Category: Sports News

Worldwide Sports News

Posted on

Why Al Horford isn't worried about Warriors' aging core, reveals key to success

Why Al Horford isn't worried about Warriors' aging core, reveals key to success originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Much has been made of the Warriors core’s age heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, but 39-year-old center Al Horford is not concerned.

The four featured Golden State players, Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Horford, all are age 35 or older. Maintaining health throughout an 82-game regular season is a key concern this season, just as it has been in the recent past.

“The way that I see our group, we have a lot of depth. I see a lot of guys that are working really hard and guys who are very capable in our group,” Horford told reporters Tuesday. “So, I’m not worried about it just because of our depth.” 

But key role players such as Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Gui Santos and Quinten Post are all under 25.  

Both Podziemski and Moody played in at least 64 games last season. Post saw a significant increase in playing time in the second half of last season. Kuminga, despite fluctuations in playing time due to injury and rotation changes, has solidified himself as perhaps the Warriors’ most explosive athlete. 

“I feel like we have guys here that can step in and contribute and have big nights,” Horford said. “It’s a very long season, and as you know in the NBA, the teams that usually have more depth are the teams that are going to be more successful.” 

The depth in youth, whose experience will only continue to grow, will be key for Golden State’s regular-season success as older players will inevitably need more rest. 

“I feel like we don’t have to hold back with any of them. We can just go, and they’re going to get a lot of opportunities and a lot of chances. And for them, they have to be ready for that,” Horford said. 

The Warriors’ new stretch-big has been a steady presence in recent years. Horford has played at least 60 games in each of his last four seasons with the Boston Celtics. 

“The priority for me is to make sure that I stay healthy throughout the regular season and that’s my focus right now. And when we get to the postseason, that’s a whole other level,” Horford said. 

Curry and Green played in 70 and 68 games, respectively, last season. The two stars being available in the regular season helped the Warriors reach the playoffs for the 10th time in the last 13 seasons. 

But Curry’s hamstring injury in the Western Conference Semifinals doomed Golden State to a second-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

Maintaining tip-top health heading into the postseason is not just a priority for Horford, but for the Warriors’ old guard at large. 

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Posted on

Vegas Golden Knights Win Stanley Cup In EA SPORTS NHL 26 Season Simulation

The Vegas Golden Knights will be your 2026 Stanley Cup champions, according to the official season simulation done by EA SPORTS in NHL 26. 

The Golden Knights defeated the Canucks and Oilers in seven games before defeating the Avalanche in six to advance to the Finals. They took down the Rangers in seven games with Mitch Marner taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy. Marner led the playoffs in scoring followed by Jack Eichel and Artemi Panarin.

The San Jose Sharks earned a surprise playoff berth on the back of 95 points from Macklin Celebrini while the Avalanche won the Presidents Trophy. 

Connor McDavid took home the Art Ross and Hart Trophy after posting 134 points during the regular season. 

Auston Matthew won the Rocket Richard with 61 goals, Cale Makar won the Norris, while Connor Hellebuyck repeated as the Vezina winner.

Anthony Cirelli won his first career Selke Trophy, Ivan Demidov won the Calder after notching 75 points while Bruce Cassidy won the Jack Adams. 

NHL 25 predicted the New York Rangers to win the Stanley Cup last season, we will see if the simulation jinx continues this year.

EA SPORTS NHLEA SPORTS NHLEA SPORTS NHLEA SPORTS NHLEA SPORTS NHL

For more NHL Gaming news make sure you bookmark The Hockey News Gaming Site or follow our Google News Feed.               

Posted on

Giannis Antetokounmpo, agent reportedly 'figuring out' which teams could make mid-season trade offer

If the Milwaukee Bucks stumble out of the gate, or just don't look like contenders, the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors are going to heat up. It will not matter that it's unlikely he gets traded mid-season for a couple of reasons, logic has never slowed the NBA rumor mill down.

Antetokounmpo and his agent are preparing for the mid-season option, ESPN's Shams Charania said on NBA Today (hat tip MrBuckBuck on X).

