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Red Sox at Padres Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for August 8

It's Friday, August 8 and the Red Sox (64-52) are in San Diego to take on the Padres (64-51). Walker Buehler is slated to take the mound for Boston against Nick Pivetta for San Diego.

Two of the hottest teams in the MLB meet when Boston and San Diego take the field for a three-game series. The Padres are 9-2 in the past 11 games, while Boston is 7-1 over the past eight. This is the first and only series of the season between the two teams.

Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Red Sox at Padres

  • Date: Friday, August 8, 2025
  • Time: 9:40PM EST
  • Site: Petco Park
  • City: San Diego, CA
  • Network/Streaming: NESN, SDPA

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Red Sox at the Padres

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Red Sox (+158), Padres (-190)
  • Spread:  Padres -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Red Sox at Padres

  • Pitching matchup for August 8, 2025: Walker Buehler vs. Nick Pivetta
    • Red Sox: Walker Buehler, (6-6, 5.75 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.23 ERA, 3 Earned Runs Allowed, 9 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 0 Strikeouts
    • Padres: Nick Pivetta, (11-3, 2.73 ERA)
      Last outing: 1.29 ERA, 1 Earned Runs Allowed, 1 Hits Allowed, 0 Walks, and 5 Strikeouts

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Red Sox and the Padres

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday’s game between the Red Sox and the Padres:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Boston Red Sox at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Red Sox at Padres

  • The Padres are 9-2 in the last 11 games
  • The Red Sox are 7-1 in the last 8 games
  • The Red Sox have a winning record (21-15) in matchups against National League teams this season
  • The Over is 4-1 in the Red Sox's last 5 games
  • The Red Sox have covered in 4 of their last 5 games showing a profit of 3.33 units

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
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Cubs at Cardinals Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for August 8

It's Friday, August 8 and the Cubs (66-48) are in St. Louis to take on the Cardinals (58-58). Matthew Boyd is slated to take the mound for Chicago against Michael McGreevy for St. Louis.

The Cardinals are coming off a series victory against the Dodgers where they took two out of three compared to the Cubs who dropped two of three to the Reds. The Cubs own the season series 4-3 over the Cardinals and are coming in with a better second-half record.

Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Cubs at Cardinals

  • Date: Friday, August 8, 2025
  • Time: 8:15PM EST
  • Site: Busch Stadium
  • City: St. Louis, MO
  • Network/Streaming: MARQ, FDSNMW, MLBN

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Cubs at the Cardinals

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Cubs (-153), Cardinals (+128)
  • Spread:  Cubs -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Cubs at Cardinals

  • Pitching matchup for August 8, 2025: Matthew Boyd vs. Michael McGreevy
    • Cubs: Matthew Boyd, (11-4, 2.34 ERA)
      Last outing: 0.00 ERA, 0 Earned Runs Allowed, 4 Hits Allowed, 0 Walks, and 8 Strikeouts
    • Cardinals: Michael McGreevy, (3-2, 5.08 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.00 ERA, 4 Earned Runs Allowed, 7 Hits Allowed, 1 Walks, and 4 Strikeouts

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Cubs and the Cardinals

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday’s game between the Cubs and the Cardinals:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Chicago Cubs on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the St. Louis Cardinals at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Cubs at Cardinals

  • St. Louis is 7-12 since the All-Star break
  • Chicago is 9-9 since the All-Star break
  • Chicago is 4-3 versus St. Louis this season
  • The Cubs have won five of their last seven road matchups against teams with worse records
  • Five of the Cubs' last six road games have gone over the total
  • The Cardinals have failed to cover the run line in four of their last five home games

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
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Mets at Brewers Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for August 8

It's Friday, August 8 and the Mets (63-52) are in Milwaukee to take on the Brewers (70-44). Kodai Senga is slated to take the mound for New York against Brandon Woodruff for Milwaukee.

The Brewers are one of the hottest teams in the MLB with six consecutive wins and are 9-1 in the last 10 contests.

