Aidan Chiles injury update: The Michigan State football QB is 'expected to be available,' but will he play vs. the Indiana Hoosiers?
Kings Vs Penguins: Game Preview
The Kings look to improve to 2-2-1 as they welcome Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
After losing 4-3 in a shootout on Sunday against Minnesota, the Kings look to snap their two-game losing streak tonight against the Penguins. The Penguins are also looking to snap their 2 game losing streak tonight as they continue their California road trip.
Projected Kings Lines:
Projected lines for the Kings:
A. Kuzmenko - A. Kopitar - A. Kempe
K. Fiala - Q. Byfield - J. Armia
W. Foegele - P. Danault - T. Moore
J. Malott - A. Turcotte - A. Laferriere
B. Dumoulin - D. Doughty
J. Edmundson - B. Clarke
M. Anderson - C. Ceci
A. Forsberg
P. Copley
Projected Penguins Lines:
Projected lines for the Penguins:
R. Rakell - S. Crosby - B. Rust
A. Mantha - E. Malkin - J. Brazeau
F. Hallander - T. Novak - P. Tomasino
C. Dewar - B. Lizotte - N. Acciari
P. Wotherspoon - E. Karlsson
R. Shea - K. Letang
C. Jones - H. Brunicke
A. Silovs
T. Jarry
Important Factors
Before the important factors, some news regarding the Kings' lineup is that Anze Kopitar is a game-time decision due to a lower-body injury. Earlier this week, the Kings acquired G Phoenix Copley from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Future Considerations because Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper is out of the lineup with a lower-body injury.
The Kings will have to limit the Penguins' chances, as their depth has provided them with numerous scoring opportunities. They will also have to limit not only Sidney Crosby but also Evgeni Malkin and Justin Brazeau, as both of them are off to hot starts this season.
If the Kings get on the power play, that is where they can do the most damage, as they are ranked 9th in the NHL in power play percentage, and the Penguins' penalty kill is ranked 23rd, allowing the Kings to capitalize on that.
Another key defensive aspect the Kings need to address is allowing G Anton Forsberg to see the puck. The Penguins often crash the net for tips and rebounds, and if the Kings give Forsberg enough room to see the puck, they will be able to capitalize.
Overall, if the Kings limit the Penguins' scoring chances, in that case, their counterattack will be able to capitalize on the Penguins' defensemen, as they often pinch and are aggressive offensively, which the Kings can use to their advantage.
Curt Cignetti contract details with Indiana football after school extends coach
Indiana on Thursday, Oct. 16 announced that football coach Curt Cignetti agreed to an eight-year extension. Here's what to know:
CARTER HART: "I'm So Excited … To Show The Community My True Character And Who I am And What I'm About."
LAS VEGAS -- Carter Hart spoke to reporters after his workout as a member of the Golden Knights.
Hart, who cannot play in the NHL before Dec. 1, was one of the five members of Canada’s 2018 world juniors team who were found not guilty of sexual assault in a trial that took place earlier this year in London, Ont.
"I'm beyond grateful, excited and honored to be part of the Golden Knights," Hart said. "Got a great skate today with (goalie coach Sean) Burke and a few guys.
"It's been a long road to get back to this point, getting back to playing the game of hockey, the game that I love. I've been out of the game for a year and a half now. I've learned a lot. I've grown a lot. Just excited to move forward."
The other players are Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Cal Foote.
Hart, and the other four players who sign contracts, won’t be able to begin conditioning with their teams until Nov. 15 or play in the NHL until Dec. 1.
Hart hasn’t played an NHL game since Jan. 20, 2024. He made 25 starts in what was his sixth season for the Philadelphia Flyers in 2023-24, when he recorded a 2.80 goals-against average, .906 save percentage, one shutout and 12-9-3 record before stepping away from the team.
Vegas starting goalie Adin Hill suffered a lower-body injury during its game against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. He didn’t return after the first period, and after participating in morning skate on Thursday, will serve as backup to Akira Schmid, who subbed in to play the final two periods against the Flames.
Hart can officially make his Golden Knights debut as early as Dec. 2 when Vegas hosts the Chicago Blackhawks.
"I've heard nothing but great things about the city, the community, the fanbase, the organization and I got to meet a lot of people today, and I'm so excited to get the chance to play in front of them, and for them," Hart said. "And, just get to show the community my true character and who I am and what I'm about.
