Former New Jersey Devil Michael McLeod has signed a three-year contract with the Kontinental Hockey League’s Avangard Omsk, the club announced Thursday.
The KHL's X account shared on October 9: “Michael McLeod is a Hawk once again!”
McLeod is no stranger to the KHL, having played last season with Barys and Omsk, where he recorded six goals and 13 assists in 35 games.
Before heading overseas, McLeod spent several seasons in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils, totaling 29 goals and 56 assists in 287 games.
McLeod, along with Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart, faced criminal allegations related to Hockey Canada’s 2018 World Junior team. The players took leaves of absence from their respective teams during the legal proceedings.
All were found not guilty in July 2025. Per the NHL, McLeod became eligible to officially sign an NHL contract as of October 15, though he could agree to terms effective October 1.
At 27 years old, McLeod hasn’t played in the NHL in nearly two years. While reports were suggesting he might return and sign with the Carolina Hurricanes for the 2025–26 season, it is now confirmed that he will continue his career overseas.
The 12th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils will not return to the NHL this season, opting instead to continue playing internationally.
The day has arrived for the Detroit Red Wings, who officially begin their centennial campaign on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena.
They'll be doing it in style with special centennial-themed uniforms that they'll not only wear for tonight's game but also on Saturday night's tilt against another historic Original Six rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
While the Red Wings will be celebrating their long and rich history all season long, 2025-26 will also mark yet another serious injection of youth into the Detroit lineup.
Rookies Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, Emmitt Finnie, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka are the latest wave of young talent drafted by GM Steve Yzerman who will now look to help take the Red Wings to the next level.
Sandin-Pellikka was one of the most talked-about players in Detroit’s system, and thanks to his strong performances during Training Camp and the preseason, he earned a spot on the Opening Night roster against Montreal. He’ll be paired with Simon Edvinsson, who is coming off his first full NHL season.
"A lot of excitement, for me and my family," he said of his reaction when receiving the news that he'd made the final roster cut. "It's a dream come true. As a kid you want to play in the NHL. Just getting a chance to do it tonight is going to be very cool and I'm looking forward to it."
Just like fellow rookie teammates Brandsegg-Nygård and Finnie, Sandin-Pellikka will have multiple family members in attendance on Thursday.
"My family is coming in with my dad and mom, my brother and sister, and my granddad and uncle," he explained. "I've got six people and it will be fun sharing it with them."
The Red Wings have featured a wealth of Swedish-born talent throughout their history, most notably multi–Norris Trophy winner and former team captain Nicklas Lidstrom, who is widely considered the greatest defensemen in NHL history.
Sandin-Pellikka has leaned on the support from former Lidstrom teammate Niklas Kronwall, who is now a Development Coach with a focus on Swedish talent.
"He's been helping me a lot and offered skills and video, just talking about his career and how that was," Sandin-Pellikka said of Kronwall. "It's been very helpful."
Not only did Sandin-Pellikka prove himself worthy as a defenseman against other NHL players, but his puck-moving skills and attributes on the power-play helped make earning a roster spot possible.
Last season while playing with Skelleftea AIK, he earned himself numerous accolades, including being named the Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year after leading all junior SHL players in goals and points.
A regular on the blue line during power plays in Sweden, Sandin-Pellikka is in his element on the ice when the opposition is shorthanded, and he saw multiple minutes on the power-play with the Red Wings in pre-season play.
"It's a fun challenge for me, playing the power play," he said. "I've always done that so I hope I still have the qualities for that. I'm feeling good for that."
Sandin-Pellikka will begin his NHL career wearing jersey No. 44. He would have liked to have worn No. 5 as he did with Skelleftea AIK, but understandably, he knows it's unavailable.
Lidstrom wore No. 5 throughout his legendary career with the Red Wings, a tenure that included multiple Norris Trophy wins, four Stanley Cup championships, the 2002 Conn Smythe Trophy, and his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.
His No. 5 was raised to the rafters at Joe Louis Arena in 2014 and now hangs in Little Caesars Arena. Maybe one day, No. 44 will be placed alongside Lidstrom's retired jersey banner in the rafters.
"Hopefully!" he said with a grin.
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Remembering where to be 365 days a year, even if it means the doping control officer pressing the doorbell at 6am, can weigh heavily on players
During a particularly mischievous period of his life, many years ago, a 21-year-old Gaël Monfils returned home from a long night of partying at 5.45am and after a quick dash to the bathroom fell asleep. Minutes later he was woken up by a doping control officer at his front door: “I’m dying in my bed and somehow I hear the guy come. Barely. I’m dead and he’s coming,” says Monfils, laughing.
