Inside the League
The names. The moves. The stories behind the sport.
Gavin McKenna set for Toronto Maple Leafs preseason debut vs. Montreal Canadiens on Saturday
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that 2026 NHL Draft No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna will make his preseason debut on Saturday night when Toronto hosts the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena. The NHL.com report also says McKenna is expected to skate on a line with center John Tavares and right wing William Nylander.
Niko Tsakiris returns to form as San Jose Earthquakes feature in MLSsoccer.com spotlight
Niko Tsakiris, a San Jose Earthquakes homegrown No. 10, is highlighted for a breakout stretch after returning from a groin injury, including a goal and two assists in a 3-2 win over San Diego FC. MLSsoccer.com also ties his resurgence to the Earthquakes’ upcoming “Walmart Saturday Showdown” against LAFC at Levi’s Stadium.
José Mourinho visits Madring track as F1 marks capital’s new Grand Prix
In an exclusive conversation with F1.com, Real Madrid manager José Mourinho spoke at the Madring circuit about his long-standing passion for Formula 1, what he says football and F1 share under pressure, and why he considers the Spanish capital’s new Grand Prix especially meaningful for him.
Drew Doughty named 15th captain of Los Angeles Kings, with leadership group updated
The National Hockey League’s Los Angeles Kings announced Drew Doughty as their 15th team captain, appointing Adrian Kempe as an alternate and keeping Mikey Anderson in that role while Artemi Panarin joins as the third alternate captain. Doughty emphasized his goal of winning a Stanley Cup after taking over following Anze Kopitar’s retirement.
Martin Brodeur says Jack Hughes is taking greater responsibility with the New Jersey Devils
NHL Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur, a New Jersey Devils executive vice president of hockey operations, says Jack Hughes has returned to the Devils prepared to lead and take on a bigger role after winning gold with Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
Red Bull to assess Hadjar before Azerbaijan return decision
Laurent Mekies says Isack Hadjar’s recovery remains on course, with simulator work to help determine whether he can return in Baku.
Mike Babcock says Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will start Oilers season on same line vs. Canucks
Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock says Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will open the season together as two-thirds of the team’s top line when the Oilers host the Vancouver Canucks on Sept. 29.
Patrick Kane opens Chicago Blackhawks training camp as alternate captain, ahead of Sept. 29 season opener
The NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks began training camp on Thursday with Patrick Kane set as an alternate captain, and the team’s leadership group also includes Connor Bedard as captain. Kane, entering his 20th NHL season and second stint with Chicago, is on a two-year contract signed July 23.
Alex Ovechkin marks 22nd Capitals camp, opened with new teammates and confirms return on a one-year deal
The Washington Capitals began Alex Ovechkin’s 22nd NHL training camp with new faces on the ice and a focus on roster depth as Ovechkin enters his 41st season following a one-year contract signed July 2.
William Nylander says he’s “super excited” to start Maple Leafs training camp on a line with Gavin McKenna
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander said he is “super excited” after being placed on a line with 2026 NHL Draft No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna and captain John Tavares on the first day of training camp, with head coach Jim Hiller describing the pairing as a fit shaped by McKenna living at the Tavares family home.
San Jose Sharks sign coach Ryan Warsofsky to multiyear contract
The San Jose Sharks announced they have signed head coach Ryan Warsofsky to a multiyear contract, extending the deal for the 37-year-old who was hired on June 13, 2024.
Seth Jarvis skates in noncontact jersey as Carolina Hurricanes recover ahead of shoulder-surgery timeline
Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis, recovering from right-shoulder surgery performed in late June, skated in a noncontact jersey during the team’s first training camp practice on Thursday and said he feels “ahead of schedule.” The Hurricanes also said restricted free agent defenseman Alexander Nikishin will not be at camp because he is not under contract, while preparations continue for the season opener against the Florida Panthers at Lenovo Center on Sept. 29.
Winnipeg Jets open camp without Connor Hellebuyck as team keeps contract goalie in limbo
Winnipeg Jets teammates began training camp Thursday without Connor Hellebuyck after the team suspended him for failing to report. Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said the franchise is seeking the right deal and is not willing to simply trade him away.
Dylan Larkin says Detroit Red Wings trade request ‘wasn't easy’ and remains unclear
Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin said Thursday that requesting a trade was not easy and that he does not regret making the request, but he declined to clarify where the situation stands or whether it has any path to resolution.
FC Cincinnati signs homegrown goalkeeper Connor Dale
FC Cincinnati announced the signing of homegrown goalkeeper Connor Dale, locking the 16-year-old US youth international into the club’s roster through the 2028-29 MLS season, with club options for 2029-30 and 2030-31.
