The Maple Leafs are eyeing veteran depth between the pipes, with Jim Parsons and The Hockey Writers proposing a reunion with Jack Campbell as a third-string option to backstop Toronto’s netminding during the season. With Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz facing injury histories, Campbell’s familiarity with the organisation could provide mentorship and an emergency call-up path without a heavy financial commitment.

Campbell’s arc adds intrigue: he started 75 games for Toronto from 2020–2022, earned an All-Star nod, then signed a five-year, $25 million deal with Edmonton. Bought out in 2024, he spent 2024–25 with Detroit and its AHL affiliate, Grand Rapids Griffins. Toronto could position him on an AHL pact with the Marlies, creating a low-risk bridge to the NHL roster if he rediscovered form.

Beyond Woll and Stolarz, Toronto’s NHL experience in net is thin, with 23-year-olds Dennis Hildeby, Timofei Obvintsev, Artur Akhtyamov, and Vyacheslav Peksa in the pipeline. Campbell could bridge the gap, mentor younger prospects, and serve as a reliable insurance policy should injuries bite again, while keeping cost and commitment light.

Overall, the Leafs haven’t added a veteran goalie this offseason. A Campbell reunion on an AHL deal could be the perfect low-risk, high-reward plan: he could rediscover his game in a familiar setting, while Toronto preserves cap flexibility and builds a more robust net-front contingency for the year ahead.

Geno Smith, James Conner, Ladd McConkey, Tucker Kraft, Sam Cosmi, YaYa Diaby, Jack Campbell and Christian Benford anchor a list of underrated NFL talents for 2025. The piece highlights how Smith’s clean-pocket efficiency could translate into late-round fantasy upside with the Raiders, Conner’s all-around production and efficiency metrics, and McConkey’s route-running and production as a rookie in a run-heavy Charger attack. Kraft’s yardage and targets project him as a potential top-5 TE with room to grow, while Cosmi, despite missing time, has elite run- and pass-blocking marks. Diaby’s leap as an edge, Campbell’s tackling and coverage strides, and Benford’s defensive efficiency round out the cohort, underscoring which players could outpace public perception under a favorable roster context.

For fantasy managers, the piece argues these players offer solid floor and meaningful upside: Smith in a pro-grade system with protection, Conner in a 0-1 punch with high yards after contact, McConkey as a high-volume yak creator, Kraft as a heater for Jordan Love’s target tree, Cosmi as a blocker with pass-protection upside, Diaby as a breakout edge, Campbell as a versatile LB with coverage gains, and Benford as a shutdown corner in a stout Bills defense. The angle blends efficiency metrics with opportunity and health.

Altogether, the roster context, performance trends and injury notes create a blueprint for identifying value in season-long and DFS formats, offering a fresh slate of players who could overperform relative to their draft cost.

As the NHL season approaches, fantasy managers are assessing player performances from pre-season outings and evaluating potential breakout candidates. Players like Cole Caufield and Kirill Kaprizov have shown promising development, but injuries could impact their contributions. Many fantasy enthusiasts are keen on tracking the rookie class, particularly Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli, who are already drawing attention for their offensive prowess.

Injuries to key veterans open doors for young talent, making roster decisions critical. Pay close attention to the line combinations as teams finalize their rosters. With the draft season upon us, understanding the value of players in the context of their team's overall dynamics could mean the difference between championship glory and a disappointing season.

Jack Campbell is set to make a significant impact in his third NFL season, transitioning from a backup role to a starting linebacker position with the Detroit Lions. After a prolonged wait, the promising linebacker is expected to show LB1 potential, making him a valuable asset for fantasy football teams looking for breakout players in the upcoming season.

Rookie Edgerrin Cooper has also emerged as a player to watch. In his first year, he demonstrated high-end potential despite limited playing time, achieving a top-five PFF grade. As expectations rise for Cooper in 2025, savvy fantasy managers may want to consider him as a sleeper pick.

The Nashville Predators made significant moves during the first day of NHL free agency, focusing primarily on strengthening their defense after last season's struggles. General Manager Barry Trotz emphasized the importance of defensive fortification, stating, "If you can't defend, you can't win." The team acquired defensemen Nicolas Hague and Nick Perbix to bolster a defense that lacked size and reliability last year.

Hague, a towering 6-foot-6 defenseman, was obtained from the Vegas Golden Knights and is set to earn $22 million over four years. Perbix, standing at 6-foot-2, adds further depth, signing a two-year, $5.5 million deal. The Predators’ defense will now rely on a mix of veterans and younger players, aiming for better performance with less reliance on minor league talent.