Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig signed a four-year, $13 million contract extension Friday.

Greig, 22, was set to become a restricted free agent after the season. He is playing on the final season of a three-year, entry-level contract.

Greig has 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) in 37 games this season. He has totaled 47 points (21 goals, 26 assists) and a plus-4 rating in 129 career games since being selected by the Senators with the 28th overall pick of the 2020 NHL draft.

Forward Dylan Guenther, who leads the Utah Hockey Club in goals with 16, was ruled out indefinitely Friday with a lower-body injury.

Guenther was hurt Wednesday during Utah's 4-1 home loss to the Florida Panthers. He was on the receiving end of a hit from Florida forward Aleksander Barkov.

Asked whether the injury would end Guenther's season, Utah coach Andre Tourigny said, "It's long, but not that long."

Guenther, 21, was the ninth overall selection in the 2021 NHL draft. The forward is in his third season with the franchise, which relocated to Utah from Arizona in the offseason.

With 34 points in 40 games, Guenther was on pace to surpass last season's career-high totals of 35 points and 18 goals in 45 games.

The Utah Hockey Club recalled forward Josh Doan from AHL affiliate Tucson on Friday. The son of Arizona franchise legend Shane Doan, Josh Doan appeared in nine games earlier this season and supplied a goal and an assist. He had five goals and four assists in 11 games for the then-Coyotes as a rookie in 2023-24.

Goalie Charlie Lindgren took a hit to the head and left the Washington Capitals' home game against the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night.

In the first minute of the second period, Lindgren was struck in the side of the head by Montreal's Nick Suzuki, who was checked into the goalie by Brandon Duhaime.

Lindgren lay on the ice for a few seconds and play was halted. He got back up and appeared to try to stretch his neck. The game resumed, but Lindgren was pulled approximately two minutes later, with Logan Thompson taking over in the crease.

The Capitals later confirmed that Lindgren would not return to the game due to an upper-body injury.

Before exiting, Lindgren stopped all nine shots he faced and the Capitals led 1-0. Montreal came back to defeat Washington 3-2 in overtime.

Washington is set to play again Saturday at the Nashville Predators.

There is no official midseason mark of the NHL season. But with a number of teams at (or beyond) their individual 41-game marks, it's time for another look at how every club has performed thus far in the context of preseason expectations.

As a proxy for "expectations," we have the over/under point total for each team, courtesy of ESPN BET sportsbook.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Jan. 3. Points percentages and paces are through Thursday's games.

1. Vegas Golden Knights

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 71.95%

Preseason O/U: 97.5
Current points pace: 118.0

Death, taxes and the Vegas Golden Knights being near the top of the Western Conference. Vegas remains well ahead of its preseason point total pace, eyeing a deeper playoff run this spring than its first-round exit in 2024.

Next eight days: vs. NYR (Jan. 11), vs. MIN (Jan. 12), @ NSH (Jan. 14)

2. Washington Capitals

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 70.73%

Preseason O/U: 89.5
Current points pace: 116.0

The 2024-25 season was supposed to be all about Alex Ovechkin's chase of Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record. Someone forgot to tell the Capitals, who sit atop the Eastern Conference standings, well ahead of their expected point total pace.

Next eight days: vs. MTL (Jan. 10), @ NSH (Jan. 11), vs. ANA (Jan. 14), @ OTT (Jan. 16)

3. Winnipeg Jets

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 69.05%

Preseason O/U: 95.5
Current points pace: 113.2

One month in, the Jets were on pace for 153.2 points. They've since cooled, but they are on top of the Central Division and still way ahead of preseason expectations.

Next eight days: vs. LA (Jan. 10), vs. COL (Jan. 11), vs. VAN (Jan. 14), vs. SEA (Jan. 16)

4. Toronto Maple Leafs

Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 65.12%

Preseason O/U: 102.5
Current points pace: 106.8

Although the Maple Leafs did not make any bold changes to the on-ice personnel this summer, they did bring in a new voice behind the bench in Craig Berube. Despite injuries to key players (including Auston Matthews), the Leafs sit atop the Atlantic Division at midseason.

