Kia Center, Orlando, FL Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET TV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida (local); League Pass nationally; Radio: WYGM 96.9 FM/740 AM (Magic), KMVP 98.7 FM (Suns)
Recent Team Forms
Suns (recent surge, 6-4 in last 10 overall): Phoenix is riding momentum from back-to-back blowout wins, most recently defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 131-105 on March 30 and the Utah Jazz 134-109 on March 28. They dropped a close one to Denver (123-125) on March 24 but beat Toronto 120-98 earlier that week. Offensively, they’ve been efficient in wins (shooting 50%+ FG in recent victories), led by hot shooting from Jalen Green (31 pts vs. Jazz) and consistent Devin Booker production. Defensively, they’ve held opponents under 110 points in several recent games.
Magic (struggling, 3-7 in last 10): Orlando has been inconsistent, most recently suffering a humiliating 139-87 road loss to the Toronto Raptors on March 29 after a narrow win over Sacramento (121-117). They dropped close games to Cleveland (131-136) and Indiana (126-128) before that. The Magic rank solid defensively overall but have been leaky lately (allowing 57%+ shooting in the Toronto blowout). Their offense has been streaky without key pieces, relying heavily on Paolo Banchero.
Injury Report
Phoenix Suns:
Dillon Brooks (F) – GTD / Expected to return (hand fracture; cleared for contact and set to play per multiple reports, including AZCentral).
Grayson Allen (G) – GTD (left knee / rest management; questionable after being listed for the March 30 back-to-back).
Mark Williams (C) – OUT (left foot stress reaction).
Haywood Highsmith (F) – OUT (right knee).
Amir Coffey (G/F) – OUT (left ankle sprain).
Orlando Magic:
Franz Wagner (F) – OUT (left high ankle sprain; has missed significant time).
Anthony Black (G) – OUT (left lateral abdominal strain; 13+ games missed).
Jonathan Isaac (F) – OUT (left knee sprain; extended absence).
Jalen Suggs (G) – Questionable (back spasms; status fluid).
The Magic are especially thin on the wing and in the frontcourt without Wagner and Isaac, forcing heavier minutes for Banchero and bench players.
Key Player Matchups
Devin Booker (Suns, ~25.5 PPG, 6.0 APG) vs. Orlando’s perimeter defense (Suggs/Bane if healthy): Booker’s scoring punch and playmaking will test a Magic backcourt already missing Black. Expect Booker to exploit switches and create for others.
Paolo Banchero (Magic, ~22.6 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 5.1 APG) vs. Suns frontcourt (Brooks/returnees + bigs): Banchero is the Magic’s focal point. With Wagner out, he’ll see heavy defensive attention from Brooks (physical defender returning) and help-side rotations. Banchero’s size and skill make this the marquee individual battle.
Jalen Green (Suns, recent hot streak) vs. Magic guards: Green’s scoring bursts (31 pts recently) could overwhelm Orlando’s depleted perimeter.
Bench/Role players: Suns’ returning Brooks adds toughness and 3-and-D; Magic will lean on Desmond Bane (~20 PPG) and Wendell Carter Jr. for secondary creation and rebounding.
Series History
All-time, the Suns lead the regular-season series 42-30. The teams have split recent meetings more evenly (Magic 3-2 in the last 5 matchups per available data), but Phoenix won the most recent encounter on February 21, 2026, in a double-overtime thriller (113-110). Home-court has been a factor, but injuries on both sides (especially Magic’s current absences) tilt recent history toward the more complete roster.
Betting Trends
Magic are 1-4 straight-up and 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games; they’ve been vulnerable at home against teams with momentum.
Totals have hit Over in 3 of Magic’s last 5 and 21 of their last 38 home games, but defensive-minded Suns games often trend Under.
Suns are 16-19 ATS on the road this season but have covered in recent blowouts vs. weaker opponents.
Magic are strong at home (22-14ish record) but injuries have disrupted their ATS performance lately.
