"All I can say is that Dylan’s had enough of the situation," Larkin's agent, Pat Brisson, told the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, on Thursday.
The "disappointed" Red Wings have suspended Larkin without pay, interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said.
Here's what to know about the Dylan Larkin suspension and his trade request:
How much will Dylan Larkin lose in his suspension?
Horcoff said he's looking for players who can help the team right away while also looking at the "long-term success of the organization." He said he's open to all kinds of deals.
He told reporters on Thursday that he has talked to teams on Larkin's list and has taken calls from other interested teams. He said his phone rang a lot on Thursday.
"We just continue to try to find solutions that fit for both sides," he said, adding he's willing to wait as long as it takes to get the right deal.
Why has Dylan Larkin requested a trade?
He said at training camp that he wasn't ready to answer that question.
How did the Red Wings address not having Dylan Larkin on Thursday?
The team called up center Sheldon Dries from the Grand Rapids (Michigan) Griffins under emergency conditions. The 32-year-old had eight points in four games this season with the AHL team and no points in 11 games this season and last with Detroit.
Where do Simon Edvinsson contract talks stand?
Horcoff said it's status quo on the restricted free agent defenseman. "Still trying to get something done," he said. "I'd like to sign him."
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 15: Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets looks on during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Citi Field on September 15, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In a move that should hardly come as a surprise to anyone who watched the 2026 Mets, Bo Bichette is expected to exercised his player option and return to New York in 2027, according to sources cited by Will Sammon. Bichette will earn $42 million next season, and also carries a player option for the same amount for 2028.
The Mets signed Bichette within 24 hours of whiffing in their pursuit of Kyle Tucker (Tucker eventually signed with the Dodgers). Bichette joined the Mets shortly after the team let Pete Alonso go and traded Brandon Nimmo away, so the move was, in part a measure of appeasing the fans who wanted the team to make a splash and in part a move to fortify a lineup that needed someone to protect Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. Bichette was coming off a 2025 season in which he posted a 134 wRC+, a career best in a full season, and 3.8 fWAR while leading the Blue Jays to the American League pennant.
Bichette hit the market presumably seeking a long-term deal as he prepared to enter his age-28 season, he failed in that endeavor. As a result, he landed a short-term contract with the Mets, with the expectation that he would perform close to his career norms and exercise the opt out to get that long-term deal the following offseason. That scenario did not play out as expected.
Bichette started out slow, slashing .213/.271/.229 with five homers and a 61 wRC+ through June 2, but he picked it up after that point, hitting .289/.337/.447 with 13 home runs and a 117 wRC+ over the final 99 games of the season. He finished the year hitting .260/.312/.390 with 18 home runs, 76 runs scored, 78 runs batted in, a 96 wRC+, and 1.9 fWAR in 160 games.
Mets fans got a glimpse of the player Bichette could be from June 3 onward, but the surge following the slow start and overall numbers made opting out a foolish move for Bichette. With the lockout looming and an uncertain 2027 season ahead, taking $42 million guaranteed is a no-brainer. Combine that with his final stat line, and you have a recipe for a second year in New York. That doesn’t mean Bichette can’t rebound, and doing so would give the Mets another solid weapon in a lineup that already includes Lindor and Soto—both hoping to bounce back from injury-plagued seasons—and youngsters like Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing (as well as a couple of impressive prospects waiting in the wings).
Bichette exercising the option is the first domino to fall in what is expected to be a frenetic offseason leading up to the anticipated lockout on December 2. With a flurry of activity expected between now and then, you can expect many more moves to follow before all transactions and activity are shut down.
The Senators will look to get their five-game road trip back on track on Thursday night when they face the Los Angeles Kings.
They opened their trip with a 4-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, a game where they generated a pile of scoring chances.
Travis Green is glad to have all of his best defensemen finally be injury-free (Senators YouTube).
The Sens outshot Vegas 11-4 in the opening period and had several excellent opportunities to take control of the game. But the Golden Knights eventually broke a 1-1 tie midway through the third period and pulled away for the victory, sealed by two empty net goals.
The Senators enter Thursday's game with an 8-5-0 record, good for second place in the Atlantic. The Kings have struggled at 3-6-2, and the Sens would prefer not to hand them their first home win of the year.
