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Preseason Standout Among Six Players Waived By Red Wings Wednesday

The Detroit Red Wings announces flurry of moves on Wednesday as they narrow down their roster before heading into their preseason-ending series versus the Maple Leafs. 

With the regular season fast approaching, the Detroit Red Wings made a series of roster moves on Wednesday aimed at streamlining their lineup and maximizing flexibility.

Forwards Austin Watson, Dominik Shine, John Leonard, Sheldon Dries, Alex Doucet, Jakub Rychlovsky, Eduards Tralmaks, Carson Bantle, and Gabriel Seger, as well as defensemen Ian Mitchell, William Lagesson, Alex Kannok Leipert, and Jacob Truscott were assigned, released from their professional tryout or returned to the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s AHL affiliate.

The moves reflect the organization’s efforts to open roster spots, manage the salary cap, and maintain depth at both the NHL and AHL levels. By placing these players on waivers, Detroit not only opens up opportunities for younger or more versatile players to step into the lineup but also ensures that, if unclaimed, these veterans can be assigned to their AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids, maintaining experienced depth in the system

Austin Watson 

The former longtime Nashville Predators winger has been a frequent shuttle between Detroit and Grand Rapids. In the 2024–25 season, he appeared in just 13 NHL games for the Red Wings, scoring three goals and logging 17 penalty minutes as a known gritty player. In the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins, Watson was a difference maker with 19 goals and 23 assists for the third-most points on the team with 42 and leading the team with 112 penalty minutes.

Red Wings Reveal Centennial Jersey Night ScheduleRed Wings Reveal Centennial Jersey Night ScheduleThe 2025-26 NHL season is set to be a historical one for the Detroit Red Wings, who are celebrating their centennial campaign. 

Dominik Shine

Shine enters the final season of a two-year, two-way deal with the Red Wings and has spent the last two seasons as an integral role as part of the Griffins leadership group in the AHL. With a team full of young prospects, the 32-year-old veteran has remained a steady producer, notching 14 goals and 32 assists for 46 points during the 2024–25 season. His return to Grand Rapids will see likely see the Michigan native be named an assistant captain for the third straight season. 

Ian Mitchell

Mitchell had his moments during the preseason with some standout defensive plays as well as a surprising amount of offense with a pair of assists and five shots on goal through three preseason games. In recent years, Mitchell has split time between the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks organizations, appearing in 110 NHL games and tallying four goals and 15 assists for 19 points. He’s found more success at the AHL level, where he’s posted 23 goals and 70 assists for 93 points in 156 games. Still just 26, Mitchell has time for a late breakout, but he'll need to keep proving himself in the AHL to earn another shot at the NHL. 

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John Leonard

Leonard had a standout AHL season in 2024–25 with the Charlotte Checkers, leading the club with 36 goals and 61 points (36 goals, 25 assists) and adding a +21 rating in 72 games. He continued his hot stretch into the preseason scoring both of Detroit's goals in their 3-2 preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins last Friday. At 27, Leonard may get another shot at NHL minutes in the future but his best chance is being a late career breakout after playing 70 NHL games in his career so far with the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators and Arizona Coyotes and failed to put up impressive numbers with six goals and 11 assists for 17 points. Leonard will be a player to monitor but probably no more than an AHL contributor.

William Lagesson 

The 29-year-old journeyman defenseman has long been a depth defenseman toggling between the NHL and AHL. Lagesson played just a pair of games for Detroit last season while spending most of his time in the AHL. In 2024–25, he posted three goals and six assists for nine points and a +13 rating in 23 AHL games. Lagesson’s journey through the NHL has included stops with the Edmonton Oilers, who drafted him in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Draft, as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks. 

Latest Valuation Sees Red Wings Franchise Value Doubled Over Last Four SeasonsLatest Valuation Sees Red Wings Franchise Value Doubled Over Last Four SeasonsA new valuation from Sportico has the Red Wings team value having doubled over the last four seasons, ranking ahead of notable sports teams. 

Sheldon Dries

Dries has spent the bulk of his career in the AHL, gradually carving out a role as a reliable depth forward. In 2024–25, he notched 19 goals and 27 points with a +6 rating over 48 games for Grand Rapids, generating strong interest within the Red Wings organization.  The year prior, while part of the Vancouver Canucks system, he tallied an impressive 29 goals and 23 assists for 52 points in 55 games with their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford. Though primarily an AHL presence, Dries has seen NHL action in a fourth-line role, appearing in 122 NHL games but contributing just 26 points.

Alex Doucet

Doucet was a prolific scorer in junior, ranking among QMJHL leaders in 2022–23 with 45 goals in 58 games, 44 assists (89 points), a league‑leading 26.9% shooting percentage, eight shorthanded goals, and 11 power‑play goals. In his first pro season, he split time between the AHL and ECHL: with Toledo of the ECHL, he posted 41 points in 52 games (19 goals, 22 assists) and a +19 rating, while in six appearances with Grand Rapids he logged two penalty minutes and a −2 rating. 

Jakub Rychlovský

Rychlovský arrived in Detroit’s system after a jump season in the Czech Extraliga, where he led the league with 26 goals and added 20 assists for 46 points in 51 games, along with a +8 rating, nine power‑play goals, three shorthanded goals, and five game‑winners. In his first AHL season with Grand Rapids (2024–25), he appeared in 38 games, recording 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points, with 12 penalty minutes and a −1 rating. He missed 27 of the final 29 contests while rehabbing an upper-body injury.

