Canucks Shock Fans With Unexpected Names to Replace Rick Tocchet as Head Coach!

Canucks Drop Bombshell With Unexpected Head Coach Candidates After Tocchet Exit

The Vancouver Canucks have officially joined the growing list of NHL teams hunting for a new bench boss heading into the 2025–26 season — and fans were caught off guard by some of the surprising names already in the mix.

After guiding the team through a season filled with ups and downs, head coach Rick Tocchet has chosen to walk away, declining to extend his contract beyond June 30. While his decision wasn’t entirely shocking, it leaves the Canucks in a crucial position: find the right leader to either push for contention or begin the tough road of a rebuild.

The coaching market is tight, with eight NHL teams now looking for new head coaches — and the Canucks will have to battle it out to land a top-tier candidate. But according to team president Jim Rutherford, Vancouver has a few intriguing options on the table, including some names that fans didn’t see coming.

One of the most notable? Peter Laviolette, the former New York Rangers head coach. At 60, Laviolette brings decades of experience — but also some recent baggage. He was let go after a turbulent final stretch with the Rangers, despite a 2023–24 season that saw him win the Metropolitan Division, the Presidents’ Trophy, and two playoff series.

“It’s a good name,” said Rutherford, acknowledging Laviolette’s pedigree — and hinting he’s firmly on the radar.

But perhaps the most surprising candidate is someone already within the Canucks system: Manny Malhotra, the rookie head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks. The 44-year-old has deep roots with the franchise, having played three seasons in Vancouver and served as a development coach prior to his current role. Now, after leading Abbotsford to an impressive 44-win season, he’s being considered for the NHL’s top job.

“He’ll certainly be on the shortlist,” Rutherford confirmed.

Malhotra’s work with rising stars like Elias Pettersson, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, and Aatu Raty hasn’t gone unnoticed. While handing the reins to a first-time NHL head coach is a gamble, his connection with the franchise’s young core could make him the right fit for a team straddling the line between rebuilding and competing.

Will the Canucks go with experience or take a bold leap on youth and familiarity? One thing’s for sure — the next hire could define Vancouver’s future for years to come.

The Team Is On Fire Again: Vikings Fans React as Minnesota Gets Picked to Play Overseas… Again!

Vikings Headed Back Overseas in 2025 — This Time to Dublin for Clash With Steelers

Pack your bags, Vikings fans — Minnesota is reportedly headed across the Atlantic once again in 2025. And this time, the purple and gold will be touching down in Dublin, Ireland for a Week 4 showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Just last season, the Vikings made the trip to London for an international “home game” against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. NFL rules state they’re off the hook from hosting another international game for eight years. But there’s a twist: while they don’t have to give up a home game, they can still be scheduled as the visiting team abroad — and that’s exactly what’s happening.

This fall, the Steelers are sacrificing one of their home games to bring NFL action to Ireland. For weeks, speculation swirled about which team would be the opponent, with many expecting it to be the Green Bay Packers. After all, the Packers were recently awarded international marketing rights in Ireland, making them a logical fit.

But according to Pittsburgh radio host Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 FM The Fan, sources confirm the Vikings — not the Packers — will face the Steelers in Dublin on September 28 (Week 4 of the regular season).

So, what happened to Green Bay? Reports suggest that Pittsburgh was hesitant to export a potential blockbuster matchup between the Steelers and a Packers team possibly quarterbacked by Aaron Rodgers, his former squad. The drama of a Rodgers-Pittsburgh revenge game is just too rich to send overseas — so the Vikings stepped in as the better logistical and strategic fit.

The overseas matchup will mark the eighth international game in franchise history for the Vikings — and so far, they’re perfect. Minnesota holds a 7-0 all-time record in games played abroad, including 3-0 in regular-season contests.

The last time the Vikings and Steelers faced off was in 2021, Mike Zimmer’s final year as head coach. Minnesota came out on top in a 36–28 win.

With rising storylines like the emergence of Sam Howell and rookie JJ McCarthy’s looming debut, this Dublin matchup could be more than just another international showcase — it might become a key chapter in Minnesota’s 2025 campaign.

Virginia Tech Stuns Fans With Major Defensive Steal From Transfer Portal!

