Feb 20, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Luke Raley (20) singles in the first inning against the San Diego Padres during a Spring Training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images | Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
It’s a bit disappointing that unlike many teams, the Mariners don’t get to play an exhibition against a World Baseball Classic squad. It would have been cool to see some of our own stars playing against us, like Julio on the Dominican team or Cal Raleigh on Team USA. Which WBC team would you have liked to see face off against the M’s this spring?
Andrés Muñoz has already climbed the mountaintop as one of the game’s premier relievers. But as he told Shannon Drayer, he’s always seeking wisdom from other MLB veterans.
SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 27: Jurickson Profar #7 of the Atlanta Braves reacts to a wild pitch during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Thursday, March 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
In 2013, the consensus number one prospect in all of MLB was Jurickson Profar. The switch-hitting shortstop for the Texas Rangers was turning heads with his elite combination of power, speed and defense.
It’s hard to forget the miraculous year that Profar had in 2024 with the San Diego Padres. Unfortunately, that season is stained by the PED suspension that caused Profar to miss 80 games last year.
Yesterday came news that Profar tested positive for PED usage for the second time in as many years. This forfeits the $15 million he’s owed by the Atlanta Braves for the 2026 year and keeps him out of MLB until 2027.
So what happened to Jurickson Profar? How did the former number one prospect fall so far from grace?
It’s not totally his fault
Injuries have wrecked Profar’s career, plaguing him since he was a prospect. In fact, right after being labeled the top prospect in the game, he was diagnosed with a shoulder injury that kept him out for both the 2014 and ‘15 seasons, halting his entrance into MLB.
Following his rehab, Profar came back for the Rangers and struggled at the big-league level. He hit .222 in three more years with Texas before being traded to the Oakland Athletics prior to the 2019 season.
Hopes of improvement in his new environment were dashed as Profar only hit .218, but it was his second consecutive season with 20-plus homers. So, when the offseason came, Profar was again on the trade block, and Oakland sent him to the Padres.
Tenure in San Diego
Profar has been more successful with the Friars than any other team, and it’s not even close. Across five years he’s hit .265/.350/.401 with 51 home runs. He was also a part of the 2022 San Diego team that made a World Series run which ended in heartbreaking fashion against the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLCS.
But prior to ‘24 his bat was middling at best. So, when Profar became a free agent after the ‘22 season, he signed a $7.75 million deal with the Colorado Rockies. And he performed so poorly there that the team released him (a Colorado team that only won 59 games in ‘23, by the way).
After being released, the Padres scooped him back up for the back stretch of the season where he began to flash promise, hitting .295 across 14 games.
The (besmirched) turnaround
The best year of Profar’s career, by a lot, was 2024. He was the starting left fielder in San Diego, finishing with a .280/.380/.459 slash line, mashing a career-high 24 home runs. More than that, he was an All-Star and a key piece of getting the Padres to the postseason.
After that season he was a free agent again and (due to a payroll crunch Padres’ fans know all too well) Profar left San Diego for Atlanta. The club signed him to a three-year, $42 million contract, expecting him to be their starting left fielder.
In a fun twist of fate, Profar played the first game of the ‘25 season at Petco Park, but with his new team, as the Padres faced the Braves to open the year. That would be the only action he saw for a while, with MLB handing down its 80-game suspension as opening weekend wrapped up.
After returning from his suspension, he hit at a decent .245 clip with 14 home runs across only 80 games for Atlanta. The team went into the offseason excited to finally get a full year of Profar in ‘26.
Then came the news early Tuesday morning that Profar had been suspended 162 games, forfeiting the $15 million he was owed for the season. If he is caught a third time, he’ll face a lifetime ban from MLB.
In the heat of the 2024 offseason it felt like Padres general manager A.J. Preller was dragging his feet by not re-signing Profar. And when news came that San Diego hadn’t even extended him an offer to return, fans were upset.
But looking back, it seems that this is a move the Friar Faithful can be grateful for not having made. The Braves have been forced to scramble for outfield help while the Padres have managed to figure it out without the burden of an expensive contract.
And, whether you love him or hate him, you can thank Preller for that.
