Among the biggest moves in the leadup was the Boston Bruins and No. 1 goalie Jeremy Swayman reaching an eight-year, $66 million contract a day earlier and ending an impasse that looked like it could stretch into the season.

Transactions are continuing during the regular season as teams build toward a Stanley Cup or make moves for their long-term future. There are key dates to watch: the holiday roster freeze in December, the league’s break for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February and the trade deadline in early March.

Follow along here this season for signings, trades, transactions and other news from the NHL:

Oct. 10: Hurricanes-Lightning game postponed because of Milton

Saturday’s game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning has been postponed as the Tampa Bay area recovers from Hurricane Milton. The league said a makeup date would be announced as soon as it can be confirmed.

The Lightning are playing their season opener in Carolina on Friday. Saturday’s game was to be the start of a three-game homestand (also Tuesday and Thursday).

Amalie Arena got through the storm fine, though Tropicana Field, home of MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Florida, suffered major damage to its roof.

Oct. 10: Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner has surgery

Jenner had shoulder surgery to repair an injury he suffered during training camp and could miss up to six months.

‘Our hope is he can return before the end of the season,’ said Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Waddell. ‘His loss will be felt by our club, but we have a strong leadership group in place and players will be given an opportunity to take on greater roles on and off the ice.’

Boone, who finished second on the Blue Jackets last season with 22 goals and is the franchise leader in games played, has been the team’s captain since 2021-22.

Oct. 9: Linus Ullmark, Joey Daccord get contract extensions

Ullmark, who won the Vezina Trophy with the Bruins in 2022-03, was traded to the Ottawa Senators this offseason so Boston had the room to re-sign Swayman. Ullmark will get four years, $33 million from the Senators and have the same $8.25 million cap as Swayman.

Meanwhile, Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord received a five-year, $25 million extension. He filled in for Philipp Grubauer after that goalie’s injury last season and got the NHL’s first shutout in the Winter Classic. Both contracts will take effect next season.

Oct. 8: Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin turns down extension offer

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes posted on social media Tuesday that the New York Rangers offered Shesterkin an eight-year, $88 million contract, with an $11 million average annual value that would have eclipsed Carey Price’s high-water mark of $10.5 million. A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed those numbers to lohud.com, part of the USA TODAY Network.

It’s not a huge surprise that the 28-year-old Russian would reject it on the eve of New York’s season-opener in Pittsburgh. Another person familiar with the situation recently indicated the two sides have been far apart in negotiations, and that the chances of striking a deal before the start of the new season weren’t looking very promising. That could always change if Rangers team president Chris Drury decides to up the ante, but Shesterkin seems content to bet on himself and wait it out. – Vincent Z. Mercogliano, lohud.com

Also: The defending champion Florida Panthers announced after their opening victory that forward Carter Verhaeghe had agreed to an eight-year extension. It’s worth a reported $56 million.

Lionel Messi played the distance on a saturated, rain-soaked pitch as the Argentine National Football Team settled for a 1-1 draw against host Venezuela on Thursday in a qualifying match for World Cup 2026.

Argentina’s Nicolás Otamendi scored in the 13th minute to give the reigning World Cup champions an early 1-0 lead, but Venezuela’s Salomón Rondón scored a header inside the box to tie the match in the 65th minute.

However, the pitch at Monumental Stadium of Maturin was the story in this match. The field was severely drenched as large amounts of rainwater visibly rose from the surface every time a player has made a play on the ball.

Representatives from both clubs convened to discuss the playing surface, where stadium workers attempted to roll out the water from the saturated field before and during a 30-minute weather delay until the match began.

‘The truth is that it was very difficult to play like that. The match became very ugly, very tight,’ Messi said after the match.

“I don’t want to say much, but the pitch was not in good condition for play, at least today,” Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni added.

Messi missed two shots during the match as players from both teams navigated the conditions, which affected how they played their touches and passes throughout the match. The good news for Messi: It was his first match with the national team since he suffered a right ankle injury in the Copa America final on July 14.

‘It was a long wait to play again. It was a long time away, missing matches for the club. But I’m happy to be back,’ Messi said.

