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Wizards' Cam Whitmore out indefinitely with deep vein thrombosis in right shoulder

Getting traded from a deep Houston roster to Washington last summer was an opportunity for Cam Whitmore to have the space to grow and develop. That opportunity has come to an end after 21 games.

Whitmore will be out indefinitely due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, the team announced.

After missing a couple of games with a sore shoulder, the team's doctors took a closer look, ran tests, and found a blood clot that led to the diagnosis. While there is no timeline for his return, Victor Wembanyama missed the second half of last season with the same issue, and Whitmore could be out until next season.

Whitmore was averaging 9.2 points a game shooting 45.6% from the floor in nearly 17 minutes a night for the Wizards. While whispers of questionable practice habits have followed him, Whitmore had been working more closely lately with Wizards coach Brian Keefe on a development plan and finding a role in Washington, reports ESPN’s Shams Charania. While Whitmore's athleticism and potential are without question, he is seen as a guy with tunnel vision who prioritizes his own scoring and is not a great passer. That has to change for him to find a consistent role in today's NBA.

Whitmore is making $3.5 million this season in the third year of his rookie contract. He is under contract for $5.5 million next season and is extension eligible next summer.

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Did Red Sox give up too much for Contreras? Prospect expert weighs in

Did Red Sox give up too much for Contreras? Prospect expert weighs in originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Red Sox got a much-needed right-handed bat and first base upgrade in Willson Contreras, but did they give up too much in their trade with the St. Louis Cardinals?

Boston parted ways with right-hander Hunter Dobbins and minor-league righties Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita. Dobbins, a former top pitching prospect in the Red Sox system, showed potential in his first taste of big-league action before suffering an ACL tear in July. Fajardo was the No. 8-ranked Red Sox prospect, per SoxProspects.com, while Aita landed just outside the top 30.

Is Contreras worth that price? Ian Cundall of SoxProspects.com shared his take on the trade in a recent conversation with NBC Sports Boston.

“I thought it was a fair return,” Cundall said. “They didn’t have to give up any of their top prospects, and Fajardo is the best prospect there. Obviously, Dobbins is a separate case since he’s already graduated.”

The Red Sox initially acquired Fajardo from the Chicago White Sox for reliever Cam Booser last offseason. The 19-year-old has shown high upside, but one noticeable flaw may have resulted in his departure.

“The issue with him, and it’s something that is a trend with actually all three pitchers in this deal, is he just really struggles to strike guys out with his fastball,” Cundall said. “And if we know one thing with Craig Breslow, they want in zone swing and miss, and especially on the fastball. You see guys like Garrett Crochet or Aroldis Chapman, all the guys he’s acquiring at the major league level, that’s what they do. Unfortunately, that’s the weakest part of Fajardo’s game.”

As for Aita, Cundall sees the 22-year-old having some future success as a reliever, but he isn’t someone that Red Sox fans should lose any sleep over trading away.

“His best thing is he can really spin a breaking ball,” Cundall said. “He’s got a sweeper and a curveball, and the sweeper is one of the highest spin rates in the org. … But I think other than the sweeper, it’s more kind of like an average fringy arsenal. Long-term, he’s probably best suited for the bullpen.

“I think he could be a pretty decent reliever there, because if you can spin a breaking ball like he can, you’re gonna get a shot at the major leagues. He’s a pretty high floor guy, but I’m just not sure how much upside there is there.”

Dobbins, of course, was the headliner of Boston’s trade package. The 26-year-old amassed a 4.13 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 17 walks over his first 13 MLB appearances (11 starts). A torn ACL ended his rookie year prematurely, but he was expected to battle for the No. 5 spot in the 2026 Red Sox rotation.

Despite Dobbins’ upside, Cundall has no issue with Boston sending him to St. Louis for help at first base after missing out on Pete Alonso in free agency.

“I always go back to, you have to give something to get something,” Cundall said. “When you look at the Red Sox, their first base production they’ve had gotten in the last few years has just been unacceptable. That’s supposed to be one of your marquee offensive positions. I think their wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus) was 86 or something last year. You can’t have that and then also a bad defense, which is the other aspect that they’ve had.

