Posts

Posted on

Adam Silver gets heat for saying NBA 'a highlights-based sport' fans can see on Instagram, TikTok

Adam Silver would like that phrasing back.

Silver has faced criticism in recent days for a quote that came off as tone deaf to fans. When asked on Wednesday about the expense of being an NBA fan — from the cost of attending games to the need for fans to subscribe to multiple streaming services to watch all their team's games — the quote pulled out of Silver's answer was cold.

"There's a huge amount of our content that people essentially consume for free. This is very much a highlights-based sport, so Instagram, TikTok, Twitter [now X]... YouTube, another example that is advertising based that consumers can consume," Silver said.

Silver misses the mark in a couple of places in that clip. First, there's the "Hey fans, if you can't afford the streaming services just go to social media" vibe that is not what fans want to hear. Second, the NBA just secured a massive new television deal because of its value to streaming services; telling fans they can look elsewhere is not what the league's partners want to hear.

But Silver's comment was not nearly as bad as it was made out to be. Mark Cuban even defended him.

First, Silver was not wrong — for a younger generation of fans, highlights on social media (and clips of debate about the league) is how they consume the NBA. They are less likely to sit down in front of a television (or at a bar) to watch regular season NBA games. The league must adapt to ensure it still reaches those fans.

Also, Silver's comments about the cost are not so harsh when read in the full context of his response. Silver is not someone who speaks in clips, he gives long, thoughtful answers, ones often couched in legal phrases (he is a lawyer, after all). In the full quote, Silver's answer doesn't sound cold.

"[The reporter] took all the different streaming services and added them up and what those costs would be. I look at it a little bit differently, because most people can only consume so many games," Silver said. "By way of one example, in these new media deals, we're going from essentially 15 exposures on broadcast television to 75. So to the extent someone wants to put little rabbit ears on their television, you can still get 75 marquee games in essence for free in the marketplace...

"Because of the disruption in the regional sports network business — I never would have predicted this was coming 10 years ago — but a lot of our local games are moving back to broadcast television. In fact, we have more games on broadcast television locally than we've had anytime in recent history."

Streaming services also appear to be the future of the broadcast industry, which is why NBC will have games on Peacock — every game nationally broadcast on NBC will also be streamed on Peacock, plus there will be exclusive Monday night games on Peacock. The value the NBA provides in bringing in viewers is why Amazon Prime will also carry games.

The NBA's larger concern is helping viewers know where to tune in to watch games on a given night.

Of course, fans can always still catch the highlights on TikTok.

Posted on

Michael Soroka nears return to the Cubs after rehabbing his shoulder injury

CHICAGO — Michael Soroka is on his way back to the Chicago Cubs after being sidelined by a shoulder strain.

Soroka pitched 2 1/3 innings of one-run ball in a rehab appearance with Triple-A Iowa. His fastball was clocked as high as 96.6 mph — a significant improvement on his velocity right before his injury.

“He’ll be activated with us for his next outing,” manager Craig Counsell said before a game against Tampa Bay. “We’ll see on the date right now.”

Soroka was acquired in a trade deadline deal with Washington. The right-hander started on Aug. 4 against Cincinnati and pitched two innings in his first appearance with Chicago before departing with his shoulder issue.

The 28-year-old Soroka is 3-8 with a 4.86 ERA in 17 starts this season, but he could work out of the bullpen when he returns to the Cubs.

Counsell also said Daniel Palencia played catch before the series opener against the Rays. The 25-year-old closer was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain.

“It was like diagnostic catch maybe is the way to say it, like let’s play catch to see how it feels,” Counsell said. “We’re hoping it feels good and then we can just keep moving forward.”

Palencia is 1-6 with a 3.00 ERA and a career-high 22 saves in 51 innings over 52 appearances this year. He pitched a total of 43 innings in 37 games over his first two years in the majors.

The Cubs also have All-Star right fielder Kyle Tucker on the IL with a left calf strain. Counsell said he doesn’t think Tucker will be ready to be activated when he is eligible to return.

“I think the symptomatic stuff is the running right now,” Counsell said. “So we’re on a bike. We’re hitting still, throwing. We’re hoping to have a weekend of kind of no symptoms doing any of that. And that’ll lead us back onto the field. And to the running and then go from there.”

Cubs slugger Seiya Suzuki was out of the starting lineup against Tampa Bay because of an illness. Rookie Moisés Ballesteros subbed for Suzuki as the designated hitter.

