Garry Sobers, widely considered to be cricket’s greatest all-rounder, has died aged 89. We take a look at the life of the West Indies legend
Continue reading...Mike Boyton has prove-it deal at Michigan. What he must accomplish to 'earn' Year 2
Mike Boynton Jr. will have one year to prove he deserves the second year of his two-year, $7.6 million contract as Michigan's men's basketball coach.
Per The Detroit News, part of the USA TODAY Network, Boynton must reach several benchmarks to earn a second season in replacement of Dusty May, who left to take over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA after two seasons in Ann Arbor.
Boynton initially was named the interim coach for May before being elevated to full-time head coach. In that time, the Wolverines lost only one player to the transfer portal in junior guard L.J. Cason, while retaining several highly rated transfers, recruits and players from last season's championship roster.
"The contract is one that really gives (Boynton) an opportunity to showcase and show what he can do," Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said on WTKA’s "The Michigan Insider" earlier this week (via The Detroit News). "It gives the ability for him to earn that extra year and maybe another contract is what I told him
"... I did a similar thing with Kevin Ollie (at UConn) by giving him a one-year contract. And then by December I gave him a full contract, and then another a year later when he wins the national title."
Here's what to know of Boynton's contract at Michigan, and what he must accomplish in Year 1 to see a second season with the Wolverines:
Mike Boynton contract details at Michigan
Boynton's contract at Michigan is worth $7.6 million over two years, should he coach both seasons for the Wolverines.
He will receive $3.6 million in the first year of the deal, which runs through April 30, 2027, and will earn $4 million the ensuing season – so long as he reaches it via several academic and performance-based benchmarks in Year 1. Here are the compliance and academic-related prerequisites he must meet:
Compliance
- No Level I or Level II NCAA violations
- No material misconduct or violations of university policies or rules
Academic
- All players must remain academically eligible
Per The Detroit News, "there are at least two" performance-related benchmarks Boynton must accomplish leading the team in 2026-27. They are:
Performance
- 24 regular-season wins
- Top-four finish in Big Ten standings
- Conference tournament title
- Sweet 16 appearance
- Final Four appearance (would guarantee Year 2 by itself)
Mike Boynton buyout information
Per The Detroit News, if Boynton is fired without cause before he finishes Year 1 of his contract, he would be paid $3 million, subtracting whatever he has already been paid by the university. If he is fired without cause in Year 2, he would be paid the remainder of his salary.
If he is fired without cause during or at the end of Year 1 – and having already met the criteria to earn a Year 2 – he would be owed $4 million.
Said Manuel of the contract:
"The contract was written in a way to show that I believe in Mike, but to also showcase his ability to earn it long term and not just sort of step into the seat. And I believe he will, personally.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Boyton has prove-it deal at Michigan. What he must accomplish to 'earn' Year 2
Garry Sobers was the greatest of all time, a cavalier in an era of roundheads
West Indies legend, who has died aged 89, was cricket’s finest all-rounder, delivering victories with style and grace
Cricket nuts like an argument. Who is the best fast bowler ever? The best spinner? The best wicketkeeper? The best slip catcher? They – oh all right, we – can spend hours discussing the candidates. But the best all-rounder?
That does not take any longer than the debate over the best batter; here we have to concede even in the presence of our Australian friends the supremacy of Don Bradman. The best all-rounder is universally agreed to be Garry Sobers. The other contender, WG Grace, lived so long ago that we are reduced to guesswork. So Sobers it is.
Continue reading...Canadiens’ Coach’s Son Signs First Professional Contract
Last month, on June 26th, new Vancouver Canucks coach Manny Malhotra lived out many fathers’ dreams: he saw his son drafted by an NHL team, and to make things even better, his son Caleb was drafted by his own team. Not every dad, even if they played in the NHL and made it to the Hall of Fame, gets to live that special moment. Montreal Canadiens’ coach Martin St-Louis hasn’t had the joy of experiencing it yet, as his son Ryan once again went undrafted.
However, on Wednesday, it was announced that the 23-year-old had signed an AHL contract with the Abbotsford Canucks. The 5-foot-10 and 181-pound winger is a product of the US National Team program who has spent one season with Northeastern in the NCAA before heading to the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL for a year in which he was an alternate captain and picked up 72 points in just 58 games. From there, he headed back to the NCAA with the Bown University Bears. In 83 games with them, he scored 68 points.
