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Why Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland Had An Underrated NHL Trade Deadline

The NHL's trade deadline is officially complete, and while the Los Angeles Kings didn't have a loud day on Friday, they made some moves. 

Though these trades aren't franchise-altering by any means, Kings GM Ken Holland deserves some credit for what he's done, and here's why.

For starters, back on Feb. 4, he made a grand addition, bringing in superstar left winger Artemi Panarin. While it wasn't technically a deal that was made at the trade deadline, the Kings only lost prospect Liam Greentree and a couple of conditional draft picks, none of which were first-rounders.

Fast-forward to Thursday, when Holland sent left winger Warren Foegele to the Ottawa Senators for a 2026 second-round pick that belongs to the Buffalo Sabres, and swapped third-round picks filtered with several conditions.

On Friday's deadline day, the Kings made a pair of moves. The first trade was sending right winger Corey Perry to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick. 

"When Tampa called, it was (Perry's) decision," Holland told reporters in a press conference. "He wanted to go there, so we got a second-round pick."

With the Foegele and Perry trades, as well as the Phillip Danault deal with the Montreal Canadiens back in December, Los Angeles has six second-round picks for the next three drafts, including three for 2026.

'I Had No Purpose': Danault Speaks For The First Time Since Trade From The Kings'I Had No Purpose': Danault Speaks For The First Time Since Trade From The KingsPhillip Danault has spoken for the first time since the Los Angeles Kings traded him to the Montreal Canadiens. It's clear he wasn't pleased with the way he was handled ahead of his return to Montreal.

"Coming into the deadline… I wanted to try and get another pick or two for our scouts," Holland said. " I think it's important that we got to continue to draft, try to get some young players in the organization."

Later in the day, not long before the 12 p.m. PST cutoff, Los Angeles acquired center Scott Laughton from the Toronto Maple Leafs. That trade costs the team a 2026 third-round pick, which becomes a second-rounder if the Kings make the playoffs. 

"Laughton's a veteran guy," the Kings GM mentioned. "He's a center iceman, he can kill penalties, wins draws, competitive, and just gives us more depth."

Los Angeles Kings Acquire Center Scott Laughton From Toronto Maple LeafsLos Angeles Kings Acquire Center Scott Laughton From Toronto Maple LeafsThe Los Angeles Kings have acquired center Scott Laughton from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a conditional second-round pick.

Trades weren't the only moves that Holland made on Friday. The Kings signed right winger Mathieu Joseph to a one-year contract through the remainder of this season at a $900,000 cap hit.

On Thursday, Joseph was placed on waivers by the St. Louis Blues for the purpose of contract termination and became a UFA on Friday.

Los Angeles' GM said that head coach D.J. Smith is familiar with Joseph from their time with the Senators' organization. Joseph's best seasons were under Smith, including in 2023-24 when he recorded a career-high 35 points, registering 11 goals and 24 assists.

While it may seem like a boring and bleak addition, it's a more sensible move than some may think. 

The Kings departed from Foegele and Perry just before the deadline, meaning there were two holes in the bottom-six forward group.

Scott Laughton (Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)
Scott Laughton (Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

One was filled with the acquisition of Laughton, and the other with Joseph. But there's more of an explanation behind this decision, specifically between Foegele and Joseph.

Joseph, 29, and one year younger than Foegele, has scored more points than the former King this season.

Joseph has two goals and 11 points in 39 appearances, while Foegele has seven goals and nine points in 47 games.

Furthermore, Joseph comes at a much lower cap hit than Foegele's $3.5 million. Not to mention, Foegele fetched the Kings a second-round pick for the upcoming draft, while Joseph was brought in for no exchange of assets and a low cap hit.

Essentially, Holland grabbed a second-rounder for an underachieving Foegele while acquiring another player of a similar position with no assets, and is outperforming Foegele in terms of offensive production.

In summary, the Kings' GM was crafty and looked to bring in the most value that he could with the assets he had. The team brings in a handful of draft picks for the future, while slightly upgrading their personnel up front with Laughton and Joseph over and underperforming Foegele and an aging pending UFA in Perry.

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Nikola Vucevic likely to miss at least one month in Celtics injury crusher

Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4) working in the post against Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3).
Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4) works in the post against Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) during the first half at Ball Arena.

