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Casey Cizikas Misses Morning Skate; Islanders Shuffle Lines
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Casey Cizikas was not among his New York Islanders teammates on the ice this morning as they prepared for their matchup tonight versus the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Cizikas was hobbled by a slap shot toward the end of the first period of the Islanders’ loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday. He did manage to play a few shifts after initially struggling to get back to his feet, but ultimately exited the game early in the second period and did not return.

With Cizikas likely out for tonight’s game, Islanders head coach Lane Lambert made some significant changes to his forward lines.

Lines: 

Lee-Horvat-Wahlstrom

Engvall-Nelson-Fasching

Holmstrom-Barzal-Palmieri

Martin-Pageau-Clutterbuck

The defense pairings remained the same as they were on Tuesday against Vancouver.

Cizikas has played in all but one game for the Islanders this year. In 39 games this season, he has 11 points with five goals in 13:30 of ice time per game. His status beyond tonight is currently unknown.

The Islanders play the Maple Leafs tonight at UBS Arean, with puck drop scheduled for just past 7 p.m. EST.

This article first appeared on NYI Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.

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Edmonton Oilers Land Former Winnipeg Jets Goalie In An Intriguing New Mock Trade
NHL

Edmonton Oilers Land Former Winnipeg Jets Goalie In An Intriguing New Mock Trade

The Edmonton Oilers are looking for a change in net, and now a mock trade has them landing former Winnipeg Jets backup Laurent Brossoit in an intriguing deal. After two straight failed Stanley Cup Finals runs, there have been many suggestions on how the Edmonton Oilers can take that final leap, with many looking at the goaltending as a potential spot for an upgrade ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. From acquiring big name stars to running it back, every option has seemingly been suggested by Oilers fans and reporters, but now, Heavy Sports have suggested a surprise trade that would see them land a new backup in the form of former Winnipeg Jets backup Laurent Brossoit. In the deal, the team would get Brossoit with money retained and a pick for a minor league goaltender and another pick, giving them three goalies to battle it out for two NHL spots next season. Oilers receive: Laurent Brossoit ($1.65 million retained) 2026 seventh-round pick Blackhawks acquire: Connor Ungar 2028 third-round pick Brossoit hasn't played in the NHL since 2023/24, and in that season he posted a fantastic .927 save percentage and a 2.00 GAA in 23 games played, with a career average of 2.64 GAA and a .911 save percentage in 140 games. If Brossoit gets more of an opportunity, there's a belief around the league that he could be more than serviceable in any role given to him. Ultimately, at this point it looks like Kris Knoblauch and the Oilers are content to run things back in 2025/26 with the duo of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, and unless there's a big upgrade to be had that makes sense, they're content with doing just that.

Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love’s ‘Fiery’ Response to Wife’s Take on Franchise’s Timeless Tradition
NFL

Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love’s ‘Fiery’ Response to Wife’s Take on Franchise’s Timeless Tradition

Green Bay Packers star quarterback Jordan Love and his wife, Ronika Stone Love, are truly in, well, love. The couple just got married in June, and with the Packers deep into their preparation for the upcoming 2025 NFL season, Ronika shows full support for her husband. In a social media post on Instagram, Ronika shared a series of photos from last Saturday’s Packers Family Night at Lambeau Field. The first photo on the post shows a happy Ronika in the arms of the former Utah State Aggies star signal-caller. “My version of a Lambeau Leap,” Ronika wrote as a caption. Last season, Love played in 15 games, throwing for a total of 3,389 passing yards to go along with 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. That year was considered a down one for Love, but many expect him to come up with a bigger performance in 2025, as Green Bay looks to surpass its 11-win total in 2024. Fans react to Jordan Love’s wife’s Green Bay Packers Lambeau Leap Apart from Love, many others reacted to Ronika’s heartwarming post. Here are some of them: “Two Green Bay 10’s right there,” said a fan. Another one said: “Hair looks amazing” From a commenter: “Awhhhh y’all are so cute!! And I’m obsessed with the hair it’s giving SZA!! ” “Love the Loves!,” a social media user posted. Via a different commenter: “your outfit is adorable” Said another: “I love the fit! Both of yall ”

Milwaukee Brewers: Nestor Cortes Gone, Standout Rookie 3B Has Emerged as Gem from Would-Be Lose-Lose Trade
MLB

Milwaukee Brewers: Nestor Cortes Gone, Standout Rookie 3B Has Emerged as Gem from Would-Be Lose-Lose Trade

Starting pitcher Nestor Cortes was the centerpiece of the Milwaukee Brewers‘ return haul from trading co-closer Devin Williams to the Yankees last December. Eight months later, Cortes is a member of the Padres, logging all of two starts in Milwaukee before injuries sapped his season. Over in New York, Williams lost his closer’s job, got it back, and has had one good month en route to a 5.04 ERA. Without the other part of Milwaukee’s incoming package, then minor-league third baseman Caleb Durbin, the trade would look at this juncture like a lose-lose scenario. Thanks to Durbin, it’s been anything but for the Brewers. Caleb Durbin is Milwaukee Brewers’ diamond in the rough Durbin didn’t make the spring training cut. Instead, the Brewers went with fellow rookie Oliver Dunn as the team’s starting third baseman. Durbin went down to Triple-A Nashville. Dunn didn’t last. After he struggled through the first three weeks of the season, he and Durbin switched places and the latter hasn’t squandered his shot. Following a slow start, he’s turned up the heat at the dish while playing outstanding defense. He’s had an OPS around .800 for over two months now and has his season slashline up to .263/.344/.372. His 2.2 WAR in 86 games played is tied for 10th among all third basemen, making him one of the position’s more valuable players. The Brewers saw plenty of promise in Durbin when they traded for him, coming off a strong season with New York’s Triple-A affiliate. Even though he didn’t, he was a decent candidate to make the team out of spring. The team likely didn’t see a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate, which he is. By WAR, he and Braves catcher Drake Baldwin have contributed the same value to their teams, more than any other NL rookies. Cortes, on the other hand, was supposed to be a consistent cog in the rotation. Last year for the Yankees, he made 30 starts and recorded a 3.77 ERA. Instead, he’s still making his way back from injury ahead of start number three this season. In San Diego. Of course, Milwaukee did turn him into outfielder Brandon Lockridge, who will provide depth while Jackson Chourio is hurt. To dump Cortes’ salary, however, they had to attach a prospect, infielder Jorge Quintana. Neither Cortes nor Williams has been what the receiving team hoped. Both will be free agents this offseason. Only the Yankees, however, are at risk of walking away empty-handed. With years of team control remaining, the Brewers have in Durbin what looks to be their third baseman of both the present and future. The trade didn’t deliver according to expectations, but it’s hard to be too upset with the results.

Steelers Trade Package for Micah Parsons Predicted
NFL

Steelers Trade Package for Micah Parsons Predicted

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