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England and Leicester winger Watson retires on medical grounds
Watson moved to Leicester from Premiership rivals Bath in 2022 and managed just 23 appearances for the East Midlands club during the injury-plagued latter years of his career.
Leicester described the winger as "one of the most electrifying rugby talents of his generation" as well as "one of English rugby's modern greats".
Watson, who spent nine years with Bath after first coming through at London Irish, last featured for the national side in the summer of 2023.
England head coach Steve Borthwick, who Watson also played under at Tigers, said the player "is to be congratulated on a fantastically successful career".
"He is a humble, hard-working professional man who is universally liked and admired in the game," Borthwick said.
"Anthony not only brought his incredible talent to the England shirt every time he played, but he was also a player who was immensely proud to represent his country."
'I knew I was in so much pain' - Watson on retirement realisation
He was limited to just 23 appearances for Tigers in his two and a half years with the East Midlands club.
But in nine years and 126 games with Bath before that he had solidified himself as one of the Premiership's most dazzling and high-profile performers.
For England, his 23 tries in 56 appearances has seen him described as a "modern great".
"It's hard to say I've dealt with it already, because I haven't," Watson, who started his career at London Irish, said of his retirement.
"But what gives me peace of mind is knowing I did everything I could do. It's the way the cookie crumbles, it's not like I can go back and change what happened.
"You just have to move on - everyone's career ends at some point, you can't play forever. Mine was just a bit shorter than I'd have liked."
He said his retirement was not "a sob story" and would reflect on his time as a player with a smile and look to the future knowing he was physically protecting himself.
"I really enjoyed my career and played a long time," he said.
"I would have taken all the things that I have done in my career and retiring at 30 if you told me this at 19.
"My body will carry a significant amount of deficiencies as a result of playing rugby, but I think stopping now allows me to do the basic things I need to do as a dad, as a husband and as a son."
STATESVILLE, N.C. AM Racing has announced Dead On Tools, one of the worlds fastest-growing hardware and storage gear brands, will support Harrison Burton for multiple events throughout the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.
The sponsorship begins with the season-opening United Rentals 300 at Daytona (Fla.) Intl Speedway.
Dead On Tools is headquartered in the Midwest and distributes professional tools and work gear products throughout North America.
AM Racing announced last September the addition of Burton, the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series winner of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway to drive for the team in its third full-time season of competition this year.
I am stocked about the partnership with Dead On Tools this season, Burton said. Everyone has worked extremely hard this offseason to prepare for this years NASCAR Xfinity Series season.
With their support, we believe we have all the tools we need both on and off the track to succeed. Their commitment to excellence matches the passion and determination of our team, and were ready to make this a season to remember.
Here at Dead On Tools, we are always looking to push the boundaries of innovation and excitement, said Brian Ranallo, Director of Sales & Marketing for Dead On Tools. Harrison not only matches that energy, but he excels on and off the track. We couldnt be more excited to partner with Harrison and AM Racing for the 2025 season and looking forward to many trips to victory lane.
Wade Moore, president of AM Racing, added, Its been an extremely productive offseason. Weve made changes that we believe will make the 2025 season a year to remember. Im incredibly proud of our entire team.
We are thrilled about the addition of Harrison and AM Racing is grateful to kick off our new relationship in Daytona with an anchor partner like Dead On Tools, who continues to increase its support and dedication to the sport.
Bernal Is Third Matt Wood Entry To Lock In In Tulsa
TULSA, Okla. Ryan Bernal became the third Matt Wood Racing driver to lock into Saturday nights Chili Bowl main event when he finished second on Thursday at Tulsa Expo Raceway.
Bernal got a break when two cars in front of him tangled late in the race, setting up a two-lap shootout to the checkered flag, which placed him third behind leaders Tanner Thorson and Christopher Bell.
Honestly, a little bit of luck. There those two in front of me tangling, kind of put me in position, Bernal said. Green-white-checkered anything can happen. We saw that with Shanes (Golobic) race. I wanted to be on the other side of that. I got to the bottom and I stuck it and I thought, Oh, man, I have a shot. Then, of course, I went down into three and miss the bottom and give it back to Tanner. If I stick the bottom there, I think we win.
