TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Aatu Räty from the Vancouver Canucks in a trade Thursday after the one-time top prospect cleared waivers hours earlier.
Toronto sent fellow forwards Jacob Quillan and Brandon Buhr to Vancouver for Räty.
“We want to thank Aatu for all he has done for the organization, and we wish him well in Toronto,” Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson said. “By acquiring Jacob and Brandon this move gives our group two new young players to work with as we continue to look for ways to improve our overall depth.”
The Leafs are the third NHL organization for the young Finn, who was drafted in the second round by the New York Islanders in 2021. The Islanders dealt Räty to Vancouver in the winter 2023 as part of the return for Bo Horvat.
Räty, who turns 25 next month, has struggled to produce in the league with just 29 points in 118 games.
Lakers forward Ziaire Williams, tris to stop Kings guard Emanuel Sharp from scoring during a preseason game last week. (Sara Nevis / Associated Press)
He made one of the biggest splashes in the Lakers’ first preseason game. Ziaire Williams set the tone of the Lakers’ new defensive style, pressuring the ball the full length of the court and injecting energy into his teammates. The Sierra Canyon High alumnus sank three three-pointers in a stellar debut for his hometown team.
Then came the swelling in his left foot.
After a minor injury slowed Williams’ preseason ascent, the 6-foot-9 forward could be in position to return to the lineup for the Lakers’ preseason finale at 7:30 p.m. Friday against the visiting Denver Nuggets. Williams practiced fully Thursday after missing the last three games. He’ll leave the final call up to the Lakers’ medical staff as the team tries to maximize its preseason preparation.
“It’s important, man, just to get game reps with each other, but health is key,” said Williams, who had 13 points and a steal as a starter in the preseason opener against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 5. “If you can’t go, you just can’t. It’s not the end of the world. Going back to championship identity, we’re looking ahead at the bigger picture. So it’s not worth [it] to risk your body for a game that doesn’t count and then be out for the real games.”
With nine new players, the Lakers needed training camp and preseason games to build chemistry as a group. Small injuries to several players interrupted the process, but with one fewer preseason game than last year and almost double the total practice days, coach JJ Redick said integrating new players still has “been pretty seamless.”
“We would love to have gotten looks with everybody healthy and everybody good to go,” Redick said, “but we also have to be smart with an 82-game season.”
The Lakers debuted new center Walker Kessler only this week, and the star acquisition who jammed a pinky finger early in training camp still has not played in a game with guard Luka Doncic, who was held out of Tuesday’s game for a planned rest day. Doncic participated fully in practice Thursday, as did forward Adou Thiero, who sat out Tuesday because of “maintenance,” Redick said. Rookie Cameron Carr (undisclosed) remained out of practice Thursday after missing the last two games.
Guard Quentin Grimes has been a preseason iron man. The free-agent signing who is angling for a starting position has played a team-high 97 minutes in four preseason games. With Doncic and Austin Reaves playing together only once in the first four games, Grimes has filled a larger ballhandling role than he might have if the Lakers were at full strength. The 26-year-old guard who is on his fifth team in six seasons credited his journeyman history for helping him get comfortable with a do-it-all role.
“I’ve done a good job of just creating offense, creating opportunities whether that be for myself or for teammates, getting everybody involved,” said Grimes, who is averaging 12.3 points and 2.5 assists on 53.3% shooting in the preseason. “I feel like this team allows me to play on the ball, off the ball in any situation. I feel like I’ve played that kind of [role at] every stop.”
Collin Sexton is the only offseason acquisition who has not made his Lakers debut. Battling a lower leg injury, Sexton participated in all of practice except for periods of live play Thursday. After practice, the guard was seen with kinesiology tape snaking up his right calf while working on the court with assistant coaches.
Sexton’s presence could help stabilize the Lakers’ offense, which is averaging 25.3 turnovers during the preseason.
When Sexton was sidelined at the beginning of the preseason, Redick said he was not worried about the guard’s status for the Oct. 21 season opener against Golden State. When asked Thursday about Sexton’s availability, Redick said simply he was “trending in the right direction.”
