Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes wants to make sure off-ice distractions don't derail his c...

<p>Vancouver Canucks captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7960" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7960">Quinn Hughes</a> wants to make sure off-ice distractions don't derail his club's upcoming campaign like they did in 2024-25.</p><p>Vancouver was one of the NHL's most disappointing teams last season. Injuries to key players held the Canucks back, and a highly publicized feud between stars <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7699" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7699">Elias Pettersson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2170" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2170">J.T. Miller</a> led to the latter being traded. When the campaign ended, head coach Rick Tocchet left the club and Hughes' future with the organization became a major talking point.</p><p>"One thing I’m really good at - or have gotten good at - is I'm very present," Hughes told <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/quinn-hughes-on-canucks-future-i-can-handle-the-noise/">Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre</a>. "I can't even sign for another year, so there's nothing I can do. As far as the noise, I can handle the noise. That's why I’m the captain of the team, because I can handle these things and I can play at an elite level and it doesn't matter what's going on around me."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hughes was the Canucks' best player last season. He racked up 78 points in 68 games and was a Norris Trophy finalist after winning the award in 2024.</p><p>He has two seasons left on his contract and is eligible to sign an extension as of July 1, 2026. Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford said in April that the club will ensure it has enough cap space to give Hughes the deal he deserves, but he raised eyebrows by mentioning the captain might prioritize a chance to play with his brothers over maximizing his earnings. Hughes' younger brothers, Jack and Luke, are teammates on the New Jersey Devils.</p><p>"And as far as the noise around my teammates, I'm going to try to help everyone else, too, and be as good a leader as I can be," Quinn said. "Noise doesn't bother me. It's a long year, and I’m just going to be day-to-day and focus on the short term. That's the truth, honestly."</p><p>The Canucks drafted Hughes seventh overall in 2018 and named him captain in 2023. He's tied for the franchise lead in points by a defenseman (409) in only 433 games and is a two-time All-Star.</p>

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 28: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Vancouver Canucks controls the puck during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on March 28, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated Vancouver 7-6 in a shootout.

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Hughes: 'I can handle the noise' around Canucks, contract situation

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is in the preliminary stages of working out a ...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is in the preliminary stages of working out a contract extension for goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9766">Anthony Stolarz</a>.</p><p>"We've certainly explored some things with Anthony and his representative, and we'd love to find a way to get something done," Treliving told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6593420/2025/09/03/maple-leafs-roster-anthony-stolarz-brad-treliving/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=nhltw&amp;source=nhltw">The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun</a> on Tuesday. "If there's something that both sides are comfortable with, we'll look at it. And we've been in those discussions for some time right now. We'll see what the coming days bring."</p><p>Stolarz is entering the final season of the two-year, $5-million contract he signed with Toronto in 2024 and is eligible to ink an extension at any point. The 31-year-old was phenomenal in his first campaign with the Maple Leafs, going 21-8-3 with four shutouts, a .926 save percentage, and 31.2 goals saved above expected.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>His 34 starts were the most of his career. Stolarz took charge of Toronto's No. 1 goalie spot over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8266" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8266">Joseph Woll</a>, but he missed time during the regular season due to knee surgery and then was injured in the second round of the playoffs on a controversial collision with Florida Panthers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a>.</p><p>The Maple Leafs are projected to have approximately $24.8 million in cap space for the 2026-27 season, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/toronto-maple-leafs">PuckPedia</a>. Stolarz is Toronto's most prominent player set to begin the upcoming campaign on an expiring contract. </p>

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 5: Anthony Stolarz #41 of the Toronto Maple Leafs tends the goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period at the Scotiabank Arena on November 5, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Treliving: Leafs would 'love' to get Stolarz extension done

Luke Donald made his six captain's picks for Europe's Ryder Cup squad Monday, with the reigning c...

