Nov 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Zavier Scott (36) runs the ball during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images.
During any given offseason, the Minnesota Vikings (and 31 other NFL teams) usually have at least one roster cut that prompts the fan base to collectively ask, “Wait, why’d they release that guy?” VikingsTerritory writers are here to predict that man’s identity in 2026.
A handful of recognizable Vikings players could enter dangerous roster territory as Minnesota trims its depth chart this summer.
Roster cuts are still three months away, but this is the list to get you thinking.
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Minnesota’s Roster Bubble Has Several Familiar Names
Is unemployment around the bend for these dudes?
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Rypien (11) pitches the ball to running back Zavier Scott (36) during third-quarter action against the Houston Texans on Aug. 9, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Rypien operated Minnesota’s offense in preseason play while Scott worked underneath traffic on a developing option look during the exhibition matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
1. Zavier Scott | RB
VT Writer: Steve Hoikkala
With the addition of rookie RB Demond Claiborne and FB Max Bredeson, there will be crowded space to make room for a fourth back on the 53-man roster, even after Scott’s promising moments in the 2025 season. Expect the Vikings to try to stash him on the practice squad and have him ready in case of injury this year.
2. Myles Price | WR-KR-PR
VT Writer: Janik Eckardt
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Though he looked like an excellent returner, Price made several crucial mistakes over the course of his rookie season. This summer, dynamic rookies Dillon Bell and Demond Claiborne will challenge Price for his spot and come out victorious.
3. Johnny Hekker | P
VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler
I don’t know if it winds up being a big surprise, but Brett Thorson was signed to win the punter job. He offers more long-term upside than the veteran Hekker, and he’ll get his opportunities to push him off the roster.
4. … Nobody This Time
VT Writer: Wes Johnson
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The Vikings are a team that has largely missed on the NFL Draft over the past few years, and as a result, they have lacked depth over the past two seasons. That looks to have changed this season, as, by all accounts, they have added intelligently in the draft and through free agency.
While trading the loser of the QB battle is possible, rolling with an undrafted rookie QB at times last season should have left a bad taste in the coaching staff’s mouth, to the point that I would not want to trade my depth at the most important position in football.
t5. Theo Jackson | S
VT Writer: Henrique Gucciardi
Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (26) lines up defensively against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC wild-card round on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Jackson handled an expanded role in Minnesota’s secondary during the postseason matchup as the Vikings attempted to slow the Rams’ passing attack under the bright playoff spotlight. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
I expected a lot more from Jackson as a starter, to be honest. Brian Flores has used a lot of three-safety packages, so maybe Jackson will stick around. However, Jay Ward had some nice moments late in the season. Metellus should be healthier in 2026, Jakobe Thomas will have the opportunity to play on defense, and I’m also buying UDFA Jacob Thomas’s stock.
t5. Theo Jackson | S
VT Writer: Dustin Baker
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The Vikings usually keep nine defensive backs on the regular season roster. Because he has not expressly retired, let’s roll with Harrison Smith returning for Year No. 15. That completes this DB room for Brian Flores:
Byron Murphy Jr. (CB)
Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
James Pierre (CB)
Charles Demmings (CB)
Harrison Smith (S)
Joshua Metellus (S)
Jay Ward (S)
Jakobe Thomas (S)
Tavierre Thomas (S)
Jackson is the odd man out.
t6. Tai Felton | WR
VT Writer: Cole Smith
The Jauan Jennings signing signals that Felton isn’t ready to take the next step, and Myles Price offers return ability. That makes me wonder whether the Vikings think they can replace whatever potential he has as WR4 with someone else.
t6. Tai Felton | WR
VT Writer: Brevan Bane
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Felton may have had the chance to take the WR3 role before the Jauan Jennings signing; now, he may never get that opportunity. The Vikings letting Felton go before he ever gets a shot would be a “surprise”, but that’s in the name. Perhaps, they’ve seen all they need to see from him in practices and workouts. After all, they have more knowledge of him than we do.
t7. Ivan Pace Jr. | LB
VT Writer: Kyle Joudry
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (0) celebrates after recording a sack against the Jacksonville Jaguars during second-quarter action on Nov. 10, 2024, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. Pace energized Minnesota’s defense with the momentum-shifting play as the Vikings consistently pressured Jacksonville’s offense throughout the opening half of the road contest. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images.
