The Buffalo Sabres could go a number of different ways as the NHL is in the midst of trade season following the NHL Draft and the opening of free agency on July 1. With the departure of winger Alex Tuch and defenseman Bowen Byram, GM Jarmo Kekalainen is expected to seek out offensive reinforcements to make up for the 44 goals lost by their departures.
Over the next few weeks, we will continue to look at potential options for the Sabres. Some of the possibilities are not going to match Tuch’s stats, but any additions could provide some relief to the pressure that youngsters Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich, or Noah Ostlund will be under to make up the deficit.
Kekalainen ideally would like to replace the 60-to-70 point production that he lost with Tuch, and one possibility still unsigned is big winger Anthony Mantha. The 31-year-old enjoyed a renaissance last season, scoring a career-high 33 goals with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The former Detroit first rounder scored 20+ goals in consecutive seasons with the Red Wings, but has struggled with injuries throughout his 11-year NHL career.
After being dealt to Washington in 2021, the 6’5”, 240 lb. forward, was dealt to Vegas at the 2024 trade deadline as a rental, and played only 13 games for Calgary in 2025. Pittsburgh signed Mantha to an incentive-based one-year deal and were paid off with his best offensive year, but he now is looking for a deal with some security and a bump from his $4.5 million AAV.
Never known as a good defensive player, Mantha was +10 last season and was utilized on the Penguins power play. The Sabres are likely looking for someone who can replace Tuch on the man advantage and at this point less than one week into free agency, the only potential answers on the open market are Mantha, and Buffalo native Patrick Kane.
The Mets snapped their losing streak with a 10-9 win over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday afternoon at Truist Park.
Here are the takeaways...
-- New York's offense jumped all over veteran Braves left-hander Martin Perez in the early-going, quickly opening their first lead of the series. Three straight hits from the top of the order, capped off by a Bo Bichette RBI single, helped them establish the one-run advantage.
-- Atlanta got to Nolan McLean for three runs in the bottom-half, but the Mets answered right back. A.J. Ewing led off the inning with his second left-on-left homer of the season, then the next four would reach, with run-scoring hits from Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto pushing them back in front.
-- McLean worked around a two out jam in the bottom of the second then settled into a groove, retiring the next seven hitters he faced in order. Part of that stretch was a Michael Harris III strikeout in which the righty recorded the highest spin rate on a curveball for a strike since foreign substance checks started, according to Pitching Ninja.
-- McLean's run came to an end with another Mark Vientos booted groundball leading off the fifth. That was Vientos' second miscue of the day, as he was also unable to corral a pickoff in the bottom of the first, which prolonged the inning and resulted in an unearned run.
-- This time McLean was able to work around it, though, as he retired the next three in order then breezed his way through a scoreless sixth. His day came to an end after giving up a leadoff hit in the seventh, closing his line with three runs allowed (two earned) on five hits and a walk and five strikeouts over 6.0+ innings.
-- Luke Weaver extended his scoreless streak to 25 innings with a scoreless bottom of the eighth. Weaver hasn't been scored upon since May 1st, lowering his ERA to a stellar 1.95 in that span.
-- New York tacked on five insurance runs against old friend Carlos Carrasco in the top of the ninth. Tyrone Taylor smacked a homer leading off the inning, then Bichette ripped a base-clearing double to center with the bases loaded, and Jared Young lifted a two-run single.
-- Those runs ended up being huge for the Mets, as Huascar Brazoban struggled mightily, giving up five runs and recording just one out before being pulled in the bottom of the ninth. Atlanta scratched across another two out run against Devin Williams, then pushed the winning run into scoring position, but Dominic Smith struck out to end the game.
-- In addition to his homer, Ewing also singled left-on-left against former Met Danny Young. The youngster came into the day hitting just .190 in those situations thus far during his rookie campaign, but he looked very comfortable facing off with a pair of tough veteran arms.
-- Lindor, Soto, and Bichette went a combined 6-for-13 with two walks, six RBI, and three runs.
Game MVP: Top of the order
The trio at the top lead the way for the Mets' offense, showing how the team expected them to look.
Mitchell Robinson was in doubt to start the NBA Finals after undergoing surgery on his hand in the week before the series began. While he played through it — and played a key role in the Knicks' title — the cause of the injury was never explained.
Until now, when Robinson explained it in a Facebook post on Sunday.
"To provide some context, I had been dealing with personal issues, relationship problems, and internal struggles, which affected my performance on the basketball court...Without going into details about my upbringing, I am extremely protective of my siblings, whom I care for deeply.
