Como claim Serie A fixture in Australia is essential for ‘survival of the league’

  • Como insist relocating Milan game ‘not a matter of greed’

  • Italian side highlight gulf in revenues to Premier League

The Italian club Como have released a statement on their potential Serie A match against Milan in Australia, claiming that taking games abroad is about “ensuring survival” for the league.

Uefa has reluctantly given approval for the match – a home league fixture for Milan – to take place in Perth next February. In addition, Villarreal’s La Liga match against Barcelona in December is set to take place in Miami, Florida.

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Mariners at Blue Jays – ALCS Game 2 prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, trends, and stats

Its a quick turnaround for the Blue Jays and Mariners as they prepare for Game 2 of the ALCS this afternoon in Toronto. Logan Gilbert is slated to take the mound for Seattle against Toronto rookie Trey Yesavage.

Seattle took Game 1 by the score of 3-1. George Springer went yard on the first pitch of the game from Bryce Miller but that was one of only two hits the Seattle right hander and for that matter pitching staff allowed on the evening. Cal Raleigh homered for Seattle in the sixth to even the score at one and Jorge Polanco drove in the other two runs for Seattle.

Gilbert last took the ball in the Mariners' 3-2, 15-inning ALDS-clinching win over the Detroit Tigers. He came on in relief in the 10th and 11th innings allowing three hits but no runs. Prior to that Gilbert started and went six innings allowing but one run in Game 3 of the ALDS.

Yesavage has not pitched since Game 2 of the ALDS against the Yankees on October 5. That night, the right hander was special shutting out the Yankees over 5.1 innings. He did not allow a hit and walked just one batter. Of the 16 outs he recorded, 11 were by strikeout.

Lets dive a little deeper into Game 2 and perhaps find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch the first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Mariners at Blue Jays - ALCS Game 2

  • Date: Monday, October 13, 2025
  • Time: 5:03PM EST
  • Site: Rogers Centre
  • City: Toronto, ON
  • Network/Streaming: FOX

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Mariners at the Blue Jays - ALCS Game 2

The latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Seattle Mariners (+114), Toronto Blue Jays (-138)
  • Spread: Blue Jays -1.5 (+146)
  • Total: 7.5 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Mariners at Blue Jays - ALCS Game 2

  • Pitching matchup for October 13, 2025: Logan Gilbert vs. Trey Yesavage
    • Mariners: Logan Gilbert: 6-6, 3.44 ERA
      Last outing: 10/10 vs. Detroit - 2IP, 0 ER, 3H, 0BB, and 2Ks
      In 131 innings this season, Gilbert has struck out 173 opposing hitters
    • Blue Jays: Trey Yesavage: 1-0, 3.21 ERA
      Last outing: 10/5 vs. Yankees - 5.1IP, 0ER, 0H, 1BB, and 11Ks
      The rookie has appeared in only four games this season all since a call-up in the middle of September

Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Mariners at Blue Jays - ALCS Game 2

  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is 6-15 (.400) including 2 HRs in his career against Logan Gilbert
  • George Springer is 4-15 (.267) with 1 HR in his career against Gilbert but has struck out 7 times as well
  • Not one player from Seattle has ever face Trey Yesavage

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Mariners and the Blue Jays - ALCS Game 2

Rotoworld Best Bet

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Monday’s game between the Mariners and the Blue Jays:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Seattle Mariners at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 7.5.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page fromNBC

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NBC Sports is taking over 30 Rock with "30 Rocks" activation to celebrate the NBA's return to NBC and Peacock

NBC Sports and the NBA will be rocking out at 30 Rockefeller Plaza this October, putting on a host of activities and installations for fans to enjoy via a "30 Rocks" activation.

In honor of the NBA’s return to NBC Sports and its Peacock debut, fans can stop by Rockefeller Center from Thursday, October 16 through Tuesday, October 21 to enjoy activities, artwork and appearances by NBA legends and NBC Sports commentators.

The activation will feature 30 customized basketballs – or “rocks” – designed by local artists to reflect the culture of each of the NBA’s 30 clubs and the unique style of the artist.

Following the event’s conclusion on October 21, just in time for the NBA on NBC and Peacock tip off, the 30 “rocks” will be returned to their host cities to be enjoyed by the local fans and communities they represent.

For the host city teams, the Knicks' rock was designed by MADSTEEZ (Mark Paul Deren), while Marka27 (Victor Quinonez) designed the one for the Nets. Both "rocks" feature bold designs that capture the passion and creativity of New York City.

Knicks rock
Nets rock

Other eye-catching "rocks" include Arutyun Gozukuchikyan’s Los Angeles Lakers design, which uses bright, bold colors to create a layered depiction of the sun setting over the city, and the dark, funky rock created for the Portland Trail Blazers by Caleb Jay. Jay’s artistic style draws on street and graffiti aesthetics to create a captivating black and red design for Rip City.

Lakers rock
Trail Blazers rock

Read below to find out more about all the "rocks" and the artists that designed them.

NBA25_30ROCKS_PRESS_16x9 (2).jpg

Atlanta Hawks
Artist: Aysha Pennerman - Website & Handle
Aysha is a multidisciplinary artist with a background in painting and graphic design. Her work includes creative placemaking, murals, and mixed-media portraiture, combining paint, texture and 3D elements to create layered stories. Her murals across Atlanta spark conversations, celebrate culture and highlight the city’s people and communities. Through her work, Aysha’s mission is to bring beauty, joy, and hope into public spaces. Beyond her art, she loves spending time with her family, often watching NBA games or playing basketball together.

Boston Celtics
Artist: Monique Aimee - Website & Handle
Monique Aimee is an illustrator and multidisciplinary artist based out of Joy Street Studios in Somerville, MA. Her work ranges from book cover illustrations and editorial animation to chainstitch embroidery and handpainted murals. Monique Aimee’s style is bold and harmonious with inspiration drawn from folk and fiber art. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Lesley University in 2014 and has been a freelance illustrator for 10+ years. Monique is the 2024 - 2025 Celtics Artist in Residency. She is beyond excited to represent and draw for Boston!

Brooklyn Nets
Artist: Victor Quinonez - Website & Handle
Marka27 is an internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary artist celebrated for blending street art, design, and cultural iconography into bold, largescale works. Rooted in his Mexican heritage, his murals, installations, and products honor identity and community while shaping the language of contemporary street culture. Over his career, he has collaborated with global brands and exhibited worldwide. Having previously partnered with the Brooklyn Nets, he is proud to join forces with his hometown team once again—spreading love the Brooklyn way while cheering them on with his family at Barclays.

