Jonathan Taylor Back to High-End RB1 Tier with QB Returning?
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was a high-end RB1 and a dark-horse MVP candidate throughout the first half of the 2025 NFL season. Across his first 10 games of the year, he was averaging 113.9 rushing yards, 3.0 receptions, 26.0 receiving yards, and 1.7 touchdowns per contest. He ranked as the overall RB1 in PPR leagues from Week 1 to Week 10, and it wasn't particularly close; he was a full 25.1 points ahead of the RB2 during that span, Christian McCaffrey, and a full 89.9 points ahead of the RB4, Jahmyr Gibbs. Things went downhill from there, though, as the Colts hit their bye week and soon after lost Daniel Jones to a season-ending Achilles injury. The suboptimal quarterback play of Riley Leonard and Philip Rivers made it challenging for Jonathan Taylor to maintain his superstar role. He averaged 12.6 fantasy points per game (23rd-best) the rest of the way. Jones has a strong chance to be healthy in Week 1 of the 2026 season, which would be great news for Taylor. The 27-year-old has proven that he can still be an elite ball-carrier if the offense is in decent shape. He continues to be treated as a top running back option in RotoBaller's latest dynasty football rankings, where he ranks as the overall RB6.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jahmyr Gibbs a Real Threat to Bounce Back as the RB1?
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had another spectacular season in 2025, totaling 1,223 rushing yards, 77 catches, 616 receiving yards, and 18 total touchdowns. He scored a career-high 366.9 fantasy points in PPR leagues, but despite this new personal-best mark, he actually dropped in the overall ranking from RB1 in 2024 to RB3 last year. Moving forward, Gibbs is a strong candidate to jump back up to the overall RB1 spot in 2026. The backfield dynamic looks a little different, which has the potential to help his cause. David Montgomery was traded to Houston, leaving behind 908 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. Most -- but perhaps not all -- of that vacated volume will go to Isiah Pacheco, who signed with the Lions in free agency. Pacheco is averaging just 4.25 touchdowns per season throughout his career, though, so we wouldn't be surprised to see some of Montgomery's goal-line volume go to Gibbs. If the 24-year-old can stay healthy for a full 17-game season again, he'll certainly be in the mix to finish as the overall RB1 in 2026 and beyond. Fantasy managers are taking notice, as Gibbs ranks as the RB1 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty rankings. That puts him ahead of Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, who has been a top-three fantasy running back in back-to-back seasons.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Jaxon Smith-Njigba the WR1 in Dynasty Fantasy Football?
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba took another substantial step forward in 2025, catching 119 of his 163 targets for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns. He set new career-highs in all four categories, and he also had the best fantasy finish of his young career, ranking as the overall WR2 in PPR leagues. He and Puka Nacua were neck-and-neck in the race for the WR1 title, with the Rams' receiver ultimately edging out Smith-Njigba by 16.1 fantasy points. Smith-Njigba has certainly lived up to his hype as a former first-round pick, and he has shown that he can produce regardless of which quarterback is throwing him passes. With that said, he'll certainly appreciate the consistency the Seahawks have at the quarterback position for now, with Sam Darnold under contract through 2027. At just 24 years old, Smith-Njigba's youth, productivity, and role in a high-powered offense make him an elite fantasy football option. But is he the best of the best? As it stands, Smith-Njigba ranks #2 among wide receivers in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings. He's in the top tier, but he ranks one spot behind Ja'Marr Chase and one spot ahead of Nacua.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Keon Coleman be Dropped in Dynasty Fantasy Football?
