Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has been suspended 25 games without pay for violating term...

Philadelphia 76ers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/1889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/1889">Paul George</a> has been suspended 25 games without pay for violating terms of the NBA/NBAPA anti-drug program, the league announced Saturday."Over the past few years, I've discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication," George said in a statement provided to <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2017641214246347201">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.He continued, "I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates, and the Philly fans for my poor decision-making during this process. I am focused on using this time to make sure that my mind and body are in the best condition to help the team when I return."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>George will forfeit approximately $11.7 million in salary.The 35-year-old has averaged 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 27 games this season. Only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93855" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93855">Tyrese Maxey</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a> are averaging more points for Philadelphia.George will be eligible to return to the lineup March 25 against the Chicago Bulls. The 76ers will have 10 regular-season games left on their schedule at that point.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 29: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on January 29, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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76ers' George suspended 25 games for violating anti-drug policy

The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms with free-agent outfielder Austin Hays, sources told E...

The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms with free-agent outfielder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8511" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8511">Austin Hays</a>, sources told <a href="https://x.com/JesseRogersESPN/status/2017606968244863328">ESPN's Jesse Rogers</a>.The deal is a one-year contract worth $6 million in guaranteed money, including a base salary of $5 million in 2026, reports <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/2017612942402064704">The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal</a>. The deal also contains a mutual option for 2027 with a $1-million buyout if the option isn't exercised, <a href="https://x.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/2017625090893222086">Rosenthal</a> adds.Hays can earn another $375K through incentives based on plate appearances, according to Rosenthal. He apparently chose the White Sox in part because they offered him a chance to play every day, as opposed to being the right-handed half of a platoon.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He slashed .266/.315/.453 with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs in 103 games with the Cincinnati Reds last season. Hays spent the first seven years of his career with the Baltimore Orioles, where he became an All-Star in 2023 before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies at the 2024 deadline.He signed with the Reds as a free agent last winter.The 30-year-old joins a White Sox outfield that includes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5354" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5354">Andrew Benintendi</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/17727" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/17727">Brooks Baldwin</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13636" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13636">Everson Pereira</a>, and fellow newcomer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15424" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15424">Luisangel Acuña</a>. Top prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18839" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18839">Braden Montgomery</a> will also attend big-league camp as a non-roster invitee, as will minor-league signees <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10712" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10712">Jarred Kelenic</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8896" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8896">LaMonte Wade Jr.</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13886" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13886">Dustin Harris</a>, among others.Hays, who's primarily played left field but has experience at all three outfield positions, can slot in at right field daily in 2026 while Montgomery continues developing. He could also slide over to left in place of Benintendi against left-handed pitching, thanks to his lifetime .819 OPS versus southpaws.The Reds, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and Chicago Cubs were all interested in signing Hays before he chose the White Sox offer, according to <a href="https://x.com/JonHeyman/status/2017603088446521800">Jon Heyman of the New York Post</a>.

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Austin Hays #12 of the Cincinnati Reds bats in the second inning during Game One of the National League Wild Card Series between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

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Report: White Sox, Hays agree to 1-year, $6M contract

Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane notched the 1,375th point of his career Thursday against t...

Detroit Red Wings forward <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/267">Patrick Kane</a> notched the 1,375th point of his career Thursday against the Washington Capitals to pass Hall of Famer Mike Modano as the NHL's all-time leading scorer among American-born players.Kane accomplished the feat with an assist on <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1913" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1913">Ben Chiarot</a>'s goal in the second period.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
HISTORY FOR PATRICK KANE 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/KhGK7CpD5j">pic.twitter.com/KhGK7CpD5j</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2017053887350308915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Kane had appeared to break the record earlier in the game before an offside review called the goal back.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He matched Modano's record with an assist against the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday.Modano held the record for 18 years after passing defenseman Phil Housley in 2007. Modano still holds the record for most goals by a U.S.-born player with 561. Kane ranks fifth with 500.Brett Hull (1,391 career points) still leads Kane on the all-time scoring list. Although Hull grew up in the United States and represented the country internationally, he was born in Canada.Kane, born and raised in Buffalo, New York, is arguably the most decorated American player ever. The 37-year-old has won three Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe Trophy, and a Hart Trophy as part of a storied 19-year NHL career.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 08: Patrick Kane #88 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates with fans being named the first star of the game after a 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks where he scored his 500th career goal at Little Caesars Arena on January 08, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan.