Next eight days: vs. VAN (Jan. 11), vs. DAL (Jan. 14), vs. NJ (Jan. 16)

5. Minnesota Wild

Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 66.67%

Preseason O/U: 93.5
Current points pace: 109.3

One of the NHL's biggest early-season surprises, the Wild have proven they belong on the list of legit contenders, with or without Hart Trophy candidate Kirill Kaprizov on the ice.

Next eight days: @ SJ (Jan. 11), @ VGK (Jan. 12), vs. EDM (Jan. 15)

6. Los Angeles Kings

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 67.11%

Preseason O/U: 96.5
Current points pace: 110.1

Yet another first-round playoff loss to the Oilers seemed to carry bad vibes into the Kings' 2024-25 season. But they've been a wagon since American Thanksgiving, going 11-2-2 since feasting on turkey and all the fixings. Maybe it's the Oilers who should be looking to avoid them?

Next eight days: @ WPG (Jan. 10), @ CGY (Jan. 11), @ EDM (Jan. 13), @ VAN (Jan. 16)

7. Edmonton Oilers

Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 64.63%

Preseason O/U: 108.5
Current points pace: 106.0

The Oilers came within one victory of the Stanley Cup this past season. Although they sit behind some other Western Conference powers in the standings, on any given night, Connor McDavid & Co. look as strong as anyone in the league.

Next eight days: @ CHI (Jan. 11), vs. LA (Jan. 13), @ MIN (Jan. 15), @ COL (Jan. 16)

8. Dallas Stars

Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 66.25%

Preseason O/U: 103.5
Current points pace: 108.7

Following multiple trips to the Western Conference finals in recent seasons, the Stars' ultimate goal in this one is to make it to the Stanley Cup Final (and win, obviously). With a points pace well into triple digits, they're on track to give themselves a shot.

Next eight days: @ MTL (Jan. 11), @ OTT (Jan. 12), @ TOR (Jan. 14), vs. MTL (Jan. 16)

9. New Jersey Devils

Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 61.36%

Preseason O/U: 101.5
Current points pace: 100.6

A lackluster 2023-24 campaign has given way to a return to contention for Jack Hughes & Co. Was it all the result of upgrades in goal in the form of Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen?

Next eight days: vs. TB (Jan. 11), vs. FLA (Jan. 14), @ TOR (Jan. 16)

10. Florida Panthers

Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 61.91%

Preseason O/U: 102.5
Current points pace: 101.5

Stanley Cup hangover? What Stanley Cup hangover? The Cats have bullied their way to a spot near the top of the Atlantic Division, and they will once again be a tough out for anyone in the postseason.

Next eight days: vs. BOS (Jan. 11), @ PHI (Jan. 13), @ NJ (Jan. 14), vs. DET (Jan. 16)

11. Carolina Hurricanes

Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 61.91%

Preseason O/U: 100.5
Current points pace: 101.5

The hockey world knows just what to expect out of the Rod Brind'Amour Hurricanes -- and apparently the sportsbooks now do too!

Next eight days: vs. VAN (Jan. 10), vs. ANA (Jan. 12), @ BUF (Jan. 15)

12. Colorado Avalanche

Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 61.63%

Preseason O/U: 102.5
Current points pace: 101.1

An injury-based slow start for the Avs has given way to a resumption of their role among the league's elite. Have they found a diamond in the rough in recently acquired netminder Mackenzie Blackwood?

Next eight days: @ WPG (Jan. 11), vs. NYR (Jan. 14), vs. EDM (Jan. 16)

13. Tampa Bay Lightning

Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 58.97%

Preseason O/U: 98.5
Current points pace: 96.7

One of these years, the Lightning might finally miss the playoffs. But it's not looking like it'll be this one, as Tampa Bay continues to rack up points (and a gaudy goal differential).

Next eight days: @ NJ (Jan. 11), @ PIT (Jan. 12), @ BOS (Jan. 14), vs. ANA (Jan. 16)

14. Vancouver Canucks

Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 57.50%

Preseason O/U: 99.5
Current points pace: 94.3

Reports of internecine strife have characterized the Canucks in 2024-25, despite some continuation of their strong performance as division champs in 2023-24. Is a blockbuster trade in the works -- and would that really help them this spring?

