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Hurricanes Rookie Goaltender Brandon Bussi Chasing NHL History On Unfathomable Start

Who'd have thought that a contingency waiver claim could stake a claim as the potential number one netminder on a perennial contender, while making NHL history at the same time?

It sounds crazy, but that's exactly what Brandon Bussi is doing for the Carolina Hurricanes.

The 27-year-old netminder has seized the opportunity presented to him and he's seemingly cemented himself as the Canes' number one netminder.

To start his NHL career, Bussi has a 0.909 save percentage, one shutout and an 9-1-0 record, becoming just the fifth goaltenders in NHL history to record nine wins within their first 10 career starts (Igor Shesterkin, Frederik Andersen, Bob Froese, Frank Brimsek).

And he'll be getting the chance to do something only one other netminder in NHL history has done tonight as he is set for start number 11.

Bussi will be getting the chance to join Bob Froese as the only other goalie in NHL history to win 10 wins in his first 11 starts (Froese started his career 12-0-1) on Thursday night against the Washington Capitals, the second time he's started in consecutive games so far this season.

"I don't think we envisioned him going in an every-day rotation or a back-to-back, but he's earned that," said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour Thursday morning.

You'd think that an NHL rookie would be a little caught up in the emotions of everything that's gone on along the way, but if you asked the 27-year-old netminder if this stretch or the moments within it have even felt surreal, you'd probably be fairly surprised by his blasé attitude.

"My job is to stop the puck as much as I can and I just take it day-by-day," Bussi said. "It feels good to get wins. Our team's been playing really well in most of these wins if not all of them, so it feels good. Gonna try and keep it going.

"He doesn't get shaken," said teammate Seth Jarvis. "I think obviously the position he was in coming in, a bad goal or something could have ruined his confidence, but I think he's incredibly confident in himself and knows that. And for us, knowing we have a guy back there that makes timely saves and will bail us out when need be is huge."

Hurricanes Goalie Brandon Bussi Unveils New MaskHurricanes Goalie Brandon Bussi Unveils New MaskHurricanes goalie Brandon Bussi debuts a custom mask, a vibrant tribute to autism awareness and personal family connection, featuring unique artistry.

Bussi is writing quite the story in Carolina and it's only been getting better and better.

It's gone from a feel good story of a rookie doing well, to actually looking like a potentially game-changing acquisition for the Hurricanes.

"It doesn't matter if you're 22 or 26, especially when you're a goalie," said teammate Taylor Hall. "There's no direct path to being what you are and when you're big and athletic like he is in the net, you just need to keep going. I think he's only going to get better and better."

The 6-foot-4, New York native has positioned himself as the top netminder not only for the Hurricanes but currently in the league as well.

And it isn't like Bussi has been insulated by the Canes' play either. Sure, he's not facing 30 shots a night, but the saves that he's being asked to make are shorthanded breakaways, 2-on-1s, and overall just multiple high-danger chances game after game and he's been absolutely incredible.

"That's what goaltending's really about," Brind'Amour said. "If you can make the saves at crucial times, that's what I think goaltending is really about. You're supposed to make the ones you're supposed to make and make a couple that you're not supposed to make, but when you make them, I think, is real important too."

Bussi is currently leading the Canes in goals saved above expected (7.5) according to moneypuck.com and is actually leading the entire league in high-danger save percentage (0.888) according to NHL Edge.

"He's been great for us," Brind'Amour said. "He's come up with the timely saves and that's how I sum it up. Because it's not like we've bene leaving him out to dry or giving up 40 shots a night. It's not that, but if there's a breakaway here or there all of a sudden, those are huge moments in tight games and every game, you could kind of say the same story. Timely saves that allow us to have a chance. That's what you ask of him."

While essentially an unknown to the league and the greater hockey world when he made his NHL debut, Bussi wasn't just a random claim by the Hurricanes.

The Western Michigan University product went undrafted out of college, but a strong three seasons with the Providence Bruins put him on the Hurricanes' radar.

His name kept coming up in organizational meetings during the summer and he was a player that the team knew they'd want to keep an eye on.

"He was somebody I identified in the summertime," said Hurricanes goaltending coach Paul Schonfelder. "He obviously ended up signing in Florida, but he was somebody who was on my list of people to go after. I had him down as somebody who, he obviously played down in the American league for three years, but was ready to make that jump to the NHL."

And as fate would have it, a chance came on the waiver wire and the rest is history.

"The hockey world can be crazy at times," Bussi recalls.

From one of the hundreds of players hoping and praying for the chance to prove their mettle, to standing on the verge of making NHL history in just a few months.

"I think they know who he is now," Jarvis said. "He's been electric. He's the best guy. No one I'm happier for."

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Jayson Tatum back to playing one-on-one, Mazzulla says of return timeline, 'It's all up to him'

What gap year? The Boston Celtics are 15-9 and the No. 3 seed in a tight Eastern Conference behind the MVP-ballot play of Jaylen Brown this season.

Now it looks more and more like the Celtics could have Jayson Tatum back from his torn Achilles in time for a playoff push. Just seven months after he tore his Achilles, Tatum posted a video on Wednesday of his return to playing one-on-one.

Tatum also posted "soon" on his Instagram stories.

