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Champions League last-16 draw: Manchester City face Real Madrid, Chelsea get PSG

  • Newcastle v Barça; Liverpool get Galatasaray rematch

  • Spurs take on Atlético Madrid; Arsenal meet Leverkusen

The draw for the last 16 of the Champions League has thrown up some intriguing heavyweight clashes. If Manchester City’s meeting with Real Madrid is arguably foremost among them, Chelsea’s meeting with the holders, Paris Saint-Germain, and Newcastle’s duel with Barcelona are certainly not lacking in glamour.

Liverpool will return to Istanbul as part of a tricky engagement with Galatasaray – Arne Slot’s side lost 1-0 in Turkey during a league-phase meeting in September. Meanwhile, a Tottenham side likely to be prioritising Premier League survival will meet Atlético Madrid. Arsenal face an ostensibly favourable tie against Bayer Leverkusen.

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NHL mock draft: Gavin McKenna inches closer to reclaiming the top pick

With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching after the league's return from the Olympic break, the upcoming draft is quickly coming into focus for hockey fans around the world.

The 2026 draft class, headlined by Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg and Keaton Verhoeff, features a ton of talent that has the chance to become foundational pieces of NHL franchises for a long time.

Considering the standings and the needs of the teams positioned to select in the top 16 of the first round, let's take a crack at what those picks could look like in June.

(Draft order determined by standings, sorted by points percentage, before games played on Feb. 26)

NHL mock draft: Top 16 picks

1. Vancouver Canucks: Frolunda (Sweden) left wing Ivar Stenberg

Stenberg's historic offensive pace in the Swedish League is just one of many reasons why he's proved to be the top player in this class. His compete level is off the charts in his ability to fight off defenders and retrieve pucks, all while possessing the playmaking, shooting and cerebral game to be a threat in every area of the offensive zone. He's a difference-maker on every single shift and rises to the occasion when the lights are the brightest.

2. St. Louis Blues: Penn State (NCAA) left wing Gavin McKenna

McKenna has been on a tear with Penn State as of late, putting together a dominant eight-point performance against Ohio State as part of a two-game series where he finished with two goals and eight assists. He's operating with the level of confidence and swagger that he had in his WHL days, and he's been much more engaged without the puck as of late. He's inching closer to reclaiming his spot as the top prospect in this class.

3. New York Rangers: North Dakota (NCAA) defenseman Keaton Verhoeff

Verhoeff's raw athleticism has become one of his defining traits as a freshman at North Dakota. While his skating will be the biggest point of emphasis for his development, he's got great range with his stick and is efficient at closing gaps when defending oncoming pressure. He's got room to grow offensively, but the creative foundation is there, making him the most projectable two-way defender in this class for the time being.

4. Calgary Flames: Boston University (NCAA) center Tynan Lawrence

Lawrence's offensive production in the NCAA hasn't translated to the same level of dominance he displayed in the USHL, which, to an extent, was to be expected. However, his transition game remains elite, and he processes offense at a high level, all without compromising his defensive effort. There's nobody with a higher ceiling at the center position in this class than Lawrence, and if the Flames trade top center Nazem Kadri in the next week, they'll eventually need another No. 1 pivot.

5. Chicago Blackhawks: Windsor (OHL) left wing Ethan Belchetz

At 6-foot-5 and 228 pounds, Belchetz possesses the physical profile that scouts rarely pass up on when combined with his hands, shot and playmaking vision. His pace of play has been a concern at times, but in Chicago, where he wouldn't be relied on as a primary puck carrier, he should be more than capable of becoming a complementary top-line winger alongside Connor Bedard.

6. Winnipeg Jets: Jukurit (Finland) defenseman Alberts Smits

Smits played a sizable role for Latvia at the Olympics, an incredible accomplishment for the 18-year-old. While his team was heavily outmatched from a talent standpoint, it allowed everyone to see he's capable of playing a more conservative, defensive game than we're used to seeing with Jukurit, while still being incredibly poised with the puck and calm while under pressure.

7. New Jersey Devils: Djurgarden (Sweden) center Viggo Bjorck

Despite being an undersized player, Bjorck proved all of his doubters wrong with a stellar performance at the world juniors with Sweden, recording nine points in the team's seven games, including two assists in the gold medal win over Czechia. As a result, he's seen a major uptick in ice time with Djurgarden, where his tenacious forechecking and creative playmaking have made him one of this draft's biggest risers.

