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Senators Place Brady Tkachuk On IR, Recall Forward Arthur Kaliyev

The Ottawa Senators have made a move to bolster their forward depth, recalling left winger Arthur Kaliyev from the Belleville Senators. The recall comes after the Sens placed Brady Tkachuk (hand/wrist) on injured reserve, and as the Sens prepare to host the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night at Canadian Tire Centre.

Kaliyev signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Sens on July 2, reuniting with a hockey operations team that's familiar to him. He spent three seasons in the OHL with the Hamilton Bulldogs, a junior career that provided Sens GM Steve Staios, who used to run the Bulldogs, with a clear opinion of the player's skill set and character.

But the 24-year-old has not yet been able to replicate his junior numbers in the pro ranks. His 95 goals over two seasons in Hamilton are nothing more than a distant memory.

Kaliyev enters the recall with 202 NHL games under his belt, putting up 75 points (38 goals, 37 assists) during stints with both the Kings and the New York Rangers. 

Kaliyev failed to make the Sens out of training camp but collected two assists in his first two games with Belleville. The Sens are hoping his shooting ability might be able to provide an offensive spark, particularly on their power play, utilizing one of the best releases in the game. After winning their opener, Ottawa has lost three games in a row.

Last season, Kaliyev was derailed by two separate clavicle fractures. The first injury occurred in training camp; after returning in January with the Kings, he was placed on waivers and claimed by New York. In his 14 games with the Rangers, he logged three goals and one assist before suffering a second fracture in the same shoulder, forcing him to end his season prematurely.

He acknowledged that joining Ottawa may give him one of his best opportunities: “Ottawa knows me well … To come here, this was my best option.”

There's no word yet on whether he'll suit up on Thursday night or not, but Ottawa probably represents the last chance for Kaliyev to prove he can still be an NHL asset.

As for Tkachuk, the move to injured reserve isn't a surprise. The club has already said he'll miss at least four weeks with what's believed to be a wrist or hand injury suffered in the Nashville game on Monday. The only question now is whether he'll need surgery.

If he does, the timeline for recovery could be anywhere between 2-5 months. It all depends on the nature and severity of the injury, which is information we should be getting in the next day or two.

More Sens headlines at the Hockey News Ottawa:
Senators Lose Sebrango, Claimed Off Waivers By Florida
An Early Glance At The Senators' Goaltending Pipeline
Brady Tkachuk Likely To Miss A Month Of Action (At Least)
Another Tough Break For Josh Norris, A Player Ottawa Still Roots For
Yakemchuk Reflects On Playing First Pro Game Saturday

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Dodgers’ starters dominate Brewers. Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani will try to continue the trend in NLCS

LOS ANGELES — Dave Roberts has found a way around the Los Angeles Dodgers’ struggling relievers. Barely use ‘em.

The defending World Series champions have relied on their starting pitching to take a commanding 2-0 lead against the Milwaukee Brewers in their best-of-seven NL Championship Series.

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell tossed eight scoreless innings to go with 10 strikeouts before rookie Roki Sasaki and Blake Treinen tamped down a late Brewers rally in closing out Game 1.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto tossed a three-hitter in the first postseason complete game by a Dodgers pitcher since Jose Lima threw a five-hit shutout in the 2004 NL Division Series against St. Louis in Game 2.

“I’ll take as many as we can get,” Roberts said, laughing when asked how many complete games his staff can deliver. “They’re doing their part by attacking, being efficient and putting themselves in a position to do that.”

Snell and Yamamoto combined to allow one run on four hits over 17 of 18 innings in Milwaukee.

Now, here come Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani.

Glasnow starts Game 3 at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani is set to go in Game 4.

The Dodgers’ rotation struggled earlier in the season with injuries and slumps, but it’s clicking now.

“It’s perfect timing,” Glasnow said. “The vibe is really good in the clubhouse. Everyone is feeling great. It’s just a good time to get hot, for sure.”

Glasnow allowed two hits over six scoreless innings in Game 4 of the NLDS against Philadelphia, when the Dodgers finished off the best-of-five series.

The Dodgers have carefully managed Ohtani’s innings this season — his first pitching since he had a second elbow surgery in December 2023 when he was with the Los Angeles Angels. The right-hander twice pitched into the seventh in the regular season.

“The century mark isn’t like a ceiling on pitches. Yeah, I think it’s just kind of contingent on how he’s throwing,” Roberts said. “He’s waited for this moment, and I think with the rest that he’s got going into that game, he’s going to be ready to go.”

Ohtani was impressed with Snell and Yamamoto pitching deep into their starts and he’s eager to do the same.

“That would be great,” he said through a translator. “But my number one priority is making sure I’m putting up zeros no matter what and making sure we’re the team that scores first.”

The Brewers have lost their last nine road playoff games since 2018, and will need to win at least two of the next three games in Los Angeles to force the series back to Wisconsin. They swept a three-game series at Dodger Stadium in July.

