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Are The New York Islanders For Real?

One of the biggest surprises of the early NHL season has been the rapid rise of the New York Islanders. Entering the year, expectations were modest. After holding the first overall pick along with two additional first-rounders, the franchise seemed ready to focus on long-term growth rather than immediate success.

That outlook changed quickly. Their top selection, Matthew Schaefer, has been a tremendous hit. His electric start has energized the entire organization and helped push the Islanders to a shocking 13-8-2 record that almost no one saw coming.

Schaefer’s breakout is only part of the story as several veterans have turned back the clock, led by Bo Horvat. The 30-year-old center looks like the same player who put up 68 points two seasons ago. He currently leads the team with 14 goals, 11 assists, and 25 points in 23 games. Riding alongside Horvat is Emil Heineman, formerly a depth winger in Montreal, who has flourished on the top line with nine goals and six assists.

Another key contributor is Mathew Barzal, the most recognizable Islander, who has added 17 points in 22 games while anchoring the second line. Having both Horvat and Barzal controlling the center of the ice has been an underrated advantage and a major reason behind New York’s early success.

Still, no player has changed the team’s trajectory more than Schaefer. The rookie defenseman has burst onto the scene with remarkable poise, logging heavy minutes in every situation and seeming to break a new record every night. At 18 years and 70 days old, he became the youngest player in NHL history to score an overtime goal, surpassing Sidney Crosby’s mark from 2005. 

During a six-game point streak to begin his career, he put up seven points with two goals and five assists, becoming the youngest defenseman ever to accomplish that feat. His outstanding play has not only made him the clear favorite for the Calder Trophy but has also sparked early conversation about his potential spot on Team Canada for the 2026 Olympics.

The Islanders have also benefited from Ilya Sorokin regaining his form. The goaltender owns a 2.64 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage, and a 7-6-2 record, providing stability in net.

All of this raises an important question. Are the Islanders legitimate playoff contenders, or will their early momentum eventually fade? We saw a similar story last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who went on an emotional run in honor of the late Johnny Gaudreau before running out of steam and narrowly missing the postseason.

Sportsbooks appear cautious as well. Schaefer is the heavy Calder favorite at -238, but the Islanders' playoff odds have already tightened to +110. For believers, this may be the last chance to buy in at value.

Islanders' Matthew Schaefer, Avalanche's Cale Makar Already Near-Locks in NHL Award RacesIslanders' Matthew Schaefer, Avalanche's Cale Makar Already Near-Locks in NHL Award RacesAn 18-year-old phenom and a Norris contender are dominating early NHL award races, setting impressive records and dazzling fans.

It is hard not to believe when you look at the teams they have beaten. Some wins have been driven by energy, but others have been convincing statements. In only their fourth game, they defeated the Oilers 4-2,  they beat several of the league’s best teams, including the Capitals, Devils, Golden Knights, and Stars. Their dominance over the Atlantic-leading Red Wings has been especially notable, outscoring Detroit 12 to 2 in their two meetings.

Within the Metropolitan Division, the Islanders have been just as impressive. Excluding their first two games of the season, they have gone 4-1-1 in their last six divisional matchups. With teams like the Capitals, Penguins, Blue Jackets, and Flyers still early in various stages of their rebuilds, there is little reason to think New York cannot remain in the top three.

The Islanders have quickly become one of the most entertaining teams in hockey, and they continue to show that they are worth believing in.

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Mets owners Steve, Alex Cohen tip cap to Brandon Nimmo following trade to Rangers

Brandon Nimmo’s time in the Big Apple has come to an end. 

The outfielder spent his first 10 years with the Mets after being selected as the 13th overall pick in the 2011 Draft. 

Nimmo fought through his share of ups-and-downs over the years, but he established himself as a fan favorite with his infectious smile and the high-energy play he brought to the field everyday.

He expressed his desire to remain a Met his entire career after signing an eight-year extension ahead of the 2023 season, but two years into that deal the organization had other plans. 

David Stearns said it was not an easy decision, but the Mets opted to ship Nimmo out of town on Sunday night in a deal with the Texas Rangers for veteran 2B Marcus Semien. 

His chapter with the Mets comes to a close with a .262 average, 135 homers, 188 doubles, 463 RBI, a .364 on-base percentage, and a .802 OPS over 1,066 games. 

