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Budding Oilers Prospect Joins Draisaitl On Team Germany For 2026 Winter Olympics

Edmonton Oilers prospect Josh Samanski will be joining Leon Draisaitl at the Winter Olympics. The German team announced their roster on Wednesday and on the squad is Samanski, who is currently playing extremely well for the Oilers' AHL team, the Bakersfield Condors. 

Samanski has 5-20-25/+6 in 32 GP for the Condor this season. He is earning a solid reputation for his tireless work ethic and tracking to be an impact NHL player far sooner than scouts expected. He'd been playing a lot with Ike Howard and Quinn Hutson. 

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The team, while not stacked like Team Canada or Team USA, does have a handful of very solid NHLers. Among them are Tim Stutzle of the Ottawa Senators and Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings.  

One fan wrote of Samanski, "Samanski is my favorite prospect this season. What a personality and a great range of skills. Legit 3C potential." Interestingly, the Oilers are looking for a third-line center, and have been for some time. 

This Olympic appearance will be a great showcase for him, and with Draisaitl there and working alongside the young forward, one has to wonder if he'll get an advocate in his corner. 

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New Model Predicts Red Wings Finish Top 3 in Atlantic Division

The Detroit Red Wings are having a season to remember as the franchise celebrates its centennial, marking 100 years of hockey in Detroit. In a season filled with nostalgia and renewed optimism, the Red Wings have also seen tangible progress on the ice, highlighted by the arrival of several top prospects who are beginning to make an impact at the NHL level.

Among the most encouraging developments has been the debut season of Emmitt Finnie and Axel Sandin-Pellikka, both of whom have stepped into professional roles and delivered strong early returns. Their performances have energized a fan base eager to see the next generation help push the team back into contention.

That excitement has been fueled by the standings as Detroit currently holds a 25-15-4 record, good for second place in the Atlantic Division. With that positioning comes the biggest question surrounding the team this season. Can the Red Wings finally end a playoff drought that has stretched close to a decade.

The path, however, is far from clear as the Atlantic Division is tightening as the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs continue to heat up. Even the young and improving Montreal Canadiens remain in the mix, making the race for playoff spots one of the most competitive in the league. Every point will matter as the season moves toward its final months.

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To add perspective to the playoff race, online hockey analytics site MoneyPuck has released its latest prediction model outlining each team’s chances of reaching the postseason and advancing beyond it. MoneyPuck is well known for its detailed statistical analysis, tracking underlying numbers such as expected goals, goaltending performance in high danger situations, individual line combinations, and team metrics like even strength goal differential above expected.

The model estimates each team’s probability of winning a game using historical NHL data and three core factors. Those factors include how often a team wins, the quality and quantity of scoring chances it creates and allows, and the strength of its goaltending. The system also adjusts for context such as shooting talent, recent performance without over weighting it, home ice advantage, rest, and goalie usage. Expected goals based simulations are then used to account for luck and uncertainty. Over time, the model has shown accuracy by correctly identifying game winners roughly 60 to 64 percent of the time.

According to MoneyPuck, the Red Wings currently have a 61.4 percent chance of making the playoffs. They are given a 27.3 percent chance to win at least one playoff round, an 11.9 percent chance to reach the Conference Finals, and a 5.2 percent chance to make the Stanley Cup Final. Their odds of winning the Stanley Cup sit at 2.3 percent.

MoneyPuck projects Detroit to finish the season with 95.4 points. The Red Wings have the highest likelihood of reaching the playoffs as either the second or third seed in the Atlantic at a combined 35.7 per cent, while their chances of winning the division stand at 7.7 per cent. They are also given an 18 per cent chance to qualify through one of the wild card spots.

While those numbers may not match the outlook of teams like the Colorado Avalanche, who are given a 100 per cent chance of making the playoffs, they still reflect meaningful progress. In fact, some teams such as the Ottawa Senators hold a higher projected chance of winning the Stanley Cup despite being unlikely to reach the postseason themselves.

