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Islanders At Penguins Preview: Penguins Looking To Spoil Matthew Schaefer's NHL Debut
The Pittsburgh Penguins will try and get to 2-0-0 this season when they host the New York Islanders on Thursday night.
This will be the home opener for the Penguins after they defeated the New York Rangers 3-0 on Tuesday. The Penguins did a great job limiting the Rangers' offensive attack and hardly gave up any prime scoring chances. Justin Brazeau scored two goals in the win, including the game-winner at the end of the first period. Blake Lizotte also added a goal at the end of the third period to ice the game.
There will be a couple of lineup changes for the Penguins on Thursday, including one up front. Filip Hallander is set to make his season debut on the third line with Benjamin Kindel and Tommy Novak. Philip Tomasino was rotating on the fourth line during Wednesday's practice and could be the odd-man out for Hallander.
Tristan Jarry will also replace Arturs Silovs in goal after Silovs recorded a shutout against the Rangers on Tuesday.
Here's a look at the expected lines and pairings:
Forwards
Koivunen-Crosby-Rakell
Mantha-Malkin-Brazeau
Novak-Kindel-Hallander
Dewar-Lizotte-Acciari
Defensemen
Wotherspoon-Karlsson
Shea-Letang
Jones-Brunicke
Goaltenders
Jarry
Silovs
The Penguins will get to go against 2025 first overall pick Matthew Schaefer in this contest. He made the Islanders' 23-man roster out of training camp and is set to play on the third pair with Scott Mayfield.
The Islanders won three of the four meetings against the Penguins last year and have won seven of the last 10 regular season games against them.
Puck drop for Thursday's game will be at 7 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
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4 Days Until Opening Night At NWA: The History Of Jersey #4
The Columbus Blue Jackets have 4 days until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Jersey #4 is one of the more popular numbers to be worn.
Let's take a look at who wore 4, and where they are now
Lyle Odelein - 2001-2002 - Drafted by Montreal in 1986.
The first-ever Captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Odelein played 146 games and had 33 points. He retired in 2006 as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Bryan Berard - 2006-2007 - Drafted by Ottawa in 1995.
Berard played 55 games as a Blue Jacket and had 35 points. The former #1 overall pick in 1995 had an up-and-down career and retired in 2009 after playing a year in the KHL.
Clay Wilson - 2008-2009 - Undrafted out of Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota.
Wilson played 7 games in Columbus and had three points. He retired in 2020 after playing one season in the Ukraine.
Nathan Paetsch - 2010 - Drafted by Washington in 2001 and then drafted by Buffalo in 2003. (re-entry)
He played 10 games as a Jacket and had zero points. He never played another NHL game after Columbus and retired in 2019 after spending several seasons in the AHL.
Sami Lepistö - 2011 - Drafted by Washington in 2004.
Lepistö played 19 games and had 5 points. He left for Europe in 2012 and played there until he retired in 2023.
John Moore - 2012-2013 - Drafted by Columbus in 2009.
Moore only played 86 games in Columbus and had 8 points. On April 3, 2013, Moore was included in the Derick Brassard deal with the New York Rangers that brought Marián Gáborík to Columbus.
He last played for the Anaheim Ducks.
On March 19, 2022, Moore was involved in a trade that sent him to the Anaheim Ducks along with Urho Vaakanainen in exchange for Hampus Lindholm. The Ducks then attempted to trade both Moore and the rest of Ryan Kesler's contract to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Evgenii Dadonov and a conditional second-round pick at the NHL trade deadline on March 21, 2022. However, the deal was disputed due to a no-trade clause in Dadonov's contract. On March 23, the NHL officially cancelled the trade; therefore, Moore remained in the Ducks' organization.
Kevin Connauton - 2015-2016 - Drafted by Vancouver in 2009.
Connauton played 81 games and has 27 points as a CBJ. He currently plays for the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL.
Scott Harrington - 2018-2022 - Drafted by Pittsburgh in 2011
Harrington played 185 games for the Blue Jackets after being traded to Columbus by Toronto with a conditional pick in 2017 NHL Draft for Kerby Rychel on June 25, 2016. Those 185 games would be spread out over six seasons, with 2018-19 being the year he played the most games at 73. He scored 7 goals and totaled 37 points in his career with Columbus, with the 18-19 season being his most productive with 17.
During his time in the Columbus organization, he would also play 52 games for the Cleveland Monsters, scoring 7 total points.
Harrington would sign with San Jose in 2022 and then be traded to New Jersey in February of 2023. New Jersey would then put him on waivers a few days later, where he would be picked up by Anaheim and play 17 games.
In 2023, Harrington would leave for Europe and play for the ZSC Lions of the Swiss League. After playing just 14 games in 23-24, he would return to North America for the 24-25 season and play for the Springfield Thunderbirds of the AHL.
Harrington is signed to play with the Belleville Senators of the AHL for this season.
Vladislav Gavrikov - 2023 - Gavrikov was drafted in the 6th round of the 2015 NHL Draft.