Owners Steve and Alex Cohen released a statement shortly after the deal became official on Monday afternoon. 

“Brandon represented our organization with heart, grit, and passion,” they wrote. “He embodied everything it meant to be a Met on and off the field. We are grateful for everything he gave to our team and community. We wish Brandon, Chelsea, and Tatum all the best.”

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How fiery Steve Kerr sparked Warriors' scorching second quarter in win over Jazz

How fiery Steve Kerr sparked Warriors' scorching second quarter in win over Jazz originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – With Draymond Green watching from the bench Monday night, the Warriors shook off an ugly first quarter, pressed the “power” button in the second quarter and became the team Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler III and Steve Kerr keep insisting they are.

Hustle? Check. Grit? Check. Ball movement? Check. Rebounding? Check. Shooting. Check. Spirited defense, without Draymond? Double check. And two – two – turnovers, neither of which was costly.

Those 12 scorching minutes during which the Warriors outscored Utah by 21 launched them to a 134-117 victory that buried a three-game losing streak.

It all came together and a very visible tongue-lashing by Steve Kerr late in the first quarter.

“We just wanted some good vibes around here,” said Curry, who scored a game-high 31 points. “We had good practice yesterday. Utah was coming off a back-to-back (set). We wanted to get off to a better start than we did.

“But we responded after that quick timeout. Coach lit a fire underneath us, and I’m just glad the way we responded as a whole. We know we can play better, but it’s nice to have a little bit of offensive rhythm tonight and see the ball go in after a rough start.

Kerr, hopping off the bench to call a timeout, was livid about a defensive breakdown by Brandin Podziemski with 1:53 left in the first quarter that allowed Keyonte George to drain a wide-open 3-pointer, his fourth in the quarter without a miss.

“Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen were the two guys that we wanted to contain tonight and pay special attention to,” Kerr said. “And 10 minutes into the game, George is 4-for-4 from 3. Wide open shots. We just lost our focus, and I just wanted to gently remind them that we needed to focus more.”

The Warriors were being torched, as the Jazz shot 61.9 percent from the field, including 70 percent from beyond the arc, in the first quarter. Utah led by as much as 11 and took a 35-26 lead into the second quarter.

“Talents like that, they’re going to score,” Curry said. “But we gave him four wide-open 3s. And anybody knows that shouldn’t happen in this league if you’re keying on two of their best players, two of their best scorers.”

Kerr’s reminder prompted the Warriors to grow fangs and use them in the second quarter. They opened with a 21-0 run and outscored Utah 41-20. They limited the Jazz to 8-of-27 shooting from the field, including 2-of-11 from distance.

Meanwhile, Golden State was shooting 58.6 percent from the field, including 53.8 percent from deep, with Moses Moody (10 points) and Buddy Hield (nine) accounting for almost half the 41 points, while Pat Spencer and rookie Will Richard came off the bench, bringing energy.

The game had flipped. The Warriors, despite a few lapses, looked like a different team over the final three quarters, posting a 108-82 advantage.

“We took care of the ball, and that’s priority No. 1 for us,” Kerr said, referring to eight turnovers after the first quarter. “When we take care of it, we generally win. We’re 9-1 now, when we win a turnover battle, and like 1-8 when we don’t. It’s obvious what our measuring stick is, and that helps our defense. I like that. I like the way the ball moved. And once we got a Pat and Will out there, I really liked the ball movement, the flow, the energy, it just it felt right.”

One clue of the team’s energy is that of the 11 Warriors who played, all but one grabbed at least two rebounds. The persistence on the glass allowed them to post a 50-47 rebounding edge over a much bigger Utah squad.
Hield, slumping most of the season, delivered his most productively efficient game thus far, finishing with a season-high 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, including 4-of-8 from distance. He added five rebounds and four assists in 23 minutes.

From big things to the little things – the kind of things neglected all too often – it was 36 minutes of high-quality hoops that allowed the Warriors to roll to a rare feel-good win.

Now, it’s about staying on point, finding consistency and gathering momentum.

“That’s the biggest thing, understanding how they’re trying to score who’s going to have the ball,” Curry said. “But you have to just go step-by-step in terms of us putting together 48 minutes of solid sound defense, where we’re truly proud of the way we play, start to finish.