Milwaukee swept Atlanta and Washington in the last two series, while New York was swept by Cleveland last. The Mets are 1-8 in the last nine games and have dropped four straight as they enter this three-game series.

Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Mets at Brewers

  • Date: Friday, August 8, 2025
  • Time: 8:10PM EST
  • Site: American Family Field
  • City: Milwaukee, WI
  • Network/Streaming: SNY, FDSNWI

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Mets at the Brewers

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Mets (+106), Brewers (-126)
  • Spread:  Brewers -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Mets at Brewers

  • Pitching matchup for August 8, 2025: Kodai Senga vs. Brandon Woodruff
    • Mets: Kodai Senga, (7-3, 2.31 ERA)
      Last outing: 9.00 ERA, 4 Earned Runs Allowed, 5 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 4 Strikeouts
    • Brewers: Brandon Woodruff, (3-0, 2.22 ERA)
      Last outing: 3.00 ERA, 2 Earned Runs Allowed, 1 Hits Allowed, 1 Walks, and 8 Strikeouts

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Mets and the Brewers

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday’s game between the Mets and the Brewers:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Milwaukee Brewers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the New York Mets at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Mets at Brewers

  • Milwaukee is 6-0 in the last 6 games and 9-1 in the past 10
  • New York is 0-4 in the last 4 games and 1-8 in the last 9
  • The Brewers have won 4 of their last 5 games at home with Brandon Woodruff starting
  • In his last 5 starts on the mound the Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff has an ERA of 1.74
  • It has been 6 games since the Brewers last failed to cover the Run Line

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
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Athletics rookie Jacob Lopez finds zone, strikes out 10 to help A’s stymie Nationals

WASHINGTON — Athletics rookie pitcher Jacob Lopez tries to stick to a decidedly uncomplicated plan when his turn in the rotation comes up.

“I tell myself ‘Don’t be an idiot, just try to throw strikes early,’” Lopez said.

The blueprint was almost flawless Thursday as Lopez set career highs in strikeouts (10) and innings (7 2/3) against the Washington Nationals in a 6-0 victory.

Lopez (5-6) has not allowed a run in his last three outings, reducing his ERA from 4.60 to 3.59 in that span. The left-hander allowed only three hits and didn’t permit a runner past second base.

“That’s the best Jacob has been all year, and the reason I say that is because he didn’t have any walks and he pounded the strike zone,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said. “He’s deceptive. He’s got life on the heat, and he used his changeup to lefties today, which I thought was a great mix.”

It was evident early that Lopez was comfortable. He breezed through the first inning in eight pitches and needed only 11 more in the second. And after allowing two hits in the third, he set down 15 of the last 16 batters he faced and the final 11 in a row.

He piled up the strikeouts late, collecting six against his last nine batters.

“For righties, the ball is coming kind of in at a weird angle for you,” catcher Willie MacIver said. “Lefties, his slider is coming from behind the lefties. Lefties don’t see a ton of that, so when we saw their lineup had six lefties in it, we’re like ‘All right, we can have a good day today.’ We wouldn’t have had a good day if he didn’t execute, but he did.”

The A’s haven’t thrown a complete game all season. Kotsay said he saw his former player and current Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt allow Gavin Williams to throw 126 pitches Wednesday while coming within two outs of a no-hitter against the New York Mets and figured Lopez could go just as deep when he got through seven innings with 90 pitches.

That plan was foiled when Washington’s Nathaniel Lowe had 11 foul balls during a 17-pitch plate appearance before Lopez got a called third strike on a sinker. Lopez then struck out Daylen Lile and departed after throwing 114 pitches.

“I was back there and was like ‘When is this guy just going to put it in play already, dude,’” MacIver said. “I think it’s a testament to Lopez’s mentality out there. I’ve been part of it, and a lot of guys will be (at) like 10 pitches and throw one out of the zone. Lopez keeps coming after him, keeps coming after him, no matter how many foul balls, no matter what pitch. It was impressive.”

