The Best Non-Playoff Teams, How the DBacks Performed, Legend Passes Away, Steele Slip, and Other Cubs Bullets

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  • The Athletic ranked the 18 non-playoff teams in terms of who is best set up to compete in 2025. The Cubs come in at number seven, behind the Mariners, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Red Sox, Reds, and Twins. I think you’re picking nits if you try to bump the Cubs up a couple spots, though that’s exactly what I would do. The Reds have a lot of young talent and more coming, but there’s just no way they are better set up, on paper, for 2025 than the Cubs. The latter has just as much young talent, also features a recently-hired star manager, has more financial flexibility going into the offseason, and was the clearly better team in 2024.

  • I do think the other noted teams do generally project well for 2025, though a stray thing I’ve wanted to point out about the Diamondbacks for a while. So, we know the Diamondbacks, who missed the playoffs on a tiebreaker but won 89 games, were propelled largely by one of the best offenses in baseball this year. But I kept coming back to a question of … how? Like, I knew that Corbin Carroll had a relatively down year, and Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. were kinda meh. So how did the Diamondbacks offset that to be such a great offense? And is it repeatable in 2025?

  • Well, the answer to the first question is that they got outrageously strong performances from a number of unlikely sources, and or monster performances from guys who haven’t always been at quite that level. Joc Pederson and Ketel Marte each posted a whopping 151 wRC+, and although each has had big seasons in the past, those sure had the look of outliers (at ages 30 and 32). Then you had Randal Grichuk – yes, Randal Grichuk – posting a 139 wRC+, the best season of his career (at age 32/33). Josh Bell, a castaway from multiple teams, put up huge numbers over a half-season with the Diamondbacks (at age 32). Pavin Smith, who had four times had a shot in the big leagues and not been able to be close to average, suddenly this year was an absolute monster in a half-season (at age 28). So, you look at all that, considering the players, performances, and ages, and it just makes you wonder how much of it is actually repeatable. Are the Diamondbacks actually a sneaky flop contender? I probably wouldn’t go that far, especially since gains by Carroll, Moreno, and Gurriel could offset other steps back. Notably, though, Pederson, Grichuk, Bell, and Christian Walker are all impending free agents.

  • That is all to say, while I wouldn’t bet on the Diamondbacks being bad next year, I do think I’d take the Cubs as likely to have more wins …

  • Luis Tiant, who pitched in 19 seasons in the ’60s, ’70s, and 80’s and was a beloved member of the broader baseball community, has passed away at the age of 83.

  • This was the capper on the Padres’ scoring last night, and it was a fun bit of loud:

https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1843830374603915373
  • You just never know what you might see on the ole internet (language warning):

  • Given that he shared it with some humor, I am going to assume that the hot coffee didn’t do any serious damage to Justin Steele’s parts. And thus, we all get to chuckle and enjoy.

  • Because of what happened last time, Mookie Betts thought Jurickson Profar had done it to him again, and started to trot off the field:

https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1843821900440506408

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
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Feb 06, 2025
Alex Bregman MLB Rumors Cubs

Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch: How Many Suitors? How Many Years? Red Sox Back-Up Plan? More

A few Alex Bregman bits to chew on as you settle down for the night ... Jon Heyman tonight writes that although Bregman is receiving "creative short-term offers," he and Scott Boras are still looking for six+ years. That tracks with Bob Nightengale's reporting earlier today. Heyman adds that the Astros actually have come up some amount from their offer from earlier in the offseason (reportedly six years and $156...

