If Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson didn’t make any friends in the second-round series that’s pitting Buffalo against the Montreal Canadiens, the same can be said about Zachary Bolduc. The 23-year-old winger struggled to find a role with the Habs during the regular season, but since the start of the playoffs, he has been very noticeable, and he’s shown that he enjoys poking the bear.
In Friday night’s game, Bolduc was on hand to come to goaltender Jakub Dobes’ rescue after Beck Malenstyn ran into him. The Trois-Rivieres native wasted no time in jumping on the Sabres forward, who was hanging on the net’s crossbar. He sent him down on the ice and threw a few punches, making it clear that such shenanigans would not be tolerated.
Beck Malenstyn with what seems like an attempt to injure Jakub Dobes, runs him at full speed.
It seemed like Bolduc was involved in every scrum on Sunday night. He got himself a roughing double-minor after an altercation with both Connor Timmins and Malenstyn in Alex Lyon’s crease. He’s quickly becoming for the Sabres what Zach Benson has become for the Habs, public enemy number one.
Late in the third, as he was tangled up with Logan Stanley and a lineman, Josh Norris took advantage and dishes him out a right-hand jab. Stanley and Bolduc bot got a minor for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct, while Norris escaped punishment.
On top of getting under the Sabres’ skin, Bolduc has also been getting on the scoreboard. On Sunday night, he completed the play so well orchestrated by Alexandre Carrier and Joe Veleno to score what would turn out to be the game-winning goal. Despite only spending 10:43 on the ice, he found a way to make an impact on the proceedings and has shown his teammates that he’s ready to go to battle for them.
That’s quite a change from the Bolduc who played in QMJHL a few years ago and who was known for shying away from physical battles. Watching him play these days, it’s obvious that he has understood what he needs to know to keep his seat at the table. Speaking to the media after the game on Sunday night, he was asked how he ended up being a part of all the battles, and he explained:
I don’t know, it’s just the way the game presents itself. I think it’s something that I can and want to bring to the Canadiens. Of course, there are times when you're toeing the line without crossing it. I take a lot of pride in that. No one thing explains why I’m always there for those moments.
-
Later on, he added:
As you said, I might have struggled a bit to find my identity in the regular season, but the playoffs are another season, and that’s how I approached it. I want to bring my strengths as much as possible, and if I’m a thorn in their sides, it’s for the best.
-
In 10 games so far this postseason, Bolduc has two goals and four assists for 10 points, 18 penalty minutes, and a plus-six rating, showing just how well he plays on both sides of the puck. Chances are, we’ll see Bolduc mix things up even more before this second-round series comes to a close.
The Montreal Canadiens picked up a 6-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 3. With this, the Canadiens now have a 2-1 series lead over the Sabres.
Alex Newhook was certainly a significant reason for the Canadiens' Game 3 victory over the Sabres. This is because the Habs forward scored two goals in the matchup.
With this strong performance, Newhook now has five goals and six points in 10 playoff games so far this spring. Yet, more notably, he has four goals over his last two games alone. With this, the 25-year-old forward is playing some excellent hockey at the perfect time for Montreal.
Newhook's strong start to the post-season comes after he had a solid 2025-26 regular-season. While Newhook was limited to only 42 games this season, he had 13 goals and 25 points. This is after he had 26 points for the Canadiens last season, but in 82 games.
With all of this, it is clear that Newhook is continuing to hit a new level with the Canadiens. It has been a successful campaign for the 2019 first-round pick, and it will be intriguing to see how he builds on it as the playoffs continue from here.
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Thunder Game 4 computer picks
Luguentz Dort Over 6.5 points (+100)
Projection: 8.33 points
This is a five-star play according to our model, showing a 25.73% EV edge. Lu Dort is always ready to take a couple of threes if the Oklahoma City Thunder's offense calls for it, and he shoots the long ball at a 37% clip.
He scored 10 points in Game 3, and projections call for a similar Game 4.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Dort Now at bet365!/span
Ajay Mitchell Under 16.5 points (-105)
Projection: 14.71 points
Ajay Mitchell has been shredding the Los Angeles Lakers, but our model believes this is two points too high. With OKC sitting as a 12-point favorite, Mitchell might not see as much floor time as normal.
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Isaiah Hartenstein Over 8.5 points (-105)
Projection: 9.60 points
The Lakers have no answer for Isaiah Hartenstein. The big man has scored 10+ points in back-to-back games, and our model calls for him to approach that total again.
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Lakers Game 4 computer picks
Deandre Ayton Over 8.5 points (+102)
Projection: 10.65 points
Deandre Ayton looks horrendous out there, but he's still scored 10 points in two of three games against OKC. The Thunder are more than happy with letting him shoot, and he'll get his tonight.
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Austin Reaves Under 5.5 assists (+120)
Projection: 5.28 assists
Austin Reaves is a stupendous playmaker, but the Lakers need him to score more than ever. He'll do all he can to help keep L.A. alive, and more shots will result in fewer assists.
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Luke Kennard Over 8.5 points (+100)
Projection: 10.06 points
Luke Kennard is one of the best pure shooters in the NBA. He's scored 10+ points in two straight, and it looks like he's found a rhythm again. Nine points are easily obtainable for the guard.
