Our MLB offseason tracker lists every major transaction completed.   Top FA Pitchers  Top FA Posi...

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 31: Eugenio Suárez #28 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his double against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at T-Mobile Park on July 31, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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MLB offseason tracker

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 24: Marc Guehi of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Etihad Stadium on January 24, 2026 in Manchester, England.

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MLB Power Rankings: Where we stand ahead of spring training

NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.  In this edition, we...

<p><em>NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.</em></p><p><em>In this edition, we're establishing one goal for each team for the second half of the 2025-26 campaign.</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 (38-10)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 1</p><p><strong>Keep SGA fresh:</strong> Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging seven minutes in the fourth quarter, ranking 187th out of 348 NBA starters. With the Warriors' single-season wins record now out of reach, the Thunder should continue to limit their MVP's unnecessary floor time in the final frame.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">2. Denver Nuggets (31-16)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 5</p><p><strong>Get everyone healthy:</strong> The Nuggets appear to be the Thunder's biggest threat when at full strength. They can afford to be cautious with Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon during their injury recoveries, especially with the recent performances from the team's supporting cast.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">3. Detroit Pistons (34-11)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 2</p><p><strong>Find a different use for Ivey:</strong> Injuries have limited Jaden Ivey's explosiveness off the bounce and ability to get downhill, but he's shooting 40.3% on catch-and-shoot threes - a skill the Pistons need following Malik Beasley's departure.</p><h3><a id="SAS" name="SAS">4. San Antonio Spurs (31-15)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 3</p><p><strong>Trade Sochan:</strong> Jeremy Sochan has virtually fallen out of the Spurs' rotation after playing a key role in his first three NBA seasons. The former top-10 pick is on an expiring deal and could be a useful trade chip for a win-now move.</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">5. Houston Rockets (28-16)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 10</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819371/cropped_GettyImages-2256712560.jpg?ts=1769545312" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819371/w220xh124_GettyImages-2256712560.jpg?ts=1769545312 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819371/w320xh180_GettyImages-2256712560.jpg?ts=1769545312 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819371/w640xh360_GettyImages-2256712560.jpg?ts=1769545312 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819371/w768xh432_GettyImages-2256712560.jpg?ts=1769545312 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819371/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2256712560.jpg?ts=1769545312 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kenneth Richmond / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Get more from supporting cast:</strong> We've previously noted the Rockets' road woes and overtime struggles. Now, their depth - once perceived as a strength - has become a weakness due to a series of injuries and Jabari Smith Jr.'s poor play.</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">6. Boston Celtics (29-17)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 6</p><p><strong>Add a low-cost big:</strong> Despite playing Neemias Queta and Luka Garza at center, the Celtics are good. Ivica Zubac might be available, but Boston could get players like Day'Ron Sharpe or Isaiah Jackson for much less and without giving up Anfernee Simons.</p><h3><a id="TOR" name="TOR">7. Toronto Raptors (29-19)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: </em>11</p><p><strong>Address center position:</strong> Jakob Poeltl has missed more than a month with a back injury. While rookie Collin Murray-Boyles has performed admirably in his place, the Raptors would be wise to acquire an experienced center.</p><h3><a id="LAL" name="LAL">8. Los Angeles Lakers (28-17)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 9</p><p><strong>Figure out LeBron's plan</strong>: How the Lakers eventually build a roster around Luka Doncic will depend heavily on what LeBron James decides to do for next season. If James wants to continue his career elsewhere, a thorough roster shuffle may be the best play.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">9. Cleveland Cavaliers (28-20)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 15</p><p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left"><strong>Don't deal Wade:</strong> Although Dean Wade's unique skill set and $6.6-million expiring deal (and Bird rights) will appeal to several contenders, his ability to defend guards and serve as a floor-spacing small-ball center is an irreplaceable asset for the Cavaliers.</span></p><h3><a id="NYK" name="NYK">10. New York Knicks (28-18)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 7</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819372/cropped_GettyImages-2257640145.jpg?ts=1769545566" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819372/w220xh124_GettyImages-2257640145.jpg?ts=1769545566 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819372/w320xh180_GettyImages-2257640145.jpg?ts=1769545566 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819372/w640xh360_GettyImages-2257640145.jpg?ts=1769545566 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819372/w768xh432_GettyImages-2257640145.jpg?ts=1769545566 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819372/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2257640145.jpg?ts=1769545566 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Sarah Stier / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Show more defensive pride:</strong> The Knicks' defensive slippage has coincided with their worst stretch of play this season. Since Dec. 31, New York ranks 19th in defensive efficiency and has posted a 5-9 record, casting doubt on the squad's title credentials.</p><h3><a id="PHX" name="PHX">11. Phoenix Suns (28-19)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 8</p><p><strong>Don't risk Green's hamstring</strong>: Jalen Green's off-the-bench return looked plenty promising until he aggravated a hamstring issue in his second game back. Phoenix is 15-7 when Collin Gillespie and Devin Booker both start, meaning Green as a sixth man could be the perfect role for him on the Suns. </p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">12. Minnesota Timberwolves (28-19)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 4</p><p><strong>Balance the bench scoring</strong>: While Minnesota's bench excels defensively, its offensive rating is a painfully inefficient 27th in the league. Relying solely on Naz Reid for bench scoring is unsustainable. The Timberwolves either need to add another reserve scorer or stagger a starter's minutes. </p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">13. Philadelphia 76ers (25-21)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 12</p><p><strong>Keep Embiid, PG healthy:</strong> Improved play from Joel Embiid and Paul George has turned the 76ers into a threat in the East without unseating Tyrese Maxey as the team's focal point. George in particular is flourishing in an unfamiliar supporting role.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">14. Miami Heat (25-22)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 17</p><p><strong>Get Jovic back on track:</strong> It's been an up-and-down season for Nikola Jovic, who hasn't lived up to the $62.4-million extension he signed last October. Jovic has been an effective stretch-four in the past, but he's making only 29.8% of his threes this season.</p><h3><a id="GSW" name="GSW">15. Golden State Warriors (26-22)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 13</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819373/cropped_GettyImages-2257815961.jpg?ts=1769545767" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819373/w220xh124_GettyImages-2257815961.jpg?ts=1769545767 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819373/w320xh180_GettyImages-2257815961.jpg?ts=1769545767 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819373/w640xh360_GettyImages-2257815961.jpg?ts=1769545767 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819373/w768xh432_GettyImages-2257815961.jpg?ts=1769545767 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819373/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2257815961.jpg?ts=1769545767 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Sherman / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Map it out</strong>: Jimmy Butler's ACL tear dramatically shifted the Warriors' short-term outlook. Four first-rounders in the next four drafts can help prep for the post-Stephen Curry era, or Golden State can trade the picks for a potential final push together. But it's one or the other.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">16. Chicago Bulls (23-23)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 21</p><p><strong>Fire Karnisovas:</strong> Harsh? Perhaps. Fair? Entirely. Arturas Karnisovas, the Bulls' top decision-maker, is running this team into the ground, and his attempts to move Nikola Vucevic follow an alarming trend of holding onto players who don't fit until their value plummets.</p><h3><a id="ORL" name="ORL">17. Orlando Magic (23-22)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 14</p><p><strong>Acquire a sharpshooter:</strong> Orlando's spacing has been an issue for years. The Magic are 28th in threes (11.1) despite the offseason addition of Desmond Bane and could use another outside threat to help their mediocre half-court offense.</p><h3><a id="POR" name="POR">18. Portland Trail Blazers (23-25)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 16</p><p><strong>Solve the Scoot dilemma</strong>: Portland still hasn't gotten a great look at how Scoot Henderson fits with this core, and he's due for an extension this summer. Both sides need a solid, extended run from the former No. 2 pick soon.</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">19. Los Angeles Clippers (22-24)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 19</p><p><strong>Maintain the pace in February</strong>: The Clippers' league-high 10 wins in January mark an impressive season turnaround, though it's arguably inflated by multiple wins over the Nets and Wizards. Their West-heavy schedule over the next month will be a true test of their resurgence.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">20. Atlanta Hawks (23-25)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 18</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819374/cropped_GettyImages-2148085462.jpg?ts=1769545936" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819374/w220xh124_GettyImages-2148085462.jpg?ts=1769545936 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819374/w320xh180_GettyImages-2148085462.jpg?ts=1769545936 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819374/w640xh360_GettyImages-2148085462.jpg?ts=1769545936 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819374/w768xh432_GettyImages-2148085462.jpg?ts=1769545936 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819374/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2148085462.jpg?ts=1769545936 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>Point guards don't matter:</strong> The Hawks lead the league in assists (31.1), even though they're operating without a point guard. Jalen Johnson has assumed primary ball-handling duties, and Quin Snyder's unconventional approach is giving Atlanta more balance on offense.</p><h3><a id="CHA" name="CHA">21. Charlotte Hornets (19-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 23</p><p><strong>Force more turnovers:</strong> Though the Hornets have transformed into the sixth-ranked offensive unit, they haven't shown much improvement on defense. Charlotte has particularly struggled to induce miscues, ranking 26th in points off turnovers (15.6) and 30th in steals (6.8).</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">22. Dallas Mavericks (19-27)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 25</p><p><strong>No rushing</strong>: Despite a nightmare campaign, only a couple of games separate Dallas from a play-in spot, mainly due to Cooper Flagg's stellar rookie season. If a blockbuster offer doesn't surface for Anthony Davis, the Mavs should ease Kyrie Irving back and regroup with a high-value pick in the offseason.</p><h3><a id="MEM" name="MEM">23. Memphis Grizzlies (18-26)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 22</p><p><strong>Send out the scouts</strong>: Thanks to their haul for Desmond Bane, Memphis will likely own two solid mid-first-round picks just as the current core has seemingly run its course. Getting those draft selections right will make a drastic difference if a rebuild's on the way.</p><h3><a id="MIL" name="MIL">24. Milwaukee Bucks (18-27)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 20</p><p><strong>Embrace the free fall:</strong> Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury could be a blessing in disguise for a team nowhere near contention. The Bucks are probably retaining their 2026 first-round pick and could land a potential franchise cornerstone if they plummet toward the bottom in his absence.</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">25. Utah Jazz (15-32)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 24</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819379/cropped_GettyImages-2254730819.jpg?ts=1769546500" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819379/w220xh124_GettyImages-2254730819.jpg?ts=1769546500 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819379/w320xh180_GettyImages-2254730819.jpg?ts=1769546500 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819379/w640xh360_GettyImages-2254730819.jpg?ts=1769546500 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819379/w768xh432_GettyImages-2254730819.jpg?ts=1769546500 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819379/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2254730819.jpg?ts=1769546500 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Gardner / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Put a lid on the rim:</strong> Walker Kessler appeared in just five games before being ruled out for the season due to a torn labrum. The Jazz's rim protection has been woeful with him on the sidelines, as they sit<span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left"> last in the NBA with </span>3.5 blocks per game.</p><h3><a id="BKN" name="BKN">26. Brooklyn Nets (12-33)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 27</p><p><strong>Trust the kids:</strong> It's a miracle that rookies Drake Powell and Nolan Traore are both averaging 20 minutes a contest in January after their abysmal starts to their pro careers. Credit Jordi Fernandez's exemplary nurturing of a budding core.</p><h3><a id="NOP" name="NOP">27. New Orleans Pelicans (12-37)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 30</p><p><strong>Make a core decision</strong>: Derik Queen has been an illuminating presence on the Pels in what's otherwise yet another drab year. But without a first-rounder this summer, is Queen's emergence enough to stick with the rest of this core for another season?</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">28. Indiana Pacers (11-36)</a></h3><p> <em>Previous: </em>28</p><p><strong>Stay in tank mode:</strong> This has been a rough year for the Pacers following last season's thrilling run to the Finals. All of the losses could net them a blue-chip prospect to aid Indiana's push back into contention next campaign upon Tyrese Haliburton's return.</p><h3><a id="SAC" name="SAC">29. Sacramento Kings (12-36)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 29</p><p><strong>Blow it up:</strong> No team needs a facelift more than the dysfunctional Kings. With a quintet of veteran players resembling pieces from five different puzzles incapable of fitting together, the trade deadline provides an impetus for change.</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">30. Washington Wizards (11-34)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 26</p><p><strong>Don't rush Trae back:</strong> There should be no urgency to insert newcomer Trae Young into the lineup. Washington has a top-eight protected pick in this year's draft and could add a difference-making prospect to its fledgling young core.</p>