"I got to meet some guys here today. Everybody's been very welcoming. I'm just looking forward to getting things rolling here, getting to work alongside all these guys, getting to know them all, and continuing to build on the championship culture that's been established here in Las Vegas."
Indiana inks Curt Cignetti to 8-year contract extension worth over $90 million
The Hoosiers are 17-2 since Cignetti took over ahead of the 2024 season.
Nets' Egor Demin to make preseason debut Friday vs. Raptors
Egor Demin, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, will make his preseason debut on Friday when the Nets play the Toronto Raptors in their final exhibition game before the regular season starts next week.
The 19-year-old has been out with a plantar fascia tear, causing him to miss Brooklyn's first three preseason games. Demin suffered the injury after summer league, GM Sean Marks said at the end of September during media day, but head coach Jordi Fernandez noted Thursday that he's been playing five-on-five and is "ready to take the next step."
"So he’s been practicing based on the program that we’ve had for him. As you guys know, it’s been a ramp up and he’s been able to play five-on-five, and now he’s ready to see the floor," Fernandez said, via the New York Post. "So, good news is (Friday) he’ll have some minutes. And that’s exciting. I’m excited for him. He’s done a great job and now we’re ready to take the next step."
Demin, along with fellow rookie guards Nolan Traore (No. 19 pick) and Ben Saraf (No. 26 pick), will all play a major role for the Nets during their rebuilding 2025-26 season.
Traore started both preseason games against the Suns in Macao, China, playing 17 minutes in each and scoring four points and six points, respectively. While Saraf came off the bench in those two preseason games and showed some impressive flashes, dishing out 11 assists in Brooklyn's 111-109 win on Oct. 12.
As for how Fernandez will operate the lineups with all three rookie guards in the mix, the coach is excited to see them fight for minutes while he figures out the rotation.
"Yeah, I don’t have a crystal ball, so I don’t know if I can answer the question," Fernandez demurred. "What I’m very excited about is seeing how that process is going to go. They’re all going to fight for some of the same minutes. They’re all going to fight for some of the wing minutes.
"But right now for sure the starting point guard and backup point guard, those three are fighting for those minutes. And that’s great because we’re going to see a lot of the young talent we drafted playing real NBA minutes."
Demin, who's listed at 6-foot-9, averaged 11.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 steals per game over three NBA Summer League contests, shooting 43.5 percent from three-point range. Fernandez believes the rookie's size and skill will be a boost for the team, adding that he wants to see Demin "have fun" in his first preseason minutes.
“Yeah I don’t have too much (expectation) for him as far as he doesn’t need to feel much pressure or anything. I want him to enjoy his first minutes,” Fernandez said.
“Obviously, I’m going to ask him things like I ask everybody else as far as doing certain things with purpose, and play really hard and use his superpowers. That’s his passing and shooting and his size. But don’t overthink it. I don’t want him to try to analyze everything, and just go out there and have fun.”
Phillies reup coaching staff with one vacancy, new role
Phillies reup coaching staff with one vacancy, new role originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Phillies’ coaching staff will look largely familiar in 2026 — except for one key addition. With Mike Calitri transitioning into a new Major League field coordinator role, the club plans to hire an experienced bench coach from outside the organization to work alongside Rob Thomson.
“Managers use bench coaches in different fashions during a game,” Dave Dombrowski said at Thursday’s end-of-season press conference. “I think it would be ideal to have somebody that maybe has had some managerial experience or that-type of role. But we think Cal is perfect for that [field-coordinator] role. He’s done such a good job in so many ways.”
Thomson agreed: “It was Dave’s idea,” he said. “But I thought it was a good one — another set of eyes, a different perspective.”
He emphasized that chemistry will drive the hire: “Absolutely. Not only with myself but with the rest of the staff. The staff is so good — we’re just trying to add one more guy to make it even a little bit better.”
Thomson’s postseason regrets help explain the motivation. He pointed to a pair of decisions in Game 1 of the NLDS — having David Robertson come in after a long “up-down” and using Matt Strahm mid-inning rather than with a clean frame — as moments he’d reconsider. “We didn’t check that box,” he said. “Would it have made a difference? I don’t know. But if we’d checked that box, I could sleep a little bit better.”
Those small margins express the value of another experienced voice in the dugout — not because Calitri fell short, but because the Phillies want to keep evolving.