"Upon returning to New York [after eliminating Cleveland], I received an unexpected phone call, and my family members contacted me, informing me that my youngest brother had been involved in a car accident. I did not see the messages until I arrived home late that night. As the eldest sibling, I felt a deep sense of concern, and I immediately went into panic mode. I began returning calls and texts, and when I FaceTimed my brother, I thought he was deceased. He was wearing a neck brace, unresponsive, and not speaking. I broke down in tears, feeling like a failure for not being able to protect my siblings. Being 910 miles away, I felt helpless. In a moment of frustration, I banged my hand on my truck...
"After consulting with doctors, I was able to gain the confidence in myself to go in and get the job done and WE DID 2026 NBA CHAMPS. so at the end of the day I battled with so much throughout this season even made a huge sacrifice to not see my daughter as much this season because I needed to focus and lock in so she can have a better future than I did. ❤️"
Robinson is a very private person, and this could not have been easy for him to write. It was also a very human, understandable reaction to incredibly frightening news.
Mitchell signed with the Celtics as a free agent this offseason. Boston offered him a raise, while the Knicks were never going to be able to keep the roster together and stay below the second apron of the luxury tax (as demanded by owner James Dolan).
Jul 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman (3) reacts after hitting an RBI double against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
The St. Louis Cardinals fans have learned that there are two different potential versions of Matthew Liberatore this season. Sunday, the Cardinals got parts of both versions as the Chicago Cubs jumped on his wildness early, but he settled down later. The problem would arise out of the Cardinals bullpen and defense when all was said and done.
Matthew Liberatore’s performance on Sunday looked a lot worse by using the eye test compared to the actual damage on the scoreboard. It all started in the bottom of the first inning when the Cub we all love to despise (because hate is such a strong word), PCA, reached on an infield single and then stole second. Alex Bregman followed that with a double to center which scored the loser from second giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead. Liberatore then struck out Suzuki, but then walked Carson Kelly and hit Michael Busch with a pitch (this would become a theme for Matthew Sunday) to load the bases. Nico Hoerner lifted a sacrifice fly to Jordan Walker in right who almost threw out Bregman at home, but almost doesn’t count so it was 2-0 Cubs. That was all Chicago would get out of that bases loaded opportunity.
Matthew Liberatore hit 3 batters during his time in the game with the most painful probably being PCA getting nailed on the fleshy part of his left arm. He winced in pain on the ground for several minutes, but probably didn’t cry although many of us who are confirmed Cardinals fans imagined he did. I personally am never in favor of a player getting injured, but Crow whatever appeared to be fine when all was said and done.
If you’re thinking that I’m not mentioning much about the Cardinals offense, it’s because there was really nothing special to include over the first 5 innings. That changed big time in the top of the 6th inning when Jordan Walker proved why he deserves to be an All-Star. JJ Wetherholt started off the inning by being JJ Wetherholt and getting on base with a single. Two batters later, Alec Burleson singled giving the Cardinals runners at first and second with Jordan Walker coming to the plate. The Cubs changed pitchers, but it didn’t matter squat and Jordan crushed a weak 82 mph sweeper and gave it a ride way up into the left field stands immediately correcting most of what is wrong in the world by giving the Cardinals their first Sunday lead at 3-2. BOOM!
Just as I and the rest of Cardinals Nation were preparing to throw a “we just swept the Cubs” party, the wheels came off for St. Louis in the bottom of the 6th inning which really felt like it went on FOREVER. It began with Matthew Liberatore walking Carson Kelly and then surrendering a single to Michael Busch. Credit to Liberatore for getting that deep into the game as he really pulled himself together after a very shaky start. Matt Svanson entered the game and immediately gave up the lead as Nico Hoerner smacked a single to right scoring Carson Kelly and tying the game at 3-3. After Ian Happ popped out for the first out, the Cardinals defense collapsed. Dansby Swanson grounded to José Fermín at third who instead of starting an inning-ending double play, threw the ball into right field scoring Busch and giving the Cubs a 4-3 lead and the Cards defense was just beginning to defeat itself. The next batter Ramirez lifted a sacrifice fly to Jordan Walker in right who tried (key word) to throw out Dansby Swanson at third, but instead threw wildly which allowed both runners to score giving the Cubs a stupid 6-3 lead.
The Cardinals would scratch and claw to get one run back in the top of the 8th inning when JJ Wetherholt led off with his second hit of the game. Iván Herrera grounded out to second which moved JJ up a base. Alec Burleson then singled to right as Wetherholt advanced to third. That brought up Jordan Walker who unfortunately did not provide an encore 3-run homer to tie the game, but did hit a sacrifice fly to center just deep enough for JJ to score from third making it 6-4 Cubs going into the bottom of the 8th inning.
