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Paul D. Grant — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:34:53 EDT

Scout’s Analysis: Early draft targets for Calgary Flames

Jason Bukala — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:09:42 EDT

With the NHL regular season winding down this week, we know that four Canadian franchises will miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Vancouver Canucks will finish with the worst record in the league and have their sights set on hopefully winning the draft lottery on May 5. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets and Toronto Maple Leafs are also hoping the ping-pong balls fall their way and result in the highest draft slot possible.

Each one of these organizations has a different outlook and plan for their future. The Canucks are entering a rebuild, for example, while the Flames have a head start in the same category. Winnipeg, on the other hand, is more likely to look at this season as an anomaly and try to reset with a fresh schedule next fall. And while the Leafs would prefer to do a quick retool to be competitive again next season, they aren’t likely to move forward with a concrete game plan until they hire their next GM or president.

With all that being said, over the next several days I will be presenting my preferred draft targets for Canada’s non-playoff NHL clubs. Today, we’ll start with the Calgary Flames.

CALGARY FLAMES OUTLOOK

The Flames compete as hard as any team in the NHL. Despite their record, they aren’t an easy out; they push back to the best of their ability pretty consistently. What the Flames don’t do is score enough goals. They have struggled to produce offence in recent years and it’s an area of their organization that requires attention. The Flames sit near the bottom in two key statistical categories — goals for and power-play percentage.

Here’s a look at who their top scorers have been this season:

It’s notable that Nazem Kadri was traded to the Colorado Avalanche at the trade deadline over a month ago, but remains Calgary’s fourth-leading point producer.

Draft board and strategy

As it stands today, here’s a look at the draft slots the Flames own for the next three years:

In 2026, the Flames have a surplus of options in front of them since they hold six picks in the first two rounds of the draft. They might strategize packaging a couple of their second-round slots to acquire an additional first-round pick, or they could sit tight and make all six of these selections. Both strategies provide a unique opportunity and should contribute to the Flames’ rebuild/retool in short order.

In recent years, the Flames’ draft strategy has targeted some players who have potential to impact the game offensively. Defenceman Zayne Parekh, as well as forwards Matvei Gridin, Cole Reschny and Ethan Wyttenbach are examples of prospects who will be counted on to deliver offence as they mature into full-time NHL players. But it’s clear Calgary needs to find a way to add more layers of offence in their organization overall.

Targets

The Flames currently project to own four of the first 36 picks in this year’s draft. Their own first-round pick is presently in the fourth overall slot, but could rise as high as first overall after the lottery. The other first-round pick they own was Vegas’, which currently would be the 28th overall pick, but could still change depending on playoff results.

The early second-rounders Calgary holds are its own and the Rangers’, plus they have second-rounders for playoff bound teams in Ottawa and Utah.

For today’s exercise, I’ll focus on those four earlier picks and look at some players I would recommend the Flames target in the slots they currently have.

Players to target at fourth overall

Chase Reid, 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, right shot defence, Soo Greyhounds (OHL)

Reid is a two-way, transitional defenceman who is deployed in all situations and logs over 25 minutes per game. He quarterbacks the power play and contributed 18 goals and three assists in 45 regular-season games this year. He has three points in seven playoff games as the Greyhounds trail the Kitchener Rangers 2-0 in their second round series.

Keaton Verhoeff, 6-foot-4, 212 pounds, right shot defence, North Dakota (NCAA)

On balance, Verhoeff had a very productive freshman season at the NCAA level (six goals, 14 assists in 36 games). Towering, right-shot defencemen who can make plays and beat goalies from long range with a heavy and accurate shot are highly valuable commodities as prospects.

Caleb Malhotra, 6-foot-2, 182 pounds, left shot centre, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Malhotra is a complete player. He reminds me of Nick Suzuki when he was developing in the OHL. In my opinion, Malhotra is the top centre in the draft class. He produced 29 goals and 55 assists in 67 regular-season games.

Players to target around 28th overall

Wyatt Cullen, 6-foot-1, 176 pounds, left shot winger, USNTDP

Cullen is the son of former NHL forward Matt Cullen. He’s shifty with the puck on his stick, difficult to contain in small areas, and plays the game quick and fast. Cullen has contributed 12 goals and 22 assists in 34 games.

Alexander Command, 6-foot-1, 183 pounds, left shot centre, Orebro U20 (Sweden)

Command is an intriguing target in this range. He’s reliable on and off the puck in all three zones and another prospect who plays the game fast. The two-way centre can be deployed in all situations. He’s a member of the Swedish U18 national team and played the majority of his games at the U20 level in Sweden where he contributed 17 goals and 27 assists in 30 games.

Players to target in the second round, picks 35-36

The most intriguing picks the Flames own in the second round are New York’s and their own, which currently would be the 35th and 36th overall slots. Having two selections this high in the second round provides a massive opportunity to add even more depth to their prospect pool.

Ben Macbeath, 6-foot-2, 188 pounds, left shot defence, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

No other organization in the NHL will have been afforded the opportunity to monitor how Macbeath has developed this season more than the Flames. He’s right in their backyard. Macbeath is a two-way defenceman who has been deployed in a variety of roles for the Hitmen. He’s an excellent skater who is developing offensively without sacrificing defensively. Macbeath makes plays in the offensive zone and sacrifices his body to block shots defensively.

Markus Ruck, 5-foot-11, 167 pounds, left shot centre, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

I personally have Ruck ranked inside of this slot, but with very little separating prospects in the 25-42 range I can see a world where he falls to the early second-round of the draft. He’s a playmaking centre who possesses fantastic vision and a quick stick. Ruck contributed 21 goals and 87 assists in 68 regular-season games this year.

Closing thoughts

The Flames have an opportunity to disrupt the draft board of almost every NHL club this June due to the sheer volume of draft capital they have at their disposal. At the outset of my breakdown, I indicated Calgary’s need to target prospects with scoring upside. Several of the players mentioned above fit my strategy and could, in time, become difference makers for Calgary when they arrive at the NHL level.

Behind Bruins’ impressive turnaround to reach playoffs

Adam Vingan — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:28:19 EDT

At this time last year, the Boston Bruins were wrapping up a dreadful season. Their roster had been gutted, and it appeared that the storied franchise was about to endure some hard times.

Instead, Boston engineered an impressive turnaround that few, if any, saw coming. On Saturday, the Bruins clinched a playoff spot under first-year coach Marco Sturm.

“I think with the group that we have, we always believed this could be a goal for us,” Bruins forward Morgan Geekie told reporters. “And with the way that we underperformed last year, I think it brought expectations down. But I knew inside here we believed, and inner belief is a big thing.”

Some reasons for the Bruins’ resurgence are self-explanatory. Starting goaltender Jeremy Swayman has rebounded from a nightmarish 2024-25 season. Healthy versions of defencemen and team leaders Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm have helped stabilize the back end.

As of Tuesday morning, Boston has a 65.6 per cent chance of drawing the Buffalo Sabres and a 34.4 per cent chance of facing the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round. The Bruins would secure a matchup against the Sabres by defeating the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.

Could the Bruins, who find themselves in the unusual role of underdog, pull off an upset? Here is how they could do it:

Balanced scoring

The Bruins have one of the NHL’s most balanced offensive attacks. They have eight players who have scored at least 15 goals, tied for second most with the Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild and Edmonton Oilers.

Geekie, who last season recorded 33 goals out of nowhere, leads Boston with 38 as he continues scoring at an absurd clip. Only two of the Bruins’ eight players with 15-plus goals, Geekie (14.6) and forward Pavel Zacha (8.95), have scored way above expectation. (Only Montreal’s Cole Caufield, whose 51 goals are 16.4 more than expected, is ahead of Geekie in that category.)

Zacha anchors a dynamic second line with forwards Casey Mittelstadt, who has successfully transitioned to the wing after struggling at centre, and Viktor Arvidsson. Since the Olympic break, that combination has outscored opponents 21-11 at five-on-five and out-chanced them 109-81 off the rush. (Montreal’s top line of Caufield, Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky leads the league with 22 on-ice goals for at five-on-five over that span.)

“It’s the combination,” Sturm told reporters about the second line’s ability to generate offence off the rush. “When you talk about entries, that’s what they bring. They switch it up, too, which is what makes them so dangerous. And now they know each other. They’re good at it now. They’re comfortable. They talk a lot. They know where everyone’s at in any point of the game.”

‘Pasta,’ the playmaker

The world knows Bruins forward David Pastrnak as a dead-eye shooter, especially when he unleashes his powerful one-timer. This season, however, Pastrnak’s playmaking ability has taken centre stage. He is on the cusp of his fourth 100-point season, and a career-high 70 of those points are assists.

When looking to pass, Pastrnak focuses his attention on the high-danger scoring areas. Nearly 28 per cent of his 1,657 offensive-zone pass attempts have been to the slot. That rate ranks third out of 334 players who have attempted at least 500 passes in the offensive zone. Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk (30.7 per cent) and San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini (29 per cent) are ahead of Pastrnak, who has totalled 50 of his 70 assists on slot passes. (Pastrnak has forged a connection with Geekie, assisting on 40 of his 71 goals over the past two seasons, including 34 primary assists.)

The Sabres or Hurricanes will still have to respect Pastrnak’s shot. His 132 one-timer attempts and 225 scoring chances this season rank ninth and 33rd, respectively.

“Obviously, one of the reasons I started playing more is because I do feel the other guys are in (a) better spot or have a better opportunity to score, whether it’s because sometimes teams might play me a little harder or differently. So sometimes there is space,” Pastrnak told reporters earlier this season.

The ultimate equalizer

Back in training camp, Swayman stated his goal was “to be elite,” and he delivered. His 42.1 goals saved above expected (0.8 per 60 minutes) are the third most in the league and, more importantly, the most by a goaltender who will appear in the playoffs. (New York’s Ilya Sorokin and Washington’s Logan Thompson did not make it.)

Swayman has saved more goals than expected in 41 of his 53 starts, which translates to a quality-start rate of 77.4 per cent. That is second only to Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy (77.6 per cent) and a significant improvement from the 59.6 per cent rate that Swayman posted last season.

Two years ago, Swayman was lights out in the Bruins’ first-round win against the Toronto Maple Leafs, saving 9.21 goals above expected over six starts. He could easily do it again.

Blue Jays’ Tyler Rogers becomes symbol of stability amid turbulent start

Kristina Rutherford — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:14:58 EDT

TORONTO — Managing his Toronto Blue Jays with a slew of star players on the injured list, including some key pitching arms, John Schneider is sitting in his office hours before a game in which leadoff man George Springer will break his big toe, thinking about how comforting it is to have a dependable reliever like Tyler Rogers in the bullpen.

“Whoa, where do I begin?” Schneider says of the right-handed submarine reliever Toronto signed in the off-season. “I think you just know what you’re going to get out of Ty.”

Rogers is a rare welcome development for the World Series finalists, who‘ve gone 6-9 to open the season and find themselves waiting for players to get healthy and return to the lineup. At far-from-rosy times like these, the three-year, $37-million contract Toronto signed with Rogers in December is looking better and better, since he’s made a career of providing comfort and reliability.

To date, Rogers and Lazaro Estrada, the bulk reliever who’s appeared in just one game, are the only arms on Toronto’s roster who’ve yet to give up a run this season. In 7.2 innings of work, Rogers has relinquished five hits and struck out as many. It’s what the Blue Jays no doubt hoped they were getting from the reliever who last season ranked first in walk rate and strike rate among qualified pitchers across MLB, and did so with the lowest release point in the big leagues, measured at 1.3 feet from the ground.

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As winding and loopy as that delivery is, so too is Rogers’ indirect path here. He never dreamt of a life in the pros as a kid, and nobody in his family — aside from his twin brother, Taylor, who, in a delightful twist, plays for the Minnesota Twins— ever played baseball. So, when Rogers chose to attend Garden City Community College in Kansas out of high school, it was to follow in well-worn Rogers footsteps.

“I was going to be become a firefighter,” Rogers says. “There’s four generations of firefighters in my family in front of me: My dad, my uncle, grandpa, great-grandpa and great-great grandpa.”

Since Garden City had a fire science program and a baseball team, he thought: Perfect, I can do both of those and come back to Denver and be a firefighter.

“So, that was the plan,” says Rogers.

It got re-routed along with his delivery point during his freshman year when, as Rogers recalls it, Garden City head coach Chris Finnegan said: “You wanna try throwing sidearm or whatever?”

Rogers had pitched up until then with a conventional delivery, but one of his teammates threw submarine style, and Rogers was willing to try it. “I’m like, ‘Sure man, whatever,’” he says. “It wasn’t like an ego hit or anything, because it was just to keep playing baseball for another two years. And it felt natural from the beginning.”

This was back in 2010, and there wasn’t a lot on YouTube when Rogers went looking for low-slinging pitchers to emulate. “A couple old Kent Tekulve videos,” he says of the selection, referencing the former MLB submariner, who’s now 79 years old. “But I think that’s why I like my delivery so much, because it’s mine.”

Over the last 16 years that low delivery has evolved and descended. As Rogers thinks about kids looking for submarine pitchers to emulate finding plenty of video of him, he admits it’s “pretty neat” that they now have his mechanics to study.

“I’ve just got to get my three-year-old to stop throwing sidearm,” Rogers adds, laughing. “He’s like, ‘I throw like you, Dad!’ And I’m like, ‘No, not really…”

While there are a small handful of submariners in MLB now, Rogers is on his own not only in depth of release but results. According to Baseball Savant, he’s in the 97th percentile in Fastball Run Value, which measures the total run impact of a pitcher’s fastballs based on the situation they’re working in. And that’s with a four-seamer that averages 81.4 m.p.h. (in the lowest one per cent league-wide), offering so little heat that Jays closer Jeff Hoffman calls it “batting practice” from any other pitcher.

