Oilers top first round of NHL Power Rankings
We’ve made it to the beginning of the 2025-26 NHL season, with three games on the schedule for Tuesday.
With that, Daily Faceoff’s Scott Maxwell and Mike Gould are back with their
Landing squarely in the Cup Contender category are the Edmonton Oilers, who are looking to put up a big season after back-to-back losses in the Final:
Scott: As long as Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and even Evan Bouchard are on the Oilers and healthy, this team will be a Cup contender. McDavid’s looming contract extension may change that beyond this season, but this year, they’re still one of the teams to beat. Edmonton hasn’t upgraded their goaltending, but I’m intrigued to see if the upside to players like Ike Howard and Matt Savoie can give the team a mini-youth boost like what Matthew Knies has given the Leafs.
Mike: Howard is getting more than a little overrated — guys who win the Hobey Baker as juniors almost never turn into impact NHLers — but I do think Savoie has a decent chance to help out. The Oilers
really need Mattias Ekholm to get back to his previous form after his shaky, injury-hampered performance in last year’s playoffs. He’s not getting any younger.Scott: Yeah, the “if” is carrying a lot of weight for me for Howard and Savoie. If Ekholm is Ekholm next season, I think their blueline is the best it’s ever been for the Oilers during McDavid’s tenure.
Just hours after the piece was published, Connor McDavid’s two-year contract extension was signed, giving even more swagger to this hungry group to start the year. Add to that the additions of two prospects,
Landing alongside the Edmonton Oilers in the top category are the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Vegas Golden Knights. Listed as Cup Hopefuls one tier below are the Carolina Hurricanes, the Colorado Avalanche, the Florida Panthers, and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Austin Booker Opens Up About His Journey Back: 'Taking It One Day at a Time, Ready to Help My Team!'
After an extended period of recovery from a knee injury, Austin Booker is finally back on the field, ready to rejoin the Chicago Bears’ defensive line. The young defensive end, who showed great promise early in his career, has faced significant challenges during his recovery process. However, with a renewed sense of determination, Booker is looking forward to contributing to his team in every way possible.
"It’s been a long road back, but I’m just taking it one day at a time. I’m excited to get back to work and help my team in any way I can. I’m thankful for the support from the coaches and my teammates."
– Austin Booker
Booker’s words reflect both humility and resilience, qualities that have been instrumental in his recovery. While the physical aspects of the injury were challenging, it’s the mental toughness he’s developed that will allow him to make an impact on the field. His attitude shows his readiness to re-establish himself as a key contributor to the Bears' defense.
A Long Road to Recovery
For Booker, the path to recovery hasn’t been easy. Injuries can often derail a player’s career trajectory, especially when they occur early in their development. However, Booker’s commitment to his rehabilitation and his positive mindset have played a huge role in getting him back to full strength.
Over the past several months, Booker has worked tirelessly with the Bears' medical and training staff. His perseverance through the recovery process reflects his dedication to the game and his desire to help his team succeed. His teammates and coaches have rallied behind him, offering support and encouragement during what has undoubtedly been a tough time.
Ready to Contribute to the Bears’ Defense
Now that Booker is healthy and ready to return to action, he is eager to make a difference on the field. The Bears' defensive line will benefit from his size, speed, and physicality. As the Bears look to improve their defense and secure key victories, Booker’s role will be crucial in helping them dominate at the line of scrimmage.
“I’m excited to get back to work and help my team in any way I can,” Booker added. His words reveal a selfless attitude, focusing on team success rather than individual accolades. Whether it’s pressuring the quarterback, stopping the run, or playing with energy and aggression, Booker’s versatility will add depth to the Bears' defensive front.
A Bright Future Ahead
With a fresh start ahead of him, Booker is focused on contributing in every way possible. His journey back from injury serves as an example of determination, proving that setbacks can be overcome with hard work, resilience, and a team-oriented mentality.
As the Bears continue to develop their young defense, Booker’s presence will only strengthen their efforts. His ability to step up when needed and support the team’s goals will make him a key player for the Bears moving forward.
Geno Smith Defends Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Performance: "Music Is About Bringing People Together"
As the excitement builds for Super Bowl 2026, the announcement that Puerto Rican reggaeton sensation Bad Bunny will headline the halftime show has sparked a whirlwind of opinions. While some critics, like former racecar driver Danica Patrick, have raised concerns about the artist performing in Spanish, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith is standing firm in support of the Latin music icon, emphasizing that music should transcend boundaries and unite us all.
Bad Bunny, who has become a global cultural phenomenon, is set to perform at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, a moment that has already generated significant controversy. Patrick, known for her outspoken views, expressed her disapproval, stating that songs in Spanish should not be part of the Super Bowl, one of America’s most-watched events. "No songs in English should be allowed at one of America’s highest-rated television events of the year," Patrick wrote on X, adding an eye-roll emoji for emphasis. She also reposted a video accusing Bad Bunny of being a "demonic Marxist," a claim that quickly attracted widespread backlash.
In response, Smith, who is known for his leadership on the field and his thoughtful approach to challenging situations, stepped into the conversation to defend Bad Bunny’s inclusion. "Music is about connection," Smith stated. "It’s about bringing people together, not dividing them. Bad Bunny’s performance at the Super Bowl isn’t just for Spanish speakers—it’s for everyone. It’s a celebration of culture, music, and the unique qualities that make us all different but still united. The Super Bowl is about bringing people together, and that’s exactly what Bad Bunny’s doing."
Smith also pointed out that the Super Bowl is a global event, watched by millions of people from all walks of life. "The Super Bowl isn’t just for one group of people. It’s for all of us. It’s about celebrating the diversity of cultures and the talent that makes the world a better place," Smith added. "Bad Bunny is using his platform to represent his culture, and that’s something that should be embraced, not criticized."
The controversy over Bad Bunny’s performance only deepened when the artist revealed that he would avoid performing in the U.S. during his Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour, citing concerns over the political climate and the increased activity of ICE under the previous administration. However, the Super Bowl remains an exception, providing Bad Bunny with a global stage to perform for millions of fans worldwide.
For Smith, the issue is simple: music is about uniting people, regardless of their language or background. "At the end of the day, music speaks to everyone. It’s not about the language—it’s about the message and the emotions it evokes," Smith concluded. "Bad Bunny’s performance is a celebration of his culture and his people. That’s something that should be respected and appreciated. It’s about bringing us all together through the power of music."
As Super Bowl 2026 approaches, Smith’s words serve as a reminder that music, in all its forms, should be a force for unity, helping to bridge cultural divides rather than creating them. With his defense of Bad Bunny, Smith encourages us all to embrace diversity and celebrate the power of music to bring the world together.
