Australia A has claimed a dramatic final-over victory over England A in Sydney, with captain Charli Knott snaring a wicket on the fifth-last ball of the match to seal the 25-run triumph.
Mike DeBord, former Michigan football offensive coordinator, dead at 69
DeBord made many stops in Ann Arbor, serving in multiple assistant coaching roles, as a sports admin, offensive analyst and as offensive coordinator.
Warriors set to unleash ‘different' Playoff Jimmy Butler against Rockets
Warriors set to unleash ‘different' Playoff Jimmy Butler against Rockets originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – The world around us begs for stress, anxiety and far too many worries. Smiles and laughs feel secondary at the moment. A basketball exercise that’s sure to bring both takes almost no time and is meant for all ages.
Fire up Basketball Reference and type in your favorite player. Below their complete name – first, middle and last – are nicknames for players. Some are known worldwide, others have never even been heard by the player.
Threezus. Yeah, that’s apparently Steph Curry. The Dancing Bear. Don’t call Draymond Green that, but it’s included in his list of nicknames as well.
Ever since the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler, two words have been brought up over and over again for a team eyeing their fifth championship during this dynastic run, and a player looking for his first ring after two trips to the NBA Finals that fell short with his previous team.
“He different, that guy,” Green said, his eyes lighting up at the sound of Butler’s nickname. “He’s different. You can just see a whole different intensity level and focus. I’m a basketball fan, you know, so I’ve watched it on TV for years. To see it up close and personal, like it’s a real thing. Sometimes you get in the NBA and these guys get these nicknames and you’re like, man, stop it. There’s some other nicknames out there, they not real.
“That one’s real. And I’m happy he’s on our side.”
Butler’s game is built on consistently making the right plays, often deferring to teammates. He isn’t going to force shots or toss up heat checks. Golden State was given another star alongside Curry upon Butler’s arrival, but that didn’t mean scoring barrages came in bunches.
Until the right time came.
The Warriors needed Game 83 to punch their ticket to the NBA playoffs, beating the Memphis Grizzlies in a fight to the very end, 121-116, Tuesday night at Chase Center in a play-in tournament matchup that decided the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. When reminded of Butler’s Playoff Jimmy moniker, Gary Payton II pulled out something else from his Basketball Reference page.
“Jimmy Buckets,” Payton said. “Give him the ball. Go where he tells you to go, and sit and wait until Jimmy needs help, or he’s going to score or get fouled.”
Knowing the importance of fast starts and having the ultimate closer at his disposal in Curry, Butler scored 10 points in the first quarter for the second straight game. With a 7-foot-4 rookie center Zach Edey sagging off him, Butler hit two threes in the first quarter and calculated in real time how to either take advantage of extra space or maneuver his way closer to the basket, pressing all the right buttons of the computer that buzzes inside his head. That also led to his second straight game of 20 shot attempts.
And it also resulted in his second straight 30-point game.
Butler had scored 30 points just once since joining the Warriors, which happened to be Sunday’s regular-season finale – an overtime loss against the LA Clippers. He was up to 21 points at halftime Tuesday, which turned to 34 through three quarters and a season-high 38 on 12-of-20 shooting when it was all said and done.
The 35-year-old scored twice behind the 3-point line, climbed the ladder for multiple dunks and a tip shot, delivered a 15-foot jumper for his only made shot in the fourth quarter, and, of course, racked up frequent flyer miles at the free-throw line. Butler attempted a season-high 18 free throws and made 12, a number far too low for his standards.
“At the end of the day, you need somebody that can put the ball in the basket, and he knows how to do that,” Curry said. “We have to keep doing all of our parts, and you know, Playoff Jimmy will hopefully be a big unlock for us.”
Beating the Grizzlies means a series with the young, long, athletic and ultra-physical Houston Rockets. Butler, in his final three games to end the regular season, plus Tuesday’s play-in game, scored 28, 24, 30 and 38 points. He dropped just 13 in a loss to the Rockets a week and a half ago.