Gavrikov played 256 games for the Jackets over the course of 4 seasons. He totaled 15 goals and 73 points. Gavrikov is widely considered one of the best late-round picks to ever play for the Jackets, despite his short time in Columbus. He played great defense and would always seem to show up on the scoreboard.
After he signed a three-year, $8.4 million contract extension with the Blue Jackets in November of 2020, former GM Jarmo Kekäläinen would make the decision to trade Gavrikov to the LA Kings in March of 2023. A decision that a lot of CBJ hated and wondered why it happened. Kekäläinen knew Gavrikov was going to want a hefty raise and didn't want to pay him.
Gavrikov signed a two-year extension with LA just a couple months after the trade. In the summer of 2025, Gavrikov would get his big contract. He signed a 7-year. $49-million deal with the New York Rangers, which will take him into his mid-30s.
Cole Sillinger - 2024-2025 -Drafted in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft.
Silinger wore #34 for two years before switching to #4 before the 23-24 season. It's hard to believe that Cole Sillinger is going into his 5th NHL Season already.
After scoring 31 points as a rookie, his second season was anything but good. Totaling just 11 points, he only played in 64 games and was demoted to AHL Cleveland. His third season was definitely a bounce-back year for young Sillinger. He would score 13 goals and total 32 points.
Last season, even though his point total was just one better than the career-high 32 he hit the year before, it was considered a breakout year for Cole. He had 11 goals, which was 5 off of his career-high of 16, but he had 22 assists, which set a new career-high. He also set a career-high by playing 16:55 a game. He is the kind of player that Dean Evason loves.
Sillinger is going into the final year of a two-year deal he signed a couple of years back, and then he will be an RFA. He will be looking to have another good year so that he can get a long-term deal. How many points will he get in 25-26?
He will more than likely be asked to play the wing as well as center if needed. Should he be willing to play anywhere, he could be an extremely valuable player for the Blue Jackets.
There are four days left until opening night at Nationwide Arena. Who was your favorite #4?
Let us know what you think below.
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Jerry Neuheisel and UCLA allow us to embrace sweet symphony of college football once again: 'Sometimes we forget how beautiful this game is.'
Giannis Antetokounmpo responds to trade talk saying he's with Bucks now: 'I'm here. I believe in this team.'
We've all seen the movie that played out with Giannis Antetokounmpo on Wednesday before. A new report lights a fire under rumors that Antetokounmpo is eyeing another team — right now the Knicks — but then he comes out and throws cold water on it, calming things down. For now.
Here is what Antetokounmpo said on Wednesday, via Eric Nehm of The Athletic.
"I've said this many times, I want to be in a situation that I can win and now I'm here. I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I'm here to lead this team to wherever we can go and it's definitely going to be hard. We're going to take it day-by-day, but I'm here. So, all the other extra stuff does not matter. I think I've communicated with my teammates, communicated with the people I respect and love that the moment I step on this court or in this facility I wear this jersey, the rest does not matter. I'm locked into whatever I have in front of me.
"Now, if in six, seven months, I change my mind, I think that's human too, you're allowed to make any decision you want, but I'm locked in. I'm locked in to this team. I'm locked in to these guys, to this group and to this coaching staff and to myself."
Unsurprisingly, coach Doc Rivers was trying to play things down as well.
"If you read [Antetokounmpo's] comments this summer, every comment he's made is about being in Milwaukee, loving the city, but for some reason. And it's funny, what's the old saying, you create the story and then you report on the story you created. And that's what it feels like. And it gets old for us. But at the end of the day, there's nothing we can do about it, but I can tell you Jon has never called a team about Giannis. That has never happened. And until that happens, you really don't have a story."
Notice Antetokounmpo said, "if in six, seven months I change my mind," which would be next offseason, not him pushing for a trade at the February deadline. Antetokounmpo realizes that trading his $54.1 million salary in-season to a place he wants to be is incredibly difficult and unlikely to happen.
The real inflection point in this relationship between the Bucks and Antetokounmpo comes next offseason, when Antetokounmpo is extension eligible and the Bucks can offer a max deal of four years, around $260 million (or more, depending upon the salary cap). In the past, every time he was extension eligible, Antetokounmpo has used that as leverage to get the Bucks to do more to build a contending team, but he ultimately signed the deal and stayed in Wisconsin. He may well do that again, or he might refuse to sign it and then the trade talks are on.
Until then, Antetokounmpo says he is all in with the Bucks for this season.
Former Devil Signs Three-Year Deal with Avangard Omsk
Former New Jersey Devil Michael McLeod has signed a three-year contract with the Kontinental Hockey League’s Avangard Omsk, the club announced Thursday.
The KHL's X account shared on October 9: “Michael McLeod is a Hawk once again!”
🇨🇦 Michael McLeod is a Hawk once again! pic.twitter.com/5DkTHoymRh
— KHL (@khl_eng) October 9, 2025
McLeod is no stranger to the KHL, having played last season with Barys and Omsk, where he recorded six goals and 13 assists in 35 games.