The Celtics have lost one of their big men for the foreseeable future.

Center Nikola Vucevic fractured his right ring finger early on during Friday’s 120-100 win over the Mavericks, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.

Vucevic is set to undergo a procedure on Saturday and will miss about one month.

Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4) works in the post against Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) during the first half at Ball Arena. Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Boston acquired Vucevic, 35, near the trade deadline last month from the Bulls in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons.

The move provided the Celtics with a veteran big man to pair alongside 26-year-old Neemias Queta and 27-year-old Luka Garza for the final stretch of the regular season.

The two-time All-Star has made just one start since landing in Boston, averaging 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds in 23.5 minutes in 11 games.

Vucevic’s injury comes the same day Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum made his return following an Achilles tear he suffered during last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals against the Knicks.

Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4) dribbles down the court defended by Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (1) during the first half at TD Garden. Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Tatum did have some rust to shake off during Friday’s game, shooting 2-for-8 from the field during the first half.

The six-time All-Star finished the game with 15 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists and a steal while shooting 6-for-16 from the field and 3-8 from beyond the 3-point arc.

Despite being without their star player, Boston has played well this season, sitting second in the Eastern Conference with a 42-21 record.

During an appearance on “The Pivot Podcast” in January, Tatum admitted that he was concerned about fitting into a team that was performing so well without him.

“If or when I do come back this season, they will have played 50-some-odd games without me, so they have an identity this year or things that they’ve felt have clicked for them,” he said. “And it’s been successful. They’re the (second) team in the East up to this point.”

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Dodgers shut out Royals 6-0

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 06: Michael Siani #27 and James Tibbs III #98 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after scoring runs in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch on March 06, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dodgers were able to bounce back after suffering a walk-off loss on Thursday by shutting out the Kansas City Royals 6-0 on Friday.

The Dodgers wasted no time putting the ball in play to begin the bottom of the first, as Miguel Rojas and Freddie Freeman knocked a pair of singles to strike first on the scoreboard. Mookie Betts knocked his first extra-base hit of the spring to bring home Freeman before Teoscar Hernández traded places with Betts to make it a 3-0 Dodger lead before the Royals recorded an out.

Both Rojas and Hernández finished their evening going 3-3, with Rojas hitting a trio of singles and Hernández smacking a double and two singles. Freddie Freeman finished with three RBI on the night while Hernández plated two, both contributing in the second three-run inning for the Dodgers as they led 6-0 after four innings.

Ryder Ryan was given the start for the Dodgers having given up just two runs over five previous innings. Ryan struggled with command in the first inning, issuing two consecutive walks to Nick Loftin and Isaac Collins, but Ryan managed to pick off Loftin between first and second base and Dalton Rushing threw out Collins attempting to steal second base. Ryan had an easier time on the mound in the second inning, tossing just seven pitches and picking up a strikeout to end his day at the office.

Will Klein faced his former team for the first time in his career, giving up a single from Connor Kaiser as well as a walk to Peyton Wilson, but worked around the two baserunners with a pair of strikeouts in a scoreless third inning. Tanner Scott took over on the mound in the fourth inning, pitching a perfect inning on just 10 pitches with a pair of bookend strikeouts.

Antoine Kelly, Ronan Kopp, Edgardo Henríquez, Chris Campos and Wyatt Mills each combined for a five scoreless innings to close out Friday’s contest, allowing just two hits while striking out eight and walking three hitters.

UP NEXT

The Dodgers are back under the lights at Camelback Ranch on Saturday to host the Colorado Rockies (5:05 p.m. PT, SportsNet LA). Landon Knack gets the start for the Dodgers, facing southpaw Sean Sullivan.

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Stats Rundown: 4 numbers to know from the Mavericks’ 120-100 loss to the Boston Celtics

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 6: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics guards Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks during the game on March 6, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks (21-42) played the Boston Celtics (42-21) on Friday, losing 120-100 at TD Garden. The game was a dual return of sorts, with Cooper Flagg coming back (near) home and Jason Tatum making his season debut after 298 days on the shelf following an Achilles injury last season.

