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Brad Marchand day-to-day, will not play Thursday in Montreal

The Florida Panthers could really use a win on Thursday night in Montreal.

Unfortunately for the Cats, they’ll have to do it without their leading scorer.

Panthers forward Brad Marchand will not play against the Canadiens on Thursday at Bell Center due to an undisclosed injury.

Florida Head Coach Paul Maurice announced the news to the media following Florida’s morning skate and said his star forward is considered day-to-day.

He did not rule out Marchand for Saturday’s game in Ottawa, though.

Maurice also held Marchand out of the third period of Tuesday’s loss in Toronto, saying afterwards that he did it as a precaution because Marchand has been battling an injury and didn’t want it to get worse.

The injury-plagued Panthers will field a forward group on Thursday without Marchand, Matthew Takchuk, Sasha Barkov, Tomas Nosek, Jonah Gadjovich and Cole Schwindt.

Florida is also playing without injured defensemen Seth Jones and Dmitry Kulikov.

Many of the aforementioned players are expected back in the coming weeks and months, meaning the Cats could be very close to full strength when the playoffs arrive.

Of course, that’s assuming Florida makes the playoffs and that no other players suffer significant injuries.

For now, the Panthers will have to make do with what they’ve got.

After Saturday’s game in Ottawa, Florida closes out their season-long road trip with visits to Buffalo, Carolina and Washington.

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Photo caption: Dec 30, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Brad Marchand (63) looks on against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

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Mets avoid arbitration with David Peterson and Tylor Megill for 2026 MLB season

The Mets have avoided arbitration with David Peterson, who will earn $8.1 million for the 2026 MLB season, per multiple reports.

New York has also avoided arbitration with Tylor Megill, agreeing to a $2.5 million deal for 2026, per Joel Sherman of The New York Post.

In addition to Peterson and Megill, the club has reportedly reached agreements with five other arbitration-eligible players: Francisco Alvarez ($2.4 million), Luis Torrens ($2.275 million), Reed Garrett ($1.3 million), Huascar Brazoban ($1.05 million), and Tyrone Taylor.

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Miles McBride's impact on Knicks' starting lineup on full display in win over Clippers

Back in the summer of 2025, teams around the league were waiting/hoping that the Knicks would make Miles McBride available via trade. Obviously, that never happened.

McBride’s play on Wednesday night showed you exactly why they took that stance.

Playing in the starting lineup, McBride had 16 points, four assists, a steal and a block in New York’s win over the Clippers.

He also defended ball screens well and made things tough for James Harden and other Clippers.

“He’s an extremely good on-ball defender - especially when it comes to the pick-and-roll game,” Mike Brown said of McBride on Wednesday after the Knicks’ win. “He’s strong, he’s powerful, he’s quick and he’s athletic and he’s a little longer than what you think – so when that screen comes, he knows you run towards the ball, (get your) shoulder and hip over that screen at the same time as the ball (to neutralize your opponent’s advantage). He did a fantastic job with that.”

Brown pointed out that McBride – 6-foot-2, 195 pounds – did well defending Harden.

“Obviously, there was a size disadvantage with James, but he did a great job on James. You're not going to stop him, you just hope he misses some of those shots, and he did just (by McBride trying) to get up underneath him,” Brown said.

McBride’s presence in the starting lineup also spaced the floor for New York.

He hit four of his 11 three-point attempts against the Clippers, forcing Los Angeles to extend its defense whenever he had the ball.

“He has to be guarded,” Brown said. “You watched during the course of the game, they had Kawhi [Leonard] on him and, you know, who would have thunk if OG [Anunoby] and Mikal [Bridges] and some of these other guys (are) on the floor, Kawhi is matched up with Deuce; it’s because he can shoot.”

McBride delivered on an important night for New York, snapping a four-game losing streak.

The Knicks had lost four straight entering the Clippers game. They’re defense was a mess. The offense wasn’t much better. Teams with high expectations can fracture during these stretches.

He also continued a remarkable stretch of shooting.

Since returning from an ankle injury on Dec. 29, McBride has hit 48 percent of his threes (48 attempts). Before the injury, McBride was shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc. McBride’s perimeter shooting and on-ball defense have stood out to opposing team’s evaluators.

“We knew about his shot but it’s the consistency that jumps out,” one opposing scout said. “He’s a threat for them every night.”

McBride is in the second year of a three-year, $13 million extension that runs through next season. He’s going to get a significant raise – whether it’s a new contract with the Knicks or a new deal from another team.