Charlotte Hornets
Artist: Kalin Renee Devone - Handle
Kalin is a painter and public artist who brings bold energy and joy to every surface she touches. Her work is playful, accessible, and rooted in storytelling, whether through traditional oil paintings or large-scale public art. She bridges fine art and community engagement, transforming walls, courts, and shared spaces into vibrant, living canvases. Kalin has led projects across North Carolina, from collaborative murals with students to major commissions like a basketball court for Footlocker and Puma at the Simmons YMCA. Inspired by her love of the NBA and basketball culture, she sees the sport as both creative inspiration and a unifying language for connection.

Chicago Bulls
Artist: Conrad Javier - Website & Handle
Conrad Javier is a professional illustrator from the suburbs of Chicago. He has been freelancing for the past 9 years and has worked with companies such as the NBA, NHL, and MLB. Conrad has spent his career combining his dynamic artistic sensibilities and his love for sports. At a young age, he fell in love with the game of basketball and fulfilled his lifelong dream of working with his favorite team, the Chicago Bulls. He continues to push the boundaries of sports media and illustration. Conrad enjoys painting, photography, and spending quality time with his wife and cat.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Artist: Glen Infante - Website & Handle
Glen is a Cleveland-based artist celebrated for his bold use of color, crisp outlines, and graphic storytelling that bridges sports, culture, and community. His signature style combines playful proportions with striking detail, creating work that feels both nostalgic and modern. Glen has collaborated with athletes, brands, and organizations to produce artwork that resonates with fans and leaves a lasting impression. Deeply inspired by his hometown, he often highlights Cleveland’s energy, landmarks, and pride in his pieces. A lifelong Cavaliers supporter, Glen channels his love for basketball and the NBA into dynamic visuals that honor the game’s influence on culture.

Dallas Mavericks
Artist: Jeremy Biggers - Website & Handle
Jeremy is a visual artist known for his bold, realistic style that bridges fine art and public art. His background in painting and design has led him to create large-scale murals and gallery work that capture powerful narratives of identity, culture, and community. Jeremy’s work has been featured across the country, with commissions from major brands and installations in cities nationwide. A lifelong basketball fan, his love for the Dallas Mavericks and the game itself often informs his practice, with the rhythm, energy, and culture of basketball woven into his creative process.

Denver Nuggets
Artist: Thomas Evans - Website & Handle
Detour is a Denver-based multidisciplinary artist known for bold, large-scale murals and community-driven storytelling. Over more than a decade, he has transformed walls on four continents and created public works for landmarks. Detour’s work celebrates local voices and global connections, while his lifelong love for sports—especially the Denver Nuggets—fuels his dynamic compositions and collaborative energy, infusing his art with the same passion and movement found on the basketball court. Detour painted one of his most widely viewed murals of the Denver Nuggets during their Championship run in 2023. It has become an iconic Denver location to visit.

Detroit Pistons
Artist: Allison Sims - Website & Handle
Allison Sims is a Detroit-based muralist and sneaker artist known for her bold and creative designs that bring stories to life. Originally from Memphis, TN, Sims has taught herself and grown her skills through passion and practice. Sims followed her heart and turned her love for painting into a fulltime career. She has collaborated with the Detroit Pistons, the WNBA's Chicago Sky, and created custom work for rappers, athletes, and private businesses. Her artistry spans from large-scale murals, custom sneakers, and live customizing for events. Her growing portfolio reflects versatility and vision, positioning herself as a sought-after collaborator at the intersection of art, sports, and lifestyle.

Golden State Warriors
Artist: The Illuminaries - Website & Handle
The Illuminaries are a Bay Area collective of Artists and Muralists who specialize in high impact, energizing street art. They understand the power of visual storytelling and transform spaces into immersive experiences that captivate, inspire, and elevate. With dynamic murals laced throughout the Bay Area and beyond, the power to shape urban space is a responsibility they do not take lightly. Their art goes beyond aesthetics, aiming to influence and motivate. The Illuminaries have partnered with iconic clients like the NBA, Golden State Warriors, Under Armour, 49ers, Marriott Hotels, and the City of Oakland. They’re from the Bay so it’s Dubs All Day! Warriors!!!

Houston Rockets
Artist: Alex “Donkeeboy” Roman Jr. - Website & Handle
Donkeeboy is a Houston based visual artist who remixes Pop Art by creating pieces that often consist of double entendres, puns, and mashups. In his early years as a budding artist, he was discouraged by skeptics who didn’t believe he could make it in the art world. They called him “burro,” Spanish for donkey, to taunt him. Motivated by doubt, he claimed the name Donkeeboy. A donkey is loyal, hardworking, and stubborn, just like he was for chasing his dream. He has painted over 100 murals. A favorite collab was with the Houston Rockets, bringing back memories of their ‘94 and ‘95 championship wins.

Indiana Pacers
Artist: Kwazar Martin - Website & Handle
Kwazar is an Indianapolis-based artist known for his bold use of color, dynamic movement, and layered storytelling. His work spans murals, canvases, and collaborative projects, each piece carrying an urban energy that reflects both his roots and his vision for community connection. With a growing portfolio of public and private commissions, Kwazar has established himself as a creative force who brings life to every space he touches. A devoted NBA enthusiast, he often channels the game’s intensity, culture, and spirit of resilience into his art, making his style both recognizable and impactful.

LA Clippers
Artist: Levi Ponce - Website & Handle
Levi Ponce, raised in Los Angeles, learned to paint from his father, muralist Hector Ponce. After earning a B.A. in Animation, he set out to transform his community through art. He painted murals and rallied neighbors, sparking Los Angeles Mural Mile—a movement advancing arts in the San Fernando Valley through artist development, grants, and civic partnerships. For over two decades, Levi has created large-scale works locally and globally, including Interstellar, major theme parks, and SoFi Stadium. His work has been shown at the Petersen Automotive Museum, MACAY, and other institutions. A father of three, his family stays active—on and off the courts since his son’s first Clippers game.

