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The trade came as a shock, as neither player was seemingly on the trade block for either team, and Bolduc was coming off an impressive second NHL season in which he scored 19 goals and 36 points in 72 games.

Mailloux, on the other hand, had played just seven NHL games in 2024-25, but did notch two goals and four points.

While it was a trade that came out of nowhere, it’s one where logic was evident on both sides. The Canadiens needed to add young scoring wingers to their lineup, and did so with Bolduc. For the Blues, they wanted to add youth and offense to their blueline, doing so with Mailloux.

In the Blues case, the trade was always going to involve patience. Defensemen take longer to develop than forwards, especially wingers, and in Mailloux’s case, his most significant need for improvement was on the defensive side of the puck. This season, his struggles defensively have been on display.

The 22-year-old has recorded just one goal and one assist in 34 NHL games this season. He’s averaging 13:47 of ice time and owns a minus-22 rating. Though Mailloux’s game has steadied since his dreadful start to the season. Mailloux was sent to the Springfield Thunderbirds for a five-game stint before returning to the NHL.

Since his return, he’s skated alongside Cam Fowler, and the chatter about his game has diminished. He’s seen his ice time increase and was rewarded with a one-year contract extension.

Zachary Bolduc (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)

Bolduc, on the other hand, has been the opposite. He stormed out of the gates, scoring in his first three games with the Habs, and saw ice time on the top line as well as the top power play unit. His production tailed off, and his role with the Canadiens slowly decreased. He’s been skating on the fourth line recently and sees time on the second power play unit.

He hasn’t scored in any of his last 12 games, and now posts 10 goals and 18 points in 49 games, on pace for 17 goals and 30 points in 82 games, fewer goals and points in more games than he had last season with the Blues.

He, too, is just 22 years old and is still developing, but the early narrative that the Canadiens fleeced the Blues in a trade that saw two former 2021 first-round picks swap has evaporated.

Much is still left to change, but at the moment, the trade has had its ups and downs for both teams.

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January 20, 2026

LeBron James’ legendary NBA All-Star run comes to an end

When the NBA announced the starters for the 2026 NBA All-Star game, there was one name that was left off.

LeBron James.

For 21 years, James has been selected to and named an All-Star starter — an NBA record. But this year always seemed like a long shot, considering how the 2025–26 season has played out thus far.

RUI HACHIMURA FROM THE CORNER FOR THE WIN OFF THE LEBRON JAMES DIME!

@TISSOT BUZZER-BEATER
Everyone Gets 24 pic.twitter.com/6J38hGVRYK
— NBA (@NBA) December 5, 2025

After 21 years, LeBron James is no longer an All-Star starter. NBAE via Getty Images

He missed the first 14 games of the season dealing with sciatica, and played far below his standards once he returned. His NBA record of 1,297 consecutive games scoring 10+ points came to end on Dec. 4 against Toronto. Sitting at eight points, James passed up a chance to continue the streak when he found Rui Hachimura open in the corner for a game-winning three-pointer.

In 24 games (out of a possible 41), James is averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 and 5.9 rebounds per game. His points and rebounds per game numbers are the worst in his 23-year career outside of his rookie season.

However, James has found his rhythm since the start of the new year. He’s averaging 26.6 points, 7.6 assists and 7.6 rebounds per game on 52.8 percent shooting from the field.

The voting process for starters is made up of three groups: 50% fan voting; 25% a panel of media voters; 25% player voting. The reserves will be selected by the NBA’s coaches and announced on Sunday.

The Lakers are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff picture, sitting at 25–16 and in sixth place. They’re 1.5 games ahead of the Warriors (eighth place) and three games behind the Nuggets (third place).

Although LeBron isn’t starting, the Lakers will be well represented.

Luka Dončić will be starting alongside Warriors star guard Steph Curry and reigning MVP and Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They’re joined by Nuggets center Nikola Jokić and Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, who beat out Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards in a tie.

James is pictured with the NBA Rookie of the Year plaque in 2004. FilmMagic

Starting for the Eastern Conference are: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks; Jalen Brunson, Knicks; Cade Cunningham, Pistons; Tyrese Maxey, 76ers; and Jaylen Brown, Celtics.

This year’s All-Star game will look significantly different than the past as the NBA has adopted a “Team USA versus the World” format. The group of All-Stars chosen will be broken down into three rosters; two representing Team USA and one representing international players.

