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The New Jersey Devils are going through a bit of a makeover this summer. In fact, they’ve already started by acquiring their desired goaltender, solidifying their crease presence before we even got to the 2024 NHL Draft. There’s expected to be more activity leading up to the weekend and perhaps it will even go down on the draft floor. Internally, however, there are still some decisions to be made, including with veteran defenseman/winger, Brendan Smith.
According to a source, Smith is likely to reach July 1st to become an unrestricted free agent. He was a Devils trade candidate at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline.
After the 2023-24 season came to a close, Smith admitted he hadn’t had any conversations with Devils management about a future with the organization. The 35-year-old veteran explained he was hopeful this wasn’t his last NHL season, and although he loved his time in New Jersey, he wants to remain in the NHL more than anything.
“They probably have their pecking order and hopefully there’ll be some talk and we’ll see where I stand,” Smith responded when asked about pending free agent status. “I love it here, I do want to be back. But more than that, I want to be back in the NHL. So we’ll see how that goes.”
It doesn’t sound like a return to New Jersey is completely out of the question, however. Although Smith might reach July 1st, a second source explained that if Smith does test free agency, that’s his call, not the Devils’.
By the sound of it, there appears to be a path for Smith to stay in New Jersey. What that path is, however, is uncertain. Speculation on my part, but perhaps Smith believe’s he can do better than whatever the Devils might have discussed with him already about sticking around.
The Devils just re-signed defenseman Nick DeSimone to a one-year, one-way contract on Tuesday. They’re also linked to defenseman Brett Pesce in free agency, and have Dougie Hamilton returning at full health next season. Perhaps the DeSimone one-way ticket was indicative that the Devils believe he can stick around as the full-time seventh defenseman moving forward. Regardless, there could be a handful of other moves between now and July 1st which might further dictate Smith’s status with the Devils.
In 63 games in 2023-24, Smith scored five goals and 15 points and registered 117 hits. AFP Analytics projects Smiths next contract to be one-year, worth $1,126,400.
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Canadiens face roster issue as NHL insider reveals worrying update
The Montreal Canadiens have not extended Lane Hutson's contract, and the latest update is not positive. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the negotiations have not advanced, and he suggests both parties need a break. "I think this negotiation has gotten very emotional, and I think everybody needs a timeout," Friedman said on his podcast. On Monday, Hutson, 21, said he wants to stay in Montreal but is leaving the negotiations to his agent. He also stated the team's front office has work to do. "I try to stay pretty hands off. Of course I want to be here, who wouldn’t? So it’s all about just working out some kinks. My agents have a job to do, and so does management here," said Hutson. Why the Canadiens must extend Lane Hutson without delay Whatever the problem, the Canadiens need to give in. A long-term deal fixes the cost of a defensive pillar like Hutson and would protect them against inflation if he plays well. Closing the deal now would avoid distractions and mixed messages. A young pillar needs stability to focus on his role. The worst for Montreal would be a short contract next season. That would empower the player after a breakout and complicate the salary cap. Hutson's ceiling as a power-play quarterback is hard to replace. The Canadiens should pay for that upside now, not later. It is too early to assume the Canadiens will lose Hutson, but the mere possibility is a major danger signal. The young player is key for Montreal, as he reduces first-pass errors and breaks high pressure with diagonal supports. His ability to turn under the forecheck turns defensive possessions into attacks with numerical advantage. Hutson often drives and fixes markers on the blueline to create controlled entries, sustaining long cycles and improving shot quality. With him on ice, the team attacks in an organized way instead of with disordered counterattacks. It's rare that Montreal hesitates at this point. His value in five to eight years will far exceed the current cost. An extension would signal a stable project. Doubts do the opposite.
Bengals' Zac Taylor explains shocking Joe Flacco move for Packers game
Roughly 24 hours after outsiders learned that the Cincinnati Bengals were acquiring veteran quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that Flacco will start over Jake Browning when 2-3 Cincinnati plays at the Green Bay Packers (2-1-1) this coming Sunday. While speaking with media members, Taylor explained that somewhat surprising decision. Why Zac Taylor believes he can get Joe Flacco "up to speed quickly" "He's already spent a lot of time meeting with us, getting up to speed, so I feel really good about where he's at," Taylor said about Flacco, per Dave Clark of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "You just know him. ...Very comfortable with his style, concepts he's good at, things that we do. All of the terminology, there's a carryover, more so than I would have anticipated. So I feel like we can get him up to speed quickly." Flacco lost three of four September starts with the Browns before the Super Bowl XLVII Most Valuable Player was benched in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel. According to Pro Football Reference stats, Flacco began Wednesday ranked last in the NFL among qualified players with a 60.3 passer rating for the ongoing season. Additionally, he's 28th out of 32 signal-callers with a 36.7 adjusted QBR. That said, Flacco is a 40-year-old who has seen every defensive concept an opposing coordinator could and will throw his way. Back on Sept. 21, he helped the Browns earn a 13-10 win over the Packers in downtown Cleveland. Zac Taylor likes that Joe Flacco faced this Packers defense in September "It's different than a young quarterback coming in, trying to learn the system and understand what a defense is trying to do to try to challenge you," Taylor added about his decision to start Flacco versus the Packers. "Not only that, but he's played Green Bay this year, so he's already gone through a week of prep. ...Now the communication and the weekly rhythm is maybe different and unique, but he's already prepared for this opponent. So he gets a chance to refresh himself on that, while at the same time just learning our system and our terminology...and how we operate." Shortly after Taylor made his comments, ESPN BET had the Bengals listed as massive 14.5-point underdogs against Green Bay. Perhaps that line and the fact that he was discarded by Cleveland will give Flacco some extra motivation heading into the showdown that will take place at Lambeau Field.