The first half was close, but things started to slip away in the third quarter before coming completely unraveled in the late stages

35.3%: Combined shooting percentage in an ugly first quarter

The Mavericks have made a habit of falling behind big in the first quarter. Friday night flipped the script, but just barely, as Dallas led 22-21 after the first frame. Despite carrying a lead after 12 minutes, nothing was pretty for either team to start things off. Dallas connected on 8-of-23 shots, with Boston hitting 10-of-28. Compounding things, the Mavericks only had two starters in the scoring column; Flagg with six and Khris Middleton with three. Max Christie, P.J. Washington and Dwight Powell combined for zero first quarter and only 19 for the game.

+13: Boston’s rebounding differential

Without Daniel Gafford and Marvin Bagley, Dallas rolled out a center tandem of Powell and Moussa Cisse. The two combined for 12 rebounds, but no single player broke double figures as Flagg led the way with eight. Boston meanwhile had two starters combine for 27 boards en route to out-rebounding Dallas by double digits as a team. Giving a team that many more opportunities to possess the ball is a recipe for disaster.

58/42: Dallas’ bench-scoring vs. starter-scoring

The Mavericks bench-players outplayed the starters by a big margin. You may think that was because more bench players than starters actually played, however if you factor out Ryan Nembhard’s five points in the closing minutes, the other five bench players still chipped in 11 more points than the starters. Flagg and P.J. Washington combining to go 9-for-32 from the floor was certainly a big factor in the disparity.

4: Quarters in a basketball game

The Mavs must have thought the game was over after three quarters, because they really didn’t show up in the fourth until it was far too late. The box score looks borderline presentable, but the reality is that Dallas sat on seven fourth-quarter points for more than six minutes. Dallas couldn’t get much to fall throughout the night (40.9% field goals), but especially so in the fourth quarter as Boston easily pulled away.

I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.

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Schlittler and the ‘pen combine for 15 strikeouts as Yanks beat Rays

Mar 6, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) is taken out of the game by manager Aaron Boone (17) during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Expectations were high for Cam Schlittler’s first spring start, and he did not disappoint. Over 2.1 innings and 39 pitches, he struck out four Rays and looked really good while doing it. Meanwhile, Trent Grisham came up clutch on offense, driving in two runs on a single in the second inning. The rest of the game was relatively uneventful, with both teams’ pitching carving up batters left and right. When all was said and done, the Yankees came away with the win, a quick 2-0 affair.

How about Schlittler, though?! I try not to get too excited about spring starts, but the big righty’s outing was certainly encouraging. He started his night by striking out Taylor Walls on three pitches, with an assist from the new ABS system:

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I have no idea why the ump called it a ball in the first place, but I guess they’re still a bit rusty.

To their credit, the Rays did not go quietly after that, as Theo Gillen worked a walk, and Ryan Vilade singled to put runners at first and second. However, Schlittler was unfazed, freezing Jacob Melton on a perfectly located 99 mph heater to get him looking for the second out. The BABIP gods then tested Schlittler’s resolve by turning a Ben Williamson squibbler into an infield single to load the bases, but Schlittler got Hunter Feduccia to ground out to short, escaping the inning unscathed.

The Yankees would generate some traffic of their own in the bottom of the first. After a Grisham strikeout, Ben Rice worked a walk, then advanced to third on a Cody Bellinger single. However, Giancarlo Stanton went down looking, and even though Bellinger stole second, Ryan McMahon could not bring him or Rice home, lining out to left for the third out.

Schlittler picked up right where he left off in the top of the second, inducing groundballs from Logan Davidson and Xavier Isaac before striking out Raynel Delgado for a clean 1-2-3 inning. The offense put men on base again in the bottom half, and this time, they did not disappoint. Although Paul DeJong lined out to short to lead off the inning, Oswaldo Cabrera started his comeback the right way by working a walk, and Max Schuemann doubled to put runners at second and third. Payton Henry struck out looking, but Grisham came through, slashing a base hit to right field to drive in two.

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Rice continued the rally by doubling to center field, with Grisham advancing to third, but Bellinger lined out to right to end the threat. Still, the damage was done.