Game Odds
Phoenix Suns 224.5
Orlando Magic – 2.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, March 30, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams Will Face the San Francisco 49ers in First-Ever Regular-Season NFL Game in Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, Sept. 11.
MELBOURNE – The time and date for Australia’s first-ever regular season NFL game has been set, with the National Football League announcing today the Los Angeles Rams will face the San Francisco 49ers on Friday, Sept. 11 at approximately 10:35 a.m. AEST (Thursday, Sept. 10 at approximately 8:35 p.m. ET in the United States) at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, in partnership with the Victorian State Government and Visit Victoria.
Additionally, opening the 2026 NFL regular season on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 10:20 a.m. AEST (Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 8:20 p.m. ET in the United States) in Seattle will be Australia’s own, Michael Dickson, and the Super Bowl XL champion Seattle Seahawks, setting the scene for an action-packed start to the season for NFL fans down under. Broadcast partners and the Seahawks’ Week 1 opponent will be announced when the full 2026 NFL regular season schedule is released.
“We are thrilled to be able to confirm the time and date for Australia’s first-ever regular-season NFL game at the MCG between the Rams and 49ers — a match-up that has created plenty of hype and excitement” said NFL Australia & New Zealand General Manager Charlotte Offord. “We know that there is already plenty of appetite for this game, both in Australia and internationally, and we’re looking forward to getting tickets on sale in the coming weeks for what we know is going to be an incredible NFL experience for our fans down under.”
“Melbourne is the undisputed major events capital – no one does anything like we do,” said Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan. “That’s why Melbourne will soon become the first city in the world to host a tennis Grand Slam, a Formula One Grand Prix and an NFL Regular Season game.”
“This game is going to be phenomenal, like nothing this country has ever seen” said Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos. “The benefits of hosting an NFL game are year-round, because the game will convert thousands of international and interstate supporters into sightseers – in a touchdown for venues, destinations and businesses.”
With the date, time, and teams now locked in, final preparations are underway for tickets to go on sale for the divisional match-up, with Ticketmaster confirmed as the Official Ticket Provider for the event.
Hospitality packages will be available to purchase from Ticketmaster from 10.00 a.m. AEST Tuesday, April 7, and general access tickets starting from $95 for standing room, and $140 for general seating will go on sale to the public from 10.00 a.m. AEST on Wednesday, April 8. All tickets and hospitality packages will be available to purchase directly from the Ticketmaster website.
For ticket information, frequently asked questions, and further details on ticket on sale timings, fans should visit ticketmaster.com.au/nfl
Sportsnet are the Official Game Break Partner for the Melbourne game in Australia and New Zealand, providing fans with ticket and hotel packages, and experiences — these packages will be available to purchase directly from the Sportsnet Holidays website sportsnetholidays.comfrom 10.00 a.m. AEST Monday, April 6.
Rams and 49ers fans based in the U.S. looking for travel packages to Australia can purchase these directly from On Location via their website onlocationexp.com/nfl-australia.
Beyond the iconic MCG, incoming fans will have more than just a football game to get excited about when they touch down in Melbourne. Famous for its world-class food, coffee, and arts and culture scene, the sporting capital delivers both an incredible game-day atmosphere, and a memorable holiday experience.
With more than 7.5 million passionate fans, the NFL has a growing presence in Australia and is committed to investing in the development of the game year-round across the continent and the entire Asia-Pacific region. The NFL opened its Australia office in 2022; officially launched a national Flag Football program in 2023; opened the NFL APAC Academy in 2024; and has established a strong, year-round calendar of events and fan activity across the country, culminating in the announcement of the first-ever regular season NFL game being played in Melbourne in 2026.
Flag football, the non-contact format of the game, will make its debut as an Olympic sport in Los Angeles 2028 (LA28). It is played across all states and territories in Australia, with almost 100,000 participants currently playing the game across more than 500 schools. In partnership with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and American Football Australia (AFA) the league continues to showcase efforts to increase participation and inspire the next generation, with Brisbane ‘32 aspirations also in its sights.
The game in Melbourne will be part of an NFL record nine international games in 2026 across four continents, seven countries and eight stadiums.