Posted on

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Luis Severino, Luis Rengifo and Jason Alexander

FANTASY BASEBALL WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS

Luis Severino (SP Athletics): Rostered in 32% of Yahoo leagues

Today’s recommended pickups are really just focused on next week only, and with a road start in Pittsburgh slated for Friday, Severino looks like the best bet of the one-start starters mostly unrostered in Yahoo leagues. That the outing is on the road is big; Severino is 5-2 with a 3.11 ERA in away games this year, compared to 1-9 with a 6.34 ERA in Sacramento. Both of his starts since returning from the IL have come on the road, and he’s allowed three runs while striking out 11 over 10 innings against the Cardinals and Angels.

The opponent is the real reason this looks like a strong play; the Pirates have scored the fewest runs in the leagues. Since the All-Star break, they have the third fewest runs scored and the third worst OPS. They’ll probably be throwing Bubba Chandler against the A’s, and while he could do just about anything, he’s probably only going to pitch about four innings before turning things over to the pen. It’s a situation ripe for a victory.

Luis Rengifo (INF Angels): Rostered in 16% of Yahoo leagues

The Marlins and Angels will face the Rockies in the final two series of the season at Coors Field this weekend. Most Marlins worth experimenting with are already rostered in the majority of leagues, though Otto Lopez wouldn’t be a terrible flier. Still, I’d take a chance on Rengifo first. Yoán Moncada is another option as a one-week pickup.

Rengifo has largely been a bust in his walk year. After averaging a 109 OPS+ and 2.1 WAR from 2022-24, he’s come in at just 76 and 0.4, respectively, in 135 games this year. Still, he has picked it up some in the second half, hitting .257/.333/.382 in 46 games, He’s also 8-for-8 stealing bases after going just 2-for-8 in the first half. That’s what gets him the nod over Lopez and Moncada here. If steals aren’t a priority, Lopez is probably the better choice in the other categories this week.

Jason Alexander (SP Astros): Rostered in 17% of Yahoo leagues

Alexander is the pick here for next week’s best, mostly available two-start pitcher. He’s facing contenders in the Rangers and Mariners, but that hasn’t seemed to pose any problems for him of late; he just pitched seven scoreless innings against the Blue Jays on Wednesday and he gave up a total of three runs in 11 innings in two recent starts against the Yankees.

A 32-year-old journeyman, Alexander’s only MLB action prior to this season came when he posted a 5.40 ERA in 11 starts and seven relief appearances for the Brewers in 2022. He has a 4.19 ERA in 10 starts and five relief appearances for the Astros this season. His low-90s fastball and sinker are well below average, and he’s not someone who should figure into the Astros’ plans for 2026. But for two starts against mediocre offenses this week, he ought to be good for one win and probably not much ERA and WHIP damage.

Waiver Wire Quick Hits

- Of course, with the Rockies having six home games, some of their hitters are worth trying as well. It hurts the likes of Mickey Moniak and Yanquiel Fernández that they’re due to face three lefties, but that makes Jordan Beck (19% rostered), Tyler Freeman (8% rostered) and Kyle Karros (1% rostered) better bets. Beck is hitting .315/.358/.491 at Coors Field this season, and he's been particularly productive against southpaws.

- Those feeling especially adventurous could take a flier on Sean Burke, who showed his best velocity of the season in his return to the majors Wednesday against the Rays. Burke is due to face the Orioles on Monday and Padres on Sunday, both at home. The White Sox have been surprisingly productive offensively of late, so maybe he’ll get a win.

Posted on

When Will Sebastian Cossa Join the Red Wings?

Sebastian Cossa made NHL history in his debut by becoming the first goalie to win in a shootout after entering in relief, stopping 12 of 14 shots as the Red Wings rallied to beat Buffalo 6-5 last December. The 6-foot-6 netminder has shown steady development, anchoring Grand Rapids in the AHL over the past two seasons and playing a key role in a franchise-record 19-game point streak.

Looking Back at Sebastian Cossa's Shootout Win in His Historic NHL DebutLooking Back at Sebastian Cossa's Shootout Win in His Historic NHL DebutThe Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.

A first-round pick in 2021, Cossa’s junior and early pro career have been marked by success, and he’s widely seen as Detroit’s future in goal. With his continued growth and confidence, the question is no longer if but when he’ll become a full-time NHL presence.

When do you think Cossa will make the jump to Detroit's crease full time? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Posted on

'My Dad Wouldn't Have Missed It For The World': Tyler Hopkins Excited To Play First Game With Maple Leafs At Prospect Showdown

Tyler Hopkins is itching to walk out of the tunnel at the Bell Centre this weekend.

