Canadian
goaltender Olivier Rodrigue, 25, has signed a one-year contract with
Barys Astana, the Kazakhstan-based KHL club announced on Thursday.
This
will be Rodrigue’s second time playing for an overseas club
following a 23-game stint with the Graz 99ers in Austria in 2020-21
when the start of the AHL season was
delayed by pandemic-related restrictions.
Born
in Saguenay, Que., Rodrigue played junior hockey for the QMJHL’s
Drummondville Voltigeurs and Moncton Wildcats. He was chosen in the
second round, 62nd
overall, by the Edmonton Oilers
in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Since
2021, Rodrigue has played almost entirely with the Bakersfield
Condors, the Oilers’ farm club, but he did play two NHL games in
2024-25 – one relief appearance and one start – recording an .867
save percentage, 3.10 goals-against average, and was charged with one
loss.
This
summer, Rodrigue remained third in Edmonton’s depth chart behind
Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard and, with the Oilers still looking
to upgrade their goaltending, Rodrigue no longer figured in their
plans.
Internationally,
Rodrigue played for Canada at the 2018 IIHF U-18 World Championship
and he won a gold medal with Canada at the 2020 World Juniors
although he didn’t appear in a game as the third goalie behind Joel
Hofer and Nico Daws.
Rodrigue
joins a Barys team that has missed the playoffs three straight years.
He will probably form a tandem with Kazakh national team goalie
Andrei Shutov.
Detroit’s trade discussions with Edmonton are heating up, with big names like Mattias Ekholm and Cam Talbot rumored to be in play.
NHL Insider reports indicate the Edmonton Oilers and the Detroit Red Wings are in trade talks for a new starting goaltender.
The Edmonton Oilers have a goalie problem as they've made headlines going to the Stanley Cup Finals in back-to-back seasons only to be outmatched by the Florida Panthers and netminder Sergei Bobrovsky.
Reports out of Alberta indicate they would like to upgrade at the position with Detroit being a potential trade partner. Several notable names have been thrown on the chopping block with the most credible report indicating that Detroit high-end prospect Sebastian Cossa has been named in trade talks.
Other less credible sources have began to throw out other names and trade packages that have included multiple big names like Oilers' defencemen Mattias Ekholm, Detroit's Cam Talbot and Justin Holl as well as several other prospects that would likely work as filler to get a deal done.
The Oilers were one of the teams involved in trade talks for John Gibson before the Red Wings eventually won the sweepstakes for the former All-Star goaltender. It's tough to say what deal they will decide to go with as both sides are looking to win now, meaning a deal for picks or prospects doesn't seem likely.
If Cossa is dealt to the Oilers, he will likely become a strong contender for the starting job and will almost certainly see time in the NHL next season. This deal could include immediate help for the blueline with the aforementioned Ekholm, who is still an impact player but is 35 years old and entering the final season of his four-year deal with a cap hit at $6.25 million.
They could also work out a deal to add the 31-year-old Brett Kulak, who was an impactful blueliner for the Oilers during their two Stanley Cup Finals and is also entering the final season of his four-year deal with a cap hit at $2.75 million. Red Wings defenceman Justin Holl joins the equation as a return option that could see him work as a bottom pairing defenceman to round out the Oilers blueline.
If Talbot is dealt to the Oilers, the return package would be notably cheaper with a potential option coming back being a depth forward Mattias Janmark, who the Red Wings would potentially have to give up a little bit more to acquire but would become an immediate impact player in the top nine forward group.
Janmark was a difference making player in the Oilers lineup that used his relentless pursuit of the puck to help make key plays and win puck battles. He would be a great addition to the Red Wings forward group but has not yet been mentioned in trade talk rumors.
One thing we know for certain is that Steve Yzerman and the rest of the Red Wings management team are looking to make the playoffs this season. With a deal that would include a non-factor goaltender that won't play as much as John Gibson anyway, it could be a great idea to insert another impact player or give the team more draft capital that they can then use in a later deal to improve the lineup.
Either way, these trade rumors coupled with the reports of the Red Wings continually checking in on the Anaheim Ducks and their situation with restricted free agent Mason McTavish indicate they could still be looking to make moves ahead of the start to the season.
Blow as Ben Donaldson ruled out of Johannesburg clash
Veteran James O’Connor has been called on to take on the playmaking duties as the Wallabies seek to build on the impetus of their third Test win over the Lions with a rare victory in South Africa at the start of the Rugby Championship.
But a plan for the 35-year-old O’Connor, back in the green and gold after three years, to share the No 10 role has had to be shelved after Ben Donaldson went down injured in training on Thursday.
For the first time in the history of the “Battle of the Bluegrass” rivalry, Kentucky and Louisville will clash in November to kick off the 2025-26 season (Nov. 11 at Louisville). This will likely be one of the most anticipated games in the recent history of the rivalry, as the ‘Cats and ‘Cards are both expected to land in the […]
Two-time NBA All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. is ready for a fresh start. The versatile power forward, who signed a five-year contract extension with Memphis in July, has been with the team since he was drafted fourth overall in 2018 — making him the longest tenured player on the Grizzlies roster.
As he enters his eighth year with the team, Jackson Jr. is embracing a new beginning — symbolized by a jersey change. He’ll wear number 8 this season, a tribute to his father Jaren Jackson Sr., who played 12 years in the NBA, and an homage to a deeper source — one that fuels his every move both on and off the court.
In the conversation below, the Grizzlies veteran reveals what he learned from this past season, the deeper meaning behind the No. 8, and the lesson from his father that's left a lasting impact on his journey. Jackson Jr. also gives a preview of what approach the Grizzlies are taking as they head into the new season, and shares what he wants the franchise to be known for.
