Alex Huang is a skilled defenceman who has shown flashes of real offensive upside throughout his draft year. Huang recorded seven goals and 40 points in 64 games with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this season and was a stellar presence at last summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Huang descended on many draft boards this year in part due to some concerns about his strength but he’s a talented skater who flies out of his own end with relative ease, and would help satisfy a major need for the Toronto Maple Leafs moving forward.
Here’s what Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis wrote about Huang:
Some scouts love him – others aren’t totally convinced. But Huang is a productive blueliner who’s tracking to finish with 40 points while being one of Chicoutimi’s more creative puck movers. He’s not big or strong, but he moves well, activates on the rush and is effective in all three zones. At the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, it looked like Huang was a bit more reliant on Matthew Schaefer to make things happen. But on his own in the Q, it looks like Huang is a lot more confident in himself, and the results this year were solid. He’s just a bit too hot-and-cold for me right now.
Huang won’t be expected to make the Maple Leafs immediately and he’s committed to play at Harvard for the 2026-27 season. The 18-year-old will almost certainly return for another season with Chicoutimi, where there’s a reasonable expectation that he should be among the highest-scoring defencemen in the league — this is also true of Halifax Mooseheads defenceman Carlos Handel, a player that the Maple Leafs should also consider at this spot.
Toronto needs to add defencemen to its barren prospect pool, with 2024 first-round pick Ben Danford as the only player that projects to make a notable impact at the NHL level down the line. Huang boasts excellent pace and ability to switch gears while carrying the puck into the offensive zone, capable of making easy exits and reads. He’ll have ample time to add strength but you can’t teach innate offensive instinct.
Hearing Alex Huang has committed to play at Harvard in 2026-27.
Harvard and Michigan had previously recruited Huang before he’d decided to go to Chicoutimi in the QMJHL. He’ll go back next year.#2025NHLDraft
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) June 15, 2025
It’s more than possible that Huang will be available in the third round as well, and if he’s the player that the Maple Leafs are targeting, there’s a case to trade down. You bet on offensive upside every time at this spot as Huang clearly thinks the game well, with plenty of time to refine the rest of his game, add strength to his 6-foot, 170-pound frame and become more consistent in his decision-making at the major junior level.
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There’s no question that the Columbus Blue Jackets have one of the cleanest cap tables in the league, especially for how competitive they’re expected to be in the 2025-26 season. Still, as their younger players continue to age, the Blue Jackets are getting closer to potentially having to make difficult decisions, and their extension negotiations with Adam Fantilli will have a major impact on their salary hierarchy moving forward. Despite having a somewhat disappointing rookie season, albeit limited by injuries, the third overall pick of the 2024 NHL Draft responded well last season, scoring 31 goals and 54 points in 82 games while averaging 17:29 of ice time per game. Fantilli still needs to improve in the faceoff dot and on the defensive side of the puck, but being a 30-goal scorer at 20 years old is nothing to scoff at. In a recent interview with James Murphy of RG Media, Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell spoke about the upcoming negotiations with Fantilli, saying, "We’re going to talk here in the next couple of weeks. Pat Brisson is his agent, and we’re going to do some face-to-face meetings. When these kinds of players are up and these kinds of deals need to be made, I think you need to be in front of each other. I think you make a lot more progress than just over the phone. So that’s always been my theory, and Pat’s the same way. I’ve done a lot of deals over the years with Pat, so we’ll be fine and sit down face-to-face and get this done. As we get closer to training camp, I think we’ll be much further ahead, and we have some dates already planned that we’ll meet, so let’s go from there.” There technically shouldn’t be any rush on Columbus’s end, given that Fantilli is a few years away from even becoming arbitration-eligible. Still, for the sake of cost certainty and having one of its core pieces locked up long-term, the Blue Jackets are eyeing a long-term extension with Fantilli in the coming weeks. Waddell also spoke about a separate extension this offseason. On the eve of free agency this summer, Columbus re-signed defenseman Ivan Provorov to a seven-year, $59.5M contract, which represented only a $1.75M yearly increase on his previous deal. Despite reports at the time indicating that Provorov might seek a larger deal on the open market, Waddell explained in the interview that there was no real concern he’d leave the organization. Murphy quoted Waddell, saying, “Well, the good thing is I was in dialogue regularly with Mark Andler, his agent, and there’s a lot of outside noise, but Mark kept telling me, and Provorov too, that his first choice was to stay here in Columbus.” Waddell