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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<p><em>This is the fifth in-season edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2025-26 campaign. In this installment, we analyze where each team stands following the trade deadline.</em></p><p><strong>Jump to</strong>:<br><a href="#ANA">ANA</a> | <a href="#BOS">BOS</a> | <a href="#BUF">BUF</a> | <a href="#CAR">CAR</a> | <a href="#CBJ">CBJ</a> | <a href="#CGY">CGY</a> | <a href="#CHI">CHI</a> | <a href="#COL">COL</a> | <a href="#DAL">DAL</a> | <a href="#DET">DET</a> | <a href="#EDM">EDM</a> | <a href="#FLA">FLA</a> | <a href="#LAK">LAK</a> | <a href="#MIN">MIN</a> | <a href="#MTL">MTL</a> | <a href="#NJD">NJD</a> | <a href="#NSH">NSH</a> | <a href="#NYI">NYI</a> | <a href="#NYR">NYR</a> | <a href="#OTT">OTT</a> | <a href="#PHI">PHI</a> | <a href="#PIT">PIT</a> | <a href="#SEA">SEA</a> | <a href="#STL">STL</a> | <a href="#SJS">SJS</a> | <a href="#TBL">TBL</a> | <a href="#TOR">TOR</a> | <a href="#UTA">UTA</a> | <a href="#VAN">VAN</a> | <a href="#VGK">VGK</a> | <a href="#WPG">WPG</a> | <a href="#WSH">WSH</a></p><h3><a id="COL" name="COL">1. Colorado Avalanche (43-11-9)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 2</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The top-ranked team in the NHL added Nazem Kadri and Nicolas Roy. After an aggressive deadline, the rich got richer, and it's even more "Cup or bust" in Colorado.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">2. Dallas Stars (40-14-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 4</em></p><p>Although the teams above and below the Stars in our rankings have garnered more attention recently, Dallas is quietly 12-0-1 in its last 13 games despite battling some key injuries. Michael Bunting and Tyler Myers weren't the sexiest deadline additions, but they make one of the NHL's most complete teams even deeper.</p><h3><a id="BUF" name="BUF">3. Buffalo Sabres (40-19-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 8</em></p><p>The Sabres have been the best team in the NHL since bringing in Jarmo Kekalainen in mid-December. It hasn't been particularly close: Buffalo is 26-5-4 over that span, 10 points clear of the next team. Are the Sabres a Stanley Cup contender?</p><blockquote><p>👉 <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fhockey%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fnhl%2Fsection%2Ffutures&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3375209">Check out Stanley Cup odds on theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><h3><a id="TBL" name="TBL">4. Tampa Bay Lightning (39-20-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 1</em></p><p>The Lightning have cooled off since the Olympic break, and their relatively quiet trade deadline left something to be desired. Given Tampa's core players and track record, though, it's difficult to imagine the Lightning won't tighten things up come playoff time.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">5. Minnesota Wild (38-16-11)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816976/cropped_GettyImages-2251751843.jpg?ts=1767988607" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816976/w220xh124_GettyImages-2251751843.jpg?ts=1767988607 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816976/w320xh180_GettyImages-2251751843.jpg?ts=1767988607 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816976/w640xh360_GettyImages-2251751843.jpg?ts=1767988607 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816976/w768xh432_GettyImages-2251751843.jpg?ts=1767988607 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816976/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2251751843.jpg?ts=1767988607 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Berding / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous: 4</em></p><p>Bill Guerin was the most active general manager at the deadline, adding depth in Bobby Brink, Michael McCarron, Nick Foligno, and Jeff Petry. This is a leveled-up Wild team that still has a weakness down the middle but compensates with play-driving wingers and a superstar defenseman. Whether it's enough for a first playoff series win in 11 years and a deep run in the gauntlet of the Central Division remains to be seen.</p><h3><a id="CAR" name="CAR">6. Carolina Hurricanes (41-17-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 3</em></p><p>The Hurricanes' only deadline pickup was enforcer Nic Deslauriers despite some question marks at center and in net. This team is likely good enough to get to the Eastern Conference Final once again in an easy Metropolitan Division, but without reinforcements, is their ceiling much higher?</p><h3><a id="ANA" name="ANA">7. Anaheim Ducks (36-25-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 13</em></p><p>Anaheim has turned the corner and become a fun, competitive team that's never out of a game, no matter the score. Sure, the Ducks give up too many goals, but that doesn't rule them out of contention in a very flawed Pacific Division. The bold move to acquire John Carlson addressed the team's biggest need on the right side of the blue line.</p><h3><a id="MTL" name="MTL">8. Montreal Canadiens (36-18-10)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 10</em></p><p>The Canadiens were quiet at the deadline despite boasting a deep farm system and a full cupboard of draft picks. Perhaps their biggest addition will come internally if Michigan star Michael Hage turns pro at the end of his NCAA campaign. Could the 19-year-old help Montreal come playoff time?</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">9. Detroit Red Wings (36-22-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 6</em></p><p>The Red Wings are playing worse than most of the teams chasing them in the wild-card race with four wins in their past 10 games. Detroit bought at the deadline for the first time in ages, but captain Dylan Larkin's status looms large for Hockeytown's playoff hopes.</p><h3><a id="CBJ" name="CBJ">10. Columbus Blue Jackets (33-21-10)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 11</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817496/cropped_GettyImages-2255534171.jpg?ts=1768337344" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817496/w220xh124_GettyImages-2255534171.jpg?ts=1768337344 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817496/w320xh180_GettyImages-2255534171.jpg?ts=1768337344 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817496/w640xh360_GettyImages-2255534171.jpg?ts=1768337344 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817496/w768xh432_GettyImages-2255534171.jpg?ts=1768337344 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817496/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2255534171.jpg?ts=1768337344 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kirk Irwin / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Blue Jackets are clearly going for it after holding onto all their key pending UFAs - Charlie Coyle, Mason Marchment, and Boone Jenner - and adding Conor Garland. Columbus is 14-2-3 since Rick Bowness took over behind the bench. That coaching change is arguably the best move any team has made this season.</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">11. Utah Mammoth (34-26-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 15</em></p><p>The Mammoth are uniquely positioned to capture the first wild card in the Western Conference and cross over to the Pacific playoff bracket. MacKenzie Weegar is a big upgrade on the back end as Utah looks to make the playoffs for the first time - and make some noise once it gets there.</p><h3><a id="NYI" name="NYI">12. New York Islanders (37-23-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 16</em></p><p>It's still early in New York's journey toward true contention with Matthew Schaefer. The addition of Brayden Schenn makes the Islanders a more formidable team that has a real shot at the second round in a weak Metro.</p><h3><a id="OTT" name="OTT" href="#OTT">13. Ottawa Senators (32-23-9)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 17</em></p><p>The Senators have lost once in regulation since returning from the Olympics and are suddenly lurking in the Eastern Conference wild-card race. It's no coincidence they're piling up wins after finally getting adequate goaltending: Ottawa is allowing 2.43 goals against per game since the break.</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">14. Boston Bruins (36-22-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 7</em></p><p>The Bruins' playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. Will a quiet deadline come back to haunt GM Don Sweeney? Missing the postseason in back-to-back years could warrant major change in Boston.</p><h3><a id="PIT" name="PIT">15. Pittsburgh Penguins (32-17-15)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 9</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804690/cropped_GettyImages-2239373764.jpg?ts=1759896618" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804690/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239373764.jpg?ts=1759896618 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804690/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239373764.jpg?ts=1759896618 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804690/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239373764.jpg?ts=1759896618 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804690/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239373764.jpg?ts=1759896618 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804690/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239373764.jpg?ts=1759896618 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jared Silber / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Penguins have treaded water since Sidney Crosby was hurt in Milan, but they need their captain back soon if they're going to hold on to a playoff spot.</p><h3><a id="EDM" name="EDM">16. Edmonton Oilers (32-25-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 14</em></p><p>The question mark in Edmonton's crease still looms large after the deadline. Tristan Jarry has been a flop so far, and GM Stan Bowman did nothing to further address goaltending. And yet, the path through the Pacific still gives the Oilers hope. Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson certainly improve team defense.</p><h3><a id="VGK" name="VGK">17. Vegas Golden Knights (29-22-14)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 12</em></p><p>Things still aren't clicking for the Golden Knights, who have collected 14 points in overtime and shootout losses to stay in the race for the Pacific Division crown. Vegas has the stars to get hot and go on a playoff run, but goaltending is a genuine concern when it comes to the Knights' championship aspirations.</p><blockquote><p>👉 <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fhockey%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fnhl%2Fsection%2Ffutures&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3375209">Check out Stanley Cup odds on theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><h3><a id="SJS" name="SJS">18. San Jose Sharks (30-26-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 27</em></p><p>Signing trade acquisition Kiefer Sherwood to an extension was great work by GM Mike Grier, helping a team that deserves a bump without risking the future. It would be a great story if the Sharks, who sit one point out of the playoffs, made the postseason.</p><h3><a id="WSH" name="WSH">19. Washington Capitals (32-27-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 18</em></p><p>The Capitals were shrewd at the deadline, cashing in on John Carlson and Nic Dowd despite still being around the playoff bubble. This team wasn't going to win the Stanley Cup. Moving those two out and bringing in stop-gaps Timothy Liljegren and David Kampf to help Washington remain competitive is smart work by GM Chris Patrick.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">20. Philadelphia Flyers (30-23-11)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 24</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>The Flyers have shown flashes of improvement this season but remain stuck in standings purgatory. GM Daniel Briere would have been wise to add more assets by trading defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen while prices were skyrocketing before the deadline.</p><h3><a id="LAK" name="LAK">21. Los Angeles Kings (26-13-15)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 19</em></p><p>Kevin Fiala's season-ending injury at the Olympics was a major blow to a team that added Artemi Panarin before the break. Instead of making a meaningful push with a boosted offense, the Kings are still what they kind of always have been.</p><h3><a id="WPG" name="WPG">22. Winnipeg Jets (26-27-10)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 26</em></p><p>The Jets dug themselves too big a hole to climb out of during their midseason slump. Despite better play of late, they're effectively out of playoff contention. Winnipeg did well to recoup draft picks for depth defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn.</p><h3><a id="SEA" name="SEA">23. Seattle Kraken (29-25-9)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 23</em></p><p>The Kraken being buyers in the rental market came as a surprise, but they got Bobby McMann at a pretty good price - just a second- and fourth-round pick. This trade looks even better if Seattle extends the speedy north-south winger, who could flirt with 30 goals this season.</p><h3><a id="NJD" name="NJD">24. New Jersey Devils (32-30-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 25</em></p><p>The Devils weren't supposed to be Eastern Conference bottom-feeders this season. The pressure is on New Jersey's front office to find a way to retool this summer after largely standing pat at the deadline.</p><h3><a id="FLA" name="FLA">25. Florida Panthers (32-29-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 22</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808608/cropped_GettyImages-2244330010.jpg?ts=1762291539" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808608/w220xh124_GettyImages-2244330010.jpg?ts=1762291539 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808608/w320xh180_GettyImages-2244330010.jpg?ts=1762291539 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808608/w640xh360_GettyImages-2244330010.jpg?ts=1762291539 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808608/w768xh432_GettyImages-2244330010.jpg?ts=1762291539 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808608/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2244330010.jpg?ts=1762291539 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>A quiet deadline indicated the Panthers have accepted reality: They're outside the playoff picture. Now they'll focus on getting healthy and coming back with a vengeance in the fall.</p><h3><a id="STL" name="STL">26. St. Louis Blues (25-29-10)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 30</em></p><p>The Blues were projected to be a major seller at the deadline, dangling big names like Robert Thomas, Colton Parayko, and Jordan Binnington. St. Louis did ship out Brayden Schenn and Justin Faulk, but questions about the other players' availability won't go away over the summer as Alex Steen takes over for Doug Armstrong as general manager.</p><h3><a id="NSH" name="NSH">27. Nashville Predators (29-27-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 21</em></p><p>The Predators remain one of the most directionless franchises in the NHL after an underwhelming deadline in which they traded away a few pending UFAs for mid-round picks but not much else. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3469953" href="https://thescore.com/news/3469953">GM change</a> can't come soon enough.</p><h3><a id="NYR" name="NYR">28. New York Rangers (26-30-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 31</em></p><p>Will the Rangers' retool accelerate this offseason? New York announced it would make roster changes months ago but held on to its most valuable trade chip, Vincent Trocheck, through the deadline. His value was sky-high after winning a gold medal with Team USA, and the Rangers missed a chance to collect a haul.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">29. Chicago Blackhawks (29-29-11)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 28</em></p><p>GM Kyle Davidson did a superb job getting a first-round pick for Jason Dickinson and a second-rounder for Connor Murphy. The Blackhawks have the assets to make multiple splashes this offseason as they continue to build around Connor Bedard.</p><h3><a id="TOR" name="TOR">30. Toronto Maple Leafs (27-27-11)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 20</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825004/cropped_GettyImages-2153455455.jpg?ts=1772827409" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825004/w220xh124_GettyImages-2153455455.jpg?ts=1772827409 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825004/w320xh180_GettyImages-2153455455.jpg?ts=1772827409 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825004/w640xh360_GettyImages-2153455455.jpg?ts=1772827409 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825004/w768xh432_GettyImages-2153455455.jpg?ts=1772827409 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825004/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2153455455.jpg?ts=1772827409 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Toronto Star / Toronto Star / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>There will be no playoff pressure on the Maple Leafs this spring, but the organization needs to address several burning questions this summer. Meanwhile, Toronto's season continues to get uglier. The club could feasibly move on from head coach Craig Berube and GM Brad Treliving this offseason, but the Maple Leafs need to act fast with time running out on Auston Matthews' contract.</p><h3><a id="CGY" name="CGY">31. Calgary Flames (25-32-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 29</em></p><p>The Flames accrued two first-round picks and five second-round picks by dealing Rasmus Andersson, MacKenzie Weegar, and Nazem Kadri this season. GM Craig Conroy managed to overhaul Calgary's future and has the team poised to maximize its draft position this year.</p><h3><a id="VAN" name="VAN">32. Vancouver Canucks (19-37-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 32</em></p><p>The Canucks acquired a decent bundle of picks for Kiefer Sherwood, Tyler Myers, and Conor Garland leading up to the deadline, but they could have done better. Was there really no taker for pending UFA Evander Kane? Nonetheless, Vancouver has a sizable 11-point lead in the race to secure the top lottery odds.</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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NHL Power Rankings: Post-deadline check-in

