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Gophers men's hockey is known to reload, not rebuild. That will be put to the test next season, as Bob Motzko and his coaching staff are forced to replace each of their top five leaders in points from last season. Let's try and predict who could be Minnesota's new crop of stars in 2025-26.
1. Brody Lamb: senior, forward
Lamb is the highest-scoring returning player for the Gophers. He had 26 points last season with 17 goals and nine assists. Heading into his fourth season with the program, the former fourth-round pick of the New York Rangers looks like the favorite to lead Minnesota in scoring next season.
2. Brodie Ziemer: sophomore, forward
Ziemer wasn't too far behind Lamb's production last season, but he was a true freshman. In his first college season, he totaled 23 points with 12 goals and 11 assists. He was a third-round pick by the Sabres in 2024, and he could be looking at a big step up in scoring heading into year two with the Gophers.
3. Tanner Ludtke: junior, forward
Minnesota's biggest pickup from the transfer portal this offseason was Ludtke from Omaha. The former Lakeville South High School star had 28 points as a true freshman with the Mavericks, but he battled injuries last season and finished the year with only two points. The Gophers will lean on him to produce offensively next season.
Related: Gophers men's hockey reveals 2025-26 non-conference schedule
4. Erik Pahlsson: sophomore, forward
Pahlsson has an impressive freshman season with the Gophers, compiling 18 points with 15 assists and three goals. He fell to the seventh round of last year's NHL Draft to the Predators, but has intriguing long-term potential. On a young team, he has a chance to carve out a big role.
5. LJ Mooney: freshman, forward
The only thing holding Mooney back from being higher on this list is the fact that he'll be a freshman next season. He likely won't fall any lower than the third round of this year's NHL Draft. He had 51 points last year on the U.S. Nationals U18 team with 10 goals and 41 assists. He will have the highest expectations among all the Gophers' incoming freshmen.
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Steven Stamkos linked to the Montreal Canadiens
Although the Canadiens are off to a great start this season, securing a second center remains a priority for the organization. Could Steven Stamkos fill that role in Montreal? Jeff Marek, on the Sekeres Price podcast, discussing the rumor that the forward is headed for Vancouver, believes that the Habs might also be interested in acquiring him to replace Patrik Laine. It might be a nice publicity stunt to bring a veteran like Stamkos to Montreal, but I’d be really surprised if the organization made that move. The problem is, the veteran has been a shadow of his former self since arriving in Nashville, and at 35, you really have to wonder if his best years are behind him. After a sub-par season in which Stamkos scored 53 points, including 27 goals, plus a minus-36 rating, the forward has just one goal, one assist and a minus-6 rating in thirteen games so far this year. The main thing we’d replace Laine with Stamkos is his problems on the ice. Not to mention that the former Lightning star still has more than two years left on his deal, worth an average of $8 million a year. Even if the Predators agreed to pay 50% of his salary, it’s too long and too expensive a contract for a player in decline. It’s not a gamble worth taking, as I don’t think the veteran can regain his former form at 35, and his acquisition is likely to be a problem for the organization to manage. And that’s even if Nashville were to ask for very little in return for Stamkos. What’s more, I’d be really surprised to see Kent Hughes do this deal. Acquiring a declining veteran of uncertain performance with a very bad contract is the antithesis of everything we’ve seen from the general manager since his arrival in Montreal. In Overtime – Lions defeat. – The Canes are one to watch. – He’s on fire! – Ouch! – MLB in a nutshell. – He’s really dominant. – What a kick!
