In a week packed with major moves across the sports world, both the NFL and NHL saw key players commit their futures to their respective teams, sending waves of excitement through fan bases and league insiders alike. On January 2, 2026, the Jacksonville Jaguars locked in a crucial piece of their offensive line, agreeing to terms on a three-year, $51 million contract extension with Cole Van Lanen, with $32.5 million of that sum guaranteed. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks announced on January 3 that they had reached a two-year extension with rising forward Linus Karlsson, whose $2.25 million average annual value reflects his growing importance to the squad. These deals not only reinforce each team’s commitment to building around homegrown talent but also highlight the value of adaptability and development in today’s fiercely competitive sports landscape.
Let’s start on the gridiron, where the Jaguars made headlines by securing Van Lanen’s services through 2028. The 26-year-old offensive lineman has become a Swiss Army knife for Jacksonville, demonstrating rare versatility by starting at left tackle, right tackle, right guard, and left guard during his time with the team. If that weren’t enough, Van Lanen also serves as the club’s emergency center, ready to step in if Robert Hainsey and Jonah Monheim are sidelined. His adaptability has not gone unnoticed by coaches and teammates alike, and it’s clear that the Jaguars see him as an anchor for their offensive unit moving forward.
Van Lanen’s journey to NFL prominence has been anything but conventional. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, he spent his rookie campaign on Green Bay’s practice squad before being traded to Jacksonville in 2022. For much of his early stint with the Jaguars, Van Lanen was a reserve, appearing in 34 games with just three starts over three seasons. But the 2025 season marked a turning point: he started nine of the 15 games he played, stepping up when injuries and roster shuffles left the team searching for stability up front.
Reflecting on his career path and role flexibility, Van Lanen once said, “No matter what it takes to see the field, I’ll do whatever it takes for this team. If that’s inside, outside, whatever that takes.” That attitude has endeared him to coaches and fans alike, and it’s a big reason why the Jaguars were willing to make such a significant financial commitment. After signing a one-year, $3.4 million extension for the 2025 season, Van Lanen now finds himself tied to Jacksonville for the long haul, a testament to his hard work and the team’s belief in his continued growth.
Jaguars insiders note that Van Lanen’s presence has been a stabilizing force for a team with playoff aspirations. His ability to slot in wherever needed has allowed Jacksonville to weather the inevitable injuries and lineup changes that come with an NFL season. With $32.5 million guaranteed in his new deal, Van Lanen is not just a utility player—he’s a cornerstone.
Switching gears to the ice, the Vancouver Canucks made their own splash by re-signing Linus Karlsson to a two-year contract extension. The 26-year-old Swede has been making waves since joining the Canucks organization, and his current campaign is shaping up to be his best yet. Through 36 games this season, Karlsson has registered 16 points (nine goals and seven assists), 24 penalty minutes, and a whopping 50 hits—good for fourth among all Canucks forwards. He’s already set new career highs in goals, assists, points, and games played, surpassing his output from the previous season.
General Manager Patrik Allvin praised Karlsson’s progress, stating, “Linus has taken a number of big steps since joining our organization. He has worked hard on his game, and we have been impressed with his development both on and off the ice. A leader last year for our Calder Cup Championship team in Abbotsford, Linus used that momentum and experience to solidify a position this year in Vancouver. We look forward to helping him continue to grow moving forward.”
Karlsson’s path to the NHL has been marked by steady development and a knack for rising to the occasion. After being selected in the third round (87th overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks, he honed his skills in Sweden with Skellefteå AIK during the 2021-22 season, notching 46 points in 52 games and earning SHL Rookie of the Year honors. His transition to North America saw him dominate the AHL with Abbotsford, where he racked up 148 points in 164 games and played a pivotal role in the team’s 2024-25 Calder Cup championship run. Karlsson led the league in playoff goals (14) and points (26) during that magical postseason, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.
Since joining the NHL ranks, Karlsson has appeared in 63 games for Vancouver, tallying 22 points and 30 penalty minutes, along with two Stanley Cup playoff appearances. His physical style, highlighted by his 50 hits this season, and offensive upside have made him a fan favorite in British Columbia. With this new contract, the Canucks are betting on Karlsson’s continued ascent as a key contributor on a roster with playoff ambitions.
Both the Jaguars and Canucks are sending a clear message with these extensions: they value versatility, leadership, and the ability to rise to the occasion. Van Lanen and Karlsson may play different sports in different countries, but their stories are strikingly similar—each has overcome early career uncertainty, seized opportunities, and earned the trust of their organizations through hard work and adaptability.
Looking ahead, the Jaguars will count on Van Lanen to anchor an offensive line tasked with protecting their franchise quarterback and opening lanes for a dynamic running game. Meanwhile, the Canucks will look to Karlsson to build on his breakout season and provide secondary scoring and physicality as they push for a deep playoff run. The stakes are high, and the expectations even higher—but if recent history is any guide, both players are up to the challenge.
As the 2026 seasons unfold in both the NFL and NHL, fans in Jacksonville and Vancouver have every reason to be optimistic. With Van Lanen and Karlsson locked in, these franchises are banking on stability, leadership, and the kind of grit that turns good teams into contenders. One thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on these two as they look to justify their new deals and help their teams reach new heights.