Before heading overseas, McLeod spent several seasons in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils, totaling 29 goals and 56 assists in 287 games.
McLeod, along with Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart, faced criminal allegations related to Hockey Canada’s 2018 World Junior team. The players took leaves of absence from their respective teams during the legal proceedings.
All were found not guilty in July 2025. Per the NHL, McLeod became eligible to officially sign an NHL contract as of October 15, though he could agree to terms effective October 1.
At 27 years old, McLeod hasn’t played in the NHL in nearly two years. While reports were suggesting he might return and sign with the Carolina Hurricanes for the 2025–26 season, it is now confirmed that he will continue his career overseas.
REPORT: Former Devil Expected to Sign with HurricanesFormer New Jersey Devil Michael McLeod is expected to join the Carolina Hurricanes this season, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.
The 12th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils will not return to the NHL this season, opting instead to continue playing internationally.
"A Dream Come True": Axel Sandin-Pellikka Thrilled For Red Wings' Debut
The day has arrived for the Detroit Red Wings, who officially begin their centennial campaign on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena.
They'll be doing it in style with special centennial-themed uniforms that they'll not only wear for tonight's game but also on Saturday night's tilt against another historic Original Six rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
While the Red Wings will be celebrating their long and rich history all season long, 2025-26 will also mark yet another serious injection of youth into the Detroit lineup.
Rookies Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, Emmitt Finnie, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka are the latest wave of young talent drafted by GM Steve Yzerman who will now look to help take the Red Wings to the next level.
Sandin-Pellikka was one of the most talked-about players in Detroit’s system, and thanks to his strong performances during Training Camp and the preseason, he earned a spot on the Opening Night roster against Montreal. He’ll be paired with Simon Edvinsson, who is coming off his first full NHL season.
Michael Whitaker (@mwhitaker_89) on X. @DetroitRedWings rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka officially begins his NHL career tonight, and will be paired with Simon Edvinsson, who is coming off his first full campaign in 2024-25. #LGRWFollowing practice at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday morning, Sandin-Pellikka was beaming with excitement about his impending debut.
Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.
"A lot of excitement, for me and my family," he said of his reaction when receiving the news that he'd made the final roster cut. "It's a dream come true. As a kid you want to play in the NHL. Just getting a chance to do it tonight is going to be very cool and I'm looking forward to it."
Just like fellow rookie teammates Brandsegg-Nygård and Finnie, Sandin-Pellikka will have multiple family members in attendance on Thursday.
"My family is coming in with my dad and mom, my brother and sister, and my granddad and uncle," he explained. "I've got six people and it will be fun sharing it with them."
The Red Wings have featured a wealth of Swedish-born talent throughout their history, most notably multi–Norris Trophy winner and former team captain Nicklas Lidstrom, who is widely considered the greatest defensemen in NHL history.
Sandin-Pellikka has leaned on the support from former Lidstrom teammate Niklas Kronwall, who is now a Development Coach with a focus on Swedish talent.
"He's been helping me a lot and offered skills and video, just talking about his career and how that was," Sandin-Pellikka said of Kronwall. "It's been very helpful."
Not only did Sandin-Pellikka prove himself worthy as a defenseman against other NHL players, but his puck-moving skills and attributes on the power-play helped make earning a roster spot possible.
Last season while playing with Skelleftea AIK, he earned himself numerous accolades, including being named the Swedish Junior Hockey Player of the Year after leading all junior SHL players in goals and points.
A regular on the blue line during power plays in Sweden, Sandin-Pellikka is in his element on the ice when the opposition is shorthanded, and he saw multiple minutes on the power-play with the Red Wings in pre-season play.
"It's a fun challenge for me, playing the power play," he said. "I've always done that so I hope I still have the qualities for that. I'm feeling good for that."
"It's Special": Todd McLellan Reflects On Meaning Of Being Part of The Red Wings The 2025-26 NHL Season has officially begun for several teams, and for the Detroit Red Wings, it will commence on Thursday evening against the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena.
Sandin-Pellikka will begin his NHL career wearing jersey No. 44. He would have liked to have worn No. 5 as he did with Skelleftea AIK, but understandably, he knows it's unavailable.
Lidstrom wore No. 5 throughout his legendary career with the Red Wings, a tenure that included multiple Norris Trophy wins, four Stanley Cup championships, the 2002 Conn Smythe Trophy, and his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015.
His No. 5 was raised to the rafters at Joe Louis Arena in 2014 and now hangs in Little Caesars Arena. Maybe one day, No. 44 will be placed alongside Lidstrom's retired jersey banner in the rafters.
"Hopefully!" he said with a grin.
