Flames Recall Hunt and Morton; Kerins Returned to Wranglers

The Calgary Flames announced today that forwards Dryden Hunt and Sam Morton have been recalled from the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, while Rory Kerins has been assigned to the Wranglers.

Morton, 26, earns his first call-up of the season after posting 12 points (4g, 8a) in 16 games with the Wranglers. He is in his third season with the Wranglers, and made his NHL debut late last season, scoring in his first game against the Los Angeles Kings. He signed a one-year, two-way contract extension with the Calgary Flames on July 9, 2025. The deal carries an AAV of $775,000.

Hunt, 29, has five goals and 16 points in 15 games with the Wranglers this season. He is a reliable option for NHL depth while serving as a top-six contributor in the AHL. He has appeared in 33 games with the Flames over the past three seasons. Calgary re-signed Hunt to a two-year, two-way extension on June 20 worth $825,000 AAV.

Kerins heads back to the Wranglers after his recent two-game stint with the big club.

David Quinn and Joe Sacco Split Head Coaching Duties In Mike Sullivan's Absence

 Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Before the New York Rangers’ Sunday night matchup against the Detroit Red Wings, it was announced that Mike Sullivan would not be behind the bench due to personal reasons. 

In Sullivan’s place, David Quinn and Joe Sacco split the head coaching duties. 

After the Rangers’ 2-1 loss, Quinn addressed the media and spoke briefly about Sullivan’s absence without providing many details.

“I don't have an update right now, obviously, from the coaches to the players of the organization, we certainly are thinking about Mike and his family, and never an easy situation,” Quinn said. “Attending family, that’s all I can give you right now.”

Even without Sullivan, the coaching strategy remained relatively the same, just with two head coaches instead of one.

“It’s I guess a little different,” Will Cuylle said of Sullivan’s absence. “At the end of the day, it’s the same game out on the ice. We hope Sully can get back with us soon here. We just got to focus up and try to make sure we are putting the same game that he wants out there on the ice.”

Throughout the season, Quinn has helped manage the defensemen, while Sacco has assisted Sullivan with the offensive lines. 

On Sunday night, they both took those same roles, which helped make for an easy transition.

Rangers Lose To Red Wings In Mike Sullivan's Absence Despite Heroic Performance From Jonathan QuickRangers Lose To Red Wings In Mike Sullivan's Absence Despite Heroic Performance From Jonathan QuickThe New York <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/">Rangers</a> faltered down the stretch, losing 2-1 to the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday night, which snapped a three-game winning streak.&nbsp;

“It was very simple for Joe and I because I've been managing the D all year, and Joe has been helping Mike with the lines,” Quinn said about what went into the dual head-coaching strategy. “I managed the D and Joe called the line changes. There really wasn’t a lot of change to it. It was a pretty seamless situation for both of us and the players.”

The Rangers are set to embark on a three-game road trip where they'll face off against the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, and Utah Mammoth. 

It’s unknown if Sullivan will be joining the team on this road trip.

Analysis: Breaking down Nashville Predators trade, coaching rumors from around NHL

The Nashville Predators have been one of the most talked-about teams in the league over the last month.  

Sitting at 6-10-4 through a month and a half of play, and losing six of their last seven, some sort of change is due for the Predators. NHL insiders across the league have speculated whether that change will come through a trade or a firing. 

@NHLRumorReport on X/Twitter has detailed every single comment from NHL insiders this season, and the Nashville Predators have been a hot topic on the account. 

With so much noise around the team, we're breaking down every rumor that has been swirling about the Predators over the last month. 

Re Steven Stamkos/Predators: If, if, if, it doesn't get better, could you not see a situation where it is beneficial to both team and player to explore [a trade]?
- Elliotte Friedman on DMase, Vingan &amp; Daunic (Oct. 23)

There's going to be a lot about Steven Stamkos in this story. If anything, he has been the most gossiped about Nashville Predator in the league this season, and it makes sense as to why he would be. 

He's 35 years old, a future Hall of Famer, and his production has massively declined since he signed with the Predators during the 2024 offseason. It hasn't gotten any better this season as he has five points in 20 games and a plus/minus of -8. 

In the twilight of his career and with a struggling team, it would make sense that Stamkos would want to try and win one more cup before retiring. On the Predators' side of things, they could get some pieces from another team that could give them a bump. 

Vancouver and Montreal have been thrown around as potential destinations for Stamkos. 

It's not a massive contract that another team would have to take on if Stamkos was traded at three years of a 4-year, $32 million contract with a cap hit of $8 million per year, and the guess would be that the Predators would retain some of that. 