Milwaukee had not yet announced its Game 3 starter. Manager Pat Murphy said the pitching plans were “under construction.” Left-hander José Quintana expects to see action, whether he starts or an opener is used ahead of him.

“I think we pitched better than we played, our defense,” Quintana said. “We stay positive for the game tomorrow. We need to show really good baseball and win one ballgame at a time. Tomorrow we expect to get the first win.”

Jumpstarting Ohtani

A relatively quiet Dodger Stadium got jolted with a blast of Ohtani’s walk-up song, “Feeling Good.”

The three-time MVP walked to the batting cage as Clayton Kershaw and other teammates hooted and hollered at him. Ohtani went through five rounds of hitting in an attempt to regain his stroke amidst a postseason offensive skid. He hit the metal roof of the right-field pavilion on one left-handed cut.

The two-way superstar is 2 for 25 with no extra-base hits in the NL Division Series and NLCS. He hit a career-high 55 home runs during the regular season.

Still, the Dodgers have won seven of eight postseason games with Ohtani contributing very little offensively.

“The contribution is not just by batting average,” Roberts said. “Certainly him being in the lineup, posting, I think getting the walks, allowing for Mookie (Betts) to have opportunities to drive runs in, that’s contribution. The first two games in Milwaukee his at-bats have been fantastic. That’s what I’ve been looking for. That’s what I’m counting on.”

Murphy dismissed any suggestion that Ohtani is struggling at the plate.

“He’s dangerous,” he said, “and we pitch him as tough and as careful as we can pitch him, and we bring a matchup in anytime we can.”

Murphy’s Dodger connection

Murphy brought along his 10-year-old son, Austin, when he spoke to the media.

He said the boy’s middle name, Lynn, is a tribute to Bob Welch, the retired Dodgers pitcher born Robert Lynn Welch who was a friend of Murphy’s until his death in 2014 at age 57.

Austin sat quietly and yawned once until he was asked what the Brewers need to do to get back in the series. “Just stick with it and keep battling through it,” he said, sounding a lot like his dad.

The kid was just getting warmed up.

Leaning into the microphone like an old pro, he said, “The guys respond back really good. Started the season 0-4. Those games were not good. But then they responded with the best record in baseball, so I believe they can do it.”

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Max Scherzer looking to match moment, lean on postseason experience in Game 4 of ALCS for Blue Jays

SEATTLE — The Toronto Blue Jays are expecting Max Scherzer to be himself when he starts Game 4 of the AL Championship Series against Seattle.

His excitable, feisty self.

“I love it. This is what you play for,” Scherzer said. “You want to have the ball in this situation, you want to be pitching in the postseason.”

The 41-year-old Scherzer hasn’t pitched in a game since his last regular-season start on Sept. 24 against Boston. The three-time Cy Young Award winner is making his 26th postseason start and 31st appearance.

Scherzer and fellow right-hander Chris Bassitt were added to Toronto’s ALCS roster after they missed the Division Series against the Yankees. Bassitt pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings in a relief appearance during a10-3 loss to the Mariners.

“I expect Max to be Max,” Bassitt said, “in the aspect of just go out there and execute at a very, very high level.”

Scherzer is 0-3 over his last eight postseason starts since the 2019 World Series. He went 1-3 with a 9.00 ERA in his final six starts of the 2025 season.

Scherzer admitted his pitching was not up to his standards toward the end of the season, and that he took time to get his body right. Manager John Schneider said neck pain limited Scherzer at the end of the season. The eight-time All-Star also didn’t pitch between March 29 and June 25 because of right thumb inflammation.

Scherzer, who finalized a one-year, $15.5 million contract with Toronto in February, went 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts this year — his 18th in the major leagues.

“I don’t want to sit here and go backwards and blame injuries for any way I pitched,” Scherzer said. “When I take the mound, I take the mound, and I have the attitude (that) I’m going to win no matter what.”

The Blue Jays beat the Mariners 13-4 in Game 3 after dropping the first two games of the ALCS at home. They need to win at least two of three in Seattle to send the best-of-seven series back to Toronto.

“We’re a great team,” Scherzer said before the Blue Jays’ win in Game 3. “I’ve seen it over and over throughout this year, the number of times we responded in so many different ways. We had so many comeback wins. We’ve played great ball.

“Yes, we lost two games. Yes, obviously these are must-win games. We all understand what’s at stake.”

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NHL Rookie First Impressions: Schaefer, Nikishin And More Shine In First Action

You never get a second chance at a first impression, and a handful of NHL rookies didn't waste theirs.

We have seen some really encouraging performances for first time NHLers, and there have been guys who are fighting to get into the lineup. 

Teams are deploying development plans for some youngsters, looking to control their workload and give them a ramp-up period to playing full-time pro hockey. It’s an interesting time of year as we are starting to have the conversations around whether some rookies will be getting the nine-game trial or if they are going to stick around full-time. 