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How to watch Thunder vs Lakers Game 4
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Monday, May 11, 2026
Tip-off
10:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime
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The Buffalo Sabres are facing their first true crisis since the middle of December, when they turned their season around and became one of the biggest surprises of the NHL season. After a one-sided 5-1 loss in Game 2 on Friday, the Eastern Conference Semi-Final with the Montreal Canadiens shifted to the Bell Centre. The Sabres entered the contest undefeated on the road, winning all three games in their series win over the Boston Bruins, but that perfect record may have had more to do with the quality of their opposition.
The Canadiens responded after allowing a Tage Thompson goal 53 seconds into the game, tying the game before the end of the first and scoring three times in the middle frame in a 6-2 victory over the Sabres on Sunday night. Similar to the loss in Game 2, Buffalo’s worst performers were their core players, as Thompson, Alex Tuch, and Rasmus Dahlin were all -2 on the night, while the Habs got a pair of tallies from their power play and significant contributions from depth forwards Alex Newhook, Zach Bolduc, and Kirby Dach.
“Montreal’s a good team, they made us pay for our mistakes.” Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said after the game. “I said before this started, they beat a hell of a team. They are a hell of a team. Don’t take them for granted. If we don’t realize it now, we’re never going to realize it.”
Apparent from nearly the outset was the Sabres inability to limit scoring chances. Goalie Alex Lyon was peppered with 29 shots over the first two periods, and in spite of playing well, could not make up for some lax Buffalo defensive play, such as Thompson and Tuch lagging behind and allowing Bolduc to close in on the goal that increased the Montreal lead to 3-1.
The Sabres were also unable to maintain a level of composure, which is something they displayed against the Bruins and in Game 1. After a scrum late in the first period in which Habs forward Zach Bolduc fell on top of Sabres goalie Alex Lyon, Sabres forward Beck Malenstyn’s response left little room for doubt, as he plowed into Montreal goalie Jakub Dobes at nearly full speed. Malenstyn’s minor led to Juraj Slafkvoský’s goal to make it 4-1.
“You have to be smart. We took five O-zone penalties. Our discipline for that wasn't good enough. You let them operate five-on-four." Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said after the game. "We ended up with a broken stick penalty killing, goal-against. And you give them that much time, they're going to get opportunities.”
The Sabres did not hold a scheduled practice on Tuesday, and possibly could make some lineup tweaks for Game 4. Veteran center Sam Carrick was cold-cocked by Montreal's Arber Xhekaj at the end of Game 3, while defenseman Logan Stanley could be replaced after an ill-advised pass on Bolduc's goal.
Cale Makar is one of the most productive playoff defensemen in history, producing 90 points through 86 career games.
After taking it on the chin on Saturday night, tonight's Avalanche vs. Wild predictions expect Makar to make his mark offensively in Game 4.
Let’s take a closer look at my NHL picks for Monday, May 11.
UPDATE: Added Nazem Kadri (+295) to score.
Avalanche vs Wild Game 4 prediction
Avalanche vs Wild best bet: Cale Makar Over 0.5 assists (-155)
Cale Makar is always lauded for his ability to control the game from the back end and have his hand in everything — and it’s true.
The superstar Colorado Avalanche defenseman has picked up a point in at least 57% of the on-ice goals in four consecutive seasons, and never below 52%.
So far in these playoffs? We’re talking 35%. The Avalanche are piling up the goals, chances, and shots with Makar out there, and he’s driving a lot of it. He just isn’t getting many points.
Given how many touches he gets every single night, and the kind of minutes he plays, that is bound to change.
Avalanche vs Wild Game 4 same-game parlay
Martin Necas has recorded three shots on goal in each game this series, and his attempt volume has progressively increased each game. Necas has Makar behind him a lot at 5-on-5, and the latter facilitates a lot on the power play, making the two highly correlated.
Going the other way, it’s hard not to get excited about Mats Zuccarello. He has averaged 2.7 shots on 5.0 attempts in this series and recorded multiple shots in 11 of the past 13 games against the Avalanche. They pay a ton of respect to Kirill Kaprizov, which opens things up for Zuccarello.
Avalanche vs Wild SGP
Cale Makar Over 0.5 assists
Martin Necas anytime goal
Mats Zuccarello Over 1.5 shots on goal
Avalanche vs Wild Game 4 goal scorer pick
Nazem Kadri (+295)
Nazem Kadri has recorded 15 shots on goal through three games, tying him for first among all players in the series. He is getting a lot of looks around the net, and his presence on the top power-play unit makes him a very strong value at this price.
The Colorado Avalanche have hit the Moneyline in 19 of their last 25 away games (+10.45 Units / 27% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Avalanche vs. Wild.
How to watch Avalanche vs Wild Game 4
Location
Grand Casino Arena, St. Paul, MN
Date
Monday, May 11, 2026
Puck drop
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN, Sportsnet
Avalanche vs Wild latest injuries
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 09: Logan Stankoven #22 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates with Taylor Hall #71 and Sean Walker #26 after scoring a goal on Dan Vladar #80 of the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period in Game Four of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 09, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Carolina Hurricanes are either the best team in hockey, or the biggest frauds in the Stanley Cup Playoffs — it all depends on who you ask. The Canes made history on Saturday night in Philadelphia with their eighth straight playoff win, and their second sweep in a row. It made them the first team in NHL history to sweep their first two series since the 1987 best-of-seven format began, the first team to start 8-0 in the playoffs since 1985, and only the fifth team in NHL history to start the playoffs 8-0.
