After almost two days of defenders working out in Indianapolis, the offense finally had their time to shine.

Quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs made their case on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium, all hoping to etch their name onto someone’s draft card in late April. The running backs stole the show, putting their speed on display, while quarterbacks struggled without the top of the class participating.

As for the receivers, Isaiah Bond put all eyes on him heading into the day after promising to break the 40-yard dash record.

He fell short of that goal by a sizable margin, but his teammate, Matthew Golden, made himself a household name with a blazing 4.29. That mark was the position’s best and the top time of the day, checking in just behind Friday’s winner, Maxwell Hairston.

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There was plenty of talent on display, but perhaps the biggest takeaway was the talent that didn’t take part on Saturday. Top NFL draft prospects Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Ashton Jeanty and Tet McMillan all remained on the sidelines after opting to skip drills.

Where today’s participants stack up with those holdouts will be left to mystery, but the door was open for the remaining players to make some noise.

Here’s a look at the results and how everything unfolded on Saturday during Day 3 of the NFL combine.

Day 3 of the NFL combine comes to a close

The last group of receivers and quarterbacks have finished up in Indianapolis, putting a bow on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL combine. Just the offensive lineman remain for this year’s event and they will take the field on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Quarterbacks official 40-yard dash times

Only three quarterbacks participated in the 40-yard dash this year. Here’s how they performed:

Brady Cook, Missouri: 4.59
Tyler Shough, Louisville: 4.63
Seth Henigan, Memphis: 4.76

Wide receivers official 40-yard dash times

The NFL has posted its official times for all wide receivers that participated in this year’s 40-yard dash. Here’s how the top 10 looks after both groups of wideouts finished running:

Matthew Golden, Texas: 4.29
Dont’e Thornton Jr., Tennessee: 4.30
Chimere Dike, Florida: 4.34
Jaylin Lane, Virginia Tech: 4.34
Arian Smith, Georgia: 4.36
Tai Felton, Maryland: 4.37
KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Auburn: 4.37
Jordan Watkins, Mississippi: 4.37
Isaiah Bond, Texas: 4.39
Jaylin Noel, Iowa State: 4.39

Tennessee WR Dont’e Thornton Jr. sets fastest 40 mark in his group

Thornton, who measured in at 6-foot-5, 205 pounds, ran an unofficial 4.30-second 40-yard dash, which led every wide receiver in the second group to run the drill.

His 4.30 mark, if official, would also rank second of all wideouts, behind only Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden and his 4.29-second time with the first group of receivers.

Iowa State’s Jaylin Noel sets top mark for WRs in vertical, broad jumps

Noel tied Miami (FL) receiver Sam Brown Jr. for the top spot among receivers with a 41.5-inch vertical leap. Noel’s 11-foot-2-inch broad jump surpassed Brown to set the high mark for wideouts.

The Iowa State product’s numbers showcase his impressive explosiveness at the position. He’ll run the 40-yard dash with the second group of wide receivers shortly.

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe hand measurement increase

Milroe’s hands were measured at 8 3/4 inches at the Senior Bowl a few weeks ago. At the NFL combine, Milroe’s hands measured in at 9 3/8 inches, half an inch bigger than they were in Mobile, Alabama.

Official 40-yard dash times for first wide receivers group

The NFL has confirmed official times for the first batch of wide receivers’ 40-yard dashes. Here’s how the top 10 shook out:

Matthew Golden, Texas: 4.29
Chimere Dike, Florida: 4.34
Tai Felton, Maryland: 4.37
Isaiah Bond, Texas: 4.39
Luther Burden III, Missouri: 4.41
Tory Horton, Colorado State: 4.41
Elijhah Badger, Florida: 4.43
Elic Ayomanor, Stanford: 4.44
Sam Brown Jr., Miami (FL): 4.44
Jimmy Horn Jr., Colorado: 4.46

Quarterbacks begin on-field throwing to receivers

The first group of receivers finished running their 40-yard dash attempts and going through the gauntlet drill. A few moments later, they started running routes for the quarterback prospects to start throwing on the field.

Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart, Texas’ Quinn Ewers, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel and Ohio State’s Will Howard are among the first group of throwers.

Texas wideout Isaiah Bond runs 4.40-second 40-yard dash

According to his second unofficial time, Bond was unable to break the 4.4-second mark in the 40-yard dash. He had told reporters Friday that he expected to break former teammate Xavier Worthy’s 4.21-second record at this year’s combine.

Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond runs a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash

Bond, who was expected to be one of the fastest prospects at the NFL combine, clocked an unofficial 4.41-second time in his first try at the 40-yard dash.

Only two quarterbacks run the 40-yard dash

Missouri’s Brady Cook and Memphis’ Seth Henigan were the only two signal-callers to run with the first group at the NFL combine. Cook ran an unofficial 4.60, and Henigan reached 4.77.

The first batch of wide receivers started running their 40s a few minutes after Henigan’s second run.

Quarterbacks warming up ahead of on-field workouts

The running backs’ portion of on-field drills is over, and the quarterbacks have started to warm up ahead of their session.

Notably absent are Miami (FL)’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, both of whom opted out of working out at the combine this week. Both players will work at their respective pro days instead: Ward in Coral Gables on March 24, and Sanders on a March date to be announced.

Running backs 40-yard dash results

The 40-yard dash times for running backs are now official. History will show that Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten turned in the fastest time for the position in 2025, clocking in at 4.32, while Texas’ Jaydon Blue finished with a 4.38. SMU’s Brashard Smith was the only other running back to finish with a sub-4.40 40-yard dash, posting a 4.39. Here’s a look at the top-10:

Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech: 4.32
Jaydon Blue, Texas: 4.38
Brashard Smith, SMU: 4.39
RJ Harvey, UCF: 4.40
Montrell Johnson Jr., Florida: 4.41
Trevor Etienne, Georgia: 4.42
DJ Giddens, Kansas State: 4.43
TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State: 4.43
Donovan Edwards, Michigan: 4.44
Jarquez Hunter, Auburn: 4.44

Cam Skattebo injury: RB prospect doesn’t run 40-yard dash

Skattebo made headlines for his decision to skip most of the drills at the NFL combine. His most notable absence came in the 40-yard dash, something many evaluators and fans wanted to see from the Arizona State running back. NFL Network’s Stacy Dales reported on the broadcast that Skattebo is dealing with a left hamstring injury that is considered to be a ‘low-grade’ issue.