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Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

Free Agent 3B Yoan Moncada Signs with the Angels

The Chicago Cubs, ostensibly still in the market for a free-agent third baseman, will watch one option fall off the board tonight. Former White Sox third baseman - and offseason Cubs target - Yoan Moncada is reportedly signing a modest deal with the Los Angeles Angels. Yoan Moncada to the Angels Ken Rosenthal reports the deal on X as a one-year, $5 million contract. https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/1887654549227512106 Moncada, still just 29, is...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

Resetting the Chicago Cubs’ Excessively Crowded Bullpen Picture

Given the Ryan Brasier trade potentially capping off the Chicago Cubs' bullpen moves for the offseason, and given how much movement there has been in that group this offseason, I thought it worth a reset just to see where the Cubs stand. How many arms do they have available now for the bullpen group? How many can be moved up and down? Who is fighting for a roster spot? You...

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Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

Let’s Look at the Cubs Payroll and Roster Implications of Signing Alex Bregman

Based on some scattered quotes from ownership โ€” as well as where Jed Hoyer's front office wound up last season โ€” our initial expectation for the Cubs 2025 payroll was right around the first tier of the luxury tax threshold (up to $241M this year). But then, around mid-winter, those expectations changed. Supported by their cost-saving activity in free agency and especially trade, some new reporting/speculating led us to believe that...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch: Still Holding Out for Maximum-Length Deal?

It has felt for a few days like maybe there was a thaw coming in the Alex Bregman/Scott Boras demands for a maximum-length deal in order to finally put pen to paper in free agency, but maybe that was just a vibes check that was based on nothing at all. Because, according to Bob Nightengale, nothing has changed: https://bsky.app/profile/bnightengale.bsky.social/post/3lhjifjffys2d Although we don't know exactly where the other involved parties are...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

Another Ranking Places the Cubs’ Farm System Close to the Middle of the Pack Going Into 2025

The tale is not as old as time, but it's as old as this prospects rankings season goes: the Chicago Cubs' farm system stepped way back over the last year, for reasons good and bad, and now ranks as closer to average than anything near elite. The latest iteration of that story comes from Baseball America, which ranked the Cubs' farm system 15th in baseball heading into 2025: "15. Chicago...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 06, 2025

Bader and PCA, Pham and Pirates, No Festa Forever, Brasier and Berti, Rays Stadium, and Other Cubs Bullets

Kinda thought I would wake up to an Alex Bregman decision. It had that vibe last night, but nothing doing yet. Instead, we got Pete Alonso signing, which I suppose is not nothing. But I'm about ready for "the offseason" to wrap up so I can get my brain zoned in on Spring Training, which officially starts in just a few days ... The signings continue at the margins of...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025
MLB Rumors and Pete Alonso

Pete Alonso Re-Signing with the Mets, Did NOT Get Paaaaid

The Pete Alonso free agency closes up back where it started, and where most thought it would end: he's going back to the New York Mets. And, boy, he did NOT get paaaaaid: In total, Pete Alonso's deal will guarantee him $54 million over two years, sources tell ESPN.— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 6, 2025 Hey, maybe Alonso - 30 and with some signs of decline - will put together...

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Chicago Cubs
Michael Cerami
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025

The Cubs Have a New Full-time Backup to Jon Sciambi on Marquee (And I’m Very Here For It!)

Alternate title: The Cubs are promoting top broadcasting prospect Alex Cohen! Maybe it's not the breaking news those of us on social media are pining for tonight, but it makes me happy nonetheless! According to Jeff Agrest at The Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs will have a new, full-time play-by-play announcer backing up Boog Sciambi on Marquee Sports Netowork. And it's someone a lot of us really love: Alex Cohen! Most...

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Chicago Cubs
Brett Taylor
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025
Alex Bregman

Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch: A Couple Pundits Guess the Cubs Are the Favorite

Take these only for what it's worth, as we're all able to do some speculating. But Jon Heyman is inarguably plugged in, and Matt Spiegel does hear things. So there might be some meat underneath. A little. Don't go too far with it. But I'm obsessing, so I'm sharing. First, Jon Heyman would peg the Cubs as the favorites on Alex Bregman right now if he had to choose: Jon...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Feb 06, 2025