Next eight days: @ CAR (Jan. 10), @ TOR (Jan. 11), @ WPG (Jan. 14), vs. LA (Jan. 16)

15. Calgary Flames

Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 56.25%

Preseason O/U: 81.5
Current points pace: 92.3

The Flames traded away many of their top players in the past 12 months -- only to find themselves in the thick of the Western playoff hunt. A big reason is standout rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf, who remains in the mix for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.

Next eight days: vs. LA (Jan. 11), @ CHI (Jan. 13), @ STL (Jan. 14), @ STL (Jan. 16)

16. Ottawa Senators

Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 51.25%

Preseason O/U: 90.5
Current points pace: 84.1

Of the three "Atlantic rising" teams -- which includes the Red Wings and Sabres -- the Sens appear closest to a playoff return, though an extended absence for goaltender Linus Ullmark will influence that journey.

Next eight days: @ PIT (Jan. 11), vs. DAL (Jan. 12), @ NYI (Jan. 14), vs. WSH (Jan. 16)

17. Montreal Canadiens

Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 51.25%

Preseason O/U: 76.5
Current points pace: 84.1

From an exciting group of young players -- led by Calder contender Lane Hutson -- to the resurgent Patrik Laine, the Canadiens are one of the most fun teams to watch, whether they remain in the playoff hunt or not.

Next eight days: @ WSH (Jan. 10), vs. DAL (Jan. 11), @ UTA (Jan. 14), @ DAL (Jan. 16)

18. Columbus Blue Jackets

Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 52.38%

Preseason O/U: 69.5
Current points pace: 85.9

The Blue Jackets were not expected to make much of a mark in the Eastern playoff race this season, but at the midseason point, they are right in the battle for a wild-card spot.

Next eight days: @ STL (Jan. 11), vs. PHI (Jan. 14), vs. SJ (Jan. 16)

19. Boston Bruins

Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 51.14%

Preseason O/U: 99.5
Current points pace: 83.9

The chaos began in the preseason for the Bruins, as Jeremy Swayman's contract situation wasn't resolved until quite late in the process. Then, a slow start resulted in Jim Montgomery being fired. Yet Boston remains in the playoff mix, albeit behind their expected pace.

Next eight days: @ FLA (Jan. 11), vs. TB (Jan. 14)

20. St. Louis Blues

Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 51.16%

Preseason O/U: 86.5
Current points pace: 83.9

After narrowly missing the playoffs last season, the sportsbooks expected the Blues to be around that same neighborhood, and at midseason ... that's where they remain.

Next eight days: vs. CBJ (Jan. 11), vs. CGY (Jan. 14), vs. CGY (Jan. 16)

21. Utah Hockey Club

Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 51.25%

Preseason O/U: 87.5
Current points pace: 84.1

An early-season surge had fans thinking the Hockey Club's inaugural season would conclude with a playoff run. Uneven results in the time since have tempered that idea, but another winning streak could put them back in a wild-card spot.

Next eight days: vs. SJ (Jan. 10), vs. NYI (Jan. 11), vs. MTL (Jan. 14), vs. NYR (Jan. 16)

22. Detroit Red Wings

Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 50.00%

Preseason O/U: 90.5
Current points pace: 82.0

One of these years, the boisterous Red Wings faithful will have a playoff team to support. If it's going to be this season, they'll have to keep stringing together W's beyond the current streak of five games.

Next eight days: vs. CHI (Jan. 10), vs. SEA (Jan. 12), vs. SJ (Jan. 14), @ FLA (Jan. 16)

23. Pittsburgh Penguins

Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 51.16%

Preseason O/U: 90.5
Current points pace: 83.9

Is this the proverbial last dance for Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang? The Penguins remain in the mix for a wild card, but must find more consistency in the second half.

Next eight days: vs. OTT (Jan. 11), vs. TB (Jan. 12), vs. SEA (Jan. 14)

24. Philadelphia Flyers

Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 46.43%

Preseason O/U: 85.5
Current points pace: 76.1

Like any John Tortorella-coached team, the Flyers are a tough out. But they've had trouble stringing together many wins, and they need to jump ahead of a handful of teams to get into a playoff spot.

Next eight days: vs. ANA (Jan. 11), vs. FLA (Jan. 13), @ CBJ (Jan. 14), @ NYI (Jan. 16)

25. New York Rangers

Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 48.78%

Preseason O/U: 100.5
Current points pace: 80.0

If not for the Predators, the Rangers would be the biggest flop of the season. Though given their Presidents' Trophy in 2023-24, many would put them first on that ignominious list.

