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The Anaheim Ducks are set with the goaltending tandem of Lukas Dostal and John Gibson for the upcoming 2024-25 NHL season, but were dealt a setback when it was announced that Gibson underwent emergency appendectomy surgery and would be absent for the next handful of weeks.
Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has acted swiftly and secured some valuable goaltending depth for his team, claiming veteran James Reimer off waivers from the Buffalo Sabres as reported by NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman via X:
“Anaheim claims Reimer,” he wrote.
Reimer had been signed by the Sabres during the summer to a one-year contract after playing the 2023-24 campaign with the Detroit Red Wings, where he amassed a record of 11-8-2 with a 3.11 goals-against average, .904 save percentage and two shutouts.
Gibson has been involved in multiple trade rumors in recent years, and also allegedly requested a change of scenery last season.
Meanwhile, Dostal appears poised to seize firm control of the starting job for the rebuilding Ducks after leading all rookie goalies with saves while also setting the franchise mark for saves, games played, and wins by a rookie, earning high praise from head coach Greg Cronin via NHL.com:
“He’s an extremely well prepared athlete,” Cronin said. “He does everything right in terms of his preparation, his visualization and his off-ice conditioning. He’s a consummate pro. He’s a very humble kid, but he’s also very confident. I expect him to play well. I don’t see any issues with him in terms of building on what he did last year.”
With the Ducks set to open the regular season on October 12 against the San Jose Sharks, expect Dostal to the get the start with Reimer serving as backup.
The Ducks are James Reimer’s seventh NHL club
A native of Morweena, MB, Reimer was selected with the 99th overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He would spend the first several years of his career with the franchise before eventually being traded to the San Jose Sharks at the 2016 NHL Trade Deadline.
He signed with the Florida Panthers during the 2016 offseason and played three years with the team before being traded yet again, this time to the Carolina Hurricanes. After finishing out his contract, he inked a two-year deal to return to the Sharks.
Reimer owns a career record of 215-177-63 with a 2.89 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage and 30 shutouts. He’s also gone 5-5 in the postseason with a 2.70 goals-against average and .925 save percentage.
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NHL insider reveals young star traded to Buffalo was 'devastated' in debut
Josh Norris had made a home in the NHL in Ottawa, and after the trade to Buffalo, he was unsurprisingly devastated by the change in circumstances, with a major insider revealing how sorry he felt for the 25-year old star. The Ottawa Senators made some big moves at the trade deadline, but none were bigger than giving up franchise mainstay Josh Norris in a deal that saw them acquire Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres. Since arriving in Ottawa, Cozens had been thriving, showing how happy he is to finally be off the struggling Sabres, but unfortunately on the other side of the coin, Norris was devastated by the move. That comment comes from Elliotte Friedman, who pointed out the obvious as he watched Norris make his debut for the Sabres, as he went from a Stanley Cup Playoffs race to a team that has the longest drought in the NHL, stretching back 14 years. In three games thus far, Norris has tallied a goal and an assist, but given the change in scenery which made Brady Tkachuk immensely emotional after spending six seasons in Ottawa, it's easy to see why he's frustrated and upset about his change in scenery. Ultimately, the Sabres are now likely to keep Norris as a key piece of their future, and with another five years left on his current deal with a $7.95 million cap hit every season. While he's got plenty of talent and could be great for Buffalo, it's hard not to feel sorry for him after all he gave to Ottawa through an injury-riddled run with the team.
