ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Maikel Garcia #11 of the Kansas City Royals looks on during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 24, 2025 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While Pasquantino perceives a vast number of ways to try to process what this means, he is exhilarated by the concept in terms of individual production — “you kidding me?!” — and appreciates the move in the context of the Royals’ history … and future.
The bottom-line rationale, as he sees it:
“Most people that follow baseball would agree the Royals have always built their teams in specific ways, which was to fit the ballpark,” he said at Royals Rally. “The Royals have not traditionally won a ton of games.”
There are still some good arms out there on the free agent market. Some are lottery tickets, but I would still have no problem adding someone like Justin Wilson or even taking a chance on Michael Kopech or someone like them. I just think it’s so interesting how much they’ve talked about adding in the bullpen when the bullpen looks pretty full at this moment. Even if you say that Lynch and Falter aren’t guarantees and Schreiber is getting moved, there are options to replace them who have already fared well in the big leagues. I’m intrigued by this idea that they might be looking at more bullpen help.
I haven’t heard about Bubic in the bullpen for a long time, but I feel like that’s still a possibility if it needs to be one.
There were some high hopes last season for Nivens, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Missouri State in Springfield. In 99 games and 412 plate appearances in High-A Quad Cities in 2024, he hit 20 home runs, posted a .369 wOBA, and 130 wRC+. He had a slightly high strikeout rate at 26.9%, and his 0.44 BB/K ratio was good, not great. Furthermore, he only hit .243, though his .290 BABIP did him no favors in the Midwest League.
That said, the power was enticing, and there was some hope that Nivens could be a 20+ HR and 15-20 SB threat at the MLB level in 2027 or 2028.
Leaders stumble again in 0-0 draw with 10-man Oxford
Pitch-invading squirrel holds up Hull’s loss to Bristol City
Frank Lampard called his Coventry side’s 0-0 draw with 10-man Oxford “one of those days” as the Championship leaders failed to beat the relegation-threatened U’s.
Lampard’s side were up against 10 men for the final 13 minutes plus stoppage time after Will Lankshear saw red for Oxford 20 minutes after coming off the bench. Romain Esse saw an effort cleared off the line while Haji Wright lashed an effort into the side netting late on, but City’s winless run reached three games and leaves them vulnerable to being knocked off the top by Middlesbrough on Monday.
The Cleveland Cavaliers should see prized trade deadline pickup James Harden suit up before the end of their five-game road trip through the West.
It just might not be Saturday in Sacramento against the Kings.
Even without Harden, my Cavaliers vs. Kings predictions and NBA picks expect Cleveland to take advantage of a Sacramento team playing the second night of a back-to-back, but it won't be enough to cover on Saturday, February 7.
Cavaliers vs Kings prediction
Cavaliers vs Kings best bet: Kings +12 (-110)
James Harden might be the biggest name sidelined (he’s questionable Saturday), but he’s not alone. The Cleveland Cavaliers are down Evan Mobley (calf) and Max Strus (foot), while Dean Wade (ankle) is also questionable.
The Sacramento Kings just lost their 11th in a row and continue to bleed points, allowing 120.5 per game. They rank next-to-last with a 2-7-0 record against the spread when playing on a second straight night.
However, the Kings have shown fight of late, losing by four points or fewer in four of their last five, and they catch the Cavaliers nowhere near their final form.
Sacramento has owned this head-to-head, going 7-1-0 ATS in the last eight meetings with Cleveland.
The Cavs also don’t take advantage of being the better-rested team, going just 2-7-0 ATS in that scenario, the second-worst mark in the league.
I don’t think SacTo wins, but it's getting a lot of points.
Cavaliers vs Kings same-game parlay
Donovan Mitchell has been playing setup man of late, with nine assists in back-to-back games. But before that, he hadn't cleared this number in three straight and five of seven.
DeMar DeRozan is coming off a five-point outing when he played 20 minutes and took just three shots. His line has dropped down to a lowly 17.5 points, a figure he topped four times in his previous five games before Friday.