NFL World Reacts to News of Virginia McCaskey Passing Away

Today, we were saddened to learn of the passing of Bears owner and team matriarch Virginia McCaskey. For more details, please readย our initial report on the news. The death of Virginia Halas McCaskey means that the NFL has lost a legacy. Mrs. McCaskey had been the Chicago Bears' principal owner since 1983 when her father, George Halas, passed away. The Bears matriarch has seen the NFL evolve from an upstart...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Feb 06, 2025
josh sweat eagles bears

Josh Sweat is a Player Bears Fans Should Watch Closely During Super Bowl LIX

Today, we were saddened to learn of the passing of Bears owner and team matriarch Virginia McCaskey. For more details, please readย our initial report on the news. The battle for Super Bowl supremacy will be won in the trenches โ€” and Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Josh Sweat figures to be in the middle of the action. Chicago Bears fans โ€” who are understandably obsessed with the idea of their favorite...

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Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
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Feb 06, 2025
Chicago Bears offensive lineman Braxton Jones (70) blocks against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field.

Chicago Bears 2024 Exit Interviews: Braxton Jones

Today, we were saddened to learn of the passing of Bears owner and team matriarch Virginia McCaskey. For more details, please read our initial report on the news. The nightmare that was the 2024 Chicago Bears season is over. Before the transactional period starts and the roster changes begin, we will recap the seasons of most of the 53-man roster. Next up: We're looking at the 2024 season of offensive...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Feb 06, 2025
NFL Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp Rams bet365 Louisiana bonus code 12.21

DJ Moore Wouldn’t Mind Cooper Kupp Joining the Bears in 2025

Today, we were saddened to learn of the passing of Bears owner and team matriarch Virginia McCaskey. For more details, please readย our initial report on the news. Yeah, I saw the clip folks have been discussing where DJ Moore says he wants Cooper Kupp as a teammate next year. So ... let's talk about it. Chicagoan Kay Adams does an excellent job stirring the pot in all of the best...

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Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
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Feb 06, 2025
bears safety Kevin byard

Chicago Bears 2024 Exit Interviews: Kevin Byard III

Today, we were saddened to learn of the passing of Bears owner and team matriarch Virginia McCaskey. For more details, please read our initial report on the news. The nightmare that was the 2024 Chicago Bears season is over. Before the transactional period starts and the roster changes begin, we will recap the seasons of most of the 53-man roster. Next up: We're looking at the 2024 season of Kevin...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Feb 06, 2025
virginia halas mccaskey virginia mccaskey

Virginia McCaskey Has Passed Away at Age 102

Virginia Halas McCaskey, the long-time matriarch of the Chicago Bears, has passed away at age 102. Here is the announcement from the Bears: pic.twitter.com/T2uZMi8Rg1— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 6, 2025 Virginia McCaskey, who had been the team's principal owner since George Halas' death in 1983, was the eldest child of the Bears founder. Her ties to the NFL are as old as the league itself. This is what we wrote...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Feb 06, 2025
jalen carter eagles super bowl

Jalen Carter vs. Patrick Mahomes, Tyrique vs. Terell, Warren, Old Faces in New Places, and Other Bears Bullets

Day 32 of the Chicago Bears offseason. I made my best chocolate chip cookie recipe yesterday for what is turning into a weekly hang with friends. However, I skipped a step. And yet, the cookies were well-received. Perhaps I've unlocked a secret to making one of my most popular recipes even better. Jalen Carter has a plan for Patrick Mahomes. "One thing is to sack him," said the Philadelphia Eagles...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Feb 06, 2025
bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron Caleb Williams

Shane Waldron Has Reportedly Found a Soft Landing With the Jacksonville Jaguars

Former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has found a new place of employment. Three months after being dismissed as the Bears' offensive play-caller, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reports that the Jacksonville Jaguars have scooped up Waldron to work on new head coach Liam Coen's staff. And while this isn't the Bears-to-Jaguars story that we were looking forward to seeing this morning, I suppose it will have to suffice:...