<p>Luke Donald made his six captain's picks for Europe's Ryder Cup squad Monday, with the reigning champions featuring virtually the same team that dominated the United States in Italy in 2023.</p><p>Here's the full roster. The first six players automatically qualified by the points ranking system. </p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Ryder Cup record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)</td>
<td>16-13-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert MacIntyre (Scotland)</td>
<td>2-0-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tommy Fleetwood (England)</td>
<td>7-3-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Rose (England)</td>
<td>14-9-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rasmus Hojgaard (Denmark)</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyrrell Hatton (England)</td>
<td>5-4-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shane Lowry (Ireland)*</td>
<td>2-3-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jon Rahm (Spain)*</td>
<td>6-3-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sepp Straka (Austria)*</td>
<td>1-2-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Viktor Hovland (Norway)*</td>
<td>3-4-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ludvig Aberg (Sweden)*</td>
<td>2-2-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Fitzpatrick (England)*</td>
<td>1-7-0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* - denotes captain's pick</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The only newcomer is Hojgaard. His twin brother, Nicolai, was on the team in 2023. </p><p>Europe won the most recent edition of the biannual event 16.5-11.5 but hasn't been victorious on American soil since 2012.</p><p>"Well, if they're not ready then it's my fault," Donald said, per <a href="https://x.com/SkySportsGolf/status/1962513780379660331">Sky Sports</a>. "We're spending 20 months trying to get them ready for this. We understand it's going to be a hugely tough environment. New Yorkers bring the noise, they bring the energy. But again, I feel like our players will be ready for that."</p><p>The Ryder Cup begins Sept. 26 at Bethpage Black in New York. </p>

ROME, ITALY - OCTOBER 01: Captain Luke Donald of Team Europe lifts The Ryder Cup and celebrates with his teammates after Team Europe wins The Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club on Sunday, October 1, 2023 in Rome, Italy.

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The New Jersey Devils and restricted free agent defenseman Luke Hughes aren't in agreement on ter...

<p>The New Jersey Devils and restricted free agent defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10579" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10579">Luke Hughes</a> aren't in agreement on term for a potential contract extension, according to <a href="https://www.nj.com/devils/2025/08/how-slow-nhl-offseason-is-affecting-devils-luke-hughes-extension-talks.html">Ryan Novozinsky of NJ.com</a>.</p><p>The Devils desire the max eight-year term or a bridge deal, while Hughes' camp is seeking a five-year pact to line up with his brother and teammate Jack's contract, Novozinsky adds.</p><p>Both Hughes brothers would be unrestricted free agents in 2030 if Luke signs for five years. Jack signed an eight-year, $64-million contract in 2021. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Hughes projects be worth $8.38 million per season on a six-year deal, according to <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WuCp8WHgCaTAijtVsww-C-1qmdBdNBiTbDIPdJr_Fwo/edit?gid=1769332179#gid=1769332179">AFP Analytics</a>. The Devils currently have approximately $6.1 million in cap space.</p><p>New Jersey drafted Luke Hughes fourth overall in 2021 after taking Jack with the first overall pick in 2019. The younger Hughes has notched 93 points in 155 career games and averaged over 21 minutes per contest last season.</p>

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 20: Luke Hughes #43 of the New Jersey Devils during warm ups prior to Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on April 20, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Report: Devils, Luke Hughes apart on term for extension

Sidney Crosby is the elder statesman at Canada's Olympic orientation camp, and his younger teamma...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1002">Sidney Crosby</a> is the elder statesman at Canada's Olympic orientation camp, and his younger teammates aren't taking the 38-year-old's international legacy for granted as they begin to prepare for the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina in February.</p><p>"It's not lost on us, our generation," forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3945" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3945">Sam Reinhart</a> told <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/sidney-crosby-still-center-stage-as-canada-prepares-for-2026-olympics">NHL.com's Dan Rosen</a>. "The biggest motivation there is for us (is) it doesn't look like the window is closing for him any time soon."</p><p>Reinhart and Crosby were teammates at the 4 Nations Face-Off this past winter and were among the first six Canadian players selected for the Olympic roster along with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8539" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8539">Cale Makar</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4013" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4013">Brayden Point</a>. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"For our generation, for him to still be here and be the captain and still play a massive role, it's special," said McDavid, 28. "It's special for all of us."</p><p>Crosby scored the golden goal at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and captained Canada to another triumph at the 2014 tournament in Sochi. NHL players haven't been able to participate since, but Crosby was always optimistic he'd have a chance to compete for a third Olympic gold medal.</p><p>"With the way things went with so many things out of our control the two prior times, you know, I try not to think too far ahead and try to let it play out, and I was pretty confident that we'd find a way to get back, and I wanted to be a part of that, obviously," Crosby said.</p><p>The men's Olympic tournament runs from Feb. 12-22. Canada has won the past four international best-on-best events, and Crosby's been on each team.</p>

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 20: Brayden Point #21, Sidney Crosby #87 and Sam Reinhart #13 of Team Canada celebrate after their 3-2 overtime win in the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship game between Team Canada and Team United States at TD Garden on February 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Reinhart: Crosby the 'biggest motivation' for Olympic team

With no contract extension in place deep into the offseason, Connor McDavid affirmed his desire t...

