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Jamie Benn has been the captain of the Dallas Stars for over a decade, earning the honor back in 2013-14 after Brenden Morrow passed the torch. But the 35-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer — and Wyatt Johnston would be a great option to lead the franchise, head coach Pete DeBoer said on Thursday.
“He’s mature and wise beyond his years. Even when you’re speaking to him, he’s got great, instinctual leadership to him. I think he’s going to wear a ‘C’ one day for the Dallas Stars. There’s no doubt in my mind,” the bench boss told reporters ahead of Game 2 between the Stars and Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre.
“He’s learned from the best, you know? Joe Pavelski, and now Jamie Benn. You forget sometimes how young he is until you get reminded. … It’s incredible, the names of the players that he’s in the company of on some of the things he’s done.”
Although Mikko Rantanen’s incredible play has understandably vaulted him into the spotlight as of late, Johnston has been a catalyst for the Stars in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The 21-year-old managed three goals and seven points in a thrilling Round 1, seven-game victory over the Colorado Avalanche. He scored the series winning goal late in Game 7, and was a difference-maker throughout.
Despite being in just his third NHL season, Johnston has already played 46 career playoff games, helping the Stars reach back-to-back Western Conference Finals in 2023 and 2024. He was instrumental in both runs, leading the team with 14 goals in 38 contests.
And this time around, he’s hoping to be part of the team that brings a championship back to Texas for the first time since 1999.
Stars are looking potent in 2025
Despite trailing 2-0 in Game 7, the Stars were able to mount an incredible third period comeback to beat the Avalanche for the third time in six seasons.
And they’ve hit the ground running in Round 2, beating the Jets 3-2 in Game 1 on the road. They’ve already stolen back home-ice advantage, and have a chance to return to Dallas with a 2-0 series lead if they can secure another victory on Friday night.
Rantanen is leading the charge after recording back-to-back hat tricks — the Finnish superstar has transformed the roster completely — but Johnston continues to shine as well. He’s played in three career Game 7’s and scored in all of them.
“That’s what makes you a special player,” DeBoer said. “I coached Patrice Bergeron at 19 on the 2005 world junior team, and he stepped into the NHL and was doing similar things. I think he has those types of instincts. That’s stuff you can’t teach. He has a confidence to his game, he has just a great IQ.”
Both Rantanen and Johnston are locked up long-term, and should help keep the Stanley Cup window in Dallas wide open for the foreseeable future.
If Benn doesn’t return to the team next year, it’ll be intriguing to see who the seventh captain in franchise history ends up being in 2025-26 and beyond.
More must-reads:
- Is a Connor Bedard breakout coming in 2025-26?
- Colts to sign key offensive lineman to a massive extension
- The 'NFL all-time touchdown receptions leaders' quiz
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Oilers to Acquire a Top-Tier Goalie. An Official Trade Offer Is on the Table in a Blockbuster Deal
Maple Leafs Rumoured to Be Targeting Star Centre From Conference Rival
The Maple Leafs are in need of a major upgrade in their top-six, and now Jay Rosehill has noted Rangers' Vincent Trocheck as a trade candidate for Brad Treliving. The Toronto Maple Leafs have been busy this off-season, adding some intriguing forwards in Matias Macceli and Dakota Joshua while retaining John Tavares as they look to go one or two steps further in the post-season moving forward. However, despite all of this movement, the belief is still that this team is ready to take a big swing in the coming months on the trade market, with several big name candidates out there that could improve their top-six. Now, former Maple Leaf Jay Rosehill has weighed in, suggesting a very intriguing name that General Manager Brad Treliving could target ahead of the 2026 trade deadline. 'Another guy is Vincent Trocheck. He's 32 years old, so he's got the experience. I just think that you put him in this lineup, he would fit. It's like there's kind of a big missing piece in this forward group, kind of in that middle-six type of deal. And to fill it with a high-end guy like Trocheck, it would just be like, the balance would just be humming.' Over the past three years in New York, Trocheck has tallied 64, 77 and 59 points, and given the two-way game that he plays and the leadership that he brings, the 32-year old would be a massive upgrade in Toronto's top-six, whether he remains at the centre position or moves to the wing. Ultimately, the Maple Leafs have the issue of lacking assets to make a big move, so a player like Trocheck could potentially be in their range, and while they've still got plenty of talent, it's clear that this team needs an upgrade to be a true contender, with Trocheck a fantastic option if he truly is available.