The good news for Argentina: They remain atop the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings with 19 points despite the draw. It was Argentina’s first draw since a 1-1 tie against Ecuador on March 30, 2022 during qualifying for the last World Cup, which they won.

‘Unfortunately we had to adapt to these circumstances, and we couldn’t take the three points,’ Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul said of not being able to win.

And Argentina avoided a second straight loss, which has not happened since 2016. Messi was not with Argentina for a 3-0 win over Chile on Sept. 6, and a 2-1 loss to Colombia on Sept. 10 in a rematch of the Copa America final.

Along with the playing conditions, Argentina’s travel plans were impacted by Hurricane Milton and Venezuelan travel restrictions. The team left Miami and had a layover in Colombia before arriving late Wednesday night in Maturin, Venezuela. They trained during the week at Messi’s Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami, and were unable to fly directly from the United States and Argentina to the country for the match.

Argentina, the reigning World Cup and two-time defending Copa America champions, has lost just four times in the last 67 matches they’ve played.

Messi and Argentina will play Bolivia at Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET (9 p.m. Argentina time).

‘I’m happy to be playing in Argentina again on Tuesday,’ Messi said.

Here are highlights from today’s Venezuela vs. Argentina match:

Messi misses shot inside the box: Venezuela 1, Argentina 1

Lionel Messi could only smile after his shot was blocked by Venezuelan goalie Rafael Romo in the 73rd minute. Messi was unable to play the stellar pass from Rodrigo De Paul.

Salomón Rondón goal: Venezuela 1, Argentina 1

We have a tied game in the second half after Venezuela scored the equalizer.

Salomón Rondón scored a header inside the box, and Venezuela has tied the match 1-1 in the 65th minute.

Rondón received a stellar pass from Yeferson Soteldo, who was credited with the assist.

Halftime update: Argentina leads Venezuela 1-0

It’s been a wet and sloppy affair between both teams as the saturated pitch has played its part. Players are kicking up rain water with every move they make, and the conditions have affected how both teams have attacked in the first half.

Lionel Messi missed a shot in the 31st minute just outside the box, playing the ball after a pass because second and third touches are disrupted by the wet field.

Argentina leads 1-0 thanks to Nicolás Otamendi’s goal in the 13th minute.

Nicolás Otamendi goal: Argentina 1, Venezuela 0

Lionel Messi’s free kick was blocked by Venezuelan goalie Rafael Romo, and Nicolás Otamendi tapped in the rebound to give Argentina an early 1-0 lead in the 13th minute.

How to watch Venezuela vs. Argentina live stream?

The game is available for live stream on Fanatiz with a subscription.

What time does the Venezuela vs. Argentina match start?

It was supposed to begin at 5 p.m. ET, but is ‘delayed due to bad weather.’ While the weather is ideal, the playing field is not, saturated with rain and causing the match to be delayed.

Is Messi playing today in Venezuela?

Yes, Messi is expected to be in action today against Venezuela. He was listed as a starter.

Messi made his injury return with Inter Miami on Sept. 14. He has played in five games, scoring four goals and helping Inter Miami secure the MLS Supporters’ Shield. The regular-season title marked No. 46 for club and country in Messi’s legendary career.

“Messi is fine. He played several games for his team in recent weeks, after not being in the last call-up, which was what we had agreed because he needed to recover and get more minutes,” Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni said this week. “Leo is training with the squad and is ready to be part of the team to play against Venezuela, who will be a great rival.”

Is Argentina on upset alert? Here are betting odds vs. Venezuela

Is Argentina in danger of losing their second consecutive match? The oddsmakers don’t believe so. Argentina is the favorite (-175) to win vs. Venezuela (+525), while a draw after regulation has +270 odds, according to BETMGM.

Which teams have beaten Argentina? Here are the last 4 losses

Before the 2-1 loss to Columbia, Argentina last lost to Uruguay in World Cup qualifying last November 2023, Saudi Arabia in the 2022 World Cup opener and Brazil in the Copa America 2019 semifinal.

Argentina leaves Miami before Hurricane Milton

The World Cup champions were unable to fly from Argentina or the United States directly to Venezuela due to travel restrictions by the Venezuelan government. They departed Miami with a layover in Barranquilla, Colombia before arriving in Maturín, Venezuela on Wednesday night.

