, didn’t get a chance to play in the game when it was canceled due to COVID-19.

That means there isn’t the usual All-American turned All-NBA talent at the top of the league, but some of the NBA’s best players have their basketball roots tied to the McDonald’s All-American Game. So, how did the best NBA players who played in the McDonald’s All-American Game actually fare against the best high school basketball players in the country?

Note: All US statistics for McDonald’s found here.

The best American hooper in the world currently is Anthony Edwards. His basketball talent had been evident since his high school days, but he was not his usual dominant self in the McDonald’s All-American Game. That doesn’t mean he was bad. He was actually highly efficient (62.% from the field) on his way to scoring 12 points.

Fans have become used to the Minnesota Timberwolves star lighting up the scoreboard nightly. The 12 points he scored were tied for the eighth most in the 2019 game, and this was despite playing the most minutes (21) of all the participants. A poor performance by his standards did not prevent Edwards from becoming the number one overall pick. He put up big numbers at Georgia and is still getting better year after year.

LeBron James was the most hyped prospect in NBA history. He went straight into the league as the number one player after his high school career at St. Vincent-St. Mary. So, it should be no surprise that the kid from Akron made it to the McDonald’s All-American Game. In fact, his performance at the 2003 event was rated the best performance in the history of the sport.

Already labeled the pick, James filled up the stat sheet with 27 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and six steals. That point total is tied for the seventh-best mark in the history of the game, and the six steals are tied for third-most all-time. James has long been an extremely versatile player who can do everything on the basketball court, which is why he is one of two McDonald’s All-American Game MVPs on this list.

Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

With his running mate Jayson Tatum sidelined for almost all of this season, Jaylen Brown has a chance to remind fans what he can do as the top option. He was one of the top players in high school and was arguably the top scoring threat in the country during his high school days. Brown was the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Georgia.

However, Brown did not necessarily perform well in the 2015 McDonald’s All-American Game. He had only nine points in that contest. However, he added six rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two steals, proving that he is a versatile player. The Browns’ defense really got Cal fans excited in this game. Brown thrives at the point of attack and can help on defense, and his steal/block totals showed that.

Another 2025 McDonald’s All-American named Jalen Brunson performed even better than Brown in the All-Star Showcase, at least in the scoring department. The Villanova-bound guard had only six points. He proved he can impact the game in other areas, even in sports where basketball isn’t a downer.

Brunson, just 6 feet 2 inches tall, had seven rebounds. He also added four assists. Brunson is a courageous player who dominates the field and plays bigger than himself. This became clear in 2015 itself.

Kevin Durant is also responsible for one of McDonald’s greatest All-American performances ever. Playing in the game in 2006, Durant had 25 points, five rebounds and four assists, resulting in co-MVP honors with Chase Budinger. Budinger only had 11 points, so it was controversial whether the MVP was split.

Still, this was just an example of Durant beating out the only recruit ranked higher than him, Greg Oden. Oden also went on to become the number one ranked player, although Durant was the first freshman to win Naismith Player of the Year honors. Oden became one of the greatest NBA draft picks of all time, while Durant still stands as one of the best players in NBA history.

Devin Booker was excelling on the basketball court at a young age. This was perhaps most evident when he became the youngest player to score more than 60 points in an NBA game. He scored 70 runs for Phoenix Suns at the age of just 20. Even before this, Booker had played in the McDonald’s All-American Game.

However, his scoring in that game was a far cry from what fans saw in his iconic 70-point performance. In the 2014 All-American Game, Booker had only eight points. He couldn’t find his stroke, as he only made 37.5% of his shots. Unfortunately, Booker didn’t do anything else. The only other statistic he recorded was a single assist.

James Harden has become one of the greatest scorers and greatest facilitators in NBA history. The guard who was recently traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers is ninth on the all-time scoring list with 29,160 points. The 36.1 points per game he scored in 2018–19 are the most in a season for any player not named Wilt Chamberlain or Michael Jordan. In recent years, Harden has also developed his game to become a multi-time assist leader.

He did not necessarily showcase his offensive talents in the 2007 McDonald’s All-American Game. With only eight points, 19 players scored as many or more points than him. He made only one assist in total.

Bam Adebayo just scored 83 points, the second most ever in a single game. The Miami Heat center was far from the first player fans would have anticipated such a scoring explosion, but his ability to put the ball in the basket has long been underestimated. Adebayo can put the ball on the floor and create rebounds. He also has an ever-improving jump shot.

Adebayo’s scoring was underestimated since the 2016 McDonald’s All-American Game. He scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Josh and Frank Jackson took co-MVP honors, but Adebayo’s performance was commendable.

Tyrese Maxey had a solid game in the 2019 McDonald’s All-American Game. He made half of his field goal attempts for a total of 13 points in just 19 minutes. This was better than his draft classmate Anthony Edwards, who ultimately went first overall in the NBA Draft.

The success of the Maxi comes as little surprise. After all, he was a Kentucky recruit, and John Calipari did nothing but get the best at the guard position at the time. Now, Maxi has become one of the best scorers in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Karl-Anthony-Towns, New York Knicks

The 2014 NCAA recruiting class was loaded with centers. Jahlil Okafor and Myles Turner were the top two big men in the class. Ultimately, Karl-Anthony Towns would prove to be the best pivot man from his class, as he became the number one pick and established himself as the best 3-point shooting center in NBA history.

Although he was highly recruited, he was not the top big man upon high school graduation, and his McDonald’s All-American performance did not do him much good. Towns had just six points in 19 minutes in that game.

Who will win NBA MVP? As the 2025-26 NBA season nears its conclusion, Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic’s recent excellence has made a splash in the race. Although it is still largely a two-man battle, this year’s NBA MVP rankings will be very interesting.

With only a few weeks left in the regular season, let’s dive into our latest top five in the NBA MVP race today.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Winning back-to-back MVPs requires complete dominance by a star player on one of the league’s best teams. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander declining in the running for the No. 1-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, he should join Nikola Jokic (2021-22), Giannis Antetokounmpo (2019-20) and Stephen Curry (2014-16) as back-to-back NBA MVP winners. In win share per 48 minutes, which is often a strong indicator of who will win MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander (.333) leads Jokic (.319) by a significant margin. To put SGA’s WS/48 into perspective, it would be the second-highest in a single season, behind only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (.3399) in 1971–72. Since the reigning MVP returned from his injury, Oklahoma City is 9-0 with him in the lineup. He averaged 29.9 points, 7.7 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game with only 2.1 turnovers per game, and he posted a 57.3 percent effective field goal percentage. Leading the team with the best record in the NBA is just icing on the cake for his MVP candidacy.

READ MORE: 2026 NBA Mock Draft Ahead of March Madness

2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic arguably should have been a four-time NBA MVP if not for SGA’s phenomenal season a year ago and voters deciding to give the award to Joel Embiid two years ago. Since returning from injury, Jokic has averaged 26.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, 9.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 1 block per game with a .567 eFG. He has returned to his usual form and has had more triple-doubles (27) than the players second (Jalen Johnson, 13) and third (Josh Giddy, 12) this season despite missing significant time with a knee injury. Unfortunately for Jokic, Denver has also only posted a 10-12 record since his return and will enter the weekend in sixth place in the Western Conference. Team success means something and as impressive as Jokic has been, the time missed due to injury along with Denver’s record put him below SGA.

3. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs won a combined 57 games over the past two seasons heading into the 2025-26 campaign. With a healthy Victor Vembanyama, this team is already ranked 52nd and is headed for its best season in a decade. Let’s also keep in mind that he just turned 22 in January, and this is only the second time in three years that he’s played more than 50 games. Since he rejoined the starting lineup in San Antonio after returning from injury, Wembanyama has averaged 24.5 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He has also averaged 2.4 three-pointers per game during this run, in which the Spurs have compiled an unprecedented 25–6 record in the last 31 games with Wembanyama in the lineup. He’s also going to win Defensive Player of the Year. The NBA MVP award won’t be his this season, but we’re probably just a year away from him winning both DPOY and MVP.

4. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers

Nico Harrison is hurting right now and with the way Luka Doncic has played recently, the Los Angeles Lakers look like NBA Finals contenders. During this eight-game winning streak, Doncic has averaged 40.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 2.4 steals per game. He’s accomplishing all this while shooting 50.2 percent from the field, making 6.1 three-pointers per game and even averaging 8 free-throws per contest. Oh, even sweeter for Los Angeles, he’s playing passive defense. Doncic, the NBA’s leading scorer, has made 83 three-pointers (5.2 3PM per game) and scored 561 points (35.1 PPG) in his last 16 contests. We’re not ready to include him among the top three NBA MVP candidates because it’s a season-long award, but his performance was by far the best we’ve seen from him during the regular season.

RELATED: LeBron James gives high praise to Luka Doncic

5. Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham is likely to miss the remainder of the regular season due to a bad lung, putting him under the 65-game threshold for NBA MVP consideration. This moved Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown to fifth place. Let’s take you back to the preseason: With many projecting Boston to win anywhere between 38-42 wins, some were wondering if the team would reset this season. Evolving into a superstar for the Celtics, Brown has had a career year. Boston is going to finish with over 50 wins and will likely be the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. He has scored more than 30 points in 19 games this season with six 40-pointers. If you don’t have Brown as a top-five finalist for MVP, assuming Cunningham is ineligible, we have to assume you have Joe Mazzulla as NBA Coach of the Year. It’s either or both, neither.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

A top NFL Draft expert just offered a quarterback who could be a late steal for teams like the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals next month.