The rest of the staff is expected to return. Pitching coach Caleb Cotham and hitting coach Kevin Long remain cornerstones, and both — like Thomson — trace part of their baseball DNA to the Yankees. Thomson spent 27 years in New York’s organization and coached under Joe Girardi, who later managed the Phillies. Cotham was drafted by the Yankees in 2009 and made his big-league debut with them six years later. Long served as the Yankees’ hitting coach from 2007-14.
That shared lineage doesn’t make this a Yankees reunion — but it hints at the kind of profile Philadelphia could target: someone who’s been in the fire and can serve as Thomson’s trusted in-game partner.
Possible fits who check those boxes — managerial experience and familiarity with Thomson’s era of the Yankees, as well as playing days — include Tony Peña, Willie Randolph, DeMarlo Hale, Al Pedrique, and Bobby Meacham. Each has managed or coached at the Major or Minor League level and carries a strong reputation
Why the rest of the staff isn’t changing
There’s bound to be noise about why the Phillies didn’t make broader coaching changes after another NLDS exit. But both Dombrowski and Thomson made it clear — the organization remains confident in the group’s track record.
For Long, the body of work speaks loudly. Since he joined the Phillies before the 2022 season, the team ranks second in the Majors in batting average (.256), third in OPS (.753), fifth in runs per game (4.79), and fifth in batting average with runners in scoring position (.263).
The October numbers tell a different story — the Phillies are just 12-for-61 (.197) with runners in scoring position over their past two postseasons — but Long’s regular-season results and reputation across the league still carry weight inside the organization.
Dombrowski voiced confidence in Long entering his fifth season in the role, “Kevin Long is an exceptionally good hitting coach…I think we have a good hitting program.”
Cotham’s case is even clearer. Under his watch, the Phillies’ pitching staff has evolved into one of baseball’s best units. Over the last two seasons, Philadelphia starters own a 3.69 ERA, the lowest in the National League.
Extending Topper’s stay?
Ultimately, the Phillies view this winter’s adjustments as refinement, not reinvention — further evidence of Dombrowski’s trust in his skipper.
“We believe in Rob and his staff,” Dombrowski said. “They’ve helped establish a winning culture here.”
For Thomson, who returns to manage in the final year of his contract, the feeling is mutual. He made clear he’d welcome a longer stay in Philadelphia.
“Oh, absolutely,” Thomson said. “The last four years have been the most fun of my career. It has to do with the people in the organization — players, staff, front office, the fan base, how I’m treated by [the media]. I feel like I’m treated very fairly. As long as I’m happy, my family’s happy, I’m having fun, and they want me, I’ll manage.”
The Wraparound: Should The NHL Be Concerned About The Ice For The Olympics?
The Wraparound is back to discuss NHL and hockey topics in rapid-fire segments.
Should The NHL Be Concerned About The Ice For The Olympics? by The WraparoundHere's what Emma Lingan, Michael Augello and Jim Parsons discussed in this episode:
0:00: With Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton extended, what’s the next step in the Montreal Canadiens’ organizational journey?
4:37: Can the New Jersey Devils stay competitive without Jacob Markstrom in their lineup for the next few weeks?
7:43: Will the Florida Panthers' injury struggles begin to catch up to them?
11:35: Could Zeev Buium help the Minnesota Wild become an elite offensive team?
15:20: Should Jimmy Snuggerud be the early favorite for the Calder Trophy?
18:55: Should the NHL be concerned about the untested ice for the upcoming Olympics?
22:40: Does Easton Cowan’s early success with the Toronto Maple Leafs create some urgency for a Nick Robertson trade?
29:10: How will the Edmonton Oilers organize their forward group with Zach Hyman returning?
See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes.
Penguins At Kings Preview: Penguins Looking To Snap Two-Game Losing Streak
The Pittsburgh Penguins will play their second game of the California road trip on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Kings.
The Penguins started the California trip in Anaheim on Tuesday and jumped out to a 2-0 lead before losing by one goal, 4-3. The game was tied with less than two minutes to go in the third period when Penguins defenseman Parker Wotherspoon took a delay of game penalty by sending the puck over the glass.
It only took seven seconds for the Ducks' power play to cash in, thanks to forward Chris Kreider. He scored from about 15 feet out to give the Ducks the lead before they bled the rest of the clock. It was a brutal break for the Penguins, who were about to get at least a point out of the game.
They've now lost their last two games after starting the season with a 2-0-0 record. They'll try to snap that losing streak against a Kings' team that has historically been very stingy in their own end, but are off to a slow start this year, losing three of their first four games (1-2-1 record).