While some players, such as Ivan Demidov and Sam Rinzel, gave us their impressions late last season, we’re getting a look at so many NHL rookies for the first time. Let’s look at some of the first impressions from around the league. 

Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders

The first overall pick in the 2025 draft came as advertised.

Schaefer's mobility and puck skill have been so entertaining, but they’ve also been incredibly effective at the NHL level. The 18-year-old's defensive game has had some hiccups, but he has been pretty solid overall. 

His first NHL goal went in exactly how we all expected it to – crashing the net and banging it in! Sarcasm aside, Schaefer’s injury issues from his draft season are in the rearview mirror, and the competitive, skilled young defender looked every bit of a first overall pick. 

Schaefer's Calder Trophy odds on BetMGM: 4.40 (+340)

Michael Misa, C, San Jose Sharks

With just one NHL game under his belt, Misa has 15:06 of action to go off of.

There were moments when the 18-year-old made some really nice plays, pulling the puck off the wall or supporting the breakout. It wasn’t some sort of fantastic game, but he wasn’t given much of an opportunity to do anything fantastic.

Hopefully, we get to see Misa in a more offensive role and he sticks around the NHL because he doesn’t have much left to prove in the OHL.

Misa's Calder Trophy odds on BetMGM: 31.00 (+3000)  

Easton Cowan, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

It has only been two games, but the Leafs' 20-year-old rookie has been pretty impressive.

Cowan has the opportunity of a lifetime, playing alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, and he’s making the most of it. He has just one assist through two games, but he’s found a way to consistently make excellent plays. His intelligence and playmaking have been on full display. 

His underlying stats are impressive, as he leads the Leafs at 5-on-5 in shot share, scoring chance percentage and expected goals percentage, according to naturalstattrick.com. If he can continue to play even close to this level, he will find himself not only in the NHL for the rest of the season but on the top line the whole time.

Cowan's Calder Trophy odds: 51.00 (+5000)

Alexander Nikishin, D, Carolina Hurricanes

We did get a small glimpse of Nikishin in last year’s playoffs, but this has been our real first impression of him.

It’s been a long few years as Canes fans watched Nikishin, 24, evolve into one of the KHL’s best overall defenders, but the wait was well worth it. He’s shown off his physicality, crushing guys along the boards and in open ice. He’s shown intelligent tracking in his own end, and he’s done an excellent job of killing play on the cycle. 

The biggest question about Nikishin when he came over to North America was whether his offensive numbers would translate. We’re seeing him move the puck quite well, though, and he’s picked up three assists so far. Nikishin hasn’t found the back of the net with his big shot, but he’s come as advertised for the most part.

Nikishin's Calder Trophy odds: 26.00 (+2500)

Zeev Buium, D, Minnesota Wild

Just like Nikishin, we had a brief glimpse of Buium last post-season, but he has truly shown what he’s capable of to begin this campaign.

Buium's offensive game has been unreal, racking up five points through four games while quarterbacking the power play. The 19-year-old’s skating and puck skill are excellent, silencing any doubters about whether he could produce at the NHL level.

That said, his defensive game remains a work in progress. Much like Lane Hutson in Montreal last season, Buium came out of college and leaned into what makes him special while working on the defensive side of things. If there is progress throughout the year similar to Hutson last season, we could be looking at a Calder Trophy candidate.

Buium's Calder Trophy odds: 11.00 (+1000)

Five Rookies Who Scored Their First NHL Goal On The WeekendFive Rookies Who Scored Their First NHL Goal On The WeekendThis season, there has been a notable number of young, talented players who are entering their rookie season.

Beckett Sennecke, RW, Anaheim Ducks

With two goals and two assists through three games, Beckett Sennecke's arrival has been quite impressive for the Ducks.

His offensive skill is on full display. There are still moments of questionable decisions or trying to skill his way out of problems, but Sennecke, 19, has been a breath of fresh air in Anaheim. 

The Ducks probably won't be very good this year, so allowing Sennecke to work through some issues at times won't be an issue. Seeing him play with the kind of speed and skill the Ducks have lacked gives them a replacement for the wow factor that Trevor Zegras provided before he fell out of favor with the team. Now, they'll hope Sennecke can develop into a well-rounded player.

Sennecke's Calder Trophy odds: 17.00 (+1600)

Arseny Gritsyuk, RW, New Jersey Devils

Gritsyuk's KHL highlights tantalized Devils fans over the last few years, and now, they get to see him up close.

Gritsyuk is a slick playmaker who has lived up to every bit of hype and more. There were questions about whether his skill would translate because he was so reliant on it, but he’s been fantastic. 

The 24-year-old has stepped into the Devils' lineup and looked great with anyone he’s played with. This is the kind of depth scoring the Devils have needed, and he could be a big difference-maker. He is a point-per-game player through three games, but even though that’s likely to slow down, he looks great so far.

