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Patrick Kane Eyes Career Milestones Ahead Of Second Full Season With Red Wings

For the second consecutive offseason on June 30, future Hall of Fame forward Patrick Kane signed a one-year contract extension to remain a member of the Detroit Red Wings. 

If things go according to plan, it won't be long before he overtakes former longtime Dallas Stars forward (and brief one-time Red Wing) Mike Modano for the highest-scoring player born in the United States in NHL history. 

Kane is only 32 points away from reaching the mark of 1,374 set in 2011 by Modano. He's also only 57 points away from reaching 1,400, and when he scores for the eighth time this season, it will be the 500th goal of his career. 

While speaking at the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour on Tuesday in Las Vegas, Kane looked ahead to the upcoming season and acknowledged that it's something in the back of his mind. 

"The first thing you think of is, if you play long enough, you're going to reach some of these milestones, right?" he said via NHL.com.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Kane's production in the first three months of last season dropped considerably, but he almost immediately began resembling his old self when the Red Wings mad the coaching change from Derek Lalonde to Todd McLellan on December 26 following a 13-17-4 start. 

After McLellan's hiring, Kane lit the lamp 16 times while adding 29 assists. 

"Obviously, last year I wish I would have had more production," he said. "I got off to a tough start. But I feel like I should be about a point-a-game guy. I always felt that way, so that's kind of where the bar is for me."

Have Your Say: Will Patrick Kane Reach 60 Points In 2025-26? - Community PostHave Your Say: Will Patrick Kane Reach 60 Points In 2025-26? - Community PostThe Detroit Red Wings and Patrick Kane expressed mutual interest in a contract extension at the end of last season, and it came to fruition with a one-year, $3 million deal that was finalized on June 30. 

At 36, Kane is one of the elder statesmen on the Red Wings. But if you think that he's growing tired of coming to the rink every day, think again. 

"For me, it's just the love of the game. I love being on the ice," he said. "I love practicing. I love playing. I love being in a moment where the team needs to count on you and you need to step up, right? That's the kind of thrill that drives me now. It's not necessarily the numbers."

Kane and the Red Wings will begin Training Camp in Traverse City, Mich. on Sept. 18. 

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Report: Alex Formenton's NHL Eligibility To Be Restored On December 1st

It appears that Alex Formenton now has a potential path back to the NHL. Formenton, along with Cal Foote, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, and Carter Hart—who were all found not guilty in the recent 2018 World Junior trial—will reportedly be eligible to sign with an NHL team as soon as October 15th.

According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the players won’t be eligible for NHL duty until December 1st, when their suspensions expire. As part of the agreement, they also waived their right to appeal the ruling.

Hart is considered the most attractive asset for NHL clubs, given the number of teams out there with goaltending issues. But Formenton, once regarded as one of the fastest skaters in the league, will certainly draw some interest as well. The question is whether that interest will come from the Senators, who still hold his NHL rights.

Asked about the situation on Monday at the team’s annual golf tournament, GM Steve Staios declined to comment, saying it was a league matter and noting that Formenton remains ineligible. It was a response that didn't exactly close the door on a possible reunion.

If the Senators had decided they had absolutely no interest in ever bringing Formenton back, Staios had the chance to say so directly on Monday and put the matter to rest forever. Instead, he opened up two possibilities. The first is the possibility of eventually signing him. The second is the possibility of trading his rights, and you don't get what you want in any deal if you publicly declare you have no interest in retaining the asset.

While much of the speculation surrounds Ottawa’s potential interest, it’s also unclear whether Formenton himself even wants to resume his career as a Senator. That said, the club's decision makers have changed since he left the team, and he still has several close friends in that locker room. 

Formenton signed a 3.5-month deal with his Swiss team that takes him well into December. But you'd have to think contractual accommodations were made that allow him to return to the NHL at some point this season, should a team show interest in him.

HC Ambrì-Piotta welcomed him back warmly last week. On social media, the team rolled out a Formenton highlight package, pics from his official photo shoot in uniform, and even an in-house interview—his first hockey-related interview in years.

“Yeah, it feels amazing," Formenton said. "To get back on the ice feels really good. Like I’ve said before, it feels like home here. I’m so excited to get started and play in front of these fans.”

Formenton is now the third player on the Swiss team roster with Senators ties, joining Chris Tierney and Chris DiDomenico. The team is already one game into its regular season.

