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It has been a heartbreaking week for Tampa Bay Lightning fans, but the announcement earlier today should brighten things up a bit as they have locked up franchise defenseman, Victor Hedman, to a four-year contract extension worth $8 million annual average value which will begin in the 2025-26 season.
Hedman was drafted with the second overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Lightning and since then, has been a generational talent on defense. Hedman has spent 15 seasons wearing Bolts blue, being the heart and soul of the Lightning’s blueline. Over his 1,052 games in the regular season, Hedman has amassed 156 goals and 572 assists for 728 points. He also has an incredible goal differential of +175. Through 165 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Hedman has added 23 goals and 94 assists for 117 points to his stats, with a goal differential of +24. Hedman’s career with the Lightning is nothing short of immaculate. He is a six-time Norris Trophy Finalist for Best Defenseman, winning it once, a four-time NHL All-Star participant, Conn Smythe winner in 2019-20, named to the NHL second All-Star team five times in his career, and named to the NHL first All-Star team once; all this to go along with being a back-to-back Stanley Cup Champion.
It’s not just his NHL awards that have been impressive, but also the franchise records he holds. Hedman holds just about every franchise record for defensemen in Lightning history. He has played the most games, with this past season seeing him be only the third defenseman in Lightning history to hit the 1,000 games played mark, holds the most assists, points, plus/minus, even-strength goals (124), even-strength points (455), powerplay points, shorthanded goals (14), overtime goals (8), game-winning goals (28), hits (1,132), and blocked shots (1,613).
It is no secret how pivotal Hedman is to the Lightning’s blueline. At 6-foot-6, his reach is something you do not see often. If he looks like he is beat on a breakaway, you better think again. The 33-year-old has the ability to use his long reach and his long strides to his advantage to take away what should be easy opportunities. His ability to move up ice with the puck is something many Lightning fans will be happy to see for the next five years. It’s no secret how disappointing this week has been with the departure of key pieces to the franchise. Locking up Hedman was a must for the Lightning as there are no better options. nor players that can close to what he has done along the blueline.
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2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Winnipeg Jets’ Top 10
Welcome back. It’s time for Daily Faceoff’s third annual NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown, looking at the best all 32 teams have to offer. We’re highlighting the top 10 prospects for every franchise, their biggest strengths and weaknesses and so much more. Here is the criteria for being labeled a prospect: players generally have to have played in 50 or fewer NHL games or spent more time outside of the NHL than in it last year. Players over 23 years old are not included, and some prospects with fewer than 50 games, but played a full-time role for a long enough stretch, are left off. That’s more of a judgment call, though. Goaltenders are a bit more subjective, but they must be 25 or under, have played fewer than 15 games in the past season, or have not spent significant time in the NHL overall over a three-year period. Today, we’re breaking down the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets are fresh off their first Presidents’ Trophy in team history – and they’ve got a decent pipeline to boot. Winnipeg still hasn’t won the Stanley Cup, but they continue to stay near the top of the standings. They haven’t converted many prospects into NHL stars in recent years. But if they were in a cap crunch and needed some immediate help, they have plenty of players listed below who could step up if needed. The Jets don’t have a deep farm to choose from, and the Manitoba Moose were at the bottom of the AHL standings last year. But I actually don’t mind what they have. Compared to other top NHL teams, the Jets’ top prospects are above average. I feel like the good majority of the top 10 players listed below will become NHL players at some point. And that’s something many other pipelines can’t claim. The TL;DR? This group isn’t anything special, but for where the Jets are, it’s not too shabby. Biggest Strength I like Winnipeg’s center depth. Brayden Yager is at the top – I think he could be the perfect No. 2 center option they’ve been craving for a while. There’s also Brad Lambert, although I wonder if there’s a better path forward for him as a winger. In terms of pure skill, he’s as good as it gets. Kieron Walton and Jacob Julien both have size, and I feel confident in their abilities to become NHLers. Having one or two notable centers in the pipeline is a good start, but nearly half the players on this list should become impact NHLers. Biggest Weakness The Jets are banking a lot of their defensive future on Elias Salmonsson and Sascha Boumedienne. Beyond that, I don’t like a single other defenseman in the system. I’ve given up on Ville Heinola (who is too old for this list, anyway), and they simply don’t have any other defenders worth getting excited about in waiting. I hope the Jets continue to use their draft resources to get help on the back end. They don’t have a second-round pick until 2028, but they at least have their next three firsts – for now. TOP 10 PROSPECTS 1. Brayden Yager, C, 20 (Manitoba Moose, AHL) Acquired: Traded by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2024 I had a hard time deciding between Yager and Salomonsson at No. 1, but I elected to go with someone I’ve believed in heavily for more than half a decade. Yager has been productive everywhere he has gone, including playing a huge role in Moose Jaw’s Memorial Cup run in 2024. He was also one of Canada’s best players at the past two World Juniors, where he looked to be one of the few players who didn’t look overwhelmed by the competition. Yager is a two-way forward you can rely on at both ends of the ice, and he has an outstanding shot, too. It feels like he shoots more than your average two-way center, which I like. He’s not physically strong, but I doubt he’ll struggle with the physical challenges at the next level. 