Steelers quickly losing Aaron Rodgers bidding war to Giants
As of Friday, the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t know their starting quarterback for the 2025 season. At this point, 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers appears to be the team’s primary focus. They would have already negotiated a deal if Pittsburgh were interested in running it back with Russell Wilson. Their view of Rodgers compared to Wilson is pretty telling. The issue is that Rodgers is taking his time, which is starting to seriously stress out the organizations interested in his services — and their fans. The Steelers’ main competitor in the Rodgers sweepstakes appears to be the New York Giants. New York has been aggressive in its pursuit, and if the Steelers truly want Rodgers under center in 2025, they may have to step up their efforts before the Giants lock him in. Pittsburgh’s hesitation could cost them, and if Rodgers ultimately chooses New York, the Steelers will be left scrambling for a backup plan. Whether that means pivoting back to Wilson, turning to the draft, or exploring another option entirely, the Steelers are quickly approaching a crucial decision point. On Friday, NFL insider Dianna Russini told Chase Daniel on the Scoop City Podcast that the Giants are the highest bidder. That’s a significant development, as it suggests that New York is making a stronger financial push for Rodgers, something Pittsburgh may not be willing or able to match. If the Steelers aren’t prepared to compete with the Giants' offer, they could find themselves on the outside looking in as Rodgers makes his decision. "From what I understand, the New York Giants are the team right now that have offered the most [money]," Russini said. When Mike Florio first floated his educated guess that Rodgers could command a two-year, $90 million deal, Steelers fans laughed it off. The idea of paying a 41-year-old quarterback $45 million per season seemed outrageous. Nevertheless, Florio defended his estimate, arguing that the number isn't as far-fetched as it might seem when you compare Rodgers’ potential contract to what other quarterbacks are making around the league. The issue is that committing such a massive sum to a quarterback at Rodgers’ age is a serious gamble. While he’s a four-time MVP, he’s also one season removed from coming off an Achilles injury, making any financial commitment even riskier. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo weighed in on Thursday night, offering his educated guess that Rodgers could land a deal worth at least $30 million annually. Both figures are steep, but there’s a significant difference between $30 million and $45 million per season. Some Steelers fans might be able to stomach the lower number, especially if it means securing a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback. But if Rodgers insists on the kind of deal Florio suggested, Pittsburgh may have to decide whether he’s worth that level of investment — or if it’s time to look elsewhere. Steelers being outbid by Giants is scary Rodgers claimed he wanted to join a good team, and when comparing rosters, the Steelers are the more talented squad. However, money talks and Rodgers has never shied away from the spotlight. He’s made it clear he’s in no rush to decide, leaving teams and fans in limbo. NFL analysts and insiders have consistently stated that the only way Rodgers would choose the Giants over the Steelers is if New York offered a deal Pittsburgh wasn’t willing to match. Now that reports indicate that’s exactly what’s happening, Steelers fans wonder if the Giants are about to swoop in and steal their quarterback for the 2025 season. Rodgers' decision is dragging out, adding to the anxiety in Pittsburgh, where the quarterback situation remains unsettled. There’s been plenty of debate about what the Steelers should do, but at this point, Steeler Nation wants clarity. Whether it’s Rodgers or another option, the team needs to lock in a starting quarterback for 2025 and move forward.
New York Yankees Get Excellent News Out of Gerrit Cole's Elbow Surgery
The New York Yankees got devastating news this week when it was revealed that ace Gerrit Cole would miss the entire season because of an elbow injury. However, if you're looking silver linings, the Yankees got great news out of the surgery, Per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com: Gerrit Cole’s UCL surgery included internal bracing, according to the Yankees, which can reduce inflammation and speed recovery time. Generally speaking, this could mean he is closer to a 12-month recovery than if he had the procedure with the traditional method. Given when the injury occurred, there is even a slight chance that Cole could be ready for Opening Day in 2026. For example, Spencer Strider had Tommy John surgery early in the 2024 season and is set to come back by late April of this year. Lucas Giolito of the Red Sox had internal bracing done last spring training and was on track for an Opening Day return this year until he injured his hamstring. The 34-year-old Cole is one of the best pitchers of his era, having gone 153-80 over a 12-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros and Yankees. A six-time All-Star, Cole won the American League Cy Young Award in 2023 and has won two ERA titles. He dealt with elbow issues last season but returned to go 8-5 in 17 starts as the Yankees won the American League pennant. He pitched just 95 innings for the season, striking out 99. The Yankees will open up the season on March 27 at home against the Milwaukee Brewers.
2025 Seven-Round Cowboys Mock Draft: Free Agency Aftermath