Bernal joins teammates Landon Brooks, who won his preliminary feature, and Shane Golobic, who finished second on his qualifying night, in Saturdays $20,000-to-win feature.
We come here to race on Saturday, so a lock in is extremely good and I am extremely proud of this team, Bernal said. You get to race with Chris. These guys are making history. Christopher Bell and Tanner Thorson are as good as it gets in this building, so I am just happy to be here.
Hes also proud of the entire Matt Wood Racing organization.
Matt Wood and NOS Energy Drink give us this opportunity to come out here, Bernal said. A couple of California winged drivers that have locked in the last couple of days. I cant say enough how excited I am to be here. I worked really hard on myself to put myself in position to be here.
Its a team effort.
We are all here as a group at 8:30 in the morning, Bernal noted. Landon after he wins, hes down in the lobby waiting for us. He works on the car. We have a good time, and the results are showing that.
Seavey Begins Quest For Threepeat On Tulsa Friday Night
TULSA, Okla. Logan Seaveys quest for a threepeat begins on Hard Rock Casino Qualifying Night, the fifth of five preliminary nights for the 39th running of the Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink.
Seavey, who has won the last two runnings of the Chili Bowl Nationals, returns to the No. 39 Kevin & Jordan Swindell-Mike Curb-Bertrand Motorsports
Machine with which hes dominated the past Chili Bowls.
Seavey also won the USAC national sprint car title last season and has won all three (midget, Silver Crown, sprint car) USAC national titles during his career.
Seaveys biggest rival on Friday may be winged sprint car racer Tyler Courtney, who returns to midget competition as a teammate to Kyle Larson in a second Silva Motorsports machine.
Courtneys brother, Taylor, will also be in action on Friday night.
Veteran open-wheel racer Justin Grant will continue to chase an elusive Chili Bowl main event victory, moving to Chad Boats CBI team this season. Grant is a five-time preliminary night winner.
Ryan Timms returns to his familiar Keith Kunz Motorsports Curb Agajanian machine, while Gavin Miller and Michael Pickens will also wheel KKM machines.
World of Outlaws champion Daryn Pittman wheels his own No. 21 midget, while Chase McDermand, Jason McDougal and Cale Coons are also expected to contend on the final night of preliminary action.
Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch will drive his own No. 51 in his Chili Bowl debut, while Daytona 500 winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr. returns to his midget roots in a CBI entry as a teammate to Grant.
Finally, IndyCar regular Santino Ferrucci makes another attempt at the Chili Bowl, driving for Abacus Racing.
Winger To Return To World Of Outlaws Late Model Fold
CONCORD, N.C. Ashton Winger wont be a rookie when he returns to the World of Outlaws Late Models full time in 2025, but he said itll still feel like his first year.
His maiden voyage with the series came in 2020, which saw the schedule marred by the pandemic. Now, with a nearly 60-race schedule ahead, Winger said hes excited to finally experience a complete season with the series.
I ran it back in 2020, but it was such a weird year. We went to Florida and then Smoky Mountain and then literally sat around for two months, Winger said. Ive always been a believer in just getting out and racing. That year, we really didnt get to do that. So, I know I did it in 2020, but this really feels like the first year that Im actually going to do it.
In the years since, Winger has stuck to his motto of racing as much as possible by making stops at several Midwest and Southeast events and running two full seasons on the DIRTcar Summer Nationals trail. His 2023 Hell Tour campaign culminated with the series championship.
Winger said hes hoping that experience will translate into more successful nights in those regions with the World of Outlaws.
As far as the Outlaws go, they go to a few more places around home like Swainsboro, Needmore, Talladega. I mean, I was probably going to be at those races anyway, Winger said. They go to a fair amount in the Midwest too, and thats kind of where Ive made it a point to go try and race. Its probably my favorite part of the country to go race.
The schedule isnt Wingers only reason to be optimistic heading into the season though theres a night and day difference in his level of preparedness compared to his last World of Outlaws effort.
In 2020, Winger ran the second half of the season with a pickup truck for a hauler and one chassis, yet he still managed to win a feature and earn rookie-of-the-year honors.
With more funding, more parts and more experience at his disposal, Winger sees no reason why he cant be a nightly contender in 2025.