Steelers Might Be The Legitimate Reason Terry McLaurin Wants Out Of Washington
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a shocking move early in the 2025 offseason. In a bold and unexpected trade, the team acquired star wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks, instantly changing the outlook of their offense. Shortly after the deal, the Steelers committed long-term, signing Metcalf to a five-year contract worth $150 million, with four new years and $132 million in fresh money. At $33 million per year, the Steelers made it clear they believe Metcalf is a rare talent worth every dollar. While the Steelers were focused on boosting their offense, their move has caused problems elsewhere in the NFL. The Washington Commanders now find themselves in a difficult position with their own star wide receiver, Terry McLaurin. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that McLaurin "wants considerably more than" the $33 million per year that Metcalf received in Pittsburgh. That revelation has sparked questions about whether the Commanders are prepared to meet McLaurin’s growing demands. The Steelers may not have intended to impact other teams' contract negotiations, but their deal with Metcalf is now being used as a measuring stick. McLaurin, who has consistently been one of the most reliable wideouts in the league, is looking to cash in at a level that reflects his value. Pittsburgh’s decision to pay top dollar has inadvertently put pressure on Washington, who must now decide whether to match or exceed those terms to keep their top receiver happy. The Commanders find themselves in a difficult position as the NFL continues to see critical positions like wide receiver experience rapid increases in market value. As star players across the league sign massive deals, it becomes increasingly challenging for teams to build balanced rosters while also keeping their top talent and maintaining consistency from one season to the next. Washington is now facing that exact challenge with McLaurin. It makes perfect sense that Metcalf’s massive extension with the Steelers is being used as a comparison. This is a common pattern in the NFL. One player gets paid, and others in the same position group see it as their opportunity to cash in. McLaurin, after watching Metcalf land a $33 million per year deal, likely sees this as the perfect moment to get the contract he believes he deserves. It is not about being greedy. Players understand the business side of the league and know their value can shift quickly. When the opportunity comes, they have to take advantage of it. Steelers' Omar Khan Has A Chance To Do Something Crazy At Wide Receiver The bigger question is whether McLaurin could become available if things continue to stall in Washington. While the Steelers might seem like a potential landing spot, they are already investing heavily in Metcalf. Paying McLaurin even more than Metcalf would be incredibly difficult under the current financial structure. However, if General Manager Omar Khan were somehow able to make it work, it would completely reshape how the rest of the league views Pittsburgh entering the 2025 season. For now, both sides appear to be stuck, and that uncertainty could eventually lead to McLaurin’s name surfacing in trade talks, even if his price is far too high for Pittsburgh to realistically consider. While it’s highly unlikely the Steelers would make another major move at wide receiver, Khan has shown a willingness to get creative with the salary cap, so nothing can ever be completely ruled out. With the right cap maneuvering, there’s always a slim chance something unexpected could happen. Though the idea of the Steelers making McLaurin higher paid than Metcalf certainly sounds very unlikely at this point.