The Penguins conducted a morning skate before Thursday's game, and it didn't take long to notice that first-round pick Benjamin Kindel wasn't participating in line rushes. That's because he will be a healthy scratch for this game, per Penguins head coach Dan Muse. That shouldn't be too much of a surprise after Muse spoke earlier this week about their plans for both Kindel and fellow rookie Harrison Brunicke.
Forwards
Rakell-Crosby-Rust
Mantha-Malkin-Brazeau
Hallander-Novak-Tomasino
Dewar-Lizotte-Acciari
Defensemen
Wotherspoon-Karlsson
Shea-Letang
Jones-Brunicke
Goaltenders
Arturs Silovs
Tristan Jarry
Muse confirmed after the skate that Silovs will start in goal after Jarry played against the Ducks. Muse has been rotating the goalies between starts thus far.
Puck drop is set for 10 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
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How The Vancouver Canucks Performed During 4+ Game Road Trips In 2024–25
The Vancouver Canucks were one of the better road teams in the NHL last season, racking up a record of 21–14–6 and 48 points (seventh in NHL). 26 of these 41 road games were spent as part of five of the team’s longer-term road trips, each spanning more than four games. With the Canucks now embarking on their first five-game road trip of the 2025–26 season, let’s take a look at how they performed in their five 4+ road game road trips during 2024–25.
October 15 to 22: 3–1–0
Most of Vancouver’s road success came at the start of the 2024–25 season. Against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Chicago Blackhawks, the team collected six of eight potential points during this week-long road trip. They had an overall positive goal differential, scoring 13 against all four teams combined and allowing only nine against.
As a whole, the Canucks recorded more shots on net (122) than shots against (115), as they only recorded less than 30 shots once and did not have less than 25. Vancouver also converted on three of six power play opportunities provided and killed 12 of 14 penalties taken.
November 23 to December 3: 5–1–1
Vancouver continued their road success into early December, helping Kevin Lankinen set a new NHL record. Granted, only two of the teams they played ended up making the playoffs in the spring (Ottawa Senators and Minnesota Wild), though the other teams they played (Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings) put up a fight, with five of these six games being separated by only a one-goal margin.
In terms of shots on goal versus shots faced, the Canucks allowed more (179) than what they produced (151). Their most productive period was the third, during which they put up a total of 55. The penalty kill remained at around 80%, while their power play capitalized on six of 18 chances.
January 6 to 14: 1–2–2
The month of January often becomes a make-or-break month for Vancouver. In 2023–24, the team went on a five-game road winning streak to help put them at the top of the Pacific Division by the end of the season.
2024–25 was a different story.
In five games against the Montréal Canadiens, Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Winnipeg Jets, Vancouver registered only one win and lost the remaining four (two in overtime). They only recorded 107 shots on net throughout these five games, including a 14-shot game against the Hurricanes, and scored only nine goals total. They went two-for-12 on the power play, but continued their solid shorthanded efforts by killing 12 of 15 penalties.
February 22 to March 1: 1–4–0
As poor as their January road trip was, it was nowhere near as negative as their first long road trip after the 4 Nations Faceoff break. Vancouver lost four of their five games against the Vegas Golden Knights, Utah Mammoth, Anaheim Ducks, and Seattle Kraken, with their lone win coming in overtime against the Los Angeles Kings.
Shot-wise, Vancouver had yet another poor performance, registering only 122 in five games. Two of these matches included less than 20 shots throughout the whole game for the Canucks. In contrast, Vancouver allowed 142 shots against.
The Canucks continued their special teams patterns, going two-for-12 on the power play yet again but registering their best penalty-killing percentage of these road trips with a success rate of 93.3%. They scored eight even-strength goals in five games.
March 20 to 30: 2–2–2
By the time their final 4+ game road trip of the season rolled around, Canucks players were dropping like flies. Vancouver was without both centers Filip Chytil and Elias Pettersson by March 24, though they still remained eligible to qualify for a playoff spot.
During this road trip, Vancouver put up 171 shots in six games against the St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Jets, including a 39-shot game against the Rangers, who only posted 12. This was their first time putting up more shots than shots allowed (159) since their first long road trip at the start of the season. They also recorded their season-high in shots per period during 4+ game road trips with 64 recorded during second periods of this trip.