For Detroit, the projections are another sign that the team is moving in the right direction. As the centennial season continues and the playoff race tightens, the Red Wings remain firmly in the hunt, giving fans plenty of reason to believe that this historic year could also mark the long awaited return to postseason hockey.

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Four big moves Red Sox must make before 2026 season

Four big moves Red Sox must make before 2026 season originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Red Sox have made a handful of noteworthy moves this offseason, but there’s still plenty of work to be done before the 2026 MLB season begins.

There are glaring question marks all over the current roster. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said it himself: the roster remains “incomplete” after the club’s trades for right-hander Sonny Gray and first baseman Willson Contreras.

So, what moves still must be made for Boston to stay competitive in 2026? Here are four big moves the Red Sox must make before Opening Day.

Re-sign Alex Bregman

Bringing Bregman back was reportedly Boston’s top priority heading into the offseason. Yet, the veteran third baseman is still on the market as we begin the new year.

The Red Sox shouldn’t let the Bregman negotiations drag out much longer. His departure would leave a giant question mark at the hot corner and make the Rafael Devers trade look like an even bigger disaster. And outside of fellow free agent Bo Bichette, there aren’t many enticing fallback options if Bregman signs elsewhere.

Bregman, who turns 32 in March, is projected to receive a five- or six-year contract worth somewhere in the $150-$170 million range. The Red Sox have been notoriously reluctant to offer such a deal to position players in their 30s, but they should make an exception, as Bregman was key to the club’s success in 2025.

Sign or trade for a second baseman

The second base position has been a revolving door for the Red Sox in recent years. It’s time to stabilize the position with an upgrade that can help fix the less-than-stellar infield defense.

Boston has been linked to Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte in trade rumors, and he’d be a tremendous addition as both a big bat and a solid defender. Unfortunately, it no longer appears that Arizona plans to deal Marte this offseason. So, how should the Red Sox pivot?

There are limited options in free agency. Bichette is expected to move from shortstop to second or third base next season, and he’s undoubtedly the most intriguing option. After him, you’re looking at names like Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Luis Arraez, and Willi Castro. Not exactly needle-movers.

If Bichette is off the table, Boston’s best bet is to dip back into the trade market. Perhaps Breslow could land his new second baseman by pulling off yet another deal with his favorite trade partner: the St. Louis Cardinals.

Brendan DonovanUSATSI
Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan would be a perfect fit for Boston, but he’d likely cost multiple talented young pitchers.

After acquiring Gray and Contreras in separate deals with St. Louis, the Red Sox could look to pry utility man Brendan Donovan from old friend Chaim Bloom. Donovan is a solid defender with MLB experience at all four infield spots and both corner outfield spots. The 29-year-old is coming off his first All-Star campaign, in which he slashed .287/.353/.422 with 10 homers and 50 RBI.

Katie Woo of The Athletic recently reported that the Red Sox and Cardinals have discussed a Donovan trade, though no deal was close at the time. Boston would likely have to send more talented young arms to St. Louis, such as left-handed pitching prospects Connelly Early or Payton Tolle. If that’s the asking price, it may be too steep for Breslow and Co.

David Hamilton, Romy Gonzalez, Ceddanne Rafaela, Nick Sogard, and Marcelo Mayer are among the second base options already on the Red Sox’ roster.

Add a left-handed reliever

Veteran closer Aroldis Chapman is currently the only reliable left-handed relief option on the Red Sox’ 40-man roster. With Brennan Bernardino, Steven Matz, Justin Wilson, and Chris Murphy no longer in the mix, adding a southpaw or two to the bullpen should be among Breslow’s priorities.

Taylor Rogers, Danny Coulombe, Jalen Beeks, and Andrew Chafin are among the top free-agent options still out there. Wilson also remains on the market after a better-than-expected debut season in Boston.

Jovani Moran and Shane Drohan could step up as the Red Sox’ go-to left-handed middle-relief options in 2026, but relying on them without bringing in reinforcements would be far too risky.