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman is coming off another disappointing season in which he caught a modest 38 passes for 404 yards and four touchdowns. He didn't live up to his expectations as a former first-round pick, ranking as the WR60 in PPR leagues. He wasn't a worthwhile fantasy starter, and yet that was still the best fantasy finish of his young career. The second-year pass-catcher ended up missing four games due to performance and disciplinary reasons, falling out of favor with former head coach Sean McDermott. While McDermott is no longer in Buffalo, new head coach Joe Brady was the team's offensive coordinator last year and presumably has similar feelings about Coleman as his predecessor. The elephant in the room is the fact that Buffalo went out and traded for DJ Moore this offseason. At best, Coleman is stuck behind Moore and Khalil Shakir on the depth chart. However, he could also end up behind Tyrell Shavers and any potential rookie draft pick. Furthermore, there's a real chance that he could finish with fewer targets than tight end Dawson Knox, tight end Dalton Kincaid, or both. Just two years into his NFL career, it seems like Coleman needs a new chapter and a fresh start. For now, though, he remains a Bill, and his path to any sort of fantasy relevance is highly improbable. He should be stashed in deeper fantasy leagues and dropped in shallower formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Does Chris Rodriguez Jr. Fill a Need for Jacksonville?
The Jacksonville Jaguars went out and signed running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. to a two-year, $10 million deal this offseason. He replaces Travis Etienne Jr. in the Jags' backfield, but that doesn't mean that we should pencil Rodriguez in to acquire all of Etienne's vacated carries (260) and targets (52). Rather, Rodriguez will compete with Bhayshul Tuten for the lead-back role during training camp, and third-string running back LeQuint Allen should also carve out significant volume as a passing-down specialist. Therefore, Rodriguez's ceiling isn't RB10, where Etienne ranked in 2025, but rather a mid-range RB2. The same can be said for Tuten. The good news is that Rodriguez presumably fills a hole the Jaguars' front office believed they had. Otherwise, they wouldn't have actively gone out and signed him to a multi-year deal. He's not a lock to finish 2026 as a top-36 fantasy running back, but there's RB3/flex value here if the backfield ends up split, and he has RB2 upside if he wins the lead-back role.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Darnell Washington Lacks Ties to New Coaching Staff
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington should take over exclusive responsibility of the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind Pat Freiermuth, but his lack of ties to the new coaching staff could complicate the situation. Washington was drafted by former head coach Mike Tomlin, and he had the best season of his young career in 2025 under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Both Tomlin and Smith are gone, being replaced by Mike McCarthy and Brian Angelichio. That's not to say that McCarthy and Angelichio won't utilize Washington; the Steelers' lack of tight end moves this offseason suggests they're satisfied with the position. However, the new staff has no attachment to Washington, and they could opt to use him less than Smith did in 2025, when he caught 31 passes for 364 yards and one touchdown. That's just one possibility amidst a large range of possible outcomes, so fantasy managers shouldn't necessarily panic. He's a speculative hold in most dynasty leagues at the moment.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mickey Moniak has Multi-Homer Game in San Diego
Colorado Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak had a fun homecoming in the third game of the series in San Diego on Saturday against the Padres in a 9-4 loss at Petco Park. Moniak, who went to high school in the San Diego area, went 4-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, four RBI, and a strikeout to raise his season average to .300 and his OPS to 1.113. The 27-year-old former first overall pick in 2016 by the Philadelphia Phillies has found a home in Colorado, at least against right-handed pitching. Moniak broke out in 2025 in his first year with the team, slashing .270/.306/.518 with an .824 OPS, 24 home runs, 68 RBI, 62 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 461 plate appearances over 135 games. His two homers on Saturday night brought him to five on the year while also adding nine RBI. Although he has limitations against lefties (.491 career OPS), he has become a post-hype prospect, especially in the hitter-friendly environment at Coors Field. Moniak is only rostered in 15% of Yahoo leagues, but he should attract more interest to close out the week after his two-homer game on Saturday.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jeremy Pena Leaves Early on Saturday With Knee Tightness
The Houston Astros announced that shortstop Jeremy Pena (knee) was taken out of Saturday's game against the Seattle Mariners early with right posterior knee tightness. Pena went 1-for-3 in the contest with a single and was eventually replaced by pinch-runner Nick Allen in the fourth inning. The 28-year-old Dominican shortstop also dealt with a fractured finger in spring training and was eased back in for the start of the 2026 regular season before hurting his knee on Saturday night. The extent of the injury is uncertain at this time, but more likely than not, Pena won't be in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale on Sunday. He came into Saturday's game with 10 hits in 40 at-bats (.250 average) with no homers, no RBI, five runs, and a stolen base. For now, we'll consider Pena day-to-day. But if he does miss extended time, it will be good news for Isaac Paredes, who would see regular starts at third base with Carlos Correa likely moving to shortstop. Pena, who is very capable of a 20-20 season if he stays healthy, should be held onto in all fantasy leagues, even if he goes on the injured list.