Like every other year, many teams would love to find a potential franchise QB in April’s NFL Draft. Unfortunately, this year’s QB class is weak. The Las Vegas Raiders are set to use the No. 1 overall pick on Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. After the Heisman Trophy winner, Alabama’s Ty Simpson is the next best QB on the board, and it’s debatable whether he’ll even go in Round 1.

That’s why many teams have been aggressive in acquiring veteran options that have become available over the past few weeks. However, teams like the NY Jets, Steelers, and Cardinals have situations where they need to consider using the pick on the signal-caller. But in a year with a heavy QB class, which player should they take and when?

Should the NY Jets or Steelers target Cole Payton in the NFL Draft?

Well, this week, veteran draft expert Todd McShay offered a low-cost, high-profit alternative. In a new social media post, he suggested that North Dakota State star Cole Payton is the lowest-rated QB in the entire draft.

“In conversations with NFL GMs, this is a one-of-a-kind guy,” he said, praising his timing and accurate passing. Additionally, he has a high ability to extend the play and make accurate throws under pressure. He added, “There’s a lot of unused stuff here.”

Former first-round picks Carson Wentz and Trey Lance are NDS alumni, and McShay believes Payton is the best QB prospect ever drafted by the university. The fifth-year senior had a career year in 2025, throwing for 2,719 yards and hitting 72% of his 225 passes. He also rushed for 777 yards and scored 29 total touchdowns.

Payton is expected to be a Day 3 pick and could fall as far as Round 7. He could be an interesting option for the NY Jets, Steelers and Cardinals as a project to develop this year.

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

New York – The New York Knicks conducted a coaching search last season to improve their approach to individual games, the season as a whole, and the playoffs. Despite the results delivered by former head coach Tom Thibodeau, Mike Brown received the reins because the organization felt he could both identify and implement needed improvements.

The Knicks defeated the Golden State Warriors 110-107 on Sunday night, and sent their fans home victorious from Madison Square Garden. But, regardless of the results, Brown was clearly frustrated with the team’s process throughout the game. While not named “Defensive Player of the Game”, he told reporters that the focus and physicality of his group was unacceptable for starting four of their last five games.

“One thing I tell them is that on an experienced team that has won and has a very high level of experience, I should not be calling two timeouts in the first six minutes of a ball game,” Brown shared in disappointment after the only-score win. “And I’m not talking about the X’s and O’s. So, this group knows it. They understand it. Now we have to do it.”

Last season, despite discouraging lineup data, the Knicks took their starting five of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart to the Eastern Conference Finals. Once the Indiana Pacers took a 2–0 lead, New York insisted on starting Mitchell Robinson instead of Hart.

Brown began his first season with Robinson, but reinstated Hart in late December. The coach told reporters on Sunday that he was not considering a change at the moment, but that “it’s not too late to do anything” at this point in the season.

“If I felt the need, I would do it. I’m not thinking of it right now,” Brown said. “I’m not focused on each individual because, like you said, we started different guys at different times. … We can play better. I know about myself and every guy in that locker room, every person in that locker room, expects more. And somehow, some way, we’ve got to figure it out.”

Does it make sense to trade Mikal Bridges if the Knicks are winning?

Leaving Mikal Bridges on the bench in crunch time has become a trend for the Browns. The starting wing spent the final seven minutes of the game against the Warriors on the sidelines. Veteran sharpshooter Landry Shamet once again took the fifth spot in the lineup. This is at least the seventh game this season the Browns have finished without Bridges, testing the Knicks’ locker room ethos that sacrifice is necessary to win.

It was not Brown or any other Knicks player who decided to trade five picks in the first round for Bridges. Or to offer him the four-year, $150 million extension he signed last offseason. But even if Bridges is performing better than average for his career, it’s still difficult to evaluate those decisions objectively.

New York’s front office transformed a laughing stock into a contender in four seasons, without ever losing. They essentially just traded two first-round picks in three transactions that brought them Brunson, Towns, and Anunoby.

It makes sense that the team took an unprecedented gamble and traded five picks for Bridges. The rest of their roster was also assembled in an unconventional manner. This is the same braintrust that was ridiculed for making Brunson the first player without an All-Star appearance to receive $100 million from a team that did not draft him.

Bridges needs to improve his aggression on both ends of the floor. But this is to help the Knicks win games, not the previous trades.

With the Senators off tonight, now is a good time to take a look at the world of Senators prospects. Today’s focus will be on one possibility in particular. In fact, he’s their best prospect. Let’s take a closer look at what’s going on with Carter Yakemchuk.

READ MORE: Senators score seven points to beat Sharks

Basics about Carter Yakemchuk

Yakemchuk is a 6’3″, 219 pound, right shot defenseman. The Senators drafted him 7th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. Yakemchuk played four consecutive seasons in the WHL for the Calgary Hitmen before joining the AHL this year.

Here were my pre-draft notes on Yekemchuk, which still more or less remain my thoughts on him:

Pros:The stats jump off the page – 30 goals, 71 points, 120 PIMS, 275 shots. Plays a very physical, cheap, dirty game. Ready to fight. great shot. Great hands – can hang legitimately.

Shortcoming:The first few steps are slow. Questionable defensive play – Appears to lack urgency in his own zone at times, sometimes tries to do too much with the puck or make special plays.

ground level:Playing on such a bad team, they asked him to do everything, so I’m choosing to believe that some of his defensive lapses are because of that. He’s huge, he’s low, he’s got great hands. He fits into any team’s blueline, as long as he can find the defensive side.

Carter Yakemchuk by the numbers

Yakemchuk’s statistics with the Belleville Senators this season are as follows:

• 47 games, 9 goals, 35 points, 26 PIM

Yakemchuk was recently named AHL Player of the Week. He recorded six assists in two games. In the game before that, he scored a goal and also added an assist.

Among AHL defensemen, Yakemchuk is ninth in both goals and points. Among AHL rookies, he ranks seventh in points. The downside is that his -29 is worst in the AHL.

final thoughts

When you look at how Yakemchuk records his points, this is not a quiet, secondary assist-getting player. He has great plays to set up his teammates. From a shooting perspective, he can absolutely shred the puck. At the beginning of the year, his production was primarily on the power play – through his first 27 games, he scored 18 points. 12 of them were accompanied by additional men. Since then he has scored 17 points in his last 20 games. Only three of them have come in the power play.

Given his size and style of play, I have no doubts about his ability to stick around physically. I’m sure as he gets more comfortable, there will be more toughness at the professional level. The question is, can he skate and defend well at the next level? It is unlikely that Yakemchuk will get his NHL opportunity this season. Next season, however, there is a good chance that Nick Jensen is no longer with the team. This opens up a space on the right side. It is up to Yakemchuk to not only finish this season strong, but prove early next year that he is a better skater and defensive player to earn his chance as a full-time NHL player.

Patience will always be necessary with Yakemchuk. Considering how strong their defensive depth is at the moment, what a luxury it is for the Senators to not have to rush their top prospect into the NHL. Brent Burns makes a good comparison. Burns didn’t become a top-four D-man until he was 22. Yakemchuk is just 20 years old.

Danny was born and raised in Ottawa and still lives in that city. He has followed… more about Danny McCloskey

A new mock draft from one of the top experts for the event believes the Kansas City Chiefs will use the first of their two picks in Round 1 of next month’s event on a controversial prospect in this year’s class.

As we pass the midpoint of March, we get even closer to the biggest event of April, the 2026 NFL Draft. After a rare losing season in 2025, the Chiefs’ selection next month becomes even more important. And after making a big trade this offseason that sent Trent McDuffie back to the Los Angeles Rams, including another first-round pick this year, Kansas City has a chance to get two top-30 prospects.

But who will the Chiefs select with their valuable pick at No. 9? There has been a lot of speculation about who they would take, and they would be wise to go after the best cornerback available to replace the All-Pro they just traded. He has also been linked to Heisman Trophy finalist Jeremiah Love. The player teams around the NFL are praying they don’t fall for.

Could the Chiefs select Reuben Benn Jr. at No. 9?

Well, according to ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper, he expects general manager Brett Veach to go in a different direction. In his latest mock draft, Draft Guru projects the Chiefs to select Miami star Reuben Benn Jr.

The Hurricanes defensive end became a controversial figure during the NFL Combine last month when it was revealed that his average arm length was 30 7/8 inches. There hasn’t been a player with fewer weapons in Round 1 of the draft since the Philadelphia Eagles used the 15th overall pick on fellow Miami alumnus Jerome McDougald in 2003. The length of his arm was 31 3/8 inches.

McDougald was a notable draft bust of that year’s class and played only four seasons in the NFL. Nevertheless, Kipper believes that Chiefs cannot afford to miss the chance to select Bane if he is still on board and they are at No.9.

He wrote, “It will be very difficult to overtake Ben at this position. Despite 30⅞-inch arms, which caused quite a stir at the combine, Ben dominates the sideline.” “He easily finds ways to get to the QB, whether it’s his speed, power or intelligence. Last season he had 71 pressures with 9.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss.”

Star pass rusher Chris Jones has shown clear signs of age-related decline over the past few seasons. While he and Benn play different positions, the Chiefs need to start planning for life after Jones and develop a new top pass rusher. Ben can be that player.

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

To say the least, Russell Wilson’s NFL journey has been very exciting. From being a $40 million franchise QB in Seattle to sitting on the bench in Denver and then barely seeing the field in Pittsburgh, the second half of his career has been anything but smooth.

