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Articles by Old Prof
NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Jets & Lightning Revelation
In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (November 4, 2026), three goalies and a superstar winger are keeping the NHL trade chatter loud today, so here’s a quick look at where things stand. The Oilers’ Tristan Jarry has gone from salary-dump candidate to a guy teams might actually call about after three strong starts in a row. One week after his trade to New Jersey, Connor Hellebuyck thanked Jets fans in a classy letter and said the move was about his family.
The Winnipeg Jets Needed a Miracle. The Canadiens Gave Them One. Original
You don’t see that every night. The Montreal Canadiens had a 4-0 lead over the Winnipeg Jets early in the third period on Tuesday, and it looked like the game was pretty much in the bag. Winnipeg had lost nine straight, so there wasn’t much reason to expect a comeback. But somehow, the Jets found a way. They scored four goals in just 2 minutes and 8 seconds. Kyle Connor tied it with a power-play goal with 32 seconds left, and Dylan Samberg finished things off in overtime.
Bobrovsky Didn’t Like the Goal, But Why Doesn’t He Worry? Original
There’s something interesting about Sergei Bobrovsky’s reaction to a goal that the Toronto Maple Leafs coaching staff decided not to challenge. You might expect a goalie who feels he was interfered with to be unhappy about the decision. Maybe even a little frustrated with the people who could have done something. But that’s not really what Bobrovsky said. He admitted that he couldn’t do his job on the play. He couldn’t stop the puck.
Russell Westbrook’s Greatest Assist Might Have Come Off the Court
There are plenty of ways to measure Russell Westbrook’s career. Triple-doubles, scoring records, All-Star appearances and an NBA MVP award come to mind. But when the Oklahoma City Thunder announced they would retire his No. 0 jersey, Westbrook’s response reminded everyone that some of the most important parts of a basketball career never show up in the box score. Westbrook will have his jersey raised to the rafters at Paycom Center on February 7, when Oklahoma City hosts the New York Knicks.
Jack Campbell Has a Message for Lions Fans After Scary Injury
There are some Sundays when the final score doesn’t matter nearly as much as the news that follows. The Detroit Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings 19-15, but nobody was spending much time celebrating that victory after linebacker Jack Campbell suffered a serious neck injury and was taken to hospital for evaluation and treatment. For Lions fans, it was a frightening situation.
Could Mauricio Dubon Be the Blue Jays’ Next Underrated Addition?
There’s something about a player who can do a little bit of everything. He might not get the headlines or sell many jerseys, but ask a manager what he wants on his bench and a guy like Mauricio Dubon starts looking pretty attractive. The Atlanta Braves utility player is reportedly a potential offseason target for the Toronto Blue Jays, and I can see why the idea makes sense. Dubon can play almost everywhere except pitcher and catcher. That’s a pretty handy skill to have over a 162-game season.
Nobody Gave East Texas A&M a Chance. That’s What Made the Win Special
Every college basketball season produces a surprise or two. But sometimes a result comes along that makes you stop and look at the scoreboard twice. That happened Monday night in Norman, Oklahoma. East Texas A&M, a team picked to finish last in the Southland Conference, walked into Oklahoma’s Lloyd Noble Center as a 29-point underdog. The Sooners are an SEC program with considerably bigger expectations. The Lions were supposed to be making up the numbers.
Luka Doncic Is Getting a Kobe Comparison. Here’s Why
Luka Doncic is putting up numbers that are getting difficult to explain. Forty-two points, 13 assists and seven rebounds in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 138-117 win over the Miami Heat is another remarkable night’s work. But it’s what Kendrick Perkins said afterward that might interest basketball fans even more. Perkins compared Doncic to Kobe Bryant, calling him the closest thing to Kobe among today’s young players. He was careful to make an important distinction, though.
Maple Leafs Had the Chances, but Utah Had Something More Original
Here’s something that doesn’t quite add up for Toronto Maple Leafs fans. Toronto out-attempted Utah 23-7 in the first period Tuesday night. That’s a pretty convincing advantage. You would think the Maple Leafs would have been the team feeling good about itself heading into the intermission. Instead, they were behind, struggling to find their game and eventually lost 3-2 at home. So what happened? I think there’s something worth looking at beyond the final score.
NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Flames & Lightning Conflict?
