Montreal downs Toronto in season opener

Josh Anderson and Alexandre Carrier each had a goal and assist as the Montreal Canadiens beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 Tuesday night in the teams' season opener.

Zachary Bolduc also scored for Montreal, which got 25 saves from Jakub Dobes.

William Nylander scored twice for Toronto. Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 21 shots in his first game with the Maple Leafs.

Cam Schlittler dominates Red Sox

The Red Sox should do whatever it takes to avoid Cam Schlittler next postseason, and beyond.

The Massachusetts native - and currently the biggest villain in the Boston-New York rivalry - showed in Game 1 why he's one of the most dominant starting pitchers in the majors, and the heavy favorite to win the AL Cy Young award.

Schlittler tossed 6 1/3 shutout innings Tuesday, allowing just two hits and a walk to go with 10 strikeouts. He got a ridiculous 24 whiffs while surrendering just two hard-hit balls (both groundouts). His 117 pitches were the most by a Yankees starter in a playoff game since 2012. In two postseason starts against the Red Sox, Schlittler's thrown 14 1/3 shutout innings while striking out 22.

Leafs land Marchenko for Knies

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired forward Kirill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets and subsequently signed him to a six-year extension with a $12.5-million cap hit, Marchenko's agent, Dan Milstein, announced Monday.

Toronto sent forwards Matthew Knies and Steven Lorentz, defenseman Emil Andrae, and a second-round pick to Columbus for Marchenko, forward Miles Wood, and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, the teams announced.

Marchenko was set to become a restricted free agent next summer and had recently been noncommittal about signing a new deal in Columbus after reports surfaced over the summer that he wanted out.

Cleveland claims AL Central title

The Cleveland Guardians claimed their third straight AL Central division title thanks to their 11-5 win over the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox losing 9-6 to the Colorado Rockies.

Cleveland will be the AL's No. 2 seed and receive a bye to the ALDS. The White Sox, meanwhile, are now locked into the No. 6 seed and will be the road team against the AL West champion - either the Houston Astros or Texas Rangers - in the best-of-three wild-card series.

Golden State sign Curry to 2 Years

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry agreed to a two-year, $116-million contract extension with a player option in 2028-29.

The deal keeps Curry from entering the upcoming season as a pending free agent and ends speculation that the Warriors might entertain trade offers for him.

Curry took $20 million less than the maximum on his extension to give the Warriors more cap space next summer.

His new contract makes him the first player to earn $600 million over the course of their career

Blue Jays eliminated from playoffs

The Toronto Blue Jays won't return to the postseason after falling just short of winning the World Series last year.

Toronto was officially eliminated from playoff contention Wednesday with a 4-2 loss in the first game of a doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles.

Starter Max Scherzer allowed four earned runs and struck out seven over five innings. Pete Alonso hit a two-run home run off Scherzer in the fifth for the slugger's third round-tripper of the series.

Former Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt shut down his old team, allowing two earned runs over five frames. Bassitt also earned a win against Toronto on Sept. 11.

The Blue Jays outhit the Orioles 10-5 in Wednesday's opener but were 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position.

Judge set to return Wild Card Game 1

Aaron Judge may be ready for the New York Yankees' wild-card series, after all.

One day after manager Aaron Boone said that the team is planning as if its star slugger won't be ready for the start of the postseason due to a calf injury, Judge himself said he intends to be available for Game 1.

Raptors sign Kawhi Leonard 2 Years

The Toronto Raptors signed Kawhi Leonard to a two-year, $115-million contract extension after recently finalizing his trade from the Los Angeles Clippers.

The agreement includes a player option for the 2028-29 campaign.

Leonard was entering the final season of a three-year, $149.5-million contract. He was eligible for up to $126 million on the new deal but reportedly took $11 million less to give the Raptors financial flexibility, per Charania. Leonard also waived his $7.5-million trade kicker in Toronto's swap with L.A.

Jeremiah Smith breaks Ohio State record

Jeremiah Smith stands alone in Ohio State's storied history of wide receivers.

Smith is now the all-time leader in receiving yards in program history following a 23-yard reception Saturday in the first quarter against Kent State, pushing him past Michael Jenkins' career total of 2,898.

Will Derrick Henry break all time record?

Emmitt Smith believes Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is capable of breaking his record as the NFL's all-time rushing yards leader.

"It's possible," Smith said, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "Derrick Henry is a bigger back. He takes great care of his body. He's in great shape."

