Sports
Reports: Sharks sign Michael Kesselring to three-year, $13.5 million contract
Jan 24, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Michael Kesselring (8) skates with the puck against the New York Islanders during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images The San Jose Sharks signed defenseman Michael Kesselring to a three-year, $13.5 million deal Monday that prevented him from a becoming a restricted free agent and has an average annual value of $4.5 million, according to NHL.com.
Kesselring, 26, was traded to San Jose from the Buffalo Sabres on June 17 in a move that included the teams swapping 2026 first-round draft picks.
“I want to thank the Sharks and (general manager Mike) Grier and everybody involved,” Kesselring told the media Monday. “I’m extremely confident that I’m going to get back to that level and exceed that level, and the extension shows that they believe in me.”
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Kesselring had two assists in 34 games with the Sabres last season and appeared in one playoff game. He was selected in the sixth round in 2018 by Edmonton but never played a game with the Oilers, who dealt Kesselring to Arizona in March of 2023.
In four seasons with Arizona (2023, 2023-24), Utah (2024-25) and Buffalo (2025-26), Kesselring has 55 points (12 goals, 43 assists) and a plus-minus of 14 in 190 games.
“Michael has a big frame with solid two-way ability,” Grier told reporters after the trade with Buffalo. “He is a responsible player in the defensive zone with a well-rounded offensive game and will be a good upgrade for us patrolling the blue line.”
–Field Level Media
Sports
CF Montreal acquire M Dani Pereira from Austin FC
Nov 2, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Austin FC midfielder Dani Pereira (8) celebrates a goal during the first half against LAFC at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images CF Montreal acquired veteran midfielder Dani Pereira from Austin FC on Thursday in exchange for up to $2.35 million in general allocation money.
The 25-year-old Venezuelan joined Austin as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft and recorded six goals and 23 assists in 165 appearances across all competitions. He ranks third in matches and tied for second in assists in franchise history.
“Dani has meant a great deal to this club since joining as its first-ever draft pick,” Austin interim coach Davy Arnaud said. “He represented Austin with pride and established a genuine connection with the community here. We’re proud of his development over the last six years and we wish Dani nothing but success in this next phase of his career.
“This type of decision is always difficult for both the club and the player. While emotionally we are sad to see him go, coming into the season, we knew we would only let go of a player of Dani’s caliber if doing so positioned the club for even greater long-term success. I, and our ownership team, felt that this move met that threshold and we executed a plan that was established at the start of the season.”
Austin will receive $1.4 million in 2026, $700,000 in 2027 and up to $250,000 in conditional GAM. Austin also retains a sell-on percentage for any future transfer.
“I want to say thank you to everyone that has been part of this journey here in Austin in the last six years: all the teammates that I’ve shared the locker room with, the coaching staffs, everyone in the front office, and the owners,” Pereira said. “Everyone helped make me who I am today. Austin FC as a whole changed the life of a kid from Caracas, and I will always be grateful for it.
“I want to share a special thank you to the fans for their unconditional love toward me and my family. You guys welcomed us to Austin with open arms since the first moment I got drafted. You all are the best in the league and please don’t ever change that. Thank you and I’m going to miss the 512.”
Pereira, who played collegiate soccer at Virginia Tech, has earned 10 caps with the Venezuela national team since 2023.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Raptors give coach Darko Rajakovic multi-year extension
Apr 18, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic agreed to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Thursday.
Terms were not disclosed by the Raptors, who gave general manager Bobby Webster a multi-year extension last month and added executive vice president to his title.
“Darko’s strong development philosophy and commitment to a team-first culture shine through on a daily basis,” Webster said in a statement. “We’ve seen these qualities play out on the court — our team plays hard, plays together, and fights until the end. Darko knows there’s more to be done, and we’re looking forward to seeing the continued growth of this team.”
Toronto finished 46-36 in 2025-26 and ended a three-year playoff drought, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games in the first round.
Rajakovic, 47, is 101-145 during his three seasons as coach of the Raptors.
“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, but our team knows there is still a lot of work to do, and I am looking forward to continuing to build and win with the Raptors,” Rajakovic said. “We will keep growing, keep working together and stay committed to getting better every day as we reach for our goal of an NBA Championship.”
Rajakovic previously served as an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2014-19), Phoenix Suns (2019-20) and Memphis Grizzlies (2020-23).
–Field Level Media
Sports
Avalanche sign F Jaden Schwartz to 3-year contract
Apr 5, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Seattle Kraken center Jaden Schwartz (17) warms up before the game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images The Colorado Avalanche signed veteran forward Jaden Schwartz to a three-year contract through 2028-29 on Thursday.
Terms were not disclosed but multiple reports put the total value of the deal at $9.75 million ($3.25 million per season).
Schwartz, 34, won a Stanley Cup with St. Louis in 2018-19 and spent the past five seasons with Seattle.
He tallied 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) in 50 games with the Kraken in 2025-26, missing 32 games with multiple lower-body, upper-body and facial injuries.
Schwartz has amassed 553 points (233 goals, 320 assists) in 861 career games with the Blues (2011-21) and Kraken. He has 64 points (31 goals, 33 assists) in 102 playoff games.
–Field Level Media
CF Montreal acquire M Dani Pereira from Austin FC
Raptors give coach Darko Rajakovic multi-year extension