"Giannis Antetokounmpo, his agent Alex Saratsis, have been figuring out which teams, if this does get to a point of a trade request, which team could find its way — which multiple teams find their way. And I think that process will continue into the season."

Antetokounmpo and his agent will find that several factors make it highly unlikely he will be traded mid-season. First is the fact that he is making $54.1 million this season, a lot of money for a team to take on, which ties into the next issue. Second, the luxury tax apron era has tied the hands of teams and limited the trade offers they can make because of the apron restrictions. The final issue is the fact that because Antetokounmpo makes so much, and the fact that the Bucks will want multiple young players (along with a boatload of picks) in return for any trade, it becomes a roster numbers game. Milwaukee would have to waive players currently under guaranteed contract to take back multiple players and stay below the 15-player limit during the season (that number jumps to 20 in the offseason, making this trade easier).

There are teams with the combination of young players and picks that would interest the Bucks. San Antonio has that and could pair Antetokounmpo with Victor Wembanyama. Houston, even after signing Kevin Durant, has that. However, both Rockets and Spurs are hard-capped at the first apron this season, making in-season trade construction challenging.

Oklahoma City has the picks and players to make an offer, although the defending champions aren't really interested, reports Chris Mannix at Sports Illustrated. There would be other teams interested, including the Knicks and Heat (although whether their offers would interest the Bucks is up for debate), with Mannix also mentioning Orlando and Detroit as young teams on the rise who might jump into the mix.

No doubt the rumors will fly, especially if the Bucks get off to a slow start, but that doesn't change the fact that an in-season Antetokounmpo trade is unlikely. Next offseason, however, feels like a very different story.

Posted on

‘You want a player to die?’ Heat is on tennis after players wilt in extreme conditions

Every year players are pushed to their limits in a sport that chases the sun. But the number of retirements, withdrawals and injuries this season has been shocking

Jannik Sinner had tried everything but after baking for two and a half hours inside the suffocating sauna of Shanghai’s stadium court, he was finished. Even around midnight, the humidity was still so oppressive that Sinner had spent the final 20 minutes of his third-round match against Tallon Griekspoor cramping, panting and in considerable pain. Eventually, he could not even walk properly. Midway through the final set, the 24-year-old hobbled slowly to his chair using his racket as a crutch and terminated the match.

Those scenes were representative of the Shanghai Masters so far as, throughout the past week, so many players have wilted in brutal conditions. Terence Atmane and Hamad Medjedovic both retired after struggling with the heat. Francisco Comesaña appeared close to collapsing and he had to be helped mid-match by his opponent Lorenzo Musetti. Despite the benefit of competing at night, Novak Djokovic repeatedly vomited in two consecutive matches and there were times in his fourth round win over Jaume Munar where he too looked as if he had reached his limit.

Continue reading...
Posted on

Stay or Go: Should the Mets trade Jeff McNeil?

Jeff McNeilhas been a constant for the Mets since bursting onto the scene as a 26-year-old rookie in 2018 and hitting .329 with an .852 OPS -- giving New York a cog who has been a lineup mainstay ever since.

Since 2019, McNeil has played at least 120 games in every full season (he appeared in 52 of 60 during the COVID-shortened campaign in 2020).

Along the way, he's won a batting title and made two All-Star teams.

McNeil, who signed a four-year, $50 million extension before the 2023 season, has also been versatile.

A natural second baseman, he has gotten a solid amount of time at both corner outfield spots and third base. This past season, McNeil even played 34 games in center field -- including 28 starts. And he performed admirably in center. 

There have been ebbs and flow for McNeil along the way, which included down campaigns in 2023 and 2024.

But as he prepares to enter his age-34 season in what is the final guaranteed year of his contract (the Mets hold a club option for 2027), McNeil is coming off a campaign where he was an above average offensive performer while continuing to provide the aforementioned versatility. 

Should McNeil be in the Mets' plans for 2026, or is it time for them to move on?

