Posts

Posted on

The Forgotten Time the Flames Traded for Oilers Legend Grant Fuhr

On September 4, 1999, the Calgary Flames added one of their biggest rivals to their lineup by acquiring former Edmonton Oilers legend Grant Fuhr from the St. Louis Blues. Flames fans who grew up in the 1980s suffered through countless losses at the hands of the Spruce Grove, Alberta, native who would lead the Oilers to five Stanley Cup titles that decade. 

Fuhr debuted with the Oilers in 1981 and spent 10 years with his hometown club, becoming arguably their greatest goalie. He eventually left in 1991 to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs before a brief stint with the Buffalo Sabres. 

As a free agent, Fuhr signed with the Blues on July 14, 1995, and during his first season, he would go on to set one of the NHL's most unbreakable records, playing in 79 games. That year, he missed only three games and went 30-28-16, leading the league in games played, ties, shots faced, and saves. 

Over four seasons, Fuhr compiled a 108-87-41 record with St. Louis in 249 games, the longest time he spent with any club besides the Oilers. In 1998-99, at 36, he played 39 games and went 16-11-8, while the Blues lost in the second round; Fuhr went 6-6 in the playoffs. 

Meanwhile, in Calgary, the Flames rotated through six goalies that season, including Fred Brathwaite, Ken Wreggret, Tyler Moss, Andrei Trefilov, Tyrone Garner, and future Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jean-Sébastien Giguère. They finished 30-40-12, third in the Northwest Division, and missed the playoffs. 

Flames Acquire 37-year-old Fuhr on September 4

To revamp their goaltending situation, the Flames acquired Fuhr from the Blues in exchange for a third-round pick in 2000. Coincidentally, Fuhr reunited with former Oilers teammate Steve Smith, who became Calgary's captain in 1999-2000. 

Flames fans will always be thankful for Smith, who accidentally scored on Fuhr in Game 7 of the 1986 Smythe Division Finals, ultimately resulting in the Oilers' quest for a three-peat ending with that third-period own goal. 

Unfortunately, Fuhr's return to Alberta would produce the worst statistical campaign of his career. In only 23 games, he'd earn a 5-13-2 record with a career-low .856 SV%. The Flames also had a worse record than the previous year, going 31-36-10-5 and finishing fourth in the Northwest Division.

Fuhr's last NHL appearance came on April 8, 2000, at the Saddledome against the Oilers in a 6-3 loss. He didn't start the game, but played 18:17 in relief and finished with a .714 SV%, stopping five of seven shots. The last goal he surrendered came off the stick of Doug Weight, who scored at 14:42 of the third period. 

In the deal that brought Fuhr to Calgary, the Blues received a third-round pick, which they used to select Justin Papineau, 75th overall. He played a total of 81 NHL games between the Blues and the New York Islanders, scoring 11 goals and 19 points. Papineau scored his first NHL goal against the Oilers on February 27, 2003, and played his final NHL game on April 4, 2004, against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Overall, the late 1990s and early 2000s were not a great time to be a goalie with the Flames, as they transitioned from Mike Vernon to Miikka Kiprusoff. They brought Fuhr in based on his reputation, but at 37, he didn't have much left in the tank. Unfortunately, the experiment didn't work out, and his Hall of Fame career ended on Saddledome ice. 

Image
Posted on

Spurs announcer back with team after allegation of affair with player’s sister

A man in a blue patterned shirt and an earpiece holds a microphone with an American flag logo, smiling during the Oklahoma City Thunder v San Antonio Spurs game.
Jacob Tobey performs the national anthem before the game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Four of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 24, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Less than two months after losing his job as the Spurs’ play-by-play announcer following accusations of an affair with a relative of a San Antonio player, Jacob Tobey is back in the booth.

Tobey announced Friday that he is returning to the Spurs’ broadcast, acknowledging that he still has work to do to rebuild trust within the organization and community.

“I thank the Spurs for allowing me time to step away to sort out issues in my personal life,” he wrote on X. “I understand that I will have to regain trust within the organization and across our community, a community where I will continue to be present with enthusiasm and passion. I believe I have the best job in the world and am thrilled to be able to continue as the team’s play-by-play announcer.”