To stay up to date on all things NFL Australia, follow @NFLAusNZ on Instagram, X and TikTok and the Los Angeles Rams on Instagram.
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Tickets on sale timings:
· Wednesday, April 1 (Time: 9am AEDT) – Partner pre-sale windows begin.
· Monday, April 6 (Time: 10am AEST) – Ticket & Hotel packages on sale via Sportsnet.
· Tuesday, April 7 (Time: 10am AEST) – Hospitality packages on sale via Ticketmaster.
· Wednesday, April 8 (Time: 10am AEST) – General access on sale via Ticketmaster.
2026 NFL International Markets: (* designates a new market/city for 2026)
· London, U.K. (Two games in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, One in Wembley Stadium)
NEW YORK – The National Football League announced that Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LXIII in 2029 at Allegiant Stadium.
The announcement was made today at the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix, following a review by the NFL’s Fan Engagement & Major Events Committee and a vote by full ownership.
“We’re excited to bring the Super Bowl back to Las Vegas and provide our fans another incredible experience in one of America’s greatest sport and entertainment destinations,” said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. “Super Bowl LVIII demonstrated the scale, energy and hospitality the city brings to global events, and we look forward to working alongside the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Raiders and the community to deliver an even greater experience this time around.”
Super Bowl LXIII will mark the second time the Super Bowl will be held in Las Vegas. The city debuted as a first-time Super Bowl host city in 2024, welcoming more than 330,000 visitors to the region and generating more than $1 billion in economic impact, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).
“We’re proud the NFL has selected Las Vegas to host Super Bowl LXIII,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA. “Our first Super Bowl showcased the unique energy and scale only this destination can offer, bringing together world-class sports, entertainment, and hospitality in one place. Las Vegas was built for moments like this, and we look forward to delivering another exceptional experience for fans in 2029.”
“We’re excited that the Super Bowl will be returning to Las Vegas and Allegiant Stadium in 2029,” said Mark Davis, owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. “It’s a testament to the Raiders, the LVCVA, civic leaders, the community, and the NFL working together as one. Super Bowl LVIII set a high bar, and for Super Bowl LXIII we are committed to raising it even further.”
As part of the lead-up to Super Bowl LXIII, Las Vegas will host a highly anticipated lineup of events, including NFL Honors, Super Bowl Experience presented by Jersey Mike’s, Super Bowl Opening Night Fueled by Gatorade and expansive community initiatives, such as NFL Source, the league’s procurement program for local and underrepresented businesses. Spanning the Las Vegas metropolitan area, these events will offer countless opportunities for both residents and visitors to enjoy memorable, family-friendly experiences.
On Location, the Official Hospitality Partner of the NFL, today launched its Priority Access deposit program for Super Bowl LXIII hospitality packages, offering fans the first opportunity to guarantee seats to the game. On Location’s packages include premium seating options, world-class hospitality service, high-end food and beverage offerings, exclusive entertainment and one-of-a-kind experiences that will create lasting memories. A fully refundable, time-stamped Priority Access deposit assures fans their first choice of Super Bowl LXIII tickets and bespoke experiences.
* Macklin Celebrini became the sixth teenager in NHL history to record a 100-point season and just the third Sharks player to reach that plateau in franchise history.
* Sidney Crosby became the eighth player in League history to collect 1,100 career assists in one of two contests on Monday that combined for 11 goals.
* A 10-game Tuesday will mark the final day of March – it will feature 20 teams in action with 16 either in a playoff spot or within five points of one.
CELEBRINI JOINS RAREFIED AIR WITH 100-POINT SEASON Macklin Celebrini (2-1—3) eclipsed the century mark in 2025-26 and achieved several notable feats in the process, becoming the sixth teenager in NHL history to record 100-plus points in a season as well as the third player in Sharks history to reach the milestone. San Jose (34-31-7, 75 points) inched within two points of Nashville (34-31-9, 77 points) for the second Wild Card spot in the West.