Every dollar counts for the Knicks right now. They are right up against the second apron in team salary. But as long as McBride continues to shoot and defend at a high level, the team will – presumably – do whatever it takes to keep him in New York.

That’s a story for another day, though.

Right now, McBride is showing you why the Knicks had no interest in trading him this past summer.

“He’s become key for everything they do,” the opposing scout says.

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Phils set to meet with Bo Bichette as interest intensifies

Phils set to meet with Bo Bichette as interest intensifies originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Phillies’ reported interest in Bo Bichette is moving forward.

According to Matt Gelb and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the club is set to meet with the free-agent infielder. Jon Heyman of the New York Post, who first reported Philadelphia’s interest last Saturday, added Thursday that the meeting is scheduled for Monday.

The timing is notable. The report comes just days after the Phillies hired Don Mattingly as their bench coach. Mattingly and Bichette formed a strong working relationship in Toronto, and Heyman acknowledges this dynamic as a significant factor in Philadelphia’s pursuit.

Bichette, 27, is one of the top remaining position players on the free-agent market. Heyman reported Thursday that the Florida-native is “thought” to be seeking a deal in the $300 million range, which could get tricky given the current state of the Phillies’ payroll.

Offensively, he’s one of the steadiest infielders in the game. In 2025, Bichette hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs, finishing second in the majors with 44 doubles. He missed the final 20 games of the regular season due to a left knee injury but returned in the World Series, where he hit .348 with a home run and six RBIs — including a long homer off Shohei Ohtani in Game 7.

Defensively, the questions remain. Bichette has spent his entire career at shortstop and struggled at the position last season, recording minus-13 Outs Above Average, one of the lowest marks in baseball.

Second base appears to be the most likely fit in Philadelphia. Bichette logged his first career innings at the position during the World Series. That defensive flexibility is central to the club’s interest, especially with Trea Turner entrenched at shortstop.

From a roster standpoint, signing Bichette would force decisions elsewhere. Alec Bohm remains the most obvious trade candidate. The 29-year-old is entering his final year before free agency and will earn $10.2 million (per Gelb). 

A Bryson Stott trade seems unlikely. He brings defensive value and the versatility to move to third base — a position he last played in 2022. Bringing Bichette aboard would also complicate a reunion with free-agent catcher J.T. Realmuto.

The Phillies have not indicated that Bichette is a top priority, but the scheduled meeting signals legitimate interest. With a thin free-agent infielder class and a lineup still seeking right-handed balance, Bichette checks a number of boxes.

Whether the Phillies are willing to reshape the roster to make it work will become clearer after Monday.

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Report: Maple Leafs Almost Traded Easton Cowan, Ben Danford For Blues' Brayden Schenn At Last Year's Trade Deadline

The Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly almost moved Easton Cowan and defensive prospect Ben Danford to the St. Louis Blues last March in a trade for Brayden Schenn.

According to Nick Kypreos, who wrote about this in columns for Sportsnet and the Toronto Star, the Maple Leafs had nearly traded the two prospects to the Blues before St. Louis general manager Doug Armstrong decided against it.

"Last year, Easton Cowan was pushed as a trade chip in an effort to try and obtain Brayden Schenn, but Cowan’s going to be hard to put into play again this season. However, depending on what the return is, we can’t rule out the possibility," Kypreos wrote on Sportsnet.ca.

In his column with the Toronto Star, Kypreos added: "Cowan was close to being sent to the Blues last season in a package with defence prospect Ben Danford to bring back Brayden Schenn, who the Leafs desperately wanted to go head to head with Panthers bruiser Sam Bennett in the playoffs. But word is it was St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong who was reluctant to pull the trigger.

"Maybe Cowan could be used as trade bait this season. Danford, one of their goalies and spare scraps in the AHL could be, too. But even then, it’s hard to see the Leafs being able to add a scoring winger or puck-moving defenceman who can significantly help them."

Ahead of last year's trade deadline, Toronto was looking to bolster its center depth. They were looking for a bottom-six player who could play down the middle. Eventually, they acquired Scott Laughton (plus two later round picks) from the Philadelphia Flyers for prospect Nikita Grebenkin and a conditional first-round pick.

In another move, the Maple Leafs moved then-prospect Fraser Minten and a first-round pick to the Boston Bruins in exchange for defenseman Brandon Carlo.