There won’t be a lumbering rookie guarding him, but doses of Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks and others trying to play in the rough-and-rowdy image of coach Ime Udoka. Butler’s message to his first opponent in the way of him and the Warriors’ path towards a championship? Bring it on, all of it.
“We’ll go back to the drawing board and see how I can be effective on the offensive side of the ball,” Butler said. “But I really believe I can score with the best of them. I don’t care who I’m lined up against.”
That loss is long gone to the mind of a winner. The calendar has turned its pages to Playoff Jimmy time.
‘Playoff guy' GP2 ready to answer Warriors' postseason call
‘Playoff guy' GP2 ready to answer Warriors' postseason call originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – As critical as it is for teams to get big games from their superstar players, in order to get deep into the NBA playoffs, it’s equally important to get steady and solid production from the backups.
That was the formula that played out nicely in the Warriors’ 121-116 play-in victory against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.
Jimmy Butler was in complete Playoff Jimmy mode and poured in a season-high 38 points while Stephen Curry shrugged off a slow start and finished with 37 points.
A deeper dive into the game, however, shows that while those two paved the way for Golden State, it was players like Gary Payton II and Quinten Post who held it down during critical moments.
Payton scored 12 points and made one of the game’s biggest plays when he snuck up from behind and blocked a shot attempt by Grizzlies’ 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey.
Post, the No. 22 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft who has been a revelation as a perimeter shooter, added 11 points and five rebounds in 22 minutes and combined with Payton and Jimmy Butler to limit Edey’s output. He grabbed 17 rebounds and scored 14 points albeit on 4-of-11 shooting.
For Post it was a satisfying night considering it was his first taste of a postseason atmosphere.
For Payton, it was basically another night at the office where the scrappy guard was all over the court diving for loose balls, going chest-to-chest with opposing players and doing whatever he could to make a difference.
“This is time,” Payton said. “You lead up all year to get to this moment. I’m more of a playoff guy … so when it’s that time of year, lock in and get right and try to be as efficient as I can.”
Payton has been very efficient almost from the moment he joined the Warriors.
Golden State coach Steve Kerr was very outspoken about Payton’s impact with the Warriors, specifically pointing out the impact that GPII had when the Warriors won the 2022 NBA Finals.
“We don’t win that championship in (2022) without Gary,” Kerr said. “He’s a big-time player, playoff performer, two-way player. Understands how to play with Steph probably as well as anybody on our team. He’s basically a power forward on offense and a point guard on defense. Very unique player.”
Butler, who was a one-man wrecking crew for most of the game against Memphis, took it a step further and said Payton will definitely be a key factor in the upcoming playoffs.
“He’s going to be a reason that we win a couple games in the playoffs,” Butler said. “But what I love most about GP is he makes sure everybody’s calm. He lets everybody know, ‘We’re going to be just fine. We just have to get a stop, get a bucket. We got to execute.’
“He’ll take and make some big shots (and) for sure he’ll get a big-time dunk to get the crowd into the game and then guard whoever you ask him to guard.”
Payton realizes, too, that the Warriors bench will have to keep producing if the Blue and Gold are going to reach their final destination.
“We know what’s at stake,” he said. “In a regular normal series, you got two games (that) your superstars are going to win for you. You got another game that the bench is going to win for you, and then the third is probably execution. We do our part and we know that Wardell, Jimmy and (Draymond Green) are going to do their part.
“So as much as we can take the load off them and they come in and do what they normally do, it just gives us extra bump, extra run that we have later in the game.”
2025 NFL Draft: Who will be the most shocking 1st-round pick and other bold predictions
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Forecast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.
In a recent episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Matt Harmon and The Ringers’ Danny Heifetz discussed some potential surprises awaiting all of us during next week's NFL Draft. Amidst an array of bold predictions, here are some of the highlights.
Who will be the most shocking first-round pick?
As they explored possibilities, Heifetz put forward the idea of the New Orleans Saints taking Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart ninth overall pick. Heifetz emphasized how this move would be a shocker, but one that aligns with the Saints' need for a long-term QB solution given Derek Carr's shoulder injury and uncertain standing with the team.
