Forward, a tech-enabled primary care company, has abruptly shut down its operations, closing locations and canceling appointments. The company, which raised $657 million and reached a $1 billion valuation, announced the closure on its website, affecting nearly 200 employees. Forward had recently introduced AI-based CarePods in various cities, aiming to expand its healthcare services. The company is providing guidance for patients to access their medical records and find new providers. This development marks a significant shift for the healthcare "unicorn" that sought to revolutionize primary care.
Pat Maroon made his debut for the Boston Bruins in a solid performance, playing on the fourth line and the second power-play unit. Coach Jim Montgomery praised his effective game management, while team captain Brad Marchand commended his competitiveness and presence in the locker room. Despite undergoing back surgery and being traded to Boston, Maroon's performance impressed his new team in their first game together.
The Philadelphia Flyers have signed forward Owen Tippett to an eight-year, $49.6 million contract extension ($6.2 million AAV) starting with the 2024-25 season. Tippett, 24, has been a key player for the Flyers, leading the team in even-strength goals and shots on goal this season. He was acquired by the Flyers in 2022 from the Florida Panthers and has since made significant contributions to the team.
Forward, a healthcare technology company, is introducing CarePods, self-service cubes equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, to revolutionize the medical industry. These high-tech health stops will be installed in various locations, allowing patients to be screened for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, depression, and anxiety. The diagnostics from scans will be integrated into a program called Health Apps. CarePods will also offer users the ability to draw their own blood using a vacuum chamber. Forward plans to expand the use of CarePods to screen for advanced cancers, prenatal care, and polygenic analysis. The first CarePods will be installed in California, Arizona, and Chicago, with further expansion planned for major cities across the United States.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has called up Union Berlin's Kevin Behrens for the national team, citing his aerial ability and defensive work. Nagelsmann praised Behrens' performance in the Bundesliga and expressed interest in seeing how he performs in training. Behrens has shown promise defensively and will be a valuable addition to a Germany team in need of goals.
The Minnesota Wild have signed forward Mats Zuccarello to a two-year contract extension worth $8,250,000, keeping him with the team through the 2025-26 season. Zuccarello, who joined the Wild in 2019, had an impressive season last year, recording 67 points and setting career-highs in various categories. He currently leads the team in assists and power-play assists and is the all-time leader in games played, goals, assists, and points by a Norwegian-born player in NHL history.
Forward Tomas Tatar has signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Tatar, who had a productive season with the New Jersey Devils, brings scoring depth and veteran experience to the Avalanche's middle six. The 32-year-old forward has recorded 455 points in 783 regular-season games and 13 points in 52 playoff games throughout his NHL career.
The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Brandon Hagel to an eight-year contract extension worth $52 million, with an average annual value of $6.5 million. Hagel, who had a career-high 30 goals and 34 assists last season, was acquired by the Lightning in a trade with the Blackhawks. The deal provides cost certainty for the Lightning and is seen as a win for the franchise, as Hagel is expected to be a strong top-six forward who can contribute consistently over the life of the contract.
The LA Galaxy have signed English forward Billy Sharp for the remainder of the 2023 MLS season, with an option for 2024. Sharp, who has an impressive record of 266 goals and 75 assists in 19 seasons in the English football league system, will bring experience and goal-scoring ability to the team. The 37-year-old striker played a key role in Sheffield United's promotion to the Premier League in 2018-19 and holds the record for the most goals scored in the English Football League Championship.
Four-star forward Marcus Allen has committed to the University of Missouri's basketball team, choosing the Tigers over Miami and Stanford. Allen, who is ranked 31st in 247Sports' composite, brings length, strength, and agility to the team, blurring the line between the wing and combo forward positions. His offensive role has been limited in high school, but he has shown potential as a scorer and has the ability to guard and rebound effectively. Allen's commitment strengthens MU's recruiting class and puts them in contention for a top 20 ranking.
The Washington Capitals have re-signed forward Tom Wilson to a seven-year, $45.5 million contract extension, keeping him with the team through the 2030-31 season. Wilson, known for his physical play and leadership qualities, has improved his game throughout his career and set career highs in goals, assists, and points during the 2021-22 season. He has been a key contributor to the Capitals' success, including their 2018 Stanley Cup win, and ranks highly in hits and penalty minutes in the NHL.
The Milwaukee Bucks have re-signed forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo, who appeared in 37 games last season and has been with the team for four seasons. Originally drafted by the New York Knicks, Antetokounmpo signed with Milwaukee in 2019 after playing overseas.
The Florida Panthers have agreed to a three-year contract extension with forward Eetu Luostarinen, keeping him with the team through the 2026-27 season. Luostarinen had a strong season in 2022-23, setting career highs in goals, assists, and points, and was a key contributor in the playoffs. The 24-year-old Finnish player has accumulated 78 points in his NHL career and has also had success internationally, winning gold at the 2019 IIHF World Championship.
The Chicago Bulls have emerged as potential contenders to sign forward Christian Wood, who was originally favored to join the Lakers. The Bulls recently acquired a $10.2 million player exception due to Lonzo Ball's injury, giving them the financial flexibility to pursue Wood. While Wood would likely come off the bench, he could challenge for the starting power forward role and provide a much-needed offensive boost for the Bulls. However, signing Wood would require the Bulls to dip into the luxury tax, and it remains to be seen if they are willing to make a big spending move.
The Colorado Avalanche's coaching staff will need to prioritize developing and playing younger players and prospects due to the expensive contracts of their top players. The team may add another forward before the season starts, and the performance of Jonathan Drouin alongside Nathan MacKinnon will be closely watched. The status of Shane Bowers remains uncertain, and there are no plans for MacKinnon to wear the captain's "C" in Gabriel Landeskog's absence. Taylor Makar showed improvement but still has room to grow.