Of the 10 starters announced, five are American and five are international. Once the 14 reserves are announced, if there are fewer than 16 American players or eight international players, NBA commissioner Adam Silver will add more All-Stars until each team represented has eight players.

January 20, 2026

5 Sixers thoughts on Tyrese Maxey and his NBA ascension

Tyrese Maxey is making a leap and is fresh off a 29-point, eight-assist, eight-steal performance in a win over the lowly Pacers on Monday evening. Let’s lean into the energy Maxey is creating and do a “5 Sixers thoughts” column dedicated solely to him…

Maxey: All-Star Game starter and… future All-Star Game MVP?

No guard has been this type of lightning force for the Sixers since Allen Iverson’s peak. Iverson’s age-25 season saw him win NBA MVP honors and lead the Sixers to the Finals. While both of those things unfortunately feel a tad out of reach for Maxey in his own age-25 season, there was another accolade that Iverson picked up that year that Maxey could undoubtedly challenge for: All-Star Game MVP.

In a legendary bout at the 2001 All-Star Game in Washington, D.C., Iverson dropped 25 points to go with five assists and four steals as the East beat an ultra-stacked Western Conference squad. With Maxey’s first All-Star starting nod under his belt now for next month’s festivities, he could no doubt heat up and add an All-Star Game MVP Award to his mantle.

I need the New Balance Maxeys

I haven’t bought a pair of fresh basketball sneakers in a long time, settling more so into New Balance trainers and HOKAs for daily use as I’ve progressed into my 30s. That’s a reality check for sure. The era of me gobbling up Air Jordan 11s and 4s with busboy money at the turn of the 2010s is sadly long gone.

I may need to make an exception when Maxey’s first signature sneaker releases later in 2026, as news broke about that on Tuesday morning.

I don’t think anyone’s been in a rush to wear some Joel Embiid Sketchers, but, historically, from Charles Barkley to Iverson himself, Sixers players have had some legendary signature sneakers. I need Maxey to continue that tradition. Guards always have better designs than big men anyway…

Remember when…

A 20-year-old rookie Maxey played fewer minutes in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals series against the Hawks (77) than Furkan Korkmaz (139) and 34-year-old George Hill (110)? Awesome stuff. I’m not still bitter or anything! It’s not like that series irrevocably changed my relationship with the Sixers as an entity and the sport of basketball as a whole or anything!

What I most want from Maxey this spring…

I am more of a Sixers pessimist than most even before last week’s skid. I am under no pretense that this team is making the Finals, but my true goal for the Sixers overall this season, and Maxey specifically, is for him to be the best player in a playoff series that the team wins. Sure, people far and wide would joke about it just being another second-round exit from a franchise famous for them, but the equation is so different than it has been at different points in the Joel Embiid era.

A first-round matchup that sees Maxey going nuclear and looking like one of the best players on the planet in victory could even warm my frozen Sixers soul.

The city needs to rally around Maxey more

Look, I know it’s an Eagles city and it always will be. I’m freaking out over who the next offensive coordinator will be just as much as anyone. The Phillies are pissing everyone off before pitchers and catchers even report though. The Flyers are sagging after their own promising start. The Sixers have the floor at the moment. Up-and-downs and injuries, per usual, have kept them from firmly establishing themselves as legitimate Eastern Conference contenders, but isn’t rooting for a guy like Maxey something we always wished for since the dawn of the post-Iverson era?

The Process years were all about establishing Embiid as one of the game’s greatest and while that panned out, it didn’t result in the team success we all dreamed it would bring about. That sucks, but that’s the reality of contention in the modern NBA. I understand people who are jaded and have tuned out since the collapses in 2021 and 2023 and the health setbacks that Embiid has had to endure, but isn’t this what it was all about? Watching an in-prime superstar command the court and make the extraordinary seem ordinary?

A magical run to the Finals isn’t happening in a few months, but what’s to say that’s not the case two years from now with an improved VJ Edgecombe as an elite running mate for this guy? I don’t have to convince the people who read this fine site of that, but I wish Philly felt at least a tad more all in on Maxey.

January 20, 2026

Rui Hachimura still playing on a minutes restriction

During the four games Rui Hachimura has played in since returning from his calf injury, his play hasn’t necessarily impressed.

The Lakers forward is averaging 7.8 points, and shooting just 31.3% from 3-point range. Those numbers are a far cry from his season averages of 12.1 points per game and 42.9% shooting percentage from deep.

While Hachimura hasn’t returned to his expected level of play just yet, he did have some bright moments during the Lakers’ win against the Raptors.