* Celebrini recorded his 43rd career multi-point game to pass Steve Yzerman and tie Ron Francis for the fifth most by a teenager in NHL history. He trails Sidney Crosby (67), Wayne Gretzky (66), Dale Hawerchuk (54) and Jimmy Carson (51).
* Celebrini’s 63rd assist also tied Crosby (63 in 2005-06) and Bryan Trottier (63 in 1975-76) for the third most in a campaign by a teenager. The list is led by Gretzky (86 in 1979-80) and Crosby (84 in 2006-07).
CROSBY HITS 1,100 ASSISTS AS PENGUINS BENEFIT FROM SECOND-PERIOD FRENZY The Penguins scored five goals in a middle frame that featured eight total tallies before Sidney Crosby (0-2—2) became the eighth player in NHL history to reach the 1,100-assist milestone and just the second to do so with one franchise, following Ray Bourque (1,111 w/ BOS). Pittsburgh (37-21-16, 90 points) earned a crucial win against the NY Islanders (42-27-5, 89 points) and overtook them for second place in the Metropolitan Division.
* The Penguins and Islanders combined for eight goals in the second period, marking the second time that two teams have scored as many in a frame this season. The Devils and Avalanche combined for eight in the second period on Oct. 28.
KADRI SCORES TWO QUICK POWER-PLAY GOALS, AVALANCHE NET NINE
Eight players found the back of the net – including Nazem Kadri, who scored two power-play goals in the span of 1:06 against his former team – and nine skaters recorded a multi-point outing to help the Avalanche (49-14-10, 108 points) strengthen their lead atop the League standings. They also moved within one win of requiring their second-fewest games to 50 wins in a season.
* Kadri’s two tallies in 1:06 marked the fifth-fastest two power-play goals by a player in Avalanche/Nordiques history, trailing Mike Ricci (0:18 on April 4, 1994), Milan Hejduk (0:34 on Jan. 17, 2006), Joe Sakic (0:46 on March 23, 2000) and Real Cloutier (1:04 on Oct. 10, 1979).
* Colorado became the first team this season with multiple nine-goal outings (also 9 on Nov. 8 at EDM) in a contest that featured 11 combined goals – the second game Monday with as many (also PIT-NYI). The Avalanche had eight players find the back of the net, their most in a contest since March 17, 1996 (8), and nine players record multiple points for the fifth time in franchise history. The other instances: Feb. 1, 1983 (11), Dec. 5, 1995 (9), March 18, 1989 (9) and Oct. 20, 1984 (9).
TORTORELLA COACHES GOLDEN KNIGHTS TO VICTORY IN #NHLSTATS: LIVE UPDATES
John Tortorella led Vegas to victory in his first game as head coach and helped the Golden Knights (33-26-16, 82 points) move within one point of the idle Oilers (37-28-9, 83 points) for second place in the Pacific Division. Notes on the rest of last night’s five-game slate can be found in Monday’s #NHLStats: Live Updates.
PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS LOOM LARGE ON TUESDAY The 2025-26 season reaches the final day of March on Tuesday, with just two of 16 playoff spots spoken for and the playoffs just 18 days away (set to begin Saturday, April 18th). Of the 20 teams in action on Tuesday, 16 either own a playoff spot or sit within five points of the playoff line.
* The Senators (38-25-10, 86 points; at FLA), Red Wings (39-26-8, 86 points; at PIT) and Flyers (37-24-12, 86 points; at WSH) all sit exactly two points behind the Blue Jackets (38-24-12, 88 points; vs. CAR on ESPN+) in the race for the final Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference. All four teams are in action Tuesday.
* The playoff line in the Eastern Conference (difference between Wild Card 2 & first team outside) has been three points or fewer for every day through March. Five different teams have held the final Wild Card position in the East at various points throughout the month (CBJ, NYI, OTT, DET & BOS).
* The Flyers enter Tuesday on a three-game win streak and an 8-1-1 record across their last 10 games. Philadelphia, which entered the month six points back of the Wild Card race, is 10-3-1 (21 points) in the month of March and now just two points back of the playoff line with a game in hand on Columbus.
