Our hockey writers shared observations throughout Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tap to ret...

<p><em>Our hockey writers shared observations throughout Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3516233" href="https://thescore.com/news/3516233">Tap</a> to return to the main story.</em></p><h3>Saturday, April 18</h3><p><strong>Flyers execute game plan to perfection</strong></p><p>Game 1 of the Battle of Pennsylvania went exactly how Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet likely wanted it to go. The Flyers had more energy from the drop of the puck and made life difficult for Pittsburgh's No. 3-ranked offense by clogging up the neutral zone, forcing 15 turnovers, and keeping the Penguins to the outside. Pittsburgh had just 10 shots through the first 40 minutes of the game. While it may seem obvious, that's Philadelphia's recipe for winning.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>If this series becomes high-flying, back-and-forth hockey, that benefits Pittsburgh. But an ugly, defensive battle greatly benefits Philadelphia. The Flyers went 6-1-0 down the stretch, allowing two goals or fewer in each of those wins. </p><p>Tocchet has four lines he can trust: no forward played fewer than 11:25 or more than 18 minutes in Game 1. That's crucial to win playoff games on the road. Philly's No. 1 defense pair of Travis Sanheim and Rasmus Ristolainen were up to the task of shutting down Sidney Crosby, keeping the Penguins captain off the scoresheet entirely and largely invisible for most of the night. Can they do it again in Game 2? <em>- Josh Wegman</em></p><p><strong>Minnesota's stars pick apart Dallas' defense</strong></p><p>Minnesota isn't the NHL's deepest team. But its group of high-end skaters - Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek, Quinn Hughes, Brock Faber - is truly elite and on par with what Presidents' Trophy-winning Colorado offers.</p><p>The Wild's star class tore Dallas' defense to shreds in a 6-1 Game 1 victory.</p><ul>
<li>Kaprizov: one goal, two primary assists</li>
<li>Boldy: two goals, one primary assist, game-high eight shots on goal </li>
<li>Eriksson Ek: two goals, 12 of 21 in faceoff circle, Wild forward-high 19:05</li>
</ul><div> </div><p>Hughes and Faber were also excellent as a pair, consistently controlling the flow of play from the back end while logging 24.5 minutes each. Ryan Hartman and Mats Zuccarello, two forwards who typically drive secondary scoring for the Wild, got in on the fun by recording a combined five points.</p><p>Dallas missed two-way center Roope Hintz, who could be sidelined the entire series. No. 1 defenseman Miro Heiskanen drew into the lineup after sitting for the Stars' final three regular season games. But he's clearly not at full health. - <em>John Matisz</em></p><p><strong>Hurricanes 'big-brother' Senators in Game 1</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831221/cropped_GettyImages-2271963306.jpg?ts=1776550408" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831221/w220xh124_GettyImages-2271963306.jpg?ts=1776550408 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831221/w320xh180_GettyImages-2271963306.jpg?ts=1776550408 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831221/w640xh360_GettyImages-2271963306.jpg?ts=1776550408 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831221/w768xh432_GettyImages-2271963306.jpg?ts=1776550408 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/831221/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2271963306.jpg?ts=1776550408 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Senators morphed into some version of the Hurricanes over the course of the regular season, ranking in the top three in all key team defense metrics.</p><p>On Saturday, the always-stingy Canes reminded the Sens who's in charge in a 2-0 Game 1 victory that was more lopsided than the score suggests. Carolina put forth what I can only describe as a "big-brother" showing on home ice.</p><p><em>You want to play our brand of hockey? Aw, that's cute. We'll do it better.</em></p><p>The Hurricanes allowed basically nothing in 43 five-on-five minutes - just 30 shot attempts, 13 shots on goal, and seven scoring chances, according to <a href="https://hockeystats.com/games/2025030131">HockeyStats.com</a> and hockey analyst <a href="https://x.com/DimFilipovic">Dimitri Filipovic</a>. Defenders swarmed Ottawa's attackers upon entry into the offensive zone and then again whenever the Senators happened to gain possession of the puck near the net.</p><p>Logan Stankoven between Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake was the best forward line on either side. The trio's been terrific all season and the chemistry was on full display through clever forechecking sequences in the offensive zone. Stankoven opened the scoring and Hall bagged the insurance goal.</p><p>Jaccob Slavin and Jalen Chatfield was the best defense pair on either team.</p><p>The more disciplined team was - yep, you guessed it - Carolina. - <em>John Matisz</em></p><p><strong>Brind'Amour's gutsy goalie decision pays off</strong></p><p>Frederik Andersen made his head coach look like a genius, stopping all 22 shots he faced in the Carolina Hurricanes' 2-0 Game 1 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Even in a game Carolina controlled, Andersen came up with multiple key stops, including a <a href="https://x.com/SportsCenter/status/2045612080238035038">10-bell glove robbery</a> on Drake Batherson early in the third period that kept the Canes ahead by a goal. It was arguably the turning point of the game.</p><p>Brind'Amour's decision to go with the 36-year-old certainly raised some eyebrows. After all, Andersen struggled this season, ranking 55th out of 59 qualified goalies with an .874 save percentage. Nobody would've batted an eye if Brandon Bussi got the call after going 31-6-2 with an .894 save percentage in his first NHL campaign. But Brind'Amour clearly valued Andersen's experience, and it proved to be the right move. <em>- Josh Wegman</em></p><p><strong>Hurricanes go with the veteran for Game 1</strong></p><p>Frederik Andersen split starts with Brandon Bussi down the stretch, and head coach Rod Brind'Amour is opting for the 36-year-old to begin the series against the Ottawa Senators.</p><p>For much of the season, it looked like Bussi would be the guy for the Hurricanes once the playoffs rolled around. He impressed early, winning 11 of his first 12 starts and entering the Olympic break 23-3-1 with a .906 save percentage. However, Bussi's play has dipped, sporting an .865 SV% in 12 games since returning to action at the end of February. Andersen has been marginally better with an .879 SV% in 13 contests in that span.</p><p>Both goalies head into the postseason coming off quality starts. Andersen stopped 26 of 27 against Utah last Saturday, and Bussi made 29 saves on 30 shots versus the Islanders on Tuesday.</p><p>We'll likely see both in this series. Maybe even Pyotr Kochetkov, too. This is Carolina's eighth straight playoff appearance, and they've had two goalies start at least one game every postseason during this streak. <em>- Kyle Cushman</em></p><p><strong>Late-arriving rookies could be X-factors</strong></p><p>Five highly touted prospects left the NCAA for the NHL in the final month of the regular season: Cole Hutson (Capitals), Cole Eiserman (Islanders), Porter Martone (Flyers), Charlie Stramel (Wild), and James Hagens (Bruins).</p><p>The two about to make their playoff debuts have an X-factor vibe to them.</p><p>Martone, a 6-foot-3, 214-pound right winger built for the grinding nature of playoff hockey, has made an immediate impact in Philadelphia. He racked up 10 points (four goals, six primary assists) and a team-high 32 shots in nine games down the stretch. Logging 17:02 a night, the former Michigan State freshman has been playing alongside veterans Travis Konecny and Christian Dvorak. The trio's outscored the opposition 5-1 in 83 five-on-five minutes.</p><p>No Eastern Conference playoff team scored fewer goals in the regular season than Philadelphia. Martone offers the Flyers some much-needed juice.</p><p>Hagens is eight games into his pro career - six in the AHL and two for the Bruins. The speedy and creative left winger out of Boston College picked up an assist off a strong forecheck against Columbus and looked the part of a top-nine forward in 16 minutes versus New Jersey in the Bruins' regular-season finale. Hagens, 19 years old like Martone, is excellent in transition, both as a distributor off the wall and puck carrier through the neutral zone.</p><p>Boston's testing out an all-youngster third line of Hagens, 21-year-old Fraser Minten, and 23-year-old Marat Khusnutdinov. The addition of Hagens helps the rest of the forward group to click into place a little bit better. - <em>John Matisz</em></p><p><strong>Who's in trouble if Round 1 goes sideways?</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804029/cropped_GettyImages-2218497707.jpg?ts=1759496676" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804029/w220xh124_GettyImages-2218497707.jpg?ts=1759496676 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804029/w320xh180_GettyImages-2218497707.jpg?ts=1759496676 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804029/w640xh360_GettyImages-2218497707.jpg?ts=1759496676 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804029/w768xh432_GettyImages-2218497707.jpg?ts=1759496676 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804029/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2218497707.jpg?ts=1759496676 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brian Babineau / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Four presidents/general managers and three head coaches have been fired by NHL teams since March 1. Who's next? It depends on how the next two weeks unfold, but there are a couple of situations worth monitoring.</p><p>Rod Brind'Amour: The Hurricanes' bench boss is a fantastic coach. If made a free agent by Carolina, he would be snapped up by another franchise within days. Still, if Carolina loses in the first round, a change makes some sense. Brind'Amour, the third-longest-tenured NHL coach, is in his eighth year. The goal since Day 1 has been to win a Stanley Cup, and the team hasn't made a Cup Final to this point while playing a distinct style under Brind'Amour.</p><p>Kris Knoblauch: General manager Stan Bowman's seat should be as hot, if not hotter than the Oilers coach's. Bowman's done a terrible job trying to construct a championship-caliber roster around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, Bowman hasn't made a coaching change since getting hired in July 2024. GMs usually get at least one. Also, Knoblauch's coaching was critiqued by McDavid in late March. Not a good omen. - <em>John Matisz</em></p><p><strong>Bandwagon teams, players to root for</strong></p><p>Half the league's teams won't be playing a meaningful game until October, which means millions of fans are looking for a bandwagon to jump on.</p><p>Buffalo (14-year playoff drought is over!), Pittsburgh (former powerhouse is unexpectedly back in contention!), and Utah (first playoff appearance since moving from Arizona!) are all appropriate picks. Each team is fun to watch.</p><p>Then there are individual players. Most fans, especially in Canada, will naturally gravitate toward rooting for generational talents Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid. But what about the old dudes who've dedicated their entire lives to pursuing the Stanley Cup but fallen short time and time again for whatever reason?</p><p>Colorado's Brent Burns (1,579), Ottawa's Claude Giroux (1,345), Minnesota's Nick Foligno (1,287), and Dallas' Jamie Benn (1,252) enter the playoffs with the most regular-season games played without a Cup. Burns, the oldest skater in the NHL this season, is one of the sport's <a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/2845325">most colorful characters</a>.</p><p>Rasmus Ristolainen is set to make his playoff debut. The Flyers defenseman's 820 regular-season games - 542 in Buffalo, 278 in Philadelphia - are tops among active players who've yet to take a postseason shift. - <em>John Matisz</em></p>