“They’re not used to seeing it come out of the slot it’s coming out of — it’s really hard to get reps from that angle when they’re taking batting practice,” Hoffman says of one of the challenges hitters face against Rogers, who’s elite at preventing hard hit contact as evidenced by his 97th-percentile hard-hit rate and 96th-percentile ground ball rate among qualified pitchers league-wide. “Nobody’s able to really prepare for it like they’re able to prepare for anybody else who’s got a normal slot.”

Adds fellow reliever Louis Varland: “I don’t know if anybody has even tried to practise it, knowing they have to face Tyler, because the majority of the league throws from overhand, up above, so you probably train for that instead of training for a submarine.”

And it’s not only the release point that’s unfamiliar to batters, the pitches are also “coming in backwards,” as Hoffman describes it.

“He’s using forces of gravity and spin that are the opposite of what we use,” Hoffman says. “His fastball is spinning opposite of what my fastball’s spinning. So, his fastball is basically spinning like an off-speed, right? He’s back-spinning, but from the angle that it comes out of, he’s top-spinning it. … I think for batters that creates a lot of issues in the brain.”

Blue Jays pitchers have joined the long list of Rogers’s teammates who’ve tried to toss sidearm deliveries as low as his. “None of them come close, though,” Rogers says. Varland confirms that, and that rare skill is further confirmation of what helps make Rogers great.

“He makes us more well-rounded, and a better bullpen in general,” Varland says. “You can pitch him at any point in the game, for any hitter. It’s great to have him in there.”

“Our confidence in him getting through an inning is sky-high,” Hoffman adds. “It doesn’t matter what part of the lineup you bring him in for, nobody’s going to be prepared for him. So, it’s kind of like, those are your three free outs, you know? Just throw him in there whenever you feel like it’s going to be the most important part of the game.

“It’s a gamechanger when you’re talking about bridging the gap from starter to whoever is going to come in at the end.”

Hoffman played against Rogers in triple-A and “was always kind of puzzled why” he hadn’t yet cracked an MLB roster.

“His numbers in triple-A and before he got to the big leagues were the same as they are now — like, he just dominated everybody,” Hoffman says. “I’m like, ‘Why isn’t this guy getting a chance?’ I think it was that everybody was kind of scared of it, because not a lot of people were doing it anymore and didn’t really know how the league was going to react to it. But I think when he got his chance, he proved himself.”

Rogers, who made his MLB debut at age 28 with the San Francisco Giants, figures submarine arms are still rare because it’s hard to break into MLB with an unconventional delivery that yields unconventional results. “Looking back, it’s probably hard for a scout to say, ‘Hey, we should draft this guy, he throws mid-80s,’ or whatever the case may be,” he says.

One of the big stories that accompanied his signing in Toronto was that the Blue Jays had pitchers with the lowest and highest release points in the game in Rogers and Trey Yesavage. While the pair have had plenty of conversations, Rogers says they don’t talk about the highs and lows of their respective deliveries. It’s a tired storyline for both.

“I don’t run out of the bullpen thinking, ‘Oh, different look coming in,’” Rogers says. “I just go and do my thing, you know? I believe before Trey got into the big leagues, the biggest difference was Justin Verlander and me. I’ve been here before.”

While Rogers is one of the newest faces in Toronto’s bullpen, teammates say he fits in seamlessly, and he likes to joke around and chat. They call him a range of nicknames, including “Rog,” “Cap” (short for “Captain”) and Varland’s favourite, “Slim Reaper,” thanks to Rogers’s tall and wiry stature and his ability to crush hitters.

“He’s vocal. He’s a leader in the bullpen,” Varland says. “He’s the man.”

“He obviously has a lot of experience in this league, so that can’t be underestimated, what he brings to conversations about baseball,” Hoffman adds.

For Schneider, there haven’t been too many conversations with Rogers so far, because that’s the way both the manager and pitcher like it.

“He’s about as low maintenance as they come, and low-maintenance relievers are my favourite thing in the world,” Schneider says.

Rogers considers what makes him a dependable reliever and, if you ask him, it’s pretty simple.

“I know who I am and I don’t try to get outside of that,” he says, with a shrug. “I just honestly try and be the same guy every day.”

Which non-playoff team might have most roster turnover this off-season?

Sportsnet Video — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:56:23 EDT

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Mike Koreen — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:12:57 EDT

Has Morgan Rielly played his final home game in Toronto?

Luke Fox — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:53:58 EDT

TORONTO — Did we just watch Morgan Rielly’s final skate in front of a Toronto home crowd with a Maple Leaf on his chest?

“It’s crossed my mind before,” the longest-tenured Leaf admitted to reporters Monday, prior to his 950th game for the club that drafted him fifth-overall in 2012.

“All athletes, you know, have, that at some point — they think about that. And tonight’s no different than that.”

Rielly is unique in that he is the only member of this particularly disappointing version of the Leafs who can remember what missing the playoffs in this town feels like.

He knows how a tank year tastes. What a rebuild smells like.

Conversely, he understands when the group is clicking on all cylinders and playoffs come easy and the contagious thrill of believing for real.

The defenceman admits the unravelling of the Leafs over the course of 2025-26 has been tough to digest. And Game 950 wasn’t much different.

Rielly and the Leafs blew a 3-0 first-period lead and a 5-3 third-period lead to the Dallas Stars, a true Cup contender. They lost 6-5, got outshot 32-27, and Rielly finished with another dash beside his name. (His minus-18 rating is his worst in nine years.)

“He’s one of the most selfless teammates I’ve ever had,” John Tavares said. “The way he handles himself day to day, the way he puts the team first, and how much he cares about each and every individual. And you talk about the level of hockey he’s played for an extended period of time.

“Where we’re at this season, I think it’s pretty obvious everyone’s got to look themselves in the mirror, and we have to be a whole lot better. I mean, we didn’t come close to where we wanted to get to. So, that’s on everyone. I know he’s the first guy to put his hand in the air saying, I gotta be better.”

When things slide this sideways — the defending regular-season Atlantic Division champs will finish somewhere between 26th and 28th overall — everything comes under question.

Some people lose jobs. Some want out.

Others may very well get asked if they’d be open to moving their no-movement clause, to surrender power for the sake of a clean slate and fresh start. A chance to join an organization on the rise instead of loyally riding with one on the decline.

Like Dion Phaneuf before him, a 32-year-old Rielly still has value in this league. The suggestion of a buyout is silly and would simply be poor asset management. But like Phaneuf, Rielly is miscast as a true do-it-all, top-pair defenceman.

That doesn’t mean Rielly can’t contribute second-pair minutes, run a second power play, be a fine example to young teammates, and chip in 40-some points in sheltered minutes for a strong team.

But if the Maple Leafs wish to keep Rielly in the fold and contend, they’ll need to add to the top end of their aging defence corps this summer.

“I hope for the Leafs’ sake that’s not his last game. I love Mo,” ex-Leaf and current Star Michael Bunting said, predicting a bounce back. “They have the firepower and the team to do it.”

Ultimately, Rielly himself will have a major say over whether he sees more home dates at Scotiabank Arena. As will the Leafs’ unknown next head of hockey operations.

It’s notable that the MLSE president did not name Rielly when he listed the “foundational players” that can help get his hockey team back on track next season.

Still, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone in Toronto’s room who has poured more of his heart into Leafs Nation.

What does being a Maple Leaf mean to Rielly?

“Everything,” coach Craig Berube said. “He’s been here a long time, and he loves it here. I don’t think he can think about being anywhere else.”

And yet, the notion that this might be the end — after 950 games, 549 points, 13 years, and 11 playoff series — has at least crossed the player’s mind.

“It’s an outstanding place to play and a great place to live,” Rielly said, before saluting the faithful.

“This organization means a lot to a lot of people. And so, to be a part of it, it’s an honour. And I don’t believe that’s lost on anyone in here.”

Fox’s Fast Five

• It took 23 games, but Jacob Quillan has his first NHL goal… thanks to a crease crash and a nifty wrap-around assist by Steven Lorentz.

Quillan says he’ll put the puck in Grandpa’s room.

“Kinda blacked out a little bit. I got a little nervous that I was gonna get called kicking but put my hands up in the air. Felt good,” said Quillan, who is a pending RFA.

“Hopefully make the team next year.”

• Marlies call-up Ryan Tverberg — a seventh-round pick — finally made his NHL debut at age 24.

The Richmond Hill, Ont., native concedes that, at times, he thought he’d never make the show.

“A lot of hardships. But in the end, it’ll feel pretty good,” Tverberg, a lifelong Leafs fan, told reporters at morning skate. “For it to be nice and close to home, it’s just awesome. Just to get here at this point, with the organization for so long, definitely a lot of hours put in.”

Berube said Tverberg’s excitement on Monday was hard-earned after overcoming multiple injuries early in his pro journey.

“Great story, right?” Berube said. “His speed and tenacity are what drive him.”

• A trio of ex-Leafs executives will select and guide Team Canada’s roster at the upcoming IIHF world championships in May.

Toronto’s recently fired GM, Brad Treliving, will lead the management group alongside Jason Spezza, while Scott Salmond and Pittsburgh president Kyle Dubas will provide support. (As long as the Penguins are in the playoffs, however, Dubas’s top priority will be his club team.)

“Brad brings invaluable experience from previous international events and the NHL, and Jason is a rising NHL executive that brings a wealth of experience as a player both professionally and internationally, and we are excited that these two will lead our team,” Salmond said.

Circle Dubas as a strong candidate to GM Canada’s World Cup team in 2028 now that Doug Armstrong has stepped aside.

• Joseph Woll is a big fan of Artur Akhtyamov, who has competed hard in his two-plus NHL games thus far but is still seeking a W.

“I love his game. I think he’s sick. So, it’s pretty cool, from my perspective, to watch him,” Woll said. “He’s got that Russian swagger to him.

“I love watching guys like Shesterkin, Sorokin, Vasi, Bob. And he’s got that same kind of vibe to him. And he’s quick.”

• The legendary Joe Bowen called his final home game at Scotiabank Arena, but word is the play-by-play maestro will be in Ottawa to call Game 82 on Wednesday.

Bowen was brought to tears in the booth when he was honoured in the third period with a prolonged standing ovation. John Tavares made certain the Maple Leafs saluted Bowen before they skated off the ice.

“He’s the man. I’m really happy for him and his family. What a career for one of the first people to come to mind when you think of the Toronto Maple Leafs. So, it’s unfortunate that this is the year he had to go out on, but I wish him the best.” Max Domi said.

“It’s great to see him up top there get emotional like that. Obviously, this fan base loves him. We all love him as players, and we’re very lucky to be able to play in games that he calls. He’s just a humble human being. So, we’re going to miss him.”

You touched ’em all, Joe.

How Quickley’s injury could be big factor in deciding Raptors vs. Cavaliers

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Noah Love — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 17:21:44 EDT

Tempo sign centre Temi Fagbenle to reported one-year, $1-million deal

Sportsnet Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:55:47 EDT

The Toronto Tempo are boosting their depth down the middle.

Free agent centre Temi Fágbénlé has agreed to join the Tempo on a reported one-year, $1-million deal on Tuesday.

The Tempo did not disclose contract terms, but they were previously reported by ESPN’s Alexa Philippou.

This is the second new franchise Fágbénlé joins after being taken fifth overall by the Golden State Valkyries in last year’s expansion draft.

“I’m excited for this next chapter with the Toronto Tempo,” Fágbénlé said in a release. “The opportunity to be part of a new franchise with a strong vision and competitive mindset is something that really drew me in. Toronto is such a vibrant, diverse city, and that resonates with who I am and what I value. I’m looking forward to helping build something special here.”

Playing as a starter for the first time in her career, the six-foot-four centre averaged career highs in points (7.4), rebounds (4.9) and assists (1.6) while shooting 50.2 per cent from the field.

Prior to playing on the Valkyries, Fágbénlé spent one year with the Indiana Fever in 2024, preceded by a four-year stint overseas.

“Temi brings consistency and toughness to everything she does,” said Tempo GM Monica Wright Rogers in a statement. “She plays the game the right way — defending, rebounding, finishing around the rim and doing the work that impacts winning. Her experience anchoring the paint as a starter and her ability to contribute on both ends make her an important addition as we continue to shape our identity.”

Originally drafted by the Minnesota Lynx in 2016, the Baltimore, Md., native played three seasons with the team from 2017 to 2019.

Fágbénlé, 33, joins a centre rotation fronted by Nyara Sabally, whom the Tempo took with their second pick in the expansion draft, and rookie Teonni Key, whom they used the 22nd pick in Monday’s entry draft on.

Maple Leafs sign Landon Sim to two-year entry-level contract

Sportsnet Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:18:16 EDT

The Toronto Maple Leafs have inked one of their young forwards to a deal.

Landon Sim agreed to a two-year, entry-level contract with the Leafs beginning in the 2026-27 season, the team announced on Tuesday.

Sim originally signed a one-year AHL contract with the Marlies on May 5, 2025.

The 21-year-old appeared in 13 games with the Marlies this season, potting three goals. Before joining the Marlies, Sim played 18 games with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL.

With the Cyclones, he had six points (two goals, four assists) and 44 penalty minutes.

Sim spent four seasons with the London Knights of the OHL before joining the Leafs’ organization. He had 66 goals and 58 assists in 213 regular-season games with the Knights. Sim added 23 playoff points (16 goals, seven assists) in 30 career games en route to two OHL Championships (2024, 2025).

The centre was originally drafted No. 184 overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2022 NHL Draft.