Gritsyuk's Calder Trophy odds: 31.00 (+3000)

Emmitt Finnie, LW, Detroit Red Wings

The surprise of the pre-season, Finnie not only made the Wings roster but ended up playing alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.

Finnie, 20, is a meat-and-potatoes kind of player, but as a seventh-round pick in 2023, there was no thought to him making the opening night lineup until he forced his way onto the roster. 

He has two assists in his first four games, and his hard-nosed game in the corners and around the net have been the perfect complement on the top line. Finnie might not be a star, but sometimes, you need someone who connects plays and fills the gaps of the skill players.

Finnie's Calder Trophy odds: 81.00 (+8000)

NHL Rookies Who Made Opening Day Lineups In The West: Sennecke, Misa, Savoie And MoreNHL Rookies Who Made Opening Day Lineups In The West: Sennecke, Misa, Savoie And MoreThe new NHL season brings a new crop of rookies.

Ben Kindel, C / Harrison Brunicke, D, Pittsburgh Penguins

Kindel and Brunicke were surprise additions to the Pens roster to open the season, and the team seems to have a development plan for the rookie duo going forward. Brunicke sat out Tuesday's game.

Kindel was drafted 11th overall this past June, and there was no expectations that the 18-year-old was going to make the roster. Brunicke, 19, is a year removed from his draft, but he was fully expected to play one more year in the WHL. With a weak blueline and a strong camp, Brunicke entered the NHL lineup. 

We may not see insane point totals from either of these players, but if they can get a full season of NHL experience under their belt at this age, they will be better for it.

Kindel has all of the playmaking skill and energy you want from a middle-six center, so while he could be destined for the nine-game trial, he could easily solidify himself in the top nine for the year.

Brunicke has all of the physical tools you want to see from a blueliner, and he’ll just have to continue making good decisions to stay in the NHL.

Kindel's Calder Trophy odds: 67.00 (+6600)

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Mariners give up 18 hits, including 5 homers, as Blue Jays swing early in count to close in ALCS

SEATTLE — George Kirby was in the strike zone — perhaps too much.

The Toronto Blue Jays had 18 hits, including five home runs, all within the first three pitches of an at-bat in a 13-4 rout of the Seattle Mariners that pulled them to 2-1 in the AL Championship Series.

Eight of those hits came off Kirby, who hadn’t yielded that many hits in a start since Sept. 3.

“I’m never going to stray away from what I do well, and that’s get ahead and be in the zone,” Kirby said. “And they had a lot of comfortable at-bats tonight.”

Kirby gave up a tying, two-run homer to Andrés Giménez in a five-run third on an inside fastball and two-run double to Daulton Varsho on an up fastball.

George Springer homered on a sinker in the fourth and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a slider in the fifth.

Alejandro Kirk added an opposite-field, three-run homer to right off a fastball from left-hander Caleb Ferguson in the sixth as the Blue Jays joined Tampa Bay in Game 4 of the 2020 World Series as the only teams to homer in four straight postseason innings, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Addison Barger connected in the ninth on a Luke Jackson fastball.

“When a lineup starts combining hits together like they were, it gets contagious,” Ferguson said. “Guys go up there and just get the best swings off. So, a lot of times it goes your way, and tonight it went theirs.”

Toronto had four runs and eight hits as Seattle swept the first two games in Canada.

“I wasn’t really executing when they got the guys on base,” Kirby said. “They’re really aggressive when that happens.”

Seattle’s pitchers were sixth in the AL with a 3.87 ERA and had a 3.29 ERA in the Division Series against Detroit. Ferguson expressed confidence they quickly will return to form.

“If there’s one thing we’ve done since I’ve been here,” Ferguson said, “we bounce back together well as a team and we respond well when we kind of get smacked in the face a little bit.”

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Brett Murray Signs With Nürnberg Ice Tigers

Former Rochester Americans forward Brett Murray has signed a contract with the DEL's Nürnberg Ice Tigers, the team announced Thursday. 

Murray finished tied for 13th in the AHL with 27 goals last year and was second on Rochester with 49 points in 66 games while serving as an assistant captain. 

The 27-year-old attended Pittsburgh Penguins training camp on a PTO but did not earn a contract.

A fourth round selection of the Buffalo Sabres in 2016, Murray has 100 goals and 206 points in 325 career AHL games and two goals and six points in 26 career NHL games, all with the Sabres/Americans organization. 

Murray is a prime example of why the AHL's veteran rule needs to be revamped. A 27-year-old who finished 13th in goal scoring should be someone teams are aiming to keep around and is the type of player the league should be incentivizing to keep in North America.  

 For more AHL news keep an eye on The Hockey News' Google News feed. 

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Why Draymond Green doesn't feel like a sidenote to Steph Curry's accomplishments

Why Draymond Green doesn't feel like a sidenote to Steph Curry's accomplishments originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green has heard it all before — how much of the Warriors’ success is tied to Stephen Curry, and how one more title could cement the guard’s legacy among the all-time greats.

