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Jaylen Brown will ‘be OK' after suffering hamstring injury, Joe Mazzulla says

Jaylen Brown will ‘be OK' after suffering hamstring injury, Joe Mazzulla says originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

With a week to go before the regular season, the Celtics entered Wednesday night’s preseason finale hoping for health above all else.

That hope was extinguished midway through the first quarter, when Jaylen Brown grabbed at the back of his left leg and checked out of the game shortly thereafter. Brown headed straight to the locker room, and after a lengthy wait, the team announced that he was doubtful to return due to left hamstring tightness.

While Brown did not return to the game — a surprisingly thrilling 110-108 win over the Raptors — head coach Joe Mazzulla expressed confidence that it won’t be a serious situation for his star.

“I think he’ll be OK,” Mazzulla said. “I just talked to him after [the game], he said he’ll be fine, but I didn’t get a full update.”

Brown, 28, is in line to be the clear-cut No. 1 leader for the Celtics on and off the court this year, with Jayson Tatum sidelined indefinitely as he recovers from Achilles surgery. Brown started his preseason in alpha mode, scoring a game-high 21 points in 20 minutes in a victory in Memphis. Brown didnt’ play in the second preseason game, but he scored eight points with six assists and five rebounds in Sunday’s win over Cleveland. Prior to exiting Wednesday’s game, he had seven points, two rebounds and a steal in his seven minutes on the floor.

While the injury — and Mazzulla’s postgame report — did not seem serious, there won’t be too much time for Brown to fully recover before the regular season begins. The Celtics kick things off on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at home against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics will then head out on a three-game road trip — to New York, Detroit and New Orleans — before returning home to host the Cavaliers on Oct. 29.

With a week to go before the regular season tips off, the biggest question will be whether or not Brown is ready to go for the opener.

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Ex-Devils Forward Having Hot Start To Season

Pavel Zacha (© Tom Horak-Imagn Images)

The Boston Bruins currently have a 3-1-0 record to start the 2025-26 season. Given how rough this past season went for the Bruins, there is no question that their strong start has been an early surprise. 

Former New Jersey Devils forward Pavel Zacha has undoubtedly been a notable reason for the Bruins' early season success

Zacha is having an impressive start to the 2025-26 campaign. In four games on the year with the Bruins so far, the 28-year-old forward has recorded one goal, four assists, five points, and a plus-4 rating.

With numbers like these, Zacha is certainly helping provide the Bruins with some much-needed offense early on. He is also showing no signs of slowing down, as the former Devil is currently on a four-game point streak with the Bruins.

Since being traded by the Devils to the Bruins during the 2022 NHL off-season, Zacha has become a key part of Boston's forward group. Now, given the way he is starting this season, this trend is continuing in 2025-26. 

The Devils selected Zacha with the sixth-overall pick of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. In 386 games over seven seasons with the Devils from 2015-16 to 2021-22, Zacha recorded 69 goals, 110 assists, and 179 points. 

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Blackhawks Key Forward Having Strong Start

Teuvo Teravainen (© Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

During the 2024 NHL off-season, Teuvo Teravainen returned to the Chicago Blackhawks after spending each of the previous eight seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes. The expectation was that Teravainen would be a key part of the Blackhawks' forward group after they brought him back to Chicago, and it is fair to say that he has been just that. 

During the 2024-25 season with the Blackhawks, Teravainen recorded 15 goals, 43 assists, and 58 points in 82 games. With numbers like these, he was one of the Blackhawks' top offensive contributors this past season. Now, this has been carrying over the 2025-26 season so far. 

In four games so far this season with the Blackhawks, Teravainen has scored one goal and is tied with Frank Nazar for the team with four assists and five points. With this, there is no question that Teravainen is having a strong start to the season offensively. Now, he will be looking to keep this kind of play going as the campaign rolls on. 

Teravainen is showing no signs of slowing down, either, as he has recorded three assists over his last two games alone. Now, it will be fascinating to see if he can stay hot when the Blackhawks take on the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 15.                                     

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NHL Insider Reports Red Wings Exploring Trades for Hamonic, Gustafsson

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, as discussed on Wednesday’s episode of the Daily Faceoff Rundown, the Detroit Red Wings are actively exploring ways to address a growing logjam on their blue line, with veteran defensemen Travis Hamonic and Erik Gustafsson reportedly available for trade. 

The moves are to correspond with the log jam of defensemen within the organization as NHL veterans like Hamonic and Gustafsson are both scratched and not playing regular minutes. Detroit’s defensive depth is under pressure from internal development. Young defenders like Axel Sandin‑Pellikka are pushing for roles, adding urgency to trimming veteran tails. The more promising younger defenders get NHL time, the more redundant veteran bottom pairing options become. 

