#preseason-performance

#preseason-performance

More than any other veteran player on the Toronto Maple Leafs, Scott Laughton needs this preseason to go well. After being a trade deadline acquisition and then failing to meet the high-end price that the Leafs paid for him, Laughton is ready to put that behind him. And he did exactly that in the first period Thursday night against the Montreal Canadiens.

Sheary has made a splash for the New York Rangers in his lone preseason game so far. The 33-year-old scored a goal in the Sept. 21 win against the New Jersey Devils, tallying seven shot attempts in total. He also created six scoring chances for himself, including two high-danger opportunities per Natural Stat Trick. Sheary is attempting to make his way back to the NHL after his contract was bought out by the Tampa Bay Lightning this summer.

"There's no one that wants it more than [Lapierre] and he's so determined and so focused,"

Sam Hartman's tentative performance this preseason has left any immediate thoughts of him becoming the Washington Commanders' QB3 in disarray. Dan Quinn still has the definitive journeyman Josh Johnson on the initial 53-man roster, and it is possible offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury feels comfortable enough with the veteran to pencil him into the depth chart behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota.

When he was setting out on his college journey four years ago, Ja'Corey Brooks appeared to be a can't-miss future NFL star. It's been a rollercoaster ride since, but his dream of making the Washington Commanders' roster is now within touching distance. Concerns about his slender frame and a worrisome number of drops meant Brooks did not hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft. He signed with the Commanders as an undrafted free agent and hasn't looked back.

Ashton Jeanty, the sixth overall pick in April's NFL draft, showcased his strength and agility, proving he can handle the NFL's physicality and contribute to the Raiders offense.

After a promising preseason debut for the Vikings, Sam Howell's future is uncertain as he has struggled and reverted to past form, indicating a precarious situation.

Bonitto had a sack, a near-sack, and a heated pursuit that forced the quarterback to throw the ball away, showcasing his impact on the game.

Trey Lance demonstrated significant improvement and confidence during the preseason, showing versatility by utilizing his legs to extend plays, culminating in a five-yard touchdown run.