NHL

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang -- one of the biggest stars in the NHL -- has suffered a stroke ... and will now be off the ice indefinitely, his team announced Wednesday.

General manager Ron Hextall said Letang was diagnosed with the stroke on Monday after suffering symptoms. The GM called the news "shocking" -- but added the 35-year-old is currently in good spirits.

"We are grateful that Kris is doing well," Hextall said. "We are thankful to the medical staff and the physicians at UPMC."

Letang -- who previously suffered a stroke in 2014 and missed over two months of that season -- has now been ruled out of Penguins games for the foreseeable future.

"He is a warrior on the ice," Hextall added, "but first and foremost, he is a son, father, husband and friend. His health is our number one priority."

Added Letang, "I am fortunate to know my body well enough to recognize when something isn't right."

"While it is difficult to navigate this issue publicly, I am hopeful it can raise awareness. It is important for me that my teammates, family and the fans know that I am okay. I am optimistic that I will be back on the ice soon."

Letang has played in 21 games this season, logging one goal and 11 assists.

Horrifying moment on the NHL ice Tuesday night ... Edmonton Oilers star Evander Kane's wrist was slashed so badly by a skate, he had to be rushed to the hospital.

Thankfully, however, doctors were able to repair the damage ... and the hockey player said he's now "on the mend."

The alarming incident happened in the second period of the Oilers' game against the Lightning at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay.

Kane collided with Lightning defenseman Phillipe Myers ... and unknowingly exposed his wrist as he fell to the ice. Pat Maroon then accidentally skated over Kane's arm while he was scrambling for the puck.

Video from the game's broadcast shows Kane immediately started pouring blood onto the ice. He appeared terrified ... and raced off the playing surface to his team's locker room for treatment.

Kane was transported to a nearby hospital and had immediate surgery. He posted on Twitter on Wednesday morning that everything went well -- and he's now recovering.

"Obviously last night was an extremely scary moment for me and I'm still in a little bit of shock," the 31-year-old said. "I would like to thank the entire training staff of the Edmonton Oilers and Tampa Bay Lightning, along with all the doctors and paramedics who rushed to help treat and repair my injury."

"Without all of you I know things would've been much worse and I'm sincerely grateful."

The 13-year vet said he'll miss some time ... but he vowed to be back on the ice soon.

José Altuve is still public enemy #1 in Los Angeles ... and the L.A. Kings made that clear by trolling the Houston Astros' star second baseman with a trash can reference during Thursday night's game.

The Kings were playing the Seattle Kraken at Crypto.com Arena ... when the announcer decided to have some fun at the expense of Altuve by playing a "look-alike" game on the jumbotron.

The game started innocently by showing people in the stands who resembled professional athletes like Dodgers star pitcher Tony Gonsolin and infielder Max Muncy -- but then it came time to have some fun.

The scoreboard then showed Altuve's picture, which was met with a chorus of boos ...  and then the image of a trash can was displayed as his doppelganger.

The fans immediately began cheering once they saw the side-by-side of Altuve and the trash can on the big screen ... and to make matters worse, someone was throwing out trash.

Altuve and the 'Stros defeated the L.A. Dodgers in seven games in the 2017 World Series, but L.A. fans feel robbed of that title after the Astros were found guilty of cheating.

In 2019, MLB determined that the Astros illegally used a video camera system and pounding on trash cans to steal signs during the 2017 regular season and postseason and parts of the 2018 season.

Since the scandal, the Dodgers have won the World Series in 2020 when they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in six games ... and are currently vying for another this postseason.

A longtime L.A. Kings fan and season-ticket holder got pucked up before opening night Tuesday ... when a slap shot cleared the boards and hit the guy square in the face, breaking his nose and cutting his forehead.

The fan, Jeremy Aaronson, attended the game at Crypto.com Arena with his 11-year-old son. Prior to the first period, Aaronson and his boy were standing by the glass, watching the Kings players warm up before the game with the Vegas Golden Knights.

That's when a Kings player took a shot that sailed ... hitting Jeremy in the nose, breaking it in the process. Medics treated Aaronson at the arena, but his injuries required care from a doctor at the hospital.