Another weapon for Sean McVay and Co.
Further adding to the surprise element, Harmon entertained the notion of the Los Angeles Rams trading into the top 10 to select Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. The Rams have previously shown an interest in adding offensive weapons, and Warren could fill a critical tight end role, easing the burden off their wide receivers.
Steelers add QB of the future
Heifetz also shed light on the possibility of Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe going in the first round, specifically mentioning the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Aaron Rodgers were to retire, the desperate need for a young quarterback could push the Steelers toward the surprise move.
Broncos add another key piece on offense
Lastly, Harmon and Heifetz discussed the Denver Broncos' potential move for Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Under the helm of head coach Sean Payton, the Broncos might pursue Jeanty aggressively — likely needing to trade up from the 20th overall pick — adding another dimension to their offense.
Blues Top Prospect Jimmy Snuggerud Scores First NHL Goal
During the St. Louis Blues' April 15 contest against the Utah Hockey Club, top prospect Jimmy Snuggerud scored his first career NHL goal. It was a significant one, too, as it gave the Blues a 3-0 lead in the first period.
JIMMY SNUGGERUD!
— NHL (@NHL) April 16, 2025
That's his first NHL goal! 💥 pic.twitter.com/c5SvDSiI3y
Snuggerud certainly worked hard to score his first NHL goal, as the 2022 first-round pick jammed in front of the net before getting the puck past Utah goaltender Karel Vejmelka.
Before this goal, Snuggerud already was making an impact in this contest against Vegas. Earlier on in the first period, the promising youngster was denied on a breakaway attempt, but Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich scored on the rebound. As a result, Snuggerud recorded an assist on this play.
Snuggerud is one of the Blues' most exciting young players, and he certainly showed off his offensive potential against Utah with this multi-point game.
Exciting Blues Goalie Prospect Continuing To ThriveSt. Louis Blues goalie prospect Colten Ellis is enjoying an excellent season down in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Springfield Thunderbirds. In 41 appearances, the 24-year-old netminder has a 22-13-3 record, a 2.62 goals-against average, and a .922 save percentage. However, what's more encouraging about Ellis' strong play is that he is only continuing to thrive as the campaign carries on. In his last appearance against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on April 12, he stopped 40 out of 43 shots, which equates to a .930 save percentage. Furthermore, he has had a .900 save percentage or better in six out of his last seven appearances. This includes a 36-save shutout against the Iowa Wild on March 28.
Blues Star Is Heating Up In A Big WaySt. Louis Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich is one of the team's most important players. When playing at his best, the 29-year-old is a big difference-maker because of his high offensive skill.
Former Blues Star Struggling With New TeamDuring this past off-season, former St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings. This was after he appeared in 76 games split between the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers last season, posting 23 goals and 55 points in 76 games. He also won his second career Stanley Cup with Florida that spring. Kings Prospect Sets Franchise Record In Spitfires' Game Three Win
![Liam Greentree was named captain of the Spitfires at the start of the season. This is his first playoff appearance since his rookie year when Windsor was eliminated in round one [Natalie Shaver/OHL Images].](https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_hockey_news_articles_331/71786d10c6fb44bfb4c5073a37964a8a)
All of Windsor is flying high after the Spitfires pummeled the Kitchener Rangers 6-3 last night to take a 3-0 lead in round two of the OHL Playoffs. The victory is extra sweet for L.A. Kings prospect Liam Greentree, who set a franchise record by scoring five goals in the game.
He's the first player to score five goals in a playoff game since Connor McDavid, who completed the feat during the 2015 OHL Playoffs. Greentree also set a franchise record, surpassing Ernie Godden, who put up a four-goal effort back in 1981 for Windsor.