Mascherano out as Inter Miami coach months after MLS Cup title

Associated Press — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:25:19 EDT

MIAMI — Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to the MLS Cup title in December, the latest victory in their long line of successes together.

Barely four months later, Mascherano is done with the club.

Mascherano is out as Inter Miami’s coach, the team announcing that stunning development on Tuesday with the club off to a 3-1-3 start and sitting in third place in MLS’ Eastern Conference — but winless in its first two matches at its new stadium.

The team said Mascherano cited personal reasons, much like his predecessor, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, did in November 2024 when he stepped aside in the move that ultimately led to Mascherano joining the club and reuniting with Messi. Mascherano and Messi were teammates with Barcelona and Argentina’s national team.

In Mascherano’s place is another Argentine with ties to Barcelona — Guillermo Hoyos, who is credited, at least on some level, with discovering Messi at the Spanish club’s academy and predicting that he could become an all-time great.

“I would like to thank the club for the trust they placed in me, every employee who is part of the organization for the collective effort, but especially the players, who made it possible for us to experience unforgettable moments,” Mascherano said in remarks released by the team.

Mascherano’s entire coaching staff has also left the club, though the team did not reveal any specifics as to why. Mascherano was 27-9-11 in 47 regular-season and playoff matches with Inter Miami.

“Javier will forever be part of this club’s history. … We respect his decision and are deeply grateful for everything he contributed,” managing owner Jorge Mas said in comments released by the team. “Wishing him nothing but the very best in his professional and personal future.”

It is the latest in a line of surprising moves around the club in recent months, including Jordi Alba — another longtime Messi teammate — deciding to leave the final two years of his contract on the table and retire after last season. His retirement announcement came just days after the team held a retirement ceremony for another longtime Messi teammate, Sergio Busquets.

And now, Mascherano is out as well.

In barely over a year, he not only got the team its first MLS Cup but helped the Herons reach the knockout stage of the Club World Cup, the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the Leagues Cup final. The team clearly was disappointed by falling flat in the CONCACAF Champions Cup earlier this year — getting ousted in the round of 16 after making some off-season moves largely with that trophy in mind.

But even amid the frustration with not advancing in that tournament, few would have thought Mascherano’s time with the club would soon be ending.

“I will always carry with me the memory of our first star, and wherever I am, I will continue to wish the club all the best moving forward,” Mascherano said. “I have no doubt that the club will continue to achieve success in the future.”

Hoyos and Messi have a relationship that goes back for more than 20 years.

Hoyos famously touted Messi as a potential all-time great back when the then shaggy-haired kid was playing for Barcelona’s B team. Messi was 16 at the time, in the very earliest days of a career that would see him win eight Ballon d’Or trophies, the World Cup and four Champions League titles. Messi has referred to Hoyos in interviews over the years as a mentor of sorts.

Hoyos is Messi’s coach now, though how long that’ll be the case remains a bit unclear. As part of Tuesday’s moves, the team also said chief soccer officer Alberto Marrero is assuming the duties of sporting director, filling the spot vacated by Hoyos.

Sergio Garcia apologizes for Masters tantrum, saying the way he acted ‘has no place in our game’

Associated Press — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:26:04 EDT

Sergio Garcia apologized Tuesday for his tantrum during the final round of the Masters when he tore up the turf after a bad drive on the second hole and then broke his driver against a bench.

Geoff Yang, chairman of the Masters competitions committee, issued a code-of-conduct warning to Garcia on the fourth tee. The conduct policy was new to the Masters this year.

“I want to apologize for my actions Sunday at The Masters tournament,” Garcia said in a social media post. “I respect and value everything that The Masters and Augusta National Golf Club is to golf. I regret the way I acted and it has no place in our game. It doesn’t reflect the respect and appreciation I have for The Masters, the patrons, tournament officials and golf fans around the world.”

Garcia, the 2017 champion, began with a bogey and then hit a weak fade on the par-5 second hole that was headed to the bunker. He recoiled his driver onto the tee, and then turned and slammed his club into the turf.

Without repairing the damage, Garcia then smacked his driver against a wooden bench holding a water cooler, and the head of the club was left dangling from the shaft.

Garcia declined to discuss what was said by the official, saying after his round, “I’m not going to tell you.” When asked about it again he replied, ”Next question.”

He also did not apologize for his behaviour after his closing 75 to finish in 52nd place among the 54 players who made the cut.

“Just obviously not super proud of it, but sometimes it happens,” Garcia said.

Garcia has not finished in the top 10 in the 29 majors he has played since beating Justin Rose in a playoff at Augusta National in 2017. He has missed the cut six times in eight appearances at the Masters since winning.

Asked about his record, Garcia said, “Bad golf.” When a reporter asked him to be more specific, Garcia said, “Bad shots.”

Garcia was disqualified in 2019 at the Saudi International for damaging greens in frustration. His antics over the years include angrily kicking off his shoe when he slipped during a tee shot at the World Match Play in 2001, and the shoe nearly struck an official.

He also spit into a cup during a World Golf Championship at Doral after three-putting.

The PGA Tour has been developing the code-of-conduct policy the last few years, and the Masters was the first tournament to put it into effect. The PGA Championship also be using it next month at Aronimink Golf Club.

After the warning, a second violation during the tournament is a two-shot penalty, while a third violation would mean disqualification.

Toronto Tempo sign Canada’s Kia Nurse

Sportsnet Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:50:03 EDT

Kia Nurse is coming home.

The Hamilton, Ont. native signed with the Toronto Tempo, the team announced on Tuesday. Contract details were undisclosed.

It marks the first Canadian signing for Toronto’s expansion franchise.

“I am so excited to finally be able to play on home soil and play for Canada’s first-ever WNBA team,” Nurse said on social media. “Little me in Hamilton 20 years ago — this would have been my wildest dreams. I wouldn’t have even thought this was possible.”

Nurse, 30, spent last season with the Chicago Sky. She averaged 7.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists through 44 games (18 starts).

The one-time all-star has played 245 games in the WNBA since she was taken 10th overall by the New York Liberty in 2018. She holds career averages of 8.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in that span, split between the Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks and Sky.

Aside from her time in the WNBA, Nurse carries a decorated resume that includes two NCAA championships with UConn (2015-16), two WNBL titles in Australia (2019-20) and 2020 WNBL MVP. She’s also represented Canada with the senior women’s team for over a decade and was a member of the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Olympic squads.

“Kia represents everything this franchise stands for,” said general manager Monica Wright Rogers in a release. “She’s a world-class athlete, a proven professional, and someone who has helped grow the game in Canada at every level. Having a Canadian player of her stature join Canada’s first WNBA team is incredibly special, and it reinforces our commitment to building a team the entire country can rally behind.”

On Monday, the Tempo went through their first college draft and made four selections: guard Kiki Rice (No. 6), forward Teonni Key (No. 22), forward Saffron Shiels (No. 26) and guard Charlise Dunn (No. 36).

Their franchise opener is set for May 8.

–with files from The Canadian Press

Canucks’ Evander Kane unlikely to play final two regular-season games

Sportsnet Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:51:52 EDT

The Vancouver Canucks will likely be without Evander Kane to close out the regular season.

Head coach Adam Foote said Tuesday the veteran forward isn’t expected to suit up for the club’s final two games unless injuries force a late change in plans.

In his first season with the Canucks, the 34-year-old Kane has 13 goals and 31 points in 71 games.

Vancouver acquired Kane from the Edmonton Oilers this past off-season for a fourth-round pick.

The Kings host the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT) before ending their season on the road against the Oilers on Thursday (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, Sportsnet and Sportsnet+)

Maple Leafs recall Hildeby, send down Akhtyamov

Sportsnet Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:24:57 EDT

The Toronto Maple Leafs are making a goaltending move ahead of their season finale.

Artur Akhtyamov has been assigned to the Toronto Marlies, while Dennis Hildeby has been recalled from the American Hockey League club, the team announced Tuesday.

Akhtyamov has made two starts with the Leafs since being recalled on April 9, going 0-2 with a 5.24 goals-against average and a .877 save percentage.

In 36 games with the Marlies this season, Akhtyamov has a 20-12-4 record with a 2.90 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage.

Hildeby was sent down to the AHL back on March 26 and has appeared in 19 games with the Maple Leafs this season. In those games, he has a .912 save percentage and 2.84 goals-against average.

The 24-year-old has a 9-8-8 record with a 2.70 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage in 22 appearances in the AHL.

Toronto will take on the Ottawa Senators in their final game of the regular season on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+).

Philadelphia to host UFC 330 in August

Sportsnet Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:07:02 EDT

For one night in August, Philadelphia certainly won’t look like the City of Brotherly Love.

The UFC announced Tuesday that the octagon will be returning to Philly for the first time in seven years when it hosts UFC 330 on August 15.

The fighters suiting up for the card have not yet been announced.

The Xfinity Mobile Arena, home of the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers, will host the event.

The last time the UFC set up in Philadelphia was in 2019 for a card headlined by a lightning bout between Justin Gaethje and Edson Barboza. Gaethje, the current interim lightweight champion, won the fight via knockout in Round 1.

Even longer, however, has been the wait for a pay-per-view marquee event in Philly. The last time Philadelphia hosted a numbered card was back in 2011 for UFC 133: Evans vs. Ortiz 2.

This will be the fourth UFC event in Philadelphia.

What would Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket be if season ended today?

Sportsnet Staff — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:53:01 EDT

Here’s a look at how the NHL post-season shapes up.

Sabres win Atlantic, Canadiens to face Lightning in playoffs

Associated Press — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:06:19 EDT

CHICAGO — First, the Buffalo Sabres stopped their long playoff drought. Then, Alex Tuch & Co. won the Atlantic Division.

They have no intention of stopping now.

Buffalo is aiming high after a 5-1 victory at Chicago on Monday night secured the franchise’s first division title since the 2009-10 season and seventh overall. The Sabres became the fifth team in NHL history to clinch a division crown after overcoming a standings deficit of eight or more points.

“It feels really good, but we’ve got a bigger goal in mind,” Tuch said. “So, get some good momentum going into the playoffs. It doesn’t mean anything if you don’t lift the ultimate trophy at the end of the year.”

Buffalo (50-23-8) has never won the Stanley Cup. The team finished seventh in the Atlantic Division last season, but this group of Sabres has been on a roll since December.

With Tuch and Tage Thompson leading the way, the Sabres cruised past the Blackhawks to improve to 39-9-4 in their last 52 games. They reached 50 wins for the third time in club history, also accomplishing the feat in 2005-06 and 2006-07.

“The season has been a total team effort,” said coach Lindy Ruff, who is in his second stint with the Sabres.

Buffalo clinched a playoff spot on April 4. The previous playoff appearance for the franchise was in 2011, when it was eliminated by Philadelphia in seven games in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

The 14 straight seasons of futility was an NHL record and one of the longest active streaks among the four major North American sports, ranking second behind the NFL’s New York Jets, who last qualified for the playoffs in 2010.

“Unbelievable job by our group,” Thompson said. “From December on, getting us to the place we’re at right now. Home ice is a huge advantage in the playoffs and being able to give these fans that is something pretty special to me and all the rest of the guys in here, ’cause of what they’ve been through.”

Thompson scored twice in the victory over Chicago, and Tuch had a goal and an assist. The 28-year-old Thompson, who helped the U.S. win the gold medal at the Olympics, reached 40 goals for the second straight season and third overall.

“It definitely means a lot,” Thompson said. “You set goals for yourself. You set goals as a team and certainly you do as individuals as well. That’s always a place that I want to try to get to and feel I am capable of. When you get close or you get it once or twice, you just want to keep pushing the envelope and see how much more you can get.”

Thompson leads Buffalo with 40 goals and 81 points, but he has received plenty of help. Tuch has 32 goals and 33 assists, and captain Rasmus Dahlin has a team-high 55 assists. Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is 22-9-3 with a 2.52 goals-against average after making 15 stops against the Blackhawks.

The Sabres were in the mix for the top spot in the Eastern Conference before Carolina secured the position by earning a point in a shootout loss at Philadelphia.

The Sabres host Dallas on Wednesday night in their regular-season finale. After that, it’s the first round of the playoffs against Boston or Ottawa.

“It’s kind of hard to celebrate now knowing we have unbelievable challenges in front of us here,” Dahlin said. “Now we’re just going to switch focus to the playoffs. We have to get ready, that’s for sure.”

Buffalo winning the division sets up a first-round playoff series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens, who are tied for second in the division, two points back of Buffalo.

Kings round out Stanley Cup Playoffs field with win

Sportsnet Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:18:29 EDT

The final three days of the NHL regular season will be reserved for playoff jockeying.

The Los Angeles Kings locked up the final spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 5-3 road win over the Seattle Kraken on Monday.

The Kings charged into the playoffs after promoting former assistant coach D.J. Smith to interim head coach at the start of March following the firing of Jim Hiller.

It will be Smith’s first appearance in the playoffs as a head coach after he didn’t make it during four-plus seasons with the Ottawa Senators.

It marks the fifth consecutive playoff appearance for the Kings, who have lost to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round the past four years. A rematch with the Oilers is still possible, depending on how seeding in the Pacific Division shakes out.

The Kings haven’t won a playoff series since they captured the Stanley Cup in 2014.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin Saturday with all games on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

Here are this year’s playoff teams, with final seeding still to be determined.

EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlantic Division
Buffalo Sabres
Montreal Canadiens
Tampa Bay Lightning
Metropolitan Division
Carolina Hurricanes
Pittsburgh Penguins
Philadelphia Flyers
Wild Card
Boston Bruins
Ottawa Senators

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Central Division
Colorado Avalanche
Dallas Stars
Minnesota Wild
Pacific Division
Vegas Golden Knights
Edmonton Oilers
Anaheim Ducks
Wild Card
Utah Mammoth
Los Angeles Kings

Ingram giving Oilers confidence in net at right time

Mark Spector — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:48:49 EDT

EDMONTON — Looking down from 30,000 feet at an Edmonton Oilers team that has scored just once in its last two games — but allowed only two— they look just fine, with one game left before the playoffs begin.

Because when you’re dissecting the Oilers, it always comes down to two things: Do they have goaltending, and can they defend well enough?

Well, with Connor Ingram simply getting better and better as the season goes on, we’re getting awfully close to a point where the question, “Have the Oilers finally found a goalie?” is sounding more and more legit.

“His battle (level),” marvelled defenceman Connor Murphy, who blocked a game-high six shots in front of Ingram. “The way he can survive some scrambly plays when we’re getting a little bit hemmed in… He can find those lateral one-timers and make saves. He’s got to be your best penalty killer, too.

“Some of those one-timers he’s making, and being able to find through the screens and the high tips and stuff, he’s been very good.”

Suddenly the penalty kill is better, a major cog in any playoff run. And every mistake isn’t ending up in the net, which the D-men always like.

“He’s really coming into his own here, coming into a situation (this season) where he doesn’t know anyone and he’s trying to do his thing,” Mattias Ekholm said of Ingram. “He’s getting more comfortable, he’s got more swagger… He seems to be blocking a lot where pucks are hitting him.”

Ingram was fantastic for 60 minutes, then heroic on a Colorado power play in overtime to get the Oilers to a shootout. But he left sour that he couldn’t make a shootout save in a 2-1 loss, as five of six shooters scored goals on the red got Ingram and Scott Wedgewood, the duo that backstopped this 1-1 thriller into extra time.

“You’ve got to find a save somewhere,” said Ingram, who enters Game 82 and playoffs as the no-doubt No. 1 on a team with serious Stanley Cup aspirations. “I can’t tell you what the difference is, but right now it feels good and it’s a good time to get it going a little bit.”

“I don’t really know what I’m doing out there,” he added. “Just stop the puck.”

The goaltending position has been dramatic here in Edmonton, as everyone knows.

Who thought the solution could be a guy who was abandoned by his former franchise (Utah)? Who was coming out of the Players Assistance Program? Who started the year in the American League where he posted a save percentage of .856?

“I’ve played 50 in this league before, so this isn’t new to me,” Ingram said. “This is what you want — you want to play games, you want to be in there, you want to be in the mix. As a goalie it’s exactly what you usually want.”

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With Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman both out of their lineup — conservatively, a duo that’s good for 80 goals per year, or 30 per cent of the annual scoring of 10 NHL teams — Edmonton has finally run out of bullets on offence.

They filled a few nets early with Draisaitl and Hyman out, but these past two games the tap has run dry. The power play, without its two top finishers, has stalled.

Hyman is expected back for the season finale against Vancouver, not Draisaitl, but the one thing we all know about the Oilers is that they will find a way to score goals again.

It’s defence and goaltending that have always been the question marks here, and with the playoffs around the corner, having those two departments in good order is music to the ears in Northern Alberta.

“With the lineup we have, we have to find a way to score goals (now),” said Ekholm. “A little bit of a slump last two games, but as long as we take care of the D side, we’re still in the games. You’ve got to keep building with the playoffs coming. You have to be able to keep the goals against down.”

A 2-1 shootout loss to Colorado on Monday, coupled with regulation wins by Los Angeles and Vegas, leaves anywhere from first to fourth in the Pacific a possibility heading into Game 82 against Vancouver on Thursday night. We’ll see how games involving Anaheim, Vegas and L.A. pan out on Tuesday and Wednesday, but one thing is certain for Edmonton:

No matter what happens, a win over the Canucks on home ice in Game 82 will ensure that Edmonton does not have to take the wild card route through the Central, the one playoff journey nobody in the Pillow Fight Pacific wants to take.

And there are no shootouts in the playoffs, which the Oilers are just fine with.

Edmonton’s last shootout win was Dec. 30, 2023, and they’ve now lost six straight shootouts since.

Maple Leafs’ third-round pick upgraded to second-rounder from Laughton trade

Sportsnet Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:05:24 EDT

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a small reason to celebrate on Monday.

After the Los Angeles Kings locked up the final spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Maple Leafs saw their return from the Scott Laughton trade get sweeter.

As part of the deadline deal, the Maple Leafs received a conditional 2026 third-round pick, which was to become a second-round selection if Los Angeles qualified for the post-season.

To clinch, the Kings had to defeat the Seattle Kraken in any fashion, and the San Jose Sharks had to defeat the Predators in regulation.

With just one game remaining in their season, Toronto has a 32-35-14 record, sitting second-last in the Eastern Conference and 28th in the league overall.

The Maple Leafs failed to qualify for the playoffs this season for the first time since 2016. They were officially eliminated from contention on April 2 after a loss to the Sharks.

Meanwhile, Toronto also must await the final outcome of another previous trade. The 2026 first-round pick the Maple Leafs dealt in the Brandon Carlo trade last season had a condition: if it turns out to be a top-five selection, Toronto keeps the pick. However, if it is any later, it goes to the Boston Bruins.

NBA Play-In preview

Myles Dichter — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:46:39 EDT

NBA Play-In preview: Upstart Hornets aim to continue rapid rise

Ian Finlayson — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:40:19 EDT

Legendary former coach and current Miami Heat executive Pat Riley famously described a team’s early development as “the innocent climb.”

For the Charlotte Hornets, it’s been more like a high-speed elevator back to competitive basketball.

And while they finished only 44-38, the Hornets’ 29-12 surge over the back half of the NBA season tied for the fifth-best record over that span and took them from perpetual basement dwellers to sudden relevance at a dizzying pace.

Meanwhile, back out in Miami, the temperature is rising. Despite boasting a relatively talented roster, the Heat find themselves in the play-in for a fourth straight season.

Now, the quickly ascending Hornets are set to meet the slowly fading Heat in the Eastern Conference’s 9-10 game for the right to hoop another day. Here’s everything to know about the contrasting do-or-die matchup.

Charlotte Hornets (9) vs. Miami Heat (10) @ 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Season Series: Heat lead 3-1

Oct. 28: Heat 144, Hornets 117
Nov. 7: Heat 126, Hornets 108
March 6: Heat 128, Hornets 120
March 17: Hornets 136, Heat 106

Pulse on Hornets

The Hornets play a truly exhilarating brand of basketball.

Watching the league’s third-youngest team scale the standings via exceptional shot-making, audacious no-look passes and acrobatic at-rim finishes, all set to the soundtrack of Eric Collins’ 11/10 energy, has been nothing short of electric.

Charlotte hoisted over 43 triples per game, second-most in the NBA, and hit them at a third-ranked 37.8 per cent clip. Having LaMelo Ball jacking up an average of 5.6 pull-up threes per night — many of them off one leg — only makes this even more impressive. (He attempted more pull-up triples per game than the Toronto Raptors did as a team.)

And even though Ball chucked over 10 total triples per game, he still wasn’t able to beat rookie teammate Kon Knueppel‘s league-leading 273 threes on the season, instead finishing second with 272.

Knueppel shot the leather off the ball, becoming the first-ever rookie to lead the league in three-point makes. The duo are the second pair of teammates to finish top two after Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson did so four times between 2013 and 2017. Splash Bros 2.0?

More, Charlotte’s seemingly reckless shot-hurling and turnover-prone passing tendencies were steadied by outstanding rebounding. Their burgeoning, young centre rotation, including another rookie, Ryan Kalkbrenner, held down the glass with aplomb. The Hornets ranked second in both offensive and defensive rebounding percentage.

And once they were on the upswing, Charlotte pounced at the trade deadline. They already had plenty of capable drivers, but added one of the best available in Coby White anyway.

The Hornets beat several contenders over the second half, including the Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. And while the Heat won the season series, the Hornets seem primed to seize the spotlight.

Pulse on Heat

Bam Adebayo’s ludicrous 83-point game aside, it feels like there’s been a shift in “Heat Culture.”

Perhaps the team most famous for making noise out of the play-in with its run to the 2023 NBA Finals as the seventh seed, Miami has stagnated both in its results in the standings and its process.

Even with markedly plus defenders in former Defensive Player of the Year Adebayo, the team’s stock (steal+block) leader Andrew Wiggins and Davion “Off-Night” Mitchell, the Heat still came in with a middling 14th-ranked defensive unit.

Miami has played more zone than any other team in the NBA this season, a strategy they may have to deviate from against the hot-shooting Hornets.

Alternatively, one strength the Heat could lean into is running the floor for easy buckets. Miami led the league in transition frequency and ranked second in fast break points per game. And Charlotte was below-average at limiting opponents’ transition attempts, per Cleaning the Glass.

Last season, both the Heat and Dallas Mavericks made play-in history as the first teams to win consecutive road games and jump from a 10th-place finish in the conference to the eighth playoff seed.

This time around, that uphill battle feels even steeper. If Miami is going to make it out, they’ll need to find a way to recapture the edge that once adorned the floorboards of the Kaseya Center and defined South Beach basketball.

X-Factor: Davion Mitchell, Heat

Ball’s artistry in initiating plays and putting defences into rotation helps the Hornets achieve the bulk of their quality three-point looks.

If Mitchell is able to follow through on his reputation as a lockdown defender and keep Ball under wraps, it could go a long way in limiting Charlotte’s fifth-ranked offence.

Of course, three-point variance will also be a big factor in this contest. With both teams chock full of shooting talent (Norman Powell and Tyler Herro are no slouches), a heater from downtown could swing the final result.

NBA Play-in preview: Suns-Blazers sure to be hard-nosed battle for No. 7 seed

Steven Loung — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:33:17 EDT

In a surprising turn of events, the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers will get two shots to reach the playoffs.

The Western Conference’s No. 7 seed play-in matchup on Tuesday (10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet+) features two very similar squads – and not just because expectations for both were very low back in October.

Both teams like to play a hard-nosed style of defence with the Suns owning the ninth-best defensive rating (112.9) and the Blazers 12th (113.5) in the league this season. Both squads can also struggle offensively, but also feature all-stars in Devin Booker and Deni Avdija. And both clubs feature first-time, first-year NBA head coaches who should at least get some Coach of the Year votes in Jordan Ott and Tiago Splitter.

No, the Blazers didn’t necessarily want Splitter at the helm this season. But with Chauncey Billups getting arrested for his alleged involvement in an illegal gambling scheme and subsequently being suspended by the NBA, Splitter managed to guide Portland through rough waters with a steady hand.

And though not anywhere close to the same kind of situation the Trail Blazers went through with Billups, Ott came into a rough spot in Phoenix after a disastrous last season. A team that had both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal appeared to quit, leading to sweeping changes to the coaching staff and front office. Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets and Beal’s contract was bought out.

Ott was supposedly stepping into a pigsty, but managed to emerge from his first season smelling fresh as daisies.

Awaiting the winner of this matchup will be the mighty San Antonio Spurs, a team on paper that should have little difficulty handling either Phoenix or Portland. However, the physical style of defence both teams play could prove to be more of a pain for Victor Wembanyama and Co. than many would likely expect.

The loser of Tuesday’s game will get another chance to advance to the playoffs at the end of the play-in tournament.

Here’s a little more on Tuesday’s match:

(7) Phoenix Suns vs. (8) Portland Trail Blazers

Season Series: Suns lead 2-1

Nov. 14: Suns 127, Trail Blazers 110

Feb. 3: Suns 130, Trail Blazers 125

Feb. 22: Trail Blazers 92, Suns 77

Pulse on Suns

The tough-minded, physical play the Suns adopted as their identity this season can be traced back to the acquisition of Dillon Brooks (and Jalen Green) as part of the Durant blockbuster.

Never one to turn his nose at a sleight – be it real or perceived – the Canadian agitator seemed to make it his personal mission this season to let the Rockets know that they gave up on something special. He had the best season of his career at age 30, averaging 20.2 points per game on 43.5-per-cent shooting from the floor and a 34.4-per-cent clip from deep.

The Suns, perhaps relieved to no longer have to deal with some of the drama that comes with having Durant or Beal, embraced Brooks’ abrasive style of play and attitude. Ott wisely shifted the team’s identity to be more of one that plays on the edge, looking to be more physical on both ends of the floor.

It worked, and resulted in a nine-win improvement for the Suns from a season ago.

There is concern with leading scorer Booker’s efficiency, but he remains a walking bucket, dropping 26.1 per night along with six assists per game. The greater concern with Phoenix is the fact that the team as a whole hasn’t been great offensively down the stretch, owning just the 22nd-ranked offence since April 1 and shooting a dismal 46.4 per cent from the field in that span (good for 24th in the league).

Pulse on Trail Blazers

While the Trail Blazers don’t play a particularly pretty style of basketball – as just the 21st-ranked offence in the NBA this season – they do play an effective one.

Since March 1, the Blazers have owned the ninth-ranked net rating (plus-6.1) thanks almost entirely to their No. 2-ranked defence during that span that has only allowed 108 points per 100 possessions.

The Trail Blazers are kind of like the poor-man’s version of the Oklahoma City Thunder in that they feature plus-defenders up and down their lineup, highlighted by Toumani Camara, Matisse Thybulle, the massive front line of Donovan Clingan and Robert “Time Lord” Williams III, and Jrue Holiday.

Though Holiday’s trade to the Blazers from Boston was seen as a step down for the 35-year-old veteran, he simply put his head down and played the kind of solid ball you could always expect from him over the course of his career. Holiday averaged 16.3 points and 6.1 assists per game on 45.1-per-cent shooting from the floor and a 37.8-per-cent mark from deep.