While the Celtics will want to protect Tatum from himself, a return this season appears increasingly likely, with coach Joe Mazzulla saying the timeline is ultimately up to Tatum. Here is what Mazzulla said after Wednesday's practice, via NBC Sports Boston.

"It's all up to him," Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said... "At the end of the day, his health is the most important thing, his process is the most important thing.

"You trust him, trust the team that's around him ... and then you just kind of go from there. So it kind of just all starts (with) where him and his team think he's at."

In an Eastern Conference where no team has run away and hid (although the Knicks are starting to look like they could), why not Boston? The Celtics, with Tatum back and strong play from Brown and Derrick White — with Neemias Queta holding down the paint and Jordan Walsh emerging on the wing — would be as big a threat as anyone in the conference.

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Jayson Tatum back to playing one-on-one, Mazzula says of return timeline, 'It's all up to him'

What gap year? The Boston Celtics are 15-9 and the No. 3 seed in a tight Eastern Conference behind the MVP-ballot play of Jaylen Brown this season.

Now it looks more and more like the Celtics could have Jayson Tatum back from his torn Achilles in time for a playoff push. Tatum posted a video on Wednesday of his return to playing one-on-one.

Tatum also posted "soon" on his Instagram stories.

While the Celtics will want to protect Tatum from himself, a return this season appears increasingly likely, with coach Joe Mazzulla saying the timeline is ultimately up to Tatum. Here is what Mazzulla said after Wednesday's practice, via NBC Sports Boston.

"It's all up to him," Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said... "At the end of the day, his health is the most important thing, his process is the most important thing.

"You trust him, trust the team that's around him ... and then you just kind of go from there. So it kind of just all starts (with) where him and his team think he's at."

In an Eastern Conference where no team has run away and hid (although the Knicks are starting to look like they could), why not Boston? The Celtics, with Tatum back and strong play from Brown and Derrick White — with Neemias Queta holding down the paint and Jordan Walsh emerging on the wing — would be as big a threat as anyone in the conference.

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Game No. 29 Preview: Flyers vs. Golden Knights

The Philadelphia Flyers are in the final legs of their home-heavy December schedule, with a matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights tonight. 

For the second straight game, Philadelphia will roll out the same group that brought home a 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks, giving head coach Rick Tocchet some more in-game views of guys like Nikita Grebenkin, Carl Grundstrom, and Ty Murchison, who all fared quite well in Tuesday night’s game.

And with the Golden Knights in town, every detail matters.

1. Dan Vladar Stars In Net.

Dan Vladar starts against the Golden Knights, making it clear the Flyers want to keep him in rhythm. 

His recent outings have featured calm movement, efficient positioning, and—maybe most importantly—a growing sense of predictability for the players in front of him. They know what mistakes he can erase and what situations they can’t leave him exposed to.

Vegas is a stylistically different challenge from San Jose. They funnel pucks from the points, crash for second chances, and rarely attack in straight lines. Vladar’s game thrives when he’s reading the first shot cleanly; Vegas will test whether he can manage the second and third.

2. No Lineup Changes Against Vegas.

Rick Tocchet is riding the same group that won in San Jose, meaning Ty Murchison draws back in for his second NHL game, Nikita Grebenkin stays in the bottom six, and Carl Grundstrom remains in after scoring his first Flyers goal.

'My Heart Was Beating About a Hundred Beats Per Minute': Ty Murchison on His Flyers Call Up'My Heart Was Beating About a Hundred Beats Per Minute': Ty Murchison on His Flyers Call UpOn Sunday, Ty Murchison sat in Lehigh Valley’s facility thinking it would be a normal morning—practice, meetings, the routine that has been both comfort and crucible for a 22-year-old defenseman trying to force his way into the conversation.

None of this is surprising. The structure worked against the Sharks, and Vegas—despite being a stronger team—profiles similarly in one important way: they test depth. Their third and fourth lines don’t play “safe.” They forecheck with purpose, run quick cycles, and finish checks like it’s a scrimmage day.

Keeping the Flyers’ current lineup intact signals trust in their depth and, just as importantly, gives Murchison another chance to experience NHL pace without the disruption of new partners or new roles.

Stability isn’t just comfort; it’s consistency of expectations. Tocchet is choosing consistency.

3. The Andrae–Drysdale Pairing Is Working, and Working Well.

If the Flyers needed a pairing to surprise them this season, it was this one.

Tocchet has been notably enthusiastic about the Emil Andrae–Jamie Drysdale duo, praising a combination of swagger, poise, and decision-making that’s turning them into an increasingly reliable option. 

On Andrae, Tocchet said, “He’s got some swagger… he’s not afraid to make some plays.” Meanwhile, speaking about Drysdale: “He’s got a lot of deception… he wheels the puck… he’s probably one of our best.”

What stands out is what Tocchet likes: not their skill in isolation, but their judgment. They aren’t throwing pucks away. They aren’t defaulting to safe plays out of habit. They manage risk thoughtfully—and that’s harder to coach than systems play.

Vegas forechecks aggressively and layers pressure through the neutral zone. This pairing will get a meaningful test in whether they can maintain their calm, their spacing, and their ability to play with the puck on their terms rather than Vegas’s.