explained that although Provorov’s cap hit may seem high, he believes it will look more favorable as the salary cap increases. Additionally, Provorov’s preparation for each season is expected to enhance his longevity throughout the duration of the contract. Lastly, Waddell touched on his excitement over the depth the Blue Jackets brought in this summer, particularly on offense. The team specifically targeted Charlie Coyle as a right-handed center and believes his leadership skills will prove a boon to the younger players on the roster. Meanwhile, the team’s general manager also remarked about the skill level of Miles Wood on the offensive side of the puck and Isac Lundeström’s skill on the defensive side of the puck. All three additions are expected to maintain important roles for the Blue Jackets this season and help the team return to the postseason for the first time since the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Cleveland Browns have good reasons for keeping Shedeur Sanders as their third-string quarterback before Week 1 of the regular season. He needs to catch up to speed in the NFL. Jason Lloyd of The Athletic talked to an unnamed NFL head coach who argued that Sanders was late on reads during his two games in the preseason. One NFL coach I spoke to, who watched Sanders this preseason, thought he was consistently late reading what he saw and didn’t always deliver the ball where it was supposed to go, even though his numbers impressed against the Carolina Panthers. “The guy plays on tape delay,” the coach said. Sanders was noticeably tardy throwing the football during the Browns' preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams. He took five sacks for -41 yards. The sacks overshadowed his three completions for 14 yards in Cleveland's 19-17 win over the Rams. Sanders looked much better in his preseason debut when he went 12-of-23 passing for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Still, the former Colorado Buffaloes signal caller took two sacks. Part of Sanders' regression against the Rams was that he played with a much weaker fourth-string unit. He received starting reps against the Panthers. But second-string quarterback Dillon Gabriel fared much better against opposing defenses with the same protection Sanders had. Sanders showed enough arm talent for the Browns to believe he has a chance to become a starter in the league. But he's just a rookie, and most quarterbacks struggle with holding the ball too long and throwing to the wrong area in the early stages of their career. With practice, Sanders should progress in those areas. There's no shame in starting the season as the QB3 until he's ready to lead the offense.
The Dallas Cowboys’ stunning trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers sent shockwaves through the NFL, but the silver lining arrived Thursday afternoon in the form of three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark. The veteran immediately took to social media to share his excitement about joining America’s Team, posting a video of himself smiling widely on his private jet bound for Dallas. Clark’s enthusiasm was infectious as he documented his journey to Big D, clearly thrilled about the opportunity to anchor the Cowboys’ defensive line. The timing couldn’t be more crucial, with the regular season opener against the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles just days away. This trade represents more than just a player swap—it’s a strategic move that could redefine Dallas’ defensive identity for years to come. Kenny Clark Lands in Dallas: A New Chapter The social media post that captured Cowboys fans’ attention showed Clark beaming with excitement as his plane approached Dallas. His genuine enthusiasm reflects a player who understands the magnitude of joining one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. The timing of his arrival creates immediate pressure, but Clark’s veteran experience suggests he’s ready for the challenge. Clark’s journey to Dallas represents a fresh start for both player and team. After eight seasons in Green Bay, he brings championship pedigree and playoff experience that the Cowboys desperately need. His presence immediately fills a void that has plagued Dallas for years—reliable interior pass rush and run defense from the nose tackle position. The defensive tackle market has been historically thin, making Clark’s acquisition even more valuable. Teams rarely trade established defensive linemen of Clark’s caliber, especially during their prime years. The fact that Dallas secured his services as part of the Parsons package deal represents exceptional value in an era where quality interior defensive linemen command premium compensation. What Kenny Clark Brings to the Dallas Cowboys Clark’s resume speaks volumes about his capabilities and potential impact in Dallas. His three Pro Bowl selections demonstrate consistent excellence at one of football’s most demanding positions. Last season alone, he recorded 37 tackles, nine run stuffs, two forced fumbles, and a sack while anchoring Green Bay’s defensive front. The 2023 campaign showcased Clark’s pass-rushing prowess with a career-high 7.5 sacks, proving his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks from the interior. This dual-threat capability—stopping the run and rushing the passer—makes him invaluable in today’s NFL where defensive tackles must excel in multiple areas. Clark’s physical attributes perfectly suit the Cowboys’ defensive scheme. At 