Los Angeles Lakers
Artist: Arutyun Gozukuchikyan - Website & Handle
ArToon was born in Yerevan, Armenia, in 1982 and raised in Los Angeles, where art quickly became his greatest form of expression. From an early age, he was drawn to creating pieces that went beyond the canvas, eventually developing a passion for murals that could inspire, connect, and bring life to public spaces. Over the years, he built a reputation as a respected muralist known for bold colors, layered storytelling, and meaningful narratives. His work can be found throughout Los Angeles — in community centers and in private collections. Outside the studio, Artoon is an avid NBA follower and a devoted Los Angeles Lakers fan.

Memphis Grizzlies
Artist: Jamond Bullock - Handle
Jamond Bullock is a Memphis muralist and curator known for his bold, vibrant style and collaborations with brands like FedEx, Champion, and Starbucks. Guided by the motto “Be Bold, Be Free, Be Alive,” Bullock celebrates creative freedom and joy in expression. A proud partner of his hometown Memphis Grizzlies, Bullock embodies the team’s underdog spirit. Bullock can be seen painting live at weddings, concerts and fundraisers. His historical mural work has been presented in front of Congress and is featured of the Memphis International AirPort.

Miami Heat
Artist: Brian Butler - Website & Handle
Brian Butler’s art practice is deeply rooted in Miami. He organizes the Beach Towel Art Show in the sands of South Beach every December. He is a fixture at local venues, known for illustrating concerts. And his murals grace the walls of Wynwood, the Kaseya Center, and countless locations throughout South Florida. His works are as playful as they are reflective. He regularly summons inspiration from his surroundings, inspired by regional lore and landmarks. He’s had the great honor of working with the Miami Heat on several projects and aspires to one day join the Heat’s Golden Oldies.

Milwaukee Bucks
Artist: BigShot Robot - Website & Handle
Bigshot Robot is a sentient design entity based in Milwaukee, WI. He explores emotional storytelling through bold linework, curious characters, and irreverent humor. He’s been drawing since before he knew how to talk about his feelings, using sketchbooks, paint, and walls as a way to stay curious about the world. Bigshot Robot is an early fan of the Bradley Center nosebleeds, always a fan of the Bucks' He is delighted to contribute to Milwaukee’s creative spirit and competitive legacy.

Minnesota Timberwolves
Artist: Reggie LeFlore - Website & Handle
Reggie LeFlore is a Twin Cities based, freelance visual artist who routinely creates murals for various organizations and local communities throughout the year - with notable projects created in downtown Minneapolis, The Creative Enterprise Zone in St Paul, the City of Bloomington, and more. The Minnesota Timberwolves have been a constant collaborator with LeFlore over the past few years, and so he was thrilled to tap back into his digital talents to create this chilly winter-esque design, one that aims to capture the aesthetics often found in his mural and canvas work.

New Orleans Pelicans
Artist: Brandon “Bmike” Odoms - Website & Handle
Brandan, known as Bmike, is a New Orleans–based visual artist celebrated for his large-scale murals and community driven installations. His work blends bold colors, layered text, and storytelling to honor history while imagining new futures. Exhibited nationally and internationally, his projects include Studio BE, a landmark creative space in New Orleans that attracts artists, athletes, cultural leaders and everyday people. A lifelong fan of the NBA, he sees New Orleans basketball as a force that unites community— players often visit Studio BE, sparking collaborations that bridge art and sport.

New York Knicks
Artist: Mark Deren - Handle
MADSTEEZ (Mark Paul Deren) is a contemporary artist celebrated for his vibrant, surreal“WEENified” aesthetic—blending bold color, abstraction, and distorted portraiture into immersive dreamscapes. Born with a rare degenerative eye condition leaving him blind in one eye, his unique perspective shapes a world where reality and fantasy collide. His large-scale murals span five continents, while his painted basketball courts in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens reflect his community roots. His NBA ties run deep and include direct collaborations with Shaquille O'Neal, Scottie Pippen, and Carmelo Anthony, as well as Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan through Nike. A lifelong Knicks fan since the Ewing era, MADSTEEZ continues to fuse pop culture and imagination into unforgettable, WEENoscopic works.

Oklahoma City Thunder
Artist: Taylor Clark - Website & Handle
Taylor Clark is a muralist and acrylic painter based in Oklahoma City, where her faith serves as the heartbeat of her creative journey. Taylor has been featured in group exhibitions, including Plaza Walls 2023 and Sunny Dayz Mural Festival 2025. Specializing in live painting, she collaborates with Oklahoma Humane Society and the Oklahoma City Thunder, where she is a 2024–2025 member of the Thunder Artist Group. Forever repping the OKC Thunder, nothing beats the energy of a home game! Whether teaching classes, painting live, or creating personal commissions, she continues to push her creative boundaries, each piece a step forward in her journey to master her craft.

Orlando Magic
Artist: Swishh Dreams - Website & Handle
HJ is a multidisciplinary artist with a background in screen printing and interactive design. Inspired by a lifelong obsession of basketball, HJ creates visuals that capture the game’s playfulness and energy. Beyond the studio, HJ renovates and designs outdoor courts, managing installations that transform community spaces—over 35 nationwide, including three in Orlando. Since moving to Orlando in 2013, HJ has been a proud Magic fan, embracing game nights and team culture. For HJ, basketball is both a teacher and a source of joy and he wants to share that through his work.

Philadelphia 76ers
Artist: Tiff Urquhart - Website & Handle
Tiff is a contemporary artist and muralist known for her bold colors, dynamic patterns and street art inspired style. She has painted murals across the country, working with both major brands and local communities, always bringing energy and movement into her work. A lifelong NBA fan, she loves the Philadelphia 76ers and often channels the excitement of the game into her art. Whether courtside or in the studio, Tiff’s passion and energy fuels her creativity and keeps her connected to the vibrant culture of the sport.

Phoenix Suns
Artist: Miguel Godoy - Website & Handle
Miguel is a Chicano artist, professor at Estrella Mountain Community College, community-based muralist, and designer whose work blends storytelling, culture, and collaboration. Rooted in the desert Southwest, his designs often draw on hand-drawn elements inspired by his father’s Chicano ballpoint pen art and his early influences in Hip Hop. Miguel has partnered with major organizations, including the Phoenix Suns, where he designed the El Valle City Edition uniform, Ring of Honor portraits, and fan graphics. A devoted Suns fan, Miguel channels his love for the team into designs that celebrate Phoenix pride and culture.