Vancouver’s special teams continued their usual run. They recorded a 16.7% power play rate for the third straight 4+ game road trip, but put up a penalty-killing percentage of 86% over 14 opportunities.
The Canucks begin the first of five 4+ game road trips this season tonight, as they take on the Dallas Stars at 5:00 pm PT. Tomorrow, they’ll face the Blackhawks at 5:30 pm PT. Vancouver will then take on the Capitals, Penguins, and Nashville Predators before returning to Rogers Arena for three games.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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How ‘night labs' help Xavier Tillman maximize potential for Celtics
How ‘night labs' help Xavier Tillman maximize potential for Celtics originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
After entering the league as a second-round pick in 2020, nothing was ever going to be given to Xavier Tillman at the NBA level. Anything he wanted, he was going to have to work for it.
Now set to begin Year 6 of his NBA journey — after ending the preseason with a flourish — the work continues, even with a set role seemingly carved out for him in Boston.
“He’s just the ultimate professional,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said after Tillman’s last-second shot to beat the Raptors in the team’s final preseason game Wednesday night. “It’s a credit to him and just his mindset to come in like he has, and he’s given us everything we could ask for.”
While everybody gets to see his work during games and his coaches and teammates see the work that takes place at practice, Tillman revealed that he puts in some extra work at night to make sure he’s maximizing his potential in the NBA.
“The process is really just not being comfortable. Like, the comfortable thing to do is to not do my — I call them night labs, which is when I shoot at night,” Tillman told Celtics insider Chris Forsberg. “But the comfortable thing is to not do the night labs and to just be home every night and just kicking it and just being content with everything that I have.
“I’m grateful for everything that I have, but I’m not content with it. And the separation I guess for me is that I just want the most that I can get out of playing basketball. And so for me, in order to get that, you’ve got to put in the work.”
Tillman noted that the night labs involve more than just shooting.
“You have to do all these extra stretches and get all this treatment and get massages all the time. Even if you’re like, ‘I’m not even that sore,’ you have to do all these things to make sure you’re feeling as good as possible for as long as possible,” he shared.
While the game itself presents numerous variables that determine wins and losses, hard work away from the arena never loses.
“Preparation to me is like, when I say it’s better than the game, it’s more so just getting to see yourself progress and progress and progress and progress, because in a game, you have wins and losses,” he said. “But like when it comes to just progression, working out, there’s not too many losses — as long as you’re pushing yourself in there. So it’s pretty awesome.”
Brian Cashman says top prospect Spencer Jones could make Yankees' 2026 Opening Day roster
Yankees GMBrian Cashman didn't delve deep into what the club might do this offseason when it comes to reshaping the roster.
But he was open about a number of the players who are already there.
Cashman, speaking at Yankee Stadium during the team's end-of-season news conference, said he's comfortable with Ryan McMahon as the everyday third baseman, but noted that could change.
Regarding Jasson Dominguez, he said he views him as the potential regular left fielder.
The GM also spoke at length about Anthony Volpe, whose season will be delayed after he underwent left shoulder surgery. And Cashman attributed some of Volpe's struggles this past season to the fact that he played through the injury, adding the the Yanks still "believe in the player."
At the end of Thursday's news conference, Cashman weighed in on top outfield prospect Spencer Jones, who split the 2025 season between Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.
"I think he's put himself in the conversation," Cashman said when asked if Jones could be on the Opening Day roster in 2026.
"I think how it plays out depends on how our winter plays out," Cashman added. "He'll certainly come to spring training, and he's earned -- without a doubt -- the look, and the competition.
"But again, it all depends on how many opportunities exist based on the decisions that come our way this winter. But he's put himself in the position to be considered a potential everyday major leaguer in 2026, but we'll see."
Jones, 24, has massive power. But his strikeout rate in four minor league seasons has been alarming.
In 116 games this past season, Jones slashed .274/.362/.571 with 35 home runs and 179 strikeouts. Jones was red hot for about a month after getting promoted to Triple-A on June 27. But he cooled off as the summer went on, slashing just .209/.295/.368 with six homers over his last 48 games.
In 2024 for Somerset, he hit .259/.336/.452 with 17 home runs over 124 games, striking out 200 times.
If Jones is on New York's Opening Day roster in 2026, it's fair to believe he'll be in center field, flanked by Aaron Judge in right and Dominguez in left.
NHL Insider Reports Red Wings Exploring Trade Options At Center
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, as discussed on Wednesday’s episode of the Daily Faceoff Rundown, the Detroit Red Wings are actively looking to add another center into the lineup and have been for quite some time.