*This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Mary Omatiga: You’ve had a few months to step back and reflect. What did this past season teach you?
Jaren Jackson Jr.: I think you're always supposed to stay level through a season. There's going to be ups and downs, but it's important to keep it [level]. That's something that Des [Desmond Bane] would talk about all the time — no ebbs and flows, just constant, steady motion. That's the main thing I learned. We had everything going in the season. We had ups, we had downs, we had some regular, some crazy stuff. I'm going to take all of that into the next season.
How about personally? What did it teach you about yourself?
Jackson Jr.: X and O-wise, it taught me to deal with double teams better and understand that I'm going to attract a lot of attention — more than I did in previous years. There's no hiding anymore. You're going to get prepared for it in a big way, which is an honor. It's just something I'm learning more [about]. I'm asking the OGs, and asking my dad how to deal with it. I'm watching film with my trainers and my coaches, and just being a sponge more than ever, because at first you're just learning more about what it is to be in the league, but now you're learning other things — you need them.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 27: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 27, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
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You’re changing jersey numbers this season. What led to this decision, and was it something you’d been thinking about for a while?
Jackson Jr.: It's interesting. I don't really make decisions — I don't like mulling over things. I feel like decisions are better flowed, or flowing. I have my best decisions when I'm riding the bike. I ride the bike a lot. This was midseason, I was riding the bike, and I had this idea where I just was connected to eight. I've worn eight before — in the McDonald's game — and my dad has worn it. It gave a new beginnings kind of approach.
My energy source of everything when I first got into the league was more [about] proving people wrong. Now it's just about discipline. Now it's about habits. I think that's a much more sustainable energy source. I think discipline is really going to be the thing that takes you to that next level. I'm just really attracted to that, and that's a new beginning in itself. It's something me and my dad both share, and it all fits.
When I had the idea, it honestly didn't take me long to communicate that I'm changing [my number]. When I told my family, I told them that I had changed it — I didn't tell them that I was thinking about it. I wanted to be all me, all on my own.
What did the No. 13 represent for you, and what does the No. 8 represent for you now?
Jackson Jr.: When I picked 13, people were like, "No, don't pick 13. "
I was like, well, because you said no, now I'm going to pick it. I wanted to make it my own. It's not bad luck if you flip it. That was my goal.
Eight just means a new beginning — a fresh start, a fresh mindset — which I feel like I've been on for a while, but I feel like this symbolizes it. Practice what you preach. New beginnings. Born again. This is the path we're on, and it makes sense. I'm going to year eight. My dad wore eight. It just kind of fits. It was always meant to be this, for real.
Earlier, you mentioned "energy source". Can you talk about how this has impacted your motivation?
Jackson Jr.: I feel like I don't really need any extra motivation, but if you're going to change your life around, you never want to get caught saying that you'll change it around a second time — because that just means you didn't change it the first time. It kind of puts it on front street, like, look, you have to practice what you preach a little bit and just be committed.
It's nothing to do with on the court — I know I'm going to work hard — but it's just more about doing it every day and not missing anything. Just really being that disciplined. I get that you might have to take a day off here and there, and I know I don't always do the best with taking those. I probably need to do a better job of actively taking vacations, because that's important to actually recover.
There are times I might go a little hard, but it depends on how you look at it. It depends on who you are. But it's about just being more committed to yourself and signing that contract with yourself.
MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 26: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Your dad wore the number eight when he played for the Clippers. What was his reaction when you told him?
Jackson Jr.: Honestly, he was probably a little thrown off. He wore a lot of numbers, so he was probably like, "Umm, okay... like, why?" at first. And I understood that — it kind of came out of nowhere.
But he loves it. In the grand scheme, it looks nice. I called everybody and showed them the jersey, so they could really see it, and they were like, "Oh, okay, I get it now," and I'm like, Y'all don't even know. But you know, it was dope to see.
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 6: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies and former NBA player Jaren Jackson Sr. talk during the Toronto Raptors practice as part of the 2019 NBA Finals on June 6, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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You've talked a lot about how much your dad means to you. What's one thing you that you can say you learned from him directly?
Jackson Jr.: "The journey is success."
It's a phrase that's on his business card. As a kid, I always thought it was just so basic — I was too young to understand it. But now I get it. The journey is a success in itself. It's about the process.
If you just keep making it about the process the whole time, eventually you're going to get to a point where you really fall in love with it — to the point where it doesn't feel like a process.
You’ve been intentional about carving out your own path—something we’ve seen through your foundation, "Much Required", inspired by the Bible verse your grandmother always says. What does that saying mean to you today?
Jackson Jr.: It was such an important thing for me growing up. That verse has never changed. It's always reared its head almost in an "I told you so" kind of way, if you ever wanted to forget about it, because there is always much required.
I've been given a lot. I've earned a lot. I've been taught a lot. I have a circle of people who consistently want me to be great — from coaches to family, to a bunch of different people, to creatives. I mean, the list goes on. I have a great team, and they know much is required of me. Much is required of them as well, and they do a great job.
MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 18: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 18, 2025 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 2025 NBAE(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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You’re entering your eighth season with the Grizzlies. As someone who grew up moving around a lot, what does it mean for you to be able to have this longevity — to be able to call Memphis home?
Jackson Jr.: This is a blessing. Not everybody gets this — definitely not with the same team. The average time span of getting out of the league is short. It's probably like three years, maybe even less.
So I think anytime I'm able to get to a point where I'm nearing double digits and I'm still on the same team — my teammates have so much trust in me. It's crazy. My GM, my coaches, everybody who's worked with me — we've all worked for this point, and now this is a new base. There's way more to do, but it's a good starting point.