Coming into this offseason, Wilson probably wasn’t at the top of many teams’ wish lists. Still, he’s the kind of veteran quarterback who can come off the bench and keep the offense humming if the team suddenly needs a steady hand under center.

And while Wilson may be one of the better options left in the thin QB market, one thing is clear – he won’t be a good fit for Kansas City. At the moment, its next landing spot is still up in the air.

So with the quarterback carousel still spinning, here are five dream landing spots for former Super Bowl champions.

green Bay Packers

As the 2026 NFL offseason begins, the Green Bay Packers have been pretty quiet in terms of transactions. Other than bringing in former Javon Hargrave — who previously played for the Minnesota Vikings — Green Bay hasn’t made any spectacular moves yet. That said, GM Brian Gutekunst still has some boxes to check off before the season starts. One of the biggest? Locking up a reliable QB2 behind franchise quarterback Jordan Love, especially now that Malik Willis is no longer in the picture.

This is where Wilson can come into play.

Honestly, fit means a lot to both parties. Green Bay won’t have to commit to anything long-term — just a one-year veteran deal to stabilize the quarterback room. And Wilson will land with a playoff-caliber organization that values ​​veteran leadership. Wilson’s 2025 campaign with the New York Giants wasn’t exactly a headline-grabbing one, but he still showed highlights. In six games, he threw for 831 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions, completed 58% of his passes, and added 106 rushing yards.

Sure, Wilson may not be the most attractive QB2 option. But if the Packers are looking for a battle-tested veteran who can step up and keep the offense going when needed, he checks that box. At the end of the day, Wilson has a long track record in this league and knows how to win football games. And when it comes to supporting Love, Gutekunst and the Packers could certainly fare worse.

dallas cowboys

Dak Prescott is still firmly locked in as the QB1 for the Dallas Cowboys, but the depth chart behind him is very thin. Right now, Dallas is working with Prescott and Joe Milton III, and most contenders prefer to have a veteran vet waiting in case the starter goes down.

This is where Wilson could enter the conversation.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has made it clear that the team wants to push its chips to the middle of the table and chase a Super Bowl, rather than wait for long-term development. Wilson fits that win-now mentality. If Prescott misses time, Wilson is the kind of veteran who can step in, add offense and keep the playoff train on track. After all, he’s a Super Bowl-winning QB who has plenty of big-game reps.

And like the situation in Green Bay, Wilson probably isn’t making a big deal at this stage of his career. A one-year ‘proven’ deal with a contender would make a lot of sense.

Hunt? Dallas’ cap situation. The Cowboys are already up against the salary cap, which means the front office will have to pull off some serious cap gymnastics to get Wilson to sign the job — even on a short-term deal.

Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray is still the clear QB1 for the Arizona Cardinals, but the depth chart behind him has been a bit shaky the past few seasons. Bringing in Wilson would immediately give Arizona a high-end, experienced QB2 who can step up and provide offense should Murray ever miss time. Wilson has over a decade of starting experience and plenty of playoff leverage, which is an insurance policy that most teams would prefer to have sitting on the sidelines.

From a planning standpoint, the Fit isn’t too crazy. Under head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, Arizona’s offense relies on mobility, play-action and off-schedule playmaking – all areas where Wilson has traditionally thrived. The Cardinals also have a young roster that is still finding its identity, and that’s where Wilson’s presence could really be beneficial. A veteran QB like him can mentor young offensive players, stabilize the quarterback room, and bring playoff experience to a developing team.

Wilson has also built a reputation for helping younger teammates step up — just ask DK Metcalf, who blossomed during Wilson’s years in Seattle. Veteran quarterbacks often become locker-room tone setters for teams undergoing a rebuild or makeover. And unlike many QB-needy franchises, Arizona actually entered the 2026 offseason with solid cap flexibility after shedding several veteran contracts during their rebuild. That means the Cardinals could realistically make a veteran deal without restructuring half the roster, especially if Wilson is open to a modest one-year contract.

At this point in his career, Wilson may simply be looking for a stable situation where he’ll get a real chance to see the field if needed — and Arizona could quietly offer exactly that.

RELATED: 5 Deebo Samuel landing spots in NFL free agency, including 49ers reunion

Seattle Seahawks

It would be a storybook ending if Wilson ended up back with the Seattle Seahawks — the same place where he spent a decade cooking up and helping lead the franchise to its only Super Bowl title.

A reunion would bring back a quarterback who already knows the expectations of the fanbase, the culture inside the building and the pressure that comes with playing in Seattle. There will be no learning curve – just a familiar face in a familiar locker room. Beyond the inevitable cap-space gymnastics, there’s also an interesting story if this actually happened. Wilson can eventually guide Sam Darnold like he once helped guide DK Metcalf early in his career.

turn? Back in Seattle, Wilson was the franchise QB, and Metcalf was the young rising star. If he returned now, the roles would be reversed – Wilson would likely be the veteran QB2, supporting Darnold while providing the kind of experience that only a Super Bowl-winning quarterback can provide.

Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams’ offense still revolves around Matthew Stafford, who will turn 38 during the 2026 season. With Stafford’s age and injury history, it wouldn’t be shocking if the Rams wanted to add some premium insurance at QB2. This is where Wilson can make a lot of sense.

If Stafford were to miss time, Wilson would immediately become one of the most experienced backup quarterbacks in the league – a veteran who can step in and keep the offense going without everything breaking down.

And make no mistake, the Rams are back in the playoff race. For contenders, having a reliable QB2 could be the difference between staying in the postseason race or seeing the season end after an injury.

Additionally, Wilson will be entering an offense loaded with talent. Throwing to playmakers like Puka Nakua and Cooper Kupp, while sharing the locker room with defensive cornerstone Aaron Donald, is not a bad situation for any quarterback.

Financially, Ram can also make it work. A short-term, one-year veteran deal for Wilson would be manageable under their cap and give Los Angeles top-tier insurance behind Stafford without the long-term money.

RELATED: NFL fans react to Joey Bosa 49ers rumors

The Kansas City Chiefs have a new quarterback in the room. After speculation over the weekend that former Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson could be brought in ahead of the 2026 NFL season, general manager Brett Veach has initiated a trade to move in a very young direction.

Instead, Kansas City rolled the dice on a former first-round pick. With Patrick Mahomes on the mend, the Chiefs wanted a signal-caller who could step up, handle the heat and keep the offense steady when needed. Interestingly, they found that option within the AFC.

Chiefs find new QB2 as Mahomes recovery continues

The Kansas City Chiefs are finalizing a trade with the New York Jets for quarterback Justin Fields, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Fields is one of his best electric dual-threat quarterbacks. The former first-round selection brings elite athleticism and big-play ability that can change games in a heartbeat. Now, the Chiefs are bringing that skill set to Kansas City. Per the trade, the Jets receive a 2027 sixth-round pick, while paying Fields $7 million of his $10 million guaranteed.

However, there is a hurdle in the trade. Fields’ physical examination is pending; Let’s hope things don’t go as bad as they did with Max Crosby and the Ravens. With this trade, the Jets have three first-round picks and one pick each in the next four rounds, as well as three sixth-round picks, although with conditions.

Mahomes suffered ACL and LCL tears at the end of the 2025 season, and his status for the start of the 2026 campaign remains uncertain. Even if the franchise quarterback is ready to go, the Chiefs still need a reliable insurance policy behind him. This need became even more urgent after backup Gardner Minshew left in free agency to sign with the Arizona Cardinals.

Enter fields. The former Ohio State star was selected 11th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. This will be his fourth stop in the Kansas City League after stints with the Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers and Jets. His role in Andy Reid’s crime will be one of the most interesting storylines of the season. Whether he ends up starting early until Mahomes recovers or simply serves as a high-upside QB2, Fields gives the Chiefs something they didn’t have before: a dynamic playmaker who can move forward and keep the offense dangerous when called upon.

Many of the top NFL free agents have been off the board this offseason, with the remaining starters either on the wrong side of 30 or still available due to team concerns. However, there are still plenty of options in NFL free agency for clubs looking for a rotational piece or a solid start to the upcoming season.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at our latest round of NFL free agency predictions focusing on the landing spots for the remaining top defensive players.

AJ Epenesa, edge rusher: Detroit Lions

A former second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, AJ Epenesa is now entering his 28-year-old season and has proven to be a quality rotational edge defender. He played 434 defensive snaps for the Buffalo Bills last season, recording 2.5 sacks with 9 quarterback hits. The strength he brings at 6-foot-6 could prove useful to the Detroit Lions, who are still in the market for pass-rushing help. Epenesa may see a higher percentage of snaps early in the season opposite Aiden Hutchinson, while an edge rusher selected on the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft is slowly brought along and eventually plays a higher percentage of snaps for Detroit when the time is right.

Cameron Jordan, edge rusher: Chicago Bears

It would certainly seem strange to see Cameron Jordan not playing for the New Orleans Saints in 2026, but it seems certain to happen. Heading into his age-37 season, Jordan is certainly nowhere near the caliber of defensive disruptor he used to be, and his snaps need to be limited to maintain his effectiveness. However, it’s still worth keeping in mind that he recorded 10.5 sacks and 22 pressures last season. What matters most is a reunion with his longtime defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who will know how to get the most out of him in a rotational role. Plus, it gives the Chicago Bears a little more pass-rushing depth on the defensive line and gives Jordan a chance to finish his career with a Super Bowl contender.