Lopez hadn’t pitched more than five innings since June 25, but did throw a combined 9 1/3 scoreless innings in his last two outings. This was an even more efficient showing for the rookie acquired from Tampa Bay in December.

“I think I’ve had a lot of different outings,” Lopez said. “Early on I was throwing a lot of balls, so I had to learn how to get out of those jams. The past couple outings, I’ve gone back into the groove of throwing strikes. A lot of different ways of pitching. You just have to stay focused and grind out at bats.”

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Blackhawks Defenseman Ready For Breakout Year

The Chicago Blackhawks have several promising young players to keep an eye on during the 2025-26 season, and one of them is defenseman Kevin Korchinski. While the 2022 seventh-overall pick has had some growing pains early on in his career, he still has the potential to become an incredibly important part of Chicago's future and will be looking to take a big step forward in his development next season. 

During this past season with the Blackhawks, Korchinski posted one goal, one assist, and a minus-5 rating in 16 games. This was after he recorded five goals, 10 assists, and 15 points in 76 games with the Blackhawks during his rookie campaign in 2023-24.

Korchinski spent the majority of the 2024-25 campaign in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Rockford IceHogs, however, where he posted three goals, 27 points, and a minus-17 rating in 56 regular-season games. He also had two goals and four points in seven playoff games for Rockford. 

Overall, Korchinski has yet to have that big breakout season for the Blackhawks, but this certainly has the chance to change in 2025-26. The left-shot blueliner has the tools to blossom into an impactful NHL defenseman, and it is exactly why he was selected so early in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

Now, Korchinski's goal heading into next season will be to tap into his high potential more. If he does, he would undoubtedly give the Blackhawks' blueline a serious boost. We will need to wait and see if he can do just that from here. 

Blackhawks Trade Target Expected To Stay PutBlackhawks Trade Target Expected To Stay PutEarlier this summer, The Fourth Period reported that the Chicago Blackhawks are one of the teams linked to Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues. Given the Blackhawks' need for more skilled forwards, it is understandable that the Blackhawks have been connected to a two-time Stanley Cup winner like Rodrigues.
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Nicolas Roy Ready for Top-Six Role With Maple Leafs Whenever Called Upon

While the Toronto Maple Leafs continue their search for a top-six forward ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season, newly acquired center Nicolas Roy could help fill the gap in the meantime.

Speaking with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill on Leafs Morning Take, Roy shared that he has already spoken with head coach Craig Berube about expectations for his role. During his time with the Vegas Golden Knights, Roy often stepped into a top-six spot when the team dealt with injuries or needed a replacement.

“I definitely see myself as someone who can play in the top six if needed, and in different roles,” Roy said. “I can handle various situations—power play, penalty kill, big faceoffs. I enjoy that part of the game.”

Toronto acquired Roy in a sign-and-trade deal that sent star forward Mitch Marner to Vegas. Marner agreed to an eight-year, $96 million contract with the Golden Knights. His departure leaves a huge hole in the Leafs’ top six—last season, he led the team in points with 27 goals and 75 assists for a total of 102 points.

So far, no free agent has emerged as a clear replacement, making a trade seem like the most likely path forward. Still, it’s been a quiet offseason despite Toronto having some salary cap flexibility.

'Nobody Expects Them Not To Do Things Before Puck Drops': Could Maple Leafs Still Move Nick Robertson After Contract Signing?'Nobody Expects Them Not To Do Things Before Puck Drops': Could Maple Leafs Still Move Nick Robertson After Contract Signing?Although the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nick Robertson settled on a one-year, $1.825 million contract on Saturday, could the young forward still be on his way out?

For now, the Leafs may try to replace Marner’s production by committee. Along with Roy, they’ve added forwards Matias Maccelli and Dakota Joshua, and re-signed Nick Robertson to a one-year, $1.825 million deal.