<p>With no contract extension in place deep into the offseason, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> affirmed his desire to win a Stanley Cup with Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday.</p><p>"Take my time and go through everything. I have every intention to win in Edmonton," McDavid told media during Canada's Olympic orientation camp, including <a href="https://x.com/TSN_Sports/status/1960762013094691177">TSN</a>.</p><p>"It's my only focus. It would be nice to win a gold medal with Canada, but it is my intention to win there (in Edmonton)." </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/connor-mcdavid-edmonton-oilers-yet-to-discuss-dollars-or-term-on-extension-1.2351875">TSN's Ryan Rishaug</a> reported Wednesday that McDavid's camp and the Oilers haven't exchanged numbers on term or money yet. McDavid is still unsure if he'll sign before the start of the new season in October.</p><p>"All options are on the table, we're going through it. I don't have a preference either way," McDavid said. "I want the (Oilers) to be as dialed in as possible and not have any distractions."</p><p>Oilers general manager Stan Bowman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3318066" href="https://thescore.com/news/3318066">said</a> in late July that he's encouraged by early talks between the club and agent Judd Moldaver and that he expected negotiations to ramp up in the near future.</p><p>McDavid said he's in no rush to sign after the Oilers lost the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers for the second straight spring. The three-time MVP noted that re-signing in Edmonton would be an easy choice as long as the organization is committed to building a sustainable winner. </p><p>McDavid became eligible to sign a new deal July 1. He'll be an unrestricted free agent in July 2026 if no extension is agreed upon by then.</p><p>The Oilers are projected to have over $44 million in cap space for their 2026-27 roster, the first year of McDavid's potential new deal, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/edmonton-oilers">PuckPedia</a>. McDavid has counted for a $12.5-million cap hit for the past seven seasons and will again in 2025-26.</p><p>Edmonton awarded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a> ($14-million AAV) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a> ($10.5-million AAV) lucrative contract extensions over the past year.</p><p>McDavid missed 15 games last season due to injuries and suspension but still hit the 100-point mark for the fifth year in a row and eighth time in 10 NHL campaigns. </p>

EDMONTON, CANADA - JUNE 04: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on during the third period against the Florida Panthers in Game One of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place on June 04, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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McDavid has 'every intention' to win with Oilers

Keegan Bradley made his six captain's picks for the U.S. Ryder Cup team Wednesday, ending months ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/796" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/796">Keegan Bradley</a> made his six captain's picks for the U.S. Ryder Cup team Wednesday, ending months of speculation by opting against choosing himself to be the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963.</p><p>Here's the entire squad that will represent the United States at Bethpage Black. The first six players automatically qualified via the ranking points system.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Ryder Cup record</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>2-2-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J.J. Spaun</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xander Schauffele</td>
<td>4-4-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell Henley</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Harris English</td>
<td>1-2-0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryson DeChambeau</td>
<td>2-3-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Justin Thomas*</td>
<td>7-4-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Collin Morikawa*</td>
<td>4-3-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ben Griffin*</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cameron Young*</td>
<td>N/A</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Cantlay*</td>
<td>5-2-1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sam Burns*</td>
<td>1-2-0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>* - denotes captain's pick</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bradley has been a Ryder Cup player twice, most recently in 2014. The Americans lost both times he was on the team. </p><p>He admitted the decision to not play was made a while ago. </p><p>"I'm 100% certain this is the right choice," Bradley said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/46087419/keegan-bradley-pick-us-ryder-cup-squad">ESPN</a>. "I want to be the best captain I can be."</p><p>Bradley narrowly missed out on being a captain's pick for the 2023 team, which was famously documented in Netflix's "Full Swing" series. Bradley's heartbreak over missing out was a prominent storyline leading up to the Americans' lopsided defeat to the Europeans in Italy.</p><p>The 39-year-old is ranked 11th in the world and had one victory along with six top-10 finishes on the PGA TOUR in 2025. Bradley finished the campaign 11th on the American Ryder Cup points list.</p><p>Bradley selected two first-timers to his roster: Griffin earned two wins and 10 top 10s this season, while Young, a local product, is fresh off his first PGA TOUR victory.</p><p>Thomas, Morikawa, and Cantlay bring plenty of experience to the team. Cantlay is 15-6-1 in team events for his career. </p><p>The Ryder Cup runs Sept. 26-28. Europe won the most recent rendition but hasn't been victorious on American soil since 2012.</p><p>European captain Luke Donald will make his picks Sept. 1.</p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - SEPTEMBER 29: Keegan Bradley of the U.S. Team celebrates after a putt on the tenth green during Sunday Singles on day four of the 2024 Presidents Cup at The Royal Montreal Golf Club on September 29, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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Bradley makes Ryder Cup picks, declines being playing captain

Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund believes it's only a matter of time before longtime teamma...

<p>Calgary Flames captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/171" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/171">Mikael Backlund</a> believes it's only a matter of time before longtime teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4723">Rasmus Andersson</a> is dealt. </p><p>"Yeah, he's getting traded. It's obvious," Backlund told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6576283/2025/08/27/rasmus-andersson-flames-nhl-player-tour/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Michael Russo</a>. "But the team wants value. He wants a big contract. So he wants to play well. The team needs him to play well. So, just go out and play. I talked to him, too, and he doesn't want to be a distraction. So it's all good. It's too bad it's come to this. I don't think that they're close to getting an agreement or anything, but you never know. Things could change. We'll see."</p><p>Andersson is set to enter the final season of his contract at a bargain cap hit of $4.5 million. He's been involved in trade rumors for multiple seasons now, and talks are likely to heat up again in 2025-26, as Andersson is eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Flames <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3189966" href="https://thescore.com/news/3189966">reportedly</a> had no interest in moving Andersson before the trade deadline in March, and the blue-liner expressed his desire to stay in Calgary multiple times last season. </p><p>Calgary can afford an extension for Andersson, but he's also the club's most valuable trade asset. The soon-to-be 29-year-old is a top-pairing, right-shot defender and plays in all situations. Andersson notched 31 points and 196 blocks last season while averaging nearly 24 minutes per contest.</p><p>The Flames selected Andersson in the second round of the 2015 draft. He debuted during the 2016-17 season and has suited up in 536 games for the franchise. </p><p>Calgary improved to 96 points last season after earning 81 the previous year but missed the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference by a tiebreaker with the St. Louis Blues.</p>

CALGARY, AB - NOVEMBER 1: Rasmus Andersson #4 and Mikael Backlund #11 of the Calgary Flames say hello to family during warmup prior to the game against the Dallas Stars at Scotiabank Saddledome on November 1, 2023 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

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Flames' Backlund: 'It's obvious' Andersson will be traded

Patrick Kane plans to do everything in his power to make the 2026 U.S. Olympic roster knowing it'...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/267" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/267">Patrick Kane</a> plans to do everything in his power to make the 2026 U.S. Olympic roster knowing it's likely his last chance to represent his country at the highest level.</p><p>The 36-year-old was invited to the United States' orientation camp taking place Tuesday and Wednesday. Kane wants a gold medal to add to a trophy case that already includes three Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe, a Hart Trophy, and an Art Ross.</p><p>"The one thing that's kind of missing is a gold in best-on-best, right?" Kane said, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/patrick-kane-hoping-for-one-more-chance-at-olympic-gold-for-usa?utm_source=nhldotcom&amp;utm_medium=social">NHL.com's Nick Cotsonika</a>. "It would be fun to have that opportunity."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Kane was a core piece on the U.S. Olympic teams in 2010 and 2014, as well as the World Cup of Hockey in 2016. The only hardware the Americans won in those tournaments was a silver medal in 2010.</p><p>Kane wasn't selected for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February but is hopeful his strong second half of the season - which included notching 45 points in his final 43 games - will help his standing for the Olympics. He wants to be chosen for strong play in 2025-26 rather than his reputation as the most decorated American player of his generation.</p><p>"I don't want that to be a thing, either, where you're getting selected for the team because of all that stuff," Kane said. "You want to be selected for the player you are and what you can bring to the team."</p><p>He added, "If you're playing well and somebody else is playing well, and they take somebody else, well, you know, so be it. I put my best foot forward and I did all I could to try to make the team. I was happy that I finished well last year and kind of got myself back into maybe the conversation again, but we'll see."</p><p>Kane signed a one-year, $3-million contract with Detroit this summer to tee up his 19th NHL campaign. He's eight goals shy of 500 for his career and 32 points from passing Mike Modano to become the highest-scoring American-born player in league history.</p>

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 11: Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane (88) looks on during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings on April 11, 2024, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

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Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez is back in the lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Col...