Johansson Gets Third Straight Start
With Linus Ullmark still out with a lower body thing, Jonas Johansson will make his third consecutive start in goal for the Senators. Johansson was recalled from the Belleville Senators just seven days ago, and appears to have quickly displaced Sam Ersson on the depth chart.
Johansson made his Sens debut in Saturday's 7-4 victory over the New York Rangers before getting another start against Vegas on Tuesday. He'll now get another opportunity to strengthen his grip on the backup role as Ullmark continues to recover.
Chabot and Hodgson In, Foegele Out
For the first time all season, it'll be all hands on deck on the Sens' blue line. Thomas Chabot will return to the lineup after missing time with an injury. Chabot skated alongside Jordan Spence at Thursday's morning skate, while Jake Sanderson was paired with Artem Zub. Tyler Kleven and Nikolas Matinpalo formed the third pairing.
Chabot's return means Carter Yakemchuk sits out.
"Anytime you can get back to full health, it's a good thing for our group,' head coach Travis Green told the Senators website. "Obviously, Chabby is a big part of our team. It's not an easy decision on who to play tonight. We've got seven guys that we like a lot. LA is a big, strong team. They're heavy in front of the net, so we kind of based our decision on that."
Up front, the Senators will be without Warren Foegele, who suffered a lower-body injury during Tuesday's loss in Vegas. Green says Foegele is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, which means Hayden Hodgson will draw into the lineup.
Hodgson, who spent the 2023-24 season in the Kings organization, skated on the fourth line alongside Stephen Halliday and Nick Cousins.
The Senators have been a solid bounce back team this season. Despite five losses through their first 13 games, they have yet to lose consecutive contests.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 7: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the San Diego Padres walks off the field at the end of the fourth inning during Game Four of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park on October 7, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Shortstop Xander Bogaerts signed an 11-year, $280 million contract with the San Diego Padres prior to the 2023 season. After a decade with the Boston Red Sox, Bogaerts hit the free-agent market. He rejected an initial four-year, $90 million offer, followed by a six-year, $162 million offer from the Red Sox. By turning down offers of $22.5 million a year for four years and $27 million a year for six years, Bogaerts made it clear that a long-term deal was the only option for a team wanting to sign him.
Gaslamp Ball’s Lincoln Zudnick began his Padres roster review after the Friars were eliminated from the playoffs. His grade for Bogaerts, a C+, reflected the shortstop’s decidedly mediocre performance in a Padres uniform. It would be hard to argue with the grade. Bogaerts arrived in San Diego and has never resembled the player he was in Boston. Taking into account injuries that significantly affected his performance in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the past season was basically injury-free, yet it was his worst offensive season yet.
A look at the underlying numbers shows a career-low effectiveness against offspeed pitches. After hitting .318 versus offspeed in 2025, Bogaerts had a .138 batting average in 2026. Looking back over past seasons, offspeed and breaking pitches have challenged Bogaerts in the past but never to the extent as in this past season.
After being unable to bring his average above .212 for any month following April, Bogaerts and the Padres’ hitting coaches brought the split grip into Bogaerts’ approach. For the month of September, Bogaerts hit .315 with a .479 slugging percentage.
He carried that over into the postseason, hitting .286/.348/.476 in the six games.
The big question remains: what happened to Bogaerts’ power after arriving in San Diego?
His bat speed and exit velocity remain consistent. His launch angle and sweet spot numbers have taken the biggest drop over the past three seasons, but his hard-hit percentage also remains consistent.
The defense is still good
With average to below-average arm strength, Bogaerts is still an above-average shortstop. Over his four seasons with the Padres, his Outs Above Average have always been three or above, even during the two seasons when injuries curtailed his effectiveness. He will be in his age 34 season in 2027, past his prime and having to work much harder to stay in his position. No doubt that will change at some point before the end of the contract, and his position will need to change.
One thing seems clear: he is not an option for DH with his offensive struggles. First base would be a likely spot for the future, a subject not yet publicly addressed.
Getting the most out of the investment
Per Fangraphs, which places a dollar value on players in their stats pages, Bogaerts was worth $36.8 million in his first season with the Padres (2023). Since then, his value has been $16.3 million (2024), $25.9 million (2025), and $21.1 million for the past season. The average annual value for his contract is $25.45 million.
Most of his value has been placed on the defensive side since his 2023 season.