However, another rumor suggests the Predators aren't open to offloading Stamkos... yet. A big part of that has also been the contract and Stamkos's lack of production. 

There have not been any conversations between the Predators and any other team...regarding Steven Stamkos; if we get to the second half...and the Predators are out of a playoff spot...the Predators would be open to fielding calls. 
There's no team swooping in to take on the last few years of Steven Stamkos' deal with such limited production at $8m a year; no one's coming to save you...from the massive term remaining on Juuse Saros' deal.
- Top: Pierre LeBrun on Insider Trading (Nov. 6). Bottom: Frank Seravalli on Frankly Hockey (Nov. 11)

Jan. 1 would be the halfway point of the regular season, specifically Nashville's game against the Seattle Kraken in Seattle that day. However, the Predators may need to make some sort of change before that. 

Again, if it's a player being moved or a leadership change, this team needs a shift sooner rather than later. It faces a long month and a half stretch, which features games against Colorado and Florida (twice) and a seven-game road trip

 I do think both Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault are willing, will be willing, to move to a top tier contender.
Re Predators: We've wondered about Jonathan Marchessault, I've wondered about Juuse Saros with a team like the Oilers; I've wondered about a player like Filip Forsberg.
Re Ryan O'Reilly: I do believe he's a prime candidate to move this season, I'm anticipating it.
- &nbsp;Top: David Pagnotta on The Sheet (Nov. 14). Middle: Jeff Marek on Sekeres &amp; Price (Nov. 14). Bottom: David Pagnotta on The Sheet (Nov. 14).&nbsp;

Juuse Saros' name has been thrown around a little bit more. He has played a critical role for the Predators this season and is one of the league leaders in shots faced and saves made. 

The big question is how good will Saros be if he had a better team in front of him? He's struggled in his last few starts, but he's kept the Predators in a lot of games where the Predators' offense has struggled to put the puck in the net.

The Predators likely want to keep Saros, and may not be entertaining the idea of trading him, but the Edmonton Oilers have emerged as a team that could be interested. Saros could be the missing piece to a Stanley Cup championship. 

The daunting thing with bringing in Saros is the contract a team would have to take on. He's in the second year of a massive 8-year, $61.92 million contract.

A trade that would benefit Nashville is one in which the receiving team would have to deal with the Predators often. Edmonton currently has just $212,500 worth of cap space. It would need to offload a ton to bring in Saros. 

Jonathan Marchessault is another player who's been tossed around here and there with a trade. He's on a longer contract as well in his second year of a 5-year, $27.5 million deal. However, he could be a good supplemental piece on the second or third line of a contender. 

Marchessault is not having a great year in Nashville, scoring just six points in 17 games. He's also on the older side of the spectrum at 33. Trading Marchessault, the Predators could probably get some decent pieces, but it wouldn't be a massive trade. 

Filip Forsberg is not leaving Nashville. Something would have to go very, very wrong in order for him to peace out. The Predators are going to do everything to keep him in Nashville, and if they considered trading him, it'd need to be a massive deal. 

Ryan O'Reilly is interesting. Despite what he says about himself, he's having a decent year with 13 points in 20 games and is one of the players keeping the Predators' offense breathing.

He's been visibly frustrated multiple times this season, and if he were traded, he'd likely ask to leave. O'Reilly would be a big acquisition for any team on the market, but a lot of it depends if he wants out of Nashville or not. 

Michael Bunting, Erik Haula, Michael McCarron, Tyson Jost and Cole Smith, and defenceman Nick Blankenburg, are all playing in the final year of their contracts; all six players are candidates to be traded at some point. 
- The Fourth Period on Nov. 11&nbsp;

This past offseason was quieter for the Predators. Based on this comment, it could be very different come July 2025. 

Michael Bunting has taken a decent jump for the Predators this season, scoring 10 points in 20 games and Nashville will likely try to resign him.

Erik Haula, on a one-year contract, has underperformed a bit with 10 points in 20 games and 18 penalty minutes. It wouldn't be surprising if the Predators had looked to get more out of him via a trade, as he is a solid bottom-six center. 

Tyson Jost, who was brought on via a paid professional tryout, will likely be traded as he has a low five points in eight games. Cole Smith hasn't been great either with three points in 13 games, but has played an important role on the penalty kill. 

Michael McCarron has four points in 20 games and 16 penalty minutes. The Predators have seemingly favored keeping McCarron, but it could be time for them to move on from him. 