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Chicago Bears
Luis C. Medina
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Feb 05, 2025
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The NFL is Sending the Rams to Play a “Home” Game in Australia in 2026

The NFL's global reach is extending out to the land down under. ESPN league insider Adam Schefter reports the Los Angeles Rams will be the designated home team when they play in Australia in 2026: As the designated home team in Australia in 2026, the Rams will play their game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). https://t.co/2WApFU2woI— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 5, 2025 When I first saw the news from...

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Chicago Bears
Patrick K. Flowers
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Feb 05, 2025

Chicago Bears 2024 Exit Interviews: Terell Smith

The nightmare that was the 2024 Chicago Bears season is over. Before the transactional period starts and the roster changes begin, we will recap the seasons of most of the 53-man roster. Next up: We're looking at the 2024 season of Terell Smith. Terell Smith's 2024 Snapshot Ryan Poles' tenure as Chicago Bears general manager has been one full of extremes. The trade that resulted in DJ Moore, Caleb Williams,...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Feb 06, 2025

It’s All Still A Big Hot Mess for the Chicago Bulls

I had a fresh bouquet ready to deliver to the Chicago Bulls' offices at the Advocate Center on Thursday afternoon. Instead, a singular tulip petal has been left at reception. Arturas Karnisovas roped everybody in when finally striking a deal for two-time All-Star Zach LaVine. Joining the De'Aaron Fox trade to San Antonio, the return left a little to be desired but still handed the Bulls some much-needed future flexibility....

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Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
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Feb 06, 2025

NBA Trade Deadline Recap: All the Deals From the Big Day

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone! After a chaotic last couple of days, things quieted down a bit on the actual deadline day. However, while we didn't get the most active last few hours, this ended up being one of the wildest trade deadline seasons in recent memory. It's hard to recall as many in-season trades involving players of the magnitude that we saw shipped elsewhere this season....

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Feb 06, 2025

TRADE: Cavaliers Add De’Andre Hunter in Deal with Hawks

Sitting 41-10 and at the top of the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers are going for it. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Cavaliers have acquired De'Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. The deal will see Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks, and two swaps. Hunter is in the thick of a career year, averaging 19.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game off the bench. https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1887572277761343556 Cavaliers Land De'Andre...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Feb 06, 2025

The Bulls Have Talked to a “Group of Teams” About Coby White

Despite some indications that the trade waters have settled around the United Center, the Chicago Bulls continue to come up in rumors just hours before Thursday's 2:00 p.m. CT deadline. Nikola Vucevic remains the primary focus. While the big man told reports following Chicago's loss to Minnesota that he expects to wake up in Chicago on Friday morning, he found himself linked to the Golden State Warriors again hours later....

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Feb 06, 2025

Deadline Day(!), Please Keep Making Moves, Lonzo Ball Stays, Buzelis’ First Start, and Other Bulls Bullets

*walks into bunker, turns on megaphone, blares air horn* UP AND AT 'EM, CADETS! MAN YOUR STATIONS, CADETS! SOUND THE ALARM! TURN ON SHAMS CHARANIA'S NOTIFICATIONS! TRADE DEADLINE DAY IS HERE! While I've done no research to back this up, I still feel confident declaring this the craziest NBA trade deadline ever. We have had multiple All-Star players on the move, headlined by a Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis trade...

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Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
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Feb 06, 2025

Sounds Like Nikola Vucevic is An Option For the Warriors Even After Jimmy Butler Trade

Buckle up and hold onto your hats! It's deadline day, everybody! We have about five hours remaining until the NBA trade deadline at 2:00 PM central time. The biggest moves have likely come and gone with Jimmy Butler, Zach LaVine, De'Aaron Fox, Brandon Ingram, Luka Doncic, and Anthony Davis all having been dealt. However, the Chicago Bulls still have Nikola Vucevic and a few more pieces to potentially ship off,...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Feb 06, 2025

NOT DONE YET: Lakers Trade a HAUL to Hornets for Big Man Mark Williams

The Los Angeles Lakers have made another big move ahead of the NBA trade deadline. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Lakers have acquired 23-year-old center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. The towering big man heads to the West Coast in exchange for a sizable package of Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap, and an unprotected 2031 first-round pick. Williams is in the thick of a career...