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‘We rewatched an Ajax match’: What really happens when tennis anti-dopers call
Remembering where to be 365 days a year, even if it means the doping control officer pressing the doorbell at 6am, can weigh heavily on players
During a particularly mischievous period of his life, many years ago, a 21-year-old Gaël Monfils returned home from a long night of partying at 5.45am and after a quick dash to the bathroom fell asleep. Minutes later he was woken up by a doping control officer at his front door: “I’m dying in my bed and somehow I hear the guy come. Barely. I’m dead and he’s coming,” says Monfils, laughing.
One of the requirements of being an elite player is providing your location for an hour each day as part of the anti-doping whereabouts system, which allows the anti-doping authorities to conduct unannounced out-of-competition doping tests. For years the Frenchman, like most other players, has assigned 6am as his usual hour, a time he is certain to be at home or in his hotel room.
Continue reading...Could presence of Carson Benge and Jett Williams impact Mets' offseason plan?
As the Mets head into a critical offseason, they will certainly need to be aggressive in pursuing veteran players -- via free agency or trade -- across the roster.
One thing that must remain a constant is the need to infuse young, quality players into the mix on a yearly basis. Some years will yield more than others, but the sign of a functioning player development system is avoiding multi-year gaps in generating young talent for the big league roster.
The 2025 season was mostly about pitching, with Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong being the most notable prospects to make their big league debuts. On the position player side, no young players debuted, but the Mets did get larger sample sizes of Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, and Mark Vientos.
As David Stearns begins shaping the 2026 roster, he’ll have to strike a careful balance: leaving open opportunities for top-end young prospects to break through, while also ensuring the team is built to win from Opening Day on.
Two positions in the lineup stand out as key areas for improvement: second base and center field.
The Mets’ top two hitting prospects -- infielder/center fielder Jett Williams and outfielder Carson Benge -- both finished the year at Triple-A and were recently ranked among MLB Pipeline’s top 30 prospects in the sport.
Williams had a bounce back season after missing most of 2024 due to wrist surgery, posting an .828 OPS with 34 doubles, seven triples, 17 home runs, and 34 stolen bases over 130 games split between Double-A and Triple-A. He played all three up-the-middle positions defensively (shortstop, second base, and center field), with evaluators I speak to liking him best at second base.
Benge, the Mets’ first-round pick in 2024 out of Oklahoma State, had a breakout first professional season. He torched High-A and Double-A pitching, posting a .926 OPS with 24 doubles, six triples, and 12 home runs in 92 games. After a promotion to Triple-A, he suffered a wrist injury that sidelined him for nearly two weeks. While his overall stat line at that level wasn’t eye-popping, he finished strong with a 1.132 OPS and two home runs in his last seven games of the season with Syracuse.
Defensively, Benge was a right fielder in college but played more center field as the 2025 season progressed. The Mets were impressed with how his reads and reactions improved as he got more reps. He may never be a Gold Glover out there, but there’s real belief that he can handle center field at the next level thanks to his athleticism and plus throwing arm.
While Williams and Benge are getting close (I project both to make their big league debuts in 2026), it should be considered highly unlikely that either will be ready to claim a starting role on Opening Day.
This is where that balance comes into play.
I believe Tyrone Taylor is a winning player, but he profiles best as a fourth outfielder on a contending team. The Mets should be looking into an everyday type of center fielder, ideally on a short-term deal, who can also help shore up their run prevention.
Free agency offers limited options.
A reunion with Harrison Bader is possible, or the Mets could look across town at Trent Grisham. Grisham’s Yankee teammate Cody Bellinger posted -1 outs above average in center field in 2025. He likely fits better in a corner spot and is expected to land a long-term deal.
On the trade market, the Mets could again investigate Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox, who is owed $20 million in 2026 (assuming Chicago picks up his option), and there is a club option for the same amount in 2027. He was playing better leading up to the trade deadline when the Sox surprisingly kept him, and he is a plus defensively.
Second base presents a more convoluted scenario. The Mets don’t necessarily have to look externally. Brett Baty showed versatility in handling second base, and there are also young options like Luisangel Acuña and Ronny Mauricio. That said, there are legitimate questions about whether Acuña’s bat fits for an everyday role, and it’s unclear whether Mauricio can sustain second base defensively over a full season.
Jeff McNeil remains the incumbent. He had an above-average offensive year in 2025 and graded out at +4 outs above average defensively at second base. He is owed $15.75 million in 2026, with a club option for the same in 2027.
However, as the Mets look to shake up their position player group, McNeil stands out as a potential trade candidate. It may require the Mets eating some salary, but he could be flipped for pitching help, and they could then explore adding a second baseman.
Free agency presents a few intriguing options. Alex Bregman would be a bold acquisition. He’s a proven winner, an elite clubhouse presence, and can play either second or third base. Signing him would represent a significant shakeup to the core of the roster. Bregman is expected to seek at least a four-year deal this winter.
Ha-Seong Kim, who has a $16 million player option for 2026, would be an excellent defensive and athletic fit if he hits the market. He would also bring 20–30 stolen base potential to a team that could use more athleticism. Luis Rengifo, while coming off a down offensive year, graded out at +4 OAA at second base. He brings similar versatility to McNeil.