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Latest transfer news and rumors: Diomande wanted as Salah's replacement

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<p><em>With the 2025-26 NBA playoffs set to kick off, theScore's basketball editors - Joseph Casciaro, Michael J. Chandler, Chicco Nacion, Sam Oshtry, and Jonathan Soveta - make their picks for the first round, conference finals, NBA Finals, and Finals MVP.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Thunder vs. XXX" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-67UxO" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/67UxO/5/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Oklahoma City Thunder's pursuit of becoming the first repeat champions in eight years starts with a best-of-seven clash with the Phoenix Suns, and it's difficult to envision a scenario where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. won't make light work of a flawed opponent. Regardless, this Suns team isn't short on self-belief, and Dillon Brooks should make things entertaining.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Spurs vs. XXX" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-0t86Y" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0t86Y/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Portland Trail Blazers orchestrated a thrilling come-from-behind play-in victory over the Suns, sparked by Deni Avdija's 41-point display and Jerami Grant's return from injury. But the San Antonio Spurs are the presumed favorites for obvious reasons. The Spurs won the season series 2-1, though their loss came without Victor Wembanyama in the lineup.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st RD: Nuggets vs. T-Wolves" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-EtxyM" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/EtxyM/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Just as concerns surfaced that the Denver Nuggets' window had slammed shut, they piled up a dozen consecutive wins to finish the season. The Nuggets went 3-1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the season series, and that one loss was marred by uncharacteristic 27% shooting from deep. Nikola Jokic averaged 35.8 points, 15 rebounds, and 11.3 assists in those four matchups.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="(4) Lakers vs. (5) Rockets" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-CwxvG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/CwxvG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Houston Rockets are arguably the least clutch team in the NBA, having gone 5-9 in games decided by three or fewer points and 1-7 in outings that went to overtime. Untimely injuries to Los Angeles Lakers duo Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are a major factor in this series, putting the burden of never passing the ball to Deandre Ayton entirely on LeBron James.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Pistons vs. XXX" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-NRNRm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/NRNRm/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Orlando Magic finished the regular season with seven wins in 10 games, and rebounded from a defeat in the play-in opener to dismantle the Charlotte Hornets. They play a suffocating brand of basketball that in theory, could pose a challenge to the Detroit Pistons. At their core, the Magic are a mercurial team. The Pistons can match their muscle and more.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Celtics vs. XXX" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-3uDWm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3uDWm/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Maybe a healthy 76ers squad could've challenged the Boston Celtics if Jaylen Brown's Achilles tendinitis became particularly worrisome. However, those slim chances were essentially dashed when Joel Embiid assumed a familiar role on the bench due to an untimely bout with appendicitis. Plus, Boston has won six straight playoff series versus Philly.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Knicks vs. Hawks" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-72kjm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/72kjm/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The New York Knicks went 2-1 against the Atlanta Hawks this year, but those two victories were each by a three-point margin, hinting that this matchup could be a tight one. The Knicks should command the rebounding edge with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson hovering around the rim, which could amount to the deciding factor. Sadly, this series won't feature Madison Square Garden nemesis Trae Young.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Cavs vs. Raptors" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-OcITH" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OcITH/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Toronto Raptors avoided the Knicks, whom they've lost 13 in a row to, and will instead face a Cleveland Cavaliers team that they beat 3-0 in the season series. Those wins came against the pre-James Harden Cavs, though. Considering the Raptors went 2-22 versus the league's other top nine teams, you can expect their inferiority to be on display here.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Western Conference finals" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-6bo4m" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6bo4m/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>There's a sense that San Antonio's ascension is ahead of schedule and Wembanyama and Co. may not be ready to snatch top billing in the West. Denver's red-hot finish to the regular season and return to health following an injury-blighted campaign appears to make the Nuggets the biggest hurdle between the Thunder and a second consecutive Finals appearance.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Eastern Conference finals" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-pWae5" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pWae5/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Celtics and Knicks got two votes each ahead of what could be an enthralling conference semifinal between the iconic franchises. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers went 22-9 after acquiring Harden from the Los Angeles Clippers and should make light work of the Raptors before presumably meeting a Pistons side that's short on postseason experience.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NBA Finals" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-XmzHG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/XmzHG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="284" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The four NBA champions (Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, Nuggets, Celtics) prior to the Thunder all suffered defeat in the conference semifinals the year after winning the title. Is this an ominous portent for Oklahoma City? An indicator of how hard it is to repeat as champs? The answer could be both, which explains the diversity among our picks.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Finals MVP" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-0mEfS" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0mEfS/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="242" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>There's a lot of variance here, with reigning regular-season and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander receiving two nods as the offensive fulcrum of a talented Thunder side. Voter fatigue (or contrarianism) might explain the prediction of Donovan Mitchell, who enters the postseason with the seventh-best scoring average (28.3 points) in playoff history.</p>

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NBA playoff predictions: Who wins 1st round, conference finals, title?

The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are upon us, and theScore's Michael Bradburn, Kyle Cushman, John Ma...

<p><em>The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs are upon us, and theScore's Michael Bradburn, Kyle Cushman, John Matisz, Sean O'Leary, Levi Smith, and Josh Wegman share their picks for the first round, conference finals, Stanley Cup Final, and Conn Smythe Trophy winner.</em></p><p><em>Teams with home-ice advantage are listed second in each matchup.</em></p><h3>Opening round</h3><p><strong>Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Bruins vs. Sabres" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-tgkJb" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/tgkJb/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Sabres are clearly better than the Bruins on paper. But when it's finally time, will the lights be too bright?</p><p><strong>Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Canadiens vs. Lightning" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-aI6G9" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/aI6G9/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>At least Cushman, O'Leary, and Wegman believe it might be a competitive series.</p><p><strong>Ottawa Senators vs. Carolina Hurricanes</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Senators vs. Hurricanes" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-fOZW7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/fOZW7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Two Canadian teams in the Eastern Conference make the playoffs, and only Cushman has one of them advancing.</p><p><strong>Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Flyers vs. Penguins" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-N5xmP" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/N5xmP/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Not a lot of belief in the Flyers. However, there's a strong belief that this will be a long, tough series, with none of our experts predicting fewer than six games.</p><p><strong>Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Avalanche vs. Kings" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-gT7dJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/gT7dJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Can a series end after three games? Hey, at least O'Leary expects the Kings to win one.</p><p><strong>Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Stars vs. Wild" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-8TlHX" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/8TlHX/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Only Cushman believes this one won't go the distance. This should be a riveting series even if our experts skew slightly in Dallas' favor.</p><p><strong>Anaheim Ducks vs. Edmonton Oilers</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Ducks vs. Oilers" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-GaMc7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/GaMc7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Bradburn just couldn't let this be a clean sweep. The Ducks finished the season with the most wins of any team in the Pacific Division, by the way.</p><p><strong>Utah Mammoth vs. Vegas Golden Knights</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="1st round: Mammoth vs. Golden Knights" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-el79c" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/el79c/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="244" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Golden Knights were hot down the stretch and have a recent history of playoff prowess. However, this young, relocated Mammoth club has plenty of believers here.</p><h3>Conference finals</h3><p><strong>Eastern Conference Final</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Eastern Conference Final" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-NdsWm" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/NdsWm/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="223" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Five of us have the same matchup, with only Wegman believing the Hurricanes can prevail in the battle of the weather. Cushman has a Canadian team reaching the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 2017 (omitting the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 campaign, which technically didn't feature a conference final round).</p><p><strong>Western Conference Final</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Western Conference Final (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-nXBDV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/nXBDV/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="234" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>While the Avalanche are the favorites to advance, four different teams are named here, and three different winners. That's decent parity.</p><h3>Stanley Cup Final</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Stanley Cup Final" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-MFJO7" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/MFJO7/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="234" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Only Smith picked a team to win that hasn't already won this decade. Fingers crossed that there's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF_LRVuhNa4">no foot in the crease</a> this time.</p><h3>Conn Smythe Trophy</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Conn Smythe Trophy" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-DHCB5" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/DHCB5/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="325" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Six unique players named. Who's your pick?</p>

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NHL playoff predictions: Who wins Stanley Cup, Conn Smythe?

