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Popular Former Ottawa Senator Forward Attempting Comeback At Age 38

"Big Game Brass" still believes he has a few big games left in him.

According to a report from former Sens play-by-play man Nicolas St-Pierre, now with the “Dans le Vestiaire” podcast, former Senator Derick Brassard is attempting a pro hockey comeback at the age of 38, signing a one-year contract with Genève-Servette HC in Switzerland. 

In June of 2024, Brassard announced his retirement after 1,013 NHL games, 201 of them played in Ottawa. The Gatineau native had two stints here: the first included Ottawa's amazing run to the 2017 Conference Final, where Brassard finished third in team playoff scoring.

But the following season, as the long rebuild began and the Sens began to sell off veterans, Brassard was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, launching a journey of eight NHL team stops in four years. In 2022-23, he returned to Ottawa on a professional tryout and earned a spot on the club.

Brassard played well that season with 38 points in 58 games. Unfortunately, it ended badly.

He suffered a torn ligament in his ankle during the late stages of the 2023 season and was never able to recover enough to make a return. So he's been out of hockey for almost two and a half years.

Brassard was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets sixth overall in 2006 and spent six seasons with the club before being traded to the Rangers. The Sens acquired him from New York in 2017 when they gave up on their 2011 sixth overall draft pick, Mika Zibanejad.

In both of his stints here, Brassard was well-liked by his Ottawa teammates. Drake Batherson still frequently wears the commemorative t-shirt from Brassard's 1000th game under his gear. The fondness the players have for Brassard was vividly on display on Brassard's milestone night in 2023 when they made this special presentation.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News 

This article was originally published at The Hockey News Ottawa. Read more:

Four Ottawa Senators Make Annual List Of Most Punchable NHL Players
Should Drake Batherson's 'Kicked In' Goal Have Counted?
Senators Provide Injury Update On Shane Pinto, Recall Forward From Belleville
Travis Green on Senators Defenseman Nick Jensen: 'I Think He's Finding His Game'
Former Senator Now Tearing It Up In Switzerland
Travis Green Steers Senators Into Top 5 In Several Defensive Metrics

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Mets all-time home run leader Pete Alonso reportedly agrees $155m deal with Orioles

Pete Alonso, left, with Francisco Lindor at the end of last season. Photograph: Lynne Sladky/AP

For the second day in a row, the New York Mets have seen a beloved star agree to terms with another team.

Pete Alonso, the Mets’ all-time leader in home runs, has reportedly agreed to a five-year, $155m contract with the Baltimore Orioles. The news comes a day after the Mets’ long-term closer, Edwin Díaz, reached a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Related: Phillies near $150m deal for Schwarber while Dodgers reel in top closer Díaz

The 31-year-old slugger had been unable to find a long-term deal last season and returned to the Mets on a shorter contract, which he opted out of after this year’s World Series. While the Mets were interested in re-signing him they reportedly never made an offer once other teams were willing to offer longer, more valuable deals to the the first baseman.

Alonso has spent his entire MLB career with the Mets, and last season broke Darryl Strawberry’s franchise record for home runs. He ends his Mets career with 264 home runs. He was also incredibly popular with the team’s fans due to his good-nature and power, earning the nickname Polar Bear. The Mets also lost another long-term popular player, Brandon Nimmo, last month in a trade with the Texas Rangers.

Alonso had one of the best offensive seasons of his career in 2025 – he hit .272 with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs – but there are concerns about his defense, a weak point for the Mets, and base running, and the Mets appeared reluctant to give him a multi-year deal when they have already have Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor on expensive, long-term contracts.

Over his Mets career, Alonso hit .253 with 264 home runs and 712 RBIs and an OPS of .857. He was the NL rookie of the year in 2019, when he hit 53 home runs, and a five-time All Star.

Alonso joins an Orioles team that finished last in the AL East last season, although they have several young stars such as Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday.

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Blackhawks Vs Rangers: Projected Lineup, How To Watch, & More Ahead Of Game 30

The Chicago Blackhawks have an Original Six matchup on Wednesday night. It is a nationally televised game against the New York Rangers, scheduled to take place at the United Center. 