Source: Houston Astros
Source: Houston Astros
Jake Oettinger Shuts Out the Rangers
Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger made 22 saves in a 2-0 shutout victory over the New York Rangers on Saturday. He extended his winning streak to four straight games and now has a 34-12-6 record this year, as well as a 2.59 goals against average and a .900 save percentage. His next appearance will most likely be on Monday versus the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Steven Stamkos Scores his 40th Goal of the Year
Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos scored his 40th goal of the year in a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. It is the eighth time in his career that Stamkos has reached the 40-goal mark. He has 622 goals in his career, which is 19th all-time and third among active players, only behind Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Garrett Mitchell Worth Adding After Recent Hot Stretch?
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell is quickly becoming one of the most popular additions off the waiver wire after hitting .318 (7-for-22) with a home run and 10 RBI over his last eight games. Overall, Mitchell is slashing .281/.425/.469 with a home run, 13 RBI, and a .411 wOBA over 40 plate appearances. His BB% has improved drastically, rising from 9% last summer to 17.9%, while his hard-hit percentage has increased from 42.2% to 58.8%. Mitchell is worth adding in leagues with 12 teams or more after his recent stretch. The 27-year-old is widely available, as he's rostered in just 17% of Yahoo leagues. Mitchell is currently ranked 53rd in the latest RotoBaller waiver wire rankings and is quickly becoming a popular waiver wire add after his torrid stretch.
Source: Baseball Savant
Source: Baseball Savant
Carter Jensen Heating Up, Emerging as a Must-Add Catcher in Fantasy?
Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen is starting to heat up at the plate and has homered three times in his last six games. Jensen is slashing .211/.262/.553 with four home runs, seven RBI, six runs, and 16 strikeouts over 14 games. The 22-year-old has struggled with strikeouts this season, posting a 35.9 K%, almost double last season's strikeout rate. However, his 18.2% barrel percentage is in the 92nd percentile, while his hard-hit percentage (50.0) is in the 79th percentile. Jensen has legit power and homered 14 times in just 43 games in Triple-A last season. His average might not be there yet, but Jensen carries plenty of upside and is only rostered in 30% of Yahoo leagues. Fantasy managers searching for catcher help off the waiver wire should add Jensen in all leagues, especially while he's wielding a hot bat.
Source: Baseball Savant
Source: Baseball Savant
Kyle Harrison, Brandon Sproat Being Checked Out for Knee Injuries
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Kyle Harrison and right-hander Brandon Sproat were both being checked out after Saturday's 3-1 loss to the Washington Nationals for knee injuries. According to Brewers manager Pat Murphy, Harrison and Sproat will have their knees examined after the game. Harrison was tagged with his first loss of the year by allowing two earned runs on four hits and a walk while striking out one over 4 1/3 innings. The southpaw owns a 3.07 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 15 strikeouts over 14 2/3 innings this season. Harrison is considered questionable for his next scheduled start on Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays. As for Sproat, he came out of the bullpen in Saturday's game and was wild. He allowed one run on four hits and three walks while striking out three over 3 2/3 innings. Sproat has struggled this season but has lowered his ERA to 10.45. He is also considered questionable for his next scheduled start on Saturday against the Miami Marlins. It's unclear if Sproat or Harrison will miss any time, and the Brewers should have more clarity on the knee injuries once the results are in. Both pitchers are considered day-to-day for now.
