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NHL breakout predictions: 5 players to watch in 2026-27

NHL breakout predictions for 2026-27: Macklin Celebrini, Matthew Schaefer, Lane Hutson and more. Check stats, standings and injury status.

Published

3 hours ago

October 20, 2026

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NHL breakout predictions: 5 players to watch in 2026-27

The playoff line in the NHL is unforgiving. Every season, a handful of young players cross it and drag their teams with them. Identifying those players before the puck drops is the core of NHL breakout predictions. The 2026-27 season is no different, with a new wave of talent ready to shift standings and fantasy leagues alike.

Official records from the 2025-26 season and offseason transactions provide the evidence. No guesswork. Just numbers, roles, and opportunity.

Table of Contents

Macklin Celebrini Already Arrived

Calling Macklin Celebrini a breakout candidate feels late. The San Jose Sharks center posted 4.3 ADP in fantasy drafts, per Daily Faceoff, and ranked fourth overall in consensus rankings. He is the only forward among the top 17 point scorers last season outside the age-24 to age-32 window, according to Daily Faceoff’s 2030 projection. That is not a breakout prediction. That is a confirmation.

The real breakout is what comes next: a full season of elite production without the sophomore adjustment. Celebrini’s ADP suggests the market expects another leap. The standings will tell if San Jose can support it.

Matthew Schaefer Is The Defensive Headliner

Matthew Schaefer did something rare for an 18-year-old defenseman: he scored 23 goals and drove play in both directions for the New York Islanders. Daily Faceoff ranked him second overall in its 2030 projection, behind only Connor McDavid. That is not hype. That is a statistical profile that forced a rewrite.

Schaefer’s rookie season was one of the greatest ever by a teenage defenseman. His ADP sits at 31.6, and his DFO rank is 39. The market is still catching up. If the Islanders improve even marginally, Schaefer’s breakout is already here. The question is how high he climbs in the standings.

Lane Hutson And The Montreal Core

Lane Hutson finished fourth in points by a defenseman last season with 78 and led the Montreal Canadiens to a surprise Final Four appearance. Daily Faceoff’s Matt predicted Hutson will finish as the No. 1 fantasy defenseman in 2026-27. That is a bold call, but the underlying numbers support it.

Hutson’s ADP is 20.5, while his DFO rank is 29. The market is drafting him earlier than the consensus, which means the breakout is already priced in. The real value is in his teammate Juraj Slafkovsky, who set career highs with 30 goals, 73 points and 105 hits last season. Slafkovsky was the only NHL player with at least 30 goals, 100 hits and 60 blocks. His ADP is 52.6, and his DFO rank is 59. The breakout is not fully priced.

Clayton Keller’s Power-Play Surge

Clayton Keller already reached 88 points last season, but his finish suggests another level. He produced 38 points over his final 27 games while Utah’s power play surged from one of the NHL’s worst to one of its best. Daily Faceoff’s Brock flagged Keller as a breakout candidate with legitimate 100-point upside.

Keller’s ADP is 44.0, and his DFO rank is 38. The value is positive, meaning the market is sleeping on him. If Utah’s power play holds, Keller could be a top-20 forward by season’s end. That would shift the Western Conference playoff race.

Goaltending Breakouts: Swayman And Wallstedt

Jeremy Swayman finished third in GSAx (+26.5) last season, earned a Vezina finalist nod, and won Olympic Gold in a backup role. Daily Faceoff’s Nick predicted Swayman will win the Vezina Trophy in 2026-27. His ADP is 61.3, while his DFO rank is 40. That is a massive value gap.

Jesper Wallstedt took control of the Minnesota Wild crease in the postseason, starting 10 of 11 games and stealing the net from Filip Gustavsson. He stopped 13.3 GSAx in 35 appearances, eighth in the league on a per-game basis. His ADP is 59.1, and his DFO rank is 56. He is a breakout waiting for a full starter’s workload.

Standings Implications

The NHL breakout predictions above are not just fantasy fodder. They determine who makes the playoffs. If Celebrini lifts San Jose, the Pacific Division gets tighter. If Schaefer anchors the Islanders, the Metropolitan race shifts. If Hutson and Slafkovsky carry Montreal, the Atlantic becomes a four-team fight.

Injury status matters. Jack Hughes has missed at least 20 games in four of the past five seasons, which is why Daily Faceoff’s Matt flagged him as an ADP avoid at 18.4. Nick Suzuki’s 101-point season came with a 15.9% on-ice shooting percentage, a number that screams regression. Those are the risks that break playoff hopes.