Just when it seemed like Virginia Tech’s defense might be heading into a rebuilding phase, the Hokies made a headline-grabbing move in the transfer portal that could reshape their defensive front for the 2025 season.

Following the departure of defensive coordinator Chris Marve, head coach Brent Pry wasted no time making a bold hire—pulling Sam Siefkes away from the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals to lead Virginia Tech’s defense. But with star defenders like Antwaun Powell-Ryland (drafted by the Eagles) and Aeneas Peebles (picked up by the Ravens) moving on to the pros, questions loomed about who would step up in Blacksburg.

That question got at least part of its answer Monday night when South Florida defensive lineman Immanuel Hickman announced his commitment to Virginia Tech through the transfer portal. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound veteran brings size, strength, and experience to a unit that’s in serious need of leadership and production.

Hickman, a Virginia native, started his college career at East Carolina before transferring to South Florida, where he played in 31 games and racked up 90 tackles. Now, with just one year of eligibility remaining, he’s coming home for what could be a big final chapter—this time in maroon and orange.

Hickman becomes the seventh player added via the transfer portal this spring, as the Hokies continue to aggressively reshape their roster ahead of the 2025 campaign. His addition is not only unexpected but also critical for a defensive line that’s been gutted by NFL departures and graduation.

New coordinator Siefkes now has a reliable veteran to help anchor his system in Year 1—and fans are already buzzing about what this means for the upcoming season.

With summer camp on the horizon, position battles are expected to be fierce, especially on defense where returning players will now be pushed by incoming transfers like Hickman. Many of these returners sat behind NFL-caliber talent last year and are eager to prove they belong in the starting lineup.

The stakes are high, and the message is clear: Virginia Tech isn’t just filling holes—they’re aiming to build something stronger. And with surprise additions like Hickman, don’t count the Hokies out in 2025.

Did the Braves Make a Huge Mistake? Fired Hitting Coach Thrives with Red-Hot Seattle!

Braves’ Costly Mistake? Fired Hitting Coach Sparks Mariners’ Offensive Explosion

The Atlanta Braves may have just handed another team their secret weapon—and it’s already backfiring.

After the 2024 season, the Braves made the bold decision to part ways with longtime hitting coach Kevin Seitzer. The once-mighty Braves lineup had fallen from elite status to league average, and Seitzer, despite being named Baseball America’s 2023 MLB Coach of the Year, took the fall. But now, just a month into the 2025 season, that move is looking more like a blunder than a fix.

Seitzer didn’t stay unemployed for long. The Seattle Mariners snapped him up—and the results have been immediate and electric.

Seattle, previously known for its offensive inconsistencies, has erupted at the plate this year. They now boast the third-best wRC+ in baseball and rank sixth in total runs scored. The Mariners already have nine games with eight or more runs—compared to just two at the same point last year.

Meanwhile, in Atlanta, the Braves offense is struggling to rediscover its rhythm. While the addition of Alex Verdugo has helped, the team’s overall slash line of .240/.315/.391 and 98 wRC+ places them squarely in the middle of the pack. Young hitters like Jarred Kelenic, Michael Harris, and Orlando Arcia are all underperforming, each with a wRC+ under 61—clear signs that new hitting coach Tim Hyers hasn’t yet cracked the code.

Seitzer’s impact in Seattle is undeniable. Veterans like Jorge Polanco have transformed overnight—he’s currently slashing a jaw-dropping .387/.427/.800 with a 253 wRC+, up a massive 161 points from last year. J.P. Crawford and Mitch Garver have also bounced back strong, sporting 149 and 121 wRC+ marks, respectively.

At 19–12, the Mariners sit atop the AL West, two games ahead of the A’s—and it’s largely thanks to their revamped, relentless offense.

Seitzer himself admitted he struggled last season to keep Braves hitters from pressing too much under pressure. But now, with a fresh start in Seattle and more freedom to work his magic, he’s reminding the baseball world why he was considered one of the game’s top offensive minds.

For Braves fans, it’s a bitter pill to swallow. The coach they let walk is now lighting up the league—just not for them.

CBS Blasts Former Virginia Tech Star — Calls His NFL Team’s QB Room One of the Worst!