Sep 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez (75) hits a three-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the eighth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Much of the Red Sox’s offense has been in flux over the last 12 months: Rafael Devers was traded, Alex Bregman walked, Wilson Contreras and Caleb Durbin were acquired, while the infield platoon was refreshed. The combination of moves sounds awful for offensive pop, it but does offer more stability defensively. Meanwhile, he team decided to stick to what they know at the catcher position. Let’s evaluate!
The Starter: Carlos Narvaez
There’s a lot to like about Carlos Narvaez, who finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting. But before recognizing Narvaez as a potential fantastic defensive catcher in due time, I must put my Scrooge hat on — because it wouldn’t be one of my articles if I didn’t — and state that he has some work to do at the plate. But I’ll also remain optimistic and state that he can probably do that work.
Narv slashed .241/.306/.419 last year for an OPS of .726, which ranked 18th in baseball amongst catchers, and his Savant page looks like a Frozen movie. But his career is still in his infancy, with still under 500 career plate appearances. The catcher bell curve was more steady than usual, meaning Narvaez was within striking distance from being an average catcher at the plate. Whether this is more noticeable on a team that doesn’t have the same offensive pop remains to be seen, but I’m willing to wait.
In retaining Carlos Narvaez as a starting catcher, the Red Sox have something that only a few teams in baseball can claim: a Gold Glove finalist behind the dish. Folks may want to point to Carlos Narvaez ending a game with a walk-off interference for just the second time in league history (and some of the folks may be in the room with us right now) as proof that he’s got some flaws as a defensive catcher. But, even though the Red Sox led the Major Leagues last year with nine catcher’s interference calls, the proof to the contrary is in the pudding.
As I referenced when Narvaez was nominated for the award that Detroit’s Dillon Dingler definitely dutifully (okay, sorry, got carried away with the alliteration) eventually won, the 27-year-old Narvaez was ranked in the 85th percentile in framing. All of these pitches below were called strikes, which is huge when an inning starts getting a little hairy. Here’s a visual on some of those pitches. Good framing keeps pitchers confident, controlled and, best case scenario, well rested. Now the ABS challenging system may put all this to rest, but remember that teams also need to be diligent with when they call for challenges, and managers may ask to be more strategic and only challenge defensively. For now, framing and taking away strikes is a huge strength of Narvaez’s.
Narvaez also led all catchers with 32 runners caught stealing, and his 90th percentile pop time proves his arm and reflexes are speedy. In time, Narvaez. may just become one of the most reputable defensive catchers in the game. And the best part of all is that he cost the Red Sox nothing and is likely ours to enjoy for at least five years.
The Backup: Connor Wong
The last remaining piece of the Mookie Betts trade, Connor Wong looked like he had it all in 2023 and 2024. He was quick, had power, and looked like a pretty good defensive catcher. The first two of those took a huge step backward last season, resulting in Narvaez taking his starting job. It took until the summer for Wong to record his second RBI of the season. His OPS was just .500 and he batted below the Mendoza line for the first time.
Even Wong’s defensive prowess dipped, as he dropped to 26th in catcher framing. But there was a curious anecdote about Aroldis Chapman’s world-renowned fastball that perhaps sparked some faith in Wong’s ability as a collaborative catcher. Wong reportedly told Chapman he can try to actually locate and place his fastball, resulting in him having a career year at 37 years of age. Remember, again, that Chapman’s fastball has topped out at nearly 106 miles per hour, that Chapman ha been in the Cy Young conversation at times, and that he could end his career with over 400 career saves. Here’s what Narvaez had to say about it:
“It’s kind of crazy, bro,” Narváez said. “Because I mean, when you ask a catcher, you want to call a fastball away, fastball in, fastball up and in, especially with the PitchCom. So, now, I mean he’s been in the league for a while and he’s just saying like ‘Okay, I’m actually locating my fastball now. In when I want it and away when I want it.’ It’s like ‘Okay, I didn’t know why you didn’t before but let’s do it.’ He’s pitching with conviction now and every pitch has an intent. It was a big adjustment for him, bro.”
The Red Sox brought Wong back on a 1-year, 1.375 million dollar deal without going to arbitration. He’s under team control for three more seasons, but if Wong isn’t producing either offensively or defensively it’ll be easy to say goodbye one day, though it will be a departure where that meme of Wolverine holding a picture with the words “2024 Connor Wong” comes to mind.