The final edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2025-26 campaign breaks down the last ...

<p><em>The final edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2025-26 campaign breaks down the last teams standing. In this installment, we highlight a player who could make or break each playoff team's Stanley Cup aspirations.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to</strong><br><a href="#ANA">ANA</a> | <a href="#BUF">BUF</a> | <a href="#BOS">BOS</a> | <a href="#CAR">CAR</a> | <a href="#COL">COL</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#EDM">EDM</a> | <a href="#LAK">LAK</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#MTL">MTL</a> | <a href="#OTT">OTT</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#TBL">TBL</a> | <a href="#UTA">UTA</a> | <a href="#VGK">VGK</a></p><h3><a id="COL" name="COL">1. Colorado Avalanche</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 1</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830100/cropped_GettyImages-2269435897.jpg?ts=1775761434" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830100/w220xh124_GettyImages-2269435897.jpg?ts=1775761434 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830100/w320xh180_GettyImages-2269435897.jpg?ts=1775761434 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830100/w640xh360_GettyImages-2269435897.jpg?ts=1775761434 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830100/w768xh432_GettyImages-2269435897.jpg?ts=1775761434 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/830100/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2269435897.jpg?ts=1775761434 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Michael Martin / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Nazem Kadri</strong>. Colorado brought Kadri back to provide center depth while beefing up for the Central Division gauntlet. The 35-year-old has always been at his best come playoff time, and one would assume he'll be fired up to be back in the picture after three years of missing the postseason with the Calgary Flames. The last playoff game Kadri played ended with the Avalanche hoisting the Stanley Cup.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">2. Dallas Stars</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 2</em></p><p><strong>Justin Hryckowian</strong>.<strong> </strong>The 25-year-old rookie isn't one of the top names in the blockbuster Stars-Wild series, but he could become one of the stories of the first round. Hryckowian has been effective in Dallas' bottom six and plays a pesky game that could get under Minnesota's skin. He drew four penalties against the Oilers on March 12 and got Connor McDavid to drop the gloves, for example.</p><h3><a id="CAR" name="CAR">3. Carolina Hurricanes</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 6</em></p><p><strong>Nikolaj Ehlers</strong>.<strong> </strong>The Hurricanes have been a second-round fixture since 2020 but have struggled to compete with the truly elite teams in the conference. Ehlers, Carolina's big forward addition last summer, needs to be a game-breaker if the Hurricanes are finally going to break through in the East.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">4. Minnesota Wild</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 5</em></p><p><strong>Quinn Hughes</strong>. It's a bit of a cop-out picking a top player for this exercise, but the Wild have a potentially dominant weapon at their disposal as they seek their first series win in 11 years. Hughes will likely average nearly 30 minutes per night in the playoffs, giving Minnesota a tremendous opportunity to tilt the ice for half the game in what should be an incredibly tight series against the Stars.</p><h3><a id="BUF" name="BUF">5. Buffalo Sabres</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 3</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826430/cropped_GettyImages-2266100785.jpg?ts=1773542062" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826430/w220xh124_GettyImages-2266100785.jpg?ts=1773542062 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826430/w320xh180_GettyImages-2266100785.jpg?ts=1773542062 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826430/w640xh360_GettyImages-2266100785.jpg?ts=1773542062 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826430/w768xh432_GettyImages-2266100785.jpg?ts=1773542062 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/826430/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2266100785.jpg?ts=1773542062 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joe Hrycych / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Alex Tuch</strong>. Even at just 29 years old, Tuch is one of the elder statesmen on a young Sabres squad. As a team, Buffalo doesn't have much postseason experience, but Tuch accumulated plenty during his four seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights, including an improbable run to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final. The Sabres will count on Tuch to not only produce, but also to steady the ship if things go awry.</p><h3><a id="TBL" name="TBL">6. Tampa Bay Lightning</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 4</em></p><p><strong>Victor Hedman</strong>. The Lightning have managed well without Hedman for all but 31 games this season, but it goes without saying that getting the captain back for the playoffs would be a major boost. Though his availability is up in the air after he took a personal leave in March, the odds of beating Montreal shift dramatically in Tampa Bay's favor if Hedman returns.</p><h3><a id="VGK" name="VGK">7. Vegas Golden Knights</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 17</em></p><p><strong>Mitch Marner</strong>.<strong> </strong>Is anyone surprised? Marner took a ton of heat for his playoff performance in Toronto. He has a chance to change the narrative in his first postseason with Vegas.</p><h3><a id="MTL" name="MTL">8. Montreal Canadiens</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 8</em></p><p><strong>Whichever goalie starts</strong>. The Canadiens have stars at every position, but inconsistent goaltending might be what holds one of the league's top up-and-coming teams back this spring. Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler have similarly pedestrian numbers this season, but one of them will need to take the reins if Montreal is going to make any noise in the East bracket.</p><h3><a id="OTT" name="OTT">9. Ottawa Senators</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 13</em></p><p><strong>Linus Ullmark</strong>.<strong> </strong>The Senators have posted excellent defensive metrics all season but have been largely let down by goaltending. However, Ullmark has been great recently, <span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">recording a .961 save percentage over his last three starts and potentially finding his form at the perfect time.</span></p><h3><a id="EDM" name="EDM">10. Edmonton Oilers</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 16</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823872/cropped_GettyImages-2263283117.jpg?ts=1772174503" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823872/w220xh124_GettyImages-2263283117.jpg?ts=1772174503 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823872/w320xh180_GettyImages-2263283117.jpg?ts=1772174503 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823872/w640xh360_GettyImages-2263283117.jpg?ts=1772174503 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823872/w768xh432_GettyImages-2263283117.jpg?ts=1772174503 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823872/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2263283117.jpg?ts=1772174503 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Gary A. Vasquez / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Evan Bouchard</strong>. McDavid will play his part, and hopefully for the Oilers, Leon Draisaitl is healthy enough to be his usual playoff self. If not, Bouchard will need to be at his best at both ends of the ice for Edmonton to find success again this spring. Bouchard is fresh off a career year and can silence a lot of doubters with strong two-way play when it matters most.</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">11. Boston Bruins</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 14</em></p><p><strong>Jeremy Swayman</strong>.<strong> </strong>The last time the Bruins made the playoffs in 2023-24, Swayman posted a .933 save percentage in 12 games. The 27-year-old has had a splendid season and will need to be lights out if Boston is to make a deep run.</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">12. Utah Mammoth</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 11</em></p><p><strong>Mikhail Sergachev</strong>. He didn't have to be "the guy" during back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Lightning, but Sergachev is the undisputed No. 1 defenseman for the Mammoth. The bank of playoff experience he possesses will be extremely valuable for a team that mostly lacks it, especially against a far more seasoned Round 1 opponent in the Golden Knights.</p><h3><a id="PIT" name="PIT">13. Pittsburgh Penguins</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 15</em></p><p><strong>Evgeni Malkin</strong>. While the hockey world is thrilled to have Sidney Crosby back in the playoffs, it may mean more to Malkin at this point. The 39-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent and has been adamant about wanting to stay in Pittsburgh. Turning back the clock in the playoffs would be a good way to prove he's worth another financial commitment.</p><h3><a id="ANA" name="ANA">14. Anaheim Ducks</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 7</em></p><p><strong>Leo Carlsson</strong>.<strong> </strong>It's been an up-and-down campaign for Carlsson. He went wild with 11 goals in his first 16 games but then cooled off with 10 in his next 38. He's been rounding into form again down the stretch with eight goals and 14 points in his last 15 contests. A dominant Carlsson could take the Ducks deep in the underwhelming Pacific.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">15. Philadelphia Flyers</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 20</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781350/cropped_GettyImages-2204579846.jpg?ts=1745087269" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781350/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204579846.jpg?ts=1745087269 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781350/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204579846.jpg?ts=1745087269 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781350/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204579846.jpg?ts=1745087269 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781350/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204579846.jpg?ts=1745087269 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781350/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204579846.jpg?ts=1745087269 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Rasmus Ristolainen</strong>. At last, Ristolainen will get the first taste of playoff hockey in his 13-year NHL career. The 6-foot-4 blue-liner has quietly become an extremely reliable shutdown defenseman in recent campaigns, and his game could be perfectly suited for the postseason. The Flyers are going to have to muddy the waters to win the Battle of Pennsylvania, and that starts with Ristolainen and partner Travis Sanheim slowing down Sidney Crosby and Co.</p><h3><a id="LAK" name="LAK">16. Los Angeles Kings</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 21</em></p><p><strong>Brandt Clarke</strong>. Although he doesn't receive much fanfare, Clarke is one of Los Angeles' most important players. He ranks fourth on the team with 40 points this season, runs the top power play, and leads all Kings blue-liners in goal share at 58.9%. The Kings struggle to score, so he'll need to be dynamic offensively for them to make any noise this postseason.</p>