RELATED: NFL free agency predictions for top offensive players

Bobby Wagner, linebacker: Buffalo Bills

Linebacker Bobby Wagner, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, is still just two seasons away from earning second-team All-Pro honors. He also had 8 tackles for loss and 79 solo tackles last season, although he has proven to be a liability in coverage. There may be an opportunity here for Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott. Buffalo could take advantage of Wagner’s tendencies as a run defender, as he has proven to be one of the best off-ball linebackers in football against the run. Additionally, he could be an excellent mentor for any young linebackers added to the team this year.

RELATED: Early winners, losers from the first week of NFL free agency

Rasoul Douglas, cornerback: Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs cornerback room is undergoing a massive overhaul this offseason. As much as we trust the front office and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo at this position, depth and proven players don’t hurt. Rasoul Douglas really stood out with the Miami Dolphins last season, allowing only a 54.5 percent completion rate and 73.0 passer rating when targeted in coverage. With how thin Kansas City is at cornerback now, it could be beneficial to keep at least one viable starter as there is going to be a lot of inexperience in that room this fall.

RELATED: NFL teams look ready to tank in 2026

Joey Bosa, edge rusher: San Francisco 49ers

It always felt like Nick Bosa would eventually be teammates with his brother, Joey Bosa, rather than when. Now the time seems absolutely right. The San Francisco 49ers need more pass-rushing depth next season with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams recovering from season-ending injuries. Joey Bosa has his durability concerns, but he played in 15 games in Buffalo last season and had 16 QB hits with 5 sacks. Bringing him in would make the Knicks happy and would improve San Francisco’s pass-rushing depth; It’s a win-win.

RELATED: The worst moves of the 2026 NFL offseason so far

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

It’s been an eventful 2026 NFL offseason so far, and we’re still only a few weeks away from making some of the biggest moves. Many of the top NFL free agents are now off the board, but there are still some impactful starters and key contributors who could sign with clubs in the next few days.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at our NFL free agency predictions for the top offensive players heading into the weekend. We will make a defensive list on Saturday.

Kirk Cousins, quarterback: Las Vegas Raiders

One of the most common NFL comparisons for quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who will be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is Kirk Cousins. While this may not sound as appealing, let’s remember that Cousins ​​has a career 96.8 passer rating and is likely to reach 45,000 career passing yards with 300 passing touchdowns in 2026. That also fits the Las Vegas look. The Raiders want an experienced quarterback who can mentor Mendoza during his rookie season and serve as the starting quarterback temporarily. Cousins ​​could start the first few games while Mendoza gets a better feel for Clint Kubiak’s playbook and adjusts to playing under center, and then take over in October.

READ MORE: Fantasy football winners, losers from NFL free agency

Aaron Rodgers, QB: Pittsburgh Steelers

Everything the Pittsburgh Steelers have said publicly, combined with reports about the front office’s thinking, points to one thing: Aaron Rodgers is coming back for the 2026 NFL season. Even the Michael Pittman Jr. trade, acquiring a receiver who excels at creating quick separation and getting open early, hints at a plan to help a future Hall of Famer at quarterback. We don’t think Rodgers will sign until around June, but we strongly believe he will be the Steelers’ starting quarterback in 2026.

RELATED: Why the Pittsburgh Steelers made a mistake hiring Mike McCarthy

Stefon Diggs, wide receiver: Baltimore Ravens

The off-field concerns surrounding Stefon Diggs have a lot to do with how quiet his market is in NFL free agency. That said, he still put up 1,013 receiving yards on 85 receptions in his first full season last season after suffering an ACL tear. It will be a bit of a gamble for first-year head coach Jesse Minter, but the Baltimore Ravens have proven they are willing to take some non-medical risks. Diggs could be a complementary receiving threat to pair with Zay Flowers, giving Lamar Jackson a better receiving corps in his first year with new play-caller Declan Doyle.

Read more: The worst contracts from the first day of NFL free agency

Jaouan Jennings, wide receiver: Tennessee Titans

In previous NFL free agency predictions, we have seen Juwan Jennings landing with the Seattle Seahawks or Washington Commanders. However, Seattle has re-signed Rashid Shahid and Commanders general manager Adam Peters is focusing more on Brandon Aiyuk after he was released. This makes the Tennessee Titans the best fit for Jennings. The 6-foot-3 wideout offers a skill set that’s very different from free-agent signing Wan’Dale Robinson, as he can be a red-zone weapon whose size also makes him an effective target on third downs. The move will be about providing quarterback Cam Ward with a variety of pass-catching options in Brian Daboll’s offense. Plus, if Tennessee drafts Jeremiah Love, Jennings is a willing blocker.

Rasheed Walker, offensive tackle: Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have addressed right tackle (Tytus Howard), center (Elgton Jenkins) and guard (Zion Johnson and Teven Jenkins) this offseason. That still leaves a glaring hole at left tackle. Luckily for Cleveland, there isn’t much left on the market for Rasheed Walker. He has been the best offensive tackle available since the beginning of NFL free agency, but his contract demands remain an issue. We think he’ll sign a one-year deal worth over $20 million to play left tackle for Cleveland. This fills a need for the Browns, giving them flexibility heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, while also allowing Walker to test the market again next season.

David Njoku, tight end: Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles gave themselves a little more time to decide on Dallas Goedert’s future with the club, but parting still appears to be the most likely outcome. What became clear last season was that this offense needs more help at the last minute, so it should come through both the NFL Draft and free agency. After spending nine years in Cleveland, Njoku likely wants to play for a Super Bowl contender with a quarterback he trusts to get him the football. With a defense focused on stopping Saquon Barkley, Devonta Smith and AJ Brown, as well as the athleticism of Jalen Hurts, Njoku could get plenty of open looks in Philadelphia.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

Carlos Miguel has opened up about his brief stint in the Premier League with Nottingham ForestAdmitting that the lack of minutes prompted him to return to Brazil.

The 27-year-old spoke espn brazil During the awards ceremony of the 2026 São Paulo State Championship, after helping Palmeiras win the title. Carlos Miguel joins Brazilian club After a short stint at Nottingham Forest in the second half of last year.

Forest signed him from Corinthians until 2024, but he made only three appearances in England. With limited opportunities available, the goalkeeper ultimately opted to return to Brazil in search of regular football.

Speaking about that period, Carlos Miguel explained that he never doubted his ability to compete at a high level.

“I know I can perform at the highest level. I saw the Brazilian as a player who could reach the national team.” He said.

“The manager decided not to play me, which is his decision. Then the other goalkeeper became one of the best in the Premier League. I needed minutes, and that’s why I came back here.”

Premier League competition explained

Although Carlos Miguel did not directly name him, his comments appear to refer to Matz Sales. During that period the Belgian established himself as Nottingham Forest’s clear first-choice goalkeeper and put in a number of strong performances in the Premier League.

As a result, opportunities for Brazil soon became scarce. As Forest competed intensely in the league and prioritized consistency in goal, Carlos Miguel found himself largely on the bench.

That scenario ultimately led him to make a move where he could play regularly.

quick settlement in palmeras

Now back in Brazil, the goalkeeper says the transition to Palmeiras was smoother than expected. he had a lot of trouble in the beginningBut according to the goalkeeper himself, the reception he received helped him quickly settle in at the club.

“When I got my first opportunity, I wasn’t worried. Everyone embraced me and supported me.” He said. “I was very fond of this move even before I arrived. When I got here, everything happened in the best possible way.”

“The fans and everyone at the club welcomed me. Everything went very well so we could win this title, which will be the first of many titles.”He continued.

Carlos Miguel has made 26 appearances for Palmeiras so far and was one of the standout performers in their title-winning campaign.

Why did this move make sense?

The goalkeeper also addressed the criticism he received during a difficult spell at Nottingham Forest, suggesting that opinions often change once he gets the chance to play.

“People talk when I don’t play. When I play the tone changes.” He added. “There are journalists who are against you and say things. It’s part of football.”

“Now it’s my moment and their moment to congratulate me for the title and my great match. If they want to criticize, they can. I will show people that I am not what they say.”

So of course Sels was performing well and the club had no reason to change their starting goalkeeper. But the lack of minutes created a difficult situation for Carlos Miguel.

Without consistent playing time goalkeepers rarely develop, especially when their aim is to move towards international recognition. He recently talked about Too.

So a return to Brazil offered a logical reset. If he continues to perform regularly at Palmeiras, the move could help him rebuild his momentum after a challenging spell in England.

Winds in the Eastern Conference may begin to blow in a different direction. Throughout the season, the Detroit Pistons have reigned supreme in the Eastern Conference. But the Boston Celtics are going after them with speed and force. On Sunday, the Celtics defeated another former contender, the Cleveland Cavaliers, 109–98 to move to 43–21 on the season and fall just 2.5 games behind the Pistons in the standings.

The Celtics may be peaking at the right time, and what makes this season so outstanding for everyone involved in the franchise is that they managed to hold down the fort and excel despite an injury to Jayson Tatum. Now that Tatum is back, the Celtics may be the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference.

But as much fanfare as Tatum and Jaylen Brown attract for their continued excellence, the Celtics won’t go anywhere without the beating heart of Derrick White, who received such high praise Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson after his altercation on Sunday.

“[He’s] Top-five player in the league,” Atkinson said of White, via the Celtics on CLNS on X. “That’s how we treat him. He really disrupts you defensively, he’s an elite rim protector. Possibly the best guard rim protector in the league. So just take all those things and put it out there and with the shooting, you’ve got a great player.

