The Buffalo Bills wanted James Cook to play Saturday's preseason game against the New York Giants...

The Buffalo Bills wanted <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174030" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174030">James Cook</a> to play Saturday's preseason game against the New York Giants, but the star running back chose to stay on the sideline, head coach Sean McDermott said, according to <a href="https://x.com/_billsoutlet/status/1954289683992580548">Bills Outlet</a>.Cook dressed and participated in warmup prior to Buffalo's preseason opener, but he didn't play as his hold-in continues. The two-time Pro Bowler is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has yet to sign an extension with Buffalo."We wanted him to play. I wanted him to play," McDermott said after a 34-25 loss to the Giants. "There's really no change at this point in time from what it was going into this weekend and the game today. ... At this point, due to his situation and the position he's in, he was not willing to play."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>McDermott added that he had a "good conversation" with the tailback.While Cook sat out of practices this past week, he took part in walk-throughs and team meetings. The final season of Cook's current deal carries a $5.27-million base salary.Bills general manager Brandon Beane <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3320136" href="https://thescore.com/news/3320136">said</a> Monday that he's disappointed in the situation but added the two sides have been negotiating a new deal throughout the offseason.Cook ran for 1,009 yards last season and led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns. He added three more scores in the playoffs.The Bills drafted Cook in the second round in 2022.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: James Cook #4 of the Buffalo Bills and AFC on the field during the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium on February 02, 2025 in Orlando, Florida.

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Cook opts not to play Bills' preseason opener amid contract dispute

The Dallas Stars signed forward Nathan Bastian to a one-year contract worth $775,000, the team an...

The Dallas Stars signed forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9836" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9836">Nathan Bastian</a> to a one-year contract worth $775,000, the team announced Saturday.Bastian was an unrestricted free agent after his deal with the New Jersey Devils expired this summer. A second-round pick of the Devils in 2016, Bastian had spent his entire career in New Jersey, aside from a 12-game stint with the Seattle Kraken after being chosen in the expansion draft."Nathan will add forward depth and a physical presence to our lineup, both of which will be valuable to our organization," said Stars general manager Jim Nill. "We're looking forward to watching him take the next step of his career with the Stars and are excited to welcome him to Dallas."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bastian notched 10 points in 59 games for the Devils last season. The cap-strapped Stars are having a quiet summer after losing in the Western Conference Final for the third consecutive year. Signing Bastian put Dallas approximately $464,000 over the league's $95.5 million limit, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/dallas-stars">PuckPedia</a>.

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 16: Nathan Bastian #14 of the New Jersey Devils skates in the first period of the game against the Detroit Red Wings at Prudential Center on April 16, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Stars add Bastian on 1-year contract

Friday's matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers was all about aces Max Sch...

Friday's matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers was all about aces <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/633" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/633">Max Scherzer</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/945" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/945">Clayton Kershaw</a> going toe to toe, and the future Hall of Famers seemed to enjoy it as much as the spectators."I love competing against him," Scherzer said, according to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/scherzer-kershaw-deliver-another-compelling-duel-as-blue-jays-lose-to-dodgers/">Sportsnet's Shi Davidi</a>. "You knew there weren't going to be many runs scored and you've got to be absolutely nails, go out there and compete as hard as you can. Unfortunately we weren't able to get to him as much as we would like to, but he pitched his butt off."The Dodgers won 5-1, with Kershaw earning his sixth victory of the season. Scherzer wore two earned runs and struck out five batters over six innings, while Kershaw allowed one run and had four punchouts in six frames.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Scherz was throwing the ball great. He was throwing like 96 (mph),” Kershaw said, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-blue-jays-score-kershaw-scherzer-betts-b8b2e1123d2b91cef3d1a05c2f94ac3b">The Associated Press</a>. "It doesn't look like he’s aged at all."Scherzer and Kershaw have faced off six times in their storied careers, and were briefly teammates on the Dodgers in 2021. Both hurlers are among the best in MLB history as members of the 3,000-strikeout club with two rings each and three Cy Youngs apiece. Kershaw also has an NL MVP award."(Kershaw)'s had such a great career," Scherzer said. "Getting to be a teammate with him, he's an awesome teammate as well. I've got all the respect in the world for what he does on and off the field."

