logo
Capitals sign defenseman Dylan McIlrath to a two-year, $1.6 million contract

Capitals sign defenseman Dylan McIlrath to a two-year, $1.6 million contract

Yahoo28-03-2025

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Washington Capitals signed defenseman Dylan McIlrath to a two-year, $1.6 million contract Thursday.
The 32-year-old McIlrath has two assists in 11 games this season. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
McIlrath captained Washington affiliate Hershey's 2023 and 2024 Calder Cup championship teams in the American Hockey League. The 6-foot-6 defender has three goals and six assists in 86 career NHL regular-season games with Washington, Florida, the New York Rangers and Detroit.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Seattle Seahawks 2025 NFL Season Preview
Seattle Seahawks 2025 NFL Season Preview

Yahoo

time40 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Seattle Seahawks 2025 NFL Season Preview

Seattle Seahawks 2025 NFL Season Preview originally appeared on Athlon Sports. [Editor's note: This article is from Athlon Sports' 2025 NFL Preview Magazine. Order your copy today online or pick one up at retail racks and newsstands nationwide.] Advertisement Head coach Mike Macdonald's first year at the helm of the Seattle Seahawks had its ups and downs. Although they finished at 10-7, they became the first team since the 2020 Miami Dolphins to miss the playoffs after reaching double-digit wins, which caused a lot of frustration among the fan base, especially after a 3-6 home record, and resulted in some major changes in personnel. More NFL team previews AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks Offense 'Facelift' may be a bit of an understatement when describing the Seahawks' new offense. Quarterback Geno Smith, wide receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb are out, with Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp and Clint Kubiak, respectively, set to take their places. Kenneth Walker III© Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images The identity of the offense should remain the same, with running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet as the focal points after the pair received a combined 376 touches in 2024. But with Darnold receiving a hefty $110.5 million contract to take over for Smith, he's going to need to prove that he can be successful outside of Kevin O'Connell's system in Minnesota. Advertisement Darnold has a nice pair of security blankets in Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. General manager John Schneider snagged Kupp from the Seahawks' division rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, and signed him to a three-year, $45 million deal. If healthy, he should be an effective complement to Smith-Njigba, the third-year product of Ohio State who exceeded 1,100 receiving yards and made the Pro Bowl last season. However, staying healthy has proven to be a challenge for Kupp, the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year. Since 2022, Kupp has missed 18 games, and in a room that has little proven depth behind Smith-Njigba, free-agent signee Marquez Valdes-Scantling and former undrafted free agent Jake Bobo, Kupp's health will be critical to Seattle's offensive success. Keep an eye on fifth-round pick Tory Horton, who ran a 4.41 40-yard dash during the pre-draft process and was very productive at Colorado State in his final season. He could rise up the depth chart quickly. Kubiak is going to need a bounce-back season from the offensive line, which was one of the league's worst units in 2024, allowing 54 sacks, tied for the third-most in the NFL. Right tackle Abraham Lucas has missed 21 games in the past two seasons after a strong start to his career in 2022, and the Seahawks haven't been able to find much depth behind him. Selecting interior offensive lineman Grey Zabel in the first round out of North Dakota State was a solid move to begin shoring up the unit, which is also hoping for a boost from UConn product Christian Haynes, a third-round pick in 2024. 'I like how he finishes the blocks, then finding his targets down the field in space,' Macdonald said of Zabel after he was selected. 'He's a really great athlete, how he moves. It's easy to overlook pass protection when you talk wide zone all the time. You can argue that's really where it starts in the evaluation process. Hard to find a rep that he had a hard time winning down [at the Senior Bowl] in Mobile. He took a lot of them.' Defense Anchored by a strong defensive line and one of the best cornerbacks in the league, the Seahawks should be relatively steady on that side of the ball thanks to Macdonald's scheme. Advertisement Up front, last year's first-rounder Byron Murphy II looked the part of a game-wrecking defensive tackle, even while dealing with an injury that sidelined him for three games. Although he tallied just half a sack and two tackles for a loss, Murphy was consistently in the backfield and required plenty of attention from opposing offensive lines, leading to a very productive season for Leonard Williams. Leonard Williams(Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images) In his first full season with the Seahawks, Williams came up just short of his career-high with 11 sacks as he made his second Pro Bowl appearance after signing a three-year, $64.5 million deal to stay in Seattle. Schneider also gave the unit a big boost in free agency, bringing in former Cowboys pass-rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, who didn't mince words after spending 11 years in Dallas. 'A change of scenery is always good, but, you know, Dallas is my home,' Lawrence said after he signed. 'I made my home there. My family lives there. I'm forever gonna be there, but I know for sure I'm not gonna win a Super Bowl there. We here.' Advertisement In the secondary, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who earned his second Pro Bowl nod in as many seasons in the league in 2024, has quickly developed a reputation as a shutdown corner. The 2022 top-five pick out of Illinois has broken up 25 passes in his career; in doing so, he presents a lot of opportunities for his running mate, Riq Woolen. Woolen, the former fifth-round pick out of UTSA, pulled in three interceptions and was credited with 14 pass breakups last season, and as he heads into a contract year, he will be looking to produce at a high level. With safeties Julian Love and second-round pick Nick Emmanwori patrolling the back end, Woolen will have plenty of wiggle room to show that he's not afraid to be aggressive and make a play on the ball. Linebacker play is critical to Macdonald's scheme, and after trading for inside 'backer Ernest Jones IV from the Tennessee Titans, Schneider made the right move signing Jones to a three-year, $28.5 million deal. In just 10 games with the Seahawks, Jones racked up 94 tackles and an interception as Seattle finished the year ranked No. 14 in total defense. Specialists The Seahawks have boasted some of the most consistent special teams play in the NFL in recent seasons. Placekicker Jason Myers is entering his seventh year with the team after converting on 86.7% of his field-goal attempts last season. Punter Michael Dickson is entering his eighth year with the team after averaging 49.4 yards per punt in 2024. Final analysis The NFC West wasn't nearly as tough in 2024 as it had been in previous seasons, and heading into this season, the Seahawks have a great opportunity to take advantage of the division. They should have their sights set on the playoffs, and if they improve on their record at Lumen Field, they could very well end up as the division champions if they can overcome the growing pains of so many new faces in critical places. Advertisement More NFL team previews AFC East: Bills | Dolphins | Jets | Patriots AFC North: Bengals | Browns | Ravens | Steelers AFC South: Colts | Jaguars | Texans | Titans AFC West: Broncos | Chargers | Chiefs | Raiders NFC East: Commanders | Cowboys | Eagles | Giants NFC North: Bears | Lions | Packers | Vikings NFC South: Buccaneers | Falcons | Panthers | Saints NFC West: 49ers | Cardinals | Rams | Seahawks Related: Athlon Sports 2025 NFL Preview Magazine Now Available Related: Men in the Middle: Defensive Tackles Making Their Mark in Today's NFL This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.

Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird inducted into Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird inducted into Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

Yahoo

time42 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird inducted into Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird has been inducted into the 2025 class of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Bird is a four-time WNBA champion and the all-time WNBA assists leader, finishing her career with 3,234 total assists. On top of that, she is the most decorated International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup athlete in history, with four gold medals, and one bronze. She's also an Olympic career record holder for assists. Bird also broke records in college, playing for the UConn Huskies. She was the first pick of the first round in the 2002 WNBA Draft, and was with the Seattle Storm until her retirement in 2022. Other players inducted were Sylvia Fowles, Cappie Pondexter, and Alana Beard. Seven people total were inducted in the 2025 class.

Tom's Watch Bar Expands Washington Footprint with Updated Location Inside ilani's Sportsbook
Tom's Watch Bar Expands Washington Footprint with Updated Location Inside ilani's Sportsbook

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Tom's Watch Bar Expands Washington Footprint with Updated Location Inside ilani's Sportsbook

Largest LED Video Wall in the Region Among New Features at Reimagined Sports Bar Experience DENVER, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tom's Watch Bar, the ultimate destination for sports viewing and entertainment, today announced the grand opening of its expanded location inside ilani in Ridgefield, Washington. Located adjacent to the casino's onsite sportsbook, this updated venue is purpose-built to deliver an unparalleled sports viewing experience, seamlessly connecting fans to the energy of live games to create an enhanced, engaging environment for in-person sports betting. This opening comes as Tom's Watch Bar continues to redefine the sports bar experience nationwide. Opening to the public at the end of June, the new venue replaces the original Tom's Urban at ilani with a larger 7,509-square-foot space, connected to the casino's state-of-the-art sportsbook. The former Tom's Urban at ilani had operated successfully since June 1, 2017. 'This transition represents more than just a move—it's a powerful evolution of our brand,' said Shannon McNiel, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Tom's Watch Bar. 'Together with our partners at ilani and The Cowlitz Indian Tribe, we've created a next-generation venue that truly delivers on our promise of 'All the Sports, All the Time.'' Key features of the new Tom's Watch Bar at ilani include: The largest LED video wall in the region, delivering an immersive game-day experience Over 30 high-definition TVs, ensuring guests catch every play from every angle A dynamic LED-powered sports ticker board, displaying real-time scores, odds, and breaking news Premium viewing technology, a vibrant atmosphere, and an elevated food and beverage menu 'We are thrilled to support and celebrate the evolution of Tom's brand to Tom's Watch Bar as they bring their dynamic brand to The Stadium venue, transforming this iconic space into a destination that amplifies the fan experience,' said Kara Fox LaRose, President and General Manager of ilani. 'With the region's largest video wall and a shared passion for high-energy entertainment, this evolution is a natural fit. It also reflects our broader commitment to delivering standout amenities that enhance our overall offerings and create memorable moments for our guests.' This opening further strengthens the company's footprint as Tom's Watch Bar continues its accelerated national expansion, now operating 16 locations coast to coast. The brand's expanded presence at ilani underscores a specific and strategic focus on entertainment destinations, including casinos, where the brand is well-positioned to capitalize on growing consumer demand for high-energy sports viewing environments that blend technology, hospitality, and excitement. Tom's Watch Bar also operates successful, integrated venues at casinos in Connecticut and at its flagship Las Vegas location. For more information, visit About Tom's Watch Bar Tom's Watch Bar defines the ultimate sports-watching entertainment experience with its signature 'All the Sports, All the Time' model. Featuring cutting-edge AV technology, wall-to-wall screens, and a menu that balances craveable classics with elevated offerings, Tom's Watch Bar delivers an unmatched atmosphere for fans of every sport. Founded in 2014 and now operating 16 locations nationwide, Tom's Watch Bar is rapidly expanding across major U.S. cities and entertainment hubs. Media Contact: Marisa Breese, ICR tomswatchbar@ in to access your portfolio

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store