Yet nobody can settle on whether this team is really a Stanley Cup favorite yet.
A lot of factors go into the acrimony when discussing Carolina. There’s long-standing bitterness over southern hockey being a thing, especially following back-to-back years of the Florida Panthers hoisting the cup. There’s the fact that the team plays hockey in a manner that runs counter to everything we know about success in the modern NHL. Also, there’s simply a reality that the Canes have had a pretty easy path through the postseason thus far, facing two teams that were bad strategic mismatches for them.
What that doesn’t mean, however, is that either the Ottawa Senators or Philadelphia Flyers are “bad teams.” Finishing with 99 and 98 points on the season, respectively, the Sens and Flyers were better than the entire Western Conference Pacific Division, better than the Utah Mammoth who the Golden Knights beat in the first round, and just one win worse than the Bruins, who the Sabres bested in the opening round. Yet, it’s become cool to hate on the Hurricanes’ opponents thus far as a means to discredit Carolina as being a legitimate team — foisting them with criticism no other team in the field is left with.
It’s absolutely fair to say that both Ottawa and Philadelphia were thrown into a mismatch blender. Both teams thrived during the regular season when playing on clean ice, with open passing lanes and room to set up plays. This is what the Hurricanes excel at stopping, running brutal forechecks with gutsy defensive rotations that flip the formation to send defensemen up ice to hassle opposing defenseman on the puck, allowing the forwards to stay home.
One of the hallmarks of Carolina hockey is to forget the model of play that wins in the NHL, and instead change the game into Hurricanes hockey. They thrive in limiting the effectiveness of star players, making the game be about depth rather than top-line strength, then take over when their third and fourth lines are stronger than their opponents. There’s no coincidence that hockey fans were wondering why Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle disappeared in the Sens series, or why Trevor Zegras and Travis Konecny couldn’t make inroads in round two. This was the Canes’ doing, and it worked.
“Their D… they have the best sticks I’ve ever seen. It was crazy. Some of the plays you’d just be like ‘I can get this through,’ like Slav [Jaccob Slavin] has probably the best stick in the league. I had two Grade-A’s [scoring chances] and they hit his stick and up in the netting. I was like ‘how on earth is that not in the back of the net?’”
The length of the Carolina blueliners is causing massive problems for any team trying to play pretty, puck rotation hockey. Throughout the Flyers series we saw the Philly attack get decimated due to deflections from Slavin, K’Andre Miller, and Alexander Nikishin — with their pairings in Jalen Chatfield, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Sean Walker serving more as the more traditional net battlers. This layered defense has been impenetrable in the playoffs and has been offset with the Canes showing more fight and edge that they have previously.
So why is there so much doubt that this can carry over to the cup? There are three fair statements to make:
The Hurricanes haven’t faced an elite, 90+ point player yet in the playoffs
They’ve been so good defensively that it seems impossible to keep it up
Carolina’s best players really haven’t turned up yet
Forgive the pun, but you can see the storm brewing for Carolina that this incredible run could go south quickly (another pun, sorry). Getting the better of Stützle or Konecny is one thing, but when that caliber of player changes to Nathan McKinnon, Martin Nečas, Nick Suzuki, or Kirill Kaprizov — can this same approach still work? Is there a break point to this defensive dominance where Carolina can be overwhelmed by star players, and if that happens can the Canes recover?
That is the real worry right now, and it’s fair to question what is happening with the Carolina top line. The heroes of the playoffs thus far for the Canes has been the Hall/Stankoven/Blake line two, which has been phenomenal — but there has been pronounced quietness from Andrei Svechnikov, Sebastian Aho, and Seth Jarvis on the top line, outside of a few glimmers of magic. We know that historically the NHL playoffs have been won through star power, even by teams like the Panthers who were bruising, but still leaned on Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, and Brad Marchand to drag them through.
If the Canes can’t get that top-line performance firing then there’s a chance they can’t assert their will on the game, which has a domino effect on the rest of the lines, thereby putting more pressure on the defense to bail the team out.
The biggest questions about the Hurricanes won’t get answered for some time, with Saturday being the earliest their next series can begin. Whether the Sabres or Canadiens come out of the Atlantic, either team will be the best opposition Carolina has faced, with more star power and deeper lines. If the Canes are able to keep up this dominance in the Eastern Conference Finals then we can really talk about their chances to beat the Avs or Wild in the West.
So are the Canes really cup favorites or pretenders? They’re both, and neither, and bizarrely somewhere in the middle. Carolina is a unique Rod Brind’Amour team that approaches hockey in a way no one else does, which means we can’t use the typical yardsticks to measure their potential. It’s all a big guessing game, but that’s what make these playoffs so much fun.
Luka Doncic isn’t coming to the Los Angeles Lakers’ rescue. And at this rate, the Purple and Gold would need a lot more than their superstar to counter the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Oklahoma City can sweep Los Angeles in Game 4 of this Western Conference semifinal tonight, laying double-digits in La-La Land tonight.