“We know we haven’t done that yet.”

With 63 games remaining, there will be plenty of opportunities to change that.

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Keegan Murray shines thanks to new mindset in Kings' OT win vs. Timberwolves

Keegan Murray shines thanks to new mindset in Kings' OT win vs. Timberwolves  originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The difference a two-way wing like Keegan Murray can make. 

Behind Murray’s 26 points and a career-best 14 rebounds, the Kings, 18 games later, picked up consecutive wins for the first time in the 2025-26 NBA season, edging past the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-112 in overtime on Monday night at Golden 1 Center. 

In October, Murray tore the UCL in his left thumb during a preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers and underwent surgery, forcing him to miss the first 15 games of the season.

In that span, the Kings racked up a poor 3-12 record, including an eight–game losing skid. It appeared as if there were no possible remedies to Sacramento’s ailment. 

Insert, Murray, who early on in his third season, is proving why the Kings shelled out a five-year, $140 million extension for his services. 

“It makes a big difference having Keegan Murray back,” veteran DeMar DeRozan told NBC Sports California’s Kyle Draper, Morgan Ragan and Deuce Mason on “Kings Postgame Live.” 

“One of our best players. A guy that could go out and do everything. He changed the dynamic of the floor, so having him out there definitely helps.” 

Sacramento now has won two of the three games that have featured Murray. The 25-year-old is back. The Kings are back. 

But perhaps more importantly, Murray’s long-awaited two-way aggressiveness and fierce mentality are here.

“I think I just had a really good offseason,” Murray told reporters. “I got away from Sacramento a little bit. I feel like I just unlocked a different mindset going into this year. 

“Obviously, I couldn’t start this season. Obviously, I missed a month to start. For me, it’s just finding my rhythm back and each game I’m feeling more comfortable on the court. So, aggression is not really an issue for me this year.”

Murray drilled a wide-open 3-pointer to give the Kings a 110-107 lead with two minutes left in overtime, helping Sacramento overcome a once 10-point deficit with 3:04 minutes left in the fourth quarter. 

DeRozan, who surpassed Alex English in the league’s all-time scoring list, posted a team-high 33 points. 

Malik Monk added 22 points off the bench for the Kings, while Precious Achiuwa registered 10 points and seven rebounds for Sacramento.

With a menacing Murray on the floor, purple beams await the Kings.

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Keegan Murray shines thanks to new mindset in Kings' OT win vs. Timberwolves

Keegan Murray shines thanks to new mindset in Kings' OT win vs. Timberwolves  originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The difference a two-way wing like Keegan Murray can make. 

Behind Murray’s 26 points and a career-best 14 rebounds, the Kings, 18 games later, picked up consecutive wins for the first time in the 2025-26 NBA season, edging past the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-112 in overtime on Monday night at Golden 1 Center. 

In October, Murray tore the UCL in his left thumb during a preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers and underwent surgery, forcing him to miss the first 15 games of the season.

In that span, the Kings racked up a poor 3-12 record, including an eight–game losing skid. It appeared as if there were no possible remedies to Sacramento’s ailment. 

Insert, Murray, who, early on in his third season, is proving why the Kings shelled out a five-year, $140 million contract extension for his services. 

“It makes a big difference having Keegan Murray back,” veteran DeMar DeRozan told NBC Sports California’s Kyle Draper, Morgan Ragan and Deuce Mason on “Kings Postgame Live.” 

“One of our best players. A guy that could go out and do everything. He changed the dynamic of the floor, so having him out there definitely helps.” 

Sacramento now has won two of the three games that have featured Murray. The 25-year-old is back. The Kings are back. 

But perhaps more importantly, Murray’s long-awaited two-way aggressiveness and fierce mentality are here.

“I think I just had a really good offseason,” Murray told reporters. “I got away from Sacramento a little bit. I feel like I just unlocked a different mindset going into this year. 

“Obviously, I couldn’t start this season. Obviously, I missed a month to start. For me, it’s just finding my rhythm back and each game I’m feeling more comfortable on the court. So, aggression is not really an issue for me this year.”

Murray drilled a wide-open 3-pointer to give the Kings a 110-107 lead with two minutes left in overtime, helping Sacramento overcome a once 10-point deficit with 3:04 minutes left in the fourth quarter. 

