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Wednesday, 8 April 2026
Tuesday, 7 April 2026
Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe under evaluation after Fitzgerald’s departure
NEWARK, N.J. — Tom Fitzgerald called Sheldon Keefe on Monday to tell the coach he hired that after more than six years as general manager of the New Jersey Devils, he was leaving the organization.
“It’s not a good feeling to hear the news,” Keefe said Tuesday. “Not a better feeling today, frankly.”
Justifiably so because with all the uncertainty that’s now coming to the Devils with ownership looking for new leadership in the front office, Keefe is at the epicenter of it. Keefe said he spoke with Tad Brown, CEO of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which owns the NHL club, and was told he’d be part of an evaluation process once the season is over.
“I certainly hope to be a part of the solution here,” Keefe said. “Obviously they’ve got some decisions to make on who the new general manager and what the leadership of the team looks like. … I’ll be a part of that discussion and evaluation. It’s not something I feel good about with the situation that we’ve put the team in here.”
New Jersey is on track to miss the playoffs, though part of that can be chalked up to the absence of Jack Hughes for five weeks following a freak thumb injury from a team dinner in November and the games after his return when he was not fully healthy.
Since Hughes returned from scoring the golden goal in overtime for the U.S. at the Olympics, the Devils are 12-7-1, a points percentage of .625 that would have them at least in contention if not already postseason-bound.
“We haven’t had the group on the ice that Tom built for enough of an amount of time,” Keefe said. “But that’s also where I bear responsibility is it’s my job to be able to sustain our game at times when we’re not healthy. How we’re playing now and how we played for that period of time (without Hughes), they’re both part of the evaluation process and ultimately are my responsibility.”
Keefe coached the Devils to the playoffs a year ago, bowing out in five games in the first round, also after Hughes was lost for the season following shoulder surgery. In seven seasons in the league, this is the first spring Keefe is not taking someone to the playoffs.
Toronto made it each time under him from 2020 (when the field was expanded because of the pandemic) through 2024, though the Maple Leafs won just one series during that stretch. He is back in a familiar spot from 2023, when then-president of hockey operations Brendan Shanahan fired GM Kyle Dubas, who in November 2019 promoted Keefe to replace Mike Babcock.
“A similar feeling in terms of letting down the organization and the general manager that believes in you, so that hasn’t changed,” said Keefe, who lasted one season under new — and also since fired — GM Brad Treliving in Toronto before losing that job and joining New Jersey. “At that time, I had to kind of fight for my position in the organization, it’ll be a very similar situation here now.”
Shanahan’s name has been linked to the Devils if they hire a president of hockey operations between a GM and ownership. Treliving could also fit the bill as an experienced executive, and Florida’s Sunny Mehta and Brett Peterson are among the assistants who look ready to run an NHL franchise. Mehta served as the Devils’ director of analytics from 2014-18 before helping the Panthers win back-to-back Stanley Cup championships the past two years.
No matter who’s running the show, it’ll be different. Fitzgerald has been around more than a decade and had the controls as GM since early 2020, responsible in some way for the entire core of Hughes and brother Luke, captain Nico Hischier, and forwards Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt.
“We can’t really control what’s going into the offseason with moves here and there,” Bratt said. “We don’t really know who the GM is that’s coming in, either, and what their plan is.”
Thankful for everything Fitzgerald did for him and his teammates, Hischier figures the next GM will bring a breath of fresh air and some new ideas. Eligible to sign an extension July 1, he was noncommittal about his future beyond finishing out this season.
“I’m focusing on playing hockey here,” Hischier said. “I still have one more year. I’m with the Devils right now, and then we’ll see what happens.”
New Jersey is in see-what-happens mode after Fitzgerald’s departure, and Keefe as well as players understand the decision on who takes over is out of their hands.
“I know I trust our ownership group, and they’re smart people,” Jack Hughes said. “They’ll bring someone good in here.”
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Flyers’ Matvei Michkov fined $2K by NHL for embellishment
The NHL has fined Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov $2,000 for diving/embellishment, the league announced Tuesday
This is the second time Michkov has been cited by the league. Since Michkov already received a warning for his first offence, he will now have to pay the $2,000 fine.
Michkov previously received a warning following an incident in a Dec. 3 game against the Buffalo Sabres. His second offence came on March 24 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he was assessed an embellishment minor at 17:24 of the second period.
On the same play, Columbus defenceman Dante Fabbro received a minor penalty for cross-checking, resulting in offsetting penalties.
Under Rule 64, fines increase with each subsequent citation, with players facing up to $5,000 in penalties. Once a team accumulates multiple infractions — either by an individual player or collectively — fines can also extend to the head coach.
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Monday, 6 April 2026
Scott Oake announces 2025-26 will be his final season of broadcasting
Hockey Night in Canada will look a bit different going forward.
Longtime Sportsnet personality Scott Oake announced on Saturday’s After Hours that this will be his final season broadcasting and he will step away following the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Oake has enjoyed a long and storied career in broadcasting, getting his start by volunteering at his campus radio station at the Memorial University of Newfoundland before parlaying that into a job with CBC St. Johns.