Los Angeles, CA - August 08: Starting pitcher Max Scherzer #31 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws to the plate against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, August 8, 2025.

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Scherzer: 'I love competing against' Kershaw

Even after winning two in a row, Aaron Ekblad sees a few more championships in the Florida Panthe...

Even after winning two in a row, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3946" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3946">Aaron Ekblad</a> sees a few more championships in the Florida Panthers' future."We have won the Stanley Cup twice, and we still have a long window to win more," Ekblad said Friday on Good Morning America, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/aaron-ekblad-says-florida-panthers-believes-team-can-3-peat-as-stanley-cup-champions-on-gma">NHL.com's George Richards</a>. "Whether it is or isn't next year, it is just as likely the following year. And the year after that, and the year after that. It's really cool to be in this position."Ekblad doesn't believe he's jinxing Florida's chances of a three-peat by speaking openly about it.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We thought about winning it for a second straight year last year, too, so I am not going to think any differently this time around," Ekblad said. "We don't think that thinking or talking about winning the Cup again is jinxing anything. I am preparing for the marathon that is an NHL season and the playoffs. I am preparing for it like another season."No team has won three straight Stanley Cups since the New York Islanders in the early 1980s. The Panthers won their second consecutive title in June, defeating the Edmonton Oilers. They were able to keep most of their championship roster in tact this offseason by re-signing Ekblad, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3949" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3949">Sam Bennett</a>. Ekblad inked an eight-year contract worth $6.1 million per season to stay in South Florida - a deal significantly cheaper than what he could've gotten on the open market.Florida drafted Ekblad first overall in 2014. The 29-year-old is the all-time franchise leader in games played (732) and points (380) by a defenseman.Ekblad played a vital role in the Panthers' most recent run, contributing 13 points in 19 games while averaging 24 minutes per contest.

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 17: Aaron Ekblad #5 of the Florida Panthers skates with the Stanley Cup following their win over the Edmonton Oilers following Game Six of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Ekblad: Panthers have 'long window' to win more Stanley Cups

The Colorado Avalanche signed forward Joel Kiviranta to a one-year contract on Friday, the team a...

The Colorado Avalanche signed forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/8583" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/8583">Joel Kiviranta</a> to a one-year contract on Friday, the team announced. The deal is worth $1.25 million, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/colorado-avalanche">PuckPedia</a>. Colorado has approximately $2.09 million in remaining cap space.Kiviranta has spent the past two seasons with the Avalanche but went unsigned after becoming an unrestricted free agent July 1.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 29-year-old notched 23 points in 79 games in 2024-25 and was held off the scoresheet in Colorado's first-round loss to the Dallas Stars.

DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 02: Joel Kiviranta #94 of the Colorado Avalanche plays the Philadelphia Flyers in the first period at Ball Arena on February 02, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.

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Avalanche re-sign Kiviranta to 1-year deal

Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk could miss the start of the season due to the lingering inj...

Florida Panthers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5591" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5591">Matthew Tkachuk</a> could miss the start of the season due to the lingering injuries he battled throughout the playoffs, <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/podcasts/32-thoughts/the-mid-summer-check-in/">Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman</a> noted on the "32 Thoughts" podcast.Tkachuk's timeline is unclear at this point, but the winger is expected to return in time for the Olympics, Friedman noted. Tkachuk was named one of the first six players on the Americans' roster earlier this summer.The Milano-Cortina Olympics will take place in February, and NHL players will participate for the first time since 2014.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tkachuk was originally injured representing the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off. He was on long-term injured reserve for the final two months of the regular season, and his absence helped the Panthers have a hugely impactful trade deadline - they landed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/100" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/100">Brad Marchand</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3005" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3005">Seth Jones</a> in separate deals.Tkachuk returned for Game 1 of the first round and contributed 23 points in as many games as Florida won its second consecutive Stanley Cup. After the triumph, he revealed he played through a torn adductor and a sports hernia.The 27-year-old was revealed as the EA Sports NHL 26 cover athlete on Monday.