Our Thunder vs. Lakers props dig into this do-or-die game (at least for L.A.), breaking down my best NBA picks and prop predictions for May 11.
Best Thunder vs Lakers props for Game 4
Player
Pick
Luke Kennard
Over 1.5 threes
-125
Isaiah Hartenstein
Over 8.5 points
-105
Lu Dort
Over 1.5 threes
-130
Game 4 Prop #1: Luke Kennard Over 1.5 threes
-125 at bet365
Luke Kennard was one of the Los Angeles Lakers’ few highlights in Game 3. The reserve guard was much more aggressive offensively, jacking up 10 shots and finishing with 18 points in the loss. Twelve of those tallies came from beyond the 3-point arc.
Kennard finished 4-for-6 from distance on Saturday. He’d been MIA since Austin Reaves returned to the L.A. rotation but was big to open the playoffs.
He started Round 1 making 8 of 11 triples in the first two games then cooled for a 3-for-10 slump from outside before going 2-for-3 from 3-point land in Game 3. In Game 4, the Lakers scaled back a struggling Marcus Smart and Kennard’s usage jumped to 14.5%.
The way I see it, Los Angeles needs Kennard to take and make shots from outside — either in a competitive game or a blowout, that could see the bench get extra run. Game 4 projections agree, with Kennard pegged for two triples with a positive game script for this prop.
Game 4 Prop #2: Isaiah Hartenstein Over 8.5 points
The Thunder’s twin 7-footers really stress the Lakers’ size restrictions. Center Isaiah Hartenstein is having an excellent series beating up on Los Angeles around the rim.
Hartenstein is getting his share of looks, especially with L.A. selling out to stop Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. That past two games, he’s a collective 11-for-13 from the floor for totals of 10 and 12 points with his usage almost doubling to 13.2% from 7.3% in Game 1.
His 31 minutes in Game 3 tied his season high in floor time and his seven shots matched his postseason pinnacle. His scoring prop for tonight remains modest, however, at 8.5 O/U.
Game 4 projections are very bullish on the Oklahoma City’s big man, with most north of 9.5 points and a ceiling of 11.0 from Hartenstein.
Game 4 Prop #3: Lu Dort Over 1.5 threes
-130 at bet365
Thunder small forward Lu Dort logged only 20 minutes in Game 3 due to foul trouble yet made both of his looks from long range.
Dort attempted 11 total triples in the two games prior, making just three of those 3-pointers. He has, however, connected for two more treys in five of OKC’s first seven playoff games and is shooting 37% from deep in the postseason.
With Los Angeles throwing the kitchen sink at SGA and Oklahoma City owning the inside, Dort is getting clean looks the perimeter versus the Lakers.
All 13 of his 3-point attempts are graded as “open” or “wide open,” with no defender within at least four feet — including 10 3PAs with no Lakers within six feet of Dort.
Dort, who strangely shoots significantly better beyond the arc on the road (39.4% vs. 30.8% at home), is projected for two makes from distance in Game 4 with models either leaning toward the Over or calling for 2+ triples.
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It appears that Daniel and Henrik Sedin are set to receive promotions within the Vancouver Canucks front office. During an appearance on The Fan Hockey Show, Elliotte Friedman reported that the Hall of Famers will most likely be given bigger roles in the organization moving forward. The Sedins are currently part of the Player Development team, and are often at practice in either Abbotsford or Vancouver.
"It looks like the Sedins, I said this morning on the Pod that they've been asked, said Friedman. "It looks like that is going to happen. That they're going to take a bigger role. I can't say 100% certainty yet, but after we reported this morning, it sounds like they are preparing for that. I don't know how it is all going to work but I think what we are all trying to figure out here, who is going to be the head of the hockey operations. I think we are getting close to deciding. It looks like it is going to be either (Ryan) Johnson or (Evan) Gold. Also, will there be any other changes to their front office? I think we are going to get some clarity this week.
Friedman's report has been echoed by multiple insiders, including Irfaan Gaffar, who wrote on social media, "Elliotte is right. Daniel and Henrik Sedin were offered larger front office roles with the Vancouver Canucks and accepted over the weekend. The structure of what they are trying to do is starting to take shape."
Daniel and Henrik have been with the Canucks in an off-ice capacity since 2021. As mentioned, they often split their time between attending practices and games at both the AHL and NHL levels. Vancouver's front office will look very different in 2026-27, as Jim Rutherford has already announced his plans to shift to an advisory role after the 2026 NHL Draft.
Jun 20, 2018; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin are pictured with the King Clancy award during the 2018 NHL Awards at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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.
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It's been over three months since Barry Trotz announced his intent to retire, with Trotz staying on as the Nashville Predators general manager until a replacement is found.
In that time, rumors have been swirling about multiple names, with it seemingly coming down to three candidates: Tom Fitzgerald, Brett Peterson and Bill Scott, with Fitzgerald leading the way.
Fitzgerald is the New Jersey Devils' recently ousted general manager. Peterson is Florida's assistant general manager, and Scott is Edmonton's assistant general manager.
While those three names have come to light in the last few weeks, there's been no movement or signaling from the Predators front office that they are ready to make a hire.