Manager Craig Stammen obviously recognized the need to move the veteran down in the batting order as his struggles went on for most of the season. At the bottom third of the batting order, Bogaerts can be more effective as he has consistently had an on-base average over .300 and mostly above .320 as a Padre. His strikeout rate is consistent, and he had his highest walk rate this past season.
Minimizing the damage
There is no arguing that the Padres have a payroll weighed down by two aging veterans with crippling contracts. Both Manny Machado and Bogaerts will be well past their productive years by the time the two contracts expire in 2033.
Making the most of that investment will be the challenge the organization has to deal with in the coming seasons. Machado is still highly productive, despite having his worst season offensively. Bogaerts will need to be open to change in order for the team to minimize the damage done by signing a player who has not been able to repeat his previous success.
The arthroscopic procedure for debridement, which is to remove thickened or dead tissue, was performed on the same day by Dr. Craig Bennett at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The team said the four-time All-Star "is expected to make a full recovery."
He is averaging 33.3 points per game as the Timberwolves went 3-1. They lost their matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, which Edwards did sit out, bringing their record to 3-2.
Only Luka Dončić on the Los Angeles Lakers is scoring more, averaging 36.0 points per game.
If Edwards is out as long as projected, he could miss the cut of appearing in at least 65 games to be considered for year-end awards like All-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year and MVP. Being eligible for these awards also affects a player's potential to receive a supermax contract.
Seventh-year player Jaden McDaniels is Minnesota's second-leading scorer, averaging 15.8 points with 6.6 rebounds per outing.
Last season, the Timberwolves made it to the Western Conference semifinals, where they were beat by the San Antonio Spurs 4-2 in the series. Edwards got his fourth All-Star nod averaging 28.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. In January, he had a career-high 55 points in a regular season loss to Victor Wembanyama and company.
Anthony Edwards, adidas make fun of NBA 65-game rule after surgery
Despite the threat of missing out on end-of-the-year awards and a supermax contract, Edwards was able to have fun with the timetable of his injury.
Adidas released a promotional video on Thursday where Edwards and his right-hand man, "Slick" Nick Maddox, hosted a tryout to be his twin. The idea is another person would sneakily play as the Minnesota star and reach the 65 appearances mark. There's a hilarious lineup of wanna-be Ant-Mans awkwardly dribbling a ball or boasting about their lying ability and there's even a jab at the Timberwolves' Western Conference rival, the Denver Nuggets.
"65 games one way or another," the caption for the video said. "Believe That."
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 27: Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (4) is seen after the eighth inning of an MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Toronto Blue Jays on September 27, 2026, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Mathew Tsang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Jays have eight players who declared free agency today: Shane Bieber, Patrick Corbin, Yimi Garcia, Max Scherzer, Paul Sewald, George Springer, Jameson Taillon, and Luis Urias.
Only six teams have more free agents:
The Braves have ten free agents. Including our old friends Rowdy Tellez and Lane Thomas.
The Yankees also have ten free agents: David Bednar, Paul Blackburn, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Michael Fulmer, Paul Goldschmidt, Trent Grisham, Tim Hill, Amed Rosario, John Schreiber, Ryan Yarbrough.
The Dodgers have nine free agents: Kris Bubic, Brusdar Graterol, Enrique Hernandez, Eric Lauer, Evan Phillips, Miguel Rojas, Tarik Skubal, Blake Treinen, Alex Vesia.
The Padres have nine: Old friends Ty France and Robbie Ray are among them.
The Cubs have nine: Old friend Kevin Gausman and Trent Thornton are on their list. Seiya Suzuki is an interesting name on the list.
The Diamondbacks have nine: Taylor Clarke, Zac Gallen, Kevin Ginkel, Jonathan Loaisiga, James McCann, A.J. Puk, Dennis Santana, Ryan Thompson, Ildemaro Vargas
Other old friends becoming free agents: Chris Bassitt, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Randal Grichuk,Trevor Richards, Jordan Romano, Jacob Waguespack, Daulton Varsho, Luke Maile, and Travis d’Arnaud.
Another old friend, Bo Bichette has decided to stay with the Mets, keeping his $42 million option. I was pretty sure he would.
You can see the whole list of free agents here. If there is someone you think the Jays should chase, tell us about it.
The infielder has decided to opt in to his $42 million player option for next season, The Post confirmed, after a disappointing first season in Queens.
The development was first reported by The Athletic.
Another season with the talented 28-year-old suggests there will be more stability within the Mets’ position-player group, after David Stearns acknowledged that the amount of upheaval previously may have contributed to the disastrous 2026 season.