Red Wings Reveal Centennial Jersey Night ScheduleRed Wings Reveal Centennial Jersey Night ScheduleThe 2025-26 NHL season is set to be a historical one for the Detroit Red Wings, who are celebrating their centennial campaign. 

Eduards Tralmaks

Tralmaks signed a one‑year, two‑way deal for 2025–26 after leading the Czech Extraliga in scoring in the 2024–25 season, tallying 23 goals and 28 assists (51 points) in 48 games. In prior AHL stints, he registered 22 goals and 41 total points in 87 career AHL contests. He also had a brief stretch in the ECHL, collecting 4 goals and 7 points in 3 games. 

Carson Bantle

Bantle had shown offensive promise in the ECHL before his tryout. In 15 games with Toledo prior to being recalled, he recorded 10 goals (10 points) and 13 penalty minutes. He made his AHL debut on October 26 against Lehigh Valley and saw limited action in six AHL games (0 points, 6 PIM) before being reassigned. He also scored his first AHL goal in January 2025 during a victory over Rockford. 

Gabriel Seger

Seger is a less-publicized forward, but according to league stats, he appeared in 59 games for Grand Rapids’ organization and recorded 10 goals, 7 assists, and 17 points, along with 10 penalty minutes. His relatively modest totals suggest he is still developing consistency and adjusting to the pro ranks.

Sniped: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård Powers Red Wings To Win Over Blackhawks Sniped: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård Powers Red Wings To Win Over Blackhawks The winless streak of the Detroit Red Wings in pre-season play came to a halt on Tuesday night in the Windy City, and once again, an intriguing young prospect played a key role in the victory.

Alex Kannok-Leipert

Kannok Leipert, a 2018 6th-round NHL draftee, most recently played in the AHL for Bakersfield in 2024–25, posting 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) in 59 games, along with 93 penalty minutes and a −1 rating. Before that, he spent three seasons with the Abbotsford Canucks (123 games, 12 points total, 140 PIM, +10 rating) and appeared in 2 Calder Cup Playoff games (1 assist). In junior (WHL with Vancouver Giants), he compiled 83 points (21 goals, 62 assists) in 219 games plus a +47 rating.

Jacob Truscott

Truscott is a defenseman who played collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan. Over his Michigan career, he had modest offensive output: one goal and four assists in 26 games as a freshman, followed by 2 goals and 15 assists in 40 games as a sophomore. He was drafted 144th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2020 and began his professional journey in 2025 with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

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New York Rangers Place Defenseman On Waivers

Casey Fitzgerald (© Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images)

According to PuckPedia, the New York Rangers have placed defenseman Casey Fitzgerald on waivers. 

Fitzgerald spent all of the 2024-25 season with the Rangers' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. In 66 games with the AHL squad on the year, the right-shot defenseman recorded five goals, 16 assists, 21 points, and 75 penalty minutes. Overall, the Massachusetts native proved to be a solid part of the Wolf Pack's blueline this past campaign.

If Fitzgerald clears waivers, he will once again be expected to be a key part of the Wolf Pack's defensive group this season. 

Fitzgerald signed a two-year contract with the Rangers during the 2024 NHL off-season but has yet to make his regular-season debut with the Original Six club. He last played at the NHL level during the 2022-23 season, where he posted zero points, three assists, 12 blocks, 35 hits, and a minus-2 rating in 27 games split between the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers. 

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Weighing pros, cons of Warriors' veteran roster additions for 2025-26 NBA season

Weighing pros, cons of Warriors' veteran roster additions for 2025-26 NBA season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors strolled into summer with a plan that required flexibility. They would find a way to resolve the Jonathan Kuminga matter and then fill their roster around the nine players already under contract.

They recognized their needs, identified players to fill them, entered negotiations with those players and . . . waited.

And waited.

And waited.

The wait ended Tuesday, the eighth day of autumn and one day into NBA training camp. Incumbents Gary Payton II and Kuminga are back. The new last-minute roster additions are as expected: Seth Curry, Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton.

Golden State’s front office it believes it has a squad capable of contending in the unyielding Western Conference. Moreover, one that can ride its talent and big-game experience to a deep NBA playoff run. Decorated veterans Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green were and are on board with the plan.

We know what Payton brings. We know what Kuminga can bring, and what he wants to bring. But it’s the three new acquisitions that, aside from the vagaries of health, could determine the success of the team. All three should be beneficial, though they come with pros and cons.

Seth Curry

PROS: The Warriors need perimeter shooters off the bench. Curry, along with Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski, can terrorize second units. Curry led the NBA in 3-point shooting accuracy at 45.6 percent. His career percentage from deep, 43.3, is second among active players (his more celebrated brother is third).

Curry is a 11-year NBA veteran who has appeared in 41 playoff games, with his 46.8-percent shooting from deep testimony to his efficiency on the big stage. This addition allows coach Steve Kerr to concoct lineups that provide the spacing of his dreams.

CONS: Seth’s defense always has been his most visible liability. He’ll give back some of his buckets on the other end.

VERDICT: Smart move for quality depth. Considering the immense value of deep shooters in today’s NBA – with defending champion Oklahoma City leading the way – Golden State is fortunate that an affordable, low-maintenance individual was available. It doesn’t hurt that he’s the baby brother of the team’s superstar.

Al Horford

PROS:Horford is a high-character professional who should fit nicely with Curry-Butler-Green leadership council.  Moreover, Horford’s floor spacing offsets the lack of spacing afforded by forwards Butler and Green. Horford is a career 37.7-percent shooter from deep but dipped to 36.3 percent last season. Sharing the floor with a Curry should put him closer to the 44.6 and 41.9 percent he shot in the previous two seasons in Boston. How deep is Horford’s playoff resumé? He has played more postseason minutes than anyone on Golden State’s roster.