So, instead of watching opening night live and in person, Jeremy was forced to ride in the back of an ambulance, and follow the game on his phone.

Thankfully, Jeremy's son was able to stay and watch the game with friends who happened to be at the arena.

As for his condition, Jeremy tells us he saw a specialist on Wednesday, and the doc told him his nose was broken. Aaronson will require further treatment from the nose doc once the swelling subsides.

Jeremy's forehead was also cut by the puck.

As for the team, we're told they reached out to Jeremy on social media the morning after the game ... and linked up with Jeremy on the phone later in the day.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have suspended Ian Cole ... after the defenseman was accused of grooming and sexually abusing a woman when she was a minor, the team announced Sunday.

"Our organization takes these allegations very seriously," Lightning officials said in a statement. "While we continue to gather more details, we have decided to suspend Ian Cole pending the results of an investigation."

"No members of the organization, including players, will comment further at this time."

On Friday, an anonymous Twitter user posted a lengthy statement alleging that Cole had emotionally and sexually abused her when she was in high school.

The accuser claimed Cole "was very well aware of my age and that I was a teen in high school," and said the hockey player had pressured her to have sex with him and to "do things without my consent, that I had made clear to him I was not ok with."

Cole -- who's played in the NHL for 15 seasons -- adamantly denied the allegations in a statement released Sunday night.

"I take the allegations made against me today in an anonymous tweet very seriously," he said.

"I completely deny these allegations and will fully cooperate with the NHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning, their offices, and legal departments in the forthcoming investigation."

According to ESPN, the suspension is considered paid leave.

Minnesota Wild player Brandon Baddock inadvertently socked a linesman in the face while fighting with Dallas Stars winger Jerad Rosburg during a preseason game ... and gotta say, refs got a chin!

It all went down Thursday night during the Minnesota Wild's game against the Stars ... Baddock was fighting Rosburg on the ice when linesman CJ Murray attempted to break up the scrap.

In the clip, you see Baddock elbow Rosburg, whose jersey was over his face ... prompting Murray to separate the two players.

At that moment, Baddock fired a straight right ... and it connected with the referee.

Murray, a former hockey player (probably why he didn't crumble to the ground), eventually restored order -- separating both players -- and it appears nobody was injured.

It was obviously an accident ... but, good luck getting a favorable call now.

P.K. Subban is hanging up his skates -- the NHL star announced Tuesday he's retiring after 13 seasons -- and looks forward to the "many exciting opportunities to come."

The 33-year-old broke the news in a letter via Instagram ... saying it was always his dream to play in the NHL and win the Stanley Cup, but, the championship part never happened.

"To this day, I still dream about it," Subban said, "However, the end of this chapter is closing and after 13 years in the NHL, I have made the decision to retire."

The defenseman went on to thank his family for all of their sacrifices throughout the years ... as well as the fans who have shown him love since day one.

"You picked me up when I was down, supported me through tough times, and had my back through it all!"

The free agent also praised the league for giving him a chance to compete ... and his fellow hockey players who "brought out the best in me" on the ice.

Subban started his pro hockey career in 2009 and played for the Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and New Jersey Devils. In 2013, he won the Norris Trophy, which is awarded to the season's top defensive player.

He reportedly earned over $73 million during his 13 seasons.

Outside of hockey, Subban is known for his relationship with star skier Lindsey Vonn. The two got engaged in August 2019 before calling it off in December 2020.

Subban is also a philanthropist who raised millions for Montreal Children's Hospital, donated $50k to George Floyd's daughter, and launched 'P.K.'s Blue Line Buddies" that's focused on building a bond between the police and the youth.

Wayne Gretzky allegedly lied about dropping pounds by chewing gum -- and a man is now suing the hockey legend over it ... claiming The Great One's great fib cost him $10 MILLION.

The allegations are all spelled out in a new lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, filed in Los Angeles on Monday.

The plaintiff, Steven Sparks, says he created a "natural gum used to manage weight," and called it "OMG gum." He says in the suit he eventually hired on Wayne's wife, Janet Marie Gretzky, to be a spokesperson for the product.

