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The Detroit Red Wings are the biggest winners in a busy day for the Eastern Conference, following news that top defense prospect Axel Sandin-Pellikka could join the team after his SHL season ends from Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now. Sandin-Pellikka is one of the top defense prospects across the NHL. He confidently leads U21 scoring in the SHL, Sweden’s top league, with 12 goals and 29 points in 46 games. Those totals also rank Sandin-Pellikka ninth among all SHL defensemen, regardless of age.
Sandin-Pellikka has been on a strict upward climb since Detroit drafted him 17th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. He earned his first full pro season with Skelleftea AIK last year, and managed an impressive 12 goals and 25 points in 53 total games as the team blazed their way to their first SHL championship since 2014. It was clear that Sandin-Pellikka was feeling out his lineup footing during the title run, improving from a menial role at the start of the year to a daily role by the end of the season. That growth has only continued this year, with Sandin-Pellikka now serving in a cons istent top-pair role and earning upwards of 24 minutes a night.
Sandin-Pellikka was also a superstar at this year’s World Juniors Championships. He recorded four goals and 10 points in seven games while serving as Team Sweden’s captain. Those totals tied him for first on Team Sweden, and second in the tournament outright, in points. Sandin-Pellikka’s Skelleftea seems headed for another playoff run this season. The Red Wings will be watching it closely, with word that their star prospect could be headed over as soon as his SHL season ends.
More must-reads:
- The Red Wings are in an absolute freefall
- After disgraceful Trade Deadline, what exactly is Red Wings’ Yzerplan?
- The '1996-1998 Detroit Red Wings' quiz
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Winnipeg Jets Considering Surprising Trade Target if Gustav Nyquist's Struggles Continue
The Jets have been linked to Alex Tuch of the Sabres by Jake Tye in case their newly signed player in free agency, Gustav Nyquist, struggles like last season. The Winnipeg Jets could be targeting Buffalo Sabres right winger Alex Tuch as a trade candidate if Gustav Nyquist doesn't turn things around, per NHL analyst Jake Tye of The Hockey News. 'The Winnipeg Jets could be considering a trade for Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch, who is reportedly available on the trade market. This move could serve as a reliable fallback option for the Jets' second-line winger position if Gustav Nyquist continues his slump from last season.' - Jake Tye Gustav Nyquist is recovering from a career-low 28-point season between Nashville and Minnesota, which has created uncertainty about whether the 35-year-old can bounce back with his new team. With Nikolaj Ehlers traded away, Winnipeg requires dependable secondary scoring to keep its Stanley Cup window ajar. Should Nyquist not return to his 75-point self from a couple of years ago, Alex Tuch would be an excellent substitute. Alex Tuch is a Low-Risk, High-Reward Player as his Contract Expires After Next Season The 29-year-old right-winger, who is in the last year of his seven-year contract at a reasonable $4.75 million cap hit, has accumulated 205 points in the last three seasons. A big-bodied, scoring winger with a physical edge, he would slot in perfectly with Jonathan Toews and Cole Perfetti on Winnipeg's second line. Drafted 18th overall by Minnesota in 2014, Tuch carved out a consistent four-year stretch with the Vegas Golden Knights, during which he received ample playoff experience. In Buffalo, he has elevated his game to new heights, culminating in a career-best 36-goal, 79-point effort in his first complete season. Despite having contract talks with the Sabres, uncertainty about his future could make him available. For Winnipeg, including a prospect like Nikita Chibrikov or Colby Barlow could be sufficient to get a deal done. Adding Tuch would provide the Jets with both insurance and a possible upgrade, keeping the top six a strength. If Nyquist struggles, Tuch's combination of scoring, versatility, and playoff savvy might be just what Winnipeg needs to remain among the Western Conference elite.
Cowboys' Micah Parsons seen taking bizarre action in preseason finale
Micah Parsons showed up for the Dallas Cowboys' preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons in body only. The star pass-rusher showed no spirit and did not dress amid his hold-in for a contract extension. On Thursday, Parsons scrubbed the Cowboys from his social media feed. During Friday's game, he couldn't be bothered to be with his teammates on the sideline watching the whole game. Per a photo posted on X by The Athletic's Jon Machota, Parsons was seen lying down on a trainer's table during the contest. Parsons' actions come amid a turbulent week between his representation and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. In separate interviews, Jones told both Michael Irvin and ESPN's Stephen A. Smith that he did not plan to back down from his agreement with Parsons to work with agent David Mulugheta. During the pregame show on Friday, Jones boasted to 105.3 The Fan that defensive end is where the Cowboys have the most depth on the roster. "Frankly, our defensive ends may be the best depth, where we have the most talent of any position on the field," Jones said via Machota. "I'm excited about our depth and our numbers at pass rusher. ... I'm concerned because of having space on the roster to keep that many of our guys that have pass rushing ability." Following Friday night's game, the Cowboys' preseason is over. The situation between Jones and Parsons is not ideal for first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who is tasked with trimming the roster to 53 players by Tuesday. If Parsons is traded or chooses not to play in Week 1, Schottenheimer is going to have to decide to take away depth from what Jones sees as a weaker part of the team to boost a unit that is without their best player because he won't negotiate with Mulugheta.