MACAU, CHINA - OCTOBER 11: Bruce Thornton #2 of Houston Rockets drives the ball during NBA China Games 2026 between Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets at The Venetian Arena on the Cotai Strip on October 11, 2026 in Macau, China. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Houston Rockets vs. ONT Thunder
October 15th, 2026
Location: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Time: 7:30 PM CST
TV:NBA TV and Space City Home Network Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790 / KLTN 102.9 (en español)
Probable Starting Lineups?
Rockets: Fred Vanvleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun
I truly have no idea what the starting lineups will be for this game, and whether either team will try to play their first string against each other. My sense is, they won’t. This is the Rockets third, and last preseason game, and it will be the fifth and last for OKC, too. NBA preseason basketball wraps up tomorrow night, with the actual season (hooray!) beginning on Tuesday the 20th, which will see the Thudner play the Spurks.
The Rockets will begin their season on Wednesday the 21st, at home against their overseas foe, the Dallas Mavericks.
The following players are listed as Game Time Decisions or Day To Day:
Rockets: Steven Adams, Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, Kevin Durant
OKC: Jaylin Williams, Chetnik Holmgren, Ajay Mitchell, Thomas Sorber, Nicola Topic – Otega Oweh is out for the season.
There’s a reason I picked Bruce Thornton for the picture. I suspect we might see a good bit of Basher Thornton.
Australia’s hierarchy are keeping everyone on their toes ahead of the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), starting at 7pm AEDT on Sunday.
The Dodgers are one loss away from their season ending.
The Brewers have handed the back-to-back World Series champions three consecutive crushing defeats in the National League Championship Series and the Dodgers have had no response for Milwaukee’s dominance. But Freddie Freeman believes the narrative that the Dodgers can’t keep up with the Brewers because of their age is false.
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) speaks in a press conference before game four of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs against the Milwaukee Brewers at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“That’s just people’s opinions. We do know we have an older team, that doesn’t mean we’re playing bad because we’re old. We’re just not playing that great,” Freeman said.
“I don’t feel old so hopefully when we play tonight, you can say we don’t look old and we win that game.”
The Dodgers can keep their season alive with a win over the Brewers Thursday, but after losing three straight games to Milwaukee, many have already counted LA out for NLCS Game 4.
With a sweep, the Brewers have the opportunity knock out the defending champions and effectively end the Dodgers dynasty. However, if the Dodgers muster a win Thursday the tide of the series could quickly change.
The only other team to be down 0-3 in the Championship Series and come back to win it in seven games were the 2004 Boston Red Sox. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was a member of the heroic Red Sox team that went on to win the World Series after defeating the Yankees in a thrilling ALCS.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts watches from the dugout during the seventh inning of Game 3 of baseball’s National League Championship Series. AP Photo/Ashley LandisMilwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2), shortstop Cooper Pratt (12), shortstop Joey Ortiz (3) and first baseman Jake Bauers (9) celebrate after Game 3 of baseball’s National League Championship Series. AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Now, Roberts is managing a Dodgers team that is also down 0-3.
History has a funny way of repeating itself and things could get interesting if the Dodgers manage to win NLCS Game 4.
Raty was drafted by the New York Islanders in 2021 with the 52nd overall pick in the second round.
The 23-year-old has played a total of 118 regular-season games in the NHL. He scored 14 goals and 15 assists in those appearances across parts of five seasons.
Raty played his first full NHL season in 2025-26, featuring in 66 games. He went on to score four goals and 14 points and averaged 12:01 of ice time.
He's played four games this year with Vancouver, recording one goal and averaging 10:10 of ice time.
His greatest strength comes in the faceoff dot. Over the past two campaigns, Raty has taken 821 draws (the second most on the team in that span) in 70 total games, winning his faceoffs at a 60.2 percent rate, which led the team among forwards to take more than one draw.
Toronto gives up Quillan, who has played 24 NHL games with the Leafs, 23 of which came last season. He scored one goal and three points in 2025-26, averaging 10:16 of ice time.
The 24-year-old put up great numbers in the American League, registering 14 goals and 36 points in 40 games, as well as becoming a Calder Cup champion with the Marlies last year.