Find a solution to the outfield logjam

The Red Sox’ crowded outfield should have been sorted out last offseason, but it’s still an issue as we begin 2026. With Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Roman Anthony, Boston has four everyday outfielders on the roster. Masataka Yoshida also factors into the equation as a left fielder/designated hitter.

Moving Rafaela to second base is a potential solution, though the defense would suffer without his elite glove in center field. Another possible fix is putting Anthony in left, Rafaela in center, and Abreu in right with Duran as the DH, but Yoshida’s presence complicates things.

Given the outfield surplus, Duran and Abreu entered this offseason as obvious trade candidates. Either one could still be moved in a blockbuster deal — Kansas City Royals ace Cole Ragans was a rumored target earlier this winter — but Breslow seems comfortable rolling into the 2026 campaign with his current outfield. That would be a mistake.

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Why Draymond Green believes Steph Curry gets unfavorable calls from NBA referees

Why Draymond Green believes Steph Curry gets unfavorable calls from NBA referees originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Warriors star Steph Curry doesn’t seem to get the same favorable calls other NBA stars tend to get. 

His teammate, Draymond Green, believes there’s a key reason why.

“Does his lack of saying things to the referee affect the whistle that he doesn’t get? I think so,” Green stated in the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show.” “Not that Steph isn’t someone that’s going to stand up for himself. He just doesn’t on the court from a referee perspective. But I do think it ultimately affects him.” 

Curry, unlike many other NBA stars, isn’t one to berate the officiating crew when he doesn’t get a call after contact. He will sometimes gesture or look towards a referee, but it’s not the same demonstrative lobbying that you would see from a player such as Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić.

Green assuredly is the opposite and will make sure the officials know his thoughts. Even though he ranks towards the top of the league in technical fouls along with Dončić, he says it works his way more often than not. 

“I think I get a better whistle than Steph,” Green noted. “A much better whistle than Steph, in my opinion. If something wrong, it’s wrong.” 

Although it may be a reason why he doesn’t get more calls his way, Green says Curry’s calm demeanor is admirable. 

“I think we all want to be like Steph Curry when it comes to that,” Green explained. “But I I do think ultimately him not saying much to the referees, they call less. And yet that’s who we would all want to be is to have that reaction that he has.” 

Regardless, officiating will always have its inconsistencies, according to Green. 

“It’s human beings involved, which means there’s emotion and feeling and judgment involved — it isn’t robots,” Green said. “And so, just that thing alone — it being human beings — is naturally and automatically going to make it inconsistent because we’re human beings. We miss things we make mistakes.” 

Unfavorable officiating came to the forefront in the Warriors’ 103-102 loss to the LA Clippers on Monday, in which coach Steve Kerr was ejected and Steph Curry fouled out in crunch time. 

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Why potential Anthony Davis-to-Warriors trade is more fantasy than reality

Why potential Anthony Davis-to-Warriors trade is more fantasy than reality originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

As the Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers were going through pregame warmups Monday before tipoff at the Intuit Dome, two NBA power brokers were sitting on the bench next to each other deep in conversation.

There was Mike Dunleavy, the Golden State general manager who is exploring myriad trade options in hopes of boosting a team mired in mediocrity.

And there was agent Rich Paul, who represents Golden State forward-center Draymond Green.

Paul also represents Dallas Mavericks forward-center Anthony Davis, a 13-year veteran the Warriors have probed from a distance for several years, with varying degrees of curiosity.

The Warriors still have an interest in Davis, according to a report in The Athletic. Two league sources contacted by NBC Sports Bay Area on Wednesday confirmed their interest.

Davis would address several of Golden State’s most conspicuous needs. He’s lengthy – 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan – an efficient scorer and an elite rim protector. On talent alone, he’s an ideal target.

Davis, 32, also comes with a gigantic caveat, as he is among the least durable stars in NBA history. Only once since 2018 has he played in more than 70 percent of his team’s games. He has played in 19 of the Mavericks’ 35 games this season.

The availability factor is, according to sources, among several reasons it is unlikely that Golden State would trade for Davis, who is making $54.1 million this season and is set to gain $58.5 million in 2026-27.

