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2025 NFL Draft: Why Travis Hunter going to Browns would ‘suck so much’

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

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In the latest episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Matt Harmon and Charles McDonald took a deep look at the wide receiver class and shared concerns about Travis Hunter's transition to the NFL if he lands with the Browns with the second overall pick in this year's draft. The worries have nothing to with Hunter's ability, he's a once-in-a generation talent, but Cleveland's quarterback issues can't be ignored.

Kenny Pickett and Deshaun Watson are the only two quarterbacks currently on the roster, raising red flags about the environment Hunter would be entering. 

McDonald warned, "What is he (Hunter) changing about this situation that they have going on there?" Later adding, "I hope they pass, just for all of us because like that would suck so much if he ended up in Cleveland."

From a fantasy perspective, Hunter would likely going to the Browns as a receiver first, which means he would be peppered with targets as a rookie. Who would be throwing him the ball is a totally different question. Malik Nabers was able to overcome poor QB play en route to catching 109 balls for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Could Hunter pull off something similar? 

Hunter is one of Harmon's favorite prospects in this year's class, likening him to a prime Odell Beckham, which makes the idea of him being in an unstable situation with the Browns worrying but one where he might be able to succeed despite Cleveland's QB conundrum.

There's a chance the Browns try trading back into the first round to select Shedeur Sanders, reuniting the college teammates and giving Cleveland a quarterback to grow with Hunter. 

Whether it's Sanders or someone else, Hunter's fantasy outlook would significantly improve if the Browns can figure out a reliable solution at quarterback. If the Browns can bring in a capable passer then Hunter has the potential to be a fantasy star. His skill set suggests he could see a high volume of targets, and we know how valuable that kind of workload can be in fantasy football.

However, given the uncertainty, fantasy managers might need to approach Hunter with cautious optimism. There's a potential for high reward, but you'll want to keep an eye on what the Browns do at QB if they do decide to take Hunter second overall before getting too excited about drafting him for your fantasy team.

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NHL Playoffs: Five Veterans With A Lot To Prove

Jacob Markstrom, Dougie Hamilton and Mitch Marner (Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

Every NHL player has a lot to prove in the playoffs, but a handful of experienced post-season players have even more at stake this time around.

Some players either missed the mark in past playoffs or have yet to win the Stanley Cup and are running out of opportunities.

In alphabetical order, here are five notable NHLers with something to prove in the playoffs.

Claude Giroux, C, Ottawa Senators

Giroux has always been a reliable regular-season producer of 50 points or more. He has 34 assists and 49 points in 78 games with the Senators this year. 

However, Giroux is 37 years old and hasn’t won the Stanley Cup yet. This is his first playoff appearance in nearly three years since he joined the Senators, and he will want to make this opportunity count with an improved post-season performance.

In Giroux’s most recent playoff appearance, he had three goals and eight points in 10 games with the Florida Panthers in 2021-22. Before that, in three post-seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, Giroux had only two goals and 12 points in 28 games. 

Giroux may not have many more playoff games in store for him, and the Senators need him to step up and be a secondary scoring force behind Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle.

Connor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg Jets

Hellebuyck is the clear favorite to win this year’s Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top netminder. His 44-12-3 record, .924 save percentage and  2.02 goals-against average prove it. 

His post-season stats are a different story altogether. He posted a 1-4 mark, a .870 SP and a 5.23 GAA for the Jets last spring. In 2022-23, he also went 1-4 and had a 3.44 GAA and .886 SP. He was better in the 2021 post-season, but those numbers are about as Jekyll-and-Hyde as it gets for an NHL goalie.

Needless to say, the 31-year-old Hellebuyck must be significantly better in the upcoming playoffs. The Jets have pressure on them overall, but for Hellebuyck in particular, nothing short of a long playoff run will be satisfactory. 

Hellebuyck has to demonstrate he can shake off his past demons, and that means being the backbone of a Winnipeg team that can’t afford to get rolled again in the first round.

Patrik Laine, RW, Montreal Canadiens

The 26-year-old Laine has 20 goals in 48 games for the Canadiens this season, the seventh time in his nine-year NHL career that he’s gotten to the 20-goal plateau. It’s not as if Laine has been terrible in the playoffs, either, as he has eight goals and 16 points in 24 games. 

That said, Laine has played only seven playoff games – all for the Jets – since 2017-18. In that span, he has three goals and four points. 

He needs to prove he can be a key component of a winning team. Although the Canadiens will be playing with house money when they almost certainly square off as a wild-card team in the Eastern Conference, it still will be a letdown if Laine doesn’t produce a solid amount of offense and push Montreal to at least scare its first-round opponent.

Jacob Markstrom, G, New Jersey Devils

The Devils needed a veteran starting goaltender this summer, and they got one when they acquired Markstrom from the Calgary Flames. 

The 35-year-old Swede didn’t have the greatest regular season, posting an .899 SP and a 2.53 GAA in 48 appearances. But now, with the Carolina Hurricanes as New Jersey’s first-round opponent, Markstrom will be asked to play significantly better.

Markstrom hasn’t been all that bad in his limited playoff action, putting up a 13-13 record, a .911 SP and a 2.90 GAA in 26 games. However, he’s only had two post-season runs to his credit, and this will be his first playoffs since 2022. 

Markstrom will benefit from playing behind a strong Devils lineup, but he must prove he’s worth the investment so that this team doesn’t have to wonder whether it needs another starting goalie this summer.

Mitch Marner, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

No NHL star has higher stakes to deal with than pending UFA Marner. 

If he performs to expectations and the Maple Leafs go on a post-season tear, Marner’s asking price will hit the $13-million mark and above it. Even if Toronto once again gets flushed out early, there will be other teams fully prepared to pay Marner a king’s ransom on a lengthy contract.

Marner’s post-season numbers – including 39 assists and 50 points in 57 career playoff games – are nothing to sneer at. However, it’s all about the team concept for the 27-year-old, as Marner must do his part to power the Leafs to at least the Eastern Conference final to be considered successful this season.

If Toronto fails to get that far, people will blame Marner, fairly or otherwise. If he’s quiet when the team faces elimination, like he was in Game 7 last year, Game 6 against the Panthers two years ago and against the Canadiens in 2021, then there will be criticism.

The Buds will look different next fall if they don’t win at least two rounds. If that happens, Marner may be the biggest name departing for other pastures. It’s that straightforward of a predicament.

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Tottenham 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt: Europa League quarter-final, first leg – as it happened

Tottenham played well, created chances, tested the keeper and speckled the woodwork but could not beat Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League

4 mins: A pretty wild first few minutes, but Spurs have sensibly slowed the pace down with a long spell of not-very-adventurous possession.

2 mins: Chelsea have already wrapped up a handy away win in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final. Here’s a report:

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Lyon 2-2 Manchester United: Europa League quarter-final, first leg – as it happened

André Onana was at fault for both Lyon goals as Rayan Cherki’s stoppage-time strike cancelled out what looked to be a late winner from Joshua Zirkzee

It sounds like a number of Man Utd supporters are struggling to make it to the ground in time for kick-off. I’m sure we’ll hear more about that after the game.

Lyon will be missing their young wingers Ernest Nuamah and Malick Fofana when they host Manchester United on Thursday, which is a huge blow given their penchant for attacking down the flanks. The good news for Paulo Fonseca is that he will be able to call upon Rayan Cherki and Thiago Almada to carry out the attacking duties either side of Corentin Tolisso, with Georges Mikautadze leading the line.

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How Warriors' NBA playoff seeding impacted by Timberwolves' win over Grizzlies

How Warriors' NBA playoff seeding impacted by Timberwolves' win over Grizzlies originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors got the help they needed Thursday night.

Golden State moved back into the Western Conference’s No. 6 seed after the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 141-125, at FedExForum.

The Warriors (47-33), coming off a brutal 114-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, entered Thursday half a game behind the Grizzlies and half a game ahead of the Timberwolves.

Minnesota’s win over Memphis, fueled by Anthony Edwards’ game-high 44 points, means all three teams have 47-33 records. That’s good news for Golden State, which holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over both teams.

The Warriors desperately want to avoid participating in the Western Conference play-in tournament for a third time in the event’s brief history. Golden State is 0-3 in play-in games, having lost to the Los Angeles Lakers and Grizzlies in 2021 and the Sacramento Kings last year.

So, entering the final two regular-season games, here’s how the Western Conference standings look:

  1. Oklahoma City — 66-14 — Clinched No. 1 seed
  2. Houston Rockets — 52-28 — Clinched No. 2 seed
  3. Los Angeles Lakers — 49-31 — Clinched playoff spot
  4. Denver Nuggets — 48-32
  5. Los Angeles Clippers — 48-32
  6. Golden State Warriors — 47-33
    **
  7. Memphis Grizzlies — 47-33
  8. Minnesota Timberwolves — 47-33
  9. Sacramento Kings — 39-41 — Clinched play-in berth
  10. Dallas Mavericks — 38-42 — Clinched play-in berth

If the Warriors take care of business in their final two regular-season games against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night and the Clippers on Sunday afternoon, they will secure the No. 6 seed.

Should Golden State win both remaining games and get some help, they could move up to the No. 4 seed or No. 5 seed.

But one stumble against the Blazers or Clippers likely means the Warriors are headed for a play-in game Tuesday night.

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Suarez pitches 3 scoreless innings in first rehab start

Suarez pitches 3 scoreless innings in first rehab start originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

ATLANTA — A night after Taijuan Walker took his second turn in the Phillies’ rotation, Ranger Suarez began a rehab assignment with Single A Clearwater.

Suarez threw 33 pitches (24 strikes) over three scoreless innings, allowed one hit and struck out four. His first two fastballs of the night were 92.6 and 92.5 mph and he sat mostly 90-92, right in line with his career norms.

Suarez suffered a back injury early in spring training and was limited to just five innings in Grapefruit League games with four more on the back-fields at Carpenter Complex. The Phillies have been careful with him because he’s had a history of back injuries, but it’s a promising sign that the velocity is already where it should be.

Suarez will likely need at least two more rehab starts, perhaps three. He basically needs a full spring training. It helps that Walker has pitched 10⅔ scoreless innings in his place. All Walker needs to do during this stretch is keep the Phillies in games and he’s done that and more.

The Phillies’ eyes will remain on the Threshers Friday night when top prospect Andrew Painter pitches in a minor-league game for the first time since September 2022. Painter is expected to throw two innings and/or 35 pitches. He will start once a week and likely stick to the 35-pitch range for a little while not just because the Phillies want to play it safe with him but also because they want to preserve as many innings as possible for him to help them in the majors in the second half.

While it’s been 2½ years since Painter last pitched in the minors, he did throw 15⅔ innings in the Arizona Fall League, where he excelled, threw in the upper-90s, missed a ton of bats and took home a Pitcher of the Year award.

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Warriors' Steve Kerr explains trolling Buddy Hield in viral Steph Curry moment

Warriors' Steve Kerr explains trolling Buddy Hield in viral Steph Curry moment originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Warriors coach Steve Kerr always has a sense of humor, even as the pressure to make the NBA playoffs mounts.

During the Warriors’ blowout win over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday at PHX Arena, TNT’s social media accounts shared a tongue-in-cheek exchange between him, Steph Curry and Buddy Hield on Golden State’s bench.

“I was just having fun,” Kerr told 95.7 The Game’s Mark T. Willard and Dan Dibley on Thursday. “Buddy is the greatest guy of all time. This guy brings so much joy and laughter to our locker room every single day, and so he’s a guy who can laugh at himself.

“He missed Steph. Steph was wide open in transition for a corner three. Buddy launched one and during the next time out, I just wanted to have some fun with him and just remind him that when you’re playing with Steph Curry, it’s kind of a good idea to throw him the ball if he’s open.”

Kerr trolling Hield came after the first-year Warriors guard shot a 3-pointer instead of passing to a wide-open Curry in the corner.

Hield missed the first 3-point attempt, but the ball found its way back to him on the rebound and he made his second try.

But Kerr still preferred that Hield pass the ball to Curry, the NBA’s all-time leader in 3-pointers.

“Come here,” Kerr said during a timeout Tuesday. “Buddy. That’s Steph Curry. Steph, Buddy Hield. I want you guys to meet each other. Say hello to Steph. He’s the greatest shooter in the history of the world. He’s wide open.”

“He came open late,” Hield said.

“I love you, Buddy,” Kerr responded. “I love you.”

Curry eclipsed 4,000 career 3-pointers earlier this season, currently at 4,049 entering the final two regular-season games.

But Hield is no slouch from behind the arc, as he currently has 2,121 3-pointers.

Still, when Curry is open, his teammates know they must pass him the ball.

Kerr, amazingly, in Game No. 79, had to offer a friendly reminder to Hield.

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The Wraparound: How Much Pressure Do The Canucks Have To Build Around Quinn Hughes?

Quinn Hughes (Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images)

Welcome to The Wraparound, where we discuss the NHL and hockey in rapid-fire segments.

How Much Pressure Do The Canucks Have To Build Around Quinn Hughes? by The WraparoundHow Much Pressure Do The Canucks Have To Build Around Quinn Hughes? by The Wraparoundundefined

Here's what Emma Lingan and Michael Augello discussed in this episode:

0:00: How much of an edge would Gabriel Landeskog give the Colorado Avalanche if he returns for the playoffs?

3:31: What’s been the biggest reason the Ottawa Senators were able to finally clinch a playoff spot?

5:49: Should Jackson LaCombe be getting more praise for his performance with the Anaheim Ducks this season?

9:09: What to make of Isaac Howard’s decision to return to Michigan State next season

12:20: Could Ivan Demidov be an impactful addition for the Montreal Canadiens in their pursuit of the playoffs?

14:03: Will Matthew Knies be the Toronto Maple Leafs’ X-factor in the playoffs?

17:30: Is there pressure on Patrik Allvin to build a winning group around Quinn Hughes?

20:45: Which NHL player with the worst plus/minus rating has been the most surprising?

24:17: Breaking down notable Bill Masterton nominees

See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes.

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Podbean

iHeartRadio

Amazon

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Former Predators Forward Done For The Season

Tommy Novak (© Steve Roberts-Imagn Images)

Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan has announced that former Nashville Predators forward Tommy Novak will be out for the rest of the season. 

Novak, 27, was traded by the Predators to the Penguins back on March 5 of this year. Before the move, the St. Paul, Minnesota native had 13 goals, 22 points, and a minus-5 rating in 52 games with the Predators this campaign. 

Since the trade, Novak has only played two games for the Penguins, with his last appearance on March 9 against the Minnesota Wild. The former Nashville forward has been sidelined with a lower-body injury since. 

Novak was selected by the Predators with the 85th overall pick of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. In 201 games over four seasons with Nashville, he had 49 goals, 68 assists, and 117 points. 

Recent Predators News 

Nashville Predators Sign Goalie To Multi-Year ExtensionNashville Predators Sign Goalie To Multi-Year ExtensionThe Nashville Predators have announced that they have signed goaltender Matt Murray to a two-year, two-way contract extension. At the NHL level, he will carry a $775,000 cap hit. Nashville Predators Send 2 Players Down To AHLNashville Predators Send 2 Players Down To AHLThe Nashville Predators have announced that forward Kieffer Bellows and defenseman Spencer Stastney have been re-assigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. 
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The Rangers Are Just Running Out The Clock Before The Inevitable Occurs

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

While the New York Rangers still have four games, but the inevitable is already crystal clear and they are just running out the clock. 

With their loss on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Montreal Canadiens now just need to get one point in their next four games to officially eliminate the Rangers from playoff contention. 

The Rangers’ nightmare of a season that has been filled with trades, drama, dysfunction, and heartless play is finally about to end. 

There will be some major turnover whether it’s a change in management, coaching or drastic trades and free agent signings to drastically shake up the roster.

We are officially about to witness some meaningless games for the Rangers and let's see how they handle it. 

If we can take any lessons from the atmosphere in the locker room after Wednesday night’s loss, it appears as if the Blueshirts no longer have any hope and are frustrated beyond belief. 

This next batch of games feels like the calm before the storm. A whirlwind of change is coming and it will likely come very quickly upon the season’s end. 

That being said, pay close attention to the way the Rangers conduct themselves over the last four games of the regular season.

We’ll see by their body language on the ice, compete level, and quotes after games to see where they are at mentally and how fed up they are with the whole year.

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Ruff On The Verge Of Joining The “900 Club”

Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff has 899 career wins with Buffalo, Dallas and New Jersey over his 25-year NHL career. 

The Buffalo Sabres have five games remaining this season, and begin their final road trip of the campaign against the Blue Jackets in Columbus on Thursday. The game marks an opportunity for the Sabres to get back to .500 for the first time since the start of their 13-game winless skid in late November, and also a chance for the club to reach a notable career achievement for head coach Lindy Ruff.

The club’s recent win streak has brought the 65-year-old bench boss to the precipice of the 900-career victory mark, and a win over Columbus would make Ruff only the fifth head coach in NHL history, joining former Sabres head coach Scotty Bowman (1,244 wins), Joel Quenneville (969), Paul Maurice (914) and Barry Trotz (914). Ruff compiled 328 wins during four seasons with the Dallas Stars and another 281 victories in almost four years in New Jersey, but more than two-thirds of his victories (606) have been with the Sabres over 16 seasons.

"That's a small milestone," Sabres winger Alex Tuch said jokingly after the win over Carolina on Tuesday. "That's pretty cool. He's been at it while and has had a lot of success in this league, so to be able to help him achieve that goal means the world to our group, so hopefully we get that next game."

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Dahlin Refutes Assertion Of Wanting Out Of Buffalo


Ruff ranks fifth all-time in total wins (regular season and playoffs) with 970 and could join Bowman and Quenneville as the only coaches in NHL history with 1000 or more total wins sometime next season, but he is not focused on personal milestones, but in keeping the Sabres on a positive track to finish out the season.

"I could care less about 900, seriously," Ruff said. "There's only one thing: we want to win hockey games. That's all we want: consistently win games. It's not about me.....That is really the whole focus."

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

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New NHL 25 Roster Update, Ryan Leonard, Gabriel Perreault, Jimmy Snuggerud, And Oliver Moore Added

EA SPORTS NHL 25 - https://x.com/EASPORTSNHL/status/1910388424768471104

A new roster update is live in NHL 25 with new rookies being added to the game. 

New York Rangers forward Gabriel Perreault, Washing Capitals forward Ryan Leonard, St. Louis Blues forward Jimmy Snuggerud, Chicago Blackhawks forward Oliver Moore and Blackhawks defenseman Sam Rinzel all received new playable characters in-game.

Leonard received medium elite potential, while the other three were given medium top 6 potential. Rinzel is a medium top 4 defenseman.

Montreal Canadiens prospects Jacob Fowler and Ivan Demidov should be added once they appear in their first professional games in North America. 

All players were assigned to their respective teams and are playable in play now, franchise mode, shootout mode, and all other offline modes. 

All four new rookie forwards are pictured below

EA SPORTS NHL 25EA SPORTS NHL 25EA SPORTS NHL 25EA SPORTS NHL 25

Check out HUT Corner Stones Event Week 2, April Fools' content release and Team of the Season Week 1. 

For more NHL 25 news make sure you bookmark The Hockey News Gaming Site or follow our Google News Feed. For gaming discussion check out our forum.