* The Kraken (32-29-11, 75 points; at EDM) and Jets (31-30-12, 74 points; at CHI) are chasing down the idle Predators (34-31-9, 77 points) for the final Wild Card position in the West. Seattle and Winnipeg are among a cluster of five teams within four points of Nashville with less than three weeks remaining on the schedule.
* There is an intriguing race for top seed in both the Eastern Conference and Atlantic Division with the Lightning (46-21-6, 98 points), Hurricanes (46-21-6, 98 points) and Sabres (45-21-8, 98 points) all tied in terms of standings points, while Tampa Bay owns top spot in both the East and the Atlantic via tiebreakers. Not to be forgotten, the Lightning face the Canadiens (42-21-10, 94 points) on Tuesday with Montreal four points back of the group while riding a five-game win streak with all those victories coming versus teams currently in the playoffs (including a pair of wins over Carolina).
WOMEN IN HOCKEY PRESENTED BY CANADIAN TIRE: MYRNA KHAN Myrna Khan is the executive director of the Oilers Community Foundation and the most recent feature in the Women in Hockey presented by Canadian Tire spotlight. Khan leads all foundation programming and conceived ‘Every Kid Deserves a Shot,’ which aims to inspire and impact 100,000 kids through hockey. Khan is also part of the NHL and NHLPA Women’s Hockey Advancement Committee.
NEW YORK – Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes, Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha and Anaheim Ducks defenseman John Carlson have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” presented by GEICO for the week ending March 29.
FIRST STAR – JAKUB DOBES, G, MONTREAL CANADIENS
Dobes registered a League-best 100 saves on 104 shots against, going 3-0-0 with a 1.33 goals-against average and .962 save percentage to help the Canadiens (42-21-10, 94 points) extend their winning streak to five games (dating to March 21) as they maintained their hold on third place in the Atlantic Division. Dobes made a career-high 41 stops, turning aside each of the last 33 shots he faced, in a 5-2 multi-goal comeback victory against the Carolina Hurricanes March 24. He then yielded one goal in each of his next two starts, making 25 saves in a 2-1 triumph over the Columbus Blue Jackets March 26 followed by 34 stops (including 26 straight to end the game) in a 3-1 come-from-behind win versus the Hurricanes March 29. The 24-year-old Dobes, a fifth-round pick (136th overall) from the 2020 NHL Draft, leads rookie goaltenders with 25 victories – six more than the next-closest rookie – through 37 total appearances this season (25-8-4, 2.78 GAA, .900 SV%). His 25 wins are the most by a Montreal rookie in a single campaign since Steve Penney in 1984-85 (26-18-8 in 54 GP).
SECOND STAR – PAVEL ZACHA, C, BOSTON BRUINS
Zacha topped the NHL with 5-3—8 in four contests to propel the Bruins (42-24-8, 92 points) to a trio of wins as they created a four-point cushion for the first Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference. He recorded one assist in a 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs March 24. Zacha then collected 1-1—2, assisting on the tying goal with 6:00 remaining in regulation before notching his eighth career overtime winner, in a 4-3 triumph over the Buffalo Sabres March 25. He added 4-1—5 over a pair of weekend games, scoring twice in a 6-3 win against the Minnesota Wild March 28 before posting 2-1—3, including the tying goal with 11.0 seconds left in regulation, in a 4-3 shootout victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets March 29 – the ninth three-goal, third-period comeback win in Boston history (and first since March 13, 2018 at CAR). The 28-year-old Zacha ranks third on the Bruins with 28-31—59 through 71 total games this season, matching his career high established in 2023-24 (21-38—59 in 78 GP).
THIRD STAR – JOHN CARLSON, D, ANAHEIM DUCKS
Carlson shared first place in the NHL with seven assists in three games (0-7—7) to guide the Pacific Division-leading Ducks (41-28-4, 86 points) to a pair of victories. He tallied three helpers, his 17th career three-assist effort and second of the season (also Nov. 19 vs. EDM), in a 5-3 triumph versus the Vancouver Canucks March 24. Carlson then assisted on Mikael Grandlund’s tying goal with 3:33 left in regulation as well as his winner with 1.0 second remaining in overtime in a 3-2 comeback victory over the Calgary Flames March 26. He added two more helpers in a 4-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers March 28. The 36-year-old Carlson sits 12th among defensemen with 10-44—54 through 62 total contests this season, including 0-8—8 in seven appearances since being acquired by Anaheim prior to the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline.