Roy recorded 15 goals and 16 assists in 71 games last season. Over his career, he has 10 goals and 22 assists in 79 playoff games and was part of Vegas’s 2023 Stanley Cup win.

'I Think He Really Wore It': Matt Martin Reflects On Mitch Marner's Move To Golden Knights And His Two Seasons With Maple Leafs'I Think He Really Wore It': Matt Martin Reflects On Mitch Marner's Move To Golden Knights And His Two Seasons With Maple LeafsMatt Martin might be retired, but he remembers playing with Mitch Marner on the Toronto Maple Leafs like it was yesterday. 'I Was Just Being Honest': Ryan Reaves Defends Advising Mitch Marner On Vegas While Still Technically With Maple Leafs'I Was Just Being Honest': Ryan Reaves Defends Advising Mitch Marner On Vegas While Still Technically With Maple LeafsWhen Mitch Marner made his first public comments as a member of the Vegas Golden Knights, he mentioned speaking with former Toronto Maple Leafs teammates Ryan Reaves and Max Pacioretty about their experiences with living arrangements in the city during the final weeks of June. This revelation upset some Maple Leafs fans, who felt Marner had been disengaged for weeks. While perhaps not as infuriated as they were upon discovering Marner spoke to current Vegas Golden Knights players in February while competing for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off, fans were still displeased. Why The Maple Leafs Shouldn't Target Jack Roslovic After Other Free Agency MovesWhy The Maple Leafs Shouldn't Target Jack Roslovic After Other Free Agency MovesThe Toronto Maple Leafs have enough depth players.
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Rumor: Warriors have some interest in a Jonathan Kuminga for Josh Giddey trade

The Golden State Warriors are at a very public stalemate with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga over a new contract. While not negotiated through the media in the same way, the Chicago Bulls and Josh Giddey are in a similar situation.

The Warriors are at least open to the idea of trading their problems — a Kuminga for Giddey trade, reports NBA insider Jake Fischer during a live stream for Bleacher Report.

"I can report that there have been multiple teams that have reached out to Josh Giddey's representation about having interest in [him]. Golden State is one of them. Golden State would be interested, depending on how the machinations would go, in some kind of Josh Giddey/Jonathan Kuminga sign-and-trade, to my understanding."

How serious the Warriors are about this is up for debate but also moot right now — the Bulls have shot down all calls for a Giddey sign-and-trade so far, Fischer said. However, he added that in the past there was some interest in Chicago in Kuminga.

"They made outreach to Golden State early in the offseason about Kuminga, they've talked about Kuminga in various trade conversations with the Warriors in the past when Golden State was checking in on Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso."

This trade is a long shot primarily due to logistical reasons — a double sign-and-trade deal is incredibly difficult to pull off. That's because of the NBA's base year compensation rule, which would break down in practice this way: For the purposes of the trade, Kuminga's outgoing salary would count for half (50%) of its annual average on the Warriors' books, but the full amount incoming on the Bulls' books. For example, and hypothetically, if Kuminga's average salary on the new contract were $20 million a season, for the Warriors it would count as $10 million going out, but for the Bulls it would count as $20 million a year coming in. The same is true in reverse, Giddey would count for 50% of his salary on the Bulls' books, but the full amount on the Warriors. That means there would need to be at least three teams in this trade to make the math work, and more likely at least four teams. Good luck putting that together.

The Warriors reportedly have pulled out of all Kuminga trade talks and expect him to be with the team this fall. The Warriors reportedly offered a two-year, $45 million contract, and Fischer confirmed previous reporting that Golden State wants a team option on the second year and for Kuminga to waive the no-trade clause that would automatically come with that contract (because it's in practice a one-year deal and he could lose his Bird rights). Kuminga isn't about to give up his only leverage in this situation.

The deadline to reach a deal is Oct. 1 (the final day Kuminga could pick up the $7.8 million qualifying offer and play for that, then be a free agent next summer), which is far enough away that neither side feels any pressure to compromise. Same with the Giddey situation. In both cases, expect the situation to be worked out closer to training camp, and don't expect a Giddey for Kuminga trade, that would be a lot to make happen.