2. Elias Salomonsson, RHD, 20 (Manitoba Moose, AHL) Acquired: Drafted 55th overall, second round in 2022 Ask Jets fans who they’re most excited about and it’ll likely be Salomonsson. The 2022 second-rounder has come a long way over the past few years, and is finally starting to look like the star defensive prospect many thought he would be leading into the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s smart, physical and great with the puck, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him register 40 points this coming year in Manitoba. He’s a great skater with a big frame and he’s as defensively sound as you’ll find in this system. I hope to see him earn some NHL ice time this year before potentially going full time in 2026-27. 3. Brad Lambert, C/RW, 21 (Manitoba Moose, AHL) Acquired: Drafted 30th overall, first round in 2022 Lambert’s stock dropped after a 20-point downturn this past year. On one hand, you still see the natural skill. On the other, his shot looked wildly ineffective and he just never looked at 100 percent. It’s not all Lambert’s fault – he had little to work with out there most nights. But for all the skill he has, there were far too many nights where Lambert just looked invisible, or he got stuck playing on the outside. I want to see him make a huge impression at training camp to potentially push his way into the lineup, but I’m not sure how that’ll possibly happen. I’m not giving up on Lambert, but we need to see some true development this year. 4. Colby Barlow, LW, 20 (Manitoba Moose, AHL) Acquired: Drafted 18th overall, first round in 2023 Barlow fell just short of a point per game and failed to register 40 goals for the first time in three years. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. For starters, he didn’t have to be “the guy” every single night for Oshawa like he was in Owen Sound. He also saved his best hockey for last, registering 33 points in 21 playoff games to finish third overall. Barlow works hard to hit everyone in sight, and while he’s not the world’s best skater, he makes up for it in pure effort. I have always wondered if Barlow could thrive outside of a scoring role and his increased tenacity makes me think he’ll be fine. 5. Sascha Boumedienne, LHD, 18 (Boston University, NCAA) Acquired: Drafted 28th overall, first round in 2025 Boumedienne didn’t have explosive numbers in college, but he ended the year as one of the most interesting defensive prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft. Just based on his play from late February and onward, Boumedienne seems to have really honed in on his puck skills. You match that with his speed and his penchant for making high-risk, high-reward plays and there’s a ton to love. Boumedienne has high-end attributes that teams love, but he just needs to calm down and play at his own pace. If he can do that, he’ll be excellent. Expect him to have a big year at BU. 6. Nikita Chibrikov, LW, 22 (Manitoba Moose, AHL) Acquired: Drafted 50th overall, second round in 2021 Chibrikov missed a large chunk of time, but he still made it count. He put up solid numbers in Manitoba and even had three points in four games with Winnipeg. The undersized Russian winger loves to exploit open space and plays on the attack every time he hits the ice. He even likes to get physical, too. This season will all about building up consistency and staying healthy because he could be a legit middle-six scoring threat down the line. He’ll have a bit of catching up to do, but Chibrikov is a legit prospect. 7. Alfons Freij, LHD, 19, (Timra IK, SHL) Acquired: Drafted 37th overall, second round in 2024 Freij is coming off his first year of pro hockey, putting up eight points in 29 games with Bjorkloven as part of an injury-impacted campaign. I also loved him internationally – he was the top defenseman in any of my U-19 national team viewings. Freij has the ability to be elusive with the puck and run a power play, but I do see some second-pairing potential while putting up 30ish points a year. With just some refinement, the 6-foot-1 defenseman could really take the next step in his development. His numbers have been solid, and I hope he continues to improve his defensive play in the SHL. 8. Kieron Walton, C, 19 (Sudbury Wolves, OHL) Acquired: Drafted 187th overall, sixth round in 2024 Walton has gotten plenty of mentions on Daily Faceoff last season – and for good reason. He was one of the biggest risers throughout the season, living up to expectations some around the GTHL thought he’d meet in his U-16 AAA season. He’s a 6-foot-6 forward amid an absolutely monster year in Sudbury. Walton finished with 38 goals and 92 points – a 49-point improvement from the year before. A sixth-round pick in 2024, Walton has established himself as one of the most improved prospects. At the major junior level, he’s simply uncontainable. I can’t wait to watch how his game translates to the NHL. 9. Kevin He, LW, 19 (Niagara IceDogs, OHL) Acquired: Drafted 109th overall, fourth round in 2024 Speaking of steals by Winnipeg, He was taken 109th overall in 2024 and already looks like a legit prospect. He finished with 75 points in 62 games – a solid 22-point increase from his draft year (although his pace quieted down in the second half of the season). He’s a speedy, hard-working winger who can play with anyone – few prospects move like he does. The Beijing-born forward is also an exceptional shooter, and 40 goals should be on tap for him in his third OHL campaign. Scouts were unsure of what type of player he’d become, but He has shown potential as a middle-six workhorse. 