EDMONTON, AB - JUNE 14: Florida Panthers Left Wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) is injured with a shot in the second period of game five of Stanley Cup Final Edmonton Oilers game versus the Florida Panthers on June 14, 2025 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB.

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Report: Panthers' Tkachuk could miss start of season with injury

The Miami Dolphins signed defensive tackle Zach Sieler to a three-year extension worth up to $67....

The Miami Dolphins signed defensive tackle <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/127038" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/127038">Zach Sieler</a> to a three-year extension worth up to $67.75 million and $44 million guaranteed, his agents confirmed to <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1952148711137853612">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.Sieler had two years remaining on his contract and is now the highest-paid defensive player on the Dolphins. A seventh-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, Sieler was claimed off waivers in 2019 and became a starter in 2022. He posted 10-sack seasons the past two years.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Dolphins had a top-10 scoring defense last campaign but traded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/74546" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/74546">Jalen Ramsey</a> to the Pittsburgh Steelers and lost <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161829" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161829">Jevon </a><a href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161829" target="_blank">Holland </a>to the New York Giants in free agency.Miami missed the playoffs last season with an 8-9 record. The team hasn't won a postseason contest since 2000.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 29: Zach Sieler #92 of the Miami Dolphins waits for the snap during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on December 29, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Dolphins sign Sieler to 3-year, $67.75M extension

Cameron Young cruised to a six-shot victory at the Wyndham Championship on Sunday, scoring a fina...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/5830" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/5830">Cameron Young</a> cruised to a six-shot victory at the Wyndham Championship on Sunday, scoring a final-round 68 to get to 22-under for the tournament.Young's triumph is the first of his PGA TOUR career after seven runner-up finishes and 22 top-10s.Young jumped into the lead during the second round and never relinquished his position at the top. He birdied five of his opening six holes Sunday to help seal the deal.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Here's how the top of the leaderboard ended up.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Score</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Cameron Young</td>
<td>-22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Mac Meissner</td>
<td>-16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Mark Hubbard</td>
<td>-15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Alex Noren</td>
<td>-15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Jackson Koivun (A)</td>
<td>-14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Chris Kirk</td>
<td>-14</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>The Wyndham Championship was the TOUR's regular-season finale. The top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings all qualify for next week's FedEx St. Jude Championship, the first of three playoff legs. Young qualified comfortably, and his win Sunday could help his candidacy for a captain's pick on the U.S. Ryder Cup squad in September. The event is being held at Bethpage Black in New York, Young's home state.The top six players in the USA's rankings following the BMW Championship - the second leg of the playoffs - automatically make the team. Captain Keegan Bradley will choose the other six players.

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 03: Cameron Young of the United States plays his shot from the 11th tee during the final round of the Wyndham Championship 2025 at Sedgefield Country Club on August 03, 2025 in Greensboro, North Carolina.

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Young runs away with Wyndham Championship for 1st TOUR victory

The Los Angeles Kings signed restricted free-agent forward Alex Laferriere to a three-year contra...

The Los Angeles Kings signed restricted free-agent forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9276" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9276">Alex Laferriere</a> to a three-year contract carrying an average annual value of $4.1 million, the team announced Saturday.Laferriere was the Kings' most prominent player without a contract. His entry-level deal expired at the end of this past season, and he'll remain an RFA when his new pact is up in 2028.The 23-year-old notched 19 goals and 22 assists in 77 games last campaign while averaging 16:32 of ice time. Laferriere added three assists in six playoff contests as Los Angeles lost to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round for the fourth consecutive year.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Kings brought in Ken Holland as general manager after the elimination. His most notable moves in his first summer in charge include signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/34" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/34">Corey Perry</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2858" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2858">Cody Ceci</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/2541" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/2541">Brian Dumoulin</a>.

EDMONTON, CANADA - APRIL 14: Alex Laferriere #14 of the Los Angeles Kings awaits a face-off during the game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on April 14, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

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Kings sign Laferriere to 3-year, $12.3M contract

The Miami Marlins opted to keep ace Sandy Alcantara despite plenty of buzz about the 2022 Cy Youn...