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Giants place Jerar Encarnación on IL, call up Drew Gilbert to make MLB debut

Giants place Jerar Encarnación on IL, call up Drew Gilbert to make MLB debut originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Giants placed outfielder Jerar Encarnación on the injured list Friday — his third stint of the 2025 MLB season.

Encarnación lands on the 10-day IL, retroactive to Aug. 7, after sustaining a right hamstring injury in San Francisco’s 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday at PNC Park. Giants manager Bob Melvin told reporters Friday that Encarnación has a grade 2 hamstring strain and will miss four to six weeks.

Encarnación homered in both of the games he played after returning from a separate IL stint Monday. The 27-year-old has dealt with horrible injury luck this season; he fractured his hand near the end of a strong spring training and hurt his oblique soon after his return in June.

To replace Encarnación in the lineup, the Giants selected outfielder Drew Gilbert from Triple-A Sacramento and designated outfielder Daniel Johnson for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. Gilbert was acquired from the New York Mets in San Francisco’s Tyler Rogers trade.

Gilbert, 24, batted .255/.356/.455 with 14 home runs and 52 RBI in 87 games between New York’s Single- and Triple-A levels this season. He was hitting .500 (7-for-14) with two RBI — including a walk-off hit — with the River Cats.

Gilbert will wear No. 61 with the Giants for his MLB debut, batting ninth and playing right field against the Washington Nationals on Friday at Oracle Park.

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

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Where Wild's Kirill Kaprizov Ranks Among Wingers In The NHL

The NHL Network is putting together some lists of the top players in the NHL among different positions before the 2025-26 season starts. They just dropped the top-20 wingers in the NHL list.

Minnesota Wild forward Matt Boldy was on the list and ranked 19th.

Minnesota Wild's Matt Boldy Ranked As Top-20 Winger In NHLMinnesota Wild's Matt Boldy Ranked As Top-20 Winger In NHLThe NHL Network is putting together some lists of the top players in the NHL among different positions before the 2025-26 season starts. They just dropped the top-20 wingers in the NHL list. 

Kirill Kaprizov ranked third on the list. Only Nikita Kucherov and David Pastrnak rank higher than Kaprizov. Pastrnak had 43 goals, 63 assists and 106 points in 82 games last year. Kucherov had 37 goals, 84 assists and 121 points in 78 games.

Kaprizov, 28, recorded 25 goals, 31 assists and 56 points in 41 games for the Wild last year. He recorded five goals and nine points in six playoff games as well.

Sine 2021, Kaprizov ranks fifth amongst NHL wingers in goals with 158. William Nylander has 159 in 327 games played, Mikko Rantanen has 165 goals in 319 games played, Alex Ovechkin has 167 goals in 294 games played and Pastrnak has 191 goals in 318. 

Kapriov has 158 in just 264 games played in that span. If you scale it to goals per game (G/GP), Kaprizov and Pastrnak are tied at 0.60 for first in the NHL since 2021. 

Since Kaprizov broke into the league during the 2020-21 season he has scored 0.58 goals per game. That puts him tied with Pastrnak for the most among wingers and the third most of any NHL player. Only Leon Draisaitl and Auston Matthews have a higher G/GP.

Draisaitl has played 368 games, Matthews with 347 games played and Pastrnak with 366 games played.

I don't think people truly realize how incredible Kaprizov's numbers have been. He continues to cement himself as the greatest Wild player ever and one of the best players in the whole NHL.

