Canadiens Should Target Vegas Defenseman
The Montreal Canadiens’ blueline isn’t exactly the most physical in the league, and Martin St-Louis doesn’t have a lot of trust in Arber Xhekaj, whether he wants to admit it or not. The gritty blueliner even played just 1:52 in his last game in the playoffs, and it looks like he could be moved this summer, even if he is an RFA.
If that’s the case, Kent Hughes should take a long, hard look at Jeremy Lauzon. The Vegas Golden Knights blueliner won’t fill the net; he’s a stay-at-home blueliner, but he’s one that definitely has his coach’s trust, and he’s a Quebecer.
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Canadiens Report Card Defensemen Edition
If Vegas doesn’t sign him to a contract extension, Hughes should pounce. The 29-year-old might be a left-shot defender, but he would steady the Habs’ third pairing. He’s 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, and over his 384 career games in the NHL, he has averaged 17:34 of ice time.
In Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final, which went to double overtime, he spent 25:08 on the ice, blocked six shots and landed four hits. He’s also used on the Knights' second penalty killing unit, which would lighten the load on Lane Hutson. While the sophomore defenseman has shown that he can play on the PK, it would be ideal if St-Louis didn’t have to use him when Montreal is down a man; he could rest him and get more offensive minutes out of him.
Lauzon is coming off a four-year contract with a $2 million cap hit. Granted, he’ll be after a raise, but he might still not be all that expensive and with the cap going up again this upcoming season, the Canadiens could afford to make the move. The one red flag may be his injury history, but it would be worth digging into it to establish if he’s injury prone, or just unlucky.
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KAT or Brunson? NBA Finals MVP is a toss-up with some intriguing long-shot candidates
If the NBA’s Western Conference represented a different class of competition than the East, nobody told the New York Knicks. Mike Brown’s team extended their playoff win streak to 13 games after stealing two tight games in San Antonio, and are now playing their first NBA Finals games in Madison Square Garden in 27 years with a 2-0 series advantage. The Spurs have looked more terrestrial than their reputation, but they’ve held leads late in both games, and perhaps the real difference between conferences is showing up in the fatigue factor in the final minutes.
The market for NBA Finals MVP on FanDuel is a valuable measure of the impact that each player has had on the series so far. It’s also a look beyond the box score to consider the narratives that are likely to close out the season.
Jalen Brunson (+115)
Brunson shook off a slow start to game 1 (including multiple injury scares) to take over in the fourth quarter and nailed tough looks down the stretch. Conventional wisdom and historical precedent have suggested that a team can’t win a championship if their best player is short. But this is nothing new to Jalen Brunson, who’s carried his teams to titles at every level of his career.
He hasn’t been an efficient shooter to start the series (33.9% FG), but he’s found ways to force his impact; scoring 30 points in the opener and grabbing five steals to go with his 20 points and six assists in game two. The Knicks’ offense evolved when Towns became more of a facilitator, but Brunson’s penetration and pull-ups are still the team’s primary options in crunch time.
Karl-Anthony Towns (+165)
Maybe the best argument in Becky Hammon’s favor is that the Knicks are on the precipice of a championship because of the play of their big man, Karl-Anthony Towns. He’s challenged conventional wisdom about his own play during this win streak, using his size to play physical defense and wear on Wemby, while grabbing 12.5 tough rebounds.
Towns has unlocked the Knicks’ offense by serving more as an offensive hub and highlighting his passing, but he’s still the best shooting big man of all time. He sank 3 three-pointers while shooting an efficient 66.7% from the floor in game two, and could easily catch fire and come out of his matchup with Wemby as the most impactful big man in a short series.
Victor Wembanyama (+380)
Even with his team down two games, Wemby has looked like the best player on the floor for significant stretches. He shot over 50% from the field for 29 points in game two while logging nine rebounds, four blocks, and two steals. Those are star numbers, but the Spurs will need him to resemble something more superhuman if they’re to overcome their size and youth disadvantages and climb back from down 0-2.
Nobody has won the Finals MVP in a losing effort since Jerry West in 1969, and it would take an effort at least as impressive as West’s 40-point triple-double in game seven to repeat the honor. If anyone in the league could pull off those kinds of numbers though, it’s Victor Wembanyama.
Longshots
There’s still plenty of basketball left, and a handful of players have made steady impacts that could explode with the right combination of adjustments and luck.
Mikal Bridges (+17500) has regained his form as a dynamic two-way threat. He scored 20 points in game two, and has been a connective tissue and clutch shooter throughout the Knicks’ win streak.
OG Anunoby (+17500) has shown no fear, nailing jumpers and dunking on Wemby for 17 points in each contest. He’s also been an imposing force on defense, totaling six blocks and assists through two games.
Stephon Castle (+25000) has played beyond his years, cutting down his turnovers while scoring in double digits and holding up well on defense.