The Miami Marlins opted to keep ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5647" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5647">Sandy Alcantara</a> despite plenty of buzz about the 2022 Cy Young winner potentially being moved before Thursday's trade deadline.The Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres were reportedly among the teams interested in acquiring Alcantara to bolster their rotations heading into the stretch run. Alcantara is under contract with the Marlins through 2026 and his deal contains a club option for 2027. He's 6-9 this season with a 6.36 ERA after missing all of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 29-year-old established himself as one of the top pitchers in the majors before the injury. The Marlins are 52-55 on the season, seven games back of a wild-card spot. Miami's only reached the playoffs twice since winning their last World Series in 2003.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 27: Sandy Alcantara #22 of the Miami Marlins looks on during the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day at loanDepot park on March 27, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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Marlins keep Alcantara through trade deadline

The Baltimore Orioles traded veteran right-hander Charlie Morton and cash considerations to the D...

The Baltimore Orioles traded veteran right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1117" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1117">Charlie Morton</a> and cash considerations to the Detroit Tigers for left-hander Micah Ashman, the teams announced Thursday.Morton has struggled this season, posting a 7-8 record with a 5.42 ERA and 4.84 FIP. The 41-year-old joined the Orioles over the winter on a one-year, $15-million contract.However, Morton brings plenty of playoff experience to Detroit, owning a 3.60 ERA over 18 career postseason appearances. He won the World Series with the Houston Astros in 2017 and the Atlanta Braves in 2021.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tigers manager A.J. Hinch led the Astros for Morton's two-year tenure in Houston.Ashman heads to Baltimore after recording a 1.60 ERA and 10.5 K/9 in 28 minor-league appearances for High-A West Michigan this season.Detroit has a nine-game cushion atop the American League Central.

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 28: Charlie Morton #50 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on March 28, 2025 in Toronto, Canada.

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Orioles trade Morton to Tigers

Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is optimistic contract talks with captain Connor McDa...

Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman is optimistic contract talks with captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4560" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4560">Connor McDavid</a> will ramp up in the near future. "(McDavid is) a huge part of everything we do here, and so I don't have a timeline update, but I do expect to have some conversations with them soon and hopefully get that wrapped up," Bowman told <a href="https://x.com/OilersNow/status/1950334064927633478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1950334064927633478%7Ctwgr%5E33b77e424000d4426167784575cbffef059b025b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportsnet.ca%2Fnhl%2Farticle%2Foilers-gm-stan-bowman-hopes-to-get-mcdavid-extension-wrapped-up-soon%2F">CHED 880's Bob Stauffer</a> on Tuesday. McDavid became eligible to sign an extension on July 1. After the Oilers lost the Stanley Cup Final, the superstar centre <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3301985" href="https://thescore.com/news/3301985">said</a> he wanted to take time to decompress before engaging in contract discussions.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The three-time Hart Trophy winner also noted that re-signing in Edmonton wouldn't be an issue if the team was committed to icing a contending roster for years to come.Bowman said Tuesday that he's spoken with McDavid's agent but is being mindful of the player's wishes."I've had really good conversations with Judd (Moldaver) since the season ended, and I've tried to give Connor his space, and I think that it's important," Bowman said. "A lot of this is respecting the athlete and their timeline."We haven't had any of those types of detailed discussions yet, but we certainly will, and I think we're very encouraged by all the conversations I've had to date. And when the time comes, the time comes."The 2025-26 campaign will be the final season of McDavid's eight-year, $100-million deal that he signed in 2017. He'll be eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer if he doesn't ink an extension.McDavid is projected to become the league's highest-paid player on his next contract, as the NHL's salary cap is expected to balloon to $104 million in 2026-27. Teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3948" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3948">Leon Draisaitl </a>will own that distinction this coming season with an annual cap hit of $14 million.The Oilers have won the Western Conference title in back-to-back seasons but have come up short against the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final each year. Edmonton's notable moves this summer include bringing in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4791" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4791">Andrew Mangiapane</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/12722" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/12722">Isaac Howard</a>, as well as signing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7827" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7827">Evan Bouchard</a> to an extension.