Other Wild News

Wild's Marco Rossi Continues To Have A Big Offseason, Up 14 PoundsWild's Marco Rossi Continues To Have A Big Offseason, Up 14 PoundsMinnesota Wild forward Marco Rossi is known for his work ethic. He has already had a big offseason by training with Hall of Fame center Joe Thornton.Son Of Former Minnesota Wild Forward Commits To University Of MinnesotaSon Of Former Minnesota Wild Forward Commits To University Of MinnesotaLong-time NHL forward Matt Cullen's son just announced his commitment to playing hockey for the University of Minnesota. Wyatt is one of three Cullen brothers, all who play hockey. 
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Darche Not Bringing In Any PTOs; Competition Stage Set For Islanders’ Training Camp

During a virtual Q&A with selected season ticket members, New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche stated that he didn't have any plans to bring in any players on a PTO. 

So, if the Islanders aren't going to bring in any players on PTOs, then we have the list of players who will be battling out this fall at training camp.

PTO stands for Professional Tryout, which is when a franchise brings in a player, usually a veteran, on a trial period.

We saw this happen with the Islanders last season when Matt Martin, now a special assistant to Darche, came to camp on a PTO. Due to injuries, Martin was then signed to a one-year deal.

Darche Isn’t Lou — And That’s The Point, Especially When It Comes To Coaching PhilosophyDarche Isn’t Lou — And That’s The Point, Especially When It Comes To Coaching PhilosophyOn Wednesday, New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche joined Jeff Marek on Daily Faceoff's "The Sheet".

Here's the Islanders' depth chart when it comes to NHL options for 2025-26:

C: Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal, Calum Ritchie (waiver exempt), Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Casey Cizikas, Kyle MacLean

LW: Jonathan Drouin, Anders Lee, Anthony Duclair, Emil Heineman, Pierre Engvall

RW: Kyle Palmieri, Simon Holmstrom, Maxim Shabanov (waiver exempt), Maxim Tsyplakov, Marc Gatcomb

LD: Alexander Romanov, Adam Pelech, Matthew Schaefer, Isaiah George (waiver exempt)

RD: Tony DeAngelo, Ryan Pulock, Scott Mayfield, Adam Boqvist, Ethan Bear

G: Ilya Sorokin, Semyon Varlamov (IR), David Rittich

I*f Varlamov isn't ready, Rittich will serve as the backup.

We listed 27 players, with NHL rosters maxing out at 23, which means four players from this list will not be making the club this fall.

As of right now, the extra forwards are MacLean, Engvall, and Gatcomb.

If Ritchie wins a job—whether that's as a starting center (which would be tough unless the Islanders decide to keep Barzal on Horvat's wing or move a player like Cizikas to the wing, a place he played a lot last season)—that could push MacLean out of the NHL picture.

MacLean, who is entering the second season of a three-year deal worth $775,000 annually, will need to have a big camp after struggling in 2024-25.

It doesn't make much sense for Ritchie to make the team as an extra, since the club could send him down to Bridgeport and let him develop under Rocky Thompson, serving as the first call-up if there's an injury to the forward group.

So, if Ritchie starts in Bridgeport, that could mean MacLean still has a spot.

With the way Gatcomb played last season, he is kind of a perfect extra forward to have on this roster and will be gunning for a fourth-line gig. He signed a one-year deal worth $900,000 as an RFA.

Engvall is one of the more intriguing players entering training camp. He no question had a strong finish to the season, but his inconsistencies make him a tough player to rely on. Yes, he has five seasons left on his deal at $3 million annually, but that cap hit didn't stop the Islanders from waiving him following last year's camp and again during the season, before ultimately recalling him.

If in Bridgeport, the Islanders can bury $1.15 million of the $3 million, leaving Engvall on the books at $1.85 million.

When it comes to the extra defenseman, it seems like Schaefer and George will be battling out for the final left-side spot. 

That doesn't mean if Schaefer makes the team out of camp, there's no value in him being an extra—we saw the Islanders go that route with Noah Dobson. If George doesn't make the team, he will be playing top minutes in Bridgeport.

On the right side, Boqvist is likely making the team, whether that's as the bottom-pairing right-side defenseman or as the club's seventh defenseman. Boqvist, who signed a one-year extension, will have to beat out Scott Mayfield for the bottom-pairing gig, something he did last season following the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off.

