Devon Levi makes first NHL start vs. Rangers

Buffalo Sabres star goaltender prospect Devon Levi will make his first NHL start Friday against the New York Rangers, and the 21-year-old is ready for the challenge. 

"It's exciting," Levi said, per NHL.com's Heather Engel. "I've been dreaming of this moment my whole life, so for it to finally be here, it's a big deal. I'm really excited."

The Sabres signed Levi to a three-year, entry-level contract earlier this month after his collegiate career with Northeastern came to a close. Levi made a name for himself as one of the best up-and-coming netminders over two years with the Huskies. He finished the current season with a 17-12-5 record and six shutouts while leading the NCAA with a .933 save percentage.

MLB discussing Salary Cap System

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged that a salary cap may be the answer to a growing discrepancy between big markets and small ones that's creating a gap in on-field competitive balance.

"I don't think anybody on the club side has made up their mind that a salary cap (system) is necessarily the answer. We have, over a long period of time, avoided making the salary-cap proposal," Manfred said Tuesday on the "The Show" podcast when asked about the system in place in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLS, according to Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post.

"But there is one truism that is hard to ignore: There are arguably … five major professional sports in North America. Four of them have one system. One of them has a different system. I'm sort of a believer in the idea that the majority eventually gets it right. When you're the outlier, you have to ask yourself the question of: Does somebody else have the system right?"

Jonathan Toews days in Chicago might be over

Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews knows his time in the Windy City could be nearing its conclusion.

"Regardless of what happens in the future this summer, it's definitely on my mind that this could be my last few weeks here in Chicago as a Blackhawk," Toews said Tuesday, according to Ben Pope of The Chicago Sun-Times.

Toews, who's spent his entire 15-year NHL career with the Blackhawks, is in the final season of an eight-year, $84-million pact he inked in July 2014. But contractual obligations aside, his ongoing health issues could potentially prevent him from playing hockey anywhere next year.

Toronto Maple Leafs clinch playoff berth

The idle Toronto Maple Leafs got a little help from their provincial rivals to become the first Canadian team to clinch a spot in the playoffs this season.

The Ottawa Senators defeated the Florida Panthers 5-2 on Monday night, officially sending the Maple Leafs to the postseason for the seventh consecutive campaign.

Toronto is in second place in the Atlantic Division with a 44-20-9 record and is virtually locked into another first-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

LeBron James returns to the lineup

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James returned to the lineup for Sunday's contest against the Chicago Bulls.

The 19-time All-Star came off the bench for just the second time in his 20-year career.

James missed the last 13 contests due to a tendon injury in his right foot. He was reportedly targeting a return late in the regular season, but he later dismissed that timeline on social media.

Alek Manoah will throw Season Opener

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah will start the club's season opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, the club announced Friday.

The Opening Day nod is the first of Manoah's career. The hurler had a terrific 2022 campaign, making his first All-Star Game appearance while finishing as a finalist for the American League Cy Young.

"I'm super blessed with this opportunity, just to be surrounded by this group of guys I've been surrounded by," Manoah said, according to MLB.com's Keegan Matheson. "Each and every one of them has helped me get to where I am today."

LeBron James hoping to return soon

LeBron James hopes to return within the final three-to-four games of the Los Angeles Lakers' regular season, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

James has missed the past 12 contests due to a tendon injury in his right foot, with Los Angeles going 7-5 during that span.

The Lakers' final four meetings of the 2022-23 campaign include a pair of matchups against the Utah Jazz as well as tilts versus the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns.

Connor McDavid scores 60th Goal

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid scored twice against the Arizona Coyotes on Wednesday night to reach the 60-goal mark for the first time in his illustrious career. 

The milestone tally came on a beautiful overtime winner, which he converted on his second breakaway of the shift.

Mike Trout the USA Captain

Mike Trout will never forget his first World Baseball Classic.

"It's hard to sum up into words what these last couple of weeks have meant to me. I had the time of my life representing that USA on my chest," the Los Angeles Angels superstar and United States captain tweeted Wednesday after his team lost to Japan in the WBC finalTuesday.

He added: "The energy was electric and made the WBC a moment I'll always cherish. So, thank you all so much. It was an honor to be your captain."