One of the requirements of being an elite player is providing your location for an hour each day as part of the anti-doping whereabouts system, which allows the anti-doping authorities to conduct unannounced out-of-competition doping tests. For years the Frenchman, like most other players, has assigned 6am as his usual hour, a time he is certain to be at home or in his hotel room.
As the Mets head into a critical offseason, they will certainly need to be aggressive in pursuing veteran players -- via free agency or trade -- across the roster.
One thing that must remain a constant is the need to infuse young, quality players into the mix on a yearly basis. Some years will yield more than others, but the sign of a functioning player development system is avoiding multi-year gaps in generating young talent for the big league roster.
The 2025 season was mostly about pitching, with Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong being the most notable prospects to make their big league debuts. On the position player side, no young players debuted, but the Mets did get larger sample sizes of Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, and Mark Vientos.
As David Stearns begins shaping the 2026 roster, he’ll have to strike a careful balance: leaving open opportunities for top-end young prospects to break through, while also ensuring the team is built to win from Opening Day on.
Two positions in the lineup stand out as key areas for improvement: second base and center field.
The Mets’ top two hitting prospects -- infielder/center fielder Jett Williams and outfielder Carson Benge -- both finished the year at Triple-A and were recently ranked among MLB Pipeline’s top 30 prospects in the sport.
Williams had a bounce back season after missing most of 2024 due to wrist surgery, posting an .828 OPS with 34 doubles, seven triples, 17 home runs, and 34 stolen bases over 130 games split between Double-A and Triple-A. He played all three up-the-middle positions defensively (shortstop, second base, and center field), with evaluators I speak to liking him best at second base.
Benge, the Mets’ first-round pick in 2024 out of Oklahoma State, had a breakout first professional season. He torched High-A and Double-A pitching, posting a .926 OPS with 24 doubles, six triples, and 12 home runs in 92 games. After a promotion to Triple-A, he suffered a wrist injury that sidelined him for nearly two weeks. While his overall stat line at that level wasn’t eye-popping, he finished strong with a 1.132 OPS and two home runs in his last seven games of the season with Syracuse.
Defensively, Benge was a right fielder in college but played more center field as the 2025 season progressed. The Mets were impressed with how his reads and reactions improved as he got more reps. He may never be a Gold Glover out there, but there’s real belief that he can handle center field at the next level thanks to his athleticism and plus throwing arm.
While Williams and Benge are getting close (I project both to make their big league debuts in 2026), it should be considered highly unlikely that either will be ready to claim a starting role on Opening Day.
This is where that balance comes into play.
David Stearns / USA TODAY Sports/SNY Treated Image
I believe Tyrone Taylor is a winning player, but he profiles best as a fourth outfielder on a contending team. The Mets should be looking into an everyday type of center fielder, ideally on a short-term deal, who can also help shore up their run prevention.
Free agency offers limited options.
A reunion with Harrison Bader is possible, or the Mets could look across town at Trent Grisham. Grisham’s Yankee teammate Cody Bellinger posted -1 outs above average in center field in 2025. He likely fits better in a corner spot and is expected to land a long-term deal.
On the trade market, the Mets could again investigate Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox, who is owed $20 million in 2026 (assuming Chicago picks up his option), and there is a club option for the same amount in 2027. He was playing better leading up to the trade deadline when the Sox surprisingly kept him, and he is a plus defensively.
Second base presents a more convoluted scenario. The Mets don’t necessarily have to look externally. Brett Baty showed versatility in handling second base, and there are also young options like Luisangel Acuña and Ronny Mauricio. That said, there are legitimate questions about whether Acuña’s bat fits for an everyday role, and it’s unclear whether Mauricio can sustain second base defensively over a full season.
Jeff McNeil remains the incumbent. He had an above-average offensive year in 2025 and graded out at +4 outs above average defensively at second base. He is owed $15.75 million in 2026, with a club option for the same in 2027.
However, as the Mets look to shake up their position player group, McNeil stands out as a potential trade candidate. It may require the Mets eating some salary, but he could be flipped for pitching help, and they could then explore adding a second baseman.
Free agency presents a few intriguing options. Alex Bregman would be a bold acquisition. He’s a proven winner, an elite clubhouse presence, and can play either second or third base. Signing him would represent a significant shakeup to the core of the roster. Bregman is expected to seek at least a four-year deal this winter.
Ha-Seong Kim, who has a $16 million player option for 2026, would be an excellent defensive and athletic fit if he hits the market. He would also bring 20–30 stolen base potential to a team that could use more athleticism. Luis Rengifo, while coming off a down offensive year, graded out at +4 OAA at second base. He brings similar versatility to McNeil.