“I think with Contreras, when you look at the available options, he’s making half as much money as Pete Alonso. He’s a substantially better defender. And yes, Alonso’s gonna hit more home runs, but I think when you look at the end of the day, their overall production like wRC+, it’s gonna be pretty similar, because Contreras can get on base, he’s gonna hit 20 to 25 home runs. He’s gonna hit a lot of doubles at Fenway, especially given his ability to pull the ball in the air. Obviously, he’s an above-average defender at first. So I think that he fits well.”

Like Fajardo and Aita, Dobbins has struggled to get whiffs on his fastball. Cundall believes that’s a big reason the Breslow-led front office was comfortable including him in the deal.

“You can get by on that for a few weeks or a few months, but it’s just hard to get by without a bat-missing fastball at the major leagues to be anything more than a back-end starter year after year,” Cundall said. “I think that’s the thing with Dobbins is, as much as I love the mentality, the personality, the way he pitches, there’s a lot to like there. He’s got a really wide-ranging arsenal, he can really mix and spin things.

“But at the end of the day, you’ve got to be able to establish your fastball, and he just doesn’t really have that pitch right now. … So to me, he’s more of a back-end type, and they just got an everyday upgrade at first base on a very reasonable deal.”

With Contreras in the fold, it’ll be interesting to monitor how the Red Sox proceed with fellow first baseman Triston Casas. Casas missed most of the 2025 campaign due to a ruptured patellar tendon and will have to battle for a role on the 2026 club with Contreras expected to be the primary first baseman.

As for Boston’s pitching depth without Dobbins, it’s still in solid shape with Kutter Crawford, Patrick Sandoval, Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, Kyle Harrison, and the newly acquired Johan Oviedo expected to compete for spots at the back end of the starting rotation.

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Did Red Sox give up too much for Contreras? Prospect expert weighs in

Did Red Sox give up too much for Contreras? Prospect expert weighs in originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Red Sox got a much-needed right-handed bat and first base upgrade in Willson Contreras, but did they give up too much in their trade with the St. Louis Cardinals?

Boston parted ways with right-hander Hunter Dobbins and minor-league righties Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita. Dobbins, a former top pitching prospect in the Red Sox system, showed potential in his first taste of big-league action before suffering an ACL tear in July. Fajardo was the No. 8-ranked Red Sox prospect, per SoxProspects.com, while Aita landed just outside the top 30.

Is Contreras worth that price? Ian Cundall of SoxProspects.com shared his take on the trade in a recent conversation with NBC Sports Boston.

“I thought it was a fair return,” Cundall said. “They didn’t have to give up any of their top prospects, and Fajardo is the best prospect there. Obviously, Dobbins is a separate case since he’s already graduated.”

The Red Sox initially acquired Fajardo from the Chicago White Sox for reliever Cam Booser last offseason. The 19-year-old has shown high upside, but one noticeable flaw may have resulted in his departure.

“The issue with him, and it’s something that is a trend with actually all three pitchers in this deal, is he just really struggles to strike guys out with his fastball,” Cundall said. “And if we know one thing with Craig Breslow, they want in zone swing and miss, and especially on the fastball. You see guys like Garrett Crochet or Aroldis Chapman, all the guys he’s acquiring at the major league level, that’s what they do. Unfortunately, that’s the weakest part of Fajardo’s game.”

As for Aita, Cundall sees the 22-year-old having some future success as a reliever, but he isn’t someone that Red Sox fans should lose any sleep over trading away.

“His best thing is he can really spin a breaking ball,” Cundall said. “He’s got a sweeper and a curveball, and the sweeper is one of the highest spin rates in the org. … But I think other than the sweeper, it’s more kind of like an average fringy arsenal. Long-term, he’s probably best suited for the bullpen.

“I think he could be a pretty decent reliever there, because if you can spin a breaking ball like he can, you’re gonna get a shot at the major leagues. He’s a pretty high floor guy, but I’m just not sure how much upside there is there.”