“It seems like a very tight group,” Formenton said. “Everyone’s willing to fight for each other, and hopefully it’ll be a very successful season. The fans deserve it, and everyone in that room deserves it.”

Asked what he hopes to contribute, Formenton gave a predictable reply, but the real answer will only come when he gets back into game action.

“I hope to bring a high pace and a hard-working style. If that comes with scoring goals or helping on the PK—wherever I’m needed—that’s what I’ll work toward. I’m just really excited to put the jersey back on and play in front of the fans, because they’ve been very supportive.”

By Steve Warne
This article first appeared at The Hockey News-Ottawa

More Sens Headlines From The Hockey News Ottawa:
Sens Unveil Rookie Camp Roster For Games This Weekend
Senators GM Steve Staios On Why He Brought Back The Same Group
Can The Senators Still Avoid Losing Their 2026 First Round Pick?
Ottawa Senators Radio Play-By-Play Team Won't Travel To Road Games This Season
Senators Captain Brady Tkachuk: 'We Want More'
Four Major Storylines This Month At Ottawa Senators Training Camp

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Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

Ange Postecoglou makes his Forest bow, a new-look forward line at Newcastle and a Manchester derby to forget

Ange Postecoglou never won a north London derby while in charge at Tottenham, drawing one and losing three, so starting life in the Nottingham Forest dugout away to Arsenal might not be the ideal situation. It has been a whirlwind week for the 60-year-old who has replaced Nuno Espírito Santo and it will be fascinating to see what changes are made to the team’s style. Nuno is a cautious coach and would have plotted a counterattacking approach at the Emirates Stadium, but there are no guarantees with Postecoglou. Pragmatism is a word rarely associated with the Australian but he needs to get his players onside quickly after the unfortunate departure of his predecessor, who was not dismissed for footballing reasons. It might make more sense to tweak what has already been constructed on strong foundations, especially considering he will have little time with the squad after international duty and before a Saturday lunchtime kick-off. Being able to adapt is a sign of strength in a coach and Postecoglou needs to show he has learned from errors made at Tottenham when he refused to change. Will Unwin

Arsenal v Nottingham Forest, Saturday 12.30pm (all times BST)

Bournemouth v Brighton, Saturday 3pm

Crystal Palace v Sunderland, Saturday 3pm

Everton v Aston Villa, Saturday 3pm

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Former Harvard-Westlake star Jason Collins is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor

Jason Collins smiles while warming up for a game, with one leg bent over top of the other.
Jason Collins is being treated for a brain tumor, the league said Thursday. The first active NBA player to come out as gay is pictured in 2014. (Jonathan Bachman / Associated Press)

Retired NBA player and former Harvard-Westlake star Jason Collins is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, the NBA said Thursday in a statement released on behalf of Collins and his family.

"Jason and his family welcome your support and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as they dedicate their attention to Jason's health and well-being," the league said.

A 46-year-old native of Northridge, Jason Collins and twin brother, Jarron, led Harvard-Westlake to state Division III titles in 1996 and 1997, with the former being named the state Division III player of the year both seasons. His 1,500 career rebounds stood as a CIF state record until 2010, when Hemet West Valley's Joe Burton finished his career with 1,721 rebounds.

Read more:Q&A: Jason Collins says Carl Nassib is making 'a positive impact on someone else's life'

Collins made first-team All-Pac-10 during his senior year at Stanford. He was selected 18th overall in the 2001 draft by the Houston Rockets and traded on draft night to the New Jersey Nets.

Averaging 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds during his 13-year NBA career, Collins also played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.

He was unsigned in April 2013 when he came out as gay in an open letter published in Sports Illustrated.

Signed by the Brooklyn Nets several months later, Collins became the first active NBA player to have come out as gay when the Nets played the Lakers on Feb. 23, 2014. He retired at the end of that season and has continued working with the league as an NBA Cares ambassador.

Collins and longtime partner Brunson Green were married in May.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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NBA conducting its own investigation into Malik Beasley gambling reports

While no longer the target of it, Malik Beasley remains a subject in a wide-ranging gambling investigation being conducted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York (the one that led to a lifetime ban of Raptors guard Jontay Porter). Part of the focus of that investigation is on some games Beasley played while with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024, and prop bets around his play in those games.

The NBA is also investigating the matter, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Thursday.

"I'll only say there that the investigation is ongoing," Silver said following the league's Board of Governors meeting in New York. "As I understand it, there's still a federal investigation that's ongoing of Malik Beasley as well. We will address whatever is presented to us in his case."