With Bichette back in the fold, the Mets have a top (and middle) of a lineup that — barring what would be an unexpected, immediate implementation of a salary cap — almost certainly will feature himself, Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing.
Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens figure to return as the catching duo. If the Mets stick with the declining Marcus Semien, who is due $46 million over the next two years, and perhaps platoon him with Brett Baty at second base, the only positions not accounted for would be first base and designated hitter (either of which could belong to Jared Young).
For Bichette, the decision was expected but not a sure thing. In such a weak free agent market, in which the best second/third basemen are Jazz Chisholm Jr., Luis Arráez and Brandon Lowe, perhaps he could have topped the $84 million he would be opting out of, but certainly not approach his current average annual value.
For Bichette, the decision was expected but not a sure thing. In such a weak free agent market, in which the best second/third basemen are Jazz Chisholm Jr., Luis Arráez and Brandon Lowe, perhaps he could have topped the $84 million he would be opting out of, but certainly not approach his current average annual value.
New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette hits an RBI single in the eighth inning against Citi Field in Queens, New York, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. JASON SZENES FOR NEW YORK POST
Last winter, after a strong platform season and excellence in the World Series with the Blue Jays, Bichette — the Mets’ backup plan after missing out on Kyle Tucker — signed a three-year, $126 million pact with player opt-outs after each season.
The expectation was the Mets would pay him plenty in what would be a short-term deal before he could opt out, test the market again and secure the length he sought, but no one was planning on how his 2026 campaign unfolded.
A proven and veteran hitter was among the game’s worst for the first two months, finishing May hitting .219 with a .583 OPS. He bounced back — the rest of the way just about all his numbers improved, including hitting .284 with a .772 OPS from June through September — but the Mets had dug a hole too great for his improved play to matter.
Bichette was not the face of the struggles of the brand-new Mets — that was Jorge Polanco, who barely played and really never played well — but a group that had attempted to replace a core of Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, Edwin Díaz and Jeff McNeil never got going.
“We and I made a number of decisions that created the potential for almost an uncapped downside scenario,” Stearns said at his end-of-season news conference, which arrived in September and not October. “We had a lot of change. I think change in New York is probably different than change in other markets.”
The Mets undoubtedly hope that the change will be minimized next season when they also will return with manager Andy Green.
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Their greatest needs, at least at the moment, are at the top of the rotation and in the bullpen rather than their everyday players.
Perhaps Bichette — who spent his first seven seasons in Toronto, six of which finished with an OPS greater than .800 before slumping to a .702 mark in his initial year in Queens — will be more comfortable in Year 2.
“The first three months were some of the longest of my career, for sure, a combination of so many different things,” Bichette told The Post’s Mike Puma at the end of the season. “Simply put, my performance and the team’s performance in a new situation. I think I can look at the season and in some ways see it in a positive light and I think the team can as well.
“It was a weird year because I feel positive about this team going forward, and obviously have confidence in myself, so it’s a weird feeling to have that positivity about the team, about myself.”
The Mets claimed infielder Kyren Paris from the Angels and designated outfielder Cristian Pache for assignment.
The Red Wings have suspended Dylan Larkin without pay after he informed the team he would not play until a trade was finalized, a twist that Detroit said it was “disappointed by.”
The former Red Wings captain’s trade request became public nearly five months ago, and earlier Thursday, head coach Todd McLellan announced Larkin would not play against the Blackhawks and that interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said he would address the situation.
“Dylan Larkin has informed us that he will no longer play for the Detroit Red Wings. We are disappointed by this decision, particularly given his obligations to the organization and his teammates. We have therefore suspended Dylan without pay,” Horcoff said in a statement issued Thursday evening.
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin reacts during a game in Seattle, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
“We will continue to explore trade opportunities involving Dylan. In addition to needing his approval, any trade must also be in the best interest of the Detroit Red Wings and support the organization’s long-term goals.”
Larkin, 30, has a full no-trade clause, but the center has given the Red Wings a list of 10 teams he would accept a trade to.
According to The Athletic, that list includes Panthers, Wild, Golden Knights, Stars, Capitals, Hurricanes, Mammoth, Lightning, Devils and Avalanche.
The latest drama started after Larkin declined to report for Thursday’s game against Chicago.