<p>Houston Astros slugger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9552" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9552">Yordan Alvarez</a> is back in the lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Colorado Rockies after a lengthy absence, the team announced.</p><p>Alvarez hasn't suited up since May 2 because of a hand injury. He'll play left field and bat from the cleanup spot in his return.</p><p>Alvarez appeared close to returning in early July before encountering a setback. The Astros originally placed him on the injured list with right hand inflammation, but they later discovered a fracture.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 28-year-old was uncharacteristically hitting .210/.306/.340 with three homers and 18 RBIs before landing on the IL. Alvarez has been one of the league's top power hitters since entering the league in 2019. He surpassed 30 home runs in each of the previous four seasons and owns a career .959 OPS.</p><p>Houston holds a 1.5-game lead over the Seattle Mariners atop the AL West.</p>

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 28: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros hits a RBI single in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Daikin Park on April 28, 2025 in Houston, Texas.

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Astros' Alvarez returning to lineup for 1st time since May

The New York Mets are promoting pitching prospect Jonah Tong from Triple-A Syracuse.  The Markham...

<p>The New York Mets are promoting pitching prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18634">Jonah Tong</a> from Triple-A Syracuse.</p><p>The Markham, Ontario, native will make his major-league debut Friday against the Miami Marlins, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced Tuesday, according to <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/1960432925255647493">SNY</a>.</p><p>Tong is the fourth-ranked prospect in the Mets' system and 44th in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. New York selected him in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 22-year-old right-hander has spent time in both Double- and Triple-A in 2025. Tong was promoted to Triple-A earlier in August and recorded 17 strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings without allowing an earned run.</p><p>In Double-A this season, Tong went 8-5 with a 1.59 ERA across 20 starts. His strong campaign resulted in a spot on the National League roster at the All-Star Futures Game in July. </p><p>The Mets enter Tuesday's matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies with a 2.5-game cushion for the final wild-card spot in the NL. New York has tumbled down the standings with an 8-14 record in August and is six games back of the Phillies in the NL East.</p>

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 12: Jonah Tong #16 of the New York Mets pitches during the 2025 MLB All-Star Futures Game at Truist Park on Saturday, July 12, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Mets calling up pitching prospect Tong for MLB debut Friday

The 2026 MLB season will begin March 25 with an interleague meeting between the New York Yankees ...

<p>The 2026 MLB season will begin March 25 with an interleague meeting between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park, the league announced Tuesday.</p><p>The remaining 28 teams will open their seasons March 26. Here's a look at each squad's first matchup.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Home</th>
<th>Away</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Blue Jays</td>
<td> Athletics</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Guardians</td>
<td>Mariners</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rangers</td>
<td>Phillies</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>White Sox</td>
<td>Brewers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tigers</td>
<td>Padres</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Braves</td>
<td>Royals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Twins</td>
<td>Orioles</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Red Sox</td>
<td>Reds</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Angels</td>
<td>Astros</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rays</td>
<td>Cardinals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Diamondbacks</td>
<td>Dodgers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rockies</td>
<td>Marlins</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Cubs</td>
<td>Nationals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mets</td>
<td>Pirates</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The entire 2026 schedule can be seen <a href="https://www.mlb.com/schedule/2026-03-25">here</a>. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 96th All-Star Game will take place in Philadelphia on July 14, while Rivalry Weekend will run May 14-17.</p>

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 02: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees bats during the game between the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Sunday, June 2, 2024 in San Francisco, California.