In other news, Miles Wood, left winger acquired in the Kirill Marchenko trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets, has been placed on IR. He has yet to play a game for the Maple Leafs or the Marlies.
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Räty, 23, who was selected by the Islanders in the second round (No. 52) of the 2021 NHL Draft, was dealt to the Canucks along with forward Anthony Beauvillier and their 2023 first-round pick in exchange for Bo Horvat, who is now the Islanders' captain.
The Finnish forward, who had just one goal in four games this season, was placed on waivers Wednesday but went unclaimed.
In 118 NHL games, Räty has 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points.
The Lakers provided a positive update on one of their potential starters on Thursday.
Ziaire Williams was a full participant in the team’s practice ahead of Friday’s preseason finale against the Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers forward Ziaire Williams fully participated in practice. Khobi Price
The 6-foot-10 forward missed the team’s previous three preseason games after dealing with “a little bit of swelling” in his left foot.
“No idea actually,” Williams responded when asked what caused the swelling. “But the swelling is back down and I was getting up and down and it felt great.”
Ziaire Williams says he's feeling great after dealing with "a little bit of swelling" in his left foot.
His status for tomorrow after missing the previous three preseason games?
"Good. It's up to the staff now. I'm in good hands. They've been taking care of me. See how we… pic.twitter.com/27btQpgrjL
The Lakers haven’t filled those starting slots yet.
“It’s great competition,” Quentin Grimes said. “Everybody wants competition, everybody wants to compete for something, fight for something, earn something. Nothing’s given, so I think it just creates a healthy competition within the team.”
Williams appeared to be optimistic about his available for Friday’s matchup against the Nuggets.
Ziaire Williams (11) was praised for the fullcourt defensive pressure he showed in his lone preseason game with the Lakers so far. NBAE via Getty Images
“Good – it’s up to the staff now,” the former Sierra Canyon star said. “I’m in good hands. They’ve been taking care of me. See how we feel. But yeah, it’s up to them. I’m ready to go as long as they say I am.”
Doncic also fully participated in Thursday’s practice after sitting out of Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors.
Guard Collin Sexton participated in all of the team’s drills but didn’t play in the live scrimmage against his teammates, according to Redick.
“He did some up and down drills vs. coaches,” Redick added, “and then we played live the rest of practice.”
Sexton, who hasn’t played in a preseason game, “trending in the right direction” for the Oct. 21 regular season opener against the Warriors in Los Angeles, according to Redick.
Second-year forward Adou Thiero (maintenance) was a partial participant in practice, while rookie wing Cameron Carr was out.
Collin Sexton’s status for the regular season opener against the Warriors next week is trending in the right direction, according to coach JJ Redick. NBAE via Getty Images
An impossible dream realised: the Vitality Stadium staging European football, where the Europa League is becoming an oasis for Bournemouth. No wins yet in the Premier League, but beating Sturm Graz following up winning away at Real Sociedad should calm the domestic pressures mounting on Marco Rose. A pair of Brazilians secured club history, with Evanilson’s first-half header followed by Rayan’s later drive, a clincher coming just as the Austrian visitors were pushing hard for an equaliser. Álvaro Rodríguez’s stoppage-time penalty extended the celebrations.
Flag day at the Vitality. Elvis Presley’s high baritone and Andy Williams’ tenor on the public address system marked a different type of occasion. Bournemouth have come a significant distance. “Minus 17 to European dreams” read a banner in the Steve Fletcher stand, marking the journey from the foot of the Football League to becoming a model, continental club. Milan visit next week, an occasion to further broaden the smile of Bill Foley, Bournemouth’s financier present in the posh seats. “A long time coming,” said Bournemouth’s long-serving captain, Adam Smith. “The fans were up for it, the players were up for it.”
Cameron Green has returned to the nets in Gqeberha, while Scott Boland gave Josh Inglis a searching session as Australia prepares for the second Test against South Africa beginning on Sunday.
Arkansas men’s college basketball coach John Calipari was too intimidated to approach pop megastar Taylor Swift at Madison Square Garden for the Knicks-Spurs Game 4 of the NBA Finals earlier this year.