In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (November 3, 2026), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins just passed Kevin Lowe for the Oilers’ games played record, and people are already saying it’s time to start thinking about retiring his No. 93. Jarome Iginla opened up about some serious health issues but says he’s feeling hopeful about getting better. And Nikita Kucherov says his beef is with the Lightning GM, not the team, and it’s all about feeling disrespected instead of money.
Nikita Kucherov May Not Be Asking Tampa Bay for What Fans Think
There’s something about Nikita Kucherov’s trade request that makes me wonder whether we’re looking at the whole situation the right way. The Tampa Bay Lightning superstar has made it clear he wants out. He has also explained that his frustration isn’t about money. It’s about communication and respect. After 14 years with the organization, two Stanley Cups, and a place atop the franchise’s all-time scoring list, he apparently expected something different from the people running the team.
Kai Havertz Just Gave Arsenal Fans Something to Rethink
Arsenal fans have had plenty of opinions about Kai Havertz over the past few seasons. Some have appreciated what he brings. Others have wondered whether he’s really the answer in attack. That’s part of following a big club. Expectations are high, and players don’t always get much time to change people’s minds. But every once in a while, a player gives supporters a pretty good reason to take another look. Havertz did that at Anfield.
Victor Wembanyama Shares Honest Insight About NBA Life
It’s not every day that a professional athlete admits he might not be the best person to explain what life is really like for ordinary people. Victor Wembanyama did exactly that during his recent appearance on 60 Minutes, and I thought it was worth your attention. The San Antonio Spurs star was asked about living in the United States. His answer was refreshingly honest.
Will the Blue Jays Miss This Speedster More Than They Think?
Sometimes baseball decisions make perfect sense on paper but still leave fans feeling a little disappointed. The Toronto Blue Jays declining Myles Straw’s $8 million club option might be one of those decisions. You can understand why the Blue Jays made the move. Straw wasn’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard with his bat, and $8 million is a fair amount of money for a player whose offensive production has been limited. Toronto has other needs to address this winter, particularly in the outfield.
The Best Bargain Contract on the Maple Leafs by a Long Shot Original
Sometimes the best bargains in hockey aren’t the players who arrive with big introductions and plenty of expectations. They’re the guys who come in, do their jobs, and gradually make you wonder how the team got so much for so little. Zack MacEwen is starting to look like one of those players for the Toronto Maple Leafs. When the Maple Leafs signed MacEwen to a two-year contract worth $875,000 per season, nobody was expecting much offence.
The Best Bargain Contract on the Maple Leafs by a Long Shot
1 hour ago Rachel Apa, a former Division I field hockey player and first-time marathon runner, died Sunday after she collapsed while participating in the New York City Marathon. She was 24. Apa experienced a “medical incident” during the race, according to marathon organizers New York Road Runners, and a …
Bears Have a New Defensive Weapon, and Seahawks Got a Look
The Chicago Bears went into Seattle and came away with a convincing 34-17 win over the defending Super Bowl champions. That’s a pretty good way to make a statement to the rest of the NFL. But for Bears fans, something else might be worth watching. The arrival of Jeffery Simmons could be changing what opposing offences have to think about when they prepare for Chicago. Simmons made an immediate impression in his Bears debut.
NHL Trade Talk Recap: Lightning, Oilers, Canadiens, Red Wings & Maple Leafs
In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (November 2, 2026), Nikita Kucherov says his trade request is about respect and not money, and the Oilers are suddenly paying attention. Dylan Larkin’s trade list doesn’t include a single Canadian team, which has people wondering what that means. And Wayne Gretzky’s love for Grant Fuhr’s clutch saves is a good reminder for Sergei Bobrovsky in Toronto. NHL Trade Talk Recap November 2.
Oilers Evan Bouchard Is Chasing Legends. But Is There More?
Evan Bouchard has joined a list of pretty impressive names. Bobby Orr. Al MacInnis. And now the Edmonton Oilers defenceman. That’s pretty good company to keep, isn’t it? Bouchard reached 26 points in Edmonton’s first 15 games, becoming just the third defenceman in NHL history to do so. Orr had 30 in 1974-75, while MacInnis finished with 27 in 1990-91. Bouchard is right there with them. And he’s not exactly sneaking up on anybody anymore.
Seiya Suzuki Makes Sense for the Blue Jays, But Is That Enough?
The Blue Jays are being linked to Seiya Suzuki, and you can see why the idea is getting attention. Toronto needs to add an impact bat, and Suzuki is coming off a productive season with the Cubs: 26 home runs, 86 RBIs, and a .270 average in 143 games. That’s the kind of bat a team can imagine placing in the middle of its lineup. The fit is easy to explain.
