標籤: remains

Okay, I’ll be the one to address the elephant in the New Jersey Devils room.

There is still an obvious problem with Dougie Hamilton. Did you know, the $9 million rescuer who has refused to speak publicly since January?

Yes, same. unfamiliar? More via the Devils Rink Report in the link below.

Additionally, the Devils traded options to bring in center forward Quinn Hughes to fill a void in terms of nuclear tackles.

Elsewhere, the Blueshirts have their eye on the Twins, a free-agent target for the Devils, and Philly’s rookie is earning it.

Devil’s Trade Rumors and News

New Jersey Hockey Now: In the nuclear option that Sunny Mehta chose to trade Nico Hischier for Quinn Hughes, here are three centers who could fill the void left at center via the Devils trade.

📺 devil’s rink report: As we approach the 2026 NHL Draft and free agency, the elephant in the room has not yet been addressed. The Devils still have a Dougie Hamilton problem. I break it down in the latest clip via Devils Rink Report.

Last week, we went live with immediate reaction after the draft lottery. The full episode can be found here 👇🏼

Please like and subscribe our Youtube channel And turn on those notifications when we go live every Friday!

For podcast listeners, we have officially launched on multiple platforms. Listen to Devil’s Rink Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

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Athletic ($): From the folks at The Athletic, experts believe the Devils should sign a free agent.

NHL Trade Talk, News and National Hockey Now

Forever Blueshirts: With the New York Rangers’ final pick of the first round, it looks like they are targeting one of the WHL’s two standout twins.

Philly hockey now: One reason the Philadelphia Flyers made a late run and reached the playoffs and then the second round is that they got some unexpected boost. Here’s how the Flyers rookies earned their ice time.

James is the fully certified New Jersey Devils beat reporter for New Jersey Hockey Now on SportsNote and … More about James Nicholls

newcastle united Still watching closely as Jose Mourinho once again finds himself at the center of a growing managerial noise across Europe.

how did it start casual premier league speculation In recent weeks it has taken on a different dimension.

Reports linking Mourinho to Real Madrid have added weight to the talks, giving new impetus to a story that had until then largely followed a predictable cycle.

Real Madrid’s interest changes the story

Developments in Spain have led to an unexpected rise in the situation around Mourinho. Real Madrid are assessing his future, and the Portuguese manager has emerged as a serious option in those discussions.

This has naturally diverted attention elsewhere. When a club of that stature enters the frame, every previous link is revisited. Newcastle is one of those names that keeps coming up.

according to gameThe Magpies remain attentive to Mourinho’s situation. However, the reporting does not suggest active talks or any defined move, only stating that Newcastle are monitoring developments.

Inside Mourinho’s situation at Benfica

To understand why the story remains open, it helps to look at what is happening in Lisbon.

José Mourinho arrived at Benfica in September, signing a deal until 2027. Since then, he has quickly become central to the club’s long-term plans.

Work is already underway for the next season. This week there have been meetings at his training center with Mourinho, president Rui Costa and the football structure on the strategy for 2026/27.

The plan is not short term. Benfica wants Mourinho to lead structural rebuild The aim is to bring back the domestic title to the club. Their last league success came in 2022/23, and the current campaign has fallen short of expectations.

Renovation plans and contract details to view

Jose Mourinho’s current contract runs until 2027, but Benfica are already preparing an offer to extend that deal. The intention is to add another year or two, cementing their long-term commitment.

However, there is a current that keeps the door slightly open. Mourinho could leave immediately after the season ends for a fee of around €3m (£2.6m).

That detail ensures that interest from elsewhere cannot be completely ruled out. This also explains why clubs continue to monitor the situation, even if no concrete steps have been taken.

What does this mean for Newcastle United

Newcastle remains part of the wider picture, but not at the center of it.

The Portuguese framing is at least consistent. The club is alert, aware of the developments and is keeping Mourinho under observation. This is far from being ahead of the race.