DeRozan, who surpassed Alex English in the league’s all-time scoring list, posted a team-high 33 points. 

Malik Monk added 22 points off the bench for the Kings, while Precious Achiuwa registered 10 points and seven rebounds for Sacramento.

With a menacing Murray on the floor, purple beams await the Kings.

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Steph Curry acknowledges intent in wearing Michael Jordan shoes before Jazz game

Steph Curry acknowledges intent in wearing Michael Jordan shoes before Jazz game originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

There is intent behind everything Warriors star Steph Curry does.

Which is why it should come as no surprise to anyone that it wasn’t a coincidence that the sneaker free agent wore Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game” shoes as he arrived at Chase Center for Monday’s contest against the Utah Jazz.

After all, Jordan’s iconic 1997 NBA Finals Game 5 performance came against the Jazz in Salt Lake City.

“It’s kind of cool understanding the history of the game and the themes around certain teams we’re playing,” Curry told reporters after the game. “So I brought out the ‘Flu Games’ and the ‘Final Shots.’ And then played in the Sabrina 3.

“So just kinda … Everybody should be on alert. I’m calling everybody. Trying to get some good product but it’s just fun to, again, honor certain eras, moments in the game, current athletes who are doing great things and just having fun with it.”

Curry switched from the Jordan XIIs to the Jordan 14s for his pregame warmups.

But instead of returning to his customary Curry Brand kicks for the actual game, the Warriors superstar wore New York Liberty star and Bay Area native Sabrina Ionescu’s Nike “IONESCREW” Sabrina 3s against the Jazz.

“We have a long history — she’s from the Bay, and just obviously following her career,” Curry told reporters. “There was a time when she was coming out of school, and I was trying to get her to Curry Brand. It’s hard to get an Oregon Duck to leave Nike. But it was cool.

“It was kind of a coincidence — I didn’t know she was going to be here until yesterday — and I just had a pair of shoes, and it was a great moment. She’s doing amazing things, she’s a champ and to honor another Bay Area athlete that’s doing amazing stuff.”

Curry parted ways with Under Armour earlier in November and has been rocking other shoe brands before Warriors games. Monday was the first time since 2013 that he had worn non-Under Armours.

While it’s clear Curry is putting thought into the shoes he is wearing, it’s not known when he will decide on a new sneaker home for his Curry Brand kicks.

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Who's Hot And Cold In The NHL: Andersson Fuels The Flames, Jets' Toews Has An Off-Week

Two defensemen get the most love in the latest look at who was hot and cold in the NHL in the past week.

Their teams needed the help as well.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are tied in points with three other teams in the East, including the Philadelphia Flyers, which are currently in the second wild-card spot due to a tiebreaker. The Calgary Flames, meanwhile, are likely not going to climb out of the basement, but they at least showed more than a smidge of offense in their recent surge.

With that said, let’s get right down to business. Here are this week’s hot and cold NHL players:

Hot: Rasmus Andersson, D, Calgary Flames 

Despite being in the trade rumor mill, Andersson had a stellar week for the Flames, posting seven assists and nine points while being a plus-5 in four games. Andersson also was a huge workhorse for Calgary, logging 25:02 of ice time, bumping up his season average time-on-ice average to 24:25. 

The 29-year-old Swedish blueliner is on a five-game points streak, and he had three-point nights against the Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks, both wins that suggested Calgary is capable of scoring a lot more than its current average of 2.38 goals-for.

Andersson is almost certainly going to be traded by or before this year’s trade deadline if the Flames remain in the NHL's basement. The pending UFA's current strong play is going to drive up Calgary’s asking price for him.

Cold: Jonathan Toews, C, Winnipeg Jets 

The Jets made a big splash by signing Toews this summer, and his choice of Winnipeg to stage his NHL comeback was a feather in the organization’s cap. But one question that arose was how well he would play after missing two seasons.

Toews has had some up-and-down weeks. This past week, Toews recorded zero points and four shots in three games. He has now gone five points without a point, and he has one point in the last nine contests. This season, he has three goals and eight points in 21 games.

