The Dominican Republic enters the tournament loaded with MLB talent and as one of the favorites to win the World Baseball Classic. They’ll kick things off against Nicaragua at LoanDepot Park on Friday, March 6.
My top Nicaragua vs. Dominican Republic predictions and World Baseball Classic best bets call for the star power of the Dominicans to pave the way to a lopsided victory in this tournament opener.
Nicaragua vs Dominican Republic prediction
Nicaragua vs Dominican Republic best bet: Dominican Republic -4.5 (-115 at DraftKings)
Not only does the Dominican Republic lineup feature a who’s who of MLB superstars, but lefty Cristopher Sanchez will start Friday, and he spun an elite 2.50 ERA and 1.06 WHIP for the Philadelphia Phillies last season.
The Nicaraguans just don’t pack the same punch at the dish or on the mound, and in particular, projected starter Erasmo Ramirez has onlystarted four games since the beginning of the 2019 MLB campaign.
Finally, I also value the elite Dominican bullpen arms available in the tournament opener. Camilo Doval, Gregory Soto, and Abner Uribe are all proven MLB talents.
Nicaragua vs Dominican Republic same-game parlay (SGP)
Sanchez posted a high-end 9.4 K/9 last season in the majors, and he’ll face a far easier Nicaraguan lineup on Friday.
Turning to star outfielder Juan Soto, the perennial MVP candidate finished third with a .1500 OPS during the 2023 WBC, and he’s posted a rock-solid .275 batting average over the past three MLB seasons.
Juan Soto star player prop
Juan Soto best bet: 2+ hits (+145 at DraftKings)
In addition to Juan Soto's highlighted WBC and MLB numbers, his underlying 18.1 barrel percentage and 55.1% hard-hit rate are elite marks, and Soto will have excellent lineup protection to prevent the Nicaraguans from pitching around him.
Run line: Nicaragua +4.5 (-105) | Dominican Republic -4.5 (-115)
Over/Under: Over 9.5 (-110) | Under 9.5 (-110)
How to watch Nicaragua vs Dominican Republic and game info
Location
LoanDepot Park, Miami, Florida
Date
Friday, March 6, 2026
First pitch
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FS2
Nicaragua starting pitcher
Erasmo Ramírez (projected)
Dominican Republic starting pitcher
Cristopher Sanchez
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Malkin had been cross-checked by Sabres star Rasmus Dahlin 38 seconds into the second period by the Sabres net. Malkin responded with an attempted slash then connected with another slash to the side of the defenseman's face. He grabbed Dahlin by the helmet and dropped his gloves as Dahlin bent over.
The Penguins center received two minutes for cross-checking and also five minutes and a game misconduct for slashing. Dahlin got two minutes for cross-checking.
Buffalo got one goal on the five-minute power play to take a 2-1 lead.
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Forward Ryan Poehling has agreed to a four-year, $15 million contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks during his first season with the team.
The Ducks announced the deal Thursday for Poehling (PAY-ling), who has seven goals and 17 assists in 54 games while serving as a top penalty killer and defensive forward.
While general manager Pat Verbeek's decision to give up on Zegras — a fan favorite and former first-round pick — remains unpopular among many Anaheim fans, Poehling has assuaged that disappointment somewhat by excelling in a key depth role for the second-place Ducks, who are firmly in the race for their first playoff appearance since 2018.
The Ducks are the fourth NHL team for the 27-year-old Poehling, a first-round pick by Montreal in 2017. He spent one season with Pittsburgh before signing as a free agent in 2023 with Philadelphia, where he set career highs with 12 goals and 19 assists last season.
Poehling is now signed with Anaheim through the 2029-30 season, and he is getting a raise from his current two-year, $3.8 million deal.
Prior to the Detroit Red Wings facing the Vegas Golden Knights at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday evening, a special pre-game ceremony was held to honor forward Patrick Kane, who recently became the highest-scoring U.S.-born player in NHL history.
Kane officially broke the record set by Hall of Famer and one-time former Red Wings forward Mike Modano with an assist on Ben Chiarot's goal against the Washington Capitals on Jan. 29.