What is the identity of this team this year, and is the mindset or purpose different?
Jackson Jr.: Just extremely disciplined. I don't know if there's much else to say except that, because I think we want it more than ever. I think you'll hear from us more about that on media day. But that is what we are. We're disciplined now. We've always been disciplined, but now that's just kind of the mantra.
DENVER, CO - APRIL 11: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball while Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets plays defense on April 11, 2025 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Can you talk a little bit more about what that discipline looks like?
Jackson Jr.: It's a lot of holding each other accountable. You don't have to come in at 6 a.m. to work out. It's not about proving some crazy point about what time you [show up] — it's about doing something every day. If you have to do something with your mind, your body, on the court, off the court — whatever you have to do to be ready to play at seven, you do that. I trust that we're all going to have each other's backs through it.
I don't think there's one thing you ever have to work on; I think you work on all things, and then things just mesh. But if we hold each other accountable and have fun while we're doing this —we're older now, we're in a new stage of life, especially for the people who have been with me from the start. We see it. We see what's going on.
A lot of people are fathers now. A lot of people are married. A lot of people — their lives have changed. They're different. And that's going to translate on the court, in the locker room, when we need it most, in every way.
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 5: Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons on April 5, 2025 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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When people talk about Grizzlies basketball, what do you want them to say about this team in this new chapter?
Jackson Jr.: That we bring it every night. That's what I want to be known for. I don't want to be known for anything else... we bring it every night.
The Islanders have done a lot this summer — a lot — starting with the firing of Lou Lamoriello and hiring first-time general manager Mathieu Darche in his place.
Darche decided to keep head coach Patrick Roy, firing two of his three assistants — he kept Benoit Desrosiers — and adding Rick Bennett and Bob Boughner to the staff.
The Bridgeport Islanders coaching staff was gutted, moving on from Rick Kowalsky and hiring the fiery Rocky Thompson to change the culture down there.
Darche retained UFA forward Kyle Palmieri (two years) and UFA defensemen Adam Boqvist and Tony DeAngelo to one-year deals.
He traded RFA Noah Dobson, which really kick-started the summer of change, turning an underwhelming return into forward Victor Eklund (No. 16), defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson (No. 17) and cap space, also getting forward Emil Heineman.
He re-signed RFA forwards Simon Holmstrom, Heineman and Maxim Tsyplakov to two-year extensions.
Darche signed free agent forward Jonathan Drouin to a two-year deal, winning the Maxim Shabanov sweepstakes and signing him to a one-year entry-level contract.
Because of the question marks surrounding goaltender Semyon Varlamov, Darche got David Rittich on a one-year deal as an insurance policy.
We can add that Anthony Duclair will be back after taking a leave of absence due to injuries and inconsistencies.
All that’s left between now and opening night is to take in rookie camp and then training camp, with the NHL roster mostly set.
Then, given all the wingers the Islanders have, it’s up to Darche — but mostly Roy — to decide how the lineup should be configured before the puck drops in Pittsburgh.
How would Paul Blackburn describe his 2025 season?
“It’s been weird,” the right-hander said Wednesday.
Blackburn was expected to make one more rehab start in Syracuse this week, but he was awoken late Tuesday by someone slamming on his door informing him the Mets were planning on activating him from the IL.
He was rejoining the club before their meeting with the Braves to provide some length out of the bullpen.
And the Mets wasted no time taking advantage of that boost, as Blackburn was immediately tossed into mop-up duty after a nine-run fourth inning implosion put them behind Atlanta on Wednesday night.
He ended up throwing the final five innings, allowing just two runs on one hit and a walk.
“He saved our bullpen tonight,” Carlos Mendoza said. “He was able to finish off the game, gave up two on the hanging breaking ball, but was otherwise pitch efficient -- he did his part and saved the bullpen.”
That’s certainly the type of showings the Mets will be hoping for from Blackburn, who was relatively ineffective during his time in the rotation before hitting the IL with a right shoulder impingement.
He also dealt with a stomach bug which setback his rehab a bit.
Exactly how long he’ll stick in the big-league bullpen remains to be seen, though.
The club will need a roster spot to call up top prospect Nolan McLean to make his highly-anticipated big-league debut this weekend against the Mariners, and Blackburn seems like a potential DFA candidate.
The veteran has pitched to a 6.85 ERA over seven appearances on the season.
For now, though, he is ready to help in anyway.
“I was definitely surprised, but it’s good to be back,” he said. “I’ve been on a flight every two days the last month, so I just wanna be somewhere and pitch -- if they need me to cover innings, I’ll be there.”
Former Florida Panthers forward Zac Dalpe has joined the Seattle Kraken organization as the Player Development Consultant.
Dalpe retired from professional hockey following the Charlotte Checkers' loss in the Calder Cup finals. The 35-year-old played in just three games during the post-season, but recorded one goal, serving as the captain.
In his Panthers tenure, Dalpe scored two goals and four points in 15 games while adding a goal in 13 playoff games when the Panthers lost in the Stanley Cup finals to the Vegas Golden Knights.
His experience of not only playing in the AHL but serving as a captain on multiple teams (captained the Cleveland Monsters in his final year before joining the Panthers) should help him in his new role.
The Kraken also hired Adam Purner as a video analyst. Purner is receiving his first job in the NHL after spending five seasons in the AHL and five seasons in the WHL as a video coach. Purner also worked as the video coach for Team USA at the 2022 women's world championship.
On Wednesday, NHL Network released its list of the Top 20 Defensemen Right Now, and one Montreal Canadiens’ blueliner made it: Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson. The 21-year-old is the only rearguard on the list to have a single season of experience at the professional level, and he comes in at number 19, which is a remarkable achievement at his young age.