Portland Trailblazers
Artist: Caleb Jay - Website & Handle
Caleb is a Portland-based artist and curator whose work combines street art, anime-inspired aesthetics, and layered textures to transform public spaces. With over 15 years of experience, he has painted large-scale murals on some of Portland’s most iconic buildings, leaving lasting marks that celebrate community and history. His projects often blur the line between gallery and street, inviting accessibility and engagement. A lifelong NBA fan, Caleb draws inspiration from the Portland Trail Blazers’ commitment to community outreach and the belief that play is essential to building healthy, thriving neighborhoods.

Sacramento Kings
Artist: Jeremy Stranger - Website & Handle
Jeremy Stanger, a lifelong painter, resides and works as a professional artist in Sacramento, California. With a tradesman's approach, Stanger considers art a craft that opens the flow of channels. He executes using self-taught techniques he has been compiling for almost three decades. From his foundation as a graffiti artist since '93 to working as a full-time decorative artist in NYC for eight years, Stanger is experienced in creative energy and endurance. By focusing on geometric designs, letters, and the flow of natural materials, he creates meticulously planned custom art and murals.

San Antonio Spurs
Artist: David “Shek” Vega - Website & Handle
Shek Vega is a street art veteran with more than 25 years of experience, rooted in graffiti and known for blending fine art with street culture. He leads Gravelmouth Art Gallery, serves as president of the San Antonio Street Art Initiative 501(c)(3), and co-owns Los Otros Murals with partner Nik Soup. Collectively, he has produced over 200 murals around the US. Some including campaign collaborations with the San Antonio Spurs. “Our love for the Spurs is deeply rooted. They are part of the cultural fabric of our city. We are beyond honored to play a small part in their great legacy.

Toronto Raptors
Artist: Paul Glyn-Williams - Handle
SumArtist is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans painting, graffiti, digital graphics and large-scale murals. Known for vibrant focal points set against greyscale backdrops, his work captures the emotion behind cultural icons and legendary sports moments. His art is held in the collection of NBA champion Matt Barnes, and his large-scale works have become part of Toronto’s cultural fabric, including a 60-foot mural immortalizing José Bautista’s “Bat Flip” moment and a 50ft Toronto Raptors tribute to Vince Carter. A lifelong Raptors devotee, SumArtist channels his fandom into art that celebrates the team’s legacy and its power to inspire, unite and define the country.

Utah Jazz
Artist: Trent Call - Website & Handle
Trent grew up in Salt Lake City watching Utah Jazz games on TV in the late 80's and early 90's. He collected basketball cards and even had a chance to attend a few games hearing Hot Rod Hundley exclaim, "You gotta love it, Baby!" He is actively engaged in a diversity of ongoing creative projects, including murals, oil paintings, illustrations and sign painting. Trent’s work combines various influences from early animation, graffiti, pop art, and outmoded Americana.

Washington Wizards
Artist: Chris Pyrate - Website & Handle
Chris Pyrate is an artist and designer from Washington, D.C. known for his vibrant, floral-inspired work that blends street culture with fine art. His signature style—characterized by bold linework juxtaposed with soft pastel hues—reflects a harmonious balance that’s been described as "energetically tranquil." This aesthetic appears across murals, sculptures, fashion through his namesake fashion label, Chris Pyrate; as well as on high profile collaborations with the likes of Washington Wizards, MCM, Apple and more Pyrate’s work reaches international audiences, especially in Tokyo, where he’s held exhibitions and fashion openings. His evolving practice now includes storytelling through his upcoming manga and animation projects.

Stay or Go: Should the Mets trade David Peterson?

As the 2025 Mets devolved from a team with World Series hopes to one that missed the playoffs, the main culprit behind their fall was the pitching -- the starting rotation specifically

Among the issues?

The season-ending injuries suffered by Griffin Canning and Tylor Megill in June, the summer struggles of Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga, and the transition from reliever to starter that led to truncated starts by Clay Holmes.

When it comes toDavid Peterson, it was a tale of two seasons.

The left-hander charged out of the gate and maintained his excellence through Aug. 1, earning his first All-Star nod along the way.

Things changed after that, with Peterson regressing to the point where he wasn't a serious consideration to start the Mets' final game of the season against the Marlins in Miami, which he was on regular rest for. 

Peterson is arbitration-eligible for the final time ahead of 2026, and will be set for free agency after the season.

Should he be part of the Mets' starting rotation calculus, or is it time for New York to explore a trade?

New York Mets starting pitcher David Peterson (23) reacts after allowing a grand slam home run to San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Citi Field
New York Mets starting pitcher David Peterson (23) reacts after allowing a grand slam home run to San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Citi Field / Vincent Carchietta - Imagn Images

WHY IT COULD MAKE SENSE TO TRADE PETERSON

The last nine starts of Peterson's season were alarmingly bad, as he posted an 8.42 ERA while allowing 52 hits in 41.2 innings.

If you include just the last five starts, he had a 12.54 ERA while allowing 33 hits in 18.2 innings.

The ERA cited above is a inflated a bit due to the clunker Peterson had on Sept. 23, when he surrendered five runs on five hits in just 1.1 innings against the Cubs in Chicago. That was his last appearance of the season.

Peterson's issues down the stretch were shocking after the way he pitched over the first four months (when he posted a 2.83 ERA), but they were also a reminder that he has never put together back-to-back strong seasons.

Here's Peterson's ERA by year:

2020: 3.44
2021: 5.54
2022: 3.83
2023: 5.03
2024: 2.90
2025: 4.22

Peterson also hasn't been an innings-eater, with the 168.2 frames he threw in 2025 being the highest total of his career by far.

Before this past season, Peterson's previous high was 121.0.

Jul 10, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (23) delivers during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Jul 10, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; New York Mets pitcher David Peterson (23) delivers during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. / Mitch Stringer - Imagn Images

WHY IT COULD MAKE SENSE TO KEEP PETERSON

While the last few months of Peterson's season were unsightly, there's reason to believe he was also the recipient of bad luck on balls in play.

Peterson's ERA over his final nine starts was 8.42, but his FIP was 3.88 -- suggesting that lots of bounces did not go his way and that poor defense behind him played a part. 

It's also fair to wonder whether the innings increase was partially to blame for how poorly he performed in August and September, with Peterson's downturn going pretty much hand-in-hand with him passing his previous career high for innings in a season. 

There's also Peterson's contract status to take into account.

With Peterson entering his final season of arbitration, his expected salary is $7.6 million. That means he is low-risk, high-reward.