Holiday’s steady hand and veteran leadership allowed a young Blazers team to have a chance to find its footing over the course of the season and position itself to make the post-season for the first time since 2021.

Avdija’s emergence, of course, is another major factor for Portland’s success this season.

As it turns out, all it took for the former No. 9-overall pick to blossom was to leave Washington. The 25-year-old took a star turn this season, averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game on 46.2-per-cent shooting.

If the Blazers are going to make it back to the playoffs, it will be on the back of two things — the suffocating defence they’ve been playing of late, and Avdija proving his breakout regular season can translate to the post-season.

X-Factor: Shaedon Sharpe, Trail Blazers

Though his defence leaves much to be desired, if this contest ends up being the slugfest it has the potential to be and scoring is challenging, Canadian Shaedon Sharpe could be a game-breaker for Portland.

Booker and Avdija will likely have their hands full with players like Holiday and Brooks digging into them, meaning both teams will in all likelihood need to find secondary scoring.

For the Suns this means either Brooks, who might end up too gassed because of what he’ll need to do defensively to really make an impact, or Green, who remains notoriously inconsistent, and will also have to deal with Portland’s pit bulls out on the perimeter.

This leaves a clearer pathway for Sharpe, who is one of the NBA’s most explosive and majestic athletes, seemingly capable of getting any shot he wants because of his outlandish physical tools.

He’s yet to become the kind of efficient downhill scoring monster that he has the capability of being, but the native of London, Ont. has shown flashes over the course of his four-season career, and could seemingly erupt for 35-plus points at any moment.

Why not make that moment in the biggest game he’s ever played?

‘Not letting shot-making affect us’: Temple on Raptors’ first-round keys

Sportsnet Video — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:35:05 EDT

Cavaliers’ Kenny Atkinson: It’ll be ‘no picnic’ playing Raptors in Round 1

Sportsnet Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:14:49 EDT

Kenny Atkinson shared some high praise for his team’s first-round opponent on Tuesday.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to meet the Toronto Raptors in the opening round of the playoffs.

“Toronto, we know, that’s no picnic; they low-key dominated us in the games we played them this year,” Atkinson said. “A lot of respect, it’s great, Toronto’s a great basketball city, great challenge for us, really good team.”

The Raptors swept the Cavaliers 3-0 in their regular-season series. Winning by scores of 112-101, 126-113 and 110-99.

Toronto limited Cleveland’s offence to earn the victories. It held the Cavaliers to 42.2 per cent shooting and just 28.1 per cent from deep in the three games. Both are down from their regular-season averages of 48.2 per cent from the field and 36 per cent from three.

“Transition defence is the first, their speed and then they turn you over,” Atkinson said.

The Raptors forced the Cavaliers into 38 turnovers in their matchups.

Toronto’s leading scorer, Brandon Ingram, was also effective against Cleveland during the regular season. He averaged 22.7 points on 45 per cent shooting against the Cavaliers and exploded for 37 points in the final meeting.

“Brandon Ingram is a high-level player, high-level scorer, but they’ve done it as a group this year,” Atkinson said. “So a lot of respect for what they’ve done, I think they deserve to be where they are. This is gonna be a big challenge for us, that’s what I think.”

The Cavaliers and Raptors begin their first-round series on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT.

NBA sets 2026 draft dates for late June

Sportsnet Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:22:13 EDT

With the regular season done and dusted, fans of non-playoff teams officially have a day to look forward to.

The 2026 NBA Draft will take place on June 23 and 24 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., the league announced Tuesday.

This will mark the third time that the NBA Draft is held over two days.

While the order of the draft is not yet set, the lottery will be held on May 10.

The Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets have the best odds at landing the first pick, with each side standing at 14 per cent. They all have a 52.1 per cent chance at a top-four selection.

The 2026 class is considered by many to be a special one, headlined by college standouts Cam Boozer (Duke), AJ Dybantsa (BYU) and Darryn Peterson (Kansas).

Last season, the Dallas Mavericks won the lottery with only a 1.8 per cent chance and selected Duke standout Cooper Flagg with the top pick.

Why next step for Masters champion Rory McIlroy could be toughest yet

Associated Press — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:01:25 EDT

AUGUSTA, Ga. — The passing comment Fred Couples said to his caddie on the 12th hole of the opening round at the Masters was worth another listen when Rory McIlroy slipped both arms into the green jacket for the second year in a row.

“Rory may never lose this thing again after last year,” Couples said.

Not that McIlroy ever makes it easy, but there is cause to wonder how many times his name will be etched on the Masters trophy, how often he gets to create the menu for the Masters Club dinner. For now, his two green jackets are as many as Scottie Scheffler, who is seven years younger.

The next step is three in a row, which has proven difficult for the three greats before him. None of them so much as finished in the top 10.

Jack Nicklaus missed the cut in 1967 as the two-time defending champion. Nick Faldo was never closer than five shots after the opening round in 1991. Tiger Woods was going for three in a row in 2003 when he shot 76 in the first round and was 10 shots back. He had a 66 on Saturday to get within four and then closed with a 75.

McIlroy is at a stage where he wants majors more than he needs them, particularly with the career Grand Slam out of the way. Faldo predicts he will get another slam. McIlroy needs another claret jug and a U.S. Open trophy for a second slam, and then do it a third time to catch Nicklaus and Woods.

Simply going back-to-back in the Masters is no small feat considering it had been done only three times by an impressive list of golf greats.

And while he could afford a bogey on the final hole — his drive on the 18th was so far right it was found closer to the 10th fairway — this Masters could have gone differently. Scheffler’s birdie putt on the 17th defied gravity. Cameron Young had seven reasonable birdie chances on the back nine. He finished with nine pars.

McIlroy became the first player since Trevor Immelman in 2008 to play even par on the weekend and win the Masters. He did his heavy lifting earlier, particularly that stunning finish of six birdies on the last seven holes Friday to set a Masters record with a six-shot lead through 36 holes.

Of the six players who had led by at least five shots going into the weekend, all but one kept the lead going into Sunday. The exception was Nicklaus in 1975, who was overtaken by Tom Weiskopf. What followed was as thrilling a final round as Augusta National has seen.

Nicklaus, Weiskopf and Johnny Miller were all on top of their games — this was 11 years before the world ranking launched — and all three were in the mix deep in the back nine until Nicklaus famously made that 40-foot birdie putt across the 16th green to tie Weiskopf and go on to win a record fifth green jacket.

This had all the trappings of a repeat of that year, especially with three players — Young, Justin Rose and McIlroy — holding a two-shot lead at various points of the final round.

It was McIlroy at the end by one shot over Scheffler, and yet it felt so inevitable.

He effectively won this with two brilliant birdies around Amen Corner — the three-quarter 9-iron on the par-3 12th that drifted nervously right but had enough to hit the green and settle seven feet away, and the 350-yard blast on the par-5 13th after hitting into the trees the previous three days. That set up an 8-iron to just over the green, leaving him two tough putts that gave him a three-shot lead.

Inevitable is how it felt the last time the Masters had a repeat champion with Woods in 2002. But it was different then. Woods didn’t tend to make mistakes when he had the lead on the back nine at a major, with one exception (his playoff win in the 2005 Masters).

Perhaps that’s why of the five Masters that Woods won, becoming only the third repeat champion gets the least amount of attention. The others were more spectacular because of the way he won or the circumstances around it.

Woods had the watershed moment in 1997 when he won by 12. He became the only player to hold all four majors when he won in 2001. He holed the famous chip that made a U-turn and hung briefly on the lip in 2005 (and then bogeyed the next two holes and had to win in a playoff). And he came back from four back surgeries to win in 2019.

That might be the case for McIlroy, too, depends on where he goes from here. Nothing will top last year at the Masters, a final day worthy of a Prime Video documentary.

McIlroy was so joyous about finally being a Masters champion that he said at the start of the week, “I think for the past 17 years I just could not wait for the tournament to start, and this year I wouldn’t care if the tournament never started.”

He was joking. He was ready. He was far more relaxed, and it showed. There will be more at stake for him next year at Augusta National with a chance to do something no one has done. Those opportunities don’t along very often.

Which injured Blue Jays are closest to returning?

Ben Nicholson-Smith — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:40:18 EDT

TORONTO — Not only did the Toronto Blue Jays lose their fourth consecutive series over the weekend, they lost yet another player to injury in George Springer.

With 147 games remaining and six playoff spots available per league, the Blue Jays still have a 38 per cent chance of reaching the playoffs, according to FanGraphs. Those odds have dropped by about 25 percentage points since opening day – enough to sting. At the same time, every team goes through 6-9 stretches and a good week can flip everything this time of year.

“You can always say you have time, but time is of the essence at all times if that makes sense,” Springer said Sunday.

“Not great,” added Blue Jays manager John Schneider.

Under the circumstances, the Blue Jays can use all the help they can get. After placing Springer on the injured list they now have 10 players and over $100 million in 2026 payroll on the IL. Right-handers Bowden Francis and Cody Ponce aren’t expected to play again during the regular season, but that still leaves eight others who should return.

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Presented in loose order of proximity to the majors, here’s a closer look at the status of those eight players and how the Blue Jays plan to get by without them in the meantime:

Addison Barger
Injury: left ankle sprain
On injured list since: April 7

Timeline: Barger’s out of a walking boot, but hasn’t started ramping up towards a return to game action just yet. Schneider expressed hope Barger would miss close to the minimum 10 days, and he’s first eligible to return Friday against the Diamondbacks.

Who plays in the meantime: Nathan Lukes, Jesus Sanchez, Myles Straw and Davis Schneider have been rotating through the corner outfield spots.

Trey Yesavage
Injury: right shoulder impingement
On injured list since: entire 2026 season to date

Timeline: Yesavage will make at least one more minor-league rehab start this week before returning to the majors. If all goes well in his upcoming outing, he could theoretically re-join the Blue Jays as soon as next week.

Who plays in the meantime: The Blue Jays signed Patrick Corbin so he could help deepen the rotation while the likes of Yesavage and Jose Berrios work their way back.

George Springer
Injury: broken left big toe
On injured list since: April 12

Timeline: Before Sunday’s game, Schneider said doctors indicated Springer’s “probably going to feel a little bit better in about a week to 10 days. It’s not going to feel great, probably, for a couple of weeks.” If it was up to Springer, he’d be back sooner, though. He wanted to stay in the game even with the broken toe, but team staff ruled that out once the X-rays revealed a fracture. The next 24-48 hours should reveal more about how fast Springer can progress.

“We’re going to find out,” he said. “I don’t really know yet. I’ve never had this happen. It doesn’t feel good to walk, so I would assume running and hitting wouldn’t feel great right this second but at the end of the day I want to play. I’ll leave that up to Schneids and the staff but I’m going to try to push the envelope.”

Who plays in the meantime: Former White Sox slugger Eloy Jimenez had his contract selected Sunday, and he’ll be among those slotting in at DH while Springer recovers. For what it’s worth, Jimenez singled twice in four at bats against the Twins.

José Berríos
Injury: stress fracture in right elbow
On injured list since: entire 2026 season to date

Timeline: Berríos is making progress, but still likely at least a couple weeks away from a big-league return. He recently threw live batting practice and is slated to start a rehab assignment next week with 50 pitches targeted for his first start.

Who plays in the meantime: With Berríos on the sidelines, there’s extended opportunity for Corbin and others.

Yimi García
Injury: right elbow surgery
On injured list since: entire 2026 season to date

Timeline: García has resumed throwing off a mound and is said to be progressing well, but has yet to begin a rehab assignment. Under those circumstances, it’s hard to pin down a specific timeline but relievers can sometimes ramp up quickly once they’re at full strength.

Who plays in the meantime: The likes of Rule 5 pick Spencer Miles and left-hander Joe Mantiply have been getting regular reps with García sidelined.

Alejandro Kirk
Injury: broken thumb in left hand
On injured list since: April 4

Timeline: With an estimated absence of six weeks, Kirk could be nearing a return by the middle of May if his recovery goes well.

Who plays in the meantime: Not only did rookie Brandon Valenzuela recently hit his first career home run over the weekend, he has a strong throwing arm and is earning positive reviews from Blue Jays pitchers. Valenzuela and Tyler Heineman are sharing catching duties with Kirk sidelined.

Shane Bieber
Injury: right elbow inflammation
On injured list since: entire 2026 season to date

Timeline: Bieber has been throwing off a mound, an important step as he builds back toward game action. Yet more tests await the 30-year-old as he has yet to begin a rehab assignment. Once he’s back in minor-league games, it’ll be a sign the Blue Jays believe he’s less than a month away from MLB action.

Who plays in the meantime: Bieber’s slow ramp-up contributed to the Blue Jays’ interest in signing Max Scherzer, Corbin and perhaps even Ponce. At this stage, he’s too far away from the majors to create pressure on the current rotation.

Anthony Santander
Injury: left shoulder surgery
On injured list since: entire 2026 season to date

Timeline: Santander will miss most of the season, but if his recovery goes well he’s a candidate to return to big-league action late in the season, perhaps by August or September.

Who plays in the meantime: The Santander injury preceded the acquisition of Sanchez, who has been getting regular corner outfield reps along with Lukes, Straw and Schneider.

At the Letters: More adversity for Blue Jays

Sportsnet Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:02:26 EDT

A disappointing weekend leads to more questions. Arden Zwelling joins Ben Nicholson-Smith to discuss the Toronto Blue Jays’ veteran starters, the George Springer injury and the Lenyn Sosa trade.

Prospects of Interest: What Tempo are getting from four inaugural draft picks

Kai Gammage — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:27:52 EDT

Like the ceaseless construction that litters the Toronto skyline, building a basketball roster is a never-ending project.