Aug 23, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) hits a three run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning at Truist Park.
Aug 23, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) hits a three run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning at Truist Park. / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

WHY IT COULD MAKE SENSE TO TRADE MCNEIL

While McNeil's 2025 season was above average when compared to the rest of the league -- he slashed .243/.355/.411 with an OPS+ of 111 -- it's now been three full seasons since he was a high-average, high-on-base percentage player.

Over his first five seasons in the majors, McNeil slashed .307/.370/.458.

Over his last three seasons, McNeil has hit .253/.326/.389.

Meanwhile, McNeil has never really hit for power -- excluding 2019, when he smacked a career-high 23 homers. He also doesn't walk a lot, though he did draw a career-high 49 walks this past season.

Beyond McNeil's recent shortcomings at the plate is the fact that the Mets have a glut of infielders on the 40-man roster and more coming. Additionally, they're set at both corner outfield positions (Juan Sotoin right, Brandon Nimmo in left) and will almost certainly go defense-first in center field to start the 2026 season. 

When it comes to the infield situation, second base and third base are technically open, but Brett Baty is coming off a season where he started to produce at the plate -- posting a .748 OPS while smacking 18 homers in 130 games. Baty was a solid defender, too, and showed that he can handle second base in addition to the hot corner. 

There's also the presence of Ronny Mauricio. The 24-year-old still has way too much chase at the plate, but he has tantalizing power and the ability to be Francisco Lindor's backup at shortstop along with being an option at second and third. 

Then there's Jett Williams, who had an .828 OPS in 130 games last season across Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. The 21-year-old is the Mets' top prospect and is expected to debut this coming season -- possibly at some point in the first half. And it's likely that his position once in the bigs will be second base or center field. 

New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) reacts to hitting an RBI single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning at Citi Field
New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) reacts to hitting an RBI single against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning at Citi Field / Gregory Fisher - Imagn Images

WHY IT COULD MAKE SENSE TO KEEP MCNEIL

Even though the Mets have numerous options for second base and third base, they're all unproven.

And while it's also possible to envision a scenario where the Mets find a third baseman externally if Pete Alonsoleaves via free agency (which would create a domino effect that gives them four possible second base options), that hasn't happened yet.

There's also the fact that none of the other options on the Mets' 40-man roster offer the kind of versatility that McNeil does.

Baty has played a grand total of 1.0 inning in the outfield during his big league career, and that came in 2023.

Mauricio played 26 games in left field in the minors in 2023, but hasn't left the infield dirt since suffering the knee injury that cost him the entire 2024 season. 

Even in a world where McNeil isn't being viewed as someone who will start the majority of the time, it's easy to make an argument that he would be valuable in a super utility role where he gets time at four or five different spots in the field.

The main question for the Mets in that scenario would be whether they think it makes sense to have a $15.75 million bench player who -- while able to play all over the field -- isn't a true plus defender at any position and doesn't hit for power. 

Jun 8, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) rounds the bases on a solo home run in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field
Jun 8, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (1) rounds the bases on a solo home run in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

VERDICT

The day after the season ended, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns stressed the need to improve the team's defense.

Stearns also did not reject that idea that the offensive core of the team could be shaken up.

And if Alonsore-signs, the easiest way to shake up the core while improving the defense could be to move on from McNeil (and Starling Marte, a free agent who is no longer able to play the outfield much).

In the case of McNeil, it's possible the Mets would have to eat a bit of his salary in order to help facilitate a deal.

But he could be an intriguing option for infield-needy teams in need of a versatile player who won't require a commitment beyond 2026.

Posted on

Jim Montgomery To Reunite Most Prolific Line Down Stretch Last Season For Blues

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- Jim Montgomery knew all along.

Putting the Three Amigos are back together was in the cards all along.

The St. Louis Blues coach already knew what he had when training camp began when it came to the line of Brayden Schenn centering Dylan Holloway and Jordan Kyrou. That line was a catalyst in helping fuel the Blues’ run to getting back to the Stanley Cup playoffs a season ago.

There was no need to get an extensive look again. 

But when the Blues signed Pius Suter as a free agent on July 2 and when camp began, the Blues put Suter between Holloway and Schenn, who was playing with Jake Neighbours and whoever they would put on that right wing.