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Kane passes Modano for most points by U.S.-born player in NHL history

Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes and San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant have accepted i...

Los Angeles Lakers center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70968" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70968">Jaxson Hayes</a> and San Antonio Spurs rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171819" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171819">Carter Bryant</a> have accepted invites to the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk contest, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2016973464528212311">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.Hayes, a 7-foot center, has averaged 6.4 points for the Lakers this season while primarily coming off the bench.Bryant, the No. 14 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has averaged 2.5 points in 37 appearances this season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The rest of the dunk contest field has yet to be determined, although reigning three-time champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96103" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96103">Mac McClung</a> announced he won't participate.NBA All-Star Weekend will take place Feb. 13-15 at the Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 9, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) scores on a dunk shot over Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on January 9, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Report: Lakers' Hayes, Spurs' Bryant accept invites to dunk contest

The Washington Capitals are among the teams interested in trading for New York Rangers winger Art...

The Washington Capitals are among the teams interested in trading for New York Rangers winger <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4530" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4530">Artemi Panarin</a>, reports <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/2026/01/29/early-trading-what-are-the-options-for-a-potential-panarin-deal/">TSN's Pierre LeBrun</a>.Panarin has potentially played his final game with the Rangers, as the club is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3466454" href="https://thescore.com/news/3466454">reportedly</a> holding him out of the lineup for roster management reasons.The 34-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent and his contract includes a full no-movement clause. Panarin is reportedly seeking an extension as part of any trade.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Capitals, who enter Thursday six points out of a playoff spot, would be a good fit to acquire and extend Panarin, LeBrun adds. Washington also has $14 million in deadline cap space this season and $36.5 million in projected cap space this summer.Panarin's contract contains an $11.6-million cap hit, though the Rangers could retain 50% in a potential deal.Panarin's camp has also reached out to the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks, LeBrun adds. While Panarin has a relationship with Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville from their time together with the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim is reportedly out because they're not interested in an extension at the moment. The Kings and Sharks spoke to the Rangers, but neither team is reportedly believed to be a front-runner.The Carolina Hurricanes have also discussed the idea of making a push for Panarin, sources told LeBrun.Panarin has recorded 19 goals and 38 assists in 52 games with the Rangers this season. His 927 career points are the fifth-most in the NHL since entering the league in 2015-16, trailing only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3002" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3002">Nathan MacKinnon</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3322" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3322">Nikita Kucherov</a>.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 26: Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers shoots the puck against the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden on January 26, 2026 in New York City.

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Report: Capitals interested in Panarin

The Detroit Red Wings signed defenseman Ben Chiarot to a three-year contract extension carrying a...

The Detroit Red Wings signed defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1913" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1913">Ben Chiarot</a> to a three-year contract extension carrying an average annual value of $3.85 million, the team announced Wednesday.The 34-year-old has recorded four goals and seven assists in 54 games this season while averaging 21:07 per contest. His minus-7.5 expected defensive goals above replacement mark ranks last among all NHL defensemen this campaign, per <a href="https://evolving-hockey.com/">Evolving-Hockey</a>.Among Red Wings blue-liners, only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/11251" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/11251">Moritz Seider</a> is under contract for longer and carries a higher cap hit.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Chiarot is in his fourth season with the Red Wings. He's also played for the Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadiens, and Florida Panthers across his 13-year NHL career.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - JANUARY 24: Ben Chiarot #8 of the Detroit Red Wings shoots the puck in the first period against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre on January 24, 2026 in Winnipeg, Canada.