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NBA Power Rankings: A goal for each team in the season's 2nd half

Top Shelf, theScore's flagship hockey show, takes a weekly deep dive into the trendiest topics an...

<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/W23ND0hICjs?si=wero7w1hVAW4yDob" 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 get into the Olympic spirit with a full slate of trivia built for viewers to play along with at home.</p><ul>
<li>Let's refresh our memories on previous Winter Games (0:00)</li>
<li>Round 1: Countries to medal in men's Olympic hockey history (2:30)</li>
<li>Round 2: NHLers to play in Olympics for obscure nations (5:20)</li>
<li>Round 3: Name Team USA's entire 2014 Olympic roster (12:30)</li>
</ul>

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Top Shelf: How well do you know Olympic hockey history?

<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/Vfk4AV8em64?si=lrpkqGuTWBq2YnXy" 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 analyze the Kiefer Sherwood and Rasmus Andersson trades before talking Rangers retool.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><ul>
<li>Did Canucks get enough in Sherwood trade? (00:00)</li>
<li>Golden Knights reel in their guy ... again (2:54)</li>
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<li>Fixing the Rangers: Artemi Panarin trade return (13:32)</li>
<li>Fixing the Rangers: Player development woes (21:54)</li>
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</ul><p> </p>

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Top Shelf: Can the Rangers be fixed?

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler will miss the remainder of the season after tearing hi...

<p>Golden State Warriors forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a> will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL in Monday night's 135-112 victory over the Miami Heat, the team announced Tuesday.</p><p>Butler sustained the injury midway through the third quarter, leaping to grab an entry feed in the post before landing awkwardly. The six-time All-Star immediately grabbed his right knee and screamed out in pain.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Prayers up for Jimmy Butler 🙏🙏 <a href="https://t.co/0RrwwWkf8w">pic.twitter.com/0RrwwWkf8w</a></p>— SleeperHoops (@Sleeper_Hoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sleeper_Hoops/status/2013471226077843879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Butler couldn't put any weight on his right knee and needed teammates to help him to the locker room. The former first-round pick suffered a meniscus tear in 2018 and an MCL sprain in 2024 on the same knee, according to <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/2013474886782504979?s=20">ESPN's Anthony Slater</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jimmy Butler can’t put weight on his right knee. Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga helping him to the locker room after a concerning scene in Chase Center. <a href="https://t.co/4uSCuzXgEk">pic.twitter.com/4uSCuzXgEk</a></p>— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) <a href="https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/status/2013471738080682046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Butler's long-term absence is a massive blow to Golden State's hopes of competing for another title with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Stephen Curry</a>, whose contract, like Butler's, runs out after next season.</p><p>The Warriors, who rank eighth in the West at 25-19 after Monday's win, are 20-13 in 2025-26 when Butler and Curry both play. However, they've won just two of six matchups without Butler this season. Golden State went 22-5 with both Butler and Curry in the lineup last season after acquiring the former from the Miami Heat in February.</p><p>The development may also significantly alter the team's plans with the trade deadline just over two weeks away. Fifth-year forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96094" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96094">Jonathan Kuminga</a>, who hasn't factored in head coach Steve Kerr's rotation since mid-December, is now potentially the No. 1 option to replace Butler in the Warriors' starting lineup despite demanding a trade Thursday, the first day he was eligible to be moved this season.</p><p>When asked postgame Monday if he could turn to Kuminga in the wake of Butler's injury, Kerr <a href="https://x.com/ohnohedidnt24/status/2013490838844715397">responded</a>, "Sure, absolutely," adding that he believed the 23-year-old was ready.</p><p>Golden State won't be granted a disabled player exception for Butler's season-ending injury, as the deadline to apply was Jan. 15, per <a href="https://twitter.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/2013616152056869273">Spotrac's Keith Smith</a>.</p><p>Butler had 17 points, four assists, three boards, and two steals in 21 minutes prior to his departure.</p><p>His agent Bernie Lee said he believes the 36-year-old will return to win his first championship before he retires.</p><p>"My belief in that is unwavering," Lee told <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/2013641356950851627">ESPN's Anthony Slater</a>. "I've watched Jimmy support and uplift and change the lives of countless people, including my own, and now is a time for people to rally around him and offer him that same support, which we will."</p><p>Butler was averaging 20.1 points, 5.6 boards, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals entering Monday's contest against his former team.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 19: âââââââJimmy Butler III of Warriors warms up during the pregame of the NBA game 23 between Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors in San Francisco at Chase Center on January 19, 2026 in San Francisco, California, United States.