I’d also be remiss to not acknowledge the other options in the room, but these aren’t real options in my mind, nor should they be in anyone’s. Willson Contreras has almost 1000 career games logged behind the dish, but at this stage of his career, especially seeing as he was acquired in a trade for capital, he needs to preserve his health for the potential of this team. Anthony Seigler has also caught in his career (although just once in the Majors) but this is another break-glass-in-case-of-real-emergency option. There’s also old friend Christian Vazquez still in free agency, but his best years are well behind him.
The Minor League Depth
This team has notably been incredibly astute with depth signings this offseason. Matt Thaiss is probably most teams’ backup backup catcher in terms of experience, as he has 305 games in the bigs including 60 games in 2025 where he batted .218/.349/.288. Bbut as you can see, there’s no power to speak of and he’ll almost certainly be heading to Polar Park as the team has already assigned him to AAA. Nate Baez was brought in on a minor league deal. So, too, was another old friend (and native New Englander) in Mickey Gasper, who returns to the organization with his first Major League hit – and home run! – in tow from his time with the Twins. Jason Delay is another depth signing with Major League experience albeit with no seasons over replacement level yet (but he can slug!). Ronald Rosario sent one out of the park in the Northeastern game but hasn’t progressed past Double-A yet, and my own personal favorite WooSox player (if Nick Sogard stays on the Major League roster), Nate Hickey, hit 17 home runs in Worcester last season but, realistically, will be more of a first baseman, as he spends much more time there. Password’s little brother Johanfran remains in the organization following a promotion in 2025 and shares the power tool. And, finally, Brooks Brannon might surge up to Worcester as he’s been promoted once in each of the last four seasons and certainly looks viable at the plate.
Fangraphs Projections
Around the AL East
Throughout the Blue Jays’ run to nearly dethroning the Dodgers as World Series champions, it was evident that Alejandro Kirk is one of the best catchers in baseball. The Yankees’ Austin Wells, like Narvaez, is an excellent pitch framer in his own right with more Major League experience and a solidified starting spot. Adley Ruschmann had a down year but he remains the Orioles’ starter, with Samuel Basallo waiting in the wings, complete with long-term deal in hand. I’d probably slot Narvaez and Wong fourth. The Rays remain the only team I’d put definitively under Narvaez, marching out a tandem of Hunter Feduccia and Nick Fortes; that position will likely be a pain point for Tampa as the season grows long.
Ultimately, I feel great with Narvaez being the catcher of the present and the future, and we can at least pencil him in as part of the the next generation of winning in this organization.
Former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Olli Maatta is on the move.
The Utah Mammoth have traded Maatta, Jonathan Castagna, and three 2026 second-round picks to the Calgary Flames in exchange for star defenseman MacKenzie Weegar.
Maatta is in the first season of his three-year, $10.5 million contract, so he will be more than a rental for the Flames if they elect to keep him. However, with the Flames rebuilding and Maatta being 31 years old, he could also be a decent trade chip for them.
Maatta has played in 22 games this season, where he has recorded one assist, one hit, 17 blocks, and a minus-5 rating. This is after he had two goals, 18 points, 124 blocks, and a plus-7 rating in 77 games split between the Detroit Red Wings and Utah this past season.
Maatta was selected by the Penguins with the 22nd overall pick of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. From there, he played his first six NHL seasons with Pittsburgh, where he recorded 25 goals, 107 points, and a plus-61 rating in 362 games. He also won the Stanley Cup twice during his time in Pittsburgh.
The Utah Jazz continue their road swing tonight in D.C. against the Washington Wizards. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.
Keyonte George is thriving as the main option right now for Utah, and I’m eyeing him to keep it rolling this evening in my Jazz vs. Wizards predictions.
Jazz vs Wizards best bet: Keyonte George Over 25.5 points (-115)
No Lauri Markkanen for the Utah Jazz means Keyonte George is the top guy at the moment, and he’s running with the opportunity. The Baylor product has cashed the Over in back-to-back games with ease.
On Monday, George put together a 36-point game against the Nuggets in a tight loss. The Jazz then fell by just four points on Wednesday evening versus the 76ers, but George put his best foot forward, balling out for 30.
The Washington Wizards are in the gutter of the East and sit 29th in defensive rating. George will go off again.