Source: Jack Stearn
Source: Jack Stearn
Liam Hicks Off to Fast Start, Quickly Becoming a Priority Add in Most Leagues
Miami Marlins catcher/first baseman Liam Hicks is off to a hot start in 2026, slashing .286/.354/.524 with three home runs, 13 RBI, and 10 runs across 14 games. Hicks continues to deliver in the heart of Miami's batting order and collected a hit in three of his last four games. The 26-year-old has drastically cut down on his strikeouts, with his K% dropping from 14.4% last summer to 6.8% in 2026. While his BB% is down 4.2%, Hicks' expected batting average, xwOBA, and exit velocity are all up so far compared to last season. With dual eligibility at catcher and first base on Yahoo Fantasy, Hicks' fast start makes him a priority add for fantasy managers searching for help at first base or catcher, as he's rostered in only 55% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Savant
Source: Baseball Savant
Luis Arraez Removed from Saturday's Game with Wrist Contusion
San Francisco Giants infielder Luis Arraez (wrist) was removed in the bottom of the fifth inning from Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles with a wrist contusion. Arraez was kicked in the right hand by Dylan Beavers as he was running to second base during a groundout in the fourth frame. He initially stayed in the game, and Beavers was called out for interference. The 29-year-old went 1-for-3 before being pulled. He is considered day-to-day for now and will undergo further evaluation. Christian Koss replaced Arraez and would see an uptick in at-bats if Arraez is forced to miss any time. His next chance to return will be the series finale on Sunday.
Source: Susan Slusser
Source: Susan Slusser
White Sox to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Noah Schultz
According to Elijah Evans of Just Baseball Media, the Chicago White Sox are promoting top left-handed pitching prospect Noah Schultz to the major leagues. He is expected to make his MLB debut on Tuesday. The southpaw is considered the team's No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB.com and the overall No. 49 prospect in the sport. Schultz joined the White Sox system with the 26th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. In 2025, Schultz spent most of his time with Double-A, where he logged 56 2/3 innings with a 3.34 ERA before earning a brief taste of Triple-A. However, in 2026, Schultz looked dominant at Triple-A, prompting an early promotion. Through his first three games of the season (14 innings), the left-hander has struck out 19 hitters while holding a 1.29 ERA and a 0.43 WHIP. Given his high-end strikeout upside, he is worth adding in all 12-team leagues ahead of his eventual MLB debut.
Source: Elijah Evans
Source: Elijah Evans
Tyler Soderstrom Slugs Two Home Runs in Win Over Mets
Athletics first baseman/outfielder Tyler Soderstrom led the A's offensive charge in Saturday's 11-6 win over the New York Mets at Citi Field. Soderstrom was seeing the ball well at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two home runs and five RBI on the day. His first home run was a two-run shot off right-handed starter Kodai Senga in the third inning, and his second long ball on the day was a three-run homer against right-handed reliever Luke Weaver in the eighth inning. The homers were Soderstrom's first two of the 2026 season. The 24-year-old left-handed slugger came into Saturday's contest in Queens with a .200 average (10-for-50) with eight RBI, five runs scored, and a stolen base in his first 13 games played, so fantasy managers were surely happy to see him break out of his early-season funk. Plenty of power should be coming for Soderstrom, who broke out in 2025 with 25 homers and 93 RBI in 624 plate appearances in his first full major-league season.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Triston Casas to be Out a While With Rib Injury
The Boston Red Sox are still waiting for imaging results on first baseman Triston Casas (rib, knee), who is dealing with an intercostal (rib muscle) strain on his left side that is expected to keep him out for a while, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. "Right now, we're going to treat it like an oblique, rib injury," manager Alex Cora said. "He's going to be out for a while, but we're still waiting for the news from the doctor." It's yet another injury for Casas, who is near the end of a long road back from a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee that ended his season prematurely in 2025. The strength in his left knee continued to improve recently, but he paused his progression during the first week of April when he felt pain on his left side. Casas shut things down when he felt enough pain while trying to hit off a tee on Monday. The team expects to know more about Casas' situation when a final diagnosis is given on Monday or Tuesday. It's believed that he has avoided a worst-case scenario, but it's another setback for a young lefty slugger who hasn't caught a break in the health department.
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Clay Holmes Expected to Make his Next Start
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said that right-hander Clay Holmes (hamstring) went through a series of strength tests for his tight hamstring on Saturday and "checked all the boxes," according to David Lennon of Newsday. As long as Holmes throws his normal between-starts bullpen, he's expected to make his next scheduled start. The 33-year-old's next start is scheduled for next Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, which isn't an ideal matchup for a pitcher coming off an injury scare. Holmes has looked outstanding in his first three starts of the 2026 regular season in his second year with the Mets, going 2-1 with a 1.50 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 12 strikeouts and eight walks in 18 innings pitched. Despite his strong start, fantasy managers should be very hesitant to throw Holmes back in their starting lineups at potentially less than 100%.