While the Spitfires' success comes from a team effort, it cannot be denied that Greentree is leading the charge,e showing all of the skill and tenacity that made him a first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
He leads the playoffs with 14 goals in eight games, scoring at nearly a two-goal per game pace. The 6-foot-3 forward is tied for the playoff lead in points with linemate and Washington Capitals prospect Ilya Protas, both of whom have tallied 24 points in eight games.
Greentree scored two goals in the opening period to give Windsor a 2-0 lead heading into the second period.
His first goal in the second period couldn't have been timed better. It restored the Spitfires' two-goal lead, coming just a minute and a half after Ottawa Senators prospect Luke Ellinas scored Kitchener's first goal of the game.
Henry Mews' Commitment Shows Why The OHL Could Be In Trouble?Early yesterday evening, Calgary Flames prospect Henry Mews announced his commitment to the University of Michigan to play NCAA hockey next season. The unique decision shows how players are forging new paths in the wake of the NCAA's decision to make CHL players eligible for Division I hockey.
Early in the third, Greentree scored his fourth goal of the game on the power play, making the Windsor lead 5-2 before finishing the night with an empty net goal.
Protas, Greentree's partner in crime, also had a fantastic night scoring a goal and adding three helpers. The pair reminded the league that they are one of the deadliest duos in major juniors, scoring all six Windsor goals and accounting for 11 points.
The Windsor Spitfires have absolutely dominated the Kitchener Rangers in round two of the OHL Playoffs. Through three games they've scored 16 goals while Kitchener has only recorded five.
MVP Candidate Scores Hattrick In Game Two WinEarlier this afternoon, the Brantford Bulldogs defeated the Oshawa Generals 8-5 to take a two-game lead in the series. Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis was the center of attention, scoring a hattrick in the win.
The win gives Windsor a 3-0 series lead and the opportunity to eliminate their opponent and move on to the Western Conference Final on Wednesday. At this point it it seems almost impossible that Kitchener will make a comback in the series.
Only four NHL teams have ever come back from that kind of a deficit, the most recent being the 2014 L.A. Kings, who defeated San Jose and went on to win the Stanley Cup.
While it seems like Windsor will soon book their tickets to the Western Conference Finals, junior hockey is entirely unpredictable. We will see what happens come Wednesday night when Kitchener will host Windsor for game four.
Cal RB Jaydn Ott transfers to Oklahoma football ahead of spring transfer window
Oklahoma football announced on Tuesday that it has signed former Cal running back Jaydn Ott to its 2025 roster. Ott entered the portal on Monday.
Butler uses ‘hellified' superhero analogy for Steph's big play-in game
Butler uses ‘hellified' superhero analogy for Steph's big play-in game originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Every Batman needs his Robin.
That’s exactly who Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler were in the Warriors’ 121-116 NBA play-in win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday at Chase Center — and Butler made sure everyone knew it.
“That we got a hellified Batman in Steph,” Butler told NBA on TNT’s Allie LaForce after the win of what gave him the confidence Golden State would pull it off. “And we just got a group of guys that got a lot of fight and never give up, and we did what we were supposed to do finally.”
"That's a Batman if I've ever seen a Batman. Always coming to save the day" 👏@ALaForce with Jimmy Butler who had high praise for Steph after another clutch performance 🙌 pic.twitter.com/RxvzGq70lj
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 16, 2025
Butler scored a game-high 38 points on 12-of-20 shooting from the field and 2 of 4 from 3-point range while also sinking 12 free throws on a season-high 18 attempts in the victory. Curry was right behind Butler with 37 points, 15 of which came in a fourth-quarter takeover that secured the Warriors’ first-ever play-in win and pushed them to the NBA playoffs as the Western Conference’s No. 7 seed.
STEPH AGAIN 🔥pic.twitter.com/N4Mv1ERquJ
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 16, 2025
There’s no one like Curry, and Butler is well aware. The Chef is the Bay Area’s very own superhero — and now he has the perfect sidekick.
“I think any team has a chance with me on it,” Butler told reporters at the postgame podium. “But I know every team has a chance with Steph on it. I get to play Robin. That’s my Batman.”