If they handle this well, the Flyers may have found a long-term second pair solution sooner than expected.

4. The Depth Scoring Trend Will Matter Even More Tonight.

Philadelphia’s scoring against San Jose wasn’t just balanced—it was diversified in how chances were created. They got goals from a grinder (Carl Grundstrom), a transition-driven center (Noah Cates), and a support-playmaker (Christian Dvorak). They also had assists scattered across the roster.

Against Vegas, they’ll need something similar. The Golden Knights don’t crumble when top players strain to create offense. They’re built to smother first lines and force secondary groups to beat them. If the Flyers rely solely on Travis Konecny and the top unit to generate momentum, the game will likely tilt toward Vegas by attrition.

The Flyers have been trending toward evenly distributed scoring for several weeks; this game is the kind of matchup where that trend either becomes a habit or fades under pressure.

Depth isn’t a luxury in this matchup—it’s a requirement.

Christian Dvorak (22). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)

5. The Game’s Tempo Will Hinge on Puck Discipline.

Vegas thrives on opponents who get impatient. They bait teams into stretch passes, jump on lateral plays through the neutral zone, and turn blocked shots into counterattacks.

The Flyers’ best games this season have come when they force teams to earn every foot of ice. Their worst games come when they shortcut the process.

Two factors will decide which version shows up: Clean puck management from the defense, especially from Andrae, Drysdale, and Murchison, and the forwards’ commitment to short support, not hopeful lead passes.

Vegas doesn’t need odd-man rushes to score, but they’re extremely good when they get them. Keeping this game five-on-five in structure is probably the Flyers’ best path.

Projected Lines

Philadelphia Flyers

Forwards:

Trevor Zegras - Christian Dvorak - Travis Konecny

Matvei Michkov - Sean Couturier - Owen Tippett

Nikita Grebenkin - Noah Cates - Bobby Brink

Carl Grundstrom - Rodrigo Abols - Garnet Hathaway 

Defense:

Nick Seeler - Travis Sanheim

Emil Andrae - Jamie Drysdale

Ty Murchison - Noah Juulsen

Goalies:

Dan Vladar

Sam Ersson

Vegas Golden Knights

Forwards:

Ivan Barbashev - Jack Eichel - Braeden Bowman

Mitch Marner - Brett Howden - Mark Stone

Reilly Smith - Tomas Hertl - Pavel Dorofeyev

Cole Reinhardt - Colton Sissons - Keegan Kolesar

Defense:

Brayden McNabb - Shea Theodore

Noah Hanifin - Zach Whitecloud

Ben Hutton - Kaedan Korczak

Goalies:

Akira Schmid

Carter Hart

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Golden Knights And Lotus Broadcasting Taking Broadcasts To New FM Home

LAS VEGAS -- The Golden Knights and Lotus Broadcasting are switching stations, literally.

From 98.9 FM to 94.7 FM, the Golden Knights will have a new radio home beginning Thursday, Dec. 18.

The team’s games have been broadcast on 98.9 FM since the teams joined the NHL in 2017.

Lotus Broadcasting believes the transition to 94.7 FM will bring increased signal strength to provide listeners an upgraded and more reliable listening experience.

The broadcast will now include an HD signal, expanding coverage throughout Southern Nevada, while giving listeners more ways to access Golden Knights programming.

Golden Knights fans can also find the broadcast on KOMP 92.3 HD2, further broadening availability across the valley.

All Golden Knights programming and on-air personalities remain the same, including game broadcasts with Dan D’Uva and Gary Lawless, pre/intermission/postgame coverage with Ryan Wallis and the VGK Insider Show with Wallis and Daren Millard.

The team’s AM station on 1340 AM remains unchanged, consistent with what listeners have been accustomed to since the inaugural season.

PHOTO CREDIT: Vegas Golden Knights right wing Pavel Dorofeyev (16) celebrates his goal ahead of during during the third period at UBS Arena.

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Mets target Robert Suarez signing three-year deal with Braves

With Edwin Diaz leaving the Mets to sign a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, right-hander Robert Suarez appeared to be a prime target to pair with Devin Williams at the back end of the bullpen. 

But that possibility ended on Thursday, with Suarez signing with the NL East rival Atlanta Braves.

Per multiple reports, the two-time All-Star, who has the most saves in the majors over the past two seasons, is joining the Braves on a three-year, $45 million deal.

The Braves also re-signed Raisel Iglesias earlier this offseason, giving them a formidable one-two punch to close out games.

The 34-year-old Suarez, who didn't make his major league debut until he was 31, has been an All-Star in each of the last two seasons, pitching to a 2.87 ERA with 76 saves and a 0.973 WHIP since the start of 2024. 

Suarez features three-pitch mix, including a fastball that averaged 98.6 miles per hour last season, which was in the 97th percentile via Baseball Savant. Suarez also has a nasty changeup that had opposing batters whiffing 32.8 percent of the time in 2025, and a sinker that held opposing hitters to a .102 batting average.

With Suarez off the board, names like Pete Fairbanks, Kenley Jansen, and Kirby Yates remain as back-end options for the Mets.

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Montreal Canadiens At Pittsburgh Penguins Preview: Lineup Changes, Where To Watch

The Pittsburgh Penguins will host the Montreal Canadiens for the first time this season on Thursday night. 