Liverpool Are the Transfer Market Winners With Luis Díaz Sale
Luis Díaz’s move to Bayern Munich for a reported €75 million (around £65.5 million, including add-ons) wasn’t just a blockbuster summer transfer; it was a prime example of Liverpool playing the market smartly. While fans might feel watching the Colombian winger leave after three impactful years at Anfield, the reality is that the Reds cashed in at the right time, on their own terms. Bayern’s earlier bid of €67.5 million was turned down, but when Díaz made it clear he was ready for a new challenge, and Liverpool saw contract extension talks stalling, they took control of the situation. The club chose to sell at full market value rather than risk losing a valuable asset for less down the line. In today’s climate, getting top dollar for a player pushing 30 with no new deal in sight is no small achievement. They signed him from Porto in January 2022 for £37.5 million, rising to £50 million with add-ons. The sale now not only brings in profit but also helps Liverpool enhance their galactic transfer window even further. The Reds Played This Window Like Pros Liverpool has had a busy, record-breaking summer of high spending, with over £300 million spent on fresh faces like Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike. Those names don’t come cheap, but while many clubs overextend during rebuilds, Liverpool has kept things tidy on the financial front. Offloading Díaz, along with departures like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Jarell Quansah, has brought in nearly £125 million in total, helping to balance their books and avoid falling foul of FFP regulations. Liverpool found the sweet spot between emotion and economics in a transfer market where clubs either panic-buy or cling onto stars for too long. No Room For Stalemates Let’s not forget, this wasn’t just about money. Behind the scenes, Díaz’s future was uncertain for months. Liverpool made two attempts to extend his contract, but neither went anywhere. Sources close to the player had hinted at his decision to leave as early as summer 2024, especially after his stock rose following a strong 2023/24 campaign. Bayern came knocking with a better deal in July 2025, and the writing was on the wall. The club’s decision to leave Díaz out of the pre-season friendly against AC Milan, despite no injury concerns, was a clear sign that things were moving quickly. Rather than drag the saga out and risk it affecting the dressing room, Liverpool acted decisively. A Big Departure, But Vision Remains Since his Liverpool debut, Díaz has made 148 appearances, scoring 40+ goals and providing around 23 assists. He was electric, unpredictable, and crucial for the club during the 2024-25 season, notching 17 goals and eight assists in 50 games as the Reds lifted the Premier League title. He offered more than just stats; his flair on the left wing, defensive work rate, and ability to change games were undeniable. Liverpool has a long history of letting stars go when the timing is right, and this move feels consistent with that tradition. A Squad Ready To Evolve With Díaz gone and Darwin Núñez also rumored to be on his way out, Liverpool’s front line is undergoing a reshuffle. The likes of Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and new boy Ekitike give Slot plenty to work with, but the real excitement lies in the club’s pursuit of Alexander Isak. The Newcastle striker is being lined up as a potential record-breaking signing, with Liverpool preparing a huge bid to bring the Swedish international to Anfield, and they’re thinking of breaking the British transfer record for the second time in a single window. Isak has reportedly rejected offers from Saudi Arabia, making Liverpool his preferred destination. The Díaz funds could prove vital in landing him, proof that Liverpool aren’t just cashing in, they’re already preparing the next chapter.
LA Lakers have inside track to sign 2x All-Star in new buyout deal, it would complete their roster
The Los Angeles Lakers could make yet another addition to their roster this offseason. After a poor postseason run, the Los Angeles Lakers have been active this summer in hopes of bolstering their roster. In fact, general manager Rob Pelinka has already made some key additions to the roster, including Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart. Signing an elite center was arguably the most important task for Pelinka this offseason, and he fulfilled it with the arrival of Ayton. However, one could argue that the Lakers still need a quality backup center. Luka Doncic could recruit Nikola Vucevic to the Los Angeles Lakers While the Lakers re-signed Jaxson Hayes, a player of Chicago Bulls star Nikola Vucevic’s caliber would undoubtedly be a major upgrade. Moreover, with Vucevic being on the Lakers’ radar for years, it means that the organization rates him highly. Previously, the Bulls didn’t indulge in a trade with the Purple and Gold around Vucevic. It has led to Vucevic’s trade value diminishing so much that he is expected to complete a contract buyout with the Bulls. The Laker Nation would love to sign the 34-year-old, and Luka Doncic can help in this quest. How? Well, Doncic and Vucevic share the same agent in Bill Duffy. This means that if Vucevic completes a buyout, the Lakers could have the upper hand in negotiations. The 2x NBA All-Star has given the last five and a half seasons of his career to the Bulls, but it’s obvious that their time together is about to end sooner rather than later. Adding fuel to the fire were former Orlando Magic star Evan Fournier’s comments. Fournier ridiculed the Bulls while taking a shot at Vucevic after the latter called out his move overseas. Luka Doncic has already proven he can recruit stars Ahead of his first full season with the Lakers, Doncic is doing everything in his power to bring back the glory days for the Lakers. He has already undergone a massive transformation to silence his critics. Additionally, Doncic has been actively involved in recruiting players for the Lakers. Smart admitted Doncic was a huge reason behind his decision to sign with the Lakers. Ayton also acknowledged Luka’s role in his decision to join the Purple and Gold. Let’s not forget Ayton also has the same agent as the Slovenian superstar. So, Doncic has already given the inside track for one star; there’s no reason to doubt he would do the same in Vucevic’s case.
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