Detroit Rookie’s Prime Role Could Make Him Calder Dark HorseDetroit Rookie’s Prime Role Could Make Him Calder Dark HorseWith top-line minutes alongside Detroit’s stars, this rookie is capitalizing on an ideal situation while other Calder contenders face challenges, putting him firmly in the conversation for rookie of the year.

The roster crunch stems largely from the emergence of young defensemen such as Axel Sandin-Pellikka, who are forcing their way into NHL roles. With the team leaning into its youth movement, veteran defenders on the third pairing or outside the starting lineup have become increasingly expendable. 

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While speculation around Gustafsson’s availability is hardly shocking, the notion that GM Steve Yzerman might move Travis Hamonic is more eyebrow‑raising. Hamonic just recently signed a one-year $1 million deal just before the start of training camp and it would be a savvy move for Yzerman to quickly grab a free agent of value just to flip him months later. The move could potentially boost the Red Wings' draft capital or could be used as a piece in a larger deal which would again underscore a compelling move on Yzerman's part. 

How 'Bout Them Apples: Mason Appleton Happy To Come Up In Clutch For Red Wings How 'Bout Them Apples: Mason Appleton Happy To Come Up In Clutch For Red Wings First-year Detroit Red Wings forward Mason Appleton came through in the clutch for his team in the final minute of Monday afternoon's tilt against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which was both the game-winning goal as well as his first tally since joining the Red Wings.

Hamonic, 33, appeared in 59 games for Ottawa last season, recording one goal and six assists while averaging just over 17 minutes of ice time per game. A seasoned NHLer with over 900 games under his belt (53 goals, 189 assists, 774 penalty minutes), Hamonic brings leadership and grit but has been criticized in analytics circles for his declining possession metrics and transition struggles. This was evident in his first game of the season, when Hamonic was on the ice for three goals against with defensive lapses on his part being partially to blame. If Yzerman can find a willing trade partner it would be a sharp move on his part. 

Gustafsson, 32, signed a two-year with a $2 million cap hit this past July and could also be moved for more assets. In 60 games last season, he registered a pair of goals and 16 assists but carried a team-worst –19 rating. Over his 515-game career, he has notched 240 points and has proven to be far better than an AHL blueliner as he currently sits in Grand Rapids following a demotion in the roster crunch. 

Teams like the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks or San Jose Sharks, who are all in need of veteran leadership, could benefit from adding blueliners like Hamonic and Gustafsson. Whether a trade materializes remains to be seen, as only time will tell what Yzerman can get done. 

Red Wings' Talbot Steals the Early Season Spotlight After Stellar Wins Over Maple LeafsRed Wings' Talbot Steals the Early Season Spotlight After Stellar Wins Over Maple LeafsVeteran goaltender Cam Talbot has emerged as the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">Red Wings</a>’ early-season surprise, outperforming presumed starter John Gibson and forcing coach Todd McLellan to decide whether to stick with the hot hand or rotate starts.&nbsp;

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Essendon held their nerve and their man Zach Merrett – but to what end? | Jonathan Horn

The Bombers captain couldn’t be more contemptuous of the place, but the club is claiming victory – it’s a fitting summary of the AFL trade period

After a few days of trade period, a fortnight of Trade Radio, 11 months of trade speculation, and a few thousand variations of the phrase “it’s an interesting one”, I’d reached the point where I genuinely believed that I was about to be traded to Essendon. My internal monologue thrummed with trade-speak – the hedging, padding, euphemistic language that’s used to buy time and fill space. Even when walking the dog or purchasing a hammer, I was exercising my options, in good dialogue and monitoring the situation.

For a few years, trade period was like that old Del Amriti song Nothing Ever Happens. But this year there were captains, club champions, Coleman and Norm Smith medallists up for grabs. Still, very little of interest was confirmed until the final 15 minutes. It was like one of those Olympic track cycling races where everyone was sizing one another up, biding their time, looking over their shoulder and working their angles, before one mad, final flurry.

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Penguins' 2025 Seventh-Round Pick Off To Solid Start In WHL

There are several young Pittsburgh Penguins' prospects who are starting off their respective 2025-26 seasons on a high note. 

And one of them has some ties to a current Penguins' rookie.

Forward Kale Dach - selected in the seventh round (201st overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft - is off to a nice start with the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL in his first season with the team. In seven games so far, he is tied for the team lead in goals with three, and he has six points on the season. 