Smith has held the rushing record for 24 years after amassing 18,355 rushing yards throughout his Hall of Fame career with the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals. He retired at 35, two years after breaking the record.

Hellebuyck suspended for not reporting to camp

The Winnipeg Jets suspended star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck for failing to report to training camp Wednesday.

Hellebuyck requested a trade this offseason and went public with the demand in August. He told the team he wouldn't be coming to camp.

Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will address the media Thursday.

Hellebuyck is under contract through 2030-31 at an $8.5-million cap hit. He has a full no-movement clause.

The 33-year-old posted an .895 save percentage and a 2.86 goals against average in 57 games for Winnipeg last season. Hellebuyck starred at the Olympics in February, backstopping the U.S. to a gold medal with a 41-save effort against Canada in the final.

Ducks sign Cutter Gauthier 6 Years

The Anaheim Ducks re-signed restricted free-agent forward Cutter Gauthier to a six-year contract, the team announced Tuesday. The deal carries a $13.5-million cap hit, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Gauthier's new contract makes him Anaheim's second-highest-paid player, trailing only Leo Carlsson's $18-million AAV. He's tied for the fifth-highest cap hit in the NHL next season with Vegas Golden Knights star Jack Eichel. Gauthier will be an unrestricted free agent upon the contract's expiration in 2032.

Carlos Correa out for the season

Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa won't be back this season, manager Joe Espada said Tuesday, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

Correa was attempting to return from ankle surgery for a torn tendon sustained in May after progressing quicker than expected.

"It's just the buildup, and every day we did a little bit more around the bases, the swinging on the field, the just being on the spikes for such a long time - it just kind of flared up on him," Espada said, per Kristie Rieken of the Associated Press. "And I think the smart thing to do right now is for Carlos to focus on next season."

The skipper added that the three-time All-Star didn't suffer a setback or any further injury to his left ankle.

Correa was nearing rehab games after recently taking reps at second base at the team's spring facility. The longtime shortstop started the season manning third base.

The 31-year-old finishes 2026 with three home runs, 16 RBIs, and a .787 OPS over 32 games.

Blackhawks name Bedard captain

The Chicago Blackhawks announced forward Connor Bedard as the 37th captain in franchise history Tuesday.

Patrick Kane and Tyler Bertuzzi will serve as Chicago's alternate captains.

Bedard succeeds Nick Foligno, who was traded to the Minnesota Wild last season.

At 21 years and 60 days old, Bedard is the second-youngest captain in Blackhawks history behind Jonathan Toews (20 years, 79 days).

Senators sign Drake Batherson to 8 Years

The Ottawa Senators signed forward Drake Batherson to an eight-year extension with an average annual value of $10.75 million, the team announced Tuesday.

The deal will contain $30 million in bonuses and a no-movement clause in the first four years, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

It's the largest contract in franchise history. Batherson was set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

Dodgers clinch playoffs

The defending two-time World Series champions qualified for a 14th consecutive year, tying the Atlanta Braves (1991-2005) for the longest streak in MLB history.

"It's hard to say it ever feels routine, but it is the expectation here," third baseman Max Muncy said postgame, according to Joe Reedy of the Associated Press. "I always laugh whenever we clinch a postseason spot, we just do a nice little toast. The guys that haven't been here, they kind of see that and they expect a little bit more. That happens when you clinch the division."

Los Angeles' magic number is down to three in its quest to win a 13th NL West title in 14 years.

Tarik Skubal allowed three hits with one walk and nine strikeouts over seven shutout innings to pick up the win.

Yankees clinch playoffs

Aaron Judge hit a three-run home run that capped a six-run eighth inning, and the New York Yankees beat the Minnesota Twins 8-3 Monday on a night they clinched their 61st postseason berth and ninth in 10 seasons.

Judge had been 3 for 20 with 11 strikeouts since returning last week after missing 84 games because of a fractured rib. Judge hit a cutter from A.J. Minter 415 feet into the second deck in left field for his 18th home run this season, his first since May 24.

His drive came a few minutes before Detroit beat Toronto, clinching a playoff berth for the Yankees.

Myles Garrett out with knee surgery

Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Myles Garrett will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery and end up on injured reserve.

Garrett has to miss a minimum of four games, and the Rams hope he can return at that point, Pelissero added.

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year has been dealing with the knee injury since training camp, but the issue received more attention after he was a nonfactor in the Rams' season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Garrett recorded zero sacks or tackles in Thursday's contest.

