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With the Pittsburgh Penguins in the middle of a three-game winning streak for the first time this season, the team is suddenly alive in the Metropolitan Division. Contenders, they are not, but there is a chance that they can move up the standings in a crowded division.
Regardless of the Penguins winning or losing, the team is establishing their intention to rebuild. While a full-on tear-down, start from scratch rebuild is off the table while Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin remain on the team. But everything else general manager Kyle Dubas can do in the meantime, he's already undertaking. And the trade chatter is forming a very clear pattern - the Pens are eager to take on young players and give them second chances with their organization.
It started this summer when the team acquired forward prospect Rutger McGroarty, giving the team a blue-chip forward prospect for the first time in years. McGroarty had fallen deeply out of favor with his former team, the Winnipeg Jets, and now gets a clean start in Pittsburgh.
The trend continued with the recent acquisition of forward Philip Tomasino. Another former first round pick, this time of the Nashville Predators, he had lost his top-nine forward spot over the last year and was relegated to part-time NHL player. The Pens pounced on the situation and sent a 2027 fourth-round pick to Nashville for him. In return, Tomasino has two goals in his first three games with the Penguins.
The latest rumors have the Pens tied to two more players in the same situation: Kirby Dach of the Montreal Canadiens and Nils Hoglander of the Vancouver Canucks. Dach has missed a majority of the last season and a half with an injury, and it's seriously harmed his standing with the Canadiens. Brought in to be the number two center behind captain Nick Suzuki, that's not quite what they're getting. Now that he's healthy, the rumors are swirling and Pittsburgh makes a ton of sense as a landing spot.
Something similar can be said of Hoglander and Vancouver. He may not be available for trade while the team deals with the absence of J.T. Miller, but with the Penguins looking to deal veteran defenseman Marcus Pettersson, the Canucks are interested and Hoglander could be the piece coming back.
Hoglander is a 23-year-old winger with lots of NHL experience, but hasn't been able to stay consistent through the start of his career. Despite having 24 goals last season, he has just two goals and five total points through the first 23 games. A change of scenery could be perfect timing and a long time coming for Hoglander, and again the Penguins make too much sense as the landing spot.
More must-reads:
- Concerning report emerges about Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin's health
- Predicting the American League Manager of the Year finalists
- The 'Switch-hitter single-season HR leaders' quiz
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6 extended takeaways from Day 1 of Maple Leafs training camp
TORONTO — The on-ice component of training camp is underway as the Toronto Maple Leafs took the ice at the Ford Performance Centre on Thursday, with new line combinations taking shape. Matias Maccelli received the first look with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies during the Group 1 session, and he may be the favourite to start the year on this line. William Nylander and John Tavares were paired together in Group 2 alongside Bobby McMann, and it’s clear that Craig Berube will be experimenting throughout training camp, in a search for his optimal combinations. “I think more than anything, we want to have a good first day. It’s a tough day,” Berube said. “It’s a lot of battling. It’s intense. Players, they could go and make it as intense as they want, but I thought it was really intense, which is what we want.” Here’s what you need to know from the first day of Maple Leafs’ training camp: It’s too early to be worried about Auston Matthews Auston Matthews said he’s fully confident about his health during Wednesday’s media availability, and Thursday provided a first opportunity to get a look at how the Maple Leafs’ captain is feeling. Matthews submitted a mixed performance during Thursday’s practice, with the extremely obvious caveat that it’s the first day of practice, and it’s too early to be genuinely concerned. Matthews’ puck skills remain otherworldly and during a sequence early in practice, he dangled Noah Chadwick rather easily to get to the net. In another sequence, Matthews beat Philippe Myers to the puck in the corner and fished it out for Matthew Knies in front of the net. He used his frame throughout the session to shield off defenders, win back pucks and instruct his teammates on where he wanted them to go in the offensive zone. And again, with the caveat that it’s way too early to be concerned: Matthews didn’t have the usual velocity on his shot throughout the majority of the session and Morgan Rielly won the majority of 1-on-1 battles against him. Matthews skates and fought through contact with his usual force, but we’ll be keeping our eyes and ears out to see if he gains the same velocity he had during his 69-goal campaign in 2023-24. There’s