Jeff Marek: It's only a matter of time before Barry Trotz is coaching the Nashville Predators again, right?; What does that mean for his GM role? I don't know, Brian Poile has been there going back to 2018 - The Sheet (10/30)
Jeff Marek: Re Predators: I've wondered about Barry Trotz going behind the bench himself, I don't think Trotz wants to do that; in the Preds organization's mind, the next man up behind the bench is Karl Taylor - Daily Faceoff Live (11/5)
- Top: Jeff Marek on The Sheet (Oct. 30). Bottom: Jeff Marek on Daily Faceoff Live (Nov. 5)&nbsp;

Barry Trotz seems very committed to the general manager. He did mention in an NHL social segment at the NHL Global Series, in a conversation with Penguins GM Kyle Dubas, that the transition from coach to GM has been challenging, and that he misses being in the locker room and being directly involved with the team. 

However, Trotz has a lot to prove still as a GM and a switch to head coach could be reckless. 

Jeff Marek: What I've always heard about the Predators with Barry Trotz is that he does not want to fire Andrew Brunette, this goes back to last season; you can fire a coach or you can make a massive trade; this team needs a shakeup - Morning Cuppa Hockey (11/11)
Frank Seravalli: Re Predators: The vibes are not high; it seems to be a toxic energy that's there, and they need...to flush that; it's gonna difficult for Trotz to move some of those veteran contracts; I think they have to just make a [coaching] change - Bleacher Report (11/11)
- Top: Jeff Marek on Morning Cuppa Hockey (Nov. 11). Bottom: Frank Seravalli in Bleacher Report (Nov. 11)&nbsp;

Trotz has been pressed on head coach Andrew Brunette really just once over the last seven months. At the end of the season media availability, when asked about Brunette staying as head coach, he said that he and the organization are "standing behind" him. 

The NHL Global Series seemed to be a checkpoint for the Predators and it would make sense as they don't play until Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche.

As Jeff Marek said on Morning Cuppa Hock, this team needs a shakeup, whether that's a trade or a coach's firing. 

Ex-Canadiens Forward Continues To Impress With New Team

Emil Heineman (© David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

During the off-season, the Montreal Canadiens dealt Emil Heineman to the New York Islanders as part of the trade package that landed star defenseman Noah Dobson.

So far, it is fair to say that Heineman is benefiting from the change of scenery big time with the Islanders. 

Heineman has been having a strong start to the season offensively, as he has recorded nine goals, four assists, 13 points, and a plus-6 rating in 19 games with the Islanders. This is after he posted 10 goals, eight assists, and 18 points in 62 games this past season with the Canadiens. 

Yet, Heineman is only continuing to shine with the Islanders as the season rolls on, too. The former Canadiens forward has scored a goal in each of his last three games for the Islanders and also has six points in his last seven contests. With this, there is no question that he is heating up right now. 

With the way Heineman is playing this season, he is well on his way to having a breakout year with the Islanders. Sometimes a fresh start can help an NHL player, and that has certainly been the case for Heineman early on this season. 

The Hockey News Big Show: Reacting To Red Wings And Rangers’ Big Scrum, Kempe’s Re-Signing And More

The Hockey News Big Show is here for a new week of discussing big topics in the NHL and beyond.

Reacting To Red Wings And Rangers’ Big Scrum, Kempe’s Re-Signing And More by The Big ShowReacting To Red Wings And Rangers’ Big Scrum, Kempe’s Re-Signing And More by The Big Show

Here’s what Ryan Kennedy, former NHL goaltender Devan Dubnyk and Michael Traikos discussed:

0:36: The Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers had a bench-clearing scrum after the final buzzer when Mason Appleton shot the puck in the net. Was he out of line?

4:00: Jack Hughes will be out eight weeks after undergoing surgery on his finger for an injury he suffered at a team dinner on Thursday night. How does this affect his likelihood of making USA’s Olympic roster?

6:03: Should Hughes play center or on the wing on Team USA?

7:50: Jim Rutherford said if the Vancouver Canucks can stay the course and keep getting younger players, they can become a consistent playoff team, and Quinn Hughes’ future won’t affect that. Agree or disagree?

11:21: Would this be a good trade between the New Jersey Devils and Canucks: Dougie Hamilton and a couple of first-round draft picks for Quinn Hughes?

14:56: Will Troy Stecher at least move the needle for the Toronto Maple Leafs' defensive problems?

18:25: The Los Angeles Kings and Adrian Kempe agreed to an eight-year extension at $10.625 million annually. Thoughts on this deal for the Kings?