Beasley has not been charged in relation to the federal investigation and is no longer its central focus, a fact his agent has repeatedly emphasized. Beasley is fully cooperating with the investigation as well, according to his attorney.

While true, because Beasley remains a subject in that investigation — which could still lead to charges — and could face discipline from the league, no team has gone near him in free agency. Back before the start of free agency (and before news of the investigation broke), Beasley was reportedly in discussions about re-signing in Detroit for around three years, $42 million. Now, even if he were cleared of all charges tomorrow, no team has that kind of cap space left to spend. Detroit moved on and added Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson to fill Beasley's role.

Beasley had a large role in Detroit. He averaged 16.3 points a game while shooting 41.6% on 3-pointers for the Pistons last season, and he finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting. He'd be the best free agent on the market, but until these investigations are wrapped up, teams may express interest but will stay at arm's length.

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Former Nashville Predators Defenseman To Be Reinstated Following Hockey Canada Trial

Mar 25, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Cal Foote (52) stretches before the game against the Seattle Kraken at Bridgestone Arena. Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

On Thursday, the NHL released a statement concerning the five players who were found not guilty in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial this summer.

Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, and Michael McLeod were each members of Hockey Canada’s 2018 National U-20 Junior Team.

According to the statement, all five players will be eligible to sign an NHL contract no sooner than Oct. 15, 2025, and eligible to play in NHL games no sooner than Dec. 1, 2025.

“Taking into account that the players have been away from the game for 20 months – including since their acquittals in July -- we have determined that the players will be eligible to sign an NHL contract no sooner than October 15, 2025, and eligible to play in NHL games no sooner than December 1, 2025, bringing their total time out of the League to nearly two years,” the statement said.

Foote, who was originally drafted in the first round (14th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2017 NHL Draft, played for the Predators during the 2022-23 season.

In 24 games with the club, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound right-shot defenseman totaled a goal and three assists for four points.

In 145 NHL games across four seasons with the Lightning, Predators and New Jersey Devils, Foote recorded 20 points (5-15-20). He played in Slovakia during the 2024-25 season.

Upon learning of the allegations in May 2022, the NHL commenced a third-party investigation into the conduct of the five players involved. At the trial, Justice Maria Carroccia found the players not guilty of sexual assault in Ontario Superior Court in London, Ont., on July 24. McLeod was also found not guilty of one count of being a party to the offense.

“The events that transpired after the 2018 Hockey Canada Foundation Gala in London, Ontario, prior to these players’ arrival in the NHL, were deeply troubling and unacceptable,” the League statement said. “The League expects everyone connected with the game to conduct themselves with the highest level of moral integrity. And, in this case, while found not to have been criminal, the conduct of the players involved certainly did not meet that standard.”

The NHL said it had in-person meetings with each of the acquitted men following the verdicts and acknowledged they expressed regret and remorse for their actions.

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Phillies, Luzardo overcome early deficit to sweep Mets

Phillies, Luzardo overcome early deficit to sweep Mets originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

No matter the situation throughout the season, whether during their current hot streak or when they lost three in a row in New York against the Mets a couple weeks ago, manager Rob Thomson rarely misses the opportunity to remind people how resilient his group is.

Oh, how that sweep by the Mets seems so long ago now as the Phillies climbed out of an early deficit to pin a devastating 6-4 loss on New York and improved to 87-60 on the season, while increasing their lead to 11 games in the National League East. They have won 11 of 14 since that ugly Mets series.

Phillies starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo had a first inning against the New York Mets that he’d soon like to forget. But he’ll fondly recall his next seven innings in which he was, literally, perfect.

The visitors racked up four runs on five hits in that opening inning on Luzardo, who needed 23 pitches to get through.

Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto led off the game with consecutive singles and put runners on second and third when they executed a double steal. Singles by Mark Vientos and Brandon Nimmo each drove in a run before a double by Starling Marte plated two more and before everyone had a chance to settle into their seats.

All Luzardo did after that was retire the next 21 batters he faced.

After striking out Lindor to end the eighth, not only did Phillies fans give him a standing ovation, catcher J.T. Realmuto waited for him on the field for a hug with the whole dugout up and clapping. Luzardo finished the night with 10 strikeouts, no walks and threw only 74 pitches over those last seven perfect innings.