In his last season with the Bears, he was the team captain and picked up 15 points in 30 games, and he was a Hobey Baker Memorial Award nominee, although he didn’t finish in the top-10 finalist lists. Though it would be understandable if the young man was disappointed about not being drafted, his father is the living proof that it doesn’t matter if you are willing to work your own way to the NHL.
The Canadiens’ coach was also undrafted before playing 1,134 NHL games and totaling 1,033 points. When the Habs hosted the NHL draft in 2022, he came to the stage to give a speech to the crowd’s applause, and he couldn’t help but say, “So that’s what that feels like”, a quick wink at the fact that he had never been on the draft podium. Now, when he attends the Canadiens’ development camp in the summer, he gives the players a speech about how hard it is to make it to the NHL and that being drafted is just one way to get there. From there, you have to make the right choices to make it to the promised land. Guest coach Caroline Ouellette was particularly impressed by his speech and just how fascinated the players were, hanging on his every word. That speech can come in handy now at the family home.
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Joe Iginla Ready to Write His Own Story with the Calgary Flames
There are few names synonymous with the Calgary Flames that resonate quite like 'Iginla.' While players like Lanny, Kipper, and Theo have left their mark, Jarome Iginla is the true embodiment of the Flames' identity over the last two decades.
Jarome spent 16 of his 20 seasons in Calgary, serving as captain for a decade. He remains the franchise leader in goals (525), points (1,095), and games played (1,219). His resume is decorated with twelve 30-goal seasons, 11 years leading the team in scoring, two Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophies, an Art Ross Trophy in 2001-02, and a historic run to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in 2004. Beyond his stats - scoring, hitting, and fighting - he was a leader both on and off the ice.
Those are massive skates to fill.
So when the Flames drafted his son, Joe, in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the excitement was immediate, as were the questions about whether Joe could replicate his father's legacy in Calgary. While it is unfair to place such pressure on any young player, it is an inevitable reality for the son of a Hall of Famer.
“It’s exciting for sure, obviously I grew up watching the Flames and rooting for them, so it’s cool,” Iginla told the media at the Flames recent development camp. “It’s been nice, I like to think I’m well received so I’m grateful and I’m happy to get going.”
Like father, like son 👀
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) July 3, 2026
Full Highlights: https://t.co/UE7wfN74Fppic.twitter.com/bC5dqJHKSv
With his older brother, Tij, poised to be a full-time NHLer for the Utah Mammoth, and his sister recently drafted 18th overall to the new PWHL Hamilton team, hockey is clearly in the Iginla DNA. Joe is already benefiting from that family pedigree, noting the value of learning from his older brother’s experiences.
“I was actually sleeping when I got picked… and my brother came in and tackled me,” said Iginla.” I learned tons from him. Obviously I get to learn from my dad, but my brother, he’s in it now, he goes through it. He’s a role model for sure and I learned a lot from him.”
"Grew up watching the Flames, rooting for them. It's really cool."
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) July 1, 2026
Joe Iginla checks in to talk about being drafted to Calgary and the influence Jarome and Tij have had on him during his hockey journey. pic.twitter.com/FEJCr6BWN5
The Flames selected Joe 65th overall in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. He split the previous season in the WHL between the Edmonton Oil Kings and the Vancouver Giants, recording 15 goals and 31 points.
Whatever the future holds for Joe, Calgary fans can certainly enjoy this moment of nostalgia, hoping that one day soon, the 'Iggy, Iggy, Iggy' chants will return to the rafters of Scotiabank Place.
Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ha-Seong Kim rehab transferred to Triple-A Gwinnett
The Braves return to action tonight at Truist Park to begin a three-game set against the Texas Rangers. We’re hoping they’re well-rested and ready to come out of the All-Star break hot. Or at least playing better than .500 ball, like how they began July.
We can afford to be optimistic knowing the players that are set to return and make an impact in the second half. It’ll be like making a trade…
Among those are Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ha-Seong Kim, who began their rehab assignment on Monday with the FCL Braves. They will now continue their rehab in Triple-A with the Gwinnett Stripers (alternatively, acronyms abound: RAJ and HSK join AJSS in AAA).
In three games with the FCL Braves, Acuña Jr. was 1-for-7 with two walks, but that one hit was a grand slam yesterday.
In his three games, Ha-Seong Kim was 2-for-6 with a homer and three walks.
The Stripers begin a series against the Mud Hens in Toledo tonight before returning home on Tuesday, July 21. We’ll likely hear more from Walt Weiss about their estimated timeline to return to the big club before tonight’s game.
