Turning Over A New “Maple” Leaf?

After a standing ovation at the Prudential Center just a few short months ago it looked like Martin Brodeur was ready to head off into the sunset after a Hall of Fame career. However, it seems the greatest goaltender in hockey history must be getting retirement advice from Brett Favre and has decided to keep playing rather than retire.

Brodeur Toronto Bound?

Brodeur Toronto Bound?

With the New Jersey Devils already stating that they will no longer take Brodeur back, the 42-year-old net minder maybe heading north of the border. Despite his diminishing skills, Brodeur has already stated that he will take a backup role next season.

With the Devils moving on from there best player in their franchise history, Brodeur has been drawing interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs who are reportedly working on a deal. The Leafs have already been looking to deal goaltender James Reimer which makes the speculation about Brodeur even more realistic.

The Leafs have a good young goaltender in Jonathan Bernier coming off of hip flexor surgery. The plan will probably have Brodeur mentor the young net minder this season while also making spot starts. The interesting past could be the playoffs. If the Leafs do make the playoffs, will Brodeur be the starter having been rested the whole season? Or is he a great insurance policy in case Bernier struggles?

Either way, it will be interesting to see if and where Brodeur lands with an NHL team for the 2014-2015 season. For all the latest on the NHL follow us here at Rich Sports Talk for the best NHL coverage.

Power Ranking New College Football Jerseys for 2014

7: Syracuse

A sorry excuse  for a uniform

A sorry excuse for a uniform

Wow just wow. When you’re the Orange why do you have a gray jersey instead of an orange one. While the all white look is ok, the Orange helmet along with the blue and grey uniforms are an atrocity. With such a classic logo and uniform why is Syracuse trying to hard to change it? The final straw is the numbers. Oversized, too blocker, and with different color stripes in the number? Syracuse, you’re no longer in the Big East, people will actually see you looking terrible on National TV. Can you change these immediately?

 

6: Illinois

Illino

Illino

These are just ok. There’s nothing new or exciting about these uniforms. The colors are solid and the uniforms don’t have any weird design choices that make them an eyesore. If this was a report card these uniforms would be a C -. Would have been nice to see more, but could always have been much worse.

5: Florida State

OOOOHHHH OOOOHHHH NNNNOOOO NNNNOOOO

OOOOHHHH OOOOHHHH NNNNOOOO NNNNOOOO

Now I am going to take some heat for this one. While the Seminoles have tried to just modify and streamline their uniforms the result has not been good. The designs are unique but very distracting. The new black uniform is awesome, but the two-tone helmet is just awful. Florida State, just look at Jacksonville how’s that two-tone helmet idea working out for them? The main problem with these uniforms? Florida State had some of the best and most traditional uniforms in College Football. Why replace a classic?
4: Miami Hurricanes

Are U kidding me?

Are U kidding me?

Oh Florida what’s happening? Is it something in the water causing another team to change a classic look? The uniforms are awesome. Well, the orange, green, and white all look streamlined and great. Also, the gloves are probably the best in college football. But, here is what kills these awesome jerseys. First, the helmet drops the orange and green stripe in the middle. While not terrible, the idea to put the Ibis on the shoulders and as a grey backdrop to the helmet was a terrible idea. The once iconic helmet has been replaced by this? Finally an all organ helmet and grey uniform? If anything Miami go with a black jersey and helmet instead of this fourth jersey disaster.
3: Washington

These Huskies have some bite

These Huskies have some bite

While the purple jersey isn’t a winner, the white and black are great. The helmets look good and the balance of purple and gold is well done. Also, a nice touch with the gold and purple numbers. Usually putting two colors in the number looks ridiculous but Washington pulls it off. The all white and all black uniforms are menacing and are some of the new better designs in college football.
2: Arkansas 

New Razorbacks, same great Arkansas program

New Razorbacks, same great Arkansas program

See guys. Sometimes less is more. While the Razorbacks have upgraded their logo this year, their uniforms also got a much need upgrade. Gone are the weird checker patterns on the uniforms which are replaced by subtle but fierce striping. The faded red helmet, and all white helmet both look great and it’s nice to see a team with just two uniforms. Arkansas proves that teams don’t need to reinvent the wheel or come up with an off the wall design to have great looking uniforms.

1: Oregon 

Still the best in the business

Still the best in the business

Was there ever any doubt? When it comes to college football uniforms Oregon sets the standard year after year. The all white and green uniform is sleek. With the wing design on the shoulders and green helmet this uniform would have been the best except for its counter part. The new black uniform is incredible. The yellow and white wings on the shoulder are absolutely jaw dropping. With the faded silver helmet and the silver, white, and black numbers with the yellow trim are truly incredible. Once again, Oregon may not have the best team in college football, but they will have the best looking team in all of college football.