Jazz vs Wizards same-game parlay
Utah is in the midst of a seven-game losing skid, but a win is right around the corner. Their last two games against two solid teams have been incredibly close, and they’ve won four of their last five meetings with Washington
After giving Philly a run for their money, the Jazz will finally end the losing run tonight.
Kyle Filipowski is averaging 6.7 rebounds this season, but he’s been a larger presence on the boards lately. The big man has cashed the Over in boards in back-to-back contests.
The Duke product had 11 rebounds in Philadelphia, and grabbed eight boards against the Nuggets on Monday.
Jazz vs Wizards SGP
Keyonte George Over 25.5 points
Jazz moneyline
Kyle Filipowski Over 9.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Another big number for Jazz
Utah scored 125 points against Denver, and Washington has allowed Over 120.5 points in four straight contests.
Jazz vs Wizards SGP
Keyonte George Over 25.5 points
Jazz moneyline
Kyle Filipowski Over 9.5 rebounds
Jazz team total Over 120.5 points
Jazz vs Wizards odds
Spread: Jazz +2.5 | Wizards -2.5
Moneyline: Jazz +125 | Wizards -150
Over/Under: Over 243.5 | Under 243.5
Jazz vs Wizards betting trend to know
The Jazz have hit the Over in 30 of their last 50 games (+8.00 Units / 15% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Jazz vs. Wizards.
How to watch Jazz vs Wizards
Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
KJZZ, MNMT
Jazz vs Wizards latest injuries
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.
In some ways, history is repeating itself. In 1982 Chelsea and Wrexham met in the FA Cup after they had beaten Hull City and Nottingham Forest, respectively, in previous rounds. The same has happened in 2026; but this is where the similarities end.
When the clubs met 44 years ago they were both in the second tier and had huge debts. With Chelsea reportedly £1.6m in the red, the future of Stamford Bridge was in doubt as property developers hovered. Relegation-threatened Wrexham spent the majority of the 1980s merely trying to survive.
British former champion hits out at former colonial rulers
‘I’m hoping countries unite and take Africa back’
Lewis Hamilton has called for a movement to “take Africa back”, claiming the continent is being “controlled” by European powers. On the eve of the new Formula One season in Melbourne, the seven-time champion outlined his ambition to compete in a grand prix on African soil.
But the 41-year-old, F1’s first black race driver, did not stop there. He suggested former colonial rulers still exerted undue power in the region and called for action to reverse that influence. “I’ve got roots from a few different places there, like Togo and Benin,” he said. “I’m really proud of that part of the world.
Montreal Canadiens prospect and 81st overall pick at the 2025 draft, Bryce Pickford, had himself a game on Wednesday night, scoring a hat trick in the Medicine Hat Tigers’ 6-3 win over the Brandon Wheat Kings. In 49 games, the right-shot defenseman has 41 goals, the second-highest total in the league behind right-winger Cameron Smith, who has 43 goals, but he’s scored his in 63 games.
With seven games left in the Tigers’ regular season, it’s far from out of the question that Pickford could reach the 50-goal milestone, a feat only accomplished twice in league history by a defenseman. Blueliner Troy Mick scored 63 goals in 1987-88 and 60 in 1989-90 and was drafted in the seventh round of the 1988 draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, but never made it to the NHL, which goes to show that success in the WHL doesn’t necessarily guarantee success in the NHL.
As things stand, Pickford has 76 points in just 49 games, the 10th highest total in the league and the second highest amongst defensemen, two points behind leader Jonas Woo, who plays with him on the first pairing in Medicine Hat.
The 19-year-old Pickford was passed over in the 2024 draft, but his 47 points in 48 games performance in 2024-25 convinced the Canadiens to draft him, and so far, that has proven to be an excellent decision. On Christmas Eve, the Habs even signed him to a three-year entry-level contract, which kicks in at the start of the 2026-27 season.
There’s no denying that the Canadiens have a lot of depth when it comes to left-shot defensemen, but the situation is far from ideal when it comes to right-shot ones. Martin St-Louis only has two right-shot rearguards on his roster right now: Noah Dobson and Alexandre Carrier, which forces him to use Kaiden Guhle on his off-side. Down with the Laval Rocket, David Reinbacher is the only right-shot defenseman who seems to have NHL upside, and his development hasn’t exactly gone according to plan so far. Could Pickford be used as part of a package to secure some immediate help?