Since Trotz announced his retirement, New Jersey and Toronto have both fired and hired general managers in less time.
Fitzgerald was fired on April 7 and the Devils hired Sunny Mehta nine days later. The Maple Leafs fired Brad Treliving on March 30 and hired John Chayka on May 3, a little over a month after the search began.
So what is causing this selection committee to take so long?
Candidate Is Still In Playoffs
May 9, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Logan Stankoven (22) celebrates a goal with teammates against the Philadelphia Flyers in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanely Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
While the three leading candidates we've heard of are no longer in the playoffs or did not qualify, a candidate the Predators could be eyeing may still be in the postseason.
Hurricanes assistant general manager Darren Yorke is a name that's popped up a few times that the Predators may be considering. He's served in that role for six years and has been the Chicago Wolves general manger for two seasons.
Nashville reportedly did an in-person visit with Yorke in early April, so there's interest. However, the Hurricanes show no sign of slowing down as they are 8-0 In the playoffs, they advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.
If the Predators are waiting for Carolina's season to end before hiring Yorke, they could be waiting as late as June 21, the final possible day of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Anaheim Ducks assistant general manager Martin Madden was reportedly interviewed by the Canucks. Buffalo Sabres assistant general manager Marc Bergevin was an early name mentioned for the Nashville job and is expected to be considered for a handful of other teams.
Both Anaheim and Buffalo are still alive in the playoffs, adding on that not just Nashville, but other teams could be waiting before announcing a hire.
Predators Sticking To "Draft Day" Deadline
In February, Predators owner Bill Haslam said the team had a deadline of Draft Day in June but wasn't fully set on it, implying they could announce then.
Nashville could be sticking to that timeline a little bit closer than expected. Possibly wanting the new general manager until a replacement is found. to focus specifically on the draft and have their first action be selecting the 10th overall pick.
Trotz is still executing general manager duties following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, signing KHL free agent Vitali Pinchuk to a 1-year, $1.025 million contract at the end of April.
Nashville also has four players and two prospects playing in the IIHF World Championship, not that it requires any general manager involvement, but it may be something that Trotz wants to oversee before stepping away.
The deadline will allow the Predators to bring in a new general manager for the draft in one swoop, but the question is how prepared this general manager will be until a replacement is found. will be for a draft with little time to prepare.
Waiting On Canucks
Apr 14, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Fin the mascot and the Vancouver Canucks celebrate their victory against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
A new conversation is revolving around the Vancouver Canucks general manager search, which is still ongoing.
Patrik Allvin was fired on April 17 and is one of the more appealing jobs in the NHL, given the larger Canadian market. The Predators had requested to speak with Vancouver's assistant general manager, Ryan Johnson, but didn't get the opportunity.
It's rumored that if the Canucks pass on promoting Johnson, the Predators may try to swoop in and hire him instead.
According to Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast on May 8, Boston Bruins assistant general manager Evan Gold is a leading candidate and, if hired, would pass over Johnson, who is a very similar candidate but already in the organization.
Johnson has been with the Canucks since 2013, joining as a development coach. He was promoted to the Canucks' AHL affiliate general manager until a replacement is found. In 2017 and became Vancouver's assistant general manager in 2024.
He has a successful track record in the AHL, winning the Calder Cup last season with the Abbotsford Canucks.
This could be a red herring, but Predators fans should keep an eye on whatever happens in Vancouver, as it could signal some movement of things to happen in Nashville.
There Is Disagreement On A Hire
This is unlikely, but still a possibility that a new general manager will be appointed until a replacement is found. The front office wouldn't disclose this if it were true.
From the outside, the rumors that Fitzgerald is a leading candidate sparked a lot of displeasure among fans.
With him having been recently fired, struggling to prove himself during his tenure as general manager until a replacement is found. , and having a connection to the Predators, fans did not take it well.
It's possible that the committee has no collective agreement on whether to hire Fitzgerald or another candidate. Trotz said in his final press conference as general manager until a replacement is found. that he believes he never made a wrong decision, as it was well-thought-out among those in the front office.
That same mentality could be carried into this situation. Nick Saban also brings a different perspective to the table that many NHL teams do not have, one focused on leadership and success.
His addition to the conversation could make these talks a little longer, with a new take and a look toward who Nashville is interviewing.
The committee will likely need to wholeheartedly agree on a candidate before making an offer, but it's not too far-fetched to say that disagreement over a hire could be why this general manager is not until a replacement is found. The search has been so elongated.
The NBA has completed a review of Victor Wembanyama's flagrant 2 penalty for an elbow to the neck of Naz Reid and subsequent ejection, and has decided not to proceed with further discipline — no suspension or fine is coming, something first reported by Shams Charania at ESPN and confirmed by NBC Sports.
Wembanyama was ejected in the second quarter of Game 2 after he battled with Reid for a rebound and, after securing the ball, threw an elbow that hit Reid in the neck. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson stuck up for his star after the game, including saying of a suspension, "There was zero intent … I think it would be ridiculous." He then went on to say that teams are intentionally very physical with Wembanyama to throw him off his game, and that the Frenchman is allowed to defend himself.
"At some point, he's going to have to protect himself. We've been asking (the officials) to do that now for a while... the lack of protection is really disappointing. At some level, it's starting to get actually disgusting."