Dobbins, of course, was the headliner of Boston’s trade package. The 26-year-old amassed a 4.13 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 17 walks over his first 13 MLB appearances (11 starts). A torn ACL ended his rookie year prematurely, but he was expected to battle for the No. 5 spot in the 2026 Red Sox rotation.

Despite Dobbins’ upside, Cundall has no issue with Boston sending him to St. Louis for help at first base after missing out on Pete Alonso in free agency.

“I always go back to, you have to give something to get something,” Cundall said. “When you look at the Red Sox, their first base production they’ve had gotten in the last few years has just been unacceptable. That’s supposed to be one of your marquee offensive positions. I think their wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus) was 86 or something last year. You can’t have that and then also a bad defense, which is the other aspect that they’ve had.

“I think with Contreras, when you look at the available options, he’s making half as much money as Pete Alonso. He’s a substantially better defender. And yes, Alonso’s gonna hit more home runs, but I think when you look at the end of the day, their overall production like wRC+, it’s gonna be pretty similar, because Contreras can get on base, he’s gonna hit 20 to 25 home runs. He’s gonna hit a lot of doubles at Fenway, especially given his ability to pull the ball in the air. Obviously, he’s an above-average defender at first. So I think that he fits well.”

Like Fajardo and Aita, Dobbins has struggled to get whiffs on his fastball. Cundall believes that’s a big reason the Breslow-led front office was comfortable including him in the deal.

“You can get by on that for a few weeks or a few months, but it’s just hard to get by without a bat-missing fastball at the major leagues to be anything more than a back-end starter year after year,” Cundall said. “I think that’s the thing with Dobbins is, as much as I love the mentality, the personality, the way he pitches, there’s a lot to like there. He’s got a really wide-ranging arsenal, he can really mix and spin things.

“But at the end of the day, you’ve got to be able to establish your fastball, and he just doesn’t really have that pitch right now. … So to me, he’s more of a back-end type, and they just got an everyday upgrade at first base on a very reasonable deal.”

With Contreras in the fold, it’ll be interesting to monitor how the Red Sox proceed with fellow first baseman Triston Casas. Casas missed most of the 2025 campaign due to a ruptured patellar tendon and will have to battle for a role on the 2026 club with Contreras expected to be the primary first baseman.

As for Boston’s pitching depth without Dobbins, it’s still in solid shape with Kutter Crawford, Patrick Sandoval, Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, Kyle Harrison, and the newly acquired Johan Oviedo expected to compete for spots at the back end of the starting rotation.

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NBA Trade Rumors 2025-26: Lakers seek defense, Bucks eyeing adding Zach LaVine

With front office personnel leaving Orlando and the G League Showcase, trade talk is now in full swing around the league. Let's break down some of the latest talk around the league.

Bucks looking at adding Zach LaVine

While most fans (and plenty of content producers) are heading to trade machines looking for ways to get Giannis Antetokounmpo out of Milwaukee, the Bucks are in "desperate pursuit" of ways to bring in talent, re-energize the 11-18 team, and make Antetokounmpo happy (or, at least, less unhappy).

Enter Zach LaVine, reports NBA insider Chris Haynes, who reported this:

"The Milwaukee Bucks are in desperate pursuit, looking out on the trade market to see if they can bring in a difference-maker type of player. Sources have relayed they are canvassing the market, and one of the guys I identified is Zach LaVine of the Sacramento Kings."

While LaVine is available, there have been no serious talks between the sides, Hayes reports. It would be a difficult trade to construct because LaVine makes $47.5 million this season, it would likely require Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis and more heading out of Milwaukee (and maybe a third team involved).

Whether or not this specific deal comes together, it shows the Milwaukee front office's mindset: they are not trading Antetokounmpo unless he demands it and forces them to, and instead they want to be buyers at the deadline.