Who Makes It

The breakout candidates with the clearest paths are Celebrini, Schaefer, Keller, and Swayman. Each has a defined role, a track record of production, and a market that has not fully adjusted. The ones with injury or regression risk—Hughes, Suzuki, and Leo Carlsson—are the ones to avoid in drafts and in playoff predictions.

For Nigerian fans watching on streaming platforms, the NHL’s global reach means these breakouts will be visible. The standings will shift. The playoff line will move. And the next wave will arrive.

Check official records for current season stats, fixtures, and injury reports before locking in any prediction. The NHL breakout predictions game is won by those who verify first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the top NHL breakout predictions for 2026-27?

Macklin Celebrini, Matthew Schaefer, Lane Hutson, Clayton Keller, and Jeremy Swayman are among the top breakout candidates based on 2025-26 stats and offseason analysis.

Which breakout candidate has the best fantasy value?

Jeremy Swayman has the largest gap between ADP (61.3) and DFO rank (40), making him a strong value pick in fantasy drafts.

Are there injury risks among breakout candidates?

Yes, Jack Hughes has missed at least 20 games in four of the past five seasons, and Nick Suzuki’s shooting percentage suggests regression, making them riskier picks.

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Taika Waititi Star Wars Movie On Ice: Fans React

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Taika Waititi Star Wars Movie On Ice: Fans React

Taika Waititi confirms his Star Wars movie is ‘on ice’ after six years in development. Here’s what he said and what it means for the franchise.

Published

1 day ago

October 19, 2026

Admin

Taika Waititi Star Wars Movie On Ice: Fans React

Taika Waititi has confirmed that his long-gestating Star Wars movie is officially on ice, and he didn’t sugarcoat it.

Speaking to Inverse while promoting his new film Klara and the Sun, the director was blunt when asked about the project he’s been attached to since 2020. “I hate to break this to you, but we’re going to actually put it on ice and we’re working on a different thing together,” Waititi said. “I don’t even know how to dress it up or make it even vague. It’s very iced. I’ve got about four other movies I’m trying to do.”

Ouch. That’s about as direct as it gets in Hollywood, where “in development” usually means “please stop asking.” But Waititi didn’t completely close the door. “Ice ages do come to an end,” he added. “Who knows?”

A Six-Year Saga of Hopeful Updates

Rumors that Lucasfilm wanted Waititi for a Star Wars film started circulating in January 2020, just a few years after Thor: Ragnarok made him one of Marvel’s most beloved directors. An official announcement followed a few months later, and for a while, things looked promising. In 2021, Waititi said he’d finished the story. In 2022, then-Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said the goal was to hit theaters in late 2023.

That didn’t happen. By 2023, Waititi admitted he was prioritizing other projects, and updates went quiet. Earlier this year, he promised the film would “harness a little bit more of the fun from the original trilogy.” Now it’s frozen solid.

According to IGN, the writing had been on the wall for a while. Kennedy had said the project was “still somewhat alive” amid her exit from Lucasfilm, which is corporate speak for “don’t hold your breath.” Waititi’s publicist reportedly told him not to elaborate further during the Inverse interview, which explains the “well, there’s your answer” follow-up.

Fans React: Disappointment, But Not Surprise

The reaction online has been a mix of disappointment and weary acceptance. Star Wars fans have been burned before. Rian Johnson’s trilogy? Shelved. Kevin Feige’s project? Gone. Donald Glover’s Lando? Missing in action. Add Waititi’s film to the pile.

But this one stings a little more because Waititi’s pitch sounded genuinely fun. He wanted to capture the joy of the original films, the swashbuckling energy that made A New Hope feel like a Saturday matinee adventure. In a franchise that’s been weighed down by lore and legacy, that approach felt refreshing.

According to Variety, Waititi had said in January that he was “trying to go back and harness a little bit more of the fun from the original films.” He also noted that his film would need to exist “a little bit more its own thing” given how much else is happening in the Star Wars universe.

That “own thing” is now on indefinite hold. As Bleeding Cool noted, the project never gained real momentum over six years. No bad blood, apparently, but no movie either.

What’s Still Coming From Star Wars

The good news for fans is that Star Wars isn’t abandoning theaters. The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives in 2026, and Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter is set for May 28, 2027, with a cast that includes Ryan Gosling, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, and Amy Adams. The original 1977 Star Wars is also returning to theaters for a limited time in February 2027, complete with 70mm IMAX showings and no CGI Jabba.