21:17: Devan Dubnyk shares his thoughts on Jesper Wallstedt and his development so far? 

23:38: Can the Minnesota Wild be a threat in the playoffs or make the playoffs?

25:26: Stuart Skinner moved ahead of Cam Talbot for fifth on the Oilers' all-time wins list. Does this change how we think about Skinner?

28:48: What's a storyline in the CHL you think more people should know about right now?

31:05: What's an unusual off-ice injury you can think of?

33:16: Which NHL player had the best week on the ice?

34:41: Red Wings and Rangers both wore their Centennial uniforms, making it a red-versus-blue matchup. Do you like how the jersey matchup looked on the ice?

37:00: Charlie McAvoy took a slapshot to the mouth in a game against the Habs. Where’s the worst place a puck has hit you?

Watch the full episode on YouTube

Subscribe to The Hockey News Big Show on your preferred platform.

Former Blackhawks Defender Traded To New Team

Dennis Gilbert (© Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

The Ottawa Senators have announced that they have acquired former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Dennis Gilbert from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defender Maxence Guenette.

Gilbert never appeared in an NHL game during his short stint with the Flyers organization but instead played for their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. In six games with the Phantoms this season before this trade, the former Blackhawks blueliner posted one assist, six penalty minutes, and a plus-1 rating. 

This will be Gilbert's second stint with the Senators, as the Sabres traded him to Ottawa this past season. In four games with the Senators during his first stint with the club, the former Blackhawks defenseman recorded one assist and an even plus/minus rating in four games. 

Gilbert kicked off his career with the Blackhawks, as he was selected by the Original Six club with the 91st overall pick of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. In 22 games over two seasons with the Blackhawks from 2018-19 to 2019-20, he recorded one goal, two assists, three points, 34 blocks, 40 penalty minutes, and 80 hits. His time with the Blackhawks ended when he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in October 2020. 

Draymond Green criticizes Pelicans fan using Angel Reese's name to insult him

Draymond Green criticizes Pelicans fan using Angel Reese's name to insult him originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green isn’t here for any Chi Barbie slander.

After the Warriors star’s odd courtside confrontation during Golden State’s 124-106 win over New Orleans on Sunday at Smoothie King Center, Green revealed on his podcast that the mouthy Pelicans fan repeatedly referred to him as Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.

While Green admitted he chuckled about the taunt at first after failing to tip in a missed layup several times, he ultimately took issue with the fan using a prominent WNBA player’s name as a diss.

“By the way, to use Angel Reese’s name as a negative connotation, I really don’t like that for a young queen,” Green said on Monday’s episode of “The Draymond Green Show.” “Because she’s done what she’s done to become who she is, and so I really don’t like that in itself.”

Reese entered the WNBA in 2024 as a NCAA champion out of LSU with countless collegiate accolades to her name, earning All-Star honors in her first two professional seasons while leading the league in rebounds both years.

Green added that the fan hurled other “filler” insults at him as well, and he had to shut it down.

“I am Draymond Green, but make no mistake about it, you’re not going to continue to just call me a woman name and add other fillers to where your message, your underlying message, is becoming more and more clear,” Green continued. “And so I said something to him, you know, Hey, man, relax, like, like, watch yourself. Now you’re getting real disrespectful.”

The fan minded his own business after Green got involved and arena security issued him a warning.

And hopefully, said fan hears Green’s message about using a woman’s name to tear someone down.

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Former Sabres Defenseman Traded To Big Rival

Dennis Gilbert (© Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images)

Former Buffalo Sabres defenseman Dennis Gilbert is on the move again after a brief stay with the Philadelphia Flyers organization. 

Gilbert is now returning to one of the Sabres' biggest rivals, as the Ottawa Senators have announced that they have acquired the left-shot defenseman in exchange for blueliner Maxence Guenette.

Gilbert is a player the Senators already know well, as Ottawa acquired him from the Sabres at the 2025 NHL trade deadline as a part of the deal that sent Josh Norris to Buffalo. Now, with this move, Gilbert will once again be a veteran depth defenseman for the Senators to work with.

Gilbert appeared in 25 games this past season with the Sabres, where he recorded five assists, 29 blocks, 50 penalty minutes, and a minus-3 rating. He then followed that up by recording one assist in four games with the Senators after being traded by the Sabres this past season.

 

In 111 games over six NHL seasons split between the Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Sabres, and Senators, Gilbert has recorded three goals, 17 assists, 20 points, 138 penalty minutes, 146 blocks, and 259 hits. He has yet to make an NHL appearance this season, as he played for the Flyers' AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, before being traded back to the Senators. 

