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A few days ago, Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews and Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid went back and forth with cryptic messages on social media. Matthews posted a message on his social media account saying, “@cmcdavid97 bet you can’t hit a billboard from 50 feet.” McDavid’s was,”@AM34 crossbar and in, let’s see it.”
.@cmcdavid97 bet you can’t hit a billboard from 50 feet
— Auston Matthews (@AM34) January 3, 2025
It wasn’t clear what the messages meant, but it was obvious the two were cooking up something. Things became a lot clearer on Tuesday when a new McDonald’s commercial featuring both NHL stars dropped.
McDonald’s new ad, ‘The Showdown,’ features McDavid and Matthews in a playful shooting contest for a Big Mac. It’s a callback to the old Wayne Gretzky vs. Mats Sundin commercial, which was actually the NHL’s version of the classic Michael Jordan and Larry Bird McDonald’s shoot-off from 1993.
In this updated version, the two NHL stars take increasingly absurd shots, including from the stands and outside the arena. At one point, Matthews shoots a puck through McDavid’s tooth on a billboard. They transform into video game characters reminiscent of NHL 99 before returning to reality and going to McDonald’s together.
Matthews vs. McDavid: McDonald’s to NHL Comparison
When a commercial like this drops, showcasing the NHL’s arguably two biggest names, it’s hard not to make on-ice comparisons. Some fans and writers in Toronto are teasing that this might be a hint McDavid and Matthews will one day join forces in Toronto, but the reality is, we’ll be comparing these two for years to come on opposing teams.
If Matthews can return and stay healthy, that could be as soon as the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament.
It looked like a pretty even matchup off the ice and when competing for a Big Mac. On the ice, it’s been a different story this season. McDavid is well out ahead of Matthews. McDavid is 6th in the NHL in scoring, while Matthews is barely inside the top 100 at No. 98. Much of that can be attributed to injuries for Matthews as he’s played in 10 fewer games.
The ad shows the acting chops of both McDavid and Matthews, who have done their fair share of sponsorship deals since joining the NHL.
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Chicago Blackhawks reportedly set to trade 25-year-old goaltender to Stars rival, Edmonton Oilers
Scout admits he was dead wrong about this 6′7″ Dallas Stars prospect
Lian Bichsel, the towering Swiss defenseman in the Dallas Stars system, is turning heads this offseason after surpassing expectations and showing he's more than just a big-bodied project that even Scott Wheeler admits he underestimated the 6′7″ blueliner. Scott Wheeler of The Athletic included Bichsel in his 2025 "Prospects I Was Wrong About" series, calling attention to how the Swiss defender's combination of size, skating ability, and poise exceeded early concerns. In Wheeler's words, Bichsel emerged as "a prospect I was too low on," highlighting how the 18th overall pick in 2022 has steadily earned his minutes with Texas and the NHL. Wheeler's full take on this shift in perspective. How Lian Bichsel's blend of size and skill is reshaping expectations for the Dallas Stars' defensive future Analysts note that Bichsel isn't just tall, he moves with agility and poise. His skating, combined with a willingness to be physical, has demonstrated a level of polish unexpected in someone of his size and experience. As The Hockey Writers recently observed, "Bichsel is physical and mean a solid complementary guy you're comfortable playing on your second pairing" I think this recognition proves that Dallas's player development system is paying off. When prospects like Bichsel earn praise from skeptics, it signals the Stars are building lasting defensive depth, not just filling roster spots. Looking ahead, Bichsel will have a chance to compete for a full-time role in 2025-26, and his ability to handle NHL minutes could influence how Dallas balances its blue line. With his size, reach, and improving mobility, he could quickly become one of the most reliable young defenders in the organization.
The Phillies need to replace this struggling bat at the deadline
Another year, another shot at a championship. Since their last World Series appearance in 2022, a match in which they lost, the Philadelphia Phillies have slid backwards, falling in the NLCS in 2023 and the NLDS in 2024. This year, the Phillies are back on top of the NL East, holding a slim half-game lead over the New York Mets entering Tuesday. Still, their season has been far from spotless. The Phillies have gone through immeasurable difficulties from the bullpen without Jeff Hoffman (signed with Blue Jays), Carlos Estevez (signed with Royals) or Jose Alvarado (PED suspension), especially with Jordan Romano’s descent into the dumpster fire. But with new free-agent signing David Robertson in tow, we can expect some degree of stability from the relief corps going forward — though, not to insinuate that team president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is done adding bullpen arms. Another sore spot that received plenty of attention the past few months is in the outfield, left field in particular. Among all qualifying left fielders, Max Kepler maintains the second lowest OPS. Much has been made about potentially replacing him, but as bad as he’s been, there is one Philadelphia infielder that has done even worse. Once a promising bat, second baseman Bryson Stott seems to be reaching rock bottom. Below, you can his stats in comparison to that of Kepler’s: (wRC+: weighted runs created plus represents the culmination of a hitter’s offensive achievements where a value of 100 is MLB’s average) Stott has been more proficient than Kepler at recording hits, but Kepler’s power and higher walk rate gives him the edge in overall offensive stats. It was only in 2023, his second year of MLB action, when Stott hit .280/.329/.414 with 15 home runs. Unfortunately, Stott’s productivity began to slide last season. This year, his slump halted in April when he hit .314 on the month, but it quickly resumed in May (.216), worsened in June (.202) and has reached a fever-pitch in July (.132). If the Phillies are going to claw their way back to the Fall Classic, it may be better if Stott’s bat isn’t in the lineup.