Kerr has been seeking a floor-spacing big man ever since Otto Porter Jr. and Nemanja Bjelica left the roster three years ago. It’s why general manager Mike Dunleavy signed Dario Šarić in 2023 and drafted Quinten Post in 2024. Horford, 39 years old and still playing solid defense, is a significant upgrade.

CONS: The Warriors have a platoon of “uncles,” and he’s the oldest. Even if uninjured, it’s reasonable to assume he will miss 12-15 games. He’s one of several pet projects for Dr. Rick Celebrini.

VERDICT: Wise move. It’s a risk, but it’s calculated – and very much worth taking for one season at $5.7 million, considering he’s slotted to play 24-28 minutes per night.

De’Anthony Melton

PROS: Melton was a splendid fit last season, earning the starting backcourt spot alongside Stephen Curry ever so briefly before sustaining a season-ending injury to his left ACL last November. If healthy, he likely would have remained the starter.

Melton has been working out, and if he’s healthy – his rehab could carry into the season – his shooting and defensive ability should give him an edge to reclaim that role.

CONS: Melton is coming off surgery to repair that torn ACL and, more concerning, has a history of assorted injuries, the most serious being problems with his back. He’s another project for Celebrini, who has a good track record (see Porter Jr.) managing physiques requiring frequent maintenance.

VERDICT: Very good move, considering the team’s knowledge of Melton’s history and how well he fits the culture. It has potential to be a great move if his defense remains solid and he’s able to play 65-70 games.

In summary, the Warriors’ long-delayed roster remake provides more flexibility and weapons than the one that opened the 2024-25 season. They’re better than they were last October, but whether they are significantly better will be determined mostly by health.

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About Saturday's Lineup…

There was a lot of rough stuff in the game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night in Quebec City. Martin St-Louis' plan was to ice a near complete lineup at the Bell Centre on Saturday but given how the match went on Tuesday, should he alter his plan?

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NHL Waivers: Predators Claim Jost As 37 Players Hit The Wire On Oct. 1

The Nashville Predators claimed Tyson Jost off NHL waivers on Wednesday.

Jost, 27, leaves the Carolina Hurricanes after one season. He recorded four goals and nine points in 39 games last year while also playing 14 games with the AHL's Chicago Wolves.

This pre-season, the center had one assist, 10 shots on goal and 12 penalty minutes in four outings.

The Predators pick up Jost's one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 in the NHL.

The other 21 players who were on waivers cleared.

On Wednesday, the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Predators, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks, Tampa Bay Lightning, Utah Mammoth, Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets put 37 players on NHL waivers. Here's that list, according to PuckPedia.

  • Boston: Billy Sweezey
  • Colorado: Wyatt Aamodt, Danil Gushchin
  • Detroit: Sheldon Dries, William Lagesson, John Leonard, Ian Mitchell, Dominik Shine, Austin Watson
  • Florida: Mackenzie Entwistle, Nolan Foote, Wilmer Skoog
  • Los Angeles: Samuel Bolduc, Logan Brown, Martin Chromiak, Pheonix Copley, Glenn Gawdin, Cole Guttman, Joe Hicketts, Andre Lee, Akil Thomas, Taylor Ward
  • Nashville: Andreas Englund
  • NY Rangers: Casey Fitzgerald
  • Philadelphia: Lane Pederson
  • San Jose: Patrick Giles
  • Tampa Bay: Nick Abruzzese, Boris Katchouk, Jakob Pelletier
  • Utah: Jaxson Stauber
  • Washington: Louie Belpedio, Graeme Clarke, Henrik Rybinski, Bogdan Trineyev
  • Winnipeg: Jaret Anderson-Dolan, Kale Clague, Samuel Fagemo

The Columbus Blue Jackets also placed defenseman Christian Jaros on unconditional waivers for mutual contract termination.

For each player, the other 31 NHL teams can submit a claim for them before 2 p.m. ET on Thursday.

Gushchin, 23, joined Colorado in a trade with the Sharks in July. He put up an assist in 12 NHL games last season and had a goal and assist in three pre-season contests. The player who went the other way in the trade, Oskar Olausson, cleared waivers on Wednesday.

Watson, 33, has played 528 career NHL games between the Predators, Ottawa Senators,  Lightning and Red Wings. He had three goals and 17 penalty minutes in 13 games with the Wings last year while adding 42 points in 60 AHL games. Of Detroit's batch on the wire, 27-year-old Leonard put up the most pre-season points, with three in three games.

Entwistle, 26, played 67 games with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2023-24, recording five goals and 11 points. After the Panthers signed him ahead of last season, he played just seven AHL games due to injury issues, but he returned to post three points in eight AHL playoff contests. He had a goal in three pre-season games.

Brown, 27, was a first-round pick in 2016 but has 99 career NHL games. He last played in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues in 2022-23, when he had six points in 30 contests. He had 29 points in 33 AHL games last season. He recorded one shot in a pre-season game.

Englund, 29, has 197 games of NHL experience, including 24 last year in Nashville. He had two assists and 36 penalty minutes. He was a minus-1 with one shot in two pre-season games.

Jakob Pelletier (Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

Pelletier, 24, played 49 NHL games last season between the Calgary Flames and Flyers, recording 19 points. The 2019 first-rounder signed with Tampa Bay this past off-season and scored twice in three games this pre-season.

Anderson-Dolan, 26, has played 134 career NHL games but also featured in five playoff games for the Jets last spring, putting up a goal and assist. He had one assist in three matches this pre-season.