David Pagnotta: Re Red Wings: This is a team that's been looking for offence, this is a team that's been looking at the center position as well; but there is some talk that the Wings are looking at and open to moving some of their defensemen - DFO Rundown (10/15)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) October 16, 2025
This would make sense as they are likely looking for more options up the middle as J.T. Compher has had a lackluster start to the season with no points and a -1 rating through a heavy 17 minutes per game and is losing more often than not on the face-off dot with a 38.7 winning percentage on draws. He mixes in with forward Andrew Copp, who is having a better start to the season with a goal and an assist through four games but is also suffering on draws with a worse 37.5 success rate.
Now face-offs aren't the most important aspects of Compher and Copp's game but the two can both switch out to the wing and allow a new third line center to enter the fold. This would also give the team flexibility if top line center Dylan Larkin or second line option Marco Kasper go down with an injury.
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If we look to contending teams like the Edmonton Oilers, they have soild depth with Trent Frederic or Adam Henrique able to draw into the role or the Vegas Golden Knights, who have a former 43-goal scorer in William Karlsson as their third line center. If the Red Wings want to keep up with the big dogs, they'll need to shift players like Compher or Copp into less meaningful roles like onto the fourth line and add another center in the same tier as a Karlsson or Henrique.
The Red Wings would have more than enough cap space at $11.8 million to facilitate any sort of deal they'd want to make when it comes to adding a depth center and have plenty of assets like draft capital and high-end prospects they could pick from to bring in an impactful player that will help Detroit in their chase for a playoff spot.
"Not A Crazy Recipe": Mason Appleton Keeps Things Simple Amidst Goal StreakDetroit Red Wings forward Mason Appleton now has three goals in his last two games, including a pair of goals in Detroit's 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers on Wednesday. Potential Options
A sensible target for the Red Wings could be Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund. As he enters the final year of his contract, Backlund represents a potential low-cost rental with plenty to prove. Playing alongside strong linemates like Andrew Copp and J.T. Compher could help him thrive offensively.
Backlund is a reliable center, currently leading the league with 55 faceoff wins and boasting an impressive 59.1% success rate. He’s also a key contributor on the penalty kill which Detroit needs to strengthen after finishing with the league’s worst unit last season. Backlund is an older 36 years old and may not offer significantly more scoring than Copp or Compher. However, his defensive awareness and two-way metrics make him an appealing short-term addition as an affordable rental option for Detroit as they push for a playoff spot.
Another option could be New York's Jean-Gabriel Pageau as a consistent 40-point scorer that is very strong on the face-off dot with a 63.6 winning percentage, which is top ten among centers that have taken 30 or more draws this season.
Pageau, like Backlund, plays meaningful minutes on the penalty kill and even plays for the top unit compared to Backlund, who mans the second. Pageau is also a rental option on the final year of his six-year pact with the Islanders but at 32 years old, he could be brought back for a few more years if the fit is a good one in the Motor City.
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Reggie Miller believes ‘this is the year' the Knicks reach the NBA Finals
Reggie Miller believes ‘this is the year' the Knicks reach the NBA Finals originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Reggie Miller has a message for New York Knicks fans.
“I will say this, cause people always think that I hate on the Knicks, which I do not, I love the Knicks,” the Basketball Hall of Famer and longtime New York sports villain said Thursday during an NBA on NBC conference call. “If the Knicks cannot get out of the Eastern Conference this year, something is wrong!”
Hear that, Spike?
Some of the potential obstacles on the Knicks’ path to the NBA Finals have been cleared in the eyes of Miller and others with Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers suffering Achilles injuries that are expected to sideline them for most or all of the season.
The Knicks went 51-31 last season to take the third seed in the East behind the Cleveland Cavaliers and Celtics. New York upset the Boston in the second round before falling to Indiana in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks brought back their entire core, added depth with Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, and replaced head coach Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown.
With both the Celtics and Pacers each missing their top player, and with up-and-coming teams like the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic still developing, the Knicks are expected to compete with the Cavs for the top spot in the East.
“Cleveland had the best record a year ago…they kept their core intact, but they’re still unproven in the playoffs,” Miller said. “To me, the Knicks with their new coach in Mike Brown and the best clutch player in the game from a year ago in Jalen Brunson, I just think everything is set up for the Knicks to win the East. Now again, you’ve gotta go out there and actually do it, but I think this is the year for the Knicks in the East, guys.”