The 18-year-old center from Edmonton, Alberta spent the last two seasons with the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the BCHL, and he was signed to a WHL Scholarship and Development agreement by Calgary for the 2025-26 season. In two seasons with the Crusaders, Dach registered 32 goals and 124 points in 91 games.

It's Only Been Three Games. But Kindel And Brunicke Should Be In Pittsburgh To Stay.It's Only Been Three Games. But Kindel And Brunicke Should Be In Pittsburgh To Stay.Going into <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a>' training camp this season, it's safe to say that most folks did not have 2025 11th overall pick Ben Kindel making the NHL roster out of the gate.

If the Hitmen ring a bell for Penguins' fans, it may be because they are also the junior team of NHL rookie Ben Kindel, who has played in four games with Pittsburgh and recorded his first NHL goal on Saturday in a 6-1 loss to the New York Rangers. Last season for Calgary, Kindel put up 35 goals and 99 points in 65 games, which was good enough for second among 2025 draft-eligible forwards last season.

Another Penguins' forward prospect - Tanner Howe - also plays for the Hitmen, but he is currently in recovery after ACL surgery in April. Howe has been skating but is not expected to be back in Calgary's lineup until at least the end of the calendar year.

Penguins' Prospect Shines In First KHL Action Of SeasonPenguins' Prospect Shines In First KHL Action Of SeasonThere are several <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a>' prospects who have been making headlines as of late.&nbsp;

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Former Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon announces retirement from NBA

Malcolm Brogdon, the guard out of Virginia who went on to win Rookie of the Year in 2017 and Sixth Man of the Year in 2023, has decided to retire from the NBA after nine seasons, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN. Brogdon released this statement to the network:

"Today, I officially begin my transition out of my basketball career. I have proudly given my mind, body, and spirit to the game over the last few decades. With the many sacrifices it took to get here, I have received many rewards. I am deeply grateful to have arrived to this point on my own terms and now to be able to reap the benefits of my career with my family and friends. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all who have had a place in my journey."

This retirement comes as a surprise. Brogdon was in the Knicks training camp on a non-guaranteed contract but had performed well and was expected to make the final roster. However, in a career where he often battled injuries, Brogdon realized he was not up for the physical and mental demands of another NBA season.

With New York hard-capped at the second apron, it had to make a move if it wanted to keep both Brogdon and Landry Shamet (and the Knicks explored the trade market for Pacome Dadiet to clear the space). In the end, Brogdon made the decision for them.

Brogdon was a second-round pick of the Bucks in 2016, but won Rookie of the Year averaging 10.2 points and 4.8 assists a game because he was playing meaningful minutes for a Bucks team that make the playoffs as the No. 6 seed (this was the season Joel Embiid was clearly the best rookie, light years ahead of the field, but played in only 31 games due to injury, leaving voters with a difficult choice; Dario Saric was second in the voting that season, Embiid third).

In 2023, Brogdon won Sixth Man of the Year for the Celtics, averaging 14.9 points and 4.2 assists a game, providing a needed steady hand with the second unit on a 57-win team.

That season summed up Brogdon's career — he was rock solid on both ends of the court and coaches trusted him. For his career, Brogdon averaged 15.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds a game. Brogdon's career was slowed by injuries — dating back to him being red-flagged before the draft due to foot issues — and he had played just 24 games last season in Washington and 39 the season before that.

The Knicks now have to decide which training camp invitee gets the final roster spot, Shamet or Garrison Mathews

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Ex-Canadiens Goalie Wins In Maple Leafs Debut

Cayden Primeau (© Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

During the off-season, the Montreal Canadiens traded goaltender Cayden Primeau to the Carolina Hurricanes. The move was understandable, as Primeau needed a change of scenery. 

However, after being placed on waivers ahead of the season by the Hurricanes, Primeau was claimed by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Thus, his time with the Hurricanes came to a quick end. 

Now, Primeau has made a positive impact in his first appearance with the Maple Leafs.

Primeau made his Maple Leafs debut in their Oct. 14 matchup against the Nashville Predators. Primeau stopped 26 out of 30 shots in the Maple Leafs' 7-4 win over the Predators. 

Primeau getting a win in his Maple Leafs debut was certainly a solid way for him to leave a first impression with his new club. The former Canadiens goaltender will now be looking to build off his first victory with the Maple Leafs when given the opportunity to start again. 

Primeau was selected by the Canadiens with the 199th overall pick of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. In 55 games over six seasons with the Canadiens from 2019-20 to 2024-25, Primeau recorded a 13-24-7 record, a .884 save percentage, a 3.69 goals-against average, and two shutouts. He also had an 84-44-14 record, a .912 save percentage, and a 2.60 goals-against average in 149 AHL games over five seasons with the Laval Rocket.