This 2025 Dallas Cowboys mock draft will be based on the roster holes filled, or, in some fans’ opinions, not filled, by free agent signings. The official start of NFL free agency was Wednesday, March 12th, at 3 p.m. central time, and the Cowboys were busy. Not only were a few outside free agents signed, but a couple of trades for players were also made. Based on the outside free agents signed and the trades this offseason, the theme seems to be first-round pick reclamation projects. To set the basis for this mock draft, the positions filled so far this offseason have been running back, guard, linebacker, cornerback, defensive tackle, and defensive end. Does this change the Cowboys’ draft needs? Not really, because many of these players could be seen as depth pieces with starter upside. With the basis set, let’s get started. Round 1 Pick 12: James Pearce Jr. Edge Rusher (Tennessee) James Pearce Jr seems to be dropping down some draft boards due to off-the-field issues. He cleared up these issues at the combine, but the rumors may push him to the Cowboys. This would be perfect for the Cowboys who lost DeMarcus Lawrence to the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. James Pearce Jr can come and quickly fill the loss of Lawrence in the pass rush area, but he will have to get better at defending the run to be a three-down defensive end. During his three-year career with the Volunteers, he tallied 71 tackles, 30 of which were for loss, 19.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. At the 2025 NFL combine, he showed why he was once considered a top-ten draft pick. At the combine he posted: 40-yard dash – 4.47 10-yard split – 1.56 Vertical jump – 31” Broad jump – 10’3” These numbers show an explosive player who could come into Dallas and form a dangerous pass-rushing duo with Micah Parsons. This is the perfect player to add to Matt Eberflus’s defense, which is predicated on the front four rushing the quarterback. Round 2 Pick 44: Jack Bech Wide Receiver (TCU) Jack Bech is a big receiver at 6’2” and 215lbs and uses his size to come down with almost every ball thrown within his catch radius. When Bech was thrown the ball at LSU and TCU, his quarterbacks’ rating was 111.9, meaning he was the quarterback’s best friend in college. This is not the only impressive stat for Jack Bech. Between LSU and TCU, he had 133 receptions and only four drops. According to Pff.com, his drop percentage was only 2.9% and he caught 61.8% of his contested catches. If you watch his tape at TCU, you will see a big receiver who knows how to find the open spots in a defense and uses his body to block out a defender like a center in basketball. This man is a smooth operator in the passing game. Not only is he good on the field, but he may be better off the field. He dedicated his Senior Bowl MVP to his late brother, who passed away a month before. Round 3 Pick 76: TreVeyon Henderson Running Back (Ohio State) If TreVeyon Henderson is still sitting at pick 76, Jerry Jones should be running the card in to draft this young man. At Ohio State, TreVeyon Henderson was an everything back. He could catch, run, block, and did all this at a near elite level. His pass blocking really shows up and he will be Dak Prescott’s best friend. https://twitter.com/DynastyPrice/status/1881450147173081540 The one thing that could push him to the third round is durability issues. While at Ohio State, he missed chunks of time in the 2022 and 2023 seasons due to injuries. He is a difference maker with his elite athleticism when he’s on the field. His athleticism was on full display at the NFL Combine where he posted an athleticism score of 92, which was first among running backs. We all know the Cowboys front office likes athleticism. NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein had this to say about TreVeyon Henderson: Henderson is capable of starring on third downs or biting off a bigger chunk as a three-down option. He has average size but above-average juice with good acceleration. He’s an average decision-maker inside and is not overly creative once confronted by the defense, but he has the pacing and subtle shiftiness to excel as an outside runner. He might be the best pass-protecting running back in this draft and is more than capable as a pass-catcher. Henderson isn’t Jahmyr Gibbs, but he can operate in a similar role for teams looking to add a more dynamic player to their running back room. TreVeyon Henderson would be an instant upgrade to the Dallas Cowboys’ offense, and having a good running back would relieve some of the pressure on other areas of the offense. Round 5 Pick 150: Benjamin Yurosek Tight End (Georgia) Benjamin Yurosek could be a draft gem after being on track to be highly productive at Stanford before a shoulder injury derailed his rise in 2023. He is 6’4” and 245lbs and ran a 4.65 40-yard dash. His exceptional hands, skill in making contested catches, and versatility in playing various positions will be crucial assets. Benjamin Yurosek’s athleticism and football intelligence are significant strengths, making him a dependable target in the passing game and a competent blocker when needed. Looking ahead, Yurosek is poised to become a valuable contributor as a TE2, with a clear pathway to securing a starting role. Adding some strength and honing his skills, he will undoubtedly emerge as a reliable playmaker at the next level. His experience in the fiercely competitive SEC will serve him well in his transition to the pros, allowing him to leverage his versatility to make a substantial impact on the field. As an understudy to Jake Ferguson in his first year with the Cowboys, he could emerge after a year in the strength program as a true number one tight end. Round 5 Pick 170: Upton Stout Nickel Corner/Safety (Western Kentucky) Upton Stout is small in stature, 5’8” 185lbs, but has the tenacity to play nickel corner and safety in the NFL. Stout put on a clinic at the Senior Bowl where he was regarded as one of the better corners on the field. He also showed the strength needed to contribute in the NFL after putting up 21 reps in the bench press at the NFL Combine. At Western Kentucky he showed his physicality and tackling prowess with an impressive 90.9 run defense grade. https://twitter.com/NFL_DF/status/1882518424318009432 If he can put on weight in the NFL, he could be a poor man’s Ed Reed. Round 5 Pick 172: Kyle Monangai Running Back (Rutgers) At 5’8″ and 210 