Kenny Atkinson explains why he thinks Derrick White is a top 5 player in the NBA:

“Maybe what people aren’t measuring is his defensive impact… Analytically I think it’s probably proven in different places that he’s that player and that’s how we treat him.”

“He really hinders… https://t.co/uKwr1QwmVt pic.twitter.com/GDXsc5dXvr

-Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) 8 March 2026

The Celtics’ Derrick White is a coach’s dream

Many fans were stunned when White was getting just a few more minutes than Tatum for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But it made sense. He can fit into every lineup. He can defend multiple positions, and he enjoys doing the dirty work. And besides, he’s one of the best volume three-point shooters in the NBA.

“What people probably aren’t measuring is his defensive impact… Analytically I think it’s probably proven in different places that he’s that player and that’s how we treat him,” Atkinson said.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘frustration’ as a feeling of being upset or angry, especially because of an inability to change or achieve something. Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy prefers not to use that particular term, but it certainly described the team’s 4-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday.

“I’m not disappointed. I mean, you get what you deserve, right?” Cassidy expressed his condolences after the team’s 4–2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. “It’s not frustration, it’s just not smart. Smart hockey for a veteran.” [team]We will be on our toes.

Despite the playoff implications amid the battle for the Pacific Division, neither team started the game with much excitement. Despite the early penalty kill, the Oilers caught up with Vegas early. Edmonton had the first four shots on goal; It took about 10 minutes for the Golden Knights to record their first.

“We didn’t get the start we wanted,” Cassidy said after the game. “Got some big saves from Aiden Hill. We needed them because we weren’t good in the first 10 minutes.”

The intensity increased in the second period. The Golden Knights allowed four high-danger chances, but otherwise largely controlled the game. They defeated the Oilers 11–4 and created 17 scoring chances.

The Oilers broke the ice just 3:21 into the second period. Evan Bouchard danced around Brandon Saad, rolled to the right, drove down to the right circle, and fired a shot on net. Adin Hill made the save, but Bouchard chased the puck and delivered a centering pass to Trent Frederick. Hill made two saves, but Frederick eventually succeeded on the third attempt.

The Golden Knights scored the equalizer at 13:09 of the second minute. Mitch Marner won a board battle and handed it back to Noah Hanifin, who was fresh off the bench. Hanifin drove to the line and fired a wrist shot that deflected in front of the net and beat Connor Ingram from distance.

In an uncharacteristic turn of events, the Golden Knights were outclassed in the third period. Shots were tied at eight each, but the Oilers created 12 scoring chances and held Vegas to five. The Golden Knights controlled only 20.16% of the expected goal share, and as Bruce Cassidy said, they got what they deserved.

The Oilers regained the lead just 2:34 into the third minute. Tomas Hertl won an offensive zone draw, but Vasily Podkolzin beat a flat-footed Jeremy Lauzon to the puck. Podkolzin raced up the ice, split the defense, left Lauzon and Rasmus Andersson in the dust, and passed Edin Hill. Podkolzin broke the net and scored with hard work.

The Oilers doubled their lead at 11:53 of the third. Rasmus Andersson broke his stick attempting to clear and was forced to drop it and make an empty-handed save. The Golden Knights regained control of the puck, but Anderson’s broken stick blocked Jack Eichel’s clearing attempt. Connor McDavid controlled the puck and found Leon Draisaitl down low for a five-hole backhander.

Shea Theodore took a high-sticking penalty with 4:47 remaining in regulation. But as soon as all hope was gone, Jack Eichel left the team behind.

The Golden Knights got within one while shorthanded at 16:43 of the third period. Jack Eichel drove deep into the zone, pulled up, and Evan Bouchard and Leon Draisaitl were double-teamed. Mitch Marner retrieved the puck and found Eichel all alone at the right point; Eichel drove it out of the house.

Trailing by only one, the Golden Knights pulled Adin Hill for an extra attacker with 3:30 remaining in regulation. They couldn’t even get a shot on goal and the Oilers scored a dagger at 18:03 of the third. Connor McDavid won a footrace for the puck and set up Kasperi Kapanen for an empty-netter.

“At the end of the day, 6-on-5, like a small part of our game, doesn’t have enough urgency, right?” Cassidy expressed his condolences. “There’s a 50-50 puck. I know McDavid is one of the fastest guys in the world, but we have a chance to at least tie it until we get help, or allow him to go out of the zone… We didn’t win that race.”

Hannah Kirkel is a beat writer who covers the Vegas Golden Knights for Vegas Hockey Now on SportsNote. She studied more about Hannah Kirkel

Phoenix Suns’ Dillon Brooks never shies away from a challenge on and off the court. The 30-year-old is confident in himself and has taken part in feuds with many of the game’s greats in recent years, including Draymond Green and LeBron James.

Well, during his recent appearance on Million Dollar’s Worth of Game in front of Gilly Da King and Valo267, Brooks threw shade at a series of NBA stars. When reviewing the list of the league’s top-50 players by Complex, Brooks was asked if he felt he deserved to be ranked higher than the No. 48 spot he garnered.

“No, even though he’s having a great year,” he said of Keyontae George before labeling him ‘soft’. Brooks called Austin Reeves of the Los Angeles Lakers dishonest, and claimed that Cooper Flagg had no better year than him, while acknowledging that he deserved a higher finish.

“No, it’s not a better year than me because if I was there we would be in the playoff race, that’s what I do,” Brooks said.

Regarding Trey Murphy, Brooks claimed he “can’t stand losing”, claiming that Karl-Anthony Towns was “too sweet”. Brooks also said “no” outright to Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren, and responded similarly to Scottie Barnes, claiming the Toronto Raptors star couldn’t shoot. Brooks also said ‘no’ outright to Joel Embiid.

“No. Hurt too bad. He just got hurt. Like you could probably go to sleep for a week and wake up and he’s probably hurt again,” he said. Finally, Brooks also believes that he is having a better season than LeBron James.

“No, he didn’t have a better year than me,” he said.

Brooks is averaging nearly 21 points, 3.7 rebounds and nearly 2 assists per game this season, a career-high scoring rate for the veteran wing. Most of the players he mentioned undoubtedly have better numbers, including Cooper Flagg and LeBron James, who are in the midst of historic seasons for different reasons.

While some of those claims may be worth considering Brooks’ logic, most fans may think he has overstated his current form, especially as the Suns still only sit in 7th place in the Western Conference with a 36–27 record.

NFL free agency begins March 11^thThere is a lot of curiosity as to how the New York Giants will approach free agency under head coach John Harbaugh.

The Giants’ top free agents are receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and corner Cor’Dell Floet. All three are at the top of their respective positions on the free agency market and will draw attention across the league.

The team has interest in trying to re-sign each player, but with $14.2 million in cap space according to Over the Cap after cutting Bobby Okereke, James Hudson and restructuring Devin Singletary’s contract, that’s not a realistic possibility. Here are our predictions for the landing spots for New York’s top three free agents.

RELATED: 3 free agent receivers who should be on the New York Giants’ radar

van’dale robinson

Robinson is coming off the best season of his four-year career as he had career highs in receptions (92), receiving yards (1,014) and receiving touchdowns with four. When Malik Nabors was lost for the season due to a torn ACL in Week 4, Robinson was the only reliable wideout that Jackson Dart had to throw to.

The twenty-five-year-old wideout has established himself as one of the best slot receivers in the league, and it is expected that he will want a contract that will pay him $16-18 million annually. This may be more than New York is willing to pay the 5’8 185-pound receiver, especially since he is limited outside in numbers.

Additionally, former Giants head coach Brian Daboll, now the offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans, would love to reunite with Robinson and help him develop quarterback Cam Ward. The Titans have more than $92 million in cap space and can pay Robinson whatever they want.

Prediction: Robinson signs with Tennessee Titans

german elyumunor

Elyumunor spent the last two seasons with Big Blue and started 31 games. The 31-year-old right tackle has been solid in pass protection as he had a PFF pass blocking grade of 76.7, and he helped the Giants finish fifth in the league at 129 yards per game.

Elyumunor considers himself one of the best right tackles in the league, and the above-average offensive tackle could be worth $13 to $17 million annually. If he and his agent are willing to settle for the low end of that range, there’s a good chance he’ll return to the team.

What bodes well for his return is that head coach John Harbaugh was the head coach in Baltimore when the Ravens drafted him with the 159th overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. Ensuring that Jackson Dart remains upright is a priority for the club, and Elyumunor has shown he can help achieve this.

Prediction: Elyumunor re-signs with Giants

Kor’Del Mahan

After being a part-time starter his first three seasons, Flott emerged as a full-time starter and started all 14 games in which he appeared. In 2025, he had 38 tackles, a career-high 11 passes defensed, and one interception.

The 24-year-old corner will look to maximize his earning potential while still in the prime of his career, but this is a deep free agency pool at cornerback. With many corners on the market, this could hurt his value, especially since he has never thrown more than one interception in a season. His small frame at 6’2, 175 pounds has raised concerns about whether he will fit the physical style that New York expects to play under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.

The Giants are weak, especially as Deonte Banks has been a huge disappointment in his three years with the team. So, unless another team breaks the bank to pay the float, he should come back to the team.