“Well, Reg,” Miller’s fellow NBC analyst Jamal Crawford added, “I’m shocked to hear you give the Knicks this much love.”
It’s in the NBA Finals where Miller thinks the Knicks could run into trouble.
The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder open the season Tuesday against the Houston Rockets in the NBA’s long-awaited return to NBC. Miller, who will call the season-opening game on NBC and Peacock alongside Crawford and play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico, believes the Thunder are positioned for a potential dynasty.
“Are we seeing the formation of maybe a young Chicago Bulls team here in OKC?” Miller asked – comparing the young core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren to the Bulls’ 1990s core of Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. “With Shai being à la MJ, and J-Dub being à la Scottie Pippen, Chet-Rodman? I mean they have the makeup, the coaching pedigree, they’re very deep and from everything I’ve been reading and watching, they seem very hungry. Look, I know the West is loaded and Denver has reloaded, and Minnesota, but to me OKC, if they stay hungry and healthy I love their chances of repeating.”
The celebration for the upcoming season and the league’s return to NBC got underway Thursday in New York City at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Outside the iconic building is a new LED-basketball court that’s open to the public and a display of 30 customized basketballs – titled “30 Rocks” – designed by local artists to reflect the culture of each NBA team and the unique style of the artist.
The Larry O’Brien Trophy also made its way to the Top of the Rock.
“The NBA is like no other sport in terms of excitement, energy, greatest athletes, front row seats to it for those of us who get to broadcast the games,” Tirico said, “and I cannot be more excited for next Tuesday in Oklahoma City as they raise the banner and get this started.”
Miller was one of the faces of the league when NBC last broadcasted NBA games from 1990 to 2002. Some of his most memorable performances aired on the network – usually against the Knicks.
“When this opportunity presented itself with NBC, I had some of my best moments on this network,” Miller said. “And personally, for a chance for myself to come home and be able to tell stories and hopefully create new moment for the next generation, personally for me, I’m a kid in a candy store.”
Did The Oilers Dodge A Bullet With Carter Hart?
Carter Hart signed a professional tryout with the Vegas Golden Knights today, and the timing couldn't be more telling. He won't be eligible to suit up until December 1st due to disciplinary measures from the league. And yet, Vegas is betting on a goaltender who hasn't played meaningful hockey in nearly two years to potentially solve their crease issues.
Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are watching from a distance, likely grateful they never went down that road.
Hart has been absent from the NHL for nearly two years, not because of injury, but because he was facing sexual assault charges stemming from the 2018 World Juniors incident. That's not a normal absence. That's time spent dealing with legal proceedings, public scrutiny, and the mental toll that comes with being at the center of such a case.
Let's be clear about something: the Oilers were rumoured to have interest in Hart at various points. When goaltending questions plagued Edmonton's playoff runs, Hart's name came up in speculation. But the moment the World Juniors sexual assault case became public and Hart was charged, that interest evaporated. And rightfully so. Regardless of the not guilty verdict that came on July 24, 2025, the reality is that this case brought massive scrutiny, public attention, and questions that no team trying to win a Stanley Cup needs hanging over their locker room.
Hart has a career .906 save percentage with six career shutouts and a 96-93-29 record over six seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers. Those are middling numbers for a starting goaltender. But the bigger issue isn't the statistics—it's the baggage.
The not guilty verdict on July 24, 2025, cleared him legally, but it doesn't erase the reality of what happened. Hart was suspended by the NHL on January 29, 2024, and hasn't played since. He was one of five players charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault involving the 2018 Canadian World Junior team.
The case dominated headlines for months. Even after the not guilty verdict, questions remain about judgment, character, and whether a team wants to deal with the constant media attention and public opinion that comes with signing him.
Then there's the injury history. Hart's injury history during his six-year career with the Flyers is "about as long as a CVS receipt," as Hannah Kirkell put it. Durability matters for a starting goaltender, especially on a team with championship aspirations. The Oilers can't afford a goaltender who's frequently unavailable or playing through issues that affect performance.
The Oilers have Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard as their goaltending tandem, and with Connor McDavid's team-friendly $12.5 million AAV extension, they suddenly have cap flexibility to explore adding a third goaltender or upgrading the position without having to move out existing pieces. McDavid leaving money on the table was specifically designed to give the Oilers options like this.