Argentina trained this week in Fort Lauderdale at the facility of Inter Miami, Messi’s Major League Soccer club. Those plans were made before the threat of Milton, a Category 3 storm that made landfall in Florida late Wednesday.

Messi, Argentina upcoming schedule

Messi and Argentina will return home for a second match Tuesday against Bolivia at 8 p.m. ET.

Then, Messi will return to South Florida for Inter Miami’s regular-season finale on Oct. 19. The MLS Cup Playoffs begin Oct. 25. 

ESPN hired former NFL quarterback Cam Newton as a regular contributor to primarily appear on the morning show ‘First Take,’ the network announced Thursday.

Newton will make his debut Friday during a taping at Tennessee State University as part of the show’s HBCU roadshow.

“I’ve always brought passion and energy into everything I do, and that won’t change at ESPN,” Newton said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to share my perspective and go toe-to-toe with the best in the business. Fans can expect the same intensity I brought to the field, along with real talk, bold takes, and good fun.”

Newton joins hosts Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, with other commentators Shannon Sharpe and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo.

Newton played 11 seasons with the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots, last appearing with the Panthers during the 2021 season.

Newton won the Heisman Trophy at Auburn and also led the Tigers to the national championship in 2010 before the Panthers selected him as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. He won the Rookie of the Year award after throwing for 4,051 yards and 21 touchdowns.

He led the Panthers to the Super Bowl in 2015 in a season where he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year.

Newton, a three-time Pro Bowler, was 75−68−1 as a starting NFL quarterback, throwing for 32,382 yards with 194 touchdowns and 123 interceptions and also rushing for 5,628 yards and 75 scores on the ground.

Time and healing. 

That’s the reality check when it comes to the status of Russell Wilson. The veteran quarterback was a full participant in a Pittsburgh Steelers practice for the first time in weeks on Wednesday, his nagging right calf injury having progressed to the point that suggests coach Mike Tomlin’s big decision about inserting Wilson into the starting lineup could come as early as this weekend with the team (3-2) looking to snap a two-game losing streak. 

Yes, Justin Fields has been better than many may have expected as the fill-in quarterback, fueling the hot takes that the 35-year-old Wilson may never get the starting nod. It’s the stuff that quarterback controversies are made of. And it has had serious legs (no pun intended) ever since Wilson came up lame during the first week of training camp in July and Fields showed flashes every step of the way to raise the stakes. 

But let’s face it: The Steelers did not lure Wilson to Pittsburgh to have him not get a legitimate shot to revive a career with two Super Bowl appearances on the resume. 

Great, Fields, 25, has proven viable and maybe a promising long-term option. He’s avoided sacks left and right behind an inconsistent offensive line, using his nifty feet to scoot left and right to get out of trouble. He’s forced opposing defenses to be on alert for the designed runs that new coordinator Arthur Smith probably won’t be calling much with Wilson. And Fields’ ball-security has been tight, evidenced by his one interception through five games and a pass efficiency rating (97.1) that would be the highest of his career if it holds up for the whole season. 

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Yet Fields has some limitations, too, which was on display during the 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, when his 131 passing yards came with a longest completion of 21 yards. The Steelers missed some opportunities for some explosive plays, as Tomlin pointed out, that might have made a difference. It makes you wonder how much more explosive the Steelers offense could be with Wilson slinging it. 

We’ll see. With Fields still taking the first-team reps on Wednesday, Tomlin might not make the switch before the matchup at the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. There’s no rush, and the extra healing time for Wilson can’t hurt. Never mind that Wilson came back working with the No. 2 unit. As Tomlin put it, “We’re in a different place now.” 

Tomlin insisted that he won’t wade into hypotheticals (at least not intentionally) when it comes to the timeline with Wilson. Hey, you can’t blame him. The Steelers thought Wilson was fully healed at the end of preseason, when Tomlin named him the starter. Then the quarterback was re-injured three days before the opener at Atlanta. The process now includes assessing how Wilson’s calf responds to the increased workload and whether it holds up over consecutive days. 

Still, Tomlin added of the potential switch, “The door is ajar.” 