Prediction: Flott re-signs with the Giants

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 projections ahead of NFL free agency

On Saturday night at UFC 326, two of the greatest fighters of their generation went head-to-head in the main event as Max Holloway put his UFC BMF belt on the line against Charles Oliveira. Despite being weakened, the Brazilian easily defeated the Hawaiian and won by a dominant decision.

Following his massive win, take a look at where “Du Bronx” ranks in our new UFC pound-for-pound rankings.

10. Tom Aspinall (15-3)

Englishman Tom Aspinall is the best heavyweight in the UFC. It became official when MMA GOAT Jon Jones decided to step away from the sport earlier this year. The Englishman has defeated many of the best fighters in the division over the past three years and is the undisputed leader in the eyes of most UFC fans.

After definitively avenging the only defeat of his UFC career in the summer of 2024, he made his first defense of the undisputed title in October. Unfortunately, a nasty blow from opponent Cyril Game ended the UFC 321 main event after just a few minutes. An immediate rematch in early 2026 appears likely.

9. Charles Oliveira (36-11)

Charles Oliveria holds several UFC records and is considered one of the greatest Brazilian MMA fighters of all time. There’s a lot to like about his fighting style, and his resume is full of big wins. But age catches up with everyone, and it has taken its toll on “Du Bronx” over the years as he has split his last four fights.

Since he is so far out of the title pictures, the former lightweight king chose to go for the BMF title in March instead. At UFC 326, Oliveira had the best performance of his career, as he completely dominated fellow future Hall of Famer Max Holloway to win his second championship in the company.

8. Khamzat Chimaev (15-0)

Khamzat Chimaev has been an absolute destructive machine throughout his career. He has rarely faced serious resistance during his current UFC run. And that was the case at UFC 319 when he reached the top of the middleweight mountain and defeated Draculas du Plessis. Although it’s not always pretty, few fighters on the UFC roster are as impressive as “Borz.”

7. Alexandre Pantoja (30-6)

Brazil’s Alexandre Pantoja had a long, difficult journey to become the UFC flyweight king. He toiled in the division for several years before finally winning a title fight at UFC 290. In his first opportunity to become champion, he performed well by scoring his second (3rd unofficial) victory over division king Brandon Moreno.

He has been a major champion since picking up a win over Brandon Royval and another win against Moreno. However, his reign came to an unfair end at UFC 323 when the fight had to be stopped early in Round 1 due to a non-contact injury to his elbow.

6. Merab Dvalishvili (21-4)

Merab Davlishvili is truly “The Machine”. His tenacity and wrestling have turned him into one of the best bantamweights on the planet. If there were any doubts after his 2024 win over Sean O’Malley, he silenced them with an even more decisive rematch victory at UFC 316.

Following that fight, the champ put his gold on the line against fan-favorite Cory Sandhagen at UFC 320, and like his previous 13 fights, he dominated with his wrestling and cardio. He seems invincible at this time.

5.Petr Yan (20-5)

The three consecutive losses led many to wonder if Petr Yan’s days as a top five bantamweight were over. However, his recent wins over Yadon Song, Deiveson Figueiredo and Marcus McGhee helped rebuild his title contender status. Earning a title shot at UFC 323.

In a rematch with a man who had defeated him two years earlier, the Russian was the greatest version of himself as he decisively defeated Merab Dvalishvili to become a two-time bantamweight champion. “No Mercy” proved that he is fully back to being an elite fighter in the world.

4. Alexander Volkanovski (28-4)

Alexander Volkanovski has solidified his place as the best featherweight of all time. However, a move up in weight for a second title shot and the rise of Ilya Topuria led to “The Great” suffering three consecutive losses and speculation that his best days were behind him.

However, he has bounced back from those setbacks to establish his dominance at 145 pounds with back-to-back wins over Diego Lopes. Most recently appearing in front of his countrymen at UFC 325. Although he did not get the finish, he once again proved that he is a cut above the Brazilian native.

3. Alex Pereira (12-3)

Alex Pereira’s UFC story is legendary. After nine fights, he became a two-division champion and scored devastating victories over some of the best fighters of the era at middleweight and light heavyweight. The 38-year-old has been a revelation for the company and has connected with the MMA fanbase with a fighting approach similar to cage fighting icon Fedor Emelianenko.

After being on the wrong side of a disappointing decision loss in March, the Brazilian returned with a vengeance at UFC 320. He came out of the gate in his rematch with Magomed Ankalev and blew him away in a matter of minutes to regain his place at the top of the division.

2. Ilya Topuria (17-0)

Ilya Topuria will go down as one of the greatest featherweights of all time. But instead of further enhancing his 145-pound resume, “El Matador” moved to lightweight in search of history. Well, he achieved the feat in June by becoming just the 10th fighter to win gold in two divisions. Crushing former 155 pound champion Charles Oliveria and adding him to his hitlist of veterans.

1. Islam Makhachev (28-1)

Islam Makhachev has solidified his place as one of the greatest UFC lightweights of all time with his wins over Dustin Poirier, Alexander Volkanovski (twice) and Charles Oliveira. Not only is he a dominant wrestler, but he has one of the most underrated standup games in the game.

At UFC 322, he made his mark in UFC history when he moved up in weight and became the latest fighter to win titles in two divisions, as he became the new welterweight king with a dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena.

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

Ryan Gravenberch’s new Liverpool contract is worth over €100m and comes after several weeks of lengthy talks with his agent Jose Fortes Rodriguez.

That’s according to journalist Mike Verweij And Wire. The Dutch pair report that Gravenberch’s new deal is a money-maker for the 23-year-old.

According to their information, the new contract announced by Liverpool until 2032 is worth more than €100m for the midfielder.

Liverpool finalized and announced the deal today after several weeks of negotiations with Gravenbirch’s agent, Jose Fortes Rodriguez. Talks ended positively and he extended his stay at Anfield for six years.

€90m transfer price

The deal represents a clear sign of the Premier League champions’ confidence in the midfielder. Gravenberch initially struggled under Jurgen Klopp before establishing himself as a key player under Arne Slot last season.

The Dutchman’s arrival at Anfield last season saw him move from a rotation option to Liverpool’s first-choice number six.

This has seen his market value rise significantly, with Transfermarkt recently valuing him at around €90m. That is double the €40m paid by Liverpool to sign him from Bayern Munich in 2023.

The €100 million figure presumably refers to salaries and potential bonus payments. But on salaries alone, this would work out to around €16.6m a year.

Broken down, this is approximately €320,000 per week. At current exchange rates, this would work out to Gravenberch at around £277,000 a week.

Liverpool’s top earners

This will be a significant increase in their salary packet. Before this extension it was reported that Gravenberch was earning around £150,000 per week.

Plus, it would put Gravenbirch firmly among Anfield’s top earners. he is currently Mohamed Salah tops the list on around £400,000 a week.

Van Dijk and Alexander Isak reportedly follow at £350,000 per week and £280,000 per week. This would make him the highest-paid midfielder at the club, surpassing summer signing Florian Wirtz.

If that’s the case, and Verweij and De Telegraaf’s €100m figure suggests it is, then it’s a huge sign of Liverpool’s confidence in the midfielder. Now he will have to repay for this on the pitch.

The New England Patriots are in need of a No. 1 wide receiver after releasing Stefon Diggs. Enter AJ Brown. Brown has been linked to New England for several months thanks to head coach Mike Vrabel. The Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver spent the first three years of his career with Vrabel on the Tennessee Titans.

Brown has been vocal about his displeasure with Philadelphia and New England always being connected to him. In fact, the Patriots were Brown’s favorite NFL team, and he has been quite outspoken about it in recent years. With the release of Diggs and an empty wide receiver room, the direction moving forward is clear. The Patriots should make trading for Brown a top priority.

As the Inquirer’s Jeff McLain reports, New England and the Baltimore Ravens are considered the most likely trade partners for the Browns. The Patriots and Ravens both have a need for a No. 1 wide receiver, but any team acquiring Brown would have to be willing to give up a lot of assets and absorb a $23 million cap hit.

This shouldn’t be a problem for New England. Despite making the Super Bowl, the organization still has a lot of needs, such as offensive line help and EDGE rushers. However, No. 1 wide receiver is the Patriots’ biggest need after releasing Diggs. If not Brown, New England still needs to find at least two wide receivers through other means.

Neither of them will be at the same level as Brown, which is why trade should be the Patriots’ top priority.

Potential New England Patriots trade package for AJ Brown

If the Eagles trade Brown this offseason, they are demanding a massive sale. On Thursday, the Buffalo Bills acquired DJ Moore and a 2026 fifth-round pick from the Chicago Bears for a 2026 second-round pick. That’s a hefty price for Moore, and it explains why the asking price in Philadelphia is so high. So, what should the Patriots trade for the Browns?

No matter what happens, the Patriots will have to move the 31st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It must also be willing to move another pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, such as a third-round pick. If the Eagles are looking for another asset, New England could add another pick or player. However, would it be too much? At some point, the Patriots have to draw a line.

While the Browns should be New England’s top priority, sometimes it just doesn’t work. It takes two parties to get a deal done and if the Eagles are in limbo over a first-round pick, a second or third first-round pick and another good player, there can’t be a realistic deal for New England.

To be in the conversation, the 31st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2026 sixth-round pick should be the middle ground between New England and Philadelphia. It’s a good deal for both sides, and it would give the Eagles plenty of value in exchange for one of the NFL’s best wide receivers.