8. Nashville Predators: Brantford (OHL) center Caleb Malhotra

Malhotra is a stable, detailed center with great hockey sense who has shown flashes of offensive brilliance in his time with Brantford this season. He's always trying to find ways to drive the middle of the offensive zone and knows how to create advantages with his size despite not being an overly physical player. Coaches will gravitate toward Malhotra's approach to the game, and he projects as a reliable middle-six center.

9. Los Angeles Kings: Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) defenseman Chase Reid

Reid controls the flow of play in all three zones with his high-end mobility being used to break out pucks on offense and kill rush plays when defending the opposition. His puck skills are strong as well, zipping passes to hit teammates in stride while being able to manipulate opponents in order to create space. With a blistering shot in his arsenal as well, Reid may have the highest ceiling among all defensemen in this class.

10. San Jose Sharks: Prince Albert (WHL) defenseman Daxon Rudolph

The Sharks could use another first-round defenseman to develop alongside 19-year-old rookie Sam Dickinson. Rudolph brings decent size at 6-foot-2 and 206 pounds, and he's a smooth skater. In his last 10 games in the WHL, he's recorded at least a point in eight of them, totalling nine points. While Dickinson shoots left, Rudolph shoots right, which would better balance out the Sharks' future on the back end.

11. Philadelphia Flyers: Prince George (WHL) defenseman Carson Carels

Carels is a two-way defenseman who logs a ton of minutes with Prince George and has proven to be trusted in all on-ice situations. He's great at adapting to what the game demands of him, being relied on to push the pace offensively and to play a shutdown role. While he's put together a campaign that makes him worthy of being selected in this range, there isn't a true standout trait that Carels has shown just yet.

12. Chicago Blackhawks (via Florida): Vancouver (WHL) defenseman Ryan Lin

Lin has been a stabilising presence on the Vancouver Giants' blueline over the past two seasons, remaining one of the most defensively detailed players in this class. He's also put up strong offensive numbers with 50 points in 42 games this season, though his defensive positioning and ability to read and react to opponents at this stage of his development make him projectable as a top-four defender at the NHL level.

13. Boston Bruins (via Toronto): Boston College (NCAA) left wing Oscar Hemming

Hemming has a physical edge to his game that would fit perfectly in Boston. He's a powerful forechecker who lays thunderous hits, giving opponents little to no time to make plays and often causing turnovers in dangerous areas of the ice. He doesn't get enough credit for his offensive instincts, proving capable with the puck on the rush while also reading off his teammates well in the offensive zone.

14. Ottawa Senators: Forfeited draft pick

The Ottawa Senators must forfeit this year's first-round pick after not disclosing Evgenii Dadonov's limited no-trade clause when they sent him to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021. That led to an invalidated trade between the Golden Knights and Anaheim Ducks the following year.

15. Washington Capitals: Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL) defenseman Xavier Villeneuve

Villeneuve is the most dynamic blueliner in this class, with his deception and skating ability being the biggest highlights as a gifted offensive defenseman. He's averaged over a point per game in back-to-back QMJHL seasons. While there are concerns about his commitment in the defensive zone, he has all the makings of a top power-play quarterback at the NHL level. There's a chance he goes much higher on draft day.

16. Columbus Blue Jackets: Tappara (Finland) center Oliver Suvanto

Suvanto is a proficient net-front presence who engages well in the defensive zone, showing dominant physical traits while playing against older competition. He's shown instances of being able to generate offense in a way that's translatable to the NHL, but will have to do so more consistently to be projected beyond a bottom-six center at this point. With few long-term solutions at center, this would be a safe pick for the Blue Jackets.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL mock draft 2026: Where could Gavin McKenna and other prospects go?

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Trade rumors in rearview, Nolan Arenado has things to prove with Diamondbacks

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Nolan Arenado plops down on a bench in the back fields of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ spring training complex, takes off his cap, wipes the perspiration from his forehead, and breaks into a slow, expansive smile.

Sitting just a few hundred yards from the complex where his career first started with the Colorado Rockies, this is home now, perhaps for the duration of his career.

He has found peace.

No more trade rumors.

No more trade requests.

No more venting his frustration with the front office.

Home sweet home, just a five-hour drive from where he grew up in Orange County, California, and about a 20-minute drive away from where he and his wife, Laura, just purchased a new home in the Scottsdale area, with their two young  kids (3-year-old daughter, Levi, and 4-month-old son, Beau).