Mariners vs Giants Prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for July 17
The Seattle Mariners (48-49) host San Francisco (41-55) for a three-game series to open the second half of the year. Seattle finished the first half of the season 1.5 games back of the AL West lead, while San Francisco is 10.5 games out of the Wild Card.
Seattle finished the first half of the season with a .230 batting average (T-27th) and the fifth-fewest runs scored (392). The pitching has carried the Mariners as times this season, ranking sixth in the ERA (3.61), fourth in WHIP (1.18), and the fewest home runs allowed (90).
San Francisco ended the first half of the year on a good note with a 3-1 record over the last four games, but the season has been all downhill. The Giants' offense ranks fourth in batting average (.256), but 22nd in ERA (4.46) and 26th in saves (19). This is the first meeting of the season between the Giants and Mariners. San Francisco won all three games last season, outscoring Seattle, 20-13.
Let’s dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game details & how to watch Giants at Mariners
- Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
- Time: 10:10 PM EST
- Site: T-Mobile Park
- City: Seattle, WA
- Network/Streaming: MLB TV
Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.
Odds for the Giants at the Mariners
The latest odds as of Friday:
- Moneyline: San Francisco Giants (+138), Seattle Mariners (-167)
- Spread: Mariners -1.5 (+138), Giants +1.5 (-167)
- Total: 7.0
Probable starting pitchers for Giants at Mariners
- Friday's pitching matchup (July 17): Landen Roupp vs. Bryce Miller
- Mariners: Bryce Miller
2026 stats: 57.2 IP, 4-3, 2.18 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 65 K, 9 BB
- Giants: Landen Roupp
2026 Stats: 97.0 IP, 6-8, 4.27 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 104 Ks, 42 BB
Who’s Hot? Who’s Not
- The Giants’ Luis Arraez is hitting .330 with 119 hits, 4 home runs and 35 RBI over 361 at-bats
- The Giants’ Drew Gilbert is hitting .237 with 45 hits and 37 strikeouts over 190 at-bats
- The Mariners’ Randy Arozarena is hitting .286 with 93 hits, 11 home runs, and 45 RBI over 325 at-bats
- The Mariners’ JP Crawford is hitting .226 with 62 hits and 69 strikeouts over 284 at-bats
Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Giants at Mariners
- Seattle is 38-59 ATS, ranking second-worst
- San Francisco is 45-51 ATS
- Seattle is 47-46-4 to the Over
- San Francisco is 44-44-8 to the Over
- Seattle is 19-28 ATS at home, ranking sixth-worst
- San Francisco is 22-27 ATS on the road, ranking sixth-worst
Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Mariners and the Giants
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday's game between the Mariners and the Giants:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Mariners on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Mariners at -1.5.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Over on the Game Total of 7.0
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Pirates acquire former top prospect in trade with Nationals
The Pittsburgh Pirates were making moves on the last day of the All-Star Break, acquiring former top prospect Robert Hassell III from the Washington Nationals on Thursday for cash or a player to be named later.
The 24-year-old Hassell was a first round draft choice of the San Diego Padres in 2020 and was regarded as a top 40 prospect in 2022 and 2023 before failing to progress any further.
Hassell, an outfielder, was playing in Triple-A this season and was hitting an underwhelming .215 with just 2 homers and 15 RBIs. He did play 70 games with the Nationals varsity last season, finishing the year hitting .223 with 3 homers and 18 RBIs on 197 at-bats.
Obviously, the Bucs are taking a flyer on some unfulfilled potential with Hassell, and they have a need for some depth in the outfield, but the Nationals were do desperate to get rid of him that they traded him to the Bucs for future considerations.
But who knows? Should he turn it around, he would be far from the first player to go to new team and find success, so for the light price that it cost the Buccos, it’s worth the chance.
Welcome to the club, Robert!
Twins vs Cubs Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's MLB Game
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The Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs begin a three-game set tonight, with Chicago's offense looking to take advantage of Bailey Ober's road struggles.
My Twins vs Cubs predictions and MLB picks are eyeing the hosts to take the series opener behind a solid outing from Colin Rea.
Who will win Twins vs Cubs today: Cubs moneyline (-133)
The Chicago Cubs will face Minnesota Twins right-hander Bailey Ober in the series opener. He's made just one start since late May, but Ober's numbers on the road are alarming.