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BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 07: Offensive coordinator Todd Monken of the Baltimore Raves looks on before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on November 7, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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

<p><em>NBA Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's basketball editors.</em></p><p>This week, we're assessing matters as the season approaches the midway point as the contenders and pretenders sort themselves out in the standings.</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 (34-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:<strong> </strong></em>1</p><p>Oklahoma City has looked mortal as of late. The Thunder suffered a season-worst 27-point home loss against the Charlotte Hornets and needed to erase a 21-point deficit versus the Ja Morant-less Memphis Grizzlies. But don't expect their slump to last too long.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">2. Detroit Pistons (28-10)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 2</p><p>The Pistons didn't forget their calling card in 2025. Detroit's posting a 102.8 defensive rating through five games in 2026 - the second-best mark by any team in January and a sharp improvement on their 109.7 overall rating this season.</p><h3><a id="SAS" name="SAS">3. San Antonio Spurs (27-13)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 4</p><p>While the Spurs may be mired in a mercurial post-Christmas spell, Victor Wembanyama's post-injury minutes restriction should bear long-term fruit, and this team is ahead of schedule. Mitch Johnson merits Coach of the Year recognition.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">4. Minnesota Timberwolves (27-14)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: </em>7</p><p>Anthony Edwards is one of just five players in January who have logged over 200 minutes while taking 32% of his team's shots when on the court. Edwards has managed the scoring load, but Minnesota can't afford to burn him out in the second half.</p><h3><a id="DEN" name="DEN">5. Denver Nuggets (27-13)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 5</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817536/cropped_GettyImages-2255598705.jpg?ts=1768371665" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817536/w220xh124_GettyImages-2255598705.jpg?ts=1768371665 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817536/w320xh180_GettyImages-2255598705.jpg?ts=1768371665 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817536/w640xh360_GettyImages-2255598705.jpg?ts=1768371665 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817536/w768xh432_GettyImages-2255598705.jpg?ts=1768371665 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817536/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2255598705.jpg?ts=1768371665 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Layne Murdoch Jr. / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It won't be easy to navigate life without Nikola Jokic, but the returns of Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun should help. Peyton Watson stepped up, too, with big performances in road wins over the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics.</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">6. Boston Celtics (24-15)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 9</p><p>Like the Kool-Aid Man bursting through a wall, Jaylen Brown has barged into the MVP discussion, and for good reason: He's averaging a career-best 29.5 points per game on tidy 49.5% shooting from the field as the No. 1 option for the surprise Celtics.</p><h3><a id="NYK" name="NYK">7. New York Knicks (25-14)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: </em>3</p><p>Fan favorite Josh Hart returned for Sunday's win over Portland and immediately reminded everyone of his all-around impact. He was a menace, recording five deflections alongside a tidy stat line of 18 points, six assists, and three rebounds.</p><h3><a id="PHX" name="PHX">8. Phoenix Suns (24-16)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 10</p><p>Dillon Brooks has been a culture changer. The 6-foot-7 forward is having his best offensive season, averaging a career-high 21.3 points on 45.7% shooting. Brooks' tenacity has rubbed off on his teammates, and he's helped transform the Suns into a top-five defensive unit.</p><h3><a id="LAL" name="LAL">9. Los Angeles Lakers (24-14)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 8</p><p>If the Lakers hope to have any chance of making some noise, they need to shore up their defense and 3-point shooting. Los Angeles ranks 23rd in threes made (11.8 per contest) and is tied for 25th in defensive efficiency (117.1 points per 100 possessions).</p><h3><a id="HOU" name="HOU">10. Houston Rockets (23-14)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 6</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817545/cropped_GettyImages-2255973732.jpg?ts=1768372126" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817545/w220xh124_GettyImages-2255973732.jpg?ts=1768372126 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817545/w320xh180_GettyImages-2255973732.jpg?ts=1768372126 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817545/w640xh360_GettyImages-2255973732.jpg?ts=1768372126 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817545/w768xh432_GettyImages-2255973732.jpg?ts=1768372126 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817545/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2255973732.jpg?ts=1768372126 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Rockets have slumped to an 11-12 road record and dropped six of their last eight away games, including recent back-to-back defeats in Portland and Sacramento. Earning home-court advantage in the playoffs will be vital.</p><h3><a id="TOR" name="TOR">11. Toronto Raptors (24-17)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 11</p><p>The Raptors followed up a valiant overtime win against a good Philly team with a next-day stinker in which they trailed the 76ers by as many as 33 points. They missed Jakob Poeltl in Game 2 as a returning Joel Embiid feasted in the rematch.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">12. Philadelphia 76ers (22-16)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 15</p><p>Philadelphia's two defeats in the new year were one-point overtime losses to the Nuggets and Raptors, and they responded to the latter by thumping Toronto the next day. Is hope on the horizon in the City of Brotherly Love?</p><h3><a id="GSW" name="GSW">13. Golden State Warriors (22-19)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 14</p><p>Jonathan Kuminga's future continues to hang over the club as the NBA trade deadline approaches. The former No. 7 overall pick hasn't played in nearly a month. He's better off being dealt prior to the Feb. 5 cutoff than continuing to ride the bench.</p><h3><a id="ORL" name="ORL">14. Orlando Magic (22-18)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 12</p><p>The Magic might be cursed. Jalen Suggs returned from a seven-game absence, played twice, and then got shelved again. Meanwhile, Franz Wagner remains out. Orlando is 8-8 without him, and only two of those wins were against teams with .500 or better records.</p><h3><a id="CLE" name="CLE">15. Cleveland Cavaliers (22-19)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 16</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817539/cropped_GettyImages-2255965772.jpg?ts=1768371812" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817539/w220xh124_GettyImages-2255965772.jpg?ts=1768371812 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817539/w320xh180_GettyImages-2255965772.jpg?ts=1768371812 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817539/w640xh360_GettyImages-2255965772.jpg?ts=1768371812 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817539/w768xh432_GettyImages-2255965772.jpg?ts=1768371812 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817539/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2255965772.jpg?ts=1768371812 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Cavs' recent 146-134 victory over the T-Wolves was a reminder of how lethal their offense can be when everything is clicking. Donovan Mitchell was among five Cleveland players with at least 20 points. That's happened just nine other times in the NBA since 2000.</p><h3><a id="POR" name="POR">16. Portland Trail Blazers (19-22)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 19</p><p>Portland is starting to find its groove with wins in seven of its last 10 games. Deni Avdija is having an All-Star-caliber year and taking his game to new heights in a point-forward role with Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson sidelined.</p><h3><a id="MIA" name="MIA">17. Miami Heat (21-19)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 13</p><p>In what might be the most ludicrous week of the Heat's up-and-down season, Erik Spoelstra and Co. had a game canceled in Chicago due to a slippery court, bookended by blowout road losses to the T-Wolves and the lowly Pacers.</p><h3><a id="ATL" name="ATL">18. Atlanta Hawks (20-22)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 20</p><p>Atlanta's scoring efficiency is down in 2026 to a 109.3 offensive rating - the fifth-worst rate in the league so far in January. In the Hawks' post-Trae Young era, are CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert enough to reignite the struggling offense?</p><h3><a id="LAC" name="LAC">19. Los Angeles Clippers (16-23)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: </em>26</p><p>The Clippers were widely maligned for abruptly cutting ties with Chris Paul. They're 11-7 since sending him home during an early December road trip after dropping 14 of 17 before then. Those losses weren't Paul's fault, but it's still an unfortunate look.</p><h3><a id="MIL" name="MIL">20. Milwaukee Bucks (17-23)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: </em>21</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817540/cropped_GettyImages-2256161823.jpg?ts=1768371831" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817540/w220xh124_GettyImages-2256161823.jpg?ts=1768371831 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817540/w320xh180_GettyImages-2256161823.jpg?ts=1768371831 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817540/w640xh360_GettyImages-2256161823.jpg?ts=1768371831 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817540/w768xh432_GettyImages-2256161823.jpg?ts=1768371831 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817540/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2256161823.jpg?ts=1768371831 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Patrick McDermott / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Bucks are 5-5 in their last 10 outings, but that spell included two wins over the Hornets and matchups against the Pacers, Bulls, Kings, and Wizards (and they lost to Washington). This is not a good team.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">21. Chicago Bulls (18-21)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 17</p><p>Thanks to a wet court that canceled a meeting in the Windy City, the Bulls will face the Heat three times in a four-day window at the end of January. Might as well just mark that down as this year's play-in tournament.</p><h3><a id="MEM" name="MEM">22. Memphis Grizzlies (17-22)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 18</p><p>The Grizzlies recently dropped six of seven. Their lone victory came against the Spurs with Cam Spencer leading the way in Ja Morant's absence while Victor Wembanyama sat down the stretch due to a minutes restriction. It's been a strange season in Memphis.</p><h3><a id="CHA" name="CHA">23. Charlotte Hornets (14-26)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 23</p><p>Charlotte's dropped six of nine to fall five games off the play-in race, and the team faces the Lakers, Warriors, and Nuggets on a daunting road trip. If this is a make-or-break stretch, the Hornets' situation is quickly approaching irreparable.</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">24. Utah Jazz (14-25)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 22</p><p>A 55-point loss to the Hornets was a stark reminder of how far the Jazz are from contending, but Keyonte George's leap bodes well. The Baylor product is a leading candidate for Most Improved Player, averaging 23.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.2 boards.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">25. Dallas Mavericks (15-25)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 24</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817542/cropped_GettyImages-2255013670.jpg?ts=1768371922" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817542/w220xh124_GettyImages-2255013670.jpg?ts=1768371922 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817542/w320xh180_GettyImages-2255013670.jpg?ts=1768371922 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817542/w640xh360_GettyImages-2255013670.jpg?ts=1768371922 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817542/w768xh432_GettyImages-2255013670.jpg?ts=1768371922 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817542/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2255013670.jpg?ts=1768371922 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ezra Shaw / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Mavericks' chances of moving Anthony Davis in exchange for much-needed draft capital to facilitate Cooper Flagg's ascension would seem to be toast after Davis' latest injury. At least Flagg is seventh in the NBA in total clutch points (72).</p><h3><a id="WAS" name="WAS">26. Washington Wizards (10-28)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: </em>28</p><p>Don't expect Trae Young to make his debut any time soon, as he's dealing with a quad contusion and MCL sprain. The Wizards would be wise to hold Young out as long as possible to maximize their lottery odds in a stacked draft.</p><h3><a id="BKN" name="BKN">27. Brooklyn Nets (11-26)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 25</p><p>The Nets' 2025 draft class hasn't been great as a whole, but Egor Demin is growing more comfortable in a starting role. The rookie guard is averaging 14.9 points, 3.5 boards, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals over his last 11 appearances.</p><h3><a id="IND" name="IND">28. Indiana Pacers (9-31)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: </em>30</p><p>Although it's been an appalling campaign for the Pacers, they recorded their second road win last week, allowing them to avoid tying for the worst road record in an 82-game season. They're still in a favorable position to land a great pick in a draft with lots of talent.</p><h3><a id="SAC" name="SAC">29. Sacramento Kings (10-30)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 29</p><p>Dennis Schroder reportedly tried to fight Luka Doncic after the Kings' Dec. 28 visit to the Lakers and missed Monday's rematch because of the resulting three-game suspension. Suffice to say, things will probably still feel a little awkward when they meet one final time March 1.</p><h3><a id="NOP" name="NOP">30. New Orleans Pelicans (9-33)</a></h3><p><em>Previous:</em> 27</p><p>The Pelicans appear to be prioritizing short-term results over long-term team-building after reportedly informing clubs they're not open to trading their core pieces. This could be a preventative measure, since the Hawks own their current top-three pick.</p>