“I’m so much more relaxed now," Arenado tells USA TODAY Sports. “I mean, obviously, the last year or two, we kept hearing that you’re going to be traded and stuff. Now, to finally have some clarity, it feels good. Really, it feels great.

“I’m thankful for the Diamondbacks to have interest in me. Now, my goal is to hold up my end of the bargain on that and take care of business."

The irony with Arenado’s arrival in Arizona is that his fate directly hinged the last two winters on Alex Bregman’s decisions.

Arenado was supposed to be taking over for Bregman a year ago as the Houston Astros’ third baseman. Bregman was a free agent, the Astros refused to raise their offer, and reached out to the St. Louis Cardinals to acquire Arenado in December 2024. The deal was done, but Arenado, who had a full no-trade clause, vetoed it.

“Listen, I respect Houston, I respect that team and who they are," Arenado says. “But at the time, I was hesitant, because they had just traded Kyle Tucker. And Bregman wasn't coming back. I just didn't know what direction they were going.

“It was nothing more than that."

The Los Angeles Angels called that winter, too, knowing that Anthony Rendon wouldn’t be healthy, but Arenado had no interest. He wanted to be on a contender, not a team that hasn’t had a winning season in a decade.

Arenado informed the Cardinals that if they could work out a deal with either the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres or Philadelphia Phillies, he would accept it. He kept holding out hope until spring training that the Red Sox would reach out; he expected to be their fall-back plan, but Bregman wound up signing a three-year, $120 million contract with two opt-outs with Boston, leaving Arenado in St. Louis.

Arenado, who had the worst season of his career last year, still was hoping to be gone at the July 31 deadline. No one showed interest. He played in only 11 games after the deadline with a strained right shoulder and finished the season hitting just .237 with 12 homers, 52 RBI and a .666 OPS in 107 games. He looked like a shadow of himself, a guy who finished third in the MVP race in 2022 with 30 homers, 103 RBI and an .891 OPS.

When the 2025 season ended, and Chaim Bloom replaced John Mozeliak as the Cardinals’ new president of baseball operations, he informed Arenado they were going into a full-scale youth movement and would do everything possible to trade him during the winter.

The Padres eventually reached out, received Arenado’s blessing that he’d leave his third baseman’s glove at home and move to first base, but they failed to work out a deal to the Cardinals’ liking. The Athletics expressed strong interest, but sorry, they are playing at a Triple-A ballpark in Sacramento, and Arenado had no interest in potentially finishing his career in a minor-league stadium.

So, once again, he waited on Bregman, who also was drawing interest from the Diamondbacks. Bregman wound up leaving Boston and signed a five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs. Arenado waited on the Red Sox to call. They never did.

The Diamondbacks, with Bregman off the board, reached out, offered the Cardinals an eighth-round draft pick who hadn’t thrown a professional pitch, made the Cardinals pick up $31 million of the remaining $42 million in Arenado’s contract, and Arenado approved the deal in January.

“It’s hard when it gets out in the public that this team or that team was interested, and I said no," Arenado said. “Well, they were never on my yeses to begin with, you know? So, it makes it hard."

Arenado already is hearing it from Athletics’ fans this spring.

“The A's are going to carve you up."

“We didn’t want you in the first place."

“I’m like, don’t take it personal," Arenado said. “They were never on my (approval) list anyway. I needed time to really think about that one, but the other two (San Diego and Arizona), I told Chaim if he could work out a deal, I’d go.

“I just didn't want to go through what I went through last year.

“I wanted to get this over with."

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado gets Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jose Siri out at first in the third inning of their Feb. 22 spring training game.

Now, here he is, the eight-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glove winner, six-time Platinum Glove winner, five-time Silver Slugger, burning to prove he’s still got it, turning 35 years old in April.

He’s not carrying a Gold Glove-sized chip on his shoulder for everyone who showed no interest, or even Team USA, which chose Bregman over him to be the starting third baseman in the World Baseball Classic after he had played the previous two times. But Arenado has something to prove to himself.

“I know I’ve had a couple of tough years," Arenado says, “but this team believes in what I can do. And that’s helped me get me excited for the confidence they have in me. It’s already a top-10 lineup, and I think I can make it better.

“I'm hopeful that they can bring out the best of me."

Arenado, who used to work out in Diamondbacks World Series hero Luis Gonzalez’s backyard batting cage when he first came up with the Colorado Rockies — finishing in the top 10 in MVP voting for five consecutive seasons — knows he can find it again.

