Hart brought a friend’s dog to practice Wednesday, and Bucky the Bernedoodle came into the interview room with him afterward.
Josh Hart brings a dog with him to Knicks practice on May 13, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“We’re a dog-friendly establishment. It’s good vibes around here,” Hart said. “Whatever makes good vibes, we’re good.”
The Knicks have been off since completing a series sweep of the 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. They are still awaiting their next opponent, either the Cavaliers or the Pistons. The two teams were tied 2-2 in their best-of-seven series entering Wednesday.
Bucky the Bernadoodle made his presence known. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The earliest the next round could begin is Sunday.
The Knicks seem pretty relaxed. They are even bringing dogs with them to work.
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“Every day, we’re focused on ourselves,” Hart said. “Obviously, we don’t know who we’re going to play. If we continue to just focus on ourselves and take care of the things that we can take care of, we’ll be in a good position. So that’s all today was — the next couple of days — until we figure out who we’re going to play.”
I’m not crying you’re crying. | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer was surprised by his family — and his adopted family, the Martins — during a Good Morning America TV performance with the Calder Trophy on Wednesday.
That the 18-year-old phenom took the prize for the NHL’s best rookie in 2025-26 is no surprise; but the way the news was delivered was a poignant, touching moment for a kid who’s been through a lot and turned his story into an example and inspiration for children facing similar heartache. Watch his reaction, and his dad reminding him this is a good day, in the tweet below:
#Isles Matthew Schaefer on @GMA just now was emotional as he was awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy surrounded by his family, friends and the Martin family.
The vote to award Schaefer the top spot was reportedly unanimous: all 198 voters listed him at the top of their ballot. That’s a historic achievement not seen in three decades.
#Isles Matthew Schaefer at 18 years, 223 days is youngest ever winner of Calder Trophy, one day younger than Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon in 2014. He’s also the first unanimous recipient since Teemu Selanne (original Winnipeg Jets) in 1993.
Schaefer is the sixth Islander to win the Calder Memorial Trophy, joining Mat Barzal (2018), Bryan Berard (1997), Mike Bossy (1978), Bryan Trottier (1976), and Denis Potvin (1974). He is also the 13th first-overall pick to be awarded the Calder and just the fourth defenseman to do so, joining Aaron Ekblad (2015), Berard and Potvin. Notably, three of those four defensemen played for the Islanders. Schaefer is the eighth player to win the award in their 18-year-old season. At 18 years, 223 days on the final day of the regular season, Schaefer is the youngest Calder Trophy winner in NHL history.
Schaefer had a record-breaking rookie campaign in which he registered 59 points (23 goals, 36 assists) over 82 games. He tied Brian Leetch’s record for the most goals by a rookie defenseman in a single season. Schaefer also set NHL records for the most points by an 18-year-old defenseman, average time on ice by an 18-year-old skater (24:41) and the most overtime points (4) by a teenage defenseman. He added another notable milestone on March 24, logging 31:59 of ice time, the most in a single game by any NHL teenager since the statistic began being tracked.
Among his historic accomplishments, Schaefer became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to reach both 20 goals and 50 points in a season. He is the first rookie defenseman to lead his draft class to the 20-goal mark and is one of just four rookie defenders ever to reach that milestone. Schaefer is also the youngest player in league history to score an overtime goal and the youngest blueliner to record a power-play goal, game-winning goal, multi-goal game and to have a point in his NHL debut.
The Hamilton, Ontario native led all rookies in average time on ice, power-play goals (8), and shots on goal (222), while tying for first in goals and overtime goals (2). He ranked second in power-play points (18), third in assists and points, tied for third in game-winning goals (4) and fifth in plus/minus rating (+13). Among NHL defensemen, Schaefer finished second in goals and shots on goal, tied for second in power-play goals and ranked ninth in takeaways (38). He led the Islanders in TOI, plus/minus rating and power-play goals, tied for the team lead in overtime goals and ranked second in goals, assists and points.
Schaefer led all NHL defensemen with 38 penalties drawn and was second overall behind Connor McDavid (56). His drawn penalties were the most by a rookie defenseman since P.K. Subban (40) in 2010-11.