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Chicago Bulls
Matt Rooney
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Feb 05, 2025

Pelicans Send Brandon Ingram to Raptors in ANOTHER Big Deadline Trade

Can't these teams wait to break news until the morning?! ESPN's Shams Charania is at it again tonight. Just as we were all heading to bed, the insider reported that the New Orleans Pelicans are shipping Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Bruce Brown Jr, Kelly Olynyk, a first-round pick, and a second-round pick. https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1887360828002718034 Raptors Pick Up Brandon Ingram From Pelicans The Pelicans had been trying...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Feb 05, 2025

Box Score & Player Grades: Timberwolves 127, Bulls 108 โ€“ February 5, 2025

The nice thing about my job is that I can be brutally honest about the fact that I barely watched this game. To be clear, I was firmly planted in front of my television and ready to watch Anthony Edwards single-handedly dismantle the Bulls (and, boy, did he). But then Matas Buzelis was named a starter ... and Jimmy Butler was traded to the Warriors ... and Lonzo Ball reached...

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Chicago Bulls
Elias Schuster
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Feb 05, 2025
Lonzo Ball of the Chicago Bulls

BREAKING: Chicago Bulls Sign Lonzo Ball to Two-Year Extension (UPDATED: Good or Bad Move?)

The Chicago Bulls have reportedly reached an extension with Lonzo Ball on the eve of the NBA trade deadline. Amid ongoing trade rumors surrounding the veteran point guard, Chicago Sports Network's K.C. Johnson was the first to share that Ball was finalizing the deal. The extension will reportedly be worth $20.0 million over the next two years. Johnson also reported live during the Bulls' battle with the Timberwolves on Wednesday...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
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Feb 06, 2025
Jason Dickinson Chicago Blackhawks

Good(?) News on Jason Dickinson

The Blackhawks practiced on Thursday afternoon after their tough overtime loss to Edmonton late on Wednesday night. Not on the ice: veteran center Jason Dickinson, who suffered what appeared to be a nasty injury during the second period. Dickinson was seen leaving the United Center in a walking boot. The hope was that the severity wasn't as bad as it certainly looked when he left the ice with assistance. After...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
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Feb 06, 2025
Chicago Blackhawks Kyle Davidson

NHL Insider Talks Blackhawks Trade Buzz, Rantanen Trade Fallout, Future Contract Strategy

On Thursday morning, Elliotte Friedman dropped a loaded written version of his "32 Thoughts" and there are some good Blackhawks-centric nuggets in there. Here's what got my attention: Blackhawks trade buzz I noted in my bullets this morning that there were 14 teams represented in the press box scouting the Blackhawks-Oilers game. Friedman notes a light schedule and the looming two-week break meant there was plenty of attention in Chicago...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
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Feb 06, 2025
Jason Dickinson Chicago Blackhawks

Dickinson Concern, More Bedard Criticism, Scouts Galore, 49 for Lardis, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks lost a hard fought game to the Oilers in overtime last night. They showed a lot of mettle, battling back from a two-goal deficit in the third period to tie the game late. But a bad penalty in overtime cost them the second point in the standings. The result of the game last night isn't much of a concern if we're honest. What is a major concern is...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
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Feb 06, 2025
Aidan Thompson DU University of Denver

Blackhawks College Prospects: Ranked Matchups, Beanpot Championship on Tap

We're now into February, and Blackhawks prospects continue to put up solid numbers across college hockey. There are some really good ranked matchups this weekend, with Denver and Providence both playing important conference matchups. And, Monday night, Boston University will face Boston College in a hyped Beanpot championship game. Here's this weekend's schedule for the Blackhawks' prospects in action. And, again, make sure you vote every day for one of...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
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Blackhawks 3, Oilers 4 (OT) โ€” Three Stars, Key Takeaways

