Ten Years Later: The Story of Senators First-Round Pick Logan Brown

As the Senators enter a new season, one of their biggest areas of strength is their depth at centre. There may not be a Hart Trophy candidate in there, but there’s some serious quality throughout the group.

Ten years ago, the Senators probably envisioned 18-year-old Logan Brown now being the best of this group in 2026, a skilled veteran leading the way for younger centres.

But it's a vision that never came close to reality.

Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss Jake Sanderson's standing among the best defensemen in the game.

At the 2016 Draft, the Senators were so excited to draft Brown that they didn't even want to risk waiting one more pick.

Pierre Dorion, less than two months into his new job as Sens GM, held the 12th overall selection. Worried that the New Jersey Devils would take Brown at 11, Dorion sent them a third-round pick for the right to switch spots with them and select the Windsor Spitfires star at No. 11.

When you think about it, the Devils' willingness to make that deal might hint that Brown wasn't actually going to be their selection. But you never know.

Brown was seen as one of the best prospects in the draft. So expectations were high. The Hockey News' Ryan Kennedy summed it up in our 2026 draft review issue.

"The Senators liked Logan Brown so much they traded up one spot to ensure they'd get him in the draft. The son of Ottawa 67's coach Jeff Brown was thrilled to go to the team he cheered for as a kid. Everyone involved will be even more thrilled if the 6-foot-6 center turns out to be the second coming of Joe Thornton."

Ten years later, and with all due respect, the Senators would have settled for the second coming of Joe Veleno.

The Senators weren't alone in seeing Brown's upside. He had 74 points in 59 games with Windsor in his draft year, and towering centres with skill don't come along too often.

But after draft day, it was one battle after another on the injury front. And even when healthy, it was clear that his skating needed further development.

Because of those two factors, he played just 30 NHL games for the Senators over four years. But his agent, Andy Scott, had another opinion of the situation right after the Sens cut him from training camp in 2019.

"I can say with full confidence, that I've really never seen another player met with such resistance by the team that drafted them early in the first round," Scott told TSN 1200 radio.

Scott pointed to the fact that the Senators were in the middle of a rebuild and were promoting "The Kids are All Right" as their slogan, arguing that if that was the case, maybe they should, you know, actually play the kids.

Brown did play 23 games with Ottawa that year, while putting up 8 points. In Belleville, he thrived with 28 points in 25 games, but as has been the case in every season of his career, it too was shortened by injury.

During training camp in 2021, five years after they drafted him, the Senators turned the page. They traded Brown to the St. Louis Blues for one season of forward Zach Sanford. 

Going to St. Louis, where Brown spent a lot of years growing up, seemed like an ideal fresh start. He played a career-high 39 NHL games for the Blues in 2021-22, putting up 11 points. Brown played another 30 games for St. Louis in 2022-23, finishing with two goals and six points.

Those remain the last NHL games he's played. And while he's proven to be an excellent producer in the AHL, injuries have continued to leave him playing only small parts of seasons.

Brown signed a one-year deal with Tampa in the summer of 2023, but injuries wiped out his entire 2023-24 season. The following year, he signed an AHL contract with Syracuse and had a solid comeback season, recording 29 points in 33 games.

That was enough to convince Los Angeles to sign him to a one-year, two-way deal in July 2025. He played just 29 games for Ontario, posting 14 points.

As of this writing, Brown remains an unrestricted free agent.

Of course, criticizing a draft decision 10 years after the fact is super easy. Literally every NHL team has a long list of draft stories they'd like to rewrite.

But if the Brown pick feels like it has a little extra sting to it, there are a couple of reasons for that:

  1. They gave up a third-round pick for the right to make an ill-fated decision.
  2. Some pretty good players were still sitting right there.

Charlie McAvoy went three picks after Brown, 14th overall, to Boston. He's gone on to become a fantastic, hard-edged NHL defenceman, playing more than 570 games and producing more than 350 points.

And if they were really set on a skilled, 6-foot-6, 220-pound centre, Tage Thompson was still on the board too. Thompson took five years to pop as an NHL player, but he's become a star as well.

We also don't have to just cherry-pick the stars from that draft. If we're being honest, almost every first-rounder that year went on to play more NHL games than Brown's 99.

In fairness to Dorion and his crew, Brown wasn't some wild reach in 2016. He was a highly regarded prospect with a rare combination of size and skill, and the Senators weren't alone in believing he could become an impact player.

He's still only 28, so maybe his hockey story still has a chance for a happy ending. Stranger things have happened.

In the meantime, 10 years later, it's still fascinating to look back and wonder what might have been.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This article was first published in The Hockey News. For more Sens coverage at The Hockey News, click on one of the latest headlines below:

More Turnover Than You Think: 12 Ottawa Senators From Last Season Are Gone
Sens Nation Podcast: The Draft Day Trade Offers The Senators Rejected
Senators Turned Down Draft-Night Trade Offers From Pittsburgh And Vancouver

Watch highlights of Candace Parker's induction into Basketball Hall of Fame

Few players impacted basketball — women's basketball especially, but the game overall — like Candace Parker.

Which made her an easy call for the Hall of Fame.

Parker was a two-time NCAA national champion at Tennessee, was drafted No. 1 in 2008, and became the only player in WNBA history to be named Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. She went on to be a three-time WNBA champion and two-time league MVP (2008, 2013). Parker also is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008, 2012).

In her induction speech, Parker talked about how her journey started with her father.

