The Red Wings have suspended Dylan Larkin without pay after he informed the team he would not play until a trade was finalized, a twist that Detroit said it was “disappointed by.”
The former Red Wings captain’s trade request became public nearly five months ago, and earlier Thursday, head coach Todd McLellan announced Larkin would not play against the Blackhawks and that interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said he would address the situation.
“Dylan Larkin has informed us that he will no longer play for the Detroit Red Wings. We are disappointed by this decision, particularly given his obligations to the organization and his teammates. We have therefore suspended Dylan without pay,” Horcoff said in a statement issued Thursday evening.
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin reacts during a game in Seattle, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
“We will continue to explore trade opportunities involving Dylan. In addition to needing his approval, any trade must also be in the best interest of the Detroit Red Wings and support the organization’s long-term goals.”
Larkin, 30, has a full no-trade clause, but the center has given the Red Wings a list of 10 teams he would accept a trade to.
According to The Athletic, that list includes Panthers, Wild, Golden Knights, Stars, Capitals, Hurricanes, Mammoth, Lightning, Devils and Avalanche.
The latest drama started after Larkin declined to report for Thursday’s game against Chicago.
“Dylan’s had enough of the situation. We believe he’s been very professional and cooperative through this process,” Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson, told The Athletic in a statement before the suspension was announced.
Larkin has not revealed why he has requested a trade, but the decision was made after the 2025-26 season.
Dylan Larkin, left, of the Detroit Red Wings takes a shot next to Ottawa Senators’ Michael Amadio on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in Detroit. Getty Images
He was stripped of his captaincy ahead of training camp and missed the start of the season with an injury.
Larkin was booed by Red Wings fans when he was introduced as part of the home opener ceremonies.
The center has played in 10 of the Red Wings’ first 12 games and has six points (two goals, four assists).
Larkin has scored at least 30 goals in each of his last five seasons.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks drives to the basket against James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on April 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Paras Griffin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Hawks (2-3) look to snap an ugly three-game losing streak against the Cleveland Cavaliers (3-1).
Starting lineup:
G CJ McCollum
G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
F Dyson Daniels
F Jalen Johnson
C Onyeka Okongwu
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Start Time: 8:00 PM EDT
TV: Peachtree TV (WPCH), Atlanta News First (WANF)
Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)
Streaming:Amazon Prime, NBA League Pass (out of market), Youtube TV (NBA League Pass out of market)
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 01: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates scoring during the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Truist Park on August 1, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves, who won 94 games, the NL East Division title and the NL Wild Card Series over the Phillies, made the no-brainer decision of all no-brainer decisions today.
The #Braves today exercised options for OF Ronald Acuña Jr. and INF Ozzie Albies for the 2027 season. Atlanta also reinstated RHPs Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider and Hurston Waldrep, as well as LHP Joey Wentz, from the 60-day injured list.
The Braves signed Ronald Acuña Jr to a very hometown-friendly contract that allows Atlanta to retain 2023 NL Most Valuable Player. They will pay him 17 million dollars (eh, in theory if all 162 games are played) for the 2027 season. Ozzie Albies signed a much more team-friendly contract. The Braves will pay Ozzie Albies a lockout-pending 7 million dollars.
Some portions of Braves Country were certain Ronald would not be back. I believe most of those don’t watch the regular season games, believe things on social media, or both. But he’s due to make 6 million fewer dollars than MLB qualifying offers. When healthy, he’s amazing. When not healthy, he hears about it. Much the same goes for Ozzie Albies. The Braves have paid him 38 million for 23 WAR over the last 10 years. He did have a career low in wRC+ this season. But it appears they’ll keep the good vibes going one more season. It would probably prove more trouble to replace Albies this season than to keep him, and should serve as the bridge for prospects waiting in Double-A.