Jacob Tobey, Avery Johnson and Sean Elliott pose for a photo before the game between the Sacramento Kings and the San Antonio Spurs on Feb. 21, 2026, at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images

In July, an Instagram Story was posted on Tobey’s account alleging that he had cheated on his girlfriend with Loren Waters, who is the sister of Spurs guard Lindy Waters III. 

“This is my girlfriend of six years,” the post read. “But I cheated on her with Loren Waters. So feel free to continue following me if you really think I’m a good guy because I’m not. :)”

The account then posted pictures of what appeared to be photo booth prints of Tobey and Loren Waters kissing.

“Me and the new girl,” the photo caption read. 

The firing sparked some backlash, with critics arguing that his personal life should not have cost him his broadcasting job.

Jacob Tobey performs the national anthem before Game 4 between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City on May 24, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images

Collin Cowherd questioned the decision on his eponymous show after news of his canning emerged. 

“I learned something new today, that you can get fired in America for cheating on your girlfriend. I had no idea that was legal. That literally happened, it was a big story,” Cowherd said. “You can get fired in America for cheating on your — not your wife, a girlfriend. Feels like he should hire an attorney, that is a crazy story. Um, whatever.”

Danny Green, an NBA Finals winner with the Spurs, said Tobey was a “really good dude” and that his private decisions did not merit the team letting him go.

“I love everything the Spurs do and how they operate as an organization,” Green said on his “No Fouls Given” podcast. “They run a tight ship. They don’t deal with no BS, and they don’t like drama, so I understand certain issues. They’re going to be like, ‘No, we can’t allow this.’

“To me, this was not one of those issues.”

Posted on

Mark Walter's Dodgers purchase under new scrutiny after Pablo Torre report

An insurance company affiliated with Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter’s Guggenheim Partners loaned $350 million to a Walter-controlled LLC that owned SportsNet Los Angeles in 2014, one of several instances of apparent self-dealing detailed in an episode of the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast.

The podcast reported that several figures involved in the purchase of the Dodgers – including basketball legend and minority Dodgers owner Magic Johnson – and the engineering of their massive cable rights deal later landed influential and potentially lucrative positions at Guggenheim or with its affiliated holdings.

USA TODAY Sports has reached out to Guggenheim for comment.

EquiTrust, which was a Guggenheim Partners-owned insurance company, did not disclose that the $350 million loan was made to an affiliated partner, according to Hunterbrook Media, which shared its findings with Torre. Walter, the longtime CEO of Guggenheim Partners, is already the subject of multiple federal investigations into more than $21 billion in loans not disclosed to state insurance regulators that were made by two Delaware insurers Walter owns.

The 2014 loan, to Walter’s American Media Productions, LLC, came at a time the Dodgers’ $8.35 billion local TV contract with Time Warner was taking effect, a deal that guaranteed the Dodgers more than $330 million in annual revenue for their media rights. At the time, the Dodgers’ burgeoning SportsNet LA was blacked out on multiple cable and satellite providers in the Los Angeles area due to the high carriage fee for the station.

It was by far the largest deal for a sports franchise's local TV rights and gained greater value when the club was granted the ability to shield a larger portion of it than is typical from revenue-sharing pools when Major League Baseball approved Walter’s $2.15 billion purchase of the franchise in 2012.

A lucrative TV deal, a position at Guggenheim

While the TV deal has served as a crucial piece in funding the Dodgers' aggressive spending the past six years – including the heavily-deferred, $700 million contract given Shohei Ohtani before the 2024 season – it is facing renewed scrutiny due to Walter's more recent dealings.

Puck Media reported last month that Walter recently approached Charter Communications – which merged with Time Warner – offering to let the cable network out of the deal in exchange for a lump-sum payment. When Charter refused, Puck reported, Walter then executed the $12.5 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers, 11 months after purchasing the storied basketball franchise for $10 billion.

The notion that Walter's 2012 purchase of the Dodgers might have been propped up by Walter's use of funds generated through life insurance policies from his affiliated companies prompted The Walter Group to issue an Aug. 26 statement refuting that notion.

"The allegation that the Los Angeles Dodgers were acquired or have been funded improperly is false and not supported by facts," TWG said in a statement. "The Dodgers transaction was subject to significant scrutiny and complied with all rules and regulations that govern the purchase of Major League Baseball teams."