Had Schenn joined Toronto, he would've been a Craig Berube favorite after the two won a Stanley Cup together with St. Louis in 2019. Schenn is in the sixth season of an eight-year, $52 million contract, which carries an annual average value of $6.5 million.

The 34-year-old has nine goals and 18 points in 44 games with the Blues this season.

'It Was Between Florida And Toronto': Panthers' Brad Marchand Reveals Signing With Maple Leafs Was Possibility If He Hit Free Agency'It Was Between Florida And Toronto': Panthers' Brad Marchand Reveals Signing With Maple Leafs Was Possibility If He Hit Free AgencyMarchand added on Tuesday that, despite Toronto's strong play as of late, it was unfortunate to see that the fans "ran" Mitch Marner out of town.

It would've been fascinating to see how the Maple Leafs would've looked had they made this trade.

Cowan is well-liked by Berube, who currently has him on a third line with Nicolas Roy and Nick Robertson. The trio has developed quite a chemistry since coming together, and have combined for nine points in their four games as a line.

The 20-year-old has five goals and 12 points in 31 games this season.

Danford, who was the other prospect reportedly thrown into the possible trade, just finished up the World Juniors with Team Canada, where he won a bronze medal and was primarily a third-pairing defenseman. He tallied one assist in seven games.

The 19-year-old impressed many Maple Leafs at the NHL camp last fall and is arguably Toronto's number-one prospect now that Cowan has moved on to the NHL. Danford is in his final year of the OHL, currently on a strong Brantford Bulldogs team with Memorial Cup hopes.

Maple Leafs reportedly want to add on defense

Speaking of trades, Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving is reportedly seeing what's out there when it comes to the defenseman market.

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Toronto's "primary focus" at the moment is on its blue line.

Two games after Chris Tanev returned from an upper-body injury — which forced him to miss almost two months — he picked up a lower-body ailment that could require surgery.

Maple Leafs Lose Chris Tanev And Dakota Joshua For 'Significant Time', Other Injury UpdatesMaple Leafs Lose Chris Tanev And Dakota Joshua For 'Significant Time', Other Injury UpdatesTanev picked up a groin injury, and Joshua suffered a kidney injury in Sunday's game against the Red Wings.

The Maple Leafs did get Brandon Carlo back on Tuesday against the Florida Panthers, and that's a big boost given how much he can play. (He finished with a plus-two, playing 17:41 of ice time alongside Morgan Rielly on Toronto's top pair.)

"The problem Treliving has right now," Dreger reports, "is that the market is thin. We're talking about older defense, perhaps the end of their run, and third-pairing guys. So there hasn't been a fit that's surfaced just yet."

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Free agent Wilmer Flores still has ‘a lot to give' after six-year Giants tenure

Free agent Wilmer Flores still has ‘a lot to give' after six-year Giants tenure originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

It has been a quiet MLB offseason for the Giants.

Despite hiring Tony Vitello as their new manager in October, it’s increasingly unlikely the team will make a big-name roster acquisition before the upcoming 2026 season. Most recently, the team added to the pitching rotation in early January, agreeing to contracts with right-handers Tyler Mahle, Adrian Houser and Jason Foley.

One player that will be notably absent from the Giants’ future roster is former infielder/designated hitter Wilmer Flores, who concluded his six-year career with San Francisco and is now in MLB free agency. He spoke positively of his time in the Orange and Black on MLB Network’s “Hot Stove” show Thursday.

“My time in San Francisco was amazing; it was a lot different than with the [New York] Mets,” Flores said. “The way I see it, it’s like two different players, starting my career with the Mets and then when I got to the Giants things were a lot easier because I had a lot of experience and I was still learning.”

The 13-year MLB veteran held a .249 batting average with 92 home runs in his six-year stint with the Giants and inferred that he is still in the prime of his playing career when asked about future opportunities.

“My hope is to keep playing, I still have a lot to give and as we know, the offseason is moving a little slow, but you know, staying ready,” he said.

Flores became known for his consistent clutch power-hitting in Oracle Park’s pitcher-friendly conditions. His numerous big hits in crucial situations made him a favorite in the clubhouse. He reflected on what he learned from the Giants’ training staff.

“When I got to San Francisco I learned more about what pitches to look [for] and how to do damage,” he said. “When I came up, I was a good bat-to-ball skill guy, I just didn’t know how to generate power; when I got to the Giants, I started using my lower half a little more and driving the ball.”