Hopkins will step onto the ice for his first Prospect Showdown game on Saturday afternoon, following a whirlwind of a summer after being selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round (86th overall) of this year’s NHL Draft.

“Being able to put the Leafs jersey on in a real game this time, in front of, hopefully — it sounded like a lot of guys were saying last year — a pretty lively crowd in Montreal, I’m excited to get into the games, feel the speed out a little bit,” Hopkins said on Friday, before getting on the bus to Montreal.

“Obviously, it’s going to be a lot faster than major junior, but just general excitement towards this game.”

Hopkins is projected to center a line with 2024 seventh-round pick Sam McCue and camp invite Alex Pharand. The Campbellville, Ontario, product has already gotten into some preseason action over the last couple of weeks with his OHL club, the Kingston Frontenacs, and he’s looking forward to going up against tough competition in Montreal.

Projected Maple Leafs Rookie Game Lines Revealed Ahead Of Weekend MatchupsProjected Maple Leafs Rookie Game Lines Revealed Ahead Of Weekend MatchupsThe Toronto Maple Leafs' top prospects are set to face off against the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators in a pair of rookie games this weekend. Following the team’s second day of on-ice preparation, we have a clearer sense of what the lines will look like, as reported by our own Nick Barden.

Even the play during the first two practices here in Toronto was high-paced, with a lot of physicality.

“There’s quite a few guys that are some pretty good hockey players,” Hopkins said when asked who’s stood out. “Obviously, Easton Cowan, he’s one of the guys who stands out. High-end, skilled player, really smart with the puck. (Ben) Danford as well, just really strong on the puck as well, breaks the puck out really well. Another smart defender, can kind of play in all situations.

“He’s going to be valuable for us this weekend, both of them, and valuable to this organization in the future.”

Hopkins spent a lot of the summer at the Maple Leafs’ facility. He worked closely with assistant strength and conditioning coach Trevor Bartoli, and Maple Leafs assistant GM, player development, Hayley Wickenheiser, who he says was around quite often to help with any questions he might’ve had.

'Couldn't Ask For Anything Better': How Former Maple Leafs Defenseman Jake Muzzin Is Helping Develop The Next Crop Of Toronto Defenders'Couldn't Ask For Anything Better': How Former Maple Leafs Defenseman Jake Muzzin Is Helping Develop The Next Crop Of Toronto DefendersAs Toronto Maple Leafs 2024 first-round pick Ben Danford finishes a battle drill at the organization's development camp, he receives a stick-tap from Jake Muzzin.

The young forward added that a couple of the Maple Leafs skated in Toronto throughout the summer, such as Morgan Rielly. However, Hopkins trained mostly with Toronto’s AHL players, which, even then, allowed him to gain more understanding of the next level.

“They’re another level ahead of me, so I think even just being on the ice with those guys, they work their butts off, so being in that environment with them, I think it pushed me a lot,” he said.

“And obviously, they’re bigger and stronger as well, which I think was good for me. The more of that I can go against older, stronger guys, I think that’s going to help push my game to the next level.”

Ex-Maple Leafs Prospect Fraser Minten To Participate In Bruins Rookie Tournament Despite Ending Last Season In NHLEx-Maple Leafs Prospect Fraser Minten To Participate In Bruins Rookie Tournament Despite Ending Last Season In NHLDespite having 25 games of NHL experience over two seasons, Fraser Minten was announced as part of the Boston Bruinsrookie tournament roster this week. Speaking to reporters at Warrior Ice Arena, Minten was asked how it came to be that he would take part in the tournament. It turns out Minten didn’t volunteer. He’s just following Bruins GM Don Sweeney’s orders.

As Hopkins takes to the ice on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators’ prospects, it’ll be the first time he wears the Maple Leaf on his chest for a game. It’ll be a full circle moment—after idolizing the team as a child—with his parents, Glen and Christie, in the crowd, cheering for him.

“My dad wouldn’t have missed it for the world. He’s pretty excited,” Hopkins smiled.

“It’s playing against the Habs. It’s been a rivalry forever, and obviously, it’s going to be the first time he gets to see me in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey uniform, so I think that’s the general excitement for him and me.”

Latest stories:

Projected Maple Leafs Rookie Game Lines Revealed Ahead Of Weekend Matchups

Easton Cowan Adds Size, Reveals What It Will Take To Make Maple Leafs Roster Out Of Training Camp

'It's A Big Year For Me': Maple Leafs Prospect Ben Danford Ready For Fresh Start After Missing Last Year's Prospect Tournament

Posted on

Looking Back at Sebastian Cossa's Shootout Win in His Historic NHL Debut

The Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.