Every other player on the list has at least three years of experience in the NHL. Unsurprisingly, Colorado Avalanche stud Cale Makar tops the ranking, followed by Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, and Columbus Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski rounds up the top three.
Canadian teams are well represented on the list with Hughes, Winnipeg Jets’ Josh Morrissey at number six, Edmonton Oilers’ Evan Bouchard at number 10, Ottawa Senators’ Jake Sanderson at number 13, and Hutson at 19.
Former Hab Mikail Sergachev, whom Marc Bergevin sacrificed to acquire Jonathan Drouin, who he believed would be the Canadiens’ number one center, comes in at number 18. The 27-year-old has won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning and now sports the Utah Mammoth colours.
Despite his young age, Hutson made the list on the back of a fantastic rookie season which saw him post 66 points and break the Canadiens’ franchise record for the most points by a defenseman which belonged to Chris Chelios since 1984-85 on top of tying Larry Myrphys’ record for the most assists by a rookie blueliner, a mark that he held since the 1980-81 season.
Outside of the offensive numbers, Hutson also impressed with his skating skills and ability to evade opponents on the ice. The soon-to-be sophomore has a knack for reading the play on the go and is never caught with his head down. His elusiveness is what allows him to be so efficient despite his small stature.
The way he rebounds from an error on the ice is also impressive. When he’s dispossessed in the offensive zone, he wastes no time lamenting his mistake; he immediately back checks to catch up to the opponent and fix his mistake himself. The way he wants the puck in high-pressure situations is also nothing short of remarkable. No moment is too big for the youngster. If the Canadiens desperately need a goal, he wants to be the one carrying the puck and trying to score the next goal.
He quickly realized the need to pick his spots better in the NHL, adapting his play to the higher level and minimizing mistakes, which earned him more and more ice time as the season progressed. Fully aware of the gem he had on his hands, coach Martin St-Louis rapidly promoted him to the first power play unit, demoting veteran Mike Matheson in the process and helping his rookie fly to a Calder-winning season.
Our Top 20 Defensemen Right Now list has a total of: • 19 total All-Star Game appearances • 9 All-Rookie team honors • 6 James Norris Memorial Trophies • 2 Calder Trophies • 2 Conn Smythe Trophies • 9 Stanley Cups
Expect the youngster to move up this list next offseason when the NHL Network does it again. As impressive as Hutson’s first campaign was, there’s no way we’ve seen his ceiling yet, and as he gains experience and puts up some more muscle on his frame, he’ll become an even bigger threat on the ice.
One can expect the Canadiens’ power play to perform even better this season with Ivan Demidov entering the fold, and this should benefit Hutson in a big way, providing he remains on the first unit despite Noah Dobson’s arrival. Given the youngster’s efficiency on the man-advantage last year, though, it would be surprising to see St-Louis decide to move him down to the second power play, but time will tell. Yet another story to follow at training camp when it kicks off in September.
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The NBA’s All-Star break isn’t close to the halfway point of a season.
Only 27 regular-season games remained when the Warriors started the supposed second half last season, meaning 67 percent of their regular season was done ahead of their eventual play-in tournament win and NBA playoff run. The regular season pie essentially can be broken down into four slices of 20 games, with one bigger piece getting an extra dash of two more games.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr always has seen it that way, especially when it comes to the first 20 games. That’s when he believes he can give an honest assessment of what his team is, and what they can become. The Warriors, this upcoming season, will face several challenges through the first 20 games.
It all begins with an ever-growing, and ever-darkening, shadow of Father Time lurking over the Warriors. If you haven’t heard, Steph Curry is 37 years old and turns 38 in March. Jimmy Butler will be 36 by the time opening night arrives, and Draymond Green will be 35. Those ages will be tested early on.
After milking every ounce of the Steph Curry vs. LeBron James rivalry to open the season, the Warriors have one day off of travel before their home opener against the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 23. And just like that, the Warriors, with an average age of 36 from their Big Three, will start their first back-to-back. They play the Portland Trail Blazers the next night, a team that shouldn’t be as much of a punching bag this season, as seen from their defense the final few months of last season, while also adding veterans like Jrue Holiday in the offseason.
Having two days off to enjoy the weekend after those two home games will be nice for the Warriors. The break then will turn to another battle of stamina in an instant. Again, the Warriors will host a back-to-back, playing the Memphis Grizzlies and LA Clippers at Chase Center. Though four of their first five games are at home, and the other being in LA, those four games are back-to-backs.
Will Curry, Butler and Green play both sides of back-to-backs? What if the Warriors do indeed sign a 39-year-old Al Horford who wasn’t playing both sides of a back-to-back in Boston?
The Warriors, after those first two back-to-backs, go one whole week before starting yet another. They’ll welcome the Phoenix Suns and then travel to Sacramento to play the Kings the next day. After a road game in Denver against the Nuggets and a home game against the Indiana Pacers, the Warriors, on Nov. 11, kick off a six-game road trip, tied for their longest of the season with a six-game slate in March that’s far from home.
The beginning of that six-game trip in November starts with a back-to-back (Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs), and also ends with one as well (Orlando Magic and Miami Heat), giving the Warriors five back-to-backs through their first 17 games.
None of the final three games of their first 20-game sample are part of a back-to-back, and all are in San Francisco.
“We’ve always spoke about there being 82-game players and 16-game players,” Green said at his exit interview press conference three months ago. “At some point, for us, we have to take a look at both because ideally, you don’t want to be from February 8th on scrapping and clawing for every win that you could possibly get. That takes a toll after a while.”