We really wanted to do it last year but didnt really feel like we had all of our ducks in a row to go do it, Winger said. The problem is, if you dont go in guns blazing, ready to go every night, you get yourself in a hole. Even if we do leave Florida in a hole, it would feel better to me to be prepared to actually do it rather than going halfway. I just felt like it was the right time. Honestly, I felt like the best Im ever going to be is racing the best guys every night, so thats what I probably look forward to the most.
Wingers first test as a full-time Outlaw will come as soon as the green flag waves next week at Volusia Speedway Park.
I know I won there two years ago, but it was kind of rough and wide open and the racetrack usually isnt like that, Winger said. I really think its more me than anything. Ive been in all types of car brands and all kinds of stuff there and I really dont think Ive grasped a hold of that place. Just not really ever comfortable there. But either way, Im excited for it. Really just ready to get to racing.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. Veteran Bowman Gray Stadium modified racer Burt Myers will drive the No. 50 Citrusafe Chevrolet for Team AmeriVet in the Feb. 2 CookOut Clash at the legendary quarter-mile race track.
Myers is no stranger to the hallowed grounds of Bowman Gray. His exceptional record includes track modified championships in 1999, 2001, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023 and 2024. Myers also boasts titles as the 2010 and 2016 NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour Champion and the 2002, 2021 and 2023 SMART Modified Tour Champion.
Im very excited to be a part of such a monumental event, said Myers. Every short-track driver dreams of an opportunity like this. For mine to happen at my home track, and to be able to continue my NASCAR family legacy means the world to me.
Continuing to call the shots as crew chief for the No. 50 in this event is another name enriched in NASCAR history, Tony Eury Jr.
Im looking forward to going to the stadium with Burt. We have won a lot of races together in our FURY modified over the years, and to be a part of this historic event with a driver like Burt, its hard not to be excited, said Eury.
Team Owner Rebecca Auchmoody shared her enthusiasm for the event.
I couldnt be more excited to kick off the racing season at The Clash with Burt Myers. This event will help us grow as a team with Burts experience and Tony Jr. as crew chief, it will contribute toward improving team performance, Aauchoody said. Its also an incredible opportunity for us to continue our mission of supporting veterans through our 50 Vets a Week program. Last season, we were proud to relieve $125,000 in veteran debt after the race in Phoenix, and our goal this time is to exceed that amount. Each race gives us a platform to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who have served, and we cant wait to see what we can achieve together at The Clash.
The Allegheny County (Pa.) Police Department said Thursday night that Evgeni Malkin's three Stanley Cup rings, which had gone missing following a burglary at his home last weekend, were located in the Pittsburgh Penguins star's residence.
An investigation into the burglary remains ongoing, according to police, who did not say whether any suspects had been identified.
"I would like to express my gratitude to the Allegheny County Police, the Sewickley Heights Police and the entire Penguins organization," Malkin said in a statement put out by the team Thursday night. "The outpouring of support and concern from my teammates and fans over the past few days means so much to my family and I."
The burglary at Malkin's residence in the Pittsburgh suburb of Sewickley took place Saturday, the same day the Penguins hosted the Ottawa Senators -- with a 911 call coming in a few hours after the 4 p.m. puck drop. Malkin sat out the 5-0 loss because of an upper-body injury.
KDKA-TV reported at the time of the burglary, Malkin's home security system was down and his safe was left open.
The incident was the latest in a series of burglaries at the residences of professional athletes, with Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Joe Burrow and Luka Doncic among those affected.
The FBI has warned sports leagues about crime organizations targeting professional athletes, it said in a Liaison Information Report obtained by ABC News late last month. The NFL and NBA also issued security alerts to their players after the break-ins, some of which occurred when players were away with their teams for road games.
NHL Power Rankings: Capitals take over No. 1 spot, plus each team's fantasy MVP
The midway point of the 2024-25 NHL occurred recently, which led to a slew of content this week: Midseason grades for all 32 teams, the Panic Meter, and the Wyshynski Awards at midseason.
But which fantasy players have been the MVP at this juncture?
In this week's edition of the Power Rankings, we have identified that player for each club. And a reminder, it's not too late to sign up for a team!