Reading Between the Lines in Kucherov’s Language: What’s Really Up? Original
Nikita Kucherov didn’t necessarily sound like a player who wanted to burn bridges in his recent interview. He talked about what the Tampa Bay Lightning organization has meant to him, the people he’s met, his family growing up there and the teammates he considers family. He also made it clear that he’ll do everything he can to help the team win. As long as he’s wearing a Lightning jersey, he intends to give the team everything he has.
Kentucky Is Changing Its Backcourt. Will Pope’s Gamble Work?
Kentucky basketball fans are used to debating who should run the offence. This season, Mark Pope may have a different question: What happens when you have two guards trying to do the job together? Pope is looking at a shared lead-guard arrangement with Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins. Rather than having one player control the ball and another provide relief, he wants both involved, especially when Kentucky gets the chance to run in transition. It’s an interesting idea.
Jahmyr Gibbs Has a Big Award in Sight. Here’s the Catch
Jahmyr Gibbs is making a pretty good case for himself as the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year. The Detroit Lions running back isn’t just putting up impressive numbers. He’s becoming the kind of player opposing defences have to account for on every snap. And that’s not an easy assignment. Through seven games, Gibbs has piled up 1,058 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s rushed for 773 yards at five yards per carry and added another 285 yards as a receiver.
Kawhi Leonard: Can the Raptors Ever Make This Work?
Toronto Raptors fans have reason to be a little uneasy about the season’s start. The roster has talent, and there have been some encouraging moments, but the early results haven’t settled anyone’s nerves. One question continues to hang over the organization: What can Toronto realistically expect from Kawhi Leonard? Leonard arrived at Media Day sounding upbeat about his physical condition and his readiness for the season. That was encouraging.
Kucherov Trade? The Lightning Face a Road They Never Drive Original
Something about the Nikita Kucherov situation in Tampa Bay feels uncomfortable. One night, the Lightning are celebrating him as the greatest scorer in franchise history. The next night, reports surface that he wants to be traded. That’s quite a change in the conversation. Kucherov has never been an easy player to read. He’s a remarkably gifted hockey mind, someone who often lets his work on the ice do the talking. He’s also won two Hart Trophies and two Stanley Cups in Tampa Bay.
Nolan Perry Is Giving the Blue Jays a Huge 2027 Decision to Make
The Toronto Blue Jays have plenty of decisions ahead as they look toward 2027. One of the more interesting ones might involve a pitcher who hasn’t yet thrown a major-league pitch. Nolan Perry is making a case worth watching. The organization’s No. 2-ranked prospect put together an impressive 2026 season, pitching across three minor-league levels. His numbers suggest a young starter who is beginning to turn potential into something more tangible.
McDavid Is Breaking Gretzky Records Again. Are We Getting Used to It?
Some records are records; others make you stop and think for a moment. The Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid reaching 30 assists in just 15 games belongs in the second category. The Oilers captain has become the fastest player in NHL history to reach that mark, beating Wayne Gretzky’s previous record of 16 games, set in 1984-85. That’s quite a name to pass, even for a player who has spent much of his career being compared with the Great One. But here’s something else worth considering.
Does Dylan Larkin Want to Stay in the United States? Original
Here’s a question worth asking about Dylan Larkin’s trade list: could playing in the United States be part of what he wants? The clue is pretty simple. Larkin’s reported list of 10 teams has no Canadian clubs on it. Montreal isn’t there, but neither are Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver. Every team on the reported list is American. That doesn’t prove why he picked those destinations, but it does make you wonder whether location is part of the picture. Maybe it is.
Kucherov’s Situation Raises an Old Question for Canadian Teams Original
The Nikita Kucherov situation in Tampa Bay has certainly taken an interesting turn. This isn’t just another story about a star player wanting a bigger paycheque. It raises some questions about what happens when a team reaches the point where keeping its best player becomes a financial challenge. Kucherov reportedly wants out rather than re-signing with the Lightning. Tampa Bay says it won’t trade him.
Gretzky’s Favourite Goalie Had a Quality Missing in Toronto Now Original
There’s an interesting thing about Wayne Gretzky. Ask him who the greatest goaltender of all time is, and he rarely needs much time to think. He doesn’t usually go with Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur, Dominik Hasek or some of the other names we’d expect. He goes with his old Edmonton teammate, Grant Fuhr. Why? It wasn’t because Fuhr had the best numbers. He didn’t. It was because he had a knack for making the save when his team needed it most. Think about that for a minute.