Subscribe now to view the full THN Archives here

Also, go to thn.com/free to subscribe.

Cool As A Cossa - Jan. 27 2025 - Vol. 78 Issue 7 - Dillion Collins

  DRAMA IN CREASE - Cossa made history when he became the first goalie to win his NHL debut in a relief shootout scenario. (NICOLAS CARRILLO/GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS)

THEY SAY YOU NEVER forget your first. For 22-year-old goaltender Sebastian Cossa, that first came in the form of a rollercoaster NHL debut in December.

Image

The 6-foot-6 former WHL standout – who has anchored Detroit’s AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids the past two seasons – saw his fist NHL action in relief of Ville Husso against the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 9. Cossa made 12 saves on 14 shots as the Red Wings rallied to defeat their division rivals 6-5 in a shootout.

Becoming the first goalie in NHL history to win his debut via a shootout in a relief effort, Cossa was ecstatic. “Mentally, at that level, I’m preparing like I’m playing every game just in case I have to be ready,” he said. “Buffalo had some Grade A (chances) and cashed in on a couple, and I thought I’d get ready mentally after that third one went in.”

Cossa was told during the first intermission he’d be replacing Husso to start the second period. Husso had allowed three goals on seven shots. “I was really nervous,” Cossa said. “But I was also trying to slow it down and enjoy the moment. It’s your first NHL game, and you’ll only be able to do it once.”

Combatting his nerves and excitement, Cossa got his first taste of NHL ice at the KeyBank Center and was immediately gifted with offensive support. Lucas Raymond tied the game 3-3 at 1:05 of the second frame before Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Jason Zucker scored to put Buffalo ahead 5-3 after two periods. “A little frantic I think for me in that second period,” Cossa said. “I kind of stuck around and calmed down in that second intermission and thought I had a decent third.”

Andrew Copp and Moritz Seider scored to tie the game before Raymond and Dylan Larkin tallied in the shootout to complete the Wings’ comeback. “I don’t think I could’ve written anything better,” Cossa said. “Getting that win in the shootout, we really earned it. It was a great experience and definitely one I’ll never forget.”

For Cossa, playing meaningful games has become routine. The native of Fort McMurray, Alta., was a standout at the youth level for the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers, winning a league title while earning top-goalie and MVP honors in 2016-17 before putting together a sparkling junior career in the WHL with the Edmonton Oil Kings.

In a pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season, Cossa posted a remarkable 1.57 goals-against average and .941 save percentage with a 17-1-1 record en route to becoming the first WHL goalie to be selected in the first round (15th overall) since his hero, Carey Price (fifth overall in 2005).

The following year, Edmonton cruised to the league title, with Cossa going 33-9-3 in the regular season and 16-3 in the playoffs. “I’ve been lucky to have been on some competitive teams,” he said.

(NICOLAS CARRILLO/GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS)

Following a strong rookie pro season with ECHL Toledo in 2022-23, Cossa made an immediate impact in the AHL. In the second half of 2023-24, Cossa helped Grand Rapids to a franchise-record streak of 19 games collecting a point, with the rookie backstopping the club to the division final.

Cossa and the Griffins have been firing on all cylinders this season, holding a division lead as of early January and seeing team growth on multiple fronts. “It’s fun,” Cossa said. “You know, guys are coming to work with a good attitude and ready to put the work in.”

As for the future, Cossa is earmarked as the heir apparent to Detroit’s crease. And his heritage could lead to some intriguing international play if a long-rumored rule that would allow players with Italian heritage to play on the Italian Olympic club comes to fruition for 2026. “I have my passport and my citizenship there in Italy,” Cossa said. “My dad is fully Italian. That would be really cool, wearing those colors and maybe representing them one day.” 

Posted on

Blue Jackets’ Jet Greaves To Challenge For Starting Gig: AHL Goaltenders To Make The Show

The goaltender is arguably the most important position in hockey. It is believed that without a great goalie between the pipes, a team has little chance of winning silverware, let alone hoisting the Stanley Cup.

All netminders start somewhere. Some are excellent right out of the draft, but many goaltenders need time to develop before they make it to the big stage. Here is a list made up of goaltenders who had a great 2024-25 campaign in the AHL and have a decent chance of earning multiple games in the NHL in this upcoming season.