How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list.
Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Jan. 10. Points percentages and paces are through Thursday's games.
1. Washington Capitals
Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 72.22%
Tom Wilson, RW. It's honestly hard to pick one Capital for this fantasy MVP award, as it's been such a great season. Logan Thompson, Connor McMichael, Dylan Strome, Jakob Chychrun ... even an injury-shortened run from Alex Ovechkin has been epic so far. But Wilson is the team's fantasy leader as of Wednesday, with one more fantasy point than Thompson, so let's acknowledge the effort.
Next eight days: vs. PIT (Jan. 18), @ EDM (Jan. 21), @ SEA (Jan. 23)
2. Winnipeg Jets
Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 70.65%
Connor Hellebuyck, G. He's not just the Jets' fantasy MVP, he's easily the NHL fantasy MVP this season! Hellebuyck has a 35-point lead on Nathan MacKinnon for the most overall fantasy points and is pushing into territory we haven't seen in the modern NHL. Carey Price has the 15-year water mark at 313.6 fantasy points in 2014-15 and Hellebuyck is on pace to beat it.
Next eight days: vs. CGY (Jan. 18), @ UTA (Jan. 20), @ COL (Jan. 22)
3. Vegas Golden Knights
Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 69.32%
Jack Eichel, C. Health has been a big reason why, but it's still a shock to think that Eichel hasn't scored more than 82 points in a season. Well, he's going to blow the doors off that career mark this campaign as he's well on his way to triple digits!
Next eight days: @ CAR (Jan. 17), @ CHI (Jan. 18), vs. STL (Jan. 20), @ STL (Jan. 23)
4. Edmonton Oilers
Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 67.78%
Leon Draisaitl, C. Chicken or egg, we may never know, but Draisaitl is the easy pick from the Oilers even though he's on a team with the consensus best player on the planet. His fantasy returns are through the roof and he's dominating in the offensive categories at a per-game rate only eclipsed by two other players. No one is sad even if he was picked first overall at the draft -- which he probably wasn't.
Next eight days: @ VAN (Jan. 18), vs. WSH (Jan. 21), vs. VAN (Jan. 23)
5. Dallas Stars
Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 64.77%
Jake Oettinger, G. It hasn't been a straight line to get there, but here at the halfway mark, Oettinger is the top-five goaltender we drafted. That's worthy of fantasy MVP on a team with most of the other personnel putting up totals that lag behind last season.
Next eight days: @ COL (Jan. 18), vs. DET (Jan. 19), vs. CAR (Jan. 21)
6. Minnesota Wild
Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 64.44%
Kirill Kaprizov, LW. He's missed 10 games and still has the lead in fantasy points for the Wild, though Filip Gustavsson might catch him). Actually, if Kaprizov wasn't so extremely dialed in, Gustavsson may have been worthy of the nod here for answering the bell as the unquestioned starter after a down season in 2023-24.
Next eight days: @ NSH (Jan. 18), @ COL (Jan. 20), vs. UTA (Jan. 23)
7. New Jersey Devils
Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 61.70%
Jacob Markstrom, G. Forget fantasy MVP, maybe just plain MVP. The Devils knew they needed a reliable goalie to change their fortunes in the standings, and Markstrom has more than filled that void. It's a bonus for us in the fantasy game that the results have translated well and he's (distant, admittedly) second to Connor Hellebuyck among all goalies.
Next eight days: vs. PHI (Jan. 18), vs. OTT (Jan. 19), vs. BOS (Jan. 22)
8. Toronto Maple Leafs
Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 63.04%
Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll, G. Maybe the fantasy MVP should be coach Craig Berube, who brought his defensive stylings to a team that seemed to have had an appetite for it all along. Both Stolarz and Woll have proven to be worthy of fantasy rosters -- especially in leagues that allow daily lineup changes to pick the actual starter. They rank fourth and 13th respectively for fantasy points per game.
Next eight days: @ MTL (Jan. 18), vs. TB (Jan. 20), vs. CBJ (Jan. 22)
9. Carolina Hurricanes
Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 61.11%
Shayne Gostisbehere, D. Averaging half a point per game with the man advantage, Gostisbehere is just what the Hurricanes needed to elevate their special teams this season. He's not just a great fantasy starter, but he's lifted all boats for the Hurricanes by making the power play more dangerous. That's true fantasy MVP status.