Oake relocated to Winnipeg in 1979 to pursue sports broadcasting, and was then tapped by CBC to join Hockey Night in Canada in 1989 — a position he has held since.
A mainstay on the Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts, Oake began hosting the second game in the 2003-04 season alongside notable co-hosts such as Louie DeBrusk, Kelly Hrudey and Kevin Weekes.
Throughout his career, Oake has been honoured for his exceptional work in the industry, including capturing an Order of Manitoba, Order of Canada, and in 2003 won a Gemini Award for his interview with Brett Hull.
As much as his interviewing prowess, Oake is also well known for his sense of humour. His post-game interviews on Hockey Night in Canada have produced plenty of viral moments — including cheeky exchanges with veteran NHLer Ryan Reaves, whose friendship with the Oake family long predates his NHL career, having grown up with Scott’s sons, Bruce and Darcy.
Oake was foundational in building After Hours — the nightcap wherein Oake and his co-host conduct a lengthy interview, including viewer questions, with a player, coach or team executive — which ran initially from the 2000-01 season until 2013-14. It was revived ahead of the 2016-17 season, airing on Sportsnet and CBC.
Oake also founded the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre in Winnipeg following his son’s overdose death in 2011.
April 11 will mark his final Hockey Night in Canada and After Hours appearance.
“Congratulations Scott, on an extraordinary career,” Sportsnet PR said in a statement.
“Scott has been a trusted voice and steady presence on Hockey Night in Canada for more than three decades, earning the respect of viewers, colleagues and athletes alike. Through his thoughtful reporting, genuine compassion, and unwavering professionalism, he has helped tell the stories that define hockey.
“Thank you, Scott, for your remarkable contributions to Canadian broadcasting — you will be missed. We look forward to celebrating your career through one last Stanley Cup Playoffs!”
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Sunday, 5 April 2026
Saturday, 4 April 2026
UFC Cage Locks: Teammates Moicano, Duncan meet in main event
Renato Moicano and Chris Duncan have trained together on the mats at American Top Team in Coconut Crek, Fla., however on Saturday in Las Vegas the lightweights will be in opposite corners.
The pair headline a UFC Fight Night card at the Meta Apex with Brazil’s Moicano hoping to end a two-fight skid and Scotland’s Duncan looking for his fifth consecutive win.
The co-main event features top strawweights Virna Jandiroba and Tabatha Ricci with Ricci in a position to move closer to a title shot at 115 pounds and Jandiroba attempting to return to the win column after falling short in a title fight this past October.
Moicano, Duncan, Jandiroba and Ricci all successfully made weight Friday at the official weigh-in, although three fighters were over their respective limits on their initial attempts.
Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev weighed in above the non-title light-heavyweight limit of 206 pounds by one pound, former flyweight Rafael Estevam was a half pound above the non-title bantamweight limit of 136, and Darrius Flowers was half a pound over the non-title lightweight limit of 156.
All three were given an extra hour to make weight. Yakhyaev ended up shedding the extra pound to reach 206 pounds, but Estevam and Flowers decided not to cut any additional weight and were each fined 20 per cent of their purse yet their fights will proceed. This was Estevam’s third weight miss in the UFC.
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Below is the projected bout order for UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Duncan (subject to change) plus full predictions:
MAIN CARD
— Renato Moicano vs. Chris Duncan
— Virna Jandiroba vs. Tabatha Ricci
— Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev vs. Brendson Ribeiro
— Ethyn Ewing vs. Rafael Estevam
— Tommy McMillen vs. Manolo Zecchini
— Jose Delano vs. Robert Ruchala
PRELIMINARY CARD
— Guilherme Pat vs. Thomas Petersen
— Alessandro Costa vs. Stewart Nicoll
— Lando Vannata vs. Darrius Flowers
— Alice Pereira vs. Hailey Cowan
— Azamat Bekoev vs. Tresean Gore
— Dione Barbosa vs. Melissa Gatto
— Kai Kamaka III vs. Dakota Hope
Ahead of each UFC event in 2026, UFC reporter Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter), producer Dan Fernandes (@DanFernandes__) and writer/editor Mike Johnston (@MikeyJ_MMA) will peruse the odds and make four betting predictions using fantasy dollars: one best bet, one favourite, one underdog and one dart throw wager. REMINDER: Sportsnet is committed to promoting and educating audiences about the importance of betting responsibly. Sources for responsible gambling can be found HERE.
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UFC on Sportsnet
Lightweights Renato Moicano and Chris Duncan headline a card at the Meta Apex. Watch UFC Fight Night action on Saturday, April 4 on Sportsnet 360 and Sportsnet+ with coverage beginning at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT.