SUNRISE, FLORIDA - JUNE 09: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers warms up before playing the Florida Panthers in Game Three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 09, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

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Bowman expects to begin McDavid contract talks soon

The San Francisco Giants are making veteran starter Justin Verlander available for trade before T...

The San Francisco Giants are making veteran starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/195" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/195">Justin Verlander</a> available for trade before Thursday's deadline, according to <a href="https://x.com/jonmorosi/status/1950663858319770009">MLB Network's Jon Morosi</a>.Verlander joined the Giants on a one-year, $15-million deal this past offseason, marking his 20th MLB season. However, the 42-year-old didn't earn a victory until his 17th start this campaign and owns a 1-8 record with a 4.53 ERA over 89 innings.The Giants entered Wednesday's contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 54-54, five games back of a wild-card spot in the National League. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Verlander's agreement with San Francisco includes full no-trade protection, according to <a href="https://legacy.baseballprospectus.com/compensation/cots/nl-west/san-francisco-giants/">Cot's Baseball Contracts</a>.The three-time Cy Young winner has plenty of playoff experience if he wishes to join a contender. Verlander won a pair of World Series titles (2017, 2022) during his tenure with the Houston Astros and owns a career 3.58 ERA in 38 postseason games.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 23: Justin Verlander #35 of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 23, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Report: Justin Verlander available for trade

Nikolaj Ehlers' decision to leave the Winnipeg Jets after 10 seasons wasn't one he took lightly, ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3995" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3995">Nikolaj Ehlers</a>' decision to leave the Winnipeg Jets after 10 seasons wasn't one he took lightly, but he's hopeful joining the Carolina Hurricanes will help him reach a new level."I think every player always has a little more and I'm hoping that maybe a different culture, a different playing style will make me a better player," Ehlers said Saturday, per <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/i-m-very-excited-about-the-team-in-carolina-nikolaj-ehlers-eric-tulsky-on-signing-in-carolina">Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News</a>. "I think I definitely could have done that in Winnipeg as well in some way, but this was more the overall feeling of, 'Okay, I need to go out and see what's out there and challenge myself.' I think there's still a lot of ways I can improve as a player and as a person. I'm excited to see how that works out."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ehlers was the top free agent available July 1, and signed a six-year, $51-million contract with the Hurricanes on Thursday. He registered 63 points in 69 games last season for the Presidents' Trophy winners despite averaging only 15:48 per contest.He hasn't been above 16 minutes per contest since 2021-22. Ehlers joins a strong forward corps in Carolina that features <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5681" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5681">Sebastian Aho</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7706" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7706">Andrei Svechnikov</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9199" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9199">Seth Jarvis</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10707" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10707">Logan Stankoven</a>. The Hurricanes have reached the Eastern Conference Final three times since 2019, but haven't been able to advance past Round 3.The Jets drafted Ehlers ninth overall in 2014, and he amassed 520 points in 674 games for the franchise."I told (the Jets) why I made the decision that I made and they obviously respected it and were happy for me," Ehlers said. "At the same time, I'd been there for 10 years. So it was very emotional. I loved the organization and I'll always hold the city of Winnipeg very close to my heart. It's the place I lived the longest in my whole life. So it was some very good conversations and a lot of people I won't ever forget."

WINNIPEG, CANADA - MARCH 31: Nikolaj Ehlers #27 of the Winnipeg Jets celebrates after teammate Blake Wheeler #26 (not seen) scores a first period goal against the Detroit Red Wings at the Canada Life Centre on March 31, 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

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Ehlers hopes move to Canes will make him better player

The 2025 free-agent frenzy was anything but. The Florida Panthers retained their three pending un...