Cavaliers vs Kings SGP
Kings +12
Donovan Mitchell Under 6.5 assists
DeMar DeRozan Over 17.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Kings For a Day
Russell Westbrook’s assist line might be slightly inflated for Saturday, considering he hasn’t hit six assists in his last seven games.
Zach LaVine has hit at least two triples in 12 of his last 16 games.
Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)
Cavaliers vs Kings betting trend to know
Each of the Kings' last four home games has cashed the Over. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Kings.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Kings
Location
Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Date
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-Ohio, NBCS-California
Cavaliers vs Kings latest injuries
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Shorthanded Pacific Division rivals face off at Crypto.com Arena tonight when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Golden State Warriors.
With Luka Doncic sidelined, my Warriors vs. Lakers predictions call for a big performance from Austin Reaves.
Here are my free NBA picks for this divisional showdown on Saturday, February 7.
Warriors vs Lakers prediction
Warriors vs Lakers best bet: Austin Reaves Over 23.5 points (-112)
Austin Reaves returned from a 19-game absence on Tuesday and logged 15 points in 21 minutes off the bench.
His playing time ramped up to 25 minutes on Thursday, and he finished with a game-high 35 points after Luka Doncic’s early exit due to a hamstring injury.
Doncic is out tonight, which means Reaves will take the lead on offense for the Los Angeles Lakers. In six games played without Doncic this season, Reaves has averaged 36.2 points and scored 24+ five times.
His minutes will still be monitored, but AR could push for 30 minutes tonight with Luka sidelined.
Warriors vs Lakers same-game parlay
Los Angeles has covered the spread in seven of its last 10, including three of its last four. Even without Doncic, Reaves's reemergence should give the Lakers enough firepower to take down a Golden State Warriors team missing Steph Curry.
Both teams have hit the Over more often than not, as the Warriors are 29-23 to the Over, and the Lakers are 28-22. Despite those trends, neither team will have its top scoring option, and offense may come at a premium at Crypto.com Arena.
Golden State and Los Angeles are a combined 9-11 to the Under across their last 10 games.
Warriors vs Lakers SGP
Austin Reaves Over 23.5 points
Lakers -2.5
Under 222
Our "from downtown" SGP: Dray day
Draymond Green isn't a scorer, but he's averaging 10.8 rebounds + assists this season, and he's gone for 10+ in 26 of 43 appearances.
Warriors vs Lakers SGP
Austin Reaves Over 23.5 points
Lakers -2.5
Under 222
Draymond Green Over 9.5 rebounds+assists
Warriors vs Lakers odds
Spread: Warriors +3.5 (-120) | Lakers -3.5 (+100)
Moneyline: Warriors +125 | Lakers -145
Over/Under: Over 222.5 (-105) | Under 222.5 (-115)
Warriors vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Golden State Warriors have only covered the first-quarter spread in 17 of their last 50 games (-20.05 Units / -35% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Lakers.
How to watch Warriors vs Lakers
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC
Warriors vs Lakers latest injuries
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We are launching a new daily article here at South Side Sox, more prominently than our items that pop up on The Feed. It falls under the category of White Sox Discussions, which you’ll see in a few weeks will also be our new branding for Game Threads.
The World Baseball Classic is back this spring, with action kicking off at the Tokyo Dome on March 5 (9 p.m. CT on March 4). The White Sox are sending five players to the WBC: Kyle Teel and Sam Antonacci (Team Italy), Curtis Mead (Team Australia), Munetaka Murakami (Team Japan) and right-handed pitcher Seranthony Domínguez (Team Dominican Republic).
Murakami is the only player to have previously appeared in a World Baseball Classic; in 2023, he hit a two-run, walkoff double in the semifinals and a game-tying solo homer vs. Team USA in the finals.
Of course, you don’t have to root for a team with a White Sox player on the roster. But White Sox reps or no, who you got in the WBC?