Hate to say Ivan Pace Jr., since I’ve speculated about him being traded away for a while before being wrong for several months now, but it’s hard to ignore Minnesota lessening his workload for consecutive seasons, and then his entire cap charge being able to get wiped off the books with zero dead money. So, I’ll say Mr. Pace, even if I have been wrong a lot here and wish nothing but good things for him.
t7. Ivan Pace Jr. | LB
VT Writer: Adam New
From undrafted to a starter, the fairytale of Pace Jr. has soured. If second-round rookie Jake Golday is an early success, Pace Jr. could slip further down the depth chart, and there is over $3 million to be saved by cutting him. It could become the smart decision.
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t7. Ivan Pace Jr. | LB
VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui
The Vikings would save over $3 million by releasing Pace Jr., and they used their second pick on an LB. His role also decreased last year. Too many good linebackers is a wonderful problem. Champagne, even.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is preparing for his second season with the team after a strong rookie year. During his offseason preparations, Dart and his girlfriend, Marissa Ayers, watched the New York Knicks win their historic NBA title.
Dart and Ayers attended the Knicks’ NBA Finals series against the San Antonio Spurs earlier this month. Following the Knicks’ championship parade on Thursday, Ayers shared behind-the-scenes moments of the couple’s trip to San Antonio for Game 5.
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“My New York rookie year is off to a great start,” Ayers captioned her post.
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The carousel post featured pictures of the duo in Knicks jerseys at Frost Bank Center. A picture also featured the pair on a private plane.
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Ayers and Dart reportedly started dating last season and the duo confirmed their relationship on social media in January. Ayers also shared in a TikTok video in February that she planned to move to New York to support her career as a content creator.
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart spends time with girlfriend Marissa Ayers in offseason
Jaxson Dart and his girlfriend Marissa Ayers witnessed the Knicks end their 53-year-long championship drought by defeating the Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 in San Antonio.
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Following the Knicks’ first title in more than five decades, Ayers shared a four-word message in her Instagram story.
“Knicks in 5 babyyyyy!!!!” Ayers wrote in her story.
Apart from the NBA Finals, Dart and Ayers also attended the USA’s first game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium earlier this month.
Dart attended the Miami Swim Week to watch his girlfriend make her runway debut earlier this month. Dart was seen filming Ayers as she strutted down the runway in a purple bikini.
The result was an 8-shot improvement. In breezy sunshine at Shinnecock Hills, Morikawa fired a five-under 65, rebounding from a first-round 73 to leapfrog up the leaderboard. He finished the day at two-under for the tournament, in a tie for fourth, with much of the field still on the course.
What accounted for the turnabout?
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His wedges. Specifically, the soles of them.
On Friday afternoon, Morikawa revealed that he’d played his first round with a new wedge — same TaylorMade model he usually employs but without the bounce ground off. The move backfired.
“I usually kind of [take] a little bit of the bounce off. Stupid of me to do it,” Morikawa said.
The decision traced back to Monday’s practice round. Shinnecock had taken on rain Sunday night, leaving the course soft and wet for Morikawa’s first look at the setup. Working on chips on the back of the 10th hole, he found himself digging the club into the turf.
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A lot of golfers would read that as a reason to add bounce, not remove it, as more bounce helps keep the leading edge from digging into the ground. But Morikawa was playing the long game. He expected the course to firm up considerably by Thursday, and figured the trickier, grainier lies that come with firmer turf would suit a lower-bounce wedge just fine.
“I knew it was going to dry out,” he said. “I felt like it was okay. So I didn’t grind it off.”
He took that new wedge into Thursday’s opening round and his short game wasn’t as sharp as he’d hoped.
“Just yesterday, average chip shot,” he said. “Partially bad technically, but partially [it] felt like everything was just going to bounce. Out here, you have to just have a great low point. You have to know what the spin is going to be.”