In the event Peterson struggles, he can easily be replaced without the Mets having to think too hard about it. One way or the other, there is no commitment beyond 2026.

Health should also be considered here.

Unlike Manaea and Senga, Peterson -- whose last major injury came in 2023 and resulted in offseason hip surgery -- made 30 starts in 2025 as he took the ball every turn without issue. 

New York Mets starting pitcher David Peterson (23) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park.
New York Mets starting pitcher David Peterson (23) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

VERDICT

I theorized the following in our stay or go piece revolving around Senga:

Using logic and deductive reasoning, it's fair to believe that three pitchers might be penciled in right now as members of the Mets' 2026 rotation: Holmes, Manaea, and Nolan McLean.

That would leave room for two (or three, if the Mets use a six-man rotation) other members of the starting staff.

As the front office factors in the other young starters (Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong), they'll likely also add one, if not two, members to the rotation externally -- with a trade arguably being the most sensible way to import a top of the rotation starter.

But even with New York potentially having lots of options, they learned the hard way this past season that you can truly never have enough starting pitching.

In a world where the Mets are pitching-rich and feel comfortable, they can always explore a trade of Peterson during the 2026 season. They could also utilize him in relief, where he excelled during the 2024 postseason. Or perhaps he's just good and needed and sticks in the rotation. 

That's why it should be an easy call to retain Peterson this offseason, whether the team envisions him beginning the year in the rotation or not. 

These 5 MLB teams have never won the World Series

These 5 MLB teams have never won the World Series originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The World Series has been around for more than 120 years, but some teams are still waiting for their chance to lift the Commissioner’s Trophy.

Teams like the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox and Athletics have been crowned champions plenty of times in their history. Other teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, Washington Nationals and, most recently, the Texas Rangers have gotten their first taste of World Series glory in the 21st century.

Several teams are still chasing their first championship in 2025, though. Could this be the year that another first-time champion joins the club?

Let’s look at the MLB teams that have never won a World Series title: 

Which MLB teams have never won the World Series?

After the Rangers won their first title in 2023, there are still five MLB organizations have never won the World Series — including two that are still alive in the 2025 postseason.

  • Milwaukee Brewers*
  • Seattle Mariners*
  • San Diego Padres
  • Tampa Bay Rays
  • Colorado Rockies

Milwaukee and Seattle are both seeking their first World Series as they battle in the NLCS and ALCS, respectively. If they can both advance to the World Series, we will be guaranteed to have a first time winner.

MLB teams with multiple World Series appearances but no titles

Two of the teams that have never won the World Series have played in it multiple times.

Among the teams without a title, the Rays have the most recent World Series appearance. Tampa Bay made its World Series debut in 2008 and lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in five games. It got back to the World Series in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Then there are the San Diego Padres. The team reached the World Series for the first time in 1984 and got back in 1998. The Padres made it to the NLCS in 2022, but it was the Phillies that reached the Fall Classic thanks to a gentleman’s sweep. The last two years have ended with losses in the NLDS (2024) and NL Wild Card (2025).

MLB teams with one World Series appearance but no title

The Milwaukee Brewers and Colorado Rockies each have one World Series appearance under their belts.

Milwaukee’s came in 1982, back when it was in the American League. The Brewers took a 3-2 series lead over the Cardinals before dropping Games 6 and 7 in St. Louis. Now, the Brewers are seeking their first World Series appearance in 43 years as they face the Dodgers in the 2025 NLCS. Their closest call to making it back came on the same stage against the Dodgers in 2018 when they lost in Game 7 of the NLCS.

The Rockies stormed into the 2007 World Series after sweeping their way through the NLDS and NLCS. They got a taste of their own medicine in the World Series, though, as the Red Sox broke out the brooms in four games. Colorado has won just one postseason game since clinching the 2007 NL pennant, and it hasn’t finished above .500 in a season since 2018.

MLB teams with no World Series appearances

The World Series has never taken place in Seattle — but that could be changing in 2025.

The Mariners are the only MLB team that has yet to reach the Fall Classic, though they have come close.

The team reached the ALCS three times from 1995 to 2001. The 2001 ALCS defeat at the hands of the Yankees came after the Mariners tied the 1906 Chicago Cubs with an MLB-record 116 regular season wins. Their closest calls came in 1995 and 2000, when they lost in six games.

Reaching the playoffs, let alone the World Series, has been a struggle ever since. Seattle went through a 20-year playoff drought before clinching a berth in 2022, where it won a Wild Card Series over the Toronto Blue Jays before getting swept by the Astros in the ALDS. Now, they’ll have to defeat the Blue Jays again in the 2025 ALCS to make their Fall Classic debut.

An earlier version of this story was published in October 2023.

These 5 MLB teams have never won the World Series

These 5 MLB teams have never won the World Series originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The World Series has been around for more than 120 years, but some teams are still waiting for their chance to lift the Commissioner’s Trophy.

Teams like the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Boston Red Sox and Athletics have been crowned champions plenty of times in their history. Other teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, Washington Nationals and, most recently, the Texas Rangers have gotten their first taste of World Series glory in the 21st century.

Several teams are still chasing their first championship in 2025, though. Could this be the year that another first-time champion joins the club?

Let’s look at the MLB teams that have never won a World Series title: 

Which MLB teams have never won the World Series?

After the Rangers won their first title in 2023, there are still five MLB organizations have never won the World Series — including two that are still alive in the 2025 postseason.

  • Milwaukee Brewers*
  • Seattle Mariners*
  • San Diego Padres
  • Tampa Bay Rays
  • Colorado Rockies

Milwaukee and Seattle are both seeking their first World Series as they battle in the NLCS and ALCS, respectively. If they can both advance to the World Series, we will be guaranteed to have a first time winner.

MLB teams with multiple World Series appearances but no titles

Two of the teams that have never won the World Series have played in it multiple times.

Among the teams without a title, the Rays have the most recent World Series appearance. Tampa Bay made its World Series debut in 2008 and lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in five games. It got back to the World Series in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Then there are the San Diego Padres. The team reached the World Series for the first time in 1984 and got back in 1998. The Padres made it to the NLCS in 2022, but it was the Phillies that reached the Fall Classic thanks to a gentleman’s sweep. The last two years have ended with losses in the NLDS (2024) and NL Wild Card (2025).

