The Associated Press

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STEPHEN WHYNO

AP Hockey Writer
Phoenix Suns NBA basketball player Kevin Durant, right, watches a Washington Commanders NFL football practice at the team's training facility, Friday, July 28, 2023, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Kevin Durant attends Washington Commanders camp as a fan
Kevin Durant was among those in attendance for the second open practice of Washington Commanders training camp. The NBA star is a longtime Washington football fan who grew up in the area in Seat Pleasant, Maryland.
 
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin, center right, greets fans after an NFL football practice at the team's training facility, Thursday, July 27, 2023, in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Fans return to Washington Commanders camp to celebrate the team’s ownership change
Washington Commanders fans returned in droves to witness the team’s first public practice of training camp. It came a week after the NFL approved and finalized the sale of the franchise from longtime owner Dan Snyder to a group led by Josh Harris.
 
Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris, right, laughs with Joe Theismann, left, Mitchell Rales, and others, during NFL football practice at the team's training facility, Wednesday, July 26, 2023 in Ashburn, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Commanders camp opens with new owner Josh Harris in attendance and the buzz of a ‘clean slate’
The first practice of Washington Commanders training camp under new ownership definitely felt different than any opening day in decades. It was the first since Josh Harris’ group bought the team from longtime owner Dan Snyder.
 
FILE - Carolina Hurricanes' Sebastian Aho (20) skates with the puck against the Florida Panthers during the second period of Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, May 20, 2023. Sebastian Aho is staying with the Carolina Hurricanes through his prime after signing an eight-year contract extension worth $78 million. The team on Wednesday, July 26, announced the deal, which goes into effect for the 2024-25 NHL season.(AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
Carolina Hurricanes sign center Sebastian Aho to an 8-year contract extension worth $78 million
The Carolina Hurricanes have signed top center Sebastian Aho to an eight-year contract extension worth $78 million. It’s the richest contract in franchise history.
 
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera speaks at an introductory NFL football news conference for the team's new ownership group at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., Friday, July 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Ron Rivera says he has a lot to prove to the new Commanders ownership group
Ron Rivera says he has a lot to prove to the new owners of Washington Commanders. He’s going into his fourth season as Washington’s coach and director of football operations.
 
Josh Harris, leader of a group buying the Washington Commanders, poses with a team helmet after NFL owners voted to approve the sale in Bloomington, Minn., Thursday, July 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
NFL owners unanimously OK the Commanders sale to Josh Harris; Dan Snyder fined $60M on the way out
NFL owners have unanimously approved the sale of the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder to a group led by Josh Harris. The deal is for a North American professional sports record of $6.05 billion.
 
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Josiah Gray throws to the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, July 5, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Josiah Gray was the early face of the Nationals’ rebuild. Now he’s an All-Star
Josiah Gray became the early face of the Washington Nationals’ rebuild when he was part of the return in the trade of Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Two years later he’s an All-Star for the first time.
 
FILE -Washington Football Team center Chase Roullier (73) sets to hike the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Landover, Md. Former Washington Commanders center Chase Roullier has announced his retirement, Wednesday, July 5, 2023 deciding his football-playing days are over seven weeks shy of his 30th birthday because of injuries that derailed his career.(AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)
Former Commanders center Chase Roullier announces he’s retiring after 2 major injuries
Former Washington Commanders center Chase Roullier is retiring seven weeks shy of his 30th birthday. Roullier announced the decision in a post on Instagram. Two major injuries limited him to a total of 10 games over the past two NFL seasons.
 
Red, white and blue bead necklaces dangle from Cincinnati Reds' Elly De La Cruz's neck as he singles in the third inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Sparked by Elly De La Cruz, the Cincinnati Reds are winning and having plenty of fun doing it
The Cincinnati Reds are rolling toward the All-Star break on pace for just their second playoff appearance in a decade. Rookie sensation Elly De La Cruz is lighting the spark for the young team that’s winning a lot and having plenty of fun doing it.
 
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Keegan Kolesar kisses the Stanley Cup after the Knights defeated the Florida Panthers 9-3 in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Las Vegas. The Knights won the series 4-1. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Vegas Golden Knights are the first team to get the Stanley Cup engraved before their summer parties
The Vegas Golden Knights are the first NHL team to have the Stanley Cup engraved before the summer days when players, coaches and executives get to celebrate around the world with hockey’s hallowed trophy.
 
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brett Kennedy throws to the Washington Nationals in the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Kennedy wins in his major league return and De La Cruz has 4 hits as the Reds beat the Nats 8-4
Brett Kennedy won in his return to the majors as the Cincinnati Reds beat the Washington Nationals 8-4 thanks to a big offensive showing. Kennedy struck out three and allowed four runs in his first major league game since 2018.
 