Within the Islanders’ record books, Schaefer set franchise highs for the most goals, points, power-play goals, overtime goals and game-winning goals by a rookie defenseman in a single season. He became the fifth rookie – and third rookie defenseman – in franchise history to appear in all 82 games and was one of four Islanders skaters to play a full schedule this season. His 23 goals were the sixth-most in a single campaign by an Islanders blueliner and the most since Hall-of-Famer Denis Potvin in 1981-82, while his plus/minus rating was also the best by an Islanders rookie defenseman since the 1992-93 season.
Pretty, pretty good.
My goodness, we’re going to have some fun watching this kid play for hopefully a very long time.
Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4)is removed from the game during the sixth inning after hurting himself on a swing against the Tigers.
Yet another Met is set for an extended period on the sidelines.
Starting catcher Francisco Alvarez will undergo surgery for a right meniscus tear, Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday, and the manager hopes for his return in six to eight weeks.
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The 24-year-old has become the latest Mets starter on the shelf — joining Francisco Lindor, Luis Robert Jr. and Jorge Polanco.
Mendoza added that a firmer timeline for Alvarez, who was initially placed on the 10-day IL, will be known after his procedure. The manager tipped Luis Torrens to get the bulk of the starts in the meantime, with call-up Hayden Senger filling in behind him.
“I don’t want to sit here and speculate,” the manager said. “All we know is we have to wait until they go in there and find what we got.”
Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) is removed from the game during the sixth inning after hurting himself on a swing against the Tigers. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Alvarez, who has played in all but four games this season, injured his knee during an awkward sixth-inning swing Tuesday against the Tigers. The Venezuela native lost his balance as he fouled a ball away and then limped off the field without facing another pitch.
He’ll be replaced behind the plate by Torrens, who has elite defensive instincts but just a .208 batting average.
Alvarez is the third Met to encounter a meniscus issue this year, following injuries to Mike Tauchman and Jared Young.
“We’re always looking, especially if guys continue to get hurt with the same injury,” Mendoza said of his team’s injury trend. “But it’s hard to pinpoint. There’s years where you’re dealing with hamstrings. … It seems like this is the year of the knee.”
For Alvarez, it’s the latest in a spate of injuries in his Mets career, after he missed significant time with hand and wrist injuries the past two seasons.
New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) hurt himself on a swing. Robert Sabo for NY Post
“You feel for him. You feel for the person, for the human,” Mendoza said. “When you feel like he’s getting time to develop, to continue to learn, play — he hasn’t had that run, playing every day, go through struggles, find a way to get through it and keep going.”
Robert (back) and Polanco (left Achilles and right wrist) seem a ways away from a return. Mendoza said Lindor, who strained his left calf April 22, underwent an MRI exam Wednesday.
Alvarez’s injury quickly quashed some of the excitement around A.J. Ewing’s tremendous debut start Tuesday.
“Guys got to step up. I’ll continue to sit here and say the same thing,” Mendoza said. “A lot of teams are going through adversity. A lot of teams are dealing with injuries, we’re one of them, but we got to keep going.”
Apr 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas (72) singles in the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
For mere mortals, an off-day means an off-day, but for Shohei Ohtani, the definition of it is a bit different. For the fourth time this season, the Dodgers will take the field without Ohtani as their designated hitter. If the recent track record serves as an indicator, it’s one of those bad with him and worse without him moments for the Dodgers offense. In the two most recent games without the reigning back-to-back NL MVP hitting, the Dodgers have scored one run in each, wasting a pair of great Ohtani outings, as his performance on the mound has been second to none in the National League this season.
Held in check by the bottom of the Giants’ rotation over the first two games of this series, the Dodgers’ offense will have a far more difficult challenge this time around. One of the few bright spots of what’s been a melancholic season for the Giants, Robbie Ray will face the Dodgers for the first time this season, having missed them in the earlier series at Oracle Park. As they look for anything to be optimistic about, the Dodgers might rely on the fact they’ve seen Ray well in recent duels—in fact, the former Cy Young winner allowed a combined 10 runs in back-to-back losses against the Dodgers in September of last year, his last two starts of that campaign.