Parker also gave a big shout-out to Allen Iverson.

She also talked about being part of the fabric of the game — learning lessons from Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie and passing them on to future Hall of Famer A'Ja Wilson.

San Diego Padres at Cleveland Guardians

CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 15: Catcher Freddy Fermin #54 of the San Diego Padres waits for the throw as Angel Genao #17 of the Cleveland Guardians scores during the second inning at Progressive Field on August 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

San Diego Padres (66-58) at Cleveland Guardians (60-64), August 16, 2026, 10:40 a.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Progressive Field – Cleveland, Ohio

Listen: 97.3 The Fan



Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

  • Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
  • Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
  • Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our thread

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

Watch highlights from Doc Rivers' induction into Basketball Hall of Fame

If one name raised eyebrows with some fans when the class of 2026 to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame was announced, it was Doc Rivers.

His critics focus on his (at times spectacular) failures, but his overall resume earned the call to the Hall. Rivers is fifth all-time in wins by a coach, ahead of Hall of Famers like Phil Jackson, George Karl and Larry Brown. He has a championship ring as a coach, with the 2008 Boston Celtics. Rivers was an NBA head coach for 27 consecutive seasons, starting in Orlando, then moving to Boston, the LA Clippers, Philadelphia and Milwaukee. He has a career regular-season record of 1,191-861 (58%) and has coached in 226 playoff games. That all came after Rivers played more than 10 seasons in the NBA, and he was an All-Star in 1988.

To be fair, Rivers has had some spectacular playoff flameouts — his teams have blown 3-1 series leads three times — and had some rough exits from a couple of his stops. The voters for the Hall of Fame looked past that, and it was not a discussion for Rivers when he took to the podium Saturday night.

Rivers spoke from the podium in his trademark raspy voice, but said that was what 27 years of NBA coaching will do.

Rivers did talk about winning a championship in 2008 in Boston.

He also talked about coaching his son Austin in Los Angeles.

The Hockey News Sunday Recap: Columbus Blue Jackets

NEWS & NOTES

Blue Jackets Ranked Among NHL's Worst Teams By THNBlue Jackets Ranked Among NHL's Worst Teams By THNCan the Blue Jackets surprise their doubters in 2026-27?

The Columbus Blue Jackets have officially been ranked as one of the NHL's worst teams right now, as Proteau gave them the No. 27 spot.

"Columbus needed a big 2026 off-season, and they didn’t get it. That’s why the Blue Jackets are in 27th place in TheHockeyNews.com’s off-season ranking," Proteau wrote.

Zach Werenski Comes In High On NHL Networks 'Top 20 Defensemen Right Now' RankingsZach Werenski Comes In High On NHL Networks 'Top 20 Defensemen Right Now' RankingsThe <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets">Columbus Blue Jackets'</a>&nbsp;Zach Werenski is really good and has been for years. Sadly, it took years for the rest of the league to take notice, though. In the last two seasons, Werenski has shown that he is arguably the top defenseman, as shown by the Norris Trophy he earned last season.&nbsp;

NHL Network recently released its "Top 20 Defensemen Right Now" list, and to no one's surprise, Zach Werenski is very high on the list.

Werenski comes in at #3 on the list, with only Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes ahead of him. 

Blue Jackets Should Consider This UFA Forward For A PTOBlue Jackets Should Consider This UFA Forward For A PTOThis free agent forward would be an interesting player for the Blue Jackets to take a gamble on with a PTO.

One player who could make sense for the Blue Jackets to take a chance on with a PTO is forward Michael Bunting.

Blue Jackets Defenseman Dante Fabbro Tabbed As Grand Marshal For 2026 Columbus Italian FestivalBlue Jackets Defenseman Dante Fabbro Tabbed As Grand Marshal For 2026 Columbus Italian FestivalColumbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro is of Italian-Canadian descent and has been chosen to be the Grand Marshal of the 2026 Columbus Italian Festival Parade.&nbsp;

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dante Fabbro is of Italian-Canadian descent and has been chosen to be the Grand Marshal of the 2026 Columbus Italian Festival Parade. 

The parade will be on October 11th at 1 PM. The parade begins at Goodale Park in Victorian Village and will end at the festival grounds in Italian Village. 

On This Date: The 5 Overtime ThrillerOn This Date: The 5 Overtime ThrillerOn August 11th, 2020, I had been home for almost five months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. My desk setup was in the corner of my little apartment, and next to that was my Television. I was able to turn my chair easily to see the TV, so watching the CBJ game against the Tampa Bay Lightning would be easy. Little did I know, I would spend my lunch break and dinner sitting in that same chair, watching the same game, for six hours.<u></u><u></u> Happy Birthday To Johnny GaudreauHappy Birthday To Johnny GaudreauThis is a short and sweet Johnny Gaudreau Appreciation piece on what would be his 33rd birthday.&nbsp;

Happy Birthday to Johnny Gaudreau! 

Zach Werenski Addresses The Media In ColumbusZach Werenski Addresses The Media In Columbus“Ideally, I’m here for the long term.”

“I think my statement is exactly how I feel. I want to win. I want to win here in Columbus, and that’s all I’m focused on.”

Why Valeri Nichushkin Could Be A Big Addition For Blue JacketsWhy Valeri Nichushkin Could Be A Big Addition For Blue JacketsThis trade could benefit the Blue Jackets a lot. 2 Blue Jackets On The Hot Seat This Season2 Blue Jackets On The Hot Seat This SeasonThese Blue Jackets are entering the season on the hot seat.