The problem, according to Sparks, is Wayne eventually made up a lie about the gum -- saying after he chewed it for roughly a two-month span ... it helped him lose 35 pounds.

Sparks alleged Wayne used the lie to boost the company's stock -- "which he surreptitiously purchased under his family's name."

Sparks, claiming he had no idea Wayne was lying about the weight loss, says he reinvested both money and services into the company. But, when Wayne eventually admitted he had fabricated the weight loss -- it caused the company to tank, and hit Sparks HARD in his wallet.

NHL star Bobby Ryan -- who's battled substance abuse issues in his career -- was arrested on Monday at an airport after cops say he appeared to be wasted inside a terminal.

According to court documents, obtained by TMZ Sports, the incident happened at the Nashville International Airport in Tennessee ... after Ryan allegedly stole items from a store.

Cops in the documents say Ryan was captured on CCTV taking the goods without paying for them, before he eventually put them on a counter and entered a bar nearby in the concourse.

According to the docs, officers made contact with Ryan -- who they say was trying to order a drink at the bar -- and claim he exhibited signs of intoxication.

The 35-year-old -- who most recently played for the Detroit Red Wings -- "was not compliant with officers, had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and smelled strongly of an alcoholic beverage," according to authorities.

In the docs, police say Ryan was eventually taken into custody, where they claim he was unable to stand on his own without support.

"Ryan was unaware of his location, the day or time and posed a danger to himself," cops said in the docs.

Eventually, the hockey player was booked on a public intoxication charge. Court records show the case has since been dismissed. No word yet on why, we've reached out to prosecutors, but haven't heard back.

Ryan has been open about his issues with substance abuse in the past -- he stepped away from the NHL in 2019 in order to get sober. He famously returned to the ice just a few months later for the Ottawa Senators and scored a hat trick in his first home game back. He was emotional both during the contest and afterward.

Ryan went on later that season to win the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who best demonstrates perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication.

The former Anaheim Ducks star did not play in the league last season.

Sean Avery and his model wife, Hilary Rhoda, are headed toward splitsville ... she just filed for divorce from the ex-NHL player, TMZ Sports has learned.

Rhoda, who's made multiple appearances in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues, filed the court docs in Los Angeles this week ... citing "irreconcilable differences."

The two -- who got married back in 2015 -- officially separated just days ago on July 17, according to the court docs.

Rhoda -- who has one 2-year-old child with Avery -- wants physical custody of their son but checked the box to share legal custody with Sean.

She also indicated the couple signed a prenuptial agreement.

42-year-old Avery -- who played 10 seasons in the NHL before retiring in 2012 -- had shown no signs of trouble brewing in his relationship with Rhoda ... in fact, back in April, he penned a sweet birthday message to her on his social media page.

"Happy Birthday to the most beautiful woman in the world who continues to evolve as a creative and, more importantly, an incredible mother," he wrote.

It didn't take long for Evander Kane to enjoy his new $20 MILLION contract ... 'cause the Oilers star hit Rodeo Dr. for a shopping spree just days after putting his signature on the paper!

TMZ Sports got the Edmonton forward out on the ultra-famous Beverly Hills road on Friday -- three days after he officially agreed to stay in Edmonton for four more years on a new $5 mil per year deal -- and it wasn't hard to see the dude is clearly happy with his new Oilers pact.

Out on the strip with his girlfriend, Mara Teigen, and their baby -- Kane looked pleased and told us he was enjoying every last bit of his new agreement with the NHL team.

The 30-year-old was tight-lipped about what he bought with some of his new cash -- but he did say he had plans to be with Mara and the baby out in SoCal for most of this offseason.

Sadly for fight fans, the leadup to this year's hockey season won't come with a boxing match against Jake Paul -- Kane, who famously called out the YouTuber back in 2020, said he's officially moved on from that goal.

"I got better things to do," Kane said.

The Philadelphia Flyers are making a nice gesture in cancer survivor Oskar Lindblom's name after waiving the forward this week ... by donating $100k to a local charity.