It will be the first of three meetings between these two teams after the Penguins won all three meetings last year. They outscored the Canadiens 18-6 in those three games. 

The Penguins are coming off another brutal loss on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks, and it was a game that they should never have lost. They had a power play with 17 seconds left in regulation, but the Ducks beat the buzzer with a shorthanded goal with .1 seconds left, thanks to forward Beckett Sennecke. The game then went to a shootout, which the Penguins lost. 

It's the second-straight game that the Penguins surrendered a late lead in the third period when it looked like they were going to secure two points. If they find themselves in that situation again on Thursday night, they need to close the door since points are at a premium right now. 

The lineup for the Penguins will mostly be the same outside of Tristan Jarry starting in goal. Arturs Silovs started in goal on Tuesday. 

Here are the expected lines: 

Forwards

Novak-Crosby-Rust

Mantha-Hayes-Brazeau

McGroarty-Kindel-Koivunen

Dewar-Heinen-Acciari

Defense

Wotherspoon-Karlsson

Shea-Letang

Graves-Clifton

The Canadiens come into this game with a 15-11-3 record, good for fourth in the Atlantic Division. They have lost two in a row and are 5-5 in their last 10 games. 

Rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler is set to make his NHL debut for the Canadiens in this contest. He has played in 15 games for Laval in the AHL this year and has compiled a 10-5 record with a 2.09 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage. 

Nick Suzuki leads the Canadiens in points with 33 and Cole Caufield in goals with 16. Caufield is making a strong push for the Team USA Olympic roster, which should be finalized over the next few weeks.

Ivan Demidov is also off to a great start in his first full NHL season, racking up six goals and 23 points in 29 games. He's one of the strong contenders for the Calder Trophy, which goes to the NHL's top rookie. 

Defenseman Lane Hutson is also doing his thing and has five goals and 22 points in 29 games. 

Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Fans can also listen to the game on 105.9 'The X.'

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Warriors land Anthony Davis, Kings acquire Trae Young in ESPN NBA mock trades

Warriors land Anthony Davis, Kings acquire Trae Young in ESPN NBA mock trades originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors’ inconsistent start to the 2025-26 NBA season has meant one thing: Dub Nation is firing up the trade machine to find a (likely unrealistic) fix to all their problems.

Coincidentally, one star player has been the subject of numerous trade rumors around the league due to his team’s even slower start to the year. Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis has been linked to several possible suitors, one of which could be Golden State, who reportedly are expected to explore a move for Jonathan Kuminga.

On Thursday, ESPN’s NBA insiders laid out five mock trades involving Davis, including one that would send the 10-time All-Star big man to the Warriors.

Here’s what that trade would look like:

  • Warriors get: Anthony Davis and Mason Plumlee
  • Mavericks get: Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors’ 2026 first-round draft pick
  • Los Angeles Lakers get: Buddy Hield
  • Charlotte Hornets get: Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht and cash considerations

From Golden State’s standpoint, this four-team deal essentially nets the team Davis and Plumlee — a 13-year NBA veteran center — in exchange for Green, Kuminga, Hield and a first-round pick. That could seem like a steep price, given that the trade involves parting with a key cog of the Warriors’ dynasty in Green, while only increasing their average age (Davis and Plumlee turn 33 and 36, respectively, next March).

And though Davis is a superstar when healthy, he also has an extensive injury history that has only worsened since his infamous move to the Mavericks in exchange for Luka Dončić a year ago. As a result, there would be plenty of hesitancy from the Warriors’ side, especially if Davis is seeking a contract extension once eligible next offseason.

“Should the Warriors break up the Green-Stephen Curry pairing for a shot at Davis?” ESPN’s Kevin Pelton wrote. “Probably not, but if they can’t figure out more consistency when healthy, it’s worth considering because of the massive offensive upgrade Davis would provide. … Davis would be the rim threat as a roll man the Warriors have long sought.”

Now, it remains to be seen if Golden State even is interested in a blockbuster deal for someone like Davis, but this trade certainly would make seismic headlines if it comes to fruition.

Pelton also suggested another massive deal involving both Davis and the Warriors, but it would instead bring a different big man to the Bay and a star guard to Sacramento. That mock trade looks as follows:

  • Atlanta Hawks get: Anthony Davis, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield and Devin Carter
  • Mavericks get: Zach LaVine, the Warriors’ 2026 first-round pick (top-14 protected) and another first-round pick via the Hawks
  • Kings get: Trae Young and Luke Kennard
  • Warriors get: Kristaps Porzingis
  • Detroit Pistons get: Doug McDermott and cash considerations

In this scenario, Golden State would net Porziņģis, another talented center and former All-Star who also would provide some desired frontcourt flexibility. The price is significantly smaller, too, as the Warriors only would part ways with Kuminga, Hield and a lottery-protected first-rounder.

It should be noted that Kuminga cannot be traded until Jan. 15 after being re-signed this past offseason, which would allow for a rather short trade window before the Feb. 5 deadline. But it wouldn’t be a shocking move considering how Kuminga’s role in the Warriors’ rotation seems to be eternally in flux.