Nashville SC hosts Robert Lewandowski and the Chicago Fire in key Eastern race
MLS Supporters’ Shield leaders Nashville SC will look to lock down an Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs spot when they welcome Chicago Fire FC on Saturday night at GEODIS Park. The matchup features a major star confrontation, with Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar and Robert Lewandowski set to square off in a pivotal Eastern Conference battle.
Cavan Sullivan leads 12 MLS call-ups as USMNT names 28-man roster for September/October friendlies
Philadelphia Union homegrown midfielder Cavan Sullivan headlines 12 MLS players named to USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s 28-man roster for the September/October 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle friendlies. The United States will play Peru and Chile, followed by Mexico and Canada.
Cadillac appoints Marcin Budkowski as Team Principal and says return to F1 has been “a bit of a shock to the system”
Marcin Budkowski, newly appointed Team Principal of Cadillac, said his return to Formula 1 has been a “bit of a shock to the system” as the American team continues building its first season. Budkowski replaced Graeme Lowdon just before the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August and spoke ahead of last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix about adapting to the sport’s speed and focus on establishing the right people, priorities and operational reliability.
Burna Boy to headline Steelers–Saints halftime show in Paris
The NFL has announced Burna Boy for the October 25 Steelers–Saints game at Stade de France, the first regular-season NFL game in France. The performance is part of a record seven international halftime shows in 2026.
Kelsey Mitchell joins Wilson and Miles in WNBA MVP discussion
A WNBA.com analysis highlights Mitchell’s scoring for Indiana alongside A’ja Wilson’s two-way impact and Olivia Miles’ rookie season in Minnesota.
Yuki Tsunoda says his biggest 2025 mistake at Red Bull was trying to replicate Max Verstappen’s setup
Speaking on the official F1 podcast Beyond the Grid, Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda revisited his 2025 spell with Red Bull and said his biggest mistake was attempting to replicate Max Verstappen’s setup rather than maintaining his own approach. He also discussed how he has impressed during his 2026 Racing Bulls cameos, including results in Zandvoort and Monza while covering for Liam Lawson after Isack Hadjar’s injury.
Mercedes draws level with Ferrari atop F1 power unit win charts after Kimi Antonelli’s Spanish GP win
Formula 1’s published historical review says Mercedes has added to its victory tally via Kimi Antonelli’s win at the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix, tying the German manufacturer with Ferrari at the top of the sport’s most successful power unit engine lists. The analysis also highlights totals and milestones for Ferrari, Cosworth, Renault, Honda, Coventry Climax, Porsche-powered TAG McLaren, BMW, and BRM.
Alpine announce Mike Elliott as Chief Technical Officer
Alpine has confirmed that Mike Elliott will join the team as Chief Technical Officer, returning to Formula 1 after leaving Mercedes at the end of the 2023 season.
Alexia Danielsson confirmed as TeamViewer Wild Card for F1 ACADEMY Austin round
F1 ACADEMY has announced Alexia Danielsson will race as the Wild Card entry for Round 5 of the 2026 F1 ACADEMY season in Austin, representing TeamViewer on the #45 car operated by Hitech and debuting at COTA during the United States Grand Prix weekend.
Connor Hellebuyck suspended after not reporting to Winnipeg Jets training camp, NHL.com reports
Connor Hellebuyck did not report to the Winnipeg Jets’ training camp on Wednesday and was suspended by the team, according to NHL.com. The move follows Hellebuyck’s earlier public request for a trade from Winnipeg.
Maple Leafs first pick Gavin McKenna joins John Tavares and Auston Matthews at Toronto media day
Toronto Maple Leafs rookie prospect Gavin McKenna, selected first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, attended Toronto’s media day and spoke with leadership including captains Auston Matthews and John Tavares ahead of training camp and the team’s Sept. 29 season opener against the Montreal Canadiens.
CFL Week 16: Toronto Targets Home Playoff Berth as Edmonton Visits East Leader
With the regular season moving into Week 16, the CFL says Toronto can clinch a postseason berth and the right to host a playoff game if Hamilton suffers a loss and Toronto earns a win.
F1 confirms 10 Sprint events in 2027, with new formats for Bahrain and Monaco
Formula 1 has revealed the 2027 calendar, including an expanded Sprint schedule to 10 events—four more than in 2026—with new Sprints for Bahrain, Australia, Japan, and Monaco. Sprint weekend structure will also include Sprint Qualifying on Friday, followed by Qualifying for the Grand Prix later on Saturday.