10. Jacob Julien, C, 20 (Manitoba Moose, AHL) Acquired: Drafted 146th overall, fifth round in 2023 Julien’s regular-season numbers took a bit of a dip last year, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. He’s a solid playmaker who makes it his mission to be difficult to play against. He never gives up on any shift, and he has the skating fluency you like from someone standing 6-foot-4. Julien will never be a point-producer at the next level, but his work ethic and tenacity make him a perfect candidate for a bottom-six position. The ceiling might not be high for Julien, but I expect him to be a solid NHLer. The rest: Fabian Wagner, C (21), Danil Zhilkin, C (21), Owen Martin, C (18), Viktor Klingsell, RW (18), Jacob Cloutier, RW (18), Markus Loponen, C (19), Zach Nehring, RW (20), Garrett Brown, RHD (21), Edison Engle, LHD (18), Isaak Phillips, LHD (23), Thomas Milic, G (22), Domenic DiVincentiis, G (21), Isaac Poulter, G (23) Top NHL Prospects for 2025-26 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Anaheim Ducks’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Boston Bruins’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Buffalo Sabres’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Calgary Flames’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Carolina Hurricanes’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Chicago Blackhawks’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Colorado Avalanche’s Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Columbus Blue Jackets’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Dallas Stars’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Detroit Red Wings’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Edmonton Oilers’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Florida Panthers’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Los Angeles Kings’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Minnesota Wild’s Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Montreal Canadiens’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Nashville Predators’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: New Jersey Devils’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: New York Rangers’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Ottawa Senators’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Philadelphia Flyers’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Pittsburgh Penguins’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: San Jose Sharks’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Seattle Kraken’s Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Tampa Bay Lightning’s Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Toronto Maple Leafs’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Utah Mammoth’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Vancouver Canucks’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Vegas Golden Knights’ Top 10 2025-26 NHL Prospect Pool Breakdown: Washington Capitals’ Top 10
New report sheds light on how Cowboys view Micah Parsons situation
It is no secret that the relationship between Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys is not on solid ground, but that does not necessarily mean it is tarnished beyond repair. On the latest episode of his podcast, which was released on Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter predicted that Parsons and the Cowboys are "headed towards divorce." Schefter said the two sides have not spoken since April and that it seems like a matter of when — not if — they part ways. Longtime NFL reporter Josina Anderson was told the situation is not quite that grim, at least from the Cowboys' perspective. Anderson reported on Tuesday evening that the relationship between Parsons and Dallas "has not deteriorated to the point of an imminent divorce." "I did not detect any obvious tones of concern in my sourced conversation when I recently asked about ESPN's Adam Schefter's report stating he sees 'these two sides headed towards a divorce, in time.' ... I just feel Dallas has so much history with protracted (and) sensitive negotiations, thus my current impression is the club remains unrattled, at this time," Anderson wrote in a post on X. Parsons is earning just over $24M in the final year of his rookie contract this season. The 26-year-old had 12 sacks in 13 games last season and has 52.5 sacks in 63 career games. Parsons is arguably the best pass-rusher in the NFL when healthy. Although Parsons has formally requested a trade, the Cowboys maintain that they have no intention of dealing their four-time Pro Bowl defensive end. The only real leverage Parsons has is creating a headache in Dallas. He remains under contract, and the Cowboys also have the ability to use the franchise tag on him in each of the next two seasons. If Parsons were to sit out regular-season games, his contract would eventually toll. Even with Jerry Jones publicly taking shots at Parsons, one massive contract offer could change everything.