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Golf is nothing if not a game of adjustments. After finishing his weather-delayed first round Friday morning, Morikawa undid his decision. Back into his bag went the wedge he’d trusted all season, bounce and all.
“I went back to my old wedge just after I finished up this morning,” he said. “Whether it worked or not, it just gave me enough confidence to say I can kind of dial them in. Felt like I hit a lot better chip shots out there.”
It’s been that kind of season for Morikawa, a campaign marked by changes beyond his control. A back injury sidelined him at the Players in March and kept popping up enough to cost him more starts before the Masters. He’s been managing that issue ever since. On Thursday, though, his body seemed fine. It was his decision-making and his equipment that betrayed him. By Friday, he’d gotten those right, too.
Joaquin Niemann says he is “not proud” of being the first golfer penalised for breaking the new code of conduct introduced for major championships in 2026.
The Chilean was given a two-shot penalty by US Open officials on Friday, shortly after completing a fog-delayed first round.
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The 27-year-old was punished for “serious misconduct” under rule 1.2b after throwing his sand wedge in frustration on the sixth hole after he twice hit tee shots out of bounds and then had an awkward lie while playing his next shot.
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That meant Niemann’s nine was upped to an 11 on the par-four hole and he eventually signed for an eight-over 78 before responding with a five-under 65 in the second round to sit just inside the projected cut line at three over par overall.
“I finished my round, signed my scorecard, and then a referee came up to me and said ‘I need to talk to you’,” Niemann said.
“I knew I had a misbehaviour but I feel like everybody had some and it’s never going to be anything major like two-shot penalty, you know?
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“They considered with the whole committee that it was a right decision to give me a two-shot penalty.
“I was trying to argue back but it’s their decision and I feel like I wouldn’t be happy seeing players throwing clubs and behaving that way so, yeah, I agree.”
“I hit it two times out of bounds then got pretty frustrated,” he added.
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“I had a bad lie, I saw a lot of ants and I was just asking the referee if they were fire ants and he said ‘no’.
“I wasn’t angry asking him. I think they blew the horn (to suspend play for darkness) but after I hit that shot all the frustration came inside me and I had my club in my hand and I couldn’t resist to throw it away. There was no-one there but I’m not proud of it.”
USA’s Jessica Pegula reacts during the women’s singles quarter-final match against USA’s Madison Keys during the WTA500 Berlin Tennis Open tournament in Berlin on June 19, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP)
BERLIN–American world number four Jessica Pegula reached the semi-finals of the Berlin Open after beating countrywoman Madison Keys on Friday.
Pegula, a 2024 champion on the Berlin grass, won 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (10/8) over her close friend and podcast co-host Keys in sweltering conditions in the German capital.
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In their first meeting since Pegula ended Keys’ title defence at the Australian Open in January, both players each broke serve once in the opening set and forced a tiebreak, which Pegula won.
Pegula ran out to a 4-2 lead in the second but Keys fought back to once again set up a tiebreak. Pegula triumphed 10-8 in the tiebreak to extend her winning run to seven without defeat over fellow Americans this calendar year.
The 32-year-old American will face either world number one Aryna Sabalenka or Nikola Bartunkova in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Eighth seed Linda Noskova defeated Spanish wildcard Paula Badosa 6-1, 6-3 in Friday’s second quarter-final.
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Later on Friday, world number eight Elina Svitolina takes on Alexandra Eala, who eliminated Elena Rybakina on Thursday.
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Belarus Aryna Sabalenka reacts after winning the singles quarter final match against Czech’s Nikola Bartunkova at the WTA500 Berlin Tennis Open tournament in Berlin on June 19, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP)
BERLIN–World number one Aryna Sabalenka stormed back from the cusp of defeat to beat Czech Nikola Bartunkova and reach the last four of the WTA 500 Berlin Open on Friday.
Sabalenka won 2-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 in sweltering conditions in the German capital in the traditional Wimbledon warm-up event.
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“I was thinking ‘wow, that’s how it is to play against me’,” a smiling Sabalenka said of her opponent’s early dominance, adding: “I thought it was her match for sure… I was just trying to stay in the game.
“I think it was a lucky match. I somehow, miraculously, came back in that second set.”