There was no sign that Schenn was playing with Holloway and Kyrou as camp progressed, and Suter was the center in the middle for two games. Was this the changing of the guard, so to speak?

Not a chance.

When the Blues got back to practice Tuesday in preparation for their season- and home-opener Thursday against the Minnesota Wild, there was Schenn back in that familiar spot. And Montgomery said, “We will see Schenn there opening night.”

Why?

“Sometimes as a coach you just trust your gut and I watched camp,” Montgomery said. “The most important part of that is Suter came here because he wants to win, and he is an extremely good locker room guy, a team guy. He can even plug-and-play. Obviously our captain, we know that about him. Having those two being able to move between the two and three hole, it makes it very flexible and one of the reasons I thought the Suter signing was really important to our team depth.”

Suter was between Neighbours and Mathieu Joseph, and that looks like the likely trio that will open Thursday, but this was all along a trial to see if the Blues could have another option in a long season should one be needed.

Montgomery is more that comfortable using either there.

“A hundred percent. Yeah,” he said. “Sometimes you get a feel as a coach that the energy’s going to be better if we put guys back together that had success last year, and that’s how we’re going to start the year. It’s going to change. I guarantee you it’s going to change.”

In the month beginning March 15 that led the charge to the playoffs, which included a franchise record 12-game winning streak, Kyrou benefited the most with 20 points (12 goals, eight assists) in 16 games, Holloway had 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 11 games before his season ended because of injury on April 5, and although Schenn had just 10 points (four goals, six assists) in 16 games, that line was so dynamic in so many different ways.

“We had some really good ‘chem’ last year,” Holloway said. “I think as a line, we all complement each other super well. Definitely real excited to be playing with those guys again and I think we should be good.

“I think that’s the goal (is) to get back to right where we were. We were playing at such a high level there for a few months in a row. I think we know what works well for us, know what we need to do to get to our game. I think as long as we play smart and playing to our strengths, we’ll get right back to it.”

That’s why the trio feels it didn’t need a full training camp together.

“I know training camp we weren’t together, but we feel like we have chemistry,” Schenn said. “For me, my job is obviously get them the puck and create room and space and go to the net. They’re obviously both very dynamic and good shooters. It’s a combination that’s worked in the past. Now it’s on us to have good communication here early. Probably watch video from last year of what made us successful and mentally dial it in and communication’s huge. Last year’s not this year and we have to find ways to be better.”

In 46 games together last year, the line had a Corsi-for edge of 489-414 and a 29-13 goals-for edge in 5 on 5 situations and fans were wondering why would the coaching staff mess with something that obviously wasn’t broken. Just for that, the option to pivot if necessary.

“Honestly in camp every year, you’re always with someone and then it switches and vice versa,” Schenn said. “What we talked about two days ago or whatever, we figured it was going to be a little bit of both with me and ‘Sutes.’ That’s what’s good about our team. We have interchangeable parts and guys who can kind of play with whoever. We’ll just kind of see how it goes with the flow.”

Blues Know Jordan Binnington Is Elite, Yet Goalie Has To Prove Once Again He's One Of The BestBlues Know Jordan Binnington Is Elite, Yet Goalie Has To Prove Once Again He's One Of The BestST. LOUIS – The NHL season for 2025-26 drops the puck on Tuesday. For the St. Louis Blues, it opens Thursday at home against the Minnesota Wild. Blues GM Gives Update On Sundqvist, Lucic Blues GM Gives Update On Sundqvist, Lucic MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong provided updates on two veteran forwards before the regular-season opener on Thursday against the Minnesota Wild. Blues Were Hoping To Keep Colten Ellis In Organization, Happy He Gets Opportunity In NHLBlues Were Hoping To Keep Colten Ellis In Organization, Happy He Gets Opportunity In NHLMARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- Part of Doug Armstrong wanted to be selfish and keep goalie prospect Colten Ellis in the St. Louis Blues organization.
Posted on

The Hockey News' Vancouver Canucks Mailbag: Cootes, Trade Targets & More

Welcome to this edition of The Hockey News' Vancouver Canucks Mailbag. In this series, we answer your questions from social media about what is going on with the Canucks. Today, we answer questions about Braeden Cootes, trade targets and more. 