Next eight days: @ VGK (Jan. 11), @ COL (Jan. 14), @ UTA (Jan. 16)

26. New York Islanders

Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 47.56%

Preseason O/U: 91.5
Current points pace: 78.0

A brief appearance in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs led to a summer where the team made few modifications to the roster. That hasn't been the right formula thus far.

Next eight days: @ UTA (Jan. 11), vs. OTT (Jan. 14), vs. PHI (Jan. 16)

27. Anaheim Ducks

Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 47.56%

Preseason O/U: 72.5
Current points pace: 78.0

It's probably too early to say that the rebuild is over -- with multiple players' names mentioned in trade rumors -- but the arrow is pointing up for the Ducks.

Next eight days: @ PHI (Jan. 11), @ CAR (Jan. 12), @ WSH (Jan. 14), @ TB (Jan. 16)

28. Seattle Kraken

Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 44.05%

Preseason O/U: 87.5
Current points pace: 72.2

Underperformance in 2023-24 cost Dave Hakstol his job, so the Kraken tapped Dan Bylsma -- architect of the team's successful AHL affiliate -- to take over. It hasn't been a total turnaround yet, as the club stares down another season outside the playoff mix.

Next eight days: @ BUF (Jan. 11), @ DET (Jan. 12), @ PIT (Jan. 14), @ WPG (Jan. 16)

29. Buffalo Sabres

Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 44.05%

Preseason O/U: 88.5
Current points pace: 72.2

Can the Sabres salvage their season and avoid a 14th straight spring outside the playoffs? Time is running short to string together the wins necessary to do so.

Next eight days: vs. SEA (Jan. 11), vs. CAR (Jan. 15)

30. Nashville Predators

Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 40.24%

Preseason O/U: 98.5
Current points pace: 66.0

There's no sugar-coating it: the Predators are -- by a wide margin -- the biggest disappointment in the NHL this season, at least according to their preseason expectations. Could bigger changes be on the way by the trade deadline?

Next eight days: vs. WSH (Jan. 11), vs. VGK (Jan. 14), vs. CHI (Jan. 16)

31. Chicago Blackhawks

Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 36.59%

Preseason O/U: 73.5
Current points pace: 60.0

No one was realistically expecting a playoff run for Connor Bedard in his second season, but the Blackhawks' results so far earned coach Luke Richardson his walking papers, and the team has plenty of questions to answer as it remains near the basement of the standings.

Next eight days: @ DET (Jan. 10), vs. EDM (Jan. 11), vs. CGY (Jan. 13), @ NSH (Jan. 16)

32. San Jose Sharks

Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 37.21%

Preseason O/U: 63.5
Current points pace: 61.0

The Sharks have been the epitome of a "fun bad" team this season, running up a minus-41 goal differential but seeing Macklin Celebrini make highlight-reel plays on a near-nightly basis.

Next eight days: @ UTA (Jan. 10), vs. MIN (Jan. 11), @ DET (Jan. 14), @ CBJ (Jan. 16)

In the span of a week, South Florida has learned that Jimmy Butler no longer wants to play for the Miami Heat and that Tyreek Hill also wants out from the Miami Dolphins.

Amid all of this chaos lies the stability of the Florida Panthers.

Superstars aren't trying to flee the Panthers. They're getting traded and signing contract extensions, which was the case with Matthew Tkachuk. Fans aren't complaining about how the Panthers are struggling to get into the Stanley Cup playoffs. They're the defending Stanley Cup champions, trying to win a consecutive title. Sitting inside Amerant Bank Arena no longer feels like an empty and sterile environment, because the Panthers are selling out every home game for the first time in their history.

This is the golden age of the Florida Panthers.

It's also why the NHL finally decided to not only have the Panthers play in an outdoor game, but host the sport's signature event, the Winter Classic, on Jan. 2, 2026 against the New York Rangers at LoanDepot Park in Miami.

"We are always trying to raise that bar and do something unique," NHL president of business Keith Wachtel said. "The legacy that it leaves behind in the local market, I think is key. It has great national appeal and quite frankly you hear it all the time. Even though they won a Stanley Cup, unless you get one of those marquee events like an All-Star Game, certainly, but one of these Winter Classic or Stadium Series, it's like another validation for them as an organization."