Bartunkova, the world number 62, stormed to take the first set and led 4-0 in the second as a visibly frustrated Sabalenka struggled on serve and could not pose any kind of danger with her return.
With elimination looming, the Belarusian suddenly clicked into gear, winning five straight games before taking the second set in a tiebreak.
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The heat began to wear on both players in the third set, with Sabalenka breaking her opponent three times but suffering two breaks herself before taking the match in two hours and 23 minutes.
Sabalenka will face American world number four Jessica Pegula, who beat close friend and podcast co-host Madison Keys 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (10/8) earlier on Friday.
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“I’m way more nervous than I thought I would be,” Toews said after stepping up to the podium. “I just want to recognize, first of all — it’s a privilege to be standing up here to say goodbye to the game of hockey and the NHL. I think there’s a lot of great players out there that don’t get this opportunity.
“So, [I] just want to be cognizant of that. Thank you all for coming today.”
Jonathan Toews spent his final NHL season playing for his hometown Winnipeg Jets.(Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images)
Well, Toews is hanging ’em up the way he played: with class.
And what a career it was. I mean, the hardware — which also includes a Conn Smythe, a Selke and a Mark Messier Leadership Award — speaks for itself, but look at these numbers.
Of course, Toews is best remembered for his 15 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. They drafted him in 2006, and he went on to lead them to three Stanley Cups in 2010 (when they ripped this Flyers fan’s heart out of his chest), 2013 and 2015.
But one of the most admirable things about Toews’ career is how he battled back after two years out of the league due to inflammatory and immune-system issues that also affected his last couple of years with the Blackhawks.
U.S. star Christian Pulisic missed today’s World Cup match against Australia because of a calf injury and was replaced in the starting lineup by Ricardo Pepi.
United States coach Mauricio Pochettino made the announcement during an interview with Fox about 90 minutes before the kickoff at Lumen Field in Seattle. On Thursday, Pochettino said Pulisic is in a “much better” spot than he was last Friday, and that he would be available for the Americans’ next game against Turkey if he could not play against Australia.
“Today, he was training in the morning in the camp and I’ve seen the feelings are good,” Pochettino told Fox on Friday. “I hope as soon as possible he can be ready to be selected again and to be part of the team. Now, we need to be focused on our team and the players that are going to play.”
The move is a setback for a U.S. team that defeated Paraguay 4-1 in its opener on June 12 and with a win would clinch advancement to the round of 32.
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Pulisic left the game at halftime after helping create the opening goal by splitting a pair of defenders before passing to Weston McKennie, then setting up Folarin Balogun for the second goal.
Pochettino said the 27-year-old attacker was kicked in the back of his left calf during a training session ahead of the game and felt tightness during the match. Pulisic trained on his own in the leadup to the game against Australia.
Pulisic has 33 goals in 87 international appearances.
Pepi was the only addition to the U.S. starting lineup. Pochettino decided to insert the 23-year-old striker, who was one of the final cuts from the 2022 World Cup roster, over a few other accomplished players.
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Brenden Aaronson, a winger who had four goals and five assists for Leeds last season, and Tim Weah, a Marseille forward who can impact a game with his speed on either wing, both remain on the bench.
Gio Reyna, who scored the Americans’ final goal against Paraguay and has provided moments of dynamic playmaking from the wing, will be a reserve once again.
With Pepi in for Pulisic, the U.S. hopes to reward its supporters and justify the wave of momentum that is building around the team.
“What excites me is that the entire world, the entire nation is behind us,” midfielder Cristian Roldan said. “I think that they enjoyed watching us play, and at the end of the day what we want to do is inspire and motivate the next generation. … We have to build off it, and that’s the truth. We can’t just talk about it: We have to show out against Australia.
FILE – Alex Eala celebrates after a match in the Berlin Open. She beat Elena Rybakina and Elina Svitolina to reach the semifinals. –BERLIN OPEN PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–For a second straight night, Alex Eala toppled a top-ranked player, this time beating world No. 8 Elina Svitolina, 6-3, 6-4, to reach the semifinals of the 2026 Berlin Open.