MLB teams with one World Series appearance but no title

The Milwaukee Brewers and Colorado Rockies each have one World Series appearance under their belts.

Milwaukee’s came in 1982, back when it was in the American League. The Brewers took a 3-2 series lead over the Cardinals before dropping Games 6 and 7 in St. Louis. Now, the Brewers are seeking their first World Series appearance in 43 years as they face the Dodgers in the 2025 NLCS. Their closest call to making it back came on the same stage against the Dodgers in 2018 when they lost in Game 7 of the NLCS.

The Rockies stormed into the 2007 World Series after sweeping their way through the NLDS and NLCS. They got a taste of their own medicine in the World Series, though, as the Red Sox broke out the brooms in four games. Colorado has won just one postseason game since clinching the 2007 NL pennant, and it hasn’t finished above .500 in a season since 2018.

MLB teams with no World Series appearances

The World Series has never taken place in Seattle — but that could be changing in 2025.

The Mariners are the only MLB team that has yet to reach the Fall Classic, though they have come close.

The team reached the ALCS three times from 1995 to 2001. The 2001 ALCS defeat at the hands of the Yankees came after the Mariners tied the 1906 Chicago Cubs with an MLB-record 116 regular season wins. Their closest calls came in 1995 and 2000, when they lost in six games.

Reaching the playoffs, let alone the World Series, has been a struggle ever since. Seattle went through a 20-year playoff drought before clinching a berth in 2022, where it won a Wild Card Series over the Toronto Blue Jays before getting swept by the Astros in the ALDS. Now, they’ll have to defeat the Blue Jays again in the 2025 ALCS to make their Fall Classic debut.

An earlier version of this story was published in October 2023.

Draymond Green seemingly torches Lakers' Dalton Knecht with trade deadline jab

Draymond Green seemingly torches Lakers' Dalton Knecht with trade deadline jab originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason matchup Sunday night featured a familiar sight — Draymond Green taunting an opponent.

Midway through the game, Los Angeles center Deandre Ayton stepped to the line for a pair of free throws. After Ayton sank the first, cameras appeared to catch rookie forward Dalton Knecht seemingly trash-talking the Golden State veteran near the paint.

Green — never one to back down — quickly fired back.

“He talking s—t like he ain’t get traded and sent back. F—k wrong with him,” Green said.

The moment Green referenced came from one of the strangest twists of last season. In the span of just a few days, Dalton Knecht went from being a Los Angeles Laker, to a Charlotte Hornet, and back to a Laker again — all before he’d even unpacked.

At the February trade deadline, the Lakers agreed to send Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap and their 2031 first-round pick to Charlotte in exchange for 7-foot center Mark Williams. But the deal collapsed after Williams reportedly failed his physical, nullifying the trade and sending Knecht back to Los Angeles.

Knecht later told reporters the whirlwind felt “like a movie” — a surreal experience of being traded, traveling to meet his new team, and then returning to the same locker room days later.

Green, known for his fiery competitiveness, clearly hasn’t forgotten.

Preseason or not, Green showed once again he doesn’t need the regular season to bring his usual regular-season energy.

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Pogacar rules cycling world with total pedal power after brushing off mid-season blues

A fifth successive Il Lombardia triumph completed another dominant season for the Slovenian, while on the women’s tour Pauline Ferrand-Prévot divided opinion

Tadej Pogacar’s command of world cycling now seems limitless. The Slovenian ended 2025 as he began it, dominating a coveted Italian classic, Il Lombardia, to win the “race of the falling leaves” for the fifth time straight.

The 27-year-old had started his European season by winning the Tuscan gravel race, Strade Bianche. He closed it having matched Italian icon Fausto Coppi’s record of five Lombardy wins and Eddy Merckx’s achievement of winning three “monument” races, the Tour de France and the world road race title in the same year.

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Columbus Blue Jackets (2 pts) vs. New Jersey Devils (2 pts) Game Preview

The Blue Jackets host the New Jersey Devils at Nationwide Arena tonight in the home opener. 

The home opener for Columbus is always a great event. Before, during, and after the game is always a fun time in the arena district. I encourage you to attend. 

Now for the game. The Blue Jackets seem to always have a hard time winning against the Devils, so this one could be tough. The CBJ are coming in off a crazy game in Minnesota, where they gave up four power play goals and took 8, yes 8, penalties. That cannot happen again if they stand a chance against the NJD.

The Devils come into Columbus having beaten the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 5-3 on Saturday. Connor Brown scored a pair of goals in the win. Jacob Markstrom has started both games for New Jersey so far and expect him to get the nod in favor of Jake Allen tonight. 

CBJ defenseman Erik Gudbranson took a hard shot from Marcus Foligno that sent him from the game on Saturday night. We'll find out later if he can go, or if Jake Christiansen will need to step in. 

Blue Jackets Stats

  • Power Play - 25% - 9th in NHL
  • Penalty Kill - 58.3% - 30th in NHL
  • Goals For - 8 - T-4th in NHL
  • Goals Against - 6 - T-2nd in NHL

Devils Stats

  • Power Play - 0% - 28th in NHL
  • Penalty Kill - 85.7% - 12th in NHL
  • Goals For - 8 - T-4th in NHL
  • Goals Against - 9 - T-7th in NHL

Series History vs. The Devils

  • Columbus is 29-21-1-3, and 17-11-0 at home all-time vs. New Jersey
  • The Blue Jackets went 1-2 vs. the Devils last season, and lost the only game played at NWA.
  • The CBJ have killed 27 of the last 30 Devils power plays over the last 14 games at NWA.

Who To Watch For The Devils

  • Luke Hughes leads the Devils through two games in assists and points with 4.
  • Jesper Bratt leads NJD with two goals.
  • Jacob Markstrom is 1-1 with an .837 SV%.

CBJ Player Notes vs. Devils

  • Sean Monahan has 25 points in 20 career games against NJD.
  • Zach Werenski has 9 points in 24 games against the Devils.
  • Boone Jenner has 20 points in 36 games against New Jersey

Injuries - None

TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 0

How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on FanDuel Sports Network. Steve Mears will be on the play-by-play. The radio broadcast will be on 97.1 The Fan, with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play.

Let us know what you think below.

Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!

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Islanders Send Top Forward Prospect Calum Ritchie To Bridgeport

The New York Islanders have sent forward prospect Calum Ritchie to Bridgeport of the American Hockey League. 