Ryan Fernandez deserves credit for keeping the Cubs from adding to their lead anymore than they already had by getting the Cardinals into the top of the 9th inning with at least a chance. Would the Cardinals stage a never say die comeback win in the 9th? Well, Masyn Winn drew a walk to lead off the inning, but then Nathan Church popped out to the catcher for the first out. José Fermín then struck out for the second out. That left former Cub Nelson Velázquez as the Cardinals last hope. He unfortunately lined out to Dansby Swanson for the final out. Bummer.
The St. Louis Cardinals begin a brutal 5-game series over just 4 days against the Milwaukee Brewers Monday night at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals will give the ball to Dustin May while the Brewers will assign Shane Drohan the starting duties. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45pm central time and the game TV broadcast will be available on Cardinals.tv.
On most draft nights, top-10 picks are under the brightest lights in hockey, walking the stage, shaking hands, posing for photos, and stepping into the NHL spotlight in real time.
Carson Carels did it differently. He was back home on the family farm in Cypress River, Manitoba, where the noise wasn’t cameras and draft buzz, but cattle, chores, and the rhythm of calving season.
That contrast followed him straight into Calgary Flames development camp, where the 6-foot-2, 198-pound left-shot defenseman finally stepped onto the ice as a top-10 pick — still very much carrying that rural identity with him.
“I’m embracing it all,” Carels told NHL.com's Lawrence Heinen after the first day of development camp. “It’s kind of settling in more and I get to feel like I’m a part of the organization more, so it’s nice.”
For Carels, the path to becoming the No. 6 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft didn’t come with a trip to Buffalo’s KeyBank Center. It came with a family decision to stay put, to remain on the farm, and to let the moment unfold in a place that’s been part of his life far longer than hockey arenas.
That decision wasn’t a reaction to precedent, either. Nashville Predators prospect Brady Martin also stayed home on draft night a year earlier, but Carels said the choice wasn’t modeled after anyone else.
“It was more just a group decision to just do it, and I mean, I don't think if Brady wouldn't have done it last year, that we would have changed our minds,” Carels said. “We probably would have done the same thing. We’re a really tight-knit family. We're just calving cows still. Right now we're kind of in between, where we're getting a little off calving and getting into the haying.”
That same farm-first mindset didn’t disappear when he arrived at WinSport for development camp. Between skating sessions on adjacent rinks and quick turnarounds that barely left time to return to the locker room, Carels found himself pulled into a different kind of attention — this time from fans rather than livestock.
@CHGO_Blackhawks I’ve been saying the hawks need a Dwayne Robertson cowboy ala Mighty Ducks D2 for a while now and today’s pod vindicated that 😆 pic.twitter.com/HsQtCIUFyM
“Some of us guys didn't really get to go back to the locker room after the first skate,” Carels said. “We were just all fan interaction and everything like that. It's really special to see everyone come out like this. It's a really special fanbase here and it's been awesome so far.”
Flames general manager Craig Conroy wasn’t bothered in the slightest by how Carels chose to experience draft night.
“We ask everybody, are you going to the draft, when we were at the (NHL Scouting) Combine,” Conroy said. “He said, 'No, I'm going to do it from the farm.' Brady Martin did it last year. I thought it was great. When I talked to him, he was definitely having a party in the background. I could hear all the noise, so they were having fun. He seemed very excited, too, about being a Flame. It's an exciting time for the organization.”
The organization’s development staff sees something deeper than just a rural backdrop.
“The first thing that comes to mind for me is just you that that there's the character and the work ethic and the ability to fight through adversity and all those things are there,” said Flames director of player development Ray Edwards. “There's a special player there. Obviously, we don’t want to put a lot of pressure on him, but to get him where we got him ... he was our No. 1 defenseman all the time. He was our guy.
“To get him where we got him, we were ecstatic.”
That same identity carried into the end of camp as Carels skated with Team McDonald, helping them to a 10-8 win over Team Vernon to capture the Snowy Cup, named in honor of former Flames assistant general manager Chris Snow.
On the ice, though, the focus is already shifting toward what comes next.
Carels put up 73 points (20 goals, 53 assists) in 58 games with the Prince George Cougars, finishing tied for fourth among Western Hockey League defensemen, and will head to the University of North Dakota this fall.
“It’s going to be a good step for me to make a step instead of a leap to this next level,” Carels said. “I think UND is going to shape me to be a more complete player and continue my maturity as a player. It's going to be a good step and I'm really happy going there.”
There, he’ll be joining Flames forward prospect Cole Reschny — a familiar face from international tournaments and now the college ranks — as the next chapter begins, one that doesn’t feel like leaving the farm behind, but more like carrying it with him into every rink he steps on.
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild have retained one of their young defensemen, re-signing restricted free agent Daemon Hunt ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The 24-year-old has spent the past several seasons splitting time between the NHL and AHL, showing flashes of the two-way game that made him a third-round pick by Minnesota in the 2020 NHL Draft.