He put on a show in front of a national audience at the Peach Bowl against Texas and now looks primed to be a name to watch at the NFL draft. Skattebo turned in 143 rushing yards, 99 receiving yards, 42 passing yards, scored two touchdowns and threw for another in a losing effort. While the Sun Devils didn’t advance, football fans were looking forward to his performance at the NFL combine. The focus now shifts to Arizona State’s pro day, where Skattebo is expected to run.

Bhayshul Tuten runs 4.32 in second attempt

Turns out, this Hokie was just getting warmed up. Tuten turns on the jets and posts a 4.32 in his second attempt, separating himself from the pack with that run.

Jaydon Blue doesn’t break 40-yard dash record

Blue said earlier in the week that he would break the record set by the Kansas City Chiefs’ Xavier Worthy last year. He suggested he would run around 4.10 or 4.20, but the results said otherwise. After two runs in the 40-yard dash, Blue didn’t beat Worthy’s 4.21 time. The Texas running back instead posted a 4.39 in his second attempt after running a 4.40 the first time around.

Bhayshul Tuten runs first sub-4.40 40-yard dash for RBs

The Virginia Tech running back posted an unofficial 4.38 in his first attempt. That is the best of any running back thus far, beating out Texas’ Jaydon Blue in what’s been a fairly speedy class thus far.

Day 3 of the NFL combine begins

We are off and running, literally, on Day 3 at the NFL combine. The running backs are up first as Ole Miss’ Ulysses Bentley IV gets us going with a unofficial 4.62.

How to watch the NFL combine today

Date: Friday, Feb. 28
TV channel: NFL Network
Live stream: Fubo

NFL Network will carry the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine from Thursday through Sunday.

For those who want to live stream the event, Fubo carries NFL Network. Fubo also comes with a free trial.

Watch the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine with Fubo (free trial)

What time does the NFL combine start today?

Start time: 1 p.m. ET

The quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers all will take the field at 1 p.m. ET. That makes for a full day of workouts and drills, potentially the longest of the combine.

NFL combine schedule

Here is how the schedule of events looks for combine week in Indianapolis:

Placekickers, defensive linemen, linebackers:

Media availability session, kicking workout: Wednesday, Feb. 26
Measurements and on-field workout: Thursday, Feb. 27
Bench press, departure: Friday, Feb. 28

Defensive backs, tight ends:

Media availability session: Thursday, Feb. 27
Measurements and on-field workout: Friday, Feb. 28
Bench press, departure: Saturday, March 1

Running backs, quarterbacks, wide receivers:

Media availability session: Friday, Feb. 28
Measurements and on-field workout: Saturday, March 1
Bench press, departure: Sunday, March 2

Offensive linemen:

Media availability session: Saturday, March 1
Measurements and on-field workout: Sunday, March 2
Bench press, departure: Monday, March 3

Fastest NFL combine 40-yard dash time

Through two days at the combine, the fastest time belongs to Kentucky DB Maxwell Hairston. Hairston posted a 4.28 official time during Friday’s DB workouts and drills.

USA TODAY Sport’s Nick Brinkerhoff contributed to this article.

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said at the NFL combine they would honor Deebo Samuel’s trade request. Lynch made good of his word.

The 49ers have agreed to trade Samuel to the Washington Commanders, a person familiar with the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade isn’t official yet. San Francisco will receive a fifth-round pick in exchange.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report the trade.

The trade won’t be official until the new league year on March 12. The trade is also pending a physical.

“There’s a lot of love there,’ Lynch said of Samuel at the NFL combine. ‘There’s a lot of respect there. There’s a lot of shared experiences. So, to let that go, that’s difficult.’

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The Commanders official X page had some fun with the trade, posting an image of Deebo, a character from the movie ‘Friday.’

San Francisco originally drafted Samuel in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft.

The versatile wideout is known for his ability to make plays with the football, whether it’s catching passes or running with the football out of the backfield.

Samuel has 334 receptions, 4,792 receiving yards, 22 touchdown catches, 1,143 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns in six seasons.

Samuel’s best year came in 2021 when he tallied career highs in catches (77), receiving yards (1,405), rushing yards (365), rushing touchdowns (8) and yards from scrimmage (1,770). He was named a first-team All-Pro for his 2021 performance.

The Commanders are hoping Samuel can tap into his 2021 form after what was a down final year in San Francisco.

Samuel joins a Commanders team led by NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year quarterback Jayden Daniels. He bolsters a talented offense that includes Terry McLaurin, running back Brian Robinson Jr. and veteran tight end Zach Ertz.

The early aches, pains and twinges have arrived. So, too, have all the veteran signees who didn’t find a job until spring training was well underway.

So just how do the 30 major league teams stack up with one month until Opening Day?

USA TODAY Sports’ first power rankings of this baseball season begin as the last ended – with the Los Angeles Dodgers on top. Yet some big winter movers have wedged their way into the top 10, while a handful of teams who have already experienced some attrition got dinged, ever so slightly.

OFFSEASON GRADES: Big-spending teams ace the test but who got an F?

We’ll be back before first pitch to give these a fine-tuning, but for now, we can offer a semi-scientific look at the landscape as Grapefruit and Cactus League play unfold.

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

A look at our inaugural 2025 rankings:

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

You know you’re deep when the best a guy with a $182 million contract can do is get the Domestic Opening Day start.

2. Philadelphia Phillies

The deepest group in a three-team NL East chase.

3. New York Yankees

Felt like just enough shakeup after coming so close – though a third baseman would be nice.

4. Arizona Diamondbacks

Kinda scary they won 89 games with Corbin Carroll hitting .213 through the first 94 games.

5. Atlanta Braves

Spencer Schwellenbach may be the glue of this rotation.

6. Baltimore Orioles

How soon will Samuel Basallo bang down the door to Baltimore?

7. New York Mets

Perhaps Juan Soto tucked a few hits in the cab of Brett Baty’s truck.

8. San Diego Padres

Is Tirso Ornelas primed to grab a full-time spot in the lineup?

9. Texas Rangers

Joc Pederson counted on for a lot in the middle of that lineup.

10. Detroit Tigers

Matt Vierling’s rotator cuff strain puts a little more pressure on Jace Jung.