Shohei Ohtani named MVP

Superstar Shohei Ohtani was named MVP of the 2023 World Baseball Classic following his outstanding two-way performance during Japan's championship run.

Ohtani was a force to be reckoned with over the tournament on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he led Japan's lineup by hitting .435/.606/.739 with a homer, eight RBIs, 10 walks, four doubles, and nine runs scored.

In three appearances (two starts) on the mound, he went 2-0 with a 1.86 ERA, a 0.72 WHIP, 11 strikeouts, and one save while holding opponents to a .152 average. Ohtani did not allow a home run in 9.2 innings and struck out Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout for the title-clinching save.

Shohei Ohtani ready to pitch the WBC Final

It's all arms on deck for Samurai Japan in the World Baseball Classic final - including Shohei Ohtani.

Though the two-way superstar won't start Tuesday's final against the United States, Ohtani confirmed he'll be available to pitch in relief.

"I'll definitely be prepared to pitch wherever, but before that, I'm gonna have to hit and make sure I put some runs on the board before I get to pitch," Ohtani told Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports through his interpreter after Japan's stunning walk-off winin Monday's semifinal over Mexico.

Dylan Ferguson rocks in NHL debut

The Pittsburgh Penguins knew next to nothing about Dylan Ferguson when they took the ice on Monday night.

They're experts now. Having a nomadic goaltender almost single-handedly send you to a fourth straight loss will do that.

Ferguson made 48 saves in his first NHL start as Ottawa dented Pittsburgh's increasingly iffy playoff chances in a 2-1 victory. It was quite a performance by the 24-year-old Ferguson, who was at an airport earlier this month assuming he was heading from one level of the minors to another before the goalie-depleted Senators signed him.

Japan walk off 9th Inning

Japan pulled off an epic comeback, beating Mexico in the World Baseball Classic semifinal 6-5 via walk off Monday at loanDepot Park in Miami.

The decisive play came off the bat of Munetaka Murakami, the NPB's home run king, who hit a two-run double off Mexican closer Giovanny Gallegos with no outs in the ninth inning.

Team USA advance to WBC Final

Team USA will have a chance to defend its title.

The United States returned to the World Baseball Classic championship game with a decisive 14-2 semifinal win over Cuba at loan Depot park in Miami.

The Americans will now await the winner of the other semifinal between Japan and Mexico on Monday. Mark DeRosa's squad will be looking to become just the second country to repeat as WBC champions.

Detroit Lions sign C.J. Gardner-Johnson

The Detroit Lions and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson agreed to a one-year, $8-million deal, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN.

The deal includes $6.5 million fully guaranteed, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

The Philadelphia Eagles offered Gardner-Johnson a multi-year deal at the start of free agency, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. He didn't accept as he reportedly wanted more money.

Edwin Diaz suffers knee injury during celebration

Star reliever Edwin Diaz suffered a right knee injury Wednesday while celebrating with his teammates moments after he saved Puerto Rico's win over the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

The injury appeared to occur when Puerto Rican players mobbed Diaz on the infield.

Teammates carried Diaz off the field before he went down the tunnel in a wheelchair. His brother, Alexis, also a pitcher for Puerto Rico, was in tears on the field.

Tampa Bay is signing Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield is headed to Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers are signing the former No. 1 overall pick to a one-year deal worth $8.5 million, reports NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Tampa Bay has been looking for a new starting quarterback this offseason to replace Tom Brady, who retired in February. The team also rosters 2021 second-round passer Kyle Trask.

Dallas Cowboys look to part ways with Elliott

The Dallas Cowboys will likely part ways with three-time Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott after seven seasons, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The Cowboys are reportedly expected to designate Elliott a post-June 1 cut and save $10.9 million in cap space. Teams are required to be under the salary cap when the league's 2023 calendar officially begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.

Elliott took the NFL by storm after Dallas drafted him fourth overall in 2016, earning three Pro Bowl berths and leading the league in receiving yards twice in his first four seasons. However, he hasn't been able to replicate that production since and last made the Pro Bowl in 2019.

Jets sign Lazard

One of Aaron Rodgers' longtime targets is headed to New York.

The Jets are signing former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard to a four-year, $44-million contract that includes $22 million guaranteed, sources told Jordan Schultz, theScore's NFL insider.