He’s almost 35, not 55.

He still feels fresh, healthy, and is rejuvenated.

“You know, it disappoints me that I didn't play the way I expected to in St Louis the last couple years," Arenado says. “But, you know, it's baseball. I'm learning about my body. There's some things changing.

“I'm getting a little bit older, I’ve just got to take care of business a different way. There's all those little things that I wish I would have nipped in the bud a little earlier in St Louis.

“I loved playing every minute in St. Louis. Their fans are unbelievable. They are so supportive. They have high expectations. I just wish I could have played better for them."

Now, with a new workout routine, he believes there’s no reason he can’t resemble the same dude who terrorized the NL West when he played with the Rockies. Certainly, if he didn’t believe he could be a star again, he wouldn’t have accepted manager Yadier Molina’s offer to play for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.

Arenado played with Molina, the future Hall of Fame catcher, in St. Louis. He was still planning to say no, since he never got a call from Team USA, but his family, particularly his mom who’s from Puerto Rico, persuaded him to do it. His entire family plans to be in Puerto Rico for the first round, giving Arenado a chance to see the beautiful island for the first time in his life.

“I wanted to play for USA again, but I didn’t get the call," Arenado said. “Honestly, I didn’t deserve the call. And when Yadi called me about it, I felt a little hesitant about it because I played on USA, and I was recovering from a shoulder surgery. But my mom really wanted me to do it, and my family kept telling me to do it."

The original plan was for Arenado to play first base for Team Puerto Rico with Carlos Correa at third base. But after Correa couldn’t get the insurance to play in the WBC, Arenado will once again be back in his customary position.

“I love it, for me, selfishly, it's the energy," Arenado says. “It gets you mentally ready for the season. Obviously, the stakes are high right away, which is tough, but it brings that intensity. It brings the focus that you only get when opening day of the season starts. I really think it’s beneficial."

It will be Arenado’s final WBC, he says, but he has plenty of other lofty goals in mind. He has two years remaining on his contract, but with a strong finishing kick, he could erase any doubts that he deserves to be standing behind a podium in Cooperstown one day. He has 353 homers, 1,184 RBI and an .846 OPS, to go along with his 10 Gold Gloves. He has more Gold Gloves, All-Star appearances, and homers than Scott Rolen, the last third baseman to be inducted into the Hall of Fame two years ago.

“I try not to look that far ahead," Arenado says, “but I still feel like I do have good game left in me. I still feel like I can express it and do it now. For how long? I don't know. I’ve got two years left. I don't know if I want to play past two years, but if I take care of the business the way I know I can, or I feel I can, I could see myself playing a little bit longer.

“But, I do expect to perform well on both sides of the ball again.

“I expect to help this team win.

“And I expect to be a complete player again."

Follow Nightengale on X: @BNightengale

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nolan Arenado has plenty to prove in 2026 MLB season after trade

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Jack Doohan received ‘serious death threats’ and called for police help before Alpine exit

  • Australian F1 driver was replaced after 2025 Miami GP

  • Doohan revealed threats and abuse on Drive to Survive

Jack Doohan has said he received death threats and called police to resolve an encounter with armed men around the time of last year’s Miami Grand Prix, just before he lost his Formula One drive with Alpine.

In the latest series of the Netflix documentary Drive to Survive, released on Friday, the Australian driver said he had been threatened by email, describing the atmosphere around what proved to be his final race as “pretty heavy stuff”.

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Which young pitchers will propel the Yankees in 2026?

Sep 27, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) walks off the mound after retiring the side in the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Last week, I wondered about which Yankees pitching prospect could have a Cam Schlittler-esque turn this year, coming up in the middle of the season to make a major impact on the Yankee staff. Elmer Rodríguez and Carlos Langrange look like prime candidates, even if it’s unlikely that any single prospect plays as well as Schlittler did in his summer audition last year.

The thought of another young power arm coming up and propelling the Yankees midseason is tantalizing, but the fact is the Yankees have a plethora of young starters already on the major-league roster. New York hopes that Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Carlos Rodón will ultimately lead them to glory, but with injury concerns stuck to at least two of those three, young starting pitching will have to buoy the Yankees during parts of 2026.