The ceremony, which included a video tribute with cameos from several of Kane's family members and former teammates, was made all the more special when Modano himself, along with USA Hockey executive John Vanbiesbrouck, joined them.
"It was special," Kane said. "I think the last two ceremonies and the gifts that I've received from Chris and Marian Ilitch, just speak volumes about the organization and how classy an organization it is. Obviously, a special ceremony with the video tribute and my family being there, and then Mike coming onto the ice, and John Vanbiesbrouck as well."
Kane, who said he grew up admiring the way that Modano played, said that he was grateful to be able to pass him in the record books.
"Just kind of getting to know Mike throughout this whole process, just how gracious that he is, unbelievable guy," Kane said. "I couldn't be more humbled to pass someone like that."
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GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Christeen Iwuala scored 18 points for No. 7 seed Mississippi in a 73-57 win over No. 15 seed Auburn in the second round of the SEC Tournament on Thursday.
Ole Miss (22-10) led the entire game, jumping out with a 12-1 run to open the game and had a double-digit lead heading into halftime, 48-20.
Iwuala shot a perfect 5 of 5 from the field in the first half for 10 points, and finished the day 8 of 8. She added nine rebounds, including the 250th of her career. Latasha Lattimore and Cotie McMahon both scored 13 for the Lady Rebels.
Auburn (15-17) was led by Khady Leye, with 17 points. Kaitlyn Duhon scored 14 for the Tigers. Auburn had a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter that lasted over three minutes, but it wasn't enough to swing the momentum in its favor.
Ole Miss will move on to face No. 2-seeded Vanderbilt.
Up next
Ole Miss: plays No. 2 seed Vanderbilt on March 6.
Auburn: awaits an invitation to play in a postseason tournament.
With less than 24 hours remaining before the NHL trade deadline, things are about to get pretty interesting for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
And, if you're keeping an eye on their minor league affiliates, they may already be a bit interesting.
On Thursday, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) Penguins of the AHL recalled left defenseman Emil Pieniniemi from the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL. The 21-year-old blueliner - who began the season on suspension after initially failing to report to Wheeling's training camp - has seen time at both the ECHL and AHL levels this season, registering a goal and three points to go along with a plus-6 in eight games with WBS.
But what's interesting here is the fact that the call-up even happened - especially with less than 24 hours to go until the NHL trade deadline.
Pieniniemi's recall gives WBS nine healthy defensemen on their AHL roster, which is one more than they need. In addition to Pieniniemi, the WBS Penguins also have Finn Harding, Chase Pietila, Phil Kemp, and Matt Dumba on the right side, while they have Sebastian Aho, Alexander Alexeyev, Scooter Brickey, and Owen Pickering on the left side.
Therefore, it's fair to wonder whether this may spell an impending move by the Penguins, whether at the NHL or AHL level.
On Wednesday's 'GM Show,' Penguins' GM and POHO Kyle Dubas said that the Penguins may be looking to add a forward and a defenseman by the NHL trade deadline, which is Friday, Mar. 6 at 3:00 p.m. ET. He also added that the players they'd most likely be pursuing are cut from the same cloth as Egor Chinakhov, a younger player with high potential who needs a change of scenery.
Chinakhov was acquired back on Dec. 29 for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick. The Penguins have 13 second- and third-round picks in combined in the next three NHL drafts, and they also have all three of their own first-round picks.
There are some names to look out for - such as New Jersey Devils center Dawson Mercer, Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright, and New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider, among others - but, of course, no two deals are exactly the same. Even if Dubas and the Penguins intend to use the "Chinakhov template," a deal for most of the higher-end "change of scenery"-type players will likely have to include either a prospect or a rostered player in addition to the draft capital.
So, is it possible that someone like Dumba or Pickering could be on the way out? Or even someone at the NHL level like Ryan Graves or Connor Clifton?
