logo
Minnesota Wild notes: Jared Spurgeon's scary injury, Zeev Buium's arrival

Minnesota Wild notes: Jared Spurgeon's scary injury, Zeev Buium's arrival

Yahoo12-04-2025

The Wild's disappointing loss to the Calgary Flames on Friday night included a scary moment for their captain and longest-tenured player.
Veteran defenseman Jared Spurgeon took a puck to the throat early in the second period and lost his breath, which caused him to panic a little bit and get light-headed. He was looking around and asking for help, and the nearest player was Calgary's Yegor Sharangovich.
'Yeah, it was sort of serious,' Sharangovich said, via The Athletic's Michael Russo. "I was not understanding what he was saying to me. I thinks it's my English. … I feel bad because I should help him. He (held) me and the referee helped him after."
Eventually, a ref did assist Spurgeon in getting to the bench, where the Wild's athletic trainers grabbed him and took him to get evaluated.
Spurgeon missed the rest of the second period. He was able to return in the third period but did not end up finishing the game. Head coach John Hynes said Spurgeon was doing better after the game, and the Wild hope he's good to go for Saturday's game against the Canucks.
"It's always scary" when a player takes a puck to that area, Marcus Foligno said.
Had the Wild won on Friday, they would've clinched a playoff berth. Now they've still got a bit of work to do over their last two games.
The Wild will get a boost in their regular season finale with the expected debut of defenseman Zeev Buium, their top prospect whose historic collegiate career just ended with Denver's double-overtime loss to Western Michigan in the national semifinals on Thursday.
Buium is heading to Minnesota on Saturday. He'll likely practice with the team for the first time on Monday and will be set up for his NHL debut in Tuesday's game against the Ducks at Xcel Energy Center.
Buium played an absurd 51:41 during the Pioneers' loss to WMU. He's a special talent who scored 98 points in 83 games in two seasons with Denver, the most by a defenseman under 20 years old in the last 45 years.
The 12th overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft, Buium is a 19-year-old with a chance to be a franchise-altering player for the Wild moving forward. He also has a chance to be a legitimate difference-maker in the playoffs this year, even though he'll have just one regular season game under his belt.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sublime Stanley Cup Final rolls on tonight. Plus: PWHL expansion draft anticipation
Sublime Stanley Cup Final rolls on tonight. Plus: PWHL expansion draft anticipation

New York Times

time41 minutes ago

  • New York Times

Sublime Stanley Cup Final rolls on tonight. Plus: PWHL expansion draft anticipation