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<li>Canucks-Wild 2025 blockbuster (00:00)</li>
<li>Avalanche-Hurricanes 2025 (5:40)</li>
<li>Senators-Sharks 2018 (10:25)</li>
<li>Panthers-Canucks 2006 (14:50)</li>
<li>Kings-Avalanche 2001 (17:53)</li>
<li>Sabres-Golden Knights 2021 (21:06)</li>
<li>Flames-Panthers 2022 (27:36)</li>
<li>Oilers-Ducks 2006 (31:48)</li>
<li>Canadiens-Predators 2016 (36:00)</li>
<li>Bruins-Sharks 2005 (40:55)</li>
</ul>

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<p><em>The NFL's postseason has finally arrived, with the wild-card round kicking off the festivities Saturday. Our football editors offer their predictions for each playoff round, all the way through Super Bowl LX. </em></p><h3>AFC wild-card round</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AFC wild-card round" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Ypd6c" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Ypd6c/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="430" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Our editors overwhelmingly expect the Texans to extend their nine-game win streak when they close out the first round of the playoffs against the Steelers. The other two matchups are less clear-cut. The Bills and Jaguars split the panel with four votes apiece, while the Chargers narrowly edged the prolific Patriots.</p><h3>NFC wild-card round</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NFC wild-card round" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-UnY61" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/UnY61/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="430" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>The Rams looked mortal down the stretch, but our editors are confident that L.A. is poised for a healthy playoff run. The Bears may have whimpered across the finish line, yet it's their resiliency that'll carry them past the Packers in our books. We expect the reigning champion Eagles to advance their title defense.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>AFC divisional round</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AFC divisional round" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-zVODn" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/zVODn/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="383" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Justin Herbert has battled through a hand injury, but four editors predict the Chargers will reach their first AFC Championship Game since 2007. Several editors also project the Bills to make their second consecutive AFC title appearance. New England earned three votes to get through this round. The top-seeded Broncos have convinced only two editors that they'll get out of the divisional round.</p><h3>NFC divisional round</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NFC divisional round" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-mfEgh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mfEgh/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="383" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>We're just as excited as Seahawks fans about the club's potential to return to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in nearly a decade. A potent Rams unit also garnered considerable support. The Bears picked up a pair of votes to advance to the NFC title game for the first time since 2010. And a few of us believe the Eagles will get a chance to defend their NFC crown.</p><h3>AFC Championship Game</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AFC title game" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-TcDUX" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/TcDUX/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="417" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Our editors couldn't come to a consensus on who will represent the AFC in Super Bowl LX. Half of our panel envisions either Houston or Jacksonville earning their first Super Bowl appearance, while the other half is going with Buffalo or New England.</p><h3>NFC Championship Game</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NFC title game" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-58IUM" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/58IUM/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="417" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>History could repeat itself for the Rams. Los Angeles defeated an NFC West rival to clinch its berth in Super Bowl LVI, and most of our editors are confident that Sean McVay's team will punch its ticket to another Super Bowl. Shockingly, the Eagles received only one pick to get back to the Super Bowl.</p><h3>Super Bowl LX</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Super Bowl LX" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-U03DB" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/U03DB/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="417" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p>Our Super Bowl predictions include two selections for the Rams to win their second title with Matthew Stafford. The Bills also drew a pair of votes to finally hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Additionally, Seattle earned two picks to take home the franchise's first championship since the 2013 season. A victory on Feb. 8 would see New England win its seventh title, while the Jaguars would secure the franchise's first.</p>

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CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 23: Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) reacts after Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry (6) (not pictured) was hit in the face by the baseball on a bunt attempt during the sixth inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians on September 23, 2025, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH.

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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 (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/YjzxzEgCwL0?si=ZJmr7DZhhVBPgO3S" 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 drum up some future NHL headlines for the second half of 2025-26 and beyond.</p><ul>
<li>Recapping Week 1 overreactions (00:00)</li>
<li>Introducing future headlines concept (3:06)</li>
<li>Panthers and playoffs (03:22)</li>
<li>Cup Final matchup, winner (5:45)</li>
<li>Stamkos trade destination (9:24)</li>
<li>Panarin free agency fit (13:34)</li>
<li>Enticing Hart Trophy case (17:14)</li>
<li>Maple Leafs and playoffs (24:22)</li>
<li>Trivia! Name 2025's top goal-scorers (28:44)</li>
</ul>

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Top Shelf: Predicting future headlines for the 2nd half of 2025-26

This is the third in-season edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2025-26 campaign. In...