On the trade market, Brandon Lowe of the Rays is a name to watch. According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Mets have discussed him in the past. He’s owed $11.5 million on a club option in 2026 before hitting free agency. Lowe hit 31 home runs in 2025, but his defense has been a mixed bag over the last couple years. In He ranked last among second basemen in outs above average at -13 this past season. The question here would be if he would help the run prevention enough, or if he would be looked at more as a designated hitter who can play second base.
At his end-of-season news conference, Stearns noted when asked about position players like Benge and Williams: "I think incorporating young players into the mix is part of winning, and part of winning consistently. We can’t shy away from doing that."
Benge and Williams have a chance to soon become key members of the core of this Mets offense. The key will be for the Mets to more than adequately cover themselves at center field and second base, so they get performance both offensively and defensively until the young reinforcements are ready to make an impact. That time is coming, and is among the reasons for excitement heading into 2026.
When Aaron Boone sat at the podium late Wednesday after losing the division series to Toronto and said, “It's hard to win the World Series. Been chasing it all my life,” his pain was raw and real, matching the heartbreak of the Yankees fans who have to wait yet another year to feel the joy that came so easily a generation ago.
Losing in the playoffs is a terrible, thudding blow. No one wants to feel this again 12 months from now.
But sometimes the way to get there is through discipline and continuity. The Yankees did not lose to Toronto because of some glaring flaw or cultural rot. They won 94 games in the regular season, then lost a baseball series to a team that in most years is worse than they are, and this year was slightly better. It’s not that deep.
Here’s a plan for how the Yankees can once again contend for a championship in 2026:
Re-signing free agent Cody Bellinger in free agency and extending Jazz Chisholm Jr.
For several years, and with a nudge from top executive Omar Minaya, the Yankees have worked to become more athletic. Long gone are the days of Gleyber Torres in the middle infield and Luke Voit at first base.
The Yankees go into next year with plus defense at third base, too, with Ryan McMahon, and an excellent game caller behind the plate in Austin Wells.
Bellinger is a speedy, rangy, power-hitting plus defender at four positions. It makes no sense to sacrifice that for a pursuit of free agent Kyle Tucker. Like, come on people. There is no comparison to the versatility, despite Tucker’s somewhat better OPS.
We don’t yet know Bellinger’s contract demands, and of course there is a point at which any deal is too much. But losing Bellinger is the only roster move that would leave the Yankees significantly worse heading into next season (this is assuming health for Aaron Judge).
Chisholm is another dynamic athlete, and a smart player. Yeah, I said it. A smart player, despite what the weird haters somehow see.
Chisholm is an expert baserunner who spent time during the last two years helping Juan Soto and Judge improve their ability to read from first base when a pitcher is going home. He is a relative of the acclaimed Mets first base coach Antoan Richardson — the guy who helped Soto steal 38 bases — and shares Richardson’s expertise in that area.
Chisholm made up a stat this year, “home runs plus stolen bases,” and challenged Judge to a competition. Judge only edged Chisholm 65 to 62. Chisholm hit 31 home runs as a middle infielder.
He is also the type of team player that every organization needs. Earlier this season, when DJ LeMahieu could not or would not play third base, Chisholm agreed to do it. The move might have cost him free agent money, because the industry values 30-home run second basemen over 30-home run corner guys. He did it anyway. Pay the man.
Make sure not to scapegoat Aaron Boone
The Yankees manager did a masterful job — that’s right, masterful — in a few key areas this year. Look at his handling of Devin Williams, knowing to pull Williams from the closer role early to save his season, then finding soft lanes for him to rebuild confidence during several slumps.
The difference between public perception of how Boone functions in his job — Alex Rodriguez, totally disconnected from the reality of the organization, recently called the manager a "mouthpiece" for the front office — is vast.
Boone is under contract, and his job is 99.98 percent safe. 99.97 percent safe? Here’s hoping, for the Yankees’ sake, that the small handful of internal muttering about him does not mushroom into a discussion about change.
Rethink shortstop
A team could do worse than a shortstop who hits 20 home runs and has upside defensively. But really, the Yankees’ best opportunity for a vibe shift after this postseason loss is to get together and have an honest talk about Anthony Volpe.
It is too bad that onetime prospect Oswald Peraza never developed into a hitter, because the Yanks need a shortstop of the sort that Peraza was supposed to become — a guy with a stronger arm and better feel for that important position.
Acquire a plus defender, even if a part-time player, for first base
For decades, the Yankees have believed in the need for a plus defender at first base. They have only deviated from this approach a few times.
The team can continue to utilize Ben Rice in a unique 1B/backup catcher/DH rotation, but needs to replace Paul Goldschmidt's defense at first. In a pinch, Bellinger could move from the outfield to late-inning defense at first, though a righty hitter would better fit the roster (the Yankees also need to re-sign Amed Rosario or an equivalent righty bench piece).