In the third quarter, Hachimura scored eight points, knocking down a pair of 3-pointers to help the Lakers take control of the game.

After the win, Hachimura explained that his playing time is still limited and that a good second-half shift can help him get back into a groove.

“I’m still on a minutes restriction, Hachimura said. “I’m still trying to get back to my rhythm and those kind of things help me. It’s a long season. We’re at the halfway point. We have to, as a team, we got to connect to each other again. I think we have one day rest, whatever that is. We got to rest tomorrow and then get back on Tuesday against Denver.”

Lakers head coach JJ Redick mentioned that Hachimura would be on a minutes restriction upon returning, but now we have confirmation from Rui that he’s still on that restriction.

So the playing time he’s gotten so far is not necessarily an indication of his spot in the rotation.

Once he is available to play with no restrictions, we’ll see whether Redick relegates him to the bench or if he’ll once again start ahead of a player like Jake LaRavia.

For now, the objective for Hachimura has to be to continue ramping up so he can be fully healthy and return to that elite catch-and-shoot player he’s been all season for the purple and gold.

Once he does that, the rest of the details, like when he comes in and whether he starts, will take care of itself.

The Lakers are set to begin an eight-game road trip, so hopefully, at some point during that time away from LA, Hachimura will be fully available to play.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

January 20, 2026

‘Quite upset’: Sixers skipper lifts lid on how Smith act left Pakistan star fuming for days

Sydney Sixers captain Moises Henriques says it was simply a “misunderstanding” that left star recruit Babar Azam fuming at teammate Steve Smith – but confirmed the duo are “back friendly again”.

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

Tottenham 2-0 Borussia Dortmund: Champions League – as it happened

Spurs eased the pressure on Thomas Frank with a dominant first-half performance against Dortmund

The only player on a yellow card is the Spurs substitute Randal Kolo Muani.

The players emerge from the tunnel. It’s hard to make out the atmosphere because the Champions League music is blaring out around the ground.

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

Inter 1-3 Arsenal, Real Madrid 6-1 Monaco, and more: Champions League – as it happened

Arsenal continued their 100 per cent record in the competition, while Real Madrid hit Monaco for six

In case you were wondering, Club Brugge won 4-1 away at Kairat earlier today.

Mikel Arteta does not look concerned.

January 20, 2026

Former NBA star Lamar Odom arrested on suspicion of DUI in Nevada

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Former NBA star Lamar Odom was arrested on suspicion of DUI in Las Vegas over the weekend, authorities said Tuesday.

Odom, 46, was pulled over Saturday on Interstate 15 near Harry Reid International Airport, according to Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Shawn Haggstrom.

He could face charges including DUI, excessive speed and failure to properly maintain a travel lane, Haggstrom said.

Haggstrom didn't have attorney information for Odom. An email seeking comment from a sports agent for Odom wasn't immediately returned.

Clark County jail records showed that Odom was no longer in custody as of Tuesday.

Odom won championships in 2009 and 2010 with the Los Angeles Lakers. He also played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks during a 14-year NBA career.

His 2013 marriage to Khloe Kardashian was tabloid fodder and the couple appeared together on a reality TV show before divorcing months later. That same year, Odom was arrested for DUI in Los Angeles.

In 2015, Odom made headlines after suffering a medical episode during a stay at a legal brothel in Nevada called Love Ranch.

January 20, 2026

Better Know Your Blue Jays 40-man: José Berríos

José Berríos came to the Jays in a trade with the Twins at the deadline in 2021. Austin Martin and Simeon Woods Richardson went to Minnesota.

The Jays signed Berrios to a seven-year, $131 million contract after the 2021 season. There is an opt-out after the 2026 season, and there are $5 million incentive bonuses in both 2027 and 2028. Opting out after this season would be costly to him. He will make $18,714,286 this year, and $24,714,285 in 2027, and $1 more in 2028. I have a hard time believing he could do better than that at age 33.

I understand that he wasn’t thrilled to be left off the playoff roster, and I’m sure I wouldn’t have been either. TSN posted this:

“He was not happy,” Atkins said, per MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson. “He was disappointed that he wasn’t in our rotation. He handled it well, but then when it came down to roster selection, he wasn’t on it.”
“It’s always tough when someone of his pedigree is not in the rotation,” Atkins explained of the late-season move. “I’m sure he was not excited with that decision. Having to be the one who makes it makes it very difficult. I’d describe the relationship as solid, professional.”