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Yankees-Giants to open 2026 MLB season

Tommy Fleetwood captured his long-awaited first PGA TOUR victory Sunday at the TOUR Championship,...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/678" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/678">Tommy Fleetwood</a> captured his long-awaited first PGA TOUR victory Sunday at the TOUR Championship, securing the FedEx Cup as the 2025 playoff champion.</p><p>Fleetwood fired a final-round 68 to seal the win at 18-under to overcome a star-studded field at East Lake to end the 2025 regular season. The Englishman had six runners-up and 30 top-five finishes in his PGA TOUR career before Sunday's breakthrough.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE MOMENT IT BECAME REAL FOR TOMMY FLEETWOOD! 🥹 <a href="https://t.co/lmErmcMu5Z">pic.twitter.com/lmErmcMu5Z</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1959734868310393106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Fleetwood, who's won eight international titles in his career, will be on Europe's Ryder Cup team for the fourth time in September.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"You can't win plenty if you don't win the first one," Fleetwood <a href="https://x.com/PGATOUR/status/1959736192255078811">said</a> after jarring his final putt. </p><p>Fleetwood earned $10 million for the victory. </p>

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 24: Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) with the FedEx Cup Trophy after the final round of the PGA Tour Championship, August 24, 2025 at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Fleetwood captures elusive 1st win, FedEx Cup at TOUR Championship

Philadelphia Phillies starter Zack Wheeler was recommended to undergo thoracic outlet decompressi...

<p>Philadelphia Phillies starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2917" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2917">Zack Wheeler</a> was recommended to undergo thoracic outlet decompression surgery in the coming weeks and will miss the remainder of the 2025 season, the team announced Saturday.</p><p>He's expected to undergo the procedure in the next few weeks.</p><p>Wheeler had a procedure to remove a blood clot in his right arm earlier this week. After follow-up exams, he was diagnosed with venous thoracic outlet syndrome, which requires a different surgery to fix. The recovery time from his upcoming procedure is around six-to-eight months.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We figure that he'll come back in the six-to-eight month time period and come back and be the Zack Wheeler of old," president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6571385/2025/08/23/phillies-zack-wheeler-season-ending-surgery/">Matt Gelb of The Athletic</a>. "That's what we've been told. Unless something unanticipated happened, he'll be able to come back and pitch like he has before this."</p><p>Head athletic trainer Paul Buccheit added that Wheeler is "doing fine," and said that surgeons told the Phillies that the prognosis is "really good," per Gelb.</p><p>The 35-year-old Wheeler was in the midst of another strong campaign with a 2.71 ERA in 24 starts while leading the majors in strikeouts (195) and WHIP (0.935). Wheeler was an All-Star for the third time in six seasons last month.</p><p>Wheeler is in the first season of a three-year, $126-million extension signed in March 2024. He initially joined Philadelphia on a five-year, $118-million contract in 2020.</p><p>The Phillies hold a six-game lead on the New York Mets in the NL East.</p>

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 15: Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Friday, August 15, 2025 in Washington, District of Columbia.

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Phillies' Wheeler expected to miss 6-8 months due to shoulder injury

Montreal Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki is eager to build on last season's success after the club ...

<p>Montreal Canadiens captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6457" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6457">Nick Suzuki</a> is eager to build on last season's success after the club made some notable additions this summer.</p><p>The Habs acquired defenseman star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7911" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7911">Noah Dobson</a> from the New York Islanders at the draft, then added <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10684" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10684">Zachary Bolduc</a> from the St. Louis Blues to bolster their forward corps.</p><p>"It's exciting," Suzuki told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6567899/2025/08/21/canadiens-suzuki-expectations-dobson-demidov-laine/?source=emp_shared_article">The Athletic's Arpon Basu</a>. "We've been trading guys away for a long time, so now that we're adding guys – really good NHL players – to the team, it's exciting for everyone. Talking to Dobber and Bolduc coming in, they're really excited to join the group. It's an exciting time for the Canadiens, the players, and the fans can all see that. Now I'm just excited to get the season going."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Canadiens hadn't reached the playoffs in a full campaign since 2017 before qualifying in this past spring. Montreal made it in both COVID-shortened seasons, including a run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021, but finished last in the Atlantic Division for three consecutive years afterward.</p><p>Suzuki was the catalyst for Montreal's late-season charge: He was fourth in league scoring after the 4 Nations Face-Off break in February, and finished the season with a career-high 89 points. The 26-year-old received down-ballot votes for both the Hart Trophy and the Selke Trophy.</p><p>The Canadiens were ousted in five games by the Washington Capitals in Round 1, and Suzuki has his heights set higher going into next season.</p><p>"(Last year) our expectations for ourselves were higher than the media and the fans had, so I don't think it's any different this year," Suzuki said. “I want to be in the same spot or better.</p><p>"I think we have the team to do that."</p>

MONTREAL, CANADA - OCTOBER 14: Nick Suzuki #14 of the Montreal Canadiens skates the puck during the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Bell Centre on October 14, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 6-3.