Since Sunday’s beatdown of the Cincinnati Reds, the A’s have outscored their opponents 52-24! What a thrill it has been too, seeing production not only come from staples like Tyler Soderstrom and Brent Rooker, but also prospects such as Junior Perez.
That narrative continued today against the Angels in Tempe.
A pair of walks to Nick Kurtz and Shea Langeliers in the top half of the 2nd made it a 2-run lead early. With the bases loaded, Soderstromstepped up to the plate and absolutely unloaded on a 94 mph fastball from Aneurys Zabala for a Grand Slam. On the very next pitch thrown by the 29 year old right-hander, Rooker would take him deep. Just like that the A’s are up 7-0 and it’s only the 2nd inning. The damage wouldn’t end there. In Austin Wynn’s second at-bat (first resulted in a double) he’d get a hold of one. Another fastball served up by Zabala, another home run for the A’s. That’s 8 total runs and three tanks for the Green and Gold. They’d load the bases once again with two outs but Kurtz would roll over on a 3-1 fastball.
Aneurys Zabala’s day would be over after less than an inning of work, but oddly enough, starter Alek Manoah’s wouldn’t. Manoah would re-enter the game in the 3rd inning and aside from the Rooker ground-rule double, he pitched pretty decent compared to his first go around. Manoah’s day would end with a line of 2.1 IP, 3 hits, 5 ER, 5 BB, and 3ks.
Manoah is gonna feed families with performances like that in the regular season 😋 them ticket prices are gonna be MAD cheap pic.twitter.com/1sBLCe3ov0
In the 3rd, 4th, and 5th inning of offensive work for the Angels, they’d chip 4 runs off of A’s starter Luis Morales and Brady Basso. Morales looked really sharp through his first few innings, but once the 4th frame rolled around he kind’ve lost it. The bad juju vibes carried over into Brady Basso’s outing. A couple more runs would be tagged to his name on 4 hits. The highly touted Jamie Arnold would also give up a run on a homer to Denzer Guzman, but overall his day should be considered a success.
No one, however, on either team that is, had a less productive day than the 32 year old Geoff Hartlieb. The A’s right-hander got kicked around by the Halos, to the tune of 5 ER in less than an inning! Would not be surprised if he’s banished to the Phantom Zone by sundown.
Overall, A’s pitching was a bit of a mess today. Thankfully the offense got it done when called upon. Five more runs were tacked on by the Green and Gold in the 6th. Max Muncy’s single brought home Joshua Kuroda-Grauer. Michael Stefanic’s double scored Muncy as well as Bryan Lavastida. He’d then round the bases thanks to a towering cranker by Junior Perez!
Junior Perez just crushed a two-run homer completely over the berm in left-center at Tempe Diablo.
Clark Elliot’s 3-run homer in the 9th capped off the last of it. They’d finish with 16 runs on 12 hits and no errors. In the hits department, the Angels came out on top. 15 of their hits resulted in 11 runs. Zero errors were committed by the Halos. Their defense wasn’t to blame, it’s the pitching! The pitching is just absolutely atrocious – – and by the looks of it, we’re not that far behind them!
Tomorrow, the A’s will be squaring up against the Colorado Rockies for the first time this spring. As of right now, it’ll be Chase Dollander (who made his big league debut against the A’s) vs. JT Ginn. Following Friday’s game, the club will split into two. Half will be staying in Arizona to take on the Cubs and the Dodgers, and half will be charting out to Las Vegas, Nevada for this season’s rendition of Big League Weekend against these same Angels!
Lots of fun baseball ahead for the Green and Gold!
What were your impressions of today’s game and do we like Chris Townsend in the booth? I personally am not a fan. I don’t like his energy. He clearly doesn’t have the stamina to be covering a full game. If I had to listen to him and Jenny Cavnar in a tandem, talking about dippin’ dots and beating traffic for 162 games, I’d probably resort to the Play-O-Graph.
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) — Venus Williams lost again in her return to the BNP Paribas Open, falling in the first round Thursday, 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-1 to Diane Parry of France.
The 45-year-old Williams, who has dropped her last eight WTA singles matches, received a wild card into the singles and doubles draws for the tournament in the Southern California desert. It came 30 years after she made her Indian Wells debut in 1996 when she was 15.
After Williams rallied in the second set to tie it, the 23-year-old Parry, ranked 111th in the world, took control and cruised in the third.
It was Williams' 10th career appearance in the tournament and first since 2024, when she also lost in the first round as a wild card. The seven-time major winner was given a wild card last year, but didn’t accept it.
“I’m so excited to be heading back to Indian Wells and can’t wait to return home to play in California,” Williams said last month.
Parry will face 15th-ranked American Madison Keys in the second round Saturday.
Williams entered the BNP Paribas Open having lost her last seven matches, with the only win in her comeback to the tour coming in her return at Washington last year.
Williams most recently participated in the ATX Open in Austin, Texas, last month as a wild-card entry and lost in the first round of singles to Ajla Tomljanovic.
Colton Parayko #55 of the St Louis Blues skates against the Boston Bruins at the TD Garden on December 4, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Blues defenseman Colton Parayko is staying put in St. Louis.
Parayko, 32, invoked the no-movement clause in his contract to prevent a potential trade to the Sabres on Thursday, according to multiple reports on Thursday.
The Blues and Sabres reached a trade agreement to send Parayko to Buffalo, knowing that it could only go through if he decided to waive the clause, ESPN reported.
Colton Parayko skates during the Blues’ road loss to the Bruins at TD Garden on Dec. 4, 2025 in Boston. NHLI via Getty Images
This comes as a huge blow to the Sabres, who are looking to snap a 14-year playoff drought and have the potential to do so this season, entering NHL trade deadline week in second place in the Atlantic Division.
Standing at 6-foot-6, Parayko could have brought a large physical presence to Buffalo’s defense, along with previous playoff experience.
Parayko is in his fourth year of an eight-year, $52 million deal he signed with St. Louis in 2021, which included full no-trade protection.
For the final two seasons of Parayko’s contract, however, the original no-movement clause is modified into a partial no-trade, which typically allows players to submit a list of teams to which they can not be traded.
Colton Parayko of Team Canada skates in the first period of their win over Finland on Feb. 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. Getty Images
Parayko has spent his entire 11-year NHL career with the Blues after being taken in the third round of the 2012 draft, and was a key member of St. Louis’ 2019 Stanley Cup-winning squad.
He also recently played for Team Canada, taking home the silver medal, at the 2026 Winter Olympics and told reporters in January that it is an honor to represent his home country.
“It’s a wave of emotions. Obviously, a lot of things that kind of go through your mind, you kind of think back at the beginning of everything that has happened along the journey from the start,” Parayko said, according to the St. Albert Gazette.
“A lot of amazing teammates through my career that have helped me and I can’t say enough about that,” he added.
Less than 24 hours after scoring his seventh goal of the season in a 5-1 win over the New York Islanders, Ryan Poehling is now locked in with the Ducks for the next four seasons.
On Thursday, the Ducks announced they have signed Poehling to a four-year contract extension. The contract carries an AAV of $3.75 million (per multiple insiders).
It’s a fine deal for the Ducks and a nice reward for Poehling, who has proven be a jack of all trades for his new team. He’s one of the first players over the boards on the penalty kill and has found himself playing in the top-6 at times due to injuries.
A speedy forward known more for his defensive capabilities, Poehling has also showcased his offensive talents while performing in a mostly bottom-6 role.
Mar 3, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Poehling (25) speaks with left wing Jeffrey Viel (28) and center Jansen Harkins (24) during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
“Personally, I'd love to be here (long-term),” Poehling said when THN Anaheim spoke to him last Saturday. “For me to have that opportunity, I hope it comes. We’ll see what happens.”
Poehling had previously mentioned what a great city Anaheim is to play in, praised the fans for their support and appeared optimistic about the direction the team is heading in. One of the many players on the team who has never played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and is eager to get there, his play has helped the Ducks to second in the Pacific, just one point back of first place Vegas.