Schlittler stands tall, literally and figuratively, among that group of hurlers, coming off a sensational rookie campaign and one of the most memorable playoff debuts in Yankee history. There’s also Will Warren, who’s had his inconsistencies in his career but just led all rookies in starts in innings, with his baffling east-west arsenal hinting at untapped upside. Luis Gil stands at a pivotal moment in his career, not long removed from his 2024 Rookie of the Year campaign but looking to re-establish himself after a 2025 season in which he was injured and diminished. You can even arguably include Ryan Weathers in this group; though the left-hander has appeared in five different MLB seasons, he only just turned 26 and has but 280 career innings to his name.

The question today is, which of these young starters will make the biggest impact in 2026? With Rodón likely to miss about a month of the season, Cole scheduled to miss about two months, and Clarke Schmidt still on the mend, the Yankees need a chunk of these young starters to show out, if not most of them. Who will it be? Which of these inexperienced arms will prove to be most valuable to the Yankees this year?

This morning, Matt’s entry in our Yankee Birthday series highlights Ron Hassey, who had a couple of remarkable things happen to him over the course of his career. Also, Peter previews Carlos Rodón’s season, and Jeff takes a look at the Pirates as part of our 2026 MLB preview.

Today’s Matchup:

New York Yankees at Minnesota Twins

Time: 1:05 p.m. EST

Video: Gotham Sports App, Twins.TV

Venue: Lee Health Sports Complex, Fort Myers, FL

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Pens Points: Back in action

PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 26: Tommy Novak #18 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates his first period goal against the New Jersey Devils at PPG PAINTS Arena on February 26, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

Here are your Pens Points for this Friday morning…

Thursday night was the return to action for the Pittsburgh Penguins after the Olympic break, playing host to the New Jersey Devils. Playing against a team lower than them in the standings, Pittsburgh took care of its business and defeated the Devils by pulling away with multiple third-period goals to secure two points and a win. [Recap]

As Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is set to miss at least the next month on injured reserve with a lower-body injury, he still believes in his teammates to maintain course and fight for a playoff spot in his absence. [Trib Live]

Updates from around the NHL…

The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly keen on acquiring veteran defenseman Tyler Myers from the Vancouver Canucks, according to NHL insider Darren Dreger. [TSN]

Joel Quenneville became only the second head coach in NHL history to reach 1,000 career wins when his Anaheim Ducks rallied for a 6-5 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night. [ESPN]

With a silver medal finish in the rearview mirror, is it too early for Team Canada to examine a possible roster for the 2030 Olympic Games? Perhaps Canada aims to go with a younger, faster squad, anchored by Connor McDavid, Macklin Celebrini, and Sidney Crosby?! [Sportsnet]

The Hockey Hall of Fame announced the death of former chairman Ian Morrison on Thursday. He was 95 years old. [TSN]

Montreal’s public transit agency, the Société de transport de Montréal, announced that it will once again display the English slogan “Go Habs Go!” on some city buses’ electronic signs to support the Canadiens after the provincial language watchdog reversed its earlier decision to ban the phrase following public criticism and government intervention. [Montreal Gazette]

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Three things standing out from the first week of Pirates Spring Training

BRADENTON, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 12: Manager Don Kelly #12 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on at Pirate City on February 12, 2026 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The sun is shining, birds are chirping and the Pirates are back in Bradenton for Spring Training. Spring ball for fans is the first glimpse into how their favorite ball club is going to look in the regular season, and there has already been several noteworthy developments for the Buccos.

The new look lineup looks great

The Pirates organization made it a point this offseason to improve their bottom dwelling offense and in just a week of games, it already looks like this lineup is transformed. So far the Pirates are 5-2 in Spring and have had a couple of contests with offensive barrages overpowering their competition. It’s not uncommon for hitters to be a step behind pitchers following the long winter away from the game, but for the Pirates, it has been the complete opposite.

Against the Boston Red Sox, the Buccos scored 16 runs, with three homers recorded. In their opener against the Baltimore Orioles, this transformed offense put up eight runs with Ryan O’Hearn and Endy Rodriguez both going deep. Then against Tampa Bay, the team put up seven runs, with the team currently averaging just over six runs scored in the seven contests that they’ve played.

Obviously it’s only Spring ball, but it is very encouraging to see an offense this hot already ahead of the regular season. While the lineup will still need some fine tuning for regular season competition, there is clearly a lot of fire power coming to PNC Park this season.

Konnor Griffin is turning heads and crushing baseballs

Konnor Griffin is the unanimous top prospect in baseball, and he is showing everyone why in a big way. In the team’s contest against Boston, Griffin had two huge home runs and is already looking like a Major Leaguer.