“Dylan’s had enough of the situation. We believe he’s been very professional and cooperative through this process,” Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson, told The Athletic in a statement before the suspension was announced.
Larkin has not revealed why he has requested a trade, but the decision was made after the 2025-26 season.
Dylan Larkin, left, of the Detroit Red Wings takes a shot next to Ottawa Senators’ Michael Amadio on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in Detroit. Getty Images
He was stripped of his captaincy ahead of training camp and missed the start of the season with an injury.
Larkin was booed by Red Wings fans when he was introduced as part of the home opener ceremonies.
The center has played in 10 of the Red Wings’ first 12 games and has six points (two goals, four assists).
Larkin has scored at least 30 goals in each of his last five seasons.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks drives to the basket against James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on April 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Hawks (2-3) look to snap an ugly three-game losing streak against the Cleveland Cavaliers (3-1).
Starting lineup:
G CJ McCollum
G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
F Dyson Daniels
F Jalen Johnson
C Onyeka Okongwu
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Start Time: 8:00 PM EDT
TV: Peachtree TV (WPCH), Atlanta News First (WANF)
Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)
Streaming:Amazon Prime, NBA League Pass (out of market), Youtube TV (NBA League Pass out of market)
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 01: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates scoring during the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Truist Park on August 1, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves, who won 94 games, the NL East Division title and the NL Wild Card Series over the Phillies, made the no-brainer decision of all no-brainer decisions today.
The #Braves today exercised options for OF Ronald Acuña Jr. and INF Ozzie Albies for the 2027 season. Atlanta also reinstated RHPs Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider and Hurston Waldrep, as well as LHP Joey Wentz, from the 60-day injured list.
The Braves signed Ronald Acuña Jr to a very hometown-friendly contract that allows Atlanta to retain 2023 NL Most Valuable Player. They will pay him 17 million dollars (eh, in theory if all 162 games are played) for the 2027 season. Ozzie Albies signed a much more team-friendly contract. The Braves will pay Ozzie Albies a lockout-pending 7 million dollars.
Some portions of Braves Country were certain Ronald would not be back. I believe most of those don’t watch the regular season games, believe things on social media, or both. But he’s due to make 6 million fewer dollars than MLB qualifying offers. When healthy, he’s amazing. When not healthy, he hears about it. Much the same goes for Ozzie Albies. The Braves have paid him 38 million for 23 WAR over the last 10 years. He did have a career low in wRC+ this season. But it appears they’ll keep the good vibes going one more season. It would probably prove more trouble to replace Albies this season than to keep him, and should serve as the bridge for prospects waiting in Double-A.
The Braves did some bookkeeping as well today as the postseason kicked off. They reinstated Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, Hurston Waldrep and Joey Wentz from the 60-day Injured List. Alex Anthopoulos has already told us that we should not expect Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider to just pick up where they left off. Joey Wentz’s injury is at least a lower body one, blowing out his right ACL fielding a meaningless Spring Training bunt attempt. But hey, at least it’s not his arm (whistles past Joe Jimenez).
Welcome back, Ronnie and Ozzie. Let’s get this silly labor spat decided and watch some dingers, shall we?
Surprising NHL news emerged this morning, as Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLennan announced that Dylan Larkin will not play tonight as the team faces the Chicago Blackhawks.
McLennan said interim GM Shawn Horcoff would address the situation and that the Red Wings would issue a statement. After the announcement, TSN hockey insider Pierre LeBrun said trade talks surrounding Larkin have escalated. While he noted a deal is not imminent, discussions have certainly escalated.
Since the off-season, the Blues have been interested in adding young, skilled players such as Mason McTavish and Connor McMichael. They have also been linked to players like Simon Edvinsson and Alexander Nikishin. Larkin doesn't fit this category, as he is 30 years old, but Larkin would be a huge add to the roster.
Robert Thomas and Larkin would form a formidable one-two punch if the Blues make a deal.
The Red Wings released a statement today, suspending him from the team without pay.
“Dylan Larkin has informed us that he will no longer play for the Detroit Red Wings,” Horcoff said in a statement provided on X. “We are disappointed by his decision, particularly given his obligations to the organization and his teammates. We have therefore suspended Dylan without pay.
Larkin is in year four on an eight-year contract, carrying an $8.7 million AAV.
The Blues are at a disadvantage in pursuing Larkin, as they would need to convince him he can compete for a Stanley Cup in St. Louis.