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Red Wings sign Chiarot to 3-year, $11.55M extension

Nelly Korda isn't as thrilled about the launch of the new WTGL - a women's tech-infused golf leag...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2910" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2910">Nelly Korda</a> isn't as thrilled about the launch of the new WTGL - a women's tech-infused golf league set to debut late this year - as you might expect."I have mixed feelings on it if I'm being very honest," the World No. 2 told <a href="https://golfweek.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/lpga/2026/01/27/nelly-korda-tgl-wtgl-split-huge-unbelievable-miss/88379482007/?taid=69790c45f9209e0001f9267b&amp;utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+New+Content+%28Feed%29&amp;utm_medium=trueAnthem&amp;utm_source=twitter">Golfweek's Beth Ann Nichols</a> on Tuesday. "And I'm surprised no other girls have, or no one's really spoken out about it. I think it's a huge and unbelievable miss that we're not playing alongside the men. There's no greater way to grow the game, and it would have been revolutionary."The TGL, formed by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/1637" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/1637">Tiger Woods</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> in 2022, is now in its second season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"It would have been the first time, I think, that men and women are on the same playing field, playing for the same exact amount of money," Korda added. "But I also think it's great that we are getting this opportunity, so that's my mixed feelings."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2708" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2708">Brooke Henderson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2758" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2758">Charley Hull</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2899" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2899">Lydia Ko</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/4249" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/4249">Jeeno Thitikul</a>, Lexi Thompson, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/7592" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/7592">Lottie Woad</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5011" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5011">Rose Zhang</a> have all committed to playing in the WTGL, while Korda remains undecided."I'm just still weighing out the time commitment," Korda said. "I just haven't really thought about it too much, because I've been really focused on trying to get ready for this season. I think logistically, they're still trying to figure some stuff out, so I will just weigh out my options in the near future."The WTGL will play at the custom-built SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where the TGL has held all its matches.

NAPLES, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 14: Nelly Korda of the United States hits a tee shot on the third hole during the final round of the Grant Thornton Invitational 2025 at Tiburon Golf Club on December 14, 2025 in Naples, Florida.

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Korda: TGL not having mixed league 'unbelievable miss'

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust was suspended three games for an illegal check to the head...

Pittsburgh Penguins forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3872" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3872">Bryan Rust</a> was suspended three games for an illegal check to the head of Vancouver Canucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6354" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6354">Brock Boeser</a>, the league announced Tuesday.The incident occurred in the final seconds of Pittsburgh's 3-2 win over Vancouver on Sunday.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bryan Rust has been suspended for three games for an illegal check to the head against Brock Boeser, NHL Player Safety announced. <a href="https://t.co/jyinO2jf6R">pic.twitter.com/jyinO2jf6R</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2016217738365002192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The suspension is the first of Rust's 12-year NHL career. He ranks second on the Penguins in goals (18) and third in points (39) across 47 games this season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Boeser was placed on injured reserve Monday, though it's unclear how long he'll be out. He's registered 12 goals and 13 assists in 50 appearances this campaign.

EDMONTON, CANADA - JANUARY 22: Bryan Rust #17 of the Pittsburgh Penguins in action during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on January 22, 2026, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Rust suspended 3 games for hit on Boeser

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko will undergo season-ending hip surgery, the team anno...

Vancouver Canucks goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5557" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5557">Thatcher Demko</a> will undergo season-ending hip surgery, the team announced Tuesday."After consulting with our team doctors and outside specialists, Thatcher Demko will be shut down for the rest of the year," general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement. "Thatcher will undergo surgery next week for an injury unrelated to the one that kept him out of action last season. Following his rehab, he will be ready for the start of training camp in September."Demko finished as the Vezina Trophy runner-up in 2023-24 but appeared in only one of Vancouver's 13 games that postseason due to an injury. He's started just 43 games since the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign as a result of injuries.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 30-year-old went 8-10-1 this season with an .895 save percentage and a 2.90 goals-against average. In July, the Canucks signed him to a three-year extension with an $8.5-million cap hit that begins next season.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7694" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7694">Kevin Lankinen</a> projects to serve as the Canucks' No. 1 goalie for the remainder of the campaign.

VANCOUVER, CANADA - DECEMBER 30: Thatcher Demko #35 of the Vancouver Canucks crouches in the crease during the second period of their NHL game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Rogers Arena on December 30, 2025 in Vancouver, Canada.

