The report arrives right on time, as Cam Skattebo’s injury update fueled speculation about the Giants’ potential trade for Taylor, and New York had just heard an encouraging update on Jonathan Taylor after Week 8 in the 2026 NFL season.

The three-time Pro Bowl running back did deliver an ultimatum to the Colts amid the NFL trade rumors, which underlined his commitment to staying in Indy. But things can change quickly in this league. Perhaps they just did. That’s not to say Taylor will actively ask for a trade, but he may not put up any resistance if the Colts call him into the office and tell him to pack his bags.

“My understanding is that five to six teams have been aggressively pursuing him: Giants, Packers, Broncos, Seahawks, Bengals, and Vikings. I believe [Taylor] would also be open to a fresh start,” Jordan Schultz reported on The Pivot. “I think it will take at least a second-round plus additional compensation to get it done. And I actually do expect that to happen.”

Harbaugh on Giants’ trade-deadline approach

After the team’s first practice off the bye week, Harbaugh stood at the podium in East Rutherford and took on questions head on. The main topic of conversation was the upcoming NFL trade deadline, and Harbaugh didn’t run away from the heat. Instead, he made key revelations of what New York has in mind.

“For me, it wouldn’t want to be a one-and-done kind of thing,” Harbaugh stated about the Giants’ potential trade-deadline acquisitions, via Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. “You want to have a short-term and a long-term win if you’re going to do it with draft capital.”

Basically, Harbaugh ruled out any potential trade target who would arrive in East Rutherford on an expiring contract and instead hinted that the Giants would be going after players with term. That left the door wide open for the G-Men to pursue Taylor, who is under contract through 2028, or even Breece Hall of the New York Jets.

Other options for NY Giants

Other running backs, such as Tony Pollard, have also been mentioned as an alternative RB for New York if a trade for Taylor doesn’t materialize. Harbaugh even admitted to calling the Tennessee Titans, but Pollard is in the final year of his contract, which would seem to go against what Harbaugh recently preached.

Perhaps the Giants could agree to a sign-and-trade deal with the Titans for Pollard, but that feels unlikely. That may only mean one thing: the G-Men could be even closer to finally completing a trade for Taylor. It would come at a steep price, but becoming true Super Bowl contenders in the NFL isn’t cheap.

Adding a halfback like Taylor could help the Giants make the leap and open their championship window like few other players available via trade could.

Key takeaways

• Five to six NFL teams are aggressively pursuing Jonathan Taylor, Jordan Schultz reported.
• Jonathan Taylor is reportedly open to a fresh start in the NFL.
• Under contract through 2028, Jonathan Taylor fits the New York Giants’ desired trade profile.

The Lightning have made it clear they don’t intend to trade Kucherov, regardless of his request. They may actually prefer to let him walk in free agency and get one last dance out of him rather than give up on him early in the NHL campaign and be left with the sour taste of what could have been.

According to a report, that’s exactly what Tampa Bay has in mind. The Bolts appear determined to roll with Kucherov until the wheels come off. If they get another Stanley Cup out of the experiment, it will be well worth losing the two-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner to free agency.

“Let’s see how Tampa does throughout the season and then go from there,” David Pagnotta reported on the Daily Faceoff Toronto podcast. “If the Lightning are a Stanley Cup contender, they may say, ‘Screw it, we’re just going to hold on to Kucherov. We’re going to give it one more ride. If we win, amazing, he can ride off into the sunset. If we don’t win, well, we gave it a shot with one of the best players in the league.‘”

Lightning could be making right call

It makes sense why the Lightning would want to go down that route. In any other scenario, the Bolts could get a king’s ransom in return for Kucherov. However, with the trade request going public and Kucherov doubling down on it, the Lightning have lost much of their leverage. Not to mention that Kucherov is a pending UFA in the NHL.

Until the clock really starts ticking toward the trade deadline, the Lightning can take their time and see how they fare against their NHL competitors. If they are in no position to compete come March, then sure, they will trade Kucherov for whatever they can get in return and accept that the season is over. But if they are well within reach of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it might be wiser to stick with the Russian veteran winger.

Could Kucherov sit out to force a trade?

There’s a risk that Kucherov may dig in his heels and hold out of team activities to force a trade, but that seems unlikely. Based on all accounts from people close to the situation in The Big Guava, Kucherov has no problem with the coaching staff or his teammates.

He has only decided that he’s had enough of the front office and won’t re-sign with the team, but he may still be on board to complete the 2026-27 NHL season in Tampa and then ride off into the sunset in free agency.

That’s the way things are looking, and it’s why the most logical outcome right now appears to be that Kucherov will leave the Bolts through free agency rather than via a trade—at least as long as the Lightning remain in the postseason race. If things go south, then Kucherov may actually be traded.

Kucherov hitting free agency wouldn’t be terrible for suitors

This update on Kucherov’s trade market may not change much for potential suitors like the Rangers and Blackhawks, who were also mentioned by Pagnotta. “I’ve got to imagine the Rangers and Blackhawks, two teams that would probably be in pursuit. If they are on his list,” Pagnotta said about Kucherov’s suitors.

Whoever trades for Kucherov would have to (a) be on Kucherov’s 10-team trade list and (b) figure out a way to extend him, as he’s in the final year of his contract. Thus, if he indeed heads to free agency, it won’t actually change much and may even be better for suitors, as they would only have to commit money to him without giving up any assets in the process.

Market around Kucherov

With the salary cap going up again before next season and Kucherov’s recent admission that money isn’t what’s driving his trade request, him hitting free agency could actually make for a fair competition in which he truly is up for grabs to the best suitor.

Teams like the Rangers and Blackhawks, which are ready to make a splash and compete again, could emerge as frontrunners. The Red Wings, however, may have a better shot at Kucherov through a trade with the Lightning by playing their Larkin card.

Key takeaways

• No intention to trade Nikita Kucherov was expressed by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
• “Give it one more ride,” David Pagnotta reported regarding Tampa Bay’s plans for Nikita Kucherov.
• A 10-team trade list governs any potential trade destination for winger Nikita Kucherov.

Playing at Mile High, where kickers usually thrive thanks to the altitude at Empower Field, Butker missed a critical 54-yard field goal late in the game that practically served the game up to the Broncos on a silver platter.

Instead of throwing his three-time Super Bowl champion under the bus and serving up a piece of red meat for NFL media and fans to devour, Reid spared Butker. However, it may be a case of Reid knowing better than to air the Chiefs‘ dirty laundry in public.

Reid defends Butker after missed FG

“I know Butker’s the topic. I could kind of see what he saw. He ended up going too far right but I see why he went right, too,” Reid admitted during a virtual interview after Week 8’s loss.

“But when you have a heavy overload and penetration on the left side that’s going to alter a kicker. That’s just what you do as a kicker. It just went a little too wide. We’ve got to do a better job in the protection there.“

Chiefs may change kickers soon

With Tucker waiting on the practice squad, it may not be much longer before Kansas City makes a change at the kicker position. The Chiefs have now lost two games in a row in the 2026 NFL season to true Super Bowl contenders, and it’s clear their issues extend far beyond the kicker position. Still, replacing Butker might be the easiest problem for them to address right now.

Unless the Chiefs want to honor their longtime kicker, it’s clear something must change. Butker is far from his vintage form, and his numbers rank among the worst in the league. He’s not in an easy position. He knows the pressure is mounting, and Kansas City signing a veteran with seven Pro Bowl appearances under his belt doesn’t make things any easier.

Butker’s numbers in 2026

However, kickers must be mentally tough, and it’s clear Butker is struggling under pressure right now. So far in the 2026 NFL season, Butker has made 12 of 18 field goal attempts (66.7%), including an abysmal 2-for-7 mark on attempts from 50-plus yards.

Key takeaways

• Justin Tucker signed to the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad, putting pressure on Harrison Butker.
• A 54-yard field goal was missed by Harrison Butker late against the Denver Broncos.
• A 66.7% conversion rate marks Harrison Butker making 12 of 18 field goals in 2026.

Following a more than positive Week 8, in which New York enjoyed a bye, the Giants heard an encouraging update on Taylor’s potential trade. However, the coach’s latest statement didn’t add to that tune. On the bright side, though, Harbaugh did make it clear that New York will be active before the 2026 NFL trade deadline. It just may not be to trade for Taylor.

Based on Harbaugh’s admission, there’s reason to believe the G-Men are still in the AFC South running back’s market, though the Giants might be going after one of the talents on the Tennessee Titans‘ running backs’ room instead of the Colts‘.

“I did, I did. I left a message [for Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk]. Why? Because you turn over every stone,” Harbaugh admitted after the Giants’ practice on Monday. “Going to try everything. We’re open for any call. Anybody can call us.”

Titans have two very appealing RBs

Although they haven’t been playing as badly as their record suggests, the 1-7 Titans are heading nowhere in the 2026 NFL season. That means they will likely be sellers at the trade deadline, just as they recently parted with star DT Jeffery Simmons for two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder from the Chicago Bears.

Tennessee may keep the garage sale going, and its running back tandem of Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears has emerged as strong candidates to be traded. At least one of them.

Pollard could be key addition

Pollard’s recent incredible outings have only raised his value, and he may not be Taylor, but he has proved he can be a great addition to any contender’s backfield. For the Giants, his change of pace and dynamism may be the perfect complement to Skattebo’s run-through-a-wall-without-asking-twice style, and at a much more affordable cost than Taylor. Spears could also be intriguing to Harbaugh and company, as he’s only 25 years old and offers a low-risk, high-reward type of talent.

The main problem is that both Pollard and Spears are in the final years of their contracts. That’s a good thing because it takes leverage away from the Titans and makes them a bit cheaper to trade for, but it’s a very bad thing in light of Harbaugh’s comments. “John Harbaugh says the Giants aren’t looking for ‘one and done’ at trade deadline,” Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reported.

Pollard and Spears, on paper, could be exactly that: rentals. Of course, the Giants could extend them upon arrival, but it’d be a risky strategy in case it backfires. Giving up assets for a player who may or may not be with the team next season isn’t what New York has in mind.

Taylor wouldn’t be a ‘one-and-done’

Guess which running back potentially available before the trade deadline isn’t in a contract year and is signed through 2028? That’s right: Jonathan Taylor. Of course, he may cost much more than Pollard and Spears combined, but as Harbaugh and the Giants may learn if they don’t play their cards right, if you buy cheap, you usually buy twice.

Key takeaways

• John Harbaugh admitted he called Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk.
• “Not looking for ‘one and done’,” John Harbaugh stated regarding New York Giants trade targets.
• New York Giants may be going after RBs Tony Pollard or Tyjae Spears of the Titans.

Aside from Taylor’s post-Week 8 statement, the Giants have heard encouraging updates on the Colts’ RB, along with another report from around the NFL that ramped up trade rumors linking Taylor to New York. Lastly, factoring in Skattebo’s health and the injury-riddled state of the Giants’ running back room, it makes too much sense for New York to make a splash of some sort before the trade deadline, and Taylor seems like the safest bet.

“Cam Skattebo worked on the side with a trainer after hurting hamstring previous week vs. Texans,” Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported on X during the Giants’ first practice since their bye in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season.

Skattebo’s injury

Coming off Week 7’s overtime win over the Texans, the Giants had breathed a sigh of relief after a positive update on Skattebo’s health. However, it may have been false hope. A week after the game in Houston, Skattebo required medical attention as the team returned to practice in East Rutherford.

Needless to say, that should raise alarms around Big Blue, but it may actually be a blessing in disguise. If Skattebo faces the prospect of missing time due to injury, New York could find the perfect excuse to meet Indianapolis‘ steep asking price and acquire New Jersey native Taylor before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10.

NY Giants sign another RB

As if Skattebo’s injury update didn’t already raise enough questions about what it could mean for the Giants’ potential trade for Taylor, New York’s latest roster move certainly added to the speculation.

With Tyrone Tracy Jr. placed on Injured Reserve and uncertainty surrounding Skattebo, the Giants have added a new face to the backfield. As reported by Raanan, RB Eric Gray has been signed to New York’s practice squad.

Giants’ RB depth chart

With questions surrounding Skattebo, Devin Singletary and Greg Desrosiers Jr. are the only fully healthy running backs in East Rutherford. Clearly, they could use some support, and that’s what Gray, whom the Giants drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, can offer.

Of course, it may not be enough. If Skattebo’s injury is serious, the Jonathan Taylor trade route will become an increasingly compelling option for the Giants.

Key takeaways

• A hamstring injury forced New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo to practice separately.
• The Nov. 10 trade deadline looms as the New York Giants target Jonathan Taylor.
• Eric Gray was signed to the New York Giants practice squad following backfield injuries.

“Someone said to me the other day that he could actually see, from a pure hockey point of view: a Dylan Larkin for Nikita Kucherov deal,” Elliotte Friedman stated on the 32 Thoughts podcast.

It remains to be seen if that’s actually a trade likely to be accepted by both the Red Wings and Lightning, though. On paper, Detroit would be getting more in a one-for-one Larkin-for-Kucherov trade. However, the Bolts, who are on Larkin’s trade list, could accept the deal if they sense it’s the best they can get for Kucherov.

While Larkin could complicate the Red Wings’ trade options by changing his trade list, there’s little reason to believe the Lightning would be among the teams taken off the list.

Different situations for Red Wings and Lightning

Unlike the Wings, the Lightning don’t have any leverage, as Kucherov is a pending UFA in the NHL, and the Bolts are now forced to trade him before the deadline or lose him in free agency. It’s become increasingly clear that the veteran Russian winger no longer sees a future in The Big Guava.

As for the Red Wings, they can’t stress enough that they want an immediate replacement in return for Larkin, whom they have no interest in trading and have no obligation to move in the short-term future. However, if Kucherov suddenly becomes available to them, they may not resist throwing their asking price out the window and adding the reigning league MVP to their lineup.

Would Kucherov accept trade to Lightning?

Whether Kucherov actually wants to move to Detroit, though, is a different question. Kucherov has a modified no-trade clause with a 10-team trade list.

Considering the Red Wings hold the longest active playoff drought in the NHL and haven’t looked exactly like Stanley Cup contenders, it’s hard to imagine Kucherov leaving the Bolts for them. Crazier things have happened, though.

Unlike Larkin, whose trade list has been reported, speculated on, and mentioned tirelessly, not many details have emerged about Kucherov’s list. What Kucherov has disclosed, however, is that his relationship with the Lightning has gone past the point of no return.

Kucherov calls out Tampa Bay’s front office

“It was never about the money for me. It was more about poor communication and respect,” Kucherov commented on what led to him requesting a trade, via Diandra Loux on X. “Over the last four months, we have only had two conversations. [General manager] Julien [BriseBois] in the end made it clear I’m free to walk on July 1st.”