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NHL Power Rankings: X-factor for every playoff team

Details on every pick made in the 2026 WNBA Draft.  Round 1 window.addEventListener("message",fun...

<p><em>Details on every pick made in the 2026 WNBA Draft.</em></p><p><strong>Round 1</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Round 1" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-RIcvv" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/RIcvv/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="661" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Round 2</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Round 2" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-wI30j" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/wI30j/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="661" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Round 3</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Round 3" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-rSroI" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/rSroI/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="661" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure>

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2026 WNBA Draft Tracker: All 45 picks

It all comes down to this.  After five months of play, Michigan and UConn will square off Monday ...

<p>It all comes down to this.</p><p>After five months of play, Michigan and UConn will square off Monday in the national title game, looking to etch themselves into the annals of college hoops history.</p><p>The Wolverines, who captured their lone title in 1989, seek their second NCAA Tournament championship, while the Huskies are attempting to hunt down their third in the last four years and their seventh overall. A third ring would make Dan Hurley the most decorated active coach in the NCAA.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>What</strong>: NCAA Tournament championship<br><strong>When:</strong> 8:50 p.m. ET<br><strong>Where:</strong> Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis)</p><h3>How to watch</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Country</th>
<th>TV/Stream</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>United States 🇺🇸</td>
<td>TBS/truTV/HBO Max</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Canada 🇨🇦</td>
<td>TSN 1/3/4/5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Tale of the tape</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>UConn</th>
<th>Michigan</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Record</td>
<td>34-5</td>
<td>36-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Points per game</td>
<td>76.9</td>
<td>87.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Points allowed per game</td>
<td>65.1</td>
<td>69.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FG%</td>
<td>48.1%</td>
<td>51.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3P%</td>
<td>34.6%</td>
<td>36.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FT%</td>
<td>71.9%</td>
<td>74.2%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>Top players</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110337" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110337">Yaxel Lendeborg</a>, a transfer from UAB, leads the Wolverines with 15.1 points per game. He's been great throughout the tournament but suffered an ankle injury in the semifinal against Arizona. Although Lendeborg returned in the second half and said he'll be ready to go Monday, it remains to be seen whether the ailment will slow him down.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/102849" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/102849">Tarris Reed Jr.</a>, the Huskies' top scorer (14.8 points per game), has been on an absolute tear of late, averaging 20.8 points during the tournament. The senior has recorded three double-doubles in five tourney outings, including a 31-point, 27-rebound performance in the first round against Furman.</p><h3>How the teams got here</h3><p>After putting together a prolific regular-season campaign, Michigan obtained the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region despite falling to Purdue in the Big Ten championship. UConn received the No. 2 seed in the East Region following some shaky play down the stretch. The Huskies lost to St. John's in the Big East Tournament final.</p><p><strong>Road to the final</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>UConn</th>
<th>Michigan</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Round of 64</td>
<td> Won 82-71 vs. Furman</td>
<td> Won 101-80 vs. Howard</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Round of 32</td>
<td> Won 73-57 vs. UCLA</td>
<td> Won 95-72 vs. Saint Louis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sweet 16</td>
<td> Won 67-63 vs. Michigan State</td>
<td> Won 90-77 vs. Alabama</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elite Eight</td>
<td> Won 73-72 vs. Duke</td>
<td> Won 95-62 vs. Tennessee </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Final Four</td>
<td> Won 71-62 vs. Illinois</td>
<td> Won 91-73 vs. Arizona</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>👉 Read our takeaways from the Final Four games: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3514935" href="https://thescore.com/news/3514935">Michigan KOs Arizona, Hurley's legend grows</a></strong></p><h3>Betting</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Game 5 (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-VH0VG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/VH0VG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="118" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>UConn is a 6.5-point underdog despite Hurley being 18-1 in NCAA Tournament games over the last four years. Michigan dominated a highly touted Arizona squad in the semifinals, setting the stage for what should be an epic clash between two college basketball powerhouses.</p><p>Betting writers Sam Oshtry and Brenden Deeg laid out their cases for a pick against the spread, an over/under selection on the game's total, and their favorite player prop for Monday's finale. Read about those <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3516092" href="https://thescore.com/news/3516092">here</a>.</p>

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NCAA title preview: Michigan, UConn battle for glory

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<p><em>The 2025-26 NHL season is winding down, but the races for the league's major individual awards are as close as ever. theScore's Michael Bradburn, Kyle Cushman, John Matisz, Sean O'Leary, and Josh Wegman weigh in on who they think will win the Hart, Vezina, Norris, and Calder based on how the campaign has gone so far.</em></p><h3>Hart Memorial Trophy</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Final Midseason Hart" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-VbLiF" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/VbLiF/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="301" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Kucherov has emerged as our favorite, but this race is going to come down to the wire. Three of the game's most dynamic players have legitimate cases. MacKinnon has been in the driver's seat much of the season and is the engine for the league's best team. McDavid is lighting up the stat sheet down the stretch as the current Art Ross leader with Leon Draisaitl out of action. And Kucherov is on a blistering pace for arguably the best team in the East.</p><p>Kucherov started the campaign with a modest 16 points in 16 games but has a ridiculous 105 points in 52 contests since. His total and even-strength production over that span leads the NHL and is well clear of McDavid and MacKinnon. It's also worth noting that the Lightning have no shortage of offensive weapons, but Kucherov is 40 points ahead of the next most productive Bolt in six fewer games played.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Vezina Trophy</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Final Midseason Vezina" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-5adPW" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/5adPW/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="301" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>This could be another close race, but Sorokin has the edge on our ballots as he ranks eighth in save percentage and second in goals saved above expected while leading the league with seven shutouts. As long as the Islanders don't fall out of the playoff race in the final weeks, Sorokin is a lock to be a finalist and likely win the award for the first time in his six-year career.</p><p>Though Vasilevskiy has been the steadiest option all season, none of his stats particularly jump off the page. Thompson leads all netminders in GSAx, but goalies rarely win the Vezina without qualifying for the postseason. While Swayman's candidacy will depend on Boston's playoff status as well, there's a case to be made for him being the league's most valuable goalie. He's posted sterling numbers despite facing the third-most shots of any netminder this season and the most expected goals against, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/stats/goalie_standard/?_inputs_&amp;std_gl_table=%22On-Ice%22&amp;std_gl_team=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_str=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_adj=%22Score%20%26%20Venue%22&amp;std_gl_range=%22Seasons%22&amp;std_gl_span=%22Regular%22&amp;std_gl_group=%22Team%2C%20Season%22&amp;std_gl_age1=%2217%22&amp;std_gl_age2=%2250%22&amp;std_gl_dft_yr=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_status=%22All%22&amp;std_gl_info=%22No%22&amp;std_gl_players=null&amp;std_gl_fa=%2250%22">Evolving-Hockey</a>.</p><h3>Norris Trophy</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Final Midseason Norris" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-AxK7V" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/AxK7V/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="384" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>We have a new leader for the Norris after Makar held the top spot all season. Werenski's role in turning the Blue Jackets into playoff contenders cannot be overstated, and he's going to receive serious consideration after finishing second for the award last year. Columbus' stalwart has leapfrogged Makar in points and ranks second among all blue-liners in average ice time. This vote could be one of the closest in recent memory, but our team is giving Werenski the edge for now.</p><p>Dahlin's strong play during Buffalo's in-season transformation from a lottery team to a Cup contender may also yield some votes. The former No. 1 pick is enjoying the best statistical season of his career and is a strong contender to be a finalist over the likes of Hughes and Seider.</p><h3>Calder Trophy</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Final Midseason Calder" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-IPkid" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/IPkid/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="396" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Schaefer is the unanimous winner for us, and he could receive the same result from the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. Playing 24 minutes per night against opponents' top competition, the 18-year-old is on the precipice of setting the rookie defenseman goal record.</p><p>With all due respect to Sennecke and Demidov, there's a reason this section doesn't have betting odds. Schaefer is a slam dunk.</p>