The good news when a game starts at almost 9 PM local is the first period flew by and neither team scored. With a little under eight minutes left in the first period, this ridiculous sequence by Arvid Sรถderblom and Connor Murphy kept the game tied at zeroes. Oh my Arvid Soderblom, what a saveMurphy helps out too with a stop of his own pic.twitter.com/Wu11sUNd07— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) February 6, 2025...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
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Feb 05, 2025
Colton Dach Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Assign Levshunov AND Dach to Rockford, Activate Smith

Before Wednesday's game, the Blackhawks announced a few roster moves. The team formally activated veteran forward Craig Smith from IR. To make room on the roster, they needed to assign at least one player to Rockford. The Blackhawks sent both Artyom Levshunov and Colton Dach to the IceHogs. We knew Levshunov was headed back to Rockford without playing a game when he joined the Blackhawks earlier this week; the intent...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
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Feb 05, 2025
Jason Dickinson Chicago Blackhawks Connor McDavid

Blackhawks vs Oilers โ€” Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

Yes, the Blackhawks are back on national television. And yes, it's against a really good team with legit championship aspirations. And yes, they're sitting a couple young guys in the press box again. But... this one's at home? And... yeah. That's all I've got. Get ready for a late night if you're attending because this is the second game of the night on TNT. Broadcast Info Puck Drop: 8:45ish PM CT...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025

New NHL Players Poll Offers Interesting Results

On Wednesday morning The Athletic released the results of their informal, anonymous NHL player poll. They asked the usual range of questions, from coaches players would/would not want to play for, which cities would be on a no-trade list and whether or not Gary Bettman should retire from his role as commissioner of the NHL. And there were a few interesting results. Here the ones that got my attention: Ordinarily...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025

Smith Returns, Mentor Martinez, Nazar’s Defense, Prospect Rankings, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks are back in action tonight with Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in town. Based on practice the last couple days, it appears Craig Smith will return to the lineup and the Blackhawks will hope to rekindle the magic he had with Lukas Reichel and Pat Maroon on a line together. Which means Colton Dach will be the odd man out. Again, based on practice the last couple...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025
Frank Nazar Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Prospect Pool Climbing Rankings

At The Athletic, Scott Wheeler has been providing his mid-season pipeline rankings of the 32 NHL franchises. What I like most about the prospect evaluation that takes place at The Athletic is the very different views and evaluations of prospects we get from Wheeler and Corey Pronman; they aren't writing in unison and often don't agree on a prospect's potential/ceiling. That is certainly the case with a number of Blackhawks...

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Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation. You can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation, on Bluesky at @Brett-Taylor, and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

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The Chicago Cubs, ostensibly still in the market for a free-agent third baseman, will watch one option fall off the board tonight. Former White Sox third baseman - and offseason Cubs target - Yoan Moncada is reportedly signing a modest...

Resetting the Chicago Cubs’ Excessively Crowded Bullpen Picture

Given the Ryan Brasier trade potentially capping off the Chicago Cubs' bullpen moves for the offseason, and given how much movement there has been in that group this offseason, I thought it worth a reset just to see where the...

Let’s Look at the Cubs Payroll and Roster Implications of Signing Alex Bregman

Based on some scattered quotes from ownership โ€” as well as where Jed Hoyer's front office wound up last season โ€” our initial expectation for the Cubs 2025 payroll was right around the first tier of the luxury tax threshold (up...

Obsessive Alex Bregman Watch: Still Holding Out for Maximum-Length Deal?

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Another Ranking Places the Cubs’ Farm System Close to the Middle of the Pack Going Into 2025

The tale is not as old as time, but it's as old as this prospects rankings season goes: the Chicago Cubs' farm system stepped way back over the last year, for reasons good and bad, and now ranks as closer...