* For the first time, Gen Z accounts for 60% of NHL players (60% born 1997-2012; 40% Millennials, born 1981-1996).
* Entering March 30, a total of 19 players have played as a teenager this season, including 10 who were NHL regulars (min. 30 GP). Twelve of those 19 players will still be teenagers when the 2025-26 season ends, and six will still be teenagers when the 2026-27 campaign begins (Matthew Schaefer, Anton Frondell, Ben Kindel, Brady Martin, Michael Misa and Braden Cootes).
* Three players selected in last year’s draft were NHL regulars this season (Matthew Schaefer, Ben Kindel and Michael Misa) – among a group of six whose names were called last June that have played this season. Entering 2025-26, four of the past 10 draft classes have had at least seven players debut the following season (2021: 7; 2018: 8; 2017: 12; 2016: 9).
* Entering March 30, Gen Z players lead 18 teams in points. Anaheim, Chicago and San Jose are all topped by a player who will be age 22 or younger at the end of the season.
* Entering March 30, Gen Z players lead 21 teams in goals. Anaheim, Chicago, Dallas, San Jose and St. Louis are all topped by a player who will be age 22 or younger at the end of the season.
* Entering March 30, Gen Z accounts for more than two-thirds of the League’s top point scorers (69%; 22 of 32 players with 70+ points) andnearly two-thirds of its top goal scorers (60%; 18 of 30 players with 30+ goals).
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THE ROOKIE CLASS
Matthew Schaefer (age 18), New York Islanders
* Unphased by facing Sidney Crosby (active points leader, 2x NHL MVP), Alex Ovechkin (all-time goals leader; 3x NHL MVP) and Connor McDavid (5x scoring leader, 3x NHL MVP) within the first week of his NHL career, Schaefer got off to a record-setting start and never looked back during his historic season – which includes a long list of achievements detailed on this fact sheet. The No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft less than one year ago, Schaefer has accumulated the most goals ever by an 18-year-old defenseman and has more records within reach this season – and has the Islanders in the hunt for a playoff spot. Schaefer regularly honors his mom, Jennifer, who passed away from cancer in February 2024 and since entering the NHL has signed on as a Hockey Fights Cancer champion while continuing his efforts to support kids who have lost loved ones.
* One of the youngest goal scorers in franchise history, the No. 2 pick from the 2025 NHL Draft is part of a youthful Sharks roster. He represented Canada at the World Junior Championship this season and missed some time due to injury but otherwise has been an NHL regular in 2025-26. His brother, Luke, is an NHL prospect who played at Penn State University this season alongside Gavin McKenna, the potential No. 1 pick in June.
Sam Dickinson (age 19), San Jose Sharks
* The second-youngest full-time NHL defenseman this season behind Matthew Schaefer, Dickinson was the No. 11 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft – the highest defenseman selected by the Sharks in more than 25 years. He has the second-most games played, assists and points by a teenage defenseman in franchise history, behind Marc-Edouard Vlasic who tallied 3-21—24 in 76 games at that age – embarking on what would become a 19-season career with the club. He was a goalie when he started playing hockey.
Beckett Sennecke (age 20), Anaheim Ducks
* After being “shocked” when his name was called with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Sennecke is making the most of the opportunity during his first NHL campaign – on the verge of setting franchise rookie records for assists and points. Sennecke, who turned 20 in January, has already reached a number of milestones including becoming the fastest Ducks rookie to 50 points and second-youngest with a hat trick, as well as contributing to his team’s knack for late-game heroics. He can become the third Ducks player to lead all NHL rookies in goals (Bobby Ryan and PaulKariya) and second to top in points (Ryan).