Schlittler finished his night by striking out Taylor Walls for the second time, this time getting him to swing through a high cutter. His final line – 2.1 innings, four strikeouts, zero runs, two hits, and a walk. He certainly brought the heat, hitting 99 mph several times, but his secondaries were sharp too, with his cutter and curveball looking quite good. He was also able to avoid the heart of the zone, generally commanding his pitches well. There were nothing but positives from his start, and I eagerly await his next one.

Not a whole lot happened for the rest of the game, as both the Yankees’ and Rays’ pitchers put up a bunch of zeros. On the Rays’ side, Joe Boyle impressed despite the Grisham hit, striking out six in his 3.0 innings and showcasing some premium stuff. Ian Seymour relieved Boyle in the fourth inning and was even better, pitching 3.1 innings, striking out six, and not allowing a single baserunner. Alex Cook came on with one out in the eighth and closed out the inning without issue. Joe Rock had the worst day of the bunch, as his wild pitch in the ninth inning allowed Kenedy Corona to score from third (after having stolen second and third!), and walked an additional two batters in the frame before striking out George Lombard Jr. to escape the inning. Still, it was an impressive showing from the Rays’ pitching corps.

All of this would have been mildly irritating if not for the fact that the Yankees’ pitchers had themselves a day, too. Tim Hill, Brent Headrick, Zach Messinger, and Danny Watson combined for 6.2 innings, 14 strikeouts, and just two baserunners. Granted, they were facing a quite toothless Rays lineup which lacked Yandy Díaz, Junior Caminero, and Jonathan Aranda, but it was a great showing nonetheless. Aside from Hill, these pitchers project to be on the Scranton shuttle rather than regular bullpen contributors, but having depth arms that won’t embarrass you is important over the course of the 162-game season.

As a small Aaron Judge/Team USA update: he clobbered a two-run homer off of Brazil’s Bo Takahashi. Great to see our Captain showing out on the international stage — even if former Yankees pitcher José Contreras’ 17-year-old son surprisingly got him to hit into a double play in his second at-bat!

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The Yankees’ next game will be against the Nationals, at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on 6:05pm ET tomorrow evening. Will Warren is slated to start against Josiah Gray.

Box Score

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Mets' Freddy Peralta seeking 'seven or eight years' in contract extension talks

Freddy Peralta hasn’t even thrown a pitch that counts in a Mets uniform yet, but he already knows that this is where he wants to be. 

“I’m really comfortable here,” he told Jon Heyman of the New York Post. “I’m not going to lie, I’d love to be here, and I’d love to stay a long time.”

Peralta, of course, is a free agent this offseason and he told Heyman that he is seeking a seven or eight-year deal. 

It remains unclear if he's had any talks with the Mets on a potential extension to this point, but he did play coy following his first start of the spring, simply offering no comment and a big smile. 

The 29-year-old reiterated that comfort he’s felt with the organization.

“Everything has been amazing,” he explained. “Talking from the bottom to the top, the people in the front office, everyone -- they’ve been very easy for me, easy to work with, and I’m just happy because I feel they have my back.”

While David Stearns has been hesitant to hand out long-term pacts to pitchers over the years, perhaps he’d be willing to change things up for an arm he's comfortable with having dealt for twice in his career.

Stearns acquired Peralta as a prospect in Milwaukee, and now brings him to the Big Apple, where he'll provide a significant boost to the Mets' rotation this year... and potentially beyond. 

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Rockies Reacts Results: Fans believe in TJ Rumfield

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: T.J. Rumfield #64 of the Colorado Rockies looks on during the eighth inning of the spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We’re about halfway through spring training, which means position battles are heating up. Earlier this week, we asked who you thought had the best chance to break camp with the Rockies, and you answered!

The vast majority of you believe that newly-acquired first baseman TJ Rumfield has the best chance of doing just that.

Rumfield was acquired on January 28th in a trade that sent RHP Angel Chivilli to the New York Yankees. He has contributed well this spring, slashing .350/.500/.950 with four homers in 10 games. He has also walked four times and walked just once.

Behind him, 19% of you believe that Charlie Condon (No. 1 PuRP) could break camp. The rest of the candidates each earned less-than 10% of the vote.

Do you agree that TJ Rumfield has the best chance? What have you liked from him so far this spring? Let us know!

Brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, the official sportsbook partner of SB Nation.

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How many points did Cooper Flagg score? Mavericks vs. Celtics stats

Cooper Flagg's homecoming at TD Garden was nearly cut short in the opening minutes of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics.

Flagg limped off the court after he drove toward the basket, while splitting two defenders, for a shot attempt. Flagg's shot was short as he went to the ground and immediately began holding his left leg and ankle.

The Maine native did return and finished out the game in the eventual 120-100 loss to the Celtics.

Flagg returned from an eight-game absence on Thursday in a 115-114 loss to the Orlando Magic. Flagg had suffered a left midfoot sprain on Feb. 10.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) tries to steal the ball from Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first quarter at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 6, 2026.

Cooper Flagg stats vs. Celtics

Points: 16

FG: 7-for-23 (0-for-4 from 3-point line)

Free throws: 2-for-2

Rebounds: 8

Assists: 6

Steals: 1

Blocks: 0

Turnovers: 3

Fouls: 5

Minutes: 30

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cooper Flagg stats, points tonight, Mavericks vs Celtics highlights

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Matthew Tkachuk Hat Trick Helps Panthers Earn Gritty 3-1 Win In Detroit

The Florida Panthers opened the post-NHL Trade Deadline portion of their schedule on Friday night.

Florida is facing an incredibly difficult task in terms of trying to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but took a step in the right direction by picking up a solid 3-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings.

It was the Panthers who picked up the game’s opening goal, and it came off the stick of Matthew Tkachuk.

With Florida controlling the puck deep in Detroit’s zone, Carter Verhaeghe hustled to pick up the puck behind John Gibson’s net and sent a quick backhand pass to the slot, where Tkachuk had made himself at home between the circles.

Tkachuk’s quick one-timer gave the Panthers a 1-0 lead at the 11:06 mark of the opening frame.

A pair of penalties on Anton Lundell and Gus Forsling midway through the second period led to the game-tying goal for Detroit.

While enjoying a two-man advantage, Alex DeBrincat picked up his 33rd goal of the season on a primary assist from Patrick Kane, knotting the score at one with 9:04 remaining until the final intermission.

Florida began the third period on the power play and quickly took advantage.

Once again it was Tkachuk, this time deflecting a shot by Sam Reinhart past Gibson to give Florida a 2-1 lead at the :35 second mark.

Tkachuk completed the hat trick late in the third, cashing in on an empty-net goal while giving the Panthers that all-important insurance tally.

Sergei Bobrovsky finished with 27 saves, including an impressive eight high-danger stops, to earn his 23rd win of the season.

The victory was Florida’s first in five games, sending the Cats back to Sunrise feeling good.

The home and home continues Tuesday in Sunrise.

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Photo caption: Mar 6, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) receives congratulations from teammates after scoring in the first period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. (Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)

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NHL trade deadline winners, losers: Avalanche go all in with Nazem Kadri deal

Nazem Kadri won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022 and wasn't re-signed, starting the team's search for a No. 2 center.

They finally found one at the 2025 NHL trade deadline with Brock Nelson. But now they also have found a Kadri-style player.

Nazem Kadri.

The Avalanche and Calgary Flamesworked out a deal to bring back Kadri, giving up only Victor Olofsson off their roster, plus draft picks and an unsigned draft pick. Colorado now has enviable center depth and can trot out Nathan MacKinnon, Nelson, Kadri and fellow 2026 trade deadline acquisition Nicolas Roy.

Here are the winners and losers of the 2026 NHL trade deadline:

WINNERS

Nick Foligno joins brother

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin, who made the big move for Quinn Hughes earlier in the season, was busy during deadline week. He added penalty killing forward Michael McCarron and winger Bobby Brink, plus depth defenseman Jeff Petry. But his acquisition of Nick Foligno had an added benefit for the former Blackhawks captain. He'll get to play alongside his brother Marcus for the first time in their professional careers.