If Spencer Jones can hold down an outfield spot, which the Yankees hope he will, Bellinger can play even more first base.
Supplement the bullpen
The Yankees have oodles of starting pitching. If Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt return as expected from Tommy John surgeries next season, they’ll join Max Fried, Cam Schlittler and Carlos Rodon atop an elite rotation.
The team also has pitching prospects Carlos Lagrange, Bryce Cunningham, Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and Ben Hess in the pipeline.
Once the Yankees replace free agents Williams and Luke Weaver with bullpen acquisitions, their pitching will be in good shape. By the end of the season, Camilo Doval looked like a late-inning trade deadline gem.
After a great training camp and preseason, forward Hunter Haight was sent down to the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Iowa Wild.
The Wild had 13 forwards on the roster and Nico Sturm was progressing well and seemed healthy. But on Tuesday the Wild placed Sturm on the Injured Reserve along with Mats Zuccarello.
This opened the door for Haight and the Wild recalled him from the AHL.
Haight, 21, was the Wild's 47th overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft and played in his first season of professional hockey last year. He recorded 20 goals and 34 points in 67 games for Iowa last year.
The 5-foot-10 center will make his NHL Debut tonight on the road against the St. Louis Blues. He is expecting his parents and his girlfriend to be in attendance on Thursday.
"I feel great," Haight said. "I feel great coming into here, I think I'm ready and I'm just excited."
With Sturm out for quite some time, this has opened an opportunity to not only make his NHL debut but to make a name for himself in the NHL.
"Yeah, it's always an opportunity when you're here," Haight said on Wednesday. "I got to take full advantage of it and try and do what I can to help the team out."
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The National Basketball Association (NBA) will return to China for the first time since 2019 as the Brooklyn Nets play the Phoenix Suns in two pre-season games.
The matches will take place at The Venetian Arena in Macau, a special administrative region of China close to Hong Kong.
The NBA have announced a multi-year partnership with Chinese technology giant Alibaba at the end of last year, which they believe will enhance fan engagement using AI technology.
The Nets are also owned by the company's chair Joseph Tsai, a Taiwanese-Canadian businessman.
It is the first time an NBA fixture has been played in Macau since 2007 [Getty Images]
Why they haven't played there since 2019?
The NBA has not held games in China for six years after former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey posted a message on Twitter, now X, in support of Hong Kong pro-democracy protests.
Morey tweeted: "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong."
The tweet was subsequently deleted, but the the Chinese Basketball Association and streaming platforms suspended all cooperation with the team and immediately stopped broadcasting their games.
What's the history behind Hong Kong and China?
Originally a British colony for more than 150 years, Hong Kong, signed a treaty in 1984 with China that would see them return to Chinese administation in 1997, under the principle of "one country, two systems".
In June 2019, protests started in the country against plans to allow extradition to mainland China.
Rights groups accused China of perceived interference, resulting in clashes with the police which lasted until 2024.
Why is basketball big in China?
The NBA estimates that around 300 million people play basketball in China - but much of its popularity stems from the success of Yao Ming in the NBA.
The 7ft 5in centre joined the Houston Rockets in 2002, helping to transform them into "China's team" during a seven-year spell in the United States.
The Macau games aim to bolster the NBA's profile in China further, capitalising on an audience that is eager for the return of the sport.
Games have now returned to Chinese state television, with the nation estimated to bring in $5bn (£3.7bn) for NBA China, according to ESPN.
"We are experiencing as great enthusiasm for the game as we ever have in China," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
"As you know, there's tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China, so it's wonderful to be back here."
Suns guard and four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker adds: "Basketball without borders is super important, being here on their homeland and letting them see us play in person."
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The New Jersey Devils will play their first game of the 2025–26 season tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The two teams last faced one another in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. That series ended the Devils’ season when they fell 5–4 in double overtime to the Hurricanes in Game 5.
Now, the Devils are looking for revenge after that elimination. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. ET in Carolina.
Last season, the two teams met four times in the regular season and five times in the postseason.
Regular-Season Results
Oct. 15 at Hurricanes – 4–2 L
Nov. 21 vs. Hurricanes – 4–2 W
Dec. 27 vs. Hurricanes – 4–2 W
Dec. 28 at Hurricanes – 5–2 L
Playoff Results
Game 1: Devils at Hurricanes – Lost 1–4
Game 2: Devils at Hurricanes – Lost 1–3
Game 3: Hurricanes at Devils – Won 3–2 (2OT)
Game 4: Hurricanes at Devils – Lost 2–5
Game 5: Devils at Hurricanes – Lost 4–5 (2OT)
Including playoffs, the Devils are 0–10 in their last 10 games played in Carolina, a streak they’ll look to end tonight.
