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Calgary Flames plan to keep defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen
Dec 16, 2021; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart (79) makes a save against Montreal Canadiens right wing Joel Armia (40) as defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (70) defends during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-Imagn Images

The Calgary Flames plan to keep Rasmus Andersson

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy tells every team that calls and asks about defenseman Rasmus Andersson, that he doesn’t plan on trading him. The Flames believe they will be able to extend him this offseason or they’ll trade him in the offseason if they can’t work out a deal. Teams will likely keep trying this week. It would take a huge offer to get them to move him, and they don’t plan on being sellers.

Likely nothing big for the Washington Capitals

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: It’s doubtful that the Washington Capitals will add a big piece by Friday, but they’ll likely be looking to add a depth forward, a bottom-six guy.

The Capitals may want to make sure they have a roster spot for Ryan Leonard if they sign him after his NCAA season.

The asking price for Rasmus Ristolainen is…

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: To get into serious talks with the Philadelphia Flyers about defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, it’ll take a first-round pick plus another asset. He’s got two years left at $5.1 million.

Potential Vegas Golden Knights trade targets

Danny Webster of The Las Vegas Review-Journal: Vegas Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon said over a week ago that they don’t plan on being big spenders ahead of the deadline. As you know with Vegas, that can always change.

Given their past spending, the Golden Knights don’t have a lot of assets. They’ve given up their next two first-round picks, but they have an extra third and sixth this year. They’d have to get something real good to include Trevor Connelly, Mathieu Cataford or Carl Lindbom.

Potential target tiers

Likely – Brandon Tanev (Kraken), Joel Armia (Canadiens), and Ryan Donato (Blackhawks).

Never say never – Brock Nelson (Islanders), Mikko Rantanen (Hurricanes), and Brad Marchand (Bruins).

Absolutely not – John Gibson (Ducks)

This article first appeared on NHL Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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NHL

Oilers Fall Short in NHL Offseason Ranking

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Dustin Rhodes Assigns Blame After Hulk Hogan’s Death
Wrestling

Dustin Rhodes Assigns Blame After Hulk Hogan’s Death

Following the shocking news of Hulk Hogan’s passing, wrestling legend Dustin Rhodes, known to millions as Goldust in WWE, took to social media to share a deeply personal and provocative reaction: “Hospitals truly kill people. I really do mean that.” Rhodes’ blunt statement stunned many fans, but those who know his story saw the pain behind the words. His father, the iconic Dusty Rhodes, passed away in 2015, aged 69, after a fall at home led to hospitalization for kidney failure. After his father's passing, Dustin shared a contemplative response on WWE's YouTube channel to discuss the legacy his father left behind. The news of Hogan's death comes just a month after reports suggested he was on his "deathbed" after undergoing a neck procedure back in May. Hogan's reps denied that was the case. In June, US Weekly reported that Hogan had also undergone a "pretty serious heart surgery and was doing well afterward." Dustin’s connection to his brother Cody Rhodes, now a top WWE superstar and face of the company’s next generation, is unbreakable. The Rhodes family legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of pro wrestling history, and seeing another legend like Hogan pass has clearly hit close to home. While Goldust and Hulk Hogan never had a headline-grabbing rivalry, they did share the ring once. It occurred in WCW in 2000 when Dustin Rhodes matched up against Hogan. Although their paths didn’t often cross in the squared circle, Hogan and the Rhodes family were part of the same larger-than-life era that helped define pro wrestling for decades and catapult the sport into society's zeitgeist. Rhodes’ comment about hospitals might not sit well with everyone, but it speaks to a raw and honest pain felt by someone who has seen too many legends, both personal and professional, fade away in similar fashion. The sport of wrestling has endured more than its fair share of lives cut short. As tributes continue to pour in for Hogan, Rhodes’ reaction serves as a powerful, if somber, reminder of the real human emotions behind the wrestling personas.