Sabres go all-in

The Sabres have been on a roll since Jarmo Kekalainen replaced fired Kevyn Adams as general manager. And the GM took steps to try to help the team end a record 14-season playoff drought. An attempted trade for Colton Parayko didn't materialize when the defenseman declined to waive his no-trade clause. Kekalainen responded with a trade for the Jets' Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn, giving Buffalo a rugged third defensive pairing behind an impressive top four that includes Rasmus Dahlin. Sam Carrick was added to improve the team's league-worst faceoff winning percentage, and depth forward Tanner Pearson also joined. Schenn and Pearson have won Stanley Cup titles, important if the Sabres make a rare foray into the postseason.

Panthers hang on to free agents

The Panthers' run of back-to-back championships (and three trips to the Final) is heading toward an end because of a string of injuries that include captain Aleksander Barkov tearing his ACL on the first day of fall practice. GM Bill Zito traded pending free agent Petry but held on to free agents Sergei Bobrovsky and A.J. Greer and will try to re-sign them. The Panthers' core, when healthy, is still championship caliber. If they can't overcome their deficit, they can heal up and try again next season.

LOSERS

Capitals players devastated

They took it hard when Nic Dowd was dealt to the Golden Knights after being in Washington since 2018-19. Then they woke up Friday morning to find out that 17-year veteran John Carlson was heading to Anaheim after a late-night trade.

"Today sucks, it's brutal," forward Tom Wilson told reporters. "I’m sure there are some guys that want to cry. That’s the reality of it. Today you can cry and tomorrow you got to wake up and be a big boy and go out and play hockey."

Awkward position for Colton Parayko

Parayko had every right to veto a trade to Buffalo. That's why agents negotiate no-trade clauses with teams. But the fact that news of the trade leaked made things awkward for the defenseman as he took the time to make a decision on his future.

"We did some due diligence as soon as that happened," general manager Doug Armstrong told reporters, according to the Post-Dispatch. "We checked the phone records of all of our staff, texts and emails, and everybody passed the test, not surprisingly. I was disappointed it got out. I know it didn't come from us."

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs gave up a first-round pick and a prospect last season to land Scott Laughton and two mid-round picks from the Flyers. Leafs general manager Brad Treliving traded the pending free agent to the Kings on Friday and received a conditional third-round pick. It can become a second-rounder if Los Angeles makes the playoffs.

New CBA rules

The new collective bargaining agreement included a playoff salary cap and rules making it harder for teams to use a second team to retain some salary in a trade. The result: Deadline day was fairly dull until the Kadri trade surfaced.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL trade deadline winners and losers include Avalanche, Maple Leafs

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Heat stop Hornets' 6-game winning streak behind 33 points from Tyler Herro

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Tyler Herro had 33 points, nine rebounds and nine assists and the Miami Heat snapped the Charlotte Hornets' six-game winning streak with a 128-120 victory Friday night.

Herro was 8 for 10 from 3-point range, including one that broke a 108-all tie with 7:06 to play. That came during a 9-0 run after the Hornets led by two and was essentially the difference in the game.

Bam Adebayo added 24 points and 12 rebounds to help the Heat win their fourth straight game. Jaime Jaquez Jr. had 21 points off the bench. Miami was 18 for 38 (47%) on 3s.

Kon Knueppel scored 27 points for the Hornets, going 6 for 10 behind the arc. Brandon Miller had 22 points and 13 rebounds, while LaMelo Ball scored 21 points but was 7 for 22 from the field.

Charlotte fell back to .500 at 32-32. All the victories during the Hornets' winning streak had been by 15 or more points, tying the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors for the second-longest streak in NBA history.

The first meeting between the teams in four months showed how much things had changed for the Hornets. Miami rang up a franchise-record 53 points in the first quarter of that Nov. 7 game, rolling to a 126-108 victory.

Charlotte had become the team hanging big numbers on opponents and tried to rally behind Knueppel, who hit consecutive 3-pointers to cut it to 120-117. But Herro hit a jumper and Dru Smith had a follow shot to push it back to seven.

The Hornets have another winning streak they will try to extend in their next game. They have won a franchise-record 10 straight on the road and go to Phoenix to begin a four-game trip Sunday.

Up next

Heat: Host Detroit on Sunday.