While it's been nearly 15 years since Walter purchased the team, and more than a decade since the $8.35 billion cable deal with Time Warner was struck, threads between the Dodgers, Time Warner and Guggenheim endure.

The architect of the TV deal, David Rone, the former president of Time Warner Cable Networks and Time Warner Cable Sports, left Time Warner in 2015. In 2016, Rone was named senior managing director and company head of strategy for Guggenheim. Rone was eventually named co-president of Guggenheim Investments and remains a senior executive at Guggenheim Partners.

And then there's Johnson.

Magic Johnson, left, and Mark Walter together before the 2014 home opener against the Giants at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on April 4, 2014.

Magic Johnson: Former EquiTrust controlling shareholder

The Dodgers-Guggenheim marriage also brought Johnson, the five-time NBA champion and Lakers legend, into the fold. Johnson was an early addition to the group headed by Walter aiming to buy the Dodgers, bidding in a group of finalists that included current Rams and future Angels owner Stan Kroenke.

Johnson’s L.A. bona fides likely added more value to the bid than his vanity stake in the franchise. Less than two years after Walter won control of the Dodgers, Pablo Torre Finds out reported, Johnson became controlling shareholder of EquiTrust in January 2014.

Johnson eventually hired Eric Holoman, his longtime friend and business partner with Magic Johnson Enterprises, as managing partner of EquiTrust. Hunterbrook Media, citing SEC documents, reported that EquiTrust eventually invested more than $100 million in Johnson and Holoman’s JLC Infrastructure Fund.

Like the loan to Walter’s media LLC, the filings indicate the investment between the two entities is listed as "unaffiliated." Federal laws include disclosure regulations for affiliated persons and entities.

In 2025, EquiTrust was sold to Amistad Financial Group – which is also currently under investigation by the Department of Justice. Holoman, the former head of Magic Johnson Enterprises, is the managing founder of Amistad. USA TODAY Sports has reached out to Johnson’s company for comment.

Dodgers future: Team not for sale

Predictably, what all this means for the Dodgers, Walter and Johnson remains very unclear. Dodgers president Stan Kasten has reiterated the ballclub – which is in first place in the NL West as it seeks a third consecutive World Series title – will not be for sale.

The federal investigation into Walter – concurrent probes by the Department of Justice and SEC – has only recently begun, in relative terms. The FBI seized Walter’s cellphone and computer one year ago.

For now, Walter has sold the Lakers and he and Dodgers minority owner Todd Boehly remain in talks to sell their shares in the Chelsea football club. The attendance, revenue and performance behemoth that is the Dodgers remains untouched.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mark Walter's Dodgers purchase under new scrutiny after Pablo Torre report

Posted on

Game 141: Twins at White Sox

No. | Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Time: 6:40 Central
Weather: Ever-increasing chance of thunderstorms, 85°
Opponent’s SB site: South Side Sox
TV: Twins TV. Radio: I’ll bet you can pick up games for three teams in Kenosha

ChiSox starter Erick Fedde won Player of the Year in 2023, when he pitched for the NC Dinos in Changwon, Korea. Here are their rather adorable mascots:

In MLB, though, Fedde is strictly a #4/#5 starter. He throws a sinker and a slider/sweeper (stop fighting, FanGraphs and Baseball Savant) plus a cutter and change. The fast stuff tops out at 94; the “swider”‘s his best pitch. If the Twins want to get the series off to a good start, this is the guy to do it against.

One of the innumerable awful sides about AI taking over everything is that we’ll probably get fewer typos. Like in the following 2024 vaportecture of a proposed new ChiSox stadium. “Vaportecture” is a term coined by stadium shenanigans reporter Neil deMause, referring to the shiny, glowy artwork about what new stadiums will look like. They NEVER look the way they do in vaportecture artwork, and sometimes the artwork has sunlight coming from the wrong angles or skyways to nowhere, etc. I’m sure AI could come up with this:

I’m sure AI would be just as capable of depicting those terraced porches on the left which have no guardrails — heck, most Silicon Valley oligarchs hate humans and want them plummeting to their deaths. But, I think it takes a human to make a typo like this one, from the big Sox logo in the center:

Notice the spelling of Chicago. Typo time! Although maybe not; “ca-ca” is a silly term for poop. Maybe the artist really has a beef with Chicago or the Sox. Anyways, AI doesn’t have beefs. Except, again, with all humans who don’t own tech companies.