In 32 games last season, Hunt recorded six assists and 43 blocked shots. He also played in five playoff games and recorded one assist, eight blocked shots and six hits.
With Quinn Hughes, Brock Faber, Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin, Olli Maatta and Zach Bogosian all expected to compete for NHL minutes, Hunt will likely continue battling for a roster spot while providing valuable depth if injuries arise.
The Wild have emphasized keeping their defensive depth intact this offseason, and bringing Hunt back ensures another young option remains in the organization.
Minnesota and Hunt's contract is one-year, $900,000.
See more of The Hockey News on Google — Save us as Preferred Source
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
WASHINGTON — Konnor Griffin had a tiebreaking two-run single in the eighth inning, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Washington Nationals 11-5 on Sunday in a game in which he was also spectacular in the field.
Brandon Lowe followed Griffin’s key hit with a three-run homer off Brad Lord (5-2) to extend the lead.
Griffin, the 20-year-old who received a nine-year, $140 million contract in April, showed why the Pirates view him as such an important part of their future. He made a diving stop in the third on Curtis Mead’s grounder, but Mead beat the throw for an in-field single.
In the fourth, Griffin had to fight the sun on Keibert Ruiz’s popup to shallow left field, making a diving, backhanded grab. The following inning, he made another backhanded, sliding catch in the outfield, although James Wood was able to tag up and beat the throw home, resulting in a rare sacrifice fly to the shortstop.
Gregory Soto (5-2) got the win in relief. The Pirates blew a 4-0 lead before going ahead for good with their five-run eighth. Bryan Reynolds also homered for Pittsburgh, and Luis García Jr. and Dylan Crews went deep for Washington.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 04: Kira Lewis Jr. #26 of the Milwaukee Bucks goes in for a layup against the Golden State Warriors during the second half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Golden 1 Center on July 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Bucks were blown out 89-69 in their second game in the California Classic on Sunday afternoon. Missing rookies Brayden Burries, Nate Ament, and Malique Lewis, Milwaukee was led by B.J. Boston (18 points, 3 boards) and Kira Lewis Jr. (13 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists). Ben Humrichous and Hunter Sallis led the Nets with 15 points each. The Bucks will face Sacramento in their final California Classic tune-up before traveling to Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League.
The Bucks started the game with undrafted free agent Boopie Miller, Zack Austin, Kobe Stewart, Boston, and John Butler Jr. on the court. The Nets started Dwight Murray Jr., Sallis, John Ukomadu, Humrichous, and Duke Brennan. Brooklyn rested Egor Dëmin, Drake Powell, and Ben Saraf, who all played yesterday against the Sacramento Kings.
The Bucks jumped out to a 12-4 lead early in the game off buckets from Boston and Austin. Boston, who poured in a game-high 17 points against the Warriors Blue Team yesterday, looked on fire again, showcasing his crafty finishing and smooth jumper. However, after a timeout, Brooklyn stormed back to take the lead, profiting off steals in the backcourt. Humrichous put the Nets ahead, 29-24, with a buzzer-beating three at the end of the first quarter.
The Bucks began to falter in the second quarter. The Nets forced a couple of turnovers and made some gutsy hustle plays, and the ball movement that pushed them to their win over the Warriors was frequently broken up. Brooklyn brought relentless defense from the likes of Dion Brown and Sallis, and they caught fire from three-point land. On the Milwaukee end, Miller and two-way signee Rafael Castro went cold and struggled to make offense work. The Bucks had their bright moments, like Luke Travers’ transition three and an emphatic block from Butler, but Brooklyn outplayed them throughout the second quarter. The Nets entered halftime on top, 54-36.
The Bucks started the second half looking to trim Brooklyn’s lead down to single digits. Boston started to heat up again from the outside, but it still seemed like Brooklyn was having their way from the perimeter, whether that was firing off uncontested jumpers or slashing to the rim and converting point-blank floaters. Eventually, Milwaukee grew more aggressive, fighting through screens and poking through dribbles to disrupt Brooklyn’s offense. Kuany Kuany, a former VCU Ram who played professionally in Australia and Croatia, stood out for his work ethic, hustling for offensive rebounds and diving for loose balls. However, Brooklyn didn’t budge despite the increased intensity. The Nets pieced together an 8-0 run to finish the third quarter up 72-54.
The game slowed down in the fourth quarter as Brooklyn sat on their lead. The Bucks’ offense still looked a bit clunky, especially when they were trying to create opportunities for each other. They turned the ball over, often through unforced errors, and many possessions came down to one-on-one iso ball, resulting in long-range, low-percentage shots. On defense, Brooklyn exposed Milwaukee’s screen defense, barreling down the lane for wide-open dunks when Milwaukee hesitated to switch. Milwaukee continued to face-guard and press Brooklyn high up the floor, but it was all for naught, as Brooklyn protected their huge lead.