In an exclusive interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke, Green made it clear he never has felt like a footnote in that story — and never will.

“I don’t think there’s any bigger Steph fan than me,” Green told Burke. “I don’t think there’s any bigger supporter, I don’t think there’s any bigger believer. I don’t think there’s anyone that will gracefully take a back seat to that and enjoy it. So, no, I never feel that — and in large part, probably because he would never let me feel that.”

Curry and Green were drafted three years apart — Curry in 2009 and Green in 2012 — and have spent their entire NBA careers with Golden State. In that time, the Warriors have won four championships, appeared in six NBA Finals and recorded the league’s best single-season record: 73–9 in 2015–16.

Green has earned four NBA All-Star selections, two All-NBA nods and a Defensive Player of the Year award, while Curry has collected two MVP trophies and revolutionized the modern game with his shooting.

So many around the league have put Curry on a pedestal — including coach Steve Kerr, who told Burke he is “the solar system of everything Golden State does.” Burke reminded Green that much of the conversation centers on maximizing Curry’s greatness and getting him a fifth ring. But that ring would be Green’s fifth, too.

Public opinion, though, means little to Green — not if it isn’t Curry’s opinion.

“Everybody else can say what they say, and that’s fine, but I know how he feels,” Green explained. “And as long as I know how the man feels, that’s good enough for me, you know, I know the love and support and appreciation that he has for me. If I’m not appreciated by one other person, what other one really matters if he does?”

As the Warriors prepare for another season and a possible fifth championship run, Green’s focus remains on the same thing that’s fueled their dynasty from the start — his belief in Curry and the team around him.

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Maple Leafs' Easton Cowan Reveals Prank Auston Matthews And Max Domi Pulled On Him During Team Dinner

Easton Cowan is loving life as a rookie in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 20-year-old has played two games alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on Toronto's top line. He registered his first NHL point on Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators on a goal from Matthews.

Cowan has looked strong on the ice and very comfortable playing with Matthews and Knies. Part of that is because of the skill he possesses to play that high in the lineup. Another side of it, however, is his teammates allowing him to feel comfortable in what's a big career moment.

Brandon Carlo joked on Tuesday about Cowan having an eye-opening experience during one of the team dinners. "It was pretty funny because there was a lot of things where he was like, 'I've never had this before', 'I've never had this before', and I remember being in that same position," he smiled.

'I Remember Being In That Same Position': Maple Leafs' Brandon Carlo Shares Funny Story About Easton Cowan's Early Days In NHL'I Remember Being In That Same Position': Maple Leafs' Brandon Carlo Shares Funny Story About Easton Cowan's Early Days In NHL<a href="https://x.com/nickbarden/status/1977860208614391957">Easton Cowan</a> is enjoying life up in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"Yeah, obviously, the dinner is very good food, nice hotels, so just being grateful for each and every day," added Cowan. But yeah, it's called the never hungry-league for a reason, and I haven't really been hungry that much, I've been eating a lot, lots of good food, so I've been very grateful for that."

Cowan also revealed that he's been pranked by a few of the older players on the team.

"We were out for dinner, and I was sitting with the younger guys on the team, I'd say, and the waiter came over and handed me a bill," Cowan grinned.

"I thought I was going to have to pay for it, but it was just (Max Domi and Auston Matthews) playing a prank on me. So, it was definitely nice, finding out you didn't have to pay for that, but just little jokes like that, that are funny and go a long way, and it's just cool they can joke around, and you got to be able to take it."

What did the rookie think when the waiter placed the bill on the table?

"Pretty nervous, but (Matthew Knies) helped me out, looked at the bill, made sure it was fake. So yeah, definitely nervous for sure though."

Going back to that tuna tartare Cowan tried — what did he think of it?

"It was okay. Not a big fish guy," he said. "It was okay, but I don't think I'll go back to it."

'He Always Has Good Feedback': Maple Leafs' Craig Berube Details What Conversations Are Like With William Nylander'He Always Has Good Feedback': Maple Leafs' Craig Berube Details What Conversations Are Like With William NylanderIf there's anyone on the<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-2025-26-season-opening-roster-revealed"> Toronto Maple Leafs</a> who can come out on the good side of adversity, it's William Nylander.

Chris Tanev recalls a time during his rookie year when he was handed the bill after a team dinner. The veteran defenseman didn't reveal much about what occurred that night, aside from it being in Minnesota.

What he did reveal, though, was his welcome to the NHL moment off the ice.

"I think maybe the first time I had sushi. I never had sushi until I played in the NHL, so it was probably a 'what's going on right now' (moment)," Tanev said.

"Or going to a nice steakhouse. I never really went to those growing up as a kid, so you sort of get thrown into a whole different life than you're really accustomed to."

