First call: WR in draft says he could replace Antonio Brown for Steelers

Tuesday’s “First Call” features a draft prospect that wants to come to Pittsburgh as a potential replacement for Antonio Brown. John Tavares scores against the Islanders. The Capitals lose. Ivan Nova shines in his Chicago debut. Bryce Harper goes back to Washington.

The next A.B.?

One potential NFL draft-choice wide receiver wants the Steelers to know he could be Antonio Brown’s replacement.

It’s Georgia’s Mecole Hardman. He tells TMZ that he grew up in a Steelers-fan household and would relish the chance to be a new target in Pittsburgh.

“I can be that guy,” Hardman said.

He’s projected by most outlets to be a late second- or early third-round pick. Keep in mind, A.B. was a sixth-rounder.

Nova’s place

For those thinking it would’ve been wise for the Pirates to keep Ivan Nova as a fifth starter, you may have been right.

His first start for the White Sox went very well. The veteran right-hander gave up one run in seven innings against the Indians. He walked only one batter, struck out four and gave up six hits.

In exchange for Nova, the Bucs got pitching prospect Yordi Rosario and $500,000 of international signing-bonus money.

The White Sox lost to Cleveland, 5-3.

Local guy done good!

Upper St. Clair’s Vincent Trocheck scored career goal No. 100 yesterday against the Capitals.

? @NHL Goals for Tro ? pic.twitter.com/IF8YMUeqIR

— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) April 2, 2019

That short-handed tally helped Trocheck’s Panthers get by the Capitals, 5-3. He added an empty-netter, too.

Washington still has the Metropolitan Division lead with 102 points, three in front of the Islanders and five in front of the Penguins.

Speaking of the Islanders

The Penguins had to like what they saw in the Metro while they were off Monday night.

Not only did the Capitals lose in Florida, but the Islanders lost, too.

Worse yet for the Isles, it happened in New York. Worse yet, it happened against Toronto. Worse yet, John Tavares scored along the way.

JOHN TAVARES ?

His 46th of the season and 1st goal against his former team. 2-0. pic.twitter.com/Bxi60YkjUU

— Flintor (@TheFlintor) April 2, 2019

That was Tavares’ first goal against his former team. That probably felt good after how he was treated the last time he went back to face his former club.

Another return of note

Speaking of returns, Bryce Harper is already going back to Washington.

The Phillies outfielder left the Nationals for $330 million this offseason. Now, he’ll quickly come back to face his former club, which allegedly offered him $300 million on the last day of the regular season to stay.

We’ll see if he gets the Tavares treatment before his first at-bat. He’ll face Cy Young winner Max Scherzer on Tuesday night.

Harper is 3 for 9 with two homers so far in Philly.