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United revival has a fourth consecutive league win, while Thomas Frank’s Tottenham sink further, with still no victory in the competition in 2026. Bruno Fernandes’s 81st-minute strike was a feathered touch off a shin – from Diogo Dalot’s cross – that beat Guglielmo Vicario to the left of the Spurs goalkeeper, and confirmed a miserable day for Frank.
San Diego, CA - November 10, 2025: San Diego Padres new manager Craig Stammen speaks at a news conference as President of baseball operations and General Manager A.J. Preller looks on at Petco Park on November 10, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
The finances of the San Diego Padres have been scrutinized since at least 2023 and each of the past two offseasons have been clouded with speculation about the lack of financial flexibility for the club. Padres president of baseball operation and general manager A.J. Preller has been able to walk the monetary tightrope the last couple of seasons and produced back-to-back postseason rosters. Thomas Conroy of Gaslamp Ball looks at what the financial picture is for San Diego in 2026 and what it will look like in the years ahead and if Preller or another general manager will have the ability to spend money to address roster needs.
Padres News:
The Padres added Miguel Andujar earlier this week and his ability to hit left-handed pitching and play multiple positions on the field makes him a valuable addition to the roster. AJ Cassavell of Padres.com looks at how manager Craig Stammen will use his players to put a competitive team on the field game after game.
The strength of the Padres in 2026 will be their bullpen. According to experts and fans alike, the Padres have the best bullpen in the sport. Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune looks at what fans can expect from the group this season.
In recent days the Padres have reportedly been interested in signing free agent pitcher Framber Valdez and most recently free agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Of course, neither player will play for San Diego in 2026, but it shows San Diego is trying to shore up the roster holes.
The stars will be out tonight at Frost Bank Center as Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs host Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks in a rematch of Thursday’s game at American Airlines Arena.
Wembanyama has been ultra-productive across his last 10 games, and my Mavericks vs Spurs predictions call for another big game from the superstar.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this star-studded affair on Saturday, February 7.
Mavericks vs Spurs prediction
Mavericks vs Spurs best bet: Victor Wembanyama Over 35.5 points + rebounds (-120)
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has averaged 36.4 points + rebounds across his last 10 games, hitting the Over six times in that span.
"Wemby" has averaged 33.9 points + rebounds on the road compared to 36.6 at home, posting at least 36 in 12 of 19 contests at Frost Bank Center. Over his last five at home, Wembanyama has averaged 38.4 and cleared this line three times.
The Dallas Mavericks allow the third-most rebounds and 11th-most points, and Wembanyama has been great against them this season. He finished with 40 and 55 points + rebounds in two matchups.
After a strong performance against Dallas on Thursday, I expect "Wemby" to stay hot and come through with another big game in front of the home crowd.
Mavericks vs Spurs same-game parlay
Cooper Flagg has been on an absolute heater over his last four games, averaging 37.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in that span, good for 51.6 PRA. Flagg has hit the Over on this combo line in four straight, including 42 against the Spurs on Thursday. I don't expect him to slow down.
The Mavericks have dropped six straight, and they've covered only twice in that span. Meanwhile, the Spurs have covered in two of their last three. Despite the recent trends, the Mavs are 6-4 ATS across their last 10, and the Spurs are 4-5-1 in that span. This is a familiar opponent, and Dallas can keep things close enough as it scraps to stay competitive and get back on track.
Mavericks vs Spurs SGP
Victor Wembanyama Over 35.5 points + rebounds
Cooper Flagg Over 36.5 points + rebounds + assists
Mavericks +10
Our "from downtown" SGP: Combo Special
Daniel Gafford has seen more run over his last three, averaging 14 points and 11 boards across 28.7 minutes. He's easily cleared this combo line in each of those contests, and he should have no problem reaching that mark again, even with Marvin Bagley III in the fold to back him up.
Mavericks vs Spurs SGP
Victor Wembanyama Over 35.5 points + rebounds
Cooper Flagg Over 36.5 points + rebounds + assists
Over/Under: Over 230.5 (-105) | Under 230.5 (-115)
Mavericks vs Spurs betting trend to know
The Dallas Mavericks have covered the 2H spread in 33 of their last 50 games (+13.58 Units / 24% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Spurs.