On the TV side, Ahsoka Season 2 drops January 20, 2027, on Disney Plus, and Maul: Shadow Lord Season 2 is also in the works. Dave Filoni’s New Republic movie and James Mangold’s dawn-of-the-Jedi film are still in development, though the Rey movie from Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy sounds increasingly uncertain after Kennedy’s departure.

What Waititi Is Doing Instead

Waititi isn’t hurting for work. His next film, Klara and the Sun, hits theaters October 23, 2026, with Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams, and Steve Buscemi. The early reviews, however, are rough. It currently sits at 23% on Rotten Tomatoes after 12 reviews, with Variety’s Guy Lodge calling Waititi’s decision to play it for “strained, whimsical comedy” ruinous.

So maybe the Star Wars news isn’t the only thing Waititi is having a tough week about.

What Fans Should Watch For

The Taika Waititi Star Wars movie is on ice, but “ice ages do come to an end.” If Starfighter performs well and Lucasfilm finds its footing again, could Waititi’s project thaw? It’s possible, but don’t bet on it. Six years of development hell is a long time, and Waititi has four other movies he’s trying to make.

For now, fans should focus on what’s actually coming: Starfighter, Ahsoka Season 2, and the 50th-anniversary re-release of the original film. And maybe keep a little hope in reserve. Stranger things have happened in a galaxy far, far away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Taika Waititi’s Star Wars movie canceled?

Waititi said the project is ‘on ice,’ not officially canceled. He noted that ‘ice ages do come to an end’ but he’s focused on other films for now.

Why was Taika Waititi’s Star Wars movie delayed?

Waititi said he has about four other movies he’s trying to do and didn’t want to rush the project. Lucasfilm never locked in a release date.

What Star Wars movies are still coming out?

The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives in 2026, Star Wars: Starfighter hits theaters May 28, 2027, and the original 1977 Star Wars returns to theaters in February 2027. Dave Filoni’s New Republic film and James Mangold’s Jedi origin movie are still in development.

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Don’t Throw Away Your Old PlayStation: 7 Proven Uses

Don’t throw away your old PlayStation. Turn it into a media center, harvest the DualShock 4, sell it for cash, or recycle it right. Here’s how, step by step.

Published

2 days ago

October 18, 2026

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Don't Throw Away Your Old PlayStation: 7 Proven Uses

Don’t throw away your old PlayStation. That dusty PS4 under your TV still has a job, and if you’re done with it, someone else will pay for it.

That’s the honest read on a console most of us quietly abandoned. A CNET survey of 2,638 US adults found that 22% still toss old electronics straight into the trash, and 29% stash them at home collecting dust. Only 39% recycle. If you’re in that 22%, you’re not just wasting a working machine — you’re tossing something that can still hold real value. So before you drag it to the curb, here’s what the old box can actually do.

Turn It Into a Media Center

don't throw away your old PlayStation — don’t throw away your old PlayStation

Your PlayStation can pull media in three main ways: streaming apps, physical discs, and files from a USB drive. Streaming is the obvious one, though how you download apps depends on the model. Be warned: the PS3 route is mostly closed, since many major streaming services have stopped supporting it.

Discs are where old consoles shine. Even a PS2 plays DVDs using the same drive it uses for games. The PS3 and PS4 handle both DVDs and Blu-rays, so if you still own physical movies, your old PlayStation becomes a dedicated movie player overnight.

USB playback is the sleeper option. Format the drive to exFAT (FAT32 specifically for the PS3) if it’s currently NTFS, move your media files into folders, then plug it in. On the PS4 you’ll need to install the Media Player app first. That’s it.

Harvest the Parts Before You Let Go

The DualShock 4 is the real prize. It pairs with phones, tablets, PCs, and even some new-gen consoles. You can connect it to an Amazon Fire TV Stick for cloud gaming or use it as a makeshift remote. The DualShock 3 works too, but with fewer devices and a clunkier connection process.

The hard drive is easier to pull than you’d think. Sony designed it to be user-replaceable, so a few screws and you’re out. Add a USB enclosure, reformat, and you’ve got external storage for free. While you’re in there, grab the HDMI and power cables too.

How to Sell Your Old PlayStation for the Most Cash

There are three routes, and they trade convenience against payout. Big-box trade-ins at Best Buy, Amazon, and GameStop are the easiest, but you’ll get lowball offers and often store credit instead of cash. Buyback sites like Back Market Trade-in pay actual cash and usually value old PlayStations higher, though you’ll wait longer and eat the shipping risk. Marketplaces like Swappa and eBay net you the most money, but you’re handling the sale yourself.