11. Boston Red Sox

Brayan Bello likely won’t be ready for first turn around the rotation.

12. Cincinnati Reds

Anticipating a lot of Matt McLain content in this space going forward.

13. Houston Astros

‘Left fielder Jose Altuve’ will take some getting used to.

14. Chicago Cubs

Nico Hoerner to miss opening series in Tokyo.

15. Seattle Mariners

Reliever Trevor Gott, slugger Rowdy Tellez among the late camp additions.

16. Kansas City Royals

After a year in Japan, Thomas Hatch aiming for spot on pitching staff.

17. Toronto Blue Jays

Daulton Varsho making steady progress in bid to return by Opening Day.

18. Milwaukee Brewers

So far, so good for Brandon Woodruff in live BP sessions on road back from shoulder surgery.

19. Cleveland Guardians

Larry Dolan’s passing puts son Paul – already the control person – firmly in the spotlight.

20. Tampa Bay Rays

Shane McClanahan already named Opening Day starter.

21. San Francisco Giants

Slugging prospect Bryce Eldridge getting first base tips from guest Gold Glove instructor J.T. Snow.

22. St. Louis Cardinals

Thomas Saggese poised to snag bigger role should Nolan Arenado trade go down.

23. Minnesota Twins

One spring-training scare could have been much, much worse.

24. Pittsburgh Pirates

Versatile Jared Triolo getting some looks at first base.

25. Washington Nationals

Kyle Finnegan remains a National, after all.

26. Los Angeles Angels

Zach Neto’s repaired shoulder won’t be ready by Opening Day.

27. Athletics

Union keeping close eye on condition of temporary digs in Sacramento.

28. Colorado Rockies

Top pitching prospect Chase Dollander looking crisp in early exhibition action.

29. Miami Marlins

Sandy Alcantara, your Opening Day starter, already topping 100 mph in Grapefruit League.

30. Chicago White Sox

Broken hand puts Andrew Benintendi out into April.

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Lionel Messi will not play for Inter Miami in Sunday’s match against the Houston Dynamo. He did not travel with his Inter Miami teammates to Houston, a team club spokesman said Saturday. 

The reason: Messi needs to rest — a decision made by Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano. 

Along with ticket-paying fans, Messi’s presence will be missed by MLS and Apple as the match is the featured game in the second edition of ‘Sunday Night Soccer” — a primetime showcase created by Major League Soccer and Apple TV this season. The match is available to watch Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass and Apple TV+.

Messi is not injured, Inter Miami says. He is expected to play again Thursday when it hosts Jamaican league champions Cavalier FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 matchup. 

However, Inter Miami will play its first eight games of the season in a span of 28 days. The club’s upcoming schedule consists of five matches in 15 days, with three of them coming on the road. 

Messi started the first three matches of the year, and has scored two goals with two assists. 

Messi helped Inter Miami beat Sporting Kansas City 1-0 on Feb. 19, playing the distance in subfreezing temperatures in Kansas City, Kansas to start the year. 

Messi had two assists and played the entire match in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw to open the MLS season Saturday against New York City FC. He was also fined by the league’s disciplinary committee for inappropriately squeezing the back of an opposing coach’s neck as the match concluded. 

Messi scored a goal and played just 68 minutes as Inter Miami beat Sporting KC again 3-1 last Tuesday, to advance 4-1 on aggregate score to the Round of 16 in the Concacaf Champions Cup tournament.

The Houston match is the fourth in a 12-day stretch for Inter Miami. Houston (0-0-1) and Inter Miami (0-1-0) each are looking for their first MLS win of the season Sunday. 

Messi has played in Houston at least four times during his career, most recently with Argentina during the Copa America last summer. 

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is on pace to pass Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goal record before season’s end.

Ovechkin, 39, entered this season needing 42 goals to break Gretzky’s record of 894 career goals, which has stood since 1999. The Washington captain has 31 goals this season and needs 11 more with 22 games left to become the NHL’s all-time leader.

Ovechkin scored 15 times in his first 18 games before suffering a fractured left fibula during a Nov. 18 game against the Utah Hockey Club. He has scored 16 times since he returned on Dec. 28.

This season, he moved into second place with 20 consecutive 20-goal seasons and set a record for number of goalies scored against in his career. He tied records for game-winning goals and most franchises against which he has a hat trick. And he became the first player to score 200 goals in three different decades.

If he doesn’t reach Gretzky’s goal record this season, he has one more season left on his contract.

Here’s where Ovechkin stands in his chase of Gretzky’s goal record:

(Stats through Saturday, March 1)

How many goals does Alex Ovechkin have?

Ovechkin has 884 career goals.

How many goals does Alex Ovechkin need to pass Wayne Gretzky?

Ovechkin needs 11 goals to break Gretzky’s record.

How many goals does Alex Ovechkin have this season?

Ovechkin has 31 goals and 17 assists in 44 games. Factoring in the 16 games he missed, that is a 46-goal pace, giving him a chance to break the record this season.

What did Alex Ovechkin do in his last game?

Ovechkin scored the Capitals’ lone goal in a 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He scored in the third period, taking control of a loose puck and ripping a shot from the slot past Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. Ovechkin had three shots in the game.

When is Alex Ovechkin’s next game?

The Capitals play Monday, March 3 at home against Ottawa. Ovechkin has 38 goals in 59 career regular-season games against the Senators.

Alex Ovechkin goals in 2024-25

Oct. 19: 1 vs. New Jersey
Oct. 23: 1 vs. Philadelphia
Oct. 29: 2 vs. N.Y. Rangers
Oct. 31: 1 vs. Montreal
Nov. 2: 1 vs. Columbus
Nov. 3: 1 vs. Carolina
Nov. 6: 1 vs. Nashville
Nov. 9: 2 vs. St. Louis
Nov. 17: 3 vs. Vegas
Nov. 18: 2 vs. Utah
Dec. 28: 1 vs. Toronto
Dec. 29: 1 vs. Detroit
Jan. 2: 1 vs. Minnesota
Jan. 4: 1 vs. N.Y. Rangers
Jan. 11: 1 vs. Nashville
Jan. 16: 1 vs. Ottawa
Jan. 23: 1 vs. Seattle
Jan. 30: 1 vs. Ottawa
Feb 1: 1 vs. Winnipeg
Feb. 4: 1 vs. Florida
Feb. 6: 1 vs. Philadelphia
Feb. 23: 3 vs. Edmonton
Feb. 25: 1 vs. Calgary
March 1: 1 vs. Tampa Bay

Alex Ovechkin career goals breakdown

Even strength: 559, third overall

Power play: 320, a record

Short-handed: 5

Empty net: 64, a record

Game winners: 135, tied for first with Jaromir Jagr

Overtime goals: 27, a record

Multi-goal games: 178, second overall

Goalies scored against: 181, a record

Hat tricks: 32, tied for fifth overall. Ovechkin has hat tricks against 20 franchises, tying Brett Hull’s record.