A season obviously isn’t decided after the first 20 games. There’s still three pieces of the pie to chow down. The Warriors were 12-8 through 20 games last season, tied for sixth in the Western Conference. They also were 12-3 through 15 games, lost five straight and began spiraling for months until Butler arrived.
Through 20 games last season, the Warriors played 12 road games and eight home games, including just two back-to-backs in that span compared to five this season.
This season’s first 20 games feature 11 road games and nine home games for the Warriors. How about the opponents? Here’s the full breakdown: Nuggets twice, Blazers twice, Spurs twice, Pacers twice, Los Angeles Lakers once, Grizzlies once, Clippers once, Milwaukee Bucks once, Suns once, Kings once, Thunder once, New Orleans Pelicans once, Magic once, Heat once, Utah Jazz once and the Houston Rockets once.
In total, 10 of the 16 teams the Warriors play in their first 20 games made the playoffs last season. Age, strength of schedule and the longest road trip of the season. The Warriors are staring at an exam from the start that can reveal plenty of answers about them moving forward.
The perfect ending is the first rematch of the Warriors’ first-round playoff matchup against the new-look Rockets, playing Kevin Durant and Co. in front of Dub Nation for the teams’ final NBA Cup game of Group Play on the 20th game of the season. TNT is out of the picture, but the NBA still knows drama.
It would have been understandable if the Guardians had phoned it in at the trade deadline. They were 40-48 on July 6th and had just lost their 10th game in a row. Starting pitcher Luis L. Ortiz was facing an MLB suspension for illegal gambling activity. Just a few weeks later, star closer Emmanuel Clase would join him on administrative leave for the same potential infraction. It seemed like a given that fellow veterans Carlos Santana, Steven Kwan, and others might be traded at the deadline, with the team turning the page to 2026.
Instead, the Guardians came out of the gates hot after the All-Star break, held firm at the trade deadline, and then doubled down and promoted one of their top prospects, C.J. Kayfus, at the start of August.
Kayfus was the Guardians’ third-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Miami. At the time of his promotion, he was the team's 4th-ranked prospect and the 66th-ranked prospect overall, according to MLB Pipeline. The 23-year-old began this season at Double-A, quickly shot up to Triple-A after 18 games, and already finds himself in the big leagues. That would be a whirlwind of a season that could be hard for anybody to process, but Kayfus is keeping his composure by sticking to a simple process.
"Just sticking to my plan and getting a pitch over the middle of the plate," he told me before a game against the Mets last week. "I've had success throughout my career. That's what got me here, so I'm trying not to change anything."
That plan has certainly led Kayfus to success in all stages of his career. He was a .350 hitter in three seasons at Miami with a 1.001 career OPS in college. He holds a .293 career minor league batting average in 211 games with a .920 OPS. In 68 games with Triple-A Columbus this season, Kayfus slashed .283/.367/.526 with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs. He played well enough that he was selected to represent the Guardians in the 2025 All-Star Futures Game during the All-Star Break.
During his time at Triple-A, he made strong swing decisions and was aggressive in the zone with a 68% zone swing rate that led to a 73% contact rate overall, which is solid for a player with 20 home run power. However, hunting his pitch in the zone has been a bit harder to do since he's been up in the big leagues.
"Honestly, the only big difference [between Triple-A pitching and MLB pitching] is the consistency with hitting spots," he admitted. "Whether it's a hitter advantage count or not, they're still gonna paint around the zone instead of giving you a pitch to do damage with, is what I've noticed so far."
The stats support what Kayfus is seeing. So far, the rookie has seen a pitch in the strike zone 43.8% of the time, which is below the league average of 47.2%, and his first pitch strike rate, which measures swings and called strikes in 0-0 counts, is just 48.3%, which is well below the 62.2% league average. As you can also see in the Statcast graphic below, the majority of the pitches Kayfus is seeing are in the shadow area, which encompasses the corners that are partially on the strike zone and partially off.
Statcast
Kayfus is swinging at those pitches 12% more than league average, which has led to a -2 Run Value on pitches that he sees on the shadow. He's doing a good job of laying off pitches that are well off the plate, but he could also afford to be more aggressive when he does get a pitch over the middle of the plate, since they seem to come less often than they did for him in the minor leagues.
Still, Kayfus is adjusting just fine. He has hits in six of his eight starts and in five of his last six. His chase rate is only marginally higher than it was in the minors, and his contact rate is still 72.2%, which is pretty solid for a rookie in his first MLB action. It's also more impressive considering Kayfus has also made four big league starts in right field, which is a position he just learned to play in the minor leagues this season.
"There really wasn't any conversation at all [about the position change]," he recalled. "Honestly, it was just get back after the game and see that I'm playing left or right field again."
The move made sense from an organizational standpoint. The Guardians already have Kyle Manzardo and Carlos Santana at first base on the MLB roster, and even if Santana were to leave in free agency, Manzardo would be the favorite to be the regular first baseman in 2026. The team has also been using Jhonkensy Noel at first base in the minor leagues, and he would fill a logical platoon with Manzardo, so the Guardians needed another way to ensure that Kayfus could get regular at-bats and find an easier path to the big league team this year. The outfield was the best way forward.
Even though Kayfus played 36 games at first base for Triple-A Columbus, he also mixed in as a right fielder for 22 games, a left fielder for 12 games, and a designated hitter for one. There weren't many major hiccups either. Kayfus only made three errors while he was in Triple-A, but two of them came at first base, so the Guardians kept writing him into the lineup in the outfield.
"I think that's exactly what I needed," he stated, "just more time out there." Kayfus got that time during practices, but he also makes sure to get as much work in the outfield as he can pre-game as well. "I like to, regardless of if I'm playing first or outfield, go get some live reads during batting practice...I'm feeling really comfortable out there now."