Flores specifically noted former Giants hitting coach, Justin Viele, as a driving influence behind his improved at-bat approach.

“When I got to the Giants, Justin Viele was there, he helped me a lot with how to use my power, I was just using my upper half to hit and wasn’t using my lower half,” Flores praised.

Viele is now a hitting coach for the Texas Rangers, and front office advisor Bruce Bochy’s role as former Rangers manager might have influenced Mahle to join him in San Francisco. Pitching additions are a step in the right direction, but how will the Giants’ front office approach filling Wilmer’s offensive impact?

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NHL Rumors: 2 Penguins On New Trade Board

NHL insider Chris Johnston released his latest trade board for The Athletic, and two Pittsburgh Penguins made the cut: defenseman Brett Kulak and forward Bryan Rust. 

Kulak was given the No. 21 spot on Johnston's list. The 32-year-old defenseman certainly has the potential to generate interest from contenders, as he is a solid bottom-pairing defenseman with plenty of playoff experience. 

In 10 games with the Penguins since being acquired from the Edmonton Oilers earlier this season, Kulak has recorded two assists, 20 blocks, and an even plus/minus rating. This is after he had two assists and a minus-7 rating in 31 games for the Oilers before being acquired by Pittsburgh. 

Rust, on the other hand, landed the No. 32 spot on Johnston's new trade board. The star winger has been the subject of trade rumors for quite some time, but the Penguins also do not need to rush a move centering around him. This is because he is signed until the end of the 2027-28 season. 

Any potential Rust trade would be a big deal, as he is an incredibly important part of the Penguins' roster. However, with the Penguins also focused on the future, he has the potential to be an excellent trade chip for them if they are open to moving him. 

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Jets' Danny Zhilkin Expected To Make NHL Debut Thursday vs. Oilers

Winnipeg Jets rookie forward Danny Zhilkin is expected to make his long-awaited NHL debut Thursday night against the Edmonton Oilers, marking a major milestone in his young professional career.

The Jets recalled the 22-year-old from the American Hockey League’s Manitoba Moose ahead of the matchup, finally giving Zhilkin his first opportunity at the NHL level after three seasons of development within the organization. To create roster space, Winnipeg placed defenseman Haydn Fleury on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 6.

Fleury was injured during Tuesday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights after taking a hard fall into the boards following a hit. The defenseman was stretchered off the ice in a scary scene and has since been diagnosed with a broken nose and a bruised back.

For Zhilkin, the recall is the result of patience and steady progress. Selected by the Jets in the third round, 102nd overall, of the 2022 NHL Draft, he entered the professional ranks with high expectations and has gradually rounded out his game with the Moose. Each season has shown measurable growth, both offensively and defensively.

This year, Zhilkin has recorded 14 points in 30 games, already nearing the combined 17 points he produced across his first two AHL seasons. His increased production has come alongside improved consistency away from the puck, an area the Jets have prioritized in his development. His responsible two-way play has helped him earn trust from coaches and management alike.

Zhilkin was on the cusp of making the Jets earlier this season, surviving until the final roster cuts of training camp after an impressive preseason. At the time, his performance left the impression that an NHL debut was inevitable and Wednesday’s recall confirms that belief.

The timing of Zhilkin’s opportunity may also reflect a broader shift for Winnipeg. With losses piling up and postseason aspirations growing slimer, the Jets appear poised to take a longer look at their younger players to evaluate future roles. Zhilkin now gets the first chance to prove he belongs, with Thursday’s game against Edmonton serving as the opening chapter of his NHL journey.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo says he will never demand a trade out of Milwaukee, 'That’s not in my nature'

There has already been one big NBA trade this year. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo force another?

Don't bet on it. In league circles, talk of an in-season Antetokounmpo trade has died down amid reports that the Bucks are looking to add at the trade deadline, not trade the best player in franchise history. The only way Antetokounmpo gets traded at the deadline is if he demands a trade, and he told Sam Amick of The Athletic he would not go there.

"There will never be a chance, and there will never be a moment, that I will come out and say 'I want a trade,'" Antetokounmpo, who can opt out of his contract in the summer of 2027, told The Athletic. "That's not … in … my … nature. OK?"

Later, Antetokounmpo reiterated what he said before, that he can't control the speculation online and in the media about his future, or who talks to his agent, or who calls the Bucks. However, he was very clear that he intends to be with the Bucks through the end of the season.