The Winter Classic is coming to South Florida pic.twitter.com/Cbo0O33Ltu

Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) January 8, 2025

The Panthers and South Florida playing host to the Winter Classic is part of the NHL's plan to make the state of Florida a priority. On Feb. 1, 2026, the Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Stadium Series against the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium.

Having both games within a month of each other was a decision by the league that Wachtel said allows the state of Florida "to be the center of the hockey universe."

South Florida has hosted numerous Super Bowls, the NBA Finals, the World Series, national championship games, College Football Playoff games, an annual Formula 1 race, the Copa América Final and will add the World Cup to that list in 2026.

The Panthers alone have hosted three Stanley Cup Final games, two All-Star Games and two NHL drafts.

Yet the Panthers entered this season as one of three NHL teams that had never played in an outdoor game. Now that list is down to one (the Utah Hockey Club), as the Columbus Blue Jackets will host and play in this season's Stadium Series on March 1 at Ohio Stadium against the Detroit Red Wings.

Why now? What has suddenly made the Panthers and South Florida an attractive choice despite a team being in the market for 30 years? What could something like this mean for the franchise? And could another marquee event potentially help the Panthers plant even more seeds in their bid to grow generational fandom?

"Even when the Panthers were a newer franchise playing in downtown Miami, there was some [interest] down here," said Laura Courtley-Todd, an assistant sports administration professor at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens. "It was a little bit of a hockey town but not as much as it is now. It's become exciting to see. You just talk to people who are going to games. I have friends who are season-ticket holders. It's much different than it used to be."

ALTHOUGH THE NHL held an outdoor exhibition game at Caesars Palace back in 1991, there was still a belief those games were meant for more traditional hockey hotbeds. That dynamic changed once the league introduced the Stadium Series. The Stadium Series saw "nontraditional markets" get to host an outdoor game in venues such as Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Nissan Stadium in Nashville and Carter-Finley Stadium at North Carolina State.

But what about Florida? Those in favor cited the truly unique experience that a venue in the state would bring. Those opposed wondered how the league could avoid an unplayable surface, given the humidity.

The court of public opinion received its long-awaited verdict in December 2024 when NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said at the Board of Governors meeting that the league was finalizing its plans for the Panthers to host an outdoor game.

"Wow? He said it?" Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad told ESPN on the day Bettman made the announcement. "It's obviously really exciting, and I would love that opportunity. I hope it will all work out and we will get that opportunity."

Ekblad, who has played his entire 11-year career for the Panthers, was instantly met with another question: Why does he think it took the league this long for the Panthers to be included?

"I think it's more just the logistics of it, right? It's Florida. It's hard to get ice in Florida," Ekblad explained. "I think that might be the only reason. I imagine that if we were in another city, then, we'd get it. It is what it is. I don't see it as a slight. The logistics of it are really difficult."

NHL president of content & events Steve Mayer said LoanDepot Park having a retractable roof makes it like T-Mobile Park in Seattle, where the NHL held its 2024 Winter Classic. The roof will allow the league to cover the ice surface and control the climate conditions while the ice is being built. Mayer said they will open the roof just before the game for a dramatic entrance.

It's a contrast from Raymond James Stadium. Mayer said the humidity -- along with Raymond James Stadium being a fully outdoor venue with no roof -- led to the NHL working with a Dallas-based company that will create a mini-warehouse where they'll build the ice surface in a controlled climate.

Bettman was asked if the NHL considered an alternate venue such as Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, but said the venue wasn't an option because the Orange Bowl will be played around the same time.

With the 2026 Classic plans in place, some were left to wonder: Why hadn't the Panthers been invited to play in the game in prior years as the visitor? After all, the Lightning got that chance in 2022. And franchises younger than the Panthers, such as the Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights, had played in games before Florida.

Bettman reiterated that the state as a whole is in a golden age of hockey. He said items such as fan engagement along with both franchises hosting events such as the All-Star Games and Stanley Cup Final were pivotal to making the call.

As it specifically relates to the Panthers, they are eighth in average attendance and are fifth in average attendance among American markets. A team spokesperson told ESPN that the Panthers sold out of season tickets for the first time in their 31-year history.