The Patriots know they need to acquire a No. 1 wide receiver. Whether it’s Brown or Alec Pierce in free agency next week, New England will have to do everything possible to land Drake Mays’ new favorite target. The Eagles are demanding sun and moon, but the Patriots must work as hard as possible to acquire Brown, while remaining realistic about a return.

READ MORE: The 5 best WR targets for the New England Patriots after releasing Stefon Diggs

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

Real Madrid want to move Manchester City’s Rodri away from the Premier League after identifying him as their priority target.

This is according to journalist Alberto Pereiro, who covered it on Onda Cerro’s RadioEstadio Noche, as relayed by . sports world.

On 27 February, Khel Witness Covered claims from Spain That Real Madrid wants to sign the Manchester City star.

The Spain international will turn 30 in June, while the La Liga side have only spent money on youth players in recent years.

Therefore, in order to lure the midfielder away from the Etihad in the summer, Los Blancos will have to change their tactics.

Manchester City star is top priority for Real Madrid

The 29-year-old and Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbach are Real Madrid’s ‘top priorities’ for next season.

Pereiro reports that the Spanish giants have allocated €100 million to sign the pair and the funds for further contracts will depend on the sale of the players.

“The first €100 million that Real Madrid wants to spend this summer is on Rodrigo Hernandez and Schlotterbach. Whether Madrid makes more signings depends on what they sell this summer,” He said.

The journalist did not specify how much fee Real Madrid has allocated or intends to pay Pep Guardiola’s team for Rodri.

Earlier today, Sports Witness news broadcast from germany Real Madrid are no longer prioritizing Schlotterbach in defence. Los Blancos are eyeing Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate.

The Germany international and Konate are both 26 years old. However, the Frenchman’s contract expires in June and he has reportedly made up his mind to leave Anfield.

Real Madrid can sign Konate for free while they will have to agree terms with Borussia Dortmund to sign Schlotterbach.

Analysis: Rodri’s contract and value

If the Spanish club decide to move forward with Konate, they could allocate substantial money to sign Rodri.

The former Atletico Madrid player has less than 18 months left on his contract. His father recently said He “knows nothing” about his son’s future plans.

Mundo says it is unclear whether Manchester City is willing to sell the player at the price set by Real Madrid. transfer market He is now valued at €75 million, a figure that Real Madrid may not be able to match.

The English club do not need to raise funds and have the ability to absorb the financial blow and let Rodri leave for free in 2027. However, Guardiola is unlikely to stand in the way if he requests a transfer.

This season saw a great battle between two of the best teams in the NBA, with the San Antonio Spurs emerging as 121-106 winners against the Detroit Pistons after a stellar performance from Victor Wambayama. Wemby finished the game with 39 points, 16 rebounds and three assists, setting an impressive record along the way.

En route to the win, Wembley recorded an NBA-leading fourth game with at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks this season, reaching the historic mark in just three quarters, according to a post on ESPN. The result means San Antonio has now completed a season sweep of the conference-leading Pistons, who are now 45–16 for the season.

Victor Vembanyama is in a league of his own 🙌

Wembley recorded his NBA-leading 4th game this season with at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks tonight, and did it in just 3 quarters. pic.twitter.com/sfQRYu7PYo

– ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) 6 March 2026

Vembanyama scored 39 points on 12 of 24 shooting, including 4 of 10 from three-point range, and was nearly flawless from the free-throw line, converting 10 of 11 attempts. This was accompanied by a dominant defensive job inside the paint as Detroit finished with only 36 interior points.

Additionally, despite playing 39 minutes, Vembanyama committed zero turnovers and finished with a +20 plus-minus. The win continued a phenomenal run for San Antonio, who have now won 13 of their last 14 games and move to 45–17 on the season.

The Spurs started quickly, taking an early 10–2 lead and eventually pushing it to 17 at the end of the first quarter. Overall, San Antonio shot 50% from the field and 13 of 37 from three-point range (35%).

De’Aaron Fox added 29 points by shooting 12 of 22 from the field and 4 of 10 from three-point range, while rookie Stephon Cassel recorded 11 points and 12 assists. Cade Cunningham top-scored for Detroit with 26 points and eight assists.

However, he went 10-26 from the field and struggled to make shots all night. Of course, Detroit also struggled due to the early exit of Aussie Thompson, who was withdrawn after just two minutes in the first quarter due to a right ankle sprain. Despite the loss, Detroit remains in first place in the Eastern Conference at 45–16, although the loss capped a 1–2 road trip.

Despite this, the game clearly belonged to Wembanyama, who dominated from the start and proved impossible for the Pistons to stop.

Juventus are not interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario in the summer transfer window.

This is according to journalist Luca Momblano, Via Blasting News. He insists that reports linking the Tottenham number one to a move to Juventus are widespread.

Vicario appears to be determined to leave Tottenham this summer and return to his homeland in some capacity. Sport Witness has covered various reports from Italy regarding his desire to switch.

Inter Milan long-time admirers have come up with a plan as they eye a replacement for Yann Sommer this season. Reports late last month brought Juventus into the mix.

Dual sources refute Tottenham’s claims

They’re also eyeing a new number for the summer. As a result, they have Reports have already been made about a move. The Tottenham goalkeeper is reportedly on their list alongside players like Alisson Becker.

This potentially gives Tottenham another option to move back to Italy this summer. However, Momblano insists there is no such interest from Juventus. He says that this has also been confirmed by the player’s agents.

“I was very surprised by the article published in a famous newspaper today,” he said on his Twitch showing Juventus.

“Because from what I can read, it puts Vicario as the first-choice goalkeeper for Juventus, almost in pole position for next summer.

“I have a completely opposite reaction. As far as I understand, and I have contacted not only Juventus but also the people who manage the goalkeeper’s profile, Juventus have never approached the current Tottenham goalkeeper.

“Plus, Vicario himself has never heard anything about possible interest from the old lady. For all these reasons, I was surprised by what I read today. Not only do I not have Vicario in the top five goalkeepers for June, but I don’t even have him in the top seven.”

This may be the case where it becomes immediately apparent that the transfer was very difficult and that everyone involved is in denial that anything of the sort happened.

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed Tuesday.

montreal canadiens news

It’s officially silly season! Habs-related rumors have been increasing, with one of the most recent reports linking the Calgary Flames to defenseman Arbor Zekaj. [Canadiens Rumours: Calgary Reportedly Interested in Xhekaj]

Patrik Laine’s name also came up on Tuesday. Apparently, the Los Angeles Kings have renewed interest in the power play specialist. [Canadiens Linked To Kings In Laine Trade Rumour]

While the Flames have shown interest in Zekaj, the Habs continue to kick the tires on Flames forward Nazem Kadri. [Evaluating Canadiens Rumour Linking Kadri To Montreal]

With the March 6 NHL trade deadline looming, we take a look at the most pressing needs of Kent Hughes and company. While many want the Habs to acquire a forward, the defensive situation is far more worrisome. Montreal scored a lot of goals, but struggled to keep the puck out of their own net. [Top 5 Canadiens Needs Heading Into Trade Deadline]

There were 12 goals scored in Tuesday night’s game between the Habs and Sharks! Watch highlights of the goal bonus in California that resulted in a 7-5 win for the Sharks [Canadiens Highlights: Goal Bonanza In San Jose]

One of the Canadiens’ top prospects, Bryce Pickford, refuses to stop scoring goals at will in the WHL. Pickford was voted as the No. 7 player in our annual Top 20 Habs prospects rankings. [Canadiens Top 20 Rankings – No. 7 The Extraordinary Bryce Pickford]

Don’t take your eyes off Pickford!! His 38th year has put us over 1!! 🚨🐅@CanadiensMTL | #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/OuGlGF855G

– Medicine Hat Tigers (@tigershockey) 4 March 2026

As always, phenom Lane Hutson has his eyes on the prize.

Len Hutson on this Habs squad today:

“We have a young group that is confident in what we’re doing and building. But we all bring different things and it’s fun… We all share the common goal of competing and trying to win a Stanley Cup.” pic.twitter.com/ABg2XuwBtH

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 4 March 2026

ICYMI: We’ve landed the top spot in our annual Montreal Canadiens prospect rankings, as voted on by Habs fans. Dynamic forward Michael Hayes earned the No. 1 spot because of his elite skill set, not to mention he has already established himself as one of the top players in the NCAA. It remains to be seen how long he’ll stay in the NCAA, and whether the Habs will want him to spend some time in the AHL before graduating to the NHL, but there’s no doubt that Hayes represents Montreal’s best hopes of drafting an elite player from their current prospect pool. [Canadiens Top 20 Prospects – No. 1 Dynamic Michael Hage]

Sportsknot Network

Despite some players with expiring contracts, the New Jersey Devils still have value heading into next Friday with some short-term deals and favorable cap hits. [New Jersey Devils]

The St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabers are working on a trade that will shock the entire NHL. As TSN’s Darren Dreger reports, trade talks between the Blues and Sabers involving Robert Thomas are “heating up.” St.Louis is serious about trading Thomas after weeks of speculation. [Buffalo Sabres]

The Carolina Hurricanes have the most points in the Eastern Conference heading into the NHL trade deadline on Friday. Carolina is speculated to acquire Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson. Peterson, who has been criticized in Vancouver, could be traded despite his $11.6 million camp hit. The 27-year-old center has 35 points in 52 games in 2025-26. [Carolina Hurricanes]

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed on Monday.

montreal canadiens news

We’ve landed the top spot in our annual Montreal Canadiens prospect rankings, as voted on by Habs fans. Dynamic forward Michael Hayes earned the No. 1 spot because of his elite skill set, not to mention he has already established himself as one of the top players in the NCAA. It remains to be seen how long he’ll stay in the NCAA, and whether the Habs will want him to spend some time in the AHL before graduating to the NHL, but there’s no doubt that Hayes represents Montreal’s best hopes of drafting an elite player from their current prospect pool. [Canadiens Top 20 Prospects – No. 1 Dynamic Michael Hage]

Our analyst Ronnie Hermo took a deep dive into the data prepared by Samuel Montembeault, Jacob Dobbs and Jacob Fowler and the results may surprise you! Well, sensationalism aside, Ronnie always does a great job, and in this case, he has shed some important light on the current situation. While Dobbs has managed to win more games, the statistics show that Montembeault has also played relatively well. [Canadiens Analysis: – Which Goalie Should Start Down The Final Stretch Of The Season]

The Canadiens are reportedly interested in trading for Robert Thomas, but the cost would be too high. This makes sense, because Thomas is at his statistical peak, and you rarely see a player of his talent become available for trade. According to the report, the trade package would also include top Canadiens prospect Hayes, among others.