Red Light newsletter 🏒 | This is The Athletic's hockey newsletter. Sign up here to receive Red Light directly in your inbox. Good morning to everyone except front offices that say 'as per team policy, terms were not disclosed' when they make transactions. It's game night, let's get into it. … you didn't miss any hockey. The weekend delivered our first three-day break of the Stanley Cup Final. We'll get another before Game 4, and again before Games 6 and 7 (if necessary). Weirdly, the only two-day break left on the schedule is between Games 4 and 5, which have travel in between. Edmonton is close to Sunrise, right? Advertisement The good news is that the extra night off gave everyone one more day to get rested and healthy for a crucial Game 3 … The series shifts to Florida, tied 1-1 after the Panthers' Friday night win. We've got a lot of moving parts here. In fact, let's break out the bullet points: Game 3 is tonight at 8 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV, Max and Sportsnet. I think it has been. If we're just going based on the first two games of every Stanley Cup Final since 2005, this one is at least on the podium, if not taking home gold. That's partly because it's been a legitimately great start, with a pair of overtime games, plenty of offense and multiple highlight-reel plays. It's also because the bar is kind of low. In fact, this is only the sixth time in the cap era that a Stanley Cup Final has been split 1-1 after two games. The other 14 series all saw a team take a 2-0 lead. Of the five previous splits, three — the finals in 2015, 2018 and 2020 — didn't feature any overtime at all. We did get one overtime in 2019, when the Bruins won Game 1 in regulation only to have the Blues come back with an OT win to square the series in Game 2. But with all due respect to those Gloria-infused days, the only final whose start really compares to this one was in 2013, when the Blackhawks and Bruins served up a triple-OT classic in the opener that was won by Chicago, followed by a Boston win midway through the first extra period in Game 2. That series ended up being one of the better finals in recent memory, featuring an additional overtime in Game 4 and the 17-seconds game in Game 6. It didn't go seven games, though, which I think we can all agree would be unacceptable for the Oilers and Panthers. For now, at least, we can't complain. If this hasn't been the best two-game start to a final in the cap era, it's been awfully close. 🚨 The only thing weirder than an NHL goalie is a third-string NHL goalie. Peter Baugh had a fun piece on some of the guys who held that role for championship teams, and the weird thing that connects many of them during the Cup handoff. 🐀 Speaking of weird connections, Michael Russo found one between veterans Corey Perry and Brad Marchand. Advertisement 🥅 We can enjoy the final, but let's not forget how we got here. I've got you covered with a ranking of the 14 series that led us to this one. 👶 The NHL Scouting Combine has wrapped up, meaning your favorite team now has a good idea of which player it will claim to be shocked was still available when their pick came up. Eric Stephens has more on the week and how much the draft process has changed over the years. 🍁 And finally, be sure to check out this slick YouTube video in which we try to explain the Canadian Cup drought. Come for the high-quality content, stay for the nagging feeling that you didn't think my voice would sound like that. It's expansion draft night in the PWHL. We covered some of the basics in the last edition of Red Light, but a lot has changed since then. New homes for superstars such as Sarah Nurse and Hilary Knight are taking the spotlight, but you can track all of the moves right here. With the draft set for 8:30 p.m. ET tonight (we'll have live coverage), I asked Hailey Salvian to check in with an update. Sean: As someone who follows the PWHL but doesn't know all the ins and outs, the last few days have seemed stunning to me. Are league insiders surprised too, or is this more a case where casual fans just have to play some catch up? Hailey: Honestly, the whole process has been pretty wild. When you see the rules — specifically that teams could initially protect only three players — you know that stars are going to be on the move. But its one thing to understand that and another to see players like Knight, Nurse and Alex Carpenter left unprotected by their respective teams. Not protecting Carpenter, who ranks third all-time in league scoring, might have been the only real surprise to me over the last few weeks. Because as baffling as it is to leave Nurse or Knight unprotected, you can at least understand why teams might have made those decisions. Advertisement In terms of who signed and where, nothing was too surprising. I figured the general managers in Seattle and Vancouver would want to use their five signing slots on top players who were left unprotected, rather than negotiate with free agents who might still be available later this summer. And for the unprotected players, its reasonable that they'd want to dictate where they go, rather than take their chances in the draft. If you're a casual fan who feels overwhelmed, don't feel bad. It's been a whirlwind for literally everyone involved, from die-hard fans to players, agents and your local Athletic PWHL writers. Sean: What should we be expecting tonight, and are there any realistic options that could add to the surprise factor? Hailey: Without knowing the draft order (which the league won't be revealing until the broadcast starts) it's hard to project exactly what might happen. My safe assumption is that once the top remaining players (like 2024 fourth-overall pick Hannah Bilka) are off the board, both general managers will look for the best players at the best price — rather than just grabbing the top scorers or most recognizable names. Vancouver and Seattle will need to keep the salary cap — which will go up to $1.34 million next season — in mind and won't want to spend too much on 12 players out of what will need to be a 23-player roster. Each GM would do well to keep some money earmarked for free agency, where top players such as Natalie Spooner, Tereza Vanišová and Jesse Compher might be available, and the entry draft, with some top young talent incoming. There will surely be some off-the-board picks, but I don't expect any extra fireworks from side trades or truly wild selections. Sean: When the dust finally settles, are Vancouver and Seattle going to be contenders right away? Hailey: It's hard to imagine Seattle and Vancouver coming out of the draft without having legit playoff-caliber rosters. If either team is bad next season, that would likely be due to user error. The rules have been set up for these teams to contend on day one. Last time around, I wondered about the USA/Canada divide in this Stanley Cup Final, especially with everything that's happened between the two nations both on and off the ice in recent months. I wasn't sure whether that would impact allegiances, and so I asked Red Light readers what they thought. Well, the results are in, and … well, there's a bit of patriotism playing out, but you have to squint to see it. Up north, we're all-but-unanimous in backing the Oilers, and 60 percent of the Edmonton bandwagon says it's because they're Canadian. That's a majority, but not as much as you might expect given how much the 'bring Stanley home' message has been beaten into the ground up here. As for you Americans, you barely seem to have noticed the cross-country stakes at all. What you have noticed is that the Panthers are a bunch of dirtbags, with the overwhelming majority of you saying that you're rooting for Edmonton. I wasn't expecting that, but I can only assume it's because your entire country has fallen in love with Oilers legend Dwayne Jetski. After a string of admittedly tough questions, today I gave you one where the answer was staring you in the face. The record for most final appearances without a Conn Smythe win is held by the Florida Panthers, who are currently in the final for the fourth time in history but have never had a player win playoff MVP honors. (They lost the final in 1996 and 2023 and then won the Cup last year, but Connor McDavid was the rare case of a player on the losing team getting the Conn Smythe.) Advertisement Of course, we don't know who'll win the MVP honors this year — Sam Bennett has a sneaky good chance if the Panthers win — so maybe you don't want to count the 2025 final just yet. If that's the case, it knocks the Panthers down to three appearances. That would tie them with the Vancouver Canucks, who went to the final in 1982, 1994 and 2011, only to see their opponent skate off with the Cup — and the Conn Smythe. 📫 Love Red Light? Check out The Athletic's other newsletters.