"The Violas and Viniks have done an amazing job of making Florida a true hockey destination," Bettman said of the respective Panthers and Lightning owners. "Florida has been very supportive and very good to us. We think it's time to bring two of our tentpole events to the state."

One of the trademarks of the Stadium Series and Winter Classic is the themes the NHL uses as part of the game-day environment. Mayer, who oversees the outdoor events, has a team that has come up with ideas such as getting an actual fighter jet on a faux landing area next to the ice surface for the 2020 Stadium Series at the Air Force Academy.

Mayer said being in Florida is going to allow his team to get creative in ways that are unique to the state. When the NHL held the All-Star Game in 2023 in Sunrise, the league came up with South Florida-specific ideas for the skills competition such as using a dunk tank on the beach.

"Instead of snow or fake snow, how about sand?" Mayer said. "Like we did at All-Star, we'll lean into the environment creatively."

THE PANTHERS' RUN of success comes at the perfect time, given the status of the area's other pro sports teams.

Franchises that have existed for more than 50 years are built up as being something more than a team. The wins, the losses, the championships and the difficult times all get romanticized in a way that lives on for decades, if not longer, much like a classic novel.

Unless that franchise is in South Florida.

It's not that fandom doesn't exist in South Florida. It's just different from other markets, in that the majority of teams haven't been around long enough to develop generational fandom. The Dolphins are the market's oldest professional franchise at 59 years old -- and they're still the 24th youngest in the NFL.

The Heat started in 1988 while the Panthers and Miami Marlins both started playing games in 1993. And while the University of Miami first started playing football in 1926, they didn't win a national title until 1983, while largely playing as an independent program before joining the Big East in 1991.

"As much as this is a Dolphins town, there hasn't been a lot of success for the Dolphins since Dan Marino was drafted, and that was the last time they went to the Super Bowl," said Roy Bellamy, a senior producer for "The Dan Le Batard Show" who grew up in South Florida. "The last time they went to the AFC Championship was 1992. Hope is a hell of a drug, but if you're a winner they will get behind you and with the Panthers, they're the only consistent winner in this region."

Optimism was high during the 1995-96 season when the Panthers reached the Stanley Cup Final in just their third season. From there, they would have only four playoff appearances from 1996 through 2019. In that time, the Panthers went through a number of rebuilds while trying to figure out how they could boost attendance numbers. They believed they could still draw fans from Miami despite moving from the city to Broward County in 1998.

Panthers CEO and president Matt Caldwell said the franchise started gaining stability when Vincent and Teresa Viola purchased the team in 2013. Caldwell said the organization went through a shift when it came to how it would engrain itself in the community.

"We embraced that we had to start building this one fan at a time," Caldwell said. "That was our internal rally cry and we've gotten our staff to be motivated behind it in a way where we felt this could be the greatest turnaround in sports history."

Caldwell said the team knew they had to win. But they also had to do more than just winning games in order to build something sustainable.

It started with community outreach. The Panthers made an impression on the area's youth by having programs such as Learn To Play while also sending their players out into the schools so they could create a connection point that hadn't previously existed. They were also active when it came to hurricane relief. Caldwell said the Panthers have made their arena accessible so it could house thousands of emergency response workers that came to the area to assist.

They even applied that approach to how they handle parking at their arena. Amerant Bank Arena has sizable parking lots and the Panthers have attendants who drive around on golf carts to provide rides to fans that need them. Caldwell said the Panthers decided to not outsource their parking lot operations to a third party so if a fan had an issue, they could go directly to the team rather than a faceless entity.

Another philosophical shift came when the club decided that it was going to stop fixating on trying to get more fans from Miami. One of the challenges the Panthers faced when they left was how they could get fans to travel to Broward County knowing it would take about an hour to get there on a good day.

Caldwell said the team looked at its internal numbers and saw that 60% of their fans were in Broward County. That's when they decided as an organization that while they wanted fans from Miami, Palm Beach County and even as far away as Naples, they wanted to concentrate on strengthening their presence in Broward.

"There's not that pressure to win Miami because I think we won them over with our performance and how we treat them when they come to games," Caldwell said.

At the same time, the franchise was also working on trying to be accessible. Caldwell said the pandemic created a population surge in South Florida that saw young families move to the area. That led to the Panthers rethinking how they could find ways to attract those families and the preexisting ones in the market.