Cincinnati Reds' Tyler Stephenson singles in the second inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Monday, July 3, 2023, in Washington. Jake Fraley scored on the play. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Joey Votto hits a two-run home run to snap an 0-for-21 drought as the Reds beat the Nationals
Joey Votto hit a two-run home run to help the Cincinnati Reds beat the Washington Nationals 3-2. It’s Votto’s fourth homer in 12 games this season coming off a 10-month absence recovering from surgery.
 
FILE - Horse trainer Bob Baffert leaves federal court July 12, 2021, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Churchill Downs is extending Baffert's suspension through 2024. Churchill Downs Incorporated announced Monday, July 3, 2023, it was continuing Baffert's ban citing continued concerns regarding the threat to the safety and integrity of racing he poses to CDI-owned racetracks. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)
Churchill Downs extends trainer Bob Baffert’s ban through 2024
Churchill Downs is extending trainer Bob Baffert’s suspension through 2024 citing continued concerns regarding the threat to the safety and integrity of racing he poses.
 
FILE - United States forward Hilary Knight, center, holds the cup as she celebrates with teammates after defeating Canada in the gold medal game at the women's world hockey championships in Brampton, Ontario, April 16, 2023. Patience remains the operative word from United States star Knight on the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association’s long-awaited bid to launch its own pro league. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP, File)
A new women’s hockey league launches in January. There’s plenty of work to do before then
The stage is set for a new women’s hockey league to begin in January. The Professional Hockey Federation was bought out and members of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association unanimously ratified a collective bargaining agreement and constitution.
 
FILE - Florida Panthers' Marc Staal (18) waits for a face-off against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Dec. 30, 2022. Marc Staal is joining the Philadelphia Flyers, signing a $1.1 million contract for next season with a team embarking on a lengthy rebuilding process. General manager Daniel Briere announced the signing Monday, July 3, 2023. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker, File)
Flyers sign defenseman Marc Staal to a 1-year deal while the Leafs add Max Domi
The Philadelphia Flyers have signed veteran defenseman Marc Staal to a $1.1 million contract for next season. Staal is coming off helping the Florida Panthers reach the Stanley Cup Final.
 
FILE - Toronto Maple Leafs center Ryan O'Reilly plays against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period in Game 4 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series on April 24, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. On what was technically his first day on the job as general manager, Barry Trotz on Saturday, July 1, 2023, signed a top two-way center in hockey and 2019 playoff MVP Ryan O'Reilly, rugged Stanley Cup-winning defenseman Luke Schenn and a winger in Gustav Nyquist who has something to prove. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)
Predators are winners and players seeking long contracts are among the losers in NHL free agency
The Nashville Predators, defensive defenseman Ryan Graves and some top goaltenders are among the winners in NHL free agency. Most players looking for long-term contracts and much of Western Canada factor among the losers.
 
Carolina Hurricanes' Max Pacioretty (67) skates against the New Jersey Devils during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. With just a $1 million increase to the salary cap in 2023 and even more expected next year, short contracts like Pacioretty's are a popular route for players and teams willing to take moderate risks and kick money down the road. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
Short contracts and bonus money prove to be popular in NHL free agency this year
Short contracts with some including performance bonuses were popular early in NHL free agency. Players and teams all know the salary cap that went up just $1 million for a second consecutive year is set for a much bigger leap next summer.
 
FILE - Los Angeles Kings goalie Joonas Korpisalo (70) makes a save against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period of Game 1 of an NHL Stanley Cup first-round hockey playoff series in Edmonton, Alberta, April 17, 2023. On Saturday, July 1, the Ottawa Senators signed Korpisalo to a five-year contract worth $20 million. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP, File)
Penguins keep Jarry and Senators sign Korpisalo as goalies shuffle around in NHL free agency
The Pittsburgh Penguins paid big to keep their two-time All-Star, and the Ottawa Senators ponied up to shore up their situation as goaltenders shuffled around on the first day of NHL free agency.
 
FILE - Joel Edmundson speaks to reporters during an end of season NHL hockey media availability in Brossard, Quebec, Friday, April 14, 2023. The Washington Capitals have acquired Edmundson in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens, Saturday, July 1. The Capitals sent third- and seventh-round picks in the 2024 draft to the Canadiens for the veteran defenseman. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP, File)
Capitals acquire Edmundson and Stars trade Miller to the Devils on 1st day of NHL free agency
A handful of trades materialized around the NHL on the first day of free agency. Just not the blockbuster everyone is waiting for. Erik Karlsson remains with San Jose after his 101-point Norris Trophy-winning season.
 
Mike Babcock addresses the media as the Columbus Blue Jackets introduce Babcock as their new head coach during a news conference on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Kyle Robertson/The Columbus Dispatch via AP)
Mike Babcock returns to the NHL as the coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets
Mike Babcock is back in the NHL as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets announced Saturday they’ve hired the Stanley Cup winner to take over behind the bench. Babcock is returning to the league after a hiatus of almost four years.
 