On the trade market, Brandon Lowe of the Rays is a name to watch. According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Mets have discussed him in the past. He’s owed $11.5 million on a club option in 2026 before hitting free agency. Lowe hit 31 home runs in 2025, but his defense has been a mixed bag over the last couple years. In He ranked last among second basemen in outs above average at -13 this past season. The question here would be if he would help the run prevention enough, or if he would be looked at more as a designated hitter who can play second base.
At his end-of-season news conference, Stearns noted when asked about position players like Benge and Williams: "I think incorporating young players into the mix is part of winning, and part of winning consistently. We can’t shy away from doing that."
Benge and Williams have a chance to soon become key members of the core of this Mets offense. The key will be for the Mets to more than adequately cover themselves at center field and second base, so they get performance both offensively and defensively until the young reinforcements are ready to make an impact. That time is coming, and is among the reasons for excitement heading into 2026.
Here’s how the Yankees can contend for a championship again in 2026
When Aaron Boone sat at the podium late Wednesday after losing the division series to Toronto and said, “It's hard to win the World Series. Been chasing it all my life,” his pain was raw and real, matching the heartbreak of the Yankees fans who have to wait yet another year to feel the joy that came so easily a generation ago.
Losing in the playoffs is a terrible, thudding blow. No one wants to feel this again 12 months from now.
But sometimes the way to get there is through discipline and continuity. The Yankees did not lose to Toronto because of some glaring flaw or cultural rot. They won 94 games in the regular season, then lost a baseball series to a team that in most years is worse than they are, and this year was slightly better. It’s not that deep.
Here’s a plan for how the Yankees can once again contend for a championship in 2026:
Re-signing free agent Cody Bellinger in free agency and extending Jazz Chisholm Jr.
For several years, and with a nudge from top executive Omar Minaya, the Yankees have worked to become more athletic. Long gone are the days of Gleyber Torres in the middle infield and Luke Voit at first base.
The Yankees go into next year with plus defense at third base, too, with Ryan McMahon, and an excellent game caller behind the plate in Austin Wells.
Bellinger is a speedy, rangy, power-hitting plus defender at four positions. It makes no sense to sacrifice that for a pursuit of free agent Kyle Tucker. Like, come on people. There is no comparison to the versatility, despite Tucker’s somewhat better OPS.
We don’t yet know Bellinger’s contract demands, and of course there is a point at which any deal is too much. But losing Bellinger is the only roster move that would leave the Yankees significantly worse heading into next season (this is assuming health for Aaron Judge).
Chisholm is another dynamic athlete, and a smart player. Yeah, I said it. A smart player, despite what the weird haters somehow see.
Chisholm is an expert baserunner who spent time during the last two years helping Juan Soto and Judge improve their ability to read from first base when a pitcher is going home. He is a relative of the acclaimed Mets first base coach Antoan Richardson — the guy who helped Soto steal 38 bases — and shares Richardson’s expertise in that area.
Chisholm made up a stat this year, “home runs plus stolen bases,” and challenged Judge to a competition. Judge only edged Chisholm 65 to 62. Chisholm hit 31 home runs as a middle infielder.
He is also the type of team player that every organization needs. Earlier this season, when DJ LeMahieu could not or would not play third base, Chisholm agreed to do it. The move might have cost him free agent money, because the industry values 30-home run second basemen over 30-home run corner guys. He did it anyway. Pay the man.
Make sure not to scapegoat Aaron Boone
The Yankees manager did a masterful job — that’s right, masterful — in a few key areas this year. Look at his handling of Devin Williams, knowing to pull Williams from the closer role early to save his season, then finding soft lanes for him to rebuild confidence during several slumps.
The difference between public perception of how Boone functions in his job — Alex Rodriguez, totally disconnected from the reality of the organization, recently called the manager a "mouthpiece" for the front office — is vast.
Boone is under contract, and his job is 99.98 percent safe. 99.97 percent safe? Here’s hoping, for the Yankees’ sake, that the small handful of internal muttering about him does not mushroom into a discussion about change.
Rethink shortstop
A team could do worse than a shortstop who hits 20 home runs and has upside defensively. But really, the Yankees’ best opportunity for a vibe shift after this postseason loss is to get together and have an honest talk about Anthony Volpe.
It is too bad that onetime prospect Oswald Peraza never developed into a hitter, because the Yanks need a shortstop of the sort that Peraza was supposed to become — a guy with a stronger arm and better feel for that important position.
Acquire a plus defender, even if a part-time player, for first base
For decades, the Yankees have believed in the need for a plus defender at first base. They have only deviated from this approach a few times.
The team can continue to utilize Ben Rice in a unique 1B/backup catcher/DH rotation, but needs to replace Paul Goldschmidt's defense at first. In a pinch, Bellinger could move from the outfield to late-inning defense at first, though a righty hitter would better fit the roster (the Yankees also need to re-sign Amed Rosario or an equivalent righty bench piece).
If Spencer Jones can hold down an outfield spot, which the Yankees hope he will, Bellinger can play even more first base.