Pelicans' exec makes team's stance on Zion Williamson crystal clear
NBA

Pelicans' exec makes team's stance on Zion Williamson crystal clear

It’s wild how quickly the NBA narrative can flip. A year ago, Zion Williamson was in every trade rumor possible. People were questioning his health, his work ethic, even his future in New Orleans. And the Pelicans? They didn’t really deny any of it. It felt like both sides were one step away from walking. But things have shifted this offseason — quietly, but clearly. The Pelicans could’ve pulled the plug. Zion’s contract gave them outs, and the trade market might’ve still brought back some real value. Instead, they stuck with him. And based on what one of their own just said, they’re not just keeping him around — they’re still betting big on him. In a recent interview with Spotrac’s Keith Smith, an anonymous Pelicans executive made it crystal clear. “Zion is still our guy. We’re all in on him. We think he’s going to have a huge year. We’ve had some bad injury luck and some things that just haven’t worked out. This partnership hasn’t even come close to reaching our best yet.” That’s not something you say if you’re halfway in. They backed it up with their offseason moves, too. They traded CJ McCollum and brought in Jordan Poole, a high-usage creator who can take pressure off Zion. They drafted Jeremiah Fears with the No. 7 pick, a dynamic young guard. They added Kevon Looney, a reliable veteran who brings playoff experience and toughness. Those aren’t tear-it-down moves — those are “let’s try this another way” moves. Of course, Zion’s health is still the question. That never really goes away. He played just 30 games last season, but in those games he looked solid: 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per night on 56.7 percent shooting. The explosiveness was there. The playmaking was sharp. And the hope for New Orleans is that this time, he can finally sustain it. What’s interesting is how the front office is trying to create a better environment around him. Joe Dumars has stepped in to lead basketball operations and is reportedly building a closer relationship with Zion — dinners, real conversations, not just surface-level stuff. It feels like, for once, the team is trying to meet him halfway. It’s a risk, sure. But it’s a calculated one. The West is brutal and the margin for error is thin. Still, if Zion can stay healthy for 60 games, and if Poole finds a rhythm and guys like Trey Murphy and Herb Jones keep improving — this team has a shot to be in the mix. The quote from the exec says it all. They could’ve hit reset, moved on, cleaned house. But they didn’t. They’re still in. And now it’s on Zion to hold up his end of the deal. After everything that’s happened, they’re telling the world they still believe. Now it’s time to find out if they’re right.

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan leaves behind a complicated legacy
Wrestling

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan leaves behind a complicated legacy

On Thursday, wrestling icon Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea died at the age of 71. "WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away," the company said in a statement. "One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s... WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans." Hogan was the first true superstar to emerge in the wrestling industry, capturing a casual audience worldwide and bringing new eyes to the sport. He was an unbelievable draw, both as a baby face and as a heel. From his time as an All-American hero to leading the New World Order and teaming with Randy Savage as part of the "Mega Powers," he has been a staple of the scene for decades. Who can forget his WrestleMania III moment, where he defied the laws of physics to body-slam a 520-pound Andre the Giant? Or, more recently, his match with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at WrestleMania 18? His last appearance on WWE RAW on Jan. 6 saw him booed throughout, highlighting the rocky legacy Hogan leaves behind. Hogan's universal popularity has plummeted in recent years, primarily due to a racism scandal that led to his removal from the Wrestling Hall of Fame, only to be reinstated in 2018. Nevertheless, the damage had been done. Hogan's outdated and unwelcome outlook on specific aspects of life derailed the final stanza of a legendary career. Still, there's no denying that without Hogan, the wrestling we know and love today wouldn't exist. There wouldn't be WWE on the world's largest streaming platform, or All Elite Wrestling, which is developing into one of the most successful challenger brands. Instead, there would be smaller, more localized promotions, all competing for a sliver of television time. Hogan popularized the sport by bridging the gap between the wrestling ring and Hollywood. During his time in the spotlight, Hogan appeared in movies such as "Rocky III," "No Holds Barred" and "Suburban Commando," all of which helped bring his larger-than-life persona to a new audience. It's no surprise, then, that The Rock, John Cena and Dave Bautista have all made similar jumps in recent years. Hogan leaves behind an everlasting imprint on the wrestling world. Unfortunately, it comes with multiple asterisks; however, that doesn't change what he achieved as the first global wrestling star.

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