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‘This window is upon us': Red Sox discuss offseason priorities after early exit

‘This window is upon us': Red Sox discuss offseason priorities after early exit originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Red Sox held their annual end-of-season press conference on Monday morning, discussing some of their key off-season priorities after making an early playoff exit.

Those speaking included President and CEO Sam Kennedy, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow and manager Alex Cora.

“I want to express huge thanks to our fans for giving us what was a great step in the right direction in 2025,” Kennedy said. “Our fans proved once again why they’re the best in baseball. You guys packed the house night in and night out… We never take that support for granted, we appreciate you guys and we’re excited for 2026. While we fell short of our ultimate goal this year, it was definitely a step in the right direction.”

Breslow echoed those comments, saying Fenway was “electric” this season.

“We’re sitting here in the first week of October, which means we didn’t accomplish what we set out to accomplish — a deep postseason run,” he added. “We fell short of that and I don’t think there’s any running from it or hiding from it. That shouldn’t diminish what the players did, what the staff did… There are a number of things we can point to as reasons for optimism.”

Cora reflected on what he said was one of the most fun groups of players he’s ever managed.

“I’m disappointed at the results — that’s not what I wanted — but as far as the overall season for me, I had a blast,” he said. “We really enjoyed it. I think this place made it special. To come here every single day and win here and to have the energy we had throughout the season, that was special.”

The Red Sox finished the season as the No. 5 seed in the American League, landing the second Wild Card spot. But they lost to the archrival New York Yankees 2-1 in the Wild Card series.

Still, the season was mostly viewed as a success, especially given the development of young players like Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer and the fact that the team hadn’t qualified for the playoffs since 2021.

Now, the speculation turns toward what the team will do in the offseason, including whether they will re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman, trade one of their four outfielders or sign a top-tier free agent starter to bolster their rotation.

Breslow said he was particularly impressed with the emergence of the organization’s pitching development pipeline this season, but said that won’t stop him from pursuing another front-line starter to augment a rotation led by ace Garrett Crochet.

“I think there are a few things we can point to — most significant is to remind ourselves that there’s no guarantee that we just pick up where we left off at the end of 2025, expecting everyone to take a step forward. That could allow us to be complacent… We’ve talked a lot about how this window is upon us.”

Breslow said one area to look at is improving the team’s defense, and another is hitting with runners in scoring position.

“But right now, we’ll kind of zoom out a little bit and take stock of where we are,” he said. “We’ll be open to all possible pathways to improving the team.”

Breslow was asked about the future of several key players — including Bregman, Trevor Story, Jarren Duran, Tristan Casas and Lucas Giolito — all of whom could move on or be traded this offseason. But he said it is too soon to discuss specifics.

As for whether the team has enough pitching, Breslow said there is always a need for more major league arms, as demonstrated this postseason.

“No one will sit in this seat and say there is enough pitching in the organization,” he said. “I think we saw that in the second half. We can list out pitchers that were on the IL, and it just means that depth is so critically important. When we talk about pursuing opportunities to improve the team, bringing in pitching is certainly one of them.”

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Tatum's ‘unprecedented' rehab, and more early thoughts from Celtics camp

Tatum's ‘unprecedented' rehab, and more early thoughts from Celtics camp originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The first week of the Boston Celtics’ 2025-26 season is in the rearview mirror after training camp officially began last Tuesday.

Some thoughts on the week’s biggest storylines with preseason games on the horizon: 

Tatum’s ‘unprecedented’ rehab

The night before the Boston Celtics huddled for Media Day, Jayson Tatum released a rather jarring video of his progress since Achilles surgery. Less than five months removed from the rupture, Tatum showcased his recent return to basketball workouts. 

We wondered if Tatum’s teammates, who have seen him grinding away in the weight room throughout the offseason, were as surprised as the rest of us.

“He looks like he’s going to be ready for opening night,” joked superstar running mate Jaylen Brown. “Just somebody with a crazy work ethic and passion for the game. So I’m not surprised.”

Even seeing Tatum’s relentless effort on a daily basis, his teammates still marveled at how far he’s come in a short time. A sampling of their reactions:

  • Xavier Tillman: “It is crazy impressive. I mean, I’m seeing this guy do like box jumps and stuff like that. And I’m like, ‘Huh!? What!?’”
  • Jordan Walsh: “I mean, the dude’s a machine. He’s recovering at a crazy rate.”
  • Josh Minott: “That’s inspiring, seeing his progression. I mean, they’re saying it’s like unprecedented.”
  • Derrick White: “It’s been impressive. Just goes to who he is and what type of worker he is.”
  • Sam Hauser: “To see him moving like that already is pretty special. And it’s just a credit to all the work he’s been doing behind the scenes, when there’s no cameras around. You watch the way he’s working, rehabbing, it makes you want to do a little extra.”
  • Payton Pritchard: “I already expected this from Jayson, to come back like this … I just never put things past certain people, and he’s one of those guys.”
  • Joe Mazzulla: “He’s done an amazing job just accepting the journey that he’s on … The work ethic that he’s put in, but also the mentality that he’s shown and the leadership that he’s shown in working and training, it’s second to none.”

Alas, Tatum’s accelerated rehab has caused issues for some inside the Auerbach Center.