The 20-year-old was rather impressive during training camp and the preseason, but due to a lack of an opening in the top nine, especially at the center position, it was unlikely that he'd make the team.

Calum Ritchie Continues Making Waves In Bid for Islanders Roster SpotCalum Ritchie Continues Making Waves In Bid for Islanders Roster SpotNEW YORK, NY -- The chances of New York Islanders prospect Calum Ritchie making the team out of training camp are slim -- it's not zero. 

Because Ritchie sustained a minor lower-body injury in the Islanders' preseason finale against the Philadelphia Flyers, he began the season on Season-Opening Injured Reserve. 

The belief was that when he was healthy, if the Islanders were healthy, he'd be heading back to Bridgeport, where he could play big minutes for head coach Rocky Thompson and a new and improved AHL squad.

Ritchie had practiced the last two days, so it was only a matter of time before he was optioned to the AHL.

Last season, after making the Colorado Avalanche out of training camp, Ritchie played seven NHL games -- all on wing -- scoring one goal, which happened to come against Ilya Sorokin.

The Avalanche returned him to the OHL's Oshawa Generals for the remainder of the season, as he was not eligible due to his age to play in the AHL.

He'll likely get his first taste of that league, when Bridgeport on Friday, Oct. 2 host the Providence Bruins at 7 PM ET. 

Bridgeport is coming off a 6-2 win over the Belleville Senators and is 1-0-1-0 on the young season. 

Defenseman Marshall Warren is tied atop the AHL leaderboards with four points (two goals, two assists).

Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

Mazzulla makes emphatic point about Celtics' preseason rebounding woes

Mazzulla makes emphatic point about Celtics' preseason rebounding woes originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

An often exasperated Joe Mazzulla spent much of his Sunday night pointing down the bench for subs each time his team failed to secure a defensive rebound against the star-less Cleveland Cavaliers.

During one sequence midway through the second quarter, Mazzulla called for three subs in less than 20 seconds as his team gave up three consecutive offensive rebounds before a 24-second violation mercifully ended the possession.

Anfernee Simons got caught out of position and Mazzulla pointed to Derrick White to replace him. Neemias Queta couldn’t corral the next misfire and Mazzulla called for Josh Minott to sub in. When rookie Hugo Gonzalez failed to secure the next rebound opportunity, Sam Hauser joined the growing cluster at the scorer’s table.

It felt like a bit the scene in Christmas Vacation where Clark Griswold brings a gift to his boss, Frank Shirley. An annoyed Shirley doesn’t have time for small talk and picks up his office phone and tells his secretary, “Get me somebody. Anybody. And get me someone while I’m waiting!”

Boston’s defensive rebound rate this preseason is 64.3 percent. That’s 7.4 percent below the team’s 71.7 defensive rebound rate last season, which ranked seventh in the NBA. The Celtics’ current 64.3 percent mark would have been 3.5 percent worse than last-place Philadelphia for the entirety of the 2024-25 season.

Mazzulla has had a short leash on his players all preseason for their miscues, particularly on the glass, and it was on full display on Sunday night. The Cavaliers attempted a staggering 102 field goal attempts, making just 36. That’s 66 misfires, with Boston securing just 39 offensive rebounds. (The Cavs had 21 offensive rebounds.)

Boston’s defensive rebound rate of 59.7 percent on Sunday was its worst of the preseason. The first two games were nothing to write home about, either (68.5 percent vs. Toronto; 66.1 percent vs. Memphis)

Mazzulla, already seemingly riled up after answering a postgame query about 3-pointers, bristled at multiple postgame questions surrounding the team’s rebounding woes. He repeatedly noted the team simply needed to, “Find five guys that will rebound.”

The Celtics produced a 31-point preseason victory on Sunday night, and you would have through they lost by 31 based on Mazzulla’s postgame tone. But this team has always emphasized process over results.

After the offseason departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford, rebounding was bound to be in the spotlight to start the new campaign. The Celtics have received positive output from some of their new faces, including the trio of Chris Boucher, Luka Garza, and Josh Minott. But how the big-man rotation will shake out remains unclear just nine days before the start of the season.

Neemias Queta had an excellent summer playing for Portugal at EuroBasket but has had two rough showings to start the preseason. Newcomers Boucher and Garza have been sharper, but no combination of players has quite solved Boston’s rebounding issues.

Mazzulla has experimented this preseason starting double-big lineups with Boucher at one of the big man spots, then went single big with Boucher on Sunday night. It was 6-foot-4 Derrick White who led the Celtics with seven rebounds against the Cavaliers.

Mazzulla has set a tone of accountability with his quick hooks in these games. The Celtics seem hell-bent on making up for some of Boston’s talent drain by playing harder and smarter. Mazzulla, with his penchant for the margins, will not allow his team to beat itself by not putting in the effort necessary to finish defensive possessions.

Maybe that will force the team to play bigger to start the season, potentially pairing Boucher with another big up front. Minott and Garza have been two of the team’s better rebounders at various times this preseason and can help the team shore up that area. But the bottom line is that, when you lose two experienced 7-footers and one of the smartest 6-foot-9 guys in the league, then you just need to work harder on the glass.

We suspect Monday’s film session will focus a lot more on what went wrong than what went well. That’s too bad because the Celtics’ offense has been humming, Simons has shown he can get hot in a hurry, and Boston has plenty of reasons to be optimistic about its ability to remain competitive during the 2025-26 season.

But Mazzulla knows that the margin for error is slimmer while waiting for Jayson Tatum to get back to full health, and that the Celtics can’t gift their opponent extra possessions.

On Sunday night, Mazzulla made his point. The Celtics have to show they listened with their effort on the glass moving forward.

Brydon Carse reveals Stokes and Wood are close to 100% and raring to go for Ashes

  • England duo trained in nets on injury comeback trail

  • Carse insists he’s looking forward to Australia fan verbals

Ben Stokes and Mark Wood are expected to be “raring to go” for the start of the Ashes next month, offering England a timely boost that sits in contrast to Australia’s ongoing concerns over the fitness of Pat Cummins.

As the two seamers with prior experience of playing Test cricket in Australia, Stokes and Wood are central to England’s plans this winter. Stokes missed the fifth Test against India with a shoulder injury, however, while Wood sat out the entire English summer following knee surgery back in March.

