RADIO
Mikko Rantanen Takes Bruins Down With Hat Trick
Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen did all the scoring for the team in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime victory against Boston, recording his 11th career hat trick. He scored two game-tying goals at even strength during regulation and lit the lamp on a power play 3:52 into the extra frame. With his 321st career goal, Rantanen tied Olli Jokinen for the third-most among Finnish skaters in NHL history. Rantanen has potted five goals this season, adding six assists in nine games. He's among the league's most consistent scorers and looks poised for another big campaign.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Saquon Barkley Emerging as Trade Candidate Ahead of Deadline
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) could be a trade candidate at this year's trade deadline, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. In four games this season, Barkley has totaled 36 carries for 182 yards and just four receptions for eight yards. With the Eagles losing four straight games and their starting quarterback, Jalen Hurts, out for the season with a blood clot, the team could be sellers at this year's trade deadline. Barkley is earning $16.75 million this season, but Philadelphia has already paid $15,450,100 of that through option and workout bonuses. Graziano says Barkley is a low-risk financial acquisition, but the Eagles would need to receive a high price for the former Offensive Player of the Year. Teams to watch in the Barkley sweepstakes include the Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals, or even his former team, the New York Giants, though that is less likely.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Dylan Larkin Expands Trade List to 10 Teams
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin has expanded his trade list to 10 teams, Helene St. James of The Detroit Free Press reports. Larkin handed in a trade request this offseason and initially was willing to join only three teams: Florida, Minnesota, and Vegas. His list of acceptable destinations now also includes Dallas, Washington, Carolina, Utah, Tampa Bay, New Jersey, and Colorado. With his future up in the air, the American star hasn't been at his best this season, logging five points (one goal, four assists) in seven games. He has finished four games scoreless. Given Larkin's caliber, his numbers should improve once his future is settled.
Source: Helene St. James
Source: Helene St. James
Vita Vea Emerging as Trade Candidate Ahead of Deadline
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea is a name to watch at this season's trade deadline, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. Vea signed a one-year, $30 million deal in the offseason after requesting a trade during training camp. Although his contract expires after the 2027 season, Graziano notes that he is on a minimum salary this year and is guaranteed $23 million for 2027. In six games, Vea has recorded only 13 tackles, no sacks, and no tackles for loss. With the Buccaneers currently 1-5 and not getting much production from their former defensive anchor, they could look to trade the 31-year-old tackle at the deadline. Teams like the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers could be teams to watch in the Vea sweepstakes.
Source: Dan Graziano - ESPN
Source: Dan Graziano - ESPN
Jake McCabe Limited to Handful of Minutes Tuesday
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe (face) wasn't able to complete Tuesday's matchup with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Midway through the first period, he took a high stick from Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson and exited the game. Johnson's stick caught McCabe around his left eye area. McCabe was on the ice for a lengthy period before being assisted away by Toronto's medical staff. The hardworking defenseman was limited to 4:15 of ice time. Fortunately, McCabe appears to have avoided a serious injury. Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller said after the game that McCabe was doing "OK." 11 games into the season, McCabe is still searching for his first points. However, he leads the team with 21 blocks and ranks first among Maple Leafs defensemen with 15 hits.
Source: TSN
Source: TSN
Jordyn Tyson Will Not Practice This Week
New Orleans Saints rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) will not practice this week, according to general manager Mickey Loomis. Loomis said Tyson is improving and that the team is happy with his rehab progress, but he will not be activated. Tyson suffered a hamstring injury during a joint practice in August and was placed on injured reserve, with the expectation that he would miss multiple months. Although the rookie receiver made the trip to Paris ahead of their Week 7 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he will be held out through the bye week, with hopes of suiting up in Week 9. Fantasy managers should continue to stash the 2026 eighth overall pick and expect Chris Olave, Devaughn Vele, and rookie Bryce Lance to have substantial roles in Week 7.
Source: Jeff Nowak
Source: Jeff Nowak
Anthony Cirelli Misses Third Period Against Golden Knights
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) didn't play in the third period of Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights, Erik Erlendsson of LightningInsider.com reports. He took his last shift with 1:09 remaining in the second period. Cirelli was a standout performer in the high-scoring game, netting two second-period goals, including the game-winner. That gives Cirelli five points (three goals, two assists) through nine games. The Lightning will need his services in Friday's tough matchup against Colorado, but Cirelli might not be available if he's banged up.