Jet Greaves, Cleveland Monsters

Jet Greaves had a stellar season with the Cleveland Monsters last season in the AHL. In 40 appearances, the 24-year-old recorded a .920 save percentage and a 2.62 goals against average. He showed out to be one of the best goalies in the league last year.

Even in the post-season, despite a second-round exit for the Monsters, Greaves put up solid numbers - a .912 SP and 2.67 GAA.

All signs point in the direction of Greaves taking on a big role with the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL. To conclude the 2024-25 season, he played five straight games for the Blue Jackets. The Cambridge, Ont. native finished all those contests with a save percentage of .950 or higher, including two shutouts.

Leevi Merilainen, Belleville Senators

Leevi Merilainen is another goaltender who is set to become an NHL regular this season. In the off-season, the Ottawa Senatorssigned Merilainen to a one-year deal worth $1.05 million. His brief time in the NHL last season, as well as his AHL campaign with the Belleville Senators, put him on this path.

With Belleville in his second full AHL season, Merilainen recorded a .913 SP and a 2.37 GAA, along with four shutouts. In his 12 NHL appearances, the Finnish netminder registered an 8-3-1 record, earning a 1.99 GAA and .925 SP.

Now, with former Senators goaltender Anton Forsberg with the Los Angeles Kings, Merilainen has a wide-open opportunity to become Ottawa’s full-time backup.

Matthew Murray, Milwaukee Admirals

The Milwaukee Admirals’ goaltender Matthew Murray is coming off his third full season in the AHL. He had a great campaign, recording a 2.07 GAA and a league-leading .932 SP. His performances last season should be enough to draw the attention of the Nashville Predators in his first year with the organization.

Murray, 27, has spent the previous three years in the Dallas Stars’ system before the Predators signed him to a two-year, $1.55-million contract ahead of last season. He played four total NHL games with the Stars, but hasn’t featured in The Show since his 23-save shutout against the Minnesota Wild on Jan. 8, 2024.

Justus Annunen is Nashville’s current backup goalie. He is the measuring stick for Murray, and his biggest competition if he wants to make the Preds’ lineup.

Carl Lindbom, Henderson Silver Knights

Carl Lindbom is the only netminder on this list who hasn’t featured in the NHL. Lindbom was a rookie in the AHL with the Henderson Silver Knights. The 22-year-old played 36 games, putting up a .912 SP and a 2.65 GAA.

The Vegas Golden Knights drafted the Stockholm native in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. Since then, he’s spent multiple years in his home country, playing in the Swedish League. Before last season’s campaign with the Silver Knights, Lindbom played 26 games for Farjestad, recording a 2.12 GAA and .911 SP with two shutouts along the way.

It’ll be challenging for Lindbom to sneak his way onto the Golden Knights’ roster after just one season in North America. However, Akira Schmid, who is projected to be Vegas’ backup goalie next season, also featured in the AHL last year. Schmid played 30 games, registering a .886 SP and 3.58 GAA, making Lindbom’s numbers look even better.

Check out our AHL to KHL signing tracker and AHL Free Agency signing tracker.  

Posted on

Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly underwent surgery on right thumb ligament, likely to miss start of season

This is what teams fear when their players lace it up for their home country.

Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly has undergone surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb, which he suffered while playing for France at EuroBasket. Recovery from the surgery will likely have Coulibaly out for the start of the regular season.

Coulibaly isn't the only Wizard who was injured playing for France at EuroBasket, center Alex Sarr also had to leave the tournament after injuring his calf. France, the silver medal winners just a couple of years ago at the Paris Olympics, was eliminated from EuroBasket after an upset loss to Georgia in the round of 16.

Coulibaly is part of a young core with potential in Washington, and last season he averaged 12.3 points and five rebounds a game. While he brings some defense and playmaking to the table, Coulibaly needs to be a more efficient shooter to really make a mark — he shot just 28.1% from 3 for the Wizards last season, and that didn't appear to improve over the summer as he was 3-of-14 from beyond the arc at EuroBasket.

Missing training camp and the start of the season is not ideal for a developing young player, but once healthy and able to return to the court Coulibaly will get plenty of run and opportunity as the Wizards try to grow their young core.

Posted on

Jasper Philipsen sprints to victory on stage 19 to complete Vuelta hat-trick

  • Belgian rider wins his third stage of 2025 race

  • Jonas Vingegaard adds four seconds to overall lead

Belgium’s Jasper Philipsen sprinted clear at the end of stage 19 to seal his third win at this year’s Vuelta a España on Friday while Jonas Vingegaard added four seconds to his overall advantage over Joño Almeida.