How to watch Mavericks vs Spurs
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Tip-off
6:00 p.m. ET
TV
KFAA, FDSN-FL
Mavericks vs Spurs latest injuries
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The New York Yankees and veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt are finalizing a one-year contract, according to ESPN.com.
No financial terms were disclosed, but the New York Post reports the deal is worth $4 million and Goldschmidt can earn an extra $2 million based on plate appearances.
In Goldschmidt's first season in pinstripes, the seven-time All-Star hit.274 with 10 home runs and 45 RBI in 146 games.
For the 2026 season, the 38-year-old Goldschmidt is expected to back up Ben Rice at first base and get spot starts, especially against left-handed pitchers.
The Yankees were especially quiet during the free agent period, resigning a half-dozen players from last year's squad, instead making a splash by bringing in a big name from another team.
Goldschmidt, the 2022 National League MVP and a four-time Gold Glove winner, has also played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and St. Louis Cardinals during his career. He has 372 home runs and 1232 RBI in 15 major league seasons.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 31: River Ryan of the Los Angeles Dodgers is interviewed at Dodger Stadium on January 31, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Baseball America rated the Dodgers to have the 13th-best farm system in baseball. Not only is that lower than some other publications ranked Los Angeles this year — second at The Athletic, fourth at ESPN — that’s also rare in recent BA history. It’s the first time the Dodgers’ haven’t been ranked in the top 10 farm systems since 2014, thanks in part to some injuries and also a pitching prospect corps relatively light compared to years past.
“If that seems like an anomaly, it’s because it is,” Josh Norris wrote. “The 2026 season marks the first time since 2001 that BA’s preseason Top 100 has not included a Dodgers pitching prospect.”
“He’s turned himself into a pretty good shortstop, can play all over the infield, and should be around an average hitter,” Jeffrey Paternostro wrote. “It’s not exciting, but it is effective.”
Freeland was also ranked the 87th-best prospect at The Athletic, and was ranked 103rd by ESPN.
“if you are the kind of person whose knees shake every time you see a hitting prospect’s z-contact drop below 83% in the minors, this is not going to be the system for you,” Paternostro wrote. “But just about every prospect here hits the ball very hard, and enough of them will keep doing it that the decade-plus of success might just stretch into two.”
The Portland Trail Blazers will be looking to make it two wins in two against the Memphis Grizzlies as they host them once again tonight at the Moda Center.
Jerami Grant is cooking right now, and I’m eyeing him to have another standout performance in my Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers predictions.
Read more in my NBA picks for Saturday, February 7.
Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers prediction
Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers best bet: Jerami Grant Over 17.5 points (-110)
Jerami Grant is having a nice campaign for the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He’s one of Portland’s top players, and Grant has made that clear as of late.
The wing has easily cashed the Over in back-to-back contests, scoring 23 points in the win on Friday. He also dropped another 23 on Tuesday in a nailbiter loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Both of these games were at home, and as previously mentioned, the Blazers are in Portland again this evening.
The Memphis Grizzlies are in shambles, with Ja Morant’s future unclear, while they just traded Jaren Jackson Jr. This isn't a team that is elite defensively, and Grant had his way with them on Friday.
Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers same-game parlay
Jaylen Wells is definitely one player who is benefiting from Morant’s absence. The young guard is averaging 12 PPG in his second season and has started all 50 games.
Wells has hit the Over in points in four consecutive games.
He scored 13 points in Friday’s loss, and he had 18 points in back-to-back contests earlier in the week, as well as he helped Memphis beat the Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Toumani Camara has become valuable. He’s averaging 12.9 PPG while shooting 35.4% from three-point land. Camara is averaging 2.5 makes on 7.1 attempts per contest.
He’s knocked down three triples in back-to-back outings, going 3-for-7 on Friday and 3-for-9 on Tuesday. Camara has cashed the Over in six of his last eight contests as well.
Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers SGP
Jerami Grant Over 17.5 points
Jaylen Wells Over 12.5 points
Toumani Camara Over 2.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Ceddy Boards!