It's no small feat that Kayfus has transitioned to a new position so quickly and has been able to play it comfortably at the big league level. You hear plenty of stories about players who spend so much time focusing on improving their defense or learning a new position that they have less time in the day to hit in the cage or work on their swing. So while their defensive performance or versatility improves, their offensive production begins to taper off. That hasn't been the case with Kayfus.
"I don't think [learning a new position] had any correlation with my offensive production," Kayfus said. "I think that the coaches here have done a really good job of helping me with the extra work of playing multiple positions."
While Kayfus is happy with his coaches, his primary concern now is making sure that his coaches are happy with him.
"Just, pretty much prove myself to my teammates and coaches who are here at the big league level," he replied when I asked what his goals were for the remainder of the season. "Really just staying true to myself and playing my game of baseball, you know, situational hitting, whether it's moving a guy over or getting a clutch two-out RBI."
He's beginning to show off that situational hitting more over the last few games. On Saturday, he drew an impressive nine-pitch walk in his second at-bat of the game against the White Sox and scored on a Brayan Rocchio double. In his next at-bat, he pounced on a 2-0 fastball and hit it out of the park for his first MLB home run. It was a pitch that Kayfus originally thought was going to be an “auto-take”in a 2-0 count: "Honestly, I think I told myself it was an auto-take. Let me just get on base, see some more pitches. And then I end up swinging. I'm sure glad I did."
That adaptability has been a hallmark of Kayfus' season so far in Cleveland and could be the calling card of his emergence as an everyday asset in this Guardians lineup.
The Kings finished as the Western Conference’s No. 9 seed last season with a 40-42 record, and a play-in loss to the Dallas Mavericks ended their season early and, more than anything, left a bad taste in their mouths.
Moments after the ugly loss, then-general manager Monte McNair and the Kings mutually agreed to part ways. The next day, Scott Perry was hired to clean up the mess alongside new assistant GM B.J. Armstrong.
Doug Christie officially had his interim tag removed and was named the coach of the Kings. He did a decent job after taking over for fired Mike Brown last season, but the real test begins in his first full campaign calling all the shots.
A new front office. A new-ish coach and coaching staff. New rookies. New starting point guard. New players, which means new training camp battles.
It will take some time to adjust to all the new, but when the ball gets rolling for Sacramento, there certainly is no shortage of interesting matchups along the way.
Here are five key Kings games to watch during the upcoming season:
at Suns (season opener)
Wednesday, Oct. 22 at PHX Arena
This likely wouldn’t have made the list if it fell on any other date.
But because it’s the 2025-26 NBA season opener, it’s only right that this is a key game to watch. Not necessarily because of the matchup, but more to gauge where the Kings are at and how a jumbled roster on paper looks in person.
The Kings won’t face the star-studded Suns, as Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets and Bradley Beal was shipped to the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason. Devin Booker still runs the show in Phoenix, alongside new teammates Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, who were part of the Rockets trade.
Both teams have plenty of question marks to answer.
The first item on Perry’s long offseason to-do list included finding a starting point guard to fill the void left by De’Aaron Fox in February. That appears to have been checked off when Sacramento acquired veteran point guard Dennis Schröder in a sign-and-trade deal with the Detroit Pistons.
So, the projected starting lineup for the new season is Schröder, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis. Malik Monk and Keon Ellis are expected to be the first two players to come off the bench for Sacramento.
But Sacramento still hasn’t addressed the wing position that has haunted it for years, as the depth issues partially have impacted Keegan Murray’s growth. Jonathan Kuminga once appeared to be the simple solution, but that hasn’t been the case this offseason throughout his complicated restricted free agency.
Another question that doesn’t have a clear answer as of now is who is Sabonis’ backup? The Kings traded Jonas Valančiūnas to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Dario Šarić. Valančiūnas played the backup role well for Sacramento, averaging 8.7 points on 55.6-percent shooting, with 7.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 16.9 minutes over 32 games (nine starts).
Currently, the Kings have Isaac Jones and rookies Maxime Raynaud and Dyland Cardwell on their big man depth chart. Newly acquired Drew Eubanks and Šarić also can play the center role, along with veteran unrestricted free agent Trey Lyles if he re-signs with the Kings.
Of course, training camp will help sort out the competition at all positions. But Game 1 of 82 also will be a good indication of the direction this team is headed.
vs. Spurs
March 17, 2026, at Golden 1 Center
Despite 7-foot-3 phenom Victor Wembanyama gracing Sacramento with his presence for the first time next season and the first time since early December 2024, there is another, somehow larger, reason all eyes will be on this particular matchup.
That comes in the form of Sacramento’s 2017 first-round draft pick, De’Aaron Fox. For seven years, Fox was the King of Sacramento and, after the Kings traded Tyrese Haliburton to Indiana in 2022, was believed to be the franchise point guard for years and years to come.
But after years of continued mediocracy, including a historic playoff appearance that didn’t lead to any sustained success, a divorce was imminent. The Kings shipped Fox to the Spurs at last year’s trade deadline in a multi-team deal that landed two-time NBA All-Star Zach LaVine in Sacramento.
And while Fox already has made his return to Sacramento since the trade on March 7, it might take years for the city of Sacramento and its fans to adjust to seeing Fox in a jersey that’s not the Kings. That jersey likely will be the Spurs for years to come after Fox agreed to a reported four-year, $229 million maximum contract extension with San Antonio earlier this month.
Plus, it will be the first time both Fox and Wembanyama take the Golden 1 Center floor as teammates.
Fox said it felt good to rip the band-aid off after playing his first game as a Spur against the Kings.