With Real Madrid’s interest adding weight to the story and Benfica working hard to secure their manager long-term, the situation is evolving.

The Dallas Stars were looking at a 2–1 series hole until their star-studded special teams took over.

Despite being outshot (61-60) and outscored (6-3) at 5-on-5, the Stars’ power play has been extremely hot in this series and scored three times in their 4-3, double-OT win over the Minnesota Wild in Game 3 on Wednesday in St. Paul, Minn.

Wyatt Johnson scored the game-winner on the power play at 12:10 of the second extra session. The Stars have won two consecutive matches and now lead the best-of-7 series 2-1.

Game 4 takes place Saturday at 4:30 pm CT in St. Paul.

stars power play is on

Dallas PP picks up where it left off in the regular season.

The Stars ranked second in the NHL during the regular season in power-play efficiency (28.6%), trailing only the historically great Edmonton Oilers (30.6). But where the Oilers’ man-advantage has faltered through two games, the Stars’ development is thriving.

Dallas is 6 of 17 (35.3%) on the power play in its series and has scored multiple man-up goals in each of its last two wins. Johnson and teammate Matt Duchene have a pair of power-play goals in the series and superstar wing Jason Robertson also scored on the power play in Game 1.

“When you get opportunities, it’s important to take them,” Johnson said. “Nice to have him [in double OT]. “I was just trying to move forward and do whatever I can to help.”

Duchene’s man-up goal gave Dallas the lead for good in a 4–2 win over Minnesota in Game 2, but his power-play marker in Game 3 set the stage for Johnston’s heroics.

The Stars trailed 3–2 in the final seconds of the third period on a PP after Bobby Brink tipped Radek Faksa at 8:27. Dallas had failed on three consecutive second period power plays which gave the Wild enough momentum to take the lead late in the second period.

“This is the time of year you’ve got to stick with it. You can’t get frustrated,” Stars coach Glenn Gulutzan said. “We are playing against an elite team and elite class [penalty] Killer. The swings are going to go in that direction. It is not going to be an easy journey.”

It was Dallas’ only PP in the third period or first overtime – meanwhile, the Wild had five man-advantages in that period. But Duchesne got a sharp-angle shot past Minnesota goalie Jesper Wallstad on a great cross-slot pass from Mikko Rantanen, tying the game.

“Quite important,” said Duchene of the power-play contribution. “We were just living with it. This team, I’ve talked about how balanced we are, and it feels even more calm than in years past, just how patient and in the moment we are.”

Stars penalty kill has also been very good

Special teams can be a big X-factor in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

A strong or shaky power play can turn the momentum of a game or series, especially if a result starts snowballing.

So even though the Stars have given Minnesota 15 man-advantages in the series, and been shorthanded seven times in Game 3, after going 2 of 4 in Game 1 they have answered the bell by shutting down 10 of the Wild’s last 11 power plays.

“Our special teams have been excellent,” Gulutzan said.

Additionally, the Stars PK faced three potentially game-changing situations after Duchene tied the game. Rantanen first went to the penalty box for tripping at 12:30 of the third period, then forwards Sam Steele and Jamie Benn were each cited in overtime, but Dallas did not even allow a shot against Jake Oettinger on the OT power play.

“I had my head down, looking out of one eye and was just like, ‘Oh my God, let us deal with this,'” Duchesne said. “They were incredible. We knew after getting those two we needed to move forward [power plays] In [double] OT.”

Of course, the Wild paid a hefty price to acquire defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks earlier this season so he could join Kirill Kaprizov (19 ppg), Matt Boldy (30 power-play points) and Joel Eriksson-Ek (16 ppg). Minnesota finished third in the league in power plays (25.2%), but have been indifferent in their last two losses.

“They’ve got some great players. It’s a talented power play,” Gulutzan said. “I thought our guys did a really good job.”

Pat Pickens is an award-winning sports writer and author who has covered the NHL since 2013. He reveals more about Pat Pickens.