<p><em>This is the third in-season edition of theScore's NHL Power Rankings for the 2025-26 campaign. In this installment, we identify each team's MVP at the midseason mark. </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 (31-4-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 1</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Nathan MacKinnon</strong>. Obviously. MacKinnon is on pace for 68 goals and 144 points. He could very well be the MVP of the league come season's end.</p><h3><a id="TBL" name="TBL">2. Tampa Bay Lightning (26-13-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 3</em></p><p><strong>Nikita Kucherov</strong>. There's a case for Andrei Vasilevskiy, but Kucherov has rattled off seven straight multi-point games and is top five in NHL scoring. He's on pace for his fourth season of 120 points, an achievement only seven other players in NHL history have accomplished.</p><h3><a id="MIN" name="MIN">3. Minnesota Wild (25-11-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 5</em></p><p><strong>Jesper Wallstedt</strong>. The Wild have several strong options, but their rookie netminder has lost only six of 17 starts, leads the league in shutouts as well as save percentage, and ranks second in goals saved above average.</p><h3><a id="DAL" name="DAL">4. Dallas Stars (26-10-8)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 2</em></p><p><strong>Miro Heiskanen</strong>. Many would figure this belongs to Mikko Rantanen, but there's a strong argument that Heiskanen has provided a greater impact on Dallas' success. He ranks fourth league-wide in average time on ice, has dominated his minutes, and is on pace for nearly 70 points.</p><h3><a id="CAR" name="CAR">5. Carolina Hurricanes (26-14-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 4</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813974/cropped_GettyImages-2251926157.jpg?ts=1765763054" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813974/w220xh124_GettyImages-2251926157.jpg?ts=1765763054 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813974/w320xh180_GettyImages-2251926157.jpg?ts=1765763054 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813974/w640xh360_GettyImages-2251926157.jpg?ts=1765763054 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813974/w768xh432_GettyImages-2251926157.jpg?ts=1765763054 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813974/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2251926157.jpg?ts=1765763054 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Brandon Bussi. </strong>Where would the Hurricanes be if Bussi hadn't been claimed just before the season? The 27-year-old, who's 15-2-1 with a .903 save percentage, has been a revelation. Pyotr Kochetkov is likely out for the campaign, and Frederik Andersen has struggled significantly. Without Bussi, Carolina would've faced a dire situation between the pipes.</p><h3><a id="EDM" name="EDM">6. Edmonton Oilers (21-16-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 19</em></p><p><strong>Connor McDavid</strong>. Remember when McDavid had no goals and just seven assists in six games and some thought the sky was falling in Edmonton? Well, McDavid has been playing out of his mind since. The NHL's leader in points is a serious contender for his fourth career Hart Trophy.</p><h3><a id="MTL" name="MTL">7. Montreal Canadiens (24-13-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 16</em></p><p><strong>Nick Suzuki</strong>. He checks all the boxes for a player in the MVP conversation. Suzuki has the Canadiens in prime playoff position, leads the club with 47 points in 43 games, and is playing stellar 200-foot hockey.</p><h3><a id="WSH" name="WSH">8. Washington Capitals (22-16-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 6</em></p><p><strong>Tom Wilson. </strong>Everyone knows Wilson's reputation as a ferocious, physical player. But he's more than just that. Wilson's been excellent for Washington, scoring at a career-high rate. The 31-year-old is very deserving of his upcoming Olympic debut.</p><h3><a id="BUF" name="BUF">9. Buffalo Sabres (22-15-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 28</em></p><p><strong>Tage Thompson. </strong>The soon-to-be Olympian has eight goals and 15 points during the Sabres' 11-1-0 run, leading the charge as Buffalo has completely turned its season around.</p><h3><a id="DET" name="DET">10. Detroit Red Wings (25-15-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 20</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745890/cropped_GettyImages-2144489146.jpg?ts=1726768781" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745890/w220xh124_GettyImages-2144489146.jpg?ts=1726768781 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745890/w320xh180_GettyImages-2144489146.jpg?ts=1726768781 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745890/w640xh360_GettyImages-2144489146.jpg?ts=1726768781 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745890/w768xh432_GettyImages-2144489146.jpg?ts=1726768781 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/745890/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2144489146.jpg?ts=1726768781 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Moritz Seider</strong>. The Red Wings' blue-liner has blossomed into a true No. 1 this season. Seider's collected 31 points so far and ranks second among all skaters in goals above replacement. He's likely to be on plenty of Norris Trophy ballots in the spring.</p><h3><a id="NYI" name="NYI">11. New York Islanders (24-15-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 18</em></p><p><strong>Matthew Schaefer. </strong>Barely old enough to play in the NHL, Schaefer has been an impact top-pairing defenseman from Day 1. He's must-see TV and has sparked an Islanders franchise that appeared to be in no man's land before winning the draft lottery.</p><h3><a id="PHI" name="PHI">12. Philadelphia Flyers (22-12-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 12</em></p><p><strong>Trevor Zegras. </strong>The team leader in goals and points, Zegras has been everything and more than the Flyers hoped when they acquired him in the summer. He's regained his swagger and is a huge reason why Philadelphia is overachieving.</p><h3><a id="VGK" name="VGK">13. Vegas Golden Knights (18-11-12)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 8</em></p><p><strong>Jack Eichel</strong>. The Golden Knights went 1-4-2 in the seven games Eichel missed in December due to injury. That speaks volumes about the value he brings to the team. Plus, he still leads Vegas in points despite his absence.</p><h3><a id="FLA" name="FLA">14. Florida Panthers (22-17-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 14</em></p><p><strong>Brad Marchand. </strong>A remarkable campaign from the 37-year-old has kept Florida in the mix despite being without Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk all season. Marchand has already matched his goal total from a year ago in 30 fewer games.</p><h3><a id="TOR" name="TOR">15. Toronto Maple Leafs (20-15-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 26</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815509/cropped_GettyImages-2252973835.jpg?ts=1766937454" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815509/w220xh124_GettyImages-2252973835.jpg?ts=1766937454 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815509/w320xh180_GettyImages-2252973835.jpg?ts=1766937454 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815509/w640xh360_GettyImages-2252973835.jpg?ts=1766937454 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815509/w768xh432_GettyImages-2252973835.jpg?ts=1766937454 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815509/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2252973835.jpg?ts=1766937454 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kevin Sousa / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Auston Matthews</strong>. This answer might've been different a week ago, but it's no fluke that the Maple Leafs' recent turnaround has coincided with Matthews playing like a dominant, two-way superstar again. He's overcome a slow start with seven goals and four assists in his last five games.