Away from Target Field, the 31-year-old owns a 7.11 FIP. That's compared to a 3.76 mark at home.
As for Colin Rea, he's posted a respectable 4.45 FIP across his last four starts while surrendering just 0.87 HR/9. He's also held opponents to a 36.9% hard-hit rate during that span.
Neither starter is absolutely lights out right now, but Ober's poor away form presents an opportunity for the Cubbies to score runs.
After all, their wRC+ sits at 120 at home compared to 99 on the road.
I'll play this pick up to -150.
COVERS INTEL: Ober has allowed 2.92 HR/9 on the road compared to just 0.96 at Target Field. Twins vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Under 10.5 runs (+109)
Tonight's game has an incredibly high total of 10.5 runs, and there’s still a path to the Under.
While Ober may give up his share of damage, the Twins bullpen has been solid lately, owning a 3.49 FIP over the last two weeks while surrendering just 0.64 HR/9.
Chicago's relief corps is the concern, posting a 5.74 FIP during that span while struggling with home runs. However, Rea typically works into at least the fifth, which should limit how early the Cubs need to lean on that group.
Both offenses are in good form, but 10.5 is still too high for me.
I'll play this pick up to -110.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
- ML/RL bets: 34-36, -6.21 units
- Over/Under bets: 39-29, +4.14 units
Twins vs Cubs weather
Conditions will be warm at Wrigley Field tonight, with temperatures around 87 degrees at first pitch before falling into the low 80s. Winds sit around 9 mph throughout the game, while rain chances drop from 24% to 11%. Warm air could help carry slightly, but weather shouldn’t create a major edge overall.
Twins vs Cubs odds
- Moneyline: Twins +127 | Cubs -133
- Run line: Twins +1.5 (-150) | Cubs -1.5 (+144)
- Over/Under: Over 10.5 (-122) | Under 10.5 (+113)
Twins vs Cubs trend
The Chicago Cubs have hit the Moneyline in 16 of their last 22 games (+9.30 Units / 34% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Twins vs. Cubs.
How to watch Twins vs Cubs and game info
| Location | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Friday, July 17, 2026 |
| First pitch | 8:05 p.m. ET |
| TV | Marquee Sports Network, Twins.TV |
| Twins starting pitcher | Bailey Ober (6-3, 4.40 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Colin Rea (7-5, 4.75 ERA) |
Twins vs Cubs latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Carolina Hurricanes Full 2026-27 Schedule
The NHL has released the full schedule for the 2026-27 season and, for the first time since 1994, each team will play 84 games.
The Carolina Hurricanes will also be kicking off the new year with their championship banner raising ceremony set for the first scheduled game of the season.
Here's a look at some of the highlights from the 2026-27 calendar:
2026-2027 Season
Opening Night
- Sept. 29 @ 5 p.m. vs. Florida Panthers
NHL Global Series
- Nov. 12 @ 7 p.m. vs. Seattle Kraken
- Nov. 14 @ 8 p.m. vs. Seattle Kraken
Home Stands
- Oct. 27 - Nov. 1 (3 games)
- Dec. 3-13 (5 games)
- Jan. 2-7 (3 games)
- Jan. 28 - Feb. 13 (5 games)
Road Trips
- Oct. 17-24 (5 games)
- Dec. 15-21 (4 games)
- Jan. 9-14 (3 games)
- March 16-23 (4 games)
- March 27 - April 2 (4 games)
Return Games
- Frederik Andersen - Nov. 21 @ 1 p.m. vs. Edmonton Oilers
Holiday Games
- Post Christmas - Dec. 26 @ 7 p.m. vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Additional Highlights
- Carolina will play, 12 sets of back-to-backs. Last year the team went 16-9-5 in their back-to-back games.
- All-Star Weekend will be Feb. 5-6.
- Last game of season: April 10 @ 6 p.m. @ Florida Panthers
- The Stanley Cup Final rematch will be Dec. 21 in Vegas.
Recent Articles
Seth Jarvis Undergoes Shoulder Surgery; Will Miss Start Of 2026-27 Season
Hurricanes AGM Darren Yorke Breaks Down Carolina's 2026 Draft Class
Stanley Cup Engraved With Names Of 2026 Carolina Hurricanes Championship Squad
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Coming off career highs, Drysdale agrees to new 4-year contract with Flyers
Coming off career highs, Drysdale agrees to new 4-year contract with Flyers originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
To no real surprise, the Flyers and Jamie Drysdale did not need an arbitration hearing to nail down a new deal.