Cedric Coward has grabbed 15 boards across his last two games, cashing the Over in rebounds in both appearances.
Over/Under: Over 237.5 (-110) | Under 237.5 (-110)
Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers betting trend to know
The Memphis Grizzlies have hit the Game Total Under in 26 of their last 40 away games (+10.60 Units / 24% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers.
How to watch Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers
Location
Moda Center, Portland, OR
Date
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN SE-MEM, KUNP
Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers latest injuries
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ATLANTA, GA - JULY 12: JR Ritchie #24 of the Atlanta Braves takes the field during player introductions prior to the 2025 MLB All-Star Futures Game at Truist Park on Saturday, July 12, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It’s been a minute since we have had real, actual Braves baseball news to talk about. Oh sure, we’ve covered the nearly interminable Braves TV partner saga. At least it looks as if we are going to have a happy ending there.
Braves released their non-roster invitee list. This is the deep cut. These are prospects that are not on the 40-man roster and older players that are just on the outside of staying on an active roster. As we shared on Wednesday:
Non-Roster Invitees (24)
Pitchers (10): RH Garrett Baumann, RH Carlos Carrasco, RH Javy Guerra, RH Elieser Hernández, RH James Karinchak, RH Owen Murphy, LH Martín Pérez, RH Austin Pope, RH JR Ritchie, RH Tayler Scott
Infielders(7): Tristin English, John Gil, Jim Jarvis, Alex Lodise, Aaron Schunk, Luke Waddell, Luke Williams
Outfielders (4): José Azócar, Ben Gamel, Brewer Hicklen, DaShawn Keirsey Jr.
So who you got for your favorite NRI this spring? JR Ritchie might be the best prospect in that list, but Battery Power’s #4, #9 and #12 are there too. There are guys that are trying to grab that last guy on the bench role like Luke Williams. Martin Perez and James Karinchak will be pitchers to watch. Backup catcher for Opening Day is up for grabs, and we’ve got three options there. And in the “this guy here is dead” portion of the NRIs, Carlos Carrasco is hanging around.
I have my favorites but I’ll hand the mic to y’all as usual.
Mar 24, 2025; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) looks on from inside the dugout against the New York Yankees during the third inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
May 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Pedro Pages (43) tags out Philadelphia Phillies second base Bryson Stott (5) at home plate during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The season is just around the corner with pitchers and catchers reporting this week and we’ve seen a few changes to the Phillies’ roster. For some, the changes have been too few; for some, the changes are just right. Everyone harbors opinions about the direction of the franchise, or else you wouldn’t be here talking about them. However, sometimes there are things that cannot be conveyed to anyone but the still, small voice in our heads. There might be an opinion we agree with, but we just don’t want anyone to know about it.
We’re all friends here, so let’s get it out. What is the one thing you are afraid to say out loud about the Phillies? Maybe there is a bit of positivity inside that is bursting to be set free. Maybe there is a negative take on a player that would put you in the very small minority. Let us all hear that one thing.
I’ll start: not only should the Phillies be retaining Bryson Stott this year, they should be extending him for the foreseeable future.
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 19: Goaltenders Mackenzie Blackwood #39 and Scott Wedgewood #41 of the Colorado Avalanche chat prior to the game against the Winnipeg Jets at Ball Arena on December 19, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
A pause in the middle of the season is a great time to reflect on the latest news and happenings for the Colorado Avalanche but to also look ahead at the near future including the 2026 Winter Olympics, trade deadline and beyond.
What are your thoughts on the Winter Classic announcement and outdoor game in 2027 against the Utah Mammoth?
Jackie: I’m so glad the NHL listened to my suggestion! It’s been long overdue for the NHL to showcase the Avalanche in its marquee event plus the location and opponent in Utah are a great choice. It’s might even breathe new life into the event from an outsider’s perspective.