Stat That Stood Out
The Bucks committed 13 turnovers against 15 assists, pointing to the Bucks’ sloppy passing and general lack of offensive ideas on Sunday afternoon.
Jul 5, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds (10) celebrates with right fielder Esmerlyn Valdez (55) after hitting a home run against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images | Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Pirates fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This week’s Pittsburgh Pirates question asked you if thought the Buccos would make it as a Wild Card this season. When the survery was posted, the Bucs were 43-43 and three games out of a Wild Card spot. Today they are 46-45, but are now 3.5 games out. Here’s what you said about their chances.
The vast majority of you think the Bucs are going to miss the postseason. Who knew that the offense wouldn’t be the problem this year and it was actually the pitching staff that would be issue? But if Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller don’t find some consistency soon, I most definitely agree with you.
LeBron James is golfing. He’s trolling comedian Kevin Hart. He’s watching his daughter swim. He’s celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the 2016 Cavaliers team he carried to the franchise’s only title.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on him, dissecting his social media posts as though they were clues in an Escape Room.
LeBron James is about to enter his unprecedented 24th NBA season. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Even though James is about to turn 42 and enter his unprecedented 24th NBA season, his free agency has overshadowed Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded to Miami and the stunning news that the Celtics swapped Jaylen Brown for Paul George.
More than two decades into his career, he’s still the biggest story in the NBA.
He might be the biggest sports story in America, with speculation about his next move overshadowing Americans’ ephemeral interest in the men’s national soccer team and generating more headlines than Travis Kelce’s and Taylor Swift’s wedding. His star hasn’t faded at all with time. If anything, it has grown brighter.
Some people may be rolling their eyes. But they’re still on the edge of their seats waiting to see what he’s going to do.
Some people may want James to retire. But his name is still in their mouths.
Like it or not, James is still the center of the sports universe. We’ve watched him for so long that he has become a part of our lives. He has lived in our living rooms for two decades. We’ve spent more time with him than with many family members.
James may be the only person in the world whom both your grandma and your 3-year-old son know by name.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
Love or hate him, James is as American as hotdogs and fireworks on the Fourth of July. He’s our homegrown hero. We’ve rooted for (or against) him since he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 draft at age 18.
James carried the Lakers to a first-round playoff victory over the Rockets. Getty Images
We’re still wowed by him two decades later, such as when he led the Lakers to a 3-0 series lead over the Rockets in the first round of the playoffs without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves a few months ago.
Forget the debate over whether James or Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. James is engaged in a much tougher competition: a two-horse race with Father Time.
After all these years, he’s still him.
James still generates as much interest as when he was an unstoppable force who led the Heat and Cavaliers to eight straight NBA Finals. He may have one foot out the door, but he’s still the face of the league.
For almost everyone else, star power fades with time. Young hotshots usurp bigger names. There’s a natural turning of the page.
While the NBA is technically in good hands with superstar Victor Wembanyama chomping at the bit to become the next face of the league, it’s hard to imagine anyone ever comparing to James in terms of longevity or fame.
No one captures our imagination like LeBron. No one annoys us more than him. No one excites us like him. He’s always on the tip of our tongues. He owns real estate in the peripheries of our minds.
It’s remarkable when you think about it.
James isn’t ready to retire yet, but he won’t conclude his career with the Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images
If there’s one thing that’s more impressive than James’ talent on the court, it’s his ability to draw eyeballs like moths to a light.
Maybe you were celebrating his four championships, overjoyed when he became the league’s all-time scorer and choking back tears when he became the only player in NBA history to play alongside his son, Bronny.
Or maybe you were annoyed when he announced his departure from the Cavaliers in 2010 in an over-the-top TV special, disillusioned when he created a super team in Miami and thought he was a sell-out when he took his talents to the Lakers.
Either way, you were watching.
And when James finally retires, the TV series that has gripped us for two decades will come to an abrupt end. It’s going to leave a hole in our lives that nobody else could fill.
The Calgary Flames last played a Stanley Cup playoff game on May 26, 2022, against their provincial rival, the Edmonton Oilers, in a 5-4 overtime loss in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series. Barring a miracle run to the playoffs this year, that game may be the last postseason contest ever on Saddledome ice.
In the over 1,500 days since the Flames lost that overtime game, the roster has undergone a complete overhaul. Whether it was a superstar forward, a solid defenseman, or the best goalie the franchise has employed in almost a decade, every single one of them is gone, except one.
As the longest-tenured Calgary player in franchise history, approaching his 19th season, current captain Mikael Backlund is the only skater still in the 2026-27 lineup to have played in a Stanley Cup playoff game with the club.