Speaking of hypotheticals, it’s possible that Fields could have made a stronger case – like 5-0, with the NFL’s highest-scoring offense – but that is surely not what’s happening now. Wilson, whom Tomlin declared was in the “pole position” for the starting job after both quarterbacks arrived in March, doesn’t move like he used to, or like Fields does now. But Tomlin was undoubtedly drawn to experience gained by the 13th-year veteran in the big moments. If they can support him with a strong running game (likely) and with consistent protection (less likely), Wilson might be able to capture at least some of the magic that existed during his heyday with the Seattle Seahawks. 

During a training camp visit, Wilson was so fired up about Smith’s offense, with its reliance on the running game and play-action passes. If history is any indication, he will bring his knack for throwing deep with accuracy – hence, the explosive plays that have been lacking. That should inspire, for one, George Pickens, the talented receiver who has been the subject of his own controversy this week with his effort and comportment questioned. 

If Wilson is that guy, why did Denver cut him loose? The Broncos are paying Wilson nearly $40 million this season, and even if they had designs on drafting Bo Nix (chosen 12th overall), they might have kept Wilson for the transition. 

Or maybe not, as it turned out. Broncos coach Sean Payton was likely never sold on the quarterback he inherited in a shotgun-marriage arrangement – or, after giving it a try, he turned sour on the idea last season. In any event, clean slate. 

That, too, looms as a potential advantage for the Steelers. They’ve got a vet on their hands with maybe an extra edge of having something to prove. Tomlin has downplayed that narrative, maintaining that the league is full of players (and coaches) fueled by some extra motivational juice. The same can be said for Fields, obtained from the Chicago Bears, or for that matter for Smith, fired as the Atlanta Falcons coach. 

Regardless, Wilson is on the brink of getting another big shot. If he’s washed up, it will be revealed. With a chance to improve to 4-2 this weekend, at least the Steelers have a decent option with Fields. 

Transitioning to Wilson, though, looms as an even better option. 

We will never know all the ways Rafael Nadal had to stretch and massage and manipulate his body, how much pain medication he had to take and how much torture he had to endure to make the Vamos magic happen this long.

He didn’t always like to talk about those details, especially in the heat of competition. With Nadal, there were no excuses, no gray areas. You either got it done or you didn’t. You either suffered or you failed. And no matter the result, you always remained grateful if you got the chance to try again. 

But a couple years ago, we got some idea about the lengths he was willing to go just to squeeze a little more competitive juice out of his broken body. 

After winning the 2022 French Open – the tournament that would be his 22nd and final Grand Slam title – Nadal revealed that his chronic left foot condition had gotten so bad that the only way he could play was a series of injections that essentially put the foot to sleep for two weeks. 

Asked how many shots it took to get him on the court, Nadal deadpanned: ‘It’s better you don’t know.’

Nadal, 38, announced Thursday that the end of his professional tennis career will take place next month after one more time playing for Spain in the Davis Cup. 

The choice of this event is deeply symbolic. In the 2004 Davis Cup final, with Nadal having just one minor ATP title on his résumé, he upset No. 2 Andy Roddick to lead Spain over the Americans. As Roddick wrote Thursday on X, ‘I knew tennis earth was in a lot of trouble.’

There was a lot of trouble – more than anyone could have imagined. He owned the clay, winning a mind-bending 14 Roland Garros titles. He adapted his game to finally conquer grass, beating his great rival Roger Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final that many experts consider the best match ever played. He thrived on the energy of New York, winning four US Open titles. And in Australia, where he suffered so many close calls, heartbreaks and injuries, his second title there in 2022 – coming from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev in the final – stands as one of the sport’s all-time marvels. 

Not bad for a guy who was diagnosed with Muller-Weiss syndrome – essentially an arthritic foot condition – back in 2005. Not bad for a guy with bad knees, a back problem, hip issues and rib cage tears. Not bad for a guy who played such a bruising, physical, never-say-die style that his colleagues wondered whether his body could last a decade in the sport. 

Every time, Nadal kept battling back, kept pushing his limits, kept winning titles. 

But eventually it was too much. Though it’s sad to see a sporting icon and all-time great say goodbye, nobody who has paid attention for the last two years can feel bad about this decision. 

If anything, it’s relief. There is no need to suffer anymore for the sake of this sport. He’s done enough. 