Eala came out firing against the more experienced Svitolina, racing to a 4-1 lead in the first set and taking control of the match, which lasted one hour and 23 minutes.
In the second set, the Filipino tennis ace, who entered Berlin as a wildcard, broke Svitolina three times for a 5-2 lead before the Ukrainian won back-to-back games to pull within one.
But Eala once again showed composure and closed out the match on serve.
“Of course, Elina is a huge fighter and I’ve seen it many times.I’ve been watching her since I was a kid.So to be able to compete with her today is such an honor,” Eala said. “I really admire her. She’s a mother and I find her to act with such elegance and strength.”
Eala has now beaten six top-10 players in the WTA rankings, a run that began during her Miami Open campaign last year that launched her into stardom.
Against Svitolina, she once again found a way against a big-hitting opponent with her clinical returning.
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“I think I’m getting better [at absorbing the pace]. I hope I’m getting better,” Eala said. “Of course, being exposed to this kind of level more often really pushes you to your limits and forces you to showcase what you’ve got. Some weeks are better than others, and I’m really enjoying this week.”
Eala faces fellow 21-year-old Linda Nosková, who beat Paula Badosa 6-1, 6-3 earlier Friday, in the Final Four.
Also reaching the semifinals are Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka.
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The Stanley Cup Final sits in the rear-view, the NHL Draft approaches, and around the league, 32 clubs are setting plans in motion to improve their squads before the 2026-27 campaign arrives.
We’ve already seen a couple deals drop, with new Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka acquiring defender Darren Raddysh and trading away former starting netminder Joseph Woll in separate deals this month.
As the trade market continues to heat up in the lead-up to July 1, here’s a look at the latest chatter from the NHL rumour mill:
Bowen Byram could move on from Sabres in search of a bigger role
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The Buffalo Sabres are coming off a significant step forward, having ended their lengthy post-season drought and won their first playoff round in two decades. But change might be coming to the Sabres’ promising young roster. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, defender Bowen Byram may be seeking a change of address in pursuit of a bigger role.
“This has nothing to do with money,” Seravalli said on a recent episode of Frankly Hockey. “This has nothing to do with place — Bowen Byram likes Buffalo, he likes his teammates, he likes the trajectory of the Sabres. This has everything to do with opportunity and a continual challenge, as I understand it, that exists within Bowen Byram. He sees himself as a No. 1 defenceman in the NHL, and watching him in these playoffs, it’s hard to argue that that’s not the case.”
The 25-year-old blue-liner is heading into the second season of a two-year, $12.5-million pact he inked in Buffalo in 2025. He’s fresh off putting up a career-best 42 points for the Sabres in 2025-26. Byram spent four years in Colorado — winning a Stanley Cup with the club in 2022 — before he was traded to Buffalo in 2024.
As was the case in Colorado, where perennial Norris Trophy nominee Cale Makar leads the blue line, the situation in Buffalo leaves little room for Byram to take the next step.
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“Bowen Byram is never going to be PP1 for the Buffalo Sabres,” Seravalli said. “He doesn’t have a path to be the Buffalo Sabres’ No. 1 defenceman. (Rasmus) Dahlin’s there, Owen Power already makes more than him, so you theoretically think that Owen Power is ahead of him in the pecking order potentially as well. … He thinks he can be the guy. And I think that Bowen Byram can be the guy. The only way to do that is to not re-sign in Buffalo when next season ends and he becomes an unrestricted free agent and can go test the market.
“And the Sabres are sitting here thinking, ‘Well, if he’s not going to re-sign, then maybe we want to jump ahead and get pieces back that we can work with now, and improve our team in the here and now with such a good player available, that it might make sense to move on.’”
32 Thoughts: The Podcast
Hockey fans already know the name, but this is not the blog. From Sportsnet, 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas is a weekly deep dive into the biggest news and interviews from the hockey world.
Bruins listening to offers for veteran centreman Pavel Zacha
This summer’s free agent class is plenty light on top-end centres who could swing things for a club looking to find some progress next season. Of the names highlighted by Sportsnet’s Luke Fox in his look at the top UFAs on the market, only one does their work down the middle: Boone Jenner. But the Boston Bruins may be throwing another name into the mix.