Jess: I’m so incredibly excited, my family and I are already talking about possibly making the trip out to Utah next year to watch the game in person, and I’m interested to see what each team comes up with for their jerseys for the game as well. I’m a sucker for a good outdoor hockey game, and I love the venue they picked in the University of Utah football stadium. I think it’s going to be super cool, and I’m really looking forward to it!
Adrian: It’s a great announcement and a great foe when you consider the possibility of the Utah Mammoth being a real rival to the Avalanche one day. The geographical proximity and seeds of a former flame in Avs vs. Coyotes have seemingly jump-started the tension. Add to that the setting of an outdoor game at a college football stadium that should actually be able to accommodate the guests, and you have a recipe for another classic outdoor game.
Matthew: As an Avalanche fan, I’m glad that they’re finally getting their chance to participate in the Winter Classic. For too long, we’ve had to sit on the sidelines waiting for our first chance to be in the premier outdoor game on the NHL schedule while other franchises which shall remain nameless—coughcoughChicagoDetroitPittsburghChicagoBoston—have been in multiple Winter Classic events. This will mark the fourth outdoor event for the Avs, but first appearance in the Winter Classic, which is long overdue. Stadium Series games are nice, don’t get me wrong, but they’ve always played the bridesmaid to the Winter Classic’s perennial bride in terms of prominence. Even though they’re going to be the visiting team in their first trip to the Winter Classic, it’ll definitely be a memorable experience for the players and for the fans, who will be hoping to witness their first victory in an outdoor setting (yes, they won the Lake Tahoe game against Vegas, but sadly, no fans were able to savor the moment in person). All of that said, as someone who was a fan of the Arizona Coyotes until the very end, this is a bittersweet feeling for that side of my fandom watching Utah get the spoils that Arizona was denied for their entire existence in the desert. An Avalanche/Coyotes Winter Classic would have been an absolute dream of mine, and that side of me that pines over the loss of the Coyotes can’t help but feel dejected.
Who are you rooting for in the men’s Olympic hockey tournament?
Jackie: It’s always exciting rooting for the Americans to add to their medal count during the Olympics but for all hockey tournaments it’s easy for me to pull for the underdogs. With so many Avalanche players on different teams this Olympics there’s no obvious choice of interest so I’m putting my support behind Finland and Czechia. Hopefully Joel Kiviranta, Artturi Lehkonen and Martin Nečas find a lot of success.
Jess: I don’t know that I’m rooting for one specific men’s hockey team in the Olympics; it’s been over a decade since NHL players were last at the Olympics in the 2014 Sochi games, and I’m really looking forward to watching everyone play in the games again. That being said, similarly to Jackie, I think it would be incredibly fun for Czechia to find some major success and earn a medal.
Matthew: I would love to see Team USA finally snap its gold medal drought. While the Miracle on Ice certainly is the stuff of legend, adding a fresh, new chapter to Team USA’s Olympic portfolio would do more to help grow the sport stateside and also add a new layer of intrigue to the ongoing rivalry with our Canadian neighbors. The Four Nations tournament provided a nice spark to that rivalry; a gold medal would just add even more fuel to the fire. Locally, having a third generation Olympian in Brock Nelson is something that may not be getting the credit that it deserves. Not many people make it to a single Olympics, and for Nelson, being able to carry on what’s now a family legacy is a huge honor, no matter what awaits Team USA in Italy. That said, a gold medal would certainly silence Brock Nelson’s detractors, who can then find new things to “cough and wheeze” over.
How should the Avalanche approach the upcoming March 6th trade deadline?
Jackie: I really think every team should both buy and sell; everyone should be looking for an opportunity to improve and also rid themselves of underperforming contracts. Obviously, Colorado wants to fortify for a long Stanley Cup run, so they are going to add veteran depth, which shouldn’t break the bank. They already have such a strong team that minimal changes are needed, thankfully. I’d prefer to see the addition of some younger players with term, perhaps get back into the RFA game, and avoid pointless rentals.