The Braves did some bookkeeping as well today as the postseason kicked off. They reinstated Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, Hurston Waldrep and Joey Wentz from the 60-day Injured List. Alex Anthopoulos has already told us that we should not expect Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider to just pick up where they left off. Joey Wentz’s injury is at least a lower body one, blowing out his right ACL fielding a meaningless Spring Training bunt attempt. But hey, at least it’s not his arm (whistles past Joe Jimenez).
Welcome back, Ronnie and Ozzie. Let’s get this silly labor spat decided and watch some dingers, shall we?
Surprising NHL news emerged this morning, as Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLennan announced that Dylan Larkin will not play tonight as the team faces the Chicago Blackhawks.
McLennan said interim GM Shawn Horcoff would address the situation and that the Red Wings would issue a statement. After the announcement, TSN hockey insider Pierre LeBrun said trade talks surrounding Larkin have escalated. While he noted a deal is not imminent, discussions have certainly escalated.
Since the off-season, the Blues have been interested in adding young, skilled players such as Mason McTavish and Connor McMichael. They have also been linked to players like Simon Edvinsson and Alexander Nikishin. Larkin doesn't fit this category, as he is 30 years old, but Larkin would be a huge add to the roster.
Robert Thomas and Larkin would form a formidable one-two punch if the Blues make a deal.
The Red Wings released a statement today, suspending him from the team without pay.
“Dylan Larkin has informed us that he will no longer play for the Detroit Red Wings,” Horcoff said in a statement provided on X. “We are disappointed by his decision, particularly given his obligations to the organization and his teammates. We have therefore suspended Dylan without pay.
Larkin is in year four on an eight-year contract, carrying an $8.7 million AAV.
The Blues are at a disadvantage in pursuing Larkin, as they would need to convince him he can compete for a Stanley Cup in St. Louis.
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The right-hander declined his player option and will be one of the most coveted arms on the free agent market this winter. Last offseason, King returned to San Diego on a three-year, $75 million deal that included opt-outs after each of the first two seasons.
San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
King is likely seeking a long-team deal and he is poised to receive one after posting a 3.21 ERA with 159 strikeouts across 32 starts (185 innings pitched). He accrued a career-high 4.3 bWAR in 2026, highlighting the ace’s productivity and durability.
The Padres reached the National League Division Series, falling to the eventual World Series champion Brewers. King was a monumental part of San Diego’s postseason run.
In the NLDS, King allowed just one run across 12 innings (two starts) and earned the save in Game 3 when he came out of the bullpen to close out the final two frames.
The right-hander’s love for the Padres was evident after their NLDS elimination, when he said: “San Diego has been incredible for me, and it’s all the way across the country from home. I feel like I have a second home on the West Coast. It’s been awesome.
“And I hope to continue it.”
San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King delivers against the Chicago Cubs in the sixth inning of Game 1 of the National League Wild Card baseball playoff series Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, in San Diego. AP Photo/Gregory BullSan Diego Padres owners José Feliciano and his wife, Kwanza Jones, look on during batting practice before Game 2 of the National League Wild Card baseball playoff series against the Chicago Cubs. AP Photo/Gregory Bull
King’s comments bode well for San Diego’s chances of retaining the ace, but with the right-hander’s impending popularity on the market, a reunion will be costly. For the Padres, King is the most important free agent as his departure would leaving the starting rotation extremely bleak.
San Diego fans will have to see whether new ownership puts their money where their mouth is.
Honda Center isn’t an unfamiliar sight for Sabres defenseman Olen Zellweger, who was drafted by the Ducks in 2021 and made his NHL debut (coincidentally against the Sabres) at Honda Center in 2024.
“No, I didn’t,” Zellweger said with a laugh when asked if he went to the wrong dressing room when he arrived. “I haven't really been over to the away side, so it's a bit unusual being over here, but exciting at the same time.”
Despite the somewhat unceremonious end to his tenure there, Zellweger was very appreciative of his time in Anaheim when asked about it.