Mike Babcock addresses the media as the Columbus Blue Jackets introduce Babcock as their new head coach during a news conference on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Kyle Robertson/The Columbus Dispatch via AP)
Mike Babcock returns to the NHL as the coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets
Mike Babcock is back in the NHL as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets announced Saturday they’ve hired the Stanley Cup winner to take over behind the bench. Babcock is returning to the league after a hiatus of almost four years.
 
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill skates with the Stanley Cup after the Knights defeated the Florida Panthers 9-3 in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Las Vegas. The Knights won the series 4-1. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Vegas Golden Knights re-sign goalie Adin Hill to a 2-year deal on the eve of free agency
The Vegas Golden Knights have re-signed Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Adin Hill to a two-year deal worth almost $10 million.
 
FILE - Boston Pride players cheer as coach Paul Mara hoists the NWHL Isobel Cup trophy after the team's win over the Minnesota Whitecaps in the championship hockey game in Boston, Saturday, March 27, 2021. Organizers announced plans Friday, June 30, 2023, to launch a new women’s professional hockey league in January that they hope will provide a stable, economically sustainable home for the sport's top players for years to come. The agreement ends a long standoff between the seven-team Professional Hockey Federation (PHF) and the PWHPA. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm, File)
A new pro women’s hockey league is set to launch in January with 6 teams in North America
 
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith skates with the Stanley Cup after the Knights defeated the Florida Panthers 9-3 in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals Tuesday, June 13, 2023, in Las Vegas. The Knights won the series 4-1. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Golden Knights trade Reilly Smith to the Penguins and re-sign Ivan Barbashev for 5 years
The Vegas Golden Knights have traded forward Reilly Smith to the Pittsburgh Penguins and re-signed Ivan Barbashev. The Stanley Cup champions signed Barbashev to a five-year contract worth $25 million.
 
FILE - Tampa Bay Lightning's Ross Colton (79) skates with the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders, April 6, 2023, in Elmont, N.Y. The Colorado Avalanche have acquired forward Colton from Tampa Bay Wednesday, June 28, and are expected to lose J.T. Compher to free agency. A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Compher is testing the free agent market. Colton scored in the clinching game when the Lightning won the Stanley Cup in 2021. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
Avalanche trade for Ross Colton from the Lightning. They’re expected to lose J.T. Compher
The Colorado Avalanche have acquired forward Ross Colton from the Tampa Bay Lightning. The move almost certainly spells the end of J.T. Compher’s time with the Avalanche.
 
Tampa Bay Lightning's Alex Killorn (17) skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Sunday, March 5, 2023. Recent Stanley Cup champions Alex Killorn, J.T. Compher and Ivan Barbashev are among the top players to watch when NHL free agency begins Saturday. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker, File)
Alex Killorn, J.T. Compher and Patrick Kane are among the NHL free agents to watch
Recent Stanley Cup champions Alex Killorn, J.T. Compher and Patrick Kane are among the top players to watch when NHL free agency begins Saturday. The crop of available forwards also includes longtime Chicago captain Jonathan Toews.
 
San Jose Sharks hockey player Erik Karlsson poses after winning the Norris Trophy at the NHL Awards, Monday, June 26, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Sharks acquire goalie Mackenzie Blackwood from the Devils and are working to trade Erik Karlsson
The San Jose Sharks have acquired goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood from the New Jersey Devils for a sixth-round pick. They are still working to trade Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Erik Karlsson.
 
Minnesota Wild hockey player Ryan Reaves, right, of the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition pats Hayden Spalin on the head during a youth hockey clinic with NHL top draft prospects and members of the coalition, Tuesday, June 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
NHL, players unveil inclusion coalition they hope will help make hockey more diverse and welcoming
The NHL and NHLPA are launching a new Player Inclusion Coalition aimed at diversifying hockey and making it more welcoming. The 20-member group includes current and former men’s and women’s players with minority and LGBTQ+ representation.
 
FILE - Canada's Ryan O'Rourke (28) is checked by Russia's Matvei Michkov (17) during the first period of an IIHF world junior hockey championships exhibition game in Edmonton, Alberta, Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021. Michkov might be the best prospect out of Russia in nearly a decade. He might be the best since Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin in 2005. But Michkov still is no lock to get drafted in the top five because he’s still under contract in the KHL for three more seasons. That's giving NHL teams reason to worry he might never make it to North America. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP, File)
Where to pick Matvei Michkov and other Russian players is a top question at the NHL draft
Matvei Michkov is probably the best hockey prospect out of Russia in nearly a decade. He might be the best since Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin in 2005.
 
Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris takes questions from the media during a press conference at the NBA basketball team's facility, Thursday, June 1, 2023, in Camden, N.J. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
NFL owners plan to meet July 20 and potentially vote to approve the Commanders sale, AP source says
A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that NFL owners are set to meet July 20 to consider and potentially vote to approve the sale of the Washington Commanders.
 
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