Jess: I absolutely think they should buy, but also be reasonable. To Jackie’s point, there are such minimal changes needed because of how good your team is already, so you don’t have to swing big and break the bank in doing so. I can understand why a big name might be really interesting and why you’d at least check in on one of those players that have been made available, but they don’t really solve anything you need them to. Really, as it stands right now, I think you just need a 3C and a depth defenseman.
Adrian: I am conflicted. On the one hand, it feels like a bottom-of-the-league power play won’t cut it in the postseason, but on the other hand, shouldn’t a PP unit with the likes of Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon on it succeed as is? Acquiring a forward to stimulate the man advantage would require a significant ask, likely a commitment that could make the Makar contract a little more complicated, and how do we even know that talent is the issue?
Sure, it seems clear that a left-shot forward on the endboards would potentially make this power play approach click, but you traded Mikko Rantanen, and someone with elite-level finishing from that spot isn’t just a readily available commodity.
Get you a true 3C and a left shot stay at home defender, and pray the power play comes to life at the perfect time, I guess?
Matthew: The sensible approach would be to follow a blueprint similar to the 2022 deadline: identify areas where there may be some deficiencies and upgrade if possible, and secure some depth additions that may help out in key situations. The Avs were able to convert prospects and picks to make those additions, but the prospect pool and draft stock has rapidly diminished since then. Frankly, the return of Gabe Landeskog and—fingers crossed—Logan O’Connor may blunt the need to make changes to the forward lines*. Adding another defenseman that can deploy the breakout pass similar to that of Sam Girard and play steady minutes to help spell some relief for both Cale Makar and Devon Toews would be ideal.
*(Having said this, there is one trade I want the Avs to make, simply to keep him away from Dallas and Minnesota, and because it would be a hero’s welcome to rival Landeskog’s return from injury last spring: get Nazem Kadri back from Calgary. Think about it: Artemi Panarin just went to Los Angeles for peanuts—and that includes the upcoming two year extension he signed—it certainly is possible that Calgary might(?) do the same to send Kadri back to Colorado. Wishful thinking? Maybe. We’ll see, just as long as he doesn’t land somewhere else in division.)
Which Avs goaltender would you start if the playoffs began tomorrow?
Jess: Unless something drastically changes, it’s Blackwood for me. He played really well last year and showed he could compete at that level of playoff hockey. I absolutely can understand the argument for Scott Wedgewood, and there’s a really solid case to start him instead because of how stellar his play has been this year, but I’d still start Blackwood. I don’t think I would split the time personally and play them both, unless there’s an extenuating circumstance that requires you to do so, solely based on the fact that we saw the record-setting Boston Bruins team try that with their goalies in the 2022-2023 season, and we all know how that went.
Jackie: I’ve been team Wedgewood so he’s the one I’d start if the Stanley Cup finals began tomorrow. He had the better statistics up until the last week when Blackwood earned the Detroit shutout and has 20 wins. But splitting time is got them to the position they are in so I don’t think it’s smart to change that, therefore I’d like to see both goaltenders in net in the playoffs. Wedgewood for me earned a greater trust level as he has played more and been more consistent of the two.
Adrian: It would be MacKenzie Blackwood for me. Scott Wedgewood did some legendary work early in the season while Blackwood was on the mend. Since then howerver, Scott has sustained a few injuries of his own and struggled to match his early-season consistency. Add to that Blackwood having the exact opposite road to right now. He has slowly worked out the kinks and appears to be all that the Avalanche hoped he’d be.
Matthew: The answer to this question depends largely on who the Avalanche draw in the first round. If the Avalanche wrap up the Central and are guaranteed one of the wild card draws of Utah, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Nashville, or San Jose, my preference would be to start Mackenzie Blackwood against whoever earns the wild card. Given how the Avs bowed out in the postseason last year, giving Blackwood an extra round of games and putting him in a position to secure his first playoff series win would be a huge confidence boost for him and the team as a whole. It’s one thing to make the postseason, but gaining confidence in winning in the postseason means everything, especially for a goaltender. Scott Wedgewood can—and has—stepped up admirably throughout the season, but when it comes to the postseason, it’s Blackwood’s net to lose.