“The whole game was probably as impressive a win as we’ve had all year,” said Rob Thomson. “Luzardo gives up the four in the first, up in the zone a little bit, behind in the count a little bit and then he just settled right in and gave us eight strong. It’s really unbelievable. The offense kept coming. They just didn’t quit. It was just a great win overall.”

One that may not have come had Luzardo not done a complete turnaround after that first in improving to 14-6 on the season.

“The mentality kind of stayed the same of just keep making good pitches,” said Luzardo of his reaction after the first inning. “I felt like I made some good pitches in the first but they found some holes, put some good swings on it. Just understanding their approach, they’re going to swing early, attack and try to get in and out of at-bats quick. Just kind of use their aggression against them.

“Keeping us in the game was huge. At the end of the day all we can control is the pitches we make and the outcomes we can’t control. I didn’t really soak it in. I was trying to get one more out of Topper but he shot it down pretty quick. I couldn’t tell you (last time I threw seven perfect innings). Maybe in high school but it definitely wasn’t after giving up four in the first. I found out after. I knew it’d been a while (since allowing a baserunner). In the eighth the first was already kind of a blur.”

Otto Kemp cut New York’s lead in half in the fourth inning when he belted a two-run home run to center, scoring Nick Castellanos who had walked before him. They added another in the fifth on a two-out double to right to score Weston Wilson. An inning later, everyone had a chance to hit as the Phillies batted around and scored three runs for a 6-4 lead.

“That first inning he gives up a couple runs and you know it’s just that he needs to settle in a little bit and it’s cool to see him get a couple of those innings quickly and for us to try and turn the momentum on our side,” said Kemp, who finished the game with two hits, two runs scored and three RBI. “I think there’s just no panic. It’s early and we had nine innings to do our work and just put together good at-bats. Eventually, you look up in the ninth and you’re up by two.”

Because a game like that needed an ending only Jhoan Duran can provide, he did his part by striking out the side in the ninth to pick up his 29th save of the season and his 13th with the Phillies.

“I’ve been saying the last three or four starts, my body has just hit a second gear, and I feel really good, the arm feels good and I feel like my stuff and my velocity is the best it’s been all year,” said Luzardo.

 Those final seven innings are sure proof of that.

He also had some help from his defense as Harper made a great diving stop at first for an out, Castellanos made one of his running, sliding catches out in right and Edmundo Sosa gobbled up a slow grounder in the eighth and made a strong throw against his body for another out.

“We did a lot of really good things tonight,” said Thomson. “Just all around, just a great effort. They’re excited tonight, it was a big series, and we have another one tomorrow and we can’t let down. We’ve got to keep battling, keep grinding. But I think because of the experience on the club, everybody just kind of stays even keel and understands that we’ve got to go get it again.

“We have goals that we still have to achieve. You can’t think about feelings right now, you just got to keep playing. They just don’t quit. They’re very resilient.”

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Mets Notes: Kodai Senga's first minor league start set, Luis Torrens 'trending in right direction'

The Mets have set a date for Kodai Senga's first minor league start since his option.

Manager Carlos Mendoza said ahead of Thursday's series finale against the Phillies that Senga will pitch for Syracuse on Friday after pitching bullpens the last week or so.

The Mets skipper said that Senga was working on mechanics during those sessions, but the real process begins Friday.

"Facing competition tomorrow and a lot of times the hitters will tell you, he’ll tell you," Mendoza said. "We’ll get the feedback from him. We’ll watch videos and things like that, and we’ll get the report. He feels good and feels like he’s in a good spot. Make some adjustments with his mechanics, and he has to go out there now and he has to see it."

Senga, 32, has struggled since returning from the IL in July. He's pitched to a 0-3 record with a 5.90 ERA in nine starts. This season, he's 7-6 with a 3.02 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 22 starts over 113.1 IP. 

SNY's Andy Martino reported that the plan is for Senga to make at least two starts with Syracuse.

Updates on Luis Torrens and others

During Mendoza's pregame availability, he was asked for updates on a number of injured players, including Luis Torrens, Tylor Megill, and Tyrone Taylor.

There was no update on Megill, who has been dealing with an elbow issue and is seeking a second opinion, while Torrens is doing "better" as the swelling in his forearm is down.

"He’s trending in the right direction," Mendoza said.

As for Taylor, who was placed on the IL in early September with a hamstring strain, his potential rehab assignment was pushed back so he could be with his family as they welcome a child. 