Leading into the season, both teams wrapped up their exhibition schedules. The Devils went 3–2–2 in seven preseason games, while Carolina finished 1–3–2 in six.
Where to Watch
TV: ESPN+ and Hulu
Radio: Devils Hockey Network
At the morning skate, the Devils’ lines looked nearly identical to Wednesday’s session:
Your first #NJDevils morning skate lineup ahead of facing the Hurricanes tonight:
• No changes from yesterday. • Pesce set to play his 700th NHL game • NHL debut coming up for Arseny Gritsyuk • Devils debut for: Dadonov, Brown and Glendening pic.twitter.com/mgVJkVbA46
The expected goaltending matchup is Frederik Andersen for Carolina versus Jacob Markstrom for New Jersey.
Milestone Moments
Tonight’s game will mark Brett Pesce’s 700th career NHL game. Pesce, who was a full participant in practice yesterday after missing time in training camp, will become the 20th player in NHL history to play his 700th game against the team that drafted him.
Pesce was originally selected by the Hurricanes, where he played for nine seasons before joining the Devils this offseason.
It’s also a milestone night for rookie Arseny Gritsyuk, who will make his NHL debut after spending most of his career in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Gritsyuk led the Devils in preseason scoring with five points (2 goals, 3 assists).
Three other players will make their Devils debuts tonight: Evgenii Dadonov, Connor Brown, and Luke Glendening, all appearing in the red and black for the first time.
After 163 days of waiting, Devils hockey is finally back, and the team will look to start the new season on the right foot tonight in Carolina.
NEW YORK — Forget the preseason prognostications. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the worst-to-first Toronto Blue Jays believe they’re as good as anybody.
Hard to argue after the way they dispatched Aaron Judge and the powerful New York Yankees in their AL Division Series.
And now, manager John Schneider’s pesky Blue Jays bunch is set up pretty nicely for the next playoff round against Detroit or Seattle.
“This is a really special group and we’ve had the confidence to be here since day one. I like our chances and I like the fact that these guys will be recognized for it,” Schneider said.
“I think we more than showed what we can do in this series between all that pitching, defense, everything. The guys in here know what we’re capable of and we don’t really care what anyone else thinks.”
Guerrero and George Springer each drove in a run, and eight Toronto pitchers shut down the Yankees in a 5-2 victory that sent the surprising Blue Jays to the American League Championship Series for the first time in nine years.
“Maybe some people don’t believe in the team through the year, but I always remind everyone that we have an entire country behind us that believe in us, and hopefully we can get the World Series back to Canada,” Guerrero said through a translator.
AL East champion Toronto, wearing its lucky caps with the white panels, took the best-of-five Division Series 3-1 and will host Game 1 in the best-of-seven ALCS against the wild-card Tigers or AL West champion Mariners.
Those teams are set to decide their series in Game 5 at Seattle.
“We knew we were kind of the best team all year,” part-time outfielder and second baseman Davis Schneider said. “Obviously, a lot of people doubted us. Everyone was kind of picking the Yankees to win the series or even the World Series. We’re a great team for a reason. Over the 162 (regular-season games) and into the playoffs, we showed what we can do really well.”
Toronto went 4-3 against Detroit this season and 4-2 versus Seattle.
And while the Tigers and Mariners will use some of their best arms, veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman and rookie Trey Yesavage — the Blue Jays’ top two starters in the ALDS — will be fully rested for the first two games of the ALCS.
“I think with this team, it’s so special that everybody has each other’s back and plays for each other,” reliever Louis Varland said.
No matter who pitches against Toronto, they’ll need to contend with Guerrero and a feisty lineup that consistently fights off tough pitches and puts the ball in play.
Guerrero batted .529 with three homers and nine RBIs in the ALDS, tormenting the Yankees in October in the mold of David Ortiz, Ken Griffey Jr. and George Brett decades ago.
“They hit the crap out of the ball. They didn’t miss,” Yankees catcher Austin Wells said.
Ernie Clement also had an outstanding series at the plate as the Blue Jays advanced to their eighth ALCS. Toronto’s only pennants came in 1992 and ’93, when the club won consecutive World Series crowns.
A season ago, the Blue Jays finished last in the AL East at 74-88, which was 20 games behind the first-place Yankees, who reached the World Series.
This year, the Blue Jays went 11-6 against New York — including 8-1 in Toronto. The teams tied for the AL East title at 94-68, but the Blue Jays won the division on a head-to-head tiebreaker.
“It just shows you a lot can happen in a year,” Springer said. “For us to respond the way we did this year, I couldn’t be more proud of this team.”
NEW YORK — Aaron Judge walked slowly from first base to the Yankees’ dugout after Cody Bellinger ended the game with a strikeout, then turned his head to watch the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate on New York’s infield.