Despite the feelings in Minnesota, a suspension was never likely — postseason suspensions are based on a points system counting flagrant fouls, and Wemby isn't close to that mark. This Flagrant 2 gives Wemby two points, but it takes four (another Flagrant 2 or two Fragrant 1 fouls) for him to get there. This is similar to why Nikola Jokic did not come close to a suspension after an altercation and ejection in the first round. (For clarification, flagrant foul points and technical foul points are counted separately, but both can lead to a suspension.) Also, Wembanyama does not have the lengthy history of incidents like this compared to someone such as Draymond Green (despite what Green thinks).
However, no fine for Wembanyama was more of a surprise to many around the league, but was there a reasonable fine the league could have levied that would have been a deterrent in the future? The prospect of a possible future suspension is the real deterrent.
Behind a strong finish from Anthony Edwards and some key late plays from Ayo Dosunmu, the Timberwolves came back on the Spurs to win Game 4, 114-109, to even the series 2-2. Game 5 is Tuesday night in San Antonio at 8 ET, you can watch it on NBC or stream it on Peacock.
The San Jose Sharks need to sign prospect Carson Wetsch to an entry-level contract this month, or the 20-year-old winger will be eligible to re-enter the NHL Draft in June.
The Sharks drafted Wetsch, who was then playing for the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League, in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft. In his draft year, he scored 25 goals and 50 points in 67 games for the Hitmen. The following season, his goal-scoring ability took a step forward, as he scored 33 goals, but his overall point total barely rose, as he finished the 2024-25 season with 53 points.
In May of 2025, Wetsch was dealt to the Kelowna Rockets and was named their captain for the 2025-26 season. Overall, his offensive production hit new heights in Kelowna, but his goal scoring took a hit. He finished the season with 72 points in 65 games, but only scored 22 goals, the lowest total since he was drafted by the Sharks.
As a 2024 draftee who is still playing in Major Junior, Wetsch meets the criteria to re-enter the draft this summer unless he either signs an entry-level contract with the Sharks, or commits to an NCAA team.
"He’s a high-motor, high-effort, connective, physical player," Elite Prospects scout Daniel Gee wrote in February. "A lot of Wetsch’s best work comes below the goal line, chopping, crashing, and jousting for inside positions for second-chance offence."
"More forecheck and inside-driven than most WHL forwards, he plays a smart, low-risk game that doesn’t always generate highlight-reel moments but tends to produce results," Dobber Prospects' Ryan Downey added. "The 75 penalty minutes add some banger value on top of the offensive production."
If he reaches his potential, Wetsch projects as a bottom-six forward in the NHL, but it will likely take some time for him to get there. He'd be a beneficial addition to the San Jose Barracuda in the near future, at the very least.
This comes as a massive relief for San Antonio, which is now in a 2-2 tie in the series. Wembanyama is the team’s best player and arguably the player in the entire NBA who most impacts games on both ends of the floor.
Once he left the game, the Timberwolves attacked the paint more freely because of the void Wembanyama left down low.
Wembanyama committed the foul with 8:39 to play in the second quarter.
During the play, Wembanyama was battling with Reid and Jaden McDaniels after Wembanyama hauled in a rebound. Reid and McDaniels both tried to grasp for the ball, trying to pry it from Wembanyama’s hands. Wembanyama then cocked his right elbow and flung it toward Reid, striking him around the neck.
Reid instantly fell to the court as McDaniels continued trying to wrap up the ball. Officials blew the whistle and separated both sides. They eventually reviewed the play, determining that the contact was "unnecessary and excessive," and elevated the call to flagrant foul penalty two, which results in an automatic ejection.
Wembanyama appeared to be surprised on the bench, seemingly unaware of the rule around a flagrant foul two. It marked the first ejection of Wembanyama’s career and, as he exited the court, he hyped up his teammates and clapped and gestured to the crowd.
After playing just 12:29 in the game, Wembanyama left with four points on 2-of-5 shooting, adding four rebounds and one assist.
Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 at 8 p.m. ET.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 10: T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery on May 10, 2026 at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
CHICAGO – Indiana Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard could hardly sleep the night before the NBA Draft lottery.
Who could, in his situation? In a daring trade to acquire Ivica Zubac back in February, the Pacers sent, among other things, their 2026 first-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Clippers. It was protected 1-4 and 10-30, meaning the Clippers could only receive the selection if it landed 5-9. On Sunday, a machine full of ping pong balls would decide which team would be blessed by fate. 52.1% of the time, the answer would be the Pacers. The other 47.9% would benefit L.A.
It was basically a coin flip, at least by odds. Maybe that’s too tame. It was closer to Russian Roulette but with a shade under 2.9 bullets; with just a couple of spins in a chamber they didn’t have eyes on to decide their fate.
Coin flip odds are more instructive. Heads, the trade looks incredible for the Pacers. They acquire a center that they covet, one who nearly made an All–NBA team in 2024-25. They send out two first-rounders in future seasons with worse lottery odds, plus two players who were fading in their plans. A near-perfect addition. Tails, it looks much worse for them. Add a top-five prospect in a very strong draft to that above trade package, and that’s after Zubac barely suited up thanks to injuries. Worst of all, it would mean the Pacers finished with the second-worst record in the NBA and didn’t get the lotto luck for it. How the deal feels could change over the next five years as assets continue to be exchanged, but the Pacers 2026 first-rounder was the best non-Zubac asset moved in the deal. Who would actually use that pick came down to the lottery.