Raiders are signing Meyers

The Las Vegas Raiders are signing wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to a three-year, $33-million contract that includes $21 million fully guaranteed, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

Meyers confirmed he's joining the Raiders to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports HQ. The 26-year-old spent the previous four seasons with the New England Patriots after joining them as an undrafted free agent in 2019.

Raiders signing Garoppolo

Jimmy Garoppolo is reuniting with Josh McDaniels.

The Las Vegas Raiders are signing the veteran quarterback to a three-year, $67.5-million contract that includes $34 million guaranteed, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Garoppolo spent the last six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. McDaniels, who joined the Raiders as head coach last year, previously worked with Garoppolo during his time as offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots.

The 31-year-old Garoppolo spent the first three years of his career in New England before joining San Francisco via trade in October 2017.

Chicago Bears sign Edmunds

The Chicago Bears can't stop adding playmakers.

Chicago is signing former Buffalo Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to a four-year, $72-million contract that includes $50 million guaranteed, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Edmunds, a two-time Pro Bowler, is the latest standout linebacker to join the Bears. Chicago also reportedly agreed to a three-year, $19.5-million deal with former Philadelphia Eagles defender T.J. Edwards on Monday.

The Bears, who entered Monday with the most salary-cap space in the NFL, also bolstered their offensive line. They reportedly gave a three-year, $30-million pact to guard Nate Davis, who started 54 games with the Tennessee Titans.

The Beautiful Sarah Davis

Sarah Davis is an anchor for SportsCentre, Canada's most-watched sports news and information show.

Prior to joining TSN in 2018, Davis worked for NESN, covering on a variety of sports and events including extensive coverage of the Boston Bruins, NHL All-Star Weekend, the NHL Draft and NHL Awards.

She also worked as an on-air host for soccer and UFC programs in Canada, as well as hosting and video reporting duties for Leafs TV, NBA TV and the Toronto Rock.

At TSN, Davis has also covered the Rugby World Championship.

Davis graduated with an Honours BA in Kinesiology at Western University, as well as Print and Broadcast Journalism at UCLA Extension.

Bruins: fastest team to 50 wins in NHL history

The Boston Bruins' T-shirt factory is struggling to keep up with all the milestones the team is cruising past on its way to the Presidents' Trophy.

"Fifty wins, it's amazing," said forward A.J. Greer, who was wearing a shirt commemorating Patrice Bergeron's 1,000th NHL point while discussing Boston's 50th win of the season, a 3-2 victory over Detroit 3-2 on Saturday.

The Bruins are the fastest team to 50 wins in NHL history.

Bears trade with Panthers

The Chicago Bears are trading the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a package that includes multiple first-round picks, star wide receiver D.J. Moore, and a pair of second-round selections, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

In addition to Moore, Chicago will receive the Nos. 9 and 61 picks in this year's draft, as well as Carolina's first-round selection in 2024 and its second-round choice in 2025, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Houston Texans sign Robert Woods

Robert Woods is staying in the AFC South.

The Houston Texans are signing the veteran wide receiver to a two-year, $15.25-million deal, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The contract reportedly includes $10 million guaranteed and a maximum value of $17 million.

Philadelphia Flyers fire GM Chuck Fletcher

The Philadelphia Flyers fired general manager Chuck Fletcher after four-plus seasons at the helm, the club announced Friday.

Daniel Briere will take over the position on an interim basis. The club named the former Flyers forward a special assistant to the GM last February.

"The Philadelphia Flyers organization has always been defined by grit, determination, and a standard of excellence," said Dave Scott, governor of the Flyers. "Over the past several seasons, our team simply has not lived up to that standard, so today, we will begin to chart a new path forward under a new leadership structure for hockey operations.

Kirill Kaprizov out 3-4 weeks

Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov is expected to miss three-to-four weeks with a lower-body injury, the team announced Thursday.

Kaprizov exited Wednesday's clash against the Winnipeg Jets after getting tangled up with defenseman Logan Stanley in the third period.

Kevin Durant out 3 weeks with ankle sprain

Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant will be sidelined for at least three weeks due to a left ankle sprain, the team announced.