Even a PS2 still sells today. That matters, because the alternative is contributing to an e-waste problem that’s already bad.

Hand It Down or Donate It

If cash isn’t the goal, give it a second life. Hand it to a younger cousin who’ll actually finish the games you never did. If nobody’s around, donate. Gamers Outreach collects certain consoles and gives them to children in hospitals. Do your homework first — old consoles still have monetary value, so scammers pose as charities while actually reselling. Check reviews from other donors before you ship anything.

Recycle It Properly If It’s Dead

Too damaged to use? Don’t bin it. Old electronics contain hazardous substances like lead that poison the environment when improperly disposed. Best Buy and Staples run recycling programs for old electronics, and Earth911 lets you search local recyclers by area. The CNET survey notes e-waste laws now exist in 25 states, and South Carolina bans tech from solid-waste landfills entirely. Throwing it out isn’t just wasteful — in some places it’s illegal.

Wipe Your Data Before It Leaves

This is the step everyone skips. Back up your saves first, then factory reset. On PS4, plug in a FAT32 or exFAT USB drive, then go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device. PlayStation Plus subscribers can upload saves to cloud storage from the same menu. PS3 owners use Settings > System Settings > Backup Utility > Back Up with a FAT32 drive.

Before resetting, PS4 owners should unlink the console: Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4 > Deactivate. Then initialize. PS4: Settings > Initialization > Initialize PS4 > Full. PS3: Settings > System Settings > Restore PS3 System > Full Format. The console comes out looking brand new.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Cloud gaming executives keep predicting we’ll all stream our games eventually. Amazon’s gaming boss Jeff Gattis told the BBC that rising hardware costs will push players toward streaming. But as ConsumerAffairs points out, trade-in programs from Apple, Amazon, Target, Staples, and Best Buy still pay cash or credit for old devices — and a working console in your closet is worth more than a dead one in a landfill.

So don’t throw away your old PlayStation. Sell it, donate it, or wire it into your setup as the movie machine it was always meant to be. The only wrong move is the trash bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use a PS3 for streaming apps?

Mostly no. Many major streaming services have stopped supporting the PS3, so that route is largely closed. Disc playback and USB media still work fine.

Is my old PlayStation worth selling?

Often yes. Even a PS2 can still be sold for cash today. Buyback sites typically pay more than big-box retailers, while marketplaces like eBay and Swappa net the most if you’re willing to handle the sale yourself.

What should I do before giving away or selling my console?

Back up your game saves to a USB drive or PlayStation Plus cloud storage, unlink the console from your PlayStation account on PS4, then run a full initialization or restore so your personal data doesn’t travel with the hardware.

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Modern Warfare 4 Release Times: 3 Early Access Dates

Modern Warfare 4 release times explained: campaign early access Oct 16, DMZ Oct 20, full launch Oct 23. Preload is live now — here’s how to get in early.

Published

3 days ago

October 17, 2026

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Modern Warfare 4 Release Times: 3 Early Access Dates

Modern Warfare 4 release times are not one date. They’re three, and the first one has already passed for anyone who preordered digitally.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 rolls out in stages across Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Campaign early access opened October 16. DMZ early access follows on October 20. The full game — multiplayer included — lands October 23 at midnight local time. If you bought a physical Standard Edition, none of the early windows apply to you. You wait for launch day like everyone else.

Here’s what each window actually gets you, and how to make sure you’re not stuck downloading 115GB while your friends are already in a lobby.

The Three Modern Warfare 4 Release Times That Matter

October 16: Campaign early access. Digital preorders only. Activision hasn’t published an exact unlock hour, so treat it as a rolling regional rollout rather than a synchronized global switch.

October 20: DMZ early access. Again, digital preorders only. Some sources predict a 10 AM PT unlock (1 PM ET / 6 PM BST), but Activision hasn’t confirmed that time. The official Call of Duty blog confirms the date and the digital preorder requirement, and notes that play time is subject to outages and time zone differences.

October 23: Full release, midnight local time. Multiplayer, the complete campaign, and everything else. This is the only date that applies to physical edition buyers.

One thing worth flagging early: the campaign is strictly solo. Radio Times confirmed there’s no co-op in the campaign, and Infinity Ward explained on X that “every aspect of Modern Warfare 4 is anchored in the game’s narrative.” If you want to play with friends, you’re waiting for the 23rd and heading straight to multiplayer.