Source: Newsday - David Lennon
Source: Newsday - David Lennon
Wyatt Langford has "Small Strain," Hoping to Miss Only 2-3 Days
Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford (quadriceps) said he has a "small strain" in his quadriceps muscle, according to Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News. Langford thinks he'll miss just two to three days, and he could pinch hit on Sunday, but he'll avoid the injured list for now. The former first-rounder left Friday's loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers early due to quadriceps tightness, and he's considered day-to-day for now. It's good news, but given Langford's pretty lengthy injury history already in the big leagues, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Rangers play it safe and put Langford on the 10-day injured list if he's not feeling better in a couple of days. Ezequiel Duran is making the start in left field for the Rangers in Game 2 of the series against the Dodgers on Saturday, but Sam Haggerty could also see playing time in left for Texas for however long Langford is out. The 24-year-old has gotten off to an ice-cold start in 2026, going 9-for-53 (.170) with a homer, three RBI, four runs scored, a stolen base, one walk, and 13 strikeouts in 13 games played. Langford's power/speed upside makes him a top-25 fantasy outfielder when he's healthy, though.
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Shawn McFarland
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Shawn McFarland
Fernando Tatis Jr. Starting at Second Base on Saturday
San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. will make the start at second base and bat second for Saturday's contest against the division-rival Colorado Rockies and right-hander Ryan Feltner, according to MLB.com. Tatis came up to the big leagues as a shortstop, but this will be the first time in his career that he has started a game at the keystone. Nick Castellanos will make the start in right field and bat fifth for the Friars. It's a bit of a surprise, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect the 27-year-old three-time All-Star to play enough at second base this year to gain eligibility at the position. Perhaps manager Craig Stammen thinks a position switch will get Tatis going at the plate. Through his first 14 games of 2026, he's gone just 10-for-53 (.189) with no homers, five RBI, six runs scored, and three stolen bases in 63 plate appearances. Tatis has faced Feltner six times in his career and has hit .333 with a .666 OPS against him.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Adley Rutschman Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Ankle Inflammation
The Baltimore Orioles placed catcher Adley Rutschman (ankle) on the 10-day injured list on Saturday after he was scratched from the starting lineup due to left-ankle inflammation, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. In corresponding moves, the O's selected the contract of catcher Maverick Handley from the minors and designated Chayce McDermott for assignment. With the 28-year-old out for at least 10 games, Samuel Basallo will serve as Baltimore's primary catcher, with Handley backing him up. Although Rutschman has yet to homer in 2026, he was swinging the bat well in the early going, hitting .294 (10-for-34) with three RBI and three runs scored in his first 10 games. The two-time All-Star backstop should remain stashed in all fantasy baseball leagues while he recovers from what shouldn't be an injury that will keep him out for an extended period of time. Basallo, 21, has been quiet in the early going, hitting .152 (5-for-33) with a homer and an RBI after debuting in the big leagues in 2025.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
George Springer Suffers Fractured Toe on Saturday
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (toe) could be looking at missing some time after suffering an injury during Saturday's game against the Minnesota Twins. Springer left Saturday's game after fouling a ball off his foot during the second inning of Saturday's loss. He underwent imaging that revealed a left big toe fracture, which will likely require a trip to the Injured List. There's a chance that Springer attempts to play through the issue, but he'll most likely land on the shelf. If he does miss time, Davis Schneider and Myles Straw are the two favorites to see increased playing time. Between the two, Schneider has more upside with the bat, but neither is going to produce the same type of offense as Springer.
Source: Keegan Matheson
Source: Keegan Matheson
Gabriel Moreno Likely Headed to Injured List
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (back) is likely headed to the injured list, according to manager Torey Lovullo. Moreno was forced to exit early during Friday's game due to a lower back issue. The D-Backs had Moreno undergo an MRI on Saturday, but it sounds like Moreno will miss time regardless of the results. James McCann and Adrian Del Castillo will see increased opportunities behind the plate while Moreno is sidelined. Lovullo mentioned that he doesn't believe this will be a lengthy absence for Moreno. Neither catcher is a great fantasy option while Moreno is out, but Del Castillo probably has better upside with the bat.
