Latest news with #Buffalo
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Are Bills NFL's Most Entertaining Team?
Are Bills NFL's Most Entertaining Team? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. There are a few quarterbacks who are worth the price of admission just to see them, and one is Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen. Advertisement Armed with a cannon and the running ability of some of the best running backs in football, Josh can do things not many others can on a football field, both throwing and running. That puts him in rare air, and he's coming off an MVP win in 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, the Bills' offense, led by Allen, features Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer, Dalton Kincaid, and James Cook as its main weapons, which feels like a strong group. But will the Bills be entertaining? USA Today's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz has ranked all 32 teams based on how entertaining they'll be, and the Bills come in at No. 2, with the Baltimore Ravens taking top spot. Advertisement "Falling just short of the mountaintop has become an uncomfortable throughline for Buffalo in many ways," Middlehurst-Schwartz writes. "At least that's not the case in MVP voting, where Josh Allen seized the award for the organization for the first time since 1991. "Allen's place as one of the most exciting catalysts in the NFL isn't in question even as he enters the final season of his 20s. But for a true Super Bowl breakthrough, Buffalo might need someone from a receiving corps that has been merely good enough to emerge as great, and there's not one figure who appears to be a natural candidate to do so." Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) dives for a first down against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Given what Allen can do on the field, he is the very definition of must-watch, and he could put the Bills at No. 1 just on his presence alone. Advertisement But there are others, with Cook devastating out of the backfield, or Shakir and Coleman doing their work in the passing game. However, let's be truthful, the reason Buffalo is so high is all down to No. 17. He is a unicorn, and puts bums on seats every Sunday, and as long as he is upright, the Bills will always be one of the most entertaining teams in football. Related: Bills Mafia Has Tyreek Hill Answer To Crazy Question Related: Bills Criticism and Rumors Focus On Both of Josh Allen's Tight Ends This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Buffalo Sabres select towering defenseman Radim Mrtka with 9th pick in NHL Draft
With the 9th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Sabres selected Radim Mrtka from the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL trade rumors: Penguins could part ways with Bryan Rust as two teams circle with interest
As the Pittsburgh Penguins want to start a retooling phase, Bryan Rust's name has quickly become one of the most intriguing topics in the NHL trade rumor mill. The 32-year-old winger, known for his consistency and veteran leadership, is reportedly drawing interest from several teams despite being under contract through 2027-28 at a reasonable $5.125 million annual cap hit. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Penguins' Bryan Rust becomes a hot name in NHL trade circles as interest grows from two franchises Bryan Rust is coming off a strong campaign, one that has naturally increased his market value. While the Penguins aren't under pressure to move him immediately, their front office might view this offseason as the perfect window to capitalize on his current form. Given the direction Pittsburgh appears to be heading—shifting toward a younger, faster roster—it makes sense that they'd listen to offers, especially if they help replenish their prospect pool or bring back assets that align with a long-term vision. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman weighed in on the growing speculation during a recent episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast. 'I think there has been a lot of interest in Bryan Rust, and for good reason,' Friedman shared. 'It wouldn't surprise me if Buffalo was one of those teams, too... I would think Columbus would be another... But someone told me that Buffalo was one of the teams around Rust.' The Buffalo Sabres' interest, in particular, aligns perfectly with their current roster needs. After moving JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth, they're left with a noticeable gap in their top six. Rust, with his proven scoring touch and playoff pedigree, could seamlessly slot into that role. More importantly, his presence would add much-needed experience and leadership to a young core desperate for guidance and stability as they aim to break out of mediocrity. On the other hand, the Columbus Blue Jackets also emerge as a logical landing spot. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Rust could bring immediate depth and offensive spark to a forward group that has shown flashes of promise but lacks consistency. His addition to the top six and power play would provide a noticeable upgrade, especially as the Blue Jackets strive to become legitimate playoff contenders once again. While it remains uncertain whether a deal will be finalized this offseason, one thing is clear: Bryan Rust is a hot commodity. Whether it's Buffalo, Columbus, or a surprise suitor, the Penguins have a valuable asset on their hands—one that could soon reshape another franchise's fortunes. Also Read:
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NHL Draft: Matthew Schaefer inspired by late mom on road to being No. 1 pick
The New York Islanders selected Matthew Schaefer with the No. 1 overall pick in Friday's NHL draft in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images) On the day that Matthew Schaefer could have been celebrating his high school graduation, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft had an appointment that was close to his heart. While in Buffalo for the NHL Scouting Combine earlier this month, the newest New York Islanders defenseman spent the day at the Western New York Compassion Connection. There, Schaefer shared his story with an audience of young people between the ages of 7 and 17 who recently lost a loved one — a life experience that he's still grieving through. Advertisement As Schaefer's NHL prospects rose in 2023 while playing for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League, his billet mom, Emily Matson, died by an apparent suicide. Months later, his mother, Jennifer, passed away following a two-year battle with breast cancer. The following December, Otters owner Jim Waters died unexpectedly of a heart attack. That amount of tragedy in such a short period of time is a lot for anyone, let alone a 16-year-old. But Schaefer was inspired by his mother's fight and allowed it to push him forward rather than hold him back in his journey to the NHL. "My mindset has changed a lot with everything. Just seeing what my mom went through, having a smile on her face with cancer kind of trying to bring her down, but she wouldn't let it,' Schaefer told reporters recently. 