Anyhoo, expect very different vaportecture of a proposed ChiSox stadium to pop up anytime, now. Their lease in Corporate Name Here Stadium ends in 2029 and they don’t even have a brand new building yet! What if the old one collapses and everyone dies? That won’t happen, so what if a new one would have swankier luxury boxes and far fewer general seats, driving ticket prices up, up, up! (The proposed/likely new Royals/A’s/Rays stadiums would have 34,000/33,000/31,000 seats.) Yeah, that sounds good! But who’s gonna pay for it?

You KNOW who.

Because “how the sausage gets made” baseball stuff is so much fun, I’ll share a video a frustrated fan clued me into recently. It’s only 12 minutes long and it’s well-done.

It’s about how revenue sharing works and what the goals of the offseason CBA negotiations are likely to be, including some form of a salary cap. And how the idea of a salary cap will be presented as “competitive balance” but is actually all about increasing team resale values across the board.

I don’t have much to add here, except that historically, when there’s been CBA / salary cap discussions, inevitably you hear some version of “how come these dumb guys who are only good and running and jumping want so much money for a game I’d play for free?” Notably, you will not hear too many people complaining about owners wanting so much money. Even though many of them are dumb guys who inherited the teams / inherited their wealth. Or sociopaths who made their money in private equity by having no consciences or souls. Or dumb sociopaths who inherited their team / money.

I suppose people complain about the greedy players more than the greedy owners because they know cries of “sell the team!” mean nothing. You can’t force an owner to leave. Whereas a player with a bad contract will eventually be gone.

Ultimately, I can’t get too wound up by the salary cap discussion because I don’t really care how it works out. If I were commissioner, I’d DEFINITELY have ideas how I WANT it to work out, but I’m not commissioner. A guy who hates baseball is. The way it will work out will benefit owners most and fans last, with players/sports agents in the middle. That’s the way it’s always worked out and always will. As a player said to Jim Bouton in his book Foul Ball, “baseball is like religion — a great game with sh***y owners.”

One thing that, I suspect, is already slowing payroll growth is the idiotic playoff structure, which probably Manfred wants to include even MORE teams in the future. It’s September, and depending how you define “have a chance,” 20 of 30 MLB teams have a chance at the postseason. Six of those have losing records. The more that teams can field mediocre rosters and have a chance at the postseason, the less incentive teams have to try and be better than mediocre. Certainly the Twins’ owners would see no reason to change how they do anything next year (assuming there is baseball next year).

I would note that wherever you stand on CBA negotiations, a lot of fans are feeling pretty angry/frustrated about how baseball is operated these days. You can see it in the clips of angry/frustrated fans in the video, or read it in online comments. People do not like that ticket prices keep going up, more games are being broadcast on more streaming services, and a lot of teams do not seem to care if they put out a genuinely thrilling product on the field or not. (Supposedly, TV ratings are up — but some of that might be because of the growing gambling addiction crisis.)

None of these things bode well for the future of the sport… but team sale prices keep going up, so Manfred is happy. Stadiums are getting more and more expensive, and teams are paying less and less of the costs, so Manfred is happy. I’m not happy, and neither are many fans, but the offseason will be what it will be. I know personally I have a LOT more to worry about than sports, and maybe you do, too.

Posted on

9/4 Gamethread: Giants @ Mets

Side view of Matt Wilkinson reaching back to throw a pitch.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 23: Matt Wilkinson #71 of the San Francisco Giants pitches at Fenway Park on August 23, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images

A new series is about to kick off, and it’s unclear if that’s the good news or the bad news. Either way, the San Francisco Giants are visiting the New York Mets, in a battle of the “wow, we really didn’t think we’d be this bad” teams.

