CHICAGO (AP) — Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar practiced with the team on Sunday and could return as soon as Thursday at Carolina.
Nazar, who turned 22 on Wednesday, was hit in the face by a puck during a 6-4 loss at Ottawa on Dec. 20.
“It feels great to be back with the guys and skating and had a lot of fun out there today,” Nazar said.
The Blackhawks have lost three in a row going into Monday night's home game against Winnipeg. They visit the Hurricanes on Thursday before hosting Tampa Bay on Friday night.
“As far as I know, he won't play tomorrow. Unless something drastically changed, I don't think he will,” coach Jeff Blashill said of Nazar. “So that would allow him another full practice at least and then see where we go from there.”
Blashill also said Teuvo Teravainen won't play against the Jets because of an upper-body injury. The 31-year-old forward got hurt in the first period of last week's 4-1 loss to Edmonton.
Nazar, a first-round pick in the 2022 draft, has six goals and 15 assists in 33 games this season. He agreed to a $46.2 million, seven-year extension with the Blackhawks in August.
“Just really itching to get back and give what I can to help the team win,” Nazar said.
The Vancouver Canucks have announced four roster moves ahead of their matchup on Monday against the New York Islanders. Vancouver has recalled defenceman Elias Pettersson while assigning defenceman Victor Mancini and Nikita Tolopilo to the AHL. The Canucks have also called up goaltender Jiri Patera under emergency conditions.
Pettersson was sent down to the Abbotsford Canucks on January 11 and skated in two AHL games. He did not record a point but did have two penalty minutes and two shots on goal. This season, Pettersson has played in 38 NHL games, where he has recorded six points.
As for Mancini, he skated in four games for the Canucks since his call-up on January 11. In those four games, he recorded two shots and averaged 16:33 of ice time. Mancini has spent the majority of his season in the AHL, posting six points in 20 games.
Moving to the goaltenders, Tolopilo played two games on his recent call-up. In those two games, he posted a 6.01 goals against average and a save percentage of .842. Tolopilo is 4-4-3 in the AHL this season with a save percentage of .900.
Lastly, Patera is projected to serve as the backup on Monday against the Islanders as Thatcher Demko remains out with an injury. He has played one NHL game this year, where he allowed seven goals on 40 shots against the Florida Panthers. This season, Patera is 7-6-4 in the AHL and has a save percentage of .915.
Dec 27, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Elias Pettersson (25) handles the puck against the San Jose Sharks in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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The Braves will be without a key infielder for a significant portion of the 2026 season.
Ha-seong Kim, who was expected to be Atlanta’s starting shortstop, will miss four to five months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger, the team announced Sunday.
Kim sustained the injury in his native Korea after slipping and falling on ice, per MLB.com’s Mark Bowman.
Ha-Seong Kim re-signed with the Braves in December for one-year, $20 million. AP
The 30-year-old joined the Braves last September as a waiver pickup from the Rays following another injury-plagued season.
After recovering from shoulder surgery to open 2025, Kim appeared in just 24 games with Tampa Bay before landing on the injured list again with a back issue.
Atlanta claimed him in early September with plans for him to man shortstop down the stretch.
“I think if I had stayed healthy, I would’ve played more games every day,” Kim said through an interpreter after joining Atlanta, per MLB.com. “Obviously, the season didn’t really pan out to how I had planned it.
“I’m obviously excited to play alongside a talented group of players, and I’m obviously very excited to finish the season on a high note, in a healthy way.”
After hitting .253/.316/.368 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in September, Kim opted out of the second year of the two-year, $29 million deal he signed the previous offseason.
Kim re-signed with the Braves on a one-year, $20 million contract to serve as the team’s full-time shortstop in 2026.
“I can tell you it helped on our end, just from a comfort standpoint,” Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos said of having Kim for the last month of 2025. “I feel like even though he wasn’t here that long, a month was pretty significant. He fit in quickly.”
Ha-Seong Kim reacts after scoring on a RBI double by Michael Harris II #23 in the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Truist Park on September 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Getty Images
A former Gold Glove winner as a utility player, Kim has flashed a dynamic blend of speed, power and defense across five MLB seasons, though injuries have followed him.