“You don’t like seeing it and it kind of leaves an impression,” Judge said. “Make sure this doesn’t happen next year.”
New York’s 16th consecutive season without a World Series championship ended with a 5-2 loss to Toronto, which won the AL Division Series 3-1 and advanced to a matchup against Seattle or Detroit for the American League pennant.
An hour after the game, Giancarlo Stanton walked over to Judge, seated by his locker in the quiet clubhouse, and put a consoling arm around the captain’s shoulder.
“Didn’t execute when we needed to,” Stanton told reporters a few minutes later. “Timely at-bats, timely pitches, we just didn’t do it as well as they did.”
Judge hit .500 with seven RBIs in seven postseason games, including .600 (9 for 15) with one homer, six RBIs, four walks and a 1.617 OPS against the Blue Jays. But a year after losing a five-game World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Yankees still are looking for championship No. 28.
“This has been a tough year for me personally,” manager Aaron Boone said after his eighth season without a title. “It’s terrible. It hurts.”
Now 33 and perhaps on the verge of his third AL MVP award, Judge has had eight unfulfilling trips to the playoffs in 10 big league seasons.
Instead of moving alongside Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle and Derek Jeter in adding to the Yankees’ championship collection, Judge remains in the same category as Don Mattingly and Dave Winfield — star players also known for not winning a World Series in the Bronx.
“It doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen, and he and I wholeheartedly believe that it will,” Boone said. “You keep working your tail off to get back to this position and punch through.”
Judge won his first AL batting title this season by hitting .331 with 114 RBIs and 53 home runs — reaching 50 for the fourth time. He is on a Hall of Fame track with a .294 career average and 368 homers, and he has a .235 postseason average with 17 homers and 41 RBIs in 65 games.
“It’s almost like we take it for granted because he only had 50-something homers and not 60,” said Paul Goldschmidt, a seven-time All-Star who joined the Yankees for this season. “Took it to a whole new level. He’s the best that I’ve ever been around. He’s also just the greatest teammate I’ve been around, the best leader.”
It is unclear whether Judge’s right elbow, both of Stanton’s elbows and shortstop Anthony Volpe’s left shoulder might need surgery.
“We’ll do some work on it and get it right,” Judge said.
Asked whether an operation could be needed, he responded: “I’m not a doctor. I don’t know.”
A year after an AL East title and a five-game World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Yankees had a winning record for the 33rd straight season. But they finished second to Toronto in the division on a tiebreaker, then rallied to win their best-of-three Wild Card Series against archrival Boston after losing the opener.
New York was outscored 34-19 by the Blue Jays and outhomered 9-4, a surprise for an offense that led the major leagues with 274 homers and scored a big league-high 50.2% of its runs on longballs, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
And just like last year, defense precipitated the demise. Second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. allowed Andrés Giménez’s hard one-hopper to skip off his glove for an error instead of turning it into an inning-ending double play, and Nathan Lukes hit a two-out, two-run single off Devin Williams for a 4-1 lead in the seventh.
“Just missed it,” Chisholm said an hour after the final out. “Been thinking about that since the play happened, still thinking about it now. Still can’t get it out of my head.”
Judge’s supporting cast needs a remake. New York’s 4.37 bullpen ERA ranked 23rd out of 30 teams. The team’s 7-8-9 batters combined to hit just .224 with a .687 OPS. Volpe batted .212 during the season and .192 in the playoffs with 16 strikeouts in 26 at-bats.
“I’m sure there will be a lot of sleepless nights,” Volpe said.
Goldschmidt and outfielder Trent Grisham can become free agents along with Williams, Luke Weaver, Tim Hill and Ryan Yarbrough plus pitcher Paul Blackburn, infielder Amed Rosario and outfielder Austin Slater.
Bellinger likely will turn down his $25 million player option in favor of a $5 million buyout, and the Yankees probably will decline a $5 million option on oft-injured right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga. They could exercise a $3 million option on Hill.
“It just sucks for the guys that this might be their last time wearing pinstripes, not getting a chance to have a long run with them and getting the championship,” Judge said.
He urgently wants to keep chasing that ring.
“I want to get back out there right now,” Judge said. “I wish spring training was in a couple of weeks so we can kind of get this going.”
This off-season, the St. Louis Blues and the Montreal Canadiens completed a trade, with the Blues sending winger Zachary Bolduc to the Canadiens in exchange for defenseman Logan Mailloux.
In his first game with the Habs, Bolduc made his mark, scoring what was at the time the go-ahead goal in the second period. The 22-year-old forced a turnover on Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson before scooping up a rebound off a Brendan Gallagher shot to make it 2-1.