The Jets were blanked by the Minnesota Wild and lost by one goal to the Carolina Hurricanes Friday, so they could’ve used some offense from Toews. Winnipeg can afford to be patient with Toews, but sooner or later, the team will need him to produce some more points.

Hot: Zach Werenski, D, Columbus Blue Jackets 

Werenski had a phenomenal year for the Blue Jackets last season, and this year, the 28-year-old is off to another strong start. This week, Werenski posted five assists and eight points in only three games, giving him seven goals and 21 points in 22 games. 

Werenski averaged 27:41 of ice time this week, and that includes two straight games of more than 28 minutes per game. His current average of 26:50 would be a career high, but regardless, he’s underscoring his status as one of the best D-men on the planet.

Frank Vatrano (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images)

Cold: Frank Vatrano, LW, Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks have been thriving this season, but one prominent Anaheim player who has been struggling is veteran Vatrano. The 31-year-old had zero points on seven shots in four games this week, and he’s averaged just 13:34 of ice time in that span. His average ice time of 12:18 this season is about five fewer minutes per game than he had last season.

Two seasons ago, Vatrano put up 60 points. And last season, he averaged 45 points. The Ducks could have traded him to get some more assets in the late stages of their rebuild, but instead, they signed him to a three-year contract extension worth about $4.5 million annually.

This year, he’s got only two goals and three points in 22 games. It doesn’t get much colder than that.

The Ducks lead the Pacific Division thanks in part to Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier and Troy Terry, who have 29, 26 and 25 points, respectively. Even rookie Beckett Sennecke has 16 points, and acquisition Chris Kreider has 15 points in 18 games.

Vatrano got pushed down Anaheim’s depth chart, and he isn't in a position to excel right now. At least the team is doing well.

Hot: Yaroslav Askarov, G, San Jose Sharks 

As San Jose’s goalie of the present and future, Askarov has to do much of the heavy lifting in net for this young Sharks team.

This week past, the 23-year-old was electric, compiling a 3-0-0 record, .937 save percentage and 1.92 goals-against average. San Jose needed Askarov to be sharp, as the Sharks won one game in overtime, one in the shootout and the third game by two goals, although one of those goals was an empty-netter.

In 14 appearances this season, Askarov has an 8-5-1 record, .913 SP, and 2.83 GAA. If the Sharks are to be in playoff contention, Askarov will need to be at least that well. But he’s living up to lofty expectations, and San Jose has to be thrilled with what they’re getting out of him already.

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Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups pleads not guilty in rigged poker games case

NEW YORK (AP) — Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, pleaded not guilty Monday to charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and at least one other ex-NBA player.

Billups, a five-time All Star who won a championship with the Detroit Pistons, was arraigned in a federal court in Brooklyn on money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy charges, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

Prosecutors say he was involved in a scheme to rig mob-backed illegal poker games in Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons. Others face charges of running an illegal gambling business, robbery conspiracy and extortion conspiracy. Prosecutors said Monday that plea negotiations have begun with some defendants but did not identify them.

U.S. District Court Judge Ramon Reyes said he hopes to bring the sprawling case to trial by next September, telling lawyers to "do what you have to do.”

Billups, dressed in a dark grey suit, spoke only to answer yes-or-no questions from the judge. His lawyer, Marc Mukasey, entered his plea. They declined to comment after the hearing. Last month, another Billups lawyer called him a “man of integrity” who denies the allegations.

“To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his Hall of Fame legacy, his reputation and his freedom,” attorney Chris Heywood said after Billups first appeared in court on Oct. 23, when prosecutors first announced the indictment.

Billups, 49, was released on a $5 million bond secured by his family’s Colorado home. He must refrain from gambling, avoid contact with other defendants or alleged victims, surrender his passport and limit travel to seven states, including Oregon and New York, and Washington, D.C.

Inducted last year into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame, Billups was arguably the most prominent among more than 30 people charged in last month’s sprawling federal takedown of illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports.

Ex-NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones was also charged in the poker scheme, as well as another separate scheme to let gamblers exploit insider information about players to win NBA bets that implicated Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.

In addition to Monday's arraignment, Billups and his co-defendants attended a status conference and are due back in court March 4.

Prosecutors say the poker-rigging scheme used altered card-shuffling machines, hidden cameras in chip trays, special sunglasses and X-ray equipment built into the table to read cards. They allege the operation defrauded victims of an estimated $7 million starting in at least 2019.