Yesterday, news broke that the New Jersey Devils could be willing to part with right-shot blueliner and second overall pick at the 2022 draft, Simon Nemec, Juraj Slafkovsky’s teammate at the Olympics. Given the fact that Martin St-Louis seems to have little trust in Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble, one must wonder if Kent Hughes shouldn’t pounce on this opportunity. The Devils are struggling to find the back of the net this season, and perhaps an offer featuring rookie Oliver Kapanen, who has 19 goals so far, Pickford, who’s showing great potential in the WHL, and a draft pick could tempt Tom Fitzgerald.
Pickford is still some time away from being ready for the NHL, and acquiring Nemec would help the team now. He could slot right into the lineup and reestablish the balance between right-shot and left-shot defensemen, allowing everyone to play on their right side.
MUMBAI, India (AP) — Captain Harry Brook called correctly at the coin toss and England opted to bowl first against India in their Twenty20 World Cup semifinal on Thursday.
India was unchanged from its win against the West Indies on Sunday. England made one change, bringing back pacer Jamie Overton for spinner Rehan Ahmed.
The pitch at the iconic Wankhede Stadium should aid batters and a high-scoring contest was on the cards. Evening dew should aid the chasing side.
The winner will take on New Zealand in the final on Sunday at Ahmedabad.
England and India are playing their third straight T20 World Cup semifinal.
England beat India by 10 wickets in Sydney in 2022 and ultimately won its second title. India then beat England by 68 runs in the 2024 semifinal at Georgetown and went on to its second title, too.
Defending champion India's only loss in the tournament so far was against South Africa.
England has lost only once, too, against the West Indies in the first round, also at Mumbai.
England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (captain), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
Ben Kindel is having an impressive rookie season for the Pittsburgh Penguins and has stepped up in Sidney Crosby's absence.
My Sabres vs. Penguins predictions and NHL picks expect the young pivot to put forth another strong offensive performance in a high-paced matchup against Buffalo.
Sabres vs Penguins prediction
Sabres vs Penguins best bet: Ben Kindel Over 2.5 shots (+135)
Ben Kindel is centering the Pittsburgh Penguins' top line without Sidney Crosby in the lineup. He has taken full advantage of the opportunity, averaging 3.8 shots on 6.3 attempts over four games.
Kindel has logged 17+ minutes in two of the last three, well above his season average of 15:24. He has clearly earned the trust of head coach Dan Muse.
The Buffalo Sabres rank first in pace and 31st in shot suppression at 5-on-5 over the past 10 games. They’re playing fast, high-event hockey and giving up a ton of shots.
That bodes well for Kindel in his first-line center role.
Sabres vs Penguins same-game parlay
Evgeni Malkin has seen an uptick in shot volume without Crosby, averaging more than a full extra shot attempt each night. He has also picked up three points over two games on home ice. In a high-paced matchup with more on his plate, Malkin will make noise.
Let’s round out the parlay with another player benefiting from injury. Jack Quinn has registered 2+ shots on goal in 73% of his appearances without Jiri Kulich and eight straight overall.
Ben Kindel has recorded 13 shots over his last three games, generating at least three in each. Find more NHL betting trends for Sabres vs. Penguins.
How to watch Sabres vs Penguins
Location
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
Date
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
ESPN
Sabres vs Penguins latest injuries
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.
Eight games are on the slate tonight across the National Hockey League, and I’ve found the very best NHL player props to cash in.
My NHL picks include Nikita Kucherov, Tim Stutzle, and Erik Karlsson, all having strong offensive showings on Thursday, March 5.
Best NHL player prop bets today
Player
Kucherov anytime goal
+120
Stutzle Over 0.5 assists
-120
Karlsson Over 0.5 points
-115
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Our best NHL player props for Thursday, March 5
Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.
Prop #1: Nikita Kucherov anytime goal
+120 at BET99
Nikita Kucherov has notched 96 points overall, including 32 goals. The Russian ranks second in the NHL in that category. Kucherov just found the back of the net on Tuesday against the Wild.
In fact, the Tampa Bay Lightning superstar has scored in three of his last four games since the league hit pause for the Winter Olympics.