The 12-11-6 Blackhawks are looking to bounce back after a truly dreadful weekend that concluded a lackluster road trip out west. The 15-12-4 Rangers, on the other hand, are 5-3-2 in their last 10 and are looking to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference playoff race.  

Scouting New York 

The New York Rangers employ an old Blackhawks superstar in Artemi Panarin, who is still putting up big numbers at 34 years old. In 31 games played for New York, Panarin has 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points. Around him, there are plenty of talented players.

Miller-Trocheck-Sheary

Panarin-Zibanejad-Lafrenière

Cuylle-Laba-Berard

Brodzinski-Carrick-Chmelař

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Shesterkin

Igor Shesterkin is one of the best goaltenders in the world. If the Blackhawks are going to beat him, they need traffic in front, smart shot selection, and good decision-making. 

Adam Fox, New York’s best defenseman, is out with injury. Missing a Norris Trophy winner and likely Olympian weakens their team, so the Blackhawks would like to take advantage. 

Panarin, as mentioned before, isn't the only player on the Rangers with high-end skills. JT Miller, Vincent Trocheck, Mika Zibanejad, and Alexis Lafreniere are also relied on to produce offense. The Blackhawks will have their hands full facing this group. 

Projected Lines, Defense Pairs, & Goalie For Chicago

The Chicago Blackhawks will be without Sam Rinzel on defense. He was sent down to the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs to get his confidence back and play better with more minutes. At forward, they swapped Landon Slaggert for Dominic Toninato, as well. 

Based on the line rushes from practice, it seems like Toninato will have to wait to make his return to the NHL ice this regular season. With the traditional 12/6 lineup back in the fold, Sam Lafferty appears to be drawing in on the fourth line, which has a little bit of everything on it. 

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Knight

Spencer Knight will be opposite Igor Shesterkin in goal. He has been fantastic this season, and the Blackhawks need him to have a big game to end their current slump. 

Matt Grzelcyk is expected to take over for Sam Rinzel on the second power play unit. He will play with Artyom Levshunov at even strength, as all three pairs have a shakeup. 

With Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Teuvo Teravainen on three different lines, the Blackhawks may have spread out the drivers of offense enough at 5-on-5. After multiple games of lackluster offense, scoring a handful of goals against the Rangers is just what they need to gain their confidence back as a team. 

How To Watch

The game can be heard locally on AM 720 WGN in the Chicagoland area. To view this game, it can be found on TNT, TruTV, or HBO Max. The puck will drop shortly after 6:30 PM. 

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Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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Report: Orioles agree to 5-year, $155 million deal with slugger Pete Alonso

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles agreed to a $155 million, five-year deal with slugger Pete Alonso, a person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical.

It’s a major move for a Baltimore team that vowed to be aggressive following a last-place finish. Alonso hit .272 with 38 home runs and 126 RBIs this year for the New York Mets, posting an .871 OPS that was his highest since he hit 53 home runs as a rookie in 2019.

Alonso, who turned 31 on Sunday, hit 264 homers over seven seasons with the Mets. He’s earned All-Star honors five times, including each of the past four years.

Nicknamed the Polar Bear, Alonso became a Citi Field fan favorite as a home-grown member of the Mets. He was NL Rookie of the Year in 2019, when he hit .260 with a major league-high 53 homers — a rookie record — and 120 RBIs. He had a career-high 131 RBIs in 2022.

Alonso batted a career-low .217 in 2023 while hitting 46 homers and driving in 118 runs and hit .240 with 34 homers and 88 RBIs in 2024.

After a slow free agent market last winter, Alonso signed a $54 million, two-year contract to stay with the Mets, but he opted out of the final year of the deal.

Alonso met with teams at the winter meetings in Orlando, Florida.

“Pete lives in Tampa, it’s rather warm there,” his agent, Scott Boras, said Tuesday. “So the polar vortex of last year has kind of thawed. So the prior market — that prior bear market is exhausted.”