After 160km of relatively flat riding in west central Spain, Alpecin-Deceuninck’s Philipsen burst to the front near the finish and never looked like being caught. Denmark’s Mads Pedersen was the first to make his move but could not hold off Philipsen and he crossed the line in second place with Venezuela’s Orluis Aular third.

Continue reading...
Posted on

Retiring goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to suit up for Pittsburgh Penguins in preseason game

PITTSBURGH — Marc-Andre Fleury is ending his NHL career back where it began.

The veteran goaltender, who officially retired last spring following a 21-year career, signed a professional tryout contract with the Penguins on Friday and is going to suit up for the club during Pittsburgh’s exhibition game against Columbus on Sept. 27.

The 40-year-old Fleury was taken No. 1 overall by the Penguins in the 2003 NHL draft. He spent the first 13 seasons of his career in Pittsburgh, helping longtime teammates Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang win three Stanley Cups. Fleury left the Penguins after being selected by Vegas during the expansion draft shortly after Pittsburgh won the second of back-to-back championships in 2017.

“Marc means so much to our team, our fans and the City of Pittsburgh because of the person he is and the example he set,” Pittsburgh general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement. “The Penguins feel he and his family are most deserving of this opportunity to celebrate this full-circle moment back where it all started in front of the black and gold faithful.”

Fleury, known universally as “Flower,” was incredibly popular with both teammates and fans alike. He ranks second all-time in NHL history in victories (575) and won the Vezina Trophy in 2021 while playing for Vegas.

Yet he is most well-known for his long tenure in Pittsburgh. Fleury holds nearly every major goaltending record in Penguins history, including games played (691), wins (375) and shutouts (44).

Posted on

Records tumble as England thrash South Africa by 146 runs: second men’s T20 international – as it happened

England pulverised South Africa at Old Trafford, with Phil Salt walloping 141 not out in a record score of 304 for two

5th over: England 88-0 (Salt 32, Buttler 54) Rabada returns to the attack and is monstered down the ground for six by Buttler. Three successive fours take Buttler to a quite exhilarating 50 from 18 balls. He waves his bat to the ground, then snaps his head back to salute his late father.

The second of those three fours tempted mid-on, who dived in an attempt to take a low catch but was beaten by the dip on the ball.

Continue reading...
Posted on

Projected Maple Leafs Rookie Game Lines Revealed Ahead Of Weekend Matchups

The Toronto Maple Leafs' top prospects are set to face off against the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators in a pair of rookie games this weekend. Following the team’s second day of on-ice preparation, we have a clearer sense of what the lines will look like, as reported by our own Nick Barden.

Leading the way on the top line will be center Jacob Quillan, flanked by wingers Easton Cowan and Borya Valis. The Maple Leafs signed the 20-year-old Valis to a three-year entry-level contract on March 1. The right-handed shot should be an excellent fit alongside Quillan and Cowan, having posted 34 goals and 47 assists in 66 games with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL last season.

On the defensive end, the top pairing will feature Ben Danford skating alongside Noah Chadwick. The rookie tournament is a crucial opportunity for these young players to make a strong impression and earn a spot at the main training camp, which begins next week. The competition will be fierce, with players like Danford and Chadwick looking to prove they can play at the next level.

Easton Cowan Headlines Maple Leafs Roster For Prospects Showdown in Montreal, Schedule Of GamesEaston Cowan Headlines Maple Leafs Roster For Prospects Showdown in Montreal, Schedule Of GamesThe Toronto Maple Leafs rookie roster is set to take on the rookies of the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators at the 2025 Prospect Showdown this weekend at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

The Maple Leafs also focused on special teams during Friday's practice. Forward Miroslav Holinka and defenseman John Prokop joined the top unit, showcasing the team's depth. Toronto signed the 19-year-old Holinka to a three-year entry-level contract after his strong performance at development camp this summer. The 23-year-old Prokop was also signed in March to a one-year deal following his season with Union College in the NCAA and even played three games with the Marlies last season.

Latest stories:

Easton Cowan Adds Size, Reveals What It Will Take To Make Maple Leafs Roster Out Of Training Camp

'It's A Big Year For Me': Maple Leafs Prospect Ben Danford Ready For Fresh Start After Missing Last Year's Prospect Tournament

Easton Cowan Renting Former Maple Leafs Prospect Fraser Minten's Place For First Season In Toronto