Does Cootes Stay With The Club All Year Or Back To Juniors After 9ish Games?

Braeden Cootes making Vancouver's opening night roster is a great sign for the future. He has earned this opportunity and, based on practice lines, may even see some power play time during his NHL trial. While he has been great throughout the pre-season, I do believe he will be heading back to the WHL after a few games, where he can dominate during his D+1 season. 

That being said, there is a scenario where Cootes plays more than nine NHL games this season. For that to happen, he would need to be the Canucks best forward at both ends of the ice and make it clear that Vancouver's play would take a dip if he was sent back to junior. If he can be a point-producing machine and show off strong two-way play, there is a chance he sticks around for the season. 

How Many Games Will Kevin Lankinen Play This Season?

How the Canucks manage their goaltenders this year will be an interesting trend to follow. With a condensed schedule and the Olympics, this season will be more complicated, not just for Vancouver, but for every team around the league. That being said, barring any injuries, Lankinen will most likely start around 30 games in 2025-26. 

Based on their records, it may also be beneficial for the Canucks to start Lankinen on the road while Thatcher Demko gets the home starts. Last year, Lankinen went 16-6-5 on the road, while Demko has historically been better while playing at Rogers Arena. This theory may not work out due to schedule issues, but it is something to consider heading into the year. 

Many Rumours Of A Trade Circulating. Who Could Be A Target?

One of the reasons why there have not been a ton of trades is the salary cap continuing to grow. In the flat-cap world, teams were more willing to move players in order to get off contracts, which seems not to be the case anymore. While Vancouver has made it clear that they are always looking at ways to improve their roster, it is hard to picture them making a move until closer to the trade deadline. 

As for potential players, bringing in a center to add depth has to be at the top of the Canucks list. Based on teams that are projected to be near the bottom of the standings, some potential trade options could be Jean-Gabriel Pageau or Alex Wennberg. As for a non-pending unrestricted free agent, one player who would fit Vancouver's system is Nazem Kadri, who is signed for four more years at $7 million per season. 

Of The 3 Closest Defense prospects - Kudryavtsev, Mancini And EP25, Who’s Skill Profile Suggests They Will Have The Longest Career?

Now this is a good question. All three have the potential to have long careers but for different reasons. That being said, Elias Pettersson or D-Petey is the most likely of the three to have the longest career. 

The reason Pettersson is the answer is because has already developed into a reliable two-way defender who can deliver massive hits. It is becoming more difficult to find big, physical defenders who can skate well and transition the puck without issues. While Victor Mancini and Kirill Kudryavtsev are talented players who will play multiple years in the NHL, Pettersson is the most likely of the three to have the longest career. 

What’s The Current Vibe About This Year’s Canucks Team?

The vibe around this team is completely different than last year or even the year before. The players seem looser and appear to be enjoying being on the ice. Some differences from last year include more cheering when plays are made in practice, as well as better engagement when speaking to the media. 

Oct 3, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Braeden Cootes (80) battles with Edmonton Oilers forward Matt Savoie (22) in the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

While the vibe is a positive one now, the big question is will it stay the same all year. There are going to be up and downs all season which means changes in mood and demeanor. That being said, the players and organization appear to be in a positive place which is important heading into such an important year. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site: 

Artūrs Šilovs Shuts Out J.T. Miller And Carson Soucy In Battle Of Former Canucks To Start 2025–26 NHL Season

How Braeden Cootes Made The Vancouver Canucks’ Opening-Night Roster

"I Believe In The Team We Have Here": Vancouver Canucks GM Patrik Allvin Speaks To The Media Ahead Of The 2025-26 Regular Season

The Hockey News
Posted on

Thomson trusts Nola with start, Suárez to follow in must-win Game 3

Thomson trusts Nola with start, Suárez to follow in must-win Game 3 originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Phillies are taking an unconventional approach to an elimination game.