Pat McAfee has strong reaction to Hall of Fame honor
Former punter Pat McAfee is receiving an honor that is rare for a special teams member. On Friday, West Virginia announced that McAfee was one of six players entering the program's Hall of Fame for the 2025 class. McAfee is thankful for the recognition from his former school. He used some strong language to react to WVU's reveal. "It was nice to have an opportunity to think back and reminisce about a great era of my life," McAfee posted on X. "I am so thankful for the recognition. This is normally something I would try and f------ hate.. I’d say that it’s b------- and they feel obligated to do this but; this call made my soul feel good. Thanks for the opportunity to be a Mountaineer @RealCoachRod.. it was an honor." McAfee was a highly productive specialist at West Virginia, earning First-team All-American honors in 2008. During his time with the Mountaineers, he set the school record for most games played (51), scoring (384) and extra points made (210). He held the Big East record for most extra points made, when he made 210 of 212 attempts. McAfee's success at West Virginia propelled the Indianapolis Colts to select him in the seventh round of the 2009 draft. He earned All-Pro honors in 2014 and made the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2016. He has the highest career net average in punting years with 41.1. McAfee should be proud of his achievements during his days in college and the legacy he is building with the program. The ESPN pundit even used his influence to speak with WVU athletic director Wren Baker to help with the coaching search that ultimately brought back Rich Rodriguez to the school.
Incarnate Word vs Nicholls Prediction, Pick, Odds for Saturday, August 23
The Incarnate Word Cardinals take on the Nicholls Colonels on Saturday, August 23, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Incarnate Word comes in as a 13.5-point favorite in this contest with a total set at 51.5. This is a major start to the season for both teams in a top-heavy Southland Conference that will be highly contested. Here’s my Incarnate Word vs. Nicholls predictions and college football picks for Saturday, August 23, 2025. Incarnate Word vs Nicholls Pick: Nicholls +13.5 or Better My Incarnate Word vs. Nicholls best bet is on the Colonels to cover the spread. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page. Incarnate Word vs Nicholls Odds Incarnate Word comes in the cream of the crop in the Southland this season after winning the league last season and advancing to the second round of the FCS Playoffs. Third-year head coach Clint Killough has turned UIW into a consistent winner fueled by dynamic offensive output, and 2024 was no different. Led by quarterback Zach Calzada and three electric wide receivers, the UIW offense averaged 39 points per game in conference play while also finding consistency in the running game. Calzada departs this season, as does FCS All-American wide receiver Roy Alexander. For the first time in the Killough tenure, there’s not a superstar player commanding the offense. Local product Richard Torres won the quarterback battle in fall camp, beating out EJ Colson and Deyon Batiste, who both transferred in from FBS. Torres does have a bit of experience under center for the Cardinals, throwing for 64 yards with a touchdown and an interception a season ago. The leading rusher from last season, Dekalon Taylor, departs along with three all-conference starters along the offensive line. Overall, four starters return. This UIW offense should find itself atop the Southland Conference once again, but there could be some growing pains with new personnel. Defensively, the Cardinals return five starters and seven of their top 14 tacklers overall, although the linebacker room is in need of some transfers to step up after the departures of Mister Williams, Darius Sanders and Tylan Foster. The defensive line loses two of its top pass rushers, and I would guess we see a drop this season in both rushing yards allowed and Havoc created by this unit. The secondary sees both of their starting safeties leave, but the cornerback positions are shored up, and UIW did make effective use of the portal to bring in some talent. Nicholls comes in after a disappointing 4-8 season in 2024 that saw long-tenured head coach Tim Rebowe retire at the end of the season, and defensive coordinator Tommy Rybacki was internally promoted to head coach. The offense sputtered in 2024 due to inconsistent quarterback play and its inability to stay on the field with third-down conversions. The Colonels bring in Deuce Hogan — who has previous stops at Iowa, Kentucky and New Mexico State — to lead the offense this season and return productive running back Miquele Brock. The receiver room is talented, and the offensive line returns four players who started games last year for the Colonels, so the pieces are there for improvement on this side of the ball. The Colonels’ stop unit was the strength of the team last season. This group ranked in the top third in Southland Conference play in most defensive performance metrics. Nicholls allowed just 2.9 yards per carry on the ground last season and gave up just 287 yards per game in league play. It finished sixth in FCS, allowing just 29% conversions on third down, and was excellent in the red zone, allowing touchdowns on just 54% of trips. Nine starters return along the defensive line, including Rasheed Lovelace and Alex Villavaso. The secondary has experience, and I would expect solid pass coverage from this group once again this season. I fully expect a solid performance here from the Nicholls defense in this game. This unit gave Southland Conference opponents fits last year with its pass rush and how well it held up against the run. UIW sees significant talent depart offensively and will also see Killough call the plays this year, as Conner McQueen (OC, QB coach in 2024) is off to the Las Vegas Raiders. With UIW breaking in a new quarterback and working the kinks out along the offensive line, I don’t anticipate a powerful offensive performance on the road against an upper-tier SLC defense. Nicholls will create some unique looks and make life tough on Torres. The Nicholls offense has some experience along the offensive line and at running back, while Hogan can take advantage of a weaker pass rush and inexperienced safeties. Pick: Nicholls +13.5 or Better
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