Durant suffered the injury in pre-game warmups before Wednesday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Fred VanVleet fined $30K

The NBA fined Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet $30,000 for his profanity-laced comments regarding referee Ben Taylor following Toronto's 108-100 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, the league announced Thursday.

VanVleet intensely criticized the referees in the Raptors' defeat but singled out Taylor in his postgame remarks. After stating he'd accept a fine, the 29-year-old said Taylor was "fucking terrible tonight" and called a technical foul he received in the third quarter from the veteran official "bullshit."

Can Talbot out 3 Weeks

Ottawa Senators goaltender Cam Talbot will miss three weeks due to a mid-body injury, head coach D.J. Smith announced Wednesday, according to TSN.

Talbot missed Ottawa's game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday. The club recalled Kevin Mandolese from the AHL for the contest, while Mads Sogaard earned the start in the 5-0 loss.

The Senators are amid a five-game road trip, and Talbot is returning to Ottawa for treatment, per TSN. The club is pushing for a playoff berth this season but sits five points back of a wild-card spot with 19 games remaining.

New York Jets meeting with Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets team officials are flying out Tuesday to meet with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in person, sources told Dan Graziano of ESPN. The Packers reportedly granted Rodgers permission to seek a trade.

The 39-year-old still hasn't made a decision on his playing future, reports Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic.

Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner and running back Breece Hall are recruiting Rodgers on social media.

Tony DeAngelo spearing act on Corey Perry

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Tony DeAngelo will have a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety for spearing Tampa Bay Lightning forward Corey Perry on Tuesday, the league announced.

DeAngelo received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for spearing Perry below the equator.

Giants look to sign Daniel Jones

The New York Giants are finalizing a four-year deal with quarterback Daniel Jones, sources told Jordan Schultz, theScore's NFL insider.

The four-year contract is worth $160 million with an additional $35 million available in incentives, Schultz adds.

Justin Turner hospitalized with 16 stitches

Boston Red Sox infielder Justin Turner had a scary moment during Monday's spring contest against the Detroit Tigers when he was hit in the face by a pitch from right-hander Matt Manning.

Turner could be seen bleeding on the ground in front of home plate after being struck.

"Just a complete accident," Manning said postgame, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. "The ball got away from me. I got a swing and miss on a ball up in the zone and tried to go back to it. It got away from me. I definitely want to apologize to him and let him know it wasn't intentional."

Red Sox training staff attended to Turner, who was helped off the field while holding a towel against his face and mouth. He was then taken to hospital, where he received treatment for soft-tissue injuries and was monitored for a concussion, the team announced.

Kourtney Turner, Justin's wife, tweeted that he was released from hospital late Monday afternoon after receiving 16 stitches.

Seahawks sign Geno Smith 3 Year $105M

The Seattle Seahawks and quarterback Geno Smith have agreed to a three-year, $105-million deal, sources told Jordan Schultz, theScore's NFL insider.

The Seahawks later confirmed the signing but didn't specify the terms of the deal.

Smith, 32, put together a 2022 season to remember after winning the Seahawks' starting job following the offseason trade of longtime quarterback Russell Wilson. In his first year as a full-time starter since 2014, Smith earned a Pro Bowl invitation and led Seattle to a postseason appearance after compiling a 9-8 record.

Titans are shopping Derrick Henry

Derrick Henry could be available for trade.

The Tennessee Titans have been shopping Henry recently, reports Michael Silver of Bally Sports, citing current general managers.

Henry is entering the final year of a four-year, $50-million deal and is owed $10.5 million in base salary in 2023, according to Over the Cap.

The 29-year-old has been one of the NFL's most dominant running backs since coming into the league. He's led the NFL in rushing yards on two occasions over the last four years, including a 2,027-yard campaign that earned him the Offensive Player of the Year award in 2020.

New Orleans Saints sign Derek Carr 4 Years

The New Orleans Saints are signing free-agent quarterback Derek Carr to a four-year contract, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

Carr, who was released by the Las Vegas Raiders in February, also drew interest from the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. The Saints were the first team to show interest in the veteran signal-caller, hosting him on a visit before he became a free agent.

Carr appeared to confirm his plans to join the Saints later Monday.