“The truth is, I didn’t sleep much last night. And [Pacers general manager] Chad (Buchanan) and I kind of got away and walked. And we were trying to plan out everything, for the good, for the bad,” Pritchard explained.
As the lottery results were being revealed, Pritchard said his heart was beating like Game 7 of the NBA Finals. He would have been a terrible poker player on Sunday – his emotional state was obvious even to onlookers 30 feet away. And truly, as a trio of Pacers involved in the lottery broadcast sat to witness their fate, only one was able to hide their emotions as a Clippers logo was shown to a room filled with hundreds of people. Millions more watched on television.
The draft lottery and subsequent unveiling of results were held in Chicago’s Navy Pier. A massive Festival Hall was sectioned off, with about one-fourth of the room converted into a stage and viewing area for the proceedings. Every team involved in the lottery had a table in the front of the room for their executives to sit at – the Pacers’ was in the middle row on the left side between the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets.
The only two at the Pacers table were Pritchard and Buchanan. They’ve worked together for years, originally overlapping with the Portland Trail Blazers over two decades ago. Now, they’re the leaders of Indiana’s front office – the other top figure of the group, vice president of basketball operations Ted Wu, was the team’s lottery representative who was in the room for the drawing.
So it was just Buchanan and Pritchard, the smallest number of team representatives at any table. The third figure in the room was guard T.J. McConnell, the Pacers’ on-stage lottery representative. He’s the longest-tenured Pacer and was a rookie with the 2015-16 Philadelphia 76ers, a team that went 10-72 before winning the 2016 draft lottery. McConnell wanted to bring that luck to the Pacers.
There was a hope emanating from the Pacers about 30 minutes before the big reveal. Pritchard and Buchanan spoke with league figures like any other big NBA event – Pritchard congratulated new Mavericks president Masai Ujiri on his new job. Buchanan caught up with executives on another lottery team. There were smiles, at first. They believed they were due for some luck.
“Obviously not good news,” McConnell would be saying about a half hour later.
The two executives sat down, still awaiting the results. Something about doing so made reality settle in. For the next eternity – okay, still just 30 minutes – the Pacers front office leaders had to sit there, powerless against their fate, with judgment coming their way regardless of the result. For a few minutes, neither said a word.
Pritchard showed the most outward emotion. He chewed gum the entire event. At 1:48 p.m. local time, he put on his glasses. Four minutes later, he took them off to fidget with them on the table. The next minute, he put them on for the second time in five minutes.
Kevin Pritchard and Chad Buchanan looking on with about 10 minutes until the reveal begins. pic.twitter.com/4PgEI6WUwx
Buchanan was far more rigid. At 1:51, he adjusted his collar, then was still for several minutes. Next to Pritchard, he looked like a statue. It was the perfect picture of the two and their personalities – and a display of why they’ve worked so well together for all these years as partners in the NBA.
At 1:59, Buchanan’s trance ended as he checked his phone. At the same time, Pritchard did the same. He put his phone away four minutes later, then frantically looked around the room before running his hands through his hair. Both executives were looking for something, anything, to distract them at that moment.
“I know the Twitterverse is probably going to be a little brutal. And I get it, man, I get it,” Pritchard would say later, fitting for someone whose phone became a key prop for fiddling and posting during the day. ”To those people, I’m sorry.”
In came McConnell to provide that diversion. In a sea of suit-wearing lottery representatives, McConnell took the court in a yellow button-up shirt and black pants. He was situated on the same side of the room as the Pacers’ executive table, so he had a clear view of Pritchard and Buchanan.
McConnell reached his seat. He gave John Wall – the Washington Wizards lottery representative – a high five before pulling his phone out and putting it on silent. The next moment, he gave a quick glance to the Pacers front office members gathered about 40 feet away from him. They all made eye contact. Suddenly, McConnell’s mood was serious. Nerves returned for everyone.
The broadcast began as ESPN’s Malika Andrews began to walk across the front of the room to interview the consensus top-three prospects in the coming draft. AJ Dybantsa was first. Right in the background of the interview, Pritchard could be seen as clear as day. Six minutes later, Andrews was finished and NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum took the stage. He was about to reveal the results.
As Tatum pulled the first card out of a folder to reveal which team would be picking 14th, Buchanan put his elbows on the table. It was his first movement in over five minutes. The Pacers had nothing to worry about until the sixth pick, but the start of the process increased the tension.
No teams jumped into the top four until the Chicago Bulls, who entered the day with the ninth-best odds to do so. When the Dallas Mavericks were revealed to have the ninth pick, that meant the Bulls jumped into the top four. Pritchard stroked his chin, thinking about how that would impact his team.
One minute later, the Memphis Grizzlies also jumped up into the top four. It’s 2:17 now, and both Buchanan and Pritchard are rubbing their chins. They each leaned forward. The team picking sixth was about to be announced. Time for the stressful part.