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Real Madrid 1-2 Manchester City: Champions League – as it happened

City came from behind for a deserved win that puts Real coach Xabi Alonso under further pressure

1 min: A fierce old atmosphere in the Bernabéu. It’s Real Madrid in the Champions League after all. It’s Real Madrid versus a Pep team. And then …

Hats off to Erling Haaland, who goes out of his way to say hello to a couple of the tiny mascots and give them a high five. Once he goes off down the line, the little lads embrace each other with excitement, their day made. So sweet. Then City get the ball rolling.

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2025-26 NBA MVP ladder, race: Odds, power rankings, frontrunners including Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, Doncic

The three-man race for MVP continues in the NBA, but we have a new odds on leader at a few sports books. For the majority of the past four weeks, Nikola Jokic has led in terms of odds, but not anymore!

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & team props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

Vaughn Dalzell‘s Week 8 MVP Rankings

Oklahoma City Thunder Primary Logo
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (+160)
Points Per Game: 32.8 (2nd)
Assists Per Game: 6.4 (15th)
Rebounds Per Game: 4.7 RPG (95th)

Oklahoma City is an NBA best 23-1 and riding a 14-game winning streak. The Thunder are in contention to break the 2015-16 Warriors regular season record of 73 wins and 9 losses. If that happens, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be a shoe-in to win the MVP like Steph Curry was that year.

During the Thunder's 14-game winning streak, SGA averaged 32.4 points per game during that span and ranks sixth in offensive efficiency out of qualified players. SGA has scored 30 or more points in 11 of those 14 games and played 30 or fewer minutes in eight contests.

SGA is averaging a career-high in points (32.8), assists (6.4), field goal percentage (55.6%),three point percentage (44.3%) despite playing his second-lowest minutes per game (33.2) of his career (rookie year was the lowest).

Denver Nuggets Primary Logo
2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (+160)
Points Per Game: 29.2 (5th)
Rebounds Per Game: 12.3 (1st)
Assists Per Game: 11.0 (1st)

To start December, Nikola Jokic is on a tear with 30.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 11.3 assists for a triple double average. Denver is 3-1 in that span as Jokic has double-doubled twice and triple-doubled once. In the lone game he didn't double-double at the least in that span, Jokic exploded for 40 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists.

The Nuggets are tied for the third-best record in the NBA (17-6) with the Lakers as they trail the Thunder and Pistons. With the pace the Thunder are at (23-1 record), Jokic will need more than a 30-point triple-double average to overthrow Gilgeous-Alexander.

Los Angeles Lakers Primary Logo
3. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers (+270)
Points Per Game: 35.0 (1st)
Assists Per Game: 9.1 (3rd)
Rebounds Per Game: 9.2 (T-13th)

In the Lakers' last four games, Luka Doncic has missed two of those which didn't impact his odds negatively at all. In the two games he did play, Doncic erupted for 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists in a loss to the Suns, then posted a monster triple-double of 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists in a win over the 76ers.

When Doncic has taken the floor this season, he's showcased his MVP caliber. The problem has been taking the floor. Doncic's missed six games this year and played a combined 50 games last season for Dallas and Los Angeles, which was a career-low. From 2018-19 to 2023-24, Doncic played between 61 and 72 games. To be eligible for MVP, he must play at least 65 games, which he's accomplished in five of seven seasons.

Detroit Pistons Primary Logo
4. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (+5000)
Points Per Game: 27.5 (11th)
Rebounds Per Game: 6.4 (45th)
Assists Per Game: 9.3 (2nd)

Cade Cunningham's MVP chatter has started to quiet down, but his odds remain the same. To start December, Detroit is 3-1 and Cunningham averages 21.3 points, 9.0 assists, and 6.3 rebounds over four contests.

Cunningham's scoring (21.3 ppg) and shooting efficiency's have dropped to 42.9% from the field and 24% from three in that span compared to 47.7% and 34.2% in November. Cunningham ranks 11th in points per game on the year (27.5), second in assists (9.3), and the Pistons lead the East with a 19-5 record ranking second-best overall in the NBA behind the Thunder (23-1)

Philadelphia 76ers Primary Logo
Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers (+10000)
Points Per Game: 31.7 (3rd)
Rebounds Per Game: 4.7 (T-100th)
Assists Per Game: 7.5 (8th)

Tyrese Maxey is still cooking. The 76ers' star guard has scored 44, 35, 35, 12, and 28 points over the last five contests. Maxey's attempted at least 24 field goal attempts in four of those five games as Philadelphia continues to work Joel Embiid back into the mix. Since Embiid's return on November 30, Maxey's MVP odds have dropped from +5000 to +7000 to +10000.