Billups allegedly served as a celebrity “face card” that could draw wealthy, unsuspecting players to the games. Prosecutors said organizers texted during one game that a victim “acted like he wanted Chauncey to have his money” because he was “star struck.”

Prosecutors say Billups received a portion of the ill-gotten gains. including a $50,000 wire transfer after a rigged game in October 2020.

Organizers also had to share their proceeds with the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno mob families for operating within the illegal poker games run by the New York criminal enterprises, prosecutors said. In return, Mafia members allegedly carried out assault, extortion and robbery to collect debts and protect the operation.

During his NBA career, Billups earned about $106 million. After retiring in 2014, he embarked on a career as a TV analyst before pivoting to coaching.

Billups was selected as the third overall pick in the 1997 draft by the Boston Celtics after starring in college for the Colorado Buffaloes. He played 17 years in the NBA, with stints with the Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.

But he is perhaps most beloved in the Motor City, where he earned the nickname “Mr. Big Shot” for his knack of making clutch shots.

Billups was named the NBA Finals MVP during the Pistons' title run in 2004 and had his No. 1 jersey retired by the team.

He was hired as Portland’s coach in 2021 and signed a multiyear extension with the Trail Blazers earlier this year after the team missed out on the playoffs for the fourth straight season in 2024. Billups previously served as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers.

After his arrest, he was placed on unpaid leave and the Trail Blazers named assistant coach and former NBA player Tiago Splitter as interim coach.

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Flory Bidunga’s 18 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks lead Kansas past Notre Dame 71-61

Flory Bidunga had 18 points, nine rebounds, five assists and five blocks, Bryson Tiller added 17 points and nine boards, and Kansas beat Notre Dame 71-61 in the Players Era Tournament on Monday for its first power-conference victory of the season. Tre White chipped in with 16 points and nine rebounds for Kansas (4-2), which was coming off a 78-66 loss to then-No. Duke in the Champions Classic.

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"I've Been Blessed": Moritz Seider Shares His Gratitude for a Healthy Career Start

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Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider has proven himself to be among the League's most durable players, and in doing so, he's already set a new Red Wings franchise record as part of their centennial campaign.

Last week, Seider skated in his 346th consecutive game to begin his NHL career, passing the previous mark of 345 by former Red Wings forward John Ogrodnick.

Seider also played a key role in Detroit's dramatic 4-3 overtime comeback victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday afternoon, as he knotted the score at 3-3 in the third period with a seeing-eye shot from the point that eluded goaltender Jet Greaves. 

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For Seider, he understandably takes pride in not only being available for his team but is also grateful that he's been blessed with good health that enables his durability. 

"I just take a lot of pride in being available, other than that you work so hard in the summer to be in those moments to be in shape and stay healthy, and along the way you just try to maintain form," he said.

"Obviously, I've been blessed with being healthy and being able to get out there and fight every night," he continued. 

ImageMoritz Seider Breaks 40 Year Red Wings Franchise Record Moritz Seider Breaks 40 Year Red Wings Franchise Record Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider recently skated in his 346th consecutive game to begin his NHL career, passing the previous mark of 345 by former Red Wings forward John Ogrodnick

Like his teammate Lucas Raymond, it wasn't long ago that Seider was a rookie on the Red Wings and getting acclimated to life in the NHL.

This current Red Wings roster features several rookies, including forwards Emmitt Finnie and Nate Danielson as well as defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka. 

Seider remembers his 2021–22 rookie campaign as both an exciting experience and, at times, a mental drain compared to the experiences of playing in both German and Swedish Leagues. 

"Just mentally, I think you can be overwhelmed in your first season and you just drive on adrenaline all the time," he said. 

"Every city is new, you kind of find your way around," he continued. "You go to restaurants you've never been to before, sleep in hotels you've never been in. It's all exciting, but once a certain mark hits, you kind of get mentally exhausted from playing so many games in a short amount of time. It's the biggest difference." 

Not only did Seider overcome the challenges of playing in the NHL, but he was soon awarded the Calder Trophy as the League's best rookie. He's become Detroit's top defenseman, and also signed an eight-year contract extension prior to the start of last season. 