OPENING NIGHT COUNTDOWNS

53 Days Until Opening Night: The History Of Jersey #5353 Days Until Opening Night: The History Of Jersey #53There are 53 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena, and today we look at the jersey history of #53. There have only been three players who have worn that number for the Jackets.&nbsp;

Josh Anderson - "The Andy Man" wore #53 when he first started playing games in Columbus. Anderson played a total of 267 games for the Blue Jackets, spread over six seasons. He scored 65 goals and totaled 115 points during his time with Columbus. 

The 2018-19 season saw Anderson set career highs in goals, assists, and points. Unfortunately for him, he was never able to replicate that in Columbus. The following year, he tore his shoulder in December and had to have season-ending surgery, which wasn't decided until March. 

52 Days Until Opening Night: The History of Jersey #5252 Days Until Opening Night: The History of Jersey #52The Columbus Blue Jackets have 52 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today we look at the history of jersey #52. Almost every player on this list has a bad reputation of some sort.&nbsp;

Craig Rivet - 2011 - Originally drafted by Montreal in 1992, where he played the first 12 years of his career, he came to the Jackets at the end of his career in 2004. Rivet, who was the captain of the Buffalo Sabres at the time, was waived by Buffalo on February 23, 2011. On February 26, 2011, Rivet was claimed on re-entry waivers by the Jackets, where he played in 14 games and totaled 1 point. After announcing his retirement in October of 2011, he signed with the ECHL's Elmira Jackals. It was later discovered that he signed the contract to obtain his United States permanent residency.  

51 Days Until Opening Night: The History Of Jersey #5151 Days Until Opening Night: The History Of Jersey #51The Columbus Blue Jackets have 51 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today we look at the history of jersey #51. There weren't many who used the number, but at least one had a pretty good career.&nbsp;

Andy Murray - 2007-11 - Murray was drafted in the 8th round of the 2001 NHL draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets as a Center. 

After playing four years at Bemidji State University, Murray turned pro and played for the Syracuse Crunch for two seasons before making his NHL Debut during the 2007-08 season. In his rookie year, he played in 39 games and totaled 10 points. 

He played three more seasons in Columbus and played in 181 games. He scored 23 goals and totaled 36 points during his time with the CBJ. 

50 Days Until Opening Night: The History Of Jersey #5050 Days Until Opening Night: The History Of Jersey #50The Columbus Blue Jackets have 50 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #50.

Joakim Lindström - 2006 - Lindström was drafted by Columbus in the 2nd round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. 

Lindström made his North American debut in the last game of the 04-05 season for the Syracuse Crunch, the CBJ's AHL team. In the 05-06 season, he would make his Blue Jackets debut and play in three games. In 2008, after playing just 37 games, Lindström was traded to the Anaheim Ducks.

49 Days Until Opening Night: The History Of Jersey #4949 Days Until Opening Night: The History Of Jersey #49The Columbus Blue Jackets have 49 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today we look at the history of jersey #49. There weren`t many who used the number, but at least one had a pretty good career.&nbsp;

Dan Fritsche - 2004-08 - The Ohio-born native was picked in the 2003 NHL Draft in the 2nd round. 

Fritsche turned pro and became a full-time NHLer in 2005. He played 206 games for the CBJ over four years. He scored 29 goals and totaled 63 points. 

48 Days Until Opening Night: The History Of Jersey #4848 Days Until Opening Night: The History Of Jersey #48The Columbus Blue Jackets have 48 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #48.&nbsp;

Marc Methot - 2006-12 - Methot was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the 6th round of the 2003 NHL Draft.

Methot played six years and 275 games for the CBJ, totaling 51 points on the Columbus blue line. He was the definition of a defensive defenseman. 

On July 1, 2012, he was traded to the Ottawa Senators for future CBJ Captain Nick Foligno. After the trade to Ottawa, he would play another 349 NHL games. 

47 Days Until Opening Night: The History Of Jersey #4747 Days Until Opening Night: The History Of Jersey #47The Columbus Blue Jackets have 47 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #47.&nbsp;

Aaron Johnson - 2003-07/2011-12 - Johnson was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

Johnson played 172 games for the Jackets over two stints. Scouts said of Johnson was "A puck-moving defenseman, Johnson is a very good skater. Has good offensive instincts and can quarterback the power play. Can play a tough and physical game. Needs to improve his play in his own end."

46 Days Until Opening Night: The History Of Jersey #4646 Days Until Opening Night: The History Of Jersey #46The Columbus Blue Jackets have 46 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #46.&nbsp;

Tim Jackman - 2003-04 - Jackman was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the 2nd round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. 

Jackman made his debut in December of 2003 after spending the previous year and the start of the 2003 season with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL. 

Burnley v West Ham: Championship – live

Half-time in the Community Shield, and Arsenal are 2-0 up. In a turn-up for the books, the second goal wasn’t scored by a left-back.

It feels like a muted start to the season for Burnley and West Ham upon their return to the Championship. The Hammers fans had plenty to cheer about pre-match as they watched Burnley Cricket Club with a pint, celebrating boundaries and the fall of wickets. They will be hoping that continues inside Turf Moor having been made favourites to go back up after a summer of relative continuity; Nuno Espirito Santo and, arguably, more importantly Jarrod Bowen have stayed and will spearhead the push for promotion.