Lakers eying defensive wings Jones, Ellis

"Being able to contain the basketball is probably the most difficult thing for our team right now," Lakers coach J.J. Redick said of his team's point of attack defense after the Spurs eliminated the Lakers from the NBA Cup, a game in which San Antonio's young guards blew by their defenders, touched the paint, and either made a shot or sprayed it out for an open 3-pointer.

It's why the Lakers are looking hard at defensive wings, specifically good 3&D wings, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports. The challenge is that there aren't many of those players, and all 29 other teams are interested in them as well.

The Pelicans' Herb Jones is at the top of the list, but all reports out of New Orleans are that the asking price for him (or Trey Murphy III) is exceedingly high (the Pelicans don't really want to trade either). As Woike put it, the Pelicans "have signaled to interested teams that they're not entertaining Herbert Jones trades — at least not at any cost the Lakers can meet."

Sacramento's Keon Ellis also is available, a disruptive perimeter defender but a limited ball handler and not strong enough to switch onto larger forwards defensively. While Ellis is drawing more interest from other teams than the Kings' big three stars, he is a divisive figure among scouts, and it might be telling that both of the Kings' last two coaches — Mike Brown and Doug Christie — have limited his minutes.

Other defensive wings might be available — Derrick Jones Jr. (Clippers), Terrance Mann (Nets), Andrew Wiggins (Heat) — but the Lakers can trade one first-round pick, one second and find a matching salary (likely starting with Gabe Vincent), and the question becomes, will that be enough?

Nets make Michael Porter Jr. available

Brooklyn was expected to be active at the trade deadline, in part because they have more cap space than any other team and are likely a third team in to help facilitate any big trades.

However, they are looking to make one on their own and are testing the market for Michael Porter Jr., reports Jake Fischer at The Stein Line. It's not just Porter, the Nets are "willing to listen to pitches on the bulk of their veteran players," which would include Cam Thomas, Nic Claxton, Terance Mann, and more.

Porter Jr. is averaging 25.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, shooting 40% from 3-point range — he can help the offenses of a lot of teams. Porter Jr. is making $38.3 million this season and is guaranteed $40.8 million next season in the final year of his contract.

Consider Porter Jr. the name to watch for teams looking to make a big splash at the deadline and improve their playoff chances.

Warriors eying Gafford, Claxton

While the Warriors are reportedly patiently eyeing the Giannis Antetokounmpo situation (although constructing a trade that works with the Bucks is nearly impossible at the deadline), what they really want is a rim-protecting big man, reports NBA insider Chris Haynes on Amazon's NBA on Prime coverage.

Specifically, the Warriors are eying three players: Daniel Gafford (Mavericks), Nic Claxton (Nets), and Robert Williams (Trail Blazers).

"You look at the Warriors — rebounding and block shots, they're in the bottom half of the league," Haynes said on the broadcast. "And points in the paint, they are dead last. So they are looking for an athletic center…

"Those are three names who are on the Golden State Warriors' list of targets, to try to bring in a rim-running, block-shot defender. I was told they are really serious and they are trying to do everything they can to try to get the team back to being of the caliber of a championship-contending type."

Guerschon Yabusele

The Knicks signed Greece's Guerschon Yabusele last summer, with the big man coming off a solid season for the 76ers. That hasn't worked out as planned, so the Knicks are now open to trading him, reports James Edwards III at The Athletic.

Yabusele has not found a comfort zone with the Knicks this season, averaging 3 points a game on 39.4% shooting (30.6% from beyond the arc). That is not attracting many suitors, as Edwards notes.

Multiple league executives believe the Knicks would have to attach something to Yabusele in order to have a chance to move him before the deadline. Other than what New York does or doesn't do with Yabusele, the franchise has long put out feelers about adding another ballhandler and/or frontcourt player, per league sources.

Just something to watch as we approach the deadline.

Coby White

Among the names most mentioned as trade talk ramps up is Chicago point guard Coby White.

There are a number of teams looking for point guard help who are not interested in the big-name/big-expense players (Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball), and White might be the best of the next tier of players. White has been good for the Bulls this season, averaging 21.2 points and 5.2 assists a game, but he is shooting 29.8% from 3-point range (he's a career 36.7% from deep) and he is a minus defender. Still, he is in demand.