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Tyson Jost Claimed Off Waivers By Nashville Predators

Tyson Jost is no longer a member of the Carolina Hurricanes organization as the forward has been claimed off of waivers by the Nashville Predators.

Jost, 27, spent last season with the organization after signing a one-year deal in the summer of 2024. 

Jost split time that year between the Chicago Wolves of the AHL, where he started the season, and the Hurricanes, where he ended up appearing in 39 games, registering four goals and nine points in that span.

The versatile forward played center as well as on both wings and was a great depth piece for the Canes.

He signed a one-year extension to remain with Carolina this summer, but after going on waivers yesterday, he'll now be moving on to his fifth organization.

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Former Flyers Defenseman Announces Retirement

Erik Johnson (© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

Former Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Erik Johnson has officially retired from professional hockey, as announced by the Colorado Avalanche. 

Johnson was one of the most notable unrestricted free agents (UFAs) left with the regular season almost here. However, with this news, he is now hanging up the skates instead of playing his 18th NHL season. 

Johnson was acquired by the Flyers from the Buffalo Sabres at the 2024 NHL trade deadline. From there, he played in 39 games with the Flyers over two seasons, where he recorded three goals, three assists, six points, 43 blocks, and 90 hits. 

Johnson's time with the Flyers ended this past season when he was traded back to the Avalanche at the 2025 NHL trade deadline. 

In 1,023 career NHL games split between the St. Louis Blues, Sabres, Flyers, and Avalanche, Johnson recorded 95 goals, 253 assists, 348 points, 1,695 hits, and 1,717 blocks. The 2006 first-overall pick also won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche back in 2022. 

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Red Wings Reveal Centennial Jersey Night Schedule

The 2025-26 NHL season is set to be a historical one for the Detroit Red Wings, who are celebrating their centennial campaign. 

Not only will the season feature new centennial-themed merchandise, food options at Little Caesar’s Arena, and special events, but the Red Wings have already commemorated the campaign with a brand new jersey design that borrows elements from their previous looks over the years, beginning with their founding as the Detroit Cougars in 1926.

The jerseys will be worn on select dates during the season, and it was already announced that the Red Wings will be wearing them for the first time when they drop the puck on the new campaign against the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 9.

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

Now, the full schedule in which Red Wings fans can expect to see the players wear the new look has been released.

In the spirit of the celebration, it’s not surprising that many of the dates are against Original Six opponents. 

October

  • Oct. 9 vs. Montreal Canadiens
  • Oct. 11 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

November

  • Nov. 7 vs. New York Rangers
  • Nov. 9 vs. Chicago Blackhawks
  • Nov. 26 vs. Nashville Predators

December

  • Dec. 2 vs. Boston Bruins
  • Dec. 21 vs. Washington Capitals
  • Dec. 27 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

January 

  • Jan. 31 vs. Colorado Avalanche

March

  • Mar. 6 vs. Florida Panthers
  • Mar. 19 vs. Montreal Canadiens
  • Mar. 21 vs. Boston Bruins
  • Mar. 28 vs. Philadelphia Flyers

April

  • Apr. 11 vs. New Jersey Devils
Sniped: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård Powers Red Wings To Win Over Blackhawks Sniped: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård Powers Red Wings To Win Over Blackhawks The winless streak of the Detroit Red Wings in pre-season play came to a halt on Tuesday night in the Windy City, and once again, an intriguing young prospect played a key role in the victory.

Last month, the Red Wings released a special video unveiling the new look featuring former players Darren McCarty, Vladimir Konstantinov, and Mickey Redmond, along with current forward Patrick Kane.

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The Red Wings have won the Stanley Cup 11 times, the most of any NHL franchise based in the United States.

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The Hockey News Big Show: NHL Atlantic And Central Division Expectations

The Hockey News Big Show is here to preview the 2025-26 NHL season by giving their expectations for each team in the Atlantic and Central Divisions.

NHL Atlantic And Central Division Expectations by The Big Show NHL Atlantic And Central Division Expectations by The Big Showundefined

Stay tuned for Friday’s episode of The Wraparound, which will preview each team in the Pacific and Metropolitan Divisions

Here’s what Katie Gaus, Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy discussed in this episode:

00:50: Reacting to Kirill Kaprizov signing an eight-year, $136-million contract with the Minnesota Wild

04:20: The New Jersey Devils signed Luke Hughes to a seven-year deal with a $9-million cap hit.

07:00: What does Aleksander Barkov’s injury do to the Florida Panthers’ three-peat hopes?

10:50: What are the Toronto Maple Leafs’ expectations in their first season since losing Mitch Marner and Brendan Shanahan?

14:45: How long can the Tampa Bay Lightning remain a legit Stanley Cup contender?

17:10: What has to happen for the Ottawa Senators to jump from fringe playoff team to legit contender?

20:40: What do the Montreal Canadiens need to break through and make noise in the Atlantic Division race and the playoffs?

23:00: What's more likely in Detroit: the Red Wings break through and make a playoff run or more of the same and we see drastic moves?

26:10: After losing another young player, JJ Peterka, what are the general expectations for the Buffalo Sabres?

28:20: Do the Boston Bruins have what it takes to get back to the playoffs, or is this a team with an impending rebuild?

31:15: Do the Winnipeg Jets need to trust the process and hope to break through, or are there changes that need to be made?

33:30: What do the Dallas Stars need to do to get through the Western Conference final?

35:20: Are the Colorado Avalanche still legit Stanley Cup contenders going into their first full year post-Mikko Rantanen?

37:40: What other moves do the Minnesota Wild need to make to move into a more competitive position after securing Kaprizov?