Though the Toronto Tempo broke ground a couple weeks ago at the expansion draft and have since fleshed out their roster with an active free-agency period, a few key pieces of business were left to check off before opening for business.

The team needed some rookies. Players who would serve as current and future faces of the franchise.

They got just that on Monday night.

With the sixth overall pick at the WNBA Draft, the Tempo took UCLA guard Kiki Rice, a national champion, savvy ball-handler, offensive engine and Canada’s newest basketball ambassador.

“I think it’s evident in how she handled herself throughout her college career that she’s just, she’s a star,” general manager Monica Wright Rogers said after making Rice the team’s first pick.

To best understand who Rice is as a person and player — as well as fellow Tempo picks Teonni Key, Saffron Shiels and Charlise Dunn — here’s a deeper look at Toronto’s rookie class.

First round, sixth overall: Kiki Rice, G, UCLA

Age: 22
Height: Five-foot-11
Hometown: Bethesda, Md.
Stats (from final year of college): 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.5 steals, .490/.385/.902 shooting splits

While the Tempo have focused heavily on guards throughout the abbreviated off-season, taking Julie Allemand and Marina Mabrey in the expansion draft and picking up Brittney Sykes in free agency, you can never have too many ball-handlers.

Especially not when they’re as talented and as “pro-ready” as Rice.

“This league is a guard-dominant league, that’s evident. And I do think that we needed a core group of guards and an up-and-coming, talented guard to really fortify us as we come into our initial season,” Wright Rogers explained of the choice to target Rice. “The ball, it plays through guards. And I think now with the combination of guards we have… (head coach Sandy Brondello) has her choice of who’s going to be the dominant ball handler on any given night.”

The lead guard at UCLA, Rice dictated the tempo for four years with the Bruins, transforming them from the 70th-best offence in college hoops in her freshman season into the No. 2 unit in the country by her senior year.

Beyond just making her team better, Rice herself has been on a steady upward trajectory since joining the Bruins, increasing her efficiency from the field and from deep every season while taking on a heavier ball-handling load and mitigating turnovers.

When Rice joined UCLA, ranked the No. 2 recruit in the class of 2022 by ESPN, her ability to score from the mid-range and from paint touches was a certainty, but she wasn’t the three-level scorer she is today. From her freshman to her senior year, she saw her three-point percentage jump from 21.7 to 38.5 per cent, and nearly finished that final campaign at UCLA with 50/40/90 splits.

“She added her shooting late in her college career, which, you know, just really made her the perfect fit for us,” Wright Rogers said. “I think just watching her diversity on the wing, watching her as a teammate, she’s a great fit for the locker room. And I think just, you know, as we think about guards in the WNBA, they’re no longer one- or two-faceted. They have to be multi-faceted, and that is Kiki Rice, a very versatile multi-faceted guard that plays both ends of the floor.”

She’s also a strong transition player, capable of finding shooters in the open floor or taking it to the basket herself with plus-speed and solid deceleration when she has to get around a defender. Because of her bigger frame for a guard and willingness to put her shoulder into defenders to draw contact, she should be able to adapt to faster and stronger opponents in the pros.

Beyond her abilities on the court, the Tempo valued Rice’s maturity off of it. Being the first rookie for an expansion team in a new country is a heavy burden, but Wright Rogers explained that — because of Rice’s experience playing for UCLA, in a college landscape that shines a brighter light on athletes than ever — there’s no concern when it comes to her willingness to shoulder it. It also helps that she’s got a bevy of backcourt players to learn from.

“I think what we felt was that she would have a good group of veteran guards to really rally around her. Obviously a veteran coach and staff, former players with me and Sandy, and we felt that that would be a great cushion for her, and every rookie needs a little cushion,” the GM explained. “But I mean, she carried herself very well. I don’t think being out in the public eye is anything new to her based on what we know about her background. And so we’re very confident that she can handle this.”

Second round, 22nd overall: Teonni Key, F/C, Kentucky

Age: 22
Height: Six-foot-five
Hometown: Cary, N.C.
Stats (from final year of college): 11.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.3 blocks, .512/.133/.698 shooting splits

In need of some size, the Tempo pivoted toward the best available big with Teonni Key, an energetic glass-crasher and rim protector, and someone the Tempo considered “a little under the radar” at that point in the draft.

Ranked as the No. 9 recruit by ESPN in 2021, Key transferred from the University of North Carolina to Kentucky ahead of the 2024-25 season and never looked back.

Not only did her scoring load balloon from 2.7 points in the sophomore season to 11.4 in her junior year, her efficiency improved from 42 per cent from the field at UNC to 50.8 per cent at Kentucky despite playing in the tougher SEC.

Her stock then skyrocketed in her senior year, as she strung together some impressive performances against top teams in the country, including a 27-point outing against Vanderbilt, a 17-point, 16-rebound double-double against LSU, and a 17-point, four-block win over Louisville.

While scoring isn’t her calling card, her work in the pick-and-roll with Georgia Amoore in the 2024-25 season and Tonie Morgan this year should make her appealing in tandem with Rice and the bevy of guards at the Tempo’s disposal.

“Her length, her ability to play post defence, her versatility, her ability to handle the ball,” Wright Rogers said of what appealed to her about Key. “I think those are some of the things that we’ll continuously see — versatility at her position and defensive-mindedness.”

With only five players six-foot-three and above on the roster, the Tempo had a big hole to fill down the middle. They did just that, though she’ll sit behind Nyara Sabally for minutes at the five.

Second round, 26th overall: Saffron Shiels, F/G, Townsville Fire (Australia)

Age: 20
Height: Six-foot-two
Hometown: Newcastle, Australia
Stats (from final year of college): N/A

The first of two stash picks for the Tempo — Wright Rogers clarified that both she and Dunn will play overseas for the time being — Shiels is a high-upside choice who can provide positional versatility for Toronto in the future.

Though she sat out the 2025-26 season after undergoing ankle surgery, the young Aussie guard is regarded as one of the top up-and-comers from a passionate basketball nation, and one that has done well producing high-end talent at the WNBA level.

At six-foot-two, Shiels plays as a big-bodied guard, capable of running an offence and creating size mismatches with regularity. She excelled in that role at the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup back in 2024, when she averaged 18 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists to lead the Opals to gold.

Beyond her gold-medal acumen, she’s been around winning culture with the WNBL, Australia’s professional women’s league, where she plays with the Fire — the most successful team in the league over the last decade.

“It’s always a plus when someone comes from a championship team because when you’re a part of that, you recognize what it takes to get there. And those things sometimes aren’t straightforward.” Wright Rogers said of Shiels’ championship experience. “And so having those tools, having those experiences, brings you into this situation already kind of prepared for what we are, for what our goals are and prepared to start us a culture and begin a franchise where we can instill championship habits early on.”

Shiels also has some familiarity with the Tempo coaching staff, having played under assistant Carly Clarke at the 2025 Nike Hoop Summit. She had eight points, eight rebounds, and three assists in 28 minutes as part of Team World.

Third round, 36th overall: Charlise Dunn, F/G, Davidson

Age: 22
Height: Six-foot-two
Hometown: Victoria, Australia
Stats (from final year of college): 15.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.8 steals, .408/.309/.835 shooting splits

With their final pick, the Tempo went for even more versatility on the wing, adding the six-foot-two Dunn, who can suit up one through three.

While she’s expected to return to Australia and play in the WNBL for at least next year, Dunn could provide the Tempo with some much-needed three-and-D help down the line.

Though she’s a willing three-point shooter, having taken 204 shots from deep in her senior year, she’ll have to work on her efficiency after knocking down only 30.9 per cent of those looks.

Part of that, however, was due to the system and supporting cast at Davidson where a good chunk of the scoring load fell on her shoulders. She has a solid release, and her 83.5-per-cent mark from the charity stripe indicates a higher ceiling from beyond the arc, but consistency will be key over the next few years.

Past just scoring, Dunn is an active rebounder, finishing her senior year with 11 double-doubles. She also played well in non-conference games against Power-5 competition, highlighted by a 33-point, 11-rebound showing against Baylor at the WBCA Showcase in November.

2026 WNBA Draft historic for Tempo, Canadians and UCLA

Sarah Maat — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:46:21 EDT

With two new expansion teams and more roster spots than ever before, it’s an historic year to be drafted into the WNBA.

Monday’s 2026 WNBA Draft saw 45 players drafted across three rounds. The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire made their inaugural collegiate draft picks and Kiki Rice became the first player ever selected by an international team.

With the addition of at least 54 new player spots this season, the league’s roster size has jumped to 210, making 2026 the best year ever to enter the W. Combine those odds with a new CBA guaranteeing increased rookie salaries, and this draft class is joining the league at a transformative moment.

It was an eventful night in New York as UCLA became the first school to have six players selected at the same draft, we saw the most Canadians chosen since 2016 with three players with Canada Basketball experience selected, and Azzi Fudd reunited with Paige Bueckers in Dallas.

Here’s what stands out amongst all the history made.

Fudd and Bueckers reunited

With two consecutive first-overall picks, the Dallas Wings selected a pair of UConn stars.

The move to take Fudd is as much a win for the entire Wings organization as it is for Bueckers. Fudd is an elite shooter who is as consistent from the three-point line (44.7 per cent) as most WNBA players are from the field (last year the league had a field-goal percentage of 43.9 per cent).

Bueckers and Fudd are as familiar with each other as you can get. Together, they led the Huskies to the national championship in 2025 where Fudd earned the Most Outstanding Player award.

In basketball they are a proven unstoppable duo but, since announcing their relationship in 2025, the two have shown how incredible their partnership is off the court as well.

After signing the co-Defensive Player of the Year, centre Alanna Smith, just two days ago, the Wings shifted the focus to acquiring a guard to support Bueckers. With Fudd and Olivia Miles — a true point guard from TCU who was close to averaging a triple double during March Madness — the best options in the draft, it only made sense for Dallas to lock down a rookie Bueckers has already had success with.

Kiki Rice becomes first player drafted by Tempo

Toronto put a lot of weight on the sixth pick and according to Monica Wright Rogers, it paid off.

“We have an already established backcourt, but she’s going to be a piece that adds to that,” the Tempo general manager told media after the draft.

Rice’s scoring and floor control was a big element in the Bruins’ title run. She averaged 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 39 per cent from three-point range. The 2025-2026 All-American selection will slot in well with the veteran guards Toronto has already acquired this month.

Plus, as she shared on draft night, her uncle, Ian Cameron, is Canadian!

With the 22^nd pick, Toronto selected Kentucky forward Teonni Key, before picking two Australians (Saffron Shiels and Charlise Dunn) to stash for the future. It seems like head coach Sandy Brondello is trying to turn Canada’s team into Australia’s team.

UCLA makes history

UCLA became the first school to see five players drafted in the first round and six selected in a single draft.

Centre Lauren Betts was the first to go at fourth overall to Washington, but guard Gabriela Jaquez was right behind, going to the Chicago Sky at fifth. Rice was the third Bruin to fall before forward Angela Dugalic was chosen to join Betts on the Mystics with the ninth pick. Round one ended with Gianna Kneepkens going to the Connecticut Sun. Guard Charlisse Leger-Walker was also selected by the Sun with the third pick in the second round.

It is typical for the national champions to garner extra attention on draft night, but with the number of seniors UCLA had available, the excitement around this team reached another level. And for good reason: In the Bruins’ Final Four win, the six drafted players combined to score 100 per cent of the team’s points.

Seattle Storm shockers

Over the last week, few teams have been as surprising as the Seattle Storm.

Seattle lost some big pieces in free agency — namely Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, Brittney Sykes, and Gabby Williams — but used this draft as a true launch pad for its rebuild.

With the No. 3 pick, Seattle brought in a strong international big in Awa Fam to accompany last year’s No. 2 pick Dominique Malonga. Fam is a powerful, six-foot-four forward from Spain, while Malonga is of a similar calibre at six-foot-six. The France native is one of the few W players who can dunk.

The Storm brought some havoc to the start of the second round after a surprising trade with the Golden State Valkyries moved freshly drafted Marta Suárez (No. 16) and a 2028 second-round pick to the Bay Area in exchange for 2026 No. 8 selection Flau’jae Johnson. Johnson is a national champion from LSU with a budding rap career and an even more impressive stat sheet.

Canada forging a way in the WNBA

Three players with Canada Basketball ties were selected in a single WNBA draft for the first time in 10 years.

The Mystics started it off with Notre Dame guard Cassandre Prosper at 19^th overall. The Montreal native decided to bet on herself and declare for the draft even though she had one more year of college eligibility remaining. It could be tough for her to crack the Mystics’ roster given how much young talent they’ve added in the last two years, but after averaging 13.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 1.6 assists and 1.1 blocks in her senior year she has a good shot at becoming a solid depth piece.

Two picks later, the Chicago Sky selected Latasha Lattimore with the 21^st pick. The Ole Miss forward is a reliable shot-maker who averaged 10.9 points a game this season.

Serah Williams, who went to high school in Canada and played for teams in Toronto and Niagara Falls Ont., was selected by the Sun with the 33^rd pick and reportedly traded to the Fire following the draft. Williams has experience repping Canada on the national stage, including at the GLOBL JAM under-23 tournament in 2025.

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert: WNBA looking to play overseas in 2027

Associated Press — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:42:34 EDT

NEW YORK — As the WNBA is racing through free agency, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is already looking overseas.

Engelbert said before the draft Monday night that the league is looking to play a game outside North America for the first time in 2027. The WNBA expanded to Toronto this season, its first franchise outside the United States.

“We’re heavily looking at that,” Engelbert said of playing either an exhibition or regular-season game overseas. “Obviously, this year we have the FIBA World Cup. Next year, we expect that we’ll do something outside of North America as a true global game.”