also a clear example of Matthews ripping the puck with his usual force early in the session, so it may just be a matter of Toronto’s captain rounding into form during the preseason. Berube didn’t seem remotely concerned and raved about Matthews’ leadership after Group 1 finished their session. “I thought he grew quickly as a leader. You guys don’t see it, the in-game things, in the room where he’s commanding,” Berube said of Matthews. “He’s not the only guy. We have a lot of strong leaders who don’t have to wear an A or a C.” Matias Maccelli gets first look on Toronto’s first line, but this could change when Max Domi returns Matias Maccelli was eager to prove himself on Toronto’s first line throughout practice and for now he’s getting the first look, although this could change when Max Domi returns from a lower-body injury. “ Just doing my best with the puck, without the puck, working hard,” Maccelli said, about what he’s focusing on when playing with Knies and Matthews. “ With the puck, trying to make plays, trying to play the same way they do. As we get going with the games, they’ll tell me what they expect and what they want, and then I’ll do the same thing.” Berube addressed reporters and he admitted that he initially planned to place Domi on the first line with Knies and Matthews. “Max went down. He was obviously a guy that I was going to put there. But Max should be back pretty quick, and then we’ll go from there,” Berube said. “I mean, it’s one day. (Maccelli is) in the process of just kind of feeling things out. And you get thrown on the line with Matthews and Knies, I mean, it’s a big step. He’s a guy that can make plays, we know that. “So that’s going to be a big part of it all if he’s making the right plays and the right decisions with the puck. Is he getting Matthews the puck enough for some opportunities and things like that? And then it’s just about him playing 200 feet, too. That line’s going to play against good lines, so he needs to be solid defensively, too.” Maccelli said he’s equally comfortable playing on either wing, but it may be a work in progress. He seemed to be a half-step behind Knies and Matthews in rushes, and when Domi is healthy again, it appears that Berube wants to try this combination out for opening night against the Montreal Canadiens. During camp, Maccelli will get a first look with Matthews and Knies, and it will be a combination that Berube will surely test out throughout camp, but the 24-year-old winger will need to earn his head coach’s trust before he’s affixed to Toronto’s top line. “It’s always weird to come to a new team when you don’t know anyone,” Maccelli said. “ I’ve only been in one spot and knew all the people there, so it’s different. But everybody’s been super welcoming and nice. So it’s been an easy adjustment.” Calle Jarnkrok stood out during Group 1 practice session, may be back to 2023-24 form Calle Jarnkrok was in excellent form during the first practice session and while we’re not pencilling him into the opening night lineup just yet, it’s an encouraging sign from the 34-year-old. Jarnkrok was paired alongside David Kampf and Michael Pezzetta and was the clear standout on the line, ripping his slot with the velocity we’re used to seeing. He roofed the puck past Dennis Hildeby twice off rush drills and wasn’t hesitant to win back pucks in battle drills. The veteran forward underwent groin and sports hernia surgery after suffering an injury during last year’s training camp and only returned to the lineup in March, where he registered a goal and seven points in 19 games, before adding one assist in 12 playoff games, primarily operating in a fourth-line role. Jarnkrok could very well be watching from the press box on opening night, but Thursday was a great start towards cementing his spot to begin the year. Anthony Stolarz wants to get deal done before the season Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz wants to be with the team for the foreseeable future and there’s a sense of urgency regarding his next contract. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving hinted Wednesday that a new extension could be imminent, and Stolarz wants to get the deal done before the year begins. “Our ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup, so once the season starts, that’s all I want to focus on,” Stolarz said. “I’ll let my agent and Treliving talk that out and hopefully we can get something done here soon.” Stolarz recently appeared on Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill, where he outlined what he wants from his next contact, and how he’s fully recovered from a season-ending concussion. Easton Cowan improves throughout practice, builds partnership with Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy Easton Cowan will be afforded every chance to make the roster and he improved as Thursday’s afternoon practice session went on. Cowan was paired with Dakota Joshua in 2-on-2 drills, where Joshua emerged as one of the best players overall through both practices. During controlled 3-on-2 rushes, Cowan was on the right wing, Joshua was on the left wing, with Nicolas Roy playing through centre, and it was a compelling trio that won puck battles and communicated