“I was a little bit mad at [Tatum] a couple of weeks ago because all of a sudden his next step was he could use the treadmill and I like to use the treadmill,” said Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens. “And it just kind of felt like we were on the same timing. So I got kicked off the one machine that I can use in that whole building. 

“So I’m glad that he’s making strides and getting back on the court, for my own good.”

Slim Tillman ready for new season

Beyond Tatum’s prognosis, perhaps the most common question we fielded from Celtics fans throughout the offseason centered (pun fully intended) on how the Celtics would patch together their frontcourt after the departures of Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet. 

We’d tell the inquisitor about the opportunity in front of Neemias Queta. We’d talk about the additions of Luka Garza and Chris Boucher. We’d even note the addition of Amari Williams on a two-way contract. But we’d routinely forget to include Tillman in the conversation.

Even with an overstocked frontcourt last season, it was jarring that Tillman played just 231 minutes in 33 regular-season appearances. The same player who was a key role player for the 2024 title team after his midseason addition had become a bit of an afterthought.

Tillman’s knee balked for much of last season, leaving him unable to maximize the minutes he received. His playing time evaporated late in the season, and he logged just 35 total minutes after the All-Star break. 

Tillman came back to camp 12 pounds lighter and eager to remind people that he can be a key presence as an undersized and versatile big. Even without much playing time last season, he is one of Boston’s more experienced frontcourt players and should get every opportunity to reestablish himself. 

The center spot will be in the spotlight as the Celtics kick off preseason play this week with visits to Memphis (Tillman’s old stomping grounds) and Toronto (Boucher’s former home). 

Kevin DuCharme/NBC Sports Boston
Celtics big man Xavier Tillman lost 12 pounds this offseason as he aims to carve out a role in Boston’s frontcourt.

Harder, faster, stronger

Maybe it’s time to add Daft Punk to the TD Garden playlist, because so much of the talk around these Celtics in the first week of camp is how much harder and faster they yearn to play this season.

From the moment Boston completed its summer overhaul, the suggestion has been that the Celtics would mask some of that talent drain by simply holding the turbo button this season. Payton Pritchard sported a bloody gash on his neck after what he termed a “war”-like practice on Friday.

It’s not a coincidence that Boston aims to play harder and faster when the Pacers and Thunder were the last two teams standing last season. You need talent and skill, but those teams clearly benefited from an all-gas, no-brakes playing style. Now the Celtics will try to match with some sort of controlled intensity. 

The harder/faster hype kicked into overdrive when Walsh suggested the Celtics might go with full hockey subs in order to keep the energy level maximized. Mazzulla — and later Walsh — eventually walked back that idea. But the suggestion is undeniable: The Celtics plan to crank up the aggression to mask some of the skill that departed this summer.

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Tyler Skaggs' family and the Angels face off in a wrongful death civil trial worth millions

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs towels off before a game against the Minnesota Twins at Angel Stadium on May 11, 2018 in Anaheim.
The late Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs at Angel Stadium in 2018. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

More than four years after the family of deceased Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs filed a wrongful death suit against the Angels, jury selection will begin Monday in Orange County Superior Court.

Skaggs' widow Carli Skaggs and parents Debra Hetman and Darrell Skaggs stated in a court filing that they seek at least $210 million in lost earnings and damages. A lawyer for the Angels said in a pretrial hearing that the plaintiffs now seek a judgment of $1 billion, although the lead attorney representing the family said the number is an exaggeration.

The trial is expected to last several weeks. Pretrial discovery included more than 50 depositions and the witness list contains nearly 80 names.

Lawyers for the Skaggs family aim to establish that the Angels were responsible for the death of the 27-year-old left-handed pitcher on July 1, 2019, after he snorted crushed pills that contained fentanyl in a hotel room during a team road trip in Texas.

An autopsy concluded Skaggs accidentally died of asphyxia after aspirating his own vomit while under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone and alcohol.

Angels communications director Eric Kay provided Skaggs with counterfeit oxycodone pills that turned out to be laced with fentanyl and is serving 22 years in federal prison for his role in the death. Skaggs' lawyers will try to prove that other Angels employees knew Kay was providing opioids to Skaggs.

Read more:Tyler Skaggs' family sues Angels over pitcher's death

“The Angels owed Tyler Skaggs a duty to provide a safe place to work and play baseball,” the lawsuit said. “The Angels breached their duty when they allowed Kay, a drug addict, complete access to Tyler. The Angels also breached their duty when they allowed Kay to provide Tyler with dangerous illegal drugs. The Angels should have known Kay was dealing drugs to players. Tyler died as a result of the Angels’ breach of their duties.”

The Skaggs family planned to call numerous current and former Angels players as witnesses, including future Hall of Famers Mike Trout and Albert Pujols as well as pitcher Andrew Heaney — Skaggs' best friend on the team — in an attempt to show that Skaggs was a fully functioning major league pitcher and not an addict.

Pretrial filings and hearings indicated that the Angels were attempting to show that Skaggs was a longtime drug user who acquired pills from sources other than Kay. Skaggs' mother, Debbie Hetman, testified during Kay's 2022 criminal trial that her son admitted he had an “issue” with oxycodone as far back as 2013.