“It was always a dream of mine to play in the NHL and that's where it came true for me. So that's what's really special about it. There was some ups and downs. It’s kind of like anything, you gotta work through adversity. I was really thankful for my time there. The fans are unbelievable and teammates and stuff like that were awesome. Overall, it was great.”
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Zellweger played in 164 games for the Ducks. Most of that time was spent trying to carve out a regular spot in the lineup as he faced lineup logjams and defensive inconsistencies. After spending most of the 2025-26 season as a regular in the lineup, he was healthy scratched for the final six games of the regular season in favor of AHL call-up Tyson Hinds. Hinds performed well enough to hold a spot in the lineup for the playoffs, with Zellweger relegated to the press box.
Injuries in the Ducks’ conference semifinal matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights led to Zellweger’s reintroduction. He responded with points in back-to-back games, an assist on Ian Moore’s game-winning goal in Game 4 and the tying goal in Game 5 late in the third period. The Ducks would eventually fall to the Golden Knights in six games after losing Game 5 in overtime and getting blown out in Game 6.
Despite being removed from the lineup during the home stretch of the regular season and his re-insertion into the lineup only being necessitated due to injuries, Zellweger never concerned himself with where his long-term future would be, whether in Anaheim or elsewhere. He was a pending RFA this past summer and signed a three-year, $9.3 million contract extension with the Sabres several days after they acquired him from the Ducks.
“I don't think I was thinking that far ahead,” Zellweger said. “Played a couple games in the playoffs there, so I was trying to play my best. I think I came back and I played well and felt good. It would have been good to try to win that Game 5 in Vegas. But overall, I just kind of took it throughout the process, didn't really think that that was the end or anything. I was just going day-by-day, week-by-week kind of thing, seeing how things played out. They played out this way, so that's where I was at with that.”
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
In September, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek revealed that he was in discussions with Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier and Pavel Mintyukov’s representatives ahead of the 2025-26 season. Agreements never came to fruition and all three players eventually hit restricted free agency. Carlsson, Gauthier and Mintyukov now account for $38.7 million of the Ducks’ cap.
Zellweger said that his representation did not engage of discussions of that kind, or at least one that he had heard of.
“I don't think nothing really got there after last season (2025-26) as well.”
The change of scenery has seemed to do Zellweger well, who has five points in 11 games thus far as part of the Sabres’ second defensive pair alongside Owen Power. He scored the game-winning goal on Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks.
“Every game counts as a new one,” he said. “It's not really what you've done, it’s more like what you're gonna provide for the team going forward. So I don’t think I look at it in that sense., more just kind of bringing my best effort every game and knowing that I'm gonna go there and play well.”
Oct 11, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros major league coach Jason Kanzler (41) fist bumps designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) during player introductions before game one of the ALDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Over the past couple of weeks, the Mariners’ search for a Dan Wilson replacement has heated up. A couple of names with connections to the division-rival Astros, Joe Espada and Jason Kanzler, have been at the forefront of the conversation. With rumors continuing to swirl on Tuesday morning, the LL staff Slack channel discussed their thoughts on the most recent developments. Join the discussion down in the comments! (And keep an eye out for added context in italicized parentheticals like this one -JJ). [Or Ed. notes like this one. -KP]
Grant Bronsdon: Adam Jude makes it sound like it’s just Espada and Kanzler in the mix as the two finalists.
(Grant posted a link to a Seattle Times report from Jude in which Espada and Kanzler are described as the two finalists for the job, having been scheduled for in-person interviews with the team.)
Ryan Blake: I like Espada fine enough.
Ben Thoen: I assume his 54% winning percentages in his two seasons prior to last have been referenced. But yeah, I agree, two division titles in three years, familiarity with our rival, and Spanish-speaking are all major pluses.
Zach Mason: Two AL West titles, though.
ZAM(referencing an excerpt from the report that states the Mariners could still talk to candidates with the Rays or Brewers after the World Series): Oh, shit! That’s Daniel Vogelbach’s music!