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The right-hander declined his player option and will be one of the most coveted arms on the free agent market this winter. Last offseason, King returned to San Diego on a three-year, $75 million deal that included opt-outs after each of the first two seasons.
San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
King is likely seeking a long-team deal and he is poised to receive one after posting a 3.21 ERA with 159 strikeouts across 32 starts (185 innings pitched). He accrued a career-high 4.3 bWAR in 2026, highlighting the ace’s productivity and durability.
The Padres reached the National League Division Series, falling to the eventual World Series champion Brewers. King was a monumental part of San Diego’s postseason run.
In the NLDS, King allowed just one run across 12 innings (two starts) and earned the save in Game 3 when he came out of the bullpen to close out the final two frames.
The right-hander’s love for the Padres was evident after their NLDS elimination, when he said: “San Diego has been incredible for me, and it’s all the way across the country from home. I feel like I have a second home on the West Coast. It’s been awesome.
“And I hope to continue it.”
San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King delivers against the Chicago Cubs in the sixth inning of Game 1 of the National League Wild Card baseball playoff series Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, in San Diego. AP Photo/Gregory BullSan Diego Padres owners José Feliciano and his wife, Kwanza Jones, look on during batting practice before Game 2 of the National League Wild Card baseball playoff series against the Chicago Cubs. AP Photo/Gregory Bull
King’s comments bode well for San Diego’s chances of retaining the ace, but with the right-hander’s impending popularity on the market, a reunion will be costly. For the Padres, King is the most important free agent as his departure would leaving the starting rotation extremely bleak.
San Diego fans will have to see whether new ownership puts their money where their mouth is.
Honda Center isn’t an unfamiliar sight for Sabres defenseman Olen Zellweger, who was drafted by the Ducks in 2021 and made his NHL debut (coincidentally against the Sabres) at Honda Center in 2024.
“No, I didn’t,” Zellweger said with a laugh when asked if he went to the wrong dressing room when he arrived. “I haven't really been over to the away side, so it's a bit unusual being over here, but exciting at the same time.”
Despite the somewhat unceremonious end to his tenure there, Zellweger was very appreciative of his time in Anaheim when asked about it.
“It was always a dream of mine to play in the NHL and that's where it came true for me. So that's what's really special about it. There was some ups and downs. It’s kind of like anything, you gotta work through adversity. I was really thankful for my time there. The fans are unbelievable and teammates and stuff like that were awesome. Overall, it was great.”
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Zellweger played in 164 games for the Ducks. Most of that time was spent trying to carve out a regular spot in the lineup as he faced lineup logjams and defensive inconsistencies. After spending most of the 2025-26 season as a regular in the lineup, he was healthy scratched for the final six games of the regular season in favor of AHL call-up Tyson Hinds. Hinds performed well enough to hold a spot in the lineup for the playoffs, with Zellweger relegated to the press box.
Injuries in the Ducks’ conference semifinal matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights led to Zellweger’s reintroduction. He responded with points in back-to-back games, an assist on Ian Moore’s game-winning goal in Game 4 and the tying goal in Game 5 late in the third period. The Ducks would eventually fall to the Golden Knights in six games after losing Game 5 in overtime and getting blown out in Game 6.
Despite being removed from the lineup during the home stretch of the regular season and his re-insertion into the lineup only being necessitated due to injuries, Zellweger never concerned himself with where his long-term future would be, whether in Anaheim or elsewhere. He was a pending RFA this past summer and signed a three-year, $9.3 million contract extension with the Sabres several days after they acquired him from the Ducks.
“I don't think I was thinking that far ahead,” Zellweger said. “Played a couple games in the playoffs there, so I was trying to play my best. I think I came back and I played well and felt good. It would have been good to try to win that Game 5 in Vegas. But overall, I just kind of took it throughout the process, didn't really think that that was the end or anything. I was just going day-by-day, week-by-week kind of thing, seeing how things played out. They played out this way, so that's where I was at with that.”
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
In September, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek revealed that he was in discussions with Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier and Pavel Mintyukov’s representatives ahead of the 2025-26 season. Agreements never came to fruition and all three players eventually hit restricted free agency. Carlsson, Gauthier and Mintyukov now account for $38.7 million of the Ducks’ cap.
Zellweger said that his representation did not engage of discussions of that kind, or at least one that he had heard of.
“I don't think nothing really got there after last season (2025-26) as well.”