Former Senators Defenseman Returns To Ottawa In Monday Trade With Philadelphia

In his cup of coffee with the Ottawa Senators last season, defenseman Dennis Gilbert must have made a good impression.

Gilbert came over to the Senators back in March, being traded by his hometown Buffalo Sabres as part of the blockbuster Dylan Cozens-Josh Norris deal. Gilbert only played four games with the Senators before signing in the offseason as a free agent with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Now, with Donovan Sebrango being claimed on waivers by the Florida Panthers, and then Thomas Chabot being injured, Senators GM Steve Staios was in the market again for a left-shot defenseman. Staios obviously wasn't totally comfortable turning to his left-shot options in Belleville at the moment – Scott Harrington (AHL contract), Jorian Donovan, and Tomas Hamara.

Meanwhile, the Senators also had an apparent contract dispute with restricted free agent Max Guenette, an unsigned, right-shot defenseman, who's been in Ottawa's organization for five seasons.

So on Monday afternoon, Staios addressed both issues, dealing Guenette to Philadelphia straight up for Gilbert's return.

Gilbert fits nicely with the club's general desire for size on the blue line, checking in at 6 foot-3, 216 pounds. In parts of six NHL seasons, Gilbert has appeared in 111 games, scoring three goals and 20 points. He's been playing with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League this season.

Gilbert was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks, 90th overall, in the 2015 NHL entry draft, and has also played for the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, and Buffalo Sabres.

He'll likely join the Senators as the seventh defenseman for their seven-game road trip, which begins with three games in California, starting Thursday night against the Anaheim Ducks.

Steve Warne
The Hockey News

Player banned by the NCAA for his role in a sports betting scheme acknowledges he point-shaved

One of the college basketball players banned by the NCAA for participating in sports-betting operations has acknowledged his role in a gambling scheme. Former University of New Orleans guard Dae Dae Hunter said on ABC’s “Good Morning America” that he participated in point-shaving. “I did go out there and not do my best: basically shooting the ball and not actually trying to make it,” Hunter said on the show, which aired Monday.

Paul George expected to make season debut for 76ers Monday night vs. Clippers

After missing all of training camp and the first dozen games of the season following offseason knee surgery, Paul George is expected to make his return to the court Monday night when the 76ers host the Clippers.

George is officially listed as questionable, however, he is expected to take the court, reports Shams Charania of ESPN. George has been working out on the court for a month and looked good in post-practice work, according to reports, but the 76ers were cautious with the return of the 35-year-old.

George played 41 games in his first season with Philadelphia, largely due to a knee issue, which is why he underwent arthroscopic surgery this past summer. Last season, the six-time All-NBA player averaged 16.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game when he did play. However, the season before, in Los Angeles, he was an All-Star, averaging 22.6 points per game and shooting 41.3% from 3-point range.

While George is set to return, the 76ers are listing Joel Embiid, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Adem Bona as out. The Clippers will be without Kawhi Leonard, Bradley Beal (out for the season), and Derrick Jones Jr. against the 76ers.

TRADE: Flyers & Senators Swap Defensemen

Dennis Gilbert (© Eric Canha-Imagn Images)

The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that they have traded defenseman Dennis Gilbert to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for defenseman Maxence Guenette.

The Flyers signed Gilbert this off-season to a one-year contract in free agency. Now, after spending a few months with the Flyers organization, he is heading back to the Senators. 

Gilbert played in six games this season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, where he posted one assist, six penalty minutes, and a plus-1 rating. This is after he recorded six assists and 50 penalty minutes in 29 games split between the Buffalo Sabres and Senators this past season.

With Guenette, the Flyers have added a younger right-shot defenseman. The 2019 seventh-round pick has yet to play this season, as he was still a restricted free agent. However, he has now signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Flyers after being acquired. 

Guenette played in 58 games this past season with the Belleville Senators, where he recorded nine goals, 14 assists, and 23 points. He has eight games of NHL experience, with his most recent appearance being during the 2023-24 season with Ottawa.

Ottawa Senators Farmhand Heating Up, Now Third In AHL Goal Scoring

Last season, when the Ottawa Senators needed goal-scoring help, there weren’t many high-end options down in the minors. Their top goal-scoring Belleville candidates were Wyatt Bongiovanni and Angus Crookshank, who each scored 22 goals. Neither finished last season among the AHL’s top 30 goal scorers.

For the record, Crookshank is now an AHL player for the Utica Comets, while Bongiovanni has six goals in 14 games, tying him with Xavier Bourgault for second on Belleville’s goal-scoring list.