He underwent shoulder surgery in October 2024 for a “small tear” in the labrum in his right shoulder, an injury he suffered in late August of that season.
Both the Rays and Braves have hoped to recapture Kim’s 2023 form, when he slashed .260/.351/.398 with 17 homers, 60 RBIs and 38 stolen bases for the Padres.
A three-time Gold Glove winner in the Korea Baseball Organization, Kim joined the majors after signing a four-year, $28 million deal with the Padres for the 2021 campaign.
Fellow Gold Glove winner Mauricio Dubón, acquired by Atlanta this offseason, figures to see significant time at shortstop to open 2026.
Adding to the laundry list of question marks, LeBron James is expected to be a game-time decision, as is to be the case with every back-to-back going forward.
The Lakers are getting some much-needed relief on Sunday, with both Ayton and Hayes expected to back on the court. It also appears as though they've dodged a bullet as neither Smart or LaRavia were listed on the injury report.
That leaves the two biggest questions that likely won't be definitively answered until we get closer to tip-off: Will Dončić and James take the court vs. the Raptors?
Here's everything you need to know about the status of the two Lakers stars:
Dončić is questionable to play with left groin soreness, according to the latest NBA injury report released at 5:30 p.m. ET. He originally told reporters on Jan. 12 he "felt something" in his groin/inner thigh area during pregame warmups, but he ended up playing through both games of the Lakers' back-to-back early last week.
Dončić also played in Thursday's loss to the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 39 points before sitting out on Saturday.
Is LeBron James playing tonight?
James is also listed as questionable for Sunday night's games, which is to be expected after the 41-year-old said as much to reporters a week ago.
“I’m 41 years old. Every back to back for the rest of the season is TBD.”
LeBron James makes one thing certain — he is TBD for all back-to-back games in his 23rd NBA season 😭
James did play in the Lakers' most recent back-to-back on January 12 and 13, logging 33 minutes in each and coming up just one rebound shy of a 31-point triple-double in a 141-116 blowout win over the Hawks.
In Saturday night's loss to the Trail Blazers, James scored 20 points and led the team in assists and rebounds with nine and eight, respectively.
Lakers injuries
Ayton and Hayes both did not play on Saturday, leaving the door open for Drew Timme to see extended minutes at center. Smart limped off the court following a collision midway through the fourth quarter, but he was not listed on Sunday's injury report. Both Ayton and Hayes are also expected to return against Toronto.
The only other names on the Lakers injury report ahead of the game are Reaves (left calf strain) and Thiero (right MCL sprain), who have both missed extended time and are expected to be re-evaluated towards the end of the month.
It’s the second half of a home-and-home. The Nets (12-27) are looking for a rare road win to sweep the mini-series, but the tanking crowd is eyeing those lottery balls. Chicago (19-22) is desperate to get back to .500 and stop a four-game slide.
🏀 Game Info
Tip: 7:00 PM ET
TV: YES Network | Gotham Sports App
Radio: 101.9 FM / 660 AM WFAN
⚠️ Injury Report
Nets:
Michael Porter Jr. (OUT – Rest)
Drake Powell (OUT – Left Knee Injury Management)
Ziaire Williams (OUT – Return to Competition Reconditioning)
Haywood Highsmith (OUT – Right Knee Surgery Recovery)
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MONTREAL (AP) — Phil Goyette, the former NHL forward who helped the Montreal Canadiens win Stanley Cup titles in his first four seasons and was the New York Islanders' first coach, has died. He was 92.
The Canadiens said in a statement Sunday that Goyette died Saturday, saying Goyette's “family would like to thank the public for their wishes of sympathy.” The team didn't provide a cause of death.
Goyette, from Lachine, Quebec, made his debut with the Canadiens in 1956-57. He also played for the New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres and St. Louis Blues, winning the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct in 1969-70 with St. Louis.