39:50: What are the expectations for the St. Louis Blues going into the first full season with Jim Montgomery?

41:00: What are realistic expectations for the Utah Mammoth going into Year 2?

42:10: What are the expectations for the Nashville Predators, given the age of some of their players?

44:00: What has to happen in Chicago for Connor Bedard to reach his full potential?

45:40: Which NHL rookies will stay for just nine games into the regular season, and which rookies will be around for longer?

46:45: Who are the top five Stanley Cup contenders from the Atlantic and Central Divisions?

47:30: How many points will Gavin McKenna record this season at Penn State?

Watch the full Episode here 

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Fantasy Basketball: Donovan Clingan, Alexandre Sarr among top second-year targets

As the late Al McGuire famously said, "The best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores." While the NBA does not use the same classification as college basketball, that adage tends to prove true for young players. Having a season under their belts can help young talents hit the ground running in Year Two, providing reliable fantasy value in many instances.

Among last season's rookie class, none ranked within the Top-100 in nine-cat formats, with post players Kel'el Ware, Zach Edey and Donovan Clingan leading the way. Below is a look at the Top 20 second-year players that fantasy managers need to be aware of heading into their drafts.

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1. C Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers

Overall Fantasy Rank: 86

Clingan, who moved into the starting lineup for good just before the All-Star break as a rookie, has top-100 potential for the Trail Blazers this season. After the All-Star break, the 7-foot-2 center averaged 8.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.8 blocks in 25.2 minutes, shooting 53.1 percent from the field and 52.6 percent from the foul line. While Robert Williams III remains on the roster and Portland used its first-round pick on Yang Hansen, Clingan will be at the front of the line for playing time. He should be especially useful to managers willing to punt points or free-throw percentage.

2. PF/C Alexandre Sarr, Washington Wizards

Overall Fantasy Rank: 104

Sarr, who appeared in 67 games as a rookie, served as the lone big in the starting lineup more often than not, but there were times when he shared the court with Jonas Valančiūnas. The veteran center, now in Denver, was traded to Sacramento at the February deadline, and Sarr's production improved over the season's final six weeks. From March 1 onward, he averaged 15.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.4 blocks and 1.7 three-pointers in 27.5 minutes. The concerns for managers considering Sarr are the efficiency, as he shot 39.4 percent from the field during that season-ending stretch, and a calf injury suffered while representing France at EuroBasket. He'll likely miss the beginning of the season but will take on a prominent role once cleared. Managers willing to punt field-goal percentage should have Sarr high on their list of second-year players.

3. C Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies

Overall Fantasy Rank: 110

Edey had no shortage of critics ahead of his rookie campaign, with many wondering if the 7-foot-4 center's game would translate to the NBA. Starting 55 of the 66 games he played, Edey averaged 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.3 blocks in 21.5 minutes as a rookie. Shooting 58 percent from the field and 70.9 percent from the foul line, he finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting. If there's a concern for Edey, it's that he's recovering from offseason ankle surgery and is not a lock to be ready when the regular season begins. That said, he's a center who needs to be selected in drafts, even if he won't be ready to go immediately.

4. C Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans

Overall Fantasy Rank: 114

Missi was one of the few Pelicans rotation players who avoided missing a significant amount of time due to injury last season. The first-round pick appeared in 73 games as a rookie, starting 67, and finished with averages of 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Missi shot a respectable 54.7 percent from the field, but he's another post player whose free-throw shooting (62.3 percent) would make him a solid option in FT%-punt builds. However, a healthy Pelicans rotation could complicate things, especially if Derik Queen doesn't have to miss much time after undergoing offseason wrist surgery.

5. PF/C Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat

Overall Fantasy Rank: 121

Ware, who was on the outskirts of the Heat rotation to begin his rookie campaign, moved into the starting lineup in January, a few weeks before Jimmy Butler was traded to the Warriors. In 36 starts, he averaged 10.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.3 blocks and 0.6 three-pointers in 28.4 minutes, shooting 53.6 percent from the field and 68.4 percent from the foul line. While playing alongside Bam Adebayo limits Ware's fantasy ceiling, having a place in the starting lineup will make him a solid late-round option, especially for managers needing three-pointers, blocks and field-goal percentage.

6. PG/SG Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs

Overall Fantasy Rank: 124

Castle has an argument to be higher on this list, especially after winning Rookie of the Year last season. Add De'Aaron Fox (hamstring) and Dylan Harper (thumb) recovering from injuries that may sideline them for the start of the season, and Castle is well worth the risk in fantasy drafts regardless of format. In 81 appearances last season, he averaged 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 three-pointers in 26.7 minutes. As a starter, he averaged 16.6 points and 4.9 assists per game, and those are categories where Castle could be more valuable to fantasy managers with Fox out. The efficiency was an issue last season, but that's the case for many rookies.

7. SF/PF Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls

Overall Fantasy Rank: 127

Like Castle, Buzelis certainly has an argument to be higher on this list, especially after moving into the Bulls' starting lineup at the February trade deadline. In his final 31 games, the athletic wing averaged 13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.6 steals. 1.1 blocks and 1.7 three-pointers in 26.8 minutes, shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 80.6 percent from the foul line. Being locked into a starting role strengthens Buzelis' fantasy value, especially with the Bulls needing wing scoring.

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8. SG/SF Kyshawn George, Washington Wizards

Overall Fantasy Rank: 133

While he made a few starts early in the season, George did not move into the Wizards' starting lineup full-time until late January. From January 25 onward, he made 30 starts, averaging 10.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.9 blocks and 2.0 three-pointers in 27.7 minutes. The defensive stats and three-pointers are what make George an enticing fantasy prospect. While having a healthy Khris Middleton and adding Cam Whitmore to the mix will cause a bit of a logjam on the wings, fantasy managers should not lose too much sleep over this. The front office has made it clear that they're rebuilding, and developing talents like George is the priority.