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NHL Waiver Wire: Flyers Should Take a Chance on Recently Cut Sharks Defenseman

(Photo: John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images)

The Philadelphia Flyers badly need adequate reinforcements on defense, and what better way to get them than for free from the NHL waiver wire?

After passing on Victor Soderstrom towards the end of training camp and the preseason, the Flyers again will have an opportunity to claim a young player with some pedigree and throw a dart at the void that is their defense.

On Sunday, it was announced that the San Jose Sharks had placed defenseman Jack Thompson on waivers, exposing him to the Flyers and the other 30 NHL teams.

Yes, he was just cut from the Sharks, of all teams, but at just 23 years old, there's plenty to like about Thompson and what he could potentially bring to the table, even for a brief cameo.

After appearing in just three NHL games prior, Thompson broke through for the Sharks last season, playing 31 games in San Jose and scoring four goals, six assists, and 10 points while bouncing around between the Sharks and the AHL Barracuda.

Between the AHL and the NHL, the former third-round pick scored a total of seven goals, 17 assists, and 24 points in 58 games.

In the 2023-24 season, playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning AHL affiliate Syracuse Crunch, Thompson produced a solid five goals, 27 assists, and 32 points in 46 games.

At 6-foot-2, Thompson is neither particularly nimble nor physical; his skating metrics from last season rank below the 50th percentile in nearly every category, according to NHL EDGE, while he made just 12 hits in 31 games with the Sharks.

What Thompson can bring the Flyers, however, is the ability to move the puck and defend at a level that was high enough to look decent on a team like San Jose.

The right-shot blueliner could conceivably carve out an NHL career as a bottom-four defenseman with some improvements to skating and/or the addition of a physical element, which the Flyers were looking for and haven't gotten from Helge Grans yet.

Jack Thompson was rock-solid offensively and defensively in limited NHL action with the Sharks last season. (Evolving-Hockey)

The Egor Zamula, Adam Ginning, and Noah Juulsen experiments haven't worked out at all so far, and the Flyers have already decided they'd rather see Emil Andrae than Dennis Gilbert on the NHL roster after the first two games of the year.

Should the Flyers successfully claim Thompson off waivers from the Sharks, they add another young and fairly experienced player to the fold with some semblance of offensive upside.

That's more than what they can say about most other internal options at the position at the moment.

'We FaceTimed The Next Night': Maple Leafs' Easton Cowan Reacts To Fraser Minten's Overtime Winner With Bruins

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Easton Cowan has been keeping tabs on good friend Fraser Minten.

Minten, who was the Maple Leafs' second-round (38th overall) pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, joined the Boston Bruins after being traded with a conditional 2026 first-round pick and a 2025 fourth-round pick for defenseman Brandon Carlo.

The 21-year-old was drafted a year before Cowan, who was a first-round (28th overall) pick by Toronto in 2023. Minten and Cowan developed a strong relationship off the ice as two of the Maple Leafs' top prospects in the system.

Cowan, set to make his NHL debut against the Detroit Red Wings on Monday afternoon, revealed ahead of rookie camp that he's renting Minten's place. Minten had bought a place in Toronto while splitting last season between the AHL and NHL before being traded to Boston in March.

Minten got off to a strong start with the Bruins, scoring the overtime-winner against the Chicago Blackhawks in the second game of the season. It was his second goal with Boston after scoring one in six games last year.

"I watched (the overtime-winner) live, actually," Cowan smiled. "Then we FaceTimed the next night, so it was good. Obviously, such a great player and just really good to see that he's succeeding over there."

It's Minten's fourth goal through 28 career NHL games split between the Maple Leafs and Bruins. Minten is currently occupying the third-line center spot on the Bruins, a spot in the lineup that people had him projected to play during his years as a prospect in the Maple Leafs organization.

As Cowan prepares for his NHL debut, what has he learned from Minten over the years about being a consistent player at the pro level?

"Just details. Like everyone says, you got to be good on the boards and stuff like that, and I feel like I've done a great job of that so far," Cowan said. "So just gotta keep going, like I said, and I'll give him a call, let him know I'm in (Toronto's lineup), so he'll be pumped."

Cowan is set to make his NHL debut on the Maple Leafs' top line with Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews. The Bruins and Maple Leafs will play their first game of the season against each other on Nov. 8 in Toronto.

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Sam Rinzel Is A Long-Term Chicago Blackhawks Core Piece Going Forward

Sam Rinzel, a 2022 first-round pick, is developing into one of the best young defensemen in the National Hockey League for the Chicago Blackhawks. Even Kyle Davidson would admit that Rinzel has exceeded all expectations up to this point. 

On Saturday night, Rinzel scored his first career NHL goal. It was an impressive goal as he was the recipient of a good play made by Frank Nazar and Teuvo Teravainen before he skated through a lane to the net and sniped it. It’s the type of goal that serves as evidence that he could be a dynamic star on the back-end. 

"To get the first one, it feels good," Rinzel said after the game. "It definitely gives you some confidence for sure."

With this goal, Rinzel has 6 points (1-5–6) in 12 career games. That type of production, if kept up or even built on, would make him one of the best offensive defensemen in the world. However, his positioning and defense have been special, too.

Rinzel is an all-purpose player. He plays well at even strength, he is the quarterback of the top power play unit, and he can kill penalties. With an average of 23:26, he leads the Blackhawks in time on ice by almost two minutes. For being 12 games into his career, it is impressive to see how quickly he has earned the trust of the coaching staff.  

The organization has made it obvious that Rinzel is in the long-term plans. His first career NHL goal was just a small milestone compared to the expectations that are on him as a defenseman in the long term. He is now in the conversation with guys like Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Artyom Levshunov, Anton Frondell, and Alex Vlasic, amongst others, as a core piece. 

Vlasic, whom the Blackhawks also really like and is second on the team in average time on ice, is Rinzel's defense partner to start the year. With Vlasic, who also has the capabilities of a two-way player despite leaning towards a defensive mindset, Rinzel is free to play the position how he feels comfortable. It is apparent early that they feed off each other. 

If Rinzel continues to stack up points, lead Chicago in ice time, and prove himself as a great player in his own end, the NHL may begin to talk about him in the Calder Trophy conversation.

Now, Rinzel can completely focus on playing hockey the right way while continuing to get better. With that mentality, goals, assists, and so much more will come. 

It must be remembered that he is still very young and inexperienced. There will be rookie mistakes that make you wonder. However, the process is correct, and he is already well beyond his years. 

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