In 940 regular-season games, Goyette had 207 goals and 467 assists. The center added 17 goals and 29 assists in 94 playoff games. He wrapped up his playing career in 1971-72, falling short of a fifth Stanley Cup title when the Rangers fell to Boston in six games in the final.
“We join the hockey world in sending our condolences to Phil’s loved ones, friends, and former teammates,” the Rangers said in a statement.
Goyette coached the expansion Islanders in 1972-73, going 6-40-4 before he was replaced by Earl Ingarfield.
“The Islanders are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Phil Goyette, the organization’s original head coach,” the team said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”
According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, the Calgary Flames have traded defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, a move that further strengthens an already loaded Western Conference and adds another obstacle in the Winnipeg Jets path should they qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The return to Calgary includes defenseman Zach Whitecloud, Vegas 2027 first round pick, a conditional 2027 second round pick that escalates to a 2026 first rounder if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup, and the rights to unsigned defenseman Abram Wiebe. The Flames are also retaining 50 per cent of Andersson salary for the remainder of the season.
While Winnipeg was not directly linked to Andersson, his landing spot is significant. Rather than a top defenseman leaving the Western Conference or landing in the Eastern Conference, Andersson joins a Vegas team that the Jets could realistically face in a postseason matchup. The deal removes one of the best defensemen from the trade market while simultaneously reinforcing a direct conference rival.
The timing only adds to the challenge for Winnipeg. Central Division heavyweights Dallas, Colorado, and Minnesota have all made notable moves and increasingly resemble legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. Now Vegas, already among the league’s deepest and most battle tested teams, adds a proven top four blueliner with offensive upside and playoff experience.
Despite playing on a middle to bottom tier Flames team, Andersson has quietly put together a strong season. The 27 year old has recorded 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 47 games, along with a plus one rating.
A former 46 point defenseman, Andersson has consistently produced between 30 and 40 points per season while logging heavy minutes against top competition. He brings a reliable two way game, physicality, and puck moving ability that translate well to playoff hockey.
For Vegas, the move signals an all in approach as they gear up for another deep postseason run. For the Jets, it is another reminder of how narrow the margin is in the West. Any potential Winnipeg dark horse Stanley Cup push now looks even more complicated with yet another conference rival getting stronger at the deadline.
If the Jets are to navigate a brutal Western Conference playoff picture, they will likely need to rely on internal growth, elite goaltending, and timely performances, because the arms race around them shows no signs of slowing down.
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World No 2 defeats ‘legend and idol’ 10-6 in final
‘I’m trying not to cry because it means so much’
Kyren Wilson collected his first Masters title to thwart John Higgins’s hopes of making more history after a cagey final replete with uncharacteristic errors from both players.
Higgins was seeking a third Masters title at Alexandra Palace – 20 years after he last lifted the trophy – and, at 50, the Scot had become the oldest player to reach the final of a triple crown event.
Unlike their last back-to-back, this one could actually have matchups factored into decisions here.
The Sixers released their injury report ahead of their home contest against the Indiana Pacers Monday. Nothing on it is too shocking with Joel Embiid and Paul George both listed as questionable with left knee injury management.
Despite it being a downgrade, both have been listed as probable for the past several games, this just boils down to this Pacers matchup being the front end of a back-to-back as they’re set to take on the Phoenix Suns Tuesday at home as well.
The two of them have both played in nine of Philly’s last 10 games, the only one missed also being a back-to-back last week in Toronto. Both of those legs were against the Raptors, so it didn’t really matter which one of the two they sat out. With the Suns being a notably tougher matchup than the 10-win Pacers, there’s actually a decision to make there if George and Embiid can only be available for one of those games.
Neither of the two have played both games of a back-to-back this season, but it’s worth noting that George was a very late scratch in that first game against the Raptors. Perhaps playing in both legs may be something he’s looking to do soon.
After being assigned to the G-League over the weekend, Jared McCain is listed as doubtful. Funnily enough, it was the Pacers G-League affiliate, the Noblesville Bloom, McCain played against in his first game with the Blue Coats since being sent down again. He didn’t exactly light the world on fire either, going for 15 points on 18 shots in six turnovers playing 30 minutes in a Coats loss.