Journalist: Liverpool's ‘Third and Final' Bid for Florian Wirtz ‘to be Accepted'
Journalist: Liverpool's ‘Third and Final' Bid for Florian Wirtz ‘to be Accepted'

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Journalist: Liverpool's ‘Third and Final' Bid for Florian Wirtz ‘to be Accepted'

Liverpool Close in on Florian Wirtz as Transfer Talks Reach Final Phase Liverpool appear to be on the brink of landing one of Europe's most exciting young talents. Florian Wirtz, the creative force behind Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga-winning season, is edging closer to Anfield after what appears to be an intense period of negotiations. David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index's Media Matters podcast, offered a confident and detailed insight into where the deal currently stands. Advertisement The Reds have reportedly submitted a third bid in the region of £113 million, a figure which Lynch claims could potentially become an English transfer record. Despite earlier bids being rejected, the mood remains overwhelmingly positive within the club's hierarchy. 'I'd be amazed if Florian Wirtz doesn't become a Liverpool player,' Lynch stated. 'And it could even be an English transfer record.' Confidence Grows as Final Details Take Shape Much has been made in the media about the urgency or perceived delays surrounding the Wirtz transfer, but Lynch was quick to allay any fears that the deal is stalling. Advertisement 'I can't get my head around the panic over this deal,' he said. 'It's progressing at decent speed for a deal at this price.' He clarified that the hold-up is down to minor details being ironed out, something not unusual at this level of investment. With the window about to open and personal terms expected to be a formality, Liverpool's meticulous approach should soon be rewarded. 'There's huge confidence on both sides that this will be done and the next bid will be accepted.' The feeling from Lynch is that Liverpool know precisely what figure will seal the deal, and the final offer is expected to meet that threshold. Advertisement 'I would be shocked if this third and final bid isn't accepted because Liverpool know exactly where they need to place it for it to be accepted.' Timing is Key as Medical Plans Set Despite external noise about deadlines and registration, Lynch played down any suggestion that Liverpool are working under pressure. In fact, he hinted that the club have a clearly defined schedule that includes a planned medical later this week. 'We've spoke about that first deadline being tomorrow but that doesn't matter to Liverpool,' he said. 'They don't need to get it done before that.' 'They can have him complete his medical on Wednesday and then as soon as the window opens again, he will sign for Liverpool.' Advertisement The timing of the announcement could be carefully staged to maximise visibility, particularly following Liverpool's title-winning campaign under Arne Slot. The club is in a strong position, and the capture of Wirtz would be a statement of intent that the new era at Anfield is not just about transition, but domination. Slot's System Could Be Perfect for Wirtz From a tactical perspective, Wirtz fits the mould of a modern Liverpool signing. His ability to play between the lines, create, press, and contribute goals makes him an ideal candidate to operate in Arne Slot's aggressive and fluid system. Having already lifted the Premier League trophy in his debut season, Slot appears to be building on success with the sort of elite talent that can extend Liverpool's dominance. Wirtz's potential arrival shows that the club are not resting on their laurels, and are willing to invest heavily in youth with world-class potential. If the deal is finalised in the coming days, as expected, Liverpool fans can look forward to a frontline enriched by one of Europe's brightest attacking midfielders.

Al Hilal put this Man United star in their transfer list following Osimhen's rejection
Al Hilal put this Man United star in their transfer list following Osimhen's rejection

Business Upturn

time2 hours ago

  • Business Upturn

Al Hilal put this Man United star in their transfer list following Osimhen's rejection

Al Hilal is reportedly searching for a new forward who can help them win more trophies next season. By Ravi Kumar Jha Published on June 9, 2025, 18:53 IST Al Hilal is reportedly searching for a new forward who can help them win more trophies next season. Saudi club tried to sign Victor Osimhen but the player rejected the offer and the deal collapsed. However, as per multiple reports, Al Hilal is trying to sign Manchester United's Jadon Sancho who was on loan at Chelsea last season and doesn't want to play for the Red Devils anymore. It is just the initial interest and nothing has been concrete yet. Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal are reportedly in the market for a new forward as they look to bolster their attack ahead of the new season. The club, which has enjoyed domestic and continental success in recent years, is aiming to strengthen its squad further to maintain their dominance. Al Hilal recently attempted to lure Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli, but the deal collapsed after the player turned down their offer. The setback hasn't deterred the Riyadh-based club, as fresh reports suggest they have now turned their attention to Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho. Sancho, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Chelsea, is believed to be reluctant to return to Old Trafford following his fallout with manager Erik ten Hag. While Al Hilal's interest is still at an early stage, sources close to the situation claim the Saudi side is monitoring the English forward's availability closely. Ravi kumar jha is an undergraduate student in Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia and Mass Communication. A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication and he also has a genuine interest in sports. Ravi is currently working as a journalist at

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