The idea that Edmonton should have pursued Hart—a 27-year-old coming off a nearly two-year absence, with all the public scrutiny that it entails—was never realistic. Why tie up resources and create controversy when McDavid's contract gives them the flexibility to pursue other options?
Did Oilers Get An Official Trade Offer For Connor McDavid?Before Connor McDavid signed his extension in Edmonton, teams were eager to see what he'd do. Did the Oilers ever get an official trade offer?Vegas is in a different situation. Adin Hill sustained a lower-body injury recently, creating immediate need. They can afford to take a flyer on Hart with a professional tryout because their goaltending situation is uncertain. But even for Vegas, this is a gamble. Hart isn't eligible to play until December 1st, and it's going to take six weeks for him to get back into NHL game shape. That means Vegas is banking on a goaltender who won't be ready until potentially mid-to-late December, and even then, there's no guarantee he'll be the player he was before he left.
The Oilers don't have the luxury of gambling on maybes. Connor McDavid just signed a two-year extension that says "win now." Leon Draisaitl is in his prime. The cup window is compressed and urgent. Bringing in a goaltender with Hart's question marks would have been the opposite of what this team needs—which is reliability, consistency, and someone who can handle the pressure of playoff hockey.
The Golden Knights released a statement saying they're "aligned with the process and assessment the NHL and NHLPA made in their decision" and remain "committed to the core values that have defined our organization".
That's PR language acknowledging they know this signing comes with complications.
The potential fan and media uproar in Edmonton would have been immediate and intense. Bringing in Carter Hart, regardless of the not guilty verdict, would have sparked outrage from significant portions of the fanbase who don't separate legal outcomes from personal judgment about character and values.
Skinner Redeems Himself At MSG, For NowStuart Skinner needed this one. After the scrutiny, the criticism, the endless questions about whether he's capable of being the starting goaltender for a cup-contending team, he walked into Madison Square Garden and delivered a 30-save shutout in a 2-0 win over the New York Rangers.
The Oilers operate in a Canadian market where everything gets amplified. Scrutiny is relentless. Fans have strong opinions and aren't shy about expressing them. The organization's public image matters, especially when you're trying to sell tickets, maintain sponsorships, and present yourself as a championship-calibre franchise that represents the community.
Bringing in Hart after everything that's happened would have created backlash that no team chasing a Stanley Cup needs.
Vegas can absorb that attention differently than Edmonton can. The Golden Knights operate in a different media environment with different expectations and a fanbase that doesn't have the same emotional investment. The Oilers don't have that luxury.
The reality is that Hart might work out for Vegas. He might rediscover his form, stay healthy, and become a useful piece for them. The not guilty verdict means he's legally cleared to play, and the NHL's decision to allow him back means the league has made its mind up.
But even if Hart succeeds in Vegas, it doesn't mean the Oilers made a mistake by staying away. Edmonton's situation is different. And here's the thing: the Oilers don't need to take that risk. McDavid's team-friendly contract gives them cap space to explore other goaltending options without creating controversy. They can keep Skinner, keep Pickard, and still have flexibility to add or upgrade if needed. Why would they burn that goodwill and create unnecessary problems when they have other paths available?
Oilers' Head Coach Kris Knoblauch Reaches New MilestoneEdmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch continues to rise in the standings of all-time winning coaches for the franchise. Stuart Skinner just showed what he's capable of at MSG. Calvin Pickard has looked confident in his opportunities. The Oilers have a goaltending situation that, while not perfect, is functional and improving. And thanks to McDavid's contract, they have the cap space to add to that position without damaging their public image.
Adding Hart to that mix would have created more problems than solutions, more controversy than clarity, more damage to the organization's reputation than any on-ice benefit he might provide.
Did the Oilers dodge a bullet? Absolutely. Not just because of Hart's on-ice questions or the nearly two-year layoff, but because of the fan and media uproar that would have followed, the damage to the organization's public image, and the perception that the Oilers valued winning over values.
The not guilty verdict clears him legally, but it doesn't erase how signing him would have been received in Edmonton. When your championship window is three years and your captain just took a discount to give you cap flexibility, you can't afford to burn goodwill and create unnecessary controversy when other options exist.
Vegas is taking a gamble. The Oilers chose to stay away entirely. Smart teams know when the risk isn't worth the potential reward. So no, the Oilers didn't dodge a bullet with Carter Hart—they made the right call by never putting themselves in that situation to begin with.
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