Dalton Rushing filled in as the Dodgers’ DH in the other three times Ohtani took a seat, as they all came against left-handers. However, with multiple righty platoon specialists on the bench, it’s unlikely that Rushing will retain that position even if a minuscule sample size actually has him faring well against southpaws, going five for 15 this season. Miguel Rojas is likely to start over Hyesog Kim in the infield, leaving the DH spot to either Alex Call or Santiago Espinal, with the advantage to Call based on their 2026 numbers.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: Darius Acuff Jr. looks on during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 12, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Melissa Tamez/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Putting together any pre-draft content that doesn’t drag on about the latest bone-shattering shot Brooklyn took on Saturday will be quite difficult for us here at NetsDaily. Like legendary Scott Sterling, we’ll be up to the challenge, but it’s not going to feel good.
Yes, the Nets will be picking sixth overall in this year’s draft. They fell back three spots while a handful of other teams, already with blue chip talent, lallygagged past them. With the Houston Rockets possessing swap rights over Brooklyn’s first next year, the team will almost surely have to wait two more years before getting another shot at a top three daft pick.
But while the Nets may not have the pick, but they do have a lottery pick, and it’s already time to address how the guys being mocked in their selection area are looking. The NBA Draft combine is currently taking place. Here’s how popular Darius Acuff Jr., Kingston Flemings, Keaton Wagler, and Mikel Brown Jr. have done thus far.
Anthrometric Measurements
These measurements were taken on Monday. Here’s how each prospect stacked up. If you’d like to check out hand sizes and weight, you should be able to see results on here on NBA.com
Height with Shoes
Wagler: 6’5.”
Brown Jr.: 6’3.5”
Flemings: 6’2.5”
Acuff Jr.: 6’2.”
Standing Reach
Brown Jr.: 8′ 4.5”
Wagler: 8′ 4.”
Acuff Jr.: 8′ 2.5”
Flemings: 8′ 2.5”
Wingspan
Brown Jr.: 6′ 7.50”
Acuff Jr.: 6′ 6.50”
Wagler: 6′ 6.25”
Flemings: 6′ 3.50”
No surprises here, although Acuff’s wingspan helps compensates for his height. Brown Jr. and Wagler have both been touted for their positional size, while Acuff, and especially Flemings, have not. If you’re in the business of putting together mock drafts, know that Brooklyn largely prioritized positional size with their picks last year.
Brian Lewis reported that Wagler will meet with the Nets on Thursday. Brown Jr. said playing for Brooklyn a “great opportunity.”
Mikel Brown Jr. met with the #Nets: “Yeah. It would be a great opportunity right there. Just continuing to build relationships with them at the time goes on…I mean, it's something that we're definitely interested in and looking forward to building a relationship with.” #nbapic.twitter.com/5CMFKbPYyE
And Acuff wants you to know what you’ll be getting if you take him.
Darius Acuff Jr. met with the #Nets. Asked what does he see his role in the #NBA, he said “Definitely a superstar point guard for sure.” pic.twitter.com/1dpE7YP3tw
Lewis also reports Aday Mara, the 7-footer from Spain and Michigan who’s rocketing up mock drafts and local Zuby Ejifor of St. John’s, a projected second rounder, will meet with Brooklyn on Thursday.
Strength & Agility
Official metrics for all these players have yet to be posted on the NBA’s official site. However, we were able to gather a few from what’s been reported on X (formerly Twitter).
Shuttle Run
Flemings: 2.69 seconds
Brown Jr.: 2.89 seconds
Acuff Jr.: 2.93 seconds
Wagler: 3.00 seconds
Three Quarter Sprint
Acuff Jr.: 3.06 seconds
Flemings: 3.07 seconds
Brown Jr.: 3.24 seconds
Wagler: 3.27 seconds
Standing Vertical Leap
Flemings: 33.5 inches
Brown Jr.: 33.5 inches
Wagler: 33.0 inches
Acuff Jr.: 31.5 inches
Max Vertical Jump
Flemings: 40.5 inches
Brown Jr.: 39.5 inches
Acuff Jr.: 36.5 inches
Wagler: 36.0 inches
I’d argue Flemings is the big winner here. His athleticism is why he’s just as much in Brooklyn’s pick range as the aforementioned larger prospects. His original max jump was reported at 41.5, but later dropped to 40.5. Nevertheless, the kid can get up.