With Poehling’s long-term future secured, the Ducks now foreseeably have their center depth solidified. Leo Carlsson is expected to receive a long-term contract extension this upcoming offseason and both Mason McTavish and Mikael Granlund are signed to multi-year deals.
Poehling’s cap hit won’t prove to be a roadblock either as the cap continues to rise. At 27, he is at his athletic peak and should continue to provide the Ducks with supplementary scoring and above-average defense.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 14: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees puts on a Team USA cap after being named the 2026 WBC Team USA captain during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Monday, April 14, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Opening Day may still be weeks away, but we’re just hours from the World Baseball Classic bringing us high-stakes, international baseball. Yesterday, Peter kicked off our preview coverage of the WBC, analyzing the five teams that make up Pool A. Today, we’ll turn our attention to Pool B, which will see Italy, Mexico, Great Britain, Brazil, and the United States square off at Daikin Park in Houston starting on Friday. As a refresher, all five teams in the group will play each other once, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stage. The eight teams that advance will play a through a single-elimination bracket concluding with the final in Miami on March 17th.
United States
Team USA arrives at the WBC with sky-high expectations and a hunger to avenge 2023’s loss in the finals to Team Japan. They’ve got the roster to get the job done, with the American talent pool seemingly motivated to try and secure the country’s second WBC title.
There are upgrades up and down the roster, but there’s none bigger than the addition of Aaron Judge as Captain America.
Judge opted to sit out the 2023 tournament, choosing to focus on ramping up for the season after signing this nine-year, $360-million contract with the Yankees the previous offseason. Now, Team USA can pencil the best hitter on the planet into the lineup. He’ll be joined by Pete Crow-Armstrong and Byron Buxton as part of a stellar overall outfield. There are also changes to be found on the infield dirt, with Bryce Harper slotting in at first base after Pete Alonso manned the cold corner last time around, while Bobby Witt Jr. will take over shortstop from Trea Turner. Alex Bregman and Gunnar Henderson are the primary candidates to fill out the rest of the infield.
Of course, as star-studded as Team USA’s lineup is, it’s the pitching staff that’s taken a huge leap forward. Pitching was the team’s Achilles Heel last time around, with Lance Lynn, Merrill Kelly, and Adam Wainwright the club’s top starters. This year’s edition will feature none other than two reigning Cy Youngs, with both Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal expected to suit up (though Skubal will only make one start in the WBC). There’s also real depth here, even with Joe Ryan having left the team due to injury, with Logan Webb, Nolan McLean, and Matthew Boyd in the fold. Ryan was replaced with another Ryan, as Yankee lefty Ryan Yarbrough was named to the roster in Ryan’s place.
This is the most talented team in the tournament, and probably the best squad the USA has ever sent to the WBC. Anything short of a title will be a disappointment. Judge will lead the way, with the championship-or-bust mentality all too familiar to him.
Mexico
Team USA is the obvious favorite in this group, but it won’t be a surprise at all if Mexico shows out. Team Mexico made a spirited semifinal run in the 2023 WBC, and brings a solid top-to-bottom roster this year with hopes of running even deeper into the tournament.
Randy Arozarena was the star last time around, and he’ll return to anchor one of the deeper lineups in the tournament:
Mexico adds Alejandro Kirk at catcher, as well as Joey Ortiz at shortstop, while retaining Jarren Duran and Jonathan Aranda from last time out. A number of other big leaguers dot the lineup, including Pirates infielder Nick Gonzales, Nacho Alvarez Jr. of the Braves, and Alek Thomas of the Diamondbacks, as well as Rowdy Tellez, who last played for the Rangers. It’s one of the better lineups at the event, but it will be missing a bit of juice thanks to the absence of Isaac Parades, who hit .375 for the team in 2023.
The pitching staff has some high-octane stuff at the top, led by All-World closer Andrés Muñoz. Taj Bradley and Taijuan Walker are the team’s top starters, as well as José Urquidy of the Pirates. A few other arms with big-league pedigree are here, including Javier Assad of the Cubs, Brennan Bernardino of the Rockies, and Robert Garcia of the Rangers.