In his substack, Marc Stein reported that this "doesn't mean they'll actually move him before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, but the Bulls have left the impression with rival teams inquiring about White that they are more open to trading White than they've ever been."

Just something to watch going forward.

Malik Monk

Monk has not been a key part of Doug Christie's rotation in Sacramento of late, but some teams believe a change of scenery would do him good and he could work as a sixth man.

The Kings have made Monk available, reports Chris Haynes.

The Kings have made pretty much everyone except Keegan Murray available by trade, they are one of the big sellers at the deadline, but how much interest there is in Monk, an injured Domantas Sabonis and others remains to be seen (Keon Ellis is the one name drawing a lot of interest).

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Mets add Luke Weaver, subtract Jeff McNeil, and have eyes on more moves | The Mets Pod

On the latest episode of The Mets Pod presented by Tri-State Cadillac, Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo head into New Year’s looking at a very new Mets team for 2026.

The guys break down the bullpen after the addition of Luke Weaver, react to the trade of Jeff McNeil to the A’s for a young pitching prospect, discuss the many former Yankees who have become current Mets, and wonder whether or not Cody Bellinger could join that group. 

Connor and Joe also go Down on the Farm to talk about international prospect Wandy Asigen, and answer Mailbag questions about David Stearns possibly hiring a GM, the appeal of Luis Robert Jr, and an interesting hypothetical trade scenario for Tarik Skubal. 

Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Blackhawks Vs Flyers: Projected Lineup, How To Watch, & More Ahead Of Game 36

The Chicago Blackhawks are set to finish the pre-Christmas portion of their 2025-26 schedule on Tuesday night with a match against the Philadelphia Flyers at the United Center.

Chicago, which is on a six-game regulation losing streak, has plummeted to the bottom of the NHL standings. As for Philly, they have stayed afloat with their second-place standing in the Metropolitan Division. 

Scouting Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Flyers are in their first year with head coach Rick Tocchet. He has helped them become a respectable team in the NHL. They work hard, have plenty of skill, and are hard to play against. 

This game will be the second half of a back-to-back for the Flyers. They defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-2 at home in Philadelphia. 

Zegras-Dvorak-Konecny

Barkey-Couturier-Tippett

Michkov-Cates-Brink

Grundstrom-Abols-Grebenkin

York-Sanheim

Andrae-Drysdale

Seeler-Ristolainen

Ersson

This is a well-balanced group that features a nice mix of young players and veterans. With a head coach like Tocchet, it's the perfect blend. 

Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim are guys who could be considered for Team Canada at the Olympics. Both of them were members of the 4-Nations Face-Off team and made a big impact on the gold-medal-winning team. 

Other young players, like Matvei Michkov, are exciting to watch and can make plays at a high level. Even a guy like Trevor Zegras, who came over in a big summer trade with the Anaheim Ducks, is having a bounce-back season. Now that he's healthy, you see what he can do with his skills. 

Their captain, Sean Couturier, isn't the young star that he once was, but he is still an excellent player who makes an impact in all three zones. He has also dealt with some health battles over the last handful of seasons, but he is totally back and making an impact again. 

Dan Vladar, who may have taken over as the number one goalie on this team, started against the Canucks on Monday night. It is expected that Sam Ersson will play against the Blackhawks. 

Projected Lines, Defense Pairs, & Goalie For Chicago

The Chicago Blackhawks are now without Frank Nazar in addition to Connor Bedard. Nazar took a puck to the face in their last game, a loss to the Ottawa Senators, and he is going to be out for about four weeks. Bedard, of course, will be re-evaluated after the new year. 

Bertuzzi-Greene-Burakovsky

Moore-Donato-Lardis

Teravainen-Dickinson-Mikheyev

Dach-Toninato-Lafferty

Vlasic-Crevier

Grzelcyk-Levshunov

Kaiser-Murphy

Knight

Ryan Greene is being given a big-time opportunity with the top-line center role. With Tyler Bertuzzi and Andre Burakovsky, this could be a solid trio that has a little bit of everything on it. 