Continue reading...

Mark Walter’s Lakers sale memorialized by mass layoffs, price hikes, losing LeBron

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Mark Walters sitting courtside at a Lakers game, Image 2 shows Mark Walter and Jeanie Buss, majority and minority owners of the Los Angeles Lakers, respectively, talk during a game, Image 3 shows LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers

When Mark Walter purchased the majority ownership of the Lakers last year, expectations for the franchise’s short- and long-term future soared.

After being primarily owned by the Buss family – first Dr. Jerry Buss and then his children, led by Jeanie Buss – for 46 years, which was the longest majority ownership tenure in the NBA, the Lakers were entering a dawn of a new era.

The Lakers, the league’s glamour franchises, were going from a mom-and-pop operation to a more traditional, corporate infrastructure under Walter. 

And Lakers fans didn’t need to look far to see the success that could be accomplished with Walter leading the franchise. 

Mark Walter, chairman and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, acknowledges a fan prior to a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in Chicago. AP Photo/Melissa Tamez
Mark Walter sits courtside during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 118-116 win over the San Antonio Spurs on November 5, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena. Getty Images

The Dodgers, who Walter has been the majority owner of since 2012, have been one of the most successful MLB franchises in the last 14 years: Thirteen consecutive playoff appearances; 12 of the last 13 NL West division titles; five World Series appearances in the last nine years; three World Series titles in the last six years, including being the reigning back-to-back champs

Even with the understanding that Walter’s deep pockets wouldn’t impact the Lakers’ payroll for players in the same way it did for the Dodgers, there was optimism that modernizing and restructuring the Lakers in other ways – such as building out the franchise’s front office and investments in the infrastructure – would pay divendends. 

Mark Walter and Jeanie Buss talk as the Lakers play the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena on March 12, 2026. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The Lakers made the type of expected progress in those areas over the last year. 

But Walter selling the majority ownership of the Lakers to businessman Josh Kushner and ex-Disney executive Bob Iger brought the end to an Walter-ownership era that was ultimately a disappointment.

Walter’s sad end to Lakers ownership

The succession plan for Walter to own the Lakers was essentially put in place when he became a minority owner in 2021, when he received a right of first refusal on the majority share of the team.

Why Walter chose to sell the Lakers now, just 14 months after agreeing to purchase the Lakers and 10 months since he officially became the majority owner, isn’t clear. 

There’s been speculation about the decision to sell now has something to do with Walter being under federal investigation

The Lakers logo is displayed outside Crypto.com Arena. Getty Images
LeBron James reacts to a call during the second half against the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 26, 2026. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Walter hasn’t publicly commented on the sale outside of this statement: “Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honors of my life – an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family. I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead.”

Regardless of why Walter ultimately decided to sell now, his short tenure as the Lakers majority owner, whenever it officially ends, will be remembered as a disappointment.

In fairness, Walter didn’t have the time to make the impact on the Lakers like he has the Dodgers.

It took the Dodgers five years into Walter’s ownership to make a World Series appearance, and eight to win the title.

The Lakers didn’t even have a full year under the 66-year-old’s guidance.

But in that year, very few remarkable things happened.

Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, attends the world premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Thunderbolts*” at Dolby Theatre on Monday, April 28, 2025, in Hollywood. Getty Images for Disney

Lakers changes under Walter

There were several hires on the business operations side, including Lon Rosen becoming the franchise’s president of business operations after leading the Dodgers’ business operations under Walter.

Season ticket prices were raised. The G League team moved to Coachella Valley. A second row of courtside seats were added. There were widespread layoffs in May

And there was a second-round playoff exit that preceded LeBron James leaving the franchise after eight years for the 76ers and a roster reconstruction around Luka Doncic

Not close to what was hoped for under Walter. 

Maybe Walter’s legacy as the Lakers’ owner will be remembered for how he set up the Kushner-Iger era.

Josh Kushner leaving for the Time 100 Gala Christopher Peterson/Splash News

The Lakers were revamping their basketball operations under Walter, and already started making more investments into their practice facility, which included medical equipment. 

There’s little-to-no evidence of what a Kushner-Iger-led NBA operation looks like.

But the valuation they paid for the Lakers, including their combined net worth, suggests they’ll be able to pick up where Walter left off with modernizing the franchise.

But so much more was hoped for under Walter, whose tenure with the Lakers will be remembered for much less than expected.

46 Days Until Opening Night: The History Of Jersey #46

The Columbus Blue Jackets have 46 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Today, we look at the history of jersey #46. 

Let's take a look.

Tim Jackman - 2003-04 - Jackman was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the 2nd round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. 

Jackman made his debut in December of 2003 after spending the previous year and the start of the 2003 season with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL. 

After playing just 19 career NHL games with Columbus, Jackman was traded to the Arizona Coyotes on October 8, 2005. Jackman went on to play 12 NHL seasons and 483 games. He played 288 AHL games and had 138 points for five different teams. Jackman retired in 2023. 

After retiring, Jackman moved into coaching, where he would coach for Minnesota State Univ. (Mankato) as an Assistant, and for Northstar Christian Academy at different levels. 

Filip Novák - 2006-07 - Novák was picked in the second round of the 2000 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers. He is described as "an offensive defenseman. He can pass and move the puck very well and is a good skater. He needs to make the simple play more, though, and not try to force things."