The change of scenery has seemed to do Zellweger well, who has five points in 11 games thus far as part of the Sabres’ second defensive pair alongside Owen Power. He scored the game-winning goal on Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks.
“Every game counts as a new one,” he said. “It's not really what you've done, it’s more like what you're gonna provide for the team going forward. So I don’t think I look at it in that sense., more just kind of bringing my best effort every game and knowing that I'm gonna go there and play well.”
Oct 11, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros major league coach Jason Kanzler (41) fist bumps designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) during player introductions before game one of the ALDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Over the past couple of weeks, the Mariners’ search for a Dan Wilson replacement has heated up. A couple of names with connections to the division-rival Astros, Joe Espada and Jason Kanzler, have been at the forefront of the conversation. With rumors continuing to swirl on Tuesday morning, the LL staff Slack channel discussed their thoughts on the most recent developments. Join the discussion down in the comments! (And keep an eye out for added context in italicized parentheticals like this one -JJ). [Or Ed. notes like this one. -KP]
Grant Bronsdon: Adam Jude makes it sound like it’s just Espada and Kanzler in the mix as the two finalists.
(Grant posted a link to a Seattle Times report from Jude in which Espada and Kanzler are described as the two finalists for the job, having been scheduled for in-person interviews with the team.)
Ryan Blake: I like Espada fine enough.
Ben Thoen: I assume his 54% winning percentages in his two seasons prior to last have been referenced. But yeah, I agree, two division titles in three years, familiarity with our rival, and Spanish-speaking are all major pluses.
Zach Mason: Two AL West titles, though.
ZAM(referencing an excerpt from the report that states the Mariners could still talk to candidates with the Rays or Brewers after the World Series): Oh, shit! That’s Daniel Vogelbach’s music!
(At the time of the discussion, Vogelbach was still over 24 hours from becoming a World Series champion with the Brewers.)
Connor Donovan: I forget who wrote it (Chandler Rome?) but I read a profile on Espada after he was let go and came away thinking that he’d be another Dan re: managing the clubhouse and we all saw how that went this past year. Would just be pretty uninspiring, in my opinion.
[Ed. note: I think this is the piece Connor is referring to; Rome also did some radio hits and podcast appearances talking about Espada after he was let go.]
Evan James: Sure feels like they wanted Baldelli and outside of that they’ll have to settle. Shame, he was the only candidate with the native experience to communicate with Dom Canzone.
Ryan: I think Dan managed the clubhouse well and he shouldn’t have been fired, so Dan 2.0 is good with me, re: Espada.
Connor: I think the hands off approach worked fine in 2025 but this past year with guys playing hurt all the time among other things has convinced me that the team needs someone that can put their foot down a bit. I was also a bit of a Dan apologist but it clearly just wasn’t working. Besides, the minute a reliever gives up a run or a pinch hitter strikes out the usual voices will be screaming “fire Espada/Kanzler.”
Evan: Agreed, it’s Kanzler. Younger than me. He also sounds like a Pokemon, which is fun.
John Trupin: Kate, your point about [Nationals manager Blake] Butera that you expanded upon in the blurb is a big question mark here. The Nats seemed to have success with a roster that is super young and had no expectations. That’s not to say Kanzler couldn’t succeed here but it’s a distinct challenge.
Ryan: Every answer I’ve seen him give is a really long nothing-burger. To lead people we need to be people then lead ourselves first. Coding hobbyist is what I used to say when I didn’t know how to code. First meeting he better be asked to speak some Spanish.
Connor:
Kate Preusser: I would read the Athletic profile of Butera linked in the piece. I didn’t know a lot about Butera and I came away pretty impressed and confident in his ability to lead despite his age. It’s a different situation for sure but I don’t think youth is necessarily a problem. I actually think some enthusiastic cringe energy might be good. I also think there’s a chance there’s a secret candidate or two not being leaked but Kramer’s report citing internal sources felt pretty deflating about that.
Ryan: Arthur suggests Espada and Kanzler might both get hired and I don’t hate sticking Kanzler as bench coach assuming we have the vet as manager.
John: Ryan, I’m sorry I think you have explained somewhat but would you mind elucidating your scammer fears comprehensively?
ZAM: We call this management move PIOTS-baiting, and it’s not a tactic we should fall for. [Ed. note 1: “PIOTS” is shorthand for “Put It On The Site” i.e. move these discussions to where people can see them; Ed. note 2: haha.]