Tatum pulled out the card for the sixth slot. Up came a Brooklyn Nets logo. There was little reaction from Pacers executives. McConnell looked out over the crowd. There was one final reveal to go.
Between Tatum saying “Nets” and pulling out the card for the fifth pick, 13 seconds passed. To Pritchard and Buchanan, it felt like 13 days. Tatum began his lines. “The fifth pick in the NBA Draft will be made by…
“The LA Clippers,” he said, holding up a Clippers logo. McConnell stared off into space. Buchanan didn’t move. Pritchard took a few seconds before re-adjusting in his chair.
The team’s gamble was a loss. The best possible pick they could send to the Clippers is, in fact, going to the Clippers. It took five minutes before Buchanan moved at all, slightly loosening his posture at 2:23. McConnell walked off the stage and chatted briefly with Charlotte Hornets forward and lottery representative Kon Knueppel.
There was a commercial break before the top-four picks were announced, but that break in the action did little to change the demeanor of Buchanan, Pritchard, or McConnell. All three looked almost shell-shocked despite knowing the odds entering the event.
McConnell’s darting glances after it became reality the pick was going to the Clippers were intentional. Moments earlier, his heart was beating “so fast,” yet there wasn’t a thing he could do about it. LA got the pick, and McConnell couldn’t even look at his front office reps
“In a way, I felt like I was letting him down,” McConnell said. “I know there’s no reason to feel that way, but just weirdly do.”
Wall’s Wizards were announced as the winners of the lottery a few minutes later. The broadcast ended, then executives and some high-profile draft prospects all chatted at the front of the room. Buchanan and Pritchard stayed near their table area but stood up and joined in on some conversations.
The 47.9% chance of losing their pick had actually happened. The odds said that was the most likely outcome for the team, but something about the draft lottery messes with everyone’s brain. It just seems like nothing bad will happen, until it does.
Pritchard couldn’t hide his emotions all afternoon. He was so fidgety that it was clear he was nervous in some way. As he began to speak with reporters not long after the event ended, the team president made his mental state even more clear.
“We’re all disappointed,” Pritchard said. That was a theme. “Disappointed because this is a great draft,” he added later. As he continued speaking, Pritchard kept making it clear how talented the team thinks Zubac is. But he would also catch himself by repeating that emotion.
“What we’ve learned from (Zubac) so far is he’s super smart, and he wants to fit in, and he’s all about winning. And again, disappointed. I’m not trying to smooth over that. We wanted to pick, but we’ll be okay,” Pritchard said. Just over 30 seconds later, a repeat. “Again, I wanted to pick. We wanted to pick, and I know people are going to be disappointed. But you have to remember, our top seven or eight players are still with us. So today it stings. But wait till next season. Let’s give this group an opportunity to go compete for a championship. Because they’ve proven they can do it.”
Indeed they have. The Pacers made the NBA Finals in 2025, then upgraded at center from Myles Turner to Zubac. A top-four would have been a perfect addition to round out the team for the next few years.
Many Pacers players couldn’t sleep before Game 7 of that series. They were nervous for the big stage. That was identical to Pritchard on Sunday, who had a ton of anticipation and wanted the lottery win for his owner, longtime Pacers governor Herb Simon.
“My heart hurts for Mr. Simon, if I’m honest. He’s such a good person and he wants it for Indiana like we all want it. In a way, I feel like I’ve let the organization down,” Pritchard said.
He and McConnell shared that emotion. The lottery brings out the hope in everybody. But instead, the Clippers will pick fifth, a painful twist of fate. It’s why Pritchard couldn’t sleep the night before and why the Pacers trade was viewed as risky. This risk didn’t pay off, but the Zubac trade still can. If Pritchard has his way, his next sleepless night will come before an NBA Finals game with Zubac leading his team’s defense. But there could be more tossing and turning in store for him if Zubac isn’t a perfect fit right away or, worse, the fifth pick turns into a star for the Clippers. Time, as with all trades, will tell if Pritchard’s future sleepless nights will be for positive or negative reasons. He’ll just have to hope for better than 52.1% odds of positive outcomes this time.
And it looks like a key reinforcement will be added to the fold in order to help them do just that.
After his QMJHL team was eliminated from the playoffs, 2025 first-round pick (22nd overall) Bill Zonnon recently joined Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate on an amateur tryout (ATO). While other players were released from their ATOs on Sunday, Zonnon and forward Ryan Miller were kept around.
After being injured at the start of the 2025-26 season - causing him to miss all of training camp - the 6-foot-2, 190-pound forward overcame that injury trouble and put together a solid season for the Blainville-Broisbiand Armada, registering 14 goals and 46 points in 35 games. He was also one of their best players in the playoffs, putting up two goals and 15 points in 17 games.
The most intriguing thing about Zonnon is how well-developed his all-around game is. He plays a formidable two-way brand of hockey, is physical, has a strong playmaking acumen, and thrives in the danger areas of the ice. He also plays a gritty game, winning puck battles with strong wall play and in open-ice one-on-one matchups.
His mature game gives him a pretty high floor at the NHL level, even if his ceiling isn't sky-high. Still, this is a player who should be a really solid middle-six contributor for the Penguins for years to come.
WBS opens its best-of-five Atlantic Division Final series against Springfield on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. ET at Mohegan Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
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