Dream (but realistic) trade targets for every MLB team this offseason
Every MLB offseason brings its share of blockbuster rumors and bold predictions, but some trade ideas actually make sense — for both sides. With free agency about to heat up and front offices reshaping rosters for 2026, Yardbarker MLB writers looked at one dream (but still realistic) trade target for every MLB team. From contenders looking for that final piece to rebuilders seeking a spark, these hypothetical moves blend star power with plausibility. Here’s how all 30 teams could swing a deal that transforms their outlook heading into next season (2025 records in parentheses). AL East Baltimore Orioles (75-87) | LHP Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers: The Orioles traded for ace right-hander Corbin Burnes before the 2024 season, and that worked well. Why not try to employ the same strategy with Skubal, an ace in his own right, as Baltimore looks to bounce back from a last-place finish? Skubal’s elite 2.21 ERA in 2025 would be a perfect fit atop the rotation. Boston Red Sox (89-73) | 2B/OF Brendan Donovan, St. Louis Cardinals: It’s unclear whether prospect infielders Kristian Campbell or Marcelo Mayer are the answer up the middle, but there’s no doubt that Donovan would be an established upgrade over both. The 2025 All-Star would bring positional versatility and solid offensive production (.772 career OPS) to a lineup that had trouble scoring at times. New York Yankees (94-68) | 1B/OF Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies: New York could lose outfielders Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt in free agency, so the Yankees theoretically have both of Harper's positions to fill this winter. The veteran’s left-handed swing is made for the Yankee Stadium right-field short porch, which could help him improve upon a 2025 season in which he produced an .844 OPS, the lowest since his rookie season in 2012. Tampa Bay Rays (77-85) | LHP Mackenzie Gore, Washington Nationals: Typically, the Rays trade pitchers who are young but increasingly expensive (LHP Blake Snell, RHP Tyler Glasnow and RHP Chris Archer). This time, though, it could make sense for Tampa to swing for the fences with Gore, who boasts immense strikeout upside (10.4 K/9 in 2025) and is controllable through the 2028 season. The All-Star southpaw could also thrive in the team's analytics-driven pitching lab. Toronto Blue Jays (94-68) | RHP Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins: The Blue Jays nearly won the World Series, so they have a lot to look forward to. However, it wouldn’t hurt Toronto to replace members of its oldish rotation with someone like right-hander Ryan, whose 3.42 ERA in 30 starts with the Twins in 2025 should make him one of the top trade candidates of this offseason. — Seth Carlson AL West Athletics (76-86) | Infielder Nolan Gorman, St. Louis Cardinals: The A’s received virtually nothing from second and third in 2025. Former top prospect Zack Gelof should get another chance to prove himself, but the A’s do not have many options at third. Gorman, who hit 27 homers in 2023, may not cost much and could provide a respectable stopgap at the hot corner. Houston Astros (87-75) | IF/OF Brendan Donovan, St. Louis Cardinals: The Astros missed the postseason for the first time since 2016; the outfield was a key factor in that. Astros outfielders posted a .665 OPS, 25th in the majors. Donovan, who has predominantly played at second and left, would solve a black hole in the middle of the lineup and provide a needed left-handed hitter. Los Angeles Angels (72-90) | RHP Brady Singer, Cincinnati Reds: The Angels and Reds line up perfectly as trade partners. The Angels have a logjam in the outfield with either Jo Adell or Taylor Ward expected to be traded during the offseason. Meanwhile, the Reds have plenty of pitching and need help in the outfield. Singer, who has one more year of team control left, would be the most likely Reds pitcher to be dealt. He would solidify the middle of L.A.'s rotation. Seattle Mariners (90-72) | 3B Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies: Because Eugenio Suarez is expected to sign elsewhere in free agency, the Mariners will once again be looking for help at third. Bohm had been on the trading block during the 2024-25 offseason but remained in Philadelphia because no one would meet its price. Bohm hit just 11 homers and 18 doubles in 2025, crushing his trade value. Texas Rangers (81-81) | RHP Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates: The Rangers should have a solid top of the rotation with Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi. However, neither pitcher is a paragon of health. Keller has thrown at least 159 innings in each of the past four