“A month ago, I would have said there’s no chance,” said one source, who asked not to be identified. “Now, I’d say there is a tiny, tiny chance. A lot would have to happen, including moving a big salary and a slew of first-round picks. It’s not impossible, but it’s very unlikely.”

It must be understood that any attempt by the Warriors to acquire Davis – or anyone with a sizable contract upward of $40 million – would require moving a comparable salary. Stephen Curry ($59.6 million this season, $62.6M next season) is off limits. Golden State so far has indicated no willingness to part with Jimmy Butler III ($54.1M, $56.8M).

Which brings us to Green, whose current salary is $25.9 million, with a player option next season worth $27.7 million. The Warriors have long been reluctant to part with Green, with Curry’s influence being a significant factor. And Draymond’s salary would have to be packaged with another sizable contract (Jonathan Kuminga makes $22.5 million, with a team option for $24.3 million next season – but has a 15 percent trade kicker that would push total value above $48 million).

Green’s play this season has declined, most visibly on offense. Opponents dare him to shoot, but he has not been able to routinely exploit their generosity. The 13-year veteran’s turnover rate is at a career high, mostly because he tends to force passes through defenses anticipating them. Draymond’s greatest value to the Warriors is that his defense remains stellar.

We are two weeks removed from Dunleavy telling NBC Sports Bay Area that he does not expect the Warriors to make a move like that which delivered Butler before the trade deadline last season.

“We’ll look to do stuff that makes our team better, but I wouldn’t bank on that type of move,” the GM said on “Warriors Pregame Live” on Dec. 22. “To get a guy like Jimmy Butler, to have the improvement we did from being a 500 team to 23-8 (last season), that’s going to be pretty unrealistic.

“I think that the key with this team frankly, right now and moving forward, is improvement from within. The biggest area we know is turnovers. We’ve got to start taking care of the ball.”

Golden State is 5-3 since that statement. Some things have changed, and some have not. 

Paul is among the league’s most daring and aggressive agents. The Mavericks, according to one source, are not looking to trade Davis but are open to the possibility if it means getting future draft picks.

The Warriors are not seeking to trade Green, either, but each loss – and each game in which he is subpar or unavailable – won’t allow them to responsibly dismiss the possibility. Remember the departure of Klay Thompson? 

Golden State is not close to a deal for Kuminga, according to sources, but all 29 possible destinations know he is on the market after Jan. 15. His contract alone would not be enough to acquire a game-changing star.

If the Warriors don’t part with one of their three core members, Dunleavy’s comments will be validated. They’ll hope this core takes them to great heights. And they won’t get anywhere near Davis – or any other perennial All-Star.

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Kyrgios and Kokkinakis go down fighting in Brisbane thriller

  • Special Ks lose topsy-turvy match 6-0 1-6 (10-6)

  • Performance bodes well for Kyrgios’s wild card hopes

Nick Kyrgios was a motivational speaker, a part-time masseur and a dancer on the way to an entertaining doubles loss in Brisbane, with the defeat unlikely to harm his Australian Open wildcard hopes.

Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis looked set for an embarrassing Brisbane International loss after copping a first-set “bagel” in their round-of-16 doubles match against No 6 seeds Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul.

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The next generation? Five exciting Bruins prospects to watch in 2026

The next generation? Five exciting Bruins prospects to watch in 2026 originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Bruins’ decision to be sellers at the NHL trade deadline last season was the right move at the time, and it has looked even better over the first few months of the 2025-26 campaign.

Boston’s prospect pool has more talent and depth than it’s had in a while, especially at forward, where several players have already scored 10-plus goals for their teams.

The top prospect in the system is Boston College center James Hagens, whom the B’s selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. He was the Bruins’ first top-10 pick since 2011. But he’s not the only B’s prospect having a great year so far.

Here’s a look at five prospects that Bruins fans should keep a close eye on for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

1. James Hagens

  • Position: Center
  • Team: Boston College
  • 2025-26 Stats: 16 GP 10 G, 8 A

Hagens has almost matched his goal total from last season (11) in 21 fewer games. His playmaking ability has been impressive and he’s playing with more intensity all over the ice.