The two sides got it done Friday, agreeing to a four-year, $26 million contract. The deal has a $6.5 million average annual value. It has a modified no-trade clause in Years 3 and 4, according to PuckPedia.com.
The skilled and shifty defenseman was a restricted free agent with a player-elected arbitration hearing set for this upcoming Monday, per PuckPedia.com. But general manager Danny Briere avoided it. He did the same with Trevor Zegras two days ago.
Drysdale will be an unrestricted free agent when his new contract expires after the 2029-30 season. He now makes the most money among defensemen on the Flyers.
“We’re excited to have Jamie remain a key part of our organization for years to come,” Briere said in a statement released by the team. “Since we acquired him, Jamie has worked extremely hard and taken big steps in his development, and has established himself as a reliable piece on our back end with the ability to impact the game in all situations. We believe his best hockey is still ahead of him, and he’s going to play an important role in strengthening our blue line as we continue to build.”
The 24-year-old set career highs last season with eight goals and 21:33 minutes per game. He also matched his career high in points with 32. He added two goals, two assists, 16 shots and 16 blocked shots over 10 games in his first NHL playoffs.
“I think the biggest step was just confidence level,” Drysdale said in May at his end-of-the-season press conference. … “I think just coming to the rink and believing I was a good player and could make an impact, that was probably the biggest shift for me. I guess that kind of carries all over the ice.”
At just 21 years old, Drysdale arrived to the Flyers with a ton of pressure on his shoulders. He was the player the Flyers received in the stunning Cutter Gauthier trade, so expectations were inevitably high.
His overall game has come a long way in parts of three seasons with the Flyers. In 2025-26, he had his best defensive season as an NHLer, recording a plus-1 mark at 5-on-5. The previous season, he was a minus-15.
Now the Flyers are looking for Drysdale to build on it. The next step would be his effectiveness at the point on the power play. The Flyers’ league-worst man advantage is desperate for answers.
Last season, Drysdale led Flyers defensemen in power play ice time with 2:19 minutes per game. But he had nine points (one goal, eight assists) on the power play, which was tied for 35th among NHL defensemen.
“I think there are a lot of things that I want to work on,” Drysdale said, “and I think I can bring a lot more to the table, as well, in certain areas.”
Nikita Grebenkin and Hunter McDonald are the Flyers’ remaining restricted free agents that need new deals this offseason.
Sir Garry Sobers, West Indies cricketing great, dies aged 89
West Indian widely regarded as greatest all-rounder
First to hit six sixes in one over in first-class game
Sir Garfield Sobers, the great West Indies cricketer widely regarded as the finest all-rounder in the sport’s history, has died aged 89. His death at his home in Barbados only 11 days shy of his 90th birthday was announced by Cricket West Indies on Friday, with the simple line: “A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers.”
The prime minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, paid tribute to Sobers in a post on social media and said that Friday has been declared a day of national mourning – flags will be flown at half-mast and no official functions will take place.
Continue reading...What to expect from Harry Ford as he debuts for the Washington Nationals
When the Nats traded for Harry Ford this offseason, the expectation was that he would be in the big leagues before July 17th. However, due to Keibert Ruiz’s resurgence and his own uneven performances, he has had to wait. With Drew Millas going down though, Ford will be getting the call.
It has been an interesting 2026 to say the least for the 23 year old catcher. After the Nats acquired him for Jose A. Ferrer, many including myself thought he would be the starting catcher either at Opening Day or quickly after that. Ford was coming off a great season in AAA where he hit .283 with an .868 OPS. He made his big league debut and even made the playoff roster last year.
However, with Cal Raleigh entrenched in the catcher spot long term, Ford became trade bait. It seemed like a great pickup when the Nats acquired Ford. The results this year have not been amazing, though they are trending in the right direction. For the season, Ford is hitting .223 with a .705 OPS that is mainly driven by his ability to draw walks.
Those numbers don’t exactly scream big league call up, but Ford has been getting better every month. He was 0 for 7 in March and then posted a dreadful .531 OPS in April. However, as the weather has warmed up in Rochester, so has Ford. He had a .716 OPS in May, an .841 in June and a 1.028 so far in July. Since May 1st, Ford has an .817 OPS.
As you can see from this graph, Ford’s super power is his swing decisions. He rarely ever leaves the zone, which provides pitchers with real challenges, especially if they struggle with command. The biggest thing Ford will have to prove in the big leagues is that he can punish pitchers for attacking him in the zone.