Since arriving in Pirate City, the talk of the town has been on if Griffin can make Pittsburgh’s opening day roster. All signs are pointing to yes, but more than that, it’s looking like the Mississippi native could be the next generational super star in Major League Baseball. Griffin is very much on the same trajectory as Barry Bonds, Bryce Harper, Juan Soto and Ken Griffey Jr. At just 19-years-old, he already plays, moves and operates like a Major Leaguer, and it may already be time for Pittsburgh to consider signing Griffin to a long term deal.

Griffin could finally be the piece the Pirates need to put them over the top and emerge as real contenders in the National League. We have to hope that Bob Nutting and company don’t screw this one up.

Fans should be excited about Pirates’ baseball again

I was talking to my father a couple of weeks ago, and he was telling me that he would really love to see Pittsburgh become a great baseball city again. There’s a lot of work that still needs to be done, but it really feels like the Pirates may finally be heading back in a good direction. They have to rid themselves of some nasty heritage that has in the last 30 years not been committed to winning, and currently hold the longest playoff drought in the NL.

The black cloud that follows Pittsburgh because of the sins committed by Nutting and management is something that fans and players are still constantly working through, but there is no doubt that this Pirates squad on paper is looking to be one of the best teams they’ve had in a decade. They signed big free-agents in the offseason, went out and made smart trades and of course have some of the best talent in baseball emerging as Paul Skenes, Bubba Chandler and Griffin are looking to change the reputation of Pittsburgh’s ball club.

It’s a long 162 game season that hasn’t even started yet, but there are shades already of a quality ball team. O’Hearn has said that this Pirates team reminds him of the Baltimore teams that he found success on. Don Kelly at the helm is reimagining the culture in the clubhouse and is willing to bring back alumni to help inspire the new generation of Buccos. The best time of the year is just getting started and fans should be excited to see their Pittsburgh Pirates in 2026.

What has stood out for yinz in Spring Training? Let us know in the comments!

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Avalanche host the Blackhawks after Necas' 2-goal game

Chicago Blackhawks (22-27-9, in the Central Division) vs. Colorado Avalanche (38-10-9, in the Central Division)

Denver; Saturday, 6 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: The Colorado Avalanche host the Chicago Blackhawks after Martin Necas' two-goal game against the Minnesota Wild in the Avalanche's 5-2 loss.

Colorado is 38-10-9 overall and 9-2-4 against the Central Division. The Avalanche are 12-0-4 when scoring a power-play goal.

Chicago is 22-27-9 overall and 7-5-2 against the Central Division. The Blackhawks have a -31 scoring differential, with 153 total goals scored and 184 conceded.

Saturday's game is the second meeting between these teams this season. The Avalanche won 1-0 in the last matchup.

TOP PERFORMERS: Necas has 25 goals and 40 assists for the Avalanche. Brock Nelson has six goals and three assists over the last 10 games.

Tyler Bertuzzi has 26 goals and 17 assists for the Blackhawks. Ilya Mikheyev has three goals and six assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Avalanche: 4-5-1, averaging 2.8 goals, 4.8 assists, 3.3 penalties and 7.4 penalty minutes while giving up 2.6 goals per game.

Blackhawks: 3-5-2, averaging 2.2 goals, 3.7 assists, 2.8 penalties and 6.2 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game.

INJURIES: Avalanche: None listed.

Blackhawks: None listed.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Padres have at least five groups bidding as sale gets closer

Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees | Getty Images

The Athletic and the San Diego Union-Tribuneboth reported that an unnamed source has divulged that there are five groups who submitted bids on Wednesday in the first round of offers to purchase the San Diego Padres.

The source or sources were not authorized to speak on the sale but it seems possible that the Padres could change hands within the next month to two months.

The Athletic reported a new group, headed by Vuori CEO Joe Kudla and former San Diego Chargers quarterback and NFL Hall Of Fame player Drew Brees, were one of the five to submit bids. Before today, there were reportedly three other groups who had expressed interest in the team.

Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob, Serie A club Roma and Premier League Everton owner Dan Friedkin and ClearLake Capital founding partner Jose E. Feliciano are the other three names that have been reported to be interested or to have placed bids. There is no confirmation on any of these reports.

There is no information on who the last bidder could be.