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“In a market starved for centres, the Bruins are listening on Pavel Zacha, which is an intriguing name to say the least. There’s a big difference between listening and wanting to move him, though,” LeBrun wrote. “My understanding is that the Bruins’ top priority this summer is to extend Zacha if possible. That can happen as of July 1. He’s got one year left on his deal at a $4.75 million AAV and obviously will be looking for a raise after posting career bests with 30 goals and 65 points this past season.
“But how those talks go will be balanced with whether teams step up in a real way in trade talks.”
The veteran pivot, who spent seven years in New Jersey before being traded to Boston, has a no-trade list allowing him to nix a deal to eight teams, according to LeBrun.
Rumours have swirled around St. Louis Blues centre Robert Thomas’s name for months, with the veteran seeming very likely to move at different points over the past year. According to LeBrun and Seravalli, though, Thomas is now off the market and looks set to remain in St. Louis. His teammate Jordan Kyrou, though, is on the board.
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“The Blues explored the trade market aggressively before the March 6 trade deadline, but it never got to the point that they asked him for a list of teams or to waive his no-move clause,” LeBrun wrote of Thomas. “Now, with the changeover from Doug Armstrong to Alexander Steen at GM, which will be official July 1, I’ve heard from a few teams that believe Steen has told Thomas that he doesn’t intend to move him.”
Added Seravalli: “Teams have called to ask in the last few days, what is the situation with Robert Thomas, is he available, and they have been told, ‘No.’ But Jordan Kyrou is very much available.”
Kyrou is heading into Year 4 of an eight-year, $65-million extension he signed back in 2022. The 28-year-old winger, who was drafted by the Blues in 2016, is coming off an 18-goal, 46-point season for St. Louis. A year prior, he put up a dominant 36-goal, 70-point season for the Blues.
Maple Leafs asking for ‘exorbitant’ return in calls on Matthew Knies
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In his latest NHL Buzz piece, Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs are still considering moving winger Matthew Knies. According to Seravalli, interested teams have been told the price for acquiring the young power forward is sky high.
“The appetite around the league is incredibly strong,” Seravalli said. “It’s hard to find a player with this profile, this size, this productivity, this age, that also is signed to a secure deal for five years at $7.75 million. … Here’s my understanding of the situation: teams are calling the Toronto Maple Leafs. They know that Matt Knies’ name was out there previously under the old regime leading up into the trade deadline. That didn’t materialize, it didn’t happen, but now teams are calling. The Leafs are not hanging up the phone under John Chayka. They’re entertaining offers.
“They’re willing to talk about Matt Knies. But I’m told from some of the teams that have been in contact with the Toronto Maple Leafs that the price is exorbitant. They feel like the price is incredibly high.”
The 23-year-old winger put up 23 goals and a career-best 66 points for the Maple Leafs last season, and posted a career-high 29 goals a year prior.
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Patrick Kane undecided on whether to return to Detroit or find new club
After parting ways with his longtime club, the Chicago Blackhawks, and playing out a brief stint in New York, veteran Patrick Kane has logged three productive campaigns in Detroit. The three-time Stanley Cup champion posted 57 points in 67 games for the Red Wings last season, and a pair of 20-goal campaigns in Detroit colours before that.
But according to LeBrun, with the Red Wings missing out on the post-season in all three years Kane has been on the squad, it seems a change could be coming for the 37-year-old.
“Pending UFA Patrick Kane definitely wants to play another season, his agent Pat Brisson said on Wednesday. That’s all Brisson would share,” wrote LeBrun. “My understanding is that the Red Wings do want Kane back and have made that clear. What remains undetermined is whether Kane wants to return.
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“He certainly might, but he’s mulling things over at the moment about whether to stay put or head to market.”
The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage enters a crucial phase on June 20 as teams take the field for their second matches, with qualification scenarios beginning to take shape. Several nations have the chance to secure an early place in the Round of 32, while others face must-win encounters after disappointing starts.
Heavyweights Brazil and the Netherlands will be under pressure to deliver, while the USA, Australia, Morocco and Sweden look to build on positive opening-round results in a packed day of action.