The 2025 free-agent frenzy was anything but. The Florida Panthers retained their three pending unrestricted free agents before July 1, and Mitch Marner was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights before hitting the market as the top prize. Nikolaj Ehlers, the best player left, was in no rush to sign.It was a dud, but next year has potential to make up for it and then some with a loaded list of players eligible to test free agency. Here are some names to get excited about - as long as extensions don't ruin too much of the fun.<h3>League-altering decisions</h3>Connor McDavid: He would unquestionably be the biggest free agent in NHL history. McDavid said he's willing to sign an extension in Edmonton if the Oilers prove they can build a sustainable winner. The clock's ticking, and we're all watching.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Franchise players</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783793/cropped_GettyImages-2211526900.jpg?ts=1746239569" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783793/w220xh124_GettyImages-2211526900.jpg?ts=1746239569 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783793/w320xh180_GettyImages-2211526900.jpg?ts=1746239569 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783793/w640xh360_GettyImages-2211526900.jpg?ts=1746239569 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783793/w768xh432_GettyImages-2211526900.jpg?ts=1746239569 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/783793/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2211526900.jpg?ts=1746239569 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure>Jack Eichel: It would make little sense to bring in a world-class, top-line winger only to let your world-class, top-line center walk a year later. The Golden Knights have a ton of money opening up next season too.Kirill Kaprizov: The Wild are well-prepared to open the treasure chest for their best player, and Kaprizov hasn't indicated any desire to leave.Kyle Connor: He's due for a huge raise from the $7.142-million cap hit he currently carries and will likely become the Jets' highest-paid player if an extension is completed. Connor could easily command a $10-million AAV on the open market.Artemi Panarin: The Breadman's cashed in once as a free agent and has remained highly productive into his early 30s. Whether the Rangers bounce back this year could determine if they want to re-sign Panarin or begin forming a new core.<h3>Impact adds</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782128/cropped_GettyImages-2211042343.jpg?ts=1745471018" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782128/w220xh124_GettyImages-2211042343.jpg?ts=1745471018 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782128/w320xh180_GettyImages-2211042343.jpg?ts=1745471018 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782128/w640xh360_GettyImages-2211042343.jpg?ts=1745471018 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782128/w768xh432_GettyImages-2211042343.jpg?ts=1745471018 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/782128/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2211042343.jpg?ts=1745471018 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Gary A. Vasquez / National Hockey League / Getty</figcaption></figure>Martin Necas: He looked great at times with the Avalanche but was less effective once the playoffs rolled around. Necas will be the prime age of 27 if he goes to market, which could make him too pricey for Colorado.Adrian Kempe: Kempe's averaged 35 goals per season over the past four years with the Kings and is a dynamic skater who elevates his game in the postseason. His days of being a $5.5-million player are soon to be a memory, whether it's in L.A. or somewhere else.Alex Tuch: A local product, Tuch's been a great fit in Buffalo over the past four seasons. That said, the Sabres haven't gotten anywhere in that span, and he may want to join a winner on what's likely to be his last long-term contract.Rasmus Andersson: He's already been labeled a prime trade candidate for the upcoming season, and he'll be the top defenseman available if the Flames let him go another year without a deal. Andersson, a right shot and swift skater, will be 29 next summer and can contribute at all strengths. He will cash in.<h3>Veterans</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792757/cropped_GettyImages-2210121466.jpg?ts=1751475480" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792757/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210121466.jpg?ts=1751475480 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792757/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210121466.jpg?ts=1751475480 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792757/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210121466.jpg?ts=1751475480 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792757/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210121466.jpg?ts=1751475480 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792757/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210121466.jpg?ts=1751475480 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>Alex Ovechkin: Ovechkin has never suggested he'll suit up for any NHL team other than the Capitals, and retirement or another sojourn in the KHL seem far more likely than a shock signing for the all-time goals leader.Evgeni Malkin: It's unclear if Malkin, who will be 40 next summer, wants to keep playing. He's been fiercely loyal to the Penguins, but maybe he'd welcome a chance at a fourth Stanley Cup if he finds a willing contender.John Carlson: The Capitals face decisions on a couple of franchise icons next summer. Carlson, 35, is still a 50-point player and has averaged nearly 24 minutes per game over the past 15 seasons. He should attract interest if he moves on.Mattias Ekholm: He's played a huge role in helping the Oilers become Western Conference contenders, but how much attention can Ekholm demand if a McDavid contract is priority No. 1? Edmonton has a mountain of cap space next summer but only has 10 players signed for 2026-27.<h3>Goalies</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790933/cropped_GettyImages-2220654687.jpg?ts=1750216599" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790933/w220xh124_GettyImages-2220654687.jpg?ts=1750216599 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790933/w320xh180_GettyImages-2220654687.jpg?ts=1750216599 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790933/w640xh360_GettyImages-2220654687.jpg?ts=1750216599 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790933/w768xh432_GettyImages-2220654687.jpg?ts=1750216599 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790933/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2220654687.jpg?ts=1750216599 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Mike Carlson / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Sergei Bobrovsky: Based on everything we've seen since Bill Zito took over the Panthers, there's no reason to expect Bob will leave Florida. In fact, it's reasonable to assume he'll take a huge discount to finish his Hall of Fame career in Sunrise.Filip Gustavsson: Kaprizov is the Wild's top priority, but Gustavsson will garner plenty of attention too. Not many teams can afford to let their No. 1 netminder walk in free agency, but if it's about money, Gustavsson might be able to find a bigger payday from a desperate team.Jacob Markstrom: The Devils locked up Jake Allen as their backup for the next five seasons, but a Markstrom decision looms. The 35-year-old dealt with injuries and inconsistency through his first year in New Jersey.