CBS Calls Out Jets’ QB Lineup — Former Virginia Tech Star Tyrod Taylor Caught in the Crossfire

Veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor, once the pride of Virginia Tech, is heading into his 15th NFL season—but not everyone’s impressed with his new team’s quarterback situation. After signing with the New York Jets in free agency to back up Aaron Rodgers, Taylor now finds himself in the middle of a brewing controversy sparked by a CBS Sports critique.

CBS Sports writer Garrett Podell recently released his list of the Top 10 Worst Quarterback Rooms in the NFL, and the Jets came in at a disappointing No. 6. Despite Taylor’s long-standing reputation as a reliable and experienced signal-caller, the criticism isn’t necessarily aimed at him—but it still stings.

Taylor, who turns 36 before the 2025 preseason, has had an impressive NFL run since being drafted in the sixth round back in 2011. He earned a Pro Bowl nod as the Buffalo Bills’ starter in 2015 and has since played for multiple teams, including the Browns, Chargers, Texans, Giants, and now the Jets. His latest role? Serve as a seasoned mentor to the recently signed Justin Fields.

Fields, the former Ohio State standout, joined the Jets this offseason after a short but promising stint in Pittsburgh. While he showed signs of improvement compared to his time with the Bears, questions still loom about his ability to lead an NFL offense consistently.

Podell wrote, “Former first-round pick Justin Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed after a 4-2 run with the Steelers. He showed progress, but doubts remain.” He also emphasized that Taylor’s journeyman status and age make this QB room feel shaky—especially in a division as competitive as the AFC East.

Also on the Jets’ roster is Adrian Martinez, an undrafted QB who has yet to throw a pass in a regular-season NFL game. The uncertainty surrounding Fields’ consistency, Taylor’s advancing age, and Martinez’s inexperience has clearly raised eyebrows.

So, what’s next for Taylor and the Jets? While he may not be the future of the franchise, the former Hokie could still play a pivotal role—especially if Fields stumbles. One thing’s for sure: CBS has thrown down the gauntlet, and all eyes will be on New York this season to see if this quarterback room sinks… or surprises.

Virginia Tech Softball Stuns FSU While Former Hokie Shines Bright in MLB Breakout Game

Virginia Tech Hokies Shine on the Field: Softball Stuns FSU, Former Hokie Goes Off in MLB Career Day

The Hokies made a statement Sunday with a thrilling bounce-back victory after a tough start to their final ACC softball series of the season against No. 9 Florida State. Virginia Tech dropped the first two games in brutal fashion — including a shocking no-hitter on Saturday — but refused to go down without a fight, pulling off a gritty 8-6 win in the series finale at Tech Softball Park.

Florida State had already locked up the ACC regular-season title with a dominant 13-4 win on Friday and followed that up with an 8-0 no-hit shutout on Saturday behind Jazzy Francik. But on Sunday, Virginia Tech showed serious resilience. After falling behind 4-2, the Hokies’ bats came alive. Cori McMillan led the charge with two home runs, while Zoe Yaeger and Bre Peck each added long balls of their own. Yaeger drove in three runs, while McMillan and Peck added two RBIs apiece to fuel the comeback.

Emma Mazzarone notched her 11th win of the season despite allowing six runs and walking six. Emma Lemley came in clutch to shut the door in the seventh, locking down the save. The win pushes No. 15 Virginia Tech to 40-10 overall and 18-6 in conference play, giving them momentum as they head into the ACC Tournament in Chestnut Hill. The Hokies earned the No. 4 seed and will face the winner of North Carolina vs. Notre Dame on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on the ACC Network.

Meanwhile, across the country in Major League Baseball, former Hokie Kerry Carpenter had a career afternoon for the Detroit Tigers. The slugging outfielder exploded for a 4-for-6 day at the plate, racking up five RBIs in a 13-1 blowout of the Los Angeles Angels. Carpenter crushed a two-run homer in the sixth inning to cap off his dominant performance. Now batting .295 on the season with eight home runs and 19 RBIs, Carpenter is becoming a force to be reckoned with in Detroit’s lineup.

From Blacksburg to the big leagues, Virginia Tech athletes made major noise this weekend — and the best may be yet to come.