Formula 1 confirms 2027 calendar with 24 Grands Prix and 10 Sprint events
Formula 1 and the FIA have confirmed the 2027 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar after World Motor Sport Council approval, featuring 24 Grands Prix across 22 countries and 10 Sprint events. Pre-season testing is scheduled in Bahrain from 24–27 February, followed by the season opener in Bahrain, with the calendar then moving through Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan, and other key stops including Monaco, Portugal, Türkiye, and the late-season races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
NHL.com releases 2026-27 fantasy point projections, led by McDavid and MacKinnon
NHL.com has published forward and defenseman point totals projected for the 2026-27 NHL season (84-game basis) for fantasy hockey, with Connor McDavid (135) and Nathan MacKinnon (130) topping the list. The projections also include league-wide notes on injuries and how estimated totals were developed.
NHL.com releases Fantasy Hockey mock draft for 2026-27 season featuring Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Macklin Celebrini
NHL.com has published a Fantasy Hockey mock draft for the 2026-27 season, simulating rosters for 12 teams and listing 192 players in standard fantasy categories. The first overall pick was Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche, ahead of Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers and Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks.
UFC’s Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10, Week 6 Wraps With Quick KOs and Submission Finishes
Dana White’s Contender Series Season 10, Week 6 concluded with contract-winner announcements after a slate of finishes at the Meta APEX, including Mayton Perea’s 45-second knockout of Zevan Hunt and Luis Hernandez’s second-round rear-naked choke over Hugo Guillon.
Kawhi Leonard returns to Toronto as Raptors complete Clippers trade
Toronto brings back its 2019 championship star, sending Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and future draft assets to Los Angeles.
CFL names David Ungerer III, Tyrice Beverette and Keon Hatcher Sr. as Forty-Creek Quadruple Header Players of the Week
The CFL has announced David Ungerer III (Toronto Argonauts), Tyrice Beverette (Montreal Alouettes) and Keon Hatcher Sr. (BC Lions) as Forty-Creek Quadruple Header Players of the Week for the league’s Sept. 15, 2026 edition.
BetMGM odds highlight WNBA award races as season resumes after international break
With the WNBA regular season set to resume on Thursday after the international break, BetMGM’s latest futures pricing spotlights contenders across major award markets, including favorites Gabby Williams for Defensive Player of the Year, Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard for Most Improved Player, and A’ja Wilson for MVP.
Power Rankings: Kimi Antonelli tops the judges’ table after the Spanish Grand Prix weekend in Madrid
Formula 1 has published its Power Rankings judging results from the Spanish Grand Prix weekend at Madrid’s Madring. Kimi Antonelli led the overall leaderboard after benefiting from Lando Norris’ Virtual Safety Car timing in the race, while Max Verstappen, Nico Hulkenberg, Charles Leclerc, Esteban Ocon and Liam Lawson were highlighted for strong performances across qualifying and the Grand Prix itself.
WNBA names top All-Rookie Team candidates ahead of season finale, highlighting 10 players
Ahead of the end-of-season awards discussion, the WNBA spotlighted 10 rookies it believes are in contention for the five spots on the All-Rookie Team. The league’s lookahead emphasizes players across first-round picks, lottery selections, second-round selections, and undrafted rookies, with information presented through games played before the FIBA break (Aug. 31).
NFL launches “Por La Cultura” with player stories and youth honours
The NFL’s season-long campaign celebrates Latino influence on football, with a new player video series, youth scholarships and community events.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC watch Supporters’ Shield race as Inter Miami and Nashville SC play 2-2 at Nu Stadium
Lionel Messi and Sam Surridge delivered for Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC as the teams played to a 2-2 draw in MLS Matchday 26 action at Nu Stadium, a result that kept Nashville ahead in the Supporters’ Shield standings with games remaining.
WNBA releases Top 30 plays list, spotlighting iconic moments from 1997 to 2025
Vancouver Television Sports Desk has reviewed WNBA’s “Rapid Reactions: WNBA Top 30,” a fan-facing recap that highlights 30 defining WNBA moments as ranked by the league. The article’s commentary spotlights a range of championship-clinching shots, signature defensive plays, and career milestones, starting with Teresa Weatherspoon’s 1997 “The Shot” and including multiple headline moments from stars such as Nneka Ogwumike, Maya Moore, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, and A’ja Wilson.
NHL.com releases top 10 rookie rankings for standard fantasy hockey leagues in 2026-27
NHL.com has published its top 10 rookie rankings for standard fantasy hockey leagues for the 2026-27 season, highlighting 2025 and 2026 draft picks and rookie-eligible players across multiple teams. The list notes which names are eligible for the Calder Trophy, awarded annually to the best NHL rookie as voted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
LA Galaxy vs. New England Revolution: What to know ahead of Matchday 24’s Walmart Saturday Showdown
Ahead of Matchday 24, the LA Galaxy host the New England Revolution for the latest Walmart Saturday Showdown, with both teams aiming to build momentum in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs race. The matchup comes after LA’s 3-1 loss to San Diego FC and New England’s 3-1 win over the Columbus Crew.