Houston’s Kingston Flemings posted a 41.50” maximum vertical jump.
This ranks only behind Andrej Stojakovic (41.50”) and tied with Christain Anderson with results that have been posted so far. pic.twitter.com/H4CvQ2IqBv
Shooting drills often garner the most attention during the NBA combine. The Nets would wise to pay attention here as well. Last season, Brooklyn posted the league’s worst field goal percentage. They also averaged the 11th most threes per game, yet ranked last in 3-point percentage as well.
Spot-up shooting
Acuff Jr.: 18/25 (72%)
Brown Jr.: 18/25 (72%)
Flemings: 15/25 (60%)
Wagler: 11/25 (44%)
Shooting off the dribble
Wagler: 25/30 (83%)
Acuff Jr.: 24/30 (80%)
Flemings: 21/30 (70%)
Brown Jr.: 18/30 (60%)
Keaton Wagler went 25/30 (83.3%) while shooting off the dribble.
As you’ll see, the shooting talent is pretty widespread, arguing there’s no clear winner hear. With offense being the lead selling point for Acuff, I think it’s fair to say it would have been nicer to see him shoot better during the 3-point star drill.
And while these metrics are fun to compare, I’d like to echo what Sam Vecenie of The Athleticsaid earlier this week. When you’re evaluating a player, game tape and stats from the previous NCAA season should trump this week’s combine results. At the end of the day, it’s a game, not a test you’d take in gym class.
CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle and is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, the team announced on Wednesday.
The Bulls said he will be sidelined from basketball activities for three months. Giddey averaged career-highs in scoring (17 points), assists (9.1) and rebounds (8.3), though hamstring and right ankle injuries limited him to 54 games — his lowest total since his 2021-22 rookie season with Oklahoma City.
The Bulls finished 12th in the Eastern Conference at 31-51 while missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year. But they will have a different look next season.
Chicago hired Bryson Graham as executive vice president of basketball operations to replace the fired Arturas Karnisovas. The team is looking for a new coach after Billy Donovan opted to resign against ownership's wishes and avoid a potentially awkward situation with the new front office.
Chicago has nearly $60 million in salary-cap space and two first-round draft picks, including the No. 4 overall selection.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 9: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the game during Round Two Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. 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 Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers got a lot of things right with how they constructed their 2025-26 roster.
One of those players who worked out so well was Marcus Smart.
Even with the high expectations about what he could be for this team, Smart somehow overachieved.
He was an elite backcourt defender for the purple and gold and proved that he could once again be a durable player. Smart played in 62 games, the most he’s participated in since the 2021-22 season, when he was with the Boston Celtics and was the Defensive Player of the Year.
In the postseason, he was invaluable. Smart started in every playoff game and had played great defense on superstars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
So far, the different option the Lakers started this game with has been having a defender (mainly Marcus Smart) face guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to prevent him from even getting the ball. https://t.co/YRQ9rZOC0A
Now Smart has a decision to make. He has a player option, so he can either return at $5.3 million or test out free agency. According to reporting by Dan Woike of The Athletic, the Lakers would like their partnership with Smart to continue.
Smart, whom Dončić recruited in free agency, could opt out of his deal and seek a longer-term contract. The Lakers have interest in retaining him.
It makes sense for the Lakers to want Smart back. He played well above even the rosiest of expectations of him. If he accepts his player option, it’s a no-brainer for him to return.
Now, if he does opt out and another team gives him an offer he can’t refuse, he might be gone regardless of the Lakers’ desires. But that’s part of the business, that is the NBA. Even teams can’t fully control what happens to the players they like.
The good thing is that the 2025-26 season was a success from the Smart perspective. He started for the Lakers, the superstars loved him and his play helped them beat the Rockets and advance to the second round of the playoffs.