Kucherov’s revelation is very telling. Over the past few days, a lot has been reported about the rift between Kucherov and the Lightning. The two-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner and three-time Art Ross Trophy winner has reportedly turned down extension offers worth around $13-15 million in average annual value (AAV).

However, he’s now said it wasn’t the money he turned down, but rather the disrespect from the organization he’s called home throughout his entire NHL career, helped hoist two Stanley Cups with, and recorded 405 goals, 737 assists, and 1,142 points for.

Key takeaways

• A Dylan Larkin for Nikita Kucherov trade was proposed by Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts.
• A 10-team trade list is included in Nikita Kucherov’s modified no-trade clause.
• “Poor communication and respect” prompted Nikita Kucherov to request a trade from Tampa Bay.

The Giants aren’t the only team interested in Taylor. The Denver Broncos have also entered the sweepstakes for the Colts’ RB, as have several other teams across the NFL. Still, lost in all the noise might be the fact that Taylor is fine staying in Indianapolis for the time being.

In case that wasn’t clear enough, Taylor’s latest comments indicate that his main focus remains helping the Colts, and his mind isn’t wandering toward a move. For the time being, he remains a Colt and that’s all he can think of. The way things are looking for Indianapolis, everyone in the locker room has a lot on their plate.

Jonathan Taylor’s reaction after Week 8 loss

“It’s not going to get any easier. It’s actually going to get even harder, and teams are going to look at us even more, foaming at the mouth. So then it gets to a point of: What are you going to do? Your back’s against the wall. You have to fight your way out of the corner,” Jonathan Taylor said postgame, via ESPN’s Stephen Holder.

“That’s all I’m thinking about. For myself, but also how to convey that to the rest of the guys in the locker room. This is not getting anywhere near any easier, and we got to accept that. When you accept that, that’s just the first step.”

While the Giants heard an encouraging update on Taylor’s potential trade after Week 8, it’s plain to see the running back’s comments to the media in the locker room weren’t the most promising for the G-Men or the Broncos.

What to make of Taylor’s message

Taylor’s postgame statement is very telling. Not only because it shined a light on the running back’s frustration with the state of the Colts in the 2026 NFL season, but also because it may hint at Taylor’s future. Taylor spoke as someone who is in it for the long haul, which he is, as he’s under contract through 2028. His comments might also confirm that he won’t be traded before the NFL deadline.

However, as much as he might embrace facing adversity, Taylor would also love to join a Super Bowl contender. If one, be it the Giants, Broncos, Seahawks, or any other team, can come up with an offer that meets the Colts’ requirements, then he may not put up much resistance.

Until that happens, though, Taylor is a member of the Colts, and his mind isn’t running wild with the speculation. Instead, he’s staying focused. Taylor isn’t blind or deaf, though. He knows how big of a figure he is heading into the final week before the trade deadline. However, he knows better than to waste time on what’s out of his reach. What he can help change, on the other hand, is how the Colts are doing this season, and that’s what remains his main goal.

Key takeaways

• A 42-7 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars prompted Jonathan Taylor’s message to Indianapolis Colts teammates.
• “This is not getting anywhere near any easier,” Jonathan Taylor told reporters after Week 8.
• Under contract through 2028, Jonathan Taylor remains committed to the Indianapolis Colts long term.

Although Taylor remains a possibility for the Giants, it’s clear there is plenty of competition, and the Colts’ asking price is anything but cheap. Whether the Giants actually go after Taylor is anyone’s guess, but a report from around the NFL hints that New York is going to make a splash, even if it’s not for Taylor.

“The NFL trade deadline is next Tuesday. The Giants are expected to be active and have already reached out to teams about big-name players,” Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported on his X account. “They currently are $6.225M under the salary cap, per NFLPA records.“

All that remains to be seen is who will come away victorious in the Taylor sweepstakes, which involves countless contenders across the NFL, and whether there will even be a winner, as the Colts and their running back insist they are fine staying together. What seems clear is that the Giants will be making noise of their own before the deadline.

Pretty much the perfect bye week in New York

Plenty of things went right for the Giants in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season as they enjoyed their bye week. The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles both lost, and Giants fans heard Jerry Jones throw the Cowboys under the bus, which never fails to put a smile on their faces.

Moreover, New York’s 4-2-1 record on the season puts them well ahead of the rest of the NFC East. Such a clear path to the playoffs means the Giants are pretty much obligated to make a move before the deadline.

The Colts’ horrific loss in Jacksonville also adds to the pressure and could force Taylor to actually ask out of Indy. The main negative for the G-Men is that the Denver Broncos pulled off a comeback win over the Kansas City Chiefs to take first place in the AFC West.

Broncos could spoil Taylor trade for NY Giants

Why does that matter? The Broncos are one of the favorites to land Taylor via trade, and their showing that they can be serious contenders in the AFC will only add to the noise in Denver calling for the team to acquire the three-time Pro Bowl halfback. Had the Broncos lost, perhaps they would’ve had some doubts about making a blockbuster trade and would have preferred to play it conservatively.

Now, the Broncos are expected to be a player in the Taylor sweepstakes, and they have just as many assets to convince the Colts as the Giants. If there’s a sliver of hope for the G-Men, it may lie in Taylor’s hands. If the running back fancies a return to his home state of New Jersey, he might convince the Colts to send him to the Giants instead of the Broncos. Those are some very big ifs, though.

Key takeaways

• Jonathan Taylor trade rumors linked the Indianapolis Colts running back to the New York Giants.
• $6.225 million under the cap, the New York Giants contacted teams about big-name players.
• A 4-2-1 record places the New York Giants ahead in the NFC East standings.

“I will say that a lot of people let Brian (Schottenheimer) down today,” Jerry Jones stated postgame, via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “And so, for whatever criticism we want to have of Brian, we going to all get in line. That was a total team effort out there for us. We have to be better than that when we can get our hands on a win and then drop the ball.”

Jones’ message won’t cancel out the noise surrounding Schottenheimer and the growing calls for the Cowboys to move on from him. However, he did shed light on how the front office evaluates the situation, and his comments are very telling about what could happen to the head coach.

For the time being, Schottenheimer is staying off the hot seat, but life changes fast in the NFL, and he’s walking a thin line, even if Jones won’t publicly lash out at him.

Week 8 loss changes things for Cowboys

Jones is never one to mince words, especially after disappointing losses, which the Cowboys seem to collect year after year. At the end of the day, Jones is the one paying the bills in Arlington. He’s more than entitled to his opinion, and if something isn’t right, he won’t hesitate to call it out.

Jones didn’t give out any names, but fans across the NFL may find out who Dallas is most upset with in the coming days if there are sudden roster moves before the trade deadline (Nov. 10).

Cowboys crash and burn in Week 8

Fans at AT&T Stadium should have grown suspicious as the Cowboys headed into halftime with a two-possession lead and seemingly in control of the game. It’s rarely that simple for Dallas, and soon things would turn chaotic. Failing to capitalize on drives with touchdowns and settling for field goals came back to bite them.

Of course, allowing the Cardinals to score a touchdown on a last-ditch, eight-play, 80-yard drive when Arizona had no timeouts was the last straw. The Cardinals even gave the Cowboys a chance, as kicker Chad Ryland missed the extra point that would have sealed the win in regulation.

In overtime, the Cardinals punted on their opening drive, leaving Dallas with a chance to score and win the game. It was three-and-out for the Boys, giving the ball back to the Cards, and that was all she wrote. Ryland wouldn’t miss another easy kick, and there was no miracle for the self-wounded Cowboys.

Tough picture for Dallas

The Cowboys are now 3-5 on the year. With the New York Giants on a bye and either the Philadelphia Eagles or Washington Commanders set to lose as the divisional rivals meet on Sunday night, the Cowboys let a key chance to narrow the race for the NFC East title slip through their fingers.

One may say it’s still early in the 2026 NFL season, but this Week 8 defeat hurts in so many ways that it almost feels hope-crushing for Dallas.

Key takeaways

• The Dallas Cowboys lost 33-30 to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8.
• The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 10, prompting speculation on potential Dallas Cowboys moves.
• The Dallas Cowboys fell to 3-5 following their overtime defeat against Arizona.

For the time being, it’s all very fresh regarding Kucherov’s trade request and his potential next destination in the NHL. Thus, it’s unclear whether New York is a candidate Kucherov is giving serious thought to. At the end of the day, the veteran winger and his modified no-trade clause have the final say.

“I really do wonder about the Rangers. Whether the Rangers are on his list, I don’t know,” David Pagnotta said on the Daily Faceoff Insider podcast.

If the Rangers indeed aren’t on Kucherov’s trade list, though, that would be all she wrote for their trade aspirations. New York could come up with an offer the Lightning can get behind, but it would all be in vain unless Kucherov signs off and gives the Broadway Blueshirts the green light.

Kucherov’s contract situation

Kucherov is playing out the final season of his eight-year, $76 million contract in Tampa Bay and has made it clear he doesn’t wish to extend his stay in The Big Guava. The Lightning don’t want to trade their best player but may have no other choice.

Not only could Kucherov lose his patience and decide to hold out until he’s traded, but he would also become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) next summer, meaning the Lightning would either have to trade him or most likely lose him in free agency.

However, with Kucherov’s request going public, it’s not as if Tampa Bay has much leverage and could miss out on what would otherwise be a monstrous return for one of the best scorers in the sport.

Trade-and-sign scenario

Acquiring Kucherov is only half of the job, though—and the relatively easy part. Re-signing him is the toughest part, and an aspect that may put teams like the Rangers out of the running. Kucherov is after a top-of-the-market new deal and has reportedly passed on $13-15 million AAV offers from the Bolts.

New York currently only has $4.4 million available in cap space, so even fitting Kucherov’s $9.5 million cap hit for the remainder of the 2026-27 NHL campaign could be a bit tricky.

However, with the salary cap expected to rise ahead of next season, the Blueshirts might have the resources to re-sign a player like Nikita. Whether they actually have interest in going after and committing to the 33-year-old Russian winger is a different question, but it’s undeniable that New York could use some more firepower, and there is no one with Kucherov’s resume available for trade.

Key takeaways

• Nikita Kucherov requested a trade out of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
• Nikita Kucherov is on last season of eight-year, $76 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
• The New York Rangers have $4.4 million in available salary cap space.

“I still think a deal gets done, yes,” Art Stapleton of USA Today wrote on his X account regarding New York potentially trading for Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor is signed through 2028 in Indianapolis after signing a two-year extension during the summer. Still, his frustration was visible all day long during the Colts’ loss to the Jaguars. The writing on the wall is starting to show, and with the 2026 NFL trade deadline looming, a decision feels imminent. That’s true for both Taylor and the Giants.

Week 8 was a huge success for NY Giants

New York enjoyed some time off during Halloween but still tuned in Sunday to watch key games around the NFL. Thanks to the Dallas Cowboys’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the path to the NFC East title is even clearer now for the G-Men. That wasn’t the only positive news for Big Blue, though.

New York watched the Colts get dismantled by the Jacksonville Jaguars, which may change Taylor’s mind about wanting to stay in Indianapolis. The Horseshoe is heading nowhere and doesn’t even own its first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. While there were questions about whether Taylor would play against the Jaguars, he did, as the Colts sent a message by not sidelining him amid the loud trade buzz.

Taylor couldn’t get much going against the tough Jags defense, and his team was in for a disheartening afternoon in Florida. Everything went the Giants’ way, as well as that of every other suitor for Taylor, as he escaped the outing unscathed. The Colts are down to 2-6, and even if they don’t want to, trading Taylor while his value is sky-high makes too much sense.

NY Giants pressured to make a deadline move

For the Giants, with the rest of the division crumbling and a clear path to the playoffs opening up ahead of them, making a splash before the trade deadline is becoming very appealing—and somewhat mandatory.

The Giants are finally in a contending position in the NFL. This is what they’ve been after for so many years. All that remains to be seen is whether they will actually pull the trigger this time or get cold feet.

Key takeaways

• USA Today’s Art Stapleton reported that a New York Giants trade for Jonathan Taylor remains likely.
• Jonathan Taylor is signed through 2028 with the Indianapolis Colts after a summer extension.
• The Indianapolis Colts fell to 2-6 after the loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

When the Capitals were first named on Larkin’s reported trade list, they made noise. Not many thought of them as a team Larkin was considering. However, the Caps are showing their worth in the current NHL campaign, and they might also have the assets to get Detroit’s approval.

As long as Larkin is sold on joining them, the Capitals are a strong candidate to win the dramatic sweepstakes. Based on the latest buzz around the city, fans in Washington believe a trade is likely and are seeing every roster move as a potential indicator. That was the case when Sammi Silber of The District Standard reported that the Capitals were placing Dylan McIlrath on waivers.

Fans react to Capitals’ waivers decision

Perhaps the team is making room for a trade, and simply mentioning that word in today’s NHL can only lead fans to think of one player: Larkin. The Capitals’ fanbase didn’t have to hear the news twice before jumping to conclusions. “Trade better be coming…” and “There has got to be a trade coming?” fans replied to Silber’s report.

With Larkin suspended after sitting out in hopes of accelerating the trade process and the Caps on the former Red Wings captain’s trade list, it’s easy to connect the dots and believe Washington is actually preparing to go all in for Larkin.

That’s about it when it comes to easy things. Trading for Larkin, even for a team on his list, is anything but smooth sailing, and if Washington is determined to go down this path, it will surely learn that fast.

Key takeaways

• Dylan Larkin has a 10-team trade list while remaining suspended by the Detroit Red Wings.
• The Washington Capitals placed Dylan McIlrath on waivers, sparking fan speculation about potential trades.
• Dylan Larkin is currently suspended after sitting out to force a Detroit Red Wings trade.

“I think over the next 24-48 hours it’s possible we see that trade list altered,” Elliotte Friedman reported on Sportsnet. “Teams like Florida, Vegas, even Colorado, it’s very hard to see anything like that happening if not impossible. It’s possible that Larkin may take some teams off or possibly even add some teams on.”

The Panthers and Golden Knights have been on Larkin’s trade list ever since he first requested a trade out of Detroit. However, it’s uncanny that either team could actually acquire him, given both salary cap constraints and their unwillingness to part with what Detroit would ask for.

Minnesota remains the most likely destination for Larkin, and it might finally be time for him to accept that Las Vegas and Sunrise are no realistic options in the 2026-27 NHL season.

Possible new teams for Larkin

As it stands, Larkin’s trade list consists of 10 teams: the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals, Utah Mammoth, and Carolina Hurricanes.

However, Friedman expects Larkin to make some changes. After all, the list is fluid, and the former captain will do everything in his power to force his way out of Detroit. Larkin could also replace some of the teams on the list with others currently off it.