Sources show that #GoHabsGo One of the more interested teams revolving around Robert Thomas.

That being said, the price set by Doug Armstrong is too high for the Habs at this time.

The Blues reportedly want Michael Hayes in any package for Thomas.https://t.co/GOp9eeQdP7

– Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) 2 March 2026

Laval rocket is doing its job properly. In addition to being the center of entertainment in Laval, they are set to honor firefighters with new jerseys over the weekend. They will then auction off the jerseys and the proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society. This is a great initiative that clearly deserves our support. On that note, even if they aren’t supporting any important charities, I would still suggest going to see Rocket, as it offers the best bang for your buck when it comes to the entertainment budget. In particular, families benefit from the reasonable costs, great ambiance and great facilities at Place Bell.

ready for anything
ready for everything

The Rockets will wear this uniform during the All Fire All Flame game in collaboration with the Laval Fire Department to benefit the Canadian Cancer Society next Saturday at Place Bell. Sweaters will be available here… pic.twitter.com/wp6gh57Nvx

– Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) 2 March 2026

Adam Nicholls continues to be one of the most important members of the Canadiens organization, helping young players become confident NHLers.

Besides, he also has a very good shot!

Habs give Michigan chances to score with help from Michael Hayes

pic.twitter.com/2X5RWTFlRz

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 28 February 2026

ICYMI: Netminder Jacob Fowler took the No. 2 spot in our Canadiens prospect rankings. All things considered, he has shown that he can be a dominant presence in every league from the USHL to the NHL, but we should be wary of thrusting him into the NHL spotlight too quickly. He still needs to absorb as much experience as possible in the AHL before the pressure of becoming Montreal’s starter comes. [Canadiens Top 20 Prospects – No. 2 Stoic Fowler]

Sportsknot Network

The 2026 NHL trade deadline is less than a week away. The New Jersey Devils are out of playoff position and possibly looking to prepare for next season. After all, preparing in the spring to rebuild in the summer is in GM Tom Fitzgerald’s DNA. That’s what they did when they acquired Jake Allen two deadlines ago. Despite some players with expiring contracts, the Devils still have value moving forward next Friday with some short-term deals with favorable cap hits. [New Jersey Devils]

The Toronto Maple Leafs are poised to be a very busy seller this week. The trading deadline will take effect on Friday at 3pm Eastern. The pending unrestricted free agents are most likely to be gone, although the majority of the team is available at the right price. [Toronto Maple Leafs]

The Minnesota Wild are looking for an upgrade at center by the NHL trade deadline. After trading for defenseman Quinn Hughes, the Wild hope to complete their roster to make a big push at the Stanley Cup. Now, Minnesota is being linked to a big trade of the Olympic gold medalist to Team USA. [Minnesota Wild]

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

We’ve reached the top spot in our annual Montreal Canadiens Top 20 Prospect Rankings, as chosen by Habs fans.

Highly skilled center Michael Hayes, who was a top-three pick last year, is taking over as the top prospect in the organization.

Note: To qualify for the project, potential candidates must be 23 years of age or younger and currently playing outside the NHL. In other words, even though Canadian players like Len Hutson, Juraj Slafkowski and Ivan Demidov are young enough to qualify by age, they have already established themselves as NHL players and are no longer considered prospects.

Previously published Montreal Canadiens prospect profile

Canadian prospects who just missed the cut

Canadiens prospects ranked 20-16

Canadiens prospects ranked 15-11

No. 10 – Towering Hayden Poupanekis

No. 9 – Truculent Florian Zekaj

No. 8 – Highly skilled LJ Mooney

No. 7 – Extraordinaire Bryce Pickford

No. 6 – Cerebral Owen Beck

No. 5 – Highly Mobile Adam Engstrom

Number 4 – Enigmatic David Rickenbacker

No. 3 – Brilliant Alexander Zarovsky

Number 2 – Stoic Jacob Fowler

Michael Hayes

1. Center, Shoots Wright, 19, University of Michigan (NCAA), 6’1″, 198 lbs. Selected 21st overall in 2024.

Although there was some uncertainty about the rankings of the other players included in the project, there was some doubt that Michael Hayes would finish as the top prospect, as voted by Habs fans.

Hayes’ rookie season with the University of Michigan was encouraging. With 13 goals and 24 assists in 33 games, he managed to produce over a point-per-game in a lineup that lacked firepower, a testament to his impressive ability.

It’s important to remember that the jump from the USHL to the NCAA is one of the biggest challenges most players will face during their careers. While the USHL is a good league, the NCAA is where young players really learn how to work in defensive systems, how to improve important factors like nutrition and fitness, not to mention the various details that prepare them for life in the professional ranks.

In that vein, there was a definite risk that Hayes’ excellent production would not immediately translate to the USHL.

But Hayes didn’t need a grace period.

In fact, his first taste of NCAA action came in the form of a pair of assists. He scored his first NCAA goal the very next day, when the Wolverines defeated Minnesota State 4–1.

With a solid rookie season in the books, Hayes ensured that his sophomore season would be successful as well, featuring incredibly consistent production with 13 goals and 33 assists in 45 games. It should be noted that with Michigan considered one of the top teams in the country this year, Hayes’ offensive impact has played a large role in their improved ranking.

Strength

Some prospects manage to feature high-level skating.

Others may have superb hand-eye coordination.

But only a few can combine both skill sets, providing dynamic changes in the offensive zone on a nightly basis.

This is where Hayes separated himself from the herd. He is a great skater who has the ability to carve up our precious ice in the offensive zone. He has elite playmaking that allows him to find his teammates through the passing lanes he creates as he throws opposing players into chaos due to his speed of execution.

He drives the net with consistent confidence, a man who is on a mission to generate high-danger scoring chances. Transition speed is the name of the game whenever Hayes is on the ice.

While he prefers to pass rather than shoot, he has a good shot, including a sneaky release to fool the opposing goaltender, or a well-timed toe pull.

In addition to his excellent skill set, he also has the confidence needed to complete highlight plays with regularity, which is another encouraging sign when evaluating his long-term potential.

His play at the 2026 World Junior Championships was a perfect example of his excellence, especially since it came against players his own age rather than older opponents in the NCAA.

He was stripped of his spot on the World Junior Championship All-Star team, but no one can deny that he was one of the most impressive players in the tournament, as shown by the fact that he finished with 15 points in 7 games. No other player managed to score more points than Hayes, and if we’re being completely honest, he could have had a few more points if he had a little more luck shooting, and his teammates did a little better job of finishing games.

Despite this, it was clear that Hayes stood out as one of the best players on the international stage, yet another position in which he rose to the occasion.

weaknesses

Hayes is not a perfect player, but there are very few aspects of his game that would be considered weaknesses.

At times, he can hold the puck for too long, causing him to suffer big hits.

The good news is that he continued to drive the net even after being subjected to big body checks by his opponent, which shows that he doesn’t shy away from high-scoring areas just because he has to deal with a higher level of physicality.

I would argue that he needs to improve his defensive game before he is ready for professional hockey, but again, this is not necessarily a weakness. For a 19-year-old, aggressive guy who needs a little work on the defensive end, that’s par for the course.

There are some who may criticize his gifts in the offensive zone, however, Hayes is far from a turnover machine. He catches the puck more often than others, and that always results in a higher turnover rate. You could go so far as to suggest that players who turn the puck over with high frequency are generally the best players in any number of different leagues. As things stand, Nathan MacKinnon leads the NHL in turnovers, and by a wide margin, too. You’ll notice that MacKinnon and Hayes have very similar skill sets.

What to expect from Fowler moving forward?

Given that Hayes is one of the most productive players in the NCAA, there’s a good chance the Montreal Canadiens will want to graduate him at the end of the 2025-26 season, perhaps even giving him a few games in Montreal so he can dip his toes in the cool waters of professional hockey.

I’d avoid proposing that he’s NHL ready at this exact moment, meaning we could see him in the AHL, or even back in the NCAAs for a third season, but the fact remains that Hayes represents Montreal’s best chance to make a significant impact early next season.

He is also the best interior option to find a long-term solution for the second line, which is one of the most pressing issues when evaluating the Canadiens’ roster construction.

Simply put, Michael Hayes has what it takes to one day become a star player in the NHL and a key member of the Montreal Canadiens.

Montreal Canadiens player statistics via Elite Prospects.

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont