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Before joining the Flames, Daniil Miromanov was relatively unknown to many Calgary fans. He was a key part of the return the Calgary Flames received for defenseman Noah Hanifin near the 2024 Trade Deadline. Prior to his arrival in Calgary, Miromanov had played only 29 career games with the Vegas Golden Knights, leaving Flames fans skeptical about his potential. Additionally, as an undrafted defenseman already 27 years old, the consensus was that the Flames got “fleeced,” as the main player coming back was considered a fringe NHLer.
Those initial doubts were proven wrong as Miromanov made a significant impact post-trade-deadline. After signing a two-year extension, Flames fans witnessed his smooth skating and offensive abilities. In 20 games, he scored three goals and tallied seven points, consistently maintaining a positive attitude. With a full season ahead and assuming he stays healthy, could Miromanov have a breakout year with Calgary?
Miromanov Poised To Have Much Bigger Role With Flames
During his time with the Golden Knights, Miromanov frequently played for their AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights, where he posted strong numbers. As well as he showed, the Golden Knights were not convinced to give him a significant role, largely due to their strong blueline last season, which left little room for new players.
Joining Calgary, Miromanov found himself on a team with a thin blue line. Their rebuild provided opportunities for players to take on larger roles than they might have had elsewhere, and Miromanov is a prime example. He is currently projected to play within the Flames’ top-four defense pairings, a significant leap from where he was a season ago.
Based on his performance in 20 games, Miromanov has demonstrated that he is capable of taking on a bigger role. He is expected to play significant minutes and may even have opportunities to quarterback a power play unit. With the Flames facing little pressure to perform this season, the team might try experimenting with various line combinations. For Miromanov, only time will tell if he can capitalize on the increased responsibilities given to him.
What is Miromanov’s Realistic Celling?
Miromanov could potentially be a late bloomer. His unimpressive NHL stats can be attributed to the limited ice time and opportunities he has received. However, he has posted strong numbers in every league he has played in, including the KHL, ECHL, and AHL. This season, he was a point-per-game player in his five games with Henderson.
While it’s challenging to translate AHL success to the NHL, it’s easy to underestimate Miromanov. Despite being 27, his playing style stands out for all the right reasons. Clearly, Calgary’s management sees potential in him, and they are not wrong. Sometimes, unlocking a player’s full potential is as simple as giving them a larger role, which could be exactly the case for Miromanov.
However, fans need to be realistic. Miromanov would very well end up being a fourth defenseman but I think that’s best case scenario. It’s more likely he ends up as a bottom-pair defender, but a toolsy one. There’s no doubt that Miromanov has skill and I’m intrigued to see him play a full season in Calgary. Will he take his new role to heart? I believe he will.
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Carolina Hurricanes Eye Michael McLeod: NHL Insider Links Forward to Raleigh
The Carolina Hurricanes find themselves positioned for another successful season, but questions remain about roster additions that could push them over the top. According to David Pagnotta’s recent report, the organization has reached out to several players, including forward Michael McLeod, who could provide versatile depth to their forward group. Carolina Hurricanes Target Michael McLeod for Bottom-Six Role David Pagnotta’s reporting through The Fourth Period indicates the Carolina Hurricanes have made contact regarding McLeod’s availability. The 26-year-old center brings exactly what Carolina’s coaching staff values: versatility and two-way reliability. McLeod’s ability to play both center and wing positions makes him an attractive option for a team that traded away Jack Drury last season. The numbers support McLeod’s value proposition. Standing 6’2″ and weighing 192 pounds, he provides the physical presence Carolina often seeks in their bottom-six forward group. His faceoff percentage and penalty-killing abilities would slot nicely into Rod Brind’Amour’s system, which emphasizes defensive responsibility from all four lines. Why the Carolina Hurricanes Need Depth Up Front The Carolina Hurricanes have an array of fresh faces beginning training camp, including defenseman K’Andre Miller and trade acquisition Nik Ehlers. Their forward depth remains in question, nevertheless, especially after breaking ties with a number of role players in the offseason. McLeod represents a cost-effective solution. He played in 249 NHL games with New Jersey, averaging just over 10 minutes per game. The majority of those minutes were utilized in defensive and penalty-killing situations, which is precisely where Carolina needs help. Carolina benefits from the financial side of things. They can add McLeod without jeopardizing other roster construction plans since they have more than $10 million in salary cap space. They have more breathing room than the majority of NHL teams, which compete directly against the cap ceiling. Competition for McLeod’s Services Pagnotta’s report mentioned multiple teams showing interest, though Edmonton appears ruled out based on organizational preferences. The Carolina Hurricanes face competition from other clubs seeking similar depth additions, but their combination of opportunity and financial flexibility creates advantages in negotiations. McLeod’s suspension period ends October 15, with eligibility to play beginning December 1. This timeline allows Carolina to evaluate their early-season performance before committing to any roster additions. If injuries or underperformance create needs, McLeod becomes available at the perfect time. Carolina Hurricanes’ Strategic Approach The organization’s methodical approach reflects its broader roster philosophy. Rather than making splashy moves, they identify specific needs and target players who fit their system requirements. McLeod checks multiple boxes: penalty killing, faceoff reliability, and positional flexibility. This strategy mirrors their successful acquisitions in recent seasons. Players like Jordan Martinook found success in Carolina after struggling elsewhere, largely because the organization identified how their skills translated to specific roles within the system.
Packers Get Good News Regarding TE Tucker Kraft’s Knee Injury
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Packers TE Tucker Kraft had “a little scare but all good” regarding the knee injury he suffered during Thursday’s practice squad. “I think he will be OK,” Schefter’s source added. The Packers were optimistic that Kraft’s knee injury wasn’t a season-threatening issue, but they had to get tests run before saying for certain. It’s still unclear whether he will be able to play in Week 3. Kraft, 24, was a two-year starter for South Dakota State and earned first-team All-American honors in 2021 and third-team in 2022. The Packers selected him in the third round with the No. 78 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s in the third year of a four-year, $5,537,934 rookie contract that included a $1,027,588 signing bonus. In 2025, Kraft has appeared in two games for the Packers and caught eight passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns.
Fantasy Football Week 3 Start ‘Em and Sit ‘Em – Bench Hill?
The NFL’s Week 3 action begins with the Buffalo Bills taking on the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football. Following Thursday Night Football, Sunday’s slate presents some fun matchups for fantasy football. Ending the Week 3 lineup will be an exciting matchup featuring the Detroit Lions vs the Baltimore Ravens. Who’s worth a start and who’s worth benching this week? Here are five players to start and sit entering Week 3. Five Players to Start 1. Rome Odunze vs. Dallas Cowboys – No. 30 vs WRs (NFL Fantasy) Considering the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants had a thrilling 40-37 showdown last week, definitely start Rome Odunze. Last week, in a 52-21 loss against the Lions, Odunze was targeted 11 times and caught seven passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns. In the Cowboys’ matchup against the Giants, New York’s receivers did very well. Malik Nabers scored 37.70 points. He caught nine passes on 13 targets for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Their secondary wide receiever, Wan’Dale Robinson, scored eight passes on 10 targets for 142 yards and a touchdown. The Bears feature two receivers in Odunze and D.J. Moore, but Odunze has been the alpha between the two early on this season. He can contribute mightily to fantasy teams in Week 3. 2. Drake Maye vs Pittsburgh Steelers – No. 28 vs QBs (NFL Fantasy) After allowing Justin Fields (29.52) and Sam Darnold (15.80) to some solid performances in the first two weeks, starting Drake Maye is a good idea. To start the season the Steelers have let up 200+ yards in the passing game and have struggled to guard the middle of the field. With weapons like Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas, Maye could have a big day and potentially throw for multiple touchdowns. Even with the Steelers having Ramsey in the secondary, their safety play has allowed big plays across the field. Until the Steelers fix their defensive miscues, starting the quarterback facing them makes sense. According to StatMuse the Patriots are 8-2 against the Steelers in their last 10 matchups. 3. Jonathan Taylor vs. Tennessee Titans – No. 22 vs RBs (NFL Fantasy) After a 165 yard performance vs the Denver Broncos, Jonathan Taylor will face the Tennessee Titans in a AFC South matchup. His 165 yard game netted him 29.5 points against a good Broncos defense. The Titans are currently giving up an average of 5.4 yards per carry. Seeing these numbers should give fantasy owners plenty of confidence to start Taylor against the Titans. Last time the Colts played the Titans on Dec. 22, 2024, Taylor rushed for 218 yards and three touchdowns. 4. James Cook vs Miami Dolphins – No. 27 vs RB’s (NFL Fantasy) James Cook is another running back on this list that’s coming off another 100+ yard performance. Not only did he score two touchdowns but he rushed for 132 yards vs the New York Jets. The Dolphins are coming off another bad game and are on a short week. With little time to truly fix their run game, Cook can take advantage of a good situation. Though he’s only averaged 37.3 rushing yards vs the Dolphins, there’s optimism he can have his first big game against Miami on Thursday night. 5. Kyle Pitts vs Carolina Panthers – No. 30 vs TEs (NFL Fantasy) With Michael Penix and Kyle Pitts’ chemistry continuing to grow, Pitts is finally inching towards becoming a trustworthy start. Though he hasn’t had a big game yet this season, Week 3 looks to be ideal against the Panthers. His four catches for 37 yards in a 22-6 win may seem disappointing, but there’s hope that he can bounce back. Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride averaged 13.0 yards per catch in Week 1 against the Panthers. Even Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange average 14.8 yards per catch against the Panthers defense. If Pitts gets big receptions in space he could be a threat in fantasy football this week. Five Players to Sit 1. Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs. Las Vegas Raiders – No. 5 vs RBs (NFL Fantasy) Even with his expectation to take more snaps in the absence of Austin Ekeler, sitting him this week may be the best option. The Raiders are only allowing an average of 13.20 points to running backs. Having to face Maxx Crosby should caution fantasy owners from starting Croskey-Merritt. Last week, Chargers backs Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton combine for 10.3 fantasy points. 2. Garrett Wilson vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers – N0. 5 vs WRs (NFL Fantasy) With Justin Fields missing Week 3 due to his concussion, there’s a reason to feel unsure about starting Garrett Wilson. After last weeks disappointing performance against the Bills, Wilson will face a well-rounded Buccaneers secondary. Facing a secondary of Antoine Winfield, Jamel Dean, Tykee Smith, Zyon McCollum and Jacob Parrish makes it a difficult decision to start Wilson. With Tyrod Taylor starting this week, his unstable chemistry with the receiving core as a whole may limit the production of Wilson. 3. Tyreek Hill vs Buffalo Bills – No. 6 vs WRs (NFL Fantasy) With Tua Tagovailoa‘s shaky performance to start the season, sitting Tyreek Hill vs. the Buffalo Bills is best. Despite Jaylen Waddle being questionable, the Bills defense could wreck the game for everyone on Miami. According to StatMuse, Hill has not had over 100 receiving yards against the Bills since starting his Dolphins tenure in 2022. The Bills defense has proven they can contain him and prevent him from having big time games. 4. Matthew Stafford vs Philadelphia Eagles – No. 11 vs QBs (NFL Fantasy) Matthew Stafford against the Philadelphia Eagles is a must avoid matchup. The Eagles have a fierce defense, including Jalen Carter and rookie safety Andrew Mukuba. Last week, Stafford struggled in the first half against the Titans before exploding in the second half in a 33-19 win. In the first two weeks, quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott have struggled against against the Eagles defense. In Week 2, Mahomes went 16-of-29 for 187 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He had to produce a lot with his legs, which Stafford cannot do. In Week 1, Prescott went 21-of-34 for 188 yards. 5. Ashton Jeanty vs Washington Commanders – No. 6 vs RBs (NFL Fantasy) Ashton Jeanty is worth the consideration of a sit this week. In his first two weeks, Jeanty has not cracked 50 rushing yards on 10+ carries. Since he is still adjusting to the NFL from Boise State, it’s okay to let him set on the bench this week or until he proves to be fantasy worthy.
Tigers Skipper Reveals 'Very Concerning' Initial Injury Update On Colt Keith
Things are not looking great for the Detroit Tigers right now in more ways than one. They are struggling on the field by dropping seven of their last 10 that includes a sweep against their division rival Cleveland Guardians. Their once comfortable AL Central lead is now down to 3.5 games, which is nerve-wracking based on what else occurred on Thursday. As if this sweep wasn't enough, the Tigers delivered some brutal news when it comes to Colt Keith. He was pulled from the matchup with what was described as back tightness, and based on what manager A.J. Hinch said after the game, it doesn't sound good. "He was coming off and all he was saying to me was, 'I got to come out of the game. I got to come out of the game,'" Hinch said via Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. "It's very concerning this time of year, especially when he was that passionate about something going on in his back/side/rib region." By the sounds of it, things appear as if Keith's season is in jeopardy with just nine games remaining before the playoffs get underway. The 24-year-old had slashed .254/.332/.409 with 13 home runs and 44 RBI through 136 games going into Thursday, showing some real flashes of brilliance at times. If he is indeed out, the Tigers have a couple of options, but none of them are ideal. Back To Platooning Zach McKinstry and Andy Ibáñez Detroit went into the season with a major question mark at the hot corner. Their inability to sign Alex Bregman in free agency and then the injury suffered by utility man Matt Vierling has been a major reason why there's been a revolving door at third base. Because of that, outside of Keith, Zach McKinstry and Andy Ibáñez are the only two players with over 100 plate appearances at that position. The Tigers will likely now have to back to platooning with those two players, which is far from ideal. The pair has been prone to extreme streakiness, but this strategy is probably still the safest and most likely option. Jace Jung Jung was supposed to be the heir apparent to the position after Detroit missed out on Bregman, but he did not seize his opportunity. He was largely dreadful when he did get the chance to play, which forced the Tigers to send him back to Triple-A Toledo. He has had a solid season in Triple-A, though, slashing .252/.370/.447 with 17 home runs and 74 RBI in 110 games played. But in 18 games for Detroit, his OPS was right around the .350 mark and he simply could not get going. Jung has struggled in his limited big league opportunities, but the Tigers may not have much other choice than to give him another shot with Keith picking up this injury. Kevin McGonigle Admittedly, this one is a complete long shot. The Tigers have said repeatedly that McGonigle is not getting called up this year, so asking him to make his debut in the midst of a tight divisional race before the playoffs get underway is unlikely. Desperate times call for desperate measures, though, and the fanbase is going to clamor for their top prospect to be called up in order to save the day. No matter who the replacement winds up being, the fact that Keith is going to miss some time could be the final blow to a team who has fought through tons of adversity this year but may just be running out of steam at the worst possible point. The next move is to wait and see on just how significant the injury is for Keith, but if it's serious, it would likely spell the end of his season. More Tigers News
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