But it’s newcomer Arthur Kaliyev, 24, who’s leading the way with eight goals in 13 games, tying him for sixth in AHL goal scoring, just two goals off the league lead.

Right now, Ottawa sits seventh in the NHL in team goal scoring with 64 goals in 19 games. But five players have combined for 38 of those goals: Tim Stützle (10), Shane Pinto (9), Dylan Cozens (7), Michael Amadio (6), and Drake Batherson (6).

Further down the lineup, several forwards are off to slow starts and at the quarter turn, aren’t even on pace for 10 goals this season: David Perron (2), Lars Eller (2), Ridly Greig (2), Fabian Zetterlund (1), and the 12/13 forward combination of Olle Lycksell and Kurtis MacDermid (1).

Kaliyev will never be mistaken for a Selke Trophy candidate, and he’s not going to take ice time from Greig or Zetterlund, two young players who just started new contracts. And what of the veterans, Perron and Eller? They remain strong NHL mentors, producing solid point totals despite their lack of goals.

But that final forward spot is where the discussion gets interesting. Wouldn’t Kaliyev be an upgrade in either 12th or 13th-forward role? He's been especially hot lately, with 6 goals in his past 5 games, seemingly unfazed by some of the off-ice chatter swirling around him.

It certainly doesn’t help Kaliyev’s case that he’s currently under NHL investigation following allegations from his ex-girlfriend, Lauren Mochen, who claims he scammed her out of money to fund a gambling habit. No charges have been laid, but after she gave a lengthy interview to the New York Post, the league is still looking into it. The Senators are probably just as happy to have him in Belleville while that plays out.

But once the situation is resolved, if injuries hit Ottawa’s forward group, Kaliyev would almost certainly be the next call-up. And if he keeps rolling, and some players don’t pick things up soon, that call might come even earlier.

Steve Warne
The Hockey News Ottawa

More Sens headlines at The Hockey News Ottawa:

Senators Have Big UFA Contract Decisions Over The Next Few Years (Who Stays And Who Goes?)
Brady Tkachuk Tests Out Wrist Injury At Practice, Provides Potential Timeline For Return
Four More Years: Ottawa Senators Sign Shane Pinto To A Four-Year Extension
Senators Lose Defenseman Thomas Chabot To Injury
Former Ottawa Senator GM Passes Away At Age 70

2025-26 NBA MVP ladder, race: Odds, power rankings, frontrunners including Jokic vs Gilgeous-Alexander

For the first time all season, there is a new favorite for MVP! Nikola Jokic has overtaken Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after scoring 32, 35, 55, and 27 points over his last four games. However, Jokic isn't my No. 1 for MVP.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & team props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Vaughn Dalzell‘s Week 5 MVP Rankings

Oklahoma City Thunder Primary Logo
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (+225)
Points Per Game: 32.6 (3rd)
Assists Per Game: 6.6 (16th)
Rebounds Per Game: 5.1 RPG (T-92nd)

Despite not being the favorite at DraftKings, I still rank Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the top dog in the MVP race. SGA has played 30 or fewer minutes in four of his last five games and seven of the past nine games. Despite playing fewer minutes due to blowing out opponents, SGA has scored 30 or more points in eight of those nine games.

Oklahoma City has the best record in the NBA at 13-1 with a two-point loss as the only blemish. The Thunder are on their second five-game winning streak and play three consecutive opponents that are below .500, so I think there is some value on SGA at +225 to win MVP. His odds will likely go below +200 over the next week and when Jalen Williams comes back, Oklahoma City and SGA can be even better.

Denver Nuggets Primary Logo
2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (+200)
Points Per Game: 28.7 (7th)
Rebounds Per Game: 13.0 (1st)
Assists Per Game: 10.9 (1st)

The newest odds leader is on fire in November. Nikola Jokic has torn through the last seven opponents for a 7-0 record as he's averaged 34.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, 11.0 assists, and 33.7 minutes per game. Jokic lit up the scoreboard for 55 points in a win over the Clippers, which vaulted Jokic into the top spot for MVP odds.

In November, Jokic is shooting 71.4% from the field, 54.5% from three, and 88% from the free-throw line. In October, Jokic was hitting 59.1% of his field goal attempts, 23.8% of his threes, and 86.4% of his free-throws. Clearly, Jokic has found his shooting form and while the triple-doubles have slowed up (3 in last 10 games), he is dominating on every level.