20-goal seasons: 20, tied for second

30-goal seasons: 19, a record

40-goal seasons: 13, a record

Alex Ovechkin empty-net goals

Ovechkin has a record 64 empty-net goals, but Gretzky is up there, too, with 56. Ovechkin passed Gretzky in that category last season.

Alex Ovechkin goals per season

Season: Goals, career total

2005-06: 52, 52
2006-07: 46, 98
2007-08: 65*, 163
2008-09: 56*, 219
2009-10: 50, 269
2010-11: 32, 301
2011-12: 38, 339
2012-13: 32*, 371
2013-14: 51*, 422
2014-15: 53*, 475
2015-16: 50*, 525
2016-17: 33, 558
2017-18: 49*, 607
2018-19: 51*, 658
2019-20: 48*, 706
2020-21: 24, 730
2021-22: 50, 780
2022-23: 42, 822
2023-24: 31, 853
2024-25: 31, 884

*-led league in goals that season

NHL all time goal leaders

The top 21 NHL all-time goal scorers all have 600 or more goals. All of the players are in the Hockey Hall of Fame, except Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby and Jagr, who are still playing.

1. Wayne Gretzky, 894 goals in 1,487 games

2. Alex Ovechkin, 884 goals in 1,470 games

3. Gordie Howe, 801 goals in 1,767 games

4. Jaromir Jagr, 766 goals in 1,733 games

5. Brett Hull, 741 goals in 1,269 games

6. Marcel Dionne, 731 in 1,348 games

7. Phil Esposito, 717 goals in 1,282 games

8. Mike Gartner, 708 goals in 1,432 games

9. Mark Messier, 694 goals in 1,756 games

10. Steve Yzerman, 692 goals in 1,514 games

11. Mario Lemieux, 690 goals in 915 games

12. Teemu Selanne, 684 goals in 1,451 games

13. Luc Robitaille, 668 goals in 1,431 games

14. Brendan Shanahan, 656 goals in 1,524 games

15. Dave Andreychuk, 640 goals in 1,639 games

16. Jarome Iginla, 625 goals in 1,554 games

17. Joe Sakic, 625 goals in 1,378 games

18. Bobby Hull, 610 goals in 1,063 games

19. Sidney Crosby, 610 goals in 1,331 games

20. Dino Ciccarelli, 608 goals in 1,232 games

21. Jari Kurri, 601 goals in 1,251 games

The Philadelphia 76ers started the season with contender expectations.

With good reason. They had Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey and what looked like roster depth.

The Sixers will finish the final six weeks of the regular season with eye on the lottery, hoping they get a top-six pick in the draft.

With Friday’s announcement from the 76ers that Embiid, a five-time All-NBA selection, is out for the remainder of the season with an ailing left knee, they need to lose as many games as possible.

As part of a 2020 trade with Oklahoma City, the Sixers sent the Thunder a 2025 first-round pick. However, that pick is protected for picks 1-6 in 2025, so if the Sixers end up in the top six, they keep the pick. Right now, they have the sixth-worst record in the league. If it falls outside of the top six, the Thunder will have another lottery pick. The draft lottery is May 12.

The Sixers should tank, and it would be franchise malpractice if they didn’t do what was allowed under the rules to keep that pick. Make sure Quentin Grimes, Justin Edwards, Adem Bona, Lonnie Walker IV, Ricky Council and Jared Butler are getting minutes for their development.

The way the system is set up, it benefits the Sixers to lose games. No matter your view on tanking, if the Sixers want to improve the roster, getting a top-six pick or better in a deep 2025 draft class is vital to that mission.

Regardless of Embiid’s status next season – and the Sixers are hopeful he can still be a productive player – keeping that selection and adding another young player is what the front office led by 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey should focus on.

A month ago, the Sixers were 19-27, in a virtual tie for 10th place in the East and owners of the ninth-worst record in the league. Since then, the Sixers have lost 11 of 12 games and are in 12th place in the East. According to tankathon.com, Philadelphia has the fifth-easiest remaining schedule. But without Embiid and the postseason slipping away – the 12th-place Sixers are now three games behind 10th-place Chicago for the final play-in game spot – there are no sure victories.

What are the 76ers’ draft lottery odds?

The way the NBA draft lottery works, the Sixers – based on the sixth-worst record – have a 9% chance of winning the No. 1 pick, a 37.22% chance of moving into the top four and a 45.8% of staying in the top-six entering play Saturday. It also means they have a 54.2% of falling out of the top six, which means the pick would go to Oklahoma City. However, you take your chances with those odds and hope the pick stays instead of conveys.

Toronto is 1½ games behind Philadelphia so the Sixers dropping a spot in the standings and improving their odds is possible. They are also just a game behind 11th-place Brooklyn.

Who are the projected top picks in the 2025 NBA draft?

Executives and scouts have had their eyes on this draft class for at least a couple of years. It looks like a strong class and deep among potential lottery picks. This is versatility, too, depending on team needs.

Duke’s Cooper Flagg is the projected No. 1 pick, and after that, Rutgers’ Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, Illinois’ Kasparas Jakucionis, Duke’s Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach, Texas’ Tre Johnson, Georgia’s Asa Newell, UConn’s Liam McNeeley and BYU’s Egor Demin are among projected top-10 picks.

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The saga of boxer Claressa Shields is unfolding.

She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist. A three-time undisputed world champion. But, at 29, the self-proclaimed ‘GWOAT’ (Greatest Woman Of All-Time) is facing a question involving her integrity.

Could Shields have tested positive for marijuana even if she never used the drug?