Where did everyone go? Here's a quick look at what happened to the Flames' lineup from May 26, 2022.
July 2022
Johnny Gaudreau signs with the Columbus Blue Jackets for seven years and $68 million as a free agent on July 13.
Erik Gubranson, on the same day as Gaudreau, agrees to a deal with the Blue Jackets for four years and $16 million.
Calle Järnkok leaves the club two days after Gaudreau and Gubranson, agreeing to a four-year deal worth $8.4 million with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Matthew Tkachuk informs the Flames that he will not re-sign with the club and is traded to the Florida Panthers on July 22. Calgary receives Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar, Cole Schwindt, and a first-round draft pick in 2025.
July 2023
Trevor Lewis re-signed as a free agent in July 2022 and played one more season in Calgary before returning to the team he won two Stanley Cups with, the Los Angeles Kings, on a one-year deal.
Milan Lucic, one of the few players ever traded between Calgary and Edmonton, returns to the Boston Bruins on a one-year deal.
Michael Stone played out the 2022-23 season, retiring on July 5, 2023, and immediately moving into a role with the Flames' player development team.
Nikita Zadorov was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on November 30 for a fifth-round pick in 2024 and a third-round pick in 2026.
January 2024
Dillion Dubé requests an indefinite leave from the team. Eventually, Dubé was implicated in the 2018 World Juniors scandal and left the NHL to play in the KHL.
Elias Lindholm was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in January 2024 in a deal that saw the Flames acquire Hunter Brzustewicz, Joni Jurmo, and Andrei Kuzmenko, plus 2024 first- and fourth-round picks.
Tyler Toffoli finds a new home with the New Jersey Devils after the Flames deal him for Yegor Sharangovich and a third-round draft pick in 2023.
February 2024
Chris Tanev got dealt to the Dallas Stars in a three-team trade involving the Devils. The Flames received Artem Grushnikov and a second-round pick in 2024.
March 2024
Noah Hanifin leaves the Flames in a three-team deal that also involves the Philadelphia Flyers and ends up with the Vegas Golden Knights. In the exchange, Calgary received Daniil Miromanov, plus a first-round pick and a third-round pick in 2024.
August 2024
Oliver Kylington took a mental health break from the Flames at the onset of the 2022-23 season and wouldn't skate in the NHL again until January 2024. Following a brief return, he signed as a free agent with the Colorado Avalanche in August.
June 2024
Andrew Magiapane is traded to the Washington Capitals for a second-round draft pick in 2025.
Jacon Markström is dealt to the Devils for Kevin Bahl and a first-round pick in the 2025 Draft.
January 2026
Rasmus Andersson is traded to the Golden Knights, reuniting with Hanifin for a first-round and second-round pick in 2027, plus Zach Whitecloud and Abram Wiebe.
July 2026
Blake Coleman, the second-to-last player from the 2021-22 team, is traded to the Minnesota Wild along with Olli Määttä for Jacob Middleton, plus three draft picks in 2027 (third round), 2028 (fourth), and 2029 (second).
Backlund is signed through the end of the 2027-28 season, which would give him a chance to become the only player in Flames history to play 20 seasons with the franchise.
However, the team is focused on rebuilding and loading up with young talent these days, meaning that no matter when the captain leaves, whether it's a trade before his deal is up, or he skates into retirement, there's a chance that he remains the last Calgary player to participate in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 03: Trent Grisham #12 of the New York Yankees connects on his first inning home run against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on July 03, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Absolutely ineffective on the mound, defensively, and offensively, the Yankees lost 6-1 to the Twins, their ninth loss in ten games. They have an awful 3-12 record since peaking at 46-28 on June 19th. The team they’ve dominated for the better part of this century also won its first series at Yankee Stadium since 2014, when the Yankees’ lineup featured the likes of Yangervis Solarte, Kelly Johnson, and Zoilo Almonte. It’s bad.
Addressing how this result came to pass, there is more to speed as a threat than the number of bases a team steals, and the Twins showcased that in how they approached this matchup against Ryan Weathers. Whether their consistent willingness to try to take an extra bag rattled Weathers in any way or not, it was involved in the two times Minnesota scored a run off the Yankee starter.
The first two hitters of the game reached safely on a double and an infield single, as Weathers couldn’t cleanly field a squibbler from Byron Buxton, who was eventually thrown out at second trying to secure an early steal. Last night’s star, Josh Bell, made sure the Twins got something out of that inning, getting on the board early by knocking an RBI single into right field.
Specifically on Buxton’s stolen base attempt, Austin Wells catching him red-handed was significant given he hadn’t been caught stealing since 2024, 31-for-31 in stolen base attempts since the start of last season. Unfortunately for the Twins, Buxton felt something relating to a previous hip injury and had to leave the game early, replaced by Kyler Fedko.