Source: Nick Piecoro
Source: Nick Piecoro
Tatsuya Imai Heads Back to Houston for Examination
Houston Astros starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai (arm) headed back to Houston for an examination on his arm. The official word is that Imai is dealing with right arm fatigue. The right-hander was horrible in his latest start, where he walked four batters and allowed earned runs before being pulled after only recording one out. It wouldn't be shocking to see Imai land on the Injured List for a short period of time. The rookie right-hander could become the third Astros starter to land on the IL since Opening Day. This is bad news for the Astros' rotation that is quickly running out of quality depth options to fill into their rotation. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on Imai.
Source: Chandler Rome
Source: Chandler Rome
Spencer Strider Hits 95 MPH in Live Batting Practice
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (oblique) took the mound for a live batting practice session on Saturday. The right-hander hit 95 mph on his fastball three times during this session. Barring any setbacks, Strider should be headed for a minor league rehab assignment soon. The 27-year-old is working his way back from an oblique that has sidelined him since late March. He'll likely need two or three rehab starts before rejoining the Braves rotation. Fantasy managers can be hopeful that Strider returns in early May.
Source: Mark Bowman
Source: Mark Bowman
Brendan Donovan Remains Out on Saturday
Seattle Mariners infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan (illness) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Astros. Donovan sat out of Friday's game due to an illness, and it appears he'll miss at least one more day because of the issue. Mariners' manager Dan Wilson hinted that Donovan would be available for Monday's series finale against Houston. Fantasy managers should consider Donovan as day-to-day. Leo Rivas will bat ninth and cover third base versus right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. on Saturday.
Source: Adam Jude
Source: Adam Jude
Kevin Lankinen Will Play Saturday Night
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen (upper body) will return to the blue paint on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks, Olivia McDonald of Canucks Insider reports. He has shaken off an upper-body injury, which kept Lankinen sidelined for three games. Lankinen celebrated a rare victory in his last outing, despite giving up six goals against Colorado. He has picked up just four wins in 2026, posting a 9-26-5 record for the season. Lankinen owns a 3.69 goals-against average and a .875 save percentage. The Finnish netminder is unlikely to celebrate a second consecutive victory on Saturday, as he faces a playoff-hungry Sharks team that has gone 3-0-0 against Vancouver in 2025-26, with 14 goals scored.
Source: Olivia McDonald
Source: Olivia McDonald
Blake Coleman Available Against Kraken
Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman (personal) will rejoin the lineup on Saturday night against the Seattle Kraken, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports. He sat out Thursday's loss to Colorado for the birth of his son. Coleman is tied with Joel Farabee for the second-most goals on the team, finding the back of the net 19 times in 65 games. The 34-year-old has also contributed 14 assists. Coleman & Co. have struggled for goals during the 2025-26 campaign, with only Chicago and Vancouver having worse scoring rates. However, Saturday's game brings them a favorable matchup, as the Flames will face Niklas Kokko, who will make his first NHL start in the Kraken crease.
Source: Pat Steinberg
Source: Pat Steinberg
Niklas Kokko Makes First Career Start Saturday
Seattle Kraken goaltender Niklas Kokko will make his first career start on Saturday against the Calgary Flames, Mike Benton of the Kraken Audio Network reports. The Kraken have lost all three of their first-choice options in the crease, Joey Daccord (lower body), Philipp Grubauer (lower body), and Matt Murray (personal), and must rely on a rookie netminder to keep them alive in the Western Conference playoff race. Kokko will be backed up by another inexperienced netminder, Victor Ostman. The 22-year-old Finnish native, who was a second-round pick in 2022, made his NHL debut on Feb. 25, allowing two goals in a relief effort during a 7-2 loss to St. Louis. He has posted an 18-10-2 record, a 3.10 goals-against average, a .903 save percentage, and two shutouts in the AHL this season.
Source: Mike Benton
Source: Mike Benton
RADIO