Canucks Quinn Hughes Joins Elite Company With 350th Career Assist
On Monday, Quinn Hughes celebrated a special milestone. The Vancouver Canucks captain recorded his 350th career assist, becoming just the seventh player and first defenceman in franchise history to achieve the feat. Over his 432-game career, Hughes has developed into one of the best passers in the NHL and now finds himself in elite company alongside some of the best players ever to play in the NHL.
Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:
Each Of Brock Boeser’s Seasons With The Canucks Described In Less Than Four Words
Canucks Quinn Hughes Nominated For The 2025 King Clancy Trophy
Top Five At 15: The Final Five Canucks, April 2025
With his assist on Monday, Hughes became the 21st player in NHL history to record at least 350 assists before turning 26. The list includes many Hall of Famers, including Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemiux, as well as current NHLers in Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Mitch Marner and Nathan MacKinnon. Hughes is currently tied with MacKinnon for 20th on the list and will have one final chance to move past the Colorado Avalanche superstar before his 26th birthday as Vancouver battles the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday.
As for defensemen, Hughes is the fifth defender to record 350 assists before turning 26. The other four are Bobby Orr (522), Paul Coffey (460), Phil Housley (380), and Ray Bourque (366). Hughes also ranks 11th in all-time points by a defenceman before turning 26, while his 409 points are the most by any defender currently playing in the NHL.
To wrap things up, the 2024-25 season was also the fourth time in Hughes' career he has recorded at least 60 assists. That ranks tied for sixth with Jaromír Jágr, Joe Sakic, Lemieux and Denis Savard for the most by any skater before their 26th birthday. As for the players with more, those would be Gretzky (7), McDavid (6), Bryan Trottier (6), Orr (5) and Coffey (5).
While Hughes still has a ways to go, he is on pace to become one of the highest point-producing defensemen in NHL history. His .95 points per game ranks sixth among defenders in NHL history who have played at least 200 games, while he leads all defensemen in points since the start of the 2018-19 season, during which he only played five games. Ultimatley, if Hughes can keep up this production, and be signed to a long-term contract, he could very well finish his career as the greatest player in Canucks history.
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, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
Cricket will be played at a fairground 50km from LA at purpose-built structure in 2028
A multipurpose venue which hosts horse racing and the LA County Fair will be turned in to a cricket ground for the sports return at the 2028 Olympics.
The Oilers And Kings' Bad Blood Returns: That's Why The NHL Playoff Format Hasn't Changed
You can say what you want about the NHL’s current Stanley Cup playoff format, but it ignited the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings’ rivalry.
The ultimate goal of the current division-based playoff format is creating and improving rivalries between teams. In the Atlantic Division, the first-place Toronto Maple Leafs will likely battle their provincial rivals, the Ottawa Senators, and in the Central Division, the Dallas Stars will square off against the Colorado Avalanche. There’s plenty of history in both of those likely series, and emotions will be high right off the hop.
But what the Oilers and Kings have developed out of three straight years of first-round meetings is perhaps the best example of the format in action. They’re going at it once again in the first round of this post-season, and as we saw Monday night in the final regular-season game between the two clubs, there’s already no shortage of ill will between the Oilers and Kings.
Although Monday’s game featured an Oilers team with a handful of players sitting out – including star forwards Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman – there was no shortage of chippiness and flat-out hatred between Edmonton and Los Angeles.
Both sides spoke out during and after the game about the rivalry – including Kings center Phillip Danault, who talked about Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse cross-checking Kings center Quinton Byfield in the back of the head. Nurse was ejected from the game and may face supplemental discipline, but anger over the hit on Byfield clearly lingered with Danault.
“I think they just have their B squad in trying to hurt us,” Danault said on the Kings’ broadcast during the intermission.
For his part, Oilers right winger Corey Perry was incredulous after the game when told of Danault’s comments.
“What the f---?” Perry said to reporters. “Did he not look at what's happened over the last couple weeks? Like, what do you want us to do? We're not out there to hurt anybody.”