Los Angeles Lakers Primary Logo
3. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers (+400)
Points Per Game: 34.4 (1st)
Assists Per Game: 8.9 (19th)
Rebounds Per Game: 8.9 (5th)

Luka Doncic is coming off another monster night of 41 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists against the Bucks (119-95 win). The Lakers are 10-4 and won eight of the past 10 games as one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Doncic leads the NBA in scoring at 34.4 points per game, along with top 15 ranks in rebounds (8.9) and assists (8.9).

Doncic has six double-doubles and one triple-double of the season over the second-most minutes per game oh his career (37.1). If Doncic can exceed his career-high minutes pee game of 37.5, there is an avenue to MVP, especially if he leads the league in scoring.

San Antonio Spurs Primary Logo
4. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs (+750)
Points Per Game: 26.2 (14th)
Rebounds Per Game: 12.9 (2nd)
Blocks Per Game: 3.6 (1st)

Victor Wembanyama moves back up a spot for me after erupting for 38, 31, and 26 points over the last three games. In that span, Wemby recorded two double-doubles, and one triple-double to extend his double-double streak to four games.

Wemby posted a 31-point triple-double with 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in a loss to the Warriors. That was his first triple-double of the season and his ninth double-double on the year as the Spurs fell to 9-4 with two consecutive losses to the Warriors. Five of the Spurs next six opponents have winning records, so San Antonio will be put to the test since six of their nine wins have come against teams .500 or below.

Milwaukee Bucks Primary Logo
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (+900)
Points Per Game: 32.6 (2nd)
Rebounds Per Game: 11.3 (6th)
Assists Per Game: 7.1 (13th)

The Giannis Antetokounmpo MVP chatter has started to cool off a bit as his odds have decreased each of the past two weeks, but that's because Milwaukee is 5-5 over the last 10 games. After a 4-1 start, the Bucks have alternated wins and losses over the past 10 games, failing to put together a winning streak or losing streak in that span.

At 8-6, there is no need for urgency, but with the next opponents on the schedule all likely playoff or play-in teams: Cleveland, Philadelphia, Detroit, Portland, Miami, and New York — that time to panic may come sooner than later for the Bucks.

Stock Up

Houston Rockets Primary Logo
Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets (+8000)
Points Per Game: 23.0 (23rd)
Rebounds Per Game: 10.3 (9th)
Assists Per Game: 7.4 (12th)

Last week it was Cade Cunningham (+3500) who was the biggest riser, the week prior was Tyrese Maxey (+5000) — this week it is Alperen Sengun.

Cunningham and Maxey still have the same odds, while Sengun moved from +15000 to +8000, nearly cutting his odds in half. Sengun has double-doubled in four consecutive games and seven out of the past eight to go along with 20 or more points in six of those games.

The Rockets are 9-1 in the past 10 games, and that is likely the largest reason to why Sengun's odds are on the move. Another would just be his stellar play putting up baby-Jokic numbers of 23.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, ranking top 25 across the board. Sengun is playing over five more minutes per game this season and it's resulting in his assists jumping from 4.9 to 7.4 and points from 19.1 to 23.0 over 12 games.

Stock Down

Minnesota Timberwolves Primary Logo
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves (+10000)
Points Per Game: 27.3
Rebounds Per Game: 4.6
Assists Per Game: 3.7

Anthony Edwards came back and played six games for Minnesota posting a 4-2 record. Yet, his odds moved from +8000 to +10000 mostly because the four wins came against Utah and Sacramento — two teams combined for 8-19 record.

The two losses came against the Nuggets and Knicks, and he combined for 41 points in those games, so I agree with the movement. In wins this season, Edwards averages 33.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, but in losses, his points drastically drop to 24.0 points, while posting similar assists (5.3) and rebounding (4.7) numbers. Minnesota will need more consistency from Edwards night in and night out if they want to be a top-four seed and if he wants MVP votes.

Follow my plays for the season on X @VmoneySports, Instagram @VmoneySports_ and Action App @vaughndalzell.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & team props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

How to Watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock

Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones. Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.

Who's Hot And Cold In The NHL: Canucks' Hughes, Stars' Robertson Dazzled

The Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers are battling in a crowded playoff race in the NHL's Western and Eastern Conferences.

Vancouver is 12th in the West with a 9-9-2 record and 20 points, and yet, the Canucks are only two points behind the Vegas Golden Knights, which are in the second wild-card spot. That said, five teams in the West have 22 points, so Vancouver still has catching up to do before it can try to jump ahead of the bunch.