"I am not (going anywhere). I am invested in this team. I want to turn this team around. I want to play good basketball. I want to be healthy. I want to help my teammates. I wanna win games. The last six games we've played, we're 4-2. We have a lot of games in front of us. I'm locked the f*** in. I'm locked in. My priority is just staying healthy."

The rubber will hit the road with Antetokounmpo and his future in Milwaukee this coming offseason, when the team can offer him another max contract extension, heading into what could be the final year of his contract (he has a player option for the 2027-28 season, he can be a free agent in 2027). Every time that has happened previously, Antetokounmpo has used it as leverage to push the Bucks to upgrade the roster (such as adding Jrue Holiday, a key to their 2021 title), then ultimately signed the deal. If he signs the deal this summer, the pattern continues.

If he does not, the Bucks will be forced to trade him — without him directly asking out — or risk losing him for nothing in the summer of 2027. And there are multiple teams lined up with cap space for that offseason (hello, Clippers!).

But all of that is this summer. For now, listen to Antetokounmpo's words — he is not going anywhere this season.

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Draymond Green questions whether some NBA officials are too old, need to retire

Draymond Green questions whether some NBA officials are too old, need to retire originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green didn’t mince words when discussing NBA officiating on the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” raising pointed questions about accountability — and even age — among league referees.

Green’s comments came in the aftermath of coach Steve Kerr’s emotional ejection during the Warriors’ loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, a game that later featured a public admission from officials that a crucial call had been missed.

On his podcast, Green touched on how repeated officiating mistakes can heighten emotions when players and coaches feel they have no recourse.

“If you feel like something is blatantly happening to you over and over, it raises that level of emotion,” Green said. “You look at these situations, and it’s like, ‘Man, that was wrong for sure.’ Steve got upset — rightfully so. You can’t take the ejection back, but these things cost you real money.”

Green then addressed accountability within the league.

“I’m not allowed to be blatantly wrong over and over again in my job,” Green noted. “If I am, I’m going to lose my job. But I haven’t really seen many officials lose their jobs.”

The Warriors forward went a step further, questioning whether some referees are still physically equipped to officiate at the NBA level.

“There are officials who have been in the league way before I came in and can barely move, and they’re still officiating,” Green added. “Sometimes people get so elderly and they’re on the road — it can be dangerous for themselves and for others …There are some officials who’ve been in the league a long time and don’t move well anymore, and they just keep going. It’s not really one of those jobs where you just lose your job.”

Green connected those issues back to defending Kerr’s ejection, emphasizing that there’s always a moment where patience runs out.

“Speaking on Steve’s ejection — yeah, I thought it was rightfully so,” Green said. “Because at what point does it stop?”

For Green, the frustration is less about one call and more about how long it’s allowed to continue.

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Isiah Thomas jokes he'd choke Steve Kerr if he were in Jonathan Kuminga's shoes

Isiah Thomas jokes he'd choke Steve Kerr if he were in Jonathan Kuminga's shoes originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The conversation surrounding Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the Warriors took an interesting turn when Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas chimed in.

Thomas, a former president of the NBA Players Association, shared his thoughts on the young forward’s situation in a recent appearance on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” show.

The Hall of Famer credited Kuminga for maintaining his professionalism and “not blowing up” over his inconsistent role over the years, while admitting that he and a lot of NBA players would have handled the situation differently.

“I know if it was me, or any other NBA player, by now, you know, we Latrell Sprewell, we’re chokin’ in the post,” Thomas joked.

Latrell Sprewell famously attacked and threatened to kill his coach, P.J. Carlesimo, during a Warriors practice in 1997. He never played another game for Golden State and was traded to the New York Knicks after serving a 68-game suspension.

Thomas mentioned, “When you have power, you have to use your power to help the team get better,” and stressed that other players should be more outspoken if they disagree with Kuminga’s treatment.

“Now if the players are probably all aligned with it, and if they’re not aligned with it, then they need to be vocal in support of their players,” he said.

One teammate that has spoken up is veteran Draymond Green, who applauded the young forward’s professionalism amidst ongoing trade rumors on the latest episode of his podcast.

Kuminga last played on Dec. 18th against the Phoenix Suns, where he finished with two points in nine minutes. Dwindling minutes and injury uncertainty have added to his fluctuating role and increasing trade speculation.

The 23-year-old wing isn’t available to trade until Jan. 15th, and the Sacramento Kings remain one of many teams that have inquired about him. Until then, the Warriors are 11-9 without Kuminga in the lineup.

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