The Montreal Canadiens, who, as the Red Wings’ scouts hint, could actually trade for Larkin, appear to be the main favorites to make the list, even if that would mean Larkin agreeing to move to Canada. Other teams currently off the list that could join the mix include the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, and perhaps the New York Rangers.

More drama in Larkin’s saga

Larkin has decided to sit out the 2026-27 NHL season to accelerate the trade process and force the Red Wings to finally move him. Detroit didn’t take the decision lightly and answered right back by suspending the former captain without pay.

Make no mistake, that won’t be the end of the drama in Motor City, and Larkin may now respond by changing his trade list. Drama is running wild in Detroit, but until a trade is completed, Larkin and the Red Wings will keep going at each other. Larkin has already been suspended and deprived of his salary, so there’s not much more for him to lose.

Key takeaways

• Dylan Larkin could alter his trade list within the next 24 to 48 hours.
• Dylan Larkin’s trade list currently consists of 10 NHL teams.
• The Detroit Red Wings suspended Dylan Larkin without pay after he chose to sit out.

“QB Lamar Jackson is out,” the Baltimore Ravens announced on their X account. Jackson couldn’t make it through his first drive of the game and now has another injury concern to add to the high ankle sprain that had him questionable for the Ravens’ Week 8 matchup against the Bills in the first place. Adding to the trouble, Huntley has now been sidelined with an injury of his own.

With Jackson and Huntley out, the Ravens will rely on their quarterback depth to take down the Bills on the road. Tyler Huntley has exited the game shortly after filling in for Jackson. Joe Fagnano is the emergency third quarterback for the game at Highmark Stadium, as Skylar Thompson is on injured reserve (IR).

Who else could play QB for Baltimore?

As Fagnano saw the field, that essentially ruled Huntley out. In the NFL, once an emergency quarterback enters a game, the team can’t go back to another QB. Needless to say, the Ravens are in trouble, and things could get even worse. If something happens to Fagnano, Baltimore will be out of quarterback options.

As reported by Scott Hanson on NFL RedZone, running back Justice Hill would be the team’s last-ditch option to play under center if such a catastrophic scenario comes to pass.

• Lamar Jackson (Out with right thumb injury)
• Tyler Huntley
• Joe Fagnano (emergency quarterback)

Jackson and Huntley’s stats in 2026

So far in the 2026 NFL season, Jackson and Huntley have played practically the same number of snaps. That’s a recipe for disaster for any team with a franchise quarterback, and the Ravens have felt the impact of Jackson’s injury-related absences through eight weeks of the season.

Entering Week 8, Jackson has thrown 96 passes, completing 68 of them for 967 yards, six touchdowns, and a single interception. Huntley has thrown more passes than Jackson, though, with 74 completions on 106 attempts for 727 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception.

Both signal-callers have one rushing touchdown as well, but Jackson leads Huntley with 144 yards on the ground compared to Huntley’s 76.

Key takeaways

• Lamar Jackson was injured on his first pass attempt against the Buffalo Bills.
• Tyler Huntley entered the game to replace injured Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, but is now injured, too.
• Joe Fagnano, third emergency QB, has entered the game.

“Jaylen Waddle, who has been dealing with a chest injury that he aggravated last week, is trending in the right direction to play, source says,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on his X account.

Since being traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Mile High City, Waddle hasn’t had the start to the 2026 NFL season many had hoped for, and his production with the Broncos has been quite limited. In Week 8, Waddle is trending toward suiting up and getting another shot at the Chiefs, against whom he had his worst game of the year in Week 1.

Waddle against the Chiefs

In his Broncos debut, Waddle mustered only one reception on three targets for a measly two-yard gain at Arrowhead. In Week 8, Waddle will hope to change the tune against Kansas City, as the Chiefs have been one tough nut to crack for the Alabama product.

Waddle has faced the Chiefs three times in his NFL career, yet he has never recorded more than 50 receiving yards against them or scored a touchdown. Considering he will face them twice every year and the Chiefs are the main obstacle standing in the way of the Broncos’ goal of winning the division, Waddle may want to find his footing and snap the drought against them.

Waddle’s projections for Week 8

Not only are Broncos fans worried about Waddle’s questionable status, but fantasy football owners are, too. After leaving Week 7’s game against the Arizona Cardinals with a chest injury, Waddle didn’t practice on Wednesday and was only a limited participant on Thursday and Friday, meaning he is questionable to play Sunday. However, reports around the NFL point to Waddle playing in Week 8. That means he’s expected to be the leading receiver in a Broncos offense that struggles dearly to move the chains through the air.

Still, Waddle is projected to put up 10.85 points (PPR), according to ESPN’s fantasy football app. Waddle hasn’t surpassed the 10-point mark in the last three weeks, though. He’s seen more targets than any other wideout in Denver, and it’s a matter of him catching the ball and gaining yards after the catch rather than getting the opportunities to shine.

Crucial game

As the 5-2 Broncos and 5-1 Chiefs meet in Colorado, the AFC West will see a pivotal matchup. Waddle, who’s trending toward playing, could be a decisive factor if he can end his rough stretch and deliver a vintage performance.

Key takeaways

• Jaylen Waddle is listed as questionable with a chest injury ahead of the Chiefs game.
• Jaylen Waddle had one reception for two yards in his Denver Broncos debut at Arrowhead.
• ESPN fantasy projects Jaylen Waddle for 10.85 points in PPR scoring for Week 8.

With Detroit actively scouting Montreal as a potential trade destination for Larkin, a new report suggests that the team’s persistence in sending scouts to the City of Saints and Habs games may be all fans need to know to see that a trade between the two teams involving Larkin could actually happen.

“[Red Wings director of amateur scouting and assistant general manager] Kris Draper isn’t going to all these games because he likes watching the Canadiens play. And he wouldn’t be going to them if it was totally impossible Larkin would consider Montreal,” Eric Engels of Sportsnet reported on X.

Larkin might be Canada-bound

It’s been reported that the Canadiens are insisting on Larkin even after being left off his 10-team trade list, and there is growing hope that the longer the trade saga drags on, the more likely Larkin will be to waive his no-trade clause for a shocking move north of the border to an Atlantic Division rival. It would come as a shock, but the idea is gaining traction.

Though Larkin’s current trade list simply may not cut it, and the former Red Wings captain may need to add a couple of options, Detroit has come up with a new plan for Larkin which suggests trade talks have intensified. So far, the Red Wings hadn’t done so and might have even boycotted any chance of a trade with their unrealistic, set-in-stone asking price.

Make some changes to trade list

If Larkin gives in and adds a couple of teams to his list, though, it might not be to add the Habs to the mix. There are other potential landing spots within the U.S. that could make more sense for Larkin, such as the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Buffalo Sabres.

However, it’s clear that the Canadiens have the most appealing offer for the Red Wings. If Larkin ever signs off on a move to Montreal, the league-wide belief is that a deal could be struck between the two organizations in no time. That’s a big if, and it would take a brazen change of heart for Larkin to waive his no-trade clause for the Habs.

Larkin is choosing U.S. market

Not only has Larkin specifically left all Canadian teams off his list, but he’s also been looking to join teams in the U.S. with a strong Team USA presence, many of them in states with no income tax.

Suddenly accepting a trade to the Canadiens would be a complete 180-degree turn, not only for Larkin and his convictions but also against the current trend in the NHL of American star players asking out of Canada.

Larkin could stay put

In the meantime, neither Detroit nor Montreal is losing hope that it can strike its dream deal. With Larkin facing a Montreal-or-nowhere scenario, he may be forced into accepting the trade. However, he could also choose to stay in Motor City if his only way out is across the border. Better the devil you know…

Key takeaways

• Kris Draper is regularly scouting Montreal Canadiens games for the Detroit Red Wings.
• A 10-team trade list provided by Dylan Larkin excluded the Montreal Canadiens.
• The Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Buffalo Sabres represent alternative landing spots for Dylan Larkin.

According to a report circulating around the NHL, that’s how things will remain for the former captain until he’s finally traded. While Larkin’s trade could happen behind his back, it’s now clear he won’t be caught completely off guard. Instead, the center will be waiting to see what the future brings, most likely away from the ice to avoid injury.

“We will see how [interim general manager Shawn] Horcoff addresses this, but it sounds like current plan is for Larkin not to play until he is traded,” Elliotte Friedman reported on his X account.

Larkin steps in to accelerate trade talks

After months of speculation, it seemed Larkin’s trade out of Motor City was dead in the water. So, what changed? It appears it took Larkin and his camp knocking on Montreal’s door with a not-so-happy face to change the status quo in Detroit.

“Sounds like Larkin camp has applied pressure,” Frank Seravalli reported on X. There had been growing suspicion that Larkin and his camp could raise the stakes and force Detroit to take trade negotiations seriously, and it appears that suspicion has been confirmed.

Indeed, the Red Wings may have been boycotting trade talks involving Larkin, and with the player finally reacting, the drama may soon be over.

Change in Larkin’s trade rumors

It’s been quite the turnaround. Less than 24 hours ago, the Red Wings denied that Larkin was being traded, stating that his absence from practice was only due to a maintenance day.

Either something happened between then and now, or Detroit was keeping something from the fans and media. In the end, the bubble has finally, seemingly, burst.

What’s next?

Where exactly will Larkin be headed? That’s a different question. Based on the recent noise around the NHL, it looks like the Minnesota Wild remain the favorites to trade for Larkin. Maybe Detroit will accept a little less than its steep asking price in search of an immediate replacement for Larkin.

Perhaps Larkin won’t be traded immediately, but it’s certainly closer to happening today than it was yesterday. For Larkin, that’s a victory, and he’ll take these wins, however infinitesimal they may seem, every day.

Key takeaways

• Dylan Larkin will likely be held out of the lineup until he is traded by the Detroit Red Wings.
• Reports around the NHL state trade talks have intensified.
• Larkin’s camp may have pressured Detroit to accelerate negotiations.

Indeed, any potential trade between the Giants and Taylor faces an obstacle in that the RB hasn’t asked to be traded. In fact, Taylor’s wife cast doubt on the family’s future in Indianapolis and seemed more worried than relieved when discussing a potential trade away from Indy. That should be very telling of where the Taylors currently stand regarding the trade buzz.

However, there’s still time before the NFL trade deadline, and with the Colts selling every valuable asset they can find, it’s not unrealistic to believe Taylor may change his mind and prefer to be traded. Only the slimmest of hopes should keep the Giants intrigued and paying close attention to the situation in the Crossroads of America.

“Jonathan Taylor isn’t a lock to be traded. Agree with Adam Schefter here — as of now, looking like a no. But still two weeks left for things and minds to change,” Mike Garafolo wrote on his X account.

NY Giants may still come away with Taylor

In more ways than one, Taylor’s current stance is perfect for New York. The Giants have been named among the potential suitors for Taylor but are often left off the list of favorites. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Perhaps if the G-Men were more straightforward about their interest, Taylor would change his mind, as he might be willing to return to his home state of New Jersey.

For the time being, Taylor is fine staying in Indianapolis. He’s only 27 and is signed through 2028. There might be time for a homecoming to the Garden State further down the road. But why wait until tomorrow for what he could have today? As the famous saying goes, the worst he can say is no. It seems Taylor is already saying that.

However, with a negative response seemingly a given, there’s nothing to lose for the Giants by exploring a trade. Quite the contrary: everything is there for the taking.

Colts may listen to offers

While the Colts intend to keep the second-leading running back in franchise history, anything can happen. The NFL trade deadline is set for Nov. 10, meaning there are a little less than two weeks for Taylor to change his mind—or for another team in the league to change it for him.

Key takeaways

• The New York Giants may have ruled out pursuing Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.
• Mike Garafolo reported that Jonathan Taylor is currently not expected to be traded, but things could change.
• The Nov. 10 trade deadline gives Jonathan Taylor time to change his mind.

The Red Wings’ recent update dismissing Larkin’s trade is par for the course. It’s a known fact around the NHL that Detroit is in no rush to move the former captain, but it feels as if the organization isn’t taking things seriously, either. Sooner or later, Larkin might say enough is enough.

Perhaps that’s what the Red Wings hope will happen, leading the center to expand his trade list and giving the front office more room to maneuver in negotiations. However, that plan could also backfire. Larkin’s last straw may not lead to him waiving his no-trade clause for the first suitor that comes along, but instead to him seeking legal action against the organization.

“I think we’re gonna get to a place in the relatively near future where if the Red Wings wanna continue to hem and haw, that he’s gonna put their feet to the fire,” Frank Seravalli commented during an appearance on the Flames Now podcast.

What could Larkin do, though?

That’s the million-dollar question. Indeed, Larkin put the Red Wings against the ropes with his trade request and narrow trade list. However, that might be as close as he can get. Larkin doesn’t have a clear move to deliver the knockout punch and force his way out of Detroit. The Wings are far from being in a comfortable spot, but they aren’t obliged to throw in the towel, either.

Larkin is signed to a more-than-reasonable $8.7 million contract for the next four and a half seasons, and that deal will only look better as the NHL’s salary cap continues its rocket-like rise. So, what can Larkin do to tilt the scales, shift momentum, and, at last, get over the finish line and secure a trade? Not much, to be honest.

The obvious route would be to sit out the rest of the season until he’s traded, but that would do more harm than good. Not only would he miss games in which he could showcase his worth to Stanley Cup contenders, but he would also risk being suspended without pay.

Larkin may choose legal route

Perhaps the legal route provides a better chance for Larkin, but it remains to be seen how his case might stand in court and whether it even has a leg to stand on. Moreover, that would be a long process, perhaps even longer—and certainly more exhausting—than letting the drama play out and living out his days in Detroit.

The main benefit of Larkin going nuclear and taking action against the Red Wings—aside from potentially forcing Detroit’s hand into making a trade—is that such a conflict would put the organization in a bad light and put the rest of the locker room on notice. Larkin could be sending the message: “If it happens to me, a former beloved captain, it can certainly happen to you, too.“

Red Wings can’t risk trouble

At the end of the day, the Red Wings can’t risk that kind of panic setting in within their facility. If Larkin ever threatens to act out, the Red Wings should be cautious, not cocky.

It’s unclear what exactly Larkin can do, but if there is even a slight chance of him taking action, it could have a big effect on the rest of the team, even if it doesn’t directly help Larkin’s trade request.

For the time being, it seems the rift between Larkin and Detroit remains in a cold-war phase, but things are heating up, and anything could happen. After all, all is fair in love and war, and there is no love lost between the two sides.

Key takeaways

• No trade has materialized for Dylan Larkin during the 2026-27 NHL season.
• Frank Seravalli commented on the Flames Now podcast that Larkin could pressure Detroit soon.
• An $8.7 million contract keeps Dylan Larkin signed with Detroit through 2030-31.