Ivan Demidov (age 20), Montreal Canadiens
* After making his NHL and Stanley Cup Playoffs debuts last season, Demidov has contributed regularly throughout his first full NHL campaign – posting Montreal’s highest point total by a rookie forward in more than 20 years (and among the highest counts overall in the franchise’s 108-season history). The No. 5 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft is within striking distance of the highest assist total by a rookie forward in franchise history. One season after teammate Lane Hutsonclaimed the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year, Demidov can join him as the second straight Canadiens player to lead all NHL rookies in assists or points (the last team to do that was VAN from 2018-19 to 2019-20). Teammate Oliver Kapanen (age 22) has a chance to finish the season as the NHL rookie goals leader.
Zeev Buium (age 20), Vancouver Canucks
* The youngest American to play full-time in the NHL this season, Buium ranks among the NHL leaders for assists and points by a rookie defenseman. After making his NHL debut during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Minnesota Wild, Buium was a focal point of a blockbuster trade in December 2025 and made an immediate impact with his new club in Vancouver. With an athletic pedigree, Buium is a champion at both the NCAA and World Junior levels and in 2024-25 was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award and a First Team All-American before turning pro. He is among a small group of active California-born defensemen in the NHL and got his start in roller hockey before his parents relocated the family to support the hockey dreams of Zeev and his brother, Shai (a prospect with the Detroit Red Wings).
* The second-youngest non-rookie in the NHL behind MacklinCelebrini, Bedard is the highest-scoring player before age 21 in the 99-season history of his franchise – ranking ahead of second-place EddieOlczyk (65-115—180 in 228 GP) for goals, assists and points. The No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft has led Chicago in assists and points during each of his three NHL seasons (inclusive of 2025-26) and recently became the youngest player in franchise history to score 30 goals in a season.
Did You Know?Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard both hail from North Vancouver, are friends away from the rink and train together during the offseason.
Leo Carlsson (age 21), Anaheim Ducks
* Selected with the No. 2 pick in 2023, Carlsson ranks among the NHL leaders from that draft class and has established a number of benchmarks for the Ducks including the most goals (49), assists (66) and points (115) before age 21. He has increased his output in all three of those categories in each of his three NHL seasons and could top Anaheim in points for the first time in 2025-26 (he trails only CutterGauthier, age 22). Carlsson, who has stuttered his entire life, has partnered with an organization to support young people who stutter. The youngest full-time Swedish forward in the NHL, Carlsson was featured in the NHL My World series, played at the 4 Nations Face-Off and was named to the Olympic roster but missed the tournament due to injury.
THIS AND THAT
* Lane Hutson (MTL) turned 22 in February and recently became the first Canadiens defenseman to post consecutive 60-point seasons since ChrisChelios from 1987-88 to 1988-89. He is within striking distance of establishing a single-season franchise record for assists by a defenseman for the oldest team in the NHL. He is one of three members of his family to play in the NHL this season, along with brothers Quinn (age 24; EDM) and Cole Hutson (age 19; WSH) – who achieved a rare feat alongside Alex Ovechkin during his League debut March 18.
* Of 147 NHL Olympic participants, nearly half were Gen Z (46%; 68 of 147) and five were age 21 or younger when the tournament began (Macklin Celebrini, Dalibor Dvorsky, Oscar Fisker Molgaard, Juraj Slafkovský and Simon Nemec). Celebrini, Dvorsky and Slafkovský all had standout performances.
* If the Islanders and Penguins both make the playoffs and meet on opening night (April 18), it could produce the second instance in Stanley Cup Playoffs history of two 18-year-olds going head-to-head (MatthewSchaefer and BenKindel, who turns 19 on April 19). To date, the only such meetings were during the 1984 Division Semifinals (DanQuinn of CGY vs. CamNeely of VAN; 3 GP).
NEW YORK – The NBA Board of Governors has approved the sale of the controlling interest in the Portland Trail Blazers to an investor group led by Tom Dundon, who will serve as the Trail Blazers’ Governor. The transaction is expected to close this week.