Montreal signs Kreider

Kreider had one year remaining on his deal with a $6.5-million cap hit when the Ducks cut him. Anaheim needed financial flexibility after signing Leo Carlsson to an $18 million annual contract, which was initiated by a lucrative offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Canadiens didn't make any notable additions this offseason after reaching the Eastern Conference Final in the spring. Kreider should bring valuable experience to a young Canadiens team and bolster a left side that previously lacked depth behind first-liner Cole Caufield.

Gavin McKenna excited to play with Matthews

Toronto Maple Leafs first overall pick Gavin McKenna believes he would be a good fit on the wing of captain Auston Matthews.

"To play with a player like that, of that caliber, would be pretty special," McKenna told reporters Friday. "I think we would suit each other pretty well. Him being an older veteran guy, I think I can learn a lot from him. Being the captain of the Leafs, just a lot to learn from him. He's an amazing player, and if I get that opportunity, I'm not gonna try and waste it."

McKenna noted he's played "a little bit" with Matthews this summer at informal sessions.

"He's unreal. He's fun to watch," McKenna said. "To play with him, he's super smart, and obviously he's got that release, so you kinda want to give him the puck when he's open and hope you get an assist."

McKenna is Toronto's first No. 1 pick since selecting Matthews atop the 2016 draft.

Bears sign Swift to 3 Year contract

The Chicago Bears are signing running back D'Andre Swift to a three-year, $33.75-million contract extension.

Swift's new deal includes $27.5 million in guaranteed money, Schefter adds. He was entering the final season of a three-year, $24-million contract that he signed in 2024 and was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

The 27-year-old set career highs in rushing yards (1,087), rushing touchdowns (9), and rushing success rate (54.7%) last season. His 62 first downs gained on the ground ranked eighth among all running backs, according to TruMedia.

Swift and Kyle Monangai made up one of the best rushing duos in the league last season, helping Chicago rank third in explosive run rate and sixth in EPA/rush.

Swift spent the first three years of his career with the Detroit Lions after being selected in the second round of the 2020 draft out of Georgia. He also played one season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023 prior to joining Chicago.

Golden Knights extend Mark Stone - 2 years

Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone agreed to a two-year extension with the franchise, the team announced Saturday.

The new deal carries a $9 million annual cap hit and ties the 34-year-old to Vegas through 2028-29.

The Canadian winger tallied a career-high 73 points in 60 games last season, ranking third on the Golden Knights in points behind Jack Eichel (90) and Mitch Marner (80). Stone's 28 goals also equaled his personal best in a single season with one team, matching the total he produced with the Ottawa Senators during the 2018-19 campaign before being traded to Vegas.

Stone potted seven goals with 12 assists during the Golden Knights' run to the Stanley Cup Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes earlier this year. The 34-year-old captain scored twice in the series against Carolina but finished with a minus-two as the Hurricanes claimed their second Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Packers sign Kraft 4 Years $92M

The Green Bay Packers and tight end Tucker Kraft agreed on a four-year, $75-million extension Saturday that could reach $92 million.

The new agreement reportedly includes a $26.5-million signing bonus, Schefter adds.

Kraft appeared in eight games last season before sustaining an ACL tear in Week 9. He posted 489 yards in 32 receptions prior to the injury, including six touchdowns. He's returned to practice during training camp and is expected to play in Green Bay's Week 1 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Angels plan to build $2.5B stadium

Incoming Los Angeles Angels owner Stan Kroenke plans to construct a $2.5-billion ballpark to replace Angel Stadium.

Kroenke agreed to buy the Angels from longtime owner Arte Moreno on Tuesday for a reported MLB-record price of $4 billion. The deal is expected to be finalized in the early stages of 2027.

The American billionaire's company built and owns SoFi Stadium - the home of the NFL's Los Angeles Rams - and the complex around it, which will be the site of the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Ronald Acuna breaks MLB record

Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a three-run homer to become the fastest player in major league history to reach 200 home runs and 200 stolen bases, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Washington Nationals 9-0 on Wednesday.

Sean Murphy homered for the third time in five games, a three-run shot in the sixth inning that broke a scoreless tie in a game that was interrupted by a 1-hour, 25-minute rain delay in the fourth.

Acuña followed with a drive to left-center in the seventh, his 14th of the season, to make it 6-0. He needed 904 games to reach the 200/200 club. Alfonso Soriano set the previous record at 929 games in August of 2006 while playing for the Nationals against the Braves.