NHL Trade Talk Recap: Kraken, Predators, Canadiens, Lightning & Maple Leafs
In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (November 1, 2026), Seattle and Nashville pulled the trigger on a one-for-one swap of young players who both need a fresh start. Dylan Larkin is sitting out and could shake up his trade list, with Montreal as a name to watch. And Nikita Kucherov wants out of Tampa, with Toronto and Montreal reportedly on his radar if the Lightning ever budge.
The Secret Sauce in the Golden State Valkyries WNBA Championship
I watched the whole game, and I’ll admit it: I was pulling for the underdogs. How could you not? The Golden State Valkyries won the WNBA championship in their second season, beating the Atlanta Dream 68–63 in the first Game 7 in league history. That’s quite a story. But what made it so enjoyable to watch was the way they got there. This wasn’t a team built around a collection of superstar names. No one needed to take turns being the hero.
Drew Meskimenko vs. Arch Manning: The Quarterback Conversation Just Changed?
Sometimes in college football, a player’s name carries as much weight as his performance. Arch Manning knows something about that. For years, the Texas quarterback has been viewed as a future NFL star, partly because of his famous family name and partly because of the expectations that followed him into Austin. But football has a way of changing the conversation. Right now, an Oklahoma State quarterback named Drew Mestemaker is getting the kind of attention Manning was expected to command.
Sidney Crosby Has Given the Penguins Something the NHL Doesn’t See Much Anymore
Sidney Crosby has spent most of his hockey life making difficult things look fairly ordinary. He scores, sets up teammates, leads, and keeps finding ways to make a difference. Now, at 39, he’s added another remarkable achievement to an already extraordinary career. Crosby recorded his 1,112th assist with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, passing Ray Bourque for the most assists by a player with one NHL franchise. He added another later in the game, bringing his total to 1,113.
Will Tarik Skubal’s Price Tag Be the Only Thing That Matters?
There’s a little more reason for Detroit Tigers fans to pay attention to Tarik Skubal’s free agency. The former Tigers ace is expected to command a massive contract, but some early industry talk suggests the final price might not reach the eye-popping $400 million figure being discussed. That doesn’t make him inexpensive. Not even close.
Don’t Be Too Quick to Judge the Maple Leafs Jim Hiller
Remember when Craig Berube’s first season behind the Toronto Maple Leafs bench looked pretty good? Toronto won the division, and things seemed to be heading in the right direction. Then came the second season, and just about everything went sideways. Granted, there were injuries, the loss of a 100-point player, and plenty of other explanations. But what stood out was how much the team’s overall performance seemed to drop.
NHL Trade Talk Recap: Lightning, Oilers, Flames & Maple Leafs
In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (October 31, 2026) there are plenty of storylines to dig into. Kucherov rumors are heating up, and some people are connecting the dots to Edmonton thanks to his agent’s love for Mike Babcock. In Calgary, Morgan Frost might be going from trade candidate to guy the Flames actually want to keep. And in Toronto, Sergei Bobrovsky hasn’t looked great, and Doug MacLean thinks the Leafs should be quicker to pull him on a bad night.
Cam Skattebo’s Running Style Exposes a Huge Football Contradiction
There is something a little strange about the penalty called on New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo. Football coaches spend years teaching running backs to get low, lower their pads, protect the football and drive through contact. That’s how you get those extra two or three yards when a defender is waiting for you. Then Skattebo does something that looks pretty familiar to anybody who has watched football for a long time, and the officials take 15 yards away.
Sonny Gray’s Decision to Leave the Red Sox Tells Us What Teams Value
Baseball teams look for a lot of things when they shop for starting pitching. A big fastball helps. Strikeouts are nice. And everybody would love to find a young starter who can give them 200 innings. But sometimes the pitcher who makes the most sense isn’t the one lighting up the radar gun. Sonny Gray just gave teams something to think about. After a terrific first season with the Boston Red Sox, the 36-year-old right-hander has declined his $30 million mutual option for 2027.
Arch Manning Has Something to Prove at Texas, and Nick Saban Knows How
There is something funny about being a highly recruited quarterback. Before you ever take a meaningful snap, people have already decided how good you are supposed to be. The expectations can get pretty big, pretty quickly. Arch Manning knows something about that. He’s carrying one of the most recognizable names in college football, and when he arrived at Texas, there was plenty of excitement about what he might become. But football has a way of bringing everybody back to earth.