Officiating Crew For Steelers-Browns Game Gives 1 Team Clear Advantage
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been dominant against the Cleveland Browns under Head Coach Mike Tomlin. However, an AFC North contest coming off a bye week is never something Steelers fans overlook. With the Browns sitting at 1-4 and the Steelers at 3-1, a victory in this matchup is pivotal for Pittsburgh to start AFC North play on the right foot. The Steelers are looking to carry momentum from a strong start to the season, and continuing their winning ways against a divisional rival would set a positive tone for the months ahead. The Browns will be starting rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who will be making just his second-ever NFL start. The Steelers' defense will look to make life extremely difficult for the rookie on Sunday. One area that is always important in these matchups is the officiating crew. According to NFL Ref Stats, the Steelers appear to have a significant advantage in this contest against the Browns. Historically, Pittsburgh has fared well under certain officiating crews, particularly those with tendencies that favor defensive schemes and physical play at the line of scrimmage. This statistical edge may not guarantee a win, but it certainly provides a subtle advantage that could tip critical calls in Pittsburgh’s favor during a tightly contested game. Beyond the numbers, the Steelers will need to execute clean football on both sides of the ball. Protecting the quarterback, establishing the run, and maintaining discipline on defense will be key to neutralizing Cleveland’s biggest playmakers. While the Browns are struggling this season, divisional games often bring out unexpected performances, making preparation and focus essential. If Pittsburgh can combine their historical dominance, officiating edge, and disciplined execution, they have a strong chance to assert control early in AFC North play and keep their division hopes alive. Ron Torbert will serve as the officiating head for this contest, and the numbers clearly favor the Steelers. In games Torbert has officiated, Pittsburgh has gone an impressive 10-1, showing a consistent trend of success under his oversight. Even more striking, the Steelers are a perfect 8-0 at home in games where Torbert is the head referee, highlighting a significant home-field advantage when he is on the crew. Steelers Should Have Edge In Week 6 Against Browns Expect the officials to focus heavily on offensive penalties, as Torbert has a reputation for calling more infractions on the offense than the defense. According to NFL Ref Stats, he assesses 52.5% of all penalties against the offense, ranking fourth in the league for offensive penalties per game. This suggests that both teams will need to maintain discipline, but it could particularly benefit Pittsburgh, a team built around physical play and disciplined execution. For the Steelers, this officiating angle could be an advantage they can capitalize on, especially early in the game. By staying sharp and minimizing mistakes, Pittsburgh can force Cleveland into difficult situations while maintaining momentum. With Torbert on the field, the historical trends and penalty tendencies both point to a scenario where the Steelers have an extra edge in controlling the pace and flow of this crucial AFC North matchup. The Steelers sit as -200 favorites in this contest and it seems like a lot is on their side.
Cowboys list 18 players on their injury report but a couple of names steal the spotlight as their return appears very likely
The Dallas Cowboys just revealed their first injury report of Week 6 on Wednesday and it's a long one. The team listed 18 players on it ahead of their matchup against the Carolina Panthers, five of which were non-participants while 10 were limited. The remaining three players on the report were listed as full participants. Two of latter stole the spotlight amid the bitter updates as their "full" participation means they're close to making their 2025 debut very soon: Cornerback Caelen Carson and wide receiver Jonathan Mingo. Neither of the them are currently on the 53-man roster but the Cowboys activated their 21-day practice window last week. Carson and Mingo were limited participants in each of last week's practices. To be upgraded to full on the first practice of the week is a promising sign for their chances of playing against the Panthers. The coaching staff would need to open up roster spots to place them on the 53-man roster. Other notes on Cowboys' initial injury report for Week 6 CeeDee Lamb was a non-participant once again as his chances of playing Week 6 remain up in the air. KaVontae Turpin also missed practice and told reporters he wasn't expecting to play. Right guard Tyler Booker also missed practice. The new additions to the non-participants were LB Jack Sanborn (concussion) and S Donovan Wilson (elbow/knee). Safety is starting to look like a serious concern. Malik Hooker was placed on Injured Reserve last weekend and now Wilson missed practice while Juanyeh Thomas popped up on the injury report as a limited participant. Other starters that were limited participants: CB Trevon Diggs, CB DaRon Bland, OT Tyler Guyton, LG Tyler Smith. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer suggested Guyton will start at left tackle if cleared. Thursday's full Cowboys' injury report window.addEventListener('message', function (event) {if (event.data.totalpoll event.data.totalpoll.action === 'resizeHeight') {document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-375').height = event.data.totalpoll.value;}}, false);document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-375').contentWindow.postMessage({totalpoll: {action: 'requestHeight'}}, '*');
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