Hetman said her son quit "cold turkey" but she testified the addiction remained enough of a concern that Skaggs wasn’t prescribed opioids after undergoing Tommy John surgery in August 2014.

Judge H. Shaina Colover dashed a key Angels defense strategy when she ruled that Kay’s criminal conviction could not be disputed during the civil trial. Angels attorney Todd Theodora contended that new evidence indicated Skaggs died of a “cardiac arrhythmia, second to the fact that Tyler had 10 to 15 drinks in him, coupled with the oxycodone, for which Angels baseball is not responsible.”

Read more:Eric Kay found guilty of supplying drugs that led to death of Angels' Tyler Skaggs

Theodora said that if the Angels could prove Kay was not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, neither Kay nor the team would be culpable in Skaggs’ death. Colover, however, ruled that Kay's "conviction, based on applicable law and facts, was final." Kay's appeal was denied in federal court in November 2023.

Pretrial depositions of Angels players and support personnel provided a rare glimpse into the rowdy, often profane culture of a major league clubhouse.

Angels clubhouse attendants testified that Kay participated in stunts such as purposely taking an 85-mph fastball off his knee in the batting cage, having a pitcher throw a football at his face from short range, eating a bug and eating pimples off the back of Trout.

Tim Mead, the Angels longtime vice president of communication and Kay's supervisor, acknowledged as much in his deposition, saying, "If you try to describe a clubhouse or a locker room in professional sports, or even college, and probably even the military in terms, and try to equate it to how we see — how this law firm is run or a corporation is run, you know, unfortunately, there's not lot of comparison.... There's a lot of fun, there's a lot of release."

And a lot of painkillers. Former Angels players Matt Harvey, C.J. Cron, Mike Morin and Cam Bedrosian testified at Kay's trial that he distributed blue 30 milligram oxycodone pills to them at Angel Stadium. Skaggs, testimony revealed, was a particularly frequent customer.

Read more:Tyler Skaggs' death revisited as MLB partners with White House to reduce opioid overdoses

Testimony established that Kay was also a longtime user of oxycodone and that the Angels knew it. In a filing, the Skaggs family showed evidence that Angels team physician Craig Milhouse prescribed Kay Hydrocodone 15 times from 2009 to 2012. The Skaggs family also plans to call Trout, who according to the deposition of former Angels clubhouse attendant Kris Constanti, offered to pay for Kay’s drug rehabilitation in 2018.

Skaggs was a top prospect coming out of Santa Monica High in 2009, and the Angels made him their first-round draft pick. He was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks a year later and made his major league debut with them in 2012.

Traded back to the Angels in 2014, Skaggs made the starting rotation, where he remained when not battling injuries until his death. His numbers were rather ordinary, a 28-38 win-loss record with a 4.41 earned-run average in 96 career starts, but his lawyers pointed to his youth and the escalating salaries given to starting pitchers in asking for a jury award of at least $210 million and as much as $785 million.

Skaggs earned $9.2 million — including $3.7 million in 2019 — and would have become a free agent after the 2020 season. Effective starting pitchers at a similar age and comparable performance can command multi-year contracts of $100 million or more.

Skaggs' death prompted MLB to begin testing for opioids and cocaine in 2020, but only players who do not cooperate with their treatment plans are subject to discipline. Marijuana was removed from the list of drugs of abuse and is treated the same as alcohol.

MLB emergency medical procedures now require that naloxone be stored in clubhouses, weight rooms, dugouts and umpire dressing rooms at all ballparks. Naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, is an antidote for opioid poisoning.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Safest Fantasy Basketball Players to Draft in 2025: All-Floor Teams & Rankings

Every fantasy basketball championship is built on consistency. While chasing high-upside breakouts can be tempting, the safest fantasy basketball players to draft in 2025 are those who deliver reliable production night after night. These high-floor NBA picks combine excellent per-game averages with proven durability—giving you the stable foundation every winning roster needs. In this guide, we reveal our three All-Floor teams featuring the most dependable fantasy producers for the 2025 season, from elite guards like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to dominant big men like Nikola Jokic.

First Team All-Floor

Guard: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

The 2025 MVP is versatile on both sides of the ball and can rack up fantasy totals quickly. He's a three-level scorer who is especially adept at drawing fouls, which result in additional trips to the charity stripe. He's also very durable, with only 13 missed games over the past two seasons.

Guard: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Edwards is the offensive centerpiece of the Timberwolves and has a talented supporting cast around him. He's a dynamic player who makes highlight-reel-worthy plays on a nightly basis. Although he takes abuse when he slashes inside and draws a lot of attention from opposing defenses, Edwards has played 72-plus games over the last four seasons.

Forward: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

Although he underwent knee surgery in the offseason, a breakout campaign could be in store for Brown. He's the heir to the throne of Boston's offense with Jayson Tatum out until April at the earliest, and he'll have little competition at the wing once he's back to 100 percent. He's missed a few more games than other people on the first team, but his tremendous upside earns him a spot.

Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis is a nightly double-double threat and is arguably one of the most dynamic players in the league. He can burn you on both sides of the ball, and the only knock on his game is his work at the free-throw line. He can play hurt and only misses games in the most extreme circumstances.