Next eight days: vs. VGK (Jan. 17), @ CHI (Jan. 20), @ DAL (Jan. 21), vs. CBJ (Jan. 23)
10. Los Angeles Kings
Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 65.48%
Brandt Clarke, D. Though the sun is setting on his time in the spotlight and one could argue it's been fading since his early season returns, Clarke did a stand-up job of filling in for Drew Doughty as the Kings power-play quarterback until the veteran returns, which for the record, is expected to be soon.
Next eight days: @ SEA (Jan. 18), vs. PIT (Jan. 20), vs. FLA (Jan. 22)
11. Colorado Avalanche
Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 59.78%
Nathan MacKinnon, C. One of only two skaters averaging 3.0 fantasy points per game, MacKinnon is a fantasy MVP even relative to his starting value, which couldn't possibly have been any higher for the top player drafted in most leagues. There are no complaints if you want to give this to Mikko Rantanen or Cale Makar, who are right there with him.
Next eight days: vs. DAL (Jan. 18), vs. MIN (Jan. 20), vs. WPG (Jan. 22)
12. Florida Panthers
Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 59.78%
Sam Reinhart, RW. Leon Draisaitl, Alex Ovechkin, Dany Heatley ... Reinhart? If he keeps up his current pace, he'll join an exclusive group of players with consecutive 50-goal seasons in the post-lockout era. How's that for an answer as to whether he can repeat his fantasy value from his contract season?
Next eight days: vs. ANA (Jan. 18), @ ANA (Jan. 21), @ LA (Jan. 22)
13. Tampa Bay Lightning
Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 59.30%
Nikita Kucherov, RW. Life without Steven Stamkos has been just fine for Kucherov, as Jake Guentzel has filled the void on the power play. He joins only Nathan MacKinnon in the rarified air of earning 3.0 fantasy points per game as a skater. Brandon Hagel emerging as a fantasy lock would be another consideration here, but Kucherov is too good to pass on.
Next eight days: vs. DET (Jan. 18), @ TOR (Jan. 20), @ MTL (Jan. 21)
14. Calgary Flames
Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 55.68%
Jonathan Huberdeau, LW. Cast aside after the terrible fantasy showing last season, Huberdeau was widely available for fantasy teams when it became clear he was having a bounce-back campaign. Rookie Dustin Wolf was an equally eligible choice here as he continues his takeover of the crease.
Next eight days: @ WPG (Jan. 18), vs. BUF (Jan. 23)
15. Vancouver Canucks
Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 54.55%
Kevin Lankinen, G. Although the fantasy value is starting to fade as Thatcher Demko creeps back into the picture, Lankinen was a boon to rosters for months as his replacement. And it was a very late replacement, as he wasn't even on the Canucks roster until after some fantasy drafts. But with Demko still not seemingly 100 percent, maybe the ride isn't over.
Next eight days: vs. EDM (Jan. 18), vs. BUF (Jan. 21), @ EDM (Jan. 23)
16. Columbus Blue Jackets
Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 55.56%
Zach Werenski, D. Mike Green's 31 goals in 2008-09 still stands as the 21st century mark to beat for a defender. Werenski picked up two on Tuesday to put him on pace for 28. The results are only made better by the fact that he was a typically an 11th round draft pick in most leagues.
Next eight days: @ NYR (Jan. 18), @ NYI (Jan. 20), @ TOR (Jan. 22), @ CAR (Jan. 23)
17. Ottawa Senators
Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 54.55%
Brady Tkachuk, LW. Five-category forwards are a rare commodity, but Tkachuk checks all the boxes for fantasy production. But he's not just checking them, he's filling the boxes in with a permanent Sharpie and signing them. He's top 10 in both shots on goal and hits!
Next eight days: vs. BOS (Jan. 18), @ NJ (Jan. 19), @ NYR (Jan. 21), @ BOS (Jan. 23)
18. Boston Bruins
Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 53.26%
David Pastrnak, RW. Like ... who else are we going to pick? Jeremy Swayman and Elias Lindholm are falling way short of high hopes, Charlie McAvoy -- just placed on the IR -- and Brad Marchand are treading water for value. Pasta hasn't been as dominant as his recent seasons, but you probably aren't mad you picked him for your team, which is going to have to be good enough for fantasy MVP here.