(At the time of the discussion, Vogelbach was still over 24 hours from becoming a World Series champion with the Brewers.)
Connor Donovan: I forget who wrote it (Chandler Rome?) but I read a profile on Espada after he was let go and came away thinking that he’d be another Dan re: managing the clubhouse and we all saw how that went this past year. Would just be pretty uninspiring, in my opinion.
[Ed. note: I think this is the piece Connor is referring to; Rome also did some radio hits and podcast appearances talking about Espada after he was let go.]
Evan James: Sure feels like they wanted Baldelli and outside of that they’ll have to settle. Shame, he was the only candidate with the native experience to communicate with Dom Canzone.
Ryan: I think Dan managed the clubhouse well and he shouldn’t have been fired, so Dan 2.0 is good with me, re: Espada.
Connor: I think the hands off approach worked fine in 2025 but this past year with guys playing hurt all the time among other things has convinced me that the team needs someone that can put their foot down a bit. I was also a bit of a Dan apologist but it clearly just wasn’t working. Besides, the minute a reliever gives up a run or a pinch hitter strikes out the usual voices will be screaming “fire Espada/Kanzler.”
Evan: Agreed, it’s Kanzler. Younger than me. He also sounds like a Pokemon, which is fun.
John Trupin: Kate, your point about [Nationals manager Blake] Butera that you expanded upon in the blurb is a big question mark here. The Nats seemed to have success with a roster that is super young and had no expectations. That’s not to say Kanzler couldn’t succeed here but it’s a distinct challenge.
Ryan: Every answer I’ve seen him give is a really long nothing-burger. To lead people we need to be people then lead ourselves first. Coding hobbyist is what I used to say when I didn’t know how to code. First meeting he better be asked to speak some Spanish.
Connor:
Kate Preusser: I would read the Athletic profile of Butera linked in the piece. I didn’t know a lot about Butera and I came away pretty impressed and confident in his ability to lead despite his age. It’s a different situation for sure but I don’t think youth is necessarily a problem. I actually think some enthusiastic cringe energy might be good. I also think there’s a chance there’s a secret candidate or two not being leaked but Kramer’s report citing internal sources felt pretty deflating about that.
Ryan: Arthur suggests Espada and Kanzler might both get hired and I don’t hate sticking Kanzler as bench coach assuming we have the vet as manager.
John: Ryan, I’m sorry I think you have explained somewhat but would you mind elucidating your scammer fears comprehensively?
ZAM: We call this management move PIOTS-baiting, and it’s not a tactic we should fall for. [Ed. note 1: “PIOTS” is shorthand for “Put It On The Site” i.e. move these discussions to where people can see them; Ed. note 2: haha.]
Ryan: The few quotes I’ve seen from him have been very long, jargonny, nothingness — he talks like Dipoto. Everything I can find about him screams stereotype millenial ladder climber. I just don’t think the players will respect it. I also think forgetting to scrub socials is a big deal. That’s a massive red flag for a job that’s like 90% image/media management. Maybe he winds up being fine but this is not a good start if it is indeed the Kanzler era.
Connor: It’s one thing if his posting was like, racist or problematic in other ways but it just seemed kinda cringe more than anything. Which yeah, it’s easy to poke fun at but ultimately it doesn’t matter if he’s cringe or not; what matters is that the players buy in. Which, to be fair, is no guarantee.
Kate: I think after Wilson being an energy vortex I am ready for the opposite, even if that energy is cringe millennial-hustle culture, that at least is a vision? And I could see a room full of very Baseball Player Dudes buying into that. That being said, I am writing up some under-the-radar candidates and I want Billy Boyer in this organization like yesterday.
Ryan: That is a fair take, Kate. I don’t know, I could see them laughing in his face or being like “whoa finally my people.”
Isabelle Minasian: Let the record show I am 100% with Ryan on Kanzler who, among other things, seems like a guy who has had raw milk at least once.