The league welcomed its 2026 draft class days after a historic free agency period opened that included its first million-dollar contracts.

“I’m pretty emotional seeing 23 million-dollar contracts signed only two days into free agency,” Engelbert said. “Now these players can build real generational wealth.”

Commissioner declines to discuss her future

Engelbert deflected a question about her future as commissioner.

“I do crack up, everyone’s focused on me and you should be focused on the hundreds and thousands of women who run this league outside of myself,” she said.

Engelbert went back at the reporter, asking, “I wonder if you would ask that of a man?”

The commissioner went on to say she was “thrilled with the trajectory, growth and was really looking forward to the next few years.”

Connecticut Sun sale

Engelbert said the Board of Governors still needs to approve the sale of the Connecticut Sun to Tilman Fertitta, owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets.

She said specifics of the move from Connecticut to Houston might be better discussed by the Rockets group and the franchise in the future.

Engelbert said she hoped Connecticut fans would still support the team this season.

“Great basketball state for women’s basketball, some would call it the center of women’s basketball,” she said.

CBA close to finalized

The league’s new collective bargaining agreement still needs to be finalized with the long-form sheet. Engelbert estimated its length at 400 to 500 pages and said it will be finished soon. The deal was transformational with record salary increases, housing adjustments for players, 401k contributions and money given to former players.

Officiating task force

The WNBA started a state-of-the-game task force that included a subgroup on officiating to help improve the quality of play on the court. Engelbert said the group received input from players, the union executive committee, college coaches, general managers and head coaches.

“You’ll see some changes around physicality this year,” she said. “All sides will get used to it, and that will play out over the year. It’s going to be a physical game; we got to draw lines around physicality.”

Condensed schedule

It’s been a busy two weeks for the WNBA with the labour deal completed so late. Free agency opened up a week ago, and a flurry of players have signed over the last few days. Still, 80% of players were free agents this offseason, and there are still many who need to sign. Training camps open on Sunday with the regular season tipping off May 8.

Toronto Tempo select Kiki Rice sixth overall in 2026 WNBA Draft

Sportsnet Staff — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:48:24 EDT

The Toronto Tempo‘s first-ever WNBA Draft selection has been made.

UCLA’s Kiki Rice was taken sixth overall by Canada’s new WNBA franchise in the 2026 Draft on Monday.

Rice was the third consecutive UCLA player selected on Monday behind Lauren Betts (Washington Mystics) and Gabriela Jaquez (Chicago Sky).

“This is so special,” Rice told ESPN’s Holly Rowe moments after being drafted. “Everyone of us here deserves it so much and I’m just so proud of this group.”

The senior guard averaged 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.5 steals through 38 games and played a key role for the Bruins en route to a national title. She also shot career-bests across the board at 49 per cent from the field, 38.5 per cent from beyond the arc and 90.2 per cent at the foul line this season.

“I take a ton of pride in just being the best teammate and figuring out how can I make everyone else better around me,” Rice explained. ” … Just really excited to get out there and get to work.”

The 22-year-old brings a decorated resume to the Tempo that includes a 2025-26 All-American selection, two All-Big Ten nods, 2025-26 Big Ten All-Defence and 2025-26 Big Ten tournament MVP.

Rice joins a Toronto roster still in its infancy stages, yet one that appears chock-full of dynamic guard talent. The Tempo added veteran guards Marina Mabrey and Julie Allemand through the expansion draft and then signed Brittney Sykes via free agency.

“Never been to Toronto, but I’m really excited to get there,” Rice said. ” … I know it’s going to be a great time.”

The Tempo entered the night with four picks to make, and after drafting Rice sixth-overall, they added forwards Teonni Key (No. 22) and Saffron Shiels (No. 26) in the second round and guard Charlise Dunn (No. 36) in the third round.

Wings select Azzi Fudd first overall in 2026 WNBA Draft

Associated Press — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:15:19 EDT

NEW YORK — Azzi Fudd is on her way to Dallas as the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft with a $500,000 payday waiting for the former UConn star. A record-setting six UCLA players followed her into the league.

“I’m not really sure I have words to describe that feeling, what that meant,” Fudd said of getting drafted. “I don’t think it’s fully sunk in. It’s nothing I could have imagined. The feeling of sitting with my family, with Morgan (Valley), hearing your name called, go up there. Such a surreal feeling,”

Fudd will pair again with former Huskies teammate Paige Bueckers, who was the Wings’ top pick last year. Bueckers — who along with Fudd gave UConn a record seven No. 1 selections — was in attendance at the draft along with Fudd’s Huskies teammates.

“Paige is an incredible player, everyone knows that,” Fudd said. “She’s someone that makes playing basketball with easy.”

UCLA stars Lauren Betts and Gabriela Jaquez went in the top five, a little over a week after leading the Bruins to their first NCAA championship.

Their teammate, Kiki Rice, went sixth to Toronto, the first pick for the expansion franchise. The Tempo chose to have the higher pick in the college draft after winning a coin toss, giving the Portland Fire the top choice in the expansion draft earlier this month.

UCLA broke UConn’s record of having four players drafted in the first round, a mark the Huskies set in 2002, when Angela Dugalic went ninth to Washington, teaming her again with Betts. And, Giannna Kneepkens was chosen by Connecticut with the last pick of the opening round.

The Bruins later broke the mark for the most players drafted from one team when Charlisse Leger-Walker was selected by Connecticut with the third pick in the second round. Tennessee (1997, 2008), Notre Dame (2019) and South Carolina (2023) held the previous record with five players taken.

The new collective bargaining agreement that was ratified last month gave huge pay raises to rookies. Fudd will make nearly seven-times what Bueckers earned last season as the top choice. The No. 2 and No. 3 picks will get $466,913 and $436,016, respectively.

Second- and third-round picks will make $270,000 — which is more than the previous maximum salary in the old CBA.

“I’m just blessed and grateful to come at this time,” said No. 8 pick Flau’jae Johnson, who was drafted by Golden State before getting traded to Seattle. “The 30th season. My goal is to leave it better than I found it. It’s a gratitude thing, but also a responsibility thing. I’m taking that with full force.”

Minnesota took Olivia Miles of TCU with the No. 2 pick. Miles decided to stay in college last season instead of enter the WNBA draft. She transferred from Notre Dame to the Horned Frogs. She helped the team reach the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year.

“Deep breath that’s why I got emotional,” Miles said of finishing her journey. “It’s finally here, finally heard my name. This is what this was for.”

After Seattle took Spain centre Awa Fam Thiam at No. 3, Washington selected the 6-foot-7 Betts before the Chicago Sky followed with Jaquez, who is the sister of Miami Heat player Jaime Jaquez Jr. She now has family bragging rights not only with a national championship, but also was picked higher than him. Jaime was taken 18th in the NBA draft in 2023.

Portland took Spanish guard Iyana Martin Carrion with its first-ever pick. Indiana took South Carolina’s Raven Johnson with the 10th pick and Washington drafted Cotie McMahon of Ole Miss next.

Connecticut took French player Nell Angloma with the 12th pick. A second Gamecock went next with Madina Okot drafted by Atlanta. Seattle drafted Duke’s Taina Mair with the 14th choice.

The Sun closed out the first round choosing Kneepkens.

International flavour

There were 11 international players taken in the draft who didn’t play at a U.S. college, including three in the first round with Fam Thiam, Martin Carrion and Angloma.

Fam Thiam was the highest selected player from Spain ever drafted in the league. Three Spanish players were taken in all.

“Incredibly excited for our country and the global game,” said Marta Suarez, who was drafted by Seattle in the second round before getting traded to Golden State. “The WNBA is growing, attracting talent from all over the world.”

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in her pre-draft press conference that the league planned to play either an exhibition game or a regular-season game overseas next year.

Mother-daughter combo

Fudd and her mother, Katie Smrcka-Duffy Fudd, became the second mother-daughter pair to have been drafted into the WNBA. Smrcka-Duffy Fudd was taken in 2001 by the Sacramento Monarchs in the fourth round, but never played a game. Pam McGee was taken second overall in the 1997 draft, also by Sacramento. Her daughter, Imani McGee-Stafford, was drafted 10th overall by Chicago in 2016.

Why Blue Jays’ top hurlers are vital to team staying afloat amid injuries

Sportsnet Video — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:40:58 EDT

Report: Brewers place Christian Yelich on 10-day injured list with groin strain

Sportsnet Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:45:56 EDT

The Milwaukee Brewers will be down one of their top bats as they square off against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Outfielder Christian Yelich has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a left groin strain, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reported Tuesday ahead of Game 1 against the Jays.

Yelich suffered the injury on Sunday against the Washington Nationals. He was pulled for a pinch-hitter in the fifth inning with left hamstring tightness.

“We’re most likely going to get some bad news on Yelich,” manager Pat Murphy said after the game.

Murphy said the 2018 NL MVP and three-time All-Star felt a “little twinge” in his hamstring and was undergoing imaging.

“There is some fluid in there, so let’s wait and see,” Murphy said. “He wanted to stay in the game, but … we’ve just got to be careful with these guys. We’re in April.”

Prior to the injury, the 34-year-old had been enjoying a solid season in Milwaukee, batting .314 with a .826 OPS and one home run through the first 15 games.

Outfielder Greg Jones has been called up from triple-A as his replacement.

Milwaukee is already missing Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn due to hand injuries. Chourio went on the IL just before Milwaukee’s season opener, while Vaughn appeared in one game before joining him.

The Brewers also are missing starting pitcher Quinn Priester (right thoracic outlet) and reliever Jared Koenig (elbow).

After winning eight of their first 10 games, the Brewers have lost five straight. They never dropped as many as five in a row last year while winning a franchise-record 97 games to post the best record in the majors.

— With files from the Associated Press

Matt Crocker quits as U.S. Soccer sporting director two months before World Cup

Associated Press — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:15:01 EDT

NEW YORK — Matt Crocker quit as sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation on Tuesday, just two months ahead of the World Cup, to take a new job in Saudi Arabia.

The USSF said Crocker was leaving to pursue an unidentified international soccer opportunity, and a person familiar with the decision, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Crocker’s new job was not announced, said he will work in Saudi Arabia. His hiring by Saudis was first reported by Fox.

Crocker’s departure was a surprise, given the U.S. is co-host of the World Cup starting June 11 and the contract of men’s coach Mauricio Pochettino ends after the tournament. The USSF next month will open its 200-acre, 17-field training centre and office complex in Fayetteville, Ga., an Atlanta suburb.

Dan Helfrich, hired as the U.S. federation’s chief operating officer in November, “will provide executive oversight and support across the federation’s sporting operations,” the USSF said in a statement. Helfrich will work with assistant sporting director Oguchi Onyewu — a former national team defender — and Tracey Kevins, head of development for the women’s youth national team.

Crocker, 51, was hired by the USSF in April 2023 after serving as Southampton’s director of football since February 2020.

Crocker oversaw the decisions to rehire Gregg Berhalter as men’s coach in June 2023, to fire Berhalter in July 2024 after first-round elimination at the Copa America and to hire Pochettino that September.

He also made the recommendation to hire Emma Hayes as women’s national team coach starting in the spring of 2024. Hayes led the women’s team to the Olympic gold medal.

Another setback for all-star Embiid as 76ers’ playoff plans wobble

Associated Press — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:37:58 EDT

PHILADELPHIA — The Joel Embiid medical malady update itself is no longer surprising. There will be one — there always is one, especially around the playoffs — and it’s just a matter of guessing the body part involved.

It could make for a late-night party game.

Throw a dart, hit the part.

Hey, the appendix!

It might be amusing if the situation weren’t so unfortunate for Embiid. One of the most talented, dominant big men of his era, Embiid has a 7-foot-2 frame that’s betrayed him at every step of his injury-ravaged career, setting back potential for reaching all-time greatness.

Again, the Philadelphia 76ers pinned their playoff hopes on the health of a player who is unable to stay healthy.

Again, the same-old 76ers are stuck in the middle-of-the-road come April.

“It’s a big bummer, man,” coach Nick Nurse said. “For him, first. And then everything else.”

Still easing back from knee injuries that shortened his season, Embiid got appendicitis last week and needed an appendectomy in Houston. While the 76ers haven’t given a timetable on his return, the seven-time All-Star is out for the NBA play-in tournament game Wednesday night at home against Orlando and, should the Sixers win, is surely out of action at least for a first-round series against Boston.

“What the hell, appendicitis?” his former coach, Doc Rivers, said over the weekend. “You can’t make it up. You really can’t.”

Nope.

But then again …

“It’s this time of year, right?” Rivers said.

Consider:

In 2024, Embiid played in the playoffs through a bout with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis. He wore sunglasses to the podium after he scored 50 points in the Sixers’ Game 3 win over the Knicks and said at the time he was dealing with various symptoms, such as blurred vision and dry eyes.

A year earlier, Embiid missed a playoff game in each of two series because of a sprained right knee.

How about 2022? The Sixers won 51 games under Rivers and had a great chance at a deep playoff run until Embiid suffered a right orbital fracture and a concussion when he was hit in the face by Toronto’s Pascal Siakam. He also suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb. Embiid missed two games in a second-round series against Miami. The Sixers lost both games and the series, 4-2.

Embiid missed one game in the 2021 playoffs with a torn meniscus in his right knee.

“I still believe if we had one healthy year, probably more the first year, and the last year, we would have advanced,” Rivers said. “I hate saying that. But I think it’s pretty obvious we would have.”

Go back before Rivers’ tenure, and Embiid missed one playoff game in 2019 and two in 2018 with injuries.