Jonathan Kuminga's Agent Shuts Down Rumors Of Rejecting $30 Million Per Year From Warriors
The Jonathan Kuminga situation has been more complicated for the Warriors with each passing day. From new teams showing interest in him to never-ending contract negotiations. The decision on what to do with Kuminga has halted all other moves for the Warriors. There were reports last season that claimed the Warriors had discussed a potential contract with Kuminga, but the 22-year-old reportedly rejected the offer at the time. Now, his agent, Aaron Turner, clarifies that these reports were never true. Even if the Warriors had internally discussed this offer, he claims such an offer was never presented to his client. "NO one on our side was turning down 30M a year. Our camp is smarter than that. Narrative makes no sense, twisted up Slater’s words, I think! #Fakenews" There have been rumors that Kuminga's camp has demanded a contract in that range itself, approximately $30 million a year. Meanwhile, the Warriors seem to be adamant on an approximately $20 million a year price tag for him. Therefore, it is naturally baffling to him that reports claim Kuminga was presented with the offer and rejected it, even when he wasn't even given the offer. The restricted free agent averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in the regular season last year. Midway through last season, Steve Kerr and Jonathan Kuminga's rift became public. Ever since then, it has been unlikely that Kuminga signs an extension with the Warriors. The Warriors are now looking for a potential sign-and-trade deal for Kuminga if he finds a team willing to match his demands, which insiders feel is unlikely. The Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls are names that have come up in rumors of interest in Kuminga. But neither of the teams seems to be offering a player that the Warriors are interested in. If there is no solution to this situation, then Kuminga will be forced to return to the Warriors, as they had extended a qualifying offer to him worth $7.9 million. As a result of this, Kuminga could become a free agent in 2026. The question now remains: what will Kuminga do? Will he find a team that can match his demands? Make a compromise on his demands to accept a $20 million per year offer to get traded away from the Warriors? Or accept his qualifying offer and prove his worth to the league by performing for the Warriors next season? While a Warriors return seems unlikely, as his camp has reportedly claimed he is not interested in returning, with each passing day, it seems to become the likeliest conclusion to this saga.
'I Love to See it': Brett Baty's Strong Comments on Mets Teammate
When Francisco Álvarez stepped to the plate in the eighth inning at Citi Field Monday night, the New York Mets didn’t just need a hit—they needed a spark. Down 5–3 earlier in the game, the team had clawed back into a tie, and the stage was set for a defining moment. Álvarez, freshly recalled from Triple-A Syracuse, delivered it with a ringing opposite-field double that helped fuel a four-run rally and power the Mets to a 7–5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. It was a moment months in the making. The 23-year-old catcher had been optioned to Syracuse on June 21 after struggling at the plate and behind it. In 35 games prior to his demotion, he hit just .236 with three home runs, and his defense had drawn concern from Mets coaches. But instead of sulking, Álvarez put in the work—revamping his swing mechanics, sharpening his pitch framing, and refining his game-calling. Over 21 games in Triple-A, he hit .270 with 11 home runs and 24 RBIs, showing renewed confidence at the plate and earning his call-up for Monday’s opener against the Angels. “He lives for the big moment, so I love to see it,” said third baseman Brett Baty, who scored the go-ahead run off Álvarez’s eighth-inning double, which ignited the decisive rally. Álvarez also impressed defensively, catching the entire game and throwing out Angels shortstop Zach Neto trying to steal second base in the seventh. From pitch sequencing to blocking balls in the dirt, his growth behind the plate was on full display. “It felt really special to be able to get that reception from the fans,” Álvarez said after the win, speaking through team interpreter Alan Suriel. “I’m super-appreciative of all the fans here.” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza shared the sentiment: “It was really special for us to see the reception from the fanbase.” Alvarez stayed hot, homering in the win over Los Angeles on Tuesday before getting the series finale off on Wednesday — a game in which New York completed a sweep. For the Mets, Álvarez’s return represents more than a roster move—it’s a reminder that setbacks can fuel progress. His clutch performance Monday night wasn’t just a boost for a team chasing a playoff spot; it was the statement of a young catcher who embraced the challenge and came back better.
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