If he wants to run it back, he can just opt in. And, even if he doesn’t, the Lakers have an interest in bringing him back and making him a core part of their team.
Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez, who left Tuesday's game against the Tigers after injuring his right knee while swinging the bat, has been placed on the 10-day IL due to a meniscus tear.
Alvarez will be getting surgery as soon as possible, manager Carlos Mendoza said on Wednesday. Mendoza added that the hope is that Alvarez can return within six-to-eight weeks, but that the team will not know the specific timeline until after the surgery is performed.
Luis Torrens will get the bulk of the playing time behind the plate in Alvarez's stead.
Hayden Senger, who was called up to replace Alvarez on the active roster, will serve as the backup.
Alvarez was having a slightly above average season with the bat, slashing .241/.317/.393 (.710 OPS) with four home runs and five doubles in 128 plate appearances across 37 games.
Defensively, Alvarez had been struggling a bit, especially when it came to blocking balls in the dirt -- he was in the ninth percentile in that category, via Baseball Savant.
Alvarez is the fourth member of the Mets' regular lineup now on the IL, joining Francisco Lindor (calf), Luis Robert Jr. (back), and Jorge Polanco (Achilles).
New York Yankees ace Max Fried left Wednesday afternoon's game in Baltimore after only three innings and 61 pitches due to left elbow posterior soreness, the team announced.
The left-hander was not particularly sharp in his outing, giving up three runs and five hits in his three innings of work before giving way to reliever Paul Blackburn in the top of the fourth.
The start of the game was moved up several hours because of storms forecast for the Baltimore area later in the day.
In nine previous starts this season, Fried has posted a 4-2 record and 2.91 ERA over 58 2/3 innings.
May 4, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) celebrates after he hits a three run home run in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Last year, Dan and I recorded a pre-season podcast where we drafted spots for a Red Sox Bingo card that we never ended up making. I never ended up making. It was me. Despite that, we recorded a pre-season podcast this year where we drafted spots for a Red Sox Bingo card that I never ended up making. Thankfully, Jake Roy made it this year, about a month ago, in like an hour. I’m only now posting it for the same reason I didn’t make or post last year’s at all: I am very irresponsible!
And yet I am creative, and thanks to Dan and Jake for help bringing this to light. For those of you who listened to and remember the podcast, it should be noted that I edited some of our entries to account for new information and to clean up the “uncs just riffing” vibes. Enough chitchat tho, here it is:
The first thing you might notice about this is that some items have already happened. The center square, for instance, and Jarren Duran having a fan incident. They’re not the only ones. But the first person to reply “Bingo!” to any OTM-related account when they have one wins a prize, not that I know what it is. But I’ll buy it. Play and win! At least there’s something left to play for, amirite?
Cade Cunningham took over late in the first round to propel the Detroit Pistons past the Magic in seven games. But life has been even harder against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
These Cade Cunningham picks do not expect the Pistons’ star to erupt in Game 5, but that is somewhat a compliment to the Cavaliers and somewhat a recognition that defense tends to rule the day the further you get in the postseason.
Cade Cunningham best bet: Under 9.5 assists (-130 at bet365)
Yes, Cade Cunningham has cleared this prop twice in this series through four games, but each of those successes came by just the hook, while when he fell short, he did so with just seven assists in Game 1 and six in Game 4.
There is a reason oddsmakers are juicing this Under. The Over might be the more fun bet, the one encouraged to the casual viewer, but it is also the distinctly less likely winner.
The Under is even more likely in the postseason. The pace grinds to a halt.
In the regular season, the Cleveland Cavaliers averaged 100.7 possessions per game; in the postseason, that has fallen to 95.91. The Detroit Pistons averaged 99.88 possessions per game in the regular season, now 94.82 in the postseason.
Do not be scared of Unders in the postseason; they are more likely than ever.
Do not consider this shade toward Cade Cunningham. He has played very well this postseason. But each of these props has been elevated further than they should have in this series. Do not take the bait.
The pace is only going to slow down further. Cleveland’s defense is only going to become more physical. And Cunningham is going to have to work harder on his own defensive responsibilities, too.