Embiid was hampered this season by a strained oblique muscle, a shin stress fracture and continued issues with both knees that limited him to 38 games. He hasn’t played since April 6.

The Sixers had been doing a fine job of managing Embiid’s minutes, and it helped him turn a corner in January when he played in 14 of 17 games (he didn’t play a back-to-back set all season) and capped the month with 40 points and 11 rebounds in a win over New Orleans. He had 34 points against San Antonio in his final game.

The 32-year-old Embiid averaged 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds this season until he needed the appendectomy.

“All signs are pointing that everything’s going just fine,” Nurse said. “Extremely tough. It’s pretty serious, right? I think that’s the big thing to kind of keep in mind. Obviously, the timing’s not great. I think he was on an uptick as far as where he was going, as far as playing-wise.”

Led by All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey and rookie standout V.J. Edgecombe, the Sixers are 1 1/2-point favourites to beat the Magic, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The Sixers have 15-1 odds to win the NBA title, and while they would not have been the betting favourite even with a healthy Embiid, they surely would have been in the mix as stronger contenders.

Sixers fans can rattle off the sombre statistics by heart.

No NBA championship since 1983. No NBA Finals since 2001. No second-round series win since 2001.

Rivers’ three-season coaching stint in Philadelphia was doomed in 2023 when the Sixers blew a 3-2 second-round series lead to the Celtics with a Game 6 loss at home and dropped Game 7 in Boston.

Nurse hasn’t been any better, suffering a first-round loss to the Knicks in 2024, and they failed to make the playoffs last season when Embiid, Maxey and Paul George (who served a 25-game suspension this season for failing a drug test) all were hurt for the bulk of a 24-win season.

They’ll go at it against Orlando’s Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who would love to attack the rim against the backup centre combination of Andre Drummond and Adem Bona the Sixers are forced to use.

“They’ve been one of the many teams in the league that hasn’t been very healthy this year,” Nurse said. “Really tough game.”

Just one more tough one in the playoffs for the Sixers without Embiid.

Canada’s Denis Shapovalov advances through first round at BMW Open

Sportsnet Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:26:46 EDT

Another Canadian is moving on in Munich.

Denis Shapovalov joined Gabriel Diallo in the Round of 16 with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 win over eighth-seeded Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands on Tuesday at the BMW Open.

Shapovalov converted on four of 12 break-points, and while he struggled at times with his first serve (three aces, six double faults), he won 75 per cent of points on his second serve.

The Richmond Hill, Ont., native, who is unseeded, will next face the winner of a match between Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas and Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan.

The 26-year-old Canadian, who entered the tournament ranked 39th in the world, improved his record this season to 7-7.

Diallo, meanwhile, will get a tough test in top seed Alexander Zverev of Germany after taking out Ukraine’s Vitaliy Sachko in straight sets on Monday.

— With files from the Canadian Press

Maple Leafs Honour Joe Bowen (home and NHL)

Josh Beneteau — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:59:00 EDT

Joe Bowen receives standing ovation from Maple Leafs fans in his final home game

Sportsnet Video — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:04:36 EDT

Maple Leafs salute Joe Bowen after his final home game

Sportsnet Video — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:38:06 EDT

Best calls from Maple Leafs’ legendary play-by-play announcer Joe Bowen

Sportsnet Video — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:51:33 EDT

‘It’s been a great run’: Bowen on fan admiration, favourite memories

Sportsnet Video — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:54:24 EDT

Flames prospect Cole Reschny staying in college for sophomore season

Sportsnet Staff — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:22:38 EDT

One of the Calgary Flames‘ top prospects is heading back for a second year of collegiate hockey.

Centre Cole Reschny will return to the University of North Dakota to play out his sophomore season, Sportsnet’s Pat Steinberg reported Monday.

Reschy, drafted 18th overall by the Flames in 2025, enjoyed a solid freshman year for the Fighting Hawks, tallying six goals and 29 assists in 36 games. His side was eliminated by eventual runner-up Wisconsin in the first round of the Frozen Four.

However, according to Steinberg, the Flames wanted the 19-year-old to take extra time to develop at the college level and Reschny’s camp agreed.

Prior to joining the collegiate ranks, the Macklin, Sask., native starred with the Victoria Royals in the WHL, where he registered 48 goals and 104 assists in 127 regular-season games.

He also suited up for Canada at the 2026 world juniors, grabbing four goals and one assist in seven games.

Jets lose to Golden Knights after being eliminated from playoff race

Associated Press — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:07:07 EDT

LAS VEGAS — Mark Stone scored his fourth goal in three games and combined with Jack Eichel for seven points as the Golden Knights defeated the Winnipeg Jets 6-2 on Monday night to move Vegas closer to winning a fifth Pacific Division title in its nine seasons.

The Jets were eliminated from the playoff race officially on Monday after the Los Angeles Kings defeated the Seattle Kraken earlier in the night to clinch the final spot in the Western Conference.

“It sucks,” Jets forward Mark Scheifele told reporters. “We were pushing until the end. It’s a tough reality. That’s just the game of hockey.”

Winnipeg is just the fifth reigning Presidents’ Trophy winner to miss the playoffs the following season.

A victory over visiting Seattle in Wednesday night’s regular-season finale will give the Golden Knights the division title and home-ice advantage through at least the first two rounds of the NHL playoffs.

Vegas has not lost in regulation since coach John Tortorella (6-0-1) took over after Bruce Cassidy was fired.

Eichel had a goal and three assists, and Stone added a goal and two assists.

Ivan Barbashev and Rasmus Andersson each had a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights, and Reilly Smith and Pavel Dorofeyev each scored a goal. Dorofeyev extended his club record for power-play goals in a season to 20.

Noah Hanifin had two assists and Carter Hart finished with 21 saves.

Scheifele recorded a goal and assist to set a Jets single-season scoring record with 101 points. Marian Hossa had 100 in the 2006-07 season.

Gabriel Vilardi also had a goal and assist for the Jets, and Connor Hellebuyck stopped 32 shots.

“We went from 11 points down to one at one time. It’s a tough feeling. I know the guys are hurting,” Jets coach Scott Arniel said.

“We all want to be in the playoffs, that’s what our job is and our role is. When you get the reality of it, it sucks.”

The Golden Knights dominated from the beginning, outshooting the Jets 10-3 in the first period, but failed to get the puck past Hellebuyck. They finally did a 7:38 of the second on Stone’s short-handed breakaway.

Penalties were the theme in that period, the teams combining for eight of them. Vegas nearly scored on a power play late in the third, but Smith’s deflection of Hanifin’s shot from the point came just after the penalty time expired.

The team combined for 15 penalties in the game.

Up next

Jets: Visit Utah on Tuesday.

Golden Knights: Host Seattle on Wednesday.

NHL Roundup: Kane gets 1,400th point in Red Wings’ loss to Lightning

Associated Press — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:52:34 EDT

TAMPA, Fla. — Nikita Kucherov scored 27 seconds into overtime to give the Tampa Bay Lightning a 4-3 victory against the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night.

Erik Cernak, Jake Guentzel and Conor Geekie also scored for Tampa Bay. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 27 saves as Tampa Bay recorded at least 50 wins in a season for the fifth time in franchise history.

The Lightning are tied with Montreal for second place in the Atlantic Division. Each team has one game remaining.

Patrick Kane recorded his 1,400th career point for Detroit, becoming the fourth active player and 24th all-time to hit the milestone. Alex DeBrincat, David Perron and Marco Kasper scored for Detroit. Cam Talbot finished with 19 saves.

PANTHERS 3, RANGERS 2

SUNRISE, Fla. — Cole Reinhardt scored his second goal of the game with 1:50 remaining and spoiled New York goaltender Jonathan Quick’s final NHL game as Florida beat the Rangers.

Quick, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, announced his retirement before Monday’s game after 19 seasons. He won the Cup twice in 16 seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, and was part of the Vegas Golden Knights’ 2023 championship team.

Reinhardt broke a 2-all tie on Florida’s fourth shot of the third period, beating Quick on the glove side.

The Rangers, who have lost three straight, never led.

FLYERS 3, HURRICANES 2, SO

PHILADELPHIA — Tyson Foerster scored the only goal in the shootout to send Philadelphia to a win over the Eastern Conference top seed Carolina and into the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

Flyerss goalie Dan Vladar stopped Carolina’s fourth shootout attempt and set off a wild celebration at the next. The Flyers skated to center ice and raised their sticks toward a packed and rowdy crowd that hasn’t enjoyed a home playoff series since 2018.

The Hurricanes got the point they needed to secure the top seed in the East.

STARS 6, MAPLE LEAFS 5

TORONTO — Mavrik Bourque had his first NHL hat trick and added an assist as Dallas rallied from a pair of deficits and beat Toronto.

Jason Robertson had a goal and an assist and Wyatt Johnston and Arttu Hyry also score for playoff-bound Dallas, which rallied from deficits of 3-0 and 5-3.

Casey DeSmith made 22 saves for the Stars, who are locked into the Central Division’s No. 2 seed. Matt Duchene had three assists.

William Nylander had a goal and two assists and Jacob Quillan netted his first NHL goal. John Tavares, Nick Robertson and Max Domi also scored for Toronto (32-35-14) in its final home game.

BLUES 6, WILD 3

ST. LOUIS — Theo Lindstein scored and St. Louis Blues overcame a two-goal deficit and beat Minnesota.

Lindstein scored on a backhand shot with 3:19 remaining in the second period to put the Blues up 4-3. Jonathan Drouin and Dalibor Dvorsky each had an assist on the goal.

Pavel Buchnevich scored the 200th goal of his NHL career and Jimmy Snuggerud, Jake Neighbours, Otto Stenberg and Colton Parayko added goals for the Blues.

Parayko’s goal was his 81st and he moved into fourth in franchise history in goals by a Blues defenseman behind Al MacInnis (127), Alex Pietrangelo (109) and Chris Pronger (84). He moved out of a tie with Jeff Brown (80).

Nick Foligno, Michael McCarron and Danila Yurov scored for the Wild.

SHARKS 3, PREDATORS 2

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Macklin Celebrini scored twice in the third period, including an empty-netter with 1:45 remaining, to reach 44 goals on the season and San Jose beat Nashville to end a 15-game losing streak in the series.

With the Predators’ loss, the idle Anaheim Ducks clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2018.

Celebrini’s 30th multi-point game of the season moved him into a tie with Owen Nolan (1999-00) and Patrick Marleau (2009-10) for second-most by a Shark in a single season — only trailing Jonathan Cheechoo’s 56 in 2005-06.

Igor Chernyshov netted his third goal in the past two games on a power play to open the scoring for the Sharks.

Luke Evangelista scored both goals for the Predators to reach 12 on the season.

SABRES 5, BLACKHAWKS 1

CHICAGO — Tage Thompson scored twice to reach 40 goals on the season, and Buffalo clinched the Atlantic Division title by defeating Chicago.

Alex Tuch had a goal and an assist as Buffalo (50-23-8) posted its fourth consecutive win. Ryan McLeod and Josh Norris also scored, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 15 saves.

Buffalo earned its first division title since the 2009-10 season and seventh overall. It reached 50 wins for the third time in franchise history, also accomplishing the feat in 2005-06 and 2006-07.

The Sabres were in the mix for the top spot in the Eastern Conference before Carolina secured the position by earning a point in a shootout loss at Philadelphia.

Ryan Greene scored for Chicago (28-39-14), and Spencer Knight made 21 saves. The last-place Blackhawks dropped to 7-17-7 in their last 31 games.

AVALANCHE 2, OILERS 1 (SO)

Nathan MacKinnon scored the shootout winner as the Colorado Avalanche came away with a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Monday.

Sam Malinski scored in regulation for the league-leading Avalanche (53-16-11), who have won three of their last four overall and seven straight road games.

The Avs were missing the likes of Nazem Kadri (finger), Cale Makar (upper body), and Josh Manson (upper body).

Connor McDavid replied for the Oilers (40-30-11), who have lost four of their last five.

The Oilers remained without forwards Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman, although both resumed skating with the team on Monday.

Scott Wedgewood made 30 saves to earn the win in the Colorado net, while Connor Ingram stopped 30 shots for Edmonton.

KINGS 5, KRAKEN 3

SEATTLE — Quinton Byfield scored twice, Anton Forsberg made 28 saves and the Los Angeles Kings secured a playoff spot with Monday night’s 5-3 win over the Seattle Kraken.

Trevor Moore, Adrian Kempe and Alex Laferriere also scored for the Kings, who won their fifth straight and are playoff-bound for the fifth consecutive season.

With two games left, Los Angeles is in position for the second Western Conference wild card and fourth in the Pacific Division, just two points behind second-place Edmonton. The Kings’ victory, combined with Nashville’s loss to San Jose earlier Monday night, wrapped up their playoff spot and eliminated both the Predators and the Sharks.

Adam Larsson, Frederick Gaudreau and Bobby McMann scored for Seattle, all in the third period. Nikke Kokko stopped 25 shots in his second career start. Matty Beniers had two assists.

GOLDEN KNIGHTS 6, JETS 2

Vegas has not lost in regulation since coach John Tortorella (6-0-1) took over after Bruce Cassidy was fired.

Eichel had a goal and three assists, and Stone added a goal and two assists.

Ivan Barbashev, Rasmus Andersson each had a goal and an assist for the Golden Knights, and Reilly Smith and Pavel Dorofeyev each scored a goal. Dorofeyev’s extended his club record for power-play goals in a season to 20.

Noah Hanifin had two assists and Carter Hart finished with 21 saves.

Mark Scheifele recorded a goal and assist to set a Jets single-season scoring record with 101 points. Marian Hossa had 100 in the 2006-07 season.

Sportsnet.ca

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