Rob Thomson will hand the ball to Aaron Nola. The 11-year veteran had a forgettable 2025 regular season, posting a 6.01 ERA in 17 starts.

This will be just the third time in major-league history that a team has turned to a starter with a 6-plus ERA (minimum 50 regular-season innings) in a postseason elimination game.

The Phillies’ skipper will lean on the trust factor.

“He’s more comfortable starting,” Thomson said Tuesday. “Nola’s pitched some really big games for us over the last couple of years.”

It’s a gutsy move. Many believe it should be Ranger Suárez for Game 3. The southpaw has made eight starts and two relief outings in the postseason and has been stellar — a 1.43 ERA in 37 ⅔ innings with 40 strikeouts.

“I trust them both, don’t get me wrong,” Thomson said.

After starting lefties Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo in Games 1 and 2, the Phils will likely force Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to construct a different lineup against the right-hander Nola.

Contrary to popular belief, the numbers do justify Nola getting the start over Suárez.

Against all the hitters on L.A.’s NLDS roster, Nola has been the far more effective pitcher in his career. Dodgers batters are slashing just .220/.267/.378 in 246 at-bats. That line jumps to .326/.375/.535 against Suárez.

Even with the favorable lefty-vs.-righty matchups (including switch-hitter Tommy Edman), lefties are just 24-for-127 (.189) against Nola. In the less favorable lefty-lefty matchups against Suárez (excluding Edman), they’re hitting .308 (8-for-28).

And Nola did, in fact, finish his injury-riddled season on a high note. In his final start, he fired a season-high eight innings, allowing just two hits and one earned run while striking out nine — an encouraging sign ahead of his biggest outing of the year.

“His last start was phenomenal,” Thomson said. “That’s the Nola we’ve seen before, and I’m banking on that’s what we’re going to get.”

Tonight, it’s not necessarily one or the other, because Thomson has already committed to bringing Suárez in out of the bullpen.

“You’re going to see Ranger,” Thomson said. “I’d be shocked if you don’t. I’d regret having either one of those guys not pitching in this series.”

And Suárez is no stranger to pitching in that role. He’s made 70 appearances in his career (regular season and postseason), pitching to a 2.87 ERA. His last outing in the bullpen, though? The 2022 World Series.

This move could also help the Phillies bridge the gap and avoid their struggling middle relief. From innings six through eight in the regular season, Phillies relievers posted a 4.50 ERA — the fourth-highest mark in the National League. Suárez seems to be a much safer option.

When the Phillies looked to have extreme rotation depth earlier this season, moving Suárez to the bullpen was already a conversation.

Back in June, the lefty emphasized that he was “open to do whatever it takes to help this team win.”

Now, the Phillies are desperate for a victory. A 96-win ballclub with the second-highest payroll in the National League getting swept in the opening round of the playoffs would be a tough pill to swallow — especially with their longest-tenured player making the start.

Posted on

Collin Morikawa denies his ‘chaos’ comments inflamed USA fans at Ryder Cup

  • US golfer admits home fans ‘crossed the line’ with abuse

  • Morikawa says he did not intend fans to get out of hand

Collin Morikawa admits the behaviour of American fans at the Ryder Cup “crossed the line” but he denies he was partly to blame for inflaming the atmosphere.

Two days before the event started at Bethpage in New York, the two-time major winner said he hoped the opening day was “absolute chaos”.

Continue reading...
Posted on

5 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History Of Jersey #5

The Columbus Blue Jackets have 5 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at everyone's favorite number - Jersey #5.

Let's take a look at who wore 5, and where they are now. 

Jamie Pushor - 2001-2006 - Drafted by Pittsburgh in 1989.

Heward played 97 games with Columbus and had 30 points. 69 of his games came during the inaugural season for Columbus.  

After several years in Europe, he returned to the NHL and retired with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2009. Heward has been an Asst. Coach for the Henderson Silver Knights since 2020. Former Monsters captain Ryan Craig is the head coach for Henderson. 

Darryl Sydor - 2004 - Drafted by LA in 1990. 