ZAM: I know it’s inarticulate to discuss vibes and point to expertise rather than arguing, but I have spent 14 years as a consumer protection lawyer, and Kanzler just really tingles my grifter Spidey sense. But that doesn’t mean it’s not what will work for the players whose jerseys we buy.
ZAM: But I am also just very dispirited that our two choices are both Astros people.
“At Buffalo, Kanzler became best friends and roommates with catcher Tom Murphy, now a prospect with the Colorado Rockies. Murphy and Kanzler became favorites of Buffalo coach Ron Torgalski.”
The discussion ended on a high note with Isabelle pointing out Kanzler’s connection to Murphy, the now-former Mariner. So, LL community, give us your thoughts! Are you satisfied with the Mariners’ managerial finalists? Do you prefer one to the other? Let us know in the comments below!
DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings have suspended Dylan Larkin without pay and taken him off the roster after they said he told the team he will no longer play for the franchise, growing frustrated by its inability to move him months after he asked for a trade.
“We are disappointed by his decision, particularly given his obligations to the organization and his teammates,” interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said in a statement Thursday, shortly before Detroit hosted Chicago.
Detroit coach Todd McLellan told reporters earlier in the day that Larkin would not play against the Blackhawks, adding that Horcoff was expected to address the move.
Larkin asked for a trade in the offseason after the franchise extended its postseason drought to a decade, but he started the season still on the team but stripped of the captaincy.
“We will continue to explore trade opportunities involving Dylan,” Horcoff said. “In addition to needing his approval, any trade must also be in the best interests of the Detroit Red Wings and support the organization’s long-term goals.
“I want to thank and commend our coaches and players for their continued focus, and being committed to competing every day.”
A message seeking comment was left with Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson.
The 30-year-old center has two goals and six assists in 10 games, giving him 278 goals and 649 points in 818 games since making his debut with his hometown Red Wings during the 2015-16 season. Larkin, who is from Waterford, Michigan, was drafted by Detroit No. 15 overall in 2014 after playing for the Wolverines in college.
He was a key player for the United States when it won Olympic gold last February at the Milan Cortina Games.
After missing two games with an upper-body injury, he scored in his season debut — after being booed when he touched the puck on his first shift — to help Detroit beat Ottawa. He scored again on Monday night in a win at Edmonton.
Larkin has a full no-trade clause as part of his eight-year contract, which has five years remaining with an annual salary cap hit of $8.7 million. He initially told the Red Wings he would accept a trade to Florida, Minnesota and Vegas before reportedly adding more possibilities in recent weeks.
Nearly a month into the season, standout defenseman Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned as a restricted free agent. The 23-year-old Swede had nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last year, his second full season in the NHL. Detroit drafted him No. 6 overall in 2021 and he has 19 career goals and 60 points in 175 games.
In desperately need of good news two weeks ago, the Red Wings signed two-time All-Star forward Alex DeBrincat to a seven-year contract worth $13 million per season.
Every team in the NHL strives for organizational depth, but the waiver wire makes it hard to hang on to it.
The Senators just lost another player on waivers, their second in just over a month.
On Thursday, the Minnesota Wild claimed defenceman Cameron Crotty, who had been placed on waivers earlier this week as the Senators prepared for the return of Thomas Chabot in LA.
Senators defenseman Cam Crotty, claimed today by Minnesota, was asked earlier this month about his approach the season ahead (Senators on YouTube).
With Chabot coming back rom injury, the Senators needed to clear a roster spot and were hoping to sneak Crotty through waivers and assign him to Belleville.
Unfortunately for the Senators, one of the NHL teams in need was the Minnesota Wild. He played in that organization in 2024-25, so they knew him well, and they wanted him back.
Crotty, an Ottawa native, had provided the Senators with some additional defensive depth while the club dealt with injuries on its blue line. Although he wasn't a regular in the lineup, he gave the team another option during a stretch when several defencemen were unavailable.
With Chabot getting healthy and Jake Sanderson and Artem Zub already back in the lineup, Crotty fell to the number 8 position on Ottawa's blue line.