Kane’s statement addressing how fans might react to his return perfectly encapsulates that feeling. Kane, the Blackhawks, Larkin, and the Red Wings all have bigger fish to fry. The game at Little Caesars Arena will indeed be special, but it won’t solve any of the bigger issues both sides are dealing with.

“We’ll see. I mean, I guess you never know with Chicago and Detroit, right? Big rivalry,” Kane admitted, via Kalen Lumpkins of the Chicago Tribune. “But like I said, the fans were great to me there. So either way, whatever it goes, I understand, but I really loved my time there.”

Larkin’s trade request might have led to Kane’s exit

Kane has never explicitly said so, but he’s hinted at it from time to time. Moreover, the dots are too aligned not to connect. Until Larkin requested a trade out of Detroit, Kane hadn’t suggested he wanted to leave the team.

However, everything changed after Larkin’s house-of-cards-crushing decision. Not long after, Kane announced he wouldn’t be returning to the Red Wings once he became an NHL free agent.

Chicago immediately emerged as a suitor and ended up landing “Showtime,” beating out his hometown club, the Buffalo Sabres, in the sweepstakes. The Hawks’ two-year, $16 million contract was simply too good for Kane to pass up and well beyond any other potential offer.

Larkin and Kane meet again

Months later, Kane and Larkin would’ve finally reunited, albeit in different uniforms, but it wasn’t to be. Even though a Red Wings update denied an imminent trade for Larkin despite his absence at practice, the former captain has been ruled out to play against the Hawks. Thus, Larkin will miss the head-to-head with the fellow American skater he might have, unknowingly, driven out of the organization with his trade request.

When Kane headed for the door in Detroit, though, he probably didn’t expect Larkin to remain untraded through October of the 2026-27 NHL season. Perhaps, had he known, he would’ve done things differently.

Key takeaways

• Patrick Kane returns to Little Caesars Arena with the Chicago Blackhawks against the Detroit Red Wings.
• A two-year, $16 million contract convinced Patrick Kane to return to Chicago.
• An imminent trade for Dylan Larkin was dismissed by the Detroit Red Wings.

Back home at American Family Field, the Brewers vie to put an end to the 2026 MLB Postseason. Not just that, but snap their ringless drought in franchise history. Both Milwaukee and Tampa Bay are among the five teams that have never won the World Series. In 2026, that list will shrink to four organizations.

However, only the Brewers will get the chance to do it in Game 5. The Rays are playing for their lives, the Brewers for the chance to tell the story for the rest of theirs. If Game 4 was any indication, fans across MLB should be in for another instant classic in Game 5 of the 2026 World Series.

What happens if Brewers win against Rays?

The Brewers will be crowned the 2026 World Series champions with a victory at home against the Rays in Game 5. Since taking a 3-0 series lead, Milwaukee is only one win away from their first championship in franchise history. As they learned in Game 4, however, that’s the hardest triumph to secure.

On the other hand, the Rays would see their hopes be crushed to pieces with a loss in Game 5, and they would remain one of four teams yet to hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy in MLB.

What happens if Brewers and Rays tie?

Just as it happened in Game 4, if the Brewers and Rays remain tied at the end of the ninth inning the game will head to extra innings. With no ties allowed in MLB Postseason, Game 5 could go as long as needed until a victor is decided at American Family Field.

Contrary to regular season games, there is no extra-inning rule (ghost runner at second base) in the playoffs or World Series, that means Milwaukee and Tampa Bay will truly have to earn everything in extra innings.

If the Rays prevail in the extra inning, they will force a Game 6 back in Florida. If the Brewers finish on top, the 2026 MLB Postseason will be over, and the home team crowned. That would also mark the unofficial start of the MLB offseason, in which both the Brewers and Rays have several players set to become free agents.

What happens if Brewers lose against Rays?

If the Brewers fall at home in Game 5, all hope will not be lost, but they might start panicking. The 2026 World Series will head to a Game 6 back in St. Petersburg and what once was a comfortable 3-0 series lead for Milwaukee will turn into a narrow 3-2 lead in a two-day span.

No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in the World Series, but there’s a first time for everything and the Brewers will start getting anxious they might be on the wrong side of history.

To avoid all that, the easiest way out is for the Brewers to secure one more win and hoist the World Series. Unfortunately for them, there is nothing easy in doing that.

Key takeaways

• The Brewers are up 3-1 in the World Series entering Game 5 at home.
• A Brewers win in Game 5 will clinch the 2026 World Series.
• A Brewers loss in Game 5 will take the World Series back to Tampa Bay for Game 6.

That’s a common sentiment around the league. The Habs appear to hold the golden ticket. They have the assets to convince the Red Wings and need to address their top six if they want to truly compete for the Stanley Cup in a contender-filled Atlantic Division. All they’re missing is a green light from Larkin—a tiny detail.

If all that’s missing is Larkin’s signature, however, the Canadiens might be wise to negotiate with the Red Wings, and have an offer ready to show Larkin and get him to accept if he ever grows sick and tired of waiting around.

“Montreal is not on [Larkin’s] list of 10 and here’s my theory, it almost has to be reverse engineered. Montreal is going to have to call Detroit and say they want to make a deal for Larkin, but you have to agree. Montreal and Detroit would have to agree on a trade, and then Detroit would have to go to Larkin,” Elliotte Friedman suggested on the 32 Thoughts podcast.

Larkin prefers to stay in U.S. market

Even when little was known about Larkin’s preferred destinations, it was always clear that he didn’t want to join a Canadian market. His trade lists so far have only reinforced that, as Larkin has left all seven Canadian teams off them. Those poised to compete for the long haul or those destined for the basement—it made little difference: Larkin didn’t include a single one of them.

However, many insiders around the league believe Larkin’s mind can be changed regarding a move to Montreal, especially if the dramatic trade saga keeps dragging on throughout the 2026-27 NHL campaign.

“You’re starting to hear more talk about Montreal. The Canadiens I believe have got to a point where they have a good understanding of what the trade would have to be. It’s really a matter of does Larkin get tired of waiting,” Chris Johnston said on the Nielson Show.

Others, however, believe moving to Canada is where Larkin draws the line and that there’s no way he’ll change his mind, but time will tell. That’s just what the Red Wings have in abundance: time.

Red Wings are in no rush to trade Larkin

With no urgency to trade Larkin and the forward signed through 2031, Detroit can let this drag on for as long as necessary, waiting until the right offer lands on its desk and Larkin signs off on a trade. Who knows when that will happen? At this point, it’s even reasonable to wonder whether it ever will.

Larkin doesn’t have much time, though his patience so far has surprised many. It might eventually reach a point where he waives his no-trade clause just for the sake of leaving Detroit. If Larkin ever finds himself in a position where he’s willing to accept the first offer that buys him an exit from Motor City, it feels much more likely to be a one-way ticket to a team in the U.S. But, again, who knows?

Larkin’s trade remains an enigma

It’s all so uncertain. Anything can happen, even the impossible. For the time being, it seems anything can happen, but nothing actually will. Both Larkin and the Red Wings remain firm in their tug-of-war, and neither is moving an inch. As a result, Larkin isn’t going anywhere, at least for now, and remains a Red Wing.

He’s already played 10 games in the 2026-27 NHL season, and it might make little difference if he plays a couple dozen more. Maybe things will actually ramp up closer to the trade deadline. Until then, the Habs might need to keep working closely with the Red Wings, plotting the perfect offer—one that, once finalized, can be presented to Larkin in the hope that he’ll simply nod in agreement.

Key takeaways

• Elliotte Friedman suggested Montreal reverse-engineer a Dylan Larkin trade with the Detroit Red Wings.
• Larkin excluded all seven Canadian teams from his preferred NHL trade destinations.
• Larkin remains under contract through 2031 with Detroit, removing immediate urgency for a trade.

However, before the situation could be blown out of proportion, a report out of Detroit put an end to the speculation, confirming that Larkin’s absence wasn’t related to a roster move and didn’t pave the way for a trade to finally happen.

“Just a maintenance day for Larkin,” Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reported on her X account. Considering Larkin recently turned 30 and NHL veterans often get such rest days, his taking a day off from practice isn’t news and doesn’t indicate that a trade is imminent.

Larkin trade is more unlikely with every passing day

Maybe a trade happens, but it won’t be because Larkin missed the team’s practice ahead of the home game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Still, based on the buzz surrounding Larkin and Detroit, it seems the former captain’s trade is now less likely than it was when Larkin’s trade list included only three teams.

Some insiders around the league believe the current 10-team trade list submitted by Larkin isn’t enough. The biggest question marks are teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins, which may actually have the assets to put together an offer Detroit would accept. The issue remains, however: unless Larkin waives his no-trade clause, he won’t go anywhere.

Both Larkin and Red Wings play a role

Just as the Red Wings’ desire to receive an immediate, NHL-ready replacement for Larkin is pricing out potential suitors, Larkin’s firm stance on his future destinations has also led to the trade talks stalling. In that sense, both sides are to blame. Detroit for being a bit more petty than reasonable, and Larkin for being fixated on joining a contender in a place where he likes the surroundings, rather than simply wanting out of Detroit.

Both deserve to be blamed for that, but they’re also well within their rights to take those positions. With neither the club nor the player willing to give an inch, it feels unlikely that a trade will happen anytime soon.

Larkin may miss several more practices moving forward due to maintenance days. Fans may prick up their ears, wondering whether a trade is about to happen, but it will likely lead everyone back to square one. It’s all fun and games for a while, but eventually, Groundhog Day loses its magic. It makes one wonder what exactly each side is getting out of the conflict, and if there even is a winner in all of this drama.

Key takeaways

• Dylan Larkin missed Detroit Red Wings practice on Wednesday, fueling trade speculation.
• Helene St. James reported a maintenance day for Dylan Larkin rather than a roster move.
• Dylan Larkin’s 10-team trade list and no-trade clause currently stall potential Detroit Red Wings deals.

“WR-needy teams have called the Colts on WR Josh Downs, according to several league sources,” Jordan Schultz reported on X after DeForest Buckner was traded back to San Francisco.

Make no mistake, Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely are wreaking havoc offensively through the air, but the Giants are still one of the most wide-receiver-needy clubs in the NFL. New York, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the San Francisco 49ers are three contenders in the 2026 season whose wide receiver rooms are raising concerns.

With Schoen revealing that the Giants and Colts have talked, the G-Men now knowing who is and isn’t available, and this report stating that several teams have called about Downs, the dots practically connect themselves.

Why Downs could be perfect for NY Giants

Unlike other teams, though, the Giants don’t need a WR1. They have one in Nabers; what they need is to bolster the supporting cast. And even though Likely is the team’s slot wideout, adding Downs could give John Harbaugh and the Giants a wider range of options when it comes to how they line up offensively.

At the end of the day, they’ll need to show different looks throughout the year if they want to keep opponents on their toes. Otherwise, sooner or later, the rest of the league might figure them out. Trading for Downs, or any other wide receiver for that matter, could help New York avoid that outcome.

Downs’ stats in 2026

So far in the 2026 NFL season, Downs has played in all seven games for the Colts, though his production hasn’t been as consistent. Still, that could be attributed to the team’s offensive struggles and the fact that kicker Spencer Shrader has been their most reliable scorer. Through seven games, Downs has totaled 26 receptions for 307 yards (the most on the team) but has yet to score a touchdown.

NY Giants might shift to WR, instead of RB

Coming off Cam Skattebo’s statement performance against Houston, the Giants may not feel their rushing game needs as big of an investment as a trade for Taylor would require. And even then, it might not be enough if Indianapolis won’t even hear offers for the player with the second-most rushing yards in franchise history.

Key takeaways

• Joe Schoen may have ruled out trading for Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.
• Receiver-needy teams called the Colts regarding Josh Downs, reported Jordan Schultz.
• Josh Downs totaled 26 receptions for 307 yards through seven games for Indianapolis.

It’s been a while since the Rangers last made the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Not as long as it has been for some other clubs, but the past two seasons haven’t been encouraging, either.

That’s true both from a hockey and on-ice product standpoint and from a financial perspective. And the ownership in New York didn’t sugarcoat how tough these past two seasons have been. The quality of the on-ice product made that plain to see, but the numbers tell an even bigger story and only ramp up the pressure on Sullivan and the Rangers.

“NY Rangers lost about $30.5 million during 2026 fiscal year and $23.3 million in 2025, according to MSG Rangers’ SEC filing. Rangers had $26.8 mill in profits in 2024,” as reported by Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic. “Company says: ‘We are likely not to be profitable in the near term unless the Rangers make an extended playoff run‘.”

NY Rangers are now separated from NY Knicks

Though both sports organizations that call Madison Square Garden home are still owned by the same parent company, MSG Sports, they have been two separate publicly traded companies since Oct. 26.

Unless someone is interested in purchasing shares in either company, the spin-off doesn’t change much about how the Blueshirts—or the Knickerbockers, for that matter—are managed. James Dolan remains the CEO of both companies.

MSG Knickerbockers Corp. owns the New York Knicks as well as their G League affiliate, while MSG Rangers Corp. owns the Blueshirts, their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, and the MSG training facility.

NY Rangers must turn the tide fast

However, with the Knicks’ revenue and profits now part of a separate corporation, the basketball team may no longer be able to toss its NHL neighbors a lifeline if they need one. The Rangers are on their own in that regard, and that’s another reason Sullivan and company will feel the pressure not only to make the playoffs but also to go on a long run.

Sullivan may be on the spot

It took a while, but Sullivan has finally had his “Welcome to New York City” moment. This is the concrete jungle where dreams are made of, but it’s also a meat grinder where, if you aren’t winning or making money, you can become expendable. If a team is losing games and money simultaneously, the head coach can only last so long—even someone with a résumé like Sullivan’s.

Fans grow suspicious

However, fans are mainly wary of the Rangers’ statement that the team is losing money. Just a year ago, the Blueshirts were ranked as the NHL’s second-most valuable team, and many believe this is merely an accounting tactic—a rather creative one—to send a message to the coaching staff and players about the expectations for the brand of hockey played at Madison Square Garden.

Key takeaways

• Captain J.T. Miller called out the New York Rangers prior to ownership financial remarks.
• NY Rangers lost $30.5 million during the 2026 fiscal year, per SEC filing.
• Separated publicly traded companies now house the Rangers and Knicks since Oct. 26.

Make no mistake, a reunion between Hill and the Chiefs is still possible given the current state of the trade market. But it’s no longer a given, as it may have seemed earlier in the year. Instead, Kansas City might be eyeing a different type of wide receiver—one who can put up even better numbers than Hill, who’s coming off a gruesome knee injury, without drawing as much attention as Tyreek would.