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<p><em>Editors Michael Bradburn, Bryan Mcwilliam, Tom Ruminski, Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb, and Brandon Wile make their predictions for the 2026 season.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#Postseason">Postseason</a> | <a href="#Awards">Awards</a></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL East" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Xo5q3" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Xo5q3/4/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="329" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Why the Blue Jays will repeat as AL East champs: </strong>The Blue Jays, Yankees, Red Sox, or Orioles could all conceivably win the toughest division in baseball. However, Toronto feels like the most complete team after falling just short in the World Series. The club's pitching is deep, even with Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, and José Berríos out to start the season. Defensively, the club has been one of the best in baseball for years, and that doesn't look like it'll change with Andrés Giménez taking over at shortstop. Lastly, the balanced lineup is built on contact with limited strikeouts. <em>- Ruminski</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbaseball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fmlb%2Fsection%2F2026-futures&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3496823"><strong>Have your own predictions for the MLB season? Bet on them here with theScore Bet</strong></a></p></blockquote><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL Central" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-QMsad" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/QMsad/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="243" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Why the Royals will win the AL Central:</strong> First and foremost, this is the AL Central - it's very winnable. The Royals might not necessarily be the favorites for a World Series run this year, but they have quietly put together a team capable of claiming the division. It all starts with Bobby Witt Jr., who could very well be the AL MVP in six months. Add in World Baseball Classic breakout stars Maikel Garcia and Vinnie Pasquantino on the infield, captain Salvador Perez sharing time with youngster Carter Jensen behind the plate, and an underrated rotation headlined by Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic, and you have the ingredients for success. -<em> Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL West" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Xj0nR" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Xj0nR/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="243" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Why the Mariners will win the AL West:</strong> If the Mariners repeat as division champs, it won't be because Cal Raleigh hit 60 homers again. It'll be because of their stacked starting pitching. After the All-Star break, Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo, Luis Castillo, and George Kirby all ranked in the top 10 among qualified starters for lowest contact rate on pitches in the strike zone. If they can stay healthy, all four could get Cy Young consideration this year. No other team in the West has the pitching, position-player talent, or depth that Seattle does. <em>- Bradburn</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL East" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-agnoz" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/agnoz/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="243" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Why the Mets will win the NL East:</strong> David Stearns reshaped the Mets after a disastrous campaign, attacking last season's weaknesses by bringing in decorated veterans and improving the team's pitching. With Freddy Peralta anchoring the rotation and a full year from Nolan McLean, New York's rotation should be significantly better in 2026. The lineup also looks strong with Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Bo Bichette hitting one through three and setting the table for offseason acquisitions Jorge Polanco, Luis Robert Jr., and Marcus Semien. - <em>Mcwilliam</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL Central" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-RnJIc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/RnJIc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="243" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Why the Brewers will win the NL Central:</strong> A solid, tight-knit group that exceeded expectations last year, the Brewers just find ways to come out on top in a weak division. Jackson Chourio is poised to break out as the franchise face, and he's helped offensively by former MVP Christian Yelich and two-time All-Star William Contreras. And despite trading Freddy Peralta, Milwaukee still has enough pitching in both the rotation and bullpen to compete. While the Brewers might not win 97 games again, they have all the pieces to emerge from a dogfight as kings of the NL Central. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL West" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-pPMPM" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pPMPM/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="243" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Why no one will dethrone the Dodgers: </strong>Los Angeles appeared to show some vulnerability last season and still managed to win its division by three games. Even as the core ages, there's still an outrageous amount of talent. Meanwhile, the Padres are expected to take a step back, and although the D-Backs and Giants have improved, they're not likely to make up a 10-plus-game deficit year over year. <em>- Wile </em></p><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbaseball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fmlb%2Fsection%2F2026-futures&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3496823"><strong>See all of the MLB futures odds available on theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><h2><a id="Postseason" name="Postseason">Postseason</a></h2><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Postseason" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Ro4pV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Ro4pV/4/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="418" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="World Series" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Ix1Yw" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Ix1Yw/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="261" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Why the Tigers will win the World Series:</strong> Giants and Tigers? Oh my. This pick may feel like a bit of a stretch, but we're also not that far removed from a Rangers-Diamondbacks World Series. Hell, even the Blue Jays were several inches away from a shock title just months ago. If there's a sport in which we can get maximum randomness, it's baseball. However, the Tigers going all the way isn't such a crazy proposition. They have all the necessary tools to do it: a strong pitching staff, a solid core of position players, exciting young prospects, and a manager who has won before. Detroit is positioned as well as any team in the AL to make a deep postseason run, and the organization should be motivated to really go for it at the deadline in what could be Tarik Skubal's final year in Motor City. <em>- Wile</em></p><h2><a id="Awards" name="Awards">Awards</a></h2><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL MVP" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Q5m3J" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Q5m3J/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="361" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Why Guerrero will win AL MVP: </strong>The answer is pretty simple. Guerrero is going to be the best player on the best team in the AL. Although the Blue Jays first baseman has produced some huge seasons before, he's struggled to maintain consistency at an elite level. But it feels like Guerrero has finally arrived as a superstar after his memorable WBC performance following a historic showing in last year's playoffs. The 27-year-old has become an incredibly patient hitter, walking almost as much as he's struck out over the last few years. He's the undisputed leader in Toronto with Bo Bichette gone and should be motivated after coming agonizingly close to winning a World Series. <em>- Ruminski</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL MVP" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-LizRQ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/LizRQ/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="314" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Why Acuña could dethrone Ohtani: </strong>It's going to take every player's best season, and a little bit of luck, for someone to snap Ohtani's three-year MVP run (two in the NL and one in the AL), especially with the star set to pitch a full season again. Acuña enters 2026 fully healthy and looking like his 2023 MVP self. While he might not be the 70-stolen-base threat anymore, he's still fully in his prime and can change a game in so many different ways. If Acuña can stay on the field, we'll get a real MVP race. <em>- Wile </em></p><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fbaseball%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fmlb%2Fsection%2Fplayer-awards&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3496823"><strong>See all of the MLB awards odds available on theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL Cy Young" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-gqiVN" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/gqiVN/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="243" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Why Crochet will win AL Cy Young:</strong> If anyone is going to unseat Skubal for the AL Cy Young, it'll be last season's runner-up. The Red Sox ace is coming off a year in which he won 18 games while leading the league in innings pitched and strikeouts. Crochet's Baseball Savant page is a sea of red just like Skubal's, but Steamer projects him to be a better strikeout pitcher and more efficient at inducing ground balls than the Tigers ace in 2026. Crochet also won't have the same pressure of pitching in a contract year next season like Skubal does. - <em>Mcwilliam</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL Cy Young" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-jAMqa" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/jAMqa/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="361" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Why Yamamoto will win NL Cy Young:</strong> In 2025, with a year of MLB experience under his belt, Yamamoto rediscovered the form that made him a superstar in Japan and earned him a record contract with the Dodgers. He finished third in NL Cy Young voting and also won World Series MVP. That historic postseason performance will ultimately serve as a table-setter for the dominance to come. With due respect to Skenes, Skubal, and many others, Yamamoto is the best pitcher in the world. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL Rookie of the Year" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-f9ifG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/f9ifG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="243" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Why AL ROY race will be the best in years: </strong>No award appears as wide open as this one, with all five of our editors picking different winners. The American League's talent pool is even deeper this year, with the additions of Japanese stars Murakami, Okamoto, and Imai. Basallo, Tolle, Jensen, and Yesavage all got a brief taste of the majors last season, while McGonigle is MLB Pipeline's top AL prospect. And then there's always a wild card who comes out of nowhere. Whoever wins the award this year will have seriously earned it. <em>- Wile </em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL Rookie of the Year" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-9R5tz" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/9R5tz/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="314" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Why McLean will win NL ROY: </strong>McLean is the most polished rookie among NL freshmen. He posted a 2.06 ERA with 10.7 K/9 en route to authoring a 1.2 fWAR in just eight starts following his debut in mid-August. The 24-year-old had an up-and-down WBC, but the right-hander's inclusion in Team USA's rotation shows just how highly his peers think of him. McLean will also be counted on to pitch some big innings for a Mets team that should be fighting for an NL East title all season, which will only help his case for Rookie of the Year. <em>- Ruminski</em></p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

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2026 MLB season predictions: Division winners, playoffs, awards

NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.  This week, we're as...