It would be tough to have been such a steady presence in the rotation for several years and then be forgotten when the team is finally doing well.

In four and a half seasons with the Jays, Berríos has a 53-39 record and a 4.09 ERA in 138 starts (he had a 4.08 ERA in 135 starts with the Twins, he’s nothing if not consistent). He has a 6.9 bWAR in his time with the Jays.

2025 didn’t quite match his previous two. He had a 4.17 ERA in 31 games, 30 starts, and a 1.3 bWAR. Not bad, but a step back from what he’s been. He pitched 166 innings, the least he’s thrown since 2017, but that was still 23rd most in the AL.

There is a cost to throwing as many innings as he has over the past several years.

The question is how he fits into the Jays’ plans this year. We have Shane Bieber, Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Cody Ponce and Trey Yesavage set for the rotation. Eric Lauer and Ricky Tiedmann are available in case of injury.

You can never have too much pitching, but, presuming the others are healthy, it is pretty hard to imagine that Berríos wouldn’t be the odd man out.

It’s a tough spot for the team. I have my doubts that he can be traded, at least without sending a lot of money along with him.

Anyway, Steamer thinks he’ll pitch in 47 games, 19 starts, 139 innings with a 4.37 ERA. I have no idea. He could fill a long relief role, but we already seem to have a lot of pitchers in the pen as well. But, he’s going to be pain, so he’ll be on the roster.

January 20, 2026

Game Preview: Jalen Green returns for the Suns tonight against the 76ers

Who: Phoenix Suns (26-17) @ Philadelphia 76ers (23-18)

When: 5:00 pm Arizona Time

Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports

Listen: KMVP 98.7

Tonight finally looks to be the night that Jalen Green returns for the Phoenix Suns from his two-and-a-half-month absence with a hamstring injury. Before yesterday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets, Suns head coach Jordan Ott said as much, saying that all signs point to him playing in today’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Green, 23, was one of the main pieces the Suns acquired when they traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets during the offseason. A 20-point scorer for his career, Green played two games for the Suns this year after re-aggravating his hamstring that he had hurt before the season. In two games this season, Green averaged 15.5 points per game in the two contests, but got hurt in the second. Green’s 29 points were the second-most ever scored in a Suns debut, and his six made threes are the most ever in a Suns debut.

Coming into the matchup, the Suns have momentum. Strong games from Dillon Brooks, Devin Booker, and Collin Gillespie, along with the team hitting 20 or more threes, led the team to a 126-117 victory over the Brooklyn Nets for their second in a row and fifth in seven games.

Phoenix is currently tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for sixth in the Western Conference. A win tonight over the Philadelphia 76ers would make them ten games over .500 for the first time this season and since the 2023-24 season. Philadelphia is no easy opponent, however.

Projected Starting Lineups

Injury Report

Suns

Mark Williams — QUESTIONABLE (Right Knee Injury Management)
Jordan Goodwin — AVAILABLE (Jaw Sprain)

76ers

Joel Embiid — OUT (Right Ankle Injury Management)
Paul George — QUESTIONABLE (Left Knee Injury Management)
Johni Broome — DOUBTFUL (Left Thumb)
Kelly Oubre, Jr. — AVAILABLE (Left Knee)

What to Watch For

Obviously, how Jalen Green performs and how the team adjusts to his presence. There’s not a large sample size of how he’ll perform as a Sun, considering he’s played just one whole game without getting hurt, and Dillon Brooks didn’t play in it. Presumably, he’ll be on a minutes restriction, so just because he’s likely to start does not mean that he’ll be playing starters’ minutes.

Look for Devin Booker to be the team’s primary ball handler and shift back to playing point guard, which he did before Collin Gillespie became a starter. The Suns look to have a stronger bench unit if Green is starting. Gillespie and Grayson Allen look to be the team’s first subs, along with Jordan Goodwin playing a combo guard role.

Like Jordan Ott said postgame after the team’s win, there will be bumps in the process of implementing Green into the rotation, but his presence around the team while injured should help.

"We're a top-five defense, that's where it's gonna start. (On) Offense we need his speed."

-Jordan Ott on Jalen Green's pending return and how it will impact the team on the court@BrightSideSun

⬇️⬇️⬇️
— Holden Sherman (@HoldenSherman1) January 20, 2026

Keys to a Suns Win

Both teams are coming off victories yesterday. Joel Embiid hasn’t played in a back-to-back in over two years, and Mark Williams’ status for back-to-backs is always in the air. Even with Green returning, the Suns could be missing one of their starters with a roster that played a game less than 24 hours before tip-off.