Green Bay Packers: Slo-Mo Video of Malik Willis’ TD Bomb to Matthew Golden Unleashes Wild Reactions
Steelers undrafted rookie reportedly upset Mike Tomlin before being cut
The Pittsburgh Steelers surprisingly had a few quality undrafted free agents during 2025 training camp and preseason, as many of them have put up an actual fight to make it to the 53-man roster. Unfortunately, there is very little room on the team, so some very tough decisions will have to be made on that front. Guys like Max Hurleman and JJ Galbreath have been stating their case throughout camp and into gameday, giving the coaching staff a good problem. One decision was surprisingly easy, however. During his weekly Q A chat, insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked about undrafted rookie Roc Taylor and why he was let go right after the preseason Week 2 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He spoke about something that happened right before that contest. "[Roc Taylor] actually got in Tomlin's doghouse at the joint practice," Fittipaldo said. "Not sure if that's the sole reason he was cut, but maybe part of it." Fittipaldo would not expand on what happened, but head coach Mike Tomlin saw enough of the rookie before gameday. It looked like Taylor would at least get first dibs on a practice-squad spot if he was released on roster cutdown day, but now, it seems like his chance of developing in Pittsburgh is gone entirely. Now, he is just hoping someone gives him a call for a chance to be on a practice squad elsewhere. It seemed like Taylor's stock was rising after preseason Week 2. Hurleman had a very rough game, and the former Memphis Tigers standout had three receptions for 39 yards against the Bucs. He was the second-leading receiver on the team, only behind Roman Wilson. It looked like he was forcing himself onto a roster spot, but apparently, Tomlin might have just been waiting until after the game to tell him to pack his bags and try again somewhere else. Steelers' Recent Receiver Issues Make Taylor Cut Even More Concerning What makes this decision even more rough is the fact that the Steelers have three receivers who are not healthy at all. Calvin Austin III is trying to return after missing multiple weeks of practice with an injury, Ben Skowronek recently developed a toe issue and utility man Jonnu Smith has barely participated in practice since July. Spots were opening up for undrafted rookies to take, but Taylor may have said or done something inexcusable enough to lose that chance. The Steelers entered training camp with questionable wide receiver depth, and now it's only more concerning. Wilson's recent development has been the bright spot of the preseason at that position, as Scotty Miller has been taking over the role of WR3 since the game against Tampa Bay. That's why they brought in another possibly injured veteran, Gabe Davis, for a visit, and now they may be hoping that he does not sign elsewhere. Instead of Taylor taking the opportunity to push for a roster spot, guys like Hurleman and Brandon Johnson will be looking to make the team and stick around as numerous players recover from their injuries. With Davis having another visit on Wednesday and the Steelers playing in the preseason finale on Thursday, he most likely will not be signed until after that game. That means the bubble players can prove to the team that they don't need him. It's not public in regards to what Taylor did to get himself in trouble, but he could have had this prime opportunity to be on an active roster as an undrafted rookie. He could have easily been above Hurleman and Johnson on the depth chart. Instead, he is just hoping he makes any team's practice squad now.
Report: Five clubs interested in Raheem Sterling as his transfer preference is revealed
Raheem Sterling would prefer to stay in London this summer if possible and is thought to have interest from three clubs according to reports. Sterling’s career has been on a steady decline since he joined Chelsea from Manchester City for £50m back in 2022. The England international has had a difficult time at Stamford Bridge, and was even booed by Chelsea supporters during Mauricio Pochettino’s time in charge. Raheem Sterling would prefer to stay in London It was made clear Sterling wasn’t part of the plans under Enzo Maresca, but it appeared he was set to spend at least six months on the sidelines, before he completed a deadline day loan move to Arsenal. Sterling didn’t make an impact in north London as his struggles continued, and he managed just one goal in 28 appearances in all competitions. The 30-year-old has since returned to Chelsea where he’s training with the infamous “bomb squad,” with Chelsea hoping to get £20m for Sterling. More important than any transfer fee for the Blues will be getting his reported wages of in excess of £300,000 per week off the books. Sterling was reportedly offered to Italian champions Napoli , but there’s now less than two weeks left in the window to find a solution. However, Mail Sport have reported Sterling’s preference is to remain in London if possible, and there’s understood to be interest from West Ham, Fulham and Crystal Palace. The report also adds Turkish giants Galatasaray and German outfit Bayer Leverkusen have also shown an interest in the winger. Chelsea struggling to find suitors for Ben Chilwell Sterling isn’t the only high earner Chelsea are looking to move on before the window closes, with Ben Chilwell also in that category. Chilwell spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, where he was part of the squad which won the FA Cup. However, Palace have decided not to sign him permanently, and Chelsea are reportedly struggling to attract suitors for Chilwell. How much Chelsea would want for Chilwell remains to be seen, but a solution needs to be found quickly as the left back needs to go and play football.
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