This season in AAA, he has not done a great job of that. His exit velocities are down from last year, and so are the power numbers. Ford hit 16 homers in 97 games last year, but only has 4 in 58 this year. Right now his offensive profile is extremely reliant on walks. If he can’t punish mistakes, those walks will be harder to come by in MLB.
It is worth noting that Ford has been showing some more juice lately. He already has a homer and three doubles in 8 July games. The most XBH Ford has had in a month is only five, which he was on pace to easily beat this month. Hopefully that trend can continue as he gets promoted.
I would expect Ford to be matched up a good amount against left handed pitching. On the season, Ford has an .854 OPS against lefties and a .664 mark against righties. This could be a bit of a wonky fit, as Keibert Ruiz has also been better against left handed pitching. I trust Blake Butera to put these guys in the best positions to succeed. He has been doing that all season with his lineups, and that is unlikely to stop now.
On the defensive side of the ball, Ford has the tools to be a solid defender, but has been up and down in his career. With Bobby Wilson, who helped fix Keibert Ruiz’s defense, he will have a great catching coach to lean on.
Nats fans should expect a very patient hitter who works good at bats and can run into an occasional homer. Ford does have some strikeouts issues, but they are not out of control. Ideally, Ford will take this chance and run with it, displacing Drew Millas as the Nats second catcher.
Despite an uneven season, the 23 year old still has plenty of upside. He does not project to be a superstar, but Ford could be a starting catcher who gets on base a ton and plays solid defense. I am very curious to get a look at Ford in the big leagues. It has been frustrating to watch Jose A. Ferrer flourish in Seattle while Ford toils away in AAA. Now, we will get to see the impact of that trade at the big league level.
Here is Islanders' full schedule for 2027 NHL regular season, including Anders Lee's return
The Islanders’ schedule for the 2026-27 NHL season is officially out.
New York opens the season on the road against the Leafs in a matchup of the top pick in the draft the past two years, Matthew Schaefer and Gavin McKenna, on Sept. 30.
They host the Devils in their home opener on Oct. 3 and then face on the Rangers at MSG in their first two rival meetings just three games into the season.
Four of the Isles last five games of the regular season are at UBS Arena, giving them home ice advantage down the stretch in a potential playoff push.
Their last two games are against divisional opponents -- Devils and Blue Jackets.
Other key notes from the Islanders’ schedule:
- New York sees the defending champion Hurricanes for the first time on Dec. 11
- Head coach Peter DeBoer’s former team, the Stars, visit UBS on Jan. 15
- The Mammoth come to town for Anders Lee’s first game back on Feb. 15
- Noah Dobson, injured when the Canadiens visited last year, returns on March 9
- The Islanders will play four weekday afternoon games this year
Here’s a look at the rest of New York’s schedule…
The #Isles 2026-27 Schedule is HERE! 🗓️
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) July 16, 2026
Join the Priority Presale List now: https://t.co/QTiIlGW0sgpic.twitter.com/qj3jXuOFT6
NHL Reveals LA Kings' 2026-27 Schedule
The start of the regular season is still over two months away, until we officially kick off the 2026-27 season. However, the full schedule for the Los Angeles Kings has been revealed, and we now know who LA will face on the first day of the campaign.
Their season opener will be against a familiar opponent, the Colorado Avalanche, a team they met in last year's first-round playoff series, which they lost 4-0.
Not only that, but LA also hosted the Avs for last season's opener and came up short, losing 4-1 at home. This time, the Kings will have a chance to redeem themselves on the road.
LA Kings 2026-27 schedule pic.twitter.com/JjAToMQd1T
— Russell Morgan (@NHLRussell) July 16, 2026
Los Angeles will travel on the road for its first two games of the season, beginning with their opener against the Avs on Sept. 29 at 7:00 PM PT and Oct. 3 against the San Jose Sharks at 7:00 PM PT.
The Kings won't host their home opener until a week after their season opener, which will be on October 6 at 7:30 PM PT against the Florida Panthers.
A little history as well: this will be the first time since 2007-08 that the NHL regular season will kick off in September because of the 84-game format schedule making a comeback for this season, which hasn't happened since 1993-94.
In their last five openers, the Kings have a 2-3-0 record, with two losses to the Avalanche and one to their divisional rival, the Vegas Golden Knights.
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