Supplement the bullpen
The Yankees have oodles of starting pitching. If Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt return as expected from Tommy John surgeries next season, they’ll join Max Fried, Cam Schlittler and Carlos Rodon atop an elite rotation.
The team also has pitching prospects Carlos Lagrange, Bryce Cunningham, Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and Ben Hess in the pipeline.
Once the Yankees replace free agents Williams and Luke Weaver with bullpen acquisitions, their pitching will be in good shape. By the end of the season, Camilo Doval looked like a late-inning trade deadline gem.
'I Feel Great': Wild's Hunter Haight Set To Make NHL Debut In St. Louis
After a great training camp and preseason, forward Hunter Haight was sent down to the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Iowa Wild.
The Wild had 13 forwards on the roster and Nico Sturm was progressing well and seemed healthy. But on Tuesday the Wild placed Sturm on the Injured Reserve along with Mats Zuccarello.
This opened the door for Haight and the Wild recalled him from the AHL.
Haight, 21, was the Wild's 47th overall pick from the 2022 NHL Draft and played in his first season of professional hockey last year. He recorded 20 goals and 34 points in 67 games for Iowa last year.
The 5-foot-10 center will make his NHL Debut tonight on the road against the St. Louis Blues. He is expecting his parents and his girlfriend to be in attendance on Thursday.
"I feel great," Haight said. "I feel great coming into here, I think I'm ready and I'm just excited."
With Sturm out for quite some time, this has opened an opportunity to not only make his NHL debut but to make a name for himself in the NHL.
"Yeah, it's always an opportunity when you're here," Haight said on Wednesday. "I got to take full advantage of it and try and do what I can to help the team out."
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Why is NBA returning to China after six years?
The National Basketball Association (NBA) will return to China for the first time since 2019 as the Brooklyn Nets play the Phoenix Suns in two pre-season games.
It puts an end to a six-year NBA absence in the country following a breakdown in relationships over protests that took place in Hong Kong in 2019.
The matches will take place at The Venetian Arena in Macau, a special administrative region of China close to Hong Kong.
The NBA have announced a multi-year partnership with Chinese technology giant Alibaba at the end of last year, which they believe will enhance fan engagement using AI technology.
The Nets are also owned by the company's chair Joseph Tsai, a Taiwanese-Canadian businessman.
Why they haven't played there since 2019?
The NBA has not held games in China for six years after former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey posted a message on Twitter, now X, in support of Hong Kong pro-democracy protests.
Morey tweeted: "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong."
The tweet was subsequently deleted, but the the Chinese Basketball Association and streaming platforms suspended all cooperation with the team and immediately stopped broadcasting their games.
What's the history behind Hong Kong and China?
Originally a British colony for more than 150 years, Hong Kong, signed a treaty in 1984 with China that would see them return to Chinese administation in 1997, under the principle of "one country, two systems".
In June 2019, protests started in the country against plans to allow extradition to mainland China.
Rights groups accused China of perceived interference, resulting in clashes with the police which lasted until 2024.
Why is basketball big in China?
The NBA estimates that around 300 million people play basketball in China - but much of its popularity stems from the success of Yao Ming in the NBA.
The 7ft 5in centre joined the Houston Rockets in 2002, helping to transform them into "China's team" during a seven-year spell in the United States.
The Macau games aim to bolster the NBA's profile in China further, capitalising on an audience that is eager for the return of the sport.
Games have now returned to Chinese state television, with the nation estimated to bring in $5bn (£3.7bn) for NBA China, according to ESPN.
"We are experiencing as great enthusiasm for the game as we ever have in China," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
"As you know, there's tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China, so it's wonderful to be back here."
Suns guard and four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker adds: "Basketball without borders is super important, being here on their homeland and letting them see us play in person."
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Game Preview: The New Jersey Devils Open the 2025–26 Season Against the Carolina Hurricanes
The New Jersey Devils will play their first game of the 2025–26 season tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The two teams last faced one another in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. That series ended the Devils’ season when they fell 5–4 in double overtime to the Hurricanes in Game 5.
Now, the Devils are looking for revenge after that elimination. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. ET in Carolina.
Last season, the two teams met four times in the regular season and five times in the postseason.
Regular-Season Results
- Oct. 15 at Hurricanes – 4–2 L
- Nov. 21 vs. Hurricanes – 4–2 W
- Dec. 27 vs. Hurricanes – 4–2 W
- Dec. 28 at Hurricanes – 5–2 L
Playoff Results
- Game 1: Devils at Hurricanes – Lost 1–4
- Game 2: Devils at Hurricanes – Lost 1–3
- Game 3: Hurricanes at Devils – Won 3–2 (2OT)
- Game 4: Hurricanes at Devils – Lost 2–5
- Game 5: Devils at Hurricanes – Lost 4–5 (2OT)
Including playoffs, the Devils are 0–10 in their last 10 games played in Carolina, a streak they’ll look to end tonight.