Jared McCain played 30 minutes in the Delaware Blue Coats' 126-102 road loss against the Noblesville Boom. His line:
According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, the Calgary Flames have traded defenseman Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights, a move that reshapes the trade market and represents a missed opportunity for the Detroit Red Wings.
The return to Calgary includes defenseman Zach Whitecloud, Vegas’s 2027 first-round pick, a conditional 2027 second-round pick that escalates to a 2026 first-rounder if the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup, and the rights to unsigned defenseman Abram Wiebe.
The Golden Knights do not have a contract extension in place with Andersson, and the Flames are retaining 50 per cent of his salary for the remainder of the season.
The deal takes one of the top available defensemen off the market. Detroit was among the teams believed to be in the mix for Andersson, who had drawn significant league-wide interest as one of the most attractive blueliners potentially available via trade.
Despite playing on a middle to bottom tier Flames team, Andersson has delivered strong results this season. The 27 year old has produced 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 47 games, along with a plus one rating.
A former 46 point defenseman, Andersson has consistently posted between 30 and 40 points per season while logging heavy minutes. He brings a physical element, reliability, and steady two way play that appealed to teams looking to strengthen their blue line.
For Vegas, the move adds a proven top four defenseman with offensive upside and playoff experience to an already deep roster as the Golden Knights gear up for another postseason run.
For Detroit, missing out on Andersson is a notable setback. The Red Wings have been actively exploring upgrades on defense as they push to solidify their roster and remain competitive in the playoff race.
While Andersson is no longer an option, Detroit continues to monitor the market for other opportunities to address its blue line needs.
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The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder have been by far the most impressive team this season. Their +14 net rating is over five points better than their closest competitor. It’s why they started the season on a 70-win pace.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, on the other hand, have been one of the most disappointing teams this season. They’ve taken a noticeable step back from where they were last year, as they’ve already surpassed their loss total for all of last season.
Despite how differently things have gone for both the Cavs and Thunder, they enter this game playing at a pretty similar level.
Oklahoma City has cooled off dramatically in recent weeks. They’ve lost three of their last eight and dropped their previous outing to the Miami Heat. Their offense has struggled recently, as they have the 14th-ranked offense over the past two weeks.
This game should provide a good measuring stick for where the Cavs are right now, even though both will be without key starters. The Thunder will be without Jalen Williams, and the Cavs will be without Darius Garland.
Cavs injury report: Darius Garland – OUT (toe), Sam Merrill – OUT (hand), Dean Wade – PROBABLE (knee), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Chris Livingston – OUT (G League), Luke Travers – OUT (G League)
Thunder injury report: Jalen Williams – OUT (hamstring), Isaiah Hartenstein – OUT (right soleus), Thomas Sorber – OUT (ACL), Nikola Topic – OUT (surgical recovery), Brooks Barnhizer – DOUBTFUL (G League)
CHAMPAGNE, Ill. (AP) — Berry Wallace scored a career-high 29 points, 12 in the fourth quarter, and No. 25 Illinois held off a fourth-quarter rally to defeat Northwestern 74-71 on Sunday.
Illinois took the lead for good with 2 1/2 minutes left in the second quarter and led 58-51 heading to the fourth. Although Illinois remained in front, Northwestern cut it to one on a 3-pointer by Xamiya Walton with seven minutes to go and again on a layup by Casey Harter with 2:15 remaining.
At that point, Wallace scored in the paint for a 73-70 lead, then Tayla Thomas hit one free throw to get Northwestern within 73-71. Both teams came up empty on their next two possessions before Cearah Parchment made a free throw for a 74-71 lead with nine seconds left. Northwestern's Caroline Lau missed a potential tying 3-pointer with one second left.
Parchment had 10 points and 11 rebounds for the fourth double-double of her freshman season. Aaliyah Guyton had 13 points for the Illini (15-4, 5-3 Big Ten).
Grace Sullivan scored 21 points, Walton 19, Harter 13 and Lau 12 for Northwestern (8-11, 2-6). The rest of the Wildcats managed six points — all by Thomas.