BREAKING: Mets Trade Slugging First Baseman to Red Sox After Devastating Injury Shake-Up

Mets Could Cash In: Trade of Veteran First Baseman to Red Sox Makes Sense After Tragic Injury

The New York Mets are flying high with a 22-11 record, leading the NL East and building on last season’s thrilling Cinderella run to the National League Championship Series. With major offseason moves—like acquiring slugger Juan Soto and All-Star reliever Clay Holmes—plus re-signing aces Sean Manaea and Pete Alonso, the Mets are stacked with star power and depth. But one team’s misfortune could become an opportunity for New York to make a smart trade.

The Boston Red Sox were dealt a devastating blow when first baseman Triston Casas suffered a ruptured patellar tendon while trying to beat out an infield single. The injury—season-ending and incredibly painful—immediately left Boston scrambling for a replacement. In the short term, they’ll plug the hole with Romy González and Abraham Toro, but neither is a long-term solution at first base.

Enter the Mets, and more specifically, Jon Singleton.

Singleton, a veteran lefty first baseman, was signed to a minor league deal by New York in April. While he’s currently blocked by Pete Alonso—one of the most consistent power hitters in baseball—Singleton is still capable of contributing at the big-league level. Last year, he provided league-average offense as a platoon option for the Houston Astros, proving he can hold his own in the right role.

According to CBS Sports’ RJ Anderson, Singleton could be a natural fit for Boston’s short-term needs. He won’t threaten Alonso’s spot on the Mets, and with the Red Sox now desperate for a first baseman, a deal could benefit both clubs. If Boston is willing to part with an asset that helps the Mets win now—or improves their minor league pipeline—New York would likely be ready to pull the trigger.

With the Mets gunning for a deep playoff push and the Red Sox trying to salvage their season after a brutal injury, this could be a win-win transaction. Stay tuned: trade talks may heat up fast.

Phillies Make Bold Bullpen Move, Land Hard-Throwing Reliever from Rangers

Phillies Strengthen Bullpen Depth with Trade for Rangers’ Right-Hander Daniel Robert

In a strategic move to bolster their pitching depth, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired right-handed reliever Daniel Robert from the Texas Rangers on Thursday. The Phillies sent 20-year-old pitching prospect Enrique Segura to Texas in exchange for the 30-year-old veteran.

Robert, who was designated for assignment by the Rangers earlier in the week, will now report to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. While he won’t be joining the major league roster immediately, his recent performances suggest that he could be a strong bullpen option for the Phillies down the line.

The Alabama native made four appearances out of the bullpen for Texas this season, posting a solid 1-0 record with a 3.18 ERA across 5 2/3 innings. Though his time in the majors this year has been brief, his work at Triple-A Round Rock turned heads. In 10 outings, Robert delivered a stellar 1.54 ERA with two saves, showing poise and effectiveness in late-inning situations.

Originally drafted in the 16th round by the Rangers in 2017, Robert has steadily climbed the minor league ranks. Known for his gritty mound presence and ability to generate weak contact, he brings valuable experience and a steady arm to a Phillies bullpen that’s already dealt with its share of injuries and inconsistencies this season.

The Phillies are clearly looking to reinforce their depth as they eye a postseason push, and adding a seasoned reliever like Robert could prove to be a low-risk, high-reward move.

Heading the other way is young right-hander Enrique Segura, a promising but unproven arm who signed with Philadelphia out of the Dominican Republic in 2022. At just 20 years old, Segura has yet to advance beyond the Class A level. He’s considered a developmental project with raw tools but has shown glimpses of potential that caught the Rangers’ attention.

For now, Robert will continue honing his craft at Lehigh Valley, but he’ll be just one call away if the Phillies need an injection of experience and control in their bullpen. It’s a classic win-now trade for Philadelphia, acquiring a polished reliever while parting with a prospect who’s still years away from making an impact at the big-league level.

Will Robert become a key piece of the Phillies’ playoff puzzle? Time will tell, but the move signals that the front office isn’t waiting around.

Padres Prospects on the Rise: Salas, Ornelas, De Vries & Brooks Making Noise in the Minors!