Bear, who signed a one-year, two-way deal worth $775,000, is trying to prove that he is an NHL-quality defenseman and will be gunning for a role.

So, to sum up the roster spot battles, it's the following:

Defense: Schaefer vs. George & Boqvist vs. Bear (any could serve as the extra defenseman if they don't win a starting spot)

Forwards: Engvall vs. Gatcomb, Ritchie vs. MacLean

Goaltenders: Varlamov vs. injury

When it comes to the actual starting lineup, there's more competition.

The only thing known at this time about the lineup is that Drouin will be playing with Horvat. We can project the starting lineup, but there are countless configurations that head coach Patrick Roy will need to figure out:

Drouin - Horvat - Palmieri

Lee - Barzal - Holmstrom

Duclair - Pageau - Shabanov

Heineman - Cizikas - Tsyplakov

Romanov - DeAngelo

Pelech - Pulock

Schaefer - Mayfield

Sorokin

Rittich

This will be an enormous camp for Duclair, who is under contract for three more seasons at $3.5 million. He walked away from the team with eight games to go after trying to get back to his game following an early-season groin injury.

If he can show that his strides are back to where they need to be, he's certainly an option to play with Barzal, which was the thought when he was signed to his deal last July.

For Shabanov, this will be his first taste of the NHL game, and it wouldn't be a shock to see him begin his career in the bottom six before working his way up, if he earns more playing time.

Maxim Tsyplakov, who signed a two-year extension worth $2.25 million annually, went through the growing pains of the NHL this past year and should have more of an understanding of how he has to play to be most effective on the ice.

Shabanov coming over, along with Drouin, certainly pushes Tsyplakov down the forward depth chart. But given Tsyplakov's hockey IQ, physicality, and ability to dish the puck and score, he could be a player who sees time in the middle six.

Simon Holmstrom, who signed a two-year extension worth $3.625 million annually, proved last season that he has the potential to be a true top-six forward after a few seasons of being a third-line shutdown forward.

He probably isn't a top-line winger, so Barzal's wing certainly makes a ton of sense.

If the Islanders have Lee, their captain, in a bottom-six role this season, that's a good sign, as it would mean that Drouin and Duclair are both providing the offense needed for their respective potential roles.

Whether it's for the final roster spots or starting minutes, training camp this fall will be a competitive one. So, buckle up, as we are about a month and a half away.

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Warriors reportedly to open season vs. Lakers, host Mavericks on Christmas Day

Warriors reportedly to open season vs. Lakers, host Mavericks on Christmas Day originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Two big Warriors games have been unveiled for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season.

Golden State will open the season against LeBron James, Luka Dončić and the Lakers on Tuesday, Oct. 21, in Los Angeles, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday afternoon, citing sources. The game will air on the newly revived NBA on NBC.

The other Opening Night game set for that Tuesday, per Charania, will be the Houston Rockets, freshly led by 15-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant, against the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Another big Warriors contest revealed by Charania is their Christmas Day showdown with former Golden State guard Klay Thompson and his Dallas Mavericks.

The game will take place on Dec. 25 at Chase Center and air on ABC and ESPN.

Here are the rest of the reported Christmas Day games:

Thompson, of course, spent the first 13 years of his NBA career with Golden State as he, his Splash Brother Steph Curry and Draymond Green created a dynasty in the Bay before Thompson departed in free agency last offseason.

In one season with the Mavericks, Thompson averaged 14 points on 41.2-percent shooting from the field and 39.1 percent from 3-point range, with 3.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 27.3 minutes through 72 games (72 starts).

Alongside Thompson will be the 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick, Cooper Flagg, in addition to nine-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving, who agreed to a three-year contract with Dallas worth a reported $119 million.

We’re still a ways away from NBA action, but it’s never too early to get excited about Dubs basketball, right?

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