On August 8, 2006, Novák signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets as an unrestricted free agent. During the 05-06 season, Novák would spend most of the season playing for the Syracuse Crunch, appearing in 67 games and scoring 37 points as a defenseman. He would only play in six games for Columbus and collect zero points. 

Novák left North America to play in his home country of Czechia. He would remain in Europe until he retired in 2018. 

Tomáš Káňa - 2009-10 - Káňa was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2006 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues. 

On December 8, 2009, Tomas was traded by St. Louis, along with Brendan Bell, to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Pascal Pelletier. After coming to Columbus, he was sent to Syracuse, where he would play 50 games for the Crunch and total 28 points. He also played 11 games for the Alaska Aces of the ECHL and collected 6 points in 11 games. 

Káňa was called up by Columbus after having a very good year in Syracuse and would play in six games for the Blue Jackets and total 2 points. 

After playing the 2010-11 season for the Springfield Falcons, he left North America for Europe. He has played in various leagues in different countries ever since. He is signed to play for HK Opava in Czechia's 3rd-tier league in 26-27. 

Dean Kukan - 2015-22 - Kukan is undrafted out of Volketswil, Switzerland. 

Dean Kukan made his NHL debut in March of 2016 after playing the majority of the season with the Lake Erie Monsters. After playing in 8 games near the end of the season, he was sent back to Lake Erie and would help the Monsters win their first-ever Calder Cup. He had 5 points in 17 playoff games. 

Kukan would bounce up and down between Columbus and Cleveland until 2022. He would play a total of 153 games for the CBJ and total 30 points. Where he excelled was in the minors, though. He played in 142 games for Lake Erie/Cleveland and totaled 59 points as a fairly skilled two-way defenseman.

After the 2022 season, Kukan made the decision to return to Europe. He returned to his home country of Switzerland to play for his original club, the ZSC Lions, on a five-year contract. 

Kukan is also routinely chosen to represent Switzerland in international competitions. He played in the 2025 IIHF Worlds, where he scored 9 points in 10 games, and played five games in the 2026 Olympics. 

Joona Luoto - 2022-23 - Luoto is undrafted out of Tampere, Finland.

Joona Luoto was signed by the Blue Jackets in June of 2022 as a free agent. Before signing in Columbus, he had played in the Winnipeg Jets organization in 2019-20. 

A Finn playing for the Jets and Blue Jackets. Sound Familiar? Well, it should, because Luoto and fellow Finn, CBJ, and Jet Patrik Laine are good friends. They also hail from the same town in Finland. There were rumors that former GM Jarmo Kekäläinen signed him to make Laine more comfortable in Columbus. 

Luoto would wind up playing 45 games for Cleveland, scoring 14 goals and totaling 25 points. He played a total of seven games for the CBJ and had 1 point, a goal.

Luoto returned to Europe in 23-24 and signed on to play for SC Bern of the Swiss National League. He is signed on to play for HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League and is an assistant Captain. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story.

Let us know what you think below.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive, and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. Share your thoughts by commenting on the article below on THN.com or by creating your own post in our community forum.

SB Nation Reacts: The Answer Isn’t More Vets

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 15: Anthony Edwards #5 celebrates with Mike Conley #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter of a game against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Six of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on May 15, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The people have spoken.

When posed the question of adding veterans to fill out the roster, the majority of voters (59%) felt it wasn’t necessary. This offseason has seen the loss of Mike Conley (Boston), Kyle Anderson (Toronto), and Joe Ingles (Australia) already, thus leaving Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, and newly added Trey Lyles as the lone 30-year-olds on the roster.

41% of Timberwolves fans think the team needs more veterans this season.

Since Anthony Edwards joined the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2020-2021 season, there have been various “key locker room voices” that have helped guide the young star.

  • 2026: Joe Ingles (38), Mike Conley (38), Kyle Anderson (32)
  • 2025: Joe Ingles (37), Mike Conley (37)
  • 2024: Mike Conley (36), Kyle Anderson (30)
  • 2023: Mike Conley (35), Kyle Anderson (29), Taurean Prince (28)
  • 2022: Patrick Beverley (33), Taurean Prince (27)
  • 2021: Ricky Rubio (30), Ed Davis (31)

The community believes that it’s time for Anthony Edwards himself to be the “veteran voice” now. The 25-year-old is now entering his seventh season in the league and has demonstrated some of his offseason leadership. He has been as vocal as he’s ever been about building team chemistry over the summer, and he’s put his words into action. He spearheaded a trip to visit Rudy Gobert, who’s six years his elder, for team bonding excursion.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 24: Kon Knueppel #7 celebrates with LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets in the second half against the Washington Wizards during their game at Spectrum Center on January 24, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It should also be of note that LaMelo Ball, despite some of the negative perceptions of him, was known to be an outstanding locker room presence for the Charlotte Hornets as well. Many current players still on the Hornets have recently lamented his loss, saying that he was a great connector of people on and off the court. A bottle of optimistic energy that was a welcome presence on the team.

If the Timberwolves don’t fill out their roster with new “vets,” then who will be the final players that make the team? In the comments section, names such as Kevin Love, Ben Simmons, and Willie Cauley-Stein popped up. Even some of our own brave community members volunteered as tribute.

If you’re into sports betting and all that stuff, the Wolves odds currently sit at +1500 to win the Western Conference according to FanDuel, but that could change very quickly if CatalinaWineMixer (and his multiple aliases) makes the team.

Who ultimately rounds out the Wolves roster now becomes the final question as we barrel towards training camp next month.