Padres Prospect Watch: Trenton Brooks Shines While Top Picks Salas and De Vries Start Slow

The 2025 Minor League Baseball season is heating up, and San Diego Padres prospects are starting to show what they’re made of. While top-ranked talents like Leo De Vries and Ethan Salas are still getting their footing, it’s 29-year-old Trenton Brooks who’s stealing the spotlight with a red-hot start. And don’t sleep on Tirso Ornelas—he’s quietly making a strong case for a call-up.

Let’s dive into the latest buzz from the Padres’ farm system.

Leo De Vries & Ethan Salas: Talented but Treading Carefully
Ranked as San Diego’s top two prospects—and the only ones cracking MLB’s Top 100—De Vries and Salas entered the season with high expectations. De Vries, playing for High-A Fort Wayne, is 4-for-16 across his first four games, but has struck out six times. Still, he’s managed to cross the plate once per game, showing a knack for finding ways to contribute even when the bat isn’t blazing.

Salas, now with Double-A San Antonio, has a .211 batting average through five games. While that’s not eye-popping, the 18-year-old catcher has racked up five RBIs and just two strikeouts, proving he can deliver in clutch moments.

Tirso Ornelas: Too Hot to Ignore
After a strong showing in spring training, many fans were calling for Ornelas to crack the big-league roster. Though he started the year with Triple-A El Paso, the outfielder has been on fire. Through 11 games, he’s slashing .293 (12-for-41) with six RBIs, a home run, a double, and eight walks. He’s also scored in six straight games and is riding a four-game hit streak. If he keeps this pace, a promotion may be just around the corner.

Trenton Brooks: The Unexpected Star
The biggest surprise of the Padres’ farm system? Trenton Brooks. The 29-year-old slugger has been nothing short of dominant for El Paso. In his first 11 games, he’s recorded five doubles, four homers, 16 RBIs, 12 runs, and 10 walks. He’s not only had six multi-hit games but has recorded at least one hit in every appearance—including a thrilling walk-off homer last Thursday.

If Brooks continues this tear, he could force the Padres’ hand, even as a late bloomer.

Bottom line: While the future of Padres baseball is still developing, the present belongs to a veteran making a serious statement.

Ranger Suárez Returns, But Phillies Suffer Heartbreaker in Extras vs. Diamondbacks

Ranger Suárez Returns, But Phillies Drop Extra-Inning Thriller to Diamondbacks

In a dramatic Sunday showdown, Ranger Suárez made his long-awaited season debut for the Philadelphia Phillies—but it wasn’t enough to fend off the Arizona Diamondbacks, who stormed to an 11-9 win in extra innings to close out the weekend series.

Suárez, sidelined with back stiffness since spring, showed signs of rust, surrendering seven runs on seven hits in just 3 2/3 innings. The Diamondbacks capitalized early, jumping to a 7-2 lead by the fifth behind big performances from Geraldo Perdomo and Corbin Carroll, who each drove in three runs. Josh Naylor delivered the dagger in the 10th inning with an RBI single that sparked a three-run burst for Arizona.

Tim Tawa followed with a sacrifice fly, and the insurance run came when Perdomo drew a bases-loaded walk, pushing Arizona ahead 11-8.

Still, the Phillies didn’t go quietly. In the bottom of the 10th, Max Kepler’s sacrifice fly brought home a run, cutting the deficit to 11-9. With two men on, Bryce Harper had a chance to play hero, but he flied out to center, and Kyle Schwarber grounded out to first, ending the rally and the game.

Schwarber, who extended his on-base streak to 40 games, had earlier ignited a ninth-inning rally that tied the game 8-8. After launching his 11th homer of the season, Schwarber watched Nick Castellanos, J.T. Realmuto, and Alec Bohm string together three straight hits to push across the tying run against previously unscored-upon reliever Shelby Miller.

Weston Wilson also delivered a three-run bomb in the sixth, and Harper got things going with a first-inning solo shot. But the Phillies’ bullpen couldn’t contain Arizona’s late push. José Alvarado (3-1) took the loss, while Jalen Beeks earned his first save for Arizona.

Despite the loss, the Phillies (now looking to rebound) have a travel day Monday before opening a three-game set against the Tampa Bay Rays. Zack Wheeler will take the mound Tuesday.

The Diamondbacks, who are now 8-3 in series finales, return to Arizona to begin a home stand against the New York Mets.