Cunningham has already topped out at 27 points in this series, cracking that prop just once, and he has hit three 3-pointers in a game only once. In fact, he has taken only 5.5 threes per game in this series — compared to 7.6 per game in the first round.
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 08: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The offseason has just started for the Philadelphia 76ers, but we’ve already seen a major shakeup, with Daryl Morey out as President of Basketball Operations. Whoever Bob Myers selects to fill the position will inherit some promising pieces, especially the backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, but also some challenges. Something that slants more towards the challenges category will be what to do with veteran forward Paul George.
The 36-year-old George is set to make $54.1 million next season with a $56.5 million player option in 2027-28, which we can all but guarantee he picks up. The least tricky way to handle the situation would be to ride out the remaining two years and then have a bulk of cap space open up during the summer of 2028, a portion of which could go towards a contract extension for Edgecombe.
Following his 25-game suspension, George played very well, as he purportedly allowed his body to heal from the knee injury that had been hampering him. During the Boston series, he averaged 16.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals, shooting 49.3 from three and played excellent defense on Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and company. His game on both ends complements the backcourt beautifully, which should really be the franchise’s focus moving forward. From his perspective, George is optimistic about getting to move forward without having to worry about dealing with an injury:
“This summer, the rehabbing phase is kind of behind me, so I can, you know, have a real summer of improving. Feel like it’s been stagnant the last couple years because of surgery here or surgery there, the past couple summers. So this summer should be a better summer in terms of working on my game.
…
I mean, for me, I think it’s just figuring out if I can get that explosiveness back. You know, I thought it limited me a lot this year, with the ability to be explosive going towards the basket, which I’ve been my entire career, being able to not have to heavily rely on my jump shot, but the jump shot kind of being the jab to set up the drive to the rim. And I just felt like that wasn’t there this year. So I think just trying to find and see if there is that explosion. So that’ll be my challenge for the summer.
The flip side of the “Paul George looks to be better” coin is that he likely isn’t viewed as one of the absolute worst contracts in the league anymore. Could the new executive look to move off George then? Maybe it’s to get multiple players back and improve the depth of the roster. Maybe it’s to be able to bring in younger players that could match up better with the Maxey and Edgecombe long-term timelines. Regardless, it’s good that George’s improved health and play down the stretch potentially opens up different avenues for the organization.
Following the season, George had only kind words to say about his experience in Philadelphia thus far:
“I mean, it was great. It was great fans, the support, I think through the ups and downs, through everything we’ve been through, through my situation, they’ve been supportive. They supported me through it, and to have an opportunity to play in the postseason, given everything that went on, especially last year, how much of a struggle last season was to give them a postseason this year was I think the positive and the highlight of it all, but my experience with the fans has been amazing. You know, it’s definitely love here. I think for us, we got to get better, for sure. Not quite sure what those answers are right now, but in terms of, you know, my viewpoint on the city of Philadelphia and their support, man, it was awesome.
Again, I think the likeliest scenario is George remains in a Philadelphia uniform with the hope that we see more of the PG from the last couple months. However, a new executive will be making determinations of everything across the roster, and with moving George back on to the trade block, such a move could be a way the Sixers reshape the team in the coming years.
The Chicago Blackhawks selected Artyom Levshunov out of Michigan State as the 2nd overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Since then, he has been developing as one of the top prospects in the organization.
Levshunov started his pro career in the AHL during the 2024-25 season before making his NHL debut in the second half. In 2025-26, he played the entire campaign in Chicago with his NHL mates.
In 68 games played, Levshunov had 2 goals and 22 assists for 24 points. He trailed only Louis Crevier among team leaders by a defenseman. Crevier had 25 points in 78 games, so Levshunov had a better points-per-game percentage.
Where things went poorly for Levshunov was decision-making in all three zones, and his ability to defend as a whole leaves a lot to be desired. +/- is a lousy stat compared to some of the newer metrics available, but being -41 (the worst mark in the NHL) is never a great sign.
Ahead of the Olympic break, the Blackhawks put Levshunov on a new development program. Instead of sending him back to the Rockford IceHogs, they scratched him but let him stay with the NHL team so he could focus on certain areas of development.