AARON’S PICKS
Cage Lock: Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev -1500
Favourite: Ethyn Ewing -140
Underdog: Renato Moicano +145
Dart Throw: Robert Ruchala wins by decision +550
When someone is lined at -1500, they are essentially a lock and Yakhyaev certainly feels like he has Ribeiro’s number wherever the fight takes place. … While Estevam is undefeated, he is moving up a weight class and his lack of output paired with having to face a bigger opponent has me leaning towards Ewing. After a successful debut against a high-level striker in Malcolm Wellmaker, Ewing will now be tested by a high-level grappler and it is a test that I believe he passes. … Chris Duncan has been on a roll lately, but has typically been the underdog, this time around, he is the favourite against arguably his toughest test to date. Moicano’s speed and grappling could give him fits over the course of five rounds and I like getting him at a value price. … Delano looks like a solid prospect, however I believe that Ruchala, a former KSW champion, is not getting enough respect in this spot. He is tough as nails and I expect him to give Delano all that he can handle.
DAN’S PICKS
Cage Lock: Tommy McMillen -1400
Favourite: Jose Delano -285
Underdog: Rafael Estevam +125
Dart Throw: Jandiroba wins inside the distance +450
All aboard the Tommy McMillen hype train! I think the rising prospect has a favourable matchup this week and the perfect opportunity to show the world what his fans already know: Tommy McMillen is going to be a problem at featherweight. McMillen is a great striker and accomplished wrestler who is taking on an opponent that was unceremoniously knocked out in Round 1 of his UFC debut: Manolo Zecchini. McMillen probably wins inside the distance, but an outright win here parlayed with other value plays could make for a trip (or two) to the pay window.
Like McMillen, Jose Delano is also making his UFC debut and should get his hand raised on Saturday. Delano’s opponent Robert Ruchala seemed a step slower than William Gomis in his UFC debut and will likely struggle to cope with Delano’s well-rounded game. … I think recency bias is impacting the money line on Ethyn Ewing vs Rafael Estevam. It’s hard to cheer against Ewing given his Cinderella story win over Malcolm Wellmaker at UFC 322 at MSG. I just think Estevam is a more cerebral fighter than Wellmaker and will not underestimate Ewing in this fight. When you remove the element of surprise and sentimental storylines from this bout, it’s a very even fight. Worth leaning the underdog here. … If Virna Jandiroba is able to execute her game plan on Saturday night, she could very well finish Tabatha Ricci inside the distance. As she begins to wear on her opponent there will be openings to snatch a limb or even reign down shots from a dominant position. I’m OK with the risk vs. reward factor of +450 here. It’s longshot odds on a probable outcome in my opinion.
MIKE’S PICKS
Cage Lock: Azamat Bekoev -600
Favourite: Virna Jandiroba -120
Underdog: Hailey Cowan +110
Dart Throw: Duncan by submission +750
Without a handful of questionable fight IQ moments in her last fight, Jandiroba could very well be champ right now. Despite her age and falling short against Mackenzie Dern, she is still a tough out at strawweight and will be Tabatha Ricci’s toughest test in at least a couple years. … Moicano is a terrific grappler but has lost a couple times by sub in the UFC and Duncan has a tight squeeze. I could see a world where Duncan rocks Moicano and jumps on a choke. … Bekoev was humbled in his last outing but I’m a believer in the former LFA champ and think he gets by Tresean Gore on the prelims. … Alice Pereira gets hyped because she made it to the UFC by age 20 but her skill set leaves much to be desired and Hailey Cowen has the edge in experience and strength of schedule.
CAGE LOCKS PARLAY
Three legs: Yakhyaev + McMillen + Bekoev
Parlay odds: -300 (to win: $33.33)
2026 STANDINGS AFTER 9 EVENTS
CAGE LOCKS PARLAY
2026 record: 3-6 (L2)
2026 winnings: -$336.12 (on $100 bets)
AARON’S RECORDS/TOTALS (15-21, -2.64 units)
Cage Lock: 4-5 (-$406.61)
Favourite: 6-3 (+$13.24)
Underdog: 3-6 (-$120)
Dart throw: 2-7 (+$250)
DAN’S RECORDS/TOTALS (17-19, -4.52 units)
Cage Lock: 8-1 (+$14.58)
Favourite: 5-4 (-$166.61)
Underdog: 3-6 (-$150)
Dart throw: 1-8 (-$150)
MIKE’S RECORDS/TOTALS (15-21, -11.46 units)
Cage Lock: 8-1 (+$85.13)
Favourite: 4-5 (-$261.80)
Underdog: 3-6 (-$70)
Dart throw: 0-9 (-$900)
Cage Lock: The pick deemed to be the wager most likely to win regardless of what the odds look like. The Cage Locks parlay will combine Aaron’s, Dan’s and Mike’s respective best bet for each event.
Favourite: A fighter with winning odds shorter than -300 but not longer than -110. On chalkier cards with a dearth of available moneyline favourites that meet those criteria, prop bets are allowed to be selected.
Underdog: Any fighter with longer odds than their opponent’s.
Dart Throw: Any prop bet or moneyline wager with odds of +400 or longer.
(Betting odds above are via BetMGM, submitted at various times throughout week, and subject to change prior to the fights)
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