The Rangers, meanwhile, have a 10-8-2 record and are tied in points with the Ottawa Senators, which are in the second wild-card spot in the East, with 22 each. The New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens also have 22 points.

A player on each squad had an incredible week on the stat sheet, and they're featured in this week's edition of who's hot and cold in the NHL since Nov. 10.

The Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators are also featured this time, but not for the reason their fans would have hoped for.

Cold: Steven Stamkos, LW, Nashville Predators

Stamkos’ decline in offensive production has been a significant area of concern for the subpar Predators.

While Stamkos did score an overtime-winner on Friday in Sweden – his fourth goal and fifth point of the season – that was his only point of the week. Stamkos managed only five shots on net in the three games he played.

The 36-year-old Stamkos was brought into Nashville to be a difference-maker, but this season, he’s been largely ineffective for the Preds. He's only averaging two shots per game this season, which is the lowest rate of his career. The previous low: last year, his first with the Predators.

Nashville’s playoff hopes are already nearly buried, and Stamkos’ inability to generate the type of offense that once was easy for him to produce is a key factor in the Predators’ woes.

Three Potential NHL Trade Fits For Steven Stamkos If Predators Don't ImproveThree Potential NHL Trade Fits For Steven Stamkos If Predators Don't ImproveIf the Nashville Predators don't improve, expect more trade speculation to arise about Steven Stamkos. Which NHL teams could have what he would want to waive his no-move clause?

Hot: Jason Robertson, LW, Dallas Stars

The Stars have been one of the NHL’s top teams this season, and Robertson was on fire, putting up a league-best six goals and nine points in only three games. He recorded a natural hat trick against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.

The 26-year-old now has nine goals and 23 points in 19 games, a pace that would give Robertson 38 goals and 99 points.

Those would be his best totals since 2022-23, when he put up a career-high 46 goals and 109 points. And given that Robertson will be an RFA at the end of the season, he could easily be in line for a raise on his $7.75 million salary.

Cold: Lukas Dostal, G, Anaheim Ducks

Dostal earned the starter’s job in Anaheim with consistently strong play in recent years, and he's done pretty well this season. 

But in two games last week, Dostal went 0-2 with a 4.06 goals-against average and a .881 save percentage.

His outing against the Colorado Avalanche wasn't bad, allowing three goals on 35 shots and recording 1.16 goals saved above expected, according to moneypuck.com. But when Anaheim had a chance to end a two-game skid, Dostal conceded five goals on 32 shots against the Detroit Red Wings, and he had a minus-1.85 goals saved above expected.

The Ducks have lost three straight games, and Dostal now has a 2.86 GAA and .903 SP. He's posted a save percentage below .900 in three of his last five games dating back to Nov. 4.

Dostal hasn't forgotten how to be a good goalie, and the loss to Colorado was more of a team underperforming in front of him rather than him dropping the ball. But his wobbly performance between the pipes at times has had a direct impact on Anaheim’s effectiveness as a group.

Dostal is vital to the Ducks’ chances of making the playoffs, but every goalie goes through some sort of adversity, and it would not be surprising if he went on a hot streak this upcoming week.

Hot: Quinn Hughes, D, Vancouver Canucks

Hughes and the Canucks haven’t had their best start this season. Hughes even missed Friday's game due to an injury.

But Hughes still left his mark on Vancouver’s opponents, posting seven assists in two games, including a four-assist performance in Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Lightning

With Sunday’s showing, Hughes has 16 assists and 17 points in 15 games. Those would be terrific numbers for most defensemen, but Hughes’ status as a perennial Norris Trophy front-runner sets the bar higher for the 26-year-old. If he produces anywhere close to the pace he’s been on this week, Hughes will once again be challenging Colorado’s Cale Makar for the title of the league’s top blueliner.

How The Vancouver Canucks Stack Up To The Rest Of The NHL: 20 Games InHow The Vancouver Canucks Stack Up To The Rest Of The NHL: 20 Games InThe Vancouver Canucks are 20 games into the 2025-26 NHL season: here's how they compare to the rest of the league.

Hot: Igor Shesterkin, G, New York Rangers

The Rangers were terrible out of the gate, but they’ve been markedly better last week, and star netminder Shesterkin led the way. He went 3-0-0 while generating a 2.28 GAA and .925 save percentage.

Shesterkin’s numbers this week were better than his season average of a .913 SP and a 2.39 GAA. He’s right up there with Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck as the top netminder on the planet, and if the Rangers are to claw their way back into the playoff picture and overcome their poor start to the year, they’ll need Shesterkin to continue thriving.


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