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Previewing the NHL's 2026 class of UFAs

Former Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings, and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Christian Fischer is...

Former Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings, and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Christian Fischer is retiring from the NHL following a nine-year career.The 28-year-old became an unrestricted free agent this summer but is walking away from the sport to spend more time with family."Probably in the last year or two, I've really thought about just kind of what I want to do with my life, and what makes me happy, and spending time with my friends and family," Fischer told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6472813/2025/07/04/christian-fischer-retires-nhl-red-wings-blue-jackets-coyotes/">The Athletic's Max Bultman</a>. "And obviously, listen, I know if I were to play another five or six years, I could do that when I'm 34, 35, I understand that. ... It's what makes me happy, and it's what I want to do."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Coyotes selected Fischer in the second round of the 2015 draft, and he played seven campaigns with the franchise. His best showing was a 15-goal, 33-point season in 2017-18.He signed with the Red Wings in 2023-24, then was picked up on waivers by the Blue Jackets this past season. He only suited up once for Columbus.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 04: Christian Fischer #36 of the Detroit Red Wings follows the play against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at Little Caesars Arena on March 4, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Carolina defeated Detroit 2-1.

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Christian Fischer retiring from NHL at 28

The Carolina Hurricanes signed free-agent forward Nikolaj Ehlers to a six-year deal with an annua...

The Carolina Hurricanes signed free-agent forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/3995" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/3995">Nikolaj Ehlers</a> to a six-year deal with an annual average value of $8.5 million, the team announced Thursday."Nikolaj was the top free agent available on July 1, and we are proud that he's chosen to make Carolina his home," said Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky. "He's a highly skilled winger who can really skate and will fit very well with our forward group."Ehlers spent the last 10 seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, who drafted him ninth overall in 2014. The 29-year-old ends his tenure in Manitoba ranked fifth on the franchise's all-time points list (521) and seventh in games played (674).<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>His previous contract paid him $6 million annually over the past seven seasons.Ehlers registered 63 points in 69 games this past season despite only averaging 15:48 per contest.The Denmark native is one of the league's fastest players and instantly upgrades a Carolina forward group that features stars <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/5681" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/5681">Sebastian Aho</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10707" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10707">Logan Stankoven</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/7706" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/7706">Andrei Svechnikov</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9199" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9199">Seth Jarvis</a>.The Hurricanes recently swung a blockbuster trade with the New York Rangers to acquire defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9103" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9103">K'Andre Miller</a>. Carolina has reached the Eastern Conference Final three times since 2019, including this past spring, but hasn't found a way to get over the hump. The Jets are left with $19 million in cap space with Ehlers out of the picture. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6466" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6466">Gabe Vilardi</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9918" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9918">Morgan Barron</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9989" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9989">Dylan Samberg</a> are Winnipeg's most prominent players in need of new contracts.

WINNIPEG, CANADA - MAY 15: Nikolaj Ehlers #27 of the Winnipeg Jets looks on as he gets set during a second period face-off against the Dallas Stars in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Canada Life Centre on May 15, 2025 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets shutout the Stars 4-0 and trail the series 3-2.