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Demko to undergo season-ending hip surgery

Sweden updated its men's hockey roster Tuesday ahead of the 2026 Olympics, naming forward Marcus ...

Sweden updated its men's hockey roster Tuesday ahead of the 2026 Olympics, naming forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1646" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1646">Marcus Johansson</a> and defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2961" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2961">Hampus Lindholm</a> as injury replacements for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13838" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13838">Leo Carlsson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2600" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2600">Jonas Brodin</a>, respectively.Carlsson, the Anaheim Ducks phenom, underwent a procedure on his thigh in mid-January and was given a recovery timeline of three-to-five weeks. In the midst of a breakout campaign, he was projected to center Sweden's top line.Johansson, 35, is enjoying a strong season for the Minnesota Wild with 13 goals and 21 assists in 48 games. As a winger, he projects to a fill a bottom-six role for the Swedes. This will be his second Olympics after helping Sweden win silver in 2014.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Brodin was ruled out for the Olympics on Thursday after undergoing surgery to repair a lower-body injury. Lindholm has tallied three goals and 13 assists in 39 games for the Boston Bruins this season while averaging 22:04 per contest. Like Brodin, he shoots left and is defensive-minded.Sweden won gold the last time the Olympics were held in Italy at the 2006 Turin Games and is expected to be a medal contender in Milan.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - MAY 25: Marcus Johansson #90 of Sweden looks on during the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Czechia Semifinal match between Sweden and Czechia at Prague Arena on May 25, 2024 in Prague, Czech Republic.

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Sweden adds Johansson, Lindholm to Olympic team as injury replacements

The Colorado Avalanche signed pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman Sam Malinski to a four-y...

The Colorado Avalanche signed pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/14160" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/14160">Sam Malinski</a> to a four-year contract extension, the team announced Tuesday.Malinski's new contract will carry an average annual value of $4.75 million, reports <a href="https://x.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/2016200820522639600">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a>.The 27-year-old is having a breakout season, with 24 points in 50 games despite playing third-pairing minutes. He entered the campaign with 25 points in 99 career games.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Avalanche signed Malinski as an undrafted free agent in 2023 following a standout NCAA career at Cornell.

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 25: Sam Malinski #70 of the Colorado Avalanche shoots the puck in the first period during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena on January 25, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Avalanche sign Malinski to 4-year extension 

Since the dawn of professional sports, athletes have been claiming they don't hear it when they g...