Source: Erik Erlendsson
Source: Erik Erlendsson
Walker Kessler Available for Season Opener
Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler (finger) is available for Wednesday's season opener against the Golden State Warriors. The 25-year-old jammed his left pinkie on the backboard early in training camp and will play with a splint after appearing in only two preseason games. He posted 11 points and nine rebounds in 16 minutes in his debut. Kessler played just five games last season before undergoing surgery for a torn left shoulder labrum. He averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 2024-25, and playing next to Luka Doncic should give him plenty of easy looks around the rim.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Efton Chism III a Deep-League Waiver-Target Amid Patriots WR Injuries
New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III could be an intriguing option in Week 7 following injuries in the receiver room. After back-to-back solid outings in Weeks 4 and 5, Chism was held without a reception in the 26-19 win over the New York Jets. Despite his quiet showing, he played 61% of snaps even after AJ Brown returned, marking the second-highest snap count of his career. With Mack Hollins (calf) and Romeo Doubs (shoulder) placed on injured reserve, Chism has an opportunity to be a key playmaker for an offense that is starting to find its groove. While he's not a priority target in most fantasy leagues, managers in deeper leagues can keep an eye on the 2025 undrafted receiver, especially if additional injuries plague this room.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Quinton Byfield Exits Early Tuesday Due to Upper-Body Injury
Los Angeles Kings center Quinton Byfield (upper body) exited Tuesday's win over Washington after just four shifts. The 24-year-old was injured at practice on Monday, and that may have contributed to his early exit. Byfield has had a tough start to the season, going scoreless in six of seven outings. He's expected to be much more productive after narrowly missing a third consecutive 50-point campaign last year. Especially since Byfield has started logging 21-plus minutes of ice time regularly. Guys like Scott Laughton and Trevor Moore could see more usage if Byfield misses time.
Source: Los Angeles Kings PR
Source: Los Angeles Kings PR
Stephen Curry Expected to Play Wednesday Night in Los Angeles
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (ankle) is probable for Wednesday's season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. Curry rolled his ankle during Sunday's open practice but participated fully Monday, and head coach Steve Kerr expects him to play. The 38-year-old averaged 26.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.4 threes in 30.9 minutes across 43 games last season. With Brandin Podziemski (back) and Jimmy Butler III (knee) sidelined, Curry should remain the clear offensive focal point, while De'Anthony Melton could pick up additional backcourt minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Brandin Cooks Could See Expanded Role in Week 7
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandin Cooks should see an expanded role in Week 7. Over two games, Cooks has caught two of four targets for 20 yards and a touchdown while playing just 34% of snaps. The veteran receiver signed with the 49ers' practice squad in late September after multiple key receivers went down early in the season. While the 49ers are 6-0, their wide receiver room is deteriorating, with Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) trending towards possibly missing their Week 7 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The current room includes Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowing, and potentially Christian Kirk (calf) if he's activated off the PUP list. Although he's struggled to start his tenure with San Francisco, Cooks has a legitimate opportunity to start for one of the NFL's most high-powered passing attacks. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider rostering the 33-year-old receiver, especially if they're dealing with bye weeks and injuries this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pierre-Luc Dubois Could Return Saturday
Washington Capitals forward Pierre-Luc Dubois (illness) could be an option for Saturday's meeting with Buffalo, The Athletic's Tarik El-Bashir reports. Due to illness, Dubois was unavailable for a fifth consecutive game on Tuesday against L.A. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said Wednesday morning that Dubois is "potentially" going to return Saturday. Dubois was one of Washington's sharpest players in the first few games, posting one goal and three assists in four appearances. He'll be a welcome addition to the top six and a power play that has lagged so far.
Source: Tarik El-Bashir
Source: Tarik El-Bashir
Anthony Black Ruled Out vs. Hawks
Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (ankle) will miss Wednesday's season opener against the Atlanta Hawks. Black sprained his ankle during voluntary workouts before training camp and sat out the entire preseason, though he returned to practice Sunday as he continues to ramp up. The 22-year-old also enters the season without a rookie-scale extension after Monday's deadline passed without a deal. Black averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals across 64 games last season. Jevon Carter and Jase Richardson could see extra backcourt minutes until Black is cleared.
Source: Orlando Magic Daily
Source: Orlando Magic Daily
Josh Jacobs Expected to Play in Week 7
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is expected to play in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Rapoport said Jacobs is expected to practice, has been in good shape, and should be active this week. Jacobs was placed on the commissioner's exempt list following domestic violence charges stemming from the offseason. He has missed the first six games of the season, but was activated off the exempt list last week and appears to be trending toward his 2026 debut in Week 7. In 15 games last season, he had 234 carries for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns, while adding 282 receiving yards and a touchdown on 36 receptions. With the Packers struggling to run the ball without him, Jacobs should have a major workload, assuming he's in good shape. Jacobs should be rostered in all leagues and has RB2 value against the Detroit Lions in Week 7.
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