Levshunov played better once he returned to the post-Olympic break lineup, but there is still a lot of work that needs to take place.
The most important thing the Blackhawks can do at this stage is not to come to any conclusions about his future as an NHL player. No, he didn't start off the way that Matthew Schaefer or Lane Hutson did to begin their NHL careers, but not every highly touted rookie defenseman is on the same pace.
There is always going to be the "Ivan Demidov" people, but there is nothing Levshunov can do to change their minds. The Blackhawks must focus on getting the player they have to his full potential.
Are the Blackhawks doomed if he becomes a solid middle-pair defender instead of a star? Absolutely not. They are still looking for that franchise number one, but there will be other opportunities down the line. Getting Levshunov to a good baseline is the focus right now without overreacting to his first 86 career NHL games.
There were moments during the 2025-26 season that flashed a bit of Levshunov's brilliance. He has good vision and skills with the puck. When he makes the right choice on what to do with it or how to defend an attacking player, it works well.
They took him second overall, so they are going to continue working with him in an attempt to make him a solid every-day NHL contributor. There are plenty of players who make great careers out of that, despite where they are drafted.
The Florida Panthers would draft Aaron Ekblad first overall in 2012 over and over again. He never turned into a Norris Trophy-caliber superstar, but he was a solid anchor on their blue line during some incredible runs.
Levshunov still may become a superstar, but the goal is to build a winning team, and he has the tools to be a part of that.
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The Buffalo Sabres evened their best-of-seven series with the Montreal Canadiens with a 3-2 victory at the Bell Centre on Tuesday, but it was likely not the blueprint that head coach Lindy Ruff wanted to follow. The Sabres repeated their undisciplined ways from Game 3, giving the Habs seven power plays, but Buffalo’s penalty killing and the goaltending of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen kept the game within range.
The fortunate bounce of a stanchion on a Tage Thompson shoot-in tied the game in the second period, and Zach Benson’s game-winner on the power-play early in third stood up, as Luukkonen made 12 of his 29 saves in the contest.
Buffalo went mostly with five defensemen on the night, as veteran Luke Schenn played only 7:04 in the contest, while rookie Konsta Helenius played close to 13 minutes and nearly scored twice, hitting the post and getting robbed by Montreal’s Jakub Dobes.
Head coach Lindy Ruff spoke to the media on Wednesday morning in Montreal, before the club boarded a flight for Buffalo.
Your thoughts on Game 4?
It was pretty good game. Thought we came out great. I thought we lost a lot of momentum on some questionable calls (and) thought we could have got some calls ourselves. We didn't, but we battled through all that and ended up winning the game.
Sabres - Canadiens Might Be Won By Who Has Better Play From Their Depth Forwards
Did you see any trends in the penalties that your team is taking?
I know Montreal's got a good power play, but I think they're going down easy……I think it's part of the playoffs. It is just how important a power play can be. So you get a stick on somebody, you got to be careful with your sticks. You know if they have a chance to make the play look worse than it is. They're going to. It's playoff hockey. Every team in this league does it, and it's an understanding that keep your stick off them. I mean the little push that (Tage) Thompson gave their player, I don't think that's called the regular season, but in the playoffs, it's called, so tell our guys not to do it.
What's your message to your team about maintaining composure?
We'll meet tomorrow morning, and just talk about what to expect. You can look at any series, Montreal's last series was win-a-game, lose-a-game. So you get pretty used to it. For us, a little bit of the same. You went to Boston, won a couple but then lost (and) had to go back to Boston again to win a game. You have to balance the victories and you have to be ready to reset and flush out the losses.
What do you think made Helenius ready for such a high-pressured debut in Game 4?
I think the experience he had with us earlier in the year, his experience and the great job that (Michael) Leone and his crew have done with him in Rochester to get ready to play. I watched all his D zone. A lot of times you have to teach a young player to stay in position support the puck. I thought he did a great job. He skated on pucks. He supported our breakouts really well. And I think that starts in the minors with all the people that are working with him. So they deserve a lot of credit.