Since the dawn of professional sports, athletes have been claiming they don't hear it when they get booed. Marcus Foligno is calling their bluff."Everyone says, 'Oh, I don't hear it,' but you do hear the boos," the Minnesota Wild forward told theScore. He says he's been booed multiple times throughout his 15-year NHL career. "Especially the big ones when you get traded and (fans) get salty about the way you leave the organization."Mitch Marner is going to get one of the big ones.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He lived out the dream of every sports fan and became a star player for his hometown team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. If things had gone according to plan, he would've been remembered forever as a legend.Instead, Marner could be in for one of the most hostile receptions a returning player has received in the history of both Toronto sports and the NHL. While Scotiabank Arena isn't typically known as a loud or intimidating environment, it should be buzzing Friday when Marner makes his first appearance there as a visiting player with the Vegas Golden Knights.That was to be expected after he left this past offseason in a sign-and-trade despite receiving extension offers from Toronto. But the fact that Marner was booed in his home rink by the smattering of Maple Leafs fans in attendance for their game in Las Vegas on Jan. 15 cemented his fate in Friday's contest.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The boos are out for Mitch Marner from the Maple Leafs fans in Vegas 👀 <a href="https://t.co/8aYbEpfHV3">pic.twitter.com/8aYbEpfHV3</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/2012009885924540820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"I think the great question was always what my expectations were (for Jan. 23), but now I think I know going in," Marner told reporters postgame.As five-time World Series champion Reggie Jackson famously said, "They don't boo nobodies.""That's reserved for special players and a compliment more than anything," Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe said.McCabe said he's never been singled out individually, but when he played for the Sabres, the team "got booed off the ice all the time in Buffalo." He admitted it did not feel good.Foligno said he received a positive reception when he returned to Buffalo to face the Sabres - his only former team - as a visiting player for the first time after he was traded to Minnesota in 2017. But in rival Winnipeg, he's become a villain.Foligno has fought Jets captain Adam Lowry three times, most recently in November 2025. They fought each other twice in the same game in February 2022. Foligno was handed the only suspension of his career - a two-game ban - for kneeing Lowry during the second tilt of the contest."The way I play, physically, there's been some times where fans don't take a liking to the physical play you bring," Foligno said. "There's been some run-ins with Winnipeg, there's been some boos when you get shown on the Jumbotron. It's fun. It brings you into the game a little bit more."Some players are comfortable playing the villain role, including Marner's former teammate Max Domi.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818470/cropped_GettyImages-1862670966.jpg?ts=1769016650" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818470/w220xh124_GettyImages-1862670966.jpg?ts=1769016650 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818470/w320xh180_GettyImages-1862670966.jpg?ts=1769016650 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818470/w640xh360_GettyImages-1862670966.jpg?ts=1769016650 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818470/w768xh432_GettyImages-1862670966.jpg?ts=1769016650 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818470/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1862670966.jpg?ts=1769016650 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mark Blinch / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure>Domi said he was booed "almost every game" while playing junior hockey with the London Knights and got the same reaction when he returned to face his former teams for the first time in Columbus and Montreal. He said he "could care less" about the reception he gets in his old stomping grounds."It's unreal," the Maple Leafs forward said with a smirk. "They won't boo you for nothing."Unlike Foligno and Domi, Marner doesn't seem to be the type of player who feeds off that energy. Not known for being physical in general, he's never fought in his 10-year NHL career. He doesn't seem likely to just brush it off, either. As gifted as he is, he didn't deliver when the lights were brightest in Toronto. He appeared to grip his stick tighter as the pressure mounted. It's a major reason why he's playing for another team now.It would only be human if the jeers affected Marner on a personal level. Remember, he grew up less than an hour away from Scotiabank Arena in the neighborhood of Thornhill. Getting booed by the very same fans who once cheered him on after an unceremonious playoff exit is a nightmare.The Maple Leafs won just two playoff rounds with Marner despite making the postseason in each of the last nine years. While the rest of the Core Four - Auston Matthews, John Tavares, and William Nylander - also deserve varying degrees of blame for the playoff failures, it's Marner who was often scapegoated.He scored 13 goals in 70 playoff games with the Maple Leafs. Toronto went 0-7 in winner-take-all games with Marner, who produced zero goals and two assists in those legacy-defining contests.However, his relationship with the Maple Leafs fan base began to sour long before his departure. The foundation cracked in 2019 during a drawn-out, contentious contract negotiation. Marner squeezed his hometown team for every penny, signing a six-year deal with an average annual value of almost $10.9 million that made him the league's seventh highest-paid player for the coming season. Refusing to bend on anything in that negotiation - term or money - rubbed fans the wrong way, especially when other NHL players were regularly making concessions that gave their franchises more team-building flexibility.Of course, all of that would have been forgiven if Marner had delivered in the playoffs. That never happened. He alienated fans further during 2023's second-round matchup against the Florida Panthers. With the team down 3-0 in the series, he dismissed external criticism of the team, insisting: "We don't care what you guys say." The Leafs lost in five games.Then there was his temper tantrum on the bench during the 2024 playoffs.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Frustration has started to set in for the Maple Leafs stars 😠 <a href="https://t.co/PbnQBNigKD">pic.twitter.com/PbnQBNigKD</a>— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1784399250153222225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>In 2025, sporting a dry head of hair 35 minutes into a second-round Game 7, he screamed at his teammates to wake up. The Leafs were trailing the Panthers 3-0 and went on to lose 6-1 (coincidentally, Domi scored their only goal).<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Mitch Marner yells at his teammates to wake up 📽️: Sportsnet <a href="https://t.co/Ghv23pKiLG">pic.twitter.com/Ghv23pKiLG</a>— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) <a href="https://twitter.com/TLNdc/status/1924271071148019906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Neither of those on-ice outbursts helped his cause.Marner also refused to waive his no-movement clause for a potential 2025 deadline deal that would've brought Mikko Rantanen to Toronto. He shouldn't be booed for that - he was well within his rights to do so, especially with a pregnant wife.But Maple Leafs fans, who pay enormous amounts of money for tickets, are well within their rights to let him hear it Friday for just about everything else."When you're booed, you automatically think that they hate you," Foligno said. "But ... they're trying to get you off your game more than anything. You gotta think of it that way."Marner might try to think of it that way. But deep down, he'll know there's more to it.