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Suzuki: 'Exciting time' for Canadiens after offseason additions

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews spoke publicly for the first time Wednesday about lon...

<p>Toronto Maple Leafs captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5586" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5586">Auston Matthews</a> spoke publicly for the first time Wednesday about longtime teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4718" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4718">Mitch Marner</a>'s departure from the club, reflecting on both the emotional impact and business realities of the NHL.</p><p>"We'll obviously miss him. He's a great friend, great teammate," Matthews said at a charity event, per <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/that-s-the-business-side-of-it-auston-matthews-breaks-silence-on-mitch-marner-s-departure-from-maple-leafs">David Alter of The Hockey News</a>. "That's kind of the business side of it. That's tough, but obviously I wish him nothing but the best, and yeah, we've just got to keep it moving."</p><p>Marner was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights in June and quickly signed an eight-year, $96-million contract in Sin City before becoming eligible to test unrestricted free agency. Drafted fourth overall in 2015, Marner played nine seasons with the Maple Leafs and was Matthews' most frequent winger on Toronto's top line.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Marner and Matthews formed one of the league's most productive duos and rank fifth and sixth, respectively, on Toronto's all-time scoring list. Despite the impressive regular-season numbers, the pair drew considerable criticism for winning only two playoff rounds during their tenure together.</p><p>Matthews, who's under contract through 2028, will look to bounce back come October after scoring a career-low 33 goals in 67 games in 2024-25. The soon-to-be 28-year-old dealt with a nagging injury throughout the season but declined to divulge specifics after the Florida Panthers eliminated the Leafs in the second round.</p><p>However, Matthews said Wednesday that his health was "good," with training camp set to begin in September, according to Alter.</p>

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 10: Auston Matthews #34 and Mitch Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs look on during the first period of a game against the Utah Hockey Club at Delta Center on March 10, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Matthews: 'We'll obviously miss' Marner on Leafs

Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner is confident his club can find a silver lining in losin...

<p>Edmonton Oilers goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6553" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6553">Stuart Skinner</a> is confident his club can find a silver lining in losing the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers two years in a row. </p><p>"I think going through it the first time, you go through that experience in the summer and then you realize the things you did well and the things you didn't do well," Skinner said, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/stuart-skinner-says-edmonton-oilers-will-regroup-from-final-loss-faster">NHL.com's Derek Van Diest</a>. "Going through it a second time, which is obviously devastating, but being able to say you went through this does actually help you get over it quicker, just because you have to go back into training and do it all over again."</p><p>The Oilers fell to the Panthers in six games in June. Skinner struggled in the final, posting a .861 save percentage along with a 3.80 goals against average to cap a roller-coaster playoff run. The 26-year-old lost the net to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1766" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1766">Calvin Pickard</a> in Round 1 before posting a .931 clip and three shutouts across Rounds 2 and 3.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>While Edmonton appears set to ice the same tandem between the pipes in 2025-26, Skinner said he believes his approach this summer has improved compared to what followed after the heartbreak against Florida in 2024.</p><p>"I think I got back on the ice a little too quick last summer, talking about the experience part again," Skinner said. "Going into the season, I want to be as fresh as I can, as strong as I can."</p><p>Skinner went 26-18-4 in the 2024-25 regular season with a .896 save percentage. Drafted in the third round in 2017, Skinner has spent his entire career in the Oilers organization and enters the final season of his contract in 2025-26.</p><p>The Oilers primarily made depth moves this offseason, bringing in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4791" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4791">Andrew Mangiapane</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3101" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3101">Curtis Lazar</a>, and prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12722" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12722">Isaac Howard</a>. Edmonton also traded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/56" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/56">Evander Kane</a> to the Vancouver Canucks and lost <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3202" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3202">Connor Brown</a> in free agency.</p>

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 17: Sergei Bobrovsky #72 of the Florida Panthers and Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers talk at the handshake line after Game Six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers won the Stanley Cup Final series 4-2.

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Skinner: Oilers can get over finals loss quicker this time

The Chicago Cubs called up outfielder Owen Caissie on Thursday after placing catcher Miguel Amaya...