A few innings later, Royce Lewis opened the fourth with a walk, went to second on a wild pitch, and looked intent on stealing third to set up a sacrifice fly, enough so that he generated two early pickoff throws from Weathers at second. Perhaps too much attention to the basepaths led Weathers to not elevate a fastball enough and see Brooks Lee dump it into left for an RBI single, doubling the Twins’ lead.
Even though the signs were there on a cloudy “Weathers” forecast, the Yankees tried to extend him one more inning in the fifth, a decision they’d later regret. Opening the frame with a hit-by-pitch and walk, Weathers was removed in favor of Paul Blackburn, who very nearly got out of this mess but became yet another victim of Royce Lewis, who hit a two-run bases-loaded single to make it 4-0 Twins. Responsible for scoring or driving in three of the Twins’ first four runs, Lewis is in the middle of his best run of form this season, having reached safely in 15 out of his last 16 games.
While Blackburn was adequate in a tough situation, the Yankees bullpen didn’t provide much of a boost after a poor Weathers performance, justifying why the Yankees pushed their starter by allowing the Twins to further increase their lead. Camilo Doval opened the sixth, running into all sorts of trouble through his fault and also the defense’s, not to mention bad luck. A Volpe error and a lucky pop-up bunt hit that fell in no man’s land loaded the bases, allowing Minnesota to put two more across, scoring half a dozen. The story is just more of the same with Doval, who even with the miscues behind him has just been dreadful over and over again.
As if there weren’t enough disappointments in this loss, the Yankees, much like the Twins, also saw an important player leave the game early. Jazz Chisholm Jr. was replaced in the middle innings by Amed Rosario.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. left today’s game with right big toe discomfort. He was examined by Dr. Christopher Ahmad at Yankee Stadium. X-rays taken were negative. He will be reassessed tomorrow.
Chisholm was the protagonist of the most frustrating moment of this Yankees loss when, after winning a long battle against the dominant Ryan with a single in the second, he was picked off at first immediately after. That Jazz single was one of only three hits the Yankees secured against Ryan, who held them to seven scoreless innings with nine strikeouts. The Yankees wouldn’t get an at-bat with a runner in scoring position until the seventh inning when Ryan stranded a couple of runners to complete his standout performance.
Even the sole run the Yankees scored came in deflating fashion with Jasson Domínguez grounding into a double play in the ninth when they threatened a rally after the first two hitters of the inning reached safely against Yoendrys Gómez.
It’s a quick turnaround for the Yankees, traveling down to Florida to start a four-game set against the AL East-leading Rays on Monday. The first of those games will be with AL Cy Young-hopeful Cam Schlittler against righty Griffin Jax as the opener, with the first pitch at 6:40pm ET.
The Yankees fell to the Twins on Sunday, 6-1, dropping their first series at home to Minnesota since 2014.
Here are the takeaways…
-- New York's bats had nothing going for them against Twins starter Joe Ryan, recording just three hits against the right-hander over 7.0 innings.
-- Ryan Weathers struggled on Sunday afternoon across four-plus innings, allowing four earned runs on six hits with six strikeouts and two walks over 88 pitches.
He let up a leadoff double in the first inning, but got some help from his defense as Austin Wells threw out Byron Buxton at second for strikeout double play. Although, the left-hander couldn't escape cleanly, giving up an RBI single to Josh Bell (that was somehow kept in the park by RF Max Schuemann) as Minnesota took a 1-0 lead.
Weathers got through the next two frames, including a 1-2-3 third inning, before letting up another run in the fourth inning. He walked Royce Lewis and then threw a wild pitch, allowing him to advance to second and score easily on Brooks Lee's single that made it a 2-0 game. The lefty's day came to an end in the fifth inning with no outs after he hit Luke Keaschall and walked Austin Martin.
-- Buxton left the game with a hip injury after his slide in top of the first inning and was replaced in center field by Kyler Fedko. It was the first time he was caught stealing since May 1, 2024.
On the Yankees side, Jazz Chisholm Jr. left the game after the bottom of the fifth inning with right big toe discomfort. Amed Rosario came in for him, playing thrid base, with Jose Caballero moving to second base.
-- Paul Blackburn came in for relief in the top of the fifth with two runners on base and one out. The righty nearly escaped after getting a flyout and strikeout, but allowed a two-run single up the middle to Lewis as the Twins took a 4-0 lead.
-- The Twins loaded the bases in the sixth as Camilo Doval let up a leadoff double, Anthony Volpe misplayed a ground ball, and Keaschall bunted it to empty space in the infield. Doval walked in a run and let up another on a sac-fly, giving Minnesota a 6-0 lead.
-- New York added two more hits in the ninth and avoided the shutout as Jasson Dominguez drove in Trent Grisham on a double play grounder.