“We’ll see what kind. It’s. not like Justin Jefferson is out there. Tyreek Hill is not healthy enough, and there is obviously all the off the field stuff,” Ian Rapoport commented on ESPN’s Big Day. “I would expect them to target a receiver, we’ll see at what level. But [general manager] Brett Veach is always trying to invest and help, I think that’s where they go.”

Who could Chiefs go after instead?

In more ways than one, moving in a different direction than The Cheetah seems like the wiser choice. Still, it’s worth noting that the Chiefs have often shown a soft spot for complex situations, both on and off the field, and who knows if they can resist bringing back a fan favorite like Hill?

If not, the Chiefs may be after another wide receiver drawing attention in the NFL. In fact, Kansas City could very well in the mix with the New York Giants among the teams calling the Indianapolis Colts for WR help.

“Jeff Saturday subsequently touted current Colts slot Josh Downs as a name to watch as a possible addition for Kansas City,” via Daniel Arwas on Heavy. “Hill’s injury and off the field issues may complicate the signing altogether, it once again feels more and more likely that Kansas City will look to alternative options rather than risking dipping their toe back in the Tyreek Hill fountain.“

Chiefs’ current WR group

As it stands, the Chiefs have far more question marks than answers in their wide receiver room. Rashee Rice has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, and the supporting cast hasn’t been able to hold it down without him. Tyquan Thornton’s potentially season-ending injury didn’t help, either, as he had stepped into a primary role as soon as Rice went down.

Xavier Worthy continues to show his inconsistency, and not even his lightning speed makes up for his impossible-to-miss struggles. Rookie Cyrus Allen is playing like one would expect a fifth-round rookie to play in such an adversity-filled receiving corps, while second-year Jalen Royals hasn’t been much better.

Nikko Remigio and Andrew Armstrong round out the depth chart and perfectly underline the hard truth: Patrick Mahomes is being hung out to dry in this offense.

Chiefs must make a move

If it weren’t for Kenneth Walker, who knows what this team’s record would be? The fact that the Chiefs are 5-1 through seven weeks feels like a miracle when looking at their wide receiver room.

With the trade deadline coming up and the problems at wideout impossible to overlook, it’s clear the Chiefs must take action. Whether it’s going after Josh Downs, Tyreek Hill, or another wide receiver, the name may not matter much. The important thing is for them to actually bring in someone who can spark what’s been an air-dormant offense.

The Seattle Seahawks exposed the Chiefs in almost every category, but the worst showing was definitely on the offensive side of the football.

Key takeaways

• Tyreek Hill’s health and legal issues could drive Kansas City Chiefs away.
• Jeff Saturday touted Josh Downs as an alternative receiver option for Kansas City.
• The Kansas City Chiefs stand 5-1 through seven weeks of the 2026 season.

Although reports have emerged of a key obstacle standing in the way of Taylor’s trade from the Colts to the Giants, it remains to be seen how long it can hold its ground before New York finds a way around it. However, even the Giants confessed Taylor may not be available. Not before the 2026 NFL trade deadline.

If Taylor indeed wants to return to his home state of New Jersey, the 2-5 Colts, who have already parted with their best offensive and defensive linemen, may not be able to refuse their star running back’s wish, though. Based on Schoen’s admission, there is reason to believe Big Blue has already called Indianapolis.

“We’re going to look at all the options that are available and certain teams have already started some trades. We’ve been in contact with those teams and have a pretty good idea who may or may not be available,” Schoen stated, all but confirming the Giants and Colts’ front offices have discussed trades, via Jordan Raanan of ESPN on X. “And it’s got to make sense short-term and long-term.”

Did Giants call Colts to ask about JT?

Whether New York’s inquiry was regarding Taylor, however, remains uncertain. Maybe the Giants are after another talent on the Colts’ roster. There’s a garage sale at Lucas Oil Stadium, and the G-Men will take their time before adding items to their cart.

However, several reports and other developments have given fans reason to believe Taylor isn’t among the dozen players up for grabs in the Crossroads of America. Perhaps, the Giants are among the teams calling the Colts for help at the wide receiver position.

Colts don’t have to trade Taylor

At the end of the day, Taylor is still the best player in the organization—even in today’s NFL, where running backs are considered virtually expendable. Moreover, Taylor lost his leverage for the season over the summer, and trading him would now do much more harm than good for the Colts.

Taylor would’ve been playing in a contract year in 2026 had it not been for him signing a two-year, $44 million extension in August. Now, the Colts face no threat of losing him to free agency next year, and trading him in 2026 would actually cost them a lot of money.

Financial side to potential Taylor trade

Carrying a $16.1 million cap hit this season, trading Taylor before the deadline would save the Colts just $8.6 million in cap space while leaving them with $7.5 million in dead money.

If anything, a trade involving Taylor makes more sense—financially speaking—next season, when the RB’s cap hit is $21 million and a post-June 1 trade would free up $16 million in cap space.

Last but certainly not least, the Colts may not even be taking calls on Taylor, so that could be a dead end right from the start

Key takeaways

• Giants GM Joe Schoen revealed trade talks with the Colts.
• Jonathan Taylor signed a two-year, $44 million extension with the Indianapolis Colts in August.
• Jonathan Taylor’s $16.1 million cap hit would leave Colts with $7.5 million in dead money if traded this season.

After one-run games in the first two matches of the 2026 World Series, fans across MLB expected the best-of-seven showdown to remain evenly matched when Tampa Bay returned home. However, Milwaukee had other plans and handed the fans in St. Petersburg, Florida, a colossal defeat by a score of 10-1.

Now, there is no margin for error for the Rays, whose backs are against the wall and whose season is on the line. Unless they come up with a plan—and come away with a win—fast, they will watch the Brewers hoist the 2026 World Series trophy on their home turf, under the stunned, teary-eyed gaze of fans and stingrays at Tropicana Field.

What happens if Brewers win vs Rays in Game 4?

The Milwaukee Brewers will be crowned 2026 World Series champions with a road win against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 4 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. It would be the first championship in franchise history for the Brewers, making it a historic triumph. The Brewers would finally abandon the list of MLB teams with no World Series to their name, leaving only: the Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, and Colorado Rockies.

If the Brewers close out the World Series against the Rays in four games, they would become the first team in MLB history to sweep both the League Championship Series (LCS) and the World Series since the former became a best-of-seven series.

A Milwaukee win in Florida would also bring an end to the 2026 MLB postseason and officially mean that a long list of Brewers players would become free agents heading into the offseason. Dealing with those contract situations while sipping champagne is far better than the alternative: dwelling on a World Series loss, which would be the case for Rays players set to hit free agency if they lose.

What happens if Brewers and Rays tie in Game 4?

If Game 4 of the 2026 World Series remains tied at the end of the ninth inning, the game will head to extra innings, as ties are not allowed in MLB. Unlike in the regular season, though, there is no extra-inning (ghost runner) rule in the postseason.

The game will go on for as many extra innings as necessary until a winner is decided. If the Brewers finish on top, they will be crowned champions. If the Rays prevail, they will force another elimination game in Game 5 back in Wisconsin.

What happens if Brewers lose vs Rays in Game 4?

Indeed, the Brewers would love to close out the series in four games, but a loss in Game 4 wouldn’t be terrible, either. If the Rays defeat the Brewers, the 2026 World Series will be extended to a Game 5 at American Family Field. Milwaukee would then get the chance to complete a gentleman’s sweep by defeating Tampa Bay in five games.

Though discouraging, a loss in Game 4 would give the Brewers another chance to hoist their long-awaited first title in front of their home fans in Milwaukee.

As for the Rays, they are in deep trouble, and not even a win in Game 4 may save them. No team in MLB history has come back from a 3-0 deficit in the World Series, and it will take a miraculous, never-before-seen rally for the Rays to complete the reverse sweep. Still, they’ve got to start somewhere, and a win in Game 4 at home would go a long way.

Key takeaways

• A 10-1 Game 3 blowout gave the Milwaukee Brewers a commanding 2026 World Series lead.
• Their first franchise title awaits the Milwaukee Brewers with a Game 4 road victory.
• No MLB team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficitin World Series history.

Miller is determined not to let the 2026-27 NHL campaign be a repeat of last season for the Rangers. As New York dangerously flirts with that nerve-wracking prospect, the captain didn’t stutter to put the team on notice. In the meantime, he also reminded the league what New York is capable of when at its best.

“We’re worried about ourselves. We know that when we play the brand that we know we can bring, we’re a lot to handle for teams,” J.T. Miller admitted after the Rangers’ home loss to the Kings, via SNY. “We need to go back to play to our identity. We’re playing the opposite of that right now.”

Importance of Miller’s comments

While Miller acknowledged the team’s struggles and how the locker room has drifted away from what worked for them not too long ago, he still put the league on notice. The captain isn’t giving up on his team anytime soon.

With his postgame admission, Miller killed two birds with one stone, pulling on his teammates’ ears while sending a league-wide reminder. Sometimes, such things are as important from team leaders and captains as their on-ice production.

New York needs a spark

Even if they’re not at their best, the Rangers need to find their footing in the 2026-27 NHL season. After a hot start, they’re now staring trouble right in the face.

Obviously, Igor Shesterkin’s injury, along with Joonas Korpisalo’s, whom Mike Sullivan provided a promising injury update on, makes things tougher, but Miller is still holding his teammates to a high standard.

NY Rangers’ rough stretch

The Blueshirts have lost four of their last five games, been heavily outscored by their opponents, and failed to secure key wins at home at Madison Square Garden. It’s all bringing back memories the Blueshirts would rather not revisit, and Miller hopes it’s not too late to get back on track.

Rangers have time to right the ship, but need urgency

It’s not too late. It’s not even November, but it’s better to be cautious, and with the injury bug taking a toll on the crease, Miller might be right to deliver a strong wake-up call to the rest of the team.

Such loud statements were quite common last season, and that’s another thing that’s raising concerns for New York. Slowly but steadily, the Rangers appear to be repeating some of the problems from last year. History may not repeat itself in Manhattan, but it’s starting to rhyme.

Key takeaways

• J.T. Miller stated the Rangers are playing opposite from their identity.
• Miller still warned the rest of the NHL about New York’s A-game.
• The Rangers have lost four of their last five games in the 2026-27 season.

Although the Giants breathed a sigh of relief with the positive injury update on Cam Skattebo, the G-Men may still be on the lookout for an elite running back to join the mix. It’s harsh to say, especially as Skattebo recently defied the NFL after his controversial flag during New York’s win in Houston and played one of the best games of his young, yet adversity-filled, career.

Still, John Harbaugh and company are serious about being contenders right from the get-go. Dak Prescott warning the Giants and NFC East only fueled the G-Men’s hunger in the 2026 NFL campaign. If the rushing game is viewed as a weak link on the team, they won’t hesitate to bolster it. Adding Taylor to the running back room would do just that, and much more. As the Colts traded star guard Nelson to the Seahawks, a report hints that the asking price for Taylor may have been revealed.

“Was told by a few sources the price for Quenton Nelson would be around a second or third-round pick. Turned out true with a 2027 three and a 2028 five coming from Seattle. Same people thought Jonathan Taylor would cost a second-round pick and possibly more,” Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported.

Giants could trade for Taylor

If that’s indeed what Indianapolis is looking for in exchange for its second-best running back in franchise history, New York could very well put together such an offer and come away with the three-time Pro Bowler. That’s a big if, though, as is whether the Giants are really interested in Taylor or whether they only tested the waters but aren’t entirely ready to make such a leap.

Taylor is as close to a sure thing as there can be in the NFL. That’s not where New York’s question marks may lie. Instead, it’s the fact that actually completing a trade for him would mean the G-Men are all in this season.

They’ve talked about it all offseason long, but actually doing it, when standing face-to-face with the moment, is a whole different feeling. It takes guts, and even a head coach like Harbaugh and an organization like the one in East Rutherford might get a bit nervous.

Giants coming off big win in more ways than one

Perhaps a statement win like the 27-21 overtime thriller in H-Town is the perfect final push for the Giants to be convinced they belong at the big boys’ table and go after Taylor to address a recurring issue so far this season.

Moreover, Joe Schoen confirmed that Tyrone Tracy Jr. is headed to Injured Reserve (IR), so that absence on the RB depth chart might be viewed as a sign that it’s time to press the red button and go after Taylor.

Skattebo’s future in New York

What that means for Skattebo’s future, just when he reclaimed the No. 1 job in New York, is uncertain, though. All is fair in love and war, and the Giants have certainly embraced that ask-for-forgiveness-not-permission mindset all year long.

If they must hit a big wall to learn the lesson, then so be it, but they will stay true to themselves. In the words of New Jersey’s own, this year, the Giants are doing it their way. No one can dare say the G-Men don’t make for entertainment week in and week out.

Key takeaways

• Quenton Nelson was traded to the Seattle Seahawks by the Indianapolis Colts.
• A second-round pick and possibly a bit more is Jonathan Taylor’s reported trade asking price.
• Tyrone Tracy Jr. is headed to IR, Giants GM Joe Schoen announced.

Just like the Minnesota Wild’s trade offer to Detroit might be missing some pieces and that complicates their odds, every team in the NHL may face the same fate dealing with the Red Wings. Detroit wants an immediate replacement for Larkin.

Whether any team can actually give up what the Wings are asking for, however, is a different question. And one that may drive Larkin and company down a painful shaggy-dog story ending.

“I do think that they kind of want like a 21, 22 year old Larkin for a 30 year old Larkin and I just don’t know if that’s going to happen right now,” Wild insider Michael Russo reported on NHL Tonight.

The longer this goes…

Make no mistake, the Red Wings are in no rush to make a deal and send Larkin off to his next destination. The former captain is signed for the next four and a half seasons, and even without a smile on his face, he can still produce and play like the top-six center Detroit needs him to be.

However, the Wings are also aware of the burden Larkin’s trade buzz places on the locker room. It’s not an easy situation for the rest of the players to deal with, and it’s not fair to them to be caught in the crossfire, either.

At some point, it can send the wrong message to the team, especially if the players get the sense that Detroit is holding on to Larkin out of pettiness rather than strategy. Still, until the Red Wings come across an offer worth their while, they have every right to keep Larkin in Motor City.

Red Wings walk a thin line

Moreover, as much as upset fans may enjoy seeing Larkin in the virtual penitentiary Little Caesars Arena has become for the gold medalist, his teammates may see it as a warning of what could happen to them if they ever want out. It’s a bold strategy on Detroit’s part.

The Wings are carrying a big stick and no longer speaking softly. The locker room will surely take notice, but whether that’s a positive or a negative remains to be seen.

All in all, one conclusion can be drawn: the longer the Larkin saga drags on, the higher the stakes will get. With the position the Red Wings are in, it may not be the best of bets, but they may have nothing to lose, either.