Leading into the season, both teams wrapped up their exhibition schedules. The Devils went 3–2–2 in seven preseason games, while Carolina finished 1–3–2 in six.
Where to Watch
- TV: ESPN+ and Hulu
- Radio: Devils Hockey Network
At the morning skate, the Devils’ lines looked nearly identical to Wednesday’s session:
Your first #NJDevils morning skate lineup ahead of facing the Hurricanes tonight:
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) October 9, 2025
• No changes from yesterday.
• Pesce set to play his 700th NHL game
• NHL debut coming up for Arseny Gritsyuk
• Devils debut for: Dadonov, Brown and Glendening pic.twitter.com/mgVJkVbA46
Morning Skate Lines
Evgenii Dadonov — Jack Hughes — Jesper Bratt
Timo Meier — Nico Hischier — Dawson Mercer
Ondrej Palat — Cody Glass — Connor Brown
Paul Cotter — Luke Glendening — Arseny Gritsyuk
Zack MacEwen
Luke Hughes — Brett Pesce
Jonas Siegenthaler — Dougie Hamilton
Brenden Dillon — Simon Nemec
Dennis Cholowski — (Noesen)
Goalies:
Jacob Markstrom, Jake Allen
The expected goaltending matchup is Frederik Andersen for Carolina versus Jacob Markstrom for New Jersey.
Milestone Moments
Tonight’s game will mark Brett Pesce’s 700th career NHL game. Pesce, who was a full participant in practice yesterday after missing time in training camp, will become the 20th player in NHL history to play his 700th game against the team that drafted him.
Pesce was originally selected by the Hurricanes, where he played for nine seasons before joining the Devils this offseason.
It’s also a milestone night for rookie Arseny Gritsyuk, who will make his NHL debut after spending most of his career in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Gritsyuk led the Devils in preseason scoring with five points (2 goals, 3 assists).
Three other players will make their Devils debuts tonight: Evgenii Dadonov, Connor Brown, and Luke Glendening, all appearing in the red and black for the first time.
After 163 days of waiting, Devils hockey is finally back, and the team will look to start the new season on the right foot tonight in Carolina.
Full-Circle Moment: Devils Open Season Against Hurricanes as Brett Pesce Returns to Carolina for His 700th NHL Game162 days later, the New Jersey Devils will once again face the Carolina Hurricanes, this time in Carolina. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Blue Jays set up nicely for ALCS after putting away Yankees in Game 4
NEW YORK — Forget the preseason prognostications. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the worst-to-first Toronto Blue Jays believe they’re as good as anybody.
Hard to argue after the way they dispatched Aaron Judge and the powerful New York Yankees in their AL Division Series.
And now, manager John Schneider’s pesky Blue Jays bunch is set up pretty nicely for the next playoff round against Detroit or Seattle.
“This is a really special group and we’ve had the confidence to be here since day one. I like our chances and I like the fact that these guys will be recognized for it,” Schneider said.
“I think we more than showed what we can do in this series between all that pitching, defense, everything. The guys in here know what we’re capable of and we don’t really care what anyone else thinks.”
Guerrero and George Springer each drove in a run, and eight Toronto pitchers shut down the Yankees in a 5-2 victory that sent the surprising Blue Jays to the American League Championship Series for the first time in nine years.
“Maybe some people don’t believe in the team through the year, but I always remind everyone that we have an entire country behind us that believe in us, and hopefully we can get the World Series back to Canada,” Guerrero said through a translator.
AL East champion Toronto, wearing its lucky caps with the white panels, took the best-of-five Division Series 3-1 and will host Game 1 in the best-of-seven ALCS against the wild-card Tigers or AL West champion Mariners.
Those teams are set to decide their series in Game 5 at Seattle.
“We knew we were kind of the best team all year,” part-time outfielder and second baseman Davis Schneider said. “Obviously, a lot of people doubted us. Everyone was kind of picking the Yankees to win the series or even the World Series. We’re a great team for a reason. Over the 162 (regular-season games) and into the playoffs, we showed what we can do really well.”
Toronto went 4-3 against Detroit this season and 4-2 versus Seattle.
And while the Tigers and Mariners will use some of their best arms, veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman and rookie Trey Yesavage — the Blue Jays’ top two starters in the ALDS — will be fully rested for the first two games of the ALCS.
“I think with this team, it’s so special that everybody has each other’s back and plays for each other,” reliever Louis Varland said.
No matter who pitches against Toronto, they’ll need to contend with Guerrero and a feisty lineup that consistently fights off tough pitches and puts the ball in play.
Guerrero batted .529 with three homers and nine RBIs in the ALDS, tormenting the Yankees in October in the mold of David Ortiz, Ken Griffey Jr. and George Brett decades ago.
“They hit the crap out of the ball. They didn’t miss,” Yankees catcher Austin Wells said.
Ernie Clement also had an outstanding series at the plate as the Blue Jays advanced to their eighth ALCS. Toronto’s only pennants came in 1992 and ’93, when the club won consecutive World Series crowns.