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Sabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: Staying Healthy A Key Concern For Rugged Winger Greenway

Jordan Greenway ( Timothy T. Ludwig, USA TODAY Images)

The Buffalo Sabres need all hands on deck if they're to end their `14-year Stanley Cup playoff drought. And that means everyone on the roster is going to have to pull their weight. What will expectations for every Sabres player look like? That's the focus of THN.com's Sabres site series.

We began the player-by-player evaluation process by looking at Buffalo's goalies and defensemen. And of late, we're focusing on the Sabres' forwards -- including today's focus, winger Jordan Greenway. The veteran left winger has had trouble staying healthy in recent years, but as one of the Sabres' more physical players, he can impact a game in a way few of his Buffalo teammates can.

Let's now turn the spotlight on Greenway and see what may be in the cards for him in 2025-26.

Player Name: Jordan Greenway

Position: Left Wing

Age: 28

2024-25 Key Statistics: 34 games, 3 goals, 8 points

2025-26 Salary: $4-million

2025-26 Expectations: Greenway appeared in less than half of the regular-season for Buffalo last year, and there's a definite pattern in regard to his health, as he hasn't played in more than 67 games since 2018-1`9 -- his first full season in the NHL. 

Greenway's heavy physical game takes a toll on him and his opponents, but he's being paid like a high-end third-line forward, and the most offense he's put up in the past four seasons are the 10 goals and 28 points he had for Buffalo in 2023-24.

Even as a member of the Sabres' third line, Greenway needs to do more than that to justify his salary. He's signed through this coming season and another year after that, but Greenway could be moved if Buffalo struggles and he isn't playing up to expectations. Greenway does have limited no-trade protection, but it's only a partial no-trade clause, one that allows him to veto a trade to one of five teams of his choosing.

Sabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: Veteran Winger Zucker Looked To For Cluch OffenseSabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: Veteran Winger Zucker Looked To For Cluch OffenseThe NHL’s 2025-26 season is nearly upon us, and here at THN.com’s Buffalo Sabres site, we're continuing our player-by-player series in which we break down expectations for each Sabres player this season. We've looked at Buffalo's goalies and defensemen, and in this latest column, we're turning our attention to veteran winger Jason Zucker.

That still leaves 26 teams Greenway could be traded to. But that's a line of thought for another day. For now, Greenway has to (a) stay healthy, (b) exact a physical toll from opponents, and (c) be part of a winner. If he has an issue in any of those regards, Greenway is going to hear it from Sabres fans who are rightfully exhausted by the continuing failure of this Buffalo team to be relevant.

Greenway isn't ever going to be an all-star or a difference-maker on offense. But the reason the Sabres have kept him around is because he's the type of player Buffalo needs more of -- a physical threat and a solid defender in limited minutes. 

Sabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: Entering Contract Year, Star Winger Tuch Will Be Feeling The HeatSabres 2025-26 Player Expectations: Entering Contract Year, Star Winger Tuch Will Be Feeling The HeatThe NHL’s 2025-26 season is almost here, and it’s a great time on THN.com’s Buffalo Sabres site to continue our player-by-player series in which we analyze expectations for every Sabres player in 2025-26.

Neither Greenway nor the Sabres can afford a step backward this year. There's so much on the line for all of Buffalo's players (and management members, for that matter). Greenway knows his role, but some good fortune on the injury front will likely go a long way toward keeping him in the lineup and doing his utmost to live up to his salary. He's earning $1-million more than he's made in the past three years, and that means he's got to produce more. It's as simple as that.

And if he can't achieve those three things, Greenway's future in a Sabres uniform will be in doubt. The rubber is meeting the road for him this season, and nothing short of a strong year will calm the cynics and keep Greenway in Buffalo for a long time to come. 

 

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Scott Morrow Feels Honored To Be Included In K'Andre Miller Package

James Guillory-Imagn Images

Coming from the Carolina Hurricanes in the sign-and-trade involving K’Andre Miller, Scott Morrow is trying to etch his mark with the New York Rangers. 

Morrow is one of the most intriguing prospects to participate at rookie camp, and on Thursday, he got a chance to open up about his move from Carolina to New York. 

While the trade came as somewhat of a shock to Morrow, as someone from New York, the idea of returning to The Big Apple excited him. 

“I would say a surprise,” Morrow said of the trade. “I obviously didn’t hear anything about it beforehand, but the first emotion is when you hear the New York Rangers, it’s a very special organization. 

“I’m from around here, and it would mean a lot to have success here. It was obviously super cool. A little bit of disappointment leaving Carolina because it’s such a great organization, but I’m super pumped to be here, and it is definitely more exciting.” 

The Rangers also specifically sought to acquire Morrow in this sign-and-trade instead of letting the Hurricanes offer-sheet Miller. 

That means a lot to Morrow, and it’s certainly something he hasn’t forgotten. 

“I mean, it’s pretty cool that they traded a really good player and I was a part of the return,” Morrow said. “Obviously, K’Andre was a big part of the team here, so if they value me enough to want me back in a package like that for a player that that good, then you know, it shows that they think somewhat highly me. I just want to prove them right for including me in that. It would be pretty cool for people to look back and think that was a great move.”

The 22-year-old defenseman has NHL experience as he played 14 regular season games and five playoff games with the Hurricanes last season. 

He is now tasked with the challenge of proving at both rookie camp and training camp that he’s worthy of making the Rangers’ opening-night roster. 

However, Morrow is determined to stay patient, and he hopes to just stay on his development path regardless of whether he makes the Rangers’ roster or not. 

“Honestly, I'm not focused on the outcome of camp as much as just the process of, you know, being in my second year pro now, trying to show how much I’ve grown, trying to show this brand new organization what kind of player I am. Obviously, they traded for me, so obviously, they see something in me. I just want to make the best first impression that I can.”

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Landry Shamet reportedly returning to Knicks on one-year contract

The Knicks considered other options, including Ben Simmons. Landry Shamet had other offers from teams looking for bench depth.

In the end, they decided to get back together, with Shamet agreeing to a one-year veteran minimum contract to return to New York, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN. Ian Begley of SNY.TV confirmed this, and he added details.

Shamet averaged 5.7 points across 50 games for the Knicks last season, while shooting 39.7% from beyond the arc.

Shamet joins a fairly deep guard rotation, one that new coach Mike Brown is going to trust and use more than Tom Thibodeau did. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges are expected to start at the guard spots, with Miles "Duece" McBride and newcomer Jordan Clarkson behind them. Shamet will be fighting for minutes behind that foursome, along with Tyler Kolek.

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Catalans Dragons deal major blow to Leeds’ hopes of top-two finish

  • Leeds 8-16 Catalans Dragons

  • Rhinos face possibility of trailing in fifth

Leeds Rhinos’ hopes of a top-two finish before the Super League playoffs are now all-but over: and they could yet finish as low as fifth after delivering a worryingly under-par performance to suffer a shock defeat against Catalans Dragons.

Brad Arthur’s side have been magnificent for most of this season but this was arguably the nadir. Had they won here against a Catalans side with nothing to play for, they knew victory away at second-placed Wigan last week could have ensured second spot, and guaranteed a bye through the opening round of the playoffs.


However, should results now fall as expected elsewhere in the final two rounds, it is likely the Rhinos will finish fifth – meaning the prospect of being away in the first week of the playoffs and likely then have an away trip to the league leaders, Hull KR, just to reach the Grand Final.
The opening 40 minutes was incredibly low on quality from the hosts, and did little to suggest they are primed and ready for the playoffs. Leeds were, in ruth, woeful and far below the standards they have set under Arthur this season. It was therefore no surprise when they fell behind as Ugo Tison spotted a gap in the Leeds ruck to cross from dummy-half.

It was a moment that summed up Leeds’ play to that point; laboured and significantly off the pace. Their attempts to provide a response to falling 6-0 behind were panicked and it was evident they were missing the composure and guile of Jake Connor. Leeds would trail further by half-time, after Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet’s penalty nudged Catalans eight points ahead.

It was a scoreline that didn’t flatter the Dragons, who had defended courageously and taken their one real moment of promise in attack. You expected the Rhinos would respond after half-time, but they continued to labour without much effect whatsoever.

Aispuro-Bichet then added a second penalty to make it 10-0 and not even a run of four consecutive penalties Leeds’ way, plus the sin-binning of Romain Navarrete, could aid them in finding an immediate opening. However, they ultimately did capitalise on some pressure when Brodie Croft’s clever kick found Ryan Hall unmarked in the corner.

But with six minutes left, a crucial error from Leeds’ full-back, Lachie Miller, allowed Navarrete to mark his return to the field with the try that secured victory for the Dragons. Croft’s late try briefly threatened a comeback: but Miller missed a straightforward conversion to leave the gap at eight and ensure Catalans secured a rare away victory.

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