Stock Up

Not one player saw their stock increase by more than $20 for every $100 spent, so no one is included in the stock up market. Now, the question becomes, who will enter the power rankings next or see their stock rise?

Well, Alperen Sengun (+50000) made a short appearance on the list and dropped off, while Jaylen Brown (+50000), Jalen Brunson (+30000), and Donovan Mitchell (+20000) have all straddled the tier two list this season. Anthony Edwards (+25000) is the likely frontrunner to be in contention for the fourth or fifth spot in the MVP poll over the next few weeks, but it's really just a three-man race for MVP this season after injuries wiped out some of the competition.

Stock Down

Milwaukee Bucks Primary Logo
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (Off The Board)
Points Per Game: 30.9 (4th)
Rebounds Per Game: 10.9 (5th)
Assists Per Game: 6.6 (17th)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to miss up the next three weeks at a minimum from a calf injury, which will make him ineligible to win the MVP. Antetokounmpo has already missed eight games and was having a terrific start to the season, especially in the first four games with averages of 36.3 points, 14.0 rebound, and 7.0 assists per game.

San Antonio Spurs Primary Logo
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs (+15000)
Points Per Game: 26.2 (14th)
Rebounds Per Game: 12.9 (2nd)
Blocks Per Game: 3.6 (1st)

Victor Wembanyama has been out since November 14th and missed 11 game overall. To win MVP, the individual must play at least 65 games. That means Wemby could miss only six more contests for the whole year and that is unlikely. His start to the season was MVP worthy, but the Spurs' goal will be for Wembanyama to be healthy for the playoffs. It looks like an MVP or Defensive Player of the Year trophy will have to wait another year for Wembanyama.

Follow my plays for the season on X @VmoneySports, Instagram @VmoneySports_ and Action App @vaughndalzell.

Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & team props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!

How to Watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock

Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones. Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.

How to sign up for Peacock:

Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You’ll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.

NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule

Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.

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Robby Fabbri's Panthers AHL PTO Concludes; Signs Two-Way Deal With Blues

Just nine days ago, the Florida Panthers' AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, signed Robby Fabbri to a professional try-out, and after three games, he's turned the PTO into a two-way contract with the St. Louis Blues. 

The contract pays $775,000 in the NHL and $300,000 in the AHL.

In his brief stint with the Checkers, Fabbri notched a goal and an assist in three games, helping the Checkers win one of those three games. The 29-year-old surprisingly was unable to find a contract following his pre-season PTO with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but now, past the quarter mark of the season, he'll return to where his career began.

Fabbri was originally drafted by the Blues in the first round (21st overall) in the 2014 NHL draft. He went on to play 164 games with the Blues, scoring 32 goals and 73 points. Fabbri played his first three-plus seasons with the Blues before being traded to the Detroit Red Wings on Nov. 6, 2019, for Jacob de la Rose. Fabbri played in the NHL last season with the Anaheim Ducks and had 16 points (eight goals, eight assists) in 44 games.

The Blues are dealing with several injuries. They are currently dealing with injuries to Jordan Kyrou (lower-body), Nathan Walker (upper-body), Jimmy Snuggerud (wrist), Alexey Toropchenko (leg burns) and most recently Nick Bjugstad (upper-body). 

With all the injuries they are facing, Fabbri could get an extended run on the Blues' NHL roster. If he is sent down to the AHL, he'd likely play in the top six as several players from the Springfield Thunderbirds have been called up to the NHL.

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

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Reflecting On A Controversial Goal Against The Rangers

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Because hockey is so fast and so tough, it spawns more controversy than any other major sport.

This was evident after the last Rangers home game in which Vegas beat the Blueshirts late in the overtime period on a breakaway by Golden Knights center Jack Eichel.