Italy
Team Italy managed to make it out of pool play back in 2023, but they’ll face an uphill climb to move past the likes of the USA and Mexico here. They’ll be led by a couple of former Yankee catchers on the coaching staff, as Francisco Cervelli will be the manager and Jorge Posada will tag along as a hitting instructor.
Even if Italy is more of a dark horse than a favorite to advance, there’s still plenty of interesting talent. They have a couple of former top prospects in catcher Kyle Teel of the White Sox and Jac Caglianone of the Royals. Dominic Canzone joins Caglianone in the outfield, as does the pesky Jakob Marsee of the Marlins. Vinnie Pasquantino will be tasked with bringing the pop, while he’ll be joined on the infield by former Yankee Jon Berti.
Italy attempted to build a whole bullpen out of former Yankees, as Greg Weissert and Ron Marinaccio will suit up, as well as Adam Ottavino, who will step away from apparent retirement to represent his country. Aaron Nola and Michael Lorenzen are the biggest-name starters in Italy’s employ.
Great Britain
Team Great Britain will have some recognizable names in their lineup, none more so than Jazz Chisholm Jr., who is eligible to represent Britain due to his Bahamian heritage. Chisholm and Co. will thankfully don uniforms that don’t look like they were designed by a high schooler using Microsoft Word this time.
Britain will feature some top prospects, such as catcher Harry Ford of the Nationals (who starred for them last time around), and a chunk of former top prospects, like infielder Lucius Fox and outfielder Kristian Robinson. There’s also infielder Nate Eaton, who proved useful as a utility player for the Red Sox last year.
The pitching is thin here, with Yankees prospect Brendan Beck in the mix. The right-hander is a fine prospect, but that the Yankees’ 22nd-ranked farmhand is included on the staff probably says more about the state of Britain’s roster. The de facto ace is Beck’s older brother Tristan, who has 157 big-league innings to his name with the Giants. Otherwise, the biggest name here is… Vance Worley. Yes, that Vance Worley, bespectacled former MLB journeyman whose last pitch in the majors came in 2017 and whose last professional appearance came at the last WBC, where he tossed 2.2 innings and gave up two runs. Here’s hoping he finds himself back on the field one last time!
Brazil
Making their first appearance in the WBC since 2013 is Brazil, though they carry probably the thinnest roster in this group. The first name Yankees fans will recognize is Dante Bichette Jr., the club’s top pick in 2011. It’s a family affair elsewhere on the team, with Joseph Contreras, the 17-year-old son of former Yankee Jose Contreras, on the pitching staff. Contreras is committed to play for Vanderbilt but is rated among MLB Pipeline’s top 50 2026 draft prospects. They’ll look to write some new history for Brazil’s national team, with few highlights to speak of thus far, outside of a rousing three-game win streak in qualifying play last year that punched Brazil’s ticket to the tournament.
Find more Pinstripe Alley WBC pool previews here: Pool A, Pool C, Pool D.
With less than 24 hours until the deadline, Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland's name continues to be mentioned in trade rumours. Based on reports, multiple teams have shown interest in the 29-year-old whose six-year extension kicks in next season. Garland has spent the last five years with Vancouver and has 26 points in 50 games this season.
If the Canucks are going to part with Garland, the best time to do so is before July 1, 2026. His new contract includes a no-move clause for the first three years and a modified no-trade clause for the final three. Garland's new contract will carry an AAV of $6 million until the 2032 off-season.
Jan 25, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland (8) during a stop in play against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is scheduled for March 6 at noon PT. While the team is in Chicago, managment will be at Rogers Arena trying to pull off last-minute deals. Once the deadline is done, GM Patrik Allvin is scheduled to speak with the media.
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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ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 15: Cole Ragans #50 of the Texas Rangers delivers a pitch during a game against the Atlanta Braves at Globe Life Field on May 15, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ben Ludeman/Texas Rangers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today the Texas Rangers play their first night game this spring in an intriguing Cactus League affair where they will be the road squad from their home camp in Surprise, Arizona with the Kansas City Royals acting as the home team.