</p><h3><a id="OTT" name="OTT">16. Ottawa Senators (20-17-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 15</em></p><p><strong>Jake Sanderson. </strong>Still only 23 years old, Sanderson is playing over 25 minutes a game. Only four players league-wide are averaging more. He's a true workhorse defenseman who has only gotten better as the Senators have leaned on him more.</p><h3><a id="PIT" name="PIT">17. Pittsburgh Penguins (20-12-9)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 11</em></p><p><strong>Sidney Crosby</strong>. The Penguins captain continues to prove age is just a number. He's sixth in the league in goals (on pace for 48) at 38 years old and has carried Pittsburgh back into the playoff discussion after three years of the club sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.</p><h3><a id="SEA" name="SEA">18. Seattle Kraken (20-14-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 24</em></p><p><strong>Lane Lambert</strong>. The Kraken don't have any players who jump off the page statistically, but Seattle's in a playoff spot halfway through the season under its new head coach. </p><h3><a id="LAK" name="LAK">19. Los Angeles Kings (18-14-10)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 10</em></p><p><strong>Darcy Kuemper</strong>. The Kings are hanging around in the Western Conference playoff picture despite owning an abysmal offense. That's in large part because of Kuemper. The veteran netminder owns a .910 save percentage and ranks in the top 10 in goals saved above expected.</p><h3><a id="NJD" name="NJD">20. New Jersey Devils (22-19-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 7</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755428/cropped_GettyImages-2184084173.jpg?ts=1731642055" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755428/w220xh124_GettyImages-2184084173.jpg?ts=1731642055 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755428/w320xh180_GettyImages-2184084173.jpg?ts=1731642055 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755428/w640xh360_GettyImages-2184084173.jpg?ts=1731642055 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755428/w768xh432_GettyImages-2184084173.jpg?ts=1731642055 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/755428/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2184084173.jpg?ts=1731642055 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Eliot J. Schechter / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Jesper Bratt</strong>. It's been a down year for most of New Jersey's core, but Bratt is leading the team in scoring and posting stronger underlying numbers than Nico Hischier.</p><h3><a id="UTA" name="UTA">21. Utah Mammoth (21-20-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 25</em></p><p><strong>Dylan Guenther. </strong>The 22-year-old continues his trajectory toward becoming one of the elite goal scorers in the league. Guenther is within reach of what would be his first career 40-goal campaign.</p><h3><a id="NYR" name="NYR">22. New York Rangers (20-18-6)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 17</em></p><p><strong>Igor Shesterkin</strong>. He leads the league in shots faced behind a porous Rangers defense but still owns a .913 save percentage and ranks third league-wide in GSAx. New York's season could be in real trouble with Shesterkin sidelined for the next few weeks due to a lower-body injury.</p><h3><a id="BOS" name="BOS">23. Boston Bruins (22-19-2)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 13</em></p><p><strong>David Pastrnak</strong>. The Bruins have struggled lately, but things could be a lot worse if not for Pastrnak's production. He leads the club with 48 points in 41 games.</p><h3><a id="SJS" name="SJS">24. San Jose Sharks (22-18-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 27</em></p><p><strong>Macklin Celebrini. </strong>Duh. If the Sharks make the playoffs, Celebrini could join Crosby and Wayne Gretzky as the only teenagers to win the Hart Trophy.</p><h3><a id="NSH" name="NSH">25. Nashville Predators (19-19-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 32</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773392/cropped_GettyImages-2201722588.jpg?ts=1741114448" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773392/w220xh124_GettyImages-2201722588.jpg?ts=1741114448 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773392/w320xh180_GettyImages-2201722588.jpg?ts=1741114448 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773392/w640xh360_GettyImages-2201722588.jpg?ts=1741114448 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773392/w768xh432_GettyImages-2201722588.jpg?ts=1741114448 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/773392/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2201722588.jpg?ts=1741114448 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Casey Gower / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Ryan O'Reilly. </strong>Quietly, O'Reilly is producing at his highest rate since 2021. He would fetch an absolute haul if the Predators opt to deal him this season.</p><h3><a id="ANA" name="ANA">26. Anaheim Ducks (21-19-3)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 9</em></p><p><strong>Leo Carlsson. </strong>The highs of the Ducks' season came through Carlsson and so have the lows. The budding star has zero goals in his last 11 games amid Anaheim's struggles. His unbelievable start still gets him the nod here, but he'll have to turn it around soon.</p><h3><a id="CBJ" name="CBJ">27. Columbus Blue Jackets (18-17-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 21</em></p><p><strong>Zach Werenski. </strong>Few players around the league are leaned on as heavily as Werenski is by the Blue Jackets. He's on pace for more than 30 goals, a feat few defensemen have ever accomplished.</p><h3><a id="CGY" name="CGY">28. Calgary Flames (18-21-4)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 30</em></p><p><strong>Mikael Backlund</strong>. The Flames captain has nearly matched his point total from last season already and leads the club at plus-17. Calgary doesn't have many standout performers this year, but the always dependable Backlund deserves the nod for midseason MVP.</p><h3><a id="CHI" name="CHI">29. Chicago Blackhawks (18-18-7)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 22</em></p><p><strong>Connor Bedard. </strong>He hasn't played in almost a full month and still leads the Blackhawks in scoring by 10 points. Bedard has blossomed into the offensive dynamo many expected he would become.</p><h3><a id="STL" name="STL">30. St. Louis Blues (17-19-8)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812129/cropped_GettyImages-2246189166.jpg?ts=1764614842" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812129/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246189166.jpg?ts=1764614842 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812129/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246189166.jpg?ts=1764614842 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812129/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246189166.jpg?ts=1764614842 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812129/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246189166.jpg?ts=1764614842 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812129/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246189166.jpg?ts=1764614842 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bill Wippert / National Hockey League / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Previous: 29</em></p><p><strong>Justin Faulk</strong>. A veteran defenseman leading the Blues in goals at the midway point sums up St. Louis' shambolic season to date, but Faulk deserves his flowers for ranking sixth among blue-liners with 11 goals.</p><h3><a id="VAN" name="VAN">31. Vancouver Canucks (16-21-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 31</em></p><p><strong>Kiefer Sherwood. </strong>This season has been a disastrous one for the Canucks. At least fan favorite Sherwood has bagged a bunch of goals and continues to throw an absurd amount of hits.</p><h3><a id="WPG" name="WPG">32. Winnipeg Jets (15-21-5)</a></h3><p><em>Previous: 23</em></p><p><strong>Mark Scheifele</strong>. The Jets are squandering a great year from their top center, who's on pace for a career-high 96 points and is well within his right to be <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3442994" href="https://thescore.com/news/3442994">upset</a> about being left off the Canadian Olympic team.</p>