According to Shields, that’s what happened after her last boxing match, a victory over Danielle Perkins Feb. 2 at Dort Financial Center in her hometown of Flint, Michigan. The drug test results have not been publicly released, but Shields has said a saliva test detected ‘trace’ amounts of marijuana, a prohibited substance in competition for professional fighters in Michigan.

Ten days after dominating Perkins in a fight that improved Shields’ record to 16-0 and elevated her to undisputed heavyweight champion came the gut punch. She was suspended by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission (MUCC), which regulates boxing in the state, and such discipline generally is upheld by other states.

But she’ll soon get a chance to contest the decision.

On March 6, during a pre-hearing meeting before an assistant attorney general, Shields will request her suspension be revoked, according to her lawyer, David Slutsker. ‘We will present evidence … and be open to any questioning they have,” Slutsker told USA TODAY Sports. Depending on the outcome, a formal hearing could follow.

For now, Shields faces a 90-day suspension, a possible fine and newly surfaced claims about her possible exposure to the drug.

Other boxers tested positive

Shields was not the only boxer on the Feb. 2 card to test positive for marijuana. Eight of the 16 boxers on that night’s card were drug tested by swab, and three tested positive for marijuana, according to Dmitry Salita, the promoter of the show, and Shields’ attorney, Slutsker.

‘That number is highly unusual for a single boxing event, particularly one featuring Claressa and other elite athletes,” Salita said. ‘Given the circumstances, it’s important to review the testing protocols to ensure consistency and fairness.”

Joe Hicks, a middleweight from Michigan, confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that he tested positive for marijuana. Salita said the other boxer who tested positive for marijuana was Skylar Lacy, a heavyweight from Indiana, who did not respond to USA TODAY Sports’ requests for comment left by voicemail, text message and social media.

Hicks, who is 12-0 as a pro boxer, said he worried about potential consequences because he works for an insurance company where ‘you can lose your job for taking any drugs without a prescription.

‘When they called, I was, like, wow,’ he said of learning of the results. ‘I don’t take drugs.’

Adding he was also surprised to hear Shields tested positive, Hicks speculated that marijuana smoke inside the Dort Financial Center in Flint triggered the positive tests.

‘Oh man, it was everywhere,’ he said. ‘I’m not exaggerating. … I was getting dressed to take pictures with my family; it was like a big cloud of weed. When you go in the bathroom, it’s just a big cloud of smoke that hits you. You smell nothing but marijuana.’

Marijuana is legal in Michigan but banned at Dort Financial Center. However, Salita and Shields’ manager, Mark Taffet, said the smell was noticeable.

‘The hallways smelled horrible,’ Taffet said. ‘… Like where (Shields) took the post-fight (drug) test, that sort of ring of hallway around the building, that smelled terrible.’

Jeremy Torrey, general manager of the Dort Financial Center, declined to comment to USA TODAY Sports.

Secondhand smoke a risk?

Whether secondhand smoke can cause a non-smoker to test positive for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana that produces a psychoactive effect, depends on the exposure conditions, according to a 2015 study published in Journal of Analytical Toxicology.

The study, which focused on ‘extreme cannabis smoke exposure conditions tolerable to drug-free nonsmokers,” reported, ‘Positive tests for THC in oral fluid and blood were obtained for nonsmokers up to (three hours) following exposure.”

But the study also concluded, ‘positive tests are likely to be rare, limited to the hours immediately post-exposure, and occur only under environmental circumstances where exposure is obvious.”

A 2004 study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology reported, ‘Passive exposure to cannabis smoke in an unventilated room has been shown to produce a transient appearance of THC in oral fluid for up to 30 (minutes). However, it is well known that such factors as room size and extent of smoke exposure can affect results.”

Salita, the promoter, said, ‘The amount detected was negligible and consistent with potential secondhand exposure rather than personal use.”

Shields had said the saliva test showed ‘trace’ levels of marijuana in her system, but she has not publicly released the test results.

What Shields may challenge

Victor Conte, who describes himself as a ‘dietary supplement and training adviser” for Shields, said the boxer told him she had concerns about how her saliva test was administered after her fight Feb. 2.

According to Conte, Shields told him the drug testing kit was torn before the test was administered. Conte also said Shields told him the man who administered the test had no backup kit and used a towel to ‘push it back together.”

‘I don’t want to get into all the irregularities,” Conte said, adding, ‘They didn’t follow protocol.”

Shields has drawn criticism for working with Conte, who was the mastermind behind the BALCO steroids scandal that two decades ago tarnished the reputations and accomplishments of Barry Bonds, Marion Jones and dozens of other professional athletes. Conte has since repositioned himself as a leader in the anti-doping movement and works with multiple champion boxers, including Terence Crawford.

Shields is sponsored by SNAC, Conte’s supplement company, and the deal includes financial support, according to Conte.

Conte indicated another issue likely to be addressed at the hearing is Michigan’s use of saliva tests, also known as oral fluid tests and conducted with a swab.

“Swab tests have a number of disadvantages compared with urine and blood analysis,’’ James Fitzgerald, head of media relations for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), told USA TODAY Sports. “They are less accurate and do not allow quantitative analysis, more limited in the number of substances that can be identified, and more prone to contaminations. They have never been considered robust enough for the level of scientific quality required under the World Anti-Doping Code.’’

How drug testing works in Michigan

The MUCC, which regulates boxing in the state, contracts a third-party testing company to provide the ‘oral fluid’ drug tests so a fighter can be tested immediately after the contest, according to Abby Rubley, director of communications for Michigan’s licensing and regulatory affairs. The agency assists the MUCC with drug testing and other matters.

‘These tests are processed by a globally recognized laboratory with all the appropriate controls and procedures in place,” Rubley said by email. ‘A positive specimen is always independently verified by a medical review officer to determine if the positive result has a legitimate medical explanation and ensure the accuracy of the testing process.

‘Additionally, oral fluid testing is best at detecting recent drug use, which supports the overall purpose of the drug testing laws and rules to prevent those with the presence of controlled substances, alcohol, enhancers, etc., from competing in unarmed combat events in this state.”

But last week, Shields’ manager posted on Facebook a copy of a lab result indicating Shields took a urine test that detected no marijuana in her system. The urine sample, according to what Shields posted, was collected Feb. 8, six days after the post-fight saliva test showed marijuana in her system.