Ryan: The few quotes I’ve seen from him have been very long, jargonny, nothingness — he talks like Dipoto. Everything I can find about him screams stereotype millenial ladder climber. I just don’t think the players will respect it. I also think forgetting to scrub socials is a big deal. That’s a massive red flag for a job that’s like 90% image/media management. Maybe he winds up being fine but this is not a good start if it is indeed the Kanzler era.
Connor: It’s one thing if his posting was like, racist or problematic in other ways but it just seemed kinda cringe more than anything. Which yeah, it’s easy to poke fun at but ultimately it doesn’t matter if he’s cringe or not; what matters is that the players buy in. Which, to be fair, is no guarantee.
Kate: I think after Wilson being an energy vortex I am ready for the opposite, even if that energy is cringe millennial-hustle culture, that at least is a vision? And I could see a room full of very Baseball Player Dudes buying into that. That being said, I am writing up some under-the-radar candidates and I want Billy Boyer in this organization like yesterday.
Ryan: That is a fair take, Kate. I don’t know, I could see them laughing in his face or being like “whoa finally my people.”
Isabelle Minasian: Let the record show I am 100% with Ryan on Kanzler who, among other things, seems like a guy who has had raw milk at least once.
ZAM: I know it’s inarticulate to discuss vibes and point to expertise rather than arguing, but I have spent 14 years as a consumer protection lawyer, and Kanzler just really tingles my grifter Spidey sense. But that doesn’t mean it’s not what will work for the players whose jerseys we buy.
ZAM: But I am also just very dispirited that our two choices are both Astros people.
“At Buffalo, Kanzler became best friends and roommates with catcher Tom Murphy, now a prospect with the Colorado Rockies. Murphy and Kanzler became favorites of Buffalo coach Ron Torgalski.”
The discussion ended on a high note with Isabelle pointing out Kanzler’s connection to Murphy, the now-former Mariner. So, LL community, give us your thoughts! Are you satisfied with the Mariners’ managerial finalists? Do you prefer one to the other? Let us know in the comments below!
DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings have suspended Dylan Larkin without pay and taken him off the roster after they said he told the team he will no longer play for the franchise, growing frustrated by its inability to move him months after he asked for a trade.
“We are disappointed by his decision, particularly given his obligations to the organization and his teammates,” interim general manager Shawn Horcoff said in a statement Thursday, shortly before Detroit hosted Chicago.
Detroit coach Todd McLellan told reporters earlier in the day that Larkin would not play against the Blackhawks, adding that Horcoff was expected to address the move.
Larkin asked for a trade in the offseason after the franchise extended its postseason drought to a decade, but he started the season still on the team but stripped of the captaincy.
“We will continue to explore trade opportunities involving Dylan,” Horcoff said. “In addition to needing his approval, any trade must also be in the best interests of the Detroit Red Wings and support the organization’s long-term goals.
“I want to thank and commend our coaches and players for their continued focus, and being committed to competing every day.”
A message seeking comment was left with Larkin’s agent, Pat Brisson.
The 30-year-old center has two goals and six assists in 10 games, giving him 278 goals and 649 points in 818 games since making his debut with his hometown Red Wings during the 2015-16 season. Larkin, who is from Waterford, Michigan, was drafted by Detroit No. 15 overall in 2014 after playing for the Wolverines in college.
He was a key player for the United States when it won Olympic gold last February at the Milan Cortina Games.
After missing two games with an upper-body injury, he scored in his season debut — after being booed when he touched the puck on his first shift — to help Detroit beat Ottawa. He scored again on Monday night in a win at Edmonton.
Larkin has a full no-trade clause as part of his eight-year contract, which has five years remaining with an annual salary cap hit of $8.7 million. He initially told the Red Wings he would accept a trade to Florida, Minnesota and Vegas before reportedly adding more possibilities in recent weeks.
Nearly a month into the season, standout defenseman Simon Edvinsson remains unsigned as a restricted free agent. The 23-year-old Swede had nine goals and 25 points in 72 games last year, his second full season in the NHL. Detroit drafted him No. 6 overall in 2021 and he has 19 career goals and 60 points in 175 games.
In desperately need of good news two weeks ago, the Red Wings signed two-time All-Star forward Alex DeBrincat to a seven-year contract worth $13 million per season.
