Canadiens Soaring Goalie Should Hit New Level
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Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Jack Berglund Impresses At WJSS, Makes Case To Be Intriguing Flyers Prospect
(Header/feature image courtesy of David Reginek-Imagn Images) In a prospect pool as fast-rising and wide-ranging as the Philadelphia Flyers', it's easy for a player to get lost in the shuffle. Names like Jett Luchanko, Porter Martone, and Jack Nesbitt have drawn many of the headlines, especially as the Flyers build up their previously thin center position. But every so often, a player emerges—maybe not loudly at first, but with a string of performances too convincing to ignore. Enter: Jack Berglund. The 6-foot-2 Swedish center wasn't necessarily penciled in as one of the marquee players at this year's World Junior Summer Showcase. But with seven points (four goals, three assists) in just five games for Team Sweden, Berglund didn't just show up—he stood out. He's attacked his shifts with purpose, showed off pro-level detail and vision, and made an undeniable case for himself as one of the most intriguing sleeper prospects in the Flyers' system. And now, he's making a case to get out from under the radar. A Summer Statement There's a reason scouts and front offices put so much stock in events like the World Junior Summer Showcase. It's not just about production—it's about projection. It's about which players rise to the occasion against their peers, who commands the ice in high-leverage situations, and who looks like they belong in a top-line role when the lights are bright. Berglund answered every one of those questions—and then some. From the first puck drop, he looked composed and engaged. He was a play-driver, not just a passenger. He found soft spots in the offensive zone, made smart reads in transition, and most importantly, finished his chances. His four goals weren't flukes; they were the result of timing, anticipation, and a deceptively strong release. His three assists showed his ability to operate under pressure and find lanes, even when opposing defenders tried to close him off. In a showcase built for stars, Berglund made sure to shine. Is Jack Berglund? Berglund was selected by the Flyers in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft (51st overall), a pick that drew a quiet murmur of curiosity from fans but considerable excitement from those who'd watched him closely. A tall, fluid skater with a strong two-way motor, Berglund came up through the Djurgårdens IF system in Sweden and caught the Flyers' eye because of his solid promise at center. He may not be the flashiest player—he's not going to dangle through an entire defense or pull off a Michkov-style no-look dish—but his game has a quiet assertiveness. He thinks the game well. He knows where to be. And he plays with a pace and confidence that belies his age. What stands out most about Berglund is how complete his game already looks. He's responsible in his own zone, uses his frame to win puck battles, and supports the play in all three zones. Offensively, he's shown more pop than expected, especially with his shot. There's some real upside in his ability to create off the rush and in tight. In other words: He plays the kind of game that coaches trust. And that matters. Where He Fits in the Flyers' Prospect Picture In an organization that's spent the last few years carefully (and sometimes painfully) retooling its identity, Berglund represents a different kind of win—and he's exactly the kind of player who deepens a pipeline, who gives you options. Think about it: every team needs centers who can drive play at 5-on-5, who can kill penalties, match up against tough competition, and chip in secondary scoring. That's the foundation of any contender. And Berglund, with his frame, hockey sense, and growing offensive game, could very well grow into that kind of NHLer. In fact, he may have more offensive upside than people initially assumed. At the World Junior Summer Showcase, he didn't just log minutes—he made things happen. That ability to control play at even strength is a skill that scales well to the NHL, especially in a league increasingly dominated by players who don't just survive in the middle of the ice, but thrive there. the Ceiling? Every prospect brings uncertainty, but with Berglund, the questions are more about 'how high' than 'how far.' At his floor, you're probably looking at a bottom-six, utility-type forward who can kill penalties and play honest minutes against tough competition. At his ceiling, though? A reliable middle-six center with size, strong transition metrics, and 40+ point potential who eats up important minutes at even strength and on the PK. That's not just useful—that's valuable. That's the kind of player that good teams build around. And it's the kind of player whose rise you don't see coming until it's already happened. Final Thoughts: In a Pipeline of Flash, He's the Foundation Jack Berglund may not have been the blockbuster pick, but make no mistake—he's putting himself in the conversation. This summer's breakout at the World Junior Showcase wasn't a fluke. It was the culmination of steady growth, relentless work, and a skill set that may be better than anyone thought when he was drafted just over a year ago. In a Flyers organization that's finally leaning into player development and embracing a deeper rebuild, that matters. Because players like Berglund are the glue that hold prospect classes together. They're the pieces that round out top-nines and make your team deeper, smarter, harder to play against. Jack Berglund may not be a household name yet. But the way he's trending? He's getting there.