<p><em>NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.</em></p><p><em>This week, we're assessing matters as the tail end of the regular-season separates the contenders from the pretenders.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to:</strong><br><a href="#ATL">ATL</a> | <a href="#BKN">BKN</a> | <a href="#BOS">BOS</a> | <a href="#CHA">CHA</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#CLE">CLE</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DEN">DEN</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#GSW">GSW</a> | <a href="#HOU">HOU</a> | <a href="#IND">IND</a> | <a href="#LAC">LAC</a> | <a href="#LAL">LAL</a> | <a href="#MEM">MEM</a> | <a href="#MIA">MIA</a> | <a href="#MIL">MIL</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#NOP">NOP</a> | <a href="#NYK">NYK</a> | <a href="#OKC">OKC</a> | <a href="#ORL">ORL</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PHX">PHX</a> | <a href="#POR">POR</a> | <a href="#SAC">SAC</a> | <a href="#SAS">SAS</a> | <a href="#TOR">TOR</a> | <a href="#UTA">UTA</a> | <a href="#WAS">WAS</a></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a id="OKC" name="OKC">1. Oklahoma City Thunder (57-15)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 1</p><p>Oklahoma City is hitting its stride again after a bit of a speed bump in February. The Thunder have won 12 straight games, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's averaged 30.1 points, 7.4 assists, and 2 steals over that streak to solidify himself as the MVP favorite.</p><h3><a id="SAS" name="SAS">2. San Antonio Spurs (54-18)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 2</p><p>The Spurs have been relentless in their chase of the No. 1 seed. They've lost just two of 24 contests since the start of February, and during that span, they've reduced Oklahoma City's lead from six to three games.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">3. Detroit Pistons (52-19)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 4</p><p>Detroit faces a big test with Cade Cunningham sidelined at least two weeks by a collapsed lung. Can the Pistons maintain their East lead over the surging Celtics with Cunningham potentially out for the rest of the regular season?</p><h3><a id="LAL" name="LAL">4. Los Angeles Lakers (46-26)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 9</p><p>Luka Doncic has been unguardable of late, averaging 39.2 points, 8.3 boards, 7.3 assists, and 2.6 steals over his last 10 appearances. He also had a 60-point outburst against the Heat and set a franchise single-season record for threes.</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">5. Boston Celtics (47-24)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 3</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827952/cropped_GettyImages-2267513174.jpg?ts=1774409342" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827952/w220xh124_GettyImages-2267513174.jpg?ts=1774409342 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827952/w320xh180_GettyImages-2267513174.jpg?ts=1774409342 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827952/w640xh360_GettyImages-2267513174.jpg?ts=1774409342 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827952/w768xh432_GettyImages-2267513174.jpg?ts=1774409342 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827952/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2267513174.jpg?ts=1774409342 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brian Babineau / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Celtics are 6-2 with Jayson Tatum in the lineup, and he looks better than even the most optimistic observer could have imagined following an Achilles tear. A healthy Boston team is the biggest playoff threat to the Pistons.</p><h3><a id="NYK" name="NYK">6. New York Knicks (48-25)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 5</p><p>The Knicks have won seven straight. However, a pair of victories over the Pacers paired with results against the Jazz, Warriors, Nets, Wizards, and Pelicans will do little to convince naysayers that New York can return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">7. Cleveland Cavaliers (45-27)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 7</p><p>The emergence of Jaylon Tyson made De'Andre Hunter expendable, reducing the Cavs' tax bill from $164 million to $120 million. The second-year guard is averaging a career-high 13.1 points and ranks third in the NBA shooting at a 45.5% clip from deep.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">8. Denver Nuggets (45-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 10</p><p>Peyton Watson's return in Sunday's win over the Blazers means the Nuggets finally have a fully healthy squad after months of absences. They don't have much time to get in sync if they intend to fight for the third seed.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">9. Minnesota Timberwolves (44-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 6</p><p>Chris Finch's men have gone 3-1 amid Anthony Edwards' absence with a knee issue, including key wins over the Suns and Celtics. Their defense has been impeccable over that brief stretch, highlighted by a league-leading 101 defensive rating since March 17.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">10. Atlanta Hawks (40-32)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 15</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827953/cropped_GettyImages-2266227475.jpg?ts=1774409414" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827953/w220xh124_GettyImages-2266227475.jpg?ts=1774409414 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827953/w320xh180_GettyImages-2266227475.jpg?ts=1774409414 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827953/w640xh360_GettyImages-2266227475.jpg?ts=1774409414 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827953/w768xh432_GettyImages-2266227475.jpg?ts=1774409414 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827953/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2266227475.jpg?ts=1774409414 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joe Boatman / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Only two teams have more wins than the Hawks since the All-Star break thanks to their recent 11-game winning streak. But only two of those victories came against opponents above .500 (the 76ers and Magic), and Atlanta is 17-24 against that tier of competition all season.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">11. Houston Rockets (43-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 8</p><p>The Rockets'<strong> </strong>3-8 record in games decided by five points or fewer and 1-6 mark in overtime contests highlight an inability to close out games. The decision to stand pat at the deadline despite injuries to Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams is even more puzzling now.</p><h3><a id="TOR" name="TOR">12. Toronto Raptors (40-31)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 13</p><p>Jakob Poeltl is having a resurgence after missing 24 games with a back injury. The 7-foot center has been a stabilizing presence in the Raptors' frontcourt, averaging 10.9 points, 8.5 boards, and 1 block per contest over his last 11 appearances.</p><h3><a id="PHX" name="PHX">13. Phoenix Suns (40-33)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 12</p><p>Jordan Ott deserves plenty of praise for righting the ship in Phoenix. However, a recent five-game losing skid where the Suns were bottom 10 in both offensive (111) and defensive rating (118.9) indicates an expected regression to the mean.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">14. Philadelphia 76ers (39-33)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 17</p><p>Paul George couldn't have returned from his suspension at a better time. The 76ers are battling for a top-six seed and could use all the help they can get with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Kelly Oubre Jr. sidelined due to injury.</p><h3><a id="CHA" name="CHA">15. Charlotte Hornets (38-34)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 16</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827954/cropped_GettyImages-2264093556.jpg?ts=1774409467" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827954/w220xh124_GettyImages-2264093556.jpg?ts=1774409467 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827954/w320xh180_GettyImages-2264093556.jpg?ts=1774409467 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827954/w640xh360_GettyImages-2264093556.jpg?ts=1774409467 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827954/w768xh432_GettyImages-2264093556.jpg?ts=1774409467 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827954/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2264093556.jpg?ts=1774409467 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kent Smith / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Already assured of a play-in spot, the Hornets remain within striking distance of sixth place in the East and are eyeing a .500 or better record for just the eighth time this century. These are massive accomplishments for a franchise that's synonymous with losing.</p><h3><a id="ORL" name="ORL">16. Orlando Magic (38-34)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 11</p><p>Franz Wagner admits he may have rushed back from his ankle issue when he played in his hometown of Berlin in mid-January. He's played three games since, and the Magic are slipping into play-in range at the worst time.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">17. Miami Heat (38-34)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 14</p><p>Miami's 1-4 with four straight losses since Bam Adebayo's historic 83-point night. The team can't pin it on Adebayo, though - he's averaging 25.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and two steals in his four games since.</p><h3><a id="POR" name="POR">18. Portland Trail Blazers (36-37)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 20</p><p>Portland's stringing together wins at the right time with the Suns only a few games clear of the Blazers for the top play-in berth. The Blazers' forgiving upcoming schedule will likely help them narrow the gap.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">19. Los Angeles Clippers (36-36)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 18</p><p>The Clippers' labored ascension toward a play-in spot has mathematically reduced the chances that their first-round selection, which the Thunder own, will be a high lottery pick. That's a minor miracle after a 6-21 start to the campaign.</p><h3><a id="GSW" name="GSW">20. Golden State Warriors (34-38)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 19</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827960/cropped_GettyImages-2213879392.jpg?ts=1774417683" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827960/w220xh124_GettyImages-2213879392.jpg?ts=1774417683 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827960/w320xh180_GettyImages-2213879392.jpg?ts=1774417683 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827960/w640xh360_GettyImages-2213879392.jpg?ts=1774417683 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827960/w768xh432_GettyImages-2213879392.jpg?ts=1774417683 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827960/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2213879392.jpg?ts=1774417683 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers / Hearst Newspapers / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Steve Kerr already has his eyes on the play-in tournament with the Warriors unlikely to move into the top six. Golden State's priority should be getting Stephen Curry and Co. healthy for the games that'll dictate whether or not they'll crack the playoff field.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">21. Chicago Bulls (29-42)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 24</p><p>If Chicago's goal was to avoid the play-in tournament in hopes of securing a favorable pick, then the job's almost done in the Windy City. Though still mathematically alive, the Bulls are very likely to miss the competition after three straight appearances.</p><h3><a id="MIL" name="MIL">22. Milwaukee Bucks (29-42)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 21</p><p>Giannis Antetokounmpo's beef with the Bucks continues amid reports that the two parties are at odds over his status for the remainder of the campaign. He wants to play, they want him to sit, and nobody's happy. A messy divorce awaits.</p><h3><a id="NOP" name="NOP">23. New Orleans Pelicans (25-48)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 23</p><p>Dejounte Murray's return after a lengthy spell on the sidelines has sparked a Pelicans team that has no choice but to win after dealing its first-round pick. New Orleans is 8-4 since the former All-Star came back from a ruptured Achilles.</p><h3><a id="MEM" name="MEM">24. Memphis Grizzlies (24-47)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 22</p><p>Lost in the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade was the Grizzlies' acquisition of Taylor Hendricks. The former No. 9 overall pick has been a solid rotational piece for Memphis, averaging 11.4 points, 4.6 boards, and 1.5 steals across 20 appearances.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">25. Dallas Mavericks (23-49)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 26</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827956/cropped_GettyImages-2267357427.jpg?ts=1774409525" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827956/w220xh124_GettyImages-2267357427.jpg?ts=1774409525 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827956/w320xh180_GettyImages-2267357427.jpg?ts=1774409525 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827956/w640xh360_GettyImages-2267357427.jpg?ts=1774409525 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827956/w768xh432_GettyImages-2267357427.jpg?ts=1774409525 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/827956/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2267357427.jpg?ts=1774409525 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Glenn James / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Dallas' scoring efficiency has been dire in March, ranking second last in the league with a 107.9 offensive rating. Cooper Flagg shooting 7-of-33 (21.2%) from deep this month only compounds the issue.</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">26. Utah Jazz (21-51)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 25</p><p>Utah is pulling out all the stops to ensure it keeps its first-round selection in this loaded draft. The Jazz recently signed undrafted forward Andersson Garcia to a 10-day contract and proceeded to play him all 48 minutes last Thursday against the Bucks.</p><h3><a id="SAC" name="SAC">27. Sacramento Kings (19-54)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 27</p><p>There's no sugarcoating how much of a disaster the Kings' season has been. However, there could be some reason for optimism about the future with rookies Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford capitalizing on extended minutes under Doug Christie.</p><h3><a id="BKN" name="BKN">28. Brooklyn Nets (17-55)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 29</p><p>We may have seen the last of Michael Porter Jr. this season, and the Nets' offense is an even tougher watch without him. Brooklyn failed to crack 100 points in any of its first five games after he went down with a hamstring injury.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">29. Indiana Pacers (16-56)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 30</p><p>We're calling it now: The 2026-27 Pacers will threaten the 2007-08 Celtics' NBA-record 42-win improvement thanks to Tyrese Haliburton's return and the potential addition of a franchise-altering top-three pick.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">30. Washington Wizards (16-55)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 28</p><p>The Wizards' 4-44 record against teams that are .500 or better is the league's worst by some margin. It's a masterful display of consistency from a team that's lost 16 straight games and owns the NBA's worst average points differential (minus-11.6).</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/35000677/related