9. PG/SG Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets

Overall Fantasy Rank: 145

Sheppard's potential for the 2025-26 season changed when the Rockets announced that Fred VanVleet was out indefinitely with a torn ACL. If there's one area where Houston had concerns even before the injury, it was their lack of depth at point guard. Some responsibilities that would have gone to VanVleet will be spread among multiple players. However, this is where Sheppard will likely be given every opportunity to show if he's up to the task. That makes him worth a roll of the dice, even though he only averaged 12.6 minutes per game as a rookie. He played 20 minutes or more on five occasions, including a March 3 loss to the Thunder in which he tallied 25 points, two rebounds, five assists, two steals, one block and three three-pointers.

10. C Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers

Overall Fantasy Rank: 148

When a team's starter has an injury history like Philadelphia's Joel Embiid, seeking the backup as an "insurance policy" isn't the worst idea. Bona, who did not begin to play consistent rotation minutes as a rookie until January, took on a more significant role late in the regular season when the 76ers pulled the plug on their disappointing season. From March 1 onward, he averaged 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 2.2 blocks in 25.6 minutes, shooting 70.5 percent from the field and 69.2 percent from the foul line. He isn't going to get similar playing time with a healthy Embiid in the fold, but as we've seen, that's far from a sure thing. And Bona's rebounds and blocks can be valuable, even in a reserve role.

11. PF/C Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz

Overall Fantasy Rank: 152

While Utah's 2024 lottery pick, Cody Williams, was a disappointment last season, Filipowski's play was a bright spot for the rebuilding franchise. In 72 games, he averaged 9.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.1 three-pointers in 21.1 minutes. Filipowski's play during summer league was more encouraging, giving the appearance that he's ready to contribute even more than he did as a rookie. Selecting him with a late-round pick isn't the biggest gamble, but it may require some patience. He'll slot in behind Lauri Markkanen on the depth chart, and the Jazz added Jusuf Nurkić to the frontcourt rotation (we'll see if they hold onto Kevin Love). Filipowski is a player who could be especially valuable after the All-Star break.

12. SG/SF Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies

Overall Fantasy Rank: 155

Wells, the 39th overall pick in last summer's draft, was one of the big surprises among the rookie class, as he finished third in Rookie of the Year voting. He started 74 of the 79 games he played, averaging 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.7 three-pointers in 25.9 minutes. With Memphis trading Desmond Bane to Orlando during the summer, an enhanced role may be in the cards for Wells, especially with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope being more of a 3-and-D option than someone who can get his own offense. Interestingly, while Wells is a plus defender, that did not result in high steal numbers last season.

13. PG/SG Bub Carrington, Washington Wizards

Overall Fantasy Rank: 164

Carrington alternated between starting and coming off the bench as a rookie, averaging 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.7 three-pointers in 30.0 minutes per game. The Wizards guard started 57 of the 82 games he played, and as is the case with Sarr and George, the team's ongoing rebuild means Bub will once again figure prominently in the rotation. The addition of CJ McCollum may be concerning to some, as he'll soak up some of the on-ball opportunities that went Jordan Poole's way last season. However, Carrington's playing time should not be an issue, whether he starts or comes off the bench.

14. PG/SG Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers

Overall Fantasy Rank: 166

McCain was rolling to begin his rookie campaign, going on a run of seven straight games with 20 points or more in November. Unfortunately, a torn meniscus ended his season in mid-December. And McCain is currently dealing with another injury, as he underwent thumb surgery just before training camp and will miss the start of the regular season. While the injury history is concerning, McCain will have a prominent role within the 76ers' rotation once healthy enough to play. He's unquestionably worth selecting in fantasy drafts, especially as a late-round flier.

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15. SF/PF Ryan Dunn, Phoenix Suns

Overall Fantasy Rank: 175

Dunn stood out the most as a rookie on the defensive end of the floor, as he displayed the ability to take on a variety of assignments. The offense, however, remains a work in progress, as he shot 31.1 percent from three while averaging 6.9 points per game. The Suns' addition of Dillon Brooks via the Kevin Durant trade may result in fewer minutes for Dunn in the short term. However, there's always a need for quality wing defenders, and Dunn can earn more playing time by making progress as a shooter.

16. SG/SF Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks

Overall Fantasy Rank: 192

Risacher started slowly last season but was considerably better after the All-Star break. In 27 post-break appearances, the Hawks wing averaged 14.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.6 blocks and 2.2 three-pointers in 26.1 minutes, shooting 49.8 percent from the field and 71.1 percent from the foul line. Given the finish to the season, an argument can be made that Risacher should be higher on this list. However, during the offseason, the Hawks acquired Kristaps Porziņģis and signed Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The former doesn't play the same position as Risacher, but his addition could alter the rotation, as will Alexander-Walker's ability to fill multiple roles.

17. PG/SG Isaiah Collier, Utah Jazz

Overall Fantasy Rank: 195

Utah began last season with Keyonte George as the starting point guard, but would hand the keys to Collier after the New Year. Starting 44 of the 48 games he played from New Year's Day onward, Collier averaged 11.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.8 three-pointers in 29.9 minutes. He may not provide great value as a three-point shooter, but the ability to set up others and guard the position gives Collier a chance of earning the starting job in training camp. In addition to George, he'll be competing with first-round pick Walter Clayton Jr., whose selection in June was a clear sign that the Jazz are still searching for the player best equipped to run the show for years to come.