There were four ties and seven lead changes in the first half. Illinois scored the last 12 points of the second quarter to erase a five-point deficit and the Illini led 40-33 at halftime.
Illinois outscored the Wildcats 11-2 in a 3 1/2-minute stretch of the third quarter, building a 58-43 lead. Three-pointers by Harter and Walton helped Northwestern get within 58-51 heading to the fourth.
There were only 13 turnovers in the game, five by Northwestern and eight by Illinois.
Illinois was won seven straight in the series after losing the previous 14.
Up next
Illinois: The Illini play Saturday at No. 24 Nebraska.
Northwestern: The Wildcats host No. 3 UCLA next Sunday.
21-year-old forward prospect Rutger McGroarty - who has been out since Jan. 7 with a concussion - was activated from injured reserve Monday. He was subsequently optioned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS), Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate.
In addition, forward Joona Koppanen was recalled from WBS to fill out the final spot on the Penguins' active roster, meaning the team will carry 14 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders on their Western road trip this week.
"Nothing's changed in terms of status or anything else," head coach Dan Muse clarified about Karlsson. "But, obviously, anytime somebody hasn't been out there for team practice, even when it is coming in as non-contact, it's another step."
With his AHL assignment, McGroarty will have a chance to get regular playing time in the top-six for WBS. With the Penguins' current lineup gelling pretty well at the NHL level, it was unlikely that McGroarty would have seen much playing time had he stuck around. He has two goals and three points in 16 NHL games and four goals and seven points in five AHL games this season.
Koppanen, 27, has been up for a few stints with the NHL club this season, registering one assist to go along with a minus-1 in 10 games. In 22 AHL games, he has put up six goals and 11 points.
For the last two months, there has been a song looping in my head whenever Jalen Green comes up. Richard Marx, softly crooning in the background, whispering a promise into the void.
Wherever you go Whatever you do I will be right here waiting for you Whatever it takes Or how my heart breaks I will be right here waiting for you
I have been right here waiting. And I hope my heart don’t break. It feels painfully appropriate at this point, equal parts hope, patience, and checking the injury report daily.
We know we are getting close. Suns head coach Jordan Ott said yesterday that Jalen Green got in another five-on-five run after morning shootaround. “Everything seemed to be good,” Coach Ott stated. “So we’ll see. Still going in the right direction.”
That is the kind of update that makes you sit up a little straighter. Not fireworks. Not a declaration. But enough to tell you the wheels are turning, and the return is no longer theoretical.
So…will Green suit up in Brooklyn on Monday night? Questionable.
Jalen Greeb is QUESTIONABLE to play tomorrow against the Nets.
The last time we saw him was on November 8 against the Clippers. He made it 6:48 into that game, but was then gone in the first quarter after re-aggravating the hamstring that already cost him the first 8 games of the season. It felt cruel. It also felt very Suns.
Before that night, Green had played in 192 consecutive games, playoffs included, without missing time. Then he arrives in Phoenix and the basketball gods get weird. To the team’s credit, they have been careful with it. This is a player built on speed. If you are running on a flat tire, you are not helping anyone.
We still do not know the exact severity. A grade two hamstring usually means 3 to 6 weeks. A grade three can stretch into months and even flirt with surgery. This one lingered long enough to make you wonder. Whatever it was, the Suns chose patience, and with a player like Green, that is the only move that makes sense.
But alas, the designation finally changed. That alone feels like progress. It does not guarantee anything, and it does not mean he is ready to roll, but it is a step forward. He is not listed as probable yet, but for the first time in a while, the door is actually open. He could see the floor again.
And the timing matters. Brooklyn is young, energetic, but they are not going to apply the same defensive pressure Phoenix saw from Detroit, Miami, or New York on this trip. That makes this a softer landing spot, if there is such a thing in the NBA.
So here we are. The questionable stage. Actual movement. Real momentum. Now we wait another day to see if Jalen Green finally suits up and plays basketball for Phoenix again.