Brewers Pregame Ritual Makes You Wonder What Other Teams Are Hiding
Every baseball team seems to have its little quirks. Some players wear the same socks, others follow the same routine before stepping into the batter’s box, and some clubhouse traditions are probably best left unexplained. But the Milwaukee Brewers might have come up with one of the more unusual pregame rituals in recent memory.
Philadelphia 76ers Are Showing Something That Makes This Season Different
Something interesting is happening in Philadelphia, and it goes beyond a good start to the NBA season. The 76ers are 5-1 after a demanding opening stretch, including two victories over the defending champion New York Knicks. That’s an encouraging beginning for a team with championship ambitions. But perhaps what’s most interesting is that Philadelphia is finding different ways to win. That’s something worth watching, especially after last season’s playoff disappointment.
Auston Matthews Discovered Something About Being a Maple Leaf
Auston Matthews has spent years being one of the faces of the Toronto Maple Leafs. But in these comments, he sounds less like a superstar talking about the pressure of playing in Toronto and more like someone who has started to understand what it means to carry the jersey. Matthews says that when he first arrived, the weight of the history didn’t really hit him right away.
Auston Matthews Discovered Something About Being a Maple Leaf
Toronto Maple Leafs 19 hours ago 4 reasons the Maple Leafs should stay far away from Nikita Kucherov editorinleaf.com - Jeremy Franks • 19h Following Elliotte Friedman's shocking report that Nikita Kucherov requested a trade, here is why the Toronto Maple Leafs must take a hard pass on … Canadian Hockey 4 hours ago William Nylander, Maple Leafs keep Canucks reeling yardbarker.com • 4h William Nylander and Teddy Blueger each had a goal and an assist as the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs held on...
Vasili Podkolzin Is Suddenly Scoring Like a Star. How High Can He Go? Original
The early NHL season has delivered some great surprises, and Vasily Podkolzin is becoming one of them. Edmonton Oilers fans knew he could bring energy, physicality, and a willingness to do the harder work around the net. What they probably didn’t expect was to see him tied for eighth in the NHL in goals and producing at a point-per-game pace. After 13 games, Podkolzin has eight goals and five assists. That’s quite a change from last season, when he finished with 19 goals and 37 points.
Morgan Frost’s Flames Future Just Got a Little More Interesting Original
The Calgary Flames didn’t exactly look like a team ready to make commitments when they opened the season with five straight losses. Things were looking pretty bleak. But hockey seasons have a way of changing direction, and Calgary has started to show some signs of life. Morgan Frost has been part of that improvement, and now there’s an interesting question about his future. Frost had been appearing on the trade radar, with Chris Johnston identifying him as a potential trade candidate.
Insider Doesn’t Hold Back on Sergei Bobrovsky’s Poor Play Original
Toronto Maple Leafs fans have been watching Sergei Bobrovsky closely, and there hasn’t been much to reassure them lately. The veteran goaltender hasn’t looked particularly comfortable, and some of the goals getting past him have raised eyebrows. But should Toronto worry already, or is this simply a rough stretch for a goaltender who’s been around long enough to know how to respond?
NHL Trade Talk Recap: Lightning, Red Wings, Hurricanes & Wild
In today’s NHL Trade Talk Recap (October 30, 2026), the trade market is getting wild, starting in Tampa, where reigning MVP Nikita Kucherov told his teammates he won’t re-sign and wants to be traded. Over in Minnesota, the Wild have a Quinn Hughes problem that looks a lot like the Mikko Rantanen situation in Carolina, except Hughes hasn’t given anyone a list of teams he’d sign with.
Nikita Kucherov Wants Out of Tampa Bay: Lightning Have a Big Decision Ahead
Some players become so closely associated with a franchise that it’s hard to imagine them wearing another uniform. Nikita Kucherov is one of those players. But according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Tampa Bay Lightning superstar has told the organization he won’t sign an extension and has requested a trade. That’s a major development for a franchise that has enjoyed considerable success with Kucherov at the centre.
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman: Is ESPN Ready for a Change?
Watching an NFL game is about more than the players on the field. The people calling the game become part of the experience, too. Some broadcasting partnerships just seem to work. Others can make even a good game feel a little less enjoyable. That’s why the reported tension between Troy Aikman and Joe Buck is worth watching. According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, ESPN may be preparing for life without Aikman when his contract expires after the 2026-27 season.
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