Caps sign goalie Thompson to a 6-year, $35.1M deal

Logan Thompson is cashing in on his stellar start with the Washington Capitals, getting rewarded with a new contract that gives the late-blooming goaltender a significant raise.

The NHL-leading Capitals signed Thompson on Monday to a six-year deal worth $35.1 million. He’ll count $5.85 million against the salary cap when it kicks in next season.

Thompson has been a bargain in the final season of a contract that is paying him less than $800,000 annually, thriving since joining Washington in a trade from Vegas last summer. He has won 22 of his 26 starts and ranks second in the league with a 2.09 goals-against average.

Islanders grab Perunovich in trade with Blues

ST. LOUIS>> The New York Islanders made an addition to their blue line, acquiring defenseman Scott Perunovich from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2026 draft.

The 26-year-old has been in and out of the lineup in his second full season in the league and has six points in 24 games. He has 33 points and skated an average of just under 15 minutes over 104 regular-season and playoff games with the Blues.

Lightning’s Lilleberg gets 2-game suspension

NEW YORK>> Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Emil Lilleberg was suspended two games without pay for interference against Detroit Red Wings forward J.T. Compher on Saturday night.

Orioles agree to 1-year, $975K deal with Carlson

BALTIMORE>> The Baltimore Orioles agreed to terms with Dylan Carlson on a $975,000, one-year contract, a couple of months after the outfielder was non-tendered by the Tampa Bay Rays.

Carlson was a first-round draft pick in 2016 by the St. Louis Cardinals, and he hit 18 home runs in his first full season in 2021. Since then, however, he’s hit only 16.

In other Orioles news, retired five-time All-Star outfielder Adam Jones will return to the club as a special adviser to general manager Mike Elias.

41-year-old Chavez signs deal with Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas>> Veteran right-hander Jesse Chavez agreed to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to spring training with the Texas Rangers, the team that drafted the 41-year-old nearly 23 years ago.

Chavez was 2-2 with a 3.13 ERA in 46 games last season for Atlanta. He has a 51-65 record with a 4.25 ERA in 653 career games (85 starts) over 17 seasons with nine different teams.

Saudi Arabia club Al-Hilal says contract with Neymar has been terminated

RIO DE JANEIRO>> Saudi Arabia club Al-Hilal said it reached an agreement with striker Neymar to terminate their contract by mutual consent. The Brazilian, once hailed by teammates and rivals as one of the world’s best footballers, played only seven matches for the Saudi club and scored one goal, as he spent most of his time since October 2023 sidelined due to an ACL injury.

Johnson becomes majority owner of Legacy Motor Club

CHARLOTTE, N.C.>> Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson is now the majority owner of Legacy Motor Club under a restructuring in which investment adviser Knighthead Capital Management bought into the Cup Series team.