Honoring new Hall of Fame inductee, former Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni

SPRINGFIELD,MA - AUGUST 15: Mike D'Antoni speaks to the audience during the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on August 15, 2026 at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Rudy Tomjanovich is the best coach in Houston Rockets history, but there’s a pretty good chance that the best skipper you ever saw run the team was Mike D’Antoni.

He’s the best coach I’ve watched lead the Rockets, and I’m 39. Although, fun fact, that is the exact average age of a human being in North America. So, using infallible math, we can deduce that 50.0% of you are older than me, and likely saw Rudy T in action.

Otherwise, D’Antoni is the guy. Now, he’s a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer. Jeff VanGundy is unlikely to earn that distinction as a head coach. Rick Adleman (rest in peace) already has, and rightly so – but not for his work with the Rockets. Kevin McHale is the best player to ever coach the Rockets, which is meaningless. Oh, half a season of J.B. Bickerstaff.

Stephen Silas…exists. Ime Udoka is thus far a divisive figure, but he’s not in D’Antoni territory. There’s a brief, complete history of Houston Rockets head coaches after Don Chaney:

And D’Antoni stands above the rest.

Former Rockets head coach earns Hall of Fame nod

D’Antoni’s offense was like the best Lil Wayne punchlines (e.g.: “I’m colder than B-R, add another three Rs”): It was less “how did he think of that?”, and more “how has nobody else thought of that”?

D’Antoni’s revelation, reductively, was that a lead guard’s usage could be higher if they were good enough. It still sounds insane if you’re old enough, but he decided that you don’t really need plays beyond pick-and-roll and/or isolation if your ball-handler is Steve Nash or James Harden (or Jeremy Lin for a month), your big man can catch lobs, and your wings can hit threes.

And he was right.

In Phoenix with Nash, it was seven seconds or less. In time, with Harden, it became something closer to 17 seconds or more. It was a full-on metamorphosis. D’Antoni initially realized that there were more points per possession (PPP) to be found early in the clock, only to realize that when James Harden was in isolation, the points could come at any time.

So, the offense was built around Harden in isolation in unrivaled volume. In 2018-19, Harden recorded 1, 280 isolation possessions. The next leader in iso volume was Russell Westbrook, at 353.

There’s a story that I always liked about Kanye West (before the antisemitism) and Rick Rubin. When West was working on Yeezus, he was said to have brought Rubin into the studio to collaborate. He told Rubin not to add anything, but instead to take away anything he thought was gratuitous.

That’s basically what D’Antoni’s offense was. A dribble hand-off? Why, so we can get the ball into Harden’s hands? Why not just put it there in the first place? Why employ some marginal table-setting floor general type to get the ball to Harden, only to burn precious seconds off the clock when Harden could have had it anyway?

Now, those philosophies are widespread. Nobody keeps a Derek Fisher or Mario Chalmers in their starting lineup. Those are reserves.

D’Antoni was not perfect. Rockets fans can’t see the number 27 in print without having heart palpitations. When Chris Paul got hurt in the 2017-18 postseason, D’Antoni did not adjust. He ran pure Harden ball, which had not won before, and would not win then.

Although…

The second-best player on that Warriors team was either Kevin Durant or Steph Curry. In Paul’s absence, the second-best Rocket on the floor was one of P.J. Tucker, Clint Capela, or Eric Gordon. None of them would have been the third-best player on the Warriors (one of Draymond Green or Klay Thompson). Would any of them have been the fourth (Andre Iguodala)?

Run that simulation 100 times, and the Paul-less Rockets lose to the Warriors in 90+ outcomes. They just don’t miss 27 consecutive threes. Still, it is fair to say that D’Antoni refused to adjust, and that might have cost the Rockets the best possible chance to win the series.

But that’s what D’Antoni did – refuse to adjust. That stubbornness got him pretty far in his coaching career.

He’s the best Rockets coach I ever saw, anyway.

The Yankees and the challenge of managing raised expectations

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 12: George Lombard Jr. #96 and Ben Rice #22 of the New York Yankees talk before the game against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on August 12, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Today, on August 16th, it feels like the Yankees’ offense is in such a hole that the prospect of a deep postseason run—this team’s ultimate goal—is as unlikely a proposition as one could hope for. Ultimately, though, no matter how real these issues are, we know that there is an element of a local low in a 162-game season that won’t last. In the meantime, these struggles could easily snowball into problems for the few healthy standouts in the Yankees lineup this season. Specifically speaking, Ben Rice and George Lombard Jr.

Carrying on the success of last season’s breakout campaign, Rice is now indisputably one of the more powerful hitters in the American League in 2026. Early in the year, with a fully healthy lineup, Rice was legitimately producing like one of the MVP candidates, but that has changed since the start of June. As much as we could dive into those struggles, assuming we’re confident of his long-term abilities, the focus here is on addressing a change in expectations and need.

Inadvertently suffering from the absence of Aaron Judge and the way pitchers can attack him because of it—from a psychological standpoint—Rice, for the first time in his career, is dealing with the pressure of anchoring a lineup. He is the one, in the current situation, the only one, in this lineup that opposing teams single out to create a plan of attack.

While the worst performers in this lineup seem to test the limits of this theory, frustration may only come from a place of expectation. Having seen what Rice can do at his best, a 4-for-40 run with which he starts August all of a sudden is under a microscope that it otherwise wouldn’t have been had the team not been slumping this badly, offensively.