6-foot-3 and 314 pounds, he possesses the size and strength to command double teams while maintaining the athleticism to pursue ball carriers sideline to sideline. His quick first step and powerful hands allow him to shed blocks and make plays in both run and pass situations. Beyond statistics, Clark brings intangible qualities that often go unnoticed. His leadership experience from Green Bay’s playoff runs provides valuable mentorship for younger Cowboys defenders. His work ethic and professionalism set standards that elevate entire position groups, qualities particularly important for a franchise seeking to establish a winning culture. How Clark Fits into Dallas’ Defensive Plans The Cowboys’ defensive transformation begins with Clark’s presence in the middle of their defensive line. His ability to anchor against powerful running attacks addresses a glaring weakness that opponents have exploited for seasons. Interior defensive line play directly impacts every other defensive position, from linebacker mobility to secondary coverage effectiveness. Clark’s pass-rushing skills complement the Cowboys’ existing edge rushers perfectly. By demanding attention from interior offensive linemen, he creates favorable one-on-one matchups for Dallas’ outside pass rushers. This symbiotic relationship could unlock production from other defensive players who previously faced constant double teams. The defensive tackle’s versatility allows coordinator Mike Zimmer flexibility in game planning. Clark can line up anywhere across the defensive front, from nose tackle in base defenses to three-technique in passing situations. This positional flexibility enables Dallas to deploy varied looks that keep offensive coordinators guessing. Run defense improvement represents Clark’s most immediate impact. His ability to occupy multiple blockers frees linebackers to make plays at the second level. This improved run stopping capability forces opponents into obvious passing situations, allowing the Cowboys’ pass rushers to pin their ears back and attack. The Timing Factor Clark’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time for Dallas. With the regular season beginning in less than a week, his veteran presence provides immediate stability to a defense facing questions about its identity post-Parsons. His experience in high-pressure situations, including playoff games and divisional matchups, brings calm leadership to a potentially tumultuous transition. The Eagles matchup in Week 1 will test Clark immediately against one of the NFL’s most physical offensive lines. Philadelphia’s commitment to running the football makes Clark’s presence even more crucial, as his ability to neutralize interior running lanes could dictate the game’s outcome. Kenny Clark’s arrival in Dallas represents more than just a roster addition—it’s a statement about the Cowboys’ commitment to building a championship-caliber defense. His social media excitement reflects a player ready to embrace the challenge of playing for America’s Team, and Cowboys fans have every reason to share that enthusiasm.
Several positive — and surprising — developments have helped push the Boston Red Sox into playoff contention this season. The Sox enter play on Friday with a 75-60 record, which gives them a 2.5 game lead on the first wild-card spot. Since trading Rafael Devers in mid-June, Boston has one of the best records in baseball behind only the Brewers and Blue Jays. Left-hander Garret Crochet has firmly planted himself in the AL Cy Young Award discussion. Crochet is leading the league in wins and strikeouts, while sitting third in ERA (behind Detroit's Tarik Skubal and Houston's Hunter Brown). Outfielder Roman Anthony has arrived and appears to be just as talented as scouts projected. His .865 OPS is second among rookies with more than 200 plate appearances, behind only the Athletics' Nick Kurtz. Meanwhile, at the back of the Boston bullpen, closer Aroldis Chapman is quietly having a historic season. The 37-year-old left-hander is putting up some of the best numbers of his career in his 16th MLB season after joining the Red Sox last offseason on a one-year, $10.75 million contract. Chapman has worked 52.0 IP on the year, collecting 26 saves with a 1.04 ERA and 0.673 WHIP. Chapman's 1.04 ERA translates to a 401 ERA+ -- a stat in which 100 equals league average, meaning he's been 301% better. Just three times in the history of the sport has a player finished a season with an ERA+ above 400: Robert Keyes (1944), Garnett Blair (1945), and Roy Parnell (1932). All three accomplished the mark while pitching in the Negro Leagues. Shane Bieber's 273 OPS+ in 2020 is the most recent instance where a pitcher was so significantly better than league average. Meanwhile, Chapman has allowed just 21 hits on the season, and only three of those have been home runs. Opponents are batting a mere .119/.183/.182 against him. He has walked 14 batters. Chapman's WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) would also be the best mark in MLB history. George Walker posted a 0.734 WHIP in 1940. Pedro Martinez nearly matched it in 2000, with a 0.737 WHIP. Set to reach free agency again after the season, Chapman could parlay a historic season into another substantial payday even at this late stage in his career. Jon Heyman at the New York Post reported on Thursday that the team would like to bring him back for next season and the early indications suggest the interest is mutual.
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