Florida coach Todd Golden has spoken for the first time since rumors of him possibly replacing Steve Kerr as head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

It’s going to be an interesting offseason for the Warriors. After starting the season as a secret horse in the West, injuries to Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry completely derailed their hopes of making a splash in the conference this season.

Last week, their season came to a sad end as they were eliminated from playoff contention in the play-in tournament and finished with their second losing record in the last 14 seasons. Change is definitely coming. It’s definitely coming to the roster, but it could also be on the bench since Kerr is no longer under contract.

After their play-in loss, Kerr suggested that he would like to continue working with Curry. However, it is not clear whether that is what he and the organization want. That is why speculation has intensified as to who could be his replacement. One notable name that has come up through rumors is Gators coach Todd Golden.

Todd Golden calms down Golden State Warriors talk

The 40-year-old has emerged as one of the elite coaches in college basketball during his four seasons at Florida. They have been taken to the NCAA Tournament each of the last three seasons, including a championship win last year. However, Golden shut down the recent rumors on Thursday.

“I definitely plan on coaching the Gators,” Golden said when asked about the rumors in his first press conference after the Gators lost in the second round of the tournament.

A recent report suggested that New York Knicks coach Mike Brown – who was Kerr’s former top assistant – and Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez would be at the top of the Warriors’ wish list if the legendary coach does not return in 2026-27.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Arsenal may be heading towards the Premier League title, but decisions are already being made in the background – and the Fabio Vieira situation is getting closer to a resolution.

The Portuguese midfielder has spent the season on loan at Hamburger SV, away from the limelight in North London. However, his campaign in Germany has steadily gained momentum. What started with conditioning issues has turned into one of the most productive periods of his senior career.

Vieira has been used in attacking midfield roles and in wide areas, providing creativity and final-third quality. He now has five goals and four assists in the Bundesliga, and is also one of Hamburg’s most consistent chance givers.

That output has changed the perception around him over the course of the season. Earlier doubts have given way to a feeling that he can make a real impact at this level.

three months ago, We covered Germany’s claims Hamburg were already concerned that the Arsenal player wanted to move.

Since then, his role has evolved. The story highlighted his improvement not only in his output, but also in his presence within the team.

The Portuguese midfielder has been finding form in Hamburg and has become ‘more communicative’ within the dressing room in recent months.

This all naturally turns into one big question – what’s next?

Talks now expected as Hamburg pushes for deal

according to Hamburger AbendblattFabio Vieira is now considered a “special case” internally as Hamburg plans its squad for next season.

While many loan players may return to their parent clubs, their situation is different. Both the player and Hamburg are keen to continue working together, which puts Arsenal in a stronger position.

The main issue remains financial. Vieira’s loan includes a €20m (£17.3m) purchase option, which Hamburg considers unrealistic. As a result, talks are now being held with Arsenal in an attempt to negotiate a lower fee.

This is not a new development, but the next step in an ongoing process.

earlier this month, We covered BILD claims Regarding Hamburg’s intentions to ask Arsenal for a waiver on a permanent deal. They have the option to buy the midfielder for €20m, which is too much for them.

While Hamburg are confident about the player, they need a low fee to make a move. That situation continues to persist, and negotiations now appear inevitable.

One earlier report HSV were said to be planning talks with Arsenal over the midfielder. All indications are that Vieira will not be at the Emirates next season.

There is also a deadline in mind. BILD reported that Hamburg are expected to hold talks with Arsenal in April or May over his future after this season.

Arsenal maintain control as decision nears

to the arsenal, The situation is relatively clear. Vieira has struggled to gain a consistent role under Mikel Arteta, and this is now his second loan stint at the club. Also, his performance in Germany has restored some of his value.

The Gunners set a €20m (£17.3m) clause with that scenario in mind. Arsenal insisted on its inclusion. And because the deal was struck late, HSV did not have time for lengthy negotiations.

Now, that figure serves as a starting point for discussion. Vieira himself has not reached any conclusions.