While the Bolts haven’t faced the Winnipeg Jets yet this season, Kucherov has potted 19 goals in 28 road games, and Tampa is in Manitoba this evening to take on the Jets.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: The Spot, TSN3
Prop #2: Tim Stutzle Over 0.5 assists
-120 at BET99
Tim Stutzle continues to deliver the goods for the Ottawa Senators, with 28 goals and 37 assists. Stutzle has cashed the Over in helpers in three straight contests.
During that span, Stutzle has four assists. Despite a loss to the Oilers on Tuesday, he did his part, registering a pair of helpers. The Sens are visiting the Calgary Flames tonight, and Stutzle has already notched an assist against them this season in one meeting.
Also, he has collected 17 helpers in 31 road appearances.
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: TSN5, Sportsnet West
Prop #3: Erik Karlsson Over 0.5 points
-115 at BET99
Erik Karlsson isn’t the point producer he once was, but the veteran is still contributing for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Swede has notched five goals and 34 assists, and he’s cashed the Over in three straight.
During that three-game stretch, he’s scored a goal, registered two helpers against Vegas, and also set up another against the Rangers over the weekend.
Karlsson has 21 assists in 27 home games, and the Pens welcome the Buffalo Sabres to town this evening.
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.
NEWARK, N.J. — Many Toronto Maple Leafs players fully expected to have the same lineup they practiced with during their morning skate. However, when they arrived at Prudential Center for gametime later that evening, they discovered that teammates Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson would all be held out of the lineup for roster management purposes.
According to reports, there is nothing imminent to suggest a deal is on the table for any of these players at the time of this writing. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman used the term “bubble wrap” to describe the situation, as the Leafs try to avoid an injury to any player while also acknowledging that trade talks are heating up.
The timing is unsurprising, as the NHL trade deadline is 3 p.m. ET this Friday.
“It would be very tough to see them go,” William Nylander said of the three players. “It’s something you don’t want to think about too much”.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton are out of the lineup tonight for the Maple Leafs.@FriedgeHNIC stopped by #NHLNow to provide the latest as the #NHLTradeDeadline approaches.
The abrupt change in the lineup opened the door for Easton Cowan to get his biggest opportunity with the Leafs yet, playing on the first line alongside Nylander and captain Auston Matthews. Cowan logged 17:03 of ice time and recorded an assist in Toronto’s 4-3 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils.
Cowan was particularly feeling down about the possibility of Laughton being dealt.
“He’s been nothing but good to me,” Cowan said. “Honestly, I haven’t known him long, but I probably wouldn’t be the person I am right now without him. Just a great teammate. Yeah, it’s unfortunate [that he was scratched]. It obviously sucks”.
All three players attended the game on Wednesday. It is likely they will be scratched again on Thursday when the team visits the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden —that is, if they haven’t been dealt by then.
According to Friedman, Laughton is currently drawing interest from the Colorado Avalanche. Meanwhile, Ekman-Larsson has drawn interest from teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins, and several teams remain interested in McMann.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 22: Hampus Lindholm #27 of the Boston Bruins skates against Jonathan Marchessault #81 of the Nashville Predators during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on October 22, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Ryan O’Reilly: 22G-37A-59PTS; Filip Forsberg: 27G-23A-50PTS; Steven Stamkos: 30G-17A-47PTS
Juuse Saros: 21-18-6, 3.19 GAA, .892 save percentage
Game notes
The Bruins visit Nashville for a brief, one-game road trip prior to Friday’s trade deadline. I don’t know if you can even call it a road trip if it’s for one game. Day trip? Outing?
After a trying start to the season, the Predators are hanging around the wild card race in the Western Conference. Nashville is five points behind Seattle, who currently occupy the second spot. There are two teams (Los Angeles and San Jose) between Nashville and Seattle.
Having said that, they are fading a bit as of late. Nashville is 1-2-1 coming out of the Olympic break, with three losses in a row. They’re 3-3-4 in their last ten games.
These two teams played at TD Garden in late January, a 3-2 OT win for the Bruins. That was the OT game where David Pastrnak scored off of a set play just 15 seconds into the extra session.