Meanwhile, this trade would be massive for Sacramento as well. The Kings would move on from LaVine, Carter and McDermott in exchange for Young — a four-time All-Star with a knack for clutch moments — and a sharpshooting veteran in Kennard.

“Sacramento turns LaVine into a younger solution at point guard without having to give up any draft picks,” Pelton explained. “And Golden State finally moves on from Kuminga to get the kind of stretch 5 option the team has long sought, repairing Porzingis with former Celtics teammate Al Horford at the cost of a pick that extinguishes if the Warriors miss the playoffs.”

Of course, the likelihood of either trade actually happening probably isn’t all that high. But that’s never stopped NBA fans from dreaming of what wild move could come next in sports’ greatest reality show.

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Red Wings Recall Erik Gustafsson As Insurance For Edvinsson Injury

The Detroit Red Wings have recalled veteran defenseman Erik Gustafsson from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins as an insurance option in case young blueliner Simon Edvinsson requires time to recover from a lower body injury sustained during Wednesday’s game against the Calgary Flames. The club has not yet provided a timetable for Edvinsson’s recovery, but the recall signals that his status is at least somewhat uncertain.

Gustafsson has already appeared in one NHL game for Detroit this season. In that outing he logged seventeen and a half minutes, registered two shots on goal and finished minus one in a loss to the last place Nashville Predators. Known as an offensive defenseman, he provided the type of puck movement Detroit expected from him but did not get on the scoresheet during his brief appearance.

There has been growing attention surrounding Gustafsson in recent weeks, with multiple reports linking the former Ranger to New York. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman has noted that the Rangers are looking for a power play quarterback who can fill in while Adam Fox remains out on long term injured reserve. Friedman included Gustafsson among the players the Rangers have checked in on, and his familiarity with their system plus his affordability makes him a logical short term target.

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For the Red Wings the recall could serve several purposes as Edvinsson has already missed time this season due to what was described as an illness, and if the current injury lingers the team may prefer to let him recover fully rather than rush him back. At the same time Gustafsson gets an opportunity to showcase his value at the NHL level. If he performs well Detroit could benefit by boosting his trade stock ahead of a potential move. He has been a productive presence with Grand Rapids where he has recorded twelve assists in thirteen games and has been one of the Griffins’ most reliable veterans.

Gustafsson played 76 games for the Rangers during the 2023-24 season and finished with six goals and 25 assists for 31 points. Across ten NHL seasons he has appeared in 516 games. His best year came with Chicago in 2018-19 when he posted 60 points and established himself as one of the league’s more dynamic offensive defensemen.

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Blues Assistant GM Touches On Development Of Otto Stenberg And Theo Lindstein

In a subscriber Q&A ran by The Athletic, questions were asked to St. Louis Blues assistant GM Tim Taylor. Questions ranged from prospects attending the world juniors to how some of their youngsters were performing in the AHL with the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Plenty of questions were asked about a boatload of prospects, but the current development trajectory of 2023 first-round picks Otto Stenberg and Theo Lindstein seemed to stand out.

Stenberg's 2025-26 season has been odd. In training camp and pre-season, he was noticeable for all the right reasons and caught the eye of coach Jim Montgomery several times. He demonstrated the skill that earned him the 25th overall selection, but he also showed a genuine desire to win puck battles and engage physically.

He was one of the final cuts during training camp, and the excitement following his strong pre-season was at an all-time high. Expectations grew, and the hope was that he would be a dominant force in the AHL. However, through 20 games, the 20-year-old has scored just two goals and seven points.

Despite that, Taylor and the Blues are happy with Stenberg's development.

"Otto is a very smart player. He doesn’t gain a lot of recognition around the ice because he does things that look easy, and he’s always in the right spot at the right time. He got his feet wet last season, and now he’s going through the trials and tribulations. It’s kind of like his second-year pro, where guys fall off a little bit, but then they get going again. He had a tough time at the start points-wise, but we’re happy with his play. I could see him playing some NHL games this year."

Theo Lindstein and Otto Stenberg

Lindstein, a fellow Swede and the third player the Blues drafted in the first round of the 2023 NHL draft, has also struggled a bit to put up points, but the Blues are big fans of other parts of his game. Taylor was asked if Minnesota Wild's Jonas Brodin was a good comparable for Lindstein, and Taylor was thrilled to see the comparison.

"This fan really knows their hockey — Brodin is a real good example! Theo has taken a big jump since the start of the year. The ebbs and flows of his game, it’s been really good. I thought it was going to be a harder transition, and we’d have to be patient with him. But he’s been a real pleasant surprise in that he’s handled the AHL grind very well. He’s the type of player where his growth is on a high incline from the start of the year until now."

In 22 games, the 20-year-old has notched just two goals and five points, but like Stenberg, the Blues believe the offense will come for Lindstein, and sooner, rather than later, we will see the pair of young Swedes in the NHL with the Blues. 

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Rockets reportedly not interested in Ja Morant trade

When he wakes on Feb. 6, the day after the NBA Trade Deadline has passed, Ja Morant will almost certainly still be a member of the Memphis Grizzlies.

There are a few reasons for this. For one, as NBC Sports’ Grant Liffmann said in a recent video, Memphis decision-maker Zach Kleinman tends to hold on to his assets rather than trade them — especially when it would likely have to be a swap of bad contracts.