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NHL Power Rankings: Each team's midseason MVP

With the offseason at its midpoint, theScore's MLB editors Bryan Mcwilliam, Tom Ruminski, and Sim...

<p><em>With the offseason at its midpoint, theScore's MLB editors Bryan Mcwilliam, Tom Ruminski, and Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb answer some of the biggest questions surrounding free agency.</em></p><h3>Which addition will make the biggest impact?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/cropped_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/w220xh124_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/w320xh180_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/w640xh360_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/w768xh432_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794480/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2207907029.jpg?ts=1755044865 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mary DeCicco / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Pete Alonso:</strong> The Orioles ranked 12th in the AL in slugging percentage and didn't have a player hit more than 17 homers last season. Acquiring a power bat like Alonso should provide immediate impact. Pairing the Polar Bear with fellow offseason acquisition Taylor Ward gives Baltimore a tandem that combined to hit 74 homers in 2025. The last time the Orioles had a pair of hitters offer that kind of pop - Gunnar Henderson and Anthony Santander in 2023 - they won 101 games and a division title. Alonso should have no trouble keeping up his power numbers following the change of scenery, either. Camden Yards became slightly more hitter-friendly than Citi Field last year after Baltimore moved the left-field fence in, and the right-handed hitting Alonso predominantly pulls his homers. - <em>Mcwilliam</em></p><p><strong>Tatsuya Imai: </strong>The Astros may have gotten a frontline starter without dishing out big bucks on a lucrative long-term deal. Imai signed a three-year, $54-million contract after many expected him to land one of the lengthiest pacts among free-agent pitchers. The 27-year-old will also be motivated to prove he can transition from Japan to the majors successfully with opt-outs after the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The right-hander is projected to slot into Houston's rotation behind ace Hunter Brown following the departure of Framber Valdez. Imai has all the tools to be an impact pitcher, as he features a fastball that tops out at 99 mph and a unique slider, which led to a 1.92 ERA with 9.8 K/9 across 163 2/3 innings in Nippon Professional Baseball last year. -<em> Ruminski</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>Edwin Díaz: </strong>Even after the Dodgers signed Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates to great hype last winter, it was easy to see how the relief corps might derail their 2025 season - and it nearly did. By the end of the World Series, Dave Roberts' circle of trust in his bullpen had essentially shrunk to Roki Sasaki, Justin Wrobleski (maybe?), and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on zero days' rest. It all worked out in the end, but Los Angeles wasn't taking a chance on that ragtag group again. Díaz, who shocked the baseball world by joining the defending champs in December, gives Roberts and the Dodgers far more than some much-needed certainty in the ninth inning. He's a stabilizer, the type of bullpen anchor they've been missing since Kenley Jansen left. Díaz's mere presence takes the pressure off Scott, Wrobleski, Alex Vesia, and other middle relievers, while he also provides the rotation more breathing room. Díaz is the type of star reliever who'd impact any team, but he's a true game-changer in the Dodgers' bullpen. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><h3>Which team has won the offseason so far?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795922/cropped_GettyImages-2226851186.jpg?ts=1753759862" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795922/w220xh124_GettyImages-2226851186.jpg?ts=1753759862 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795922/w320xh180_GettyImages-2226851186.jpg?ts=1753759862 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795922/w640xh360_GettyImages-2226851186.jpg?ts=1753759862 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795922/w768xh432_GettyImages-2226851186.jpg?ts=1753759862 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795922/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2226851186.jpg?ts=1753759862 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Orioles: </strong>President of baseball operations Mike Elias and the rest of Baltimore's front office finally showed a sense of urgency this winter. The Orioles already added Alonso, Ward, Shane Baz, and Ryan Helsley and brought back Zach Eflin and Andrew Kittredge after a disappointing 2025 in which the club finished last in the AL East following back-to-back playoff trips. The O's are acting like a team that needs to take advantage of a young and talented core that's relatively inexpensive - for now. Henderson just became arbitration-eligible, Adley Rutschman is in his second year, and Jackson Holliday, Jordan Westburg, and Colton Cowser are still pre-arbitration players. Elias can really put a stamp on a great offseason by bringing in another frontline starter to lead the rotation. Valdez or Ranger Suárez are ideal fits. - <em>Ruminski</em></p><p><strong>Blue Jays: </strong>There's an argument to be made that the Orioles are winning the offseason. But Baltimore had more needs than the Blue Jays, who have added Kazuma Okamoto, Dylan Cease, Tyler Rogers, and Cody Ponce to fortify a squad that nearly won the World Series. Toronto's rotation of Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, and José Berríos looked strong heading into next season, but signing one of the top free-agent starters and the KBO MVP gives the club one of the best and deepest pitching staffs in the majors. The Blue Jays didn't stop there. They also brought in another high-contact hitter to an already deep lineup in Okamoto and improved the bullpen by signing Rogers, who has posted the lowest ERA among MLB relievers with 400 innings pitched since 2019. If there was any doubt the offseason didn't already belong to Toronto, the club could make itself the clear winner by re-signing Bo Bichette or landing Kyle Tucker. - <em>Mcwilliam</em></p><p><strong>Pirates: </strong>A little caveat: I'm not saying the Pirates have "won" the winter in the traditional sense. Pittsburgh's my pick here because, for the first time in ages, the organization is spending money and actively trying to improve. General manager Ben Cherington reportedly offered contracts to star sluggers Josh Naylor and Kyle Schwarber and also got involved in the Okamoto sweepstakes. When those three signed elsewhere, Cherington responded by signing Ryan O'Hearn to a two-year deal - the first multi-year contract handed out by the club in nearly a decade - and trading for All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe and young outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia. And the Pirates may not be done yet, as they're <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3446465" href="https://thescore.com/news/3446465">apparently</a> interested in Eugenio Suárez. These moves aren't turning the Bucs into World Series favorites, but they improve Pittsburgh's playoff odds and give Paul Skenes some much-needed help. It's great to see this historic franchise working hard to try to bring a winner back to PNC Park. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><h3>Which team is having the worst offseason?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811319/cropped_GettyImages-2201516089.jpg?ts=1764012088" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811319/w220xh124_GettyImages-2201516089.jpg?ts=1764012088 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811319/w320xh180_GettyImages-2201516089.jpg?ts=1764012088 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811319/w640xh360_GettyImages-2201516089.jpg?ts=1764012088 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811319/w768xh432_GettyImages-2201516089.jpg?ts=1764012088 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811319/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2201516089.jpg?ts=1764012088 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Newsday LLC / Newsday / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Yankees:</strong> The normally active Yankees have been quiet this winter, which is surprising considering how busy their four division rivals have been. The Blue Jays, Orioles, and Red Sox have all gotten better, while the Rays have offloaded veteran talent with an eye on the future. New York, meanwhile, re-signed Grisham and depth pieces like Amed Rosario, Tim Hill, and Ryan Yarbrough. On paper, the Yankees look worse than they did last season following the departures of Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Ian Hamilton, Mark Leiter Jr., and Jonathan Loáisiga. Re-signing Cody Bellinger would help silence some of the noise from Yankee fans who continue to scream for more, but that might not be enough to please the rabid fan base. - <em>Mcwilliam</em></p><p><strong>Cubs: </strong><em>(Note: The Cubs reportedly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3448660" href="https://thescore.com/news/3448660">acquired</a> right-hander Edward Cabrera from the Marlins after this was published.) </em>Chicago remains a big-market team that doesn't act like one. The Cubs are coming off a 92-win season that resulted in the club's first playoff appearance since the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. However, Chicago's front office hasn't done anything this winter to build on that momentum. Instead, the club could watch Tucker leave for nothing a year after acquiring the star outfielder from the Astros for quality pieces such as Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith. The Cubs re-signed Shota Imanaga via a qualifying offer and have since brought in Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Caleb Thielbar, Tyler Austin, Jacob Webb, and Hunter Harvey, but that's very underwhelming considering the NL Central is up for grabs. The Brewers and Reds are having muted offseasons, the Cardinals are rebuilding, and the Pirates are making an uncharacteristic push. The Cubs need to strike now. - <em>Ruminski</em></p><p><strong>Reds: </strong>Coming into this offseason, it felt like Cincinnati was ready to make some kind of splash. The Reds' bright young core finished the year strong, sneaking into the playoffs on the season's last day. They also play in a very winnable division and could grab control of the NL Central with the right moves. But the speculation about them making a splash has turned into nothing. Rumors of signing Schwarber, an Ohio native, came up empty. Ditto for the rumblings regarding a buy-low trade for bounce-back candidate Luis Robert Jr. Cincinnati's lone moves of substance this offseason have been re-signing Emilio Pagán, adding JJ Bleday, and trading for Dane Myers to platoon in left field. Meanwhile, the Reds have been outspent by the Pirates - the Pirates! - this winter, and it doesn't seem like ownership even cares. What kind of message is this inactivity sending to the players and respected veteran skipper Terry Francona? Cincinnati needs to take advantage of this opportunity, and its fan base should be red with anger right now. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p><h3>Which remaining FA would you most want to sign if you were a GM?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805271/cropped_GettyImages-2240470823.jpg?ts=1760274184" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805271/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240470823.jpg?ts=1760274184 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805271/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240470823.jpg?ts=1760274184 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805271/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240470823.jpg?ts=1760274184 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805271/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240470823.jpg?ts=1760274184 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805271/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240470823.jpg?ts=1760274184 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brandon Sloter / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Kyle Tucker: </strong>The No. 1 player available on the open market is a rare five-tool contributor who's in his prime and heading into his age-29 campaign. Tucker, a four-time All-Star, easily makes any team better offensively, defensively, and on the base paths. He's a consistent 30-30 threat who has 127 homers, 415 RBI, and 96 stolen bases with a 144 wRC+ over 614 games since 2021. Only Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have a higher fWAR than Tucker among outfielders during that period. The 2022 Gold Glover regressed in the field over the last few years but still finished in the 83rd percentile for arm value and 58th percentile for arm strength in 2025. It's only a matter of time before Tucker lands a big contract. The only question is whether it will be a long-term pact or a short-term deal with a higher average annual value. - <em>Ruminski</em></p><p><strong>Bo Bichette:</strong> The infielder is a game-changing talent who would immediately transform the lineup of whichever team he joins. Since 2021, Bichette ranks top 10 among big-league shortstops in games, hits, doubles, homers, RBIs, OPS, and wRC+, and that's with him missing half of the 2024 season due to injuries. The 27-year-old has also led his league in hits twice and is one of the most clutch-hitting players in the majors, with his 7.97 win probability added ranking fifth at his position over the past four seasons. He's a defensive liability at shortstop, but his willingness to shift to second base - where he looked solid during a brief cameo last postseason - shows a team-first mentality that several clubs would love to have on their roster. - <em>Mcwilliam</em></p><p><strong>Cody Bellinger: </strong>Nobody should be expecting Bellinger to rediscover his 2019 MVP-winning form, nor is he likely to regress to the lows of his dismal 2021-22 run. What Bellinger is at this point in his career is a solid piece who can improve any lineup on both sides of the ball. Although he still strikes out, he's worked hard to lower his strikeout rate and has become a more patient hitter overall. Bellinger should be a lock for around 25-30 homers and 50-plus extra-base hits from the left side. He also brings tremendous defensive value as a plus outfielder capable of playing Gold Glove-caliber defense at all three spots, plus first base if needed. He's hardly a consolation prize. Bellinger is the kind of puzzle piece who strengthens any contender, especially when he's not being asked to be the main piece. <em>- Sharkey-Gotlieb</em></p>

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MLB Roundtable: Breaking down free agency halfway through offseason

<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/T-lKmYXt0Hw?si=65en42H5trC3t2kd" 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 the 2026 world juniors and make selections for a 10-team midseason NHL mock draft.</p><ul>
<li>Top 2026 world juniors takeaways (00:00)</li>
<li>Players who left strong impressions (8:55)</li>
<li>Midseason mock draft (16:23)</li>
<li>No. 1 pick: Canucks (17:02)</li>
<li>No. 2: Jets (20:04)</li>
<li>No. 3: Flames (24:54)</li>
<li>No. 4: Blackhawks (26:56)</li>
<li>No. 5: Mammoth (28:20)</li>
<li>No. 6: Blues (31:00)</li>
<li>No. 7: Predators (32:30)</li>
<li>No. 8: Rangers (34:15)</li>
<li>No. 9: Blue Jackets (36:55)</li>
<li>No. 10: Sharks (38:39)</li>
<li>Remembering David Branch (40:35)</li>
</ul>

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Top Shelf: World juniors debrief and midseason mock draft

The United States unveiled its men's and women's Olympic hockey rosters for the 2026 Winter Games...