Sydor played a total of 49 games for Columbus during the 2003-04 season. He was traded to the Jackets in the Summer of 2003 and then traded to the Lightning during that season. He had 15 points for Columbus.

He went on to play another five NHL seasons before retiring on July 13, 2010. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant for the Blues and Wild. He also owns the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL. 

Christian Bäckman - 2009 - Drafted by St. Louis in 1998.

Bäckman played 56 games for the Jackets in 2008-09 after being acquired by Columbus in the trade that sent Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche to the Rangers. 

He left for Europe in 2009, where he signed with Frölunda HC in Sweden. He retired in 2015. 

Aaron Johnson - 2012 - Drafted by Columbus in the 3rd round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

Johnson played 172 games for the Jackets over two stints. Scouts said of Johnson was "A puck-moving defenseman, Johnson is a very good skater. Has good offensive instincts and can quarterback the power play. Can play a tough and physical game. Needs to improve his play in his own end."

During his time with Columbus, he also spent three years with the AHL Syracuse Crunch, where he had 73 points in those three seasons. 

In 2016, he left North America and signed on with Adler Mannheim of the DEL in Germany. He then left for England, where he played for the Sheffield Steelers of the EIHL. In 2021, he became a Player-Asst. Coach for a season. He came back home to Columbus in 2021 and joined the Jackets as a Team Consultant. Last season, he was the Team Relations Specialist for the Jackets.

Jack Skille - 2014 - Drafted by Chicago in 2005.

Skille played 61 games for Columbus and had 12 points. On July 6, 2013, Skille was signed as a free agent by the CBJ, but the following summer, he left in free agency. On October 5, 2014, Skille was claimed off waivers by Columbus, where he would play in 45 games. He left Columbus again and would play a season in Colorado and a season in Vancouver. 

In 2017, he left for Europe, where he played in Russia, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. He retired in 2021 and went into coaching. He's currently a skills coach and the Director of Skills Development for the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies franchise. The Grizzlies are moving to Trenton, New Jersey, at the end of the 25-26 season. 

Gavin Bayreuther - 2022 - Undrafted out of Canaan, New Hampshire.

Bayreuther played 103 games for Columbus and totaled 23 points over three seasons. He also played for the Dallas Stars.

He was made famous in 2021 when he was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the NHL Expansion Draft. One week later, he signed a two-year deal with Columbus, marking the end of his long tenure with Seattle.

After playing last season in Switzerland for Lausanne HC, he has come back to North America and will play for the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. 

Denton Mateychuk - 2025 - Drafted by Columbus in 2022. 

Mateychuk was called up mid-way through last season and never looked back. He played in 45 games for the CBJ and scored 13 points. He was also a plus-4, which isn't bad for a young defenseman. 

Before being called up from the Cleveland Monsters, he was having himself a season in the AHL. Playing in just 27 games, he scored 9 goals and totaled 25 points, so the Jackets had no choice but to call him up. 

Mateychuk was named to the NHL's all-rookie team for his play last season. This season, he will be looking to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump and continue to be a solid blueliner for the upstart Jackets. 

Elite Prospects said of Mateychuk in their draft guide, Constant motion allows Mateychuk to break from his team's structure in the offensive zone and seek opportunities that just aren't there for other defenseman. He prods for soft ice, finds it, and times his entrance into that space at the best possible moment for a shooting opportunity or a chance to hit his teammate elsewhere with a perfectly weighted pass for a chance of their own."

There are six days left until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Who was your favorite #6?

The start of the 2025-26 season starts this Thursday, as the CBJ travel to Nashville to play the Predators at Bridgestone Arena. 

The season kicks off this Thursday in Nashville against the Predators at Bridgestone Arena. This is going to be an interesting season, and if the Jackets can stay healthy, they should have a decent year.

Let us know what you think below.

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story.  