Marijuana can be detected in urine for between three and 30 days after use, according to Mayo Clinic Laboratories, and detected in saliva for up to 24 hours after use, according to the Council on Drugs and Alcohol.

‘The moment I received the saliva test result, I acted immediately to schedule a follow-up urine test to ensure complete clarity,” Shields wrote on Instagram and provided a timeline of the drug testing.

In hopes of clearing his name, Hicks said, he also paid for a urine test. A copy of the results shared with USA TODAY Sports shows no marijuana was found in Hicks based on a urine sample collected Feb. 14, two weeks after the event.

Confusion in Michigan

WADA tests for marijuana and allows a threshold of 150 ng/mL – about 50 times the amount Shields’ camp has said drug test results show was in her system. But the Michigan boxing commission has no allowable limit.

In Michigan, marijuana is legal for recreational and medicinal use. But according to Weatherspoon, marijuana is prohibited for contestants at boxing events because the drug is illegal under federal law.

“So the fighters, who don’t really know about the federal guidelines, they think it’s OK,’’ Weatherspoon said.

The Michigan commission posts a list of prohibited substances on its website.

Boxing is regulated state-by-state, and ‘numerous” state boxing commissions do not test for marijuana anymore, said Mike Mazzulli, president of the Association of Boxing Commissions. The change has occurred as legalization of marijuana for recreational use has expanded to 24 states.

Salita, the promoter, said Shields has never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs or marijuana. Before Shields’ fight in February, according to Salita, she was enrolled for testing with the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), which uses urine and blood tests.

“The results confirmed both fighters tested negative for PEDs,’’ he said.

VADA does not test for marijuana. Shields is offering no apologies.

‘I stand by who I am, a clean athlete with nothing to hide,” she said in a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports. ‘While this situation is frustrating, I’m confident the truth will come out. I’m grateful to my family, team, fellow athletes, and everyone who’s shown support – your belief in me means everything. I’ll continue to fight with pride as the people’s champion and The GWOAT.’

President Donald Trump says he would pardon all-time hits leader Pete Rose, more than three decades after he was banned for life after an investigation found that he bet on baseball.

After years of denials, Rose finally admitted to gambling on baseball games in 2003. However, he said he never bet on his own team, the Cincinnati Reds, which he managed at the time of his banishment.

 ‘Now he is dead, will never experience the thrill of being selected, even though he was a FAR BETTER PLAYER than most of those who made it, and can only be named posthumously. WHAT A SHAME!’ Trump posted on social media.

‘Over the next few weeks I will be signing a complete pardon of Pete Rose, who shouldn’t have been gambling on baseball, but only bet on his team winning, He never betted against himself, or the other team. He had the most hits, by far, in baseball history, and won more games than anyone in sports history.’

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Trump did not specify which crime would cover the pardon, as Rose pleaded guilty in 1990 to two federal charges of filing false income tax returns and spent five months in prison.

Rose is still the MLB’s all-time leader in hits (4,256), games played (3,562), at-bats (14,053), and singles (3,215). He won three World Series championships, was a 17-time All-Star, and a three-time NL batting champion.

Free agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs has filed a lawsuit against a social media influencer, alleging he’s the victim of abuse and an extortion plot.

In a lawsuit filed in Harris County, Texas on Wednesday, Diggs claims that defendant Mia Jones ‘assaulted (him) and destroyed his valuable property’ during an altercation at his Houston apartment on June 7. Diggs alleges Jones then threatened to ‘destroy his career’ by going public with another version of events if he didn’t pay her. The complaint also names Brianna ‘Brii’ Mack, a friend of Jones present during the incident, as a defendant.

‘In the weeks and months that followed, Jones and Mack both individually, and with the assistance of counsel try to use their newly-spun tail of abuse to extort millions of dollars from (Diggs). But plaintiff has refused to bend to defendant’s extortionate conduct,’ reads the lawsuit, which was obtained by USA TODAY Sports on Thursday.

Stefon Diggs says he was threatened with ‘dangerous weapon’

According to the suit, Diggs was involved in a ‘casual relationship’ with Jones and occasionally granted Jones access to his apartment in downtown Houston. During the early hours of June 7, Diggs alleges that an ‘intoxicated’ Jones became irate at him after returning to his apartment from a night of partying. The lawsuit says Jones refused to leave, despite being asked, and destroyed Diggs’ gaming system, $130K watch and phone during her tirade. The altercation eventually escalated to blows, Diggs claims.

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‘Jones punched (Diggs) in the chest multiple times,’ the lawsuit says. ‘On several occasions, Jones threatened plaintiff with a dangerous weapon, including a firearm Jones had stowed in the apartment.’

Jones reportedly sought medical attention after the incident for nausea and vomiting and denied suffering ‘physical abuse of any kind.’ She returned to the hospital one week later, claiming she had been ‘punched in the back of the head with a closed fist.’ Diggs denied all allegations, stating that ‘any physical contact (Diggs) had with Jones throughout her onslaught was to defend himself from her abuse.’

Diggs is seeking damages for ‘defendant misconduct and the destruction of his property.’

Mia Jones claims Diggs ‘assaulted her’

Jones, who appeared on the reality TV show ‘Basketball Wives: Orlando,’ addressed the lawsuit on her Instagram and maintained that Diggs assaulted her. She also accused Diggs of pushing a ‘fabricated story’ to ‘get ahead of the truth.’

‘On June 7th, I was assaulted from behind by Stefon Diggs at our residence, an incident that resulted in a concussion,’ wrote Jones, who disclosed photos of her hospital discharge paperwork from June 7 confirming a ‘concussion’ and ‘minor closed head injury.’

Jones added: ‘Months later when the mediation HIS LEGAL TEAM REQUESTED did not pan out in his favor, I was struck with this FABRICATED STORY publicly. This is clearly an attempt to try and get ahead of the truth that is to come. I WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATES NOR SILENCES. Having to relive this moment is very traumatic for me… Domestic violence is something I do not wish on anyone and everything that is done in the dark will come to the light. ‘

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The NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching.

So far, the NHL season had two blockbuster trades before the 4 Nations Face-Off break. Mikko Rantanen was dealt by the Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes and J.T. Miller was traded by the Vancouver Canucks to the New York Rangers.

Also this season, the Avalanche have changed up their goaltending, and the Dallas Stars acquired Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci from the San Jose Sharks.