<p>The United States unveiled its men's and women's Olympic hockey rosters for the 2026 Winter Games on Friday.</p><h2>Men's team</h2><p>The U.S. men's team came up one goal short at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. The USA is looking to avenge that loss and win the country's first Olympic gold in men's hockey since the iconic 1980 triumph in Lake Placid.</p><h3>Forwards</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="USA" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-FkmBV" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/FkmBV/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="243" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Notable omissions: </strong>Cole Caufield, Logan Cooley, Alex DeBrincat, Matthew Knies, Chris Kreider, Jason Robertson</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Keller and Thompson made the roster after being left off the 4 Nations team. Both were pivotal in ending the USA's 92-year drought at the World Championship in May.</p><p>Thompson has 20 goals and 37 points in 39 games this season with the Buffalo Sabres. The 6-foot-6 sniper tallied the overtime winner for Team USA at the Worlds.</p><p>Keller captained the American team in the spring. The 27-year-old has 13 goals and 36 points in 41 games this year with the Utah Mammoth, coming off a career-best campaign of 90 points a season ago.</p><p>Of the six Americans with 20 or more goals right now, half were left at home: Robertson, DeBrincat, and Caufield.</p><p>Robertson is the NHL's highest-scoring American forward this season. He has 24 goals and 48 points in 41 games with the Dallas Stars.</p><p>Kreider is the only forward who was dropped from the 4 Nations team. The 34-year-old has 13 goals and 22 points in his first campaign with the Anaheim Ducks.</p><h3>Defense</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="USA" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-es2hG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/es2hG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="214" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Notable omissions:</strong> John Carlson, Adam Fox, Lane Hutson, Jackson LaCombe</p><p>Snubbing Fox is significant considering Team USA bench boss Mike Sullivan also coaches the 2021 Norris Trophy winner with the New York Rangers. The 27-year-old has 28 points in as many games, but his underwhelming play at the 4 Nations was clearly a factor.</p><p>Jones makes the roster after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers. The 6-foot-4 blue-liner has 24 points in 39 contests.</p><h3>Goalies</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="USA" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-28jLu" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/28jLu/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="116" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Notable omissions: </strong>Thatcher Demko, Spencer Knight</p><p>Team USA didn't make any changes between the pipes from the 4 Nations and will again be led by Hellebuyck, the reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner.</p><h2>Women's team</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781338/cropped_GettyImages-2148346367.jpg?ts=1745085404" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781338/w220xh124_GettyImages-2148346367.jpg?ts=1745085404 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781338/w320xh180_GettyImages-2148346367.jpg?ts=1745085404 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781338/w640xh360_GettyImages-2148346367.jpg?ts=1745085404 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781338/w768xh432_GettyImages-2148346367.jpg?ts=1745085404 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/781338/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2148346367.jpg?ts=1745085404 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Troy Parla / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Team USA is cruising, entering the Olympics after sweeping Canada at the Rivalry Series. This is a very different roster from four years ago, when USA lost 3-2 to its northern rival in the gold-medal game. There are 12 players who weren't on the previous American Olympic team, but it's still captained by all-time great Hilary Knight, who is entering her final Games.</p><h3>Forwards</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="USA Women Forwards" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Jn6Tw" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Jn6Tw/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="209" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Notable omissions: </strong>Jesse Compher, Lacey Eden, Gabbie Hughes, Casey O'Brien, Abby Roque</p><h3>Defense</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="USA Women Defenders" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-8bJsJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/8bJsJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="180" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Notable omissions: </strong>Kali Flanagan, Savannah Harmon, Emma Peschel, Anna Wilgren</p><h3>Goalies</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="USA Women Goaltenders" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ctqJq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ctqJq/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="116" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure><p><strong>Notable omissions: </strong>Nicole Hensley, Maddie Rooney</p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 20: Brady Tkachuk #7 of Team USA celebrates his goal against Team Canada in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off Championship Game at TD Garden on February 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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United States announces Olympic hockey rosters

While 2025 provided plenty of indelible sports moments, the new year is already delivering its ow...

<p><em>While 2025 provided plenty of indelible sports moments, the new year is already delivering its own memorable events and historic achievements. We've been ranking the 2026 storylines that have us most excited all week. Our three-part countdown concludes below.</em></p><p><strong>The complete series 👇</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Part 1</th>
<th>Part 2</th>
<th>Part 3</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3435119" href="https://thescore.com/news/3435119">26-17</a></td>
<td><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3435126" href="https://thescore.com/news/3435126">16-7</a></td>
<td><strong>6-1</strong></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><h3>6. Tiger's comeback 🐯</h3><p>Another year, another Tiger Woods comeback effort. The GOAT has attempted to return to competitive golf multiple times after injury, but a new opportunity this time around presents a morsel of hope we haven't had before: the PGA TOUR Champions. That's right, Woods turned 50 on Dec. 30, meaning he's officially eligible for the senior circuit.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>While that may not be thrilling on the surface, Woods can take a golf cart for those events - a crucial detail given his physical challenges. That could provide him much-needed competitive reps ahead of the Masters. Will we get to see Tiger, donning his famous Sunday red, on the prowl at Augusta this year? Here's hoping. - <strong><em>Dane Belbeck</em></strong></p><h3>5. Mahomes' biggest test yet 😤</h3><p>The Chiefs' 2025 season came to a heartbreaking end after Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in the final moments of the game that eliminated Kansas City from playoff contention. The main question now is when Mahomes will be back. There are no guarantees that the three-time Super Bowl MVP, who already underwent surgery, will be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813892/cropped_GettyImages-2251878698.jpg?ts=1765745753" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813892/w220xh124_GettyImages-2251878698.jpg?ts=1765745753 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813892/w320xh180_GettyImages-2251878698.jpg?ts=1765745753 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813892/w640xh360_GettyImages-2251878698.jpg?ts=1765745753 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813892/w768xh432_GettyImages-2251878698.jpg?ts=1765745753 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813892/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2251878698.jpg?ts=1765745753 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>All-time great quarterbacks, such as Tom Brady (torn ACL) and Peyton Manning (neck surgery), overcame major injuries in epic fashion during their iconic careers. Can Mahomes do the same and make the Chiefs Super Bowl contenders again? - <strong><em>Caio Miari</em></strong></p><h3>4. World Baseball Classic ⚾️</h3><p>How can we not be excited about the 2026 tournament after Shohei Ohtani struck out then-teammate Mike Trout to seal Japan's 2023 title over the United States? This event gets the best out of fans and players.</p><p>Spectators around the world bring a raucous soccer-like energy to the ballparks, filling them with chanting, singing, and cheering, while the games feature some of the best major leaguers with plenty of national pride. The best part is that the WBC will bring meaningful baseball to March, which is usually reserved for dull spring training games. - <strong><em>Tom Ruminski</em></strong></p><h3>3. LeBron's final season? 👑</h3><p>LeBron James' contract status has prompted plenty of discussion about his looming retirement, but the 41-year-old insists that he remains undecided. The 21-time All-NBAer has started the season slower than we've come to expect. He missed the first 14 games with a sciatica issue, and his scoring average (20.3 points per game) has overtaken his rookie year for his lowest in a season.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812222/cropped_GettyImages-2248917885.jpg?ts=1764685480" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812222/w220xh124_GettyImages-2248917885.jpg?ts=1764685480 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812222/w320xh180_GettyImages-2248917885.jpg?ts=1764685480 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812222/w640xh360_GettyImages-2248917885.jpg?ts=1764685480 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812222/w768xh432_GettyImages-2248917885.jpg?ts=1764685480 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812222/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2248917885.jpg?ts=1764685480 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Adam Pantozzi / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>His agent, Rich Paul, stressed title contention when James picked up his $52.6-million option; if the Lakers and James still mutually benefit each other and hold the same goal, the future Hall of Famer's career could stretch to 2027. - <strong><em>Jonathan Soveta</em></strong></p><h3>2. Expanded 2026 World Cup ⚽️</h3><p>Brush FIFA president Gianni Infantino's attention-seeking behavior aside and enjoy the splendor of the globe's finest sporting event - supersized to include 48 teams for the first time ever - being staged across North America. There will be a colorful blend of cultures during the 104 matches, with some of the greatest players on the planet flopping or flourishing while representing their countries on the biggest stage in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.</p><p>Can Lionel Messi help Argentina become the first back-to-back winner since Brazil in the 1960s? Will Cristiano Ronaldo win his first World Cup with Portugal in his final tournament appearance? How many goals will Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe score? The "Beautiful Game" will be bigger than ever this summer. - <strong><em>Daniel Rouse</em></strong></p><h3>1. NHLers return to Olympics 🥳</h3><p>NHLers are back in the Olympics for the first time since 2014 - assuming the Milan arena is ready in time, of course. A whole generation of stars will be making their Olympic debuts, including Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and Leon Draisaitl.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815988/cropped_GettyImages-2202568956.jpg?ts=1767354305" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815988/w220xh124_GettyImages-2202568956.jpg?ts=1767354305 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815988/w320xh180_GettyImages-2202568956.jpg?ts=1767354305 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815988/w640xh360_GettyImages-2202568956.jpg?ts=1767354305 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815988/w768xh432_GettyImages-2202568956.jpg?ts=1767354305 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815988/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2202568956.jpg?ts=1767354305 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Canada won the last two Olympics featuring NHLers in 2010 and 2014 and claimed the previous two international best-on-best tournaments at the 2016 World Cup and last year's 4 Nations Face-Off. However, the U.S. has narrowed the talent gap with Canada over the last 12 years and is seeking its first men's Olympic hockey gold since 1980. Buckle up. - <strong><em>Josh Wegman</em></strong></p><p><strong>Review the complete series 👇</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Part 1</th>
<th>Part 2</th>
<th>Part 3</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3435119" href="https://thescore.com/news/3435119">26-17</a></td>
<td><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3435126" href="https://thescore.com/news/3435126">16-7</a></td>
<td><strong>6-1</strong></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>What are you most excited about in 2026? Let us know in the comments!</em></p>

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6 biggest stories we're most excited about in 2026

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theScore Staff

MLB Baseball

EPL Soccer

England Soccer

Arsenal

Aston Villa

AFC Bournemouth

Brentford

Brighton & Hove Albion

Burnley FC

Chelsea

Crystal Palace