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Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner admits lowering payroll 'ideal' for 2026 season

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner hasn't wavered in commitment to building a championship-caliber roster this offseason, but he's hoping to achieve his family's annual goal at a lower price.

Amid speculation of the Yankees wanting to cut payroll below $300 million next season, Steinbrenner addressed their financial state on Monday, admitting to reporters via video call he'd prefer to see their 2026 number drop. 

What he didn't divulge, however, was a budget or dollar range the Yankees are operating under as baseball's hot stove rises in temperature. Steinbrenner insists there's no mandate to shed payroll -- although it's now clear what's written atop his holiday wish list.

"Would it be ideal if I went down [with the payroll]? Of course," Steinbrenner said. "But does that mean that’s going to happen? Of course not. We want to field a team we know can win a championship, or we believe could win a championship. It all depends on what’s out there and what the possibilities are and how much I feel we’re able or we need to pull the trigger on those possibilities.”

Steinbrenner contended the Yankees' payroll in 2025 was $319 million, not far off from a $323 million figure analyzed by Cot's Contracts. At the moment, their payroll is $283 million, according to Cot's, and this number includes millions projected toward the league's Competitive Balance Tax. The Yankees eclipsed the top luxury tax threshold in the last two seasons.

By retaining outfielder Trent Grisham via the $22 million qualifying offer and re-signing reliever Ryan Yarbrough to a one-year, $2.5 million deal last week, bringing back lefty slugger Cody Bellinger would easily push the Yankees back over $300 million. Steinbrenner declined to comment on their free-agent pursuits, but Bellinger is a top priority.

There also was some pushback from Steinbrenner when he was asked about the Yankees' profit margins. While he didn't explicitly say the franchise is operating at a loss, he hinted at some belt tightening and challenged reports on their latest revenue totals. According to Forbes, the Yankees generated over $700 million in 2025.

"I don't want to get into it, but that's not a fair statement or an accurate statement," Steinbrenner said. "Everybody wants to talk about revenues. They need to talk about our expenses, including the $100 million expense to the city of New York that we have to pay every Feb. 1, including the COVID year. It all starts to add up in a hurry.

"Nobody spends more money, I don't believe, on player development, scouting, performance science. These all start to add up. If you want to go look at the revenues, you got to somehow try to figure out the expense side as well. You might be surprised."

While there's no disputing the Yankees spend money -- they had the third-highest payroll in MLB this past season -- disgruntled fans want to know where and how it's being allocated. And considering Steinbrenner isn't obligated to open the books, statements on this matter are always met with warranted skepticism.

Of course, boasting the highest payroll doesn't guarantee a championship. But flexing financial muscle has worked for the Dodgers, coming off a second straight World Series crown. They're the first team to hoist the Commissioner's Trophy in back-to-back seasons since the Yankees in 1999-2000.

Steinbrenner believes there's a "weak correlation" between spending the most and winning the ultimate prize. He also remains in support of MLB implementing a salary cap, as long as a sensible salary floor number is incorporated.

It's unclear how the winter will shake out for the Yankees, searching for players to fill voids at several key positions. But if they're truly hellbent on celebrating a championship for the first time since 2009, strategies must change. And fans can't feel reassured by their owner expressing a portion-controlled apetite.

The Yankees' overall value is currently listed at $8.2 billion, according to Forbes.

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Canadiens Send Forward Prospect Back To AHL

Joshua Roy (© David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

The Montreal Canadiens have made another roster move, as they have assigned forward Joshua Roy to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Laval Rocket. 

Roy played in two games during his most recent call-up to the Canadiens' NHL roster, where he was held off the scoresheet. In three total games for the Habs this season, the 22-year-old forward has recorded zero points, two shots, two penalty minutes, and an even plus/minus rating. 

Down in the AHL with Laval this season, Roy has recorded four goals, three assists, seven points, and a plus-4 rating. Now, after being reassigned to Laval, he will be aiming to impress in hopes of landing another call-up to the Canadiens' roster soon.

Roy was selected by the Canadiens with the 150th overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. In 38 games over three seasons with the Canadiens so far, he has posted six goals, five assists, and 11 points. His best season with the Canadiens was back in 2023-24, however, as he recorded four goals, five assists, and nine points in 23 games.