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

<p><em>NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.</em></p><p><em>This week, we're identifying an MVP from each of the league's 30 teams. For this exercise, the NBA's strict 65-game requirement for individual awards does not apply. Take that, Adam Silver.</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 (51-15)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 3</p><p><strong>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:</strong> Gilgeous-Alexander is the presumptive favorite to win the league's MVP award again, and the Thunder's 5-4 mark during his recent nine-game absence reaffirms how vital he is to their success. This one should be abundantly obvious.</p><h3><a id="SAS" name="SAS">2. San Antonio Spurs (48-17)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 1</p><p><strong>Victor Wembanyama:</strong> Considering Wembanyama is playing just 29.3 minutes per game, you could argue that he's the league's most productive player at both ends. One thing is for certain: he's the Spurs' MVP.</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">3. Boston Celtics (43-22)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 4</p><p><strong>Jaylen Brown: </strong>It's a minor miracle the Celtics are this good after entering the season with a threadbare frontcourt and without Jayson Tatum. Brown has rightly received credit, courtesy of career highs in scoring (28.3), boards (7.1), and assists (5.1).</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">4. Detroit Pistons (46-18)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: </em>2</p><p><strong>Cade Cunningham:</strong> The All-Star guard is not only the Pistons' MVP but among the league's top-five candidates. He's second in the NBA <span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">in assists (9.9) and boasts a 45.9% field-goal percentage despite high usage. </span>An All-NBA first-team nod awaits.</p><h3><a id="NYK" name="NYK">5. New York Knicks (41-25)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 7</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825710/cropped_GettyImages-2253630172.jpg?ts=1773233493" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825710/w220xh124_GettyImages-2253630172.jpg?ts=1773233493 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825710/w320xh180_GettyImages-2253630172.jpg?ts=1773233493 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825710/w640xh360_GettyImages-2253630172.jpg?ts=1773233493 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825710/w768xh432_GettyImages-2253630172.jpg?ts=1773233493 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825710/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2253630172.jpg?ts=1773233493 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ronald Cortes / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Jalen Brunson:</strong> Not surprisingly, Brunson tops the Knicks in scoring (26.7) and assists (6.5), while his career-high 7.4 attempts from deep have made the shifty guard more challenging to defend. He's also one of the league's elite scorers in clutch scenarios.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">6. Minnesota Timberwolves (40-25)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 9</p><p><strong>Anthony Edwards:</strong> The All-Star Game MVP ranks third in the league in scoring (29.3) while shooting 49% from the field and 40.2% from deep. He's also averaging 2.2 stocks (steals plus blocks), highlighting his often overlooked defensive contributions.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">7. Cleveland Cavaliers (40-25)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 5</p><p><strong>Donovan Mitchell: </strong>The Cavs' campaign has been a tale of two halves - one underwhelming and one very good. However, Mitchell has been a constant source of reliable results, and his career-best 28.4 points lead the team for a fourth straight season.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">8. Houston Rockets (41-25)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 8</p><p><strong>Kevin Durant:</strong> The Rockets boast a core of emerging stars, but Durant is still their best player. The 37-year-old leads the team with 26.1 points on incredible 51/41/89 shooting splits as he seeks to become just the 10th player in NBA history to average 50/40/90.</p><h3><a id="LAL" name="LAL">9. Los Angeles Lakers (40-25)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 10</p><p><strong>Luka Doncic:</strong> The NBA's scoring leader (32.5) is arguably having the best season of his career despite the Lakers' lineup and consistency issues. His 57.6% mark on 2-point shots is remarkable considering he lacks the first step to consistently get to the rim.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">10. Denver Nuggets (39-26)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 6</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821047/cropped_GettyImages-2260083403.jpg?ts=1772205084" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821047/w220xh124_GettyImages-2260083403.jpg?ts=1772205084 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821047/w320xh180_GettyImages-2260083403.jpg?ts=1772205084 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821047/w640xh360_GettyImages-2260083403.jpg?ts=1772205084 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821047/w768xh432_GettyImages-2260083403.jpg?ts=1772205084 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821047/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2260083403.jpg?ts=1772205084 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Pamela Smith / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Nikola Jokic:</strong> Jamal Murray deserves praise, but Jokic remains the Nuggets' most important player and the reason they own the league's best offensive rating (121.4). That figure soars to an absurd 125.3 when he plays and plummets to 112.2 when he sits.</p><h3><a id="ORL" name="ORL">11. Orlando Magic (35-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 17</p><p><strong>Paolo Banchero: </strong>The fourth-year forward is averaging 26.2 points, 9.2 boards, and 5.7 assists on 50.8% shooting since the All-Star break. He's just one of four players to average at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists across that stretch, giving him the edge over Desmond Bane.</p><h3><a id="PHX" name="PHX">12. Phoenix Suns (38-27)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 12</p><p><strong>Devin Booker:</strong> Dillon Brooks' fractured hand and subsequent spell on the sidelines make Booker an automatic pick here. Although his shooting percentages have marginally dropped, he's still Phoenix's offensive engine, leading scorer, and most important player.</p><h3><a id="TOR" name="TOR">13. Toronto Raptors (36-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 11</p><p><strong>Scottie Barnes: </strong>The Raptors have plenty of players who can get buckets, but none who perform at both ends of the court with the same consistency and reliability as Barnes. The two-time All-Star should get consideration for All-Defensive first-team honors.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">14. Miami Heat (37-29)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 13</p><p><strong>Norman Powell:</strong> Let's not be victims of recency bias after Bam Adebayo's unethical 83-point outburst and instead recognize first-time All-Star Powell's late-career ascension. The 32-year-old leads the Heat with a career-high 22.5 points on 47.3% shooting in his 11th campaign.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">15. Atlanta Hawks (34-31)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 19</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825711/cropped_GettyImages-2257116242.jpg?ts=1773233612" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825711/w220xh124_GettyImages-2257116242.jpg?ts=1773233612 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825711/w320xh180_GettyImages-2257116242.jpg?ts=1773233612 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825711/w640xh360_GettyImages-2257116242.jpg?ts=1773233612 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825711/w768xh432_GettyImages-2257116242.jpg?ts=1773233612 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825711/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2257116242.jpg?ts=1773233612 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Jalen Johnson:</strong> Johnson's breakthrough campaign altered the Hawks' long-term trajectory, giving the franchise the final impetus to trade Trae Young and build around the first-time All-Star. He leads the team in points (23), rebounds (10.4), and assists (7.9).</p><h3><a id="CHA" name="CHA">16. Charlotte Hornets (33-33)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 18</p><p><strong>Kon Knueppel: </strong>The Hornets sharpshooter has already smashed the NBA's record for 3-pointers in a season by a rookie, and his lightning-quick rise has given Charlotte a future franchise icon to build around after countless years of ineptitude.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">17. Philadelphia 76ers (35-30)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 14</p><p><strong>Tyrese Maxey:</strong> The Sixers have thrust the franchise leader status upon Maxey, and the two-time All-Star has obliged. He leads the team in scoring (29), assists (6.7), steals (a league-high two), and minutes (38.3) on 46.1% shooting from the field.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">18. Los Angeles Clippers (32-32)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 16</p><p><strong>Kawhi Leonard:</strong> As if there was any doubt about Leonard being the Clippers' MVP. They're 4-10 without him this season, and his red-hot run of form in December and January sparked the team's revival and ascension toward a play-in spot.</p><h3><a id="GSW" name="GSW">19. Golden State Warriors (32-32)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 15</p><p><strong>Steph Curry: </strong>Jimmy Butler is out for the remainder of the campaign, and the Warriors have a better net rating with Draymond Green on the bench. This pick was always going to be Curry, even if he's missed 26 games due to an assortment of injuries.</p><h3><a id="POR" name="POR">20. Portland Trail Blazers (31-35)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 20</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825712/cropped_GettyImages-2257996992.jpg?ts=1773233648" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825712/w220xh124_GettyImages-2257996992.jpg?ts=1773233648 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825712/w320xh180_GettyImages-2257996992.jpg?ts=1773233648 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825712/w640xh360_GettyImages-2257996992.jpg?ts=1773233648 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825712/w768xh432_GettyImages-2257996992.jpg?ts=1773233648 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825712/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2257996992.jpg?ts=1773233648 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Deni Avdija:</strong> The sixth-year forward is among the favorites to win Most Improved Player, and for good reason. Avdija is averaging a career-high 24.3 points on 46.1% shooting while taking a sizeable leap as a playmaker with a team-high 6.7 assists.</p><h3><a id="MIL" name="MIL">21. Milwaukee Bucks (27-37)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 22</p><p><strong>Giannis Antetokounmpo:</strong> The 10-time All-Star would still be the Bucks' MVP even if he appeared in only a dozen games this season. That's a testament to his contributions and shows how little star power this team has.</p><h3><a id="MEM" name="MEM">22. Memphis Grizzlies (23-41)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 21</p><p><strong>Jaylen Wells:</strong> Slim pickings here, especially with Ja Morant's decline and absences. However, Wells is having a solid season<span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left"><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px">, appearing in all but one of Memphis' games and</span> starting all 63<strong> </strong>of those</span> in a Grizzlies campaign marred by injuries and departures.</p><h3><a id="NOP" name="NOP">23. New Orleans Pelicans (21-45)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 28</p><p><strong>Trey Murphy III:</strong> The Pelicans have largely been an afterthought, but not at Murphy's expense. He's averaging career highs in points (22), boards (5.6), assists (3.8), and steals (1.5) while leading the team in minutes (35.4) and contributing on the defensive end.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">24. Chicago Bulls (27-38)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 25</p><p><strong>Josh Giddey:</strong> The Australian is essentially the last man standing after the Bulls cleaned house at the deadline. Giddey has cooled off a bit after a hot start, but he's still leading Chicago in points (17.7), rebounds (8.4), and assists (8.7).</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">25. Utah Jazz (20-45)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 23</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825713/cropped_GettyImages-2264950199.jpg?ts=1773233674" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825713/w220xh124_GettyImages-2264950199.jpg?ts=1773233674 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825713/w320xh180_GettyImages-2264950199.jpg?ts=1773233674 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825713/w640xh360_GettyImages-2264950199.jpg?ts=1773233674 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825713/w768xh432_GettyImages-2264950199.jpg?ts=1773233674 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/825713/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2264950199.jpg?ts=1773233674 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Keyonte George: </strong>This was a toss-up with Lauri Markkanen, but George gets the nod for his breakthrough season. He ranks second on the Jazz in scoring (23.8), assists (6.2), and minutes (33.3), and has appeared in nine more games than Markkanen.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">26. Dallas Mavericks (21-44)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 26</p><p><strong>Cooper Flagg:</strong> No room for debate here. Flagg has been a lone bright spot for a Mavs team deliberately plummeting toward rock bottom. He recently became the second-youngest player in NBA history to tally 1,000 points, trailing only LeBron James.</p><h3><a id="SAC" name="SAC">27. Sacramento Kings (16-50)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 30</p><p><strong>Maxime Raynaud:</strong> Few would have expected the 42nd pick in the 2025 draft to turn into a potential franchise cornerstone. Raynaud has exceeded expectations amid a season in which Sacramento's veterans have been unreliable and injured.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">28. Washington Wizards (16-48)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 24</p><p><strong>Alex Sarr:</strong> The second-year center has made a noticeable leap this season, transforming into a more efficient scorer and shooter with far better discipline from behind the arc. He's also improved his rebounding, low-post playmaking, and rim protection.</p><h3><a id="BKN" name="BKN">29. Brooklyn Nets (17-48)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 29</p><p><strong>Michael Porter Jr.</strong>: It's hard to soar like an eagle when you're surrounded by turkeys, but Porter has tried his best in Brooklyn. He leads the Nets in scoring (24.2) on 46.3% shooting, an impressive percentage considering his stark spike in volume this campaign.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">30. Indiana Pacers (15-50)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 27</p><p><strong>Pascal Siakam:</strong> The Pacers have shrewdly navigated a lost year due to Tyrese Haliburton's injury and are slated to secure a prized pick in a stacked draft. Siakam, meanwhile, has been Indiana's inspirational leader this season, rightfully earning a fourth All-Star nod.</p>

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NBA Power Rankings: Identifying every team's MVP

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MLB team transaction tracker

Details on every deal that was made before the NHL trade deadline.  Jump to: Analysis of major de...

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 03: Nazem Kadri #91 of the Calgary Flames competes in the Discover NHL Tendy Tandem during the 2023 NHL All-Star Skills Competition at FLA Live Arena on February 03, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida.