Key takeaways

• Detroit demands an immediate replacement for Dylan Larkin before agreeing to any potential NHL trade.
• Michael Russo reported Detroit’s asking price for Larkin may not be met.
• Dylan Larkin is under contract with the Detroit Red Wings for four and a half seasons.

Going into the game, Laviolette cast Chris Drury and the Rangers’ front office in a bad light, and things didn’t look any better for the brass when Laviolette‘s Kings blew the Blueshirts out of the water at the World’s Most Famous Arena.

Making his season debut and fresh off signing a one-year deal for the veteran minimum, Reimer saw his night end in the first intermission after allowing three goals on eight shots and a 9.00 GAA. Rather than throw the goalie under the bus after the game, Sullivan showed mercy and instead blamed only himself for putting the 38-year-old in a tough spot against Los Angeles.

“I put [Reimer] in a tough spot. That’s on me,” Sullivan said postgame, via Mollie Walker of the New York Post. “For Reims, to come in the way he has in short order and come into a game like this, it’s not an easy challenge. It’s a tough challenge. I just felt like maybe Reims needs a little bit more preparation before we put him in that circumstance.“

Sullivan addresses NY Rangers’ current state

“Let’s just acknowledge we’re in a difficult circumstance when our top two goalies are injured,” Sullivan added. “We’re trying to find a way to shore this thing up as best we can. I think Dylan [Garand] has given us some really good games. His workload is mounting.“

The truth is, the Rangers as a whole are in a rough spot, but the troubles are only magnified when it comes to their crease. On the one night Sullivan hoped to give rookie-turned-starter Dylan Garand a breather and some much-needed rest, the 24-year-old was called into action and ended up playing most of the game.

Goaltending struggles

As great as Garand’s start to the year was, missing both Igor Shesterkin and Joonas Korpisalo was never going to be an easy storm to weather, and the Blueshirts are now figuring that out. Through his last five outings, Garand is 1-3-1 and has allowed an average of three goals per game while posting a .888 save percentage. It doesn’t help when the rookie’s number is called up just 20 minutes into what was supposed to be a night off.

Clearly, Garand isn’t to blame, as his recent poor numbers are a consequence of fatigue and consecutive starts. In Sullivan’s eyes, Reimer isn’t to blame either. It may all be part of the natural cycle of life in the NHL, but the Rangers are finding out that even teams fully bought into an identity will feel the effects of losing their franchise goaltender for the season, while the $4 million veteran netminder they traded for to serve as his backup is also sidelined with an injury.

NY Rangers need to snap losing streak

The only way for New York to see the light at the end of the tunnel is for the skaters to play lights out and give their goalies a chance, but even then, it might not be enough. The Rangers have lost four of their last five games. In their last six outings, they have been outscored 28-17.

Allowing an average of 4.7 goals per game will lead to far more losses than wins for any team in the NHL, and it takes more than a shaky goaltending room to concede that many goals on a nightly basis. The red-hot start is clearly over, and it’s time for Sullivan and the Rangers to take a long look in the mirror and figure out where they go next.

Key takeaways

• Mike Sullivan accepted the blame for James Reimer’s first game with the New York Rangers.
• Three goals allowed on eight shots ended James Reimer’s debut in the first intermission.
• Four of their last five games have resulted in losses for the New York Rangers.

Mbappe has grown used to seeing his face and name brought up in thousands of memes on social media. Jokingly, Real Madrid‘s No. 10 is often referred to as “The Dictator,” with his face photoshopped onto some of the most infamous figures in world history.

However, Mbappe wasn’t careful enough when addressing the topic, and his comments, which were meant as a joke, rubbed Chinese fans the wrong way. This has led to a harsh backlash, with Mbappe, Real Madrid, and LaLiga as a whole now facing the consequences.

“My favorite Mbappe meme? The one where they put my face on a Chinese dictator,” Mbappe reportedly said, referring to former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, during an interview with The Bridge. “It really makes me laugh, I use it with my friends all the time.”

Mbappe apologizes for his comment

Mbappe is never one to mince words and is an active political voice on several issues related to world politics. Thus, it’s hard to imagine he isn’t familiar with Mao Zedong, meaning that calling the former Chinese Communist Party leader a dictator wasn’t a mistake. Perhaps it was a slip of the tongue, but an extremely costly one nevertheless. Shortly after the strong reaction in China, Mbappe released a statement of his own.

“During a recent interview, I reacted to an image of myself. My comment was ill-judged, and I now understand that it hurt many people in China and in Chinese communities around the world. I apologise to everyone my words have upset,” Mbappe’s statement read, per @MadridXtra on X. “This was absolutely not my intention. I have deep respect for the Chinese people and their history. I am sincerely sorry.”

China suspends LaLiga broadcasts

As a result of Mbappe’s viral comment about Mao Zedong, China‘s state-owned television broadcaster decided to suspend the broadcasting of LaLiga games until further notice.

Establishing a presence in the Chinese market was a strategic goal LaLiga had achieved through years of work, and that house of cards has come crashing down in seconds after Mbappe made a comment many believed was harmless but that stirred up controversy in China. Now, LaLiga is paying the full price.

For added context, some years ago, LaLiga scheduled El Clasico for an early noon kickoff to attract more viewers in the Asian market, particularly in China. All that work may have gone down the drain after Mbappe called Mao a dictator while laughing and speaking strictly about memes, not politics.

LaLiga sends out a statement

Instead of sitting idle with their arms crossed, LaLiga responded with a lengthy statement expressing regret over Mbappe’s comments and seeking a peaceful way out of the predicament Real Madrid’s star has put the entire league in.

“La Liga deeply regrets the offense caused by Kylian Mbappe’s recent comments among Chinese fans,” LaLiga president Javier Tebas stated on X. “These comments were made in a personal capacity and do not represent LALIGA. To the extent of our institutional responsibility, we apologize on behalf of LALIGA and all its clubs.

“Spanish football upholds respect, coexistence, and unity among people of all cultures. We convey our respect to China, its institutions, and its people, and we deeply value the support of the millions of fans who follow us each week. We reaffirm our commitment to a relationship built over years.

“We are working with our partners and institutional interlocutors in China to address this situation. Likewise, in collaboration with the clubs and players, we will implement a protocol for awareness and communication that promotes respect for different cultures and helps prevent similar situations.“

Mbappe loses business deals in China

LaLiga and Real Madrid aren’t the only ones affected by Mbappe’s comments. The French star is paying a steep price, too. According to Europa Press, Chinese brands like Dongpeng and Mengniu have immediately terminated their partnerships with Mbappe following his labeling of Mao Zedong as a dictator.

Dongpeng released a statement making it clear that it firmly opposes any action that hurts Chinese national pride and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward such actions. It remains to be seen whether more brands will follow suit and react to Mbappe’s comments.

Still, it’s clear that the controversy has led to significant financial losses for the player, his club, and LaLiga as a whole. Whether bridges can be rebuilt remains to be seen. For the time being, though, Mbappe’s and LaLiga’s apologetic statements might be good starts.

Key takeaways

• Kylian Mbappe’s remarks calling Mao Zedong a dictator triggered widespread controversy in China.
• China’s state-owned broadcaster suspended televising LaLiga matches until further notice.
• Kylian Mbappe released statement apologizing for comment about Mao Zedong.

Messi first won the Ballon d’Or in December 2009, coming off his tremendous 2008-09 season with Barcelona, in which he won LaLiga, UEFA Champions League, and Copa del Rey. It was the first time Barca won all three tournaments in a single season—the first of many.

At the time, Messi was 22 years old, three years older than Yamal currently is, which means he could still beat Messi to the award. In fact, Yamal could beat everyone to it.

Yamal can still break a Ballon d’Or record

Although Yamal came up short of becoming the youngest player to win the Ballon d’Or, he can still break that record. Ronaldo Nazario owns the milestone, as he won the Ballon d’Or at 21 in 1997. Nazario won the Ballon d’Or twice and was who handed this year’s winner the award.

Had Yamal won, it would’ve been a special moment, with the former youngest winner handing the honor to the new record-setter. However, it wasn’t to be. Yamal will have another shot next year, and could have yet another one in 2028, depending on the date chosen to host the gala two years from now.

When Messi won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009, he had won three championships with Barcelona the season prior. Yamal did win LaLiga and Supercopa, but his Barca side came up short in the UEFA Champions League. Yamal makes up for that with the 2026 World Cup win, even though he didn’t have the biggest of impacts in soccer’s biggest tournament.

Yamal had a memorable season

At the end of the day, Lamine still conquered LaLiga and the FIFA World Cup at just 19. Make no mistake, though: this is only the beginning, and soccer fans all across the globe should prepare for Yamal-Messi debates to become common currency.

Lamine Yamal couldn’t win his first Ballon d’Or by the age of 19, but neither could Lionel Messi, so he’s still in contention to become the next Messi. However, his goal is to be the first Lamine Yamal, and he’s doing a great job of it for the time being.

Key takeaways

• Lionel Messi won his first Ballon d’Or at the age of 22.
• Lamine Yamal missed out on winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or at age 19.
• Ronaldo Nazario won the 1997 Ballon d’Or at 21, remaining the youngest recipient.

Instead, both Messi and Ronaldo had already won the award multiple times by the age of 33. Cristiano won his first Ballon d’Or in 2008 (23 years old) and had already raised his total to five Ballon d’Ors by 33. That’s where Ronaldo still stands, as he is second in the all-time leaderboard. Considering Ronaldo wasn’t nominated for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, there’s reason to believe that’s where CR7’s total will remain once he calls it a career.

As for Messi, he leads the way with his record eight Ballon d’Or wins. The Argentine won his first in 2009 at 22, and had six Ballon d’Or trophies by the age of 33. With his win in 2026, Kane has etched his name on the list of English players that have won the Ballon d’Or. Moreover, Kane is the third player to take home the award since Messi last won one in 2023.

Harry Kane’s resume to win 2026 Ballon d’Or

Even though Kane voiced his gratitude to Tottenham in his speech after winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or, it’s plain to see that his move to Bayern Munich completely changed the trajectory of his career. Last season, Kane hoisted the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal trophies while also reaching the UEFA Champions League semifinals.

Kane’s England side also fell in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup. Still, his goals did all the talking. Kane scored 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern across all competitions, including 34 in the Bundesliga and 14 in the UEFA Champions League. During the World Cup, Kane scored six goals for the Three Lions, finishing tied for fifth among the tournament’s top scorers.

Kane beats Mbappe to 2026 Ballon d’Or

Although Kane finished behind Kylian Mbappe, who scored 10 goals at the 2026 World Cup and became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer, he had the last laugh at the Palladium Theatre in London. Not just that, but Kane also won the 2026 Gerd Muller trophy during the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.

Even though Mbappe had previously reacted to the possibility of Kane winning the Ballon d’Or, Ronaldo Nazario’s announcement still came as a shock to the French national team and Real Madrid star. As incredible as it sounds, Mbappe has yet to win a Ballon d’Or.

2026 Ballon d’Or final podium

Prior to the ceremony, rumors ran wild as viral posts that accidentally appeared on the award’s official website may have leaked the 2026 Ballon d’Or podium. In the end, there was fire behind the smoke. Just as the leak hinted, Kane finished on top, with Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, who is still without a Ballon d’Or at 19, rounding out the top three.

• Harry Kane: 2026 Ballon d’Or winner
• Kylian Mbappe: Second place
• Lamine Yamal: Third place

Messi and Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or wins

Key takeaways

• Harry Kane won the Ballon d’Or at age 33 at the 70th ceremony.
• Lionel Messi had won Ballon d’Or six times at 33.
• Cristiano Ronaldo had five Ballon d’Ors by 33 years old.

If it were up to Larkin, he would’ve been in Minnesota the day after he knocked on Steve Yzerman’s door and requested a trade out of Detroit. However, as much as it’s Larkin’s call to waive his no-trade clause, the Red Wings won’t ship their top-six center for peanuts.

The Wild will have to get to work to pull off the trade, and it might still not be enough. However, one report from around the NHL suggests it will happen one way or another, and Larkin will be headed to the Twin Cities.

“There’s still a feeling out there that Minnesota’s going to find a way to get it done,” insider Chris Johnston reported during an appearance on The Nielson Show.

Larkin trade drama could become distraction

It was always expected to be the case, but Todd McLellan made it clear by crediting the Red Wings while throwing Larkin under the bus for putting Detroit’s locker room in the eye of the storm.

However, the trade drama surrounding Larkin isn’t limited to the Red Wings; it also affects the teams circling the top-six center. For Minnesota, it’s a dangerous cocktail.

The Wild may have enough on their plate dealing with Quinn Hughes, who has yet to sign an extension and is raising eyebrows all across the NHL. Adding Larkin’s noise could be a double-edged sword for the franchise.

Where Larkin goes, Hughes could go next

Moreover, there is plenty of speculation that Larkin could determine Hughes’ future. If the Wild feed into that speculation by going after Larkin but come up short, they might just dig themselves into a hole and send the wrong signal to their elite blueliner, who will become a free agent next summer.

The stakes are simply too high for Minnesota. Fully committing to the Larkin sweepstakes might put the Wild in a true do-or-die situation, but it seems too late for them to back down now. They need a top centerman, and their championship window depends on it.

However, that window also hinges on Hughes re-signing, and one may not move forward without the other. To say Bill Guerin and his team are in a pickle would be an understatement.

Key takeaways

• Dylan Larkin requested a trade out of Detroit from Steve Yzerman.
• Chris Johnston reported a feeling that the Minnesota Wild will land Dylan Larkin.
• Quinn Hughes is set to become a free agent next summer amid delaying Minnesota Wild extension.

After showing Laviolette the door, the Rangers were determined to flip the script. Even though Mike Sullivan’s first season in town was nothing like what the team had expected, his second year is off to a much better start. And if Laviolette’s experience serves as a lesson, it might actually be for the best.

“It was kind of a tale of two years. The first year was really good, I mean, most wins and most points and a very storied franchise. Took it to three rounds to Florida and lost in Game 6, and that was disappointing.

“Overall, looking back at that year, it was really good. It was something that I’ll remember being here in New York. Obviously, the second year was not as smooth and had problems inside of it,“ Laviolette admitted, via Mollie Walker of the New York Post.

Laviolette shines light on Rangers’ problems

Laviolette’s statement isn’t exactly groundbreaking news. The Rangers’ struggles in the 2024-25 NHL campaign were impossible to miss, and it all started up in the suite level with the front office. Thus, Laviolette taking aim at the problems within the organization is a clear, if not-so-subtle, shot at Drury and company.

In Laviolette’s final season in New York, he witnessed a flurry of moves, including the trades of Kaapo Kakko, Jacob Trouba, Filip Chytil, Ryan Lindgren, and Jimmy Vesey, among many others. In the end, Laviolette got the shortest end of the stick and was fired just one year after helping New York reach the Eastern Conference Final, record the most points and wins in franchise history, and win the Presidents’ Trophy.