“Yeah, definitely,” Fox said on March 7. “I hope I play 10-plus more years, so I’ll be back. I’ll be here. So it’s definitely good to get the first one out the way.”
The 27-year-old point guard finished that game with 16 points on 6-of-17 shooting, with four rebounds, eight assists and one steal in 33 minutes. Sacramento won 127-109.
“I’m glad the first one is over with because now I feel like it probably won’t be as anticipated anymore,” Fox said afterward. “But next time, I’m hoping for a better game for us.”
vs. Warriors (all four matchups, really)
Nov. 5, 2025, at Golden 1 Center Jan. 9, 2026, at Chase Center April 7, 2026, at Chase Center April 10, 2026, at Golden 1 Center
No matter how much players from both sides try to deny the rivalry brewing between the Kings and Warriors, no one can downplay how intense the competition is when the two teams come face to face.
It doesn’t matter when, it doesn’t matter where, but any time the Kings and Warriors play each other, the barking gets louder and the claws get sharper. It hasn’t always been that way, though, but things have only intensified since their first-round meeting in the 2023 NBA playoffs, when Sacramento took the then-defending champs to seven games but fell short courtesy of a Steph Curry 50-point masterclass.
Since that point, the teams have split their eight regular-season matchups with four wins apiece over the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons. None of those games disappointed. And this rivalry that’s not a rivalry but clearly is a rivalry will have a midweek game in November feel like a playoff game in April.
While the Curry versus Fox matchups only got more and more fun to watch, that’s a thing of the past as Fox no longer is on the Kings. While there isn’t a particular matchup key to the outcome, there also is the storied feud between Kings big man Domantas Sabonis and Draymond Green.
Newer wrinkles added to the mix include a heated exchange with Steve Kerr and Doug Christie after Green set a rough screen on Ellis during their first matchup of the 2024-25 season.
Steph Curry on Steve Kerr and Doug Christie exchanging words after Draymond set a hard screen on Keon Ellis in the third quarter.
"That's two ex players wishing they were back in their jersey. It's good to see that kind of fire." pic.twitter.com/2NAmgjvOB2
And, maybe to a lesser extent, Sacramento’s addition of Schröder, who spent about seven weeks with Golden State before being shipped to his third team of the season last year, could provide yet another interesting storyline to a book that doesn’t lack them.
Not to mention the Kuminga saga, as the Kings have shown significant interest in the Warriors wing this offseason, with the brass even having a good meeting with Kuminga last month. However, Golden State hasn’t been moved by Sacramento’s offers, and all signs point to Kuminga returning to the Warriors next season.
Who knows what this season will bring to the NorCal rivalry?
vs. Mavericks
Dec. 27 at Golden 1 Center
The Kings will have their hands full when they come across the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft for the first time.
Cooper Flagg, who had one of the best freshman seasons in college basketball history with Duke this past season, and the Mavericks will come to Sacramento for a late Christmas treat on Dec. 27.
Flagg lived up to his sky-high expectations in his one season with the Blue Devils, averaging 19.2 points on 48.1 percent shooting, with 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 30.7 minutes through 37 games.
Aside from it being the 18-year-old’s first game against the Kings, a taste for vengeance might also be a factor leading into this matchup.
The Kings still have a bad taste in their mouths with how their 2024-25 season ended, when the Mavericks came into town and embarrassed them on their home floor in the NBA play-in tournament.
Dallas led by as many as 26 points and had a 22-point advantage when Sacramento waved the white flag and pulled its starters. The Mavericks won 120-106 and advanced to the second play-in game but lost to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Anthony Davis led the way for Dallas with 27 points in just his 10th game with the team. Klay Thompson made five 3-pointers and finished with 23 points, and P.J. Washington added 17.
Thompson’s showing was his own kind of revenge, since the last time he faced the Kings in a postseason matchup was when he went scoreless in a 2024 play-in loss when he was a member of the Warriors. The sharpshooter went 0 of 10 from the field and 0 of 6 from 3-point land in the 118-94 loss that ended Golden State’s season.
But Thompson bounced back in his next postseason appearance against Sacramento, adding to his long-time success against the franchise, which includes an NBA-record 37-point quarter against the Kings back in 2015.
Now, though, it might be time for the Kings to seek their revenge.
vs. Lakers (all four matchups)
Oct. 26, 2025, at Golden 1 Center Dec. 28, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena Jan. 12, 2026, at Golden 1 Center March 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena
This one goes without saying, right?
Any time the Lakers are on the schedule, all of Sacramento will be watching.
The rivalry dates back decades, when the two teams battled in the 2002 Western Conference finals. The series went to a Game 7, when the Lakers ultimately defeated the Kings. The matchup between the Kings and Lakers still is regarded to this day as one of the most controversial playoff series in league history, as there was widespread criticism of the officiating favoring Los Angeles, particularly in Game 6.
The Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals and swept the Nets to secure the 13th of their 16 championship titles.
That was more than 20 years ago, yet it still stings Kings fans as Sacramento hasn’t made it to the conference finals since.
The Kings dominated the season series against the Lakers two seasons ago, sweeping all four matchups in 2023-24. But Los Angeles returned the favor last season, winning all four of its games against Sacramento in 2024-25.
Plus, any game against four-time NBA MVP LeBron James is automatic must-see TV — especially after James made his NBA debut on Oct. 29, 2003, in Sacramento. And it will be the first time James’ new partner-in-crime, Luka Dončić, will face the Kings since the league-shattering blockbuster trade that sent him to the Lakers last season.
Did we mention that Dončić loves to play against the Kings ever since they infamously passed on him in the 2018 NBA Draft? Even years later, Dončić won’t let it go, even recently directing taunts and comments toward former Kings general manager Vlade Divac during a visit to Sacramento.