It's the second time this month that the Senators have tried to send a player to Belleville, only to lose him to another NHL team.
With the signing of Samuel Ersson as the NHL backup, Meriläinen had slipped on the depth chart, but the Senators were hoping to keep him in the system as insurance in case of injuries.
The 24-year-old got off to an encouraging start with Vancouver, but Meriläinen has been shelled in his last three outings, surrendering a combined 15 goals.
While the Senators would have loved to keep both players in the organization, the players union long ago negotiated rules to help keep NHL-level players from being buried in the minors.
Crotty's exit means that Hoyt Stanley would probably be Ottawa's next man up, if needed.
The Senators now move forward with one fewer depth option in their organization, although the return of Chabot should provide an immediate boost.
Meanwhile, the Wild obviously took a shine to last year's Belleville Senators. They also signed Arthur Kaliyev to a PTO with AHL Iowa.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Jaylen Brown #7 against the Detroit Pistons at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 25, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Update: 5:51 p.m.: Jaylen Brown has now been ruled out. Before the game, Nick Nurse said Brown reported his knee soreness after their win in Indiana and was not able to go through shoot around this morning. He didn’t provide any further detail than just he hopes Brown is back soon.
Update, 4:15 p.m.: Jaylen Brown, who was listed as questionable with knee soreness, has now been downgraded to doubtful with left knee tendinopathy.
The rest of the injury report remains the same.
Forget the player participation policy, there’s an NBA Cup to respect.
The Sixers released their injury report for their first leg of their second back-to-back of the season, and the only starter listed on it is Jaylen Brown, who is questionable with left knee soreness. That’s an unwelcome surprise, but it at least means LeBron James and Joel Embiid will be available for their rematch against the New York Knicks.
There wasn’t any clear moment in the Sixers win against the Pacers where Brown appeared to pick up a knock, but he only played 34 minutes in the game despite already being fourth in the league in minutes this season.VJ Edgecombe, who returned from an abdominal contusion in Indiana, is also not listed.
On the James and Embiid side, This is a difference from how Philadelphia handled their first set of consecutive games this season, where Embiid played the first game and LeBron played the second. The circumstances surrounding this back-to-back changes the calculus a little bit for the Sixers because that Knicks game is on Amazon Prime.
Nationally televised games are subject to the player participation policy critiquing the availability of players who have made an All-Star game and having already offended it, the Sixers aren’t trying to pick up any more infractions there. On top of the game being on Prime, it’s also the first NBA Cup night of the season. The Sixers have yet to advance out of group play in the Cup’s first three seasons of existence.
That means it’s possible both Embiid and James miss the second game of the weekend at Charlotte against the Hornets. It makes sense to load up for the harder opponent in New York. Getting some of their front court depth back would help a lot in getting through these types of games.
Dominick Barlow remains out with spine injury, he’s about a week from his reevaluation. Jabari Walker is also out with left knee soreness, he tweaked his left knee back on Oct. 24 against the Bucks. The only update that’s come on him recently is the designation on the injury report changing from left knee soreness to left patellar tendinopathy. Tacko Fall continues to get closer according to Nick Nurse, but is still listed as out with a quad injury. Hopefully Brown is able to go so the Sixers at least get their full starting five for the defending champions.
On Thursday, the Detroit Red Wings announced several roster moves, headlined by the news that center Dylan Larkin is expected to remain out of the lineup until a trade involving the 30-year-old materializes.
The team also reassigned goaltender Michal Postava to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL despite his impressive NHL debut, where he stopped 24 of 27 shots in a win over the red hot Edmonton Oilers.
With John Gibson expected to return to action Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks, the veteran netminder is set to make his first start since last Saturday. It's been a slow start for the 33-year-old, who has so far maintained a 3-4-1 record with a 3.44 goals against average and a .867 save percentage while playing in the final year of his current deal.