Laviolette vs NY Rangers

The magic was lost in 2024-25, and the Blueshirts didn’t hesitate to show Laviolette the door. Meanwhile, Drury and company stayed in charge, with both hits and misses ever since.

Finally, after spending a season away from the league, Laviolette is at the helm of the Kings and will face the Rangers again in the NHL. And if it wasn’t clear heading into the matchup, there are still doubts that all is water under the bridge, with some bad blood seemingly remaining.

Key takeaways

• Peter Laviolette targeted Chris Drury and front-office leadership following his New York Rangers exit.
• Mike Sullivan enters his second season coaching after replacing Peter Laviolette in New York.
• The New York Rangers fired Peter Laviolette one year after winning the Presidents’ Trophy.

There are several things about today’s NFL that players, coaches, and fans don’t really like. Even though everybody is in favor of protecting players’ health, it’s still worth noting how the league is actively taking away much of the contact and aggressive nature of the sport. If there’s one player known for his aggressiveness, it’s definitely Skattebo, who won’t think twice before rushing headfirst into a brick wall if that gives his Giants even the slightest chance of winning.

Even after being called for an eyebrow-raising penalty against Houston that went viral on social media, New York’s RB1 made it clear that he isn’t changing his play style anytime soon. If that means he will have to pay NFL fines week in and week out, fattening the league’s pockets while thinning his own, so be it.

“The NFL loves to post me when I do stuff like that but then also wants to take stuff from me,” Skattebo stated postgame, via CBS Sports. “I’m going to run the ball like I want to run the ball. If I’m going to continue to get flags for it or fined for it, guess I’m going to play for free.”

Skattebo didn’t lie

Skattebo is a big personality both on and off the field, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by the NFL. The league constantly promotes him and his incredible plays, which usually involve him overpowering another competitor. In fact, his allegedly illegal truck against Texans safety M.J. Stewart was still posted on social media and got hundreds of thousands of views.

He won’t change his ways, whether the NFL praises his work on social media or referees throw flags against him. Either way, Skattebo will be Skattebo.

Skattebo’s stats vs Texans

Coming off a week of uncertainty, with reports all but confirming that the Giants could trade for Jonathan Taylor or another running back to take over as the lead back in East Rutherford, Skattebo heard it all, didn’t say a word to stir up drama, and did his talking on the gridiron.

Against a suffocating defense like the Texans’, despite their less-than-stellar start to the 2026 NFL season, Skattebo had one of the best games of his career. Not only did he set a career high for longest run twice during the 27-21 win over Houston, but he also finished the game with 124 yards and a touchdown, breaking three tackles en route to the end zone.

Skattebo re-claims RB1 role

Moreover, his 17 carries, compared with Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s six and Devin Singletary’s five, confirm that he’s back as the lead ball carrier in John Harbaugh and Matt Nagy’s offense. Perhaps all he needed was the wake-up call that came with the possibility of being benched in Week 6 and having his future with the organization called into question throughout the week. Just as expected, Skattebo delivered when he needed to most.

NY Giants: first place in NFC East

The Giants improved to 4-2-1, remain atop the NFC East, and head into a strategically timed midseason bye week in far better spirits than they had entering Week 7. They have Skattebo’s monstrous outing, a strong performance from the running back room as a whole, and a cool, calm, and collected first start from J.J. McCarthy to thank for that.

So keep the fines and flags coming, because Skattebo isn’t going to stop running over people. And if drawing a penalty is the only way teams can stop him, then the rest of the NFL will be in for long, painful outings against Skattebo and the Giants.

Key takeaways

• Cam Skattebo criticized the NFL over his unnecessary roughness penalty following the New York Giants’ win.
• Cam Skattebo totaled 124 yards and a touchdown in the New York Giants’ 27-21 victory.
• The New York Giants improved to 4-2-1 to hold first place in the NFC East.

In case Larkin needed reminding, McLellan’s latest statement was a clear shot at his trade request and the situation it has exposed within the franchise. Addressing the Red Wings’ start to the 2026-27 NHL campaign, McLellan didn’t mince words about the trade drama surrounding the former captain.

Even though a recent report stopped the growing buzz in its tracks, Larkin’s trade request remains a distraction, though one McLellan believes his team is doing a great job of weathering.

“The group’s been really, considering all the (expletive) we’ve gone through, it’s been pretty resilient,” McLellan stated, via Detroit Free Press. “It’s been well-connected. There’s a lot of stickiness to it. It’s a good thing for us.”

Larkin trade rumors

After months of speculation, Larkin finally expanded his trade list to 10 teams during the 2026-27 NHL season. Even though he didn’t include them on his list, the Montreal Canadiens are reportedly pushing to acquire Larkin, and reports around the league suggest the Red Wings’ former captain is just as likely to be traded to a team outside his list as to one of the 10 teams he included.

“My hunch is that he ultimately is traded to a team that isn’t currently on that list of 10 teams,” insider Chris Johnston reported on The Hockey PDOcast.

Anything can happen with Larkin

As reported, Larkin’s current trade list includes the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils, Utah Mammoth, and Washington Capitals.

However, if the trade keeps getting delayed—and Detroit has no reason to rush—teams currently on the outside looking in could become suitors overnight. That includes the likes of the Habs, Boston Bruins, and San Jose Sharks, among others, as they could all prove to be playoff contenders in the 2026-27 NHL season and thus appeal to Larkin.

The Canadiens would have some extra convincing to do, as it’s improbable that Larkin would accept a trade outside the United States. However, anything can happen. And if Larkin truly wants to leave Motor City, he might even accept a move north of the border.

Key takeaways

• Todd McLellan addressed Dylan Larkin’s trade request and praised the Detroit Red Wings’ resilience.
• Dylan Larkin expanded his trade list to 10 teams during the 2026-27 NHL season.
• The Montreal Canadiens are pushing to acquire Dylan Larkin despite missing his approved list.

On that note, Sullivan offered an encouraging update on where the veteran netminder stands in his recovery from a lower-body injury. Much has been said about Korpisalo ever since he arrived in New York with two years left on a deal carrying a $4 million AAV, but it’s clear the Broadway Blueshirts need the 32-year-old goalie back as soon as possible in the 2026-27 NHL campaign.

“Sullivan said Joonas Korpisalo skated [Saturday and Sunday],” Vincent Mercogliano of The Athletic reported. “He needed to double check if yesterday was his first day on the ice but his larger point is that he’s making progress.”

Korpisalo’s season

Coming off a 31-game season in 2025-26 with the Boston Bruins, Korpisalo landed in the Big Apple expecting to be the backup to Igor Shesterkin. However, he sustained a lower-body injury before he could make his season debut and watched Shesterkin’s season come to an end with a knee injury.

Nothing has gone as planned for the Rangers so far, but Garand’s rise has made the tough pill a bit easier to take. However, adversity is now knocking at the front door, and the Rangers don’t have a solid backup plan—or a backup goaltender for that matter, until now.

When Korpisalo returns, whenever that is, he might actually be asked to start for a New York team whose red-hot start is now in jeopardy, as the crease has become filled with question marks.

NY Rangers sign James Reimer

Although Garand remains the main goaltender in Broadway, Sullivan and company have called for backup. As announced by the organization in Manhattan, the Rangers have signed 38-year-old James Reimer to a one-year deal.

According to The Athletic, the contract is valued at the league minimum for a veteran at $850,000. As if the figure doesn’t make it clear enough, Reimer is only in New York to fill a void and give Garand the occasional night off.

Garand could use some time to rest

As long as Shesterkin remains out, Garand will man the crease virtually night in and night out, while Reimer fills in occasionally. Clearly, the 24-year-old rookie goalie needs some breathers. Over his last five games, Garand has a 1-3-1 record, along with a .869 save percentage (SV%) and a 3.4 goals-against average (GAA).

The magic seems to have worn off, but that’s not to say he can’t get back to his best form. Still, it’s clear he needs some time off, or at least the peace of mind that comes with knowing another healthy netminder can fill in for him. He shouldn’t have to stand alone in the crease, trying to keep New York’s season alive, even if it’s only October.

Key takeaways

• Joonas Korpisalo skated Saturday and Sunday while progressing from a lower-body injury.
• James Reimer signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the New York Rangers.
• Dylan Garand is 1-3-1 with an .869 save percentage over his last five games.

“Jeremiyah Love (ankle) trying to get right after a high-ankle sprain, will miss another game this week. He’s been ruled out by coach Mike LaFleur,” as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Love sustained a high ankle sprain in Week 4, when the Cardinals were blown out by the Detroit Lions in a 45-21 rout. Then, Love was limited to 12 carries and managed just 22 yards on the ground. It’s been that kind of season so far for the rookie out of Notre Dame, who has yet to find his footing in Glendale. Against the Broncos, Love will be out with the ankle injury for a second straight game.

Love’s numbers in 2026

So far in the 2026 NFL season, Love has totaled 67 carries for 245 yards (an average of 3.7 yards per carry) and a touchdown. Love has also caught 11 passes for 36 yards and a touchdown.

He has yet to surpass the 100-yard rushing mark in a game this season, with his season (and career) best being his 90-yard rushing (109 total) outing against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3.

Broncos face another team missing RB1

With the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft ruled out for Sunday’s game against Denver, the Broncos will face yet another weakened running back room. In Week 6, the Broncos took down the Seattle Seahawks. Love’s fellow Fighting Irish teammate Jadarian Price didn’t play for the Seahawks against the Broncos. Neither did Zach Charbonnet.

Cardinals’ RB depth chart

With Love’s injury leaving Arizona’s No. 1 RB slot up for grabs, the Cards’ ground game will fall on the shoulders of Tyler Allgeier and Bam Knight. As it stands, James Conner remains on Injured Reserve (IR). During last week’s 18-16 win over the Rams, Knight made the most of his touches, even though Allgeier had the most carries.

Allgeier finished the day with 18 carries for 38 yards (an average of 2.1 yards per carry), as well as a catch for a 10-yard gain. Knight, on the other hand, recorded 15 carries for 80 yards (an average of 5.3 yards per carry) and two catches for 18 yards.

In Love’s absence, the Cardinals failed to score a single touchdown and watched kicker Chad Ryland carry them to victory as he scored six field goals, including the game-winner from 43 yards as time expired. Incredibly enough, in the only game this season in which Arizona didn’t score a touchdown, it still secured its second win of the season—and did so against an offseason Super Bowl LXI favorite.

Key takeaways

• Jeremiyah Love was ruled out by the Arizona Cardinals for Week 7 against Denver.
• A high ankle sprain has sidelined Jeremiyah Love for a second straight game.
• Jeremiyah Love totals 245 rushing yards on 67 carries in the 2026 season.

Real Madrid aren’t the only ones missing a key piece for the big game in Catalonia, as Dani Olmo isn’t playing for Barcelona, either. However, his absence is for a completely different reason than Vini Jr.’s, as the Real Madrid star is serving a harsh suspension imposed by LaLiga authorities.

Vinicius has been handed a four-game suspension by the Spanish football federation after his incident-filled outing against Villarreal in Matchday 8 of the 2026-27 LaLiga. Vinicius served the first game of his ban during Madrid’s 4-1 win over Sevilla, but has three more games left before he can return, and thus can’t play against Barcelona.

Why has Vinicius Jr. been suspended?

During Real Madrid’s 1-0 win against Villarreal in Matchday 8, Vinicius Jr. pulled Nathan Saliba’s hair. The foul initially went unnoticed by the referee, and Vinicius even assisted Jude Bellingham on what would have been the second goal of the game.

However, after a VAR review, the goal was overturned, and the Brazilian forward was sent off. Vini Jr. didn’t take the decision lightly and confronted the referee. As a result of the entire sequence, Vinicius was handed a four-game suspension: two matches for the hair pull and another two for his reaction to the referee.

Despite the club’s best efforts to appeal and reduce the punishment, the federation’s board stood firm and upheld the four-match ban, keeping Vinicius out of El Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou.

When can Vinicius return?

With Real Madrid set to play Racing Santander and Valencia on Nov. 1 and 7, respectively, Vinicius is eligible to return for Real Madrid on Nov. 21 against Celta de Vigo.

Because Vinicius’ suspension was imposed by the Spanish football federation, it only sidelines him for domestic competition. He can still play against AEK Athens in Matchday 4 of the 2026-27 UEFA Champions League (Nov. 4), just as he did against RB Leipzig during the week leading up to El Clasico.

Key takeaways

• Vinicius Jr. is suspended for Real Madrid’s El Clasico clash against Barcelona.
• A four-game suspension was handed to Vinicius Jr. following incidents against Villarreal.
• Eligible to return Nov. 21, Vinicius Jr. can face Celta de Vigo for Real Madrid.

While Vinicius is out for El Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou due to a harsh suspension imposed by the Spanish football federation, Olmo is sidelined for health reasons. Barcelona‘s defeat at Parc des Princes against PSG in the UEFA Champions League didn’t just snap Hansi Flick’s side’s unbeaten run in the 2026-27 season.

Barcelona’s deflating loss in Paris also raised concerns inside the locker room. Dani Olmo was subbed off early during Barcelona’s 4-2 loss to PSG and was subsequently ruled out of El Clasico against Real Madrid in Catalonia.

Dani Olmo’s status

As confirmed by the club, Olmo has sustained an injury to his left adductor muscle. According to the tests carried out on Olmo, the 2026 World Cup champion is expected to miss an entire month of action.

Although the return timeline is subject to change, Olmo’s initial injury update suggests he will not only miss El Clasico but could also be sidelined for upcoming fixtures against Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League on Nov. 3 and Atletico Madrid in LaLiga on Nov. 8.

Olmo’s numbers in 2026-27

Coming off a dream summer in North America with the Spanish national team, Olmo made sure not to miss a beat with Barcelona. So far in the 2026-27 season, Olmo has appeared in 12 games, scoring one goal and providing four assists. It remains to be seen how Barcelona will fare without him, but if there’s one team in the world with enough firepower to weather the storm, it’s the Cules. The lineups for Barcelona vs. Real Madrid will be stacked regardless.

Key takeaways

• Dani Olmo was subbed off early against PSG and ruled out of El Clasico.
• A left adductor muscle injury sidelines Dani Olmo for an entire month.
• Dani Olmo has 12 appearances, one goal, and four assists in 2026-27.

The Niners are walking into the City in a Forest looking to keep their record perfect in the 2026 NFL season. Atop the NFC standings with a 6-0 record, San Francisco faces the 2-4 Atlanta Falcons with a lot on the line and a steep climb ahead to make it out alive. Brock Purdy will be without two key weapons, with both Evans and Samuel ruled out by the 49ers.