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NHL trade deadline: Transaction tracker

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<p><em>The 2025-26 NHL season is entering its stretch run, so let's take a look at frontrunners to take home some year-end awards. theScore's Michael Bradburn, Kyle Cushman, John Matisz, Sean O'Leary, Levi Smith, 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="Midseason Hart (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-58uo4" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/58uo4/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="393" 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><blockquote><p>👉 <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fhockey%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fnhl%2Fsection%2Fawards&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3484495">Check out all of the Hart Trophy odds on theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>MacKinnon remains in the driver's seat after earning top spot in our first edition two months ago, but the gap has closed. The Avalanche star is tied for second in league scoring, leads in shots, and is dominating his five-on-five minutes for the Western Conference's best team.</p><p>McDavid earned second-place votes on five of six ballots. He became the first player this season to reach 100 points, making him only the third player in league history, along with Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, to hit the century mark in nine campaigns.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Our team was most divided over third place. Celebrini edged Kucherov by two voting points, setting up a compelling race as the regular season heads into the final stretch. Kucherov and the Lightning are scorching hot, while Celebrini, fresh off an international coming-out party at the Olympics, is trying to lead the young Sharks into the playoffs.</p><p>Zach Werenski, Kirill Kaprizov, Andrei Vasilevskiy, and Ilya Sorokin also earned downballot Hart consideration among our voters.</p><h3>Vezina Trophy</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Midseason Vezina (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-MXL9b" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/MXL9b/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="393" 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><blockquote><p>👉 <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fhockey%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fnhl%2Fsection%2Fawards&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3484495">Check out all of the Vezina Trophy odds on theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>This is a two-horse race, with Vasilevskiy topping Sorokin by a hair. Vasilevskiy has won 17 of his past 18 starts, owning a .925 save percentage in that span. He's on track to be a Vezina finalist for the sixth time in his career and could win the award for a second time.</p><p>Sorokin leads all goaltenders with 45.81 goals saved above expected this season and has registered a .915 save percentage. He leads the NHL with six shutouts and will get serious Vezina consideration if the Islanders qualify for the playoffs.</p><p>Thompson was our consensus third-place pick, but there's a significant drop-off after Vasilevskiy and Sorokin. Bussi, Jeremy Swayman, Jet Greaves, and Karel Vejmelka earned multiple fourth- and fifth-place votes.</p><h3>Norris Trophy</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Midseason Norris (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-jfg4p" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/jfg4p/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="381" 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><blockquote><p>👉 <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fhockey%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fnhl%2Fsection%2Fawards&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3484495">Check out all of the Norris Trophy odds on theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>The race for the Norris has also tightened. Makar looked like a runaway pick midway through the campaign, but Werenski earned the same amount of first-place votes this time around. However, Makar won the tiebreaker in our voting process, and he's still certainly a favorite. Last year's Norris winner has 58 points in 57 games while averaging over 25 minutes per night.</p><p>Werenski is tied for second among defensemen with 20 goals and has added 43 assists for a Blue Jackets squad that has reentered the playoff race. Columbus' top rearguard also ranks second among all blue-liners in average ice time (26:24) and owns an 18.3-10.7 advantage over Makar in Evolving-Hockey's goals above replacement metric.</p><p>While Hughes and Seider are both producing terrific seasons, they're in tough to usurp Makar and Werenski as the schedule winds down.</p><h3>Calder Memorial Trophy</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Midseason Calder (Copy)" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-MI58x" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/MI58x/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="381" 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><blockquote><p>👉 <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fhockey%2Forganization%2Funited-states%2Fcompetition%2Fnhl%2Fsection%2Fawards&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3484495">Check out all of the Calder Trophy odds on theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>The race for Rookie of the Year might as well be over. Schaefer recently set a new NHL record for goals by an 18-year-old defenseman (18) and is on pace to break the rookie blue-liner mark of 23. Additionally, he leads all Islanders skaters in average ice time (24:07) and could be a unanimous winner if New York makes the playoffs.</p><p>Although Demidov and Sennecke are first and second in the rookie scoring race this season, they aren't having the same impact on their respective teams as Schaefer.</p>

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NHL Awards Watch: Races heating up as we enter stretch run

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

<p><em>NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.</em></p><p><em>This week, we're taking stock of where things stand as the regular-season calendar enters the stretch run.</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="SAS" name="SAS">1. San Antonio Spurs (41-16)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 3</p><p>San Antonio has won nine straight, including Monday's statement victory over the East-leading Pistons in Detroit. While it's fair to assess the Spurs' ascension as ahead of schedule, they're 20-11 against teams at .500 or better and have taken four of five from the Thunder. Their time is now.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">2. Detroit Pistons (42-14)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 1</p><p>Cade Cunningham's calling out floppers in <a href="http://www.gq.com/story/nbas-surging-new-superstar-cade-cunningham">GQ interviews</a>, the Pistons beat the Knicks twice in five games, and their East lead is as solid as it's been all year despite losing to the Spurs. The Motor City vibes are impeccable right now.</p><h3><a id="OKC" name="OKC">3. Oklahoma City Thunder (45-14)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 2</p><p>We knew the Thunder were deep, but perhaps the greatest testament to their unrivaled depth was their statement victory over the red-hot Cavs on Sunday without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, and Ajay Mitchell.</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">4. Boston Celtics (38-19)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 5</p><p>In the Middle Ages, a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3484325" href="https://thescore.com/news/3484325">king's endorsement</a> may have gotten you some sheep or an extra plot of land. This summer, it could be what we identify as the turning point in Jaylen Brown winning his first career MVP award.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">5. Cleveland Cavaliers (37-22)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 8</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821726/cropped_GettyImages-2260610400.jpg?ts=1771950721" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821726/w220xh124_GettyImages-2260610400.jpg?ts=1771950721 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821726/w320xh180_GettyImages-2260610400.jpg?ts=1771950721 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821726/w640xh360_GettyImages-2260610400.jpg?ts=1771950721 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821726/w768xh432_GettyImages-2260610400.jpg?ts=1771950721 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821726/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2260610400.jpg?ts=1771950721 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Nick Cammett / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Cavaliers have won 14 of their last 16 and six of seven games in which newcomer James Harden has appeared. Kenny Atkinson's squad is beginning to resemble an actual threat in the East after an underwhelming first half of the campaign.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">6. Denver Nuggets (36-22)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 6</p><p>Denver's front office has given Nikola Jokic arguably the strongest supporting cast he's ever had. The Nuggets' depth pieces shined during the three-time MVP's injury absence and could be difference-makers in the team's pursuit of a second NBA title.</p><h3><a id="NYK" name="NYK">7. New York Knicks (37-22)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 4</p><p>Granted, it's an improvement on last season's 15-23 mark against teams with a .500 or better record, but this year's 17-16 return - paired with a recent defeat to the Pistons at MSG - has again brought the Knicks' title credentials into question.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">8. Houston Rockets (35-21)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 7</p><p>Though he'll turn 40 in 2028, Durant said he wants to play in a fifth Olympic tournament in Los Angeles. That's music to the ears of Rockets fans, who know they get to watch Durant support his case through next season.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">9. Minnesota Timberwolves (36-23)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 10</p><p>The Wolves have struggled to contain opponents' 3-point shooting in February. Teams are shooting 42.8% against them - the second-highest rate this month. Their saving grace is that they're only allowing 35.6 attempts per game.</p><h3><a id="LAL" name="LAL">10. Los Angeles Lakers (34-23)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 9</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/822809/cropped_GettyImages-2250357593.jpg?ts=1771541554" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/822809/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250357593.jpg?ts=1771541554 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/822809/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250357593.jpg?ts=1771541554 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/822809/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250357593.jpg?ts=1771541554 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/822809/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250357593.jpg?ts=1771541554 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/822809/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250357593.jpg?ts=1771541554 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Adam Pantozzi / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves are finally back on the court together. JJ Redick must determine how to optimize the star triumvirate's strengths if the Lakers hope to make some serious noise in the West.</p><h3><a id="TOR" name="TOR">11. Toronto Raptors (34-24)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 11</p><p>The Raptors excel in clutch scenarios, with a 7-3 record in games decided by three points or fewer. But their 4-14 mark against top 10 teams - skewed by a 3-0 sweep of the Cavs early in the season - is a worrying portent of potential playoff struggles.</p><h3><a id="PHX" name="PHX">12. Phoenix Suns (33-26)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 13</p><p>Is anyone more popular than Devin Booker right now? After Giannis Antetokounmpo's hilarious attempt to recruit him over the All-Star break, Booker coolly laughed off a fan's pitch to join the Lakers. It might be time for Booker to become the recruiter.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">13. Miami Heat (31-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 17</p><p>Miami is getting healthy at the right time, as Tyler Herro's return coincides with an impressive run for the team. The Heat have the league's fourth-best net rating (14.3) across their last eight games and they're now just 1.5 games back of sixth.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">14. Philadelphia 76ers (32-26)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 12</p><p>Joel Embiid's health will remain top of mind. The big man experienced shin soreness while participating in a knee injury management program over the All-Star break. It's not a huge concern at the moment, but the 76ers must proceed with caution.</p><h3><a id="GSW" name="GSW">15. Golden State Warriors (30-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 16</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823551/cropped_GettyImages-2263039815.jpg?ts=1771994554" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823551/w220xh124_GettyImages-2263039815.jpg?ts=1771994554 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823551/w320xh180_GettyImages-2263039815.jpg?ts=1771994554 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823551/w640xh360_GettyImages-2263039815.jpg?ts=1771994554 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823551/w768xh432_GettyImages-2263039815.jpg?ts=1771994554 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823551/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2263039815.jpg?ts=1771994554 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Golden State's injuries are starting to pile up, including the runner's knee that has sidelined Stephen Curry for all of February so far. They now seem destined for the play-in, where their experience could be a decisive edge - if everyone's healthy.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">16. Los Angeles Clippers (27-30)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 18</p><p>Give the Clippers credit for continuing to win games after James Harden's shocking departure. But Kawhi Leonard recently stated the truth about this roster: Los Angeles isn't built to contend this season, even with a healthy Darius Garland.</p><h3><a id="ORL" name="ORL">17. Orlando Magic (31-26)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: </em>15</p><p>Franz Wagner is back on the shelf with a lingering ankle sprain that previously kept him out for 16 games. It's a brutal loss for a Magic squad that desperately needs his floor-spacing and passing ability. It looks like another lost season in Orlando.</p><h3><a id="CHA" name="CHA">18. Charlotte Hornets (28-31)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 14</p><p>The Hornets have won 12 of their last 15 games, including statement victories over the Spurs and Rockets, but the team also merits praise for entertainment value. One of the NBA's perennial League Pass lepers is now must-watch TV, brawls included.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">19. Atlanta Hawks (29-31)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 19</p><p>Atlanta's posting a minus-3.4 net rating while going 5-5 in February, and now former No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher has landed on the bench thanks to his inconsistent play. It may take a little more than Jonathan Kuminga's Hawks debut to right this ship.</p><h3><a id="POR" name="POR">20. Portland Trail Blazers (28-31)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 20</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823454/cropped_GettyImages-2258798653.jpg?ts=1771951156" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823454/w220xh124_GettyImages-2258798653.jpg?ts=1771951156 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823454/w320xh180_GettyImages-2258798653.jpg?ts=1771951156 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823454/w640xh360_GettyImages-2258798653.jpg?ts=1771951156 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823454/w768xh432_GettyImages-2258798653.jpg?ts=1771951156 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823454/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2258798653.jpg?ts=1771951156 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It's been an up-and-down season for the Trail Blazers, but they can take solace in the fact that they have the easiest remaining schedule (.435) in the league, and only seven of their 24 games are against teams with records of .500 or better.</p><h3><a id="MEM" name="MEM">21. Memphis Grizzlies (21-35)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 24</p><p>Memphis is clearly preparing for a rebuild after shipping Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz at the trade deadline. But the Grizzlies also need Ja Morant to return so that he can rebuild his value - and that could hinder their tanking efforts.</p><h3><a id="MIL" name="MIL">22. Milwaukee Bucks (25-31)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 21</p><p>It sounds like the Bucks are making one last play-in push, even though it's probably not in their best interests. Head coach Doc Rivers says Giannis Antetokounmpo will play once he's healthy, and they've added Cam Thomas to bolster their bench scoring.</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">23. Utah Jazz (18-40)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 26</p><p>Losing their bottom-eight protected pick would be a disaster, but with Jaren Jackson Jr. out indefinitely, and Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George starting to catch DNPs like Pokemon, a 4-15 mark across the last 19 games is a fitting development.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">24. Washington Wizards (16-41)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 25</p><p>Any team acquiring Trae Young and Anthony Davis a month apart should instill fear in the rest of the league. Yet the two don't seem close to making their Washington debuts, a conspicuous post-trade deadline trend around the NBA.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">25. Chicago Bulls (24-35)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 22</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823455/cropped_GettyImages-2259545068.jpg?ts=1771951423" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823455/w220xh124_GettyImages-2259545068.jpg?ts=1771951423 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823455/w320xh180_GettyImages-2259545068.jpg?ts=1771951423 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823455/w640xh360_GettyImages-2259545068.jpg?ts=1771951423 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823455/w768xh432_GettyImages-2259545068.jpg?ts=1771951423 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/823455/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2259545068.jpg?ts=1771951423 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cole Burston / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>No team has been worse at defending the 3-ball this season than the Bulls. They've been particularly porous from the perimeter in February, with opponents hitting a league-high 43% of their threes. If that were a player's season mark, they would rank around the top 10.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">26. Dallas Mavericks (21-36)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 23</p><p>Cooper Flagg could become just the eighth rookie in league history to average at least 20 points, six boards, and four assists per game, joining the likes of Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Doncic. Small victories for the rebuilding Mavericks.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">27. Indiana Pacers (15-44)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 28</p><p>Indiana set itself up for success next season by swiping Ivica Zubac from the Clippers. He's the kind of center that should thrive alongside Tyrese Haliburton. Until then, however, Indiana is relishing pole position in the East's race to the bottom.</p><h3><a id="NOP" name="NOP">28. New Orleans Pelicans (17-42)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 27</p><p>The good news: Zion Williamson has been relatively healthy this season. The bad news: His durability hasn't translated into more wins, and the Pelicans don't have their first-round pick in a loaded draft thanks to the dubious Derik Queen swap.</p><h3><a id="BKN" name="BKN">29. Brooklyn Nets (15-42)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 29</p><p>The Nets are 5-18 in games that were within five points in the last five minutes, which would be the worst clutch record for any team in the last 10 seasons. They also rank last in clutch defense (126 points allowed per 100 possessions).</p><h3><a id="SAC" name="SAC">30. Sacramento Kings (13-46)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 30</p><p>Sacramento set a new franchise record for consecutive losses (16) and is without its three best players for the remainder of the season. There's no team that needs the No. 1 overall pick more than the Kings. </p>