Dylan Harper (+25000) didn’t even make a postseason tournament with Rutgers last year, but he’s looked more than comfortable on the game’s biggest stage. The rookie has only shot 1-7 from deep in the first two games, but he’ll keep seeing more minutes.
Donald Trump, James Dolan relationship: Knicks owner is major donor
United States President Donald Trump isn't expected to show up uninvited to Game 3 of the NBA Finals. He'll be inside Madison Square Garden as the guest of New York Knicks owner James Dolan, and Trump made clear the two go way back.
"Well, I’ve been a Knick fan for a long time, and I’m also a Jim Dolan fan," Trump told reporters last week when asked about his plans to be in attendance when the Knicks host their first NBA Finals game since 1999 on Monday, June 8. "He’s a nice guy, OK? He spent a long time wanting to win, and he’s a competitive guy. He’s got a team that’s amazing.
"They're really great, a great team. I'm happy for Jim (Dolan) because Jim has really been fighting hard to produce such a team," Trump added.
So Trump will now become the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game, with extra security precautions that will affect some fans. He also raised the possibility of attending Game 4 as well thanks to his relationship with Dolan, who took over day-to-day operations of the team in 1999, two years after his father, former Cablevision founder Charles Dolan, bought it.
Here's more on the friendship between Dolan and Trump ahead of Trump's expected appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs:
James Dolan is a major Donald Trump donor
Dolan gave $125,000 to Trump's re-election campaign efforts, according to multiple reports, five days after his public spat with the then-NBA champion Golden State Warriors about whether Stephen Curry had declined an invite to the White House or Trump rescinded the invitation. He previously donated $300,000 to his 2016 election campaign, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
"Mr. Dolan is a long-time friend and supporter of President Trump," a Knicks spokesperson said at the time. "His contribution is a matter of public record, and was made by Mr. Dolan as a private citizen."
Dolan was also criticized in October 2024 when Trump held a rally at Madison Square Garden. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe controversially called Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage" when he spoke before Trump. Arena reps noted that former President Joe Biden had previously held an event at Radio City Music Hall, which is also owned by Dolan.
“As a business we are neutral in political matters," a Madison Square Garden official said in a statement. "We rent to either side. We don’t censor artists, performers or speakers."
James Dolan is a Mar-A-Lago member
In addition to Trump's numerous public proclamations regarding his friendship with Dolan, the Knicks owner said previously he's a member at Trump's Mar-A-Lago club. Dolan held his wedding at there in 2002 and his son, Charles, did the same in 2017.
"I've known him for a long time. I got married at Mar-a-Lago. I'm a member of Mar-a-Lago, and I support him as a friend," Dolan told ESPN in 2018. "And you don't have to agree with everything that he's doing in order to support him. And he's, by the way, our president, and I don't understand people who wish our president to do badly. Why would you wish your president to do badly? It's like wishing that your milkman will bring you sour milk."
Trump is a longtime Knicks fan
NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed Trump's bonafides as a Knicks fan last week when asked about the President's potential attendance at Madison Square Garden.
"Donald Trump, before he ever ran for office, he was a big Knicks fan," Silver said. "I was there at many Knicks games with him in the old days. He attended many of our drafts when they used to take place at Madison Square Garden."
Silver noted he hopes Trump's appearance will "emphasize what we have in common, not what pulls us apart. We’re seeing that in New York and I think President Trump is very much a New Yorker, and I’m thrilled that yet another New Yorker wants to participate in the enthusiasm and the joy around this Knick team."
Dolan, Trump involved in Penn Station project
The Trump administration is reportedly involved in plans that, if approved, would lead to a massive renovation of Penn Station and moving Madison Square Garden from its current spot on top of the midtown Manhattan train station. The plan needs Dolan's approval and he initially declined interest in moving the arena.
The New York Post reported that Dolan and Trump had a meeting in April to discuss the Penn Station plans and the prospect of renaming Penn Station after Trump.
James Dolan, Rockettes controversy at Trump inauguration
Dolan, as Madison Square Garden executive chairman, also runs the Rockettes Christmas show out of Radio City Music Hall in New York. For Trump's first inauguration, Dolan agreed to have the Rockettes perform and the dancers endured social media backlash. They were not ultimately forced to perform.
"This is a great national event," Dolan said to the dancers, according to a recording leaked to Marie Claire magazine. "Every four years we put in a new president. It's a huge moment in the country's history. It usually signifies a whole change in how the government is going to run. The fact that we get to participate in it … we are an American brand, and I think it's very appropriate that the Rockettes dance in the inaugural and 4th of July and our country's great historical moments.
"A good portion of people voted for this person" Dolan added. "Hopefully they will like our brand. If 1% of 1% of them come to our show, we're going to do great."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump at NBA Finals: Knicks owner James Dolan is major donