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Cowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 17

Football: NFL Playoffs: Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (12) in action vs Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Los Angeles, CA 1/7/1979CREDIT: Walter Iooss Jr. (Photo by Walter Iooss Jr. /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)(Set Number: X23042 TK! R2 F24 )

It is Day 17 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff. We are looking back at the 100 most iconic games in Dallas Cowboys history. The countdown will leads us right up to the opening game of 2026. Our look back doesn’t depend on just one criteria for our rankings. We take into consideration things like how big the game was for the organization, how memorable the game was, games that had unusual events take place, games that are a part of NFL lore, Cowboys firsts, and games where the Cowboys just plain dominated. Variety is the spice of life and we have all different kind of Cowboys games to review. At the bottom, we’ll link each day of the countdown so you can go back and check out any you missed.

Here’s it is, Day 17 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff, when we revisit the defensive masterpiece that sent Dallas to a second consecutive Super Bowl. After playing nearly three quarters without scoring, the Cowboys forced one mistake after another and transformed a tense NFC Championship Game into a complete dismantling of the Los Angeles Rams.

Sunday, January 7, 1979 — 5:00 p.m. ET

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California

Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 28, Los Angeles Rams 0

The matchup was steeped in history and filled with hostility. Both teams had finished 12-4, but Los Angeles held the home-field advantage and had defeated Dallas 27-14 at the Coliseum earlier that season. The Rams were determined to overcome years of postseason frustration, while the defending champion Cowboys sought their fifth Super Bowl appearance. 

The opening half was a defensive struggle, with Dallas unable to find a consistent rhythm against the Rams’ talented front. Meanwhile, Los Angeles squandered its best chances when Frank Corral missed two field goals. As a result, the teams entered halftime tied 0-0, leaving the conference championship undecided.

The Doomsday Defense turned the tide of the game midway through the third quarter. Charlie Waters intercepted Pat Haden and returned the ball to the Los Angeles 10-yard line. Five plays later, Tony Dorsett scored on a five-yard run, giving Dallas the first points of the afternoon. 

After Jackie Wallace’s punt return gave them possession at the Dallas 23, the Rams immediately threatened to respond. Los Angeles reached fourth-and-short at the 14, but Randy White and Larry Bethea stopped Jim Jodat before he could score. This pivotal stand preserved the lead and denied the Rams their best scoring opportunity to that point. 

Waters struck again near the end of the third quarter, intercepting another Haden pass and returning it to the Rams’ 20-yard line. During the play, Haden injured his throwing hand on Randy White’s helmet and left with a broken thumb. Just 58 seconds into the fourth quarter, Roger Staubach found Scott Laidlaw for a four-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0.

Vince Ferragamo, the backup quarterback, briefly gave Los Angeles hope by connecting with Willie Miller for 65 yards to the Dallas 10. However, Cullen Bryant mishandled the handoff on the following play, and Harvey Martin recovered the fumble at the 11. The Rams had moved within sight of the end zone, only to leave without points once again.

Dallas’s next drive sealed the game. Dorsett burst through for 53 yards on the first play, amassing 70 yards in the ensuing 89-yard possession. Staubach capitalized with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Billy Joe DuPree, securing a commanding 21-0 lead for the Cowboys. 

Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson supplied the final exclamation point. After spending the week openly questioning whether the Rams could handle the moment, Henderson intercepted Ferragamo and returned the ball 68 yards for a touchdown with 1:19 remaining. His score completed the shutout and turned his pregame talk into one of the defining stories of the game. 

This game belongs on the countdown because it demonstrated the ruthless postseason quality of Landry’s Cowboys. Dallas absorbed everything the Rams offered during a difficult first half, remained patient and then punished every mistake after halftime. What began as a close defensive contest ended as one of the most decisive conference-title victories in franchise history.

Interesting Facts About the Game

Dallas wore its royal-blue jerseys, making this the franchise’s last playoff victory in a blue uniform until its Wild Card win at Tampa Bay following the 2022 season. 

Countdown to kickoff 

100, 99, 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 91, 90, 89, 88, 87, 86, 85, 84, 83, 82, 81, 80, 79, 78, 77, 76, 75, 74, 73, 72, 71, 70, 69, 68, 67, 66, 65, 64, 63, 62, 61, 60, 59, 58, 57,56, 55, 54, 53, 52, 51, 50, 49, 48, 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18

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MLB makes radical proposal on free agency as lockout looms

Major League Baseball, trying to create a similar free-agent frenzy that the NFL and NBA have each offseason, proposed a window and a December deadline for players to sign, freezing further signings until the first week of February.

The proposal, which MLB formally sent to the players union Thursday, would have a “quiet period" from five days after the World Series until the first day of the winter meetings in December. Teams could re-sign their own free agents in that window, but would only be able sign others from the first day of the winter meetings until Dec. 21. If a free agent is not signed by that date, he would have to wait until the first week of February.

Trades and negotiations with free agents still would exist during the month-long “quiet period" but teams would be prohibited from finalizing an agreement.

Bruce Meyer, interim executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, quickly rejected the proposal, saying it’s only a different way to reduce salaries.

“The league, through their propaganda arm, is promoting their latest set of roster and transaction proposals as player-friendly," Meyer said in a statement.

“MLB expressly conditioned these proposals on the players’ agreement to a salary cap system, which would drastically reduce overall player compensation, eliminate fully guaranteed contracts through escrow, and turn back the clock on fundamental player rights," Meyer said.

“Their latest proposals regarding free agency would eliminate player rights by establishing an artificial free agency window, subject to a salary cap, which would reduce player leverage and create a game of musical chairs pitting player vs. player."

Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Fireworks ignite during the National Anthem during the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

There would also be a complete ban on all transactions and contracts involving Major League players until the first Monday in February, giving players about two weeks to finalize deals before spring training.

MLB also is proposing that teams be permitted to carry an extra pitcher on their roster, from 13 to 14, but the 26-man roster limit would remain the same.

There also would be a creation of weekly rosters, allowing teams to re-set their 26-man roster on Monday each week, preventing clubs from shuttling pitchers with options back and forth players from the big leagues to the minor leagues. MLB’s research shows that Major League transactions have nearly doubled since 2011, with teams averaging 57 players last season, led by Atlanta with 72 players.

MLB also wants to modify the injured list, reducing the minimum from 10 days to one week for position players, and 15 days to two weeks for pitchers. The 60-day IL would be increased to a 12-week minimum (84 days).

“The suggestion that the only way to limit roster churn, or incentivize earlier free-agent signings is with a salary cap is entirely unserious," Meyer said. "Players have proposed changes that would address these priorities, but the league is not interested in any changes that don’t directly reduce the rights of all players and shift leverage to the owners."

MLB proposed that players selected in the Rule 5 Draft no longer would have to remain on the major league roster all season, and could be optioned to the minors during the season. Players coming out of college also could be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft one or two years earlier.

Players under the age of 20 also would be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft four years following the signing of their first professional contract, while players 20 or older would be eligible at the third Rule 5 Draft after signing their first contract.

The proposals, of course, are all under the umbrella of a salary cap and salary floor, which has been adamantly rejected by the players union.

“A cap-and-floor system would unlock additional opportunities to improve the game for players and fans, creating more stability in rosters, getting the best players to the Major Leagues more quickly, and accelerating the pace of the offseason,” MLB spokesperson Glen Caplin said in a statement. “In our current economic system, these changes would be too harmful to competitive balance and would not be practical.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB makes radical proposal on free agency as lockout looms

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Deanna Stellato-Dudek switches back to U.S. for figure skating

Pairs' figure skater Deanna Stellato-Dudek is returning to compete for the U.S. after a stint representing Canada, during which she became the oldest woman to win a world figure skating title and the oldest Olympic figure skater since 1936.

Stellato-Dudek, 43, will pair with Danil Siianytsia in hopes of qualifying for the January 2027 U.S. Championships.

"My journey in this sport has taken me places I never could have imagined, but the United States is where it all began for me," Stellato-Dudek said in a press release. "I’m grateful for everything I’ve experienced throughout my career and excited about what Danil and I can build together.”

Stellato-Dudek, a suburban Chicago native, came up as a singles skater, winning silver at the 2000 World Junior Championships before retiring in 2001 after several hip injuries.

She returned to skating in 2016, switching to pairs and teaming with 2014 U.S. Olympian Nathan Bartholomay.

In 2019, she teamed with Canadian Maxime Deschamps, and later earned Canadian citizenship in December 2024 to become Olympic eligible for that country.

Stellato-Dudek and Deschamps won the world title in 2024 in Montreal, making Stellato-Dudek, then 40, the oldest female figure skating world champion.

Stellato-Dudek sustained a head injury in practice leading up to the Milan Cortina Olympics, causing her and Deschamps to miss the Olympic team event. They made it back for the pairs' event, finishing 11th.

Deschamps announced his retirement in July.

Alysa Liu
Alysa Liu takes figure skating competition break, eyes return next season
Alysa Liu is taking time to recalibrate, “then I’ll be back.”

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Hellebuyck’s Agent Reveals Trade Request, Buffalo Among Possible Destinations

The Buffalo Sabres offseason has centered on winger Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram leaving town, and has not seen GM Jarmo Kekalainen do anything to replace them. Rumors of a deal for Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck percolated around the NHL Draft in late June, but Kekalainen and Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff could not find common ground on a deal.

A trade involving the Hart Trophy and multi-Vezina Trophy winner seemed to be in a state of limbo, but on Thursday afternoon, Hellebuyck began forcing the issue by releasing a statement through agent Ray Petkau that he has made a request to be dealt.  

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“Several months ago, I privately requested a trade. I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options.” Hellebuyck said. “With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request. My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.”

Connor Hellebuyck has requested a trade. Is Buffalo still a possibility?

The 33–year-old is entering the fourth year of an eight-year, $68 million deal ($8.5 million AAV), and has a full no-movement clause until next July. After that, he has a 10-team trade list. Chatter around the draft indicated that the Sabres were willing to send a package that included goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, forward Jack Quinn and the fourth overall pick, later used to select Daxon Rudolph. 

That deal seems less likely, since Luukkonen has gained some control over his destination with a limited no-trade list, and because other potential suitors may have entered the fray. 

The New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes could also be in the mix. The Devils are projecting a three-headed monster of Jake Allen, David Rittich, and Nico Daws is goal, potentially have the pieces that Cheveldayoff might be looking for in a Hellebuyck deal, but could be keeping those pieces in place for a potential Quinn Hughes deal in the Norris Trophy winner does not sign an extension in Minnesota. 

Another possibility is the Carolina Hurricanes, who lost veteran Frederik Andersen in free agency, and has a duo of Brandon Bussi and Pyotr Kochetkov between the pipes. The Hurricanes have enough cap space to take on Hellebuyck’s $8.5 million salary, and have a young unsigned defenseman in RFA Alexander Nikishin.

Hellebuyck reportedly was willing to waive his NMC to be traded to Buffalo, but Cheveldayoff likely will be looking to include as many teams as possible in potential trade talks to drive the price for the veteran netminder up.  

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

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Josh Allen makes the case for grass fields everywhere

When it comes to the issue of grass vs. turf (as well as any other player-related questions), it's important for the NFL's best players to add their voice to the cause.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen, the NFL's MVP in 2024, has done so.

"I think grass is healthier for our bodies," Allen said. "I'm to a point in my career now that when we practice inside on the artificial [surface], I can feel it the next day, and when we go out there [on grass], I feel great. I think any guy that was honest would tell you that's how they feel. So, one, I think it's healthier [as to] injury prevention.

"I've gotten numerous, numerous burns on my legs from artificial turf, like, to the point where I can't sleep at night because it's bubbling over and, like, it's very painful. So I'm excited to not have to deal with that at home at least. I know we still probably will play games on the road that are turf, but if I can snap my fingers and make every field grass, that's what I would do, for sure."

This year, Allen and the Bills will play on artificial turf in Week 1 (at Texans), Week 5 (at Rams), Week 9 (at Vikings), Week 10 (at Jets), and Week 13 (at Patriots).

The issue of getting rug burns on fake grass is a problem. Injuries like that won't end up in the NFL's calculation of injury rates between grass and turf. But it's painful. And unsanitary, especially with the billions of toxic rubber pellets and all of the other stuff (spit, sweat, blood, vomit) that end up interspersed with the plastic.

From a 2022 article published by the National Institutes of Health: "Numerous studies have shown that chemicals identified in artificial turf, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are known carcinogens, neurotoxicants, mutagens, and endocrine disruptors. . . . [F]ew laboratory and epidemiology studies have been performed on the potential health impacts of artificial turf in athletes and communities, despite the abundance of evidence of carcinogens, neurotoxicants, mutagens, and endocrine disruptors in its components."

In other words, it's obviously not healthy for humans to be exposed to the various components of a turf field. The compounds get in player abrasions, in their mouths, in their noses, in their eyes.

It seems inevitable that, with further research, a study will emerge linking playing on artificial turf fields with one or more specific and serious long-term health risks.

Until then, many NFL teams will opt for the fake stuff, because it's cheaper to install and maintain — and because it's easier to have non-football events in stadiums that use it. And all of them will hide behind the inherently misleading notion that the injury rate is identical on grass and turf.

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Packers RB Josh Jacobs charged with battery and criminal damage to property

ASHWAUBENON, WISCONSIN - JUNE 09: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Green Bay Packers participates in drills during the Green Bay Packers mandatory minicamp at Don Hutson Center on June 09, 2026 in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Brown County District Attorney’s Office announced on Thursday that the county has officially charged Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs after he was initially arrested for a domestic abuse complaint back in May. Jacobs was let out of county jail after a short stint this spring, as the county continued to investigate the situation before officially charging Jacobs with a crime.

Per the DA, Jacobs is now charged with two misdemeanors: one count of battery and one count of criminal damage to property. During his May arrest, Jacobs had five charges on the books: battery — domestic abuse, criminal damage to property — domestic abuse, disorderly conduct — domestic abuse, strangulation and suffocation (one charge) and intimidation of a victim.

According to The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero, the NFL is “monitoring all developments in the matter,” but the league has not announced a ruling on whether or not Jacobs will or won’t be suspended at some point during the 2026 season.

The NFL doesn’t necessarily have to decide on the Jacobs situation right this second, as they tend to want to gather all possible information about a potential suspension before ruling one way or another.

Update:

Update #2:

The following is the Packers’ club statement on Jacobs’ charges:

“We are aware of the charges brought against Josh Jacobs. We will continue to cooperate with the the NFL as we work through the process. We will have no further comment at this time.”

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Josh Jacobs charged with two misdemeanors related to May arrest

Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been formally charged with two misdemeanors related to his May arrest in Wisconsin.

According to multiple reports, the Brown County District Attorney's Office has charged Jacobs with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property. Those were two of the five charges that Jacobs initially faced in the arrest, which came after a domestic disturbance call, but prosecutors are not moving forward with a felony charge of strangulation and suffocation or two other misdemeanors.

Jacobs has been available to practice and play for the Packers since the arrest, but he could face discipline under the league's Personal Conduct Policy as a result of the arrest.

General Manager Brian Gutekunst said at a press conference this week that the Packers have prepared for a possible suspension during the 2026 season.

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Bengals at Eagles: How to watch and follow

PITTSBURGH - AUGUST 20: Linebacker Jamar Chaney #49 of the Philadelphia Eagles lines up during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals on August 20, 2010 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It is the end of the preseason for the Cincinnati Bengals, who will be on the road Friday night to take on the Philadelphia Eagles. We only have one more game to sit through before the regular season begins.

Expect to see plenty of roster bubble players trying to make their mark. Sometimes it’s important to just get some good plays on tape, even if you ultimately get cut.

So, while these players will be auditioning for their current teams, they are also auditioning for every other team in the NFL. The life of a roster-bubble player is very fickle. Even if they land on the 53-man roster after cuts, they could be cut anytime after that.

This is all before we even talk about practice squads for teams that need to be filled. So much movement will come after this game, and it might be the last time we see these guys on the field for anything other than special teams until next year.

Enjoy the subtle beauty of it, knowing the real thing is right around the corner

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles

  • Date/Time: August 28th at 8:00 pm ET
  • Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
  • TV Channel: The game will air nationally on CBS. In the Bengals’ home region, it will be carried by WKRC-TV (Ch. 12) in Cincinnati, WHIO-TV (Ch. 7) in Dayton, and WKYT-TV (Ch. 27) in Lexington. Broadcasters are Andrew Catalon (play-by-play), Ross Tucker (analyst), and AJ Ross (sideline reporter).
  • Online Stream:Paramount+ and NFL+
  • Radio Broadcast: The game will air on the Bengals Radio Network, led by Cincinnati flagship radio stations WLW-AM (700), WCKY-AM (1530), and WEBN-FM (102.7). Broadcasters are Dan Hoard (play-by-play), Dave Lapham (analyst), and Tony Pike (analyst).
  • SB Nation Eagles’ site: Bleeding Green Nation
  • Rosters: CIN | PHI
  • Series Leader: The Eagles lead the preseason series, 6-5
  • Weather: According to NFL Weather, the game will be in the mid-70s with cloudy skies and a chance of thunderstorms
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Sabres Top 40 Prospects – #13

The Buffalo Sabres have been considered to have one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL, which is in part due to them selecting high in recent drafts because of their not qualifying for the playoffs. The Sabres have displayed an eye for talent, and the organization’s developmental model has begun to yield results, with 2023 first rounder Zach Benson making an impact in the playoffs, and 2024 top pick Konsta Helenius appearing as one of the AHL’s top prospects the last two seasons.  

Leading up to the opening of training camp in mid-September, we will look at the club's top 40 prospects. These players are all 25 years old or younger, whose rights are currently held by the Sabres or are on AHL or NHL deals, and have played less than 82 NHL games. 

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13. Scott Ratzlaff – Goalie (Jacksonville - ECHL, Rochester - AHL)

Ratzlaff was the Sabres fifth-round pick at the 2023 NHL Draft in Nashville. The young netminder was a tandem goalie in his second season with the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds, posting an impressive 25-8-1 record, 2.15 GAA, .918 save percentage and played for Canada in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in his draft year.

Who will make up the goal scoring gap left by the departure of Alex Tuch?

The Irma, Alberta native became the primary starter for a rebuilding Thunderbirds squad in 2023-24 and put up more pedestrian numbers (21-26-2, 3.33 GAA, .905 save percentage) and was the third goalie for Team Canada at the 2024 World Junior Championships in Sweden, but did not see action. 

In his final season in junior,  Ratzlaff finished 23-19-4, with a 3.16 GAA and .910 save%, and in March, the Sabres signed the 21-year-old to a three-year ELC. Last season, the youngster split time with Topias Leinonen as the back to Devon Levi, splitting time almost equally between ECHL Jacksonville and the AHL Amerks. 

With Levi dealt to Edmonton, the Sabres added veteran AHLer Matt Villalta in free agency, but it is expected that Leinonen and Ratzlaff will get the lion’s share of the starts in Rochester next season. 

Follow Michael on X, and Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

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On Canadiens Lane Hutson And The Chase For Hardware

On Wednesday night’s episode of The Sick Podcast, Tony Marinaro and Brian Wilde discussed whether Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson would ever win the Norris Trophy. The Global reporter doesn’t believe Hutson will ever win the Norris for one main reason: it’s so hard for small guys to get respect.

While Wilde does have a point about it being hard for small guys to earn respect, especially after both Hutson and Cole Caufield were left off Team USA for the Olympics, when it comes to NHL Trophies, it’s hard for anyone to get respect.

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For instance, look at Nick Suzuki: he won the Frank J. Selke Trophy this past season as the league’s top defensive forward, but it took him years to seriously enter the conversation. At times, voters for the few NHL trophies get set in their ways and keep going back to the same players, even when new players are worth considering. The fact that Suzuki finally won that prize in a year when Aleksander Barkov didn’t play and in which he earned high praise from Team Canada coach Jon Cooper is hardly surprising. I’m not saying he shouldn’t have won it, not at all, but I'm wondering whether it would have happened if Barkov had been playing and Cooper hadn't spoken about him at the Olympics.

It wasn’t easy for Suzuki to force his way onto Canada’s lineup, just like it’s not easy for Hutson with Team USA, but there comes a time when a player’s body of work forces the GMs’ hands. Hutson has spent his whole career showing naysayers wrong. He’s probably fought against the “small player” tag from the moment he laced them up, and it lit a fire under him. It’s that same fire that makes him chase opponents relentlessly when he makes a mistake and turns the puck over.

Hutson’s turn will come; it won’t be right away, but it will come. Chances are, though, if you ask him about the possibility of winning the Norris Trophy, he’ll tell you that’s not the one he’s aiming for. The one trophy he and every Canadiens player want is the Stanley Cup, as it should be.

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.  

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.

Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable on The Hockey News.

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San Jose Sharks Breakout Candidates: Igor Chernyshov

Igor Chernyshov's role with the 2026-27 San Jose Sharks seemed set in stone heading into the offseason; a strong conclusion to the 2025-26 campaign made it seem that he was a shoo-in to make the opening night roster. The additions of Ivar Stenberg and Mason Marchment have put that in jeopardy now, but if he does make the opening night roster, Chernyshov has the chance to become one of the Sharks' top offensive producers. 

During the 2025-26 season, which is officially considered Chernyshov's rookie season since he played more than 25 games, the Russian winger scored nine goals and 10 assists for a total of 19 points in 28 games. While it is a much smaller sample size than others behind him, Chernyshov's points-per-game rate was actually the fifth-highest on the Sharks last season, as he beat out players like Tyler Toffoli, Collin Graf, and Kiefer Sherwood.

At 20 years of age, it seems clear that Chernyshov is ready for the NHL. However, to get the most out of him, the Sharks would likely want to use him in a top-six role, rather than sticking him in more of a grit-and-grind style of bottom-six role. He could probably thrive in both, given his 6-foot-2 frame, but it would certainly be less than ideal to limit his scoring talent. 

In order for Chernyshov to get a top-six role, though, he'd have to beat out two of Stenberg, Marchment, Will Smith, Collin Graf, Sherwood, and Tyler Toffoli. Given Smith's clear chemistry with Macklin Celebrini, it's safe to say that the Sharks aren't moving him off of their top line.

Stenberg, Marchment, and Graf are the likely frontrunners for the remaining top-six roles outside of Chernyshov. As a result, it will be difficult for Chernyshov to lock himself into a top-six role, but it's far from impossible. If he's able to impress Ryan Warsofsky enough to earn a key job, especially the first-line slot alongside Smith and Celebrini, we could potentially see the 20-year-old dominate the NHL in his first full season.

In a full 84-game season, Chernyshov would be on pace for 27 goals if he maintains the same goal-scoring rate he had last season. After factoring in his assist numbers, Chernyshov could launch himself into the 60-point range, which would make him one of the Sharks' highest offensive producers. 

It's far from guaranteed that Chernyshov would be able to maintain the same pace over the course of a full season, but it seems that he's earned that chance to do so. If he runs with it, the Sharks could benefit massively. 

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Why Connor Hellebuyck Chose To Go Public With His Trade Demand

Connor Hellebuyck has finally said publicly what Kevin Cheveldayoff and the Winnipeg Jets have apparently known for months. He wants out.

The longtime Jets goaltender released a statement Thursday confirming that he privately requested a trade several months ago, ending any remaining uncertainty surrounding his future in Winnipeg.

Photo by Ron Chenoy/USA Today 
Photo by Ron Chenoy/USA Today 

“Several months ago, I privately requested a trade,” Hellebuyck shared in a statement through his agent Ray Petkau. “I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options.”

But perhaps the most important part of Hellebuyck's statement wasn't the confirmation of the trade request, but rather his explanation for why he chose to make it public now.

“With training camp approaching, I felt it was important to publicly confirm my request,” he said. “My position has not changed, and I believe moving on is the best path forward for me and my family.”

The timing is definitely very important. For months, the Jets and Hellebuyck had managed to keep the situation relatively private despite widespread speculation about the three-time Vezina Trophy winner's future.

General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff acknowledged in late June that Winnipeg was listening to offers for Hellebuyck but stopped short of confirming whether his franchise goaltender had actually requested a trade.

“Certainly, as an organization we're going to listen,” Cheveldayoff said at the time, adding that conversations held during exit meetings would remain private.

Now, Hellebuyck has removed any ambiguity. He wants to be traded, the Jets have apparently known that for several months and, with September approaching, no deal has materialized. And from what sources have gathered, that hasn't been for a lack of discussion.

The Buffalo Sabres emerged as a serious potential destination around the NHL Draft in June. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported at the time that the two clubs had discussed a Hellebuyck trade and that the goaltender would have been willing to waive his no-movement clause to facilitate a move to Buffalo.

Those discussions ultimately stalled and more than two months later, Hellebuyck remains a Jet.

That made comments from Jets captain Adam Lowry particularly interesting this week. “I expect him to come to camp,” Lowry told The Athletic. “I expect him to prove he’s the best goalie in the world.”

Lowry added that all indications were that Hellebuyck remained a Jet and that the team was approaching the situation accordingly. Three days later, Hellebuyck publicly confirmed he wants to leave.

His decision to go public doesn't necessarily mean a trade is imminent. Hellebuyck remains under contract for another five seasons at an $8.5-million cap hit and possesses a full no-movement clause, giving both the player and the Jets significant control over where this goes next.

But the public statement most definitely changes the dynamic. Until Thursday, Winnipeg could continue working quietly and, if the right offer didn't emerge, proceed toward training camp with Hellebuyck still atop its depth chart.

Hellebuyck has now made it clear that isn't his preferred outcome. The motivation behind the request shouldn't come as an enormous surprise, either.

Following Winnipeg's disappointing 2025-26 season, Hellebuyck was candid about his frustration with the direction of the club. After experiencing Olympic success with the United States earlier in the year, the Jets stumbled badly and missed the postseason one year after winning the Presidents' Trophy.

The 33-year-old is entering the latter stages of his prime and has accomplished virtually everything an NHL goaltender can individually. What remains missing is the Stanley Cup - something he has told reporters from Day 1 is his ultimate goal.

By initially keeping his request private, Hellebuyck gave Cheveldayoff months to explore the market without publicly diminishing Winnipeg's leverage. But now in announcing it, he has effectively put a clock on the situation. Training camp is approaching. His position hasn't changed. And after months of waiting quietly, Hellebuyck apparently decided it was time everyone knew exactly where he stood.

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Ranking the Projected Second Line for the Kings in 2027

The projected second line for the Los Angeles Kings are Erik Haula, Kevin Fiala and Mats Zuccarello. Here’s how each forward will rank based on expected production for next season.

3. Erik Haula

For now, Haula is projected to be in the second line, but that is not his official role. Haula is more of a middle six forward than a consistent second line center.

Haula primarily spent most of his time on the third line last season with the Nashville Predators. This season, the Kings are expected to bring up Haula to the second line to manage the defensive responsibilities.

Even if Haula secures the role as the second line center, he will take a back seat on offense. Fiala and Zuccarello have both recorded over 60 points per season four times in their careers. Haula has never scored 60 points in a season once.

Regardless of what line Haula spends most of his time on ice, he won’t have the statistics of Fiala and Zuccarello. Therefore, Haula will be the number three forward, if he actually gets the time with the second line unit.

2. Mats Zuccarello

Compared to the other two forwards in this projected unit, Zuccarello racked up the most points last season. Despite Zuccarello having the most points in 2026, that will likely change this upcoming season.

Zuccarello may not have the most points from this unit, he should still have the most assists. Zuccarello has five straight seasons with at least 35 points or more; neither Fiala nor Haula currently holds that streak.

Back in 2022, Zuccarello played for the Minnesota Wild with Fiala and Fiala had the better numbers. Despite Zuccarello playing first line and Fiala playing third line, Fiala had 85 points while Zuccarello only had 79 points.

From the following three seasons in 2023-2025, Fiala had more points in each of those seasons. Consistently, Fiala was shown to be the better goalscorer and racked up more total points. The odds are that will happen again, because Fiala is already implemented in the Los Angeles system.

1. Kevin Fiala

Fiala is projected to be the point leader on the second line due to his scoring ability. In Fiala’s career, he has recorded over 30 goals seven times, while Zuccarello has only done that three times.

During Fiala and Zuccarello’s tenure in Minnesota, Fiala was top three in most goals every season in 2020-2022. Zuccarello never made the top three once across this span. This resulted in Fiala having more total points than Zuccarello in each of those seasons.

In the four seasons after his time with the Wild, Fiala put up more goals in Los Angeles than Zuccarello did in Minnesota. Fiala was in the top four in goals and even in the top two twice for the Kings from 2023-2026.

On the other hand, Zuccarello only made the top four in goals twice. He also was never top three in goals for the Wild in the last four seasons.

Los Angeles has relied on Fiala to be the best scoring option on the second line ever since he’s been there. That will not change with Zuccarello coming to town since Fiala has shown to be a better goalscorer. Fiala is the number one option and the best player on the second line for the Kings. 

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Rams trade Jarquez Hunter to Miami to bring back Tutu Atwell

Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell hauls in an 88-yard touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts.
Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell hauls in an 88-yard touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts in September 2025. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The Rams never found a way to consistently deploy speedy receiver Tutu Atwell. But they apparently can’t quit him.

On Thursday, the Rams traded second-year running back Jarquez Hunter to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Atwell, the team announced.

Hunter, 24, was a 2025 fourth-round draft pick from Auburn. He played in five games as a rookie, all on special teams. On a Super Bowl-favorite team that includes Kyren Williams, Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers, who is also a special teams ace, Hunter was not going to play unless there were a series of injuries.

Rams running back Jarquez Hunter carries the ball during a preseason win over the New Orleans Saints.
Rams running back Jarquez Hunter carries the ball during a preseason win over the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium on Aug. 22. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Atwell, who will turn 27 in October, was selected by the Rams in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft out of Louisville. He was sidelined much of his rookie season because of a shoulder injury, and was subsequently used sparingly the next three seasons. In 2024, he caught a career-best 42 passes for 562 yards.

Before the 2025 season, the Rams signed Atwell to a one-year, $10-million contract. But with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams getting the majority of targets, Atwell caught only six passes for 192 yards, 88 coming on a winning touchdown pass play against the Indianapolis Colts.

In March, Atwell signed a one-year, $1.4-million contract with the Dolphins, according to Sportrac.com.

Atwell joins a receiver corps that includes Nacua, Adams, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, rookie CJ Daniels and Xavier Smith, who was the punt returner last season.

Read more:Who will back up Matthew Stafford? Rams’ QB2 race comes down to preseason finale

Atwell knows all of the Rams’ receiver positions.

So the trade might also turn out to be a cautionary preemptive move if the NFL determines Nacua violated the league’s personal-conduct policy and suspends him. Nacua is the defendant in a civil lawsuit that stems from a New Year’s Eve incident during which he allegedly made an antisemitic statement at a dinner and bit a woman while riding in a vehicle.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Rams trade for Tutu Atwell, send Jarquez Hunter to Miami

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 14: Tutu Atwell #5 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Los Angeles Rams traded for receiver Tutu Atwell from the Miami Dolphins on Thursday, reuniting the team with a player who has spent his entire career playing for Sean McVay. In return, the Rams sent running back Jarquez Hunter to the Dolphins after it became apparent that the 2025 fourth-round pick had fallen out of favor with McVay, and was no better than fourth on the depth chart.

Atwell was drafted by the Rams in the second round of the 2021 draft, but was allowed to leave in free agency after a disappointing 2025 campaign in which he was paid $10 million for six catches. He signed with Miami as a free agent, but apparently that did not go well enough for him to stick.

Before 2026 properly begins, Atwell is back with the Rams as Hunter heads towards his new home.

Atwell spent five years with the Rams — mostly up and down — before he headed to Miami.

It was the fifth season that really hurt the most, as Atwell was targeted 15 times despite the eight-figure salary that Les Snead paid him to stay in L.A. By trading for his return, the Rams seem to believe that he’ll be in a better personnel situation in 2026 than he was dealt in 2025.

For Hunter, he was taken by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but was never able to beat out Ronnie Rivers for the team’s depth role behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. McVay endorsed Rivers as a player he “trusts” and the coach clearly didn’t see any ways to use Hunter moving forward. Despite his strong performance in the preseason, Hunter has not cleared a role on a team with two starting quality backs.

With the Rams trading for Atwell, he seems like a sure thing to make the roster, so who will the Rams let go in his place? Because it did not seem like Hunter was going to make the 53-man roster at all. Could this be bad news for C.J. Daniels?

We’ll find out by Sunday’s final cuts.