NBA Power Rankings: Luka, red-hot Lakers catch fire

Opening Day is here. In this edition of theScore's MLB Power Rankings for the 2026 season, we loo...

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34993304/related

MLB Power Rankings: 1 reason to be excited for each team

Welcome to theScore's ranking of the top 25 players entering their age-25 season or younger durin...

<p><em>Welcome to theScore's ranking of the top 25 players entering their age-25 season or younger during the 2026 campaign. We've compiled our list based on previous performance and our long-term projections, and it includes only players who have already reached the majors. Below are the players ranked 10-1.</em></p><blockquote><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3341222" href="https://thescore.com/news/3341222"><em><strong>Click here to see 11-25</strong></em></a></p></blockquote><p><em><strong>Note:</strong> Bobby Witt Jr. will be playing in his age-26 season in 2026. </em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-S44aX" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/S44aX/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Starting Pitcher" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Rb6O2" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Rb6O2/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="160" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Not many players begin their major-league careers like Yesavage. The right-hander has thrown almost twice as many innings in the playoffs compared to the regular season, and he was one of the most incredible stories of the 2026 campaign. The former first-round pick started last season in A-ball but finished the year pitching in Game 7 of the World Series. Throwing from one of the more unique arm slots in baseball and equipped with a fearless mentality, Yesavage's ceiling feels unbelievably high. While it's way too early to start anointing him as a perennial All-Star and Cy Young contender, few can say they've made a better first impression.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-uJ6oB" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/uJ6oB/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Shortstop" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-VYQsx" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/VYQsx/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="183" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>When De La Cruz is on, there might not be a more electric player in baseball. Few can match his combination of blinding speed, light-tower power, and incredible arm strength at shortstop. Although his game still has some flaws, especially in the strikeout department, he's shown consistent improvement, lowering his strikeout percentage each year while taking more walks. Expect De La Cruz to continue to get better as he enters his prime as one of the pillars of the Reds.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-mxEvl" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mxEvl/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Outfielder" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-BQSeh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/BQSeh/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="150" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>It's easy to forget about Chourio, who only turned 22 two weeks ago, but it's clear he still hasn't reached his ceiling. The Venezuelan is one of only nine players ever to start their careers with consecutive 20-homer, 20-steal seasons, and he might've gone 30-30 last year if not for a hamstring injury that cost him most of August. Upon returning, he was a force for the Brewers in the playoffs. It's easy to see why Chourio is considered the future of the franchise.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-gVEcc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/gVEcc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Third baseman" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-FYnYW" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/FYnYW/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="183" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Caminero broke out in his first full big-league season in 2025, hitting 45 homers and finishing top-10 in AL MVP voting at age 21. He followed that up by going 7-for-20 with three homers, seven RBIs, and just one strikeout for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, suggesting that 2025 might have merely been his floor. Caminero owns the kind of bat that can change the fortunes of an entire franchise and possesses natural offensive skills that should continue to improve as he gains more MLB experience. And remember, he's just 22. The sky's the limit.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-TTHLH" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/TTHLH/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="First baseman" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-4f0G5" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/4f0G5/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="183" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Kurtz hit 36 home runs in 117 games as a rookie. Read that again. The fourth pick in the 2024 draft crushed major-league pitching in his first taste of the bigs, finishing 10th in home runs despite not debuting until the end of April. Though Kurtz no doubt benefited from hitting in a minor-league park in Sacramento (1.039 OPS), his .967 OPS on the road showed he's a legitimate threat no matter where he plays. He's also one of 20 hitters ever to record a four-homer game - he's the only rookie to do it - and joined Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge as the only players last season with an OPS over 1.000 (min. 400 PA). That's pretty good company. What might be most impressive is that Kurtz didn't just sell out for power. He finished 18th in MLB in average while walking 12.9% of the time.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-I8Vpt" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/I8Vpt/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Outfielder" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-6M8Oc" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6M8Oc/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="150" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>You'd never know Anthony is only 21 years old by watching him play, as he hardly seems intimidated by the moment. As Team USA's youngest player at the World Baseball Classic, he emerged as one of their best hitters, finishing with two homers and a .920 OPS across seven games. While some of that team's biggest stars struggled, Anthony stepped up and led them to wins. The Red Sox also quickly demonstrated their confidence in his abilities, handing him a $130-million extension two months after his MLB debut. Anthony oozes superstar status.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-uyTva" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/uyTva/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Outfielder" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Uh9tS" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Uh9tS/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="183" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>It feels like some people outside of Arizona might not fully realize Carroll's greatness. He's the complete package: a perennial 30-30 talent with plus defense, one of the most successful base-stealers in the game, and the league leader in triples for three consecutive years. In 2025, Carroll fell just three triples shy of achieving only the fifth 20-20-20-20 (doubles, triples, homers, and steals) ever - and he's just getting started.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-oKbc5" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/oKbc5/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Outfielder" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-glne9" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/glne9/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="150" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>In four big-league seasons, Rodríguez has already produced two 30-30 campaigns, earned three top-10 finishes in AL MVP voting, won a pair of Silver Sluggers, and accrued the most outs above average in center field since 2022. J-Rod's all-around brilliance, passion for the game, and infectious smile are eerily reminiscent of another great Mariners center fielder who made his own leap to superstardom in Year 5. After nearly taking his team to the World Series last season, Rodríguez seems poised to ascend to that next level in 2026.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-q4mv9" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/q4mv9/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Shortstop" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-lLSjv" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/lLSjv/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="183" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Henderson is somehow already entering his fifth season in the majors. At his best, he's one of the premier shortstops in the game, as shown by his 7.9 fWAR campaign in 2024. Even during a "down" year in 2025 while battling injuries, Henderson still finished with a .787 OPS and 4.8 fWAR. If that's his floor, then watch out once he really hits his prime. Henderson's power, plate discipline, athleticism, and leadership capabilities make him a franchise player and a dream selection as a second-rounder.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-VsLw1" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/VsLw1/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="81" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-9S3XG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/9S3XG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="158" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>What more can you say about Skenes at this point? The Pirates ace joined Dwight Gooden and Fernando Valenzuela as the only pitchers to win both Rookie of the Year and a Cy Young Award in their first two MLB seasons. With a sub-2.00 ERA and a WHIP under 1.000 in each campaign, Skenes is the heavy favorite to repeat as the NL Cy Young winner. He's the definition of a generational talent, and we can't wait to see what he does next.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34989752/related

MLB's top 25 players 25 and under for 2026: 10-1

In Buy or Sell, theScore's football editors debate some of the hottest topics percolating around ...