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<p><em>Top Shelf, theScore's flagship hockey show, takes a weekly deep dive into the trendiest topics and most contentious debates in the NHL and beyond.</em></p><p><em>Subscribe to the show on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thescore">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4uKsxIahXBXkpuvYHeP9Jz?si=5c270e0ec3b0405e">Spotify</a>, and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-shelf/id1784581959">Apple</a>. Episodes drop every Tuesday.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/80b_XAcPG7g?si=kGw2F3WHqET7WJYS" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure><p>Hosts Levi Smith, Josh Wegman, Kyle Cushman, and John Matisz dissect the Olympic men's hockey tournament with a focus on Sunday's epic gold medal game, then look ahead to the next best-on-best event:</p><ul>
<li>Canadians trying to process U.S. victory (0:00)</li>
<li>Canada lesson: Every dog has its day (3:38)</li>
<li>Canada lesson: Bring your special players (7:21)</li>
<li>Canada lesson: Finishing matters most (14:07)</li>
<li>U.S. winning is good for hockey's future (19:30)</li>
<li>Canada's 2028 World Cup roster: forwards (23:48)</li>
<li>Canada's 2028 World Cup roster: defensemen (30:01)</li>
<li>Canada's 2028 World Cup roster: goalies (35:30)</li>
</ul>