Center: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Jokic's inclusion in the first team is no surprise. Jokic will pop with triple-doubles almost every week, and few players in the league can match his prolific numbers. He can spur the Nuggets to victory through sheer will, and it's a miracle that he's stayed healthy throughout most of his career despite his tremendous volume. He's missed only 15 games over the past two seasons.

Second Team All-Floor

Guard: Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers

In the past, Doncic's lack of conditioning and overall fitness have been a concern, but it appears he's taken steps to correct that narrative in the offseason. According to reports, he has shed several pounds and is in the best shape of his career. With LeBron James nearing retirement, Doncic is poised to take the reins of LA's offense, and he's already made an impact since joining the team last February. Like Jokic, he has triple-double potential whenever he takes the floor and is a dream addition to any fantasy squad.

Guard: Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks

Although the recent hiring of Mike Brown might alter the offensive scheme for the Knicks, it shouldn't adversely affect Brunson. He's one of the most productive and consistent guards in the league, and he's coming off a career season where he was the driving force behind New York's playoff run. He's been impacted by injuries in the past, but he's averaged 70 games over his three-year tenure with the Knicks.

Forward: Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

Mobley could be one of the most underrated players in the league, but he won't fly under the radar with us. Although he was limited by injury during the 2023-24 season, he's been very durable otherwise. He matches his excellent attendance with a superior interior game and the ability to stretch the floor with adept mid-range shooting. He'll often finish with a double-double and will rarely disappoint.

Forward: Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers

Siakam had a very productive 2024-25 season and was typically the team's top scorer. With Tyrese Haliburton out and Myles Turner off to Milwaukee, Siakam should be the offensive centerpiece for a squad that will need Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard to step up. There's little doubt that Siakam's role will expand, and he's managed to remain injury-free for the past four seasons.

Center: Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

There were some initial concerns about Wembanyama's durability after an injury torpedoed his rookie campaign, but he silenced the critics by appearing in 71 games last season. Wembanyama is one of those generational players whose upside is uncapped, and he should have one of the highest floors on this list. Nikola Jokic was the only barrier keeping him from first-team honors.

Third Team All-Floor

Guard: Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Young is the definition of consistency, as the talented point guard continues to churn out a high floor nightly for the Hawks. He had some injury struggles during the 2023-24 season, but he's usually good for at least 70 games. Young is an adept dime-dropper who can put up double-doubles with regularity, and Dyson Daniels' presence on the floor has helped to boost Young's production. 

Guard: Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

With Kevin Durant off to Houston, all eyes will be on Booker as the unquestioned leader in Phoenix. He's one of the best shooting guards in the league and is a productive multi-category fantasy threat. He's capable of enormous totals, and we will probably see more than a few 40-point explosions in the new offensive scheme. Although such upside is his best asset, his floor is very dependable and invaluable.

Forward: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

Orlando will be a team to watch this season as they add Desmond Bane to the starting lineup, and Banchero will continue to be the team's top offensive option. Although he flies under the radar a bit due to the small market, he's deserving of a second-team spot. He can rack up rebounds and points regularly, and although his 2024-25 season was thwarted by an oblique injury, he's only 22 and is just beginning to come into his own. Banchero is still developing and has some shooting issues he needs to fix, but his sheer volume will make up for the deficiency.

Forward: Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors

Barnes is the offensive engine for the Raptors, who are finally starting to put together a competitive roster. The team depends on consistent fantasy production from Barnes, and he almost always delivers. While he's had some injury setbacks over the past two seasons, it's easy to forget that he just turned 24 in August, and his body should be able to handle the volume. While we value durability, his nightly contributions were strong enough to merit an addition to the third team. His thumb injury appears to be behind him, and he should be ready to go for the regular season.

Center: Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings

Sabonis doesn't get the attention he deserves. Two seasons ago, the center actually outdueled Nikola Jokic for the highest triple-double total, and he nearly repeated that feat last season. He displays MVP-level production without getting any votes for the crown, but that could change if Sacramento's playoff chances improve. A triple-double is a regular occurrence for Sabonis, and he's proven to be very durable. He's only missed 15 games over the past three seasons.

Honorable Mentions

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

Derrick White, Boston Celtics

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Big Z's moment: Bruins to retire Zdeno Chara's number on Jan. 15

Big Z's moment: Bruins to retire Zdeno Chara's number on Jan. 15 originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Bruins announced Monday that they will retire former captain and longtime defenseman Zdeno Chara’s No. 33 in a ceremony on Jan. 15, 2026, at the TD Garden.

The number retirement ceremony will be held prior to the team’s game against the Seattle Kraken, currently scheduled for 7 p.m. The team said additional details, including doors open time, fan activations, ceremony start time, and broadcast information, will be shared closer to the date.

Tickets to the game are available to purchase at bostonbruins.com/tickets. All-inclusive suite rental options that accommodate 18-240 guests are also available at bostonbruins.com/suiterentals.

“It is truly beyond words to see my jersey, number 33, raised to the rafters at TD Garden,” Chara said in a statement released by the team. “This honor is greater than anything I could have imagined when I first came to Boston. I am forever grateful to the Bruins organization for trusting me to lead, to all my teammates past and present, to the fans whose passion and energy made Boston feel like home, and to my family who made everything possible. This moment is not just mine – it belongs to all of us.”

Chara will address the media at TD Garden on Tuesday, at 10 a.m. ET.