seasons and is under team control through 2028. He would be a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm. — David Hill AL Central Chicago White Sox (60-102) | 1B Triston Casas, Boston Red Sox: The rebuilding White Sox made progress in 2025 but have many holes remaining. Acquiring a player such as Casas could be a perfect buy-low option while improving the power for a team that ranked 23rd in the majors with 165 homers. Cleveland Guardians (88-74) | RHP Edward Cabrera, Miami Marlins: The Guardians need help in the lineup, but several top prospects are expected to make an impact in 2026. The same cannot be said for the rotation that is lacking a top-of-the-rotation arm. Cabrera finally put everything together for the Marlins in 2025 and is under team control through 2028. Miami has pitching depth, so Cabrera could be available. Detroit Tigers (87-75) | 3B Josh Jung, Texas Rangers: The Tigers need a third baseman and Jung could be the answer. The 2023 All-Star has seen his star dim over the past two seasons as he battled injuries and contact woes. Jung may need a change of scenery and could be what the Tigers need to get his brother, Jace, to tap into his potential. Kansas City Royals (82-80) | OF Jarren Duran, Boston Red Sox: The outfield was one of the worst in the majors in 2025, ranking 29th with a .633 OPS. Duran may not be the player he was in 2024, but his ability to drive the ball into the gaps, excellent speed and stellar defense would be a perfect fit in Kauffman Stadium. Minnesota Twins (70-92) | RHP Jonah Tong, New York Mets: The rotation disappointed in 2025 and sorely needs an ace. The Twins began to dismantle the roster at the 2025 trade deadline, so it's unlikely that pitchers Pablo Lopez or Joe Ryan will be with Minnesota in 2026. Both will be expensive. — David Hill NL West Arizona Diamondbacks (80-82) | RHP Pete Fairbanks, Tampa Bay Rays: The Diamondbacks had issues with the bullpen throughout 2025 (27th in the league with a 4.82 ERA) and it will likely be a point of emphasis for the team this offseason. Fairbanks totaled 27 saves last season and pitched a career-high 60.1 innings. There is a club option for $11 million that the Rays will likely pick up only if they can trade him. At 32, Fairbanks might be worth it for one season in the desert. Colorado Rockies (43-119) | RHP Freddy Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers: It’s a new day in Denver with a new GM coming soon. Colorado desperately needs starting pitching, especially an ace. The Rockies have a crowded outfield in terms of proven players and prospects, so they could work a deal with Milwaukee, a team that they have traded with, and secure a big arm. Los Angeles Dodgers (93-69) | OF Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians: After a year in which the Dodgers had to overlook some deficiencies in the outfield with Michael Conforto and Teoscar Hernandez, landing someone like Kwan makes sense for the two-time defending champions. Kwan doesn’t strike out much (only 8.7 percent of the time in 2025), something the Dodgers needed when their offense sputtered in the postseason. San Diego Padres (90-72) | RHP Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins: Depending on what happens with pitchers Michael King and Dylan Cease, the Padres are going to need someone who can step in as a face of the rotation. Alcantara, 30, has a $19 million deal for 2026 and a $21 million team option for 2027, so he won’t come to San Diego cheap. However, the NL West will be another arms race in 2026, and Alcantara could be a fascinating addition for the Padres. San Francisco Giants (81-81) | LHP JoJo Romero, St. Louis Cardinals: Adding a solid southpaw to the bullpen is rarely a bad move, and the 29-year-old Romero has been quietly building a reputation as one of the best lefties in the late innings. He’s controlled through arbitration through the 2026 campaign and has logged 57 holds over the past three seasons. Pitching is expected to be a priority for the Giants this offseason. — Kevin Henry NL East Atlanta Braves (76-86) | SS Jeremy Pena, Houston Astros: The former World Series MVP was drafted by the Braves out of high school in 2015 but chose not to sign. Perhaps a reunion is in order in Atlanta, which has desperately needed a true shortstop since the departure of Dansby Swanson during the 2022 offseason. The 28-year-old Pena was named an All-Star in 2025, batting .304 with 17 home runs and 62 RBI in 125 games. Miami Marlins (79-83) | 1B/OF Alec Burleson, St. Louis Cardinals: Miami exceeded expectations in 2025 and, if they have a strong offseason, could be a sleeper contender for an NL wild-card spot in 2026. Before that happens, though, they must solve their first base conundrum by trading for Burleson, who