Sure, Rice is the type of hitter that could go on a tear at any moment; in fact, we saw that right around the All-Star Break, but his production shined the most when inserted into a context completely different from the one he is currently in. A potential failure to raise his game even further in this moment should not be held against him, especially when you address that on paper, this lineup, even in its current construction, should not be struggling this much. Asking Helliot Ramos to mash lefties, Trent Grisham to get on base often, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. to do something are all far more reasonable requests than having Rice carry the lineup on his back. Yes, fairness is often brushed to the side in the cruel reality of high-level sports, but the healthiest course of action for this team’s success moving forward lies in acknowledging all of this.

Moving further down the lineup, another hitter who is in a separate but comparable place to Rice is George Lombard Jr. The new darling of this team, Lombard almost instantaneously made his way into the hearts of Yankees fans everywhere not only for all that he does on both sides of the ball but also in comparison with his predecessors. Already, a couple of weeks into his MLB career, Lombard probably deals with a level of expectation that’s ridiculously high even for a prospect of his caliber. As the games get more and more important, there is a balance to strike between capitalizing on what you’re receiving from this youngster and not overexposing him—not leaving the shortstop more vulnerable to the ups and downs that are natural with a rookie.

Saturday’s loss against the Jays is a good example of this, as Lombard had a fine game, reaching safely multiple times, but that didn’t generate all the action it could due to the struggles of the hitters behind him—number eight and nine in the order. There’s only so much one player, a rookie no less, can do.

Lombard will slump at points as he adjusts to major league life, and as top-flight pitchers adjust to him. Rice has more of a track record, but even he shouldn’t be expected to carry an elite offense all on his own. But the current state of the Yankee offense has shifted expectations, and it’s important to not let that blur our evaluations of two players who look like cornerstones for the Yankees.

Mets Morning News: The club is jumpin’, jumpin’

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 15: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets celebrates game-winning single with pitcher Jefry Yan #84 in the bottom of the ninth inning for a 5-4 win against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field on August 15, 2026 in New York City. Yan earned his first major league win with the victory. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Meet the Mets

The Mets came from behind to walk off the Nationals in a thrilling 5-4 victory. Sean Manaea provided desperately needed length, the bullpen held firm, and the Mets mounted a ninth inning rally that culminated in a Francisco Alvarez game-tying double and a Francisco Lindor walk-off knock to win it.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue, MLB.com, Newsday, New York Daily News, New York Post

Given the disaster the Dodgers are dealing with right now, it is increasingly looking like the Mets made the right decision when it comes to Edwin Díaz.

The Mets are evaluating their infield options for 2027, writes Will Sammon of The Athletic.

In rock bottom, perhaps the 2026 Mets have found some fun, writes Laura Albanese of Newsday.

Around the National League East

The Marlins put together a four-run eighth inning to help notch a come from behind victory over the Reds 8-4.

A seven-run fifth inning powered the Phillies’ 9-1 rout of the Twins.

The Phillies signed right-hander Casey Lawrence to a minor league contract.

It was a rough night at the office for Grant Holmes, as the Braves fell to the Diamondbacks 10-3.

Around Major League Baseball

Yesterday, Cardinals prospect Joshua Báez became the first player in baseball history to homer in his first three big league at-bats.

Mike Trout received the 2026 Heart and Hustle Award.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been placed on the 7-day concussion IL after an awkward play at third base on Friday night when George Lombard Jr. of the Yankees was reaching for a wild throw when his knee collided with the left side of Guerrero’s head. Guerrero was able to scamper home and score, but was immediately removed from the game after that.

Aaron Judge played catch yesterday, as he continues to rehab from a fractured right rib.

Shohei Ohtani, who is hitting but has not pitched since July 3, threw a bullpen on Friday as he progresses closer to a return to the mound.

Jared Greenspan of MLB.com spoke to some of the pitchers with the lowest arm angles in the game about how their unconventional motion began and how they’ve been successful with it.

Brent Maguire of MLB.com wondered if one or more notably struggling stars could turn things around and help lift his team during the stretch run.

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired Jonathan Ornelas from the Athletics yesterday for cash considerations.

This Date in Mets History

On this date in 1987, the Mets scored 23 runs against the Cubs with Darryl Strawberry having a huge day at the plate with 11 total bases.

Dodgers World Series hero Miguel Rojas questioning retirement

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas says he’s thinking about changing his mind on retiring, and that it’s possible he’ll stick around for another year before he plans to enter into a hybrid coaching/front office role.

“I want to help young players," Rojas told USA TOAY Sports' Bob Nightengale, “any way I can. And one day I want to manage. I believe I can do it."

Rojas, 37, played hero for the Dodgers in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series with a game-tying home run in the ninth inning, forcing the game to extras. Los Angeles won it in the 10th inning, the team's second consecutive championship.

“No one expected Miguel Rojas to hit that home run," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says. “No one."

Said third baseman Max Muncy: “(Rojas) is one of the best teammates I ever had, and just one of the best people in baseball."

Nightengale's Notebook: Latest MLB rumors

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dodgers World Series hero Miguel Rojas questioning retirement

Dodgers notes: Justin Wrobleski, Tyler Glasnow, Tarik Skubal

Los Angeles, - August 15: Starting pitcher Justin Wrobleski #70 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after hitting Gary Sanchez (not pictured) of the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning of a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, August 15, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images

During the first half of the season, Justin Wrobleski was one of the most reliable pitchers in the Dodgers rotation, earning him the first All-Star selection of his career. Since the beginning of the second half of the regular season, Wrobleski has not been able to carry over the same success he had in the first half.