Feliciano is a Puerto Rican native who is headquartered in Santa Monica. Friedkin is a San Diego native who lives in Texas and Kudla is the Carlsbad-based owner and CEO of Vuori, he graduated from USD and began his business in 2015, per The Athletic. His company is an athletic leisure-wear brand. Brees, his partner in the bid, participates in marketing for Vuori and is a part-time San Diego resident with a long history of Padres fandom.

Sportico has valued the Padres at $2.31 billion but reports from sources inside MLB have said that the Seidler family is seeking closer to $3 billion for the team. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred made a statement when the potential sale was announced in November of 2025, stating –

“It’s a really appealing franchise. They’ve done a great job building a fan base. The in-ballpark experience in San Diego’s probably one of our best. They’ve got some great players and I expect there will be people that will be interested in buying.”

Manfred updated that statement on Feb. 12 in his yearly media gathering at the beginning of Spring Training.

“The best I can tell on you on the Padres is there is robust interest on what is viewed as a really appealing asset.”

Padres Chairman John Seidler spoke at the start of Padres Spring Training and stated that there were multiple interested parties, not all of which had been reported in the media, and what the owners were seeking in a new owner.
“We would like to see what everybody would like to see: We would like to see somebody with ties to San Diego, a deep love of San Diego and a deep love of baseball, so they can continue doing the work that we do in the community and providing the product on the field that the fans enjoy.”

He also stated the team would not be moved.

There have been widespread rumors that if Lacob were to buy the franchise, he would seek to move it out of San Diego to Northern California, where he resides and owns the Warriors.

“I can’t speak as to any details as to what may or may not be negotiated with an ultimate buyer,” Seidler said. “But if you look, a new buyer would be nuts to move the team out of San Diego, with the second-highest attendance in all of baseball last year. San Diego’s a great place for baseball. Baseball is the only major sport in San Diego right now. So, the opportunity is in San Diego, not elsewhere.”

It seems likely that the Padres could have a new owner by Opening Day or very soon thereafter. It’s unlikely most Padres fans will have a strong opinion on who would be the best owner for the team but share Seidler’s hope that a dedication to San Diego and baseball will be their motivation for owning the Padres.

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Clint Capela hits back at Deandre Ayton after Lakers center's comments

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton raised eyebrows this week when he was heard saying in the Lakers locker room his team is "trying to make me Clint Capela."

Those remarks have indeed gotten back to Capela.

The Houston Rockets center took a playful shot at Ayton Thursday night via his Instagram story. Sharing an ESPN post that contained Ayton's comments, Capela wrote "U got 2 of the best floor general in the game my dawg Lockinnn" and included two crying from laughter emojis.

More: Deandre Ayton isn't Clint Capela. But it's what he and Lakers need | Opinion

Capela's comments went up roughly around the time when the Lakers' game against the Suns was concluding. Los Angeles lost a heartbreaker, 113-110, as Phoenix's Royce O'Neale hit a 3-pointer in the final seconds. Ayton struggled mightily in the contest.

Fresh off saying he was "Not no Clint Capela," following the Lakers' prior game, Ayton went out and scored just 2 points on 1-for-3 shooting. He added just 4 rebounds in his 23 minutes.

The performance, coinciding with the Lakers' third consecutive loss, is not likely to quiet down the conversation around the former No. 1 overall pick.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Clint Capela hits back at Deandre Ayton as Lakers center struggles

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Wizards face the Raptors on 3-game skid

Toronto Raptors (34-25, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Washington Wizards (16-42, 13th in the Eastern Conference)

Washington; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Washington aims to end its three-game skid when the Wizards take on Toronto.

The Wizards are 11-26 against conference opponents. Washington ranks ninth in the Eastern Conference with 47.5 points per game in the paint led by Anthony Davis averaging 13.1.

The Raptors are 26-15 in conference play. Toronto is fourth in the Eastern Conference allowing just 111.8 points while holding opponents to 46.0% shooting.

The Wizards' 12.7 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.2 fewer made shots on average than the 12.9 per game the Raptors give up. The Raptors are shooting 47.1% from the field, 0.4% lower than the 47.5% the Wizards' opponents have shot this season.

The teams square off for the third time this season. In the last meeting on Dec. 27 the Wizards won 138-117 led by 23 points from Kyshawn George, while Brandon Ingram scored 29 points for the Raptors.

TOP PERFORMERS: George is scoring 14.8 points per game with 5.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists for the Wizards. Will Riley is averaging 13.8 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 46.8% over the past 10 games.