“The Rafters are a fitting home for 33, because there will never be another Zdeno Chara,” said Jeremy M. Jacobs, Bruins owner and governor. “From his skill, size and physical dominance on the ice, to his leadership in the locker room and impact on the Boston community, Zee is a legend of the game and the ultimate Bruin.” 

“There is no greater embodiment of what it means to be a Boston Bruin than Zdeno Chara,” Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs added. “Zdeno brought a special brand of leadership to the Boston Bruins by challenging and empowering his teammates every day. Over his 14 years as a captain, Zdeno helped define Boston Bruins hockey with his drive for on-ice excellence and sportsmanship, along with his off-ice commitment to serve the greater Boston community.”

“From the moment he arrived in Boston in 2006, Zdeno Chara brought with him an unmatched presence, combining size, strength, and skill with a leadership style that elevated everyone around him,” Bruins President Cam Neely said. “Zdeno set the standard with his professionalism, his legendary work ethic and his fierce competitiveness, and he did it all while representing our organization with the utmost class. As someone who has experienced what it means to have your number hanging in the rafters, I can say without a doubt that Zdeno’s No. 33 belongs there. It will serve as a permanent reminder of his place as one of the greatest Bruins of all time.”

Chara’s No. 33 will be the 13th number retired by the organization and the first to be raised to the rafters since Willie O’Ree’s No. 22 was retired in January 2022. He will be the first European player to have his number retired by the Bruins.

Other retired numbers by the Bruins include 16 (Rick Middleton, 2018), 8 (Cam Neely, 2004), 24 (Terry O’Reilly, 2002), 77 (Ray Bourque, 2001), 7 (Phil Esposito, 1987), 9 (Johnny Bucyk, 1980), 4 (Bobby Orr, 1979), 15 (Milt Schmidt, 1956), 2 (Eddie Shore, 1947), 5 (Aubrey “Dit” Clapper, 1947) and 3 (Lionel Hitchman, 1934).

Chara retired from the NHL in September 2022, signing a one-day contract with the Bruins. The Slovakia native was originally selected by the New York Islanders in the third round of the 1996 draft. He signed with Boston in July 2006 and served as team captain for the entirety of his 14-year stint in Boston, making him the second-longest tenured captain in club history behind Ray Bourque.

The 6-foot-9 defenseman appeared in 1,023 career games with Boston, totaling 148 goals and 333 assists for 481 points. He ranks eighth in franchise history in games played and third in goals, assists, points, power play goals (69), shorthanded points (19) and average ice time per game (24:29) by a defenseman.

Chara won the Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011, becoming the first captain to bring a Stanley Cup to Boston since 1972. He appeared in two additional Stanley Cup Final series with the Bruins (2013, 2019) and finished his career with 18 goals and 52 assists for 70 points in 200 playoff games.

In his 14 seasons with the Boston, Chara led the Bruins to the postseason 11 times. His 14 Game 7 appearances are tied with Patrice Bergeron for the most by an NHL player.

Chara was the recipient of several individual accolades in his playing career. He won the Norris Trophy in 2008-09, awarded annually to the league’s top defenseman. He was also the recipient of the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2010-11 for his exemplary leadership both on and off the ice. Chara was named to the NHL First-All Star Team three times (2014, 2009, 2004), the NHL Second All-Star Team four times (2012, 2011, 2008, 2006) and was a six-time participant in the NHL All-Star Game (2012, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2003).

Over the course of his 24-year NHL career, he played in 1,680 games with the New York Islanders, Washington, Boston and Ottawa, totaling 209 goals and 471 assists for 680 points with a plus-301 rating. He holds the NHL record for most games played by a defenseman and ranks seventh among all skaters in games played.

Chara was inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Hall of Fame in 2025. He was also elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Chara currently serves as a Hockey Operations Advisor and Mentor for the Bruins.

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Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action

Mason Mount shows his worth, Oliver Glasner makes no excuses and Chelsea find a new defensive duo

Elliot Anderson spent much of Nottingham Forest’s 2-0 defeat on Tyneside reminding Eddie Howe how much he lost when Premier League spending rules demanded that the midfielder be sold to fend off the threat of a points deduction. That was back in the summer of 2024 and Anderson, now an England international, has rarely looked back since joining Forest. For much of the first half he eclipsed even Sandro Tonali and, overall, was comfortably Ange Postecoglou’s best player. Yet Anderson is human and when his loose pass offered Bruno Guimarães an opening, his subsequent attempt at a recovery tackle was mistimed and sent Guimarães crashing in the area. The Brazilian had already shot Newcastle ahead from 25 yards and from the spot Nick Woltemade scored his fourth goal in five starts. Tellingly, at the final whistle both Postecoglou and Howe made concerted efforts to console Anderson. If Forest’s manager is to survive and then thrive at Forest he will inevitably be heavily dependent on Anderson’s talent. Howe, meanwhile, would love to buy the Newcastle academy graduate back. Should Forest, with or without Postecoglou, continue to founder Newcastle may yet be in with a chance. Louise Taylor

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Yankees' Max Fried credits Blue Jays for 'really good approach' against him in loss

Max Fried has made two starts for the Yankees this postseason and they both couldn't have gone more different.

After 6.1 scoreless innings against the Red Sox in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, the left-hander returned for Game 2 of the ALDS against the Blue Jays and allowed seven earned runs in 3.0+ innings.

The poor performance put New York in a tough spot, both in the game and also the series as they return to Yankee Stadium on the verge of elimination.

"They obviously had a really good approach," Fried said. "They were on a lot of my pitches and credit to them. I didn’t get it done and it’s frustrating, especially coming out in a game like this and needed to have a good one."

Following the embarrassing Game 1 loss on Saturday, New York and Fried were hoping to get some revenge on Sunday. However, it was just more of the same with Toronto scoring 13 runs on 15 hits a day after it put up 10 runs on 14 hits.

As for the Yankees' offense, it couldn't figure out Blue Jays rookie starter Trey Yesavage who blanked New York over 5.1 hitless innings while striking out 11. It was only after Yesavage left the game when the Yanks were able to score, pushing across seven runs in the sixth and seventh innings. 

Of course, the late burst of offense wasn't enough with the damage already done, but it was a good sign after New York managed to score just once on Saturday.

"Yeah it was tough," said Aaron Judge about Yesavage. "First time seeing him. He was making his pitches, kinda keeping us in between a little bit there all night. We kinda got it going there late, but at that point it’s a little too late. We saw him now, take it back home and we’ve been playing with our backs against the wall all year long so it’s nothing new for us."

The Yankees will now need to win three in a row to advance to the ALCS. That daunting task will start on Tuesday with Carlos Rodón on the hill.

As for Fried, the team will still need to rely on him if it does end up pushing the series to a Game 5. If that's the case, Fried, who has been New York's ace all season, will be ready.

"We’re a good team," Fried said. "Two games doesn’t mean anything. We still have the ability to go out there and win three in a row and win the series so we still gotta believe."

Manager Aaron Boone is also optimistic about his team's chances despite facing elimination. 

"Baseball’s a funny game," he said. "I know we’ll show up and be ready to go expecting to win Tuesday night. Obviously feels like the world is caving in around you and you lose two games like that in their building where it doesn’t go right, but all of a sudden you go out there and win a ballgame on Tuesday, the needle can change. 

"There’s been a lot of weird things that have happened in baseball this year, this would not be the weirdest, us rallying.

To the Yankees credit, they staved off elimination twice in the Wild Card Series against Boston after losing Game 1 (and wasting Fried's gem). Now they'll have to do it three more times against another division rival who has had their number this year (9-5; 7-1 at home).

The good news? New York went 4-2 against Toronto at Yankee Stadium this season and has historically played well against the Blue Jays at home.

"We got experience," Judge said. "We got guys in here who’ve been to the World Series, in some tough moments, backs up against the wall, especially all season long so we just gotta show up and do our thing."

"We’re ready to go," Fried said. "Obviously had a rough showing here and obviously we’d rather be up 2-0 than down 2-0, but we have a lot of faith in this club and if there’s anyone who can win three in a row, we did down the stretch and we believe in each other here."

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New Defenseman Ready To Bring 'Good Habits' To Pittsburgh

New Pittsburgh Penguins' defenseman Caleb Jones may have suited up for the Los Angeles Kings' organization last season prior to becoming an unrestricted free agent. But, oddly enough, he found himself training with some players from a different organization this summer.

And what better guys to train with in the National Hockey League right now than the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers?

Caleb, 28, is the younger brother of Seth Jones, 31, who was dealt from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Panthers prior to the 2025 trade deadline. It just so happens that Seth arrived at the perfect time, as he was an instrumental part of Florida's 2025 run and put up four goals, nine points, and a plus-11 rating in 23 playoff games for the Cats.

During that playoff run, Caleb was in town, too, to watch his brother play on the NHL's biggest stage - and to learn a few pointers from some of the very best the league has to offer.

"It was a great experience for me to see those guys," Caleb said. "They’re obviously the champs, and everyone’s trying to chase them right now and see their work ethic and their mindset every day.

"I think that’s why I’ve had a really good camp. I was able to be down there with those guys and learn a lot of good habits, and kind of just put them into myself and bring them here.”

Of course, that 'here' is in Pittsburgh, where he signed a two-year, $1.8 million contract this summer. 

Former Penguins' Defenseman Signs New Deal With BlackhawksFormer Penguins' Defenseman Signs New Deal With BlackhawksAfter an offseason of uncertainty, a former Pittsburgh Penguins' defenseman finally has a home for the 2025-26 season.

Jones was drafted in the fourth round (117th overall) by the Edmonton Oilers - ironically, the team that Florida beat in the Final for the second consecutive season - and spent the first three seasons of his NHL career there. Sure enough, he spent the next two seasons with the Blackhawks, which happened to fall within the same timeline as Seth being with the organization.

Caleb has relished the opportunity to go through the experience of NHL hockey with his brother and best friend, and he especially enjoyed those two years.

“It’s been pretty cool," Caleb said. "We’ve trained together every summer since I turned about 20. And, obviously, getting the chance to play with him for a couple years in Chicago, that was really special. When you’re kinda in the moment, you don’t realize - you lose sight of, like, how actually cool that is... and then, once you’re done doing it, you’re like, ‘Wow, that was an awesome experience.’"

Mar 6, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Jason Dickinson (17), forward Anders Bjork (24), defenseman Caleb Jones (82) and forward Andreas Athanasiou (89) celebrate with defenseman Seth Jones (4) after Seth Jones scored his second goal of the second period against the Ottawa Senators at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

But now - after a stint with the Colorado Avalanche in 2023-24 and the one in L.A. last season - he's found a new home in Pittsburgh, and he's ready to bring some of those "good habits" to the black and gold. For much of training camp, he has been paired alongside Penguins' veteran defenseman Kris Letang, and it's a combination that has stuck, even as the rosters were trimmed down to 23 on Saturday.

Of course, Jones is aware of the strengths in his own game. But he's making sure to pick the brain of, arguably, the greatest Penguins' defenseman of all-time.

“It’s been awesome," Jones said. "I’ve been with him every day so far, and he’s obviously done a lot of great things in the league, knows a lot of tricks, and kinda has that veteran savvy to him. So, you kind of just try to take as much information from him as he gives you and, at the same time, just have confidence in yourself... trust yourself and your game and just try to play well with him. That’s all it is.”

And Jones is fairly confident in the defining qualities of his game. The 6-foot-1, 184-pound blueliner brings an element of speed to the Penguins' defensive corps, and he contributes a little bit of everything, bringing a defensive conscience while also aiding in the transition game and chipping in on offense occasionally. 

Penguins' Pre-Season: Surprising Cuts Made, Two Top Prospects Likely To Start In NHLPenguins' Pre-Season: Surprising Cuts Made, Two Top Prospects Likely To Start In NHLAfter a grueling training camp that included a successful 5-1-1 pre-season, the Pittsburgh Penguins' roster appears to be set for the 2025-26 season.

“I’m playing with a lot of energy, playing with a strong gap, and kind of just using my skating to disrupt plays and move the puck and join the rush," Jones said. "Getting a chance on the PP, PK... I’ve been in those roles. So, you try to just be solid and try to have the coaches’ trust. I’ve gotten good feedback through [camp], so I'm just trying to stay energized and keep my confidence high, and do my thing.”

Of course, there will be a bit of a battle for playing time on a crowded Penguins' blue line. It appears the team is opting to carry eight defensemen - one of them being top prospect Harrison Brunicke, who figures to get some runway on the right side along with Erik Karlsson and Letang. 

That means right-shot guys like Connor Clifton and Matt Dumba will, likely, be faced with some time on their off-side, potentially leaving little margin for error for the left-side blueliners in Jones, Parker Wotherspoon, and Ryan Shea. 

Jones is aware of the competition within team walls, even as he's felt extremely welcomed by the organization and his teammates. But he is focused on his game, his strengths, and bringing some of those champion habits he pried from Florida - as well as from some of the longstanding veterans in his current locker room - to the rink on a daily basis. 

"I'm just trying to keep going day by day," he said. "And I'll keep trying to do something a little better every day.”

Penguins Defensive Prospect Set To Start 2025-26 Season In ECHLPenguins Defensive Prospect Set To Start 2025-26 Season In ECHLPittsburgh Penguins defensive prospect Emil Pieniniemi won't be in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton to start the 2025-26 season.

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Julio Rodríguez lifts Mariners over Tigers 3-2, Seattle takes Game 2 of ALDS to even series

SEATTLE (AP) — Julio Rodríguez hit a tiebreaking RBI double in the eighth inning and the Seattle Mariners beat the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in Game 2 of their AL Division Series on Sunday to even the series.

With the game knotted at 2-2 and one out in the bottom of the eighth inning, AL MVP candidate Cal Raleigh doubled with one out. Shortly after, Rodríguez doubled home Raleigh to put the Mariners in front for good.

Closer Andrès Muñoz retired the Tigers in order for the save one night after throwing two innings in a 3-2 loss in 11 innings.

Jorge Polanco homered twice for Seattle.

After going scoreless against Seattle starter Luis Castillo and three Mariners relievers, the Tigers tied the game against Matt Brash in the top of the eighth.

Gleyber Torres worked a leadoff walk, and Riley Greene reached on a fielder’s choice that was misfielded by Seattle first baseman Josh Naylor for an error. Spencer Torkelson followed up with a double into the right-field corner to tie the score at 2-2.

Seattle regained the lead in the bottom of the inning.

Raleigh, who led the majors in home runs this season with 60, lined Kyle Finnegan’s pitch into the right-field corner and slid headfirst into second base. Rodríguez followed with a double of his own, sending the sellout crowd of 47,431 at T-Mobile Park into a frenzy.

Polanco got the Mariners on the board with a one-out solo homer over the wall in left center field in the bottom of the fourth inning. He added another one off reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal with two outs in the sixth.

Polanco became the fourth Mariners player with a multi-homer game in the postseason, joining Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez and Jay Buhner, who all accomplished the feat in 1995.

Skubal, who struck out 14 batters to set the AL record for most strikeouts in a postseason game by a left-handed starter while beating Cleveland in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, fanned nine across seven innings on Sunday. He limited the Mariners to five hits and walked one.

Castillo, meanwhile, maneuvered through 4 2/3 scoreless innings. In the fifth, he surrendered his first hit of the game, a two-out single by Gleyber Torres that put runners on the corners. But left-hander Gabe Speier was summoned to face Game 1 hero Kerry Carpenter and struck him out to end the inning.

Castillo now has a 1.49 career postseason ERA, having given up four earned runs and 18 hits in 24 1/3 innings while striking out 22 and walking five.

Up Next

RHP Logan Gilbert starts for Seattle in Game 3 against Tigers RHP Jack Flaherty. Gilbert has one game of postseason experience, having lost Game 1 of the 2022 ALDS against the Astros in Houston. Flaherty is 5-3 with a 5.05 ERA in 11 postseason games.

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With their big three out, Lakers work on 'championship habits' against Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles.
Lakers guard Bronny James, right, drives on Golden State star Stephen Curry during the Lakers' 111-103 preseason loss to the Warriors at Chase Center on Sunday. James finished with five points and three rebounds in 23 minutes. (Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)

The Lakers entered training camp with hopes of finally establishing chemistry between stars Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves. But the trio have yet to see the court together. On Sunday, they all stayed on the bench during the Lakers’ 111-103 loss to the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.

With Doncic (rest) and James (glute) already out, Reaves was rested Sunday after an already full first week of training camp. The fifth-year guard had the highest workload on the team entering the first preseason game that took place after three days of practice. He scored 20 points against the Phoenix Suns as one of the few offensive bright spots in Friday’s blowout loss.

Without their top offensive playmakers, the Lakers got a lift from guard Gabe Vincent, who made his preseason debut after nursing a knee injury. He had 16 points and five assists while center Deandre Ayton, who scored just one point on two shots in Friday’s preseason game, scored seven points, all in the first quarter, with seven rebounds.

Read more:Why Luka Doncic didn't play in Lakers' preseason opener against Suns

“We came with more intention,” Vincent said compared to the Lakers’ 103-81 loss to the Suns on Friday. “We were more focused. Obviously it's different with those three not playing. They're a huge part of our team and everything that we do. But next man up.”

After their first two preseason games, the Lakers have one week of practice until their first home preseason game against the Warriors on Oct. 12. Coach JJ Redick said that although Doncic was scheduled to rest for the first two preseason games after he played in EuroBasket with his national team, the Slovenian superstar is still expected to play before the team officially opens its season on Oct. 21. The Lakers have four preseason games remaining.

Whether James, who was held out of early training camp practices because of nerve irritation in his glute, will play in the preseason remains to be seen. Entering an unprecedented 23rd NBA season, James is on a slower ramp-up schedule than previous years, Redick said.

The Warriors took a similarly cautious approach with their aging superstars as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler III and Al Horford were all limited to one half. The 37-year-old Curry still scored 14 points in 15 minutes, draining five of seven shots from the field and drawing loud cheers from a nearly full Chase Center crowd when he laid up an acrobatic shot through contact and pointed two finger guns into the ESPN baseline camera.

Redick called it a challenge to get a proper evaluation of his team in a 48-minute preseason game when his top three stars are out, but after Friday’s preseason opener, he was looking for better organization on offense early in the shot clock, playing with pace and more physicality.

“We've got to be more physical getting open,” Redick said before the game. “We've got to be more physical with our screening. That doesn't change based on who's in the lineup, so that habit, we can build that.”

“Championship habits” is one of three pillars Redick has preached relentlessly during training camp, along with championship communication and championship shape. He said he would judge the latter in part by whether players are sprinting back on defense.

The Lakers were outscored 23-5 in transition Sunday and 42-11 through two preseason games.

With the exception of a 10-0 Warriors run to end the second quarter and a nearly six-minute stretch to begin the third quarter during which Golden State pushed a seven-point halftime lead into a 23-point rout, Redick said the overall competitiveness was “much better” than against Phoenix. But the next challenge will be to put forth that effort consistently. 

It follows a recent theme Redick introduced to the team: Kaizen, the Japanese word for improvement.  

“It's just getting 1% better each day,” said forward Jake LaRavia, who had 10 points and three assists. “And that goes along with just winning the day. We thought when we played Phoenix, we didn't. Today, we thought we did a good amount better, obviously, still not the result that we wanted, but we're working in the right direction.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Knicks reportedly shopping Pacome Dadiet so they can keep both Brogdon, Shamet

From the moment the Knicks signed Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon, it was clear another move was coming. The Knicks are hard-capped at the second apron and cannot keep the two guards without trading someone else away to create cap room.

That person may be Pacome Dadiet, reports Jake Fischer at The Stein Line.

"The focus for that trade has been on former first-round pick Pacome Dadiet ever since the Knicks signed the two veterans to Exhibit 9 contracts. Sources tell The Stein Line that Knicks, in fact, have indeed already called several teams to gauge interest in Dadiet."

Dadiet was a first-round pick of the Knicks a year ago, a developmental project on the wing who appeared in just 18 games for New York. Dadiet showed flashes in the Knicks' opener at the Las Vegas Summer League, scoring 17 points, but he only played in a couple of games and had a foot issue.

Dadiet is set to make $2.8 million this season, and the Knicks have yet to pick up the team options on the next two years. There are teams willing to take a flyer on Dadiet at that price, but they will likely squeeze the Knicks for a second-round pick since they are taking on the salary.

If the Knicks can't find a trade for Dadiet or another player, they will have to let one of Brogdon or Shamet go before the season starts.