Hagens also played very well for Team USA at the World Junior Championship in recent weeks, tallying seven points (two goals, five assists) in five games and dominating in puck possession. He had two assists in the quarterfinals against Finland, although the U.S. lost 4-3 in overtime.

Hagens has top-six center talent and is without a doubt the prospect with the most upside in Boston’s system.

2. Fabian Lysell

  • Position: Right wing
  • Team: Providence Bruins
  • 2025-26 Stats: 26 GP, 11 G, 15 A

It’s strange Lysell hasn’t gotten more of an NHL opportunity. Boston could use his speed and skill. He’s been very consistent, too, with at least one point in 18 of 26 games for Providence this season.

At some point the Bruins have to see whether Lysell can be productive at the NHL level, and the only way to do that is for him to get a long stretch of games in Boston. He’s not going to take any more dramatic leaps in his development against AHL competition.

3. Will Zellers

  • Position: Right wing
  • Team: North Dakota
  • 2025-26 Stats: 19 GP, 10 G, 6 A

Zellers was the USHL Player of the Year in 2024-25 and has started his NCAA career in fine form with 10 goals in just 19 games. He was arguably Team USA’s best player at the World Juniors, too. He led the team with eight points (five goals, three assists) in five games, including at least one goal in four of the matchups.

Zellers was acquired as part of the Charlie Coyle trade last March — a deal that has worked out very well for Boston so far. The Bruins very much need more goal-scoring talent on the wing, and Zellers should be able to help address that weakness at some point.

4. Dean Letourneau

  • Position: Center
  • Team: Boston College
  • 2025-26 Stats: 18 GP, 11 G, 8 A

After a tough freshman year, Letourneau is having a breakout sophomore campaign for the Eagles. His shot accuracy has improved and he’s using his size to win puck battles in the tough areas of the ice. You can tell he’s playing with lots of confidence, and he leads the Eagles with 11 goals.

He skates really well for someone listed at 6-foot-7 and 220 pounds, which is one reason why he has drawn comparisons to Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson as a result. Letourneau’s potential is enormous, and his improvement at BC this season is one of the most encouraging aspects of the 2025-26 campaign for the Bruins.

5. Chris Pelosi

  • Position: Center
  • Team: Quinnipiac
  • 2025-26 Stats: 20 GP, 11 G, 10 A

Pelosi is another B’s prospect making a Year 2 leap in college. He has a rocket of a shot and is playing with more physicality all over the ice. He can play in a lot of different situations and has improved his two-way skill set.

The Bruins did not make a pick in the first or second rounds of the 2023 NHL Draft, and the class as a whole does not look super promising, but they might have something with Pelosi, who they selected in the third round.

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Canadiens: Taking On The Struggling Flames

While the Calgary Flames have a 6-4-0 record in the last 10 games, they’re not having a great season. With just 40 points and in second-to-last place in the Pacific Division, most agree that the Alberta outfit will be a seller come trade deadline day, whether GM Craig Conroy is ready to admit it or not.

When they faced the Montreal Canadiens in October, we were treated to a fantastic goalie battle that ended in overtime on a Mike Matheson goal. Dustin Wolf made 26 saves on 28 shots and had a .929 save percentage, while Jakub Dobes was outstanding with 36 saves on 37 shots for a .973 save percentage.

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Martin St-Louis has confirmed that Jacob Fowler will be in the net for the Canadiens on Wednesday night, he has never faced the Flames. Meanwhile, Jakub Dobes has a 1-1-0 record, a 1.01 goals-against average, and a .967 save percentage against st Calgary. As for Montembeault, he has faced the Flames three times and has a 0-2-1 record with a 2.69 GAA and a .913 SV%. 

At the other end of the ice, Wolf has a fantastic record against the Habs. He’s 3-0-1 with a 1.49 GAA and a .948 SV. As for backup Devin Cooley, he has never faced Montreal and has appeared in only 13 games this season. Considering the Flames last played on Monday, Wolf would be well-rested, but tonight’s tilt with the Habs is part one of a back-to-back for the visitors who’ll be facing the Boston Bruins on the road tomorrow. Statistically, at least, the Bruins are the easier match-up this season; they are second-to-last in the Atlantic Division with 46 points.