<p><em>In Buy or Sell, theScore's football editors debate some of the hottest topics percolating around the NFL. Let us know in the comments whether you're buying or selling these three statements.</em></p><h3>Kyler Murray makes the Vikings a playoff team</h3><p><em>The former Cardinals QB signed for the veteran minimum in Minnesota after being released by Arizona</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812667/cropped_GettyImages-2245753942.jpg?ts=1764954844" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812667/w220xh124_GettyImages-2245753942.jpg?ts=1764954844 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812667/w320xh180_GettyImages-2245753942.jpg?ts=1764954844 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812667/w640xh360_GettyImages-2245753942.jpg?ts=1764954844 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812667/w768xh432_GettyImages-2245753942.jpg?ts=1764954844 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812667/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2245753942.jpg?ts=1764954844 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Caio Miari - BUY: </strong>The Vikings signed Murray to a one-year, $1.3-million contract in one of free agency's most interesting moves. Given his athleticism, skill set, and experience, he's likely to become the team's new starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 28-year-old started 87 games for the Cardinals, averaging 3,998 passing yards and 24 touchdowns against 12 interceptions with a 67.1% completion rate per 17 games played. Minnesota would've killed for those numbers last season. He also posted 624 yards and six TDs on the ground. The dynamic QB, known for his play-extending ability, grew up a Vikings fan and now has a chance to lead them back to the playoffs.</p><p>Subpar play and injuries led to the premature end of a once-promising relationship between Arizona and Murray, the 2019 No. 1 pick who's trying to regain his form on a low-risk deal. Vikings fans saw this movie not long ago with Sam Darnold, who signed his own prove-it contract in 2024. The 2018 No. 3 pick had a magical year in Minnesota and helped the team return to the postseason. Could the Vikings - who remain in win-now mode and boast a quarterback-friendly system under coach Kevin O'Connell - replicate that success with Murray?</p><p>The NFC North is one of the NFL's toughest divisions. Two years ago, the Darnold-led Vikings won 14 games yet didn't capture the division crown. Plus, Murray isn't a proven winner in the league, having played only one playoff game. That said, the 2025 Vikings weren't far from postseason contention despite starting three different quarterbacks. They finished 9-8, including 4-2 against NFC North rivals, while the Packers took the NFC's final wild-card spot with a 9-7-1 record.</p><p>On paper, Murray will be surrounded by a solid group of receivers headlined by Justin Jefferson and a healthier offensive line. Defensively, coordinator Brian Flores has built a perennial top-10 unit that still has ample talent despite losing linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. Murray rarely had any of those things in Arizona, but when he did, he was successful.</p><p>There's been a trend of former highly touted QBs stealing the show after undergoing a change of scenery. Murray is next in line. The Vikings needed a quarterback upgrade, and they'll be playoff-bound again when Murray's signing pays off.</p><h3>The Bengals addressed their needs sufficiently</h3><p><em>Cincinnati ranked 31st in total defense last season, finished 6-11, and missed the playoffs for the third straight season</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807886/cropped_GettyImages-2236192099.jpg?ts=1761853443" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807886/w220xh124_GettyImages-2236192099.jpg?ts=1761853443 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807886/w320xh180_GettyImages-2236192099.jpg?ts=1761853443 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807886/w640xh360_GettyImages-2236192099.jpg?ts=1761853443 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807886/w768xh432_GettyImages-2236192099.jpg?ts=1761853443 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807886/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2236192099.jpg?ts=1761853443 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Daniel Valente - SELL: </strong>If the question was whether the Bengals addressed their needs in free agency - most of which are on defense - they'd get a passing grade. Whether they addressed them <em>sufficiently</em> is a different story.</p><p>Cincinnati's biggest splash was the signing of former Seahawks pass-rusher Boye Mafe to a three-year, $60-million deal, which made him the 19th-highest-paid player at the position by average annual value, according to <a href="https://overthecap.com/position/edge-rusher">Over the Cap</a>. The 27-year-old is coming off a two-sack season. By comparison, the 19th-highest-paid edge rusher last season (Von Miller) posted nine sacks. Mafe notched nine during his best season in 2023, but he's accumulated just eight over the last two years. Perhaps the Bengals put too much stock in his Super Bowl performance, which included three pressures, per PFF. Mafe served as a rotational piece in Seattle, but he'll have to fill Trey Hendrickson's shoes in Cincinnati.</p><p>The Bengals also bolstered their interior pass rush, signing Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $25-million contract. Though the two-time Pro Bowler performed well in previous years, his career trajectory suggests that his most productive days are behind him. The Vikings released Allen after one season together. He played all 17 games in 2025 but only notched 3.5 sacks. Allen reached a career-high nine sacks in 2021, yet he's totaled just 19.5 sacks in the four years since. Hindsight is 20/20, but one has to question if the Bengals would've been better off trying to land 27-year-old defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, whom the 49ers acquired for a third-round pick.</p><p>Surprisingly, the Bengals ignored middle linebackers in free agency. That leaves second-year players Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight penciled in as the starters. Cincinnati could have used a veteran in the room, and there was no shortage of them available, with Devin Lloyd, Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, Tremaine Edmunds, and Leo Chenal all hitting the open market.</p><p>The Bengals get credit for signing safety and Cincinnati native Bryan Cook from the Chiefs. His presence will boost a young secondary that features Dax Hill, DJ Turner, and Jordan Battle. However, the team's approach to free agency otherwise felt wishful at best.</p><h3>A.J. Brown will begin the season with the Eagles</h3><p><em>Brown has been embroiled in trade rumors for months, but he remains a member of the Eagles as offseason activity slows</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823664/cropped_GettyImages-2253695229.jpg?ts=1772069271" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823664/w220xh124_GettyImages-2253695229.jpg?ts=1772069271 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823664/w320xh180_GettyImages-2253695229.jpg?ts=1772069271 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823664/w640xh360_GettyImages-2253695229.jpg?ts=1772069271 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823664/w768xh432_GettyImages-2253695229.jpg?ts=1772069271 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823664/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2253695229.jpg?ts=1772069271 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Matt Washington - SELL: </strong>For two years, the disgruntled wideout hasn't been shy in expressing his frustration with the Eagles' offense to anyone willing to listen. Although his teammates and coaches have attempted to squash any animosity, a breakup seems more predictable than the latest season of Netflix's "Love Is Blind."</p><p>Brown's 1,003 receiving yards and 12.9 yards per catch last season marked his lowest totals since being acquired by Philadelphia in April 2022. The end of his 2025 campaign featured multiple drops in a wild-card loss to the 49ers and felt like the breaking point in an inevitable separation. It wouldn't make much sense for general manager Howie Roseman to deal Brown now and saddle the club with over $43 million in dead money, but that figure drops to a digestible $16.3 million if he's traded after June 1.</p><p>The Rams and Patriots reportedly made strong pushes to land Brown at the beginning of the new league year, but the Eagles resisted. After seeing what the Dolphins received in exchange for Jaylen Waddle, there's a good chance Roseman will get a package he likes over the summer as teams prepare for training camp.</p><p>As for how Philadelphia can replace Brown, DeVonta Smith possesses the skill set and experience to serve as its WR1 next season. Jauan Jennings, Stefon Diggs, Deebo Samuel, and other veterans remain free agents. Any of them could function as a stopgap starter. The Eagles hold nine picks in next month's draft, so they may also utilize some of those to add receiver depth.</p><p>Despite his obvious on-field talents, Brown's chronic discontent threatens to fracture team chemistry beyond repair if the Eagles keep him around for another season. His days are numbered in the City of Brotherly Love.</p><p> </p>

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LOS ANGELES , CA - OCTOBER 27 - Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) asks the first base umpire for an appeal as the Toronto Blue Jays fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-5 in an 18 inning affair in game three of the MLB World Series at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles . October 27, 2025. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

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