Scottie Barnes is scoring 19.1 points per game and averaging 8.2 rebounds for the Raptors. Immanuel Quickley is averaging 3.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Wizards: 3-7, averaging 110.3 points, 40.9 rebounds, 24.6 assists, 9.1 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.3 points per game.

Raptors: 5-5, averaging 113.9 points, 42.0 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 9.5 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.3 points.

INJURIES: Wizards: Anthony Davis: out for season (finger), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), Kyshawn George: day to day (knee), D'Angelo Russell: day to day (not injury related), Alex Sarr: out (hamstring), Trae Young: out (knee).

Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles: day to day (lower body).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Bey leads New Orleans against Utah after 42-point game

New Orleans Pelicans (18-42, 14th in the Western Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (18-41, 13th in the Western Conference)

Salt Lake City; Saturday, 9:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: New Orleans visits the Utah Jazz after Saddiq Bey scored 42 points in the Pelicans' 129-118 victory over the Utah Jazz.

The Jazz are 10-28 against conference opponents. Utah has a 4-7 record in one-possession games.

The Pelicans are 11-26 in Western Conference play. New Orleans gives up 120.3 points to opponents and has been outscored by 5.2 points per game.

The Jazz average 118.0 points per game, 2.3 fewer points than the 120.3 the Pelicans allow. The Pelicans average 11.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 4.3 fewer made shots on average than the 15.5 per game the Jazz allow.

The teams play for the second time this season. In the last matchup on Feb. 27 the Pelicans won 129-118 led by 42 points from Bey, while Ace Bailey scored 23 points for the Jazz.

TOP PERFORMERS: Keyonte George is shooting 45.8% and averaging 23.8 points for the Jazz. Brice Sensabaugh is averaging 2.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Derik Queen is averaging 12.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and four assists for the Pelicans. Bey is averaging 22.2 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 3-7, averaging 115.9 points, 46.7 rebounds, 27.7 assists, 11.5 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.6 points per game.

Pelicans: 5-5, averaging 118.2 points, 42.1 rebounds, 26.8 assists, 8.1 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.6 points.

INJURIES: Jazz: Lauri Markkanen: day to day (ankle), Vince Williams Jr.: out for season (acl), Keyonte George: day to day (ankle), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder), Jusuf Nurkic: out for season (nose), Jaren Jackson Jr.: out for season (knee).

Pelicans: Yves Missi: day to day (calf), Trey Murphy III: day to day (shoulder).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Dallas plays Memphis, looks to break home losing streak

Memphis Grizzlies (21-36, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Dallas Mavericks (21-37, 12th in the Western Conference)

Dallas; Friday, 8:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Mavericks -5.5; over/under is 237.5

BOTTOM LINE: Dallas looks to break its six-game home slide with a victory over Memphis.

The Mavericks are 3-9 against opponents in the Southwest Division. Dallas is ninth in the Western Conference with 25.1 assists per game led by Cooper Flagg averaging 4.1.

The Grizzlies are 5-6 against opponents in the Southwest Division. Memphis allows 118.1 points to opponents and has been outscored by 2.7 points per game.

The Mavericks average 10.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.6 fewer makes per game than the Grizzlies give up (14.3). The Grizzlies average 13.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.2 more made shots on average than the 12.3 per game the Mavericks give up.

The two teams match up for the third time this season. The Grizzlies defeated the Mavericks 102-96 in their last matchup on Nov. 23. Santi Aldama led the Grizzlies with 20 points, and Klay Thompson led the Mavericks with 22 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Flagg is shooting 48.2% and averaging 20.4 points for the Mavericks. Thompson is averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Cam Spencer is averaging 11.2 points and 5.6 assists for the Grizzlies. GG Jackson is averaging 17 points and 6.2 rebounds over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Mavericks: 2-8, averaging 115.9 points, 42.5 rebounds, 23.7 assists, 7.0 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.4 points per game.

Grizzlies: 3-7, averaging 119.4 points, 37.9 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 11.7 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 125.2 points.

INJURIES: Mavericks: Daniel Gafford: day to day (ankle), Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Kyrie Irving: out for season (knee), Cooper Flagg: day to day (foot), P.J. Washington: day to day (ankle).

Grizzlies: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: out for season (finger), Ja Morant: out (elbow), Zach Edey: out (ankle), Cedric Coward: day to day (knee), Santi Aldama: day to day (knee), Brandon Clarke: out (calf).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.