'She's the strongest person I've ever known.' Helping others through their own grief What Schaefer dealt with inspired him to want to assist other young people who might benefit from hearing from someone with a shared experience. Advertisement 'There's young kids that are going through tough times,' Schaefer said. 'A lot of people love to keep it in, and I want to try to put their minds at ease in any way. If love could have saved them, they would have lived forever. That's a good saying I go by. But everything happens for a reason in life. Makes me super strong. And I want to help people.' There is a lot that goes into developing a professional hockey player, and Jennifer played a role beyond mother as Schaefer went about bettering himself away from the rink. It wasn't odd to see her throw on the goalie pads and take shots from Schaefer and his brother, John. Advertisement While Jennifer may no longer be here, she's not far from Schaefer's mind when he's shooting pucks in his basement. She's there in spirit, he says, still trying to save her youngest son's shots. When he misses the net, Schaefer says he credits his mom 'because she's probably blocker saving [them].' Jennifer was still with Schaefer at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Friday night when he heard his name called first by the Islanders. Inside his custom suit jacket were family pictures of his mom. Matthew Schaefer shows off pictures of his mother, Jennifer, inside his suit jacket ahead of the 2025 NHL draft in Los Angeles. Jennifer Schaefer passed away following a battle with breast cancer. (Photo by) (Bruce Bennett via Getty Images) More obstacles on his way to becoming a top prospect Schaefer's draft year saw more challenges that he needed to overcome. He missed the Otters' first nine games of the season after battling mononucleosis, and in December, he suffered a season-ending clavicle fracture while representing Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship. Advertisement Despite only playing 17 games with Erie this past season, Schaefer scored seven goals and recorded 22 points. He had already played his way into being one of the 2025 NHL Draft's top prospects after a six-point performance last August while helping lead Canada to a win at the U-18 Hlinka/Gretzky Cup. Schaefer's play, while a limited sample size, was enough to convince scouts and those around the NHL that he could become an impact player at the next level. 'He is the complete package playing a dynamic style that generates results and influences the outcome of games,' said Dan Marr, Vice President of NHL Central Scouting. 'Schaefer easily projects as a future All-Star in the NHL.' Advertisement "He is consistent, mature, and has all of the tools to be a No. 1 defenseman in the NHL,' writes Chris Peters of FloHockey. 'His skating is among the best in the class and his hockey sense is right up there, too. Schaefer has been through a lot in his young life, but has met his challenges with grace well beyond his years. As a pick, he is not without risk, but there's so much upside that teams have mostly dismissed the long absence and still view him as a potential long-term No. 1 defenseman at the top of his projection." Schaefer will turn 18 in September and, weeks later, will enter his first NHL training camp. He will be prepared for his next challenge — making the Islanders — and he will be inspired by his mom, who may no longer be here, but supported him on his road to a budding professional career. "She's always with me in spirit,' Schaefer said. 'I know she has a front-row seat every game. I get to play for someone even more. She was a strong woman. I like to talk about her. If she was here, you guys would know exactly who she was even though you haven't met her because I love talking about her."
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chris Scanlon dropping out of Buffalo mayor race
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon is discontinuing his third-party bid and dropping out of the mayoral race, the Board of Elections confirmed. Scanlon, who has served as Buffalo's acting mayor since October, lost the Democratic primary on Tuesday to State Senator Sean Ryan, who had the endorsement of the Erie County Democratic Committee. Ryan won by 11 points, getting 46.4% of the vote as compared to Scanlon's 35.2%. The margin was more than 3,000 votes. In a statement, Scanlon said the decision was 'incredibly difficult' and 'heartbreaking.' 'I am profoundly grateful to the thousands of people who believed in our vision for Buffalo and cast their votes in support of our campaign. Your trust, your hope, and your belief in the future we imagined together will stay with me forever.' He said he looks forward to continuing to serve the people of Buffalo for the remainder of his term. Scanlon's decision helps clear Ryan's path in the November general election, but it won't be without a fight. Republicans have a candidate in the race, former assistant district attorney James Gardner, but registered Democrats heavily out-weigh registered Republicans in the city, about 96,000 compared to about 15,000. Michael Gainer is also running an independent campaign with the Restore Buffalo party. 'Though we have at times disagreed about the best policies and strategies to move Buffalo forward, I know that Chris Scanlon sincerely has Buffalo's best interests at heart,' Ryan said in a statement. 'I believe the vigorous discourse about our city's future during the primary has made me a stronger candidate and will help make Buffalo a better city. As the Democratic nominee, I plan to be a uniter, and I extend my hand to anyone who wants to be part of building a better Buffalo. I applaud the acting mayor's support for party unity by withdrawing his independent line.' Sean Ryan wins Buffalo Democratic mayor primary Once November's winner takes office, Scanlon will revert back to his role in the Common Council, where he has served Buffalo for over a decade. Scanlon delivered a short but emotional concession speech Tuesday night, thanking his supporters and apologizing for the loss. Before the primary he filed to run an independent campaign under the Good Neighbors party line. Ryan had spent the recent weeks and months on the offensive against Scanlon, criticizing a number of his policies. That included the city's $622 million budget, which passed under Scanlon's watch earlier this year, and Ryan has said that he is against a hotel bed tax. He has also pointed out donations made to Scanlon from a family member of Carl Paladino, a former gubernatorial and congressional candidate who is a supporter of President Donald Trump and has a history of outlandish and racist comments. Scanlon, who had been undecided in recent days about staying in the race, is now the second candidate to leave the race since Tuesday. Former fire commissioner Garnell Whitfield, who came in fourth with 7.7% of the vote, left the race on Wednesday after previously filing for an independent campaign. The general election is on Nov. 4. Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