Over his last four starts, Wrobleski has allowed 19 earned runs over 19 2/3 innings and his ERA has shot up from 2.62 to 3.56 over that span. After allowing just eight home runs over his first 16 starts, the southpaw has allowed 11 home runs since July 28, including two consecutive starts of allowing four home runs against both the Seattle Mariners and Chicago Cubs.

Although Wrobleski allowed another two home runs in Saturday’s loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, he was able to go a full six innings while walking just one hitter and striking out six. Despite the loss, both Wrobleski and Dave Roberts noted that the left-hander had a decent outing outside of the home run pitch to Joey Ortiz, per Joaquin Ruiz of the Los Angeles Times.

“I even told him … it was one bad pitch for me, the Ortiz pitch,” Roberts said. “I thought he did a really nice job.”

Tyler Glasnow is reaching the last legs of his rehab assignment after tossing 3 2/3 scoreless innings with Oklahoma City on Friday, and the right-hander will need just one more rehab start before he’s set to rejoin the big league squad, reports Dylan Hernandez of the California Post.

“It was a good one yesterday,” Roberts said. “I think our thought is going to do another one, five (innings) and 75 (pitches), and then he’ll join us.”

Tarik Skubal is set to make his second start at home with his new team on Sunday, and he will be facing right-hander Logan Henderson. Those same two pitchers found themselves in trade talks for each other just weeks ago, as both Sonja Chen and Adam McCalvy of MLB.com discuss the trade conversations between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Detroit Tigers that ultimately fell by the wayside.

“It’s funny how that works out,” Henderson said.

Vancouver Canucks 2026–27 Player Preview: Jonathan Lekkerimäki

Welcome to The Hockey News - Vancouver Canucks site’s 2026–27 player preview article series. This series will outline the expectations for every player projected to play for the Canucks during the 2026–27 season. Today’s player is Canucks forward Jonathan Lekkerimäki. 

Lekkerimäki’s 2025–26 Season  

Let’s revisit the summer of 2025, when Brock Boeser was expected to hit unrestricted free agency, and Vancouver was looking to get back to the playoffs. Much of the discussion was around who could replace Boeser’s goal-scoring prowess in the lineup, with many eyes on Lekkerimäki. If there was anyone who could potentially replace Boeser in the Canucks’ lineup, it would have been Lekkerimäki.

Of course, that’s not how the story went. Vancouver managed to re-sign Boeser on July 1st, and as it turned out, it was a good thing that they didn’t have Lekkerimäki jump straight into his role in the lineup. The 22-year-old started the season on a good note, scoring in the season opener, but suffered an injury that sidelined him until the middle of November. After that, he was sent down to Abbotsford to resume his season in the AHL.

Once sent down, Lekkerimäki played his best hockey of the season, and perhaps his best hockey during his time in the Canucks organization, finishing his AHL season with 20 points in 21 games, including 13 goals. He was called up for two more brief stints in Vancouver but couldn't replicate his AHL production. Lekkerimäki scored twice and recorded only three points in 13 games with the NHL club. He was sent back down on February 4 and, on February 21, underwent shoulder surgery that ended his season. 

Lekkerimäki’s 2026–27 Predictions 

Lekkerimäki is heading into a huge year. He just turned 22 and, so far, has played only 37 NHL games, recording just nine points. He has dealt with injuries, but other players from his draft class, such as Frank Nazar, Jimmy Snuggerud, and Danila Yurov, are already making an impact in the NHL. Ultimately, Lekkerimäki needs to find a way to become a full-time NHLer during the upcoming campaign. 

Lekkerimäki has expectations coming into this season, not just because of his draft position, but because players drafted near him are developing faster. With Manny Malhotra as head coach, he should be familiar with the new system. Developing Lekkerimäki should be a priority for the Canucks this season. 

One huge variable for a Lekkerimäki breakout is how he recovers from his shoulder injury. That will indicate how well he plays this season. Shoulder injuries are a concern for players, especially those who rely on their shot as much as Lekkerimäki does.

Lekkerimäki has already proven he can score. He has the shot and the puck skills, but he’s only shown them in the AHL. Lekkerimäki has to prove that he can produce at the NHL level. If he stays healthy and is given the ice time, scoring 20 goals shouldn’t be out of the question. He’s a player entering a huge year in his career and has to prove to Vancouver that he’s going to be a key part of the future.

Bold prediction: Lekkerimäki scores 25 goals this season.

Jan 31, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki (23) during a stop in play against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Jan 31, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki (23) during a stop in play against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Canucks 2026–27 Player Previews: 

Elias Pettersson (D)

Marco Rossi

Max Sasson

Jamie Oleksiak

Drew O'Connor

Luke Schenn

Paul Cotter

Brendan Gallagher

Liam Öhgren

Tom Willander

Jake DeBrusk

Zeev Buium

Brock Boeser

Filip Hronek

Elias Pettersson

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:

Former Vancouver Canucks Around The World: NHL Metropolitan Division

Vancouver Canucks 2026–27 Player Preview: Elias Pettersson (D)

How Much It Will Cost Canucks Fans To Attend A Game At Rogers Arena During The 2026–27 Season

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The Hockey News
The Hockey News