No sooner had the red goal light flashed then the following arguments emerged:

1. THE GOALIE: Should Jonathan Quick have stopped Eichel's point blank backhander?

2. RANGERS DEFENDERS: How did the three New York defenders fail to stop the Vegas' breakout? And which one was the real culprit?

3. OFFICIATING: Did the referee' double-minor call late in the third period lead to the Rangers eventually demise?

Each question inspired differing opinions on all three issues and to put an end to all the feudin' a fussin' and a fightin' over these issues, I hereby turn the column over to author, goalie Jerry Hack, co-star with The Maven and moderator Alena Sychova on the hit podcast "Bottle Rocket." 

Jerry Hack: "Ask any goalie – like me, for instance – about Nathan MacKinnon's shot and I'll tell you this: The backhand is the toughest shot to stop simply because there's no way to read where the shot is going – up, down, left, right, five-hole.

"All options are open. When a player of MacKinnon's skill is eight feet away and roofs one over your shoulder, it may appear to be a 'bad' goal. Trust me, it is not. On the forehand you can read most guys like a book. Shesterkin's ability for this is almost unmatched."

Hack, like Pal Jess Rubenstein, wonders why the true culprits – the trio of Blueshirts on the ice – were not more helpful, especially #17, defenseman Will Borgen.

How The Rangers Can Beat The Blackhawks How The Rangers Can Beat The Blackhawks HOW THE RANGERS CAN BEAT THE BLACKHAWKS IN CHICAGO

"What the heck was Borgen doing?" Hack wonders. "He had MacKinnon defended perfectly and then just about augers himself into the ice trying to block a pass. That allowed the NHL's leading scorer free access to a prime scoring area. 

"Look closely at the goal and you'll see MacKinnon is about eight or nine feet from Shesterkin when he lets the shot go. It goes straight over the goalie's shoulder and under the crossbar.

While it may look like a bad goal to some, but not if you ask a goalie like me.

"Borgen is the one to blame here!"

And so he is; but NOT the referees. The sides were three-on-three – that's EVEN – when Eichel scored. Case closed!

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Phillies acquire hard-throwing Curet from Rays in prospect swap

Phillies acquire hard-throwing Curet from Rays in prospect swap originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The offseason is picking up steam, and the Phillies continue to stay active — this time in the trade market.

The club has acquired right-handed pitching prospect Yoniel Curet from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for fellow right-hander Tommy McCollum, according to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb.

Curet, 23, has had stretches of real success in Tampa Bay’s system since signing out of the Dominican Republic in 2019.

Over his first four professional seasons, the Rays’ No. 22 prospect (per MLB.com) made 81 appearances — 61 of them starts — and delivered a 2.96 ERA, 424 strikeouts across 316 innings, reaching Double-A.

Entering this past season, the Rays’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year from 2023 was ranked as Tampa Bay’s No. 2 prospect on FanGraphs.

His 2025 season took a step back. Command issues resurfaced, leading to a career-worst 1.43 WHIP and 31 walks in 62 innings. After a strong five-start run in Double-A (1.45 ERA), Curet was promoted to Triple-A, where the struggles were more pronounced: 21 earned runs in 31 1/3 innings with a 6.03 ERA and 1.92 WHIP.

Curet features a power arsenal that fits a bullpen projection. His five-pitch mix is anchored by a 96–98 mph sinker — graded a 70 on MLB Pipeline’s 20–80 scale — along with a cutter, four-seamer, changeup and slider.

The Phillies believe the swing-and-miss traits translate, and President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski noted that the club views Curet as a reliever and a depth piece as they continue shaping the 40-man roster.

Curet — now the Phillies’ No. 24 prospect on MLB.com — was designated for assignment by Tampa Bay earlier this week and has one Minor League option remaining.

McCollum, 26, has pitched all 165 of his professional games out of the bullpen. He owns a 3.42 ERA with 36 saves in 40 chances across five seasons since signing with the Phillies as an undrafted free agent out of Wingate University in 2021.

With potential bullpen adjustments coming in 2026, this move fits as an early step in reshaping the relief group, particularly in the middle innings.