If the Suns can do what they did against the Nets, make threes early, move the ball, and limit turnovers, they should be in good shape to get their third-straight win. After being a mystery going into the season, the 76ers are having a strong year. Sitting in fifth in the Eastern Conference, when Joel Embiid has been in the lineup, he’s produced strong numbers, and Tyrese Maxey was just named an All-Star Starter yesterday. Phoenix will have their hands full with Maxey, one of the league’s best guards and leading scorers, they’ll need to find ways to limit his production to get the win.

Prediction

Suns keep the winning ways rolling. Whether Mark Williams plays or not, I don’t expect Joel Embiid to, so Philadelphia won’t have a strong advantage inside. Jalen Green’s return should give Phoenix another ball handler and fresh legs in the second half of a back-to-back. Give me the Suns in a good win.

Suns 118, 76ers 113

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

Bodø/Glimt 3-1 Manchester City: Champions League – as it happened

Kasper Hogh scored a brace and Rodri was sent off as Manchester City were humbled by hugely impressive hosts on a freezing night in the Arctic Circle

Read Jamie Jackson’s match report from the Aspmyra Stadion

Erling Haaland: Having grown up in Bryne, a mere 1,948 kilometres south of Bodo, this represents something of a homecoming for the Manchester City striker. The 25-year-old has scored five goals in the Champions League this season and will be hoping to add to his tally following an extremely fallow period in which he has scored just one goal, a penalty against Brighton, in his last seven games in all competitions.

Marc Guehi: The England defender completed a £20m move to Manchester City from Crystal Palace yesterday, with Pep Guardiola describing him as a high-class defender who is the “perfect age” and will provide an immediate boost owing to injuries. Sadly, the boost won’t be as immediate as Pep would like because his new recruit is ineligible to play against Bodo/Glimt. Jamie Jackson reports from just north of the Arctic Circle …

January 20, 2026

Timberwolves vs Jazz Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

Anthony Edwards is usually pretty big on statements, so his omission from the All-Star starters should propel the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight as they visit the Utah Jazz.

Edwards erupted for 55 points in the weekend loss to San Antonio, and my Timberwolves vs. Jazz predictions signal another Ant avalanche here against a Utah team that’s lost four in a row.

Get the latest on this January 20 matchup with my free NBA picks and betting tips.

Timberwolves vs Jazz prediction

Timberwolves vs Jazz best bet: Anthony Edwards Over 30.5 points (-112)

There were always going to be some disappointments in the loaded Western Conference All-Star voting. Anthony Edwards wasn’t exactly a snub – he was tied with Victor Wembanyama for the last starting spot – but we’re talking about one of the faces of the NBA having to settle for coming off the bench.

That feels like the kind of slight that Ant would take personally, and I’m banking on a backlash here in Utah. Plus, Edwards is already in scorching form, returning from a foot issue with a masterpiece in San Antonio, where we had made 19 of his 33 shots and scored 26 points in the fourth quarter.

If he did that against a Wemby-led defense, what damage might he do to the Utah Jazz? Utah has given up 120+ points in five of its last six contests, with the Charlotte Hornets hitting the 150-point mark against Will Hardy’s team earlier this month.

Ant has done more of his scoring damage on the road this year, with a 33.1 PPG mark away from Target Center, and he cooked the Jazz in their prior matchups this season, dropping a combined 72 points across two matchups in November.

Look for Edwards to be in the same ballpark again here, especially with a little extra motivation behind him.

Timberwolves vs Jazz same-game parlay

The Over is 27-16 for the Jazz this season, and this game has all the ingredients for a shootout.

Utah has strung together some embarrassing defensive efforts lately, while Minnesota ranks third in the NBA with 120 PPG. The Over has been a winning ticket in six of the Jazz’s last nine contests.

I’m also riding Donte DiVincenzo’s current hot streak. He’s drilled 3+ three-pointers in six of his last seven games, and there could be some extra shots up for grabs if Naz Reid is ruled out with a shoulder injury.

DiVincenzo finished with 14 points in his last outing against Utah.

Timberwolves vs Jazz SGP

Anthony Edwards Over 30.5 points
Over 244.5
Donte DiVincenzo Over 13.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Gobert back at it

Rudy Gobert is off the injury report after missing Minnesota’s loss to the Spurs, and he’s nailed this Over in four of his last five games.