“Everyone knows I still have a contract with Arsenal. So let’s wait until the end of the season. Then we’ll talk about it and see what we can do”, he said last week.

Hamburg wants to keep him. Arsenal want the right deal. And with potential interest from elsewhere always a risk, the coming weeks look crucial.

This situation has been going on for months. Now we are finally moving towards concrete talks.

🇩🇪 Exclusive: Castello Lukeba ‼️

➡️The formula confirms this @Kaus_Pandey17 There is interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United
➕ Defender tempted to move to Premier League
➡️ Summer decision will depend on the proposed projecthttps://t.co/2VZ2ljcDv7 #afc #lfc #afc

– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 25 March 2026

Amid All-Star Stephen Curry’s recovery from a right knee injury, Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski has taken on an increased role. As head coach Steve Kerr said after the three-game losing streak, the newfound opportunity has given Podziemski a boost in confidence. While Kerr’s reality check regarding the Warriors’ playoff approach was considered challenging, Kerr cannot ignore how beneficial it has been to Brandin.

Without Curry, Podziemski, in only his third season, will be one of the Warriors players Kerr will rely on, as these regular season reps will only make him better, Kerr said, according to Danny Ammerman of the San Francisco Standard.

“It’s a great experience for Brandin,” Kerr said Saturday in Atlanta. “I mean, 20 games without Steph.”

As for Podziemski, he’s learned a very important lesson amid Curry’s absence.

“[That] I can do it,” Podziemski said.

Brandin Podziemski struggled in the Warriors’ 126-110 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He finished with five points and one assist on 2-for-6 shooting. However, he has been playing consistently well throughout March for the Warriors, averaging 16.2 points on 42.8% shooting, including 37.% from deep, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals over the last 11 games.

Steve Kerr’s blunt opinion on Warriors’ ‘tough times’

Head coach Steve Kerr didn’t hold back about the Warriors struggling toward the finish line of the 2025-26 regular season without Stephen Curry. Kerr says Warriors have suffered eight defeats in nine tries this is the hardest part According to Warriors reporter Joseph Dykes, he talked about being an NBA coach for a team struggling with injuries.

“This is the hardest thing to go through,” Kerr said. “Losing and getting destroyed by injuries. And feeling like you’re pushing, you’re trying, you’re competing, but things aren’t going your way. It’s definitely a tough, tough time for everybody. It’s human nature to get down, hang your head.”

“Certainly, it’s a tough, tough time, for everybody, it’s human nature to, you know, kind of keep your head down.”

Steve Kerr after the Warriors’ loss to the Hawks. pic.twitter.com/nqpCMusnkI

-Joseph Dycus (@joseph_dycus) 22 March 2026

The Warriors, 33-38, have dropped to 10th, 1.5 games behind the Blazers for ninth in the Western Conference standings.

The Filipino blood is strong in this.

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and tennis sensation Alex Eala reunited in South Beach ahead of their return to action at the Miami Open.

Ella visited Spoelstra at the Kasia Center on Monday, three years after they first met. Ella first saw the NBA in person when the Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks in 2023. It was extra special because Spoelstra recorded his 700th career win during that game.

Since then, it seems as if there has been an osmosis of talent, as 20-year-old Ella has steadily risen through the ranks, including a decisive win over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals of last year’s Miami Open.

The Heat posted the reunion between Spoelstra and Ella, now ranked No. 29 in the world, on Instagram.

The caption read, “Just two powerhouses taking the Philippines to the highest level. Good luck at the Miami Open, @alex.eala.”

Fans were thrilled to see the legendary coach and the tennis star bond over their shared lineage.

@britannycarandang said, “When two of our favorite Filipino sports figures meet, it’s so heartwarming 🌸❤️.”

“And they meet again. Coach Spo owes you, Alex. 🔥 He said if you come back next year, he’ll watch you play,” @albertclydeandia said.

“Pinoy Pride!” Added @miacorsiga.