The Flyers broke the news on Tuesday ... saying they will buy out the rest of the 25-year-old's $3 million contract to free up cap space.

President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Chuck Fletcher said it was a "very difficult decision to make" ... especially after all Lindblom has gone through while with the organization.

As we previously reported, Oskar was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer in 2019 ... and made his return to the ice in August 2020. He later announced he was officially cancer-free.

"No one can question the desire, will and strength to overcome all that Oskar has been through off the ice in order to return to the game he loves," Fletcher added.

"He is truly an inspiration to us all, and he will always remain a special part of the Philadelphia Flyers family."

The Flyers added they will donate $100k in Oskar's name to a local charity that supports families impacted by cancer.

Famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump is imploring more NBA players to speak out about Brittney Griner ... clearly believing their voices could help bring the WNBA star back to the States.

The lawyer spoke with TMZ Sports out in D.C. earlier this week ... and he made it clear, if some of the Association's biggest names -- as well as others in the NFL, NHL, MLB and more -- keep raising awareness for Griner, it could help her in her drug case in Russia.

"I think the NBA players should be saying more," the 52-year-old said. "I think that the sports world should be saying more."

As we reported, BG is now facing 10 years behind bars after she pled guilty to drug charges in a Russian courtroom on Thursday.

Griner's legal team said they're hopeful that by taking responsibility for her actions, authorities would go easy on her when it came to sentencing.

Crump obviously isn't feeling super optimistic that will happen ... telling us he believes regardless of what goes down in the case, "She's being used as a political pawn."

He's now urging anyone with a platform to come forward, believing a large, public outrage could hopefully lead to a speedy return for the basketball star.

"It would be a travesty of justice for her not to come home soon," he said.

Forget cheering or crying ... Maveric Lamoureux's folks straight up swapped tongues to celebrate their son's selection in Thursday's NHL draft -- and it was such a wet kiss, the broadcast's commentators even noticed it!!!

Just seconds after the Arizona Coyotes drafted Lamoureux -- a Canadian defenseman -- with the 29th pick of the first round ... the 18-year-old's parents got in a little tonsil hockey.

ESPN's cameras managed to catch the PDA -- and, of course, its analysts couldn't help but remark on it.

The guys giggled on-air, with the show's host, John Buccigross, saying, "Get after it, Mom and Dad!"

But, the TV guys weren't the only ones who seemed to notice the makeout sesh ... Lamoureux also appeared to see it, and looked sheepish on stage about it all!

After the kiss, Lamoreux's dad said during an interview that he's very proud of his son, calling it "the best day of my life."

Bryan Marchment -- a former NHL defenseman and the father of current Florida Panthers forward Mason Marchment -- has passed away, the league announced on Wednesday.

He was 53 years old.

No cause of death has been revealed at this time.

"The National Hockey League mourns the passing of San Jose Sharks scout and former NHL player Bryan Marchment," the league said in a statement.

"Our deepest condolences go out to his family, the Sharks organization, and Bryan's many friends, former teammates, and fans."

Selected 16th overall in the 1987 draft, Bryan made his NHL debut at 19 for the Winnipeg Jets.

The defenseman played 17 total seasons in the NHL ... including stops with the Oilers, Sharks, Whalers, Blackhawks, Lightning, Avalanche, Maple Leafs and Flames.

Avalanche stars Cale Makar and Devon Toews weren't only losing their minds at the Stanley Cup title parade on Thursday ... they also lost their shirts -- after they stripped during the ceremony!

The hilarious moment was captured on live TV ... when Makar and Toews were celebrating Colorado's huge win on the upper deck of one of the fire trucks in the parade, which was held in downtown Denver.

You can see Toews and Makar were lit (and hot since it's 80 degrees there Thursday) -- and they both took off their championship T-shirts right near Makar's MVP trophy.

The broadcasters thought it was hilarious ... with one saying, "Probably fueled by liquid courage this morning."

They weren't the only ones takin' it off ... winger Mikko Rantanen pulled his shirt over his head so he could chug a can of beer in style.

Meanwhile, Avs center J.T. Compher made his way to the streets, meeting with fans and even taking a ride on a cop's bicycle.