Kurt Kitayama wins Arnold Palmer Invitational

Kurt Kitayama let an All-Star cast of contenders back into the tournament with a triple bogey, only to beat them all with a clutch birdie and the best lag putt of his life to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday.

With five players tied for the lead with only three holes left, Kitayama pulled ahead with a birdie putt from just inside 15 feet on the par-3 17th hole for the lead. Then, his 50-foot putt on the last hole stopped an inch from the cup.

The tap-in par for an even-par 72 might have been the easiest shot he had all day.

Vladimir Guerrero withdraws from WBC

Toronto Blue Jays All-Star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. won't participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, the club announced Saturday.

Guerrero was removed from Friday's Grapefruit League game with right knee discomfort. The 23-year-old was expected to join a star-studded Dominican Republic roster.

Guerrero underwent an MRI on Friday, which revealed no structural damage, Blue Jays manager John Schneider revealed Saturday, according to Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling. The slugger is dealing with minor inflammation.

Bruins - fastest team NHL history to 100 points

David Pastrnak had a goal and two assists just a few hours after signing a new contract and the surging Boston Bruins became the fastest team in NHL history to reach 100 points by beating the Buffalo Sabres 7-1 on Thursday night. 

Jakub Lauko scored twice, Dmitry Orlov added a goal and two assists and Jeremy Swayman stopped 26 shots as the Bruins overcame the loss of Brad Marchand to a lower body injury to win their ninth straight. 

Boston improved to 48-8-5 in its 61st game, besting the Montreal team from 1976-77 that reached 100 points in 62 games. The Bruins are on pace to surpass that Canadiens club for most points (132) in a season.

Connor McDavid stays red hot with win over Leafs

Connor McDavid had two goals and an assist, and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-2 Wednesday night.

Zach Hyman and Klim Kostin each had a goal and an assist, and Kailer Yamamoto also scored as Edmonton won for the third time in five games. Stuart Skinner had 26 saves.

"Big win here tonight," McDavid said. "You're playing a good team. They're always going to have momentum swings. I thought we did a good job of managing that, we defended well."

Red Wings sign Larkin 8 Years

The Detroit Red Wings signed captain Dylan Larkin to an eight-year contract extension that carries an average annual value of $8.7 million, the team announced Wednesday.

Larkin was due to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason. His previous deal, signed in 2018, paid him $6.1 million yearly.

The Michigan native was subject to trade rumors this deadline season due to his uncertain contract status, but Larkin said in February he only sees himself as a Red Wing.

Kobe Bryant family $28.5M settlement

The family of the late Kobe Bryant has agreed to a $28.5 million settlement with Los Angeles County to resolve the remaining claims in a lawsuit over deputies and firefighters sharing grisly photos of the NBA star, his 13-year-old daughter and other victims killed in a 2020 helicopter crash, attorneys and court filings said Tuesday.

The figure includes a newly agreed upon payment from the county of $13.5 million along with the $15 million a federal jury awarded Bryant's widow, Vanessa Bryant, at a trial in August.

The agreement resolves any future claims by Bryant's three surviving daughters, related issues pending in state court, and other costs. A proposed settlement order, which a judge must approve, was filed Tuesday in federal court.

Edmonton Oilers land Mattias Ekholm

The Nashville Predators traded defenseman Mattias Ekholm and a 2024 sixth-round pick to the Edmonton Oilers for blue-liner Tyson Barrie, forward prospect Reid Schaefer, a 2023 first-round pick, and a 2024 fourth-round pick, the teams announced.

The 6-foot-4 Ekholm recorded 18 points in 57 games this season for the Predators, where he's spent his entire 12-year career. He's posted excellent underlying defensive numbers.

New York Rangers land Patrick Kane

It's Showtime in the Big Apple.

The New York Rangers acquired star forward Patrick Kane from the Chicago Blackhawks in a three-team deal with the Arizona Coyotes, the teams announced Tuesday.

The Blackhawks are getting a 2023 conditional second-round pick, a 2025 fourth-round pick, defenseman Andy Welinski from the Rangers, and blue-liner Vili Saarijarvifrom the Coyotes. If the Rangers make the conference finals, the second-round pick becomes a first-round selection in either 2024 or 2025, sources told ESPN's Emily Kaplan.