He’s averaging 13.4 RPG so far this month, and Utah will be shorthanded in the frontcourt if Lauri Markkanen sits out.

Timberwolves vs Jazz SGP

Anthony Edwards Over 30.5 points
Over 244.5
Donte DiVincenzo Over 13.5 points
Rudy Gobert Over 12.5 rebounds

Timberwolves vs Jazz odds

Spread: Minnesota -10.5 (-110) | Utah +10.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Minnesota -450 | Utah +350
Over/Under: Over 244.5 (-110) | Under 244.5 (-110)

Timberwolves vs Jazz betting trend to know

The Timberwolves are 9-1 SU in their last 10 meetings with the Jazz, but only 6-4 ATS. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Jazz.

How to watch Timberwolves vs Jazz

Location	Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Date	Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Tip-off	9:00 p.m. ET
TV	FDSN North-X, KJZZ

Timberwolves vs Jazz latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
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January 20, 2026

Avalanche Send Ilya Solovyov to Penguins for Valtteri Puustinen and Draft Pick

The Colorado Avalanche have announced that they have traded defenseman Ilya Solovyov in exchange for forward Valtteri Puustinen from the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with their seventh-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

We have acquired Valtteri Puustinen and Pittsburgh's own 7th Round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft in exchange for Ilya Solovyov. pic.twitter.com/zegVaNPIgW
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 20, 2026

The Avalanche claimed the Belarusian defenseman off waivers from the Calgary Flames in October. He wasn’t going to be an every-game type of player, but at 6-foot-3, 209 pounds and shoots left, he is a strong defenseman that can play in a bottom-pairing role and be confident enough to move the puck while throwing his body in front of it as well. He got into 16 games with the Avalanche and scored his first career NHL goal, alongside two assists for three points in his tenure.

Ilya Solovyov Scores First Career NHL Goal Against Blue JacketsIlya Solovyov has had an up-and-down experience with the Colorado Avalanche so far, but none of that matters now, he's officially scored in the toughest league in sports.

Considering the injuries the Avalanche have to their forward group, this is a trade that made sense in a pinch, considering other options they have to call up from the Eagles if they need another bottom-pairing player.

Puustinen has spent the entire 2025-26 season so far with the Pittsburgh Penguins AHL team, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. In 35 games, he has seven goals and 19 assists for 26 points. He played 52 games with the Penguins during the 2023-24 season and finished with five goals and 15 assists for 20 points.

At 26 years old, and 5-foot-9, 183 pounds, he can play both left and right wing, giving more wing depth that the Avalanche sorely need with Gabriel Landeskog, Joel Kiviranta, and Logan O’Connor out right now. Alongside Puustinen, they also receive Pittsburgh's own seventh-round pick, which is now the fourth seventh-round pick they will have in the upcoming 2026 Draft.

January 20, 2026

Tuesday Morning Minnesota: The “New Twin Alert” Edition

The Twins signed their first multi-year free agent contract since Carlos Correa (yes, it’s been that long) by adding catcher Victor Caratini to their roster. Ben Jones has more on the signing.

The Past Week on Twinkie Town:

Check out The Feed, where you can add your discussions about the Twins!
Matt Monitto is keeping track of the new jersey numbers on the Twins roster.
Zach Koenig has a new theme song for the Twins ownership group.
James Fillmore reviews last week’s baseball movie night, Alibi Ike. We’ve got Major League coming up this Friday!
Brandon Brooks has a new Rival Roundup for us all!
We’re around to Round 13 in Zach Koenig’s list of the definitive moments in Twins history.

Elsewhere in Twins Territory:

Former Twin Ryan Pressly announced his retirement. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Twins have hired Pressly to work with the team. According to Declan Goff of SKOR North, he will work with pitchers in both the majors and minors and will also be with the team during spring training.
The Twins have claimed former top prospect Vidal Brujan off waivers. Mickey Gasper was DFA’d as the corresponding move.
The Twins finalized their 2026 international signee class. Jesse Borek at MLB.com has a deeper look at a few of the notable signings.

In the World of Baseball:

Two major dominos fell in free agency this past week:
- Kyle Tucker will be signing a four-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Sonja Chen at MLB.com has more on the signing.
- Bo Bichette is signing with the New York Mets for three years and $126 million. Manny Randhawa and Mark Bowman at MLB.com have more details on the move to Queens for the shortstop.
Hall of Fame voting results will be announced tonight. Brian Murphy at MLB.com looks at the likely candidates to join Jeff Kent in Cooperstown this year.