One of the ways they did that was by having the team play on local television while also having a streaming app that makes it accessible for anyone with an antenna or a phone to watch the games.

"As we started winning and packing the arena, all our revenue items were hitting record levels, but cable ratings were about flat," Caldwell said. "That was eye-opening to us because if everything else is going up, we're just coming off a Stanley Cup, how is it that the folks that aren't coming to the arena, the casual fans who are staying at home, how is that not growing?"

Caldwell said switching their TV distribution model has led to the Panthers tripling their ratings from where they were last season, while their streaming numbers have seen a 40% increase.

All the background work that was being done to change the Panthers' public perception was coming as the team hired general manager Bill Zito in 2020. Zito and his front office staff revitalized the roster in a way that saw them build an instant winner with how they operated in free agency, used the waiver wire and were willing to make big trades such as the one that landed Tkachuk. That was further fortified when they hired a proven winner in Paul Maurice to take over as head coach.

It resulted in the Panthers reaching five straight playoffs, with two Stanley Cup Final appearances and the franchise winning its first championship in 2024. As Caldwell pointed out, instead of the players leaving to go celebrate in Las Vegas, they celebrated in South Florida at different bars and restaurants (and in the Atlantic Ocean) while also having a parade in Broward County.

Bellamy said that's the sort of work that lets fans know that the Panthers are stable in a way that feels as if they're not going away any time soon.

"The NHL has now seen that this is a marquee franchise," Bellamy said. "This is not a place where you come to play golf, play a game and leave. They have players now. The players actually want to stay, get paid and play hockey."

Champions Bayer Leverkusen battled past hosts Borussia Dortmund 3-2 with two goals from Patrik Schick on Friday to move within a point of leaders Bayern Munich with a sixth straight league win.

In a frenetic opening the visitors struck three times in the first 19 minutes as they enjoyed a perfect start to the year with the league resuming following a three-week winter break.

Dortmund, who twice cut the deficit, had fielded a largely makeshift team due to flu and injuries in what was their first home loss of the season.

A last-minute backline had to be cobbled together after defenders Waldemar Anton, Emre Can, Ramy Bensebaini and Nico Schlotterbeck were all ruled out along with long-time injured Niklas Süle.

It showed instantly with Leverkusen winning possession after some high pressing and Nathan Tella completing the move to give the visitors the lead after 25 seconds.

Dortmund had no time to regroup with Leverkusen scoring again in the eighth minute and striker Schick sliding in to complete a textbook counter-attack.

The hosts briefly recovered and pulled a goal back through Jamie Gittens four minutes later but Schick restored Leverkusen's two-goal cushion in the 19th minute with a fine finish at the far post after yet another quick break.

The Czech international, who had also scored four times in the last game of the year against Freiburg on Dec. 21, has now bagged 11 league goals this season.

The hosts hardly had any chances in the second half but were thrown a lifeline when Serhou Guirassy converted a 79th minute penalty.

Leverkusen survived late Dortmund pressure thanks mainly to some superb defending by Edmond Tapsoba and Piero Hincapié, to hold on and move up to 35 points, one behind leaders Bayern, who travel to Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.

Dortmund's first home loss of the campaign kept them anchored in sixth on 25 points.

Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior is considering buying a football club in Portugal's second division, a source has told ESPN.

The Brazil international -- currently in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the Spanish Supercopa -- is thinking about diversifying his business interests with an eye to his future career plans after retiring as a player.

Vinícius started for Madrid in their 3-0 Supercopa semifinal victory over Mallorca on Thursday, a result which will see them face Barcelona in Sunday's final.

The news that the Ballon d'Or runner-up is contemplating buying a club in Portugal was first reported by the radio station Cadena COPE.

Vinícius already has a series of personal sponsorship agreements, as well as a contract with Nike which runs until 2028.

Vinícius and Nike recently reached a new deal after a legal dispute, which sees the Brazilian becoming one of the North American company's most high-profile faces in football.

Vinícius is represented by the agency Roc Nation, and is in frequent contact with elite athletes from other sports, especially the NBA and NFL.

He also promotes the charitable foundation the Vini Jr Institute in Brazil.