“Wow! Flying so high, Alex!” Posted by @kitty_jandi.

“Elite link-up,” @danielscales1 commented.

“This is my brand! 🔥,” @jge_____ wrote.

Apart from Swiatek, Ella also defeated Madison Keys and Jelena Ostapenko at the Miami Open last year, marking her breakthrough on the WTA Tour.

She also made history by becoming the first Filipino to win a main draw match at a Grand Slam by defeating Clara Toson at the US Open in 2025.

Spoelstra, meanwhile, has led the Heat to three championships. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games and will face the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday.

For the first time since Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James hosted “The Decision” to announce his contract with the Miami Heat, the future of the 22-time All-Star remains uncertain. Although his option to join the Heat was unclear at the time, staying with the Cleveland Cavs felt like a viable option, whereas this time it is different. Despite having the sixth-best record (37–24) in the Western Conference, the Lakers have not shown signs of a long-term commitment to James.

Given LeBron’s age, the second tax apron and the need to build a roster around Luka Doncic for the future, the Lakers will have to make some tough decisions in the summer. James, meanwhile, continues to play at a high level even at this stage of his career. LeBron, 41, played in his 22nd consecutive All-Star Game. Even at this old age his talent is not in question; However, which team will he play for in 2026-27.

Even if the Lakers can make an unexpected championship run this season, it’s hard to envision James’ NBA career heading into the sunset. There’s a lot left in the tank. A reunion with the Cleveland Cavs is a possibility, and would be a unique storybook for LeBron, who led the Cavs to their only championship in 2016.

With All-Stars Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and James Harden, James and the Cavs will emerge as favorites to win the Eastern Conference and NBA titles in 2027.

Lakers reported ‘Plan A’ for LeBron James’ future

If the Lakers can add another All-Star talent during the offseason to complement Luka Doncic and LeBron James, they are all in on that plan. According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, Austin Reaves’ upcoming free agency will impact James’ future and whether the Lakers can find a team like the Bucks willing to agree to a package deal centered on their All-Star forward.

“The Lakers are one of the few teams this summer projected to have significant space under the cap to pursue top-tier free agents or pursue a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo via a lopsided trade,” Pincus wrote. “The $54-$80 million in cap room won’t be much if James returns to his $58 million max salary. Plan A for the Lakers appears to be to build around Luka Doncic, a young star, moving on from James, according to competition executives and player agents.

“Scouts across the league are skeptical that L.A. can defend well with a core of Austin Reeves, Doncic and James. Reeves is expected to opt out of his $14.9 million cap in his final year, so he may attempt to re-sign for closer to the maximum he can get (about a $41.5 million starting salary).”

James and the Lakers defeated the Pelicans 110-101 on Tuesday.

Rich Paul was quiet when Max Kellerman blasted Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic.

Paul and Kellerman took part on the February 18 episode of the Game Over podcast. The latter didn’t stop Doncic, calling out the Lakers star for constantly complaining to officials, while making bold comments about him and Boston Celtics head Jaylen Brown.

“Every single trip down the floor, you’re complaining to the refs. Luka, every single trip down the floor, you’re complaining to the refs. Even when he hits shots. No, you’re not going to get another one. And it can’t be that the refs blow every call on Luka Doncic,” Kellerman said at the 18:08 mark.

“Rich, you and I both saw it last night. Jaylen Brown is better than Luka Doncic. Better player, I’d like to have him on the team. If I had to start a team, I’d like to start it with Jaylen Brown.”

Paul responded, “Jaylen Brown is a very good player,” as Kellerman quickly responded, “He’s better than Luka.”

Luka Doncic, what’s next for the Lakers

It’s clear that Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the entire NBA. However, his tendency to make too many mistakes and complain to officials may present a flaw in his on-court mentality.

Doncic is going through his seventh season in the league, his second with the Lakers. He is playing at a high level, producing 32.8 points, 8.5 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game in 44 appearances. He is shooting 47.1% from the field, including 35.5% from beyond the arc and 77.6% from the free-throw line.