It sounds crazy to say it for a guy who has been so consistent for so long, but that was actually the last goal Pastrnak scored for the B’s. He’s gone goalless in six games, though he does have three assists in that span.
Steven Stamkos is well on his way to eclipsing his production during his first year in Nashville. The longtime Lightning captain had 53 points in 82 games for Nashville last season; this year, he’s already up to 47, including 30 goals, in just 61 games.
The Predators are 3-0 in games that have gone to a shootout this season, one of six teams with an unblemished shootout record.
On the Bruins front, we’re mostly just waiting to see what happens at the trade deadline at this point. Big deal? Small deal? No deal? Time will tell, I guess.
If you’re interested in scoreboard watching tonight, there are a few games that will impact the Eastern Conference wild card/playoff race: Utah vs. Philadelphia, Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh, Florida vs. Columbus, and Ottawa vs. Calgary.
HAINAN ISLAND, China (AP) — Zhang Weiwei chipped in on her last two holes, one for eagle and the other for birdie, giving her a 6-under 66 and a three-way tie for the lead in the Blue Bay LPGA on Thursday.
Zhang, one of 20 players in the field from the China Golf Association, was tied with Mary Liu of China and Youmin Hwang of South Korea. All three of them were solid on a day of strong wind at Jian Lake Blue Bay.
Auston Kim, the American who tied for third last week in the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore, shot a 67.
Zhang took advantage of a shorter tee box on the par-5 17th that allowed her to get close enough to the green in two to chip in for eagle. She finished with a chip just off the 18th green about 30 feet from the cup.
“I hit it a bit heavy,” she said of her chip on the 17th. “But the landing spot was perfect and it rolled straight into the hole. That really got me excited and energized.”
Liu birdied four of her last six holes for a 66, while Hwang did her best work around the turn with five birdies in a six-hole stretch in the middle of her round.
Kim had nine birdies, offset by four bogeys, that put her in a tie for third.
“I’m just hitting a couple shots here and there that are really costing me,” Kim said. “Couple three-putts today, and just a couple bad shots off the tee. Overall the rest of it was more solid than before.”
Blue Bay LPGA wraps up a three-tournament swing through Asia for the LPGA with the weakest field of the three. It follows a week in Singapore that had nine of the top 10 in the women's world ranking, missing only Nelly Korda, who again skipped the Asia swing.
Ruoning Yin of China (No. 10) is the only player from the top 10 at Hainan Island. Ruoning, a former Women's PGA champion, opened with a 68.
Florida Panthers - 30-28-3 - 63 Points - 2-8-0 in the last 10 - Lost 3 - 8th in the Atlantic
Columbus Blue Jackets - 31-21-8 - 68 Points - 8-1-1 in the last 10 - Won 2 - 4th in the Metro.
Blue Jackets Stats
Power Play - 19.6% - 20th in the NHL
Penalty Kill - 77.2% - 24th in the NHL
Goals For - 187 - 17th in the NHL
Goals Against - 190 - 22nd in the NHL
PanthersStats
Power Play - 19.3% - 21st in the NHL
Penalty Kill - 82.4% - 8th in the NHL
Goals For - 182 - 19th in the NHL
Goals Against - 204 - 25th in the NHL
Series History vs. ThePanthers
Columbus is 26-25-3 all-time, and 16-9-2 at home vs. Florida.
Columbus has lost 7 straight games to the Panthers overall, and three straight at home.
Who To Watch For ThePanthers
Sam Reinhart leads the Panthers with 28 goals, 29 assists, and 57 points.
Brad Marchand 27 goals and 53 points.
Sergei Bobrovsky is 22-19-1 with a SV% of .873.
Daniil Tarasov is 8-9-2 with a SV% of .903.
CBJ Player Notes vs.Panthers
Charlie Coyle has 16 points in 31 games vs. the Panthers.
Zach Werenski has 16 career points against Florida.
Mason Marchment has 4 points in 6 games against Florida.
Injured Reserve
Brendan Smith - Lower Body - Missed 22 Games IR - Out for the rest of the regular season.
***Zach Werenski missed the last 2 games due to illness.
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 161
How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on FANDUEL SPORTS NETWORK. The radio broadcast will be on 97.1 The Fan, with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play.
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Kucherov anytime goal
Stutzle Over 0.5 assists
Karlsson Over 0.5 points