18. SF Tristan da Silva, Orlando Magic

Overall Fantasy Rank: Outside top-200

After playing a total of five minutes in Orlando's first five games, da Silva found himself in the starting lineup after the Magic lost Paolo Banchero to an oblique injury. With Franz Wagner eventually suffering a similar injury, da Silva was asked to do more than many expected when he was selected 18th overall in the 2024 draft. From November 3 to January 21, he made 34 starts, averaging 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.5 steals and 1.2 three-pointers during that stretch. With Banchero and Wagner healthy, da Silva's role won't be the same. However, he showed last season the ability to step up when needed.

19. SF Ron Holland, Detroit Pistons

Overall Fantasy Rank: Outside top-200

Holland only started two of the 81 games he played as a rookie, averaging 6.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.6 steals in 15.6 minutes. His playing time was not significantly impacted by the season-ending injury Jaden Ivey suffered on New Year's Day, and Holland will face increased competition for rotation minutes this season. In addition to having a healthy Ivey and Ausar Thompson, the Pistons added Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson during the offseason. While that doesn't bode well for Holland potentially breaking out, the 2024 lottery pick will have every opportunity to earn more minutes and is worth considering as a late-round option.

20. PG Ajay Mitchell, Oklahoma City Thunder

Overall Fantasy Rank: Outside top-200

Initially signed to a two-way contract, Mitchell earned himself a standard contract by the trade deadline and agreed to a multi-year deal this summer. He only appeared in 36 games as a rookie, but that was due to a sprained toe suffered in early January. Of course, backing up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn't the best spot to be regarding fantasy potential. However, the Thunder have consistently shown a willingness to give young players opportunities if they've earned them. Mitchell isn't a must-draft player, but he'll emerge as a worthwhile streamer at various points this season.

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Colorado Avalanche Stalwart Erik Johnson Announces Retirement

Announced on Wednesday, October 1, long time tenured defenseman Erik Johnson has announced his retirement from the NHL

Johnson drafted first-overall by the St Louis Blues in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, played his first three years there before being acquired by the Avalanche in a four team trade on Feb. 19, 2011.

During this 14-year tenure with the Avalanche, Johnson played 731 games, scoring 69 goals and 179 assists for 248 points, including one goal and four assists for five points in the 2021-22 playoffs to help the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup.

He currently sits in Avalanche history as eighth in all-time games played (731), eighth in shots (1491), and second in Defensive Point Shares (33.1). He finished his career ranked fourth all-time among Colorado/Quebec defenders in goals and sixth in points. 'The Condor' owns the franchise record for career blocked shots (1,373) and ranks third overall and first among defensemen in hits (1,288).

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Penguins At Sabres Preseason Preview: Getting Close To More Roster Decisions

The Pittsburgh Penguins will play their penultimate preseason game against the Buffalo Sabres in Buffalo on Wednesday. 

It's the first of two preseason games against the Sabres this week. The two teams will reconvene in Pittsburgh on Friday. 

The Penguins are once again fielding a young lineup in this preseason game, as they are giving these players a chance to try and secure spots on the opening-night roster. Top prospect Benjamin Kindel is set to play in his fifth preseason game and continues to look more comfortable in each game he suits up in. 

Kindel will be on a line with Ville Koivunen and Avery Hayes again after that trio dominated the Detroit Red Wings on Monday. Koivunen and Hayes are two other young players trying to win full-time spots and have also had great training camps and preseasons. 

Filip Hallander, Tristan Broz, Danton Heinen, and Philip Tomasino are a few other forwards who will be in this lineup. Defensively, fans will see Owen Pickering paired with Harrison Brunicke again, which has been a staple throughout camp and the preseason. 

According to head coach Dan Muse, goaltender Arturs Silovs will play the full game, following fellow goaltender Tristan Jarry's full game appearance on Monday. Silovs is competing for the backup goaltender job for this season. 

The Sabres will ice some of their veteran players in this game, including Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, Alex Tuch, Jason Zucker, and Michael Kesselring. Kesselring was acquired in the JJ Peterka deal earlier this year and will play big minutes for them on the blue line. 

Wednesday's game will start at 7 p.m. ET and fans can watch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh+ or listen to it on 105.9 'The X.'

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab  to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!  

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Athletics open to contract extensions for star rookies Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson

Athletics open to contract extensions for star rookies Nick Kurtz, Jacob Wilson originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Athletics appear interested in further solidifying their offensive foundation.

After signing stars Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler to hefty contract extensions last offseason, the Green and Gold are interested in doing the same with its dynamite rookies.

Athletics general manager David Forst said Tuesday that he has talked with ownership about working on contract extensions to keep 22-year-old first baseman Nick Kurtz and 23-year-old shortstop Jacob Wilson with the franchise for the long-term future (h/t MLB.com’s Martín Gallegos).

The Athletics would be wise to hold onto Kurtz and Wilson, as each flourished during the 2025 MLB season. 

Kurtz finished with 36 home runs, 86 RBI and a 1.002 OPS, and Wilson had 151 hits and MLB’s second-highest batting average (.311). The two are expected to be the top choices to win the AL Rookie of the Year award.

“We haven’t really talked about it much,” Kurtz told Gallegos about gladly competing with Wilson on July 25th. “But it’s awesome that it’s most likely going to be an A’s player. It’s really cool.

“Whether I win it or he wins it, we’re just really looking forward to representing the A’s and what we’re all about. Individual awards are good and all, but it’s not why we play the game. We’re excited to keep going and keep improving.”