Meanwhile, the Red Wings recalled forward Sheldon Dries from Grand Rapids to slot into the fourth line. The 32-year-old has appeared in six games with Detroit this season, recording no points and a minus-three rating. However, Dries has been highly productive at the AHL level, tallying five goals and three assists for eight points in just four games.
He will look to carry that offensive momentum into his return to the NHL lineup and provide a scoring boost for Detroit. The Red Wings will aim to keep things rolling Thursday night against Chicago, having won six of their last seven meetings with the Blackhawks.
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The Buffalo Sabres are moving forward with goalie Connor Hellebuyck now with the New Jersey Devils, but details continue to filter out as to what the club offered to acquire the 33-year-old Hart and Vezina Trophy winner before the NHL Draft last June.
According to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, the trade package that Buffalo was prepared to give up included goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen,winger Jack Quinn, another piece that may have been 2025 first rounder Radim Mrtka, and a swap of the fourth overall pick obtained in the Bowen Byram deal for Winnipeg’s first rounder (8th overall), but the Jets wanted to retain the pick to select Viggo Bjorck, which they did after the deal fell apart.
Is UPL the goalie of the present and future for the Sabres?
Based on the return the Jets got from the Devils (center Dawson Mercer, goalie Nico Daws, 2026 first rounder Alexander Command, forward Nick Bjugstad, and a pair of draft picks), the deal with the Sabres appears to be superior, as Luukkonen would have taken the place of Stuart Skinner, who Winnipeg signed after July 1. Quinn currently leads Buffalo with 11 points.
Pagnotta also believes that Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen is looking to add some scoring help with Buffalo 25th in the NHL averaging 2.75 goals per game, as a replacement for the offense that left when Alex Tuch went to Washington. The Sabres have the benefit of a group of young centers that may be attractive to clubs looking to upgrade up the middle, and also a bevy of big righty defensive prospects, including Mrtka, 2026 first rounder Daxon Rudolph, and Minnesota-Duluth’s Adam Kleber.
JJ Redick foreshadowed a night like Wednesday evening.
Throughout preseason and the regular season, he stressed that every player on the Lakers’ roster would get an opportunity to play, even if they weren’t a regular part of the Day 1 rotation.
Jarred Vanderbilt finally got his shot in the Lakers’ rotation during Wednesday’s win over the Clippers. NBAE via Getty Images
Injuries occur. Game plans change. The unpredictability of an 82-game regular season creates opportunities that can’t always be planned.
“Vando’s always going to play hard,” coach JJ Redick said of the veteran forward. “He’s always going to impact the game with just his effort, and I thought he did that.”
With 2026-27 being his ninth season in the NBA, the value Vanderbilt brings is known.
Jarred Vanderbilt immediately made an impact on the boards for the Lakers. Getty Images
Hustle.
Versatile defense, with his 6-foot-8, 214-pound frame helping him guard most positions.
A formidable rebounder.
All of which were on display against the Clippers.
He recorded 7 rebounds and 2 assists in 21 minutes.
While individual plus/minus can be a misleading statistic at times, the Lakers winning Vanderbilt’s minutes by 22 points reflected his impact.
And this came after he was a DNP-CD (did not play – coach’s decision) in the first four games of the season.
Jarred Vanderbilt’s been praised for his professionalism. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
“He’s a true professional,” Grimes said. “He’s the first one in the gym, stays after to get some extra shots, gets the extra conditioning in. He’s a great player. He’s been ready, I’ve seen it. Knowing since we were kids. I knew he’d be ready for a game like this, for sure.”
With Kevon Looney’s role in the rotation already diminishing, Vanderbilt could continue to get more playing time, especially as a frontcourt partner next to Sandro Mamukelashvili, who can complement Vanderbilt with his floor-spacing.
The Lakers know Vanderbilt will be ready if his number is called again soon.