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<p><em>The 2026 Milan Cortina men's hockey tournament concluded with an instant classic Sunday as the United States beat archrivals Canada in overtime for Olympic gold. Relive the action below.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-9DHeH" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/9DHeH/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="82" 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><h3>Need to know 📌</h3><ul>
<li>
<a href="#Hughes">Hughes wins it in OT</a> 🎥</li>
<li>
<a href="#Hellebuyck">Hellebuyck's miraculous save</a> 🎥</li>
</ul><h3>🚨 <a id="Hughes" name="Hughes">GAME-WINNING GOAL</a>: USA 2, Canada 1</h3><p>JACK HUGHES GOLDEN GOAL IN OVERTIME! The U.S. wins its first Olympic gold medal in men's hockey since the iconic 1980 "Miracle On Ice" team. The Americans pull off double hockey gold at the Milan Cortina Games as the women's team also beat Canada for the championship.</p><p><em>For viewers in United States only:</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JACK HUGHES DELIVERS AMERICA'S GOLDEN MOMENT IN OVERTIME. <a href="https://t.co/4foFDOri53">pic.twitter.com/4foFDOri53</a></p>— NBC Olympics &amp; Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/2025601456204575000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><em>For viewers in Canada only:</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Team U.S.A. wins men's hockey gold in OT <a href="https://t.co/h5HMBZIEz7">pic.twitter.com/h5HMBZIEz7</a></p>— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCOlympics/status/2025600322597790035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h2>Analysis from 3rd period 📋</h2><p><strong><em>Thoughts on Canada:</em></strong></p><p>➡️ Canada threw everything at Hellebuyck in the third. Devon Toews had an open net with the puck on his stick a few feet from the goal line and was denied by a sprawling Hellebuyck. Macklin Celebrini hit a Hellebuyck wall on a breakaway. Nathan MacKinnon missed a yawning cage from the doorstep. A late power play produced multiple slot shots - wide, wide, wide. What a push from Canada.</p><p>➡️ Canada is getting ice-tilting shifts from the Brad Marchand-Sam Bennett-Tom Wilson line in this game. The trio of so-called rats was put together in the semifinal against Finland and has not disappointed with everything on the line Sunday. Wilson in particular has been super disruptive in the offensive zone, stealing pucks, helping out on the cycle, and laying bone-crushing hits. - <em>John Matisz</em></p><p><strong><em>Thoughts on the USA:</em></strong></p><p>➡️ This game is over if not for Hellebuyck. It's been a remarkable performance from the Winnipeg Jets netminder with 40 saves so far. His stops on Toews in the crease with his paddle and on Celebrini's breakaway in the third stand out as game-savers.</p><p>➡️ The Americans had a glorious opportunity to pot a go-ahead goal after Bennett's double minor for high-sticking. The penalty kill came through clutch for Team USA; the power play did not. That will be an opportunity the U.S. rues for four years if it doesn't win in overtime.</p><p>➡️ Next up is 3-on-3 overtime. Dylan Larkin, J.T. Miller, and Clayton Keller each have three OT goals this NHL season, more than any Canadian player. - <em>Kyle Cushman</em></p><h2>End of regulation</h2><p>And breathe. We're going to overtime after an incredible conclusion to the third period between these two heavyweights. Of course we are.</p><p><strong>🟨 PENALTY: USA's Jack Hughes, high-sticking </strong></p><p>After drawing a high-sticking penalty moments ago, Jack Hughes is now sent to the box for getting his stick up on Bo Horvat. It's 4-on-4 for 49 seconds and then Canada will be on the power play for 1:11. The Americans kill it off and there's 1:21 left to play in regulation.</p><p><strong>🟥 PENALTY: Canada's Sam Bennett, double-minor high-sticking </strong></p><p>Bennett is sent to the box after his stick clips Jack Hughes in the face and draws blood. Canada must kill a four-minute man advantage with under seven left to play in regulation in a tie game.</p><p><strong>🤔 CHAOS: Nathan MacKinnon misses empty net, refs don't call too many men penalty on U.S. </strong></p><p>MacKinnon has a chance at a wide open cage and somehow hits the side of the net. Moments later, the puck ends up near the American bench and clips Jack Hughes' skate mid-change. He opts to play the puck and the referees keep the whistles in their pockets despite the Americans seemingly having seven skaters on ice.</p><p><strong>🇺🇸 <a id="Hellebuyck" name="Hellebuyck">BIG SAVE: Connor Hellebuyck on Devon Toews</a></strong></p><p>Toews finds a loose puck deep inside the U.S. crease and somehow Hellebuyck barely gets a paddle on it for a potential game-saving stop. Seconds later, Hellebuyck denies Macklin Celebrini on a breakaway. The third period is going to be an instant classic.</p><p><em>For viewers in United States only:</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THAT WAS ONE HELLE-BUYCK OF A STOP. 😳 <a href="https://t.co/N3wCimdBGw">pic.twitter.com/N3wCimdBGw</a></p>— NBC Olympics &amp; Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/2025589461816414537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><em>For viewers in Canada only:</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="qme" dir="ltr">😳😳😳 <a href="https://t.co/g9s3Rj5oAf">pic.twitter.com/g9s3Rj5oAf</a></p>— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCOlympics/status/2025587919331917831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>3rd period underway</h3><h2>2nd intermission analysis 📋</h2><p><strong><em>3 thoughts on Canada:</em></strong></p><p>➡️ Canada significantly outplayed the U.S. in the second period, recording 12 more shots on goal (19-7), including seven more from the inner slot (9-2). All the offensive-zone time finally paid off at 1:44. Bo Horvat won a faceoff, the puck was worked back to the point, Devon Toews went D-to-D to Cale Makar, then Makar skated downhill on Connor Hellebuyck and beat the U.S. netminder cleanly with a snap shot.</p><p>➡️ Canada earned a rare five-on-three power play in best-on-best competition midway through the second period after Brandon Hagel and Makar drew penalties in close succession. The star-studded Canadian power play generated a few high-quality looks but ultimately squandered a terrific opportunity to even the score. The failure to convert will haunt Canadian players for years if they go on to lose this game.</p><p>➡️ Jon Cooper is a renowned coach for many reasons. One of them: he's unafraid to shake up his lines during the game, especially if the shuffle leads to extra ice time for his top players. With no Sidney Crosby to anchor a second line, Cooper has mixed and matched. Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid have both shared the occasional shift with Mitch Marner and Mark Stone. Marner feeding a streaking McDavid was one of the best scoring chances of the second period. No. 97 ultimately overhandled on the breakaway. - <em>John Matisz</em></p><p><strong><em>3 thoughts on the USA:</em></strong></p><p>➡️ This is a legacy-altering game for Hellebuyck. He was perfect through 38 minutes with 24 saves until Makar's goal. The reigning NHL MVP has been criticized for his big-game play, considering his .870 save percentage in the playoffs over the past three seasons. That's not the version of Hellebuyck we've seen in Italy.</p><p>➡️ Many would've considered a 93-second two-man advantage an automatic goal for Team Canada. The perfect U.S. penalty kill - which is now 17-for-17 in the tournament - said otherwise. As good as the American PK has been, they can't give Canada's top-ranked power play more opportunities in this game.</p><p>➡️ We saw two big scrums in the final minutes of the period. Neither team can afford an undisciplined penalty. If after-whistle shenanigans ramp up in the third, the officials will eventually start to hand out penalties. The Tkachuks, in particular, need to avoid being drawn into an unnecessary miscue. - <em>Kyle Cushman</em></p><p><strong>🚨 GOAL: Canada 1, USA 1</strong></p><p>Makar ties it up with 1:44 remaining in the second period. He's been everywhere in the second stanza after his poor defensive effort in the first led to Boldy's opening tally. The goal comes off a faceoff in the USA zone after an icing. It was a second straight offensive zone faceoff for Canada with Horvat on the dot. In Crosby's absence, he's trusted with that assignment. Makar's Colorado Avalanche teammate Toews credited with the assist.</p><p><em>For viewers in United States only:</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">CALE MAKAR FOR CANADA. ALL TIED UP IN THE GOLD MEDAL GAME. 🚨 <a href="https://t.co/UZ6frtsWeG">pic.twitter.com/UZ6frtsWeG</a></p>— NBC Olympics &amp; Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/2025582288927375432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><em>For viewers in Canada only:</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">CALE MAKAR 🚨<br><br>CANADA DRAWS EVEN 1-1 🇨🇦 <a href="https://t.co/XonnUpgGTl">pic.twitter.com/XonnUpgGTl</a></p>— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCOlympics/status/2025582044894675357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><strong>🟨 PENALTY: USA's Jake Guentzel, holding; Charlie McAvoy, hooking </strong></p><p>Guentzel sent to the sin bin for wrapping up Brandon Hagel, his Tampa Bay Lightning teammate in the NHL. Canada earns its first power play. Less than 30 seconds later, McAvoy is also sent to the box for tying up Cale Makar. The U.S. kills both penalties, as Canada fails to capitalize on a two-man advantage for 1:33. Before those penalties, Connor Hellebuyck also managed to stop a Connor McDavid breakaway attempt. Canada has been threatening, but can't solve the American defense or goaltender.</p><h3>2nd period underway</h3><h2>1st intermission analysis 📋</h2><p><strong><em>3 thoughts on Canada:</em></strong></p><p>➡️ The up-and-down Jordan Binnington experience continues. Canada's starter allowed the first shot he faced - a Matt Boldy breakaway backhand - and then settled in, saving the next seven USA shots. Binnington's task Sunday isn't to steal the game, considering all-world netminder Connor Hellebuyck is in the other net. His task is to avoid being the reason Canada loses.</p><p>➡️ Canada is worse than the U.S. in the faceoff circle, especially with Sidney Crosby unavailable, and it showed in the first period. The Canadians lost 11 of 29 draws. Nick Suzuki, who's assumed Crosby's role as the second-line center, won only one of four. The gold-medal game is all about winning puck battles.</p><p>➡️ Team Canada's roster has far more veterans and far more Stanley Cup rings. But it looked like the nervous team in the early going of the first. The initial five minutes were characterized by sloppy puck management and overthinking sequences in the offensive zone. Led by a thunderous hit from Tom Wilson on Dylan Larkin, Canada snapped out of its funk and played an overall solid first despite trailing. - <em>John Matisz</em></p><p><strong><em>3 thoughts on the USA:</em></strong></p><p>➡️ "Far too underrated" was a way to describe Boldy before the gold-medal game. Not anymore. The 24-year-old showed off his creativity, hands, and burst on his superb opening goal. He's a legit star and showed it on the biggest stage.</p><p>➡️ As expected, it's been a healthy dose of the Jaccob Slavin and Brock Faber pairing when Canada's top line has been on the ice. That duo was incredible defensively at the 4 Nations Face-Off and is drawing the tall task of being the primary defenders against a line featuring three MVP candidates.</p><p>➡️ The U.S. had five shots from the inner slot and allowed only one against, according to <a href="https://hockeystats.com/games/2025090030">Hockey Stats</a>. A strong opening 20 minutes defending the net front by the Americans. The blue line is an edge for Team USA, especially with Josh Morrissey unavailable for Canada. - <em>Kyle Cushman</em></p><h3>1st period ends</h3><p><strong>🟨 PENALTY: Canada's Shea Theodore, hooking </strong></p><p>USA gets the game's first power play with three minutes left in the first as Theodore is called for hooking after getting his stick carelessly caught in the midsection of Brock Nelson. Canada successfully kills the penalty.</p><p><strong>🚨 GOAL: USA 1, Canada 0 </strong></p><p>Matt Boldy opens the scoring six minutes into the first period. The Wild winger manages to flip the puck into the offensive zone and split Canada's top defensive pairing of Cale Makar and Devon Toews before sliding it past Jordan Binnington's right pad. Assists credited to USA captain Auston Matthews and Quinn Hughes. Canada now concedes first for the third consecutive game.</p><p><em>For viewers in United States only:</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE USA STRIKES FIRST. MATT BOLDY PUTS THE AMERICANS ON THE BOARD. ‼️ <a href="https://t.co/oO5Am72qa7">pic.twitter.com/oO5Am72qa7</a></p>— NBC Olympics &amp; Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCOlympics/status/2025563280899441056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p><em>For viewers in Canada only:</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Boldy scores giving U.S.A. the 1-0 lead <a href="https://t.co/a46U1uOOru">pic.twitter.com/a46U1uOOru</a></p>— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCOlympics/status/2025562255384064146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>1st period underway</h3><h2>Pregame notes</h2><h3>Crosby out</h3><p>Sidney Crosby won't play in the gold-medal game against the United States due to the injury he sustained in the quarterfinal against Czechia. Canada's captain also missed the dramatic semifinal victory over Finland due to the ailment, which is believed to be a lower-body injury.</p><p>The two-time Olympic gold medalist was labeled by head coach Jon Cooper as a "game-time decision" going into Sunday's final, but ultimately couldn't recover in time. Cooper said he wouldn't dress Crosby as the 13th forward for the game if he wasn't able to contribute in a meaningful way on the ice.</p><p>His teammates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3482493" href="https://thescore.com/news/3482493">said</a> he played a key role in the dressing room during the comeback win against Finland, and it's expected the 38-year-old icon will assume similar responsibilities for the gold-medal contest.</p><h3>Historic rivals</h3><p>Canada and the United States have a storied history since NHLers first participated in the Olympics in 1998. The North American rivals have clashed six times at the Games, with Canada holding a 5-1 record. Team USA's lone victory came in the round-robin stage of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.</p><p>Canada defeated the United States in the gold-medal game in 2002 and 2010. Their most recent meeting at the Olympics was in the 2014 semifinal, when Canada won 1-0 before capturing gold in Sochi. </p><p>The two countries met in the final of the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, where virtually the same rosters battled in an instant classic that saw Canada win 3-2 in overtime on Connor McDavid's winner. </p><p>The U.S. hasn't won Olympic gold in men's hockey since 1980. </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>

MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 22: Players of Team United States celebrate a 2-1 victory against Canada in overtime for the gold medal during the Men's Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34582356/related

Relive United States' epic OT win over Canada for Olympic gold

<p><em>Top Shelf, theScore's flagship hockey show, takes a weekly deep dive into the trendiest topics and most contentious debates in the NHL and beyond.</em></p><p><em>Subscribe to the show on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thescore">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4uKsxIahXBXkpuvYHeP9Jz?si=5c270e0ec3b0405e">Spotify</a>, and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-shelf/id1784581959">Apple</a>. Episodes drop every Tuesday (and occasionally on other days of the week).</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NDHSEPAYXUk?si=wb8nikEuR3DqFy06" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure><p>Hosts Levi Smith, Josh Wegman, Kyle Cushman, and John Matisz debrief Canada's nail-biting 4-3 overtime victory over Czechia in the quarterfinal round of the Olympic men's hockey tournament in Milan on Wednesday.</p><ul>
<li>Canada survives Czechia! (0:00)</li>
<li>Big game Mitch Marner (1:37)</li>
<li>Canada's depth finally comes through (4:14)</li>
<li>Crosby's injury looms large (7:03)</li>
<li>Who fills the Crosby void? (11:15)</li>
<li>Celebrini's brilliant play (20:13)</li>
<li>Rest of the quarterfinals (26:30)</li>
</ul>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34538274/related

Top Shelf: Dissecting Canada's thrilling quarterfinal win over Czechia

<p><em>Top Shelf, theScore's flagship hockey show, takes a weekly deep dive into the trendiest topics and most contentious debates in the NHL and beyond.</em></p><p><em>Subscribe to the show on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thescore">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4uKsxIahXBXkpuvYHeP9Jz?si=5c270e0ec3b0405e">Spotify</a>, and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/top-shelf/id1784581959">Apple</a>. Episodes drop every Tuesday (and occasionally on other days of the week).</em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xCUCgzNnZ7I?si=1rK3aQe2eDjVFZNo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure><p>Hosts Levi Smith, Josh Wegman, Kyle Cushman, and John Matisz debrief Canada's opening victory over Czechia with takeaways, standout players, and more.</p><ul>
<li>Jordan Binnington is The Guy (0:32)</li>
<li>Forward depth is Canada's separating quality (2:54)</li>
<li>Josh Morrissey's injury was lone negative for Canada (8:45)</li>
<li>Canada's standout players (12:00)</li>
<li>Should Tom Wilson stay on Canada's top line? (18:40)</li>
<li>Is there still hope for Czechia? (23:14)</li>
<li>Quick thoughts on Wednesday's games (26:12)<br> </li>
</ul>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34477602/related