The league will announce who will take home the nod in November. Baseball America already named Kurtz its MLB Rookie of the Year. 

Regardless, Forst and the Athletics are smart to get discourse started early.

Gallegos added that the “young talent” he referred to in his post also includes 27-year-old catcher Shea Langeliers.

He had a strong season, slashing .277/.325/.536 with 31 homers and 72 RBI. Langeliers was named AL Player of the Month after an 11-homer August.

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5 things to watch during 2025 Knicks preseason

Knicks fans get the privilege of seeing their team before 28 other fanbases to kick off this 2025-26 season, as New York prepares to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday in the NBA’s Abu Dhabi Games. Though the core of the roster remains intact from last year’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals, a new head coach and roster spot battle make these exhibitions more intriguing than usual.

Here are the five biggest things to watch this preseason for the Knicks...

How the starting five evolves

After the Knicks’ defeat at the hands of the Pacers, a lot of attention turned to their starting lineup of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns. Whether by choice (playing more Miles McBride for Hart) or by force (Mitchell Robinson’s injury) then-head coach Tom Thibodeau heavily relied on that five despite declining returns, until he was forced to switch with his back against the wall.

Many expect the Knicks to go with the adjusted five of Robinson in for Hart, or perhaps McBride, under the new leadership of Mike Brown. These games should give us some clarity on what to expect, or serve as a stage for some experimentation.

Ultimately, New York will need to be comfortable with a combination of looks in a matchup-dependent league with a couple of injury-prone options for that fifth spot. Expect a fluid process, perhaps newcomerGeurschon Yabusele gets a chance, but no final decisions anytime soon.

The new-look offense

One of the biggest changes expected from Coach Brown this season is the injection of a quicker, facile offense. He’s preaching an increased tempo, output from three, and means to get paint touches, a large part of the promise in hiring him to replace a Conference Finals-reaching coach. 

How this actually conveys on the floor is still a mystery. Brown stated Brunson will get the ball in his hands to close games; how bought in will he be to the new system in the prior 43 minutes? 

As part of his wish for 40+ threes a night, Brown wants Brunson taking more on catch-and-shoots. If that happens, who is going to be generating that shot for him, and how? There are real roster limitations to consider — Towns as a playmaker has been a mixed experiment — should we expect much more ball handling out of Bridges? 

It should be fun watching this play out in a low-stakes environment. It will obviously take a good bit into the regular season for this team to really click, but the seeds will be planted in the coming days and weeks, and we can get a glimpse of what’s to come. 

Different team emphases

Under Thibodeau, no matter the matchup or roster change, the Knicks would inevitably fall neatly back into their Thibs-ball identity: slow the pace, pound the glass, play smashmouth defense. While some of these qualities won't be going anywhere, this will be the first time in years fans see the Knicks emphasize new things on the court and maybe culture a new identity.

It will be interesting to see what that is. Brown has been less revealing on the defensive specifics, but expect the Knicks to still favor offensive rebounding with Robinson healthy and the many bigs around him.

Previously, New York exclusively played drop coverage in pick-and-roll and emphasized protecting the rim above all, sometimes sacrificing too many open threes to the opposition. What will Brown’s fundamentals be, and how will he get Towns to buy into the scheme?

New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) shoots a layup over Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) during the second quarter of game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) shoots a layup over Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) during the second quarter of game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse / Trevor Ruszkowski - Imagn Images

Battle for the final training camp spot

As of right now, the Knicks currently have two veteran options for one open minimum slot this season — Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet. They can also trade one of their young pieces to make room for both vet guards.

Shamet spent most of last year rehabbing a preseason injury with the Knicks before rejoining the team for some solid spot minutes down the stretch and in the playoffs. Brogdon is two years removed from winning Sixth Man of the Year, but has battled injuries throughout his career while bouncing between lottery teams since that award.

Potentially dealing one of Tyler Kolek or Pacome Dadiet, two of few remaining team prospects, just to make room for a 10th or 11th man is an aggressive move, but also the type a championship-contending team sometimes needs to make. Neither played a material amount of NBA minutes their rookie year, so this preseason on may be serving partially as their tryout.

While preseason may be low-stakes for the fans and starters, it could be deciding some players’ livelihoods. Let’s see what the Knicks end up doing for their final roster spot, and if its ultimate recipient can be an impact guy in the playoffs.

How the young core looks

Beyond making the roster, it’s imperative the Knicks see some dividends from their current crop of young talent. Their last batch of knockout draft picks have been largely dealt, along with most of their upcoming picks, and the current roster is as capped out as can be.

While they will have some future flexibility, ensuring their only prospects for the foreseeable future develop positively is key to current and later success. Injuries and randomness happen, and the Knicks will find themselves depleted at some point this postseason, badly needing somebody to step up.

It could be Brogdon or Shamet, or the hero could be a homegrown project. Even if they aren’t ready this year, the young players blossoming into real talent on team-friendly contracts will help the Knicks remain competitive beyond the peak of this core.

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A final wrap on the failure of the 2025 New York Mets | The Mets Pod

On the latest episode of The Mets Pod presented by Tri-State Cadillac, Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo tie a bow on the 2025 season for the Mets, a season that ended in disappointment and failure. 

Connor and Joe recap all that went wrong that brought the Mets nowhere near their expectations, and sort the blame between president of baseball ops David Stearns, manager Carlos Mendoza, the coaching staff, and the players. 

The guys also look ahead to what needs to be fixed, plus ideas for how to do it, and react to comments Stearns made during his end-of-season news conference. 

As always, the show dives into the Mailbag to also give voice to the frustrated fans, who have their own questions about the way the Mets went down.

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