Next eight days: @ OTT (Jan. 18), vs. SJ (Jan. 20), @ NJ (Jan. 22), vs. OTT (Jan. 23)
19. Montreal Canadiens
Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 54.55%
Lane Hutson, D. It took him a little bit of time, but Hutson climbed the depth chart to the top of the blue line and is reaping the rewards. He has been a top-10 fantasy defenseman for the past month with 2.3 fantasy points per game and leads all Habs in fantasy points over that span.
Next eight days: vs. TOR (Jan. 18), vs. NYR (Jan. 19), vs. TB (Jan. 21), @ DET (Jan. 23)
20. Detroit Red Wings
Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 52.27%
Moritz Seider, D. With the way the offense has turned around after the coaching change, this answer might be different in a couple of weeks (Patrick Kane?), but for now, Seider returning the top-five defenseman value we hoped for is fantasy MVP-worthy.
Next eight days: @ TB (Jan. 18), @ DAL (Jan. 19), @ PHI (Jan. 21), vs. MTL (Jan. 23)
21. St. Louis Blues
Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 52.17%
Dylan Holloway, C. After getting modest chances in Edmonton with the likes of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, it was far from expected that Holloway would start producing once he escaped them. Holloway ranks third on the Blues in total fantasy points and has only been improving his output as the season progresses -- as in, this might not even be the ceiling yet.
Next eight days: @ UTA (Jan. 18), @ VGK (Jan. 20), vs. VGK (Jan. 23)
22. New York Rangers
Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 51.14%
Will Cuylle, LW. Frankly, Cuylle shouldn't be on fantasy rosters anymore since his early-season hot streak inevitably petered out, but giving him the fantasy MVP nod here is a message to the rest of the Rangers. No one has met, let alone exceeded fantasy hopes on this roster this season. Vincent Trocheck is just starting to get to a good place, but it's thumbs down all around after him.
Next eight days: vs. CBJ (Jan. 18), @ MTL (Jan. 19), vs. OTT (Jan. 21), vs. PHI (Jan. 23)
23. Philadelphia Flyers
Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 50.00%
Travis Sanheim, D. While Travis Konecny is the team leader for fantasy, he was also a popular pick at drafts. Sanheim was a bench addition defenseman in most leagues -- if he was even drafted at all. Well, here he is, sandwiched between Quinn Hughes and Roman Josi for total fantasy points from the blue line at the halfway mark.
Next eight days: @ NJ (Jan. 18), vs. DET (Jan. 21), @ NYR (Jan. 23)
24. Utah Hockey Club
Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 48.86%
Ian Cole, D. Cole is easily having the quietest fantasy campaign in the league. He ranks 19th in fantasy points among all defensemen, yet remains available in 60% of leagues. The fuel for his performance are his 124 blocked shots, which rank second overall to Jacob Trouba. Cole even has more fantasy points than any forward on Utah's roster.
Next eight days: vs. STL (Jan. 18), vs. WPG (Jan. 20), @ MIN (Jan. 23)
25. Pittsburgh Penguins
Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 47.83%
Rickard Rakell, RW. He was on radars at the start of the season, but he may not have even been in many top-five lists for Penguins with the most fantasy potential. So to have Rakell not only doing well, but leading the entire team in fantasy points -- by a healthy margin -- is fantastic news for those that picked him up in the early going. Heck, Rakell is 11th among all skaters in fantasy scoring!
Next eight days: @ BUF (Jan. 17), @ WSH (Jan. 18), @ LA (Jan. 20), @ ANA (Jan. 23)
26. New York Islanders
Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 46.59%
Anders Lee, LW. With only Lee and Noah Dobson approaching 2.0 fantasy points per game -- and barely -- across the Islanders' entire roster, we don't really have a choice but to go with Lee for the fantasy MVP, as we expected more from Dobson. But long story short, if Ilya Sorokin isn't the fantasy MVP in an Isles season, we know things aren't going to plan.