Game MVP: Joe Ryan
Ryan retired 13 straight Yankees from the third inning through the seventh inning. He struck out nine with one walk over 106 pitches.
Next Up
The Yankees head down to Tampa Bay and begin a three-game series against the Rays on Monday. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m.
Cam Schlittler (8-5, 2.08 ERA) gets the start against Griffin Jax (4-5, 3.45 ERA).
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 05: Joe Ryan #41 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on July 05, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yesterday, Americans attended barbecues, tore around on jet skis, and partied under fireworks for the country’s 250th birthday. Or, they took their sister’s Goldendoodle on 12 miles worth of walks, then got takeout supper and continued a Star Trek: The Original Series re-watch (& checked in on the Rocky & Twilight Zone marathons). Freedom, and all that.
But as was once said about President Ronald Reagan, it’s a new morning in America. What would the sunrise bring for MN? Well, how about 250 years of Minnesota Twins dominance over the New York Yankees!
After boat-racing the Yanks yesterday, the Twins got off to a fast start in this contest too when New York SP Ryan Weathers’ first offering was slapped into RF by Austin Martin for a double. This was quickly followed by a newly-minted-All-Star Byron Buxton single and it looked like MN would never make an out against NYY again—until Kody Clemens K’d and Buck was caught stealing for the first time since 5/1/24. Ugh. You also won’t hear Buxton’s name again in this recap until the Duds (double ugh).
Fortunately, Josh “Liberty” Bell saved the rally with a ringing (heh, heh) single that NY RF Max Schuemann couldn’t quite reel in. 1-0 MN.
As also-newly-minted-All-Star SP Joe Ryan looked sharp foiling Yankee bats in the early goings, the Twins went back on the attack in T4: a Royce Lewis walk led to his advance to 2B on a wild pitch which led to his coming around to score on a Brooks Lee base knock. 2-0 MN.
Right back on the attack in T5: the Twins loaded the bases with two outs and Lewis didn’t fall into the trap—instead knocking a solid single up the middle to drive two visitors across home plate! 4-0 MN.
Then, some circus baseball in T6: an Anthony Volpe error at shortstop…a horrible Luke Keaschall bunt that someone resulted in a hit…a bases-loaded walk to Martin…a well-struck Clemens sac fly. Boo birds were echoing through Yankee Stadium 3.0. 6-0 MN.
Meanwhile, the reason no Yankee offense has been discussed heretofore is because Ryan continued his Bronx brilliance. New York put a couple runners on base with two outs in B7, but our oh-so-much-more-than-average Joe made Amed Rosario look foolish on a filthy slider for this final line: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K.
Andrew Morris hurled a crisp, clean 8th inning, followed by Yoendrys Gomez losing the battle (shutout effort) but winning the war (ballgame) in the 9th.
Your Final: Minnesota Twins 6, New York Yankees 1
The Twins exorcised some demons by winning road series against the Astros & Yankees (the latter of those the first time since 2014). A new morning, indeed! Time for Goldendoodle walk number two on the day—with a smile on my face all the way.
Zach’s Zealot
The United States of America: Our grand Democratic Republic experiment somehow made it through 250 years! I always wonder what the Founding Fathers would think—good or bad—about the nation they got off the ground. Perhaps when I reboot Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone that can be my first episode.
Zach’s Zombie
Byron Buxton’s removal from this contest: After hitting the ground hard in T1 on a caught-stealing attempt, Buck left this contest with a re-aggravation of his troublesome hip. Tomorrow’s off day will presumably provide further evaluation and decisions on a potential IL stint.
CINCINNATI — Spencer Steer broke up a scoreless game with his 14th home run this season, Nick Lodolo pitched six scoreless innings, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Baltimore Orioles 3-2 on Sunday.
The win avoided a sweep and stopped the Reds’ six game losing streak at home.
Kyle Bradish retired the first 12 Reds of the game but walked Eugenio Suarez to start the fifth before Steer’s homer made it 2-0.
Bradish (5-9) pitched 7 ⅔ innings and allowed three runs and five hits with five strikeouts.
Rookie All-Star Sal Stewart doubled home Edwin Arroyo to knock Bradish out of the game. Stewart has 61 RBI, tied for seventh in MLB and the most by a rookie this season. He is tied for 10th in baseball with 21 doubles, also the most by a rookie.
Lodolo’s string of 14 scoreless innings ended in the sixth inning. Taylor Ward doubled and scored on a single by Coby Mayo with two outs.
Brock Burke made his 44th appearance this season, tied for second most in baseball, when he relieved Lodolo and pitched a 1-2-3 seventh.
Lodolo (3-2) pitched six innings, allowing one run on six hits. He walked two and struck out four.