Edmonton left winger Connor Brown also discussed the bad blood between the two teams – and specifically, about Danault clashing with him during Monday’s game.
“I’m not really interested in getting into a media war with Danault,” Brown said. “He took a run at me. I took a run at him. I don’t really have anything to say.”
How Will Evander Kane Look Back In The Edmonton Oilers' Lineup?Evander Kane hasn’t played for the Edmonton Oilers in 10 months, but he’s getting close.
There’s every reason to believe tensions will be sky-high when the two teams go head-to-head in the next week. There’s a difference this time around in that the Kings have earned home-ice advantage, but otherwise, this is going to be a battle between teams that have developed a healthy hate for each other.
That’s the whole point of the NHL’s playoff format. This isn’t to say that a different format could also create and develop rivalries, but there’s no doubt the current format is working in that regard.
The Oilers have won the previous three playoff series between the teams, but many people – this writer included – believe the result could be different this year. The Kings have the league’s best home record at 31-5-4, while the Oilers’ road record is 22-16-2 – not subpar but not intimidating, either. So Edmonton could be considered the underdog in this series, especially because key Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm will be out of action for at least the first round.
There’s no question that the emotions between the two teams are already at a fever pitch, and it won’t take much for those emotions to boil over. It’s going to be high drama between the Oilers and Kings, and because of that – and regardless of who wins – the NHL will consider that a tremendous success.
Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
Full Warriors vs. Rockets schedule released for first-round NBA playoff series
Full Warriors vs. Rockets schedule released for first-round NBA playoff series originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors escaped the NBA play-in tournament and will face the Houston Rockets in a best-of-seven first-round Western Conference playoff series beginning Sunday night.
Shortly after Golden State held off the scrappy Memphis Grizzlies 121-116 on Tuesday night at Chase Center, the NBA released the full schedule for the Warriors-Rockets series:
Game 1: Sunday, April 20 — Golden State at Houston — 6:30 p.m. PT — NBC Sports Bay Area
Game 2: Wednesday, April 23 — Golden State at Houston — 6:30 p.m. PT — NBC Sports Bay Area
Game 3: Saturday, April 26 — Houston at Golden State — 5:30 p.m. PT — ABC
Game 4: Monday, April 28 — Houston at Golden State — 7:00 p.m. PT — NBC Sports Bay Area
Game 5*: Wednesday, April 30 — Golden State at Houston — Time TBD — TV TBD
Game 6*: Friday, May 2 — Houston at Golden State — Time TBD — TV TBD
Game 7*: Sunday, May 4 — Golden State at Houston — Time TBD — TV TBD
The Warriors won three of the five regular-season matchups against the Rockets.
In the last contest on April 6 in San Francisco, the Rockets assigned second-year guard Amen Thompson to guard Steph Curry, which worked. Golden State’s star was held to 1-of-10 shooting and finished with three points in a 106-96 loss to Houston.
The winner of the Warriors-Rockets series will face the victor of the Minnesota Timberwolves-Los Angeles Lakers series.
This will be the fifth playoff series all-time between the Warriors and Rockets, with the teams meeting in 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019.
Golden State has won all four previous series against Houston.
The Warriors will need the best from Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green if they want to pull off the upset over the No. 2-seeded Rockets.
Konnor Smith Signs ELC With Anaheim, Will Report to Gulls
Konnor Smith becomes the latest Ducks draft pick to officially join the organization after signing his entry-level contract (ELC) on Tuesday. He will report to the AHL and play with the San Diego Gulls on an amateur tryout (ATO) for the rest of the 2024-25 season, with his ELC beginning at the start of the 2025-26 season.
At six-foot-six and 216 pounds, Smith is a big boy. Naturally, he uses his size and strength to his advantage and is a very physical player. Smith played parts of three seasons with the OHL's Peterborough Petes and had a crucial role in the Petes' playoff run as a shutdown defenseman en route to an OHL championship. In 2023-24, he was traded mid-season to the Owen Sound Attack and appeared in four playoff games that season before finishing the year with the Gulls on an ATO. He appeared in six games and scored in his AHL debut.