Bolduc finished the game with a goal, three shots on net and two hits in 13:34 of ice time. Bolduc also saw time on the first power play unit, but the Canadiens were unable to capitalize on any of their opportunities.
Took one game for the Zachary Bolduc for Logan Mailloux trade to start paying off 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Oi9zvJ7cIb
The trade shocked many Blues fans, but it works for both teams. The Canadiens acquired Dobson, which made Mailloux's skill set unneeded to the organization, but the Blues required Mailloux's profile. In return, they felt that the depth of their prospects made Bolduc expendable, and the trade helped bolster the Canadiens' top nine.
While judging the two off of one game isn't fair, it's the nature of a one-for-one trade. Mailloux hasn't even played an NHL regular season game yet with the Blues, as he'll do so tonight against the Minnesota Wild, but the Blues have liked what they've seen from the 22-year-old in pre-season and training camp.
The offensive part of Mailloux's game has never been an issue, but his defensive capabilities have been lacking. Coach Jim Montgomery has worked hard with Mailloux to improve that aspect of his game, and the early indication from Montgomery is that he has improved and believes he is a full-time NHLer.
The Blues' bench boss has praised Mailloux's stick work, mentioning how he has done an excellent job of breaking up plays with his stick. He's also talked about how Mailloux is using his feet and awareness to be in better positions to negate offensive opportunities for his opponents.
Mailloux will start the season with Tyler Tucker, and the two defenders believe they complement each other well. The goal is for the two to play physical hockey, safe in their own end, but pitch in offensively when the right opportunity arises.
Tonight's game against the Wild is a difficult test, but the Blues believe Mailloux will pass with flying colors.
LOS ANGELES — With the Philadelphia Phillies facing elimination, the team’s struggling big three saved the season in a big way, at least for another day.
Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner combined for seven hits and five RBIs to lead the Phillies to an 8-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the best-of-five NLDS.
Schwarber got back his postseason power, hitting a pair of home runs — including one that left the stadium. He now has 23 career postseason home runs, third all-time.
The Phillies are still down 2-1 in the series and face another elimination game. If they win, they’ll send the series back to Philadelphia for Game 5.
And it all started with Schwarber’s big swing that went 455 feet over the right-field pavilion in the fourth inning to tie the game at 1. Then Harper and Turner got in on the act, too.
“We want to go in and do our job everyday,” Harper said. “Any time we have Kyle going or Trea going or myself or anybody else, we’re going to win games. I think we all know that. When we’re not doing our job, we’re probably not going to win many games. That’s something we need to do (Thursday), come in, do our job, have fun and enjoy it. Obviously, it’s a great opportunity to play this game. We have a lot of fun doing it.”
The big three were 7 for 13 with five RBIs, four runs, two walks and Turner’s two stolen bases.
Schwarber’s first shot was unmistakably the potion the Phillies needed from the top of their lineup. The Phillies scored three runs in the fourth, took a 3-1 lead and never looked back.
“Ridiculous how far that ball went,” Turner said of Schwarber’s solo shot. “I just think the vibes, the energy it’s something to build off. Sometimes, it’s hard to create your own momentum. You’ve got to build off things like that. No better way than a ball leaving the stadium.”
Harper and Schwarber were 1 for 15 with eight strikeouts in the first two games of the series.
The Phillies still have work to do as only two teams have ever come back from a 2-0 deficit to win the NLDS.
But with hitting becoming contagious for Turner, Schwarber and Harper, the Phillies found hope.
Schwarber had a two-run shot off Clayton Kershaw in the eighth after Turner singled leading off.
“I think just trying to get back and respond there after they score a run is a big thing for us,” Schwarber said. “That’s something we have a knack for here. That’s something that’s never going to leave us. We have to keep that same feeling, that same fight, but it’s just nice to get the answer back.”
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani remains mired in a postseason hitting funk, going 0 for 5 for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their 8-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the NL Division Series.
The Dodgers lead the best-of-five series, 2-1, despite Ohtani’s lack of offense. He is 1 for 14 with seven strikeouts in the NLDS.
“I really don’t want to comment on that because, I mean, he can explode at any time,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “He’s that great of a hitter. But we have pitched him well.”
The two-way superstar hasn’t looked like the designated hitter who hit 55 home runs and had 146 runs scored — both franchise records — in the regular season. His homers were second in the National League behind Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber, who had two drives to break out of a slump.
Ohtani struck out once, grounded out and flied out three times. The Phillies’ left-handers have stymied him in particular.
“His decision making hasn’t been good,” manager Dave Roberts said.
On the mound, Ohtani pitched six strong innings in the Dodgers’ Game 1 victory on the road. It was the third-most strikeouts by a Dodger in their postseason pitching debut.
Roberts has said Ohtani would start a deciding Game 5 in Philadelphia if the series goes the distance.