Bader and PCA, Pham and Pirates, No Festa Forever, Brasier and Berti, Rays Stadium, and Other Cubs Bullets

Kinda thought I would wake up to an Alex Bregman decision. It had that vibe last night, but nothing doing yet. Instead, we got Pete Alonso signing, which I suppose is not nothing. But I'm about ready for "the offseason"...

Pete Alonso Re-Signing with the Mets, Did NOT Get Paaaaid

The Pete Alonso free agency closes up back where it started, and where most thought it would end: he's going back to the New York Mets. And, boy, he did NOT get paaaaaid: In total, Pete Alonso's deal will guarantee...

The Cubs Have a New Full-time Backup to Jon Sciambi on Marquee (And I’m Very Here For It!)

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Paul vs. Opelka Prediction at the Dallas Open – Friday, February 7

Tommy Paul (No. 9 ranking) will take on Reilly Opelka (No. 145) in the quarterfinals at the Dallas Open on Friday, February 7.In this matchup against Opelka (+154), Paul is favored with -200 odds.Dallas Open InfoTournament: The Dallas OpenRound: QuarterfinalsDate:...

Nishioka vs. Ruud Prediction at the Dallas Open – Friday, February 7

Yoshihito Nishioka will face Casper Ruud in the Dallas Open quarterfinals on Friday, February 7.Compared to the underdog Nishioka (+175), Ruud is favored (-225) to advance.Dallas Open InfoTournament: The Dallas OpenRound: QuarterfinalsDate: Friday, February 7Court Surface: HardYoshihito Nishioka vs. Casper...

How to Watch Missouri State Bears vs. Indiana State Sycamores Women’s Basketball: Live Stream or on TV

The Missouri State Bears (16-5) hope to extend an eight-game home winning streak when they host the Indiana State Sycamores (3-18) on February 7, 2025.Missouri State lost its most recent game to Illinois State, 66-55, on Sunday. Kyrah Daniels led...

UIC vs. Murray State Women’s Basketball: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The UIC Flames (8-11) will look to continue a three-game winning streak when they host the Murray State Racers (14-5) on February 7, 2025 at Credit Union 1 Arena.In its most recent game, UIC beat Indiana State on Saturday, 58-53....

Juventus vs. Como 1907 Prediction, Picks, Live Odds – February 7

The second meeting of the season between Juventus and Como 1907 is on Friday at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, after Juventus won 3-0 the first time around. Our game prediction can be found below.Juventus vs. Como 1907 Prediction & OddsJuventus Moneyline:...

Paris Saint-Germain vs. AS Monaco Prediction, Picks, Live Odds – February 7

There's a top-four matchup in Ligue 1 on Friday, with first-place Paris Saint-Germain taking on third-place AS Monaco. Below, you can find our prediction for this contest.Paris Saint-Germain vs. AS Monaco Prediction & OddsParis Saint-Germain Moneyline: -243AS Monaco Moneyline: +530Draw...

Rayo Vallecano vs. Real Valladolid Prediction, Picks, Live Odds – February 7

The upcoming fixture list in LaLiga includes sixth-place Rayo Vallecano hosting 20th-place Real Valladolid on Friday, February 7 at 3:00 PM ET. Our game prediction can be found below.Rayo Vallecano vs. Real Valladolid Prediction & OddsRayo Vallecano Moneyline: -221Real Valladolid...

Bayern Munich vs. Werder Bremen Prediction, Picks, Live Odds – February 7

The second league matchup between Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen this season is on Friday at Munich Football Arena, after Bayern Munich won the first meeting 5-0. Below, you can find our prediction for this contest.Bayern Munich vs. Werder Bremen...

Thunder vs. Raptors Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, February 7, 2025

The Toronto Raptors (16-35) are heavy underdogs (-19) as they look to extend a three-game road winning streak when they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder (40-9) on Friday, February 7, 2025 at Paycom Center. The game airs at 8:00 PM...

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