well. It’s the first day of camp and nothing is finalized, but Cowan could find himself with a real chance of unseating the incumbents with a stellar camp. During battle drills, Cowan worked relentlessly, especially during a session against former London Knights teammate Landon Sim. It will be curious to see where Cowan slots into the lineup, when Max Domi returns to the lineup, but he’s firmly in the mix for a top-nine role and like Joshua, was among the best players from the opening day of camp. This line may get some extended looks together during Sunday’s preseason opener against the Ottawa Senators, and all three players are eager to make a strong first impression. Chris Tanev was among the several Leafs who complimented Roy’s ‘extremely underrated’ game, as he moves very well for a player his size, getting to the high-danger areas with relative ease. Joshua was dominant against several younger camp invitees, using his speed, size and hockey intelligence to great effect throughout the day. We can’t wait to see this line in action. John Tavares and William Nylander were the best players Thursday, Bobby McMann joins the line John Tavares and William Nylander were the best overall players from Thursday’s practice sessions, with Chris Tanev and Morgan Rielly earning honourable mentions. These designations are built from what we observed in controlled drills, so it’s worth putting into perspective, but Tavares and Nylander were making high-end plays with ease, and Bobby McMann joined the group, with Berube watching closely. “I think Bobby can take another step in his game,” Berube said. “You know, doing some things a little bit differently. Especially playing with those two guys [Tavares and Nylander], getting those guys the puck more, getting to the net more. I like a big guy with those two guys, to forecheck, get in there and create loose pucks, help out JT in those situations. Willy’s gonna do his thing, we all know that. But Bobby, I feel, can take another step in his game.” McMann-Tavares-Nylander played 158:09 at 5-on-5 with a plus-six goal differential and a 60.4 percent share of the expected goals last season via Natural Stat Trick. There is some proof of concept that this line could work, but McMann simply cannot go 24 games without a goal like he did to conclude the 2024-25 season. “He was basically just saying we want a certain identity. We want to play hard. Don’t take any shifts off, don’t take any seconds off, pushing each other all the way through,” McMann said. “It started from the first drill. You’re chasing the guy down all the way through. You’re playing one-on-ones, two-on-twos. It’s just not giving up an inch.” McMann’s elite straight-line speed and ability to get to the high-danger areas certainly compliment Tavares and Nylander’s skill sets, but there will be some experimentation on the top line, and the challenge has been set for the 28-year-old with several players vying for a chance in the Maple Leafs’ reshuffled top-six.
Elias Pettersson talks feeling stronger, linemates, and more on first day of Canucks training camp
Packers' concerning Tucker Kraft news comes at worst time possible
Ahead of an away Week 3 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, the Green Bay Packers were dealt a demoralizing blow in Thursday’s practice. Per ESPN’s Robert Demovsky, tight end Tucker Kraft has suffered a knee injury of unknown severity. It doesn’t sound great. The mere mention of “season-ending,” even preceded by “not,” is enough to send chills down the spines of Packers fans. Labeled a breakout candidate by many, Kraft was coming off a massive game against the Washington Commanders and is an integral part of the offense. Moreover, after losing Jayden Reed last week, Green Bay would benefit from having its more experienced targets available. Rookies Matthew Golden and Savion Williams are still finding their roles. Hopefully for Kraft and the Packers, he hasn’t suffered anything serious, but his status for Sunday is certainly up in the air. No Reed, possibly no Kraft. Still no Christian Watson. That's concerning for the Packers. Tucker Kraft going down now is an emotional blow more than anything On the bright side, the Packers might not need as much offensive firepower to hold off the Browns this Sunday. The Cleveland defense is strong, but so is Green Bay’s. Keeping the Browns’ Joe Flacco-led offense in check should not be the most formidable task in the world. If Micah Parsons — who has been unbelievably impressive thus far in Green Bay — and the defense can make Flacco uncomfortable and stymie opposing drives, the Packers offense won’t have to do as much. As of Thursday afternoon, Green Bay remains around a 7.5-point road favorite. The total is set at 41.5 across the board. Thus, a potential Kraft absence might not hit so hard this week. It’s more about what those tests indicate about his status moving forward. The possibility of losing Kraft for any extended period is an emotional crusher. Days after Reed had two surgeries is not the time to lose another key target. In Golden and Williams, plus Dontayvion Wicks and Romeo Doubs as resident “veterans,” the Packers' receiver room still has weapons, but its depth is being tested early.
