Latest news with #RookieoftheMonth
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Montreal Canadiens set to be NHL's youngest team in 2025-26
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File) The Montreal Canadiens are all set to enter the 2025-26 NHL season as the youngest roster in the league, continuing with their youth-driven team. According to the Canadiens are the youngest team in the league for this upcoming campaign, with an average of 25.35. As per reports, their U-25 core consists of several elite players, including Cole Caufield, who recorded his first 70-point season, and Lane Hutson, who is coming off a Calder Trophy-winning season. With an average age of 25.35 years, just ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Buffalo Sabres, who both average 25.73 years. Montreal Canadiens to be NHL 's youngest team The Montreal Canadiens may be the youngest team in the NHL, but they are still ahead in the rebuild compared to other teams in the league. Though they are not very experienced but the team has played 6,625 games of experience, while the Sabres have 6,040, and the Blackhawks complete the top three with 6,945 games on the counter. According to Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes, the Canadiens are expected to take another step forward this season, to continue their organic growth, as they emphasized the results last season. Longtime veterans like Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia, and David Savard have departed, while new additions such as Noah Dobson (25) and Zachary Bolduc (22) have been integrated to accelerate the team's long-term growth. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Chiquimula Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Habs thank fans for 2024-25 season Key talents on the team include captain Nick Suzuki (26), Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovský, Kaiden Guhle, Lane Hutson, and Ivan Demidov. It is to be noted that Demidov has made quite an impression in his debut, scoring a goal and an assist in his very first NHL game, making him one of the youngest Canadiens ever to achieve multiple points in a debut. He continued to shine in the playoffs, breaking Henri Richard's record as the youngest player to have a multi-point game in postseason history. On the defensive side, 21-year-old rookie standout Lane Hutson had an incredible 2024–25 season under the Montreal Canadiens. He earned the NHL Rookie of the Month title and set several point streak records for first-year defensemen with the Canadiens. Besides, he is also a proud recipient of the Calder Memorial Trophy, which he earned in 2025. Habs make their predictions for 2025 Who else will join the Montreal Canadiens team this year? As for the second rookie spot, chances are it will be filled by Oliver Kapanen , who is still considered a rookie in NHL terms, having only played 18 games in the big league so far. Apart from them, several players will make their NHL playoff debuts, including players expected to play big roles, like Lane Hutson, Juraj Slafkovský, Kaiden Guhle, and Samuel Montembeault. But on the other side, there's Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Patrik Laine, Alex Newhook, Alex Carrier, Christian Dvorak, and Jake Evans. FAQs What is the average age of the Canadiens' roster in 2025–26? The Montreal Canadiens are set to have an average roster age of around 25.75 years for the 2025–26 season, based on NHL media site rosters from mid-July 2025. This makes them the only team in the NHL with an average age under 26, earning them the title of the youngest team in the league. Also Read : Nicklas Backstrom returns to hockey career in Sweden with Brynas IF following subdued NHL goodbye | NHL News - Times of India In which position will Noah Dobson play? Noah Dobson is set to take on a crucial top-pairing role with the Montreal Canadiens, showcasing his skills on both offense and defense. He's anticipated to be a standout player during power plays and to make an impact in every situation, striving to be a dependable 200-foot player. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
18-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Trio of rookies on WNBA All-Star roster follow in Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese's footsteps
With several big names retiring from the WNBA in recent seasons, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese lead five WNBA All-Stars drafted within the last two years. It feels like the troch has been passed. In April, Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers was calmly sitting at a table in New York and eagerly waiting for commissioner Cathy Engelbert to call her name. "With the first pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, the Dallas Wings select Paige Bueckers, University of Connecticut," Engelbert eventually crooned. Bueckers rose from her chair, smiled and put her left hand over her heart, seemingly to steady herself as she realized the gravity of the moment. For all the expectations placed on her shoulders, the class of 2025 silently also carried some of the weight. They would have to follow in the footsteps of the class of 2024, spearheaded by two players who often ripped out entire sections of WNBA history books. Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese created immediate impact when they entered the league, earning All-Star nods during their first season as pros. Clark and Reese might have set a new benchmark for first-year players. Walking in their footsteps would be no easy feat. However, the class of 2025 wasn't daunted. It met the moment this season with three WNBA All-Stars: Bueckers and Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron and forward Kiki Iriafen. The trio will play in their first All-Star Game on July 19 in Indianapolis. This new crop of players doesn't seem to be bothered by the pressure to produce; they thrive on it. Bueckers redefines WNBA history with rookie season Despite missing five games because of injuries, Bueckers is currently ranked top 10 or better in the WNBA in points, assists and steals per game. All the things she excelled at during her time at UConn – efficient shots, top-tier vision and passing, plus sweltering defense – immediately translated to the pro level. Her blazing fast start includes several league records. The Wings guard is the first player in WNBA history with 60 points and 30 assists through the first five games, fastest player in league history to reach 200 points and 50 assists and first player in WNBA history to record a game with 25 or more points, five-plus assists, two-plus steals and two or more blocks with zero turnovers. As fate would have it (and history repeats), there's a connection to the class of 2024. En route to June Rookie of the Month honors, Bueckers joined Clark as the only rookies to ever score 35-plus points and five or more made 3-pointers in a single matchup. "Paige (Bueckers) is a bucket. She's deserving of everything," Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale recently told USA TODAY about Bueckers' All-Star nod. "She's just been a great player. I mean, everything you guys see, that's what we see every day. ... She just has an all-around game – all-around good person." Citron and Iriafen are WNBA's best rookie duo Bueckers isn't the only first-year player who turned heads upon stepping onto the hardwood. Her colleagues across the country, Citron and Iriafen, are the first pair of rookie teammates since 1999 to make the WNBA All-Star team. Citron was the first rookie in 2025 to score 100 points and is the only player from the class of 2025 to have multiple 20-point double-doubles. Per ESPN, the rookie has an effective field goal percentage of 53%, factoring in 3-pointers and shooting almost 90% from the free throw line. Additionally, alongside Iriafen, she became the first rookie since Las Vegas Aces forward A'ja Wilson in 2018 to open their career with eight or more double-digit scoring stat lines. "Big fan of her game. Been a big fan of her since she's been in college," Clark said after adding Citron to her roster for the 2025 All-Star Game. "I've been telling everybody I thought she would be a tremendous player when she got into the league, and she hasn't let me down." Citron's game is not considered flashy by most standards, but her patience in nailing clutch shots and playing shutdown defense in the big moments is hard to overlook. She rarely panics, which translates to smooth and fluid movements of a player beyond her years. Citron's teammate, Iriafen, has also carved out a lane for herself, becoming one of the best young players in the league. Her undeniable motor and footwork have been noteworthy, particularly because the opening slate of post players she faced was filled with future hall of famers, including Atlanta Dream center Brittney Griner, Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles, Wilson in Las Vegas and Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas. Still, Iriafen didn't flinch. "Kiki (Iriafen) came in, and she's not playing like a rookie," Griner said in June. "She wasn't scared of any of us out there; she's coming right at us. You see her working. ... So I've been very impressed with her." As the early days of her season went on, Iriafen joined more elite company by adding her name to a list that includes Clark, Reese and Phoenix forward Satou Sabally. They are the only rookies since 2020 to record three consecutive double-doubles. Iriafen had four straight double-doubles and earned May Rookie of the Month honors. When considering Iriafen's and Citron's impact along with Bueckers, there's a resounding theme: the class of 2025 has no dropoff in talent. This year's class potentially sets the stage for 2026 and beyond. Next year's group of league hopefuls includes Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Olivia Miles, UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts, LSU Tigers guard Flau'jae Johnson and UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd. In 2027, USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins and Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo will lead a class with Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker and several other high-profile prospects. The tide is shifting in the WNBA, and as more talent enters, having three or more rookie All-Stars suddenly doesn't feel like a fantasy. It's reality, and soon, it could be the standard. The torch has been passed.
USA Today
14-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Christian Gonzalez comes in at No. 84 in the NFL's Top 100 players for the 2025 season
When it comes to NFL draft steals, the New England Patriots may have perfected the art form. First, it was seventh-round draft pick Tom Brady, who turned out to be a good quarterback. And while former Oregon Duck cornerback Christian Gonzalez can't be considered a steal as he was the 17th overall pick, there wasn't a lot of fanfare over the pick in the Boston area. Perhaps there should have been. In the NFL's list of Top 100 players that the league is publishing as the 2025 season approaches, Gonzalez comes in on that list at No. 84. After just two seasons as a Patriot, Gonzalez has quickly become one of the best defenders in the National Football League. He played in just four games in 2023 due to a torn labrum, but Gonzalez made a splash in just that one month of action as he was the Rookie of the Month for September. Unfortunately, the Patriots would get to see just a sample of what he could do. But in the next season, Gonzalez finished the year with 59 combined tackles (50 solo), 11 pass deflections, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and a touchdown in 16 games and 16 starts. Entering his third season here in 2025, Gonzalez and the Patriots as a team are looking to build upon what they started last season. Having Mike Vrabel, a defensive-minded head coach such as Oregon's Dan Lanning, should help Gonzalez tremendously and propel his career even further.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Paige Bueckers sets new WNBA record as Dallas Wings secure a stunning win over Phoenix Mercury