It would have to be that kind of swap because of the bigger issue facing a Morant trade: There is not much of a market for him. As evidence, look at what The Athletic’s Sam Amick wrote about the Rockets and their president Raphiel Stone's potential interest in Morant.

Stone, who values this young core greatly and has frequently resisted the temptation to reach for overpriced roster shortcuts. Case in point, league sources say they're not interested in pursuing Memphis' Ja Morant despite having lost veteran point guard Fred VanVleet for the season with a torn ACL.

The challenge in trading Morant is that availability remains the best ability. Morant has missed the Grizzlies' last 10 games with a calf strain (notably, Memphis is 7-3 in those 10 games), and he hasn't played 65+ games since his rookie season. Interested teams would also need to ask how Morant would fit culturally in their locker room.

If Morant gets traded — and this is true of other point guards rumored to be available such as Trae Young and LaMelo Ball — it is more likely something that happens during the offseason. At the deadline, there just isn't expected to be the needed market to get a deal done. The bigger short-term question in Memphis may be whether Morant can fit in with and accentuate what has worked for the Grizzlies with him out.

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Mets front office taking heat with fan favorites Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz and Brandon Nimmo headed out of town

NEW YORK — Brandon Nimmo went first. Then it was Edwin Díaz and Pete Alonso on back-to-back days at baseball’s winter meetings.

Three fan favorites headed out the door in 2 1/2 weeks — a powerful gut punch to angry New York Mets fans wondering what on earth the front office is thinking.

As the club embarks on a major makeover, suffice to say owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns are not the most popular couple in Queens right now.

“I’m very optimistic about where our offseason is headed,” Stearns said in Florida, before news of Alonso’s signing with Baltimore. “We certainly have work to do, but there are many good players out there. I’m confident we’ll like where our team is once we get to opening day.”

What a difference a year makes, though.

Cohen and Stearns were the toast of the town last December, beating out the crosstown New York Yankees for prized free agent Juan Soto with a record $765 million contract.

That came on the heels of an unanticipated thrill ride to the 2024 National League Championship Series, after Stearns scored big with several unheralded acquisitions during his first year in charge: Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, Jose Iglesias and Tyrone Taylor.

Surely with Cohen’s bankroll and Stearns’ brain, the Mets were poised to take a large bite out of the Big Apple for years to come.

Yankees, be damned. Dodgers, on notice. Phillies, fuhgeddaboudit!

But as their top rivals continued to flourish this year, the Mets finished 83-79 and missed the playoffs. Baseball’s second-biggest spenders, at $429 million in payroll and projected luxury tax, went 38-55 in a stunning collapse after building the best record in the majors (45-24) through June 12.

The day after the season ended, Stearns took the blame for failing at the trade deadline and Cohen apologized to fans on social media. The coaching staff under manager Carlos Mendoza soon was overhauled.

Many figured Cohen, one of the wealthiest owners in sports, would quickly reach into his robust wallet this winter — at least to keep Díaz and Alonso from leaving in free agency. But that hasn’t really happened.

“Steve gives us everything we need,” Stearns said. “We have a lot of resources. No team has unending resources.”

After the Mets signed two-time All-Star reliever Devin Williams to a three-year, $51 million contract, Díaz agreed to a three-year, $69 million deal with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, subject to a successful physical.

Media reports indicated New York was outbid by only about $3 million for Díaz, who arrived in 2019 and ranks third in franchise history with 144 saves.

Then, news broke that Alonso agreed to a five-year, $155 million contract with Baltimore, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical.

The person said the Mets expressed interest in again retaining the slugging first baseman, which they did last offseason, but decided to wait and see what happened between Alonso and other teams rather than press a pursuit themselves.

“I’m flabbergasted,” Mets broadcast analyst and former pitcher Ron Darling said on MLB Network.

“Maybe they get in the Kyle Tucker race now, for a legit bat in the outfield. But it’s just, these last two days have to really be hard on Mets fans.”

All this after Nimmo, the ebullient outfielder who was the longest-tenured player on the team, waived the no-trade provision in his contract and accepted a deal to Texas for Gold Glove second baseman Marcus Semien.

“That’s three unbelievably great players, beloved by the fan base, have proven that they can pitch or play in New York. That’s not an easy thing, right?” Darling said. “And now, all gone.”

Alonso and Nimmo combined for 63 homers and 218 RBIs last season.

“They’ve now paid Soto ($765) million to walk 150 times next year,” Darling said.

Stearns grew up in Manhattan rooting for the Mets, and Cohen was a fervent fan even before buying the club five years ago. But they’ve shown little sentimentality when it comes to valuing core players, and Stearns said after trading Nimmo that “running back the exact same group wasn’t the right thing to do.”

Reports of clubhouse tension emerged in recent weeks, though Mendoza challenged that notion.

Alonso holds the franchise record with 264 home runs. He and Nimmo join a notable list of homegrown Mets stalwarts who eventually went elsewhere — from Tug McGraw, Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman and Jon Matlack to Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, José Reyes and Jacob deGrom.

David Wright remains one of the few star position players to spend his entire career in blue and orange.