Whenever a season ends for an organization, it is always intriguing to learn about the decisions and pursuits that were otherwise unavailable while the team was still playing.
General manager Steve Staios and his management group are very conscientious about leaks and the flow of information out of the organization. Management likes to keep its cards close to its chest, but from time to time, however, details emerge that provide insight into what the organization was trying to do.
The Ottawa Senators’ general manager has admitted that he has used the NHL trade deadline as an opportunity to lay groundwork for the offseason. The organization reportedly engaged in trade conversations regarding Linus Ullmark at the 2024 NHL trade deadline, which eventually culminated in a trade during the Stanley Cup Final.
The Sens Nation Podcast discusses the Senators' offseason need to find a solid backup goalie capable of playing 35 games.
Will defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen be the latest player that the Senators kicked tires on at the deadline, who is targeted in the offseason?
On the Ray and Dregs Podcast, Darren Dreger revealed that trade conversations with the Philadelphia Flyers had progressed pretty far.
“I know that Steve Staios was fairly down the road in negotiations in acquiring Ristolainen at the trade deadline,” Dreger disclosed. “But, Philadelphia just knew what they had. I don't think they believed, or were convinced that they were going to be as good as they were late in the season, and now we're seeing them in the playoffs.
“But, they knew it. They know what they have in the quality of Rasmus Ristolainen. So that's a pretty clear indication of what Staios and Ottawa were trying to acquire: a proven defenseman.”
The 31-year-old Ristolainen is a right-shot, who is best characterized as a defensive defenceman. He played in 44 games for the Flyers this season, recording a modest one goal and 14 points.
The Finnish defenceman missed the first 31 games of the regular season following triceps surgery in October. He would miss another six games later in the season with an undisclosed lower-body injury.
The Senators’ interest in Ristolainen is not surprising given the team’s situation on the back end.
Nick Jensen, who spent most of the season playing a top-four role alongside Thomas Chabot, got hurt. And, as an unrestricted free agent this July, he is not expected to return to the organization.
Artem Zub, arguably the team’s best defensive defenceman, is about to enter the last year of his contract.
Jordan Spence was a revelation, logging minutes alongside Tyler Kleven on the third pairing before Jensen’s injury allowed Spence to ascend the lineup. In all honesty, that was a move that should have been warranted earlier, given the disparity in their performances.
And finally, although Nikolas Matinpalo emerged as a viable defensive depth option, his struggles to move the puck well limited his effectiveness on the ice.
Assuming Dreger’s report is true, the pursuit of Ristolainen makes sense and would stylistically fit with what the Senators are trying to do.
After acquiring Warren Foegele at the deadline and having recently signed Stephen Halliday to a two-year extension, the Senators have four lines of depth at forward. On the blue line, however, there is room for an upgrade.
The defenceman has one year left on his contract that carries an average annual value of $5.1 million. Ristolainen will actually earn just $4 million in base salary next season.
Listed at 6’4” and 220 lbs, Ristolainen is a big and agile defenceman who averaged 21:23 of ice time playing against the opposition’s best offensive players. His skating and size allow him to step up and close in the neutral zone, which fits the aggressive, pressuring style the Senators play.
Panned in the early stages of his career while playing for a hopelessly woeful Buffalo Sabres squad, Ristolainen has improved markedly over the last few seasons in Philadelphia.
Hockeyviz.com
His isolated defensive impacts have grown substantially.
Hockeyviz.com
Although Carter Yakemchuk appeared in a handful of games this season for the parent club and showcased his offensive aptitude, another year of AHL development may benefit his defensive growth.
Acquiring a veteran like Ristolainen would give the organization more depth and the flexibility to bring Yakemchuk along slowly, without risking rushing his development. A similar acquisition would also allow head coach Travis Green to balance his pairings, matching puck movers with traditional archetypal defenders who take care of their own end first.
Whether Staios and the Senators circle back in the summer remains to be seen, but his reported interest at the deadline offers valuable insight into what we can expect from the team.
By Graeme Nichols The Hockey News
This article was first published at The Hockey News Ottawa. Check out more great Sens features from The Hockey News at the links below:
