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Insider Shares Big Update On Canadiens Star Trade Target

The Montreal Canadiens are one of the teams that have been connected to Calgary Flames star forward Nazem Kadri. It is easy to understand, as the Canadiens are in need of a second-line center, and acquiring Kadri would provide them with just that.

However, based on a new report, the likelihood of the Canadiens acquiring Kadri appears to be low. 

During a recent appearance on Bleacher Report, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that the Flames are not interested in trading Kadri this off-season.

"You've heard Nazem Kadri linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs. You've heard him linked to the Montreal Canadiens," Seravalli said. "You've heard him linked to a lot of different places. How about we just keep the link with the Calgary Flames? Because he's done just about everything they could ask, and they're not interested in moving him. Sources indicate the Calgary Flames really haven't engaged in any of those conversations."

Hearing that the Flames are not looking to trade Kadri is certainly tough news for the Canadiens, as he would have been a massive addition to their roster. However, it is also understandable that Calgary's preference is to keep Kadri around, as he is an important forward on their roster, and they are a team on the rise. 

Nevertheless, with this update, it appears that the Canadiens will need to explore other potential center targets than Kadri. 

Canadiens Intriguing Prospect Can't Be Slept OnCanadiens Intriguing Prospect Can't Be Slept OnIt is no secret that the Montreal Canadiens have one of the strongest prospect pools in the NHL right now. They have plenty of exciting prospects in their system, like Ivan Demidov, Jacob Fowler, David Reinbacher, and Michael Hage.

Photo Credit: Ā© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

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MLB Power Rankings: Brewers cruise to the top, Dodgers scuffling

Featured in this weekā€™s MLB Power Rankings, the Brewers climb to the top of our rankings, the Yankees canā€™t figure out the Blue Jays, another injury for the Astros, Rich Hill is on the brink of history, and weā€™re taking stock of the upcoming MLB trade deadline.

(Please note these power rankings are a combination of current performance and long-term projected outlook)

Letā€™s get started!

MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates at Arizona Diamondbacks
Fantasy baseball second-half breakouts and bouncebacks: Oneil Cruz, Zebby Matthews, more
Eric Samulski breaks down hitters and pitchers he thinks will generate fantasy value in the second half.

Note: Rankings are from the morning of Tuesday, July 22.

1) Milwaukee Brewers ā¬†ļø

Last week: 5

Your eyes are not fooling you. Winners of 11 straight games, the Brewers have catapulted to the top of our rankings. Similar to Rays teams of the past, they just keep finding ways to defy preseason expectations and win baseball games. Even if they donā€™t stay atop our rankings, they have established themselves as a serious threat to win the NL Central.

2) Detroit Tigers ā¬‡ļø

Last week: 1

The Tigers have stumbled a bit over the past two weeks, but they still possess the best record in the American League and a dominant lead in the AL Central. It will be interesting to see how they upgrade at the trade deadline, with the bullpen looking like an obvious area of need.

3) Toronto Blue Jays ā¬†ļø

Last week: 6

The Blue Jays have won a franchise record 11 straight games at home as well as five straight games against the Yankees, powering them to a four-game lead over the Yankees in the AL East.

4) Chicago Cubs ā¬‡ļø

Last week: 3

The Cubs put Seiya Suzuki in center field on Monday with Pete Crow-Armstrong sidelined due to a bruised right knee. Thatā€™s not ideal. Even if Crow-Armstrongā€™s issue is a minor one, look for the Cubs to pursue a skilled defender for depth across their outfield.

5) Houston Astros ā¬‡ļø

Last week: 4

Do you know what the Astros really needed? Another injury. Isaac Paredes went down on Saturday with a right hamstring strain. While itā€™s unclear how much time heā€™ll miss, it really didnā€™t look good.

Mauricio Dubon, Zack Short, Brice Matthews (who hit his first two MLB homers on Monday), and Shay Witcomb are all options to fill in, but the trade deadline presents more opportunities.

6) Los Angeles Dodgers ā¬‡ļø

Last week: 2

The Dodgers have lost 10 out of their last 13 games, including a sweep at the hands of the Brewers over the weekend. Mookie Betts canā€™t shake his funk at the plate, Clayton Kershaw is showing his frustration, and closer Tanner Scott is likely headed to the injured list with a forearm issue, so the vibes are shaky at the moment.

7) Philadelphia Phillies

Last week: 7

Behold one of the weirdest endings to a baseball game in recent memory.

Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com, this was just the second walk-off catcherā€™s interference since the divisional era and the first since 1971.

8) New York Mets

Last week: 8

Francisco Alvarez made his return to the Mets on Monday after mashing the ball during his promotion in Triple-A and you couldnā€™t have asked for a better homecoming. The 23-year-old looked strong behind the plate while also drawing two walks and delivering a key double as part of a comeback victory over the Angels. The potential has always been there, so getting Alvarez right would be a game-changer for the Mets down the stretch.

9) San Diego Padres ā¬†ļø

Last week: 11

The Padres have won six out of their last eight and find themselves just 3.5 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West. Look for the club to address their top-heavy lineup as the trade deadline approaches.

10) New York Yankees ā¬‡ļø

Last week: 9

The Yankees canā€™t seem to figure out the first-place Blue Jays right now and they have all sorts of needs (third base, starting pitcher, bullpen, etc.) in advance of the trade deadline. While Anthony Volpeā€™s two-homer game against the Braves on Saturday was encouraging, his all-around regression continues to be a daily focus.

11) Boston Red Sox ā¬‡ļø

Last week: 10

Many expect the Red Sox to draw from their position player depth to upgrade in other areas, but Wilyer Abreu is showing that heā€™s a keeper. The 26-year-old had his fourth multi-homer game of the season on Sunday to help salvage the series finale against the Cubs. He also leads the team with 20 home runs.

12) Seattle Mariners ā¬†ļø

Last week: 13

In many ways, the Mariners have been the opposite of what we expected: Sixth in homers, tied for seventh in MLB in OPS, but in the middle of the pack in terms of ERA. Improved health should help the rotation, but bullpen appears to be a need going into next week.

13) St. Louis Cardinals ā¬†ļø

Last week: 14

The Cardinals are 5-10 this month ā€” including a sweep by the Diamondbacks coming out of the break ā€” so they donā€™t exactly look like a playoff contender. This puts John Mozeliak in an interesting position going into his final trade deadline in the big chair. Does he wield a heavy hand on his way out or focus on players who are set to become free agents?

14) Cincinnati Reds ā¬†ļø

Last week: 15

Oh, to be a fly on the wall (or, in this case, the mound) in conversations between Terry Francona and Elly De La Cruz.

15) San Francisco Giants ā¬‡ļø

Last week: 12

On paper, it made all the sense in the world for the Giants to trade for Rafael Devers. It might still work out in the end, but the early returns are decidedly negative. Devers has hit just .219 with two homers and a .667 OPS with the club and the Giants are 11-18 since the trade.

16) Tampa Bay Rays

Last week: 16

The Rays are on the fence as a potential contender, but with Brandon Lowe on the injured list again, Ha-Seong Kim dealing with yet another injury, and Shane McClanahan hitting a speed bump in his rehab, things arenā€™t looking promising.

17) Texas Rangers

Last week: 17

The Rangers have won six out of their last eight as they sit on the bubble among playoff contenders. It was nice to see Josh Jung homer in his return to the majors on Monday against the Athletics, even if his production after his demotion to Triple-A didnā€™t exactly jump off the page.

18) Arizona Diamondbacks

Last week: 18

As weā€™ve said in previous weeks, the Diamondbacks might have the most high-impact options available via trade. Of course, thereā€™s the prodigious power of Eugenio SuĆ”rez, but also Josh Naylor,Merrill Kelly, and Zac Gallen. It should be a fascinating few days in Arizona.

19) Los Angeles Angels ā¬†ļø

Last week: 21

The progress of Jo Adell continues to be a nice story. With a couple of homers over the weekend against the Phillies, the 26-year-old former top prospect is slashing .287/.355/.565 with eight home runs and 24 RBI over his last 28 games.

20) Cleveland Guardians ā¬†ļø

Last week: 23

Even with some better play since their 10-game losing streak, the Guardians are way out in the AL Central and have a few teams ahead of them in the Wild Card race. The big question is if theyā€™d actually consider dealing either Steven Kwan or Emmanuel Clase.

21) Kansas City Royals ā¬‡ļø

Last week: 20

That the Royals are turning to 45-year-old Rich Hill to make a start on Tuesday is perhaps emblematic of where the Royals find themselves in late-July, but itā€™s historic nonetheless. The southpaw will tie Edwin Jacksonā€™s MLB record by suiting up for his 14th MLB team. And to make it truly full circle, heā€™ll pitch at Wrigley Field, which is where it all began for him in 2005.

22) Minnesota Twins ā¬‡ļø

Last week: 19

Not only do the Twins look like logical sellers at the deadline, but MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said during the All-Star break that heā€™s confident the team will be sold soon.

23) Miami Marlins ā¬†ļø

Last week: 24

Even with back-to-back losses as of this writing, the Marlins have won 21 out of their last 31 games. Eury PĆ©rez has been worth the wait while youngsters Kyle Stowers and AgustĆ­n RamĆ­rez look like long-term building blocks. It will be interesting to see if the Marlins can turn some of their pitching into more help for the future.

24) Baltimore Orioles ā¬‡ļø

Last week: 22

Losers of five out of six, the Orioles are likely going to be forced to embrace reality as a seller. Weā€™ll surely hear about names like Cedric Mullins, Ryan Oā€™Hearn, and Ramon Laureano, but the Orioles might be able to get their biggest haul should they decide to trade FĆ©lix Bautista.

25) Atlanta Braves

Last week: 25

450-feet homers, scoring from first base on a single, amazing throws. Even in a frustrating season for the Braves, Ronald AcuƱa Jr. is a must-watch every time heā€™s on the field.

26) Athletics

Last week: 26

It feels weird to say this, but teams looking for starting pitching will likely be calling the Aā€™s over the next week. Luis Severino would surely welcome a deal, but pitchers like Jeffrey Springs and J.P. Sears could also draw interest.

27) Washington Nationals ā¬†ļø

Last week: 28

While the Nationals could fetch a haul of a return for left-hander MacKenzie Gore, interim GM Mike DeBartolo has no intention of dealing from the core of the next contending iteration of the franchise.

28) Pittsburgh Pirates ā¬‡ļø

Last week: 27

Thereā€™s no shortage of ways to express the excellence of Paul Skenes, but this stat was mind-blowing to me: Skenes hasnā€™t allowed a single run in the first inning all season across 21 starts. Kudos to SNY and Gary Cohen for mentioning this on Mondayā€™s Mets broadcast.

29) Chicago White Sox

Last week: 29

The White Sox became the final team to sweep a series this season by taking three games against the Pirates over the weekend. With a win over the Rays on Monday, the White Sox are 4-0 coming out of the break. That's their best mark in a season since the All-Star break since the World Series-winning club in 2005. History probably won't repeat itself, but it's still fun.

30) Colorado Rockies

Last week: 30

It has been a frustrating and injury-filled year for Ezequiel Tovar, but he has a chance to finish strong after returning from an oblique injury at the start of the second half. He went 3-for-4 with a homer in Saturday's victory over the Twins.

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Rockets add defensive wing Josh Okogie on one-year deal

The Houston Rockets have built a contender from the defensive end of the floor out, and this signing fits right in that mold ā€” Houston is deep with quality defensive wings.

The Rockets have agreed to terms with veteran wing Josh Okogie on a one-year, $3.1 million veteran minimum contract, as first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, then essentially confirmed by Okogie himself.

Okogie, 27 and a seven-year NBA veteran, is a plus defender on the wing, and that has always been the calling card for the former Georgia Tech standout However, his offensive limitations ā€” he's a career 29.9% shooter from 3, although that has looked better for stretches of late, like last season in Phoenix ā€” have kept him in smaller roles Last season he started with the Suns but was traded to Charlotte at the deadline as part of the Nick Richards deal Charlotte looked for a trade for Okogie, he had a $7.7 million team option for this season, but couldn't find one, so he was waived That made him a free agent and the Rockets swooped in.

The Rockets have Amen Thompson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Tari Eason, and now Okogie as wing defenders ā€” that might be the most Ime Udoka group of wings in the league. With the Rockets, Okogie will get minutes this season and open looks on offense, giving himself a real chance to boost his stock.

Okogie brings the Rockets to 14 players with guaranteed contracts, but the team is hard-capped at the first apron of the luxury tax and will not be able to sign a 15th player until well into the season, when a pro-rated contract amount will drop below the money they have available.

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Qatar wants to host Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036

  • Country in discussions with IOC over staging the Games

  • A move from eventā€™s traditional summer slot may be required

Qatar has confirmed its interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The countryā€™s Olympic committee (QOC) confirmed on Tuesday it was in ā€œongoing discussionsā€ with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over staging the Games.

The Middle East nation hosted the menā€™s football World Cup in 2022.

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Starling Marte reinstated from IL as Mets announce series of roster moves

As the Mets continue their three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels, the club announced a series of roster moves on Tuesday afternoon, highlighted by the return of outfielder Starling Marte.

The full list of roster moves:

-OF Starling Marte has been reinstated from the 10-Day Injured List

-INF Jared Young was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse

-RHP Rico Garcia has reported to the major league team and will be active for Tuesdayā€™s game

-RHP Kevin Herget was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse

-RHP Justin Garza has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse

-RHP Chris Devenski has been designated for assignment

-LHP Brandon Waddell's optional assignment was reversed, and he was placed on the 15-Day Injured List (effective 7/19) with a right hip impingement

Marte was placed on the 10-day IL on July 8 due to a right knee bone bruise, a similar injury to one that he dealt with during spring training.

The 36-year-old has had a solid season for the Mets, slashing .270/.353/.387 with four homers, 20 RBI, and 22 runs scored though injuries have limited him to just 58 games.

Meanwhile, the Metsā€™ game of bullpen musical chairs continues with Garcia, who was claimed off waivers from the Yankees on Monday, being available to pitch on Tuesday, with Justin Garza also getting the call back up to the majors. Both Garcia and Garza have previously pitched with the Mets this season.

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Terry Stotts reportedly staying with Warriors, won't join Knicks coaching staff

Terry Stotts reportedly staying with Warriors, won't join Knicks coaching staff originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Warriors assistant coach Terry Stotts reportedly is staying in the Bay.

As new Knicks coach Mike Brown attempts to fill his coaching staff in New York, Stotts ā€œdoesnā€™t plan on going anywhereā€ and will return to Golden State for the 2025-26 NBA season, SNYā€™s Ian Begley reported Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Stotts, 67, joined Steve Kerr on the front bench last season after the Warriors coachā€™s former top assistant, Kenny Atkinson, accepted the Cleveland Cavaliersā€™ head-coaching job. Stotts brought over a decade of head-coaching experience with him to Golden State and helped provide structure to the offense.

With a team led by Steph Curry, Stotts didnā€™t have to tweak too much. Still, he helped the Warriors reach the NBA playoffs in his first season alongside Kerr, in addition to defensive-minded assistant and former player Jerry Stackhouse.

The Warriors finished the 2024-25 season ranked No. 15 in offensive rating (115.09) and will look to improve upon that standing next season with Stotts back in the mix.

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Senate Adjourned: Ottawa Senator Summer Departures You May Have Missed

The 2025 NHL free agency period officially began three weeks ago, and while many teams have made big splashes with big moves, itā€™s been a fairly chill summer for the Ottawa Senators.

But that doesnā€™t mean there werenā€™t significant player exits from the team. So, here's a fulsome review of the departures, some of which may have slipped under your radar, and how the Senators have backfilled each hole.

The Big Departures

Perhaps the most notable departure this summer was goaltender Anton Forsberg, who signed with the Los Angeles Kings. Forsberg had been a mainstay in Ottawaā€™s crease since being claimed off waivers in 2021.

His backup role is now expected to be filled by Leevi MerilƤinen, who played 12 games in Ottawa last season and was outstanding. MerilƤinen turns 23 next month, so heā€™ll be one of the youngest goalies in the NHL this season.

Ottawa Senators Sign Goaltender Leevi Meriläinen To New One-Way ContractOttawa Senators Sign Goaltender Leevi MerilƤinen To New One-Way ContractThe Ottawa Senators have signed goaltender Leevi MerilƤinen to a one-year, one-way contract extension worth an average annual value of $1.05 million.

With Forsberg leaving, combined with worries from last year's rash of injuries, the Sens signed two new goalies. Hunter Shepard was pulled away from the Washington Capitals organization. The team also signed Embrunā€™s Jackson Parsons, an undrafted free agent, who hopes to push Shepard and Mads SĆøgaard for minutes in Belleville.

Adam Gaudette was a neat story this year, grabbing the final spot on the roster in training camp, then being placed on waivers. After clearing, he scored a career-high 19 goals and parlayed that into a two-year deal worth $2 million a season with the San Jose Sharks. Most Sens fans were happy for him, but were also happy the Sens didn't overspend to keep him.

Gaudetteā€™s role in Ottawa will probably be directly claimed by NHL veteran Lars Eller, who signed a one-year deal with the Senators.

Travis Hamonic, who manned Ottawa's blue line for the past three and a half years, was not re-signed and remains an unrestricted free agent. His spot on the NHL organizational roster was filled when the Sens traded for LA Kings defenseman Jordan Spence.

Spence and Nik Matinpalo will probably jostle for the 6-7 role this season, or maybe more than that if Nick Jensen is out. Carter Yakemchuk, the Sensā€™ best prospect, will turn pro this fall and might also force his way into this conversation.

The Moves You May Have Missed

A handful of other players who spent meaningful time with the Senators also found new homes in the past three weeks.

After 41 games in Ottawa, Matthew Highmore signed with the New York Islanders, while Cole Reinhardt (17 games) made his way to the Vegas Golden Knights. Both players provided depth in Ottawaā€™s lineup last season.

While theyā€™re not the same kinds of forwards, their roles on the organizational depth chart were filled by the Sensā€™ free-agent signings of Arthur Kaliyev (NYR) and Olle Lycksell (PHI). Both players saw meaningful NHL time last season. In fact, Kaliyev had been a regular for the LA Kings for three years until his trade to New York last season. 

Ottawa Senators Sign Five Players, Including Former OHL Sniper Arthur KaliyevOttawa Senators Sign Five Players, Including Former OHL Sniper Arthur KaliyevWhen the Ottawa Senators selected Shane Pinto 32nd overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, some Sens fans raised an eyebrow or two, wondering if Hamilton Bulldogs winger Arthur Kaliyev might have been the better choice. Kaliyev had just put up a 51-goal OHL season, and ended up being chosen by the LA Kings with the very next pick after Pinto.

Several other Sens players were allowed to walk after their contracts expired. These include Angus Crookshank, whose work ethic made him a fan favorite. He finds himself now with the New Jersey Devils.

Defenseman Dennis Gilbert, who came over at the deadline from the Buffalo Sabres, has signed with the Philadelphia Flyers. The Sensā€™ re-signing of former first-rounder Lassi Thomson helped to fill that organizational gap. Thomson played in Sweden last season, but his playing rights still belonged to the Sens.

Restricted Free Agents

The Senators still have some restricted free agents (RFAs) left to deal with this summer. Forward Jan Jenƭk, along with defensemen Max GuƩnette and Donovan Sebrango, all received qualifying offers but have not yet been officially signed.

Right now, with Bellevilleā€™s veteran 28-year-old all-star Jeremy Davies signing with Vegas, the B-Sensā€™ blue line is tracking to be very young this season. The other notable factor is that Belleville currently has only three forwards signed beyond this season.

Big Picture

Collectively, the summer signings haven't been what youā€™d call game-changing, the teamā€™s deadline day acquisitions ā€“ Fabian Zetterlund and Dylan Cozens ā€“ canā€™t be ignored when measuring the complete picture and improvements the club has made for this fall. Hanging on to Zetterlund, Claude Giroux, and Nick Cousins, who all needed new deals, was also meaningful.

But now that all the smoke has cleared, all Sens fans can do now over the next couple of months is hope that the summer comings and goings are enough to help a maturing core take the next step.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News Ottawa
Image Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

More Sens Headlines:
Sens Captain Brady Tkachuk Celebrates Hard at Brother Matthew's Wedding
Can The Senators Count On Dylan Cozens To Consistently Produce?
Senators Re-Sign 2021 First-Round Pick To One-Year Deal
An Early Glance At The Senatorsā€™ 2026 Free Agent Class
Why Mason McTavish Isnā€™t Coming Home To The Senators

Ottawa Senators Captain Brady Tkachuk Celebrates Hard At Matthew's WeddingOttawa Senators Captain Brady Tkachuk Celebrates Hard At Matthew's WeddingBrady Tkachuk and his family don't do anything halfway, and that includes weddings.
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Sources: Knicks receive permission to interview Timberwolves' Pablo Prigioni for role on Mike Brown's coaching staff

The Knicks have received permission to speak with Minnesota assistant coach Pablo Prigioni for openings on Mike Brownā€™s staff, league sources tell SNY.

Prigioni, a former Knick, has been focused on the Timberwolves offense under head coach Chris Finch.

The Knicks are looking to add at least one assistant coach to Brownā€™s staff. Several members of Tom Thibodeauā€™s coaching staff ā€“ including Maurice Cheeks, Mark Bryant, Rick Brunson, and Darren Erman ā€“ will remain on staff under Brown.

A move to New York would presumably be a promotion for Prigioni. The 48-year-old has also coached as an assistant in Brooklyn and Minnesota. Prigioniā€™s NBA career started with the Knicks in 2012-2013. At 35, he was the oldest rookie in NBA history. He also made a huge impact on that Knicks team. Priogini began the season as a backup point guard and was inserted into the starting lineup due to injury. New York finished the regular season with 17 wins in its final 19 games.

Prigioni also started for the Knicks in the playoffs, helping them defeat the Boston Celtics in the first round.

Because the Timberwolves granted the Knicks permission to speak to Prigioni, Itā€™s logical to assume there is mutual interest between the coach and the organization.

The Knicks reportedly also had interest in adding Jay Triano (DAL) and Darvin Ham (MIL) to the staff but both coaches are expected to remain with their current teams.

I donā€™t know if Terry Stotts was a candidate for the Knicks opening, but he will also be remaining with his current team (GSW) next season, per league sources familiar with the matter.

Feb 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) during the first half at Rocket Arena.
Feb 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward De'Andre Hunter (12) during the first half at Rocket Arena. / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Miles McBride excited to play with Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele

ā€œObviously (Clarksonā€™s) a vet in this league. Heā€™s done great things. Obviously, he can fill up the stat sheet and really score the ball at a high level. And obviously adding Geurschon as well. I think everybodyā€™s seen what he did in the Olympics and carrying that momentum into (last season), so weā€™re really excited about him,ā€ McBride told SNY last week during an appearance at NYC Basketball Kids Camp in Manhattan.

We donā€™t know how Knicks coach Mike Brown will deploy his rotation. But itā€™s logical to think that McBride will play significant minutes with Clarkson and Yabusele.

ā€œI feel like weā€™re going to play fast, weā€™re going to be using a lot of different guys,ā€ McBride said. ā€œIf you saw the Finals, they (Oklahoma City and Indiana) had a lot of depth on both teams, and I feel like weā€™re all NBA guys. So if youā€™re on the team, I feel like youā€™re able to help out.ā€

McBride talked to SNY before meeting with kids at the camp, which was sponsored by Playbook Basketball Management Software.

McBride has attended the camp four times.

ā€œBeing able to inspire the youth and give back to the community that supports me so much, itā€™s really easy on my part,ā€ McBride said. ā€œThey do a great job, so I just love coming back.ā€

McBride has also written a childrenā€™s book, Deuce: The Champion of Friendship. He hopes that the book will ā€œreally encourage positivity and friendship and being loyal to people that care about you.ā€

ā€œIf one kid takes this book and sees something that can inspire them to do something great, thatā€™s my goal,ā€ McBride said. ā€œObviously, I want more. But I just want to impact everyone Iā€™m around positively.ā€

McBride was also asked about Brown during the interview.

ā€œWeā€™ve definitely had a good couple of conversations. Heā€™s really excited. Iā€™m really excited. And I think itā€™s going to be a great year,ā€ McBride said.

McBride noted that the decision to fire Tom Thibodeau was ā€˜above my pay-gradeā€™ but added that Thibodeau ā€˜a great jobā€™ in New York.

ā€œThe run weā€™ve had, winning 50 games (and playoff success); itā€™s above my pay grade on the decisions but Iā€™m excited to start this new chapter,ā€ McBride said.

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The Philadelphia Flyers Embody A Fresh Start With Off-Season Moves

The Philadelphia Flyers are the land of opportunity in 2025-26.

The Flyersā€™ off-season moves make it clear that the theme this upcoming season is ā€œa fresh start.ā€ Some additions either didnā€™t live up to their last contract, have struggled with injuries and poor play, just had an off-year or were simply looking to head elsewhere.

Up front, the Flyers offered a fresh start to young center Trevor Zegras by trading a second-round pick, a fourth-rounder and Ryan Poehling to the Anaheim Ducks. The 24-year-oldā€™s reputation has taken some bumps as he struggled on the ice. After recording 61 and 65 points in his first full NHL seasons, heā€™s played a combined 88 games in the last two years, mustering up only 47 points.

With the Flyers, Zegras should have every chance to thrive down the middle on Phillyā€™s first or second line. He is also entering the final campaign of his three-year deal worth $5.75 million annually, so making the most of his new opportunity will secure a fresh and bountiful harvest in his next contract negotiations.

Similarly, the Flyers signed veteran Christian Dvorak to a one-year, $5.4-million contract. The 29-year-old finished a six-year contract with a $4.45-million cap hit, but in the last four years with the Montreal Canadiens, he saw his average ice time decrease while not scoring more than 33 points in a season. He still managed to get a raise by signing in Philly.

While no one is expecting Dvorak to post 20 goals and 50 points, heā€™ll have a new beginning one way or another this coming year. At best, he can play at center and improve the teamā€™s depth down the middle, or he shifts back to the wing to play higher up the lineup. The way he responds to this opportunity will largely dictate the contract he lands next summer.

In goal, the Flyersā€™ 3.45 goals-against average was fifth-worst in the NHL this past season, and their .872 save percentage was the lowest. Philadelphia GM Daniel Briere looks to turn the page by signing veteran netminder Dan Vladar. For the cost of a two-year contract paying him $3.35 million per season, the Flyers expect Vladar to at the very least compete for the starterā€™s job, which he lost out on this past season with the Calgary Flames. 

In the last three seasons, Vladarā€™s .898 save percentage in 2024-25 was the best. After putting up a 3.62 goals-against average and .882 save percentage in 2023-24, he didnā€™t really bounce back enough this past season as Dustin Wolf got more of the stars. But if Philly can tighten up its defense, Vladar can be part of the short-term solution between the pipes.

Finally, thereā€™s a fresh start happening off the ice in Philadelphia, as former Vancouver Canucks bench boss Rick Tocchet returned to the Flyers to be closer to his family. After starring as a player in Philly, Tocchet is now running the show behind the bench. The stellar reputation heā€™s built for himself as an NHL coach, having won the Jack Adams Award in 2023-24 and winning two Stanley Cup championships as an assistant in Pittsburgh, brings a lot of hope that he can not only elevate the team but maintain it over the next five years. Tocchet even said he just felt it was a fresh start for him, given that his previous contract in Vancouver had expired.

Trevor Zegras (John Geliebter-Imagn Images)

Thereā€™s no assurance any of them will work out as hoped. That said, Briere has made tactical choices and calculated gambles on the new people heā€™s brought in, some safer bets than others. While itā€™s still going to be an uphill battle for Philadelphia to leapfrog up the Metropolitan Division standings and secure a playoff berth this upcoming season, the Flyers might just find a way to beat the odds and reward their fans with their first playoff action in six years. At the very least, a core will emerge to power this group forward so that once it does make the playoffs down the line, it will stay there for a long time.

Fresh starts can be just what the doctor ordered, and thatā€™s what Briere & Co. have put in place for Philadelphia. Whether they work is yet to be seen, but regardless, the Flyers will be a team worth watching.

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Former Sen, Cane, Leaf Signs In KHL

Canadian defenseman Maxime Lajoie, 27, has signed a one-year contract with Avangard Omsk, the KHL club announced on Tuesday.

This is Lajoieā€™s first contract to play overseas.

ā€œMany teams have wanted to sign Maxim for several seasons, and weā€™re glad that heā€™s chosen Avangard,ā€ said Omsk GM Alexei Sopin. ā€œHe is a versatile defenseman with excellent skating and a great shot, heā€™s mobile, and works equally well defensively and offensively. He also successfully connects partners and makes reliable decisions. We believe that Maxim will help achieve the serious goals set for Avangard.ā€

Lajoie was born in Quebec City but grew up in Montreal, Toronto and Calgary, and then junior hockey for the WHLā€™s Swift Current Broncos. He was selected in the fifth round, 133rd overall, by the Ottawa Senators in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

Between 2018 and 2024, Lajoie played 77 NHL regular-season games for the Senators, Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs, recording 16 points and 20 penalty minutes. He also played two playoff games for Carolina in 2021, incurring one minor penalty.

KHL Club Avangard Omsk Extends A Pair Of Ex-NHLers & OlympiansKHL Club Avangard Omsk Extends A Pair Of Ex-NHLers & Olympians Two players who have both played in the NHL and represented their countries at the Winter Olympics have signed contract extensions with Avangard Omsk, the KHL club recently announced.

Lajoie spent the 2024-25 season in the Seattle Kraken organization but spent the entire season in the AHL, recording 39 points and 32 penalty minutes in 76 regular-season and playoff games for the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

In Omsk, Lajoie will play for coach Guy Boucher, whom he previously played for in Ottawa and Toronto. Last season, Omsk finished sixth in the KHLā€™s Eastern Conference and was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.

The Avangard lineup features ex-NHLers Nail Yakupov, Vyacheslav Voynov, Alexander Volkov, Nikolai Prokhorin and Vasili Ponomaryov.

Ā© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images.

Former Sabres, Panthers, Leafs Defenseman Signs In SloveniaFormer Sabres, Panthers, Leafs Defenseman Signs In SloveniaAmerican defenseman T.J. Brennan, 36, has signed a contract to play for HK Olimpija Ljubljana, the Slovenia-based ICEHL club announced on Monday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
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Blake Wesley agrees to join Portland Trail Blazers on one-year contract

The Washington Wizards' motivation in waiving Marcus Smart and Blake Wesley is clear: They saved about $8.2 million with the moves. Smart quickly reached terms to join the Los Angeles Lakers once he cleared waivers.

Now Wesley has found a home, joining a number of other talented young guards with the Portland Trail Blazers, a story broken by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. This will be a fully guaranteed one-year contract, Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report confirms.

Wesley is the former Notre Dame star who was drafted No. 25 overall in 2022 by the San Antonio Spurs, where things just never clicked as hoped. Wesley's minutes dropped each season with the Spurs, last year getting in 58 games at 11.8 minutes a night, averaging 3.7 points and two assists a game. Part of the challenge is the 6'5" guard shot 29.3% from beyond the arc last season (which is pretty much at his career average).

For Portland fans looking for reasons to be optimistic, Wesley is just 22 years old, shot 35.9% from 3-point range for the Austin Spurs in the G League, and he's a solid to plus defender.

Portland is largely set in their guard rotation with Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe (Damian Lillard is on the roster but will sit out this season recovering from his torn Achilles). Wesley is more of a deep bench guy, but he'll get his chance, and on a minimum contract, this is a low-risk roll of the dice by Portland. Wesley also makes 15 guaranteed contracts for the Trail Blazers, their roster is set.

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After war of words at Lordā€™s, England stick to Manchester masterplan

Series victory would offer chance to experiment in fifth Test but Stokes and McCullum are trying to be here now at Old Trafford

The last time India were in Manchester for a Test match was back in 2021 and it was a pretty bleak affair. An outbreak of Covid-19 among their backroom staff saw the series finale called off just 90 minutes before the toss, even if many suspected the proximity of the rescheduled Indian Premier League also had a role to play here.

ā€œI saw Lanky the Giraffe walking into the ground with his head slumped,ā€ said Tom Harrison, then chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, after crossing paths with Lancashireā€™s club mascot that morning. ā€œIt summed up my feelings too.ā€

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