Charlotte Hornets Unveil New Uniforms

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The Charlotte Hornets have just unveiled their new jerseys for the 2014-2015 NBA season. After the organization decided the drop the Bobcats name to once again become the Hornets there was speculation about if the team would wear the traditional pinstripe uniforms and colors from the 90s.

While the pinstripes maybe gone, for now, the new uniforms once again embrace the unique teal and purple color scheme. The team has three uniforms that are white, teal, and purple. While my guess is that the purple is the alternate with the teal being the away uniform, we will have to wait and see. The uniforms feature a hornet on the middle of the shorts wast line for some nice subtle detail.

The white and purple both share the “Hornets” Script across the chest with the interlocking C H logo down the side with a teal side stripe. The teal jersey is slightly different with a purple stripe down the side, “Charlotte” script, and the alternate stinger logo on the side of the shorts. Because this one says Charlotte it is my guess that this is the away uniform.

Either way these uniforms are fantastic and a huge upgrade over the old Bobcats uniforms. These uniforms combine the best of the traditional Hornets colors with a sleek new design for future generations. I know one thing, I’m sure glad the Hornets are back in these are now some of my favorite uniforms in the entire NBA.

Weighing his OPTions: Lebron James Opts Out of Heat Deal

Lebron could change the NBA landscape once again

Lebron could change the NBA landscape once again

The madness starts now! Lebron James will once again be the main attraction in the circus of NBA Free Agency as he has opted out of his contract with the Miami Heat. Now Lebron James can once again change the entire complexion of the NBA like he did four years ago when he made the infamous decision to leave Cleveland for South Beach.

Does this mean that Lebron James is leaving the Heat? No, but he is sending a clear message. James is putting himself in the best position for himself and the team. By opting out he can take less money and open up more cap space in Miami. However, James has put the pressure on Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade to now take pay cuts. If they both so, James will be back and Miami will have the resources to add more pieces to their talented roster. However, if Bosh and Wade decided not to restructure and keep their high salaries, than James has put himself in position to test the waters of free agency.

Where would he go? New York and Chicago look to be out of the question. New York with their terrible cap space and lack of stars while in Chicago James would always be in the shadow of Jordan. Houston and Cleveland would have the pieces but a lot also depends of Carmelo Anthony.

If Carmelo Anothony decides to take less to play with James, then the two of them could team up somewhere. If Carmelo wants a max contract, then the Anthony James teacup will just be a fantasy. The most interesting place is Cleveland which still remains an interesting option. With a young and talented roster and being James’ hometown team, we could see a reunion in Cleveland. Not to mention there have been strong rumors that the Cavaliers working on a deal with Minnesota by trading the number 1 pick for Kevin Love. If Kevin Love joins the Cavaliers, it would be hard for James to turn down a team with that much young talent.

Even if Cleveland cannot bring in Love, they still have the first pick and could bring in either Andrew Wiggins or Joel Embiid to entice the King. But no matter what any team does to try to lure Lebron James, it’s up to Lebron where he plays. We know one thing, James will look to go to a team that he feels will be able to win him multiple championships. It’s going to be a crazy summer, but we will be here to bring you the latest on the Lebron James saga. The ball’s in you court Lebron, what are you going to do next?

Give The Man His MOney: New York Jets working on extension for Muhammad Wilkerson

Time to lock up the best player on the Jets

Time to lock up the best player on the Jets

With training camp fast approaching, the New York Jets should cap off their busy offseason in both the draft and free agency by locking up their best player. As he enters the last year of his rookie deal, it is clear the Muhammad Wilkerson is the best player on the the New York Jets. The good news is that it has been reported that the Jets are looking to have an extension in place for their star defensive end by the beginning of the season.

The good news for the Jets is that they will have an easier time dealing with their best player on a contract during training camp. Wilkerson will get a fat check, but I do not see this turning into a Darrelle Revis saga, thank god. There is no question that Wilkerson is one of the best defensive players in football. A prototypical 3-4 defensive end who not only is one of the best at stuffing the run, but also getting after the quarterback. Wilkerson has also gain the admiration of his peers, he was voted #42 on the NFL’s Top 100 list by players around the league.

Wilkerson is a perfect fit in Ryan’s defense. He is an elite run stopper but continues to improve every year as a pass rusher. It’s a scary thought, but Wilkerson is still getting better.

In 2013 Wilkerson had 10.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 63 tackles. With Defensive Rookie of the Year Sheldon Richardson already on the defensive line, it’s time to lock Wilkerson up as the centerpiece for on the the best defensive lines in football.

He is the best player on the Jets and a new deal would prove to the Jets and their fans that they will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. It’s time for John Idzik to put a cherry on the Jets offseason, and the cherry on top would be locking up Wilkerson for the future.