Up front, Nick Suzuki is the Canadiens’ most productive forward against Calgary with 14 points in 20 games, followed by Phillip Danault with 11 points in 30 games and Brendan Gallagher wraps up the top three with eight points in 22 games. The latter now only needs one goal to tie Mats Naslund as the 14th-best goal scorer in team history, and one assist to join Chris Chelios in 37th place in the team’s all-time assist leaders’ rankings. As for Alexandre Texier, he is chasing his 100th career point, and playing alongside Suzuki and Cole Caufield on the first line can only help in that department.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Huberdeau leads the Flames in points against the Habs with 32 points in 37 games, followed by Nazem Kadri with 24 points in 43 games, and Blake Coleman wraps up the top three with 14 points in 21 games.

World Junior Championship standout Zayne Parekh is set to rejoin the Flames on their current road trip. The 19-year-old has set a new record for most points by a Canadian defenseman in a single edition of the WJC. However, he got himself in trouble on New Year’s Day when he told the press he felt he could be more open with the media during the tournament—adding that NHL athletes often come across as robots with no personality, and that a lot of guys tell him to give really simple answers when with the Flames. He apologized for the comments after Canada’s bronze medal win.

The Canadiens have won six of the last 10 duels between the two sides, but the visitors have won the previous two matches at the Bell Centre. Gord Dwyer and Garrett Rank will officiate while Ryan Daisy and Shawn Oliver will be the linesmen. The game is set for 7:30 tonight, and you can catch it on RDS and Sportsnet.

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Why Scott Perry won't make ‘rash' decision despite Kings' disastrous season

Why Scott Perry won't make ‘rash' decision despite Kings' disastrous season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The way the Kings have operated over the past two decades has given Scott Perry some clarity on how he plans to handle things as general manager moving forward.

If you need a refresher: The Kings, after 16 long seasons without a playoff appearance, finally broke the streak as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference just three seasons ago. Since then, they fired coach Mike Brown, traded away franchise point guard De’Aaron Fox and hired a new front office regime to clean up the mess.

If you take a closer look, the Brown firing fell on the lap of Fox, who was blamed for the decision despite being vocally outspoken about his close relationship with the coach. Amid all the outside narratives, no one from the Sacramento leadership held a press conference to clarify the situation or address the decision.

Instead, they let the narratives run and then traded Fox two months later.

“You fire the coach and don’t do an interview?” Fox told ESPN’s Anthony Slater after the trade. “So all the blame was on me. … I felt at the time the organization didn’t have my back.”

Kings owner Vivek Ranadive urged McNair to fire Brown as the coach was driving to the airport for a road trip, a decision that stemmed as “panic was rising internally” among the organization, Slater reported in a column published Wednesday, citing team sources. Ranadive, at the time, was on vacation in Cabo San Lucas.

Sacramento then, in another desperate move, traded Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in a three-team deal that brought Zach LaVine, a player Ranadive has long been enamored by, to the Kings. The move was finalized despite McNair’s apprehension, Slater reported, citing league sources.

McNair was relieved of his duties immediately after the Kings’ play-in loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

From the Beam Team fairytale to back to the dumps of the West, Perry watched from afar, and he was hired to fulfill the challenging role left vacant after McNair’s firing. But he took notes as he observed the three-year rollercoaster. And now, even as the Kings sit with an 8-29 record and remain one of the worst teams in the league, Perry, unlike previous front offices, won’t make decisions out of desperation.

“I use the phrase prudent and opportunistic,” Perry told Slater. “Which I’m going to continue to be. I’m not someone who’s going to do something rash. Nothing rushed or panicked.”

The trade deadline is where things are perceived to change for Sacramento, but as Perry alluded to, he won’t “blow it up” if it doesn’t make sense for the Kings long-term.

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