The pressure on Stearns, a small-market success in Milwaukee, now increases exponentially to plug several big holes and rebuild a contender. Third baseman Mark Vientos could shift to first as Alonso’s replacement, but New York’s particular plans are unclear. And the more quality players who leave, the harder it becomes to convince free agents the Mets are currently equipped to win.

These things are certain:

Defense and baserunning are priorities for Stearns.

He seems very reluctant to give players in their 30s contracts longer than three years.

And he believes in putting youth on the field, seeking roster flexibility and space at positions that will provide playing opportunities for the promising hitters in a highly rated farm system such as Carson Benge, Jett Williams and Ryan Clifford.

“Our resources that we have here are an enormous advantage,” Stearns said. “And as long as we allocate those resources intelligently, they’re going to continue to be an enormous advantage.”

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Why Steph Curry isn't surprised by Pat Spencer's impact, rise with Warriors

Why Steph Curry isn't surprised by Pat Spencer's impact, rise with Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – Though Pat Spencer’s rise from Warriors bench-warmer to legitimate NBA impact player comes as a surprise to most of the world, his veteran teammates already had seen enough to believe it was possible.

Count Stephen Curry, having observed Spencer for more than two years in Golden State, as a ground-floor believer.

“It’s amazing to watch,” Curry said Thursday after practice. “We’ve seen it over the summers, in practice, when he’s been out there in short spurts. He just has a presence about him that he just knows the game. He plays with 120 percent of confidence every time he’s out there. And as a kind of playmaker role, it was cool to see him kind of adapt to what we needed pretty much overnight. And I think it’ll only help us as we keep moving forward.”

As Spencer was bringing welcome intensity to the Warriors last week, Curry was a distant observer. He remained in the Bay Area to rehab what he described as “a (quad) contusion that combined with a muscle strain,” but he took note of Spencer – making his first career starts – taking a leadership role in victories at Cleveland and Chicago.

“We try to play with joy; I know I do,” Curry said. “I think me and him are competing for crazy celebrations and stuff. It’s like a contagious vibe when you have a guy out there that’s showing that emotion. And it’s natural, it’s organic, it’s authentic. It’s who he is.”

Spencer has strung together four consecutive high-quality games – losses to the Thunder and 76ers, wins over the Cavaliers and Bulls – averaging 16 points on 59.1-percent shooting from the field, including 75 percent from deep. His assist-to-turnover ratio is better than 3 to 1. His bravado is off any chart you can imagine.

And yet, after appearing in 45 games over his first two seasons with Golden State and its affiliate Santa Cruz Warriors, Spencer spent last summer as an unrestricted free agent.

As much as the Warriors liked what they saw from Spencer over the past two seasons in the G League and during NBA practices, it wasn’t until one day before training camp in September that they re-signed him – under a two-way contract.

In the blink of an eye, Spencer has ascended from playing meager and mostly inconsequential minutes to being a fixture in coach Steve Kerr’s playing rotation.

“Energy and the competitive spirit (are) a huge part of winning basketball,” Kerr said. And that’s what Pat has brought to us. There’s a different vibe on the floor and in the locker room with Pat doing what he’s doing. He’s changed our team.”

Spencer quickly has emerged as Golden State’s most suitable option as the primary backup point guard behind Curry. Or alongside the team’s franchise player.

“I know when I’m out there to be able to play off the ball with him, initiating, taking advantage of the space and all that type of stuff, it should be pretty seamless,” Curry said. “I’m happy for him. Obviously, he puts the work in. And again, he’s been waiting for his time, and it’s cool to see him take advantage of it.”

The Warriors are being rewarded for their patience in a 29-year-old who stuck with them. Who waited his turn and can count the days until he is rewarded with a standard NBA contract. Who before last week was more famous for lacrosse than basketball.

Draymond Green co-signs on Curry’s belief in Spencer. And now, so does Jimmy Butler III, who wasn’t a Warrior for Spencer’s first year-plus with the team. They’ve seen his work in the gym. During practices. They’re not shocked.

When any fringe NBA player has the endorsement of his team’s veterans, he has made quite the journey. Spencer has a confirmed role on a Golden State team with lofty aspirations, and the uncles on the roster believe he’s good enough to keep it.

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Why Dodgers face a 'delicate' situation with their Japanese stars ahead of the WBC

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 21: Shohei Ohtani #16 and Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of Team Japan celebrate after winning the 2023 World Baseball Classic Championship game over Team USA at loanDepot Park on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Tringali/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto celebrate after Japan won the 2023 World Baseball Classic championship game over the U.S. in Miami. (Rob Tringali / MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The 2026 World Baseball Classic begins in less than three months.

Between now and then, the Dodgers will have to have some “delicate” conversations with their star trio of Japanese pitchers.

As of now, Dodgers front-office officials said at this week’s winter meetings, no final decisions have been made about whether Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki will participate in the tournament, nor if Shohei Ohtani (who has already confirmed his participation) will pitch in addition to hitting.

“We’re still working through that,” said president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, who met with Team Japan manager Hirokazu Ibata at the Signia by Hilton Orlando this week.

Read more:Analysis: Could Dodgers’ Edwin Díaz signing portend more big moves later this offseason?

“We’re very supportive of Samurai Japan and all that they’re trying to accomplish, and they’re very supportive of us,” Friedman added. “It was about just keeping open the lines of communication, the mutual respect and working together to help all sides.”