'If You Stick With It, Good Things Will Come': What Easton Cowan Will Remember About His NHL Debut With Maple Leafs'If You Stick With It, Good Things Will Come': What Easton Cowan Will Remember About His NHL Debut With Maple LeafsAs Easton Cowan <a href="https://x.com/nickbarden/status/1977789417462083825">skated onto the ice ahead of his NHL debut</a>, the crowd started cheering. Within all the noise, a song blared inside Scotiabank Arena: "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)".

These stories, of course, are comedic, but they highlight an important aspect of rookies playing in the NHL. The older players want to welcome the younger players into the league — and when they can make someone feel comfortable, they're going to do it for the betterment of the player and the group.

"It just makes you feel comfortable. It makes you feel welcomed," Tanev said. "We know how hard he's working on the ice and off the ice and he's a really good player. So anything we can do to make him feel comfortable and welcomed, we'll do."

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Yankees Injury Notes: No surgery for Aaron Judge; Carlos Rodon's 2026 debut likely delayed

Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided key injury updates on Thursday at Yankee Stadium during the club's end-of-season news conference...

Aaron Judge

Judge had a follow-up MRI on his right elbow after the season, and it was determined that he does not need surgery to repair the flexor strain he dealt with this past season.

The injury kept Judge out for a brief period spanning the end of July and beginning of August, and it hampered him in the field for the last two months of the season.

Judge initially returned as a DH before again manning right field. But while he was able to play his regular outfield position, Judge was unable to throw with the kind of authority he's accustomed to. This led opposing teams to challenge his arm more than usual.

With Judge not in need of surgery, the expectation is that he will be without restrictions next season when it comes to throwing from the outfield.

Carlos Rodon

Rodon had surgery on his left elbow after the season to address loose bodies and a bone spur.

He will be shut down from throwing for eight weeks, which will result in his offseason program being delayed.

Because of that, Boone said Rodon could possibly miss the first few weeks of the regular season while getting up to speed. 

Anthony Volpe

Volpe recently had labrum surgery after playing through a left shoulder injury during the season.

Boone said the expectation is that Volpe will resume hitting in four months, and that he will be a little behind to start spring training.

However, Volpe will not be able to dive on the shoulder for six months, which means he will likely not be cleared by Opening Day. 

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Lakers reportedly targeting mid-November return for LeBron James

From the moment LeBron James’ sciatica was announced, the most optimistic of return timelines seemed improbable. At best. To think he would only miss six games or so after having battled this nerve issue since late July or early August was highly unlikely, it was going to be longer (which is why our initial story suggested mid-November was more realistic).

Now comes the report that the Lakers are being "patient" and want the 40-year-old to return to full health, not rush him, which has them thinking mid-November for LeBron's return, via Shams Charania of ESPN speaking on NBA Today.

"I'm told that the Lakers and LeBron are looking at around mid-November as a realistic debut for him, and so October 30th would be the earliest that the Lakers would be officially reevaluating LeBron James, but it is expected he will need at least a few weeks after that point. A source told me tonight that LeBron will be taking a patient approach with this rehab from nerve injury."

That tracks with what we know about recovery from sciatica, it is not a fast process.

His return ultimately depends upon healing whatever is compressing the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down the leg to the feet. The nerve can be compressed by a number of things, such as a herniated disc, a bone spur, muscle tissue after lifting something heavy incorrectly, or other issues.

LeBron's injury is not going to hit the Lakers too hard on the court at the start of the season (he is out for opening night, Oct. 21, when the Lakers host Stephen Curry and the Warriors on NBC and Peacock). Luka Doncic is one of the great floor raisers of the game — just having him makes a team competitive — and he enters the season in the best shape of his life and playing with a chip on his shoulder. However, to reach their ceiling in the playoffs, the Lakers will need not only a healthy LeBron but him and Doncic (and Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton) on the same page and clicking. Building chemistry takes time and is the one thing delayed by his return.

LeBron averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds a game and was named Second Team All-NBA. LeBron's historic streak of making 21 consecutive All-NBA teams is in jeopardy this season because, after missing games to start the season, his ability to get to the 65-game cutoff (imposed by the league) is in question.

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Maple Leafs 7th Round Prospect Announces NCAA Commitment

<i>Brantford Bulldogs forward Sam McCue. Photo credit: Brandon Taylor/OHL Images</i>

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Sam McCue has announced his commitment to play in the NCAA for Bowling Green State University upon completion of his OHL career. The Brantford Bulldogs forward is in his last year of OHL eligibility. The expectation is that he will head over to Bowling Green for the start of the 2026-27 season. 

McCue was selected 216th overall in the seventh round of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Maple Leafs. As part of Toronto’s new scouting philosophy under GM Brad Treliving and Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Leach, McCue’s physical abrasiveness, north-south playstyle, and goal-scoring touch made him appealing to the Leafs brass. 