Other moves will be made in the coming days as teams beef up for the playoffs or move veterans for draft picks and prospects.

Here is analysis on the deals that have happened leading up to the NHL trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET on March 7.

March 1: Wild acquire Gustav Nyquist from Predators

The Minnesota Wild give up a 2026 second-round pick to the Nashville Predators, who retain 50% of pending unrestricted free agent Gustav Nyquist’s $3.185 million salary. Minnesota is need of help at forward help because of injuries to Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek. Though Nyquist has struggled along with the Predators this season, he had 75 points last season. This is the second time the Wild have made a deadline deal for Nyquist. They previously acquired him in 2023 and he had five points in three regular season games plus five points in six playoff games. He signed with the Predators as a free agent in July 2023.

March 1: Avalanche acquire Ryan Lindgren from Rangers

The Colorado Avalanche acquired defenseman Ryan Lindgren from the New York Rangers in a five-player deal involving two draft picks. The Rangers retain 50% of the Lindgren’s salary. He plays a top-four role, which Colorado has needed after trading Bowen Byram last season, and kills penalties. Lindgren, who had two recent two-assist games but often seems to get hurt, and forward Jimmy Vesey are pending unrestricted free agents, so the Rangers get something in return. Juuso Parssinen, 24, is a pending restricted free agent who played a depth role in Colorado. This is his second trade of the season. De Haan is a pending UFA with 676 games of regular season experience.

Feb. 24: Red Wings trade Ville Husso to Ducks

The Detroit Red Wings get goaltender Ville Husso’s $4.75 million cap hit off their books. Husso has played only nine games with the Red Wings and had spent much of the season in the American Hockey League. Detroit receives future considerations in the deal. The Anaheim Ducks sent Husso to the AHL’s San Diego Gulls, where goalie Calle Clang is out with an injury.

Feb. 1: Stars acquire Mikael Granlund, Cody Ceci from Sharks

The Dallas Stars give up a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional third-round pick for forward Mikael Granlund and defenseman Cody Ceci. Dallas was short on both positions because forwards Tyler Seguin and Mason Marchment are injured, as are defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Nils Lundqvist.

Granlund led the Sharks with 45 points in 52 games and will add to a solid forward group, especially with Marchment getting closer to returning. Ceci led San Jose in ice time and blocked shots. Both newcomers are pending unrestricted free agents. The conditional third-round pick will be a fourth-rounder if the Stars don’t reach the Stanley Cup Final.

Jan. 31: Rangers acquire J.T. Miller in deal with Canucks

The New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks, two teams in the midst of disappointing seasons, swung a big trade Friday night they hope will shake things up for the better.

Vancouver shipped center J.T. Miller along with Erik Brannstrom and Jackson Dorrington to the Rangers in exchange for Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini and a conditional first-round pick in the 2025 draft, the teams announced. The pick is top-13 protected, according to multiple reports.

The Canucks weren’t done dealing Friday, either, flipping that first-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a separate deal, along with Danton Heinen, Vincent Desharnais and Melvin Fernstrom. They got back Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor. – Jace Evans

ANALYSIS: Who won the trade?

Jan. 31: Flyers, Flames swap forwards in four-player trade

Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost went to Calgary and Andrei Kuzmenko, Jakob Pelletier, a 2025 second-round pick and a 2028 seventh-rounder went to Philadelphia. The deal was announced early Friday morning following the two teams’ games.

Farabee, a two-time 20-goal scorer, and Frost, who has hit double digits three times, can give the Flames scoring depth as the team tries to hold on to a playoff spot. Farabee is signed through 2027-28 and Frost is a pending restricted free agent.

Kuzmenko, a pending unrestricted free agent, wasn’t going to be re-signed in Calgary after the former 39-goal scorer (with Vancouver) had four goals this season. But it gives the Flyers a chance to see how he fares with Russian rookie Matvei Michkov, a fellow former Kontinental Hockey League player. Pelletier can fit in the Flyers’ bottom six forward group and kills penalties. He’ll be a restricted free agent.

Jan. 31: Golden Knights sign Brandon Saad for rest of the season

Not a trade, but the Vegas Golden Knights made an addition ahead of the deadline. They signed forward Brandon Saad (pro-rated $1.5 million) for the rest of the season after he was cut loose by the St. Louis Blues. The Blues had waived the two-time Stanley Cup winner, but the sides agreed to terminate the rest of his contract so he could become a free agent. Saad’s numbers (seven goals) have dropped off this season, but he scored 26 last season.

Jan. 27: Islanders acquire Scott Perunovich from Blues

The New York Islanders give up a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick for Scott Perunovich to address another injury on their blue line. The trade was announced after Ryan Pulock (upper body) was placed on the injured list. Perunovich had six points in 24 games with the St. Louis Blues this season. Last week, the Islanders signed free agent defenseman Tony DeAngelo for the remainder of the season because Noah Dobson is out with a lower-body injury.

Jan. 24: Mikko Rantanen traded in blockbuster deal

The Colorado Avalanche no longer have to worry whether they can fit pending free agent Mikko Rantanen in their salary structure. The two-time 100-point scorer was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for Martin Necas, Jack Drury, a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-rounder. The Hurricanes also get Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks, who retained 50% of Rantanen’s salary.

The Avalanche pay MVP Nathan MacKinnon $12.6 million a year, and that was likely their top limit for Rantanen. Though Colorado loses a prolific scorer, Necas is the Hurricanes’ top scorer and is signed through next season. Drury is also signed through 2025-26 and will be a restricted free agent.

Last year, the Hurricanes were also aggressive before the deadline, but they lost in the second round and weren’t able to re-sign Jake Guentzel.

Dec. 28: Nashville Predators, Colorado Avalanche make trade

The Nashville Predators called up forward Vinnie Hinostroza, the American Hockey League’s leading scorer, then traded forward Juuso Parssinen to the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche also get a 2026 seventh-round pick and the Predators get back forward Ondrej Pavel and a 2027 third-round pick.

Hinostroza, a 374-game NHL veteran, signed a two-year deal with the Predators in the offseason but had spent the entire season in the AHL. So has Pavel. Parssinen had five points in 15 games with Nashville this season. The Predators and Avalanche swapped backup goaltenders earlier in the season.