Bengals QB Joe Burrow has a worrying complication for surgery
The timeline for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's return from a toe injury is murky, and the star has a complication that could delay his surgery, pushing back the time he can play again this season. Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Burrow is set to have surgery on his toe on Friday, but that could be pushed back based on how much swelling the quarterback is experiencing. Joe Burrow's swelling is another complication for the Cincinnati Bengals A three-month recovery would put Burrow's return date around Week 16, when the Bengals are set to play the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 21. If the swelling doesn't go away soon, he could miss more time this season. Every game is precious for a Cincinnati team that entered the season believing it could contend for the playoffs. However, the Bengals will be fortunate to be in the chase for a wild-card spot without Burrow for the majority of the season. The Bengals started the season 2-0 with wins over the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars, but backup quarterback Jake Browning will have his hands full in the coming weeks, starting with the Minnesota Vikings and elite defensive coordinator Brian Flores on Sunday. Browning went 21-of-32 for 241 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in the Bengals' 31-27 win over the Jaguars. The turnovers are an issue, and Cincinnati needs to consider pulling off a trade for a quarterback like Jameis Winston of the New York Giants or Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons if it hopes to make the postseason.
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Yankees to Chase All-Star Replacement for Anthony Volpe
It's not exactly a state secret that the New York Yankees aren't completely happy with shortstop Anthony Volpe. The 24-year-old New Jersey native has struggled this year in the field and in the batters's box. He leads all American League shortstops with 19 errors while hitting a career-worst .208. During the stretch run with the Yankees trying to lock down a playoff spot, Volpe has seen his playing time cut back with trade deadline acquisition Jose Caballero getting some extended time at shortstop. When the season is over, general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone have to decide if Volpe remains the club's long-term solution at shortstop. If that answer is no, look for the Yankees to go after Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette. That's according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, Keegan Matheson and Alyson Footer, who held a roundtable to discuss Bichette's future. The trio initially talked about Bichette re-signing with the Blue Jays before listing other potential bidders, beginning with the Detroit Tigers. "I agree with the Tigers being a threat here," Matheson said. "Position is going to determine the field -- or perhaps even expand it -- but I'd roll the Yankees in, too. Even if he's signed as a 2B or 3B, Bichette is a bat that fits in any lineup." "Of course, I never discount the Dodgers and Yankees as potential landing spots, either," Feinsand added. "Mookie Betts could slide back into the outfield to open up shortstop in L.A., and the Anthony Volpe era could be ending as we speak. "The Yankees have second base (Jazz Chisholm Jr.) and third base (Ryan McMahon) locked up for the next year or two, so they would have to view Bichette as a shortstop for 2026 and figure it out after that," Feinsand added. The 27-year-old Bichette is hitting free agency for the first time. And at the right time. The two-time All-Star is hitting a career-best .311 this season and he leads the majors with 181 base hits and 44 doubles. Bichette has three top-20 finishes in voting for American League MVP and is a big reason why the Blue Jays currently sit in first place in the American League East, four games ahead of the Yankees. Toronto's magic number to clinch its first division title since 2015 is down to six. Make sure to bookmark Yankees On SI to get all your daily New York Yankees news, interviews, breakdowns and more! Yankees' Aaron Judge's Home Run Record In Jeopardy Former Yankees Star Sets Record Straight About Leaving Yankees' Aaron Judge Won't Reach 600 Home Runs? Insider: Aaron Judge Not Yet True Yankees Legend Yankees Star Might Break Bank After All-Time Great Comparisons
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