What would be most helpful to the Dodgers, of course, is if none of their three Japanese stars pitch in next spring’s international tournament.

Each of them shouldered a heavy burden during last season's postseason, from Sasaki’s nine appearances out of the bullpen to Ohtani’s four starts in a two-way role to Yamamoto’s playoff-leading 37⅓ innings (the final 8⅔ of which came on back-to-back days in Games 6 and 7 of the World Series) most of all.

Each of them could also benefit from extra rest going into the 2026 campaign. Sasaki will be returning to the starting rotation after missing most of last year’s regular season because of a shoulder injury. Ohtani will be embarking on his first full season of two-way duties since 2023. Yamamoto is coming off what was already an unprecedented workload even before last season's playoffs, having set a new career high (either in MLB or Japan) with 30 starts in the regular season.

Already, it appears several other Dodgers players will, or are likely, to skip the event. While Team Canada general manager Greg Hamilton said Freddie Freeman would like to participate, the first baseman is dealing with some lingering health issues after playing through an ankle injury for much of last season. Teoscar Hernández said in an interview that he will not play for the Dominican Republic in order to focus on next season. Tommy Edman, who previously represented Team Korea, is also not expected to play as he recovers from an offseason ankle surgery.

To this point, the only Dodgers player other than Ohtani to confirm his WBC participation is catcher Will Smith for Team USA.

More could follow, from Mookie Betts (who has yet to announce any WBC decision) to Hyeseong Kim (who told Korean media he has requested permission from the Dodgers to participate) to Alex Vesia (who is under consideration for a Team USA spot, according to American general manager Michael Hill).

In Japan, however, the WBC is held to a higher standard of importance than most other countries around the world (and, to its fans, an even more significant level than the World Series itself). The nation has won the event a record three times, including in the most recent 2023 edition. And having star players sit out, or even be restricted, in the tournament can threaten to become a culturally controversial development.

The Dodgers understand this.

Read more:Shaikin: Dodgers signing of Edwin Díaz shows they aren't going to worry about a potential salary cap

Manager Dave Roberts this week described the dynamic with the Japanese players as “very delicate,” and said neither he nor the organization “want to be dismissive of what it means to them representing their country.”

“You can't debate the emotion,” he added, “what a player might feel of this potential opportunity.”

That doesn’t mean, however, the Dodgers aren’t concerned about the cost the tournament can incur, especially for starting pitchers given its place on the calendar.

Next year’s event will take place March 5-17, requiring pitchers to be built up for live-game action nearly a month earlier than they would otherwise. Team Japan will also have to travel from Tokyo (where they will play their group stage games) to Miami (where the knockout round will be held) during that two-week window, assuming they advance through the preliminary round as expected.

Because of that, Roberts acknowledged he was hoping Ohtani (who will still be managed carefully as a pitcher next season, potentially with a week or more of rest between outings) would only hit in the event — and seemed to hint that would be the likely outcome for the reigning MVP.

“The pitching side of things is challenging and gives us a little bit of pause,” general manager Brandon Gomes added. “But yeah, we'll obviously continue to have those conversations and figure it out."

The Dodgers will also face a decision with Sasaki, whom they can block from participating in the WBC since he missed the majority of last season on the 60-day injured list, though they haven’t given an indication yet on whether they would do so.

“We just need to sit down and talk through it as an organization,” Gomes said generally of the team’s process for WBC players. “Once we get more info on the players, we’ll have those conversations.”

While the Dodgers can’t prevent Yamamoto from participating, Roberts indicated they could lobby for Team Japan to keep him (and Ohtani or Sasaki, if they wind up on the Japanese staff, as well) on a more restricted workload for the tournament.

Read more:Dodgers and Edwin Díaz agree to terms in blockbuster move to shore up bullpen

“I would like to think that it's going to be a dialogue as far as restrictions and limitations,” Roberts said. “In the sense of just trying to give them the opportunity, but also understand they've come off some stuff, some long seasons.”

There should be more clarity in the coming month, with Team Japan hoping to have its roster finalized by the new year. Next week, Friedman said, clubs and national teams will also submit forms to MLB regarding players’ potential participation, which allows for a period of feedback between all parties.

“I do think that the conversations need to be had [and] will be had, as far as what each individual is taking on and whatever role that they might be taking on,” Roberts said. “And what potential costs there might be.”

For now, however, when it comes to one of the more delicate situations the Dodgers will have to navigate this offseason, “there's no more clarity than we had before,” Roberts added.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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There's A 'Good Chance' Islanders' Jonathan Drouin Returns vs. Lightning on Saturday

ELMONT, NY -- New York Islanders forward Jonathan Drouin (lower back) won't return against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night but is expected to return against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday afternoon. 

"He looks really good," Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said following Thursday's morning skate. "We'll see if he's ready to play against Tampa, but I think there's a good chance he will be."

Drouin, 30, rejoined the Islanders for a team skate for the first time since warming up against the Colorado Avalanche a week ago before being a late scratch. 

He did not travel with the team for their back-to-back against the Lightning and Florida Panthers this past weekend, as he was getting treatment on Long Island. 

Drouin had been skating on his own. 

Who will come out for Drouin remains a mystery.