Uncertainty threatens Capitals at the start
ARLINGTON, Va. — They're no longer defending Stanley Cup champions, don't know if one of their best players will be eligible for opening night, are over the salary cap ceiling and face expiring contracts for two franchise cornerstones after the season.
No bigger question confronts the Washington Capitals at the start of training camp than the uncertain status of center Evgeny Kuznetsov, who tested positive for cocaine at the world championships. Kuznetsov has already been suspended from international play for four years and could face further discipline from the NHL.
The Capitals may need to make a move before camp ends to get under the $81.5 million salary cap and still need to work on getting extensions done with center Nicklas Backstrom and goaltender Braden Holtby.
More NHL: Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen says he's happy to report for the start of training camp despite offseason suggestions he'd prefer a change of scenery because of Buffalo's eight-year playoff drought. ... The Winnipeg Jets have signed defenseman Josh Morrissey to an eight-year, $50 million contract extension.
College basketball: DePaul says it is negotiating a contract extension with coach Dave Leitao through the 2023-24 season.
Cycling: Primoz Roglic has taken a step closer to winning the Spanish Vuelta after a second-place finish in the 18th stage.
NBA: Joe Johnson, 38, the MVP of the BIG3 league who last played in the NBA in 2017-18, has signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Pistons.
Tennis: Four-time Grand Slam champ Kim Clijsters has told the WTA she is planning another comeback. A mother of three, she retired after the 2012 U.S. Open. The 36-year-old Clijsters, who started her pro career in 1997, took a first break from...