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Some NHLers embrace getting booed. Can Marner do it in Toronto?

The Seattle Kraken are open to hearing out trade offers for center Shane Wright, according to TSN...

The Seattle Kraken are open to hearing out trade offers for center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12762" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12762">Shane Wright</a>, according to <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/2026/01/22/insider-trading-additional-review-would-help-officials-in-righting-a-wrong/">TSN's Darren Dreger</a>.Seattle general manager Jason Botterill is reportedly in no rush to move Wright and has set the price incredibly high.The Kraken are willing to use their young center depth to land an impact winger, Dreger adds. Seattle has selected a center with its top draft pick in four of its five years as a franchise.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Wright tallied 19 goals and 25 assists in 79 games during his first full NHL season in 2024-25. However, the 22-year-old has regressed this season with only 17 points in 49 games.The Kraken selected Wright with the No. 4 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Wright, who was granted exceptional status into the OHL as a 15-year-old, was widely expected to go No. 1 but slid on draft day.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 22: Shane Wright #51 of the Seattle Kraken skates before the game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on December 22, 2025 in Anaheim, California.

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Report: Kraken willing to listen to offers for Wright

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson won't return to Wednesday's game against the ...

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1652" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1652">Oliver Ekman-Larsson</a> won't return to Wednesday's game against the Detroit Red Wings due to a lower-body injury, the team announced.Ekman-Larsson exited the contest early in the first period after getting tangled up with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9204" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9204">Lucas Raymond</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been in the dressing room for some time <a href="https://t.co/Bf5uxVmAga">pic.twitter.com/Bf5uxVmAga</a>— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) <a href="https://twitter.com/TicTacTOmar/status/2014136152228327769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The 34-year-old veteran has enjoyed a stellar campaign, leading all Maple Leafs defensemen with 31 points in 50 games and ranking third on the team in average time on ice entering Wednesday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ekman-Larsson was named to Sweden's Olympic team in January.The Maple Leafs have already been without defenseman <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1685" target="_blank">Chris Tanev</a> since December, with no indication that he's nearing a return.

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 19: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (95) shoots the puck during the NHL regular season game between the Minnesota Wild and the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 19, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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Maple Leafs' Ekman-Larsson suffers lower-body injury vs. Red Wings

The Buffalo Sabres are rewarding winger Josh Doan with a seven-year extension carrying an average...

The Buffalo Sabres are rewarding winger <a href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10715">Josh Doan</a> with a seven-year extension carrying an average annual value of $6.95 million, the team announced Wednesday.Doan has enjoyed a breakout year, tallying 15 goals and 20 assists in 49 games with the Sabres in 2025-26 following an offseason trade with the Utah Mammoth.He's posted strong underlying numbers at both ends of the ice.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Josh Doan, extended 7x$7M by BUF, is a two-way playdriving winger who forechecks and backchecks like his life depends on it and is increasingly flourishing offensively as well. Analytical darling in Utah as a fourth liner and has scaled it up beautifully. <a href="https://t.co/cgyYwMQ3AP">pic.twitter.com/cgyYwMQ3AP</a>— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/JFreshHockey/status/2014107961283547141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Utah sent Doan and defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10909" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10909">Michael Kesselring</a> to Buffalo in exchange for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9219" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9219">JJ Peterka</a> in June.Doan tallied 28 points in 62 contests across his first two NHL seasons with the Arizona Coyotes and Mammoth. He surpassed that total in his 42nd game with the Sabres this campaign.Doan, who turns 24 on Feb. 1, is currently in the final year of his entry-level deal. His new contract will make him Buffalo's third-highest-paid forward next season. The pact is also the first notable transaction made by new general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who took over for Kevyn Adams in December.Kesselring, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13818" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13818">Zach Benson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8680" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8680">Peyton Krebs</a> are Buffalo's remaining pending restricted free agents, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5550" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5550">Alex Tuch</a> is its most prominent pending unrestricted free agent. The Sabres project to have $13.2 million in cap space for next season.

RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 19: Right Wing Josh Doan (91) of the Buffalo Sabres prepares for a faceoff during the NHL game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Carolina Hurricanes on January 19, 2026 at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Sabres sign Doan to 7-year, $48.65M extension

The New Jersey Devils placed defenseman Luke Hughes on long-term injured reserve, the team announ...

The New Jersey Devils placed defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10579" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10579">Luke Hughes</a> on long-term injured reserve, the team announced Wednesday.LTIR requires players to miss at least 10 games. Hughes sat out Tuesday against the Edmonton Oilers, so he'll miss a minimum of nine more contests.Hughes is still being evaluated to determine an exact recovery timeline, according to <a href="https://x.com/ryannovoNHL/status/2014096266989293935">nj.com's Ryan Novozinsky</a>. He appeared to injure his shoulder in Monday's game against the Calgary Flames.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
And that’s another shoulder injury for Luke <a href="https://t.co/i4wqy7pTWo">pic.twitter.com/i4wqy7pTWo</a>— Bryan Mac (@Bryan_Mac11) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bryan_Mac11/status/2013458708571767226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Hughes notably missed the start of last season while recovering from an offseason shoulder injury.The 22-year-old has tallied five goals and 21 assists in 49 contests this campaign. The Devils signed him to a seven-year, $63-million contract in October.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - JANUARY 11: Luke Hughes #43 of the New Jersey Devils skates during third period action against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre on January 11, 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Devils place Luke Hughes on LTIR

Los Angeles Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper suffered an upper-body injury in the first period of Tuesd...

Los Angeles Kings goalie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2003" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2003">Darcy Kuemper</a> suffered an upper-body injury in the first period of Tuesday's game against the New York Rangers and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest, the team announced.Kuemper departed late in the opening frame following a collision with Rangers forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9424" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9424">Jonny Brodzinski</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Darcy Kuemper has left tonight’s game after a cross-crease save and contact with Jonny Brodzinski 🤕 <a href="https://t.co/ndXPxRDw1v">pic.twitter.com/ndXPxRDw1v</a>— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/2013823097615315099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Kuemper entered Tuesday with a .905 save percentage in 31 appearances. He was a Vezina Trophy finalist a year ago, finishing third among goaltenders with a .921 save percentage and sixth with 31 wins.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 35-year-old was named to Canada's 2026 Olympic team in December.Kings backup netminder <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2978" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2978">Anton Forsberg</a> entered Tuesday's game in relief and would be pressed into an extended workload if Kuemper is required to miss additional time.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 7: Darcy Kuemper #35 of the Los Angeles Kings protects the goal during overtime against the San Jose Sharks at Crypto.com Arena on January 7, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

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Kings' Kuemper exits with upper-body injury vs. Rangers

The Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, and Los Angeles Kings are among ...

The Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, and Los Angeles Kings are among the teams to kick the tires on Calgary Flames center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1182" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1182">Nazem Kadri</a>, reports <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/2026/01/20/insider-trading-sens-stay-focused-and-strong-amid-off-ice-challenges/">TSN's Darren Dreger</a>.Kadri is signed through 2028-29 with a $7-million cap hit and a 13-team no-trade list. While nothing appears to be imminent, there have reportedly been ongoing conversations between Calgary's front office and Kadri's camp. Kadri wants to do what's best for the Flames, but he also wants to chase a Stanley Cup, Dreger adds.The Flames, who enter Tuesday sitting 28th in the NHL's standings, are clear deadline sellers after sending defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4723" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4723">Rasmus Andersson</a> to the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kadri, 35, leads the Flames with 34 points in 49 appearances this season. He's averaged 25 goals and 34 assists per 82 games throughout his 17-year NHL career.He previously played for both the Maple Leafs and the Avalanche. He began his career with Toronto and played 10 seasons with the club before he was dealt to Colorado, where he played three campaigns and won the Stanley Cup in 2022. Current Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving also signed Kadri to his current contract while with the Flames. However, neither the Maple Leafs nor the Avalanche has a pressing need at center.The same can't be said for Montreal and Los Angeles. The Kings have been without captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/575" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/575">Anze Kopitar</a> due to injury since Jan. 5 and traded away <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2083" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2083">Phillip Danault</a> to the Canadiens in December. While Danault helps Montreal's bottom six, Kadri would represent an upgrade over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10564" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10564">Oliver Kapanen</a> as the team's second-line center. Kadri also notably grew up as a Canadiens fan.

COLUMBUS, OHIO - JANUARY 13: Nazem Kadri #91 of the Calgary Flames skates in the first period of a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on January 13, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.

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Report: Maple Leafs, Canadiens among teams interested in Kadri

Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark opened up about the reason for his leave of absence duri...

Ottawa Senators goaltender <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3922" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3922">Linus Ullmark</a> opened up about the reason for his leave of absence during an interview with <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/ullmark-discusses-absence-from-sens-mental-health-and-erroneous-rumours/">TSN's Claire Hanna</a> published Tuesday."The real reason is mental health," said Ullmark, who hasn't played since Dec. 27. "And there's been a lot going on for a long time. I would say dating back to ever since the trade, and a lot of things have been positive as well throughout the years or these times. But a lot of the things that I had gone through or worried about hasn't really been dealt with in the right way."Ullmark said his anxiety reached severe levels during that Dec. 27 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in which he allowed four goals on 14 shots. He said he called the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program as soon as the game was over.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I said, 'Hey. I'm f----d up. I need help.' And together with the program, together with the organization, we set up a plan and I went through the motions and I took the absence of leave," Ullmark said.The Senators put out a <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3450372" href="https://thescore.com/news/3450372">statement</a> Jan. 8 to squash "ridiculous speculation" that had spread online about the reason for Ullmark's absence. Ullmark, who won the 2023 Vezina Trophy with the Boston Bruins, was traded to Ottawa in 2024. He helped the Senators snap a seven-year playoff drought last season but has posted an .881 save percentage in 28 appearances in 2025-26.

OTTAWA, CANADA - DECEMBER 18: Linus Ullmark #35 of the Ottawa Senators looks on prior to a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 18, 2025 at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

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Senators' Ullmark cites mental health as reason for leave of absence

New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes will miss time after departing Monday's 2-1 overtime win...

New Jersey Devils defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10579" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10579">Luke Hughes</a> will miss time after departing Monday's 2-1 overtime win over the Calgary Flames with an injury, head coach Sheldon Keefe announced postgame.Hughes requires further evaluation, but Keefe confirmed he'll miss the remaining three games on New Jersey's road trip.The blue-liner left midway through Monday's second period and did not return. He appeared to to be in discomfort after a Flames player grabbed his jersey from behind.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
And that’s another shoulder injury for Luke <a href="https://t.co/i4wqy7pTWo">pic.twitter.com/i4wqy7pTWo</a>— Bryan Mac (@Bryan_Mac11) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bryan_Mac11/status/2013458708571767226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Hughes missed the start of the 2024-25 campaign while dealing with a shoulder injury he suffered in offseason training.The 22-year-old has recorded 26 points in 49 games this season. The Devils signed him to a seven-year, $63-million contract prior to the start of the campaign.

CALGARY, AB - JANUARY 19: Matvei Gridin #92 of the Calgary Flames skates against Luke Hughes #43 of the New Jersey Devils at Scotiabank Saddledome on January 19, 2026 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

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Devils' Luke Hughes to miss time with injury sustained vs. Flames

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Josh Wegman

News Editor

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