Top Shelf: Breaking down Canada's dominant performance vs. Czechia

<p><em>NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.</em></p><p><em>This week, we're taking stock of where things stand after a busy stretch of transactions leading up to the trade deadline.</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="DET" name="DET">1. Detroit Pistons (39-13)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 3</p><p>Winners of five of their last six games, the Pistons grab top spot despite a slightly underwhelming deadline. Kevin Huerter will certainly help their floor spacing, but it feels like Detroit could've gotten more in return for former top-five pick Jaden Ivey to help capitalize on a wide-open Eastern Conference.</p><h3><a id="OKC" name="OKC">2. Oklahoma City Thunder (41-13)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 1</p><p>The league's best record will come under threat with an abdominal strain set to keep reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander out until after the All-Star break. On the bright side, Jalen Williams just returned from a 10-game absence.</p><h3><a id="SAS" name="SAS">3. San Antonio Spurs (37-16)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 4</p><p>The Spurs continue to put faith in an emerging young core whose successes are ahead of schedule, which explains why they were one of four teams that did nothing at the deadline (Heat, Suns, Rockets). Boring? Yes. Sensible? Quite possibly.</p><h3><a id="NYK" name="NYK">4. New York Knicks (34-20)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 10</p><p>The Knicks are 9-2 since Jalen Brunson spearheaded a players-only meeting, a stretch in which New York boasts the league's best defensive (102.8) and net ratings (14.9).</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">5. Boston Celtics (34-19)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 6</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821363/cropped_GettyImages-2260228558.jpg?ts=1770736287" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821363/w220xh124_GettyImages-2260228558.jpg?ts=1770736287 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821363/w320xh180_GettyImages-2260228558.jpg?ts=1770736287 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821363/w640xh360_GettyImages-2260228558.jpg?ts=1770736287 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821363/w768xh432_GettyImages-2260228558.jpg?ts=1770736287 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821363/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2260228558.jpg?ts=1770736287 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Boston Globe / Boston Globe / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Celtics can now effectively play an offensively skilled small-ball lineup with Nikola Vucevic at the five or as a floor-spacing power forward next to Neemias Queta. The East is in trouble if Jayson Tatum returns at any point in the season.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">6. Denver Nuggets (34-20)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 2</p><p>Denver prioritized converting two-way center Spencer Jones to a standard deal at the deadline, and it's understandable why. The undrafted wing is having a breakout second year and is a large reason why Aaron Gordon's injury hasn't derailed the Nuggets' campaign.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">7. Houston Rockets (33-19)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 5</p><p>Houston's decision to forgo any moves is curious considering the season-ending injuries to Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams. The starting core has proven trustworthy, but the bench posted a middle-of-the-road net rating in January after ranking in the top five prior.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">8. Cleveland Cavaliers (33-21)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 9</p><p>The Cavs are going all-in with Donovan Mitchell's extension decision looming. Darius Garland has a bright future ahead despite recurring injuries, but James Harden gives Cleveland a better shot to win a title this season.</p><h3><a id="LAL" name="LAL">9. Los Angeles Lakers (32-21)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: </em>8</p><p>With all due respect to Luke Kennard's 49.4% rate from deep, the Lakers' real deadline acquisition was the return of Austin Reaves following a five-week absence with a calf strain. Los Angeles promptly won three<strong> </strong>straight with Reaves back in the lineup after going 10-9 without him.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">10. Minnesota Timberwolves (33-22)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 12</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821364/cropped_GettyImages-2260801474.jpg?ts=1770736326" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821364/w220xh124_GettyImages-2260801474.jpg?ts=1770736326 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821364/w320xh180_GettyImages-2260801474.jpg?ts=1770736326 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821364/w640xh360_GettyImages-2260801474.jpg?ts=1770736326 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821364/w768xh432_GettyImages-2260801474.jpg?ts=1770736326 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821364/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2260801474.jpg?ts=1770736326 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Berding / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Minnesota's attempt to pry Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks was unsuccessful. But give the T-Wolves' front office credit for pivoting to Ayo Dosunmu, who'll give them some much-needed depth and bench scoring.</p><h3><a id="TOR" name="TOR">11. Toronto Raptors (32-22)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 7</p><p>Jakob Poeltl's contract kept the Raptors from making a major move. Toronto will now focus on getting Poeltl healthy for the stretch run so he can alleviate some pressure off rookie Collin Murray-Boyles. Bah gawd, that's Trayce Jackson-Davis' music.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">12. Philadelphia 76ers (30-23)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 13</p><p>Sixers exec Daryl Morey said he's "quite confident we were selling high on Jared McCain" after shipping the talented guard to OKC. Why even say this publicly? Thunder virtuoso Sam Presti must be cackling in his underground lair at this.</p><h3><a id="PHX" name="PHX">13. Phoenix Suns (32-22)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 11</p><p>The Suns' quiet deadline suggests the franchise trusts this revamped core around a Collin Gillespie-Devin Booker backcourt. If Jalen Green's hamstring allows him to stay on the floor from now on, that faith could be validated.</p><h3><a id="CHA" name="CHA">14. Charlotte Hornets (25-29)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 21</p><p>Charlotte was the league's hottest team until Monday's game against Detroit, which not only ended in a loss but also devolved into a brawl that led to multiple ejections. Though the Hornets have the talent to compete in the East, their decision-making may hold them back.</p><h3><a id="ORL" name="ORL">15. Orlando Magic (28-24)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 17</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821365/cropped_GettyImages-2260290477.jpg?ts=1770736377" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821365/w220xh124_GettyImages-2260290477.jpg?ts=1770736377 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821365/w320xh180_GettyImages-2260290477.jpg?ts=1770736377 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821365/w640xh360_GettyImages-2260290477.jpg?ts=1770736377 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821365/w768xh432_GettyImages-2260290477.jpg?ts=1770736377 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821365/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2260290477.jpg?ts=1770736377 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Fernando Medina / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Since trading Tyus Jones at the deadline, the Magic have won three straight. They now sit 1.5 games behind the sixth-seeded 76ers. This has many people asking: Was the backup guard the problem? Okay, nobody is <em>actually</em> asking that. On top of Desmond Bane's efficient scoring and Anthony Black's continued development in his third season, the return of Franz Wagner should benefit Orlando in its push to climb out of the play-in.</p><h3><a id="GSW" name="GSW">16. Golden State Warriors (29-25)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 15</p><p>Golden State finally put an end to the Jonathan Kuminga saga, trading the disgruntled forward to the Hawks for Kristaps Porzingis. Although the Latvian might not raise the Warriors' ceiling much, it'll give the club an extended look at the pending unrestricted free agent.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">17. Miami Heat (28-27)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 14</p><p>Another year of trade chatter linking the Heat to a star comes and goes unceremoniously as Miami again languishes in play-in range. Unless another play-in matchup against Chicago is the goal, it's time for a different plan of attack in South Beach.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">18. Los Angeles Clippers (25-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 19</p><p>The Clippers have a shot at a play-in spot but have effectively abandoned the season after trading away two of their top three players - Harden and Ivica Zubac. Garland could yield long-term returns, though his lingering toe injury persists.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">19. Atlanta Hawks (26-29)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 20</p><p>Atlanta hasn't gained any traction in the East's top-six race since trading Trae Young on Jan. 9. If a fresh start for Kuminga can revitalize their bench, the Hawks could be a problem in the second half - but that's a big if.