Mike Evans has been haunted by injuries all year long. Even though he had played in all six games for San Francisco in 2026, he had seemingly always arrived on game day with a questionable tag next to his name.

In Week 7, however, he has no such designation heading into kickoff. Instead, he’s been ruled out entirely with an Achilles injury. The veteran wideout had also been dealing with a rib injury.

Deebo Samuel’s injury

As for Samuel, the shifty playmaker is dealing with an injury considered more serious than Evans’. Samuel remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in Week 5 of the 2026 NFL campaign.

According to reports, Samuel is expected to miss several weeks. However, the Niners don’t plan on placing him on Injured Reserve (IR), as they have a bye scheduled for Week 8. Still, his health remains something to keep an eye on moving forward.

Niners’ WR depth chart

With Evans and Samuel out of the picture, the Niners will roll into Atlanta with the following active WR room: Brandin Cooks, Jordan Watkins, and Jacob Cowing. Kirk could join the mix, as reports suggest he’ll be activated off IR. Other injured wide receivers on IR include Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, and De’Zhaun Stribling.

National Tight Ends Day

If there’s a sliver of hope for San Francisco’s passing game, it’s that Week 7 falls on National Tight Ends Day (the fourth Sunday of October), with founding father George Kittle almost always making his presence felt on the special occasion.

Key takeaways

• Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel are ruled out for the San Francisco 49ers against Atlanta.
• An Achilles injury sidelines Mike Evans after playing in the first six games this season.
• A Week 5 hamstring injury keeps Deebo Samuel sidelined for several weeks without going to IR.

“Rams are optimistic that WR Puka Nacua will play vs. the Raiders,” Adam Schefter reported on X. “Nacua was feeling better Saturday and, as one source said, ‘as long as there aren’t any setbacks, we feel good about him being available to play’.”

What was supposed to be a dream year has turned into a nightmarish ride for the Rams, who sit third in the NFC West with a 2-4 record. As things stand in the NFL season, their best players have made more headlines because of injuries than because of highlight-reel plays.

Nacua raising eyebrows

Coming into the 2026 NFL season, there were many questions surrounding Nacua’s offseason and off-field scandals, but virtually none about his play or ability to lead the Rams’ receiving corps. However, Nacua has barely been able to stay healthy.

When healthy, Nacua could very well be considered the best wideout in the NFL. As cliché as it sounds, availability is indeed the most important ability. Nacua has already missed two games this year and could still miss a third in Week 7.

Nacua’s numbers

So far in the 2026 NFL season, Nacua has caught 37 passes for 512 yards, ranking 16th among WRs, and has scored only one receiving touchdown (he has another on the ground). Nacua’s struggles so far are just par for the course for Los Angeles, as it seems everything that could go wrong has gone terribly wrong.

More job for RBs and TEs

If Nacua is ruled out for Week 7 against the Raiders, the Rams will be staring at a virtually empty wide receiver room, with only Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington, Tutu Atwell, CJ Daniels, and Alex Bachman confirmed to be active.

Missing both Nacua and Adams in Week 7 would only add to the workload and pressure on the shoulders of running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.

Tight ends Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson would also be in line for expanded roles, which has been a common theme for them all year long, as the Rams still have Terrance Ferguson on Injured Reserve (IR).

Key takeaways

• Puka Nacua suffered a calf injury, leaving his Week 7 status questionable for the Rams.
• The Los Angeles Rams sit 2-4 in third place in the NFC West division.
• Puka Nacua has 37 catches for 512 receiving yards during the 2026 NFL season.

Garcia has proved to be a great addition to the lineup since the Yankees acquired him from the Washington Nationals before the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline. Having played a big role at first base, Garcia could be in line for an increased workload, and Boone didn’t hesitate to discuss that possibility.

“Aaron Boone says it’s possible Luis Garcia Jr. gets some run at second base next year, and he didn’t rule out third base as an option either,” as reported by Talkin’ Yanks on X.

Chisholm Jr. may be out of a roster spot

Garcia’s potential position change begs the question: what would happen to Chisholm Jr. in that scenario? One can only assume, as a report predicts Chisholm will leave the Yankees, that the Pinstripers are planning for a tomorrow in which Jazz no longer dons the pinstriped uniform.

In more ways than one, the 2026 MLB season left the writing on the wall. For Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, the fact that the Yankees benched Chisholm Jr. in an elimination game in the American League Division Series (ALDS) might be reason enough for fans to look no further. The die seems cast.

Moreover, Boone and Chisholm Jr. had their fair share of tense moments throughout the season, and it might have been one too many.

Boone on Chisholm’s lollipop moment

Addressing the culture inside the Yankees’ clubhouse, Boone was asked about a past incident involving Jazz, when he rushed onto the field still chewing on a lollipop. That was back in June, but Boone was still vivid in his recollection of the incident in October, just as he had been when it happened.

“Yeah, it bothered me. That was one of those things that I called out from this set that bothered me. I’ve also said that nothing is perfect, but as a whole, we had a lot of the right ingredients,” Boone admitted during his end-of-season press conference, via Talkin’ Yanks. “Doesn’t mean we didn’t have individual things pop up, doesn’t mean it’s a perfect room by any means. When those things do come up, I try to address them.”

Boone avoids throwing shade at Chisholm Jr.

Even though it appears plain to see that the relationship between New York and Chisholm Jr. is entering its final hours, Boone steered clear of adding insult to injury.

“That’s not leadership. That’s me giving red meat to people that want to be upset with somebody,” Boone said, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, explaining why he chooses not to publicly call out players.

There were several times throughout the 2026 season when Boone could’ve thrown Jazz and other players into the fans’ line of fire, but he chose not to. As Chisholm Jr. enters a crucial stage in his career and may soon face endless, tiring negotiations to establish his value to a new team in free agency, Boone made sure not to throw dirt on him. He may not write a letter of recommendation, but Boone won’t cross that line, either.

Key takeaways

• Jazz Chisholm Jr. headlines the list of New York Yankees free agents in 2027.
• Luis Garcia Jr. could potentially play second or third base for New York next year.
• Aaron Boone admitted he was bothered when Jazz Chisholm Jr. ran onto the field chewing a lollipop.

Larkin has recently updated his trade list, shutting down the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers, who didn’t make the 10-team cut. The Minnesota Wild remain among Larkin’s preferred—and only—options, but he may not be headed to the Land of 10,000 Lakes after all.

Larkin’s wish to play alongside Quinn Hughes has been reported countless times, but with Hughes’ future in the Twin Cities in doubt, Larkin could actually head to the New Jersey Devils and end up playing with two Hughes brothers, with the older, third sibling potentially arriving in the not-so-distant future.

“Instead of going to Minnesota, where [Quinn] Hughes is, what if [Dylan Larkin] goes to New Jersey where Hughes is going to go?,” Elliotte Friedman reported on the 32 Thoughts podcast.

Devils could be biggest winners

New Jersey has a lot on the line. Landing Larkin would secure the Devils a golden ticket to becoming an apex predator in the NHL. On the one hand, Larkin would bolster the team’s top six and provide much-needed depth.

On the other hand, he would also provide one more reason for Hughes (Quinn) to want to join the squad in New Jersey. Make no mistake, Jack and Luke are still the biggest motivators behind Quinn’s interest in the Devils, but if Larkin joins as well, there may be no doubts left for the former Norris Trophy winner.

Acquiring Larkin could open the floodgates for the Devils, and it may only be the start of a golden era for the organization, led by a group of U.S. Olympic gold medalists.

Wild could be biggest losers

Just as New Jersey would be the biggest winner, there’s no doubt Minnesota would become the biggest loser in such a scenario. The Wild gave up a lot to trade for Hughes last year and may not even get a chance to re-sign the star blueliner.

Moreover, if they fail to land Larkin, who hasn’t kept his desire to join the Wild much of a secret and has waited for them for a long time, it would be all the more crushing. Minnesota’s need for a top-line center would remain unaddressed, Hughes may head for the exits, leaving a void on the blue line, and Kirill Kaprizov’s Conn Smythe-favorite start to the 2026-27 NHL season may be sent down the drain.

The stakes are high as Larkin’s trade saga in Detroit reaches a boiling point, and the Devils and Wild appear to be the main players at the table, ready to go all in. But only one of them—if even one—can come away victorious.

Key takeaways

• Dylan Larkin excluded the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers from his updated 10-team trade list.
• Elliotte Friedman reported speculation that Dylan Larkin could join the New Jersey Devils alongside Quinn Hughes.
• Minnesota Wild traded significant assets for Quinn Hughes last year but risk losing him to New Jersey.

As is common in such dramatic situations, it’s difficult to know what and who to believe when it comes to the rumor mill around Larkin and the Red Wings. After months in which both parties were seemingly at a standstill, Larkin reportedly updated his trade list, shutting down Canadiens and Rangers rumors in the process.

Expanding his list for Detroit to 10 teams, up from the previous three or four, is indeed a step forward in the trade speculation, but it’s far from a solution, and the wait for a trade may be prolonged even further. For the time being, that’s what insider Elliotte Friedman believes.

“As of this morning, I didn’t get the sense that we are any closer to a resolution,” Elliotte Friedman reported about Dylan Larkin’s trade request drama on The FAN Hockey Show.

Why Larkin’s trade could take longer

At first, reports of Larkin updating his trade list appear to confirm that the move is gaining momentum. In fact, several analysts across the league have said as much, and they may be right. Friedman, however, pointed out that Larkin’s trade is always going to be a complex one, especially given Detroit’s asking price, which no NHL team has met yet.

The Red Wings are looking for a replacement and have no interest in prospects or draft picks, at least not as the core of the return package. Larkin is signed through 2031 and carries a very affordable $8.7 million cap hit, so there’s no urgency for the Wings. Larkin has asked out, but they have no obligation to comply.

With 10 organizations given the green light, the Red Wings can actually start testing the market for Larkin. With the previous list, the Wings had virtually no one to negotiate with, and that led to trade talks stalling.

Red Wings explore options

Now, the delay might be caused by the Red Wings taking their time to analyze the offers and settle on the one they think puts them in the best position to compete despite losing their former captain and key center.

Again, Detroit has all the time in the world, so Friedman’s report might be correct, and Larkin’s trade might have to wait.

Key takeaways

• Dylan Larkin excluded the Montreal Canadiens by omitting them from his expanded 10-team trade list.
• Elliotte Friedman reported there is currently no immediate progress toward resolving Dylan Larkin’s trade request.
• Detroit Red Wings carry no urgency due to Dylan Larkin’s $8.7 million cap hit through 2031.

Only when Larkin is finally traded will the Canadiens rest, and they may not take no for an answer or any outcome that doesn’t bolster their top-six. With reports hinting Larkin’s trade out of Detroit drama is in the final countdown, Montreal may not wait around for much longer, though.

“The Montreal Canadiens remain interested in Dylan Larkin if he ever changes his mind,” Pierre LeBrun reported on TSN. “There are people in Larkin’s camp that also think Montreal is a decent fit, but it’s not up to them [to decide]. It’s up to Dylan Larkin.”

Larkin’s updated trade list

After a long wait and much speculation, Larkin finally gave the Red Wings a true list of organizations to negotiate with. Indeed, they are all Stanley Cup contenders and teams with fellow American players, but they have more to offer the Wings than the Panthers, Wild, and Golden Knights could, or were willing to give up as they knew they were the only options Detroit had.

Now, there are 10 NHL teams in the running. The Habs aren’t among them, but they remain confident. If a deal takes long enough to materialize, perhaps Larkin will reconsider and give the green light on a move to Canada.

Canadiens face tall order

Convincing Detroit should be the easier part of the problem for Montreal. At the end of the day, the Habs may have the most appealing offer for the Wings, but it’s all in vain if Larkin doesn’t sign off.

The odds of Larkin, whose main interest is to join a Cup contender in the U.S. (preferably one in a no-income-tax state), accepting a trade to Canada might be too slim. He’d be going back on everything he’s built since requesting the trade right as he can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel..

Regardless, the Habs may have nothing to lose, and waiting for a miracle won’t hurt.

Key takeaways

• Dylan Larkin excluded the Montreal Canadiens by omitting them from his updated 10-team trade list.
• Pierre LeBrun reported that the Montreal Canadiens remain interested if Dylan Larkin ever changes his mind.
• Dylan Larkin prefers joining a U.S. Stanley Cup contender, making a move to Canada unlikely.

With reports suggesting the Yankees have given up on Chisholm Jr. and are ready to move on, a prediction from around the league hints at where Jazz could play next. According to Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, Chisholm Jr. could sign with the Los Angeles Angels in the offseason.

The MLB‘s overlooked brother in the City of Angels has recently been purchased by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which is ready to make a splash and turn the tide. Perhaps landing a free agent like Chisholm Jr. is exactly the kind of move the Angels need to make a statement right away.

As Hal Steinbrenner pointed blaming fingers at the Yankees’ position players for the 2026 postseason collapse, it’s hard to imagine Chisholm Jr. was exempt from criticism, and it might signal the end of the line for him.

NY Yankees face free agency decision

Chisholm Jr. isn’t the only Yankee set to become a free agent in 2027, but he might be the biggest name on the list and, as a result, raise the biggest question for the Bronx Bombers. If New York is convinced it needs Jazz back, it could extend a qualifying offer to him.

However, based on the buzz and Chisholm Jr.’s head-scratching production in 2026, it’s plain to see the Yankees have their fair share of doubts about whether the second baseman should stay in town. If they don’t extend Chisholm Jr. a qualifying offer, which will come at a steep price (around $23 million), the Yankees could try to re-sign him in free agency, but it’s uncertain whether they will have much luck going that route.

It wouldn’t be New York’s first rodeo, as the team has dealt with similar situations before, including Cody Bellinger’s drama last offseason. However, the Bronx Bombers have also learned their lessons and may realize that this kind of drama sooner or later comes back around to collect its due.

Chisholm Jr. could head to free agency

As for Chisholm, it’s clear the 2026 season, as well as the drama prior to the start of the campaign when he avoided arbitration, left its mark. As big an honor as it is to don the pinstripes and NY cap, there comes a point when Chisholm may have to prioritize himself. The Angels, or any other suitor in free agency, may give him a chance at a clean slate, and the two-time All-Star might be wise to take it.

Of course, his rough contract year in The Bronx has caused much of his value to plummet, so when he next signs on the dotted line, the total figure may not be anywhere close to what he once imagined.

Key takeaways

• Zach Buckley predicts Jazz Chisholm Jr. could sign with the Los Angeles Angels.
• New York Yankees could extend a $23 million qualifying offer to Jazz Chisholm Jr.
• Kroenke Sports & Entertainment recently purchased the Los Angeles Angels.