More From THN Columbus 

THN Columbus: 32 Predictions For The 25-26 NHL SeasonTHN Columbus: 32 Predictions For The 25-26 NHL SeasonWith the 24-25 season starting today, The Hockey News Columbus is going to take a shot at some predictions. Spencer Lazary and I are going to do our best.   Nolan Lalonde Assigned To ECHLNolan Lalonde Assigned To ECHLNolan Lalonde, the unsigned free agent from Kingston, Ontario, will be making his pro debut in the ECHL.  The Columbus Blue Jackets Opening Night Roster Is SetThe Columbus Blue Jackets Opening Night Roster Is SetSay hello to the 2025-26 edition of the Columbus Blue Jackets. 
Posted on

Jett Luchanko Makes the Flyers Roster; Is it the Right Call?

(Photo: Eric Canha, Imagn Images)

As he did last year, top center prospect Jett Luchanko has made the Philadelphia Flyers ahead of opening night, but it's still uncertain as to whether he's truly ready for NHL action.

The Flyers themselves don't appear to know what they want to do yet either, and it will affect their lineup as well as the development of the player.

Luchanko, 19, played four NHL games for the Flyers last year, 46 games for the OHL Guelph Storm, 16 total games for the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms, and five games for the Canada U20s at World Juniors.

That's a lot of bouncing around for a player who had previously only played for Guelph and Canada's U18 and U17 squads in the two seasons prior.

"It can't be a steady diet of it, not playing. You've got to be careful," Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet said of Luchanko on Monday. "It's that rule, you know? That sweet spot, if a guy can't play in the minors, you have to send him to junior. We're stuck in that situation a little bit. It happened with Barrett Hayton with me in Arizona. You can't have guys sitting around too much, so we got to figure that out."

The NCAA could have been a viable route for Luchanko, as it was for 2025 first-round pick Porter Martone this summer, if he hadn't signed his entry-level deal with the Flyers so soon as a week after being drafted.

NHL Trade Rumors: Flyers Badly Need Defensive UpgradesNHL Trade Rumors: Flyers Badly Need Defensive UpgradesThe Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly scouring the NHL trade market for much-needed defensive reinforcements, but which players are actually going to be worth their while?

The ever-divisive Zeev Buium played college hockey at the University of Denver, and Konsta Helenius, one of the 2024 NHL Draft's top center prospects, had two pro seasons under his belt with Jukurit of Finland's Liiga and was able to play in the AHL immediately.

But, the Flyers ultimately went with Luchanko as the player they thought was the best fit for them, even though they had the least control over his development path between him, Buium, and Helenius.

Now, like last year, the Flyers are stuck deliberating on a near-daily basis whether to play Luchanko or sit him.

The former 13th overall pick had 56 points in 46 games as captain of the Storm last year, but it's not as if he's blowing the doors off, even if Guelph is a bad team. Creating offense and scoring are the obvious concerns with Luchanko, and, in theory, he should be able to spend plenty of time working on that whilst trying to keep the team within reach of winning games.

However, it's clear that the Flyers are averse to this idea and prefer to keep him in-house, even at the inevitable cost of playing time.

Luchanko can and will hold his own, yes, but can the Flyers get him to do more than that? It's the golden question, and one that's hard to answer given his 19 years of age.

Flyers Preseason Stock Up, Stock Down: Chemistry and Causes for ConcernFlyers Preseason Stock Up, Stock Down: Chemistry and Causes for ConcernThe Philadelphia Flyers finished the 2025 preseason with a 3-4-0 record, needing a shootout to achieve each of those three wins. Despite some new players impressing, there are causes for concern, too.

What we can deduce, however, is that the Flyers didn't give themselves the best runway for developing a player by selecting Luchanko over a Helenius, for example.

Of course, Luchanko's assist in the 4-3 shootout win over the New Jersey Devils in the preseason finale came when he was on the ice with Travis Sanheim, who scored the goal, Cam York, Nikita Grebenkin, and Garnet Hathaway.

Hathaway is a fourth-liner, yes, but Luchanko's ceiling is further limited when he's paired with another in Nick Deslauriers or Rodrigo Abols.

With that said, Luchanko playing NHL games with the Flyers can work, but only if and when he plays with players who can help him reach the Flyers' aspirations for his developing scoring touch.