</p><h3><a id="POR" name="POR">20. Portland Trail Blazers (26-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 18</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821367/cropped_GettyImages-2260811564.jpg?ts=1770736456" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821367/w220xh124_GettyImages-2260811564.jpg?ts=1770736456 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821367/w320xh180_GettyImages-2260811564.jpg?ts=1770736456 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821367/w640xh360_GettyImages-2260811564.jpg?ts=1770736456 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821367/w768xh432_GettyImages-2260811564.jpg?ts=1770736456 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821367/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2260811564.jpg?ts=1770736456 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Alika Jenner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Portland is getting some reinforcements as they pursue their first playoff berth in five years. Vit Krejci's addition bolsters the NBA's 29th-ranked team in 3-point efficiency, while Scoot Henderson's long-awaited return strengthens the Blazers' backcourt.</p><h3><a id="MIL" name="MIL">21. Milwaukee Bucks (21-30)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 24</p><p>Milwaukee's decision to keep Antetokounmpo through the deadline might work out in the long run. His current suitors will have more assets to offer in the summer, and new teams could join the sweepstakes after falling short in their title pursuits.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">22. Chicago Bulls (24-30)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 16</p><p>Better late than never for the Bulls and top exec Arturas Karnisovas, who finally realized that finishing between ninth and 11th in five of the last six seasons wasn't a recipe for success. There's still plenty of time to improve those lottery odds, too.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">23. Dallas Mavericks (19-34)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 22</p><p>The Mavs were never going to find the next Luka Doncic in any Anthony Davis trade. But cutting bait with the oft-injured star gives Dallas some draft compensation and the financial flexibility to help build around Cooper Flagg.</p><h3><a id="MEM" name="MEM">24. Memphis Grizzlies (20-32)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 23</p><p>Nobody wanted Ja Morant at the deadline, or at least nobody was willing to meet the Grizzlies' demands. Still, he likely won't be in Memphis in 2026-27. And with 13 first-round picks in the next seven years, the rebuild is in full swing.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">25. Washington Wizards (14-38)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 30</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821369/cropped_GettyImages-2259960027.jpg?ts=1770736688" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821369/w220xh124_GettyImages-2259960027.jpg?ts=1770736688 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821369/w320xh180_GettyImages-2259960027.jpg?ts=1770736688 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821369/w640xh360_GettyImages-2259960027.jpg?ts=1770736688 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821369/w768xh432_GettyImages-2259960027.jpg?ts=1770736688 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/821369/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2259960027.jpg?ts=1770736688 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Washington's front office deserves credit for buying low on Young and not mortgaging their future to acquire Davis. If the Wizards can hang onto their 2026 first-rounder and add a promising prospect, things could turn around sooner than later.</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">26. Utah Jazz (17-37)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 25</p><p>Jaren Jackson Jr.'s addition gives the Jazz something tangible to build toward, but in the interim, the paramount goal is to ensure they keep their top-eight protected pick in what's expected to be a deep draft. <em>Cue the series of Lauri Markkanen (DNP - indifference).</em></p><h3><a id="NOP" name="NOP">27. New Orleans Pelicans (15-40)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 27</p><p>Dejounte Murray's return appears to be inching closer, but the Pelicans are otherwise fully healthy and still losing plenty. Absolutely nothing suggests the second half will be better, and this summer needs to be one of substantial change in New Orleans.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">28. Indiana Pacers (14-40)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 28</p><p>Indiana's poised for a bounce-back season. Not only will Tyrese Haliburton be back, but they've now added Zubac via trade on a team-friendly deal. The Pacers also have a shot at landing a blue-chip prospect depending on how the draft lottery unfolds.</p><h3><a id="BKN" name="BKN">29. Brooklyn Nets (15-37)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 26</p><p>The Nets took on some salaries, received a slew of second-round picks as a reward, and can now focus on bottoming out in hopes of a top-three pick. Losing 10 of their last 13 games is a great start to that strategy, but recent back-to-back wins over the Wizards and Bulls don't help.</p><h3><a id="SAC" name="SAC">30. Sacramento Kings (12-43)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 29</p><p>The Kings were ostensibly constructed with the playoffs in mind, yet they're out-tanking even the most brazen tankers. Either the most clairvoyant geniuses in NBA history occupy Sacramento's front office, or this is truly one of the most poorly built squads of all time.</p>

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NBA Power Rankings: New No. 1 claims top spot from Thunder

Hockey fans get to watch NHL stars compete at the Olympics for the first time in 12 years when th...

<p>Hockey fans get to watch NHL stars compete at the Olympics for the first time in 12 years when the men's tournament begins Wednesday, and theScore is keen to predict how it'll unfold.</p><p>Our hockey editorial staff - Michael Bradburn, Kyle Cushman, John Matisz, Sean O'Leary, and Josh Wegman - took a crack at predicting the medalists and individual award winners.</p><h3>Podium</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Editor</th>
<th>Gold 🥇</th>
<th>Silver 🥈</th>
<th>Bronze 🥉</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bradburn</td>
<td>Canada 🇨🇦</td>
<td>United States 🇺🇸</td>
<td>Finland 🇫🇮</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cushman</td>
<td>Canada 🇨🇦</td>
<td>United States 🇺🇸</td>
<td>Czechia 🇨🇿</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matisz</td>
<td>Canada 🇨🇦</td>
<td>Sweden 🇸🇪</td>
<td>United States 🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>O'Leary</td>
<td>Canada 🇨🇦</td>
<td>United States 🇺🇸</td>
<td>Czechia 🇨🇿</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wegman</td>
<td>Canada 🇨🇦</td>
<td>Sweden 🇸🇪</td>
<td>United States 🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>A clean sweep for Canada, which has won each of the last four international best-on-best tournaments, with the most recent coming at last year's 4 Nations Face-Off.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Tournament MVP</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Editor</th>
<th>Prediction</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bradburn</td>
<td>Nathan MacKinnon 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cushman</td>
<td>Connor McDavid 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matisz</td>
<td>Nathan MacKinnon 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>O'Leary</td>
<td>Nathan MacKinnon 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wegman</td>
<td>Cale Makar 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>MacKinnon is our favorite to take home tournament MVP after doing so at last year's 4 Nations with four goals in as many games. He's also the front-runner to win the 2026 Hart Trophy.</p><h3>Top forward</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Editor</th>
<th>Prediction</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bradburn</td>
<td>Nathan MacKinnon 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cushman</td>
<td>Connor McDavid 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matisz</td>
<td>Nathan MacKinnon 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>O'Leary</td>
<td>Nathan MacKinnon 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wegman</td>
<td>Connor McDavid 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>MacKinnon gets the nod again, but don't sleep on McDavid, who leads the NHL with 96 points at the break.</p><h3>Top defenseman</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Editor</th>
<th>Prediction</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bradburn</td>
<td>Cale Makar 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cushman</td>
<td>Quinn Hughes 🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matisz</td>
<td>Quinn Hughes 🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>O'Leary</td>
<td>Quinn Hughes 🇺🇸</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wegman</td>
<td>Rasmus Dahlin 🇸🇪</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Hughes missed the 4 Nations due to injury, but he's ready to show the world how dominant he can be. His game has taken off since being traded to the Minnesota Wild, racking up 34 points in 26 appearances.</p><h3>Top goaltender</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Editor</th>
<th>Prediction</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Bradburn</td>
<td>Juuse Saros 🇫🇮</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cushman</td>
<td>Lukas Dostal 🇨🇿</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matisz</td>
<td>Logan Thompson 🇨🇦</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>O'Leary</td>
<td>Lukas Dostal 🇨🇿</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wegman</td>
<td>Filip Gustavsson 🇸🇪</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>This is our most diverse selection, with four players receiving recognition. Dostal has been one of the NHL's most underrated goalies the last few years on an Anaheim Ducks team that surrenders a lot of chances in front of him.</p>

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2026 Olympic men's hockey predictions: Podium, MVP, and more

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