pounds, Kyle Monangai stands out as a powerful and compact running back. He brings leadership and determination to the field as a two-time team captain. Although he may not have breakaway speed, his quickness allows him to change direction in the blink of an eye, making him a challenge for defenders with his sharp, unpredictable cuts. His vision is average and he occasionally lacks run-lane discipline, but Monangai consistently finds ways to generate yardage and showcases exceptional balance to shake off would-be tacklers. https://twitter.com/RutgersOnBTN/status/1734281049952100592 Though he isn’t the ideal choice for third-down situations, the Cowboys can confidently rely on Monangai as an early-down backup, capable of handling a heavier workload when needed. Round 5 Pick 174: Logan Brown Offensive Tackle (Kansas) Standing at 6’6” and weighing 311lbs, Logan Brown had a good showing at the NFL Combine. He ran a 5.16 40-yard dash and a 1.75 10-yard split, showing the quickness of his size. He left the combine with an athleticism score of 86, ranked sixth among offensive linemen. Brown is a developmental tackle who demonstrates significant power in the run game and some improvement in pass protection. https://twitter.com/NFL_DF/status/1890766390333718908 His athletic testing results are impressive, and the game footage shows that his strength is more about generating movement at the point of attack rather than defending the edge. The technical improvement seen in his final season at Kansas showcases a player who continues to develop, despite his extensive college experience. His run-blocking ability significantly exceeds his pass protection skills; when he charges forward with aggressive intent, Brown can be truly dominant. Those same aggressive traits can become a liability during pass sets, as he often shows impatience when facing counter moves and inside rushes, which raises concerns. This could be a good player to develop behind Terence Steele. As Logan Brown refines some areas, he could be the right tackle of the future or move inside to guard. Round 6 Pick 205: Brady Cook Quarterback (Missouri) Brady Cook is a mobile quarterback with a big arm and great speed at the quarterback position. At the combine, he had a 40 time of 4.59, 37 inch vertical, 10’8” broad jump, and an athleticism score of 91. His athleticism score ranked only behind Jalen Milroe. This young man could learn the game behind Dak Prescott and become a high-end backup in the NFL, with the potential to become a starter. He will have to fix his timing and consistency to become a starter in the league, but if his decision-making improves, he could be a weapon. He feels pressure well, and once outside of the pocket, he can make plays with his feet, which makes him an instinctive runner. https://twitter.com/QBspotlight/status/1792897499297988695 The Cowboys are looking to develop a quarterback; at 23 years old, he could be the perfect project. Round 6 Pick 211: KeAndre Lambert-Smith Wide Receiver (Auburn) KeAndre Lambert-Smith is a 6’1” and 190lb speedster with 4.37 speed. Lambert-Smith is a developmental deep threat who will have to become a better route runner if he wants to have a bigger role in an offense. https://twitter.com/mikegittens/status/1840126746777292920 On day three of the draft, he profiles as an exciting option for the Cowboys, boasting the physical tools necessary to surpass his projected position. Despite being raw in certain areas, Lambert-Smith’s impressive deep speed, rapidly improving receiving skills, and commitment to blocking make him a compelling developmental candidate. He is poised to contribute immediately in specialized roles with the Cowboys while also developing into a more significant asset in the future. Round 7 Pick 241: Fadil Diggs Defensive End (Syracuse) Fadil Diggs is a 6’4” 257-lb rusher with 4.57 speed and will be a project defensive end in the NFL. The tape demonstrates that Diggs is a formidable pass rush specialist with distinct strengths and limitations. His explosive first step and innate pass-rush instincts set him apart, making him a genuine threat to quarterbacks. In obvious passing situations, as evidenced in his performances against Miami and UNLV, he consistently creates problems for offensive tackles. However, his tackling prowess is a significant concern. He frequently fails to finish plays when he’s in position, which undermines his overall impact. He shows flashes of promise in run defense, but his inconsistency is troubling. When teams run directly at him, he can be easily overwhelmed. The Cowboys’ defensive line coach will have his work cut out for him with Diggs, but this player has a high upside. Round 7 Pick 249: Joe Evans Defensive Tackle (UTSA) Big Joe Evans is an imposing defensive tackle, standing 6’3″ and weighing 340 pounds. He effectively uses his size to stop the run. While the Cowboys may not benefit much from his pass-rushing abilities, having a strong run stuffer is essential. Although he is not primarily known as a pass rusher, he possesses a quick first step for someone of his size and demonstrates good hand usage during rush attempts. His length helps him keep offensive linemen at bay, allowing him to power through blockers effectively. Evans is truly a project; however, players with his size and quickness are rare. The new defensive coaches will need to invest time in developing Evans, but he can potentially be a hidden gem. The Dallas Cowboys can add talent in the draft to upgrade several positions. Now that they have signed the depth pieces needed in free agency, the best player available may receive a few draft picks. Here’s to hoping the Cowboys come away with a draft that will increase the team’s overall talent level. This mock draft did have some long shots at the end, but the Cowboys are generally good at finding talent in obscure places. Will McClay and his scouts will be doing their homework and always ace the test. So, an eventful draft could be in store for Cowboys fans.
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