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Hurricanes sign Ehlers to 6-year, $51M contract

The San Jose Sharks signed defenseman Dmitry Orlov to a two-year contract with an average annual ...

The San Jose Sharks signed defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1906" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1906">Dmitry Orlov</a> to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million, the team announced.Orlov spent the past two seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes. He was the top remaining blue-liner available after the initial free-agency rush."Dmitry is a strong, two-way defenseman who brings physicality and versatility on the ice," Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in a statement. "He has a wealth of NHL experience, both in the regular season and playoffs, and his Stanley Cup championship pedigree is a valuable addition to our team."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Orlov registered 28 points in 76 games last season and has never been regarded as an offensive defenseman. The soon-to-be 34-year-old was a premier shutdown blue-liner in his prime and played a key role in helping the Washington Capitals win the Cup in 2018.The Sharks also claimed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1502" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1502">Nick Leddy</a> off waivers from the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. San Jose previously signed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/1994" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/1994">John Klingberg</a> to help bolster its defense after a last-place finish in 2024-25.San Jose still has nearly $23 million in cap space after adding Orlov and Leddy, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/san-jose-sharks">PuckPedia</a>.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 15: Dmitry Orlov #7 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates after assisting on a goal by Jackson Blake #53 during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Lenovo Center on October 15, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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Sharks sign Orlov to 2-year deal, add Leddy off waivers

The Calgary Flames signed restricted free-agent forward Morgan Frost to a two-year contract exten...

The Calgary Flames signed restricted free-agent forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/6435" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/6435">Morgan Frost</a> to a two-year contract extension carrying an average annual value of $4.375 million, the team announced Thursday.Calgary acquired Frost from the Philadelphia Flyers this past season, and he recorded 12 points in 32 games with the Flames. The 26-year-old has notched 147 points in 310 career contests after the Flyers drafted him 27th overall in 2017. Frost will be a UFA when his new deal expires. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Flames also re-signed RFAs <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/10736" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/10736">Matt Coronato</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9835" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9835">Kevin Bahl</a> this offseason. Calgary has approximately $15.4 million in cap space, according to <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/calgary-flames">PuckPedia</a>, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9212" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9212">Connor Zary</a> the most important player still in need of a contract.

CALGARY, CANADA - APRIL 15: Morgan Frost #16 of the Calgary Flames celebrates his overtime goal against the Vegas Golden Knights at the Scotiabank Saddledome on April 15, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

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Flames sign Frost to 2-year, $8.75M extension

Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said the club and franchise center Connor Bedard...

Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said the club and franchise center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/13829" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/13829">Connor Bedard</a> are in the early stages of negotiating a contract extension."I probably don't want to get too far into it, but we are talking," Davidson said Tuesday, per <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/connor-bedard-chicago-blackhawks-are-talking-new-contract">NHL.com's Tracey Myers</a>. "So, I think that's an indicator of an openness to discuss."He made his thoughts very clear at the end of the season, and subsequently in other interviews, that he's committed to Chicago and wants to be here long term, and we obviously want him here long term, so there's mutual agreement there."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bedard said at his end-of-season availability that he wants to be a Blackhawk for a long time. The soon-to-be 20-year-old became eligible to sign an extension July 1 and will play out the final season of his entry-level contract in 2025-26.Davidson would prefer to get a deal done soon, but he acknowledged the rising salary cap and the league's new collective bargaining agreement could delay putting pen to paper."I think the new salary-cap marketplace, it's going to stall some (contract talks)," he said. “It's going to make some of these a little more drawn out (than) maybe they would have been in the past on a more flat cap. But yeah, we've started (talking) and we'll see if something gets done."The Blackhawks only have $32.2 million committed to their 2026-27 roster, which would be the first year of Bedard's new deal. The projected salary cap for that season is $104 million.Bedard hasn't hit the heights expected of him when he was drafted first overall in 2023, but he's led the Blackhawks in scoring in both his NHL campaigns. He notched 67 points in 82 games last season for a Chicago squad that finished 31st in the league standings.

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 05: Connor Bedard #98 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on before the start of overtime against the Ottawa Senators on March 5, 2025 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.