Next eight days: vs. SJ (Jan. 18), vs. CBJ (Jan. 20)
27. Seattle Kraken
Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 44.57%
Joey Daccord, G. Look, the Kraken are an example of playing above the sum of its parts, but it means there are no superstars here. No player averages more than 1.7 fantasy points per game, which means some shallow leagues might be better off with no Kraken on any rosters. That said, Daccord has been an above average secondary fantasy goaltender when deployed with focus.
Next eight days: vs. LA (Jan. 18), vs. BUF (Jan. 20), vs. WSH (Jan. 23)
28. Anaheim Ducks
Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 46.67%
Jackson LaCombe, D. Before the season, if you had to guess the young defender that would the Ducks' fantasy MVP at the halfway mark, LaCombe might have been your third guess. He's playing top-pair minutes with Radko Gudas and patrolling the blue line on the power play to the tune of 1.9 fantasy points per game.
Next eight days: @ FLA (Jan. 18), vs. FLA (Jan. 21), vs. PIT (Jan. 23)
29. Buffalo Sabres
Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 44.32%
Jason Zucker, LW. A prime choice in deep-league fantasy games, Zucker has a lot going for him amongst a disappointing showing from his teammates in fantasy. A freebie pickup with 1.7 fantasy points per game? Nice. Gets most of his points on the power play? Excellent. Eligible at both LW and RW for leagues that use those? Beauty!
Next eight days: vs. PIT (Jan. 17), @ SEA (Jan. 20), @ VAN (Jan. 21), @ CGY (Jan. 23)
30. Nashville Predators
Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 42.05%
Roman Josi, D. Even though he ranks ninth among blueliners for fantasy points and is behind his pace from last season, Josi is as close to a fantasy MVP as we'll get with this club. Maybe better days are ahead, but the Predators are a lesson in not betting too strongly on fantasy returns based on offseason moves.
Next eight days: vs. MIN (Jan. 18), vs. SJ (Jan. 21), @ SJ (Jan. 23)
31. San Jose Sharks
Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 36.17%
Jake Walman, D. An extraordinarily pleasant surprise on the Sharks' blue line, Walman is running the power play, firing shots, scoring goals and blocking shots. He wasn't on any preseason shortlists as a sleeper, so to be getting quality production out of him as a free-agent addition has been helpful to those who jumped on board.
Next eight days: @ NYI (Jan. 18), @ BOS (Jan. 20), @ NSH (Jan. 21), vs. NSH (Jan. 23)
32. Chicago Blackhawks
Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 34.44%
Alex Vlasic, D. The results are dipping of late, but Vlasic was a solid play overall this season, especially when Seth Jones was out of the lineup. Vlasic ranks second on the team in fantasy points and was even tied with Connor Bedard for the lead as recently as Dec. 27.
Next eight days: vs. VGK (Jan. 18), vs. CAR (Jan. 20)
Barcelona have confirmed they will not return to Spotify Camp Nou before May as renovation work on the club's stadium drags on.
It means they will potentially finish this season at the Olympic Stadium, where they have been playing since the Camp Nou revamp began in the summer of 2023, although sources have told ESPN hosting a match in May has not been completely ruled out.
Barça end the LaLiga campaign with matches against Real Madrid (May 11) and Villarreal (May 18).
Friday's announcement that they will continue at the Olympic Stadium until at least April 23, when they host Mallorca, means they are committed to playing all their remaining Champions League games at the Olympic Stadium.
UEFA rules do allow a change of stadiums after the group stage, but teams are not allowed to use multiple venues during the knockout phase.
Barça had originally hoped to be back playing matches at Camp Nou last November, coinciding with the club's 125th anniversary, as part of a phased return.
The Catalan club revealed in November a delay until at least January, with sources then telling ESPN in December the club were working internally on the possibility they will not be back at Camp Nou until next season.
Progress in redeveloping and modernising the ground has been slowed due to the fact more work was required on the second tier than initially planned.
The pitch, meanwhile, will require up to three months to be properly installed to ensure it is at the level required to host elite football, with sources telling ESPN that process is due to begin in February.
When Barça finally return to Camp Nou, the attendance will initially be capped at around 60,000 as work continues.
The stadium should then be completely finished by the summer of 2026, with the capacity increased to around 105,000, the highest in Europe.
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