Furthering the intrigue will be a matchup between two high profile lefties with MacKenzie Gore set to pitch for Texas against former Rangers first-rounder Cole Ragans for Kansas City.
Heading into Friday’s trade deadline, the Senators have played themselves into the playoff conversation by going 6-2-2 in their last 10 games.
Ottawa has compiled 67 points through 60 games played and presently sits six points back of the Boston Bruins and the Eastern Conference’s second wild card seed. They have put themselves within striking distance, but the Senators still have work to do to leapfrog some of their peers.
The precarious nature of their playoff odds has generated significant intrigue about what general manager Steve Staios could do as his organization approached the deadline. In theory, his team should be in a better position because of how well they have defended at five-on-five this season. The Senators currently reside in the top five in the percentage of shots allowed (52.91 CF%, 5th), shots on goal allowed (53.86 SF%, 3rd), and expected goals (54.21 xGF%, 4th) per Natural Stat Trick.
On Thursday afternoon, we got our answer.
The Senators dealt a 2026 second-round pick and a conditional swap of 2026 third-round picks with the Los Angeles Kings for left winger Warren Foegele.
Listed at 6’2 and 205 lb, the 29-year-old Foegele is currently in the second year of his three-year contract, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $3.5 million. In 47 games with the Kings this season, Foegele has compiled seven goals and two assists - a massive reduction in production from the winger when he recorded back-to-back 20-plus goal and 40-plus point seasons with the Oilers and Kings, respectively.
2023-24 with Edmonton: 82 games, 20 goals, 41 points
2024-25 with Los Angeles: 82 games, 24 goals, 46 points
It is also worth noting that Foegele is a highly effective penalty killer.
This season obviously represents a marked step back from his previous two seasons, but Foegele is still on the right side of 30 and has good years left. It is worth mentioning that Foegele’s most common linemates this season were Phillip Danault and Trevor Moore. The trio was used primarily as a shutdown line, but after they all had strong 2024-25 seasons, they fell off a cliff offensively.
Danault contributed zero goals and five assists in 30 games before being dealt to Montreal. Moore’s production has also fallen precipitously after recording 57 points and 40 points, respectively, over the last two seasons.
Some Senators will inevitably balk at the idea of trading a valued high pick for a depth forward having a down offensive year, especially in a year when the Senators may not make the postseason.
Having lost their 2026 first-round selection as punishment for former general manager Pierre Dorion’s mishandling of the Evgenii Dadonov no-trade list, the Senators do not presently own a pick in either of the first two rounds of this year’s NHL draft. In consideration of the fact that the Senators’ pipeline of prospects isn’t exactly brimming with blue-chip prospects, the lack of draft capital at the top of the draft is certainly a concern.
Foegele represented an ideal buy-low target, but the Senators paid a relatively high price for a player having a down year who offers them only one more year of team control.
At the same time, the addition of Foegele could potentially afford the Senators the flexibility to move depth forwards out to recoup some of the draft capital that they have lost. Similarly, the Senators are currently playing Nick Cousins in a third-line capacity when he is probably best suited for a fourth-line role. In light of expiring contracts for players like Cousins, Lars Eller and David Perron, the opportunity to add Foegele to the mix as depth carries weight, too.
Given the costs of what other checking line forwards were going for at the deadline, the price does feel somewhat mitigated, but the teams taking those swings are comfortably in the playoff mix.
Understandably, if the Senators make the playoffs, no one will be worrying too much about the price that was paid. Inevitably, however, everyone’s eyes will be on what the Senators do next.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant will miss at least two more weeks as he continues to recover from a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow.
The Grizzlies announced Thursday that Morant was progressing in his rehabilitation but was still experiencing discomfort. The two-time All-Star had follow-up imaging Wednesday that showed what the team described as “incomplete healing of the injury.”
The Grizzlies said Morant will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
Morant has appeared in 20 games this season, averaging 19.5 points and 8.1 assists. He hasn’t played since injuring his elbow on Jan. 21.