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Kings GM Scott Perry ‘very encouraged' by rookies Max Raynaud, Nique Clifford

Kings GM Scott Perry ‘very encouraged' by rookies Max Raynaud, Nique Clifford originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Scott Perry has liked what he has seen from Kings rookies Nique Clifford and Maxime Raynaud so far during the 2025-26 NBA season.

Sacramento’s general manager shared his thoughts on the shooting guard and center with Sactown Sports 1140’s “The Drive Guys” on Wednesday.

“Very encouraged by both of those young guys and where they’re at right now as young players in this league,” Perry said. First and foremost, they both have [high] basketball IQs. Secondly, they have tremendous work ethics. And so, as a young player, you come into this league and you’re willing to work and have an idea of how to play this game, you’re going to give yourself every opportunity to grow and get better.”

Clifford, who was the No. 24 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is averaging 4.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists over 16.2 minutes per game. And Raynaud, who was the No. 42 pick, is averaging 8.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and one assist over 16.8 minutes per game.

The season-long stats might not pop, but each player has stepped up mightily as of late, delivering key minutes as Sacramento searches for an identity amid its 6-18 start — especially without All-Star center Domantas Sabonis, who has played just 11 games due to a partial tear in his left meniscus.

Perry explained what has stood out about each rookie’s recent play.

“I think we’re seeing Maxime grow in front of our eyes,” Perry said. “It has been fortunate for him — but unfortunate for the Kings — with Domas being out; it helped push Max into service maybe earlier in the season than what otherwise would’ve been Domas still playing. He seized that opportunity, and that’s what you want to see from a young player. He’s getting better every game. He’s starting to rebound the basketball a little more outside of his area, which I think is a very important thing for him — the better he gets at that, the better player he’s going to become.”

“Nique is really coming on right now, too — very versatile player. Early on, because we were a smaller team, he was playing some power forward, which is not who he’s going to be long-term. He’s had a real baptism by fire, too. But [he’s] competitive, can defend multiple positions. I just think the more he plays and settles in, the more confident and more consistent you’ll see him play. Over this past week, I think he’s had some really good games. He probably had his best game as a pro in Miami.”

Clifford scored an impressive 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting in the Kings’ 127-111 win over the Miami Heat on Saturday. And Raynaud is averaging 16.7 points and eight rebounds through three games in December.

The youngsters — and Sacramento — still have a long journey ahead. 

However, the first-year general manager and the Kings will take all silver linings as the team figures itself out.

Download and follow The Deuce & Mo Podcast

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Giants reportedly among five MLB teams ‘in on' Freddy Peralta trade discussions

Giants reportedly among five MLB teams ‘in on' Freddy Peralta trade discussions originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Though the Giants have cautioned that they won’t spend wildly in MLB free agency, president of baseball operations Buster Posey could take a big swing in the trade market.

The Giants are one of five teams currently “in on” trading for Brewers right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with Milwaukee’s discussions. The addition instantly would upgrade San Francisco’s starting rotation.

Rosenthal and Sammon listed the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Houston Astros as other teams currently pursuing Peralta, while the New York Mets “are also believed to be interested.”

The 29-year-old Peralta is coming off his best MLB season. He posted a 17-6 record with a 2.70 earned run average in 33 starts, garnering his second career MLB All-Star selection and finishing fifth in the National League Cy Young Award voting. Due just $8 million in 2026, Peralta will be a free agent after the season.

The Giants, meanwhile, have made clear their aim to prioritize pitching this offseason. Aces Logan Webb and Robbie Ray will return, along with promising right-hander Landen Roupp, but there is an obvious need for at least one reliable starting arm. Peralta would more than fill that void, fresh off three consecutive 30-start campaigns.

As Rosenthal and Sammon report, however, there is plenty of competition and “no deal appears close. Talks are fluid, and the teams interested in Peralta are also exploring free agents and trades for other starting pitchers.”

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

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Pete Alonso leaving Mets to sign five-year deal with Orioles

The Mets are losing Pete Alonso to the Orioles, who are signing him to a five-year deal worth $155 million, per multiple reports. There are no opt-outs in the contract. 