Nick Lardis and Oliver Moore are also getting a big opportunity as they are looking to be on the second line with Ryan Donato in the middle. 

Teuvo Teravainen, who missed Monday's practice with a maintenance day, is going to play. Nick Foligno was also in the mix to join this group for the game based on Monday's practice, but he is not ready to return just yet.

Spencer Knight is scheduled to start in goal for Chicago. He has been playing well, but the team in front of him has been finding ways to lose over the last couple of weeks. It's hardly Knight's fault, but the Blackhawks could use one of those signature "stand on your head" wins from their goaltender in this one. 

How To Watch

The game can be heard locally on AM 720 WGN in the Chicagoland area. To view this game, it can be found nationally and locally on TNT. The puck is scheduled to drop at 8:25 PM CT. 

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Steve Kerr, Draymond Green have (another) argument, Green heads to locker room, does not play again

Instead of talking about how, on some nights — when everything clicks, like it did Monday against the Magic — the Warriors look like a team that can be a threat in the West, we are talking about this:

Steve Kerr and Draymond Green got into a heated argument on the bench early in the third quarter Monday night, with Green leaving and going straight to the locker room. Although he returned to the bench, he never got back into the game.

Everything started at the 8:47 mark of the third quarter when Green turned the ball over, which led Golden State's Quinten Post to commit a take foul. The Magic capitalized, with Desmond Bane knocking down the free throw and then Anthony Black hitting a turnaround jumper for a three-point possession. A frustrated Kerr called a timeout.

"We got into it, obviously," Kerr said after the game, via Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area. "And I took the timeout because I thought we lost our focus there a little bit. And we had it out a little bit. And he made his decision to go back to the locker room to cool off."

Kerr said everything else was private and he would not give more details. It was much the same playbook from Green and Stephen Curry postgame.

"Tempers spilled over," Green said. "And I thought it was best that I get out of there. I didn't think it was a situation where it was going to get better. So, it was best to remove myself."

Why did Green think this latest in a long line of arguments with his coach would blow over? Because every other one has.

"We've been at this now for a long time," Green said. "So, sometimes when you're with people for a long time, there's a level of comfort, and s--t happens. We move forward."

Maybe it blows over, but it's worth noting that the Warriors outscored the Magic 54-26 after Green left the game. That comes on the heels of a game in Phoenix where Golden State flipped a 10-point deficit into a lead without Green on the court, and the Warriors went on to get the win.

The argument overshadowed one of those nights when the Warriors don't look like the 15-15 team they are, but show signs of being a threat in the West. Stephen Curry scored 26, Jimmy Butler 21, and the Warriors picked up a win over a quality Magic team.

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Van Gerwen shows his class but Peter Wright crashes out of PDC World Championship

  • Van Gerwen looked in form in win over O’Connor

  • Two-time champion Wright averaged just 79.20

Michael van Gerwen showed his class as he powered into the third round of the world championship. The three-time champion struggled in his opening match but brought his best to brush past William O’Connor 3-1.

It was an impressive performance by the Dutchman, who reminded everyone of his credentials after a difficult year on and off the oche. Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are the leading contenders for the title in January but Van Gerwen is a threat playing like this.

Continue reading...
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Retired Goaltender Coming to Oilers?: Maybe We Should Pump the Brakes a Little

There is a lot of chatter surrounding the Edmonton Oilers' goaltending situation. And for good reason. In a matter of weeks, the Oilers changed starters, only to see the replacement sidelined by injury. They then turned to an AHL call-up acquired after another NHL team moved on from him despite poor results. At the moment, Edmonton is operating with two backup-caliber goaltenders, neither of whom is viewed as a legitimate long-term NHL No. 1.

To hear that insiders might still believe there's potentially more news coming should not come as a shock to anyone. 

But the idea that Marc-Andre Fleury -- a veteran who has officially hung up his skates and retired --  is a goalie the Oilers could have between the pipes in the next few weeks is a long shot. It's possible, but it feels unlikely. 