Ever since that last French Open title, it hasn’t been the same. Nadal made the Wimbledon semifinals a few weeks later but had to withdraw after suffering a large abdominal tear in a five-set quarterfinal win over Taylor Fritz. Every attempt to play after that, sadly, seemed worse than the last. 

Though Nadal kept trying to come back and stave off retirement talk, there was little progress. Even at this year’s Olympics, which Nadal desperately wanted to try and win one last medal in Paris, he was barely competitive. The message his body sent him was unmistakeable. It was time. 

Nadal’s exit from the sport means that Novak Djokovic is the last of tennis’ Big Four standing. Federer has been gone for a couple years now. An injury-ravaged Murray was forced to say goodbye at the Olympics. And Djokovic, who is playing fewer and fewer tournaments and failed to win a major this year, probably isn’t too far behind. 

It’s the end of an amazing era, but as Nadal said in his goodbye video message, everything has a beginning and end. 

He did it all. He did enough. Suficiente.

(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)

Former NFL Network journalist Jim Trotter has settled his lawsuit. But he did more than that. He won.

He won because Trotter accomplished something that’s almost impossible to do. He stood toe-to-toe with one of the most powerful institutions in the country and fought them to a standstill. He won because Trotter created the Work, Plan, Pray Foundation. The website describes the mission of the foundation this way: ‘(It will) aid students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities with scholarships and resources as they pursue degrees in sports journalism and sports management.’

He won because he’s brave. He won because fighting a massive corporation is tough, brutal and lonely stuff, and yet he still did it. He won because you find out who your true friends are when you take this type of bold action.

‘Someone asked me once when this all first happened,’ Trotter said in an interview with USA TODAY Sports, ”What is it that I want?’ I said I wanted positive change. I think (this settlement) is a big step towards that.’ Trotter later added: ‘I wanted to hold the NFL accountable.’

Trotter’s story may not get the most attention or clicks but it still is important and historic. Trotter’s goal was to bring attention to the NFL Network newsroom that he says lacked people of color as key decision-makers in a space where the majority of players are people of color.

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The reason Trotter’s actions hit a lot of Black journalists directly in the heart is because many newsrooms have this issue. Trotter’s case is a proxy for a number of people who have battled this problem. He’s been a beacon, fighting the good fight.

It all started in 2023 when Trotter, during the Super Bowl news conference with Commissioner Roger Goodell, asked about the lack of Black executives and news editors in NFL Media, which is owned by the league. Trotter announced about a month later that his contract had not been renewed with the NFL.

Trotter sued the NFL for retaliation in 2023 alleging his contract hadn’t been renewed because of his questioning of Goodell at that news conference. Trotter’s lawsuit also accused Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula of making discriminatory comments when asked about player protests, and the NFL’s diversity efforts. Jones and Pegula denied making those comments.

‘People think I have animosity toward the NFL,’ Trotter said in February 2024. ‘I do not. I don’t at all. All I’m asking the NFL to do is to be what it says it is. And, as journalists, isn’t that our job? To hold the people in power accountable. To make sure that their actions reflect their words.’

Trotter took on the underbelly of not just the NFL but ostensibly also many different workplaces. This is a remarkable thing that shouldn’t be forgotten.

Trotter also didn’t just talk about these things. With his foundation, he’s backed those words with action.

‘As someone who has been a professional journalist for nearly four decades, it pains me that more African Americans are not at the table when determining what is a story, who will cover a story, and how a story will be framed, particularly when it involves African American athletes, coaches and executives,’ Trotter said on the foundation’s website. ‘Too often, these individuals’ life experiences and cultural experiences are not represented during coverage discussions, which ultimately contributes to a mistrust of the media.’

The name of the foundation, Trotter explained, comes from the late Junior Seau, whom Trotter covered while writing for the San Diego Union-Tribune.

‘Seau was a giving soul who often ended speaking engagements by reminding the audience to work for today, plan for tomorrow, and pray for the rest,’ Trotter explained on the foundation’s website. ‘I could think of no greater way to thank him and carry on his legacy of giving than by amplifying his words in the name of this foundation.’

Yes, Trotter settled this lawsuit.

But actually, he won it. In any number of ways.