<p>The Chicago Cubs called up outfielder Owen Caissie on Thursday after placing catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8927" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8927">Miguel Amaya</a> on the 15-day injured list.</p><p>MLB Pipeline ranks Caissie as Chicago's top prospect and 45th overall in baseball. The Toronto-area native is batting fifth as the designated hitter in his MLB debut against the Blue Jays in Thursday's finale of the three-game series.</p><p>Caissie takes Amaya's spot on the active roster after the backstop sprained his ankle on a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3324815" href="https://thescore.com/news/3324815">scary play</a> at first base in Wednesday's game.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Cubs acquired Caissie from the San Diego Padres as part of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2901" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2901">Yu Darvish</a> trade in 2020. The Padres drafted Caissie 45th overall that year, making him the highest-drafted Canadian outfielder ever. </p><p>After debuting in Triple-A Iowa last season, Caissie has put up strong numbers at the level this year. In 92 games with the Cubs' top affiliate in 2025, he's collected 22 home runs and 26 doubles while sporting a .292 batting average and a .966 OPS.</p><p>The Cubs hold the top wild-card spot in the National League.</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 12: Owen Caissie #17 of the Chicago Cubs plays right field in the MLB Futures Game at Truist Park on July 12, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Cubs promote top prospect Caissie

Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy sees a path for top prospect Zayne Parekh to make the...

<p>Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy sees a path for top prospect Zayne Parekh to make the roster out of camp this fall. </p><p>"Just watching Zayne all year, just seeing what he can do offensively and the way he kind of plays. Even when he came up at the end (of the season), to watch him in practice, he just does things differently than most guys," Conroy said, per <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/hockey-canada/video/conroy-parekh-will-have-a-great-opportunity-to-make-flames-roste~3186631">TSN</a>.</p><p>Conroy added, "I don't want to put too much pressure on him, but he's going to have a great opportunity to make this team next year."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Flames drafted Parekh ninth overall in 2024. He suited up for the OHL's Saginaw Spirit this past season and became only the 10th defenseman in league history to notch 100 points in a single campaign.</p><p>Parekh joined Calgary for the final game of the 2024-25 regular season and scored in his NHL debut. The 19-year-old is touted for his offensive instincts, but Conroy said he wants to see Parekh grow in other areas before he suits up for the Flames on a full-time basis.</p><p>"Offensively, he can do all that. It's going to be his play away from the puck, how he can defend," Conroy said.</p><p>"I'm just looking for him to come in and just play his game and be more confident. I think he was disappointed when he came in last year - it didn't work quite as well. It wasn't as easy as he thought it was going to be."</p><p>Calgary defied expectations last season and were in the playoff hunt throughout the campaign before missing the cut in a tiebreak scenario with the St. Louis Blues.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 17: Calgary Flames Defenseman Zayne Parekh (89) takes his "Rookie Lap" before his first NHL game between the Los Angeles Kings versus the Calgary Flames on April 17th, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA.

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Conroy: Parekh will have 'great opportunity' to make Flames

An arbitrator ruled in favor of the Philadelphia Flyers after the NHLPA filed a grievance over th...

<p>An arbitrator ruled in favor of the Philadelphia Flyers after the NHLPA filed a grievance over the club's termination of Ryan Johansen's contract last August, sources told <a href="https://x.com/DarrenDreger/status/1955386136786018802">TSN's Darren Dreger</a>.</p><p>The Flyers acquired Johansen from the Colorado Avalanche at the 2024 trade deadline, but he never suited up for Philadelphia. The Flyers cited a material breach as the cause for terminating his deal, which had one year and $8 million remaining. Half of that salary was still being covered by the Nashville Predators, who traded him to the Avalanche.</p><p>The NHLPA publicly questioned the Flyers' move at the time, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3084660" href="https://thescore.com/news/3084660">saying</a> the decision raised "significant concerns." Johansen's agency also noted after his release that he was dealing with a major injury that required extensive surgery.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Flyers general manager Daniel Briere admitted he was unsure if Johansen would be able to play for the organization after acquiring him.</p><p>Johansen didn't play the 2024-25 season. A fourth overall pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2010, Johansen amassed 578 points in 905 career games.</p>

OTTAWA, CANADA - JANUARY 16: Ryan Johansen #12 of the Colorado Avalanche skates during the third period against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on January 16, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The Colorado Avalanche defeated the Ottawa Senators 7-4.

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Report: Arbitrator sides with Flyers over Johansen's contract termination

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Sean O'Leary

News Editor

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