Taking the mound for the Giants is left-hander Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson, a 23-year old making his fourth career appearance. Despite having an 0-2 record, Tugboat has impressed so far, with a 4.63 ERA, a 3.70 FIP, and six strikeouts to just two walks in 11.2 innings. He was fantastic in his last outing, which came against the Arizona Diamondbacks, as he took a shutout into the seventh inning … though, unfortunately, he allowed the first two batters to reach base, was removed, and watched as both of his runners scored against the Giants bullpen.

For the Mets, it’s right-hander Nolan McLean, who makes his 28th start of the year. The 25-year old has been mighty impressive this season, with a 10-8 record, a 3.06 ERA, a 3.60 FIP, and 172 strikeouts to 62 walks in 155.2 innings. He’s on an absolute heater at the moment, as in his last four starts he’s given up just two earned runs and 10 hits in 25 innings.

Enjoy the game, everyone!

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

Download the SB Nation app on iOS or Android.

Lineups

Giants

  1. Drew Gilbert — CF
  2. Bryce Eldridge — 1B
  3. Rafael Devers — DH
  4. Turner Hill — LF
  5. Jung Hoo Lee — RF
  6. Drew Cavanaugh — C
  7. Osleivis Basabe — 3B
  8. Nate Furman — 2B
  9. Christian Koss — SS

LHP. Matt Wilkinson

Mets

  1. Francisco Lindor — SS
  2. Juan Soto — LF
  3. Bo Bichette — 3B
  4. Mark Vientos — DH
  5. Carson Benge — RF
  6. Marcus Semien — 2B
  7. Christopher Morel — 1B
  8. Francisco Alvarez — C
  9. Nick Morabito — CF

RHP. Nolan McLean

Game #142

Who: San Francisco Giants (58-83) vs. New York Mets (63-77)

Where: Citi Field, Queens, New York

When: 4:10 p.m. PT

Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area

National broadcast: n/a

Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM

Posted on

Garrett Crochet throws off mound in hopes of 2026 Red Sox return

BALTIMORE — Garrett Crochet's latest attempt to salvage his 2026 season reached another milestone Friday, Sept. 4, as he threw 16 pitches off the mound in his first bullpen session in nearly three months.

Crochet, the 2025 AL Cy Young Award runner-up, has not pitched since April 25, when he threw six scoreless innings at Baltimore, then was shelved with shoulder soreness. In his first attempt to return, Crochet progressed to throwing a mound session in May, then was shut down again shortly thereafter.

Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy acknowledged the window is tight for Crochet to return in any form this season, with barely three weeks left in the regular season. But he is not ruling it out.

Garrett Crochet hasn't pitched for the Red Sox since April, but threw off a mound Friday, Sept. 4 as he returns from shoulder inflammation.

"The fact he got on the mound today and threw is a really good sign," says Tracy Friday at Camden Yards. "How he comes in tomorrow will be an important piece of it. Does he feel any lingering effects that will slow him down or will he feel really good and can proceed?

"But I think the fact that, with all the work he put in, the fact he got off the mound and threw a bullpen today is a really good sign. The goal is to get him, by the end of the season, out there, if he can."

The Red Sox entered Friday holding a 5 1/2-game lead for the No. 2 wild card and are a virtual lock to reach the postseason. That would certainly extend Crochet's window to return, even if as a short reliever.

Tracy also said Tanner Houck, who'd likely return this year as a reliever, successfully threw a simulated game and is slated for a rehab outing at Class-AA Portland on Tuesday. Houck is returning from 2025 Tommy John surgery. Johan Oviedo, out since April with a flexor tendon strain, also may soon begin a rehab assignment.

The reinforcements, or at least the option of turning to them, would be welcome.

"As you get beat up and you need help" says Tracy, "having guys of that caliber of big league talent, if you can get them there it would be important down the stretch.

Garrett Crochet stats

Crochet, 27, posted a 3-3 record and 6.30 ERA in six starts this season, showing signs of shaking off a poor early start before the shoulder inflammation shut him down. He was runner-up to Tarik Skubal in 2025 Cy Young balloting after striking out a major league-best 255 in 205 1/3 innings, with a 2.59 ERA.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Garrett Crochet throws off mound in hopes of 2026 Red Sox return

Posted on

Orioles vs Red Sox discussion

Pete Alonso watches his 33rd home run sail out of the ballpark. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Orioles could have won last night, but they didn’t. A night where Adley Rutschman returned and hit two home runs, but the Orioles still won, would have been a pretty decent outcome in my book. Brandon Young did his part. Pete Alonso, Luis Robert, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand homered. But the bullpen blew it.