During an interview on the “Eye on College Basketball” podcast on Thursday, Calipari explained that he was embarrassed to go up to Swift and acted like he was on his phone.
“I’m in the back corner just kind of watching, and Taylor Swift was there,” Calipari said, painting a picture of a star-studded “dugout” area where celebrities were mingling at the game. “I was embarrassed to go up to her. She was talking to whoever she was talking to, Adam Sandler and his wife [Jackie].
John Calipari closed down SEC Media Days with me at the third-floor bar last night and shared a hilarious story about how he was too scared to say hello to Taylor Swift during the NBA Finals. The phone detail at the end is incredible. pic.twitter.com/F6GdX105NS
“Normally I take a picture, and then I send it to my daughters and stuff. I was intimidated. [Swift] came up and was bubbly, and then I’m sitting here at this table. She’s at the other end. Adam and his wife go up. They converse…
“… Chris Rock is with his mom [Rosalie] right there. I’m fine, ‘Chris, how are ya?’ But she walked up. And what I did was this. I took my phone, and I acted like I was on my phone. I wasn’t on my phone, but I acted like I was… intimidated,” Calipari said.
Singer Taylor Swift sits on Celebrity Row during the second quarter of Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden in New York, Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“I didn’t get invited. I was kind of disappointed, but, you know, things happen,” Calipari joked.
Calipari shared a photo he took with Sandler and his wife while sitting on Celebrity Row for the Game 4 thriller at MSG.
“I got to spend some time with all the Knicks Alums, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock but I was too nervous to introduce myself to Taylor Swift! LOL!” Calipari said at the time.
Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari speaks during the SEC Basketball Tipoff at Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, October 14, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 14: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers bats during Game Three of the National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Dodgers are in an unfamiliar position entering Thursday, teetering on the brink of elimination after having dropped the first three games of the NLCS to the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Dodgers managed to get some production with runners in scoring position in Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead, only to have it short-lived with a pair of home runs against Blake Snell in the top of the seventh inning. The Dodgers once again are reshuffling things for Game 4, and the most prominent change was moving Shohei Ohtani back into his usual leadoff spot.
Ohtani showed some improvements at the plate on Wednesday, going 1-2 with a single and a hit-by-pitch. His flyout against left-hander Robert Gasser came off the bat at 90.3 miles per hour before roping a blistering single up the middle against DL Hall at 113.5 miles per hour, the hardest hit ball by a Dodger this postseason. The move comes as a surprise to Ohtani, as Dave Roberts didn’t communicate with the two-way superstar about his change in the lineup, per David Vassegh of AM 570.
Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman continue to fill the top of the lineup, this time moving down to their no. 2 and no. 3 slots respectively. Betts has struggled at the leadoff position this postseason, slashing just .231/.355/.231 with zero extra-base hits and zero RBI. Freeman has lost himself at the plate since his heroics against his old team in the NLDS, slashing .091/.083/.091 with one RBI across 12 plate appearances.
Will Smith provided the lone bout of offense against Milwaukee in Game 3, and he goes from hitting seventh on Wednesday to moving up to the cleanup spot. Kyle Tucker remains in the middle of the lineup, hitting one slot down from Wednesday at fifth. Tucker has been one of the only consistent bats for the Dodgers this October, as after a nice showing against Atlanta, Tucker is hitting .250 with an .830 OPS. Teoscar Hernández falls down to the sixth in the lineup after two consecutive hitless games.
In what might be the final game of his big league career, Miguel Rojas gets the start at second base batting seventh. Rojas has posted the best offensive numbers for any Dodger over the past seven games, hitting .333 with a .929 OPS and a double over just seven plate appearances. Rojas once again gets the start against a left-hander— this time being Shane Drohan— over Max Muncy. Andy Pages slides down to the eight spot, and Kiké Hernández gets the start over Tommy Edman at the nine spot manning third base. Tyler Glasnow gets the ball looking to save the Dodgers’ season for at least one more game.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: The sneakers worn by VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game against the Boston Celtics on April 28, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