The Sudbury, Ontario, native is entering his fourth season in the OHL. He’s also on his fourth OHL team, having been traded three times in his junior career. McCue had a career year last season, recording 36 goals and 55 points in 55 games, split between Owen Sound and Flint. 

Through seven games this season with the Bulldogs, McCue has recorded four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in seven games. He started the season playing in Brantford’s top six, but has recently been pushed down to the third line, playing alongside Luca Testa and Layne Gallacher. 

Despite announcing his NCAA commitment, there is still the possibility that he signs an NHL contract with Toronto and heads to the AHL to play for the Toronto Marlies instead of the 2026-27 season. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

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Avalanche look to extend winning streak as Makar nears 400th NHL game

The Colorado Avalanche will aim to extend their winning streak when they face Charlie Coyle and the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday at Nationwide Arena, a matchup that will also feature a significant individual milestone the moment the puck drops. 

The Avalanche’s matchup with the Blue Jackets will mark Cale Makar’s 400th career NHL game—an extraordinary milestone that cements his standing among the sport’s elite. Over his first 400 appearances, Makar has already carved out a place in history: only Paul Coffey (475) and Bobby Orr (508) have tallied more points in that span, while just four defensemen—Ray Bourque (124), Denis Potvin (128), Coffey (148), and Orr (150)—have scored more goals. Anything short of a victory would feel like a letdown, but Colorado (3-0-1) enters with strong momentum and a prime opportunity to extend its winning streak to two games against Columbus (1-2). 

Top Line Is Soaring 

Through four games, the duo of Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Nečas has amassed a combined 16 points. In Monday’s 3-1 win over the then-winless Buffalo Sabers, MacKinnon scored twice and nearly missed out on recording a hat-trick, while Nečas recorded a pair of assists. The pair came close to adding more to their total, but an offside review nullified a beautiful third period goal from Nečas.

There’s a lot of concern from Avs fans and rightfully so about Nečas’ contract status. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and given how things worked out with Mikko Rantanen last spring, it only seems natural to be on edge about re-signing star players. But if there’s anything that should give Colorado fans hope, it’s what Nečas told The Gazette’s Evan Rawal over a week ago about MacKinnon. 

While with the Carolina Hurricanes, Nečas closely analyzed players across the league, searching for elements he could incorporate into his own game. One player stood out from the rest: MacKinnon 

“I was watching his game a lot, playing a little bit similar when I was in Carolina,” Nečas told Rawal. 

When you look at it from that perspective, does this sound like a guy who really wants to leave Colorado as was falsely claimed during the offseason? All signs are pointing towards a contract extension. Sometimes the best deals are made in private. And with MacKinnon and Nečas combining for four points per game through four games, there’s no reason to break them apart.  

Following their win over Buffalo, MacKinnon praised Nečas but also said their early success wouldn’t happen without Artturi Lehkonen. 

“Obviously Lehky makes it all possible with his routes, his net presence,” he told reporters. “We can’t have three guys buzzing around the outside, we need someone in the paint, and that’s what Lehky’s doing.” 

Inconsistent Power Play 

Colorado’s power play has experienced its share of highs and lows through the first four games, but Columbus may offer a prime opportunity for the unit to build some momentum. The Blue Jackets’ penalty kill has struggled early in the season, most notably in Monday’s 3–2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, when it surrendered two power-play goals that ultimately decided the game. Perhaps the most damning statistic: both goals were allowed within five seconds of the respective power plays ending. 

In boxing, when a fighter suffers a setback, they often take what’s known as a “soft touch”—a comparatively easy opponent intended to rebuild confidence before returning to top-tier competition. In a similar vein, if Colorado’s power play has yet to meet expectations, facing a team with a struggling penalty kill could serve as the perfect remedy to restore rhythm and efficiency. 

Will Miner Get The Start? 

Scott Wedgewood has arguably never looked sharper. Following his trade from the Nashville Predators, he posted a 13–4–1 record over 19 appearances last season for the Avalanche, accompanied by career-best numbers: a 1.99 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. Through the first four games of the current campaign, Wedgewood appears on track to surpass those marks, compiling a 3–0–1 record with a 1.72 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage. 

However, it is still early in the season, and at some point, Wedgewood will inevitably require a night off. That could open the door for 24-year-old Trent Miner to make the start. Miner is coming off one of the finest seasons of his career with the Colorado Eagles, posting a 22–10–9 record over 38 games, along with a 2.12 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. Many expected him to draw the start against Buffalo, particularly after Wedgewood’s uneven performance against Dallas, though Wedgewood ultimately met expectations in the 2–1 victory over the Sabers. 

Defensive lapses have been a recurring issue early in the campaign, yet Wedgewood has largely compensated, most notably in the October 9 win over the Utah Mammoth—a game that could easily have swung the other way. The pressing question for Avalanche fans is whether Miner would be capable of the same level of intervention if similar defensive breakdowns occur. Time will tell. 

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What are NBA debut patches?