How To Use The Preload Window Properly

PC preload is already live. That’s the single most useful fact in this whole rollout, because installing 115GB takes time you don’t want to spend on launch night.

The reported global preload schedule started October 14 at 9 PM PT, which rolled into October 15 for most regions: midnight EDT in New York, 5 AM BST in London, 12 PM CST in Beijing, 1 PM KST/JST in Seoul and Tokyo, and 2 PM AEST in Melbourne. PC players should check Activision’s platform-specific schedule separately — it listed PC preload for October 15 at 9 AM PT.

Preload availability varies by platform and storefront, so open your library and look for the download button rather than assuming your version unlocked on schedule.

Before you start the download, do four things. Free up SSD space — the published PC requirements list 115GB, per PC Gamer. Update your graphics drivers. Confirm the right content packs are selected in the launcher. Then check for a patch before you hit play, because the Call of Duty HQ update reset some settings for players.

That HQ update is worth understanding. It redesigned the interface, puts Modern Warfare 4 more prominently on the platform, and lets you manage individual content installations — roughly 38GB for multiplayer and 5GB for DMZ. Warzone and Black Ops 7 need their own separate updates, so your total download depends entirely on what you already have installed.

The DMZ Early Access Is The Real Story

DMZ is the mode most likely to pull you away from everything else, and the early access window gives preorder players four days with it before multiplayer even opens.

It’s an extraction shooter with persistent progression. You deploy into Hajin, fight AI forces and rival Operators, loot, craft, complete objectives, and try to reach the final exfil with your rewards intact. Squads or solo — your call.

Your home base is the Forward Operating Base, a navigable encampment where you stash loot, take Orders, and manage Active Duty Operators. Operators are mostly cosmetic, but they grow stronger as you survive deployments and earn Traits. Each one carries Dog Tags that improve in quality as they level, and Trait Points unlock across three trees — 66 Traits total, split evenly, with a maximum of 18 points before you hit Onyx III Dog Tag status.

If an Operator dies during a deployment, they go MIA and can’t redeploy until recovered. Vault Edition buyers get an extra Active Duty slot — three instead of two.

Operator Prestige is separate from standard progression and optional. Meet three requirements, hand over your Gear and in-game Funds, and your Traits reset in exchange for a random permanent Prestige Trait. You can earn up to three. After that, further Prestiges still work, they just stop granting new Traits.

What Arrives After Launch

Shipment lands October 27, four days after the global release. Its compact layout has always been the fastest route to weapon levels and camo unlocks, so if you care about progression, have your preferred loadouts ready before it drops.

Possession arrives October 29 as a limited-time mode, Infected follows October 30, and Season 1 begins November 6. That’s a two-week pre-season — short enough that early progression objectives are worth knocking out fast.

At launch you get Ground War locations (Wolf Stadium, Forest, Farmland), standard 6v6 maps (Cache, Coal, Lithium, Lotus), plus Kill Block and other arenas. Modes include Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Search, Kill Confirmed, Free-for-All, Gun Game, and Gunfight, alongside newer additions like Hijacked, Inflation, and Collateral.

Who Should Buy Early, And Who Should Wait

If you’re preordering digitally for the campaign or DMZ, the Standard Digital Edition gets you both early windows. The Vault Edition adds operator packs, weapon content, and that extra DMZ Operator slot — buy it for the extras, not for earlier access, because the early access benefit is identical.

Skip the early windows entirely if you bought physical, if you only care about multiplayer, or if you’d rather wait for reviews before spending. Nothing about Modern Warfare 4 release times rewards impatience beyond a few days of campaign and DMZ.

For everyone else: get the preload running today, clear the 115GB, and decide which content packs you actually want. October 23 at midnight arrives whether you’re ready or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a digital preorder to play Modern Warfare 4 early?

Yes. Campaign early access on October 16 and DMZ early access on October 20 are limited to players who digitally preorder or pre-purchase the Standard Digital Edition or Vault Edition. Physical Standard Edition buyers get no early access and must wait for the October 23 launch.

Does the Modern Warfare 4 campaign have co-op?

No. The campaign is a solo experience. Multiplayer is a separate mode that unlocks with the full game on October 23, and Infinity Ward has said every aspect of the game is anchored in its narrative.

How much storage does Modern Warfare 4 need?

The published PC requirements list 115GB of available storage. Within Call of Duty HQ, multiplayer is roughly 38GB and DMZ is about 5GB, with Warzone and Black Ops 7 requiring their own separate updates.