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Guardians' Shane Bieber trade called a 'steal' for Blue Jays by former exec
Guardians' Shane Bieber trade called a 'steal' for Blue Jays by former exec originally appeared on The Sporting News The Cleveland Guardians didn't have a massive trade deadline, despite the potential. They held onto Steven Kwan and couldn't deal with Emmanuel Clase amid his sports betting investigation. However, they did swing one noteworthy deal, shipping off Shane Bieber to the Toronto Blue Jays for pitching prospect Khal Stephen. A few days after the deal, former MLB executive Jim Bowden of The Athletic deemed this the best trade at the deadline, but not for the Guardians. "The 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner, who has a career record of 62-32 with a 3.22 ERA, could be a difference maker this October - if all goes well." Bowden writes. "In addition, Bieber gives the Jays another strong starter for 2026, though he could decline his player option. This was a steal." Stephen is an intriguing pitching prospect who ranks 7th in the Guardians' farm system. But, Bowden believes that the addition of Bieber is incredible for the Blue Jays, especially if he can return to form once back from injury. MORE: Guardians to trade Cy Young starter Shane Bieber to Blue Jays There's substantial risk, hence why the Guardians likely couldn't have done better than they did in the return package for Bieber. He's also unlikely to accept his $16 million player option for 2026, meaning he is, technically, a rental. Bieber has impressed in his rehab starts and could be a massive piece for the Blue Jays, who sit atop the American League. Toronto landing Bieber was a great deal for the team, and Bowden called it the best trade at the deadline. But, to call this a steal might be jumping the gun. Bieber has yet to face Major League hitting this season and has barely pitched in the past two years. Stephen is an unknown, but so is Bieber, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery. This deal could end up as a win-win, but Bowden is already dubbing the Blue Jays as winners in this deal. There are a lot of caveats, but the acquisition of Bieber could help the Blue Jays secure the top spot in the AL, and potentially, make a deep postseason run. MORE MLB NEWS: Astros trade for 27-year-old left-handed-hitting Marlins outfielder Astros agree to blockbuster trade with Twins for Carlos Correa Padres trade Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek to Royals for a new catcher Tigers lost out to Mets on trade for Cardinals' Ryan Helsley Padres pull off blockbuster trade for Athletics' Mason Miller Cardinals' trade acquisition shares five-word message with fans
Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Miami Herald
Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk will be the face of NHL 26
Matthew Tkachuk has been the face of the Florida Panthers for the past three years. He is becoming one of the faces of USA hockey, too, leading into the Winter Olympics in February. And now, he's the face of the NHL's annual video game. Tkachuk, the Panthers' star winger, will be the cover athlete for NHL 26, EA Sports unveiled on Monday. The full cover design for the game will be announced Wednesday on the EA Sports NHL YouTube channel. Tkachuk, who joined the Panthers via a blockbuster trade with the Calgary Flames ahead of the 2022-23 season, has helped turn the Panthers into a juggernaut. Florida has reached the Stanley Cup Final in all three of his seasons with the team and won it all each of the past two years. In that time, Tkachuk has logged 254 points (88 goals, 166 assists) in 211 regular-season games with the Panthers while adding another 69 points (25 goals, 44 assists) in 67 Stanley Cup playoffs games. He was tied for the team lead with 23 points during the team's run to a second consecutive Stanley Cup. Tkachuk also helped the United States win silver in the 4 Nations Face-Off in February and has already been named one of six players to be on Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Tkachuk is the second Panthers player to grace the cover of the video game's main cover. Goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck was on the cover of NHL 97. Meanwhile, Olli Jokinen was on the cover of the European version of NHL 2005. It's the second time in the past three years a South Florida athlete has been the main cover athlete for a league's video game. Jazz Chisholm Jr. was on the cover of 2023 edition of MLB The Show when he was with the Miami Marlins.