It wasn’t ideal for Yennier Cano to give up a run, but he’s pitched well enough that it made sense to bring him into a close game. But what the heck is Craig Albernaz doing with Luis De León? I am happy to see the rookie on the team, but he struggled in Triple-A Norfolk before his call-up, and now Albernaz has thrown him into back-to-back high-leverage situations. He has not delivered, and now the poor guy has two Major League appearances and two Major League losses.

I know this bullpen is kind of a shambles. But it’s not such a shambles that there is no better choice than Luis De León.

But enough about yesterday. Nothing to do but more forward and hope better decisions are made. But speaking of bad decisions, Samuel Basallo is not starting for the second straight night. I guess he doesn’t start against lefties? Why do you give a guy a huge contract, trade away the other guy who plays the position, and then refuse to play him against both lefties and righties? It makes no sense!

Basallo has struggled since his return from the IL. An if the Orioles had another catcher, one who could hit at all (*coughAdley*), then ok. But you do not. You have Carlos Carlos Narváez! Carlos Narváez, whose OPS+ as an Oriole is NEGATIVE TEN. What is even happening here?

Tonight’s starter is Shane Baz, who managed to get some run support and get a win in his last start. It was his first win since June 12th. His teammates still owe him a few more. Maybe tonight will be the night.

For the Red Sox, it’s Ranger Suarez. A lot of fans, including me, wanted the Orioles to sign Suarez. He is in the midst of a pretty good season, with a 3.64 ERA in 24 starts.

Orioles lineup

Blaze Alexander (R) RF
Coby Mayo (R) DH
Luis Robert Jr. (R) CF
Pete Alonso (R) 1B
Gunnar Henderson (L) SS
Christian Encarnacion-Strand (R) 3B
Jackson Holliday (L) 2B
Carlos Narváez (R) C
Leody Taveras (S) LF

Red Sox lineup

Roman Anthony (L) DH
Mickey Gasper (S) 1B
Adley Rutschman (S) C
Wilyer Abreu (L) RF
Nick Sogard (S) 2B
Caleb Durbin (R) 3B
Jarren Duran (L) LF
Trevor Story (R) SS
Eli White (R) CF

Let’s go O’s!

Posted on

Key Piece of Wild’s Quinn Hughes Blockbuster Lands Massive $75 Million Contract

The Vancouver Canucks have made a massive long-term commitment to one of the centerpiece players they acquired from the Minnesota Wild in the Quinn Hughes blockbuster.

Vancouver announced Friday that defenseman Zeev Buium has agreed to an eight-year contract extension carrying a $9.38 million average annual value. The deal is worth $75.04 million in total.

For the Wild, the extension is another reminder of just how significant the price was to acquire Hughes last December.

Minnesota sent Buium, Marco Rossi, Liam Öhgren and its 2026 first-round pick to Vancouver in exchange for Hughes. Buium, whom the Wild selected 12th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, was arguably the most valuable long-term piece Minnesota surrendered in the deal.

Now, Vancouver is paying him like a cornerstone of its rebuild.

Buium appeared in 31 games for Minnesota before the trade last season, recording three goals and 11 assists. At the time of the deal, his 14 points were tied for second among rookie NHL defensemen.

He went on to play 45 games for Vancouver, adding three goals and nine assists. Between the two clubs, Buium finished his first full NHL season with six goals and 26 points in 76 games.

The 20-year-old's potential was hardly a secret to the Wild. Minnesota traded up one spot to select Buium 12th overall in 2024 after he fell further than expected on draft night. 

Buium followed his selection with another dominant season at the University of Denver, recording 48 points in 41 games as a sophomore before signing his entry-level contract with Minnesota in April 2025. He was a Hobey Baker Award finalist and NCHC Player of the Year before making his NHL debut during the Wild's 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff run.

Minnesota ultimately decided it was willing to part with that upside because of the player coming back.