Why Is This Even a Rumor?

The idea that Fleury and the Oilers is possible comes from two sources, only one of which actually mentions Edmonton in the conversation. 

First, it was Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic and TSN. He wrote, "Probably not surprising but hearing that some teams have checked in on Marc-Andre Fleury to see if there’s any chance at all he would consider playing again. Again not surprised teams with goalie needs would want to check on it."

If LeBrun is tweeting this, it's legitimate. 

 Related: Oilers Looked Decent Enough In Ingram's First Game Back

Second, it was Frank Seravalli, who specifically connected the Oilers as a team that would have interest. Seravalli noted, “I think he’s got the itch to keep playing, and I think for a guy who really has made it home in Minnesota, there’s no room for him there with [Jesper] Wallstedt and [Filip] Gustavsson.” He added, Fleury is “going to be with a team that has an authentic chance to win, and that’s got the Oil written all over it."

A Lot of Hurdles If the Oilers Want to Sign Fleury

Again, while this is not impossible, there are a lot of what-ifs and hurdles to jump to make Fleury becoming an Oiler possibility. 

First, the money. Fleury isn't likely to sign with an NHL team for league minimum. He's not going to hold out for big money, but enough teams will be interested if he comes out of retirement that a pro-rated $2 million contract isn't out of the question. The Oilers have to move things around even make that work. 

Second, it's the fact that Fleury may or may not want to come out of retirement. Sure, he's staying near the game. That doesn't mean he's ready to jump back in. 

Third, he has to see the Oilers as a fit. Other teams that could be in the mix will have something to say about it, including the Montreal Canadiens. Their goaltending situation is far from secure, and if Fleury makes it known he's available, GM Kent Hughes will be all over this. They, too, are in a playoff position, and as a Quebec-born player, one has to assume there would be a draw to playing in Montreal. 

The idea of Tristan Jarry and Marc-Andre Fleury as the tandem in Edmonton sounds appealing. If Connor Ingram is your back-up to both, that might just be a winning forumla. However, Jarry has already shown injuries are a concern. Fleury is a bit of an unknown given the time away and his age. Ingram is a total question mark after months away from the game and just now jumping back into the NHL. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more.   Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

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Mets sign RHP Tyler Burch to two-year minor league deal: report

The Mets are signing RHP Tyler Burch to a two-year minor league deal, according to Anthony Dicomo of MLB.com.

Burch is coming off elbow surgery, but will be ready to pitch during the 2026 season. 

The 28-year-old reliever is yet to make his big-league debut. 

Burch began his professional career as an undrafted free agent with the Phillies in 2019, but was traded to the Orioles for INF Freddy Galvis a few years later. 

He remained in Baltimore's system until he was scooped up by the Rockies in the Rule 5 Draft last offseason. 

After missing the entire campaign to injury, though, the righty elected to hit free agency and now he lands with the Mets. 

Burch has a 3.71 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 12 saves, and 186 strikeouts in his minor league career. 

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Why The NHL's 2 Richest Teams Rangers, Leafs Never Win Cups

Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Year after year, estimates of NHL franchise wealth place the Maple Leafs and Rangers virtually tied at the top of the list.

In The Hockey News' 2025 "Hockey Business Annual," Executive Chairman and Publisher W. Graeme Roustan of Roustan Media, Ltd., pegged the valuation of both franchises at $4 billion; ergo league-leaders in the NHL money market.

Yet the Torontonians haven't won The Stanley Cup since 1967 and the Rangers have  been Cup-less since 1994. Hard to believe, isn't it?

With that in mind, The Maven commissioned Toronto-based hockey fiscal expert Mark Nussbaum for capsule reasons why this uncanny non-Cup run continues despite vast riches for both clubs. Take it away Mark:

"Let’s start with the obvious: When you head into the Christmas break and you’re not in a playoff spot, the chances are you are not going to get in next April.