can play there and in the outfield. Burleson, who will turn 27 on Nov. 25, posted a career-high .801 OPS with 18 homers and 69 RBI in 2025. New York Mets (83-79) | LHP Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers: Skubal, in line for his second straight AL Cy Young Award, would be a dream trade candidate for any team but especially owner Steve Cohen and the Mets. New York desperately needs a frontline starter after its pitching largely failed it in 2025. Philadelphia Phillies (96-66) | C Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles: Longtime catcher J.T. Realmuto is a free agent and, despite entering his age-35 season in 2026, is expected to be a hot commodity on the open market. It’s clear the Phillies must get younger at the position, and acquiring the former No. 1 overall pick from Baltimore would be a solid way to secure their future at backstop and keep their competitive window open. Rutschman, who will turn 28 on Feb. 6, hasn't lived up to his draft pedigree but still has decent upside. Washington Nationals (66-96) | RHP Jonah Tong, New York Mets: The Nationals are more than one piece from being competitive, so Washington’s focus should be who they can acquire in potential trades for left-hander MacKenzie Gore, 2B Luis Garcia Jr. and OF Robert Hassell III. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller proposed a wild divisional trade that would send Tong to the Nationals for Gore. — Lauren Amour NL Central Chicago Cubs (92-70) | RHP Shane Bieber, Toronto Blue Jays: Chicago leaned heavily on veteran arms in its rotation, with 34-year-old Matthew Boyd anchoring the staff. Bieber, 30, joined the Blue Jays this season, posting a 4-2 record with a 3.57 ERA and 1.017 WHIP. With Chicago expected to be a playoff-level team in 2026, Bieber could be another experienced arm to help with a deep postseason run. Cincinnati Reds (83-79) | LHP JoJo Romero, St. Louis Cardinals: The Reds need reliable back-end bullpen arms, and Romero offers late-inning experience. He became the Cardinals’ closer after the team dealt Ryan Helsley to the New York Mets. In 2025, Romero posted a 2.07 ERA, a career best in the big leagues, in 61 innings. Milwaukee Brewers (97-65) | 1B Pete Alonso, New York Mets: Milwaukee's lineup struggled to produce consistent power in 2025, finishing 22nd in MLB with 166 home runs. Alonso, who launched 38 home runs — leading all first basemen — would be an immediate upgrade. He also hit .272 and drove in 126 runs, the second most in the majors. Andrew Vaughn filled the role well after being traded to Milwaukee midseason, but Alonso would be the definitive No. 1 option. Pittsburgh Pirates (71-91) | 2B Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays: The Pirates haven’t made much of a trade splash in recent offseasons, so dealing for a proven bat like Lowe would be smart. He hit .256 with 31 home runs in 2025, bringing power and veteran experience to a younger lineup. St. Louis Cardinals (78-84) | RHP Dylan Cease, San Diego Padres: The pitching staff lacked swing-and-miss stuff in 2025, finishing 29th in MLB in strikeouts. Cease delivered 215 strikeouts over 168 innings — sixth most in MLB — and led the majors with 11.52 strikeouts per nine innings. — Taylor Bretl
Why the Phillies could ditch Alec Bohm and target Rays star Junior Caminero
Entering the offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies must shake things up after running mostly the same roster back for three consecutive years and suffering three straight exits short of the World Series. But Philadelphia seems more likely to make a trade than sign a big-name free agent this offseason. First baseman Bryce Harper ($27.5M in 2026, per Spotrac), SS Trea Turner ($27.3M) and RHPs Zack Wheeler ($42M) and Aaron Nola ($24.6M) take up a huge amount of the payroll, so the Phillies may seek cost-effective options in the trade market. Could 22-year-old Tampa Bay third baseman Junior Caminero be an option for the Phillies? Phillies are likely to trade All-Star Alec Bohm this offseason For the past couple of offseasons, Philadelphia has been rumored to be in the market to trade 2024 All-Star third baseman Bohm, who is coming off a down power season (11 HR, 49 RBI). With one year left on his deal before he becomes a free agent, Bohm probably will be jettisoned by the Phillies, who are projected by Spotrac to offer him $10.25M in arbitration. Philadelphia could better use that money to re-sign designated hitter Kyle Schwarber or catcher J.T. Realmuto. Bohm batted .287 in 120 games last season but could benefit from a change of scenery to get him back on track to where he was in 2024 (97 RBI and 44 doubles). Phillies, Rays could make a deal With Bohm unlikely to be on the Opening Day roster, Philadelphia