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[BBC]

NBA players making their debut this season will wear a special patch on their shirts as part of a programme by trading card brand Topps, made by sports company Fanatics.

Any player making their debut will wear the patch on their shirt for their first game, before the patch is removed and placed onto a unique one-of-a-kind trading card.

That trading card will not only consist of the debut patch, but will also have the player's autograph on it.

A similar programme of using debut patches on trading cards has been used by Topps trading cards in Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball previously.

"Imagine having LeBron [James]'s, [Michael] Jordan's, [Steph] Curry's debut patch and what that would mean?" Fanatics Collectibles CEO Michael Mahan told ESPN.

"Well, the next generational superstar will have a debut patch - the ultimate rookie card."

Fanatics have also announced plans to make special patch cards for the Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

For those players, they will wear a gold NBA Logoman Patch which will then be used on rare trading cards.

"Trading cards haven't been associated with achievements, success and accolades: we're going to bring that into trading cards," added Mahan.

The NBA season starts on Tuesday, 21 October. Among those who will make their debuts this year are Amari Williams, a British centre who was picked up in the NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics earlier this year.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.

Amari Williams looks on
Amari Williams is in line join the list of Britons to play in the NBA this season, should he make his Boston Celtics debut [Getty Images]

What is Ask Me Anything?

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

The team will find out everything you need to know and be able to call upon a network of contacts including our experts and pundits.

We will be answering your questions from the heart of the BBC Sport newsroom, and going behind the scenes at some of the world's biggest sporting events.

Our coverage will span the BBC Sport website, app, social media and YouTube accounts, plus BBC TV and radio.

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How Warriors could solve Opening Night lineup decision with Moses Moody doubtful

How Warriors could solve Opening Night lineup decision with Moses Moody doubtful originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – Moses Moody, who entered the starting lineup during the Warriors’ impressive late-season run to the NBA playoffs, likely will be a spectator on opening night this season.

Moody started the first two preseason games but has since been sidelined by a calf strain. He did not practice on Thursday and will miss the preseason finale Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center.

“I would say Moses is doubtful for the opener,” coach Steve Kerr said. “He just hasn’t practiced yet, and we’re hoping that he gets on the floor maybe Sunday or Monday. But without enough ramp-up time, he’s doubtful for the opener.”

Moody’s expected absence is a considerable blow to Golden State’s guard/wing rotation. Guard De’Anthony Melton, reconditioning after surgery last December to repair a torn left ACL, will be sidelined until at least November. Both are quality defenders capable of filling the role alongside Stephen Curry in the backcourt.
With LA’s Luka Dončić looming on opening night, to whom does Kerr turn? There is no perfect move.

Brandin Podziemski has started three of the team’s four preseason games, alongside Curry for two of the three games. He’s an option, but he seems too light to match up with Dončić. Kerr also considers Podziemski his best choice to lead the Warriors’ second unit.

Buddy Hield has started alongside Curry in the past and could get consideration this time around. He’s a better physical matchup with Dončić, but such an assignment would come with the risk of early fouls that could limit Hield’s offensive impact. He thrives on offense when coming off the bench and exploiting opposing second units.

Gary Payton II could get a look, as his defense could annoy Dončić as well as anyone. But that move would severely cramp Golden State’s floor spacing on offense.

Would Kerr turn to rookie Will Richard? Feels like a reach to have someone – anyone – make his NBA debut against an MVP candidate. But Kerr makes it abundantly clear that he believes in Richard, so the possibility can’t be ruled out.

“He has great feel,” Kerr said of Richard. “He’s a really good cutter. The game flows when he’s out there, at both ends. He’s making the right reads and rotations defensively. He’s got a 6-10 wingspan, so he gets his hands on a lot of balls, but it’s the reeds that really (stand out).”

With the versatility of veteran center Al Horford, a two-big lineup – Horford joined by 7-foot Quinten Post up front – deserves consideration. That, however, would force Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler III to contend with Dončić. There are pros and cons to such a decision.

What’s clear is that the Warriors don’t have an ideal defender against Dončić. Neither young Klay Thompson nor experienced Andre Iguodala will be on the floor. Andrew Wiggins, who drew the assignment in recent years, is with the Miami Heat.

With five days to go, Kerr and his staff will convene to explore their options and make a decision.

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Mohammed Ben Sulayem set to remain FIA president after Mayer denied by arcane rule

  • Challenger expected to announce withdrawal on Friday

  • Ben Sulayem has been accused of concentrating power

Mohammed Ben Sulayem will stand unopposed for another term as the president of the FIA, motor sport’s governing body. The last remaining candidate is due to pull out on Friday because of an arcane election rule.

Tim Mayer, a former FIA senior steward with 15 years in the role until he was sacked last November, was one of three candidates who had announced they would oppose Ben Sulayem, alongside the former racing driver Laura Villars and the Belgian journalist Virginie Philpott.

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