“Vando is somebody that is always going to stay ready,” Collin Sexton said. “He was [at the practice facility Wednesday] morning when I came in. He was on the floor, full-out sweat, getting shots up, moving fast. And I felt like he’s always going to be ready for whenever his name is called, but that just shows a true professional. That just shows someone that, no matter the circumstances, they’re going to come each and every day to give what they got.
“And you never see any bad days for Vando, he’s always going to be a leader. He’s always going to come in and be that vet and be that good person. Whether he plays no minutes or he plays 48 minutes, he’s always going to be the same person. And I feel like that’s one of the things that helps in the locker room is we’re all for the team.”
Former Australian opener David Warner has urged ex-teammate Steve Smith to make a shock late-career change beginning with the summer’s Tests against New Zealand.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 19: Osleivis Basabe #39 and Jason Foley #64 of the San Francisco Giants prepare for the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on August 19, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It wasn’t long into September before we all noticed that the San Francisco Giants had a looming numbers bomb waiting for them five days after the conclusion of the World Series. While the team wound up using a record 71 players this season, they had 55 players for 40 spots thanks to those still on the roster via in the injured list. We are now about 15 hours since the conclusion of the World Series (congrats, Brewers!) and the number is down to 52, thanks to the following moves:
LHP Matt Gage was waived, cleared waivers, and outrighted to Triple-A.
IF Osleivis Basabe was waived, cleared waivers, and outrighted to Triple-A.
RHP Jason Foley was waived, cleared waivers, and outrighted to Triple-A.
Mariners claimed OF Grant McCray off waivers.
Nationals claimed RHP Braxton Roxby off waivers.
A month and a half ago, I attempted to clear the brush as a thought exercise and just tracking that, I missed out on two of these: Foley and Roxby. Pretty easy guys to lose, even in the moment, but I thought Foley’s remaining MLB option and Roxby being a recent acquisition might be factors for keeping them. Not so.
As Andrew Baggarly points out in his writeup, Foley’s stuff just wasn’t there in his 26 innings — just 15 strikeouts. If the Giants are committed to adding more stuff to their pitching staff, then yeah, phasing out these pitch to contact relievers supercharges the process. Foley’s career K/9 is just 6.58. Roxby’s has been 11+ per 9 in his MiLB career, but losing a 27-year old reliever with just 5.1 MLB innings to waivers is just the cost of doing business. He’d have been good enough to keep around if they could hold on to him, but they couldn’t and so that just creates a new opportunity for the next guy.
Speaking of, it seems like Grant McCray has been “the next guy” for the last few years. He just hasn’t been able to take advantage. But, he’ll be just 26 next season and he still has an MiLB option. Plenty of dudes have figured it out at this phase of their lives/careers.
The Giants need to deal with at least 12 more players in the next four and a half days. They’ll have a little more time after (November 17th) to figure out who to add to the 40-man to protect in the Rule 5. Right now, we can figure these following players are locks through these next four and a half days: Logan Webb, Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, Daniel Susac, Randy Rodriguez, Adrian Houser, Jung Hoo Lee, Harrison Bader, Bryce Eldridge, Marcelo Mayer, Bo Davidson, Matt Wilkinson, Cesar Perdomo, Jonah Cox, Victor Bericoto, Drew Gilbert, Anthony Molina, and Landen Roupp.
19 players for 40 spots. So, really, the choices involve this soup of 33 players:
Catchers
Drew Cavanaugh Andrew Knizner Zach Morgan Jesus Rodriguez
Infielders
Nate Furman Brett Harris Christian Koss Shay Whitcomb
Outfielders
Scott Bandura Turner Hill
Pitchers
Tristan Beck Hayden Birdsong Jose Butto Duncan Davitt Camilo Doval Trent Harris Sam Hentges Joel Kuhnel Seth Lonsway Yunior Marte Trevor McDonald Miguel Mendez Joel Peguero Reiver Sanmartin Carson Seymour Dylan Smith Blade Tidwell Ryan Walker Carson Whisenhunt Rowan Wick Keaton Winn