probably will find another option. Pending free agent Alex Bregman (18 HR, .273 BA) may not return to the Boston Red Sox. He's a fit for the Phillies, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. But Bregman would command a high salary, as would Seattle's Eugenio Suárez, who also is a pending free agent. Feinsand listed the Angels, Mariners and Pirates as fits for the 34-year-old, who had 49 homers and a .228 batting average last season. Debuting at 19 in 2023, Caminero was an injury replacement All-Star in 2025 and would fit in perfectly with the Phillies. He could be the cleanup hitter the team has lacked and provide needed protection for Harper. Caminero — who is set to make $820,000 in 2026, according to Spotrac — has plenty of power (45 HR, sixth in big leagues in 2025) and hit for a decent average, .264, last season. “There's no denying his talent, and what he can cover in and off the plate away is just amazing to me," Rays manager Kevin Cash said of Caminero, according to Adam Berry of MLB.com. Acquiring Caminero would likely cost the Phillies one or two of their top prospects and a big-league player. The Phillies have the prospect capital and major league talent to get a deal like this done — if they’re willing to pull the trigger.
Kevin O'Connell provided multiple positive injury updates in his Monday press conference with one significant
The Minnesota Vikings have multiple injuries stemming from before and during the upset win on Sunday against the Detroit Lions by a score of 27-24. It was a masterful game from defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who found a way to attack Jared Goff and the Lions' offense with masterful blitzes and they were able to hold their rushing game at bay to just 65 yards. On the offensive side of the ball, head coach Kevin O'Connell proved that he has the utmost confidence in starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy by trusting him at every turn. They scored 27 points on the day and attacked all three levels of the defense. On the day, there were a few injuries that made an impact on Sunday, and others that could be impactful moving forward. Kevin O'Connell provides multiple injury updates RB Aaron Jones Aaron Jones was fantastic on the day for the Vikings rushing for 78 yards on nine carries, and catching two passes for 20 yards. He looked explosive and decisive in his movements. Unfortunately, he suffered a shoulder injury. O'Connell is optimistic about Jones moving forward. "Aaron Jones, he's sore, obviously, coming out of the game," said O'Connell. "But the evaluations have been pretty positive today. We'll see how he does throughout the week, but expecting him to be able to hopefully ramp up his workload, and I'll give you guys an update as the week goes on. The addition of Jones back into the lineup is such a huge factor for the Vikings' offense, and it's much-needed to help McCarthy. S Theo Jackson After playing just 16 snaps on Sunday afternoon, O'Connell said that Jackson came in on Monday with some mild concussion symptoms, and was placed in concussion protocol. "Just an update on Theo Jackson, he came in this morning with just some very mild symptoms. And we want to be we want to be safe there. So he'll go into the cushion concussion protocol, and, you know, we'll see how he can progress throughout the week," said O'Connell. Jackson taking a step back in usage was paired with Harrison Smith taking a step forward. Being in the concussion protocol doesn't mean he won't play next Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, but it makes it much less likely. Other injuries FB C.J. Ham: "C.J. Ham should return to practice in a limited capacity and see how he does throughout the week." In regard to the run game, Ham will make a serious impact. TE Josh Oliver: "And Josh Oliver will begin working his way back on the side field with the trainers on the rehab field." Oliver injured his foot early on against the Los Angeles Chargers. C Ryan Kelly: "And Ryan Kelly will also begin some of that side field work. Don't really have an update at this time of, [in terms of] opening his window or anything like that, but want to get him started. He seems to be in a good place. And want to kind of see the next part of that process begin." Having continuity at center will be huge for the Vikings. window.addEventListener('message', function (event) {if (event.data.totalpoll event.data.totalpoll.action === 'resizeHeight') {document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-383').height = event.data.totalpoll.value;}}, false);document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-383').contentWindow.postMessage({totalpoll: {action: 'requestHeight'}}, '*');
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