Racecourse Media Group (RMG), the global media rights organization representing 37 British racecourse shareholders, has appointed Filippa Wallestam as a Non‑Executive Director, effective 1 April 2026.
Wallestam brings extensive experience in digital media strategy and premium content leadership. She spent nine years at Viaplay, the leading Nordic entertainment provider, where she held several senior roles including EVP & Chief Content Officer, EVP & CEO of Sweden, and Head of Strategy for Free‑TV and Radio.
In addition to her new role at RMG, Wallestam serves as a Non‑Executive Director with DMGT Group—owner of the Daily Mail—and audiobook and streaming platform Storytel.
“I am excited to join the RMG Board at this pivotal time and am inspired by the company’s ambition to maximize opportunities for the sport of horse racing,” Wallestam said. “As a horse lover, the most exciting aspect for me is the chance to drive innovation and technology to attract and engage new audiences in this dynamic sport. I truly can’t wait to start working with this excellent team.”
RMG Welcomes Strategic Media Expertise
RMG Chair Conor Grant praised the appointment, highlighting Wallestam’s blend of strategic leadership and deep media expertise.
“Filippa brings a powerful combination of strategic leadership, deep media expertise and a strong track record in premium sports content,” Grant said. “She understands how to build and engage audiences at scale, how to partner with world‑class production teams, and how to harness data to shape compelling content strategies. We are delighted to welcome her to the RMG Board.”
Leadership Transition
Wallestam succeeds Britt Boeskov, who concludes a seven‑year term as a Non‑Executive Director.
“On behalf of the RMG Board, I would like to thank Britt for her outstanding contribution,” Grant added. “Her expertise in product, digital innovation and customer experience has been invaluable to RMG. She leaves with our sincere appreciation and gratitude for the impact she has made.”
WAIVER SYSTEM TRANSACTION TERMINATION OF VESTED VETERAN NEW YORK GIANTS Gano, Graham K Florida State (16)* PS: VET – Failed Physical *Indicates player’s accrued seasons at end of 2025 season.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has approved a consent agreement imposing a $100,000 fine on BetMGM, LLC after investigators concluded the operator failed to maintain adequate safeguards against fraudulent activity on its BetMGM and Borgata online wagering platforms.
Regulators Cite Weak KYC and Anti‑Fraud Controls
According to the agreement, BetMGM did not have sufficient Know‑Your‑Customer (KYC) and account‑monitoring procedures in place, allowing bad actors to:
Create and access multiple accounts using stolen personal information
Fund those accounts with fraudulently obtained or stolen payment devices
The PGCB’s Office of Enforcement Counsel identified four separate fraud rings operating over multi‑year periods:
The Board noted that additional details are available in the full consent agreement through its Office of Communications.
PGCB Adds 16 Individuals to Involuntary Exclusion Lists
In separate actions, the Board placed 16 individuals on its various Involuntary Exclusion Lists, which bar listed persons from:
All Pennsylvania casinos
All PGCB‑regulated online gambling sites
All Video Gaming Terminal (VGT) locations
Four Adults Banned for Leaving Minors Unattended
The Board highlighted four cases involving adults who left children alone in vehicles while they gambled:
A man left an 11‑year‑old in a car for 52 minutes at Hollywood Casino York
A man left a 5‑year‑old in a car for 17 minutes at Rivers Casino Philadelphia
A man left a 9‑year‑old in a car for 1 hour and 7 minutes at Rivers Casino Philadelphia
A man left two minors (ages 7 and 12) in a car for 32 minutes at Parx Casino
The PGCB reiterated that leaving minors unattended at casino properties creates dangerous and potentially life‑threatening situations. To support casino efforts, the Board continues to promote its statewide awareness initiative, “Don’t Gamble with Kids” (DontGamblewithKids.org).
Additional Exclusions
Twelve more individuals were added to the Involuntary Casino Exclusion and/or Involuntary Interactive Exclusion lists for various violations.
With these actions, the PGCB’s exclusion lists now include 1,515 individuals.
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