After being named captain of the Attack for the 2024-25 season, Smith played in just eight games before being traded to the Brampton Steelheads. He had 18 points in 32 games, setting a new career-high. Smith and the Steelheads faced off against fellow Ducks draft pick Beckett Sennecke and the Oshawa Generals in the first round of the OHL Playoffs. Sennecke missed part of the series due to injury, but the Generals still came out on top in six games.
Anaheim Ducks Prospect Spotlight: Six Prospects Advance in CHL PlayoffsThe NHL season is in its final days, but the CHL playoffs are heading to their second round. All eight Anaheim Ducks prospects playing in the CHL saw their teams make the playoffs and six of them saw their teams advance to the second round.
Smith could play a large role for the Gulls next season. Behind Stian Solberg and Tyson Hinds, there are currently few left-handed options. It's uncertain if Rodwin Dionicio will return from Biel in Switzerland and Dillion Heatherington's AHL contract is up at the end of this season. On the right side are Noah Warren and AHL veteran Roland McKeown, and recently-signed Ian Moore will likely spend most of next season in the AHL as well.
To elevate his game, Smith must continue to improve his discipline. He tends to toe the line between being physical and outright destructive at times. While physicality is his killing card, it will do him no good if he's spending more time in the penalty box than on the ice. Continuing to improve his puck skills and skating is also a necessity as the game continues to trend toward mobile, puck movers versus prototypical stay-at-home defensemen.
Radko Gudas Selected as Ducks’ King Clancy Memorial Trophy Nominee
Jacob Trouba Suggests Ducks Haven't Turned the Corner the Standings Indicate
Report: Rumored Zegras to Canadiens Trade at 2024 Draft Clarified
Return Of Avalanche Star Could Be Best Story Of The Playoffs
The Colorado Avalanche are set to take on the Dallas Stars in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. But on Tuesday, the Avalanche made big news when they recalled veteran star Gabriel Landeskog -- and Landeskog's return to action after nearly three calendar years on the sidelines with a catastrophic knee injury could be the best story of the post-season.
Landeskog returned to on-ice action this week when he played two games with the American League's Colorado Eagles. Landeskog posted a goal and two points in his second game, a performance that had to infuse him with confidence that he could do great things after more than 1,000 days between NHL games. And certainly, Landeskog's teammates fully believe Landeskog still can contribute in hockey's top league.
"It was awesome," Avs superstar Nathan MacKinnon told NHL.com in regard to Landeskog's two AHL games. "I [didn't] know what to expect, obviously, but I thought every shift he looked better. I thought Game Two, he looked a lot better as well...He's Gabe Landeskog at the end of the day, and, obviously, there's going to be some rust. Three years is a crazy amount of time off, and he hasn't really been practicing that much either...But I think he looks great, and in game situations, you can still see those instincts are there. He's still got it, for sure."
Hockey fans always enjoy a great comeback story, and Landeskog's fight to overcome adversity is one of the NHL's best human interest stories in recent memory. The 32-year-old Swede has played 738 regular-season NHL games and 69 playoff games, but if and when he suits up for the Avs in the current post-season, he's going to give his teammates a huge inspirational boost.
Landeskog was a key factor in the Avalanche's most recent Cup victory, and now, he has a chance to help push them to another Cup win. We shouldn't expect him to be a difference-maker -- at least, not right away -- but it's hard not to root for someone who probably felt at some point like his on-ice career was at an end.
Gabriel Landeskog Set to Play in His First Professional Game Since 2022Loveland, Colo. - The Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Eagles (AHL) announced this morning that Gabriel Landeskog will dress for the Colorado Eagles in their match tonight against the Henderson Silver Knights. This will be his Eagles debut.
Landeskog will have scores of Avs fans cheering him on, and just getting back to the NHL is a massive achievement for him. We'll all be watching him and hoping for the best -- and if he does deliver a memorable performance, Landeskog will carve out a particularly special place in hockey history.