Paige Bueckers. Image via: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Paige Bueckers continued her electric rookie campaign with another milestone performance. She helped the Dallas Wings clinch a 98-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night. The win marks the Wings' fifth in their last seven games as the team rides a strong midseason surge. Bueckers' historic night powered the Wings to victory, but it has also made her place in the WNBA record books with yet another rookie benchmark. Paige Bueckers breaks WNBA rookie record in Dallas Wings' statement win over Phoenix Mercury Paige Bueckers added another impressive feat to her resume by becoming the fastest WNBA player to reach 250 career points since Seimone Augustus in 2006. She accomplished the milestone in just her 13th game, surpassing Caitlin Clark's mark, who needed 16 games to reach the same total. Bueckers finished the night with 23 points and six assists on a highly efficient 8-of-11 shooting performance. The WNBA Rookie of the Month for June and an All-Star starter in her first season, Bueckers has taken the league by storm, and Thursday's game only further validated her elite potential. Her scoring display also marked her seventh 20-point game this season, giving her the third-most 20-point games by a rookie in franchise history. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The Wings, who started the season 1-11, are now 6-13, showing signs of a major turnaround. Their victory over Phoenix was historic in more ways than one. Dallas became the first WNBA team to start four rookies in a game since the Minnesota Lynx did it in 2000. Aziaha James led the Wings with a sensational 28-point outing, adding six rebounds and six assists while shooting 55.6% from three-point range. 'The Dallas Wings win their 5th of the last 7 games as they defeat the Phoenix Mercury 98-89 👏,' the WNBA posted on X. James also became just the fifth rookie in league history to post at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five made threes in a single game. JJ Quinerly contributed 17 points and a team-high seven assists, continuing the strong showing from Dallas' young core. For the Mercury, Kahleah Copper dropped a season-high 33 points, knocking down 57.1% of her shots from deep. All-Star forward Satou Sabally added 20 points and two steals in the losing effort. Also Read: 'Not a gamble' – Damian Lillard dismisses risk talk amid free agency after being waived by Milwaukee Bucks The Wings will get a chance to continue their surge with a rematch against the Mercury in Phoenix on July 7. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
USA Today
28-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
WNBA rookie power rankings, odds: Wings' Paige Bueckers leads Mystics duo
Caitlin Clark was a shoo-in for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award last season, but the running for the 2025 edition has emerged as a three-woman race that includes a pair of teammates as All-Star weekend approaches. Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers, Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron and Mystics center Kiki Iriafen have emerged as early favorites to hoist the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year trophy after getting off to hot starts in their freshman campaign. The race is tight and will likely come down to the wire, but how would the top three shake out if the award was given out today? Let's take a look at where each novice lands on USA TODAY Sports' WNBA rookie power rankings: 1. Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings Bueckers was the No. 1 pick of the 2025 WNBA Draft for a reason. The 23-year-old leads all rookies in scoring (18.4 points), assists (5.8), steals (1.8) and minutes (35.6) per game so far. Bueckers missed four games earlier this month in concussion protocol, but returned to drop a career-high 35 points in the Wings' loss to the Phoenix Mercury on June 11. Despite Dallas opening the season 1-11, the Wings are starting to find a rhythm and have won three of its last five games, thanks to the one-two punch of Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale. Bueckers has reached double digits in each game she's played and is the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 200 points and 50 assists in 11 games. 2. Kiki Iriafen, Washington Mystics The Washington Mystics blew up everything ahead of the 2025 season and the risk has paid off. New general manager Jamila Wideman and head coach Sydney Johnson took a step toward rebuilding their future with first-round picks Kiki Iriafen (No. 5 overall) and Sonia Citron (No. 3 overall). The dynamic duo currently has the Mystics sitting at .500 on the season, one year removed from finishing with a 14-26 record. Iriafen is on a roll and became the first Mystics player in franchise history to win the Rookie of the Month honor in May. She leads all rookies in rebounds (8.8) and ranks third in scoring (13.2). Iriafen has five double-doubles through 16 games, including four consecutive double-doubles in her first five career games. The rest of the rookies have a combined four. 3. Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics Sonia Citron is calm, cool and collected on both sides of the ball and has been pivotal in the Mystics' turnaround. Among rookies, Citron is second in the league in scoring (14.6) and minutes (32.9) per game behind Bueckers and has scored double-digit points in all but one game this season. When she's not knocking down game-winning shots — including her go-ahead three in the Mystics' overtime win over the Wings on June 22 and a pair of clutch free throws to ice Washington's win over the Lynx on June 24 — Citron is guarding multiple positions. Iriafen and Citron perfectly complement each other and look to lead the Mystics to the postseason for the first time since 2023. Honorable mentions 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year odds Here's the latest odds from BetMGM, as of Friday: The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. 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