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USA vs Australia
The United States and Australia meet in a pivotal Group D clash at FIFA World Cup 2026, with both sides aiming to build on winning starts and move closer to the Round of 32. The USMNT impressed in a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, while Australia secured a disciplined 2-0 win against Türkiye.
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Mauricio Pochettino’s side will monitor captain Christian Pulisic’s fitness after a minor calf issue, though he is expected to feature alongside in-form striker Folarin Balogun. Australia, meanwhile, will once again rely on the pace and creativity of rising star Nestory Irankunda, while goalkeeper Patrick Beach arrives full of confidence after an eight-save clean sheet in the opener. The winner could take a major step toward qualification.
Scotland vs Morocco
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Morocco and Scotland are set for a crucial Group C showdown at Boston Stadium in Foxborough as both sides look to strengthen their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification hopes. Scotland sit atop the group after a narrow 1-0 win over Haiti, though their performance was far from convincing and they created few clear-cut chances.
Morocco, meanwhile, impressed in a 1-1 draw against Brazil and arguably looked the stronger side, with Ismael Saibari scoring and the Atlas Lions producing an encouraging display. Steve Clarke’s Scotland are expected to remain largely unchanged, while Morocco will once again rely on the influential duo of Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz down the right flank.
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Brazil vs Haiti
Brazil head into their second Group C match against Haiti seeking their first win of FIFA World Cup 2026 after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Morocco. Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain among the tournament favourites but know a victory is essential to strengthen their qualification hopes before facing Scotland.
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Brazil have dominated previous meetings with Haiti, winning all three encounters and scoring 17 goals across those matches. Haiti, meanwhile, showed promise despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Scotland and will look to build on that performance. However, another loss could end their hopes of progressing, making this a must-win encounter for both teams.
Turkey vs Paraguay
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Türkiye and Paraguay face a crucial Group D clash at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara as both teams look to revive their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns. With the USA and Australia currently leading the group, defeat could severely damage either side’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
Türkiye arrived at the tournament in strong form after ending a long World Cup absence and building an eight-match unbeaten run, but suffered a disappointing defeat to Australia in their opener. Paraguay, meanwhile, returned to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years but were beaten 4-1 by hosts USA and now desperately need points.
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Netherlands vs Sweden
Netherlands and Sweden meet in a pivotal Group F encounter at Houston’s NRG Stadium, with both sides targeting a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds. The Dutch were held to an entertaining 2-2 draw by Japan in their opener and will be eager to secure their first win of the tournament.
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Sweden, meanwhile, made a stunning start by thrashing Tunisia 5-1 and currently sit atop the group standings. A victory would guarantee the Scandinavians a place in the Round of 32, while the Netherlands know three points could significantly boost their qualification hopes heading into their final group-stage fixture.
FIFA World Cup 2026 June 20 matches
Group
Match
Time (IST)
Group D
USA vs Australia
00:30:00
Group C
Scotland vs Morocco
03:30:00
Group C
Brazil vs Haiti
06:00:00
Group D
Türkiye vs Paraguay
08:30:00
Group F
Netherlands vs Sweden
22:30:00
FIFA World Cup 2026: June 20 matches live streaming and telecast details
Which two teams will feature in the first game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 20?
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USA and Australia will kick-start the June 20 action of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at 12:30 am IST.
Which two teams will feature in the second game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 20?
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Scotland and Morocco will play in the second match of the day from 3:30 am IST.
Which two teams will feature in the third game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 20?
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Brazil will play their 2nd FIFA World Cup 2026 game against Haiti in the third game of the day at 6 am IST.
Which two teams will feature in the fourth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 20?
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Turkey will play their 2nd FIFA World Cup 2026 game against Paraguay in the third game of the day at 8:30 am IST.
Which two teams will feature in the fifth game of FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 20?
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Netherlands and Sweden will play in the fifth match of the day from 10:30 pm IST.
Where to watch the live broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 June 20 matches in India?
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The broadcast of the June 20 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels for fans in India.
Where to watch the live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 June 20 matches in India?
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The live streaming of the June 18 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Zee5 app and website for viewers in India.
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