The move comes a day after the Mets lost Edwin Diaz to the Dodgers on a three-year deal worth $69 million.

With Alonso and Diaz gone, they join former franchise cornerstone Brandon Nimmo as ex-Mets.

Nimmo was traded to the Rangers earlier this offseason for Marcus Semien. 

The Mets had reportedly been unwilling to go beyond three years for Alonso, who gets the long-term deal he desired and couldn't get last offseason, when he returned to the Mets on a two-year deal that contained an option after the first season -- which he exercised upon the completion of the 2025 campaign.

With Alonso gone, the Mets have a massive hole to fill in a lineup that has already downgraded this offseason by dealing Nimmo for Semien.

Alonso served as vital protection for Juan Soto last season, with the burly right-hander slashing .272/.347/.524 with 38 home runs, a career-high 41 doubles, and 126 RBI.

During his seven-year career in New York, Alonso -- who broke the Mets' all-time home run record last season -- hit .253/.341/.516 with 264 home runs, 183 doubles, and 712 RBI over 1,008 games.

Aug 12, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) runs after hitting a two run home run to become the all time Mets franchise home run leader in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field.
Aug 12, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) runs after hitting a two run home run to become the all time Mets franchise home run leader in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. / Wendell Cruz - Imagn Images

Like Diaz, Alonso had repeatedly expressed a desire to stay.

But the Mets, under head of baseball operations David Stearns, are going in a different direction.

It is unclear how the Mets will attempt to fill the power void left by Alonso's departure.

They made a run at Kyle Schwarber, but he re-signed on a five-year deal with the Phillies on Tuesday.

The two biggest names remaining on the free agent market are Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger, but neither possess anything close to the game-changing power Alonso has. And they're both left-handed hitters.

Another option on the free agent market is Eugenio Suarez, who blasted 49 home runs last season. Suarez, a third baseman, could theoretically be used as a designated hitter.

When it comes to free agent first baseman, the Mets could conceivably turn to Japanese stars Munetaka Murakami or Kazuma Okamoto. Murakami has huge power but tons of swing and miss in his game, and is viewed as a poor defender. Okamoto is a strong defender, but does not provide nearly as much power potential as Okamoto.

The Mets' main in-house first base option is Mark Vientos, who is coming off a down offensive season and is relatively untested at the position.

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Dallas center Dereck Lively II to have season-ending surgery on right foot

Dallas starting center Dereck Lively II is going to miss the remainder of this NBA season as he undergoes surgery on his right foot, the Mavericks announced Wednesday.

This is the same foot Lively had surgery on during the offseason, one he fractured last January. He reportedly sought out second and third opinions, trying to avoid surgery, but in the end, that was the best option.

Lively will have played in just seven games this season, missing the bulk of that time due to a right knee sprain. Even when he did play Lively was limited, averaging 16 minutes a night and 4.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. Injuries have been an issue for Lively throughout his three-season NBA career, having played in just 36 games last season due to foot issues and 55 games in his rookie year.

When healthy, the 21-year-old big man out of Duke has played like a future starting five next to Cooper Flagg, in whatever the Mavericks are building long term. He was a key part of the Mavericks' 2024 run to the NBA Finals, averaging 7.9 points and 7.4 rebounds off the bench that postseason.

With Lively out, expect a lot more minutes at center for Daniel Gafford and Anthony Davis (two players mentioned in trade rumors heading toward the February deadline).

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Etzebeth accepts 12-week ban but claims eye-gouge ‘was never intentional’

  • ‘I would never do something like this on purpose’

  • South Africa lock accepts 12-week suspension

Eben Etzebeth, the Springboks lock serving a 12-week ban for eye-gouging Alex Mann of Wales, has claimed it was “never intentional”, contradicting the verdict of an independent disciplinary committee announced last week.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday the Sharks second row accepted guilt and apologised, saying “unfortunately mistakes happen”. The 34-year-old double Rugby World Cup winner also appeared to distance himself from the act by drawing attention to “other factors”. Along with three videos accompanying the post, Etzebeth claimed two Welsh players involved in the fracas, along with Mann, changed “the dynamic of the entire picture”.

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