A season ago, the Blue Jays finished last in the AL East at 74-88, which was 20 games behind the first-place Yankees, who reached the World Series.
This year, the Blue Jays went 11-6 against New York — including 8-1 in Toronto. The teams tied for the AL East title at 94-68, but the Blue Jays won the division on a head-to-head tiebreaker.
“It just shows you a lot can happen in a year,” Springer said. “For us to respond the way we did this year, I couldn’t be more proud of this team.”
Aaron Judge remains without World Series ring as Yankees’ title drought reaches 16 years
NEW YORK — Aaron Judge walked slowly from first base to the Yankees’ dugout after Cody Bellinger ended the game with a strikeout, then turned his head to watch the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate on New York’s infield.
“You don’t like seeing it and it kind of leaves an impression,” Judge said. “Make sure this doesn’t happen next year.”
New York’s 16th consecutive season without a World Series championship ended with a 5-2 loss to Toronto, which won the AL Division Series 3-1 and advanced to a matchup against Seattle or Detroit for the American League pennant.
An hour after the game, Giancarlo Stanton walked over to Judge, seated by his locker in the quiet clubhouse, and put a consoling arm around the captain’s shoulder.
“Didn’t execute when we needed to,” Stanton told reporters a few minutes later. “Timely at-bats, timely pitches, we just didn’t do it as well as they did.”
Judge hit .500 with seven RBIs in seven postseason games, including .600 (9 for 15) with one homer, six RBIs, four walks and a 1.617 OPS against the Blue Jays. But a year after losing a five-game World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Yankees still are looking for championship No. 28.
“This has been a tough year for me personally,” manager Aaron Boone said after his eighth season without a title. “It’s terrible. It hurts.”
Now 33 and perhaps on the verge of his third AL MVP award, Judge has had eight unfulfilling trips to the playoffs in 10 big league seasons.
Instead of moving alongside Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle and Derek Jeter in adding to the Yankees’ championship collection, Judge remains in the same category as Don Mattingly and Dave Winfield — star players also known for not winning a World Series in the Bronx.
“It doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen, and he and I wholeheartedly believe that it will,” Boone said. “You keep working your tail off to get back to this position and punch through.”
Judge won his first AL batting title this season by hitting .331 with 114 RBIs and 53 home runs — reaching 50 for the fourth time. He is on a Hall of Fame track with a .294 career average and 368 homers, and he has a .235 postseason average with 17 homers and 41 RBIs in 65 games.
“It’s almost like we take it for granted because he only had 50-something homers and not 60,” said Paul Goldschmidt, a seven-time All-Star who joined the Yankees for this season. “Took it to a whole new level. He’s the best that I’ve ever been around. He’s also just the greatest teammate I’ve been around, the best leader.”
It is unclear whether Judge’s right elbow, both of Stanton’s elbows and shortstop Anthony Volpe’s left shoulder might need surgery.
“We’ll do some work on it and get it right,” Judge said.
Asked whether an operation could be needed, he responded: “I’m not a doctor. I don’t know.”
A year after an AL East title and a five-game World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Yankees had a winning record for the 33rd straight season. But they finished second to Toronto in the division on a tiebreaker, then rallied to win their best-of-three Wild Card Series against archrival Boston after losing the opener.
New York was outscored 34-19 by the Blue Jays and outhomered 9-4, a surprise for an offense that led the major leagues with 274 homers and scored a big league-high 50.2% of its runs on longballs, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
And just like last year, defense precipitated the demise. Second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. allowed Andrés Giménez’s hard one-hopper to skip off his glove for an error instead of turning it into an inning-ending double play, and Nathan Lukes hit a two-out, two-run single off Devin Williams for a 4-1 lead in the seventh.
“Just missed it,” Chisholm said an hour after the final out. “Been thinking about that since the play happened, still thinking about it now. Still can’t get it out of my head.”
Judge’s supporting cast needs a remake. New York’s 4.37 bullpen ERA ranked 23rd out of 30 teams. The team’s 7-8-9 batters combined to hit just .224 with a .687 OPS. Volpe batted .212 during the season and .192 in the playoffs with 16 strikeouts in 26 at-bats.
“I’m sure there will be a lot of sleepless nights,” Volpe said.
Goldschmidt and outfielder Trent Grisham can become free agents along with Williams, Luke Weaver, Tim Hill and Ryan Yarbrough plus pitcher Paul Blackburn, infielder Amed Rosario and outfielder Austin Slater.
Bellinger likely will turn down his $25 million player option in favor of a $5 million buyout, and the Yankees probably will decline a $5 million option on oft-injured right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga. They could exercise a $3 million option on Hill.
“It just sucks for the guys that this might be their last time wearing pinstripes, not getting a chance to have a long run with them and getting the championship,” Judge said.
He urgently wants to keep chasing that ring.
“I want to get back out there right now,” Judge said. “I wish spring training was in a couple of weeks so we can kind of get this going.”