Hornets: At Phoenix on Sunday to open a four-game trip.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

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Penguins' Evgeni Malkin suspended 5 games by NHL for slashing Sabres' Rasmus Dahlin

NEW YORK (AP) — Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin was suspended for five games for slashing Buffalo defenseman Rasmus Dahlin on the head, a punishment that will cost the Penguins forward nearly $160,000, the NHL announced Friday night.

Malkin was assessed a minor penalty for cross-checking, a major penalty for slashing and a game misconduct 35 seconds into the second period of the Penguins' 4-1 loss to the Sabres on Thursday night.

Video showed that Malkin and Dahlin made contact at the side of the Buffalo net. Dahlin cross-checked Malkin, for which he was penalized, and Malkin responded by raising his stick and striking Dahlin on his helmet and shoulder.

The NHL's Department of Player Safety noted that Malkin was not off-balance and the contact was not accidental.

The 39-year-old Malkin has been fined five times and suspended twice previously in his NHL career, one game for high-sticking Philadelphia’s Michael Raffl in February 2019 and four games in April 2022 for cross-checking Nashville’s Mark Borowiecki.

Malkin has 13 goals and 47 points in 46 games this season and 527 goals and 1,393 points in a 20-year NHL career, all in Pittsburgh.

The Penguins are already without captain Sidney Crosby for a minimum of four weeks because of a lower-body injury as the team, currently in second place in the Metropolitan Division, battles for playoff position.

Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Malkin will forfeit $158,854.15. That money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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Francisco Alvarez lifts two hits, Sean Manaea makes spring debut in Mets' loss to Marlins

The Mets were defeated by the Miami Marlins 2-0 on Friday night at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. 

New York is now 5-5 in Grapefruit League play.

Here are some takeaways...

- Sean Manaea was strong in his first outing of the spring. The left-hander needed just four pitches to retire the first two batters he faced, before Conor Norby lifted a solo homer over the left field fence. He was then helped by a caught stealing and an A.J. Ewing diving catch in shallow left to work around a walk in a scoreless bottom of the second. 

Manaea ended his day with an eight-pitch third inning, closing his line with just the one run against, but he was only able to generate one swing-and-miss and averaged just 88.1 mph on his fastball, down 3.4 mph from last season. 

- Ewing was impressive again after being praised by Carlos Mendoza pregame. The top outfield prospect not only had the diving catch, but he also ripped an opposite-field single in the second and picked up his second stolen base of the spring, again showing the many different ways he can impact the game.

- Devin Williams needed just six pitches to retire the first two batters he faced before issuing a two-out walk, but he handled a comebacker cleanly to escape the inning easily. The Mets' new closer has been solid so far, other than the solo homer he gave up on the first pitch he threw this spring. 

- After going hitless over his first two games, Francisco Alvarez picked up his first two knocks of the spring. The slugging backstop laced a leadoff double in the left-center gap leading off the top of the third, then lined a single to left with a man in scoring position in the sixth. 

- Ryan Lambert and Craig Kimbrel struck out two batters in a scoreless inning each, but lefty Bryan Hudson struggled in his spring debut, as he was pulled after allowing a run on two hits. 

- Marcus Semien singled up the middle after striking out each of his first two times up, and Carson Benge singled in the eighth after being retired each of his first three times up. 

Highlights

What's next

Kodai Senga makes his spring debut, as the Mets head to Jupiter to take on the Cardinals.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. 

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Grant, Harris help No. 16 North Carolina women beat Virginia Tech in ACC quarterfinals

DULUTH, Ga. (AP) — Lanie Grant scored a career-high 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting, Nyla Harris had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and third-seeded and No. 16 North Carolina beat No. 6 seed Virginia Tech 85-68 in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament on Friday night.

North Carolina (26-6) plays No. 12 and second-seeded Louisville in the semifinals Saturday.

Grant hit 4 of 7 from 3-point range and Harris made 8 of 11 from the field. Elina Aarnisalo totaled 18 points, six assists and five rebounds for UNC, and Nyla Brooks added 10 points.

Harris made a layup that gave the Tar Heels the lead for good and sparked an 11-2 run that made it 30-22 with 4:33 left in the second quarter. Aarnisalo hit a 3-pointer and added two free throws as UNC scored eight of the final nine first-half points to take a 13-point lead into the intermission.