The Portuguese second division has 18 clubs, including the reserve teams of Benfica and Porto. One club, Portimonense, already has a Brazilian at the helm, Rodiney Sampaio.

Vinícius would not be the first active footballer to purchase a club.

N'Golo Kanté owns Royal Excelsior Virton in the Belgian third division, and Vini's Real Madrid teammate, Kylian Mbappé, became the majority shareholder of Caen, in the French second division, in July last year.

The United States women's national team's January training camp has been relocated to Florida due to the Los Angeles wildfires, U.S. Soccer said on Friday.

The training camp, and the concurrent Future Camp featuring 24 USWNT prospects, will begin three days later than planned and run between Jan. 17-23 at Inter Miami's Florida Blue Training Center in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

The camps were set to start next Tuesday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

"The safety of our players and staff is always our top priority, and with the fires still burning, many areas in a state of emergency, and the air quality next week an unknown, we made the decision to move the camps," U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker said in a statement.

"Our hearts go out to all those affected in Southern California and our sincere gratitude goes to all the first responders and volunteers helping to navigate this tragedy. We also want to thank Inter Miami for accommodating us on such short notice and enabling us to run two training camps in a world class facility."

The U.S. men's national team is also training at Miami's base in preparation for its match against Venezuela at Chase Stadium on Jan. 18, but the women's team will begin their camp as Mauricio Pochettino's side finish their stint at the facility.

USWNT coach Emma Hayes is using the January camp with the view of evaluating talent ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Brazil and the L.A. Olympics in 2028.

"None of us know what the roster is going to look like in 2027 so I'm desperate to make sure that we've got more players that are in a better position that can help us compete for the highest level," Hayes told reporters on Wednesday.

Barcelona are lining up a move for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford but face competition from AS Monaco, while Paris Saint-Germain are keen on Aston Villa striker Jhon Durán. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe.

Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men's January grades | Women's January grades

TOP STORIES

- Sources: City agree deal for 20yo CB Khusanov
- Sources: Moyes in line to replace Dyche at Everton
- Sources: Arsenal's Jorginho in Palmeiras talks
- Mascherano plays down 'impossible' Neymar reunion in MLS

TRENDING RUMORS

- Barcelona are preparing to make an offer for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, reports Sport. Club sporting director Deco has reportedly held talks with the 27-year-old's representatives recently, with the Blaugrana exploring a deal to sign him on loan until the end of the season. It is said that they would need to offload some talent first to help control their financial situation, with players such as Ronald Araújo, Eric García, and Ansu Fati expected to be made available for a possible transfer. Barça could face competition for Rashford from AS Monaco, according to The Telegraph, which reports that the Ligue 1 club are preparing to make a "realistic" offer to secure his signature.

- Paris Saint-Germain are keen on Aston Villa striker Jhon Durán, reports RMC Sport. It is believed that PSG have already contacted the 21-year-old's representatives over a switch to the Parc des Princes, though there could be some difficulty in agreeing on a transfer fee. As per Diario AS, the Premier League club view the Colombian forward as one of the best prospects in Europe, and they are expected to demand an offer worth 100 million before agreeing to part ways with him.

- Negotiations between Borussia Dortmund and Sporting CP are ongoing over a move for Portugal international centre-back Gonçalo Inacio, reports Sky Sports Deutschland's Florian Plettenberg. BVB are reported to be keen on the 23-year-old, but they are hopeful of persuading the Portuguese Primeira Liga side to lower their demands of 35m plus add-ons. Inacio, who has been a standout performer in the UEFA Champions League this season, has previously been linked with Liverpool.

- Talks among the Barcelona hierarchy are ongoing as they ponder a potential move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leão, reports Sport. The 25-year-old is reported to be on the LaLiga club's short list, but there are currently some disagreements with Blaugrana coaches believing that his profile is too similar to Lamine Yamal, which has raised concerns about having two players who contribute less than other options on the defensive side of the game.

- Contract talks between Bayern Munich and the representatives of left-back Alphonso Davies are set to continue until Jan. 16, according to Bild's Christian Falk. It is said that there is still no agreement between both sides over a salary, amid recent reports that Real Madrid have made a proposal to sign him on a deal worth a total of 20m per season. Davies has less than six months remaining on his contract at the Allianz Arena.