Los Angeles has a record of 34–22 on the season, finishing fifth in the Western Conference standings. They have the tiebreaker advantage over the Minnesota Timberwolves and are ahead of the Phoenix Suns by two games. However, they trail the Houston Rockets by 0.5 games and the Denver Nuggets by one game.

The Lakers will prepare for the final game of an eight-game homestand. They will host the Orlando Magic as tip-off takes place on February 24 at 10:30 PM ET.

While Conor McGregor claims he is ready to return to the Octagon, and against anyone, he is becoming publicly frustrated by the lack of updates from the UFC.

It makes sense that Dana White and the UFC would move on from the idea of ​​McGregor fighting again. After two losses to Dustin Poirier and a serious foot injury in 2021, the Irish superstar remains on the sidelines.

He was going to face Michael Chandler in 2023 and again in 2024. However, “Notorious” stopped short of returning to the drug testing program, then withdrew from the planned bout due to a toe injury suffered two years ago. This gave many people in and around the company the impression that McGregor had retired and they did not want to accept it.

However, when the UFC revealed plans for a fight card on the White House lawn last year, McGregor immediately made it known he wanted to be involved. Still, many questioned how serious he was about returning to the cage after five years and at the age of 37.

Conor McGregor still waiting for UFC comeback opponent

Well, the future UFC Hall of Famer seems to be honest about his desire to return sometime this year, and has posted videos of him training for his return fight. Furthermore, he has claimed that he is as outspoken as he has been in years. last week,

White claimed that he and his team had planned the entire card for the White House event in June. This would suggest that he has contacted McGregor about a fight on the card. Well, it seems they haven’t, and the Irish are becoming frustrated with the lack of communication.

“Day 15 of ‘I accept, send contract’,” McGregor wrote in a post on X on Monday morning.

An important part of McGregor’s contract is to receive pay-per-view points for his bouts. However, the company is not currently doing PPVs after reaching a $7.7 billion deal to air all of their programs on Paramount+, so that part of their deal cannot be fulfilled.

It’s possible that the UFC knows he may not be on the White House card and are still not sure how they can get him back into the Octagon while still meeting his financial demands. That means the saga of whether he will fight again or not will not end soon.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

In January, the Italian press appeared confident of Napoli agreeing personal terms with Wolves’ Joao Gomes. it was covered extensively sports witnessBecause the midfielder started living in England.

Napoli never reached agreement on a deal with the Midlands club, and it always looked like a complicated January transfer.

It was believed that the situation would attract other clubs, with Atlético Madrid and Manchester United seen as potential suitors.

Despite this, it does not seem that Napoli have given up on the midfielder.

Napoli still ready for Wolves star

The 25-year-old’s condition is once again attracting attention. Journalist Luca Marchetti spoke to Radio Marte about his future, making it clear that Napoli could still be an option for him.

Speaking about the Wolves man, the Italian said – relayed by tuttonapoli: : “wolves midfielder Gomes is an interesting name who has been on Napoli’s radar for some time as they look for a midfielder.

Marchetti said it was too early to speculate whether the player would arrive in Naples.

“Of course, it’s hard to say whether they’ll sign him in July or not; it’s too early, but the interest has been there for some time.”

In the January transfer window, the Partenopei did not improve their midfield. He focused more on attack in place of Noah Lang and Lorenzo Lucca. This could make a big midfield signing possible in the summer.

Chances of competition for Naples

Given how much Gomes has risen to prominence at Wolves, this is unlikely to be an easy task for Napoli.

His current deal at Molineux expires in the summer of 2030, suggesting the transfer would cost a lot. Napoli spends big but only on rare occasions.

So if they really want Gomes, they need to lay the foundation for their move. Or competition from other clubs would prove a major threat, especially if Wolves were to sell the player. An agreement on individual terms can certainly prove valuable in this situation.