Carleigh Wenzel made 14 of 15 from the free-throw line and finished with 26 points for Virginia Tech (23-9) but was 6-of-17 shooting, 0 of 6 from 3-point range.

Wenzel scored six consecutive points to cut the Hokies' deficit to nine points with 3:34 left in the third quarter, but Grant answered 12 seconds later with a three-point play and North Carolina led by double figures the rest of the way.

The Mountaineers missed their first 10 3-point shots and finished 2 of 18 from behind the arc.

Up next

North Carolina: Plays in the semifinals Saturday.

Virginia Tech: Awaits a likely at-large NCAA Tournament berth.

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Mavericks vs Celtics Final Score: Boston beats Dallas, 120-100

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 6: Max Christie #00 of the Dallas Mavericks passes the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 6, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks (21-42) lost to the Boston Celtics (42-21) on Friday, 120-100. Jaylen Brown led a balanced effort from Boston, scoring 24 while also grabbing seven rebounds and dishing seven assists. Klay Thompson was the high point man for Dallas, scoring 19 off the bench.

Before the game, the ESPN broadcast had a great deal of understandable Jayson Tatum-adjacent pageantry as he’s coming back just 10 months after tearing his Achilles tendon. The first portion of the game was filled with offensive offense; nary a soul could hit a shot. Dallas fans dealt with a scare as Cooper Flagg grabbed his ankle following a shot attempt in the paint, but he gutted out the free throws and stayed in the game. Both teams found some scoring in the latter half of the period, and the game finally felt a bit more like basketball. Dallas led after one, 22-21.

Dallas kept the pressure on Boston in the second, with rather relentless rim pressure. Naji Marshall in particular kept the Mavericks ahead, scoring in crafty ways around the basket. The Celtics couldn’t take or hold a lead versus Dallas very long, but made threes and kept it close. Tatum finally got on the board late in the half to give the Celtics the lead on a putback dunk. He followed that up with a big three which nearly brought the house down. Dallas seemed to come apart down the stretch after leading nearly the entire half. Dallas entered the half down 58-53.

During the third, I ate my dinner while Dallas slowly got out-mathed by Boston. Three is worth more than two and while Dallas made numerous valiant efforts to keep pace, by the end of the quarter, it felt hopeless for the Mavericks, given the talent disparity between the two teams. Dallas went into the fourth quarter down 90-80.

The game got out of hand in the fourth. The Mavericks offense died as Boston seemed content to let Dalals drive and defend the rim with multiple guys swarming. Defensively, the Celtics spread Dallas too thin. They were unable to cover the Celtics from deep and protect the rim and the Boston lead grew throughout the frame. Dallas fell to Boston, 120-100.

Cooper didn’t look right

When Flagg went down, grabbing his ankle, I assumed his night was over. It’s the same foot he missed a month of game action due to a sprain in the midfoot area. But when he toughed it out, I wasn’t surprised; he’s 19 after all. Remember when Dereck Lively sprained his neck in the Western Conference Finals? I assumed he’d be out the series, instead he missed the game. That’s a part of being a super human athlete at 19 I guess.

All the same, Flagg did not look like Flagg all game. He was slow to move and his anticipation and quickness is his game, partocualrly on the defensive side of the floor. I have to imagine the decision was made because Flagg couldn’t hurt the ankle worse and because it was an important game for him with family coming to see him live. And yet I didn’t feel good watching him play this one. Hopefully he heals up and we get more off the Flagg we’ve come to know and love.

PJ Washington is a mess

2026 has not been Washington’s year on the basketball court. He’s not been able to string more than a game together without looking like he’s new to basketball. It’s disappointing too — he’s important to what Dallas wants to do. He’s another guy where I wonder if he’ll be with the team after this season, but I hope so. We’ve seen what he can be, and right now we’re looking at a shell of a player.

Jayson Tatum looks great

He had to shake off the nerves and rust, but Tatum looked like the exact same player who helped lead the Celtics to the 2024 NBA championship. He’s a really unique player and while I will never love him (for the aforementioend 2024 ring), I appreciate what he brings to the NBA and the kind of work it takes to come back from this kind of injury. I look forward to seeing how he finishes the season and in the playoffs.