"That said, let’s take a deeper dive into why the Leafs and Rangers are not Stanley Cup contenders. Consider these factors:

1. Consistency: Both teams lack this vital trait. They can play a few good periods – here and there – to be sure. They can win a couple of games. But a consistent stretch of good hockey? It’s a tall task for them because they have not displayed the ability to play their game at a consistent level.

2. Belief In Their Core Players Is Lacking: Each team suffered issues with core players and their production this season. However, when Core players are at the top of their games, they inject life into the team. When they are not, the roster is like a failing house of cards. Breadman Panarin and William Nylander have enjoyed reasonably good seasons so far,  but other parts of both cores – such as Mika Zibanejad and Auston Matthews – have not been up to par.

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly: Rangers Vs. NashvilleThe Good, The Bad And The Ugly: Rangers Vs. NashvilleThe Good, The Bad, And The Ugly; <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers">Rangers</a> vs. Nashville

3. Team Chemistry: It's missing on both sides of the border. Sure, sniffs of it can be inhaled once in a while  but there's hardly enough of it. Part of this issue can be blamed on the Leafs captain, Matthews, and his Rangers' counterpart, J.T. Miller."

In order for a team to make a deep playoff run – let alone raise Stanley – the above- mentioned ingredients must be available in large doses. 

Despite all the monetary assets that the Maple Leafs and Rangers have accumulated it cannot buy them a Stanley Cup!

It seems incredible when you think about it, but it's true.

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Why Jeff McNeil is eager to join Athletics' ‘great' young core after trade

Why Jeff McNeil is eager to join Athletics' ‘great' young core after trade originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

It’s always good to have another adult in the room with a bunch of kids. 

The Athletics acquired veteran Jeff McNeil in a trade with the New York Mets on Monday. The 33-year-old utility player is expected to fill into the hole at second base, a big need for the A’s heading into the offseason. 

McNeil, who has played all eight of his MLB seasons with the Mets, is excited to join a promising young core. 

“It’s a super fun team to watch,” McNeil said Tuesday to reporters over a Zoom call (h/t Martín Gallegos). “I watched quite a bit of their games [from] New York. … Just a super fun, young team. They have a great young core. I just want to do my part to help them out. I’m super excited to be a part of it. I think we’re going to have a good squad.” 

The eight-year MLB veteran joins an infield that already boasts AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz at first base and runner-up Jacob Wilson at shortstop. 

The A’s had six different players make starts at second base in 2025. Having an established veteran to slot in at the position without much thought will make life easier for manager Mark Kotsay. 

“I feel like our middle infield this year is probably going to strike out the least amount in the league with Wilson,” McNeil noted. “He’s a free swinger. I love watching that guy hit. He’s so much fun. We’re both free swingers and like to put the ball in play quick and make things happen… I can’t wait to play with him.” 

McNeil, as of now, has the most MLB service among A’s position players, and the second-most on the overall roster behind starting pitcher Luis Severino’s 10 years. 

That helps the A’s front office meet an intangible need on top of their positional gaps. 

“I thought he was a really good fit in a lot of ways,” A’s general manager David Forst told MLB.com’s Martín Gallegos. “His overall experience — let’s be honest, we still have a generally young roster without a ton of experience, particularly on the position-player side. I think he brings a lot to the table in terms of having played in that market, played in the postseason, and bringing a lot of experience to our clubhouse.” 

The addition of the two-time MLB All-Star also will help boost an already potent lineup that came into form particularly in the latter half of the season. The A’s offense hit for a .260 batting average in their 64 games after the break, the fifth-best in MLB during that span. 

McNeil, a Central Coast native, returns to his home state. He also has family ties near his new home ballpark, according to Gallegos. 

With the second base position seemingly locked down in Sacramento, Forst told Gallegos that the team likely will look at internal candidates at third base. Young prospects Max Muncy and Darell Hernáiz started 30 and 17 games, respectively, at the position and figure to be the leading candidates along with Brett Harris. 

Forst and the A’s now probably will their offseason focus on acquiring another piece for the starting pitching rotation.