Luka Doncic as he puts away the Kings tonight in Sacramento with his final free throw, then as the final horn sounds, waves goodbye to former Kings GM Vlade Divac seated courtside and says "he shoulda' drafted me." pic.twitter.com/6j26cLprxA
That one might hurt a little more after the loss of Fox.
And to add salt to the wound, instant fan favorite Jake LaRavia, who was acquired by the Kings at the trade deadline, left Sacramento this offseason to sign a two-year deal with the Lakers. It’s always hard to see your ex with someone you already don’t like.
Honorable mentions
vs. new-look Houston Rockets led by Kevin Durant – Dec. 3, 2025
vs. Chicago Bulls (LaVine, DeRozan’s old team, plus facing a familiar face in Kevin Huerter) – Oct. 29, 2025
vs. reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder – Oct. 28, 2025
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The Warriors believe the vast improvement they experienced after acquiring Jimmy Butler III was no mirage. That their 27-8 record with Stephen Curry and Butler in the lineup tells them they can play with the best of the NBA.
Yet most interested observers align with the oddsmakers, who remain unconvinced. They’re awaiting compelling evidence.
The Warriors can begin submitting that on opening night, when they play the first of six games that should provide a fair assessment of where they stand in the league and their postseason ceiling.
What better way to immediately turn heads than going on the road and beating the league’s most publicized team – and most publicized superstar?
The Warriors were 1-3 against the Lakers last season, but the losses came before both teams made major changes February. LA acquired Luka Dončić and Golden State added Butler. On April 3, with playoff positioning at stake, the Warriors made a statement with 123-116 win at Crypto.com Arena.
While Golden State’s roster is unfinished, LA this summer added starting center Deandre Ayton and defense-first guard Marcus Smart. Moreover, Dončić is in the best condition of his seven-year career.
No matter Golden State’s personnel on opening night, a loss to the Lakers would give LA an early edge in what will be a savage battle for playoff seeding in the Western Conference.
Nov. 11 at Oklahoma City
Classic battle of accomplished upstarts vs. experienced squad rich with ingenuity.
The defending champion Thunder are built for today, tomorrow and probably the next 30 years. The Warriors’ core – Draymond Green, Curry and Butler – is built for yesterday but determined to show it has what it takes to flourish against the league’s young bucks.
OKC is trying to become back-to-back champs, something not done since the 2018 Warriors. The Thunder, then, hope to go where Curry and Green have been. As deep and young and kinetic as this roster is, this challenge is the biggest they have known.
No better means of measurement than facing the NBA kings in the league’s most imposing building. A loss would not be catastrophic, but winning at OKC would make a statement huge enough to be discussed and dissected for several days.
Nov. 19 at Miami
Butler returns to the place where he validated his stardom before an ugly exit.
Jimmy’s departure from South Beach had the elements of high drama. Pat “The Godfather” Riley, Hall of Fame coach and one of the most astute executives in NBA history, calls out his franchise player in public. Franchise player barks back. Both are too proud to budge. Coach and team are stuck in the middle of a feud that simmers for months before Riley sends Butler to Golden State.
The trade was a form of salvation for both teams. The Heat, shedding a massive distraction, finally could exhale and focus on basketball. The Warriors, after treading water for almost four months, could sprout wings and fly.
The victor on this night, whether Butler or Riley, will grin his way out of Kaseya Center.
Dec. 25 vs. Dallas
With the return of Warriors legend Klay Thompson and the Bay Area initiation of teenage sensation Cooper Flagg, the NBA hands Dub Nation two gifts on Christmas Day at Chase Center. There’s an outside chance Kyrie Irving, rehabilitating from a torn ACL sustained in March, could be back.
The teams split four games last season, with 1-1 records on each side of the Dallas trade featuring Anthony Davis and Dončić and the Golden State deal featuring Andrew Wiggins and Butler. With Davis and Irving missing substantial portions of the second half of the season, the Mavericks tumbled out of play-in tournament position.
Though Dallas is rejuvenated by the lottery gift that is Flagg, Warriors-Mavericks shapes up as a clash of teams projected to struggle to rise above the play-in tournament.
Jan. 24 and 26 at Minnesota
Was Minnesota’s playoff sweep of the Steph-free Warriors a definitive statement of supremacy, or a simple matter of a severely diminished roster?
The Warriors went into the conference semifinals feeling good about themselves, based on their 3-1 record against the Timberwolves in the regular season. Their confidence was further boosted by their victory in Game 1 at Target Center.
When Curry missed the next four games with a strained left hamstring, the Wolves feasted, in the process making the Warriors look too small, too slow and vastly inferior.
Golden State will have had more than eight months to digest its abrupt postseason exit. Revenge can’t come until the second half of the season, two games over three days on the road. A sweep would be fantastic, a split acceptable. Getting swept would be a punch in the mouth.
Four more games that can tell a story
Oct. 23 vs. Nuggets (snapped nine-game losing streak to DEN in April), Oct. 28 vs. Clippers (went 0-4 against LAC last season), Nov. 26 vs. Rockets (Kevin Durant joins feisty squad), April 12 vs at Clippers (second consecutive season finale vs. LAC)
Another Goalie Moves From NHL To KHL
Canadian goaltender Louis Domingue, 33, has signed a one-year
contract with Sibir Novosibirsk, the KHL club announced on Thursday.
Barys Astana Terminates Contracts of Nathan Beaulieu, Will Butcher, Michael McLeodKazakhtan-based KHL club Barys Astana announced the release of three NHL players on its roster on Friday. 
Kurt Helin