For GM Kent Hughes, landing Noah Dobson on the first day of the NHL draft was an absolute coup. Right-shot defenseman in their prime rarely become available on the trade market. When the Montreal Canadiens’ brass heard that the New York Islanders had such a player available, they couldn’t pass up on the opportunity.
Not only were they able to acquire Dobson, but they also managed to ink him to an eight-year deal, which made him the highest earner on the team. Throughout training camp, Martin St-Louis had his new defenseman skate alongside Mike Matheson on his first pairing, which raised several questions.
Some believed that the pair wouldn’t be good enough defensively to handle the opponents’ best players night after night, but in the first real game of the season, the duo delivered. Granted, Dobson ended the night with a minus-one rating, but he was on the ice when the Toronto Maple Leafs scored their first empty net goal, which can hardly be hung at his door.
He spent 22:56 on the ice and looked calm and in control. Of those nearly 23 minutes, only 59 seconds were spent on the power play, which didn’t give him much of an opportunity to show off his offensive creativity. He had one shot on net, one attempt blocked, a blocked shot, and a single giveaway. Overall, it was a good game for the blueliner, and it should help silence the critics who were already ready to criticize his play after training camp.
Wednesday’s score gives the impression that the Maple Leafs had their way with the Canadiens, but it really wasn’t the case. Montreal dictated play for much of the game and was able to neutralize the Leafs’ best player, Auston Matthews. Yes, he scored a goal, but only once the Habs’ net was empty. That goal was the sole shot he was able to get on net during the game, which in itself shows that the Sainte-Flanelle did well.
Of course, one game is a small sample, but that first match showed why Hughes had to pounce when Dobson became available. His presence will also allow St-Louis to better manage Matheson’s and Lane Hutson’s ice time. In an ideal world, Dobson would have gotten on the scoresheet, but give it time, it’s coming, especially after a game that will have allowed him to build up some confidence.
The Red Wings open up their regular season at home versus the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday.
The Detroit Red Wings open up their season Thursday at home versus the Montreal Canadiens, who are coming off a crushing 5-2 defeat in their first game of the season versus the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.
This will be the 613th all-time meeting between the Red Wings and Habs with Montreal holding the upperhand historically with a 297-210-91-9 record. This trend continued last season when the Habs won three out of four games in the season series versus the Red Wings. We can expect a high-scoring affair as these two clubs have totalled over six goals in six of their last seven matchups.
Lineup Storylines
Both teams have made significant changes to their lineup with Montreal adding a top end talent to their blueline with Noah Dobson as well as inserting more young talent into meaningful roles this season with center Oliver Kapanen, who scored his first NHL goal on Wednesday, and winger Ivan Demidov, who is the favorite to win the Calder trophy this season.
Detroit will counter with an impressive wave of top prospects, including former first-round selections Axel Sandin-Pellikka on defense and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård on the right wing. Joining them is training camp and preseason standout Emmitt Finnie, a 2023 seventh-round pick who has transformed from an overlooked long shot into a projected top-line winger alongside captain Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. The last seventh round pick to rise up the rankings like Finnie has was Red Wings legend Henrik Zetterberg. All three of Detroit’s prospects will be making their NHL debut on Thursday.
A key player to watch for the Canadiens is standout defenseman Lane Hutson. Despite posting a -2 rating in Wednesday’s game against Toronto, he still showcased his high-end skill with several plays that generated quality scoring chances. Hutson has also fared well historically against Detroit, recording five points in six career games versus the Red Wings. On the other hand, a Canadiens player to approach with caution is Cole Caufield. The 24-year-old sniper has struggled against Detroit, managing just five points (three goals, two assists) over 11 career games against them.
For the Red Wings, expect Alex DeBrincat to be a major factor once again. Detroit’s leading scorer has excelled in this matchup, notching 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) over his last 17 games versus Montreal. His chemistry with linemate Patrick Kane should also be key as Kane has tallied 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) in 18 career games against the Canadiens. A Detroit player who may be worth fading is Marco Kasper. The 21-year-old center has faced Montreal four times and has yet to register a point.
Note: The Habs have dominated the sportsbooks when it comes to facing off against the Red Wings with a 12-3 record against the spread over their last 15 matchups, including a 9-3 record when listed as an underdog. An overtime bet might be worth an extra look as the Red Wings and Habs have seen 11 of their last 18 matchups decided by one goal with seven of the games needing extra time.
Goalie Matchup
Montreal: Jakub Dobes (First Game VS DET, Last 19 Games: 8-6-3 record, 2.77 GAA, .906 SV%)
REPORT: Former Devil Expected to Sign with HurricanesFormer New Jersey Devil Michael McLeod is expected to join the Carolina Hurricanes this season, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.