Dec. 18: Rangers trade Kaapo Kakko to Kraken

The New York Rangers get back defenseman Will Borgen and 2025 third- and sixth-round picks in exchange for Kaapo Kakko, the No. 2 overall pick of 2019. The trade happened less than a day after Kakko complained about being a healthy scratch. ‘It’s just easy to take the young guy and put him out,’ he said Tuesday. ‘That’s how I feel.’

Kakko, 23, has never matched the expectation of being that high a pick, getting 40 points in his top season in 2022-23. He has 14 points this season and was named by Finland to the 4 Nations Face-Off.

The trade is the second recent shake-up move by the sliding Rangers, who dealt captain Jacob Trouba, a defenseman, to the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 6. Borgen, who was taken by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft, had 20 or more points and averaged nearly 200 hits the past two seasons but has just two points and a minus-13 rating this season.

In other Dec. 18 trades:

The Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators swapped defensemen with Justin Barron, 23, heading to Nashville in exchange for Alexandre Carrier, 28. Carrier signed a three-year deal this offseason and gives the Canadiens a veteran right-shot defenseman. The Predators save $2.6 million in cap space.

The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired defenseman P.O. Joseph from the St. Louis Blues for future considerations. Joseph will help the Penguins with defenseman Marcus Pettersson out with an injury. Joseph played his first four NHL seasons with Pittsburgh.

Dec. 14: Blues acquire Ducks’ Cam Fowler in trade

The St. Louis Blues give up minor league defenseman Jeremie Biakabutuka and a 2027 second-round pick to land defenseman Cam Fowler, 33, who spent his entire NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks. St. Louis also gets a 2027 fourth-round pick and the Ducks retain about 38.5% of Fowler’s remaining salary.

The Blues, who will be without Torey Krug (ankle) this season, get a veteran defenseman who averages more than 21 minutes a game in ice time. Fowler was moved eight days after the Ducks acquired defenseman Jacob Trouba in a trade.

Dec. 9: Avalanche land Mackenzie Blackwood in goalie trade with Sharks

The Colorado Avalanche’s season-opening goaltending tandem of Alexandar Georgiev and Justus Annunen is out after a subpar start. Now they’re running with Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood after separate trades with the San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators, respectively.

The Blackwood trade is the latest one and includes forward Givani Smith and a draft pick going to Colorado, while forward Nikolai Kovalenko and two picks go to San Jose. Blackwood has a .904 save percentage to Georgiev’s .874, and he made 49 saves in his last game. Georgiev was pulled in his second-to-last start.

Dec. 6: Rangers trade Jacob Trouba, extend Igor Shesterkin

The sliding New York Rangers dominated the news Friday by trading captain Jacob Trouba and giving Igor Shesterkin an eight-year extension that makes him the highest-paid NHL goalie.

The Rangers officially announced the extension on Saturday.

The Trouba trade happened first Friday with the Rangers getting back defenseman Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth-round pick. But the biggest part is the Anaheim Ducks took on Trouba’s $8 million cap hit, giving the Rangers flexibility. Trouba, who has struggled this season and didn’t waive his no-trade clause this summer, adds a veteran presence to the young Ducks. He and new teammate Radko Gudas are two of the hardest hitters in the league.

Shesterkin will average $11.5 million in his new deal, according to reports, moving him past Carey Price ($10.5 million) as the top-paid goaltender. The Rangers rely heavily on Shesterkin, who faces a lot of high-danger shots.

Also: The Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens pulled off a minor trade. Forward Jacob Perreault, son of former NHL player Yanic Perreault, heads to Edmonton for defenseman Noel Hoefenmayer.

Nov. 30: Wild acquire defenseman David Jiricek from Blue Jackets

The Minnesota Wild acquired former first-round pick David Jiricek, 21, from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a package that includes 22-year-old defenseman Daemon Hunt and a package of draft picks including a top-five protected 2025 first-round pick. Jiricek, a 2022 sixth-overall pick who had been sent to American Hockey League, will report to the Wild’s AHL team. The other picks heading to Columbus: 2026 third- and fourth-rounders and a 2027 second-rounder. The Wild get a 2025 fifth-round pick.

Nov. 30: Predators, Avalanche swap goaltenders

The Colorado Avalanche acquired backup goalie Scott Wedgewood from the Nashville Predators for backup goalie Justus Annunen and a sixth-round pick. The Avalanche, who have the league’s third-worst team goals-against average, were expected to make some sort of goaltending move but not necessarily this one. Annunen, 24, has slightly better stats this season, but he’s a restricted free agent at the end of the season. Wedgewood, 32, who was signed in the offseason and played five games for the Predators, has another year left on his contract.

Nov. 25: Penguins acquire Philip Tomasino from Predators

Philip Tomasino (one point in 11 games) is the final year of his contract so the struggling Nashville Predators get something in return, a 2027 fourth-round pick. The equally struggling Pittsburgh Penguins get another person for their bottom six. The former first-round pick’s best season was 32 points as a rookie in 2021-22.

Nov. 12: Capitals reacquire Lars Eller in trade with Penguins

Center Lars Eller, 35, is a familiar face for the Washington Capitals after playing in Washington from 2016-23 and winning a Stanley Cup there in 2018. He kills penalties and is strong in the faceoff circle. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ side of the trade might be more interesting. They get a 2027 third-round pick and a 2025 fifth-rounder, and this also could be an indication that the Penguins are shaking up the roster after a disappointing start. Eller’s trade will allow the team to give more ice time to younger players. He’s a pending unrestricted free agent.

Oct. 30: Sharks acquire Timothy Liljegren from Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs get defenseman Matt Benning, a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-rounder. Liljegren, 25, had been limited to one game in Toronto this season, and the Maple Leafs recently committed to blue-liner Jake McCabe with a five-year extension. But Liljegren should fit in well in San Jose, which is building around younger players. Benning, 30, and Liljegren are signed through 2025-26.

This is the second day with an NHL trade after none previously since the season opened in North America.

Oct. 29: Utah acquires defenseman Olli Maatta from Red Wings

The Utah Hockey Club gives up a third-round pick as it addresses a desperate need for a veteran defenseman. Sean Durzi and John Marino are out long-term after surgery. Utah has been leaking goals during a four-game losing streak, including blowing a 4-1 lead late in the third period against the previously winless San Jose Sharks. Maatta is solid defensively and has nearly 700 games of NHL experience.