Hughes was already a Norris Trophy winner and one of the NHL's premier defensemen when the Wild acquired him. Wild president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Guerin acknowledged immediately after the trade that giving up players such as Buium was difficult, but opportunities to acquire a player of Hughes' caliber rarely become available.

Vancouver, meanwhile, clearly viewed Buium as a potential successor to Hughes on its blue line. Former Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin called Buium an “extremely talented offensive-minded defenseman” after the trade and pointed specifically to his potential to eventually quarterback Vancouver's power play.

The Canucks' new front office has now backed up that belief with an eight-year commitment before Buium has even turned 21.

For Minnesota, Buium's new $9.38 million cap hit doesn't change the calculation behind the Hughes trade. The Wild knew they were giving away a potential star defenseman to acquire an established superstar.

But Vancouver's $75 million commitment makes one thing increasingly clear: Buium wasn't simply another piece of the Hughes trade.

The Canucks believe he can become one of the players they build their franchise around. As the Wild are hoping to agree on an extension with Hughes.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free.

See more of The Hockey News on Google and save us as a preferred source. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Posted on

Jacob Tobey is returning as the Spurs’ play-by-play announcer

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 24: Jacob Tobey performs the national anthem before the game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Four of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 24, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

We’re less than a month from training camp, and one question from the summer had been lingering: who will be the Spurs’ play-by-play announcer? Well, we have our answer, and it will by the same as the last two seasons: Jacob Tobey. His return comes after rumors swirled in early July that he had either been fired or resigned after someone, presumably his longtime girlfriend at the time, posted on his Instagram account that he had been unfaithful, having an affair with the sister of former Spur Lindy Watters III.

While the rumors of his departure were never confirmed or denied by Tobey or the Spurs, he hadn’t been seen in public with the organization since the introductory press conference for the Spurs’ four rookies and had gone radio silent on social media…until today. He announced his return on X, thanking the Spurs for giving him a chance to sort out his personal life and acknowledging he would have to regain the public’s trust.

“I thank the Spurs for allowing me time to step away to sort out issues in my personal life. I understand that I will have to regain trust within the organization and across our community, a community where I will continue to be present with enthusiasm and passion. I believe I have the best job in the world and am thrilled to be able to continue as the team’s play-by-play announcer.”

The news of his return was also confirmed to KSAT 12 by the Spurs’ vice president of communications, Tom James, who told the outlet, “Yes, we can confirm that Jacob is our Spurs TV play-by-play announcer.”

The shocking rumors of his alleged departure came soon after he had signed a multi-year contract extension. It turns out they were just that: rumors, but without directly naming any incidents, Tobey’s announcement today seems to acknowledge that something inappropriate occured, and he vows to do better.

Tobey first joined the Spurs broadcast team ahead of the 2024-25 season after longtime announcer Bill Land retired while dealing with blood cancer. He quickly started building a good partnership with Sean Elliot and the Spurs community and was often a part of community events supporting Native American Heritage. Mistakes happen, but the best thing we can all do is learn from them, and it probably won’t take Tobey too long to regain the goodwill of the community again.

Posted on

José Mourinho sick as a Parrott as Real Madrid sunk by Real Betis and Irish supersub

  • Mbappé sees late penalty saved by Valles

  • PSG are beaten by league leaders Monaco

Real Madrid’s perfect start in La Liga ⁠ended on Friday when Real Betis beat them 1-0, with the ⁠substitute Troy Parrott ⁠scoring ​nine minutes from time and goalkeeper Álvaro Valles saving a stoppage-time ⁠penalty from Kylian Mbappé.

The clash began at a high tempo but the pace ⁠dropped after the interval in the heat in ​Seville. The Republic of Ireland star Parrott, introduced ‌in the 68th ‌minute, broke the deadlock in the 81st when ‌he reacted quickly after Thibaut Courtois parried a header into his path.

Continue reading...
Posted on

Mets vs. Giants: Lineups, broadcast info, and open thread, 9/4/26

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 25: Nolan McLean #26 of the New York Mets throws a pitch during the second inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field on July 25, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Mets lineup

  1. Francisco Lindor – SS
  2. Juan Soto – LF
  3. Bo Bichette – 3B
  4. Mark Vientos – DH
  5. Carson Benge – RF
  6. Marcus Semien – 2B
  7. Christopher Morel – 1B
  8. Francisco Alvarez – C
  9. Nick Morabito – CF

Nolan McLean – RHP

Giants lineup

  1. Drew Gilbert – CF
  2. Rafael Devers – 1B
  3. Bryce Eldridge – DH
  4. Turner Hill – LF
  5. Jung Hoo Lee – RF
  6. Drew Cavanaugh – C
  7. Osleivis Basabe – 3B
  8. Nate Furman – 2B
  9. Christian Koss – SS

Matt Wilkinson – LHP

Broadcast info

First pitch: 7:10pm EDT
TV: WPIX
Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

Download the SB Nation app on iOS or Android.

Posted on

Red Sox kick off holiday weekend looking to take another in Baltimore on Friday

MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 24: Adley Rutschman #31 of the Boston Red Sox and Ranger Suarez #55 of the Boston Red Sox in action at loanDepot park on August 24, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Can Ranger Suarez go more past the 4th inning without blowing up for the first time in what feels like a month? Find out!

⚾️ First Pitch: 7:05pm — Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD

📺 TV: NESN

📻 Radio: WEEI

Posted on

David Stearns addresses Mets' managerial and potential GM search this offseason

During his regular homestand media availability on Friday ahead of the Mets' game against the San Francisco Giants, president of baseball operations David Stearnsdiscussed a number of topics, including the possibility of hiring a general manager this offseason and the upcoming managerial search.

Since Stearns was hired as POBO at the conclusion of the 2023 regular season, New York has operated without a GM. Owner Steve Cohen has discussed the idea of hiring a GM under Stearns over the past three years, but has not filled that position since Billy Eppler resigned.

When asked about the potential front office move, Stearns said it's something that has been considered in previous years and will again this winter.

"We're always going to look to see if there are ways we can improve our organization in any way, that's inclusive of the front office," Stearns said. "That's been the case every offseason since I've been here and it'll be the case this offseason as well."

While it remains to be seen if New York will try to fill that vacancy this year, they do need to hire a new manager to replace the fired Carlos Mendoza and interim manager Andy Green, who is expected to return to the front office. Stearns confirmed that plan is still in place with Green, but it's not clear if he will return to his former Senior Vice President for Player Development position or something different. 

It's possible Green could be the right fit for the vacant GM job, as people familiar with the Mets’ internal deliberations told SNY MLB Insider Chelsea Janes that the idea has been floated around.

Additionally, Green has been open about his reluctance to become the full-time manager next year, trying to prioritize his family. He has gone 29-30 as the interim manager and brought some life to the clubhouse since taking over in late June. Stearns was asked if Green's success has changed his view of what to look for in the next manager, praising the job he's done this season, but declined to comment on his full vision.

"I think Andy's done a very good job in the dugout," Stearns said. "Again, I think we will get to the point where I'll more fully describe what we're seeking in our next manager. Today's probably not the day to do that."

That time may come sooner rather than later, however, as the Mets have only 22 games remaining in the regular season and need to get a head start on their offseason plans in order to make real improvements in 2027 and beyond.

Posted on

Braves at Phillies chat and discussion: Chris Sale vs. Cristopher Sánchez

We’ve been treated to Chris Sale going up against some of the best pitchers in baseball lately.

August alone saw him battle against Gerrit Cole of the Yankees, Jacob Misiorowski of the Brewers and Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers.

That run continues Friday night as the Braves ace faces off against Phillies ace Cristopher Sánchez in the opener of a four-game series in Philadelphia which is set for a 6:40 p.m. ET start time.

The Braves won five of six games against the Phillies back in April, including the final game before manager Rob Thomson was fired in a moment that turned around Philadelphia’s season.

A similar showing the next two weekends would effectively lock up the NL East, but it won’t come as easy against a opposing team which has won 15 of its last 18 games.

Tune in on BravesVision or the radio, ride the emotional roller coaster and follow along in this game thread as the Braves face rival Philadelphia for the first time in over four months.

Posted on

CSR Weekend Warriors: 9/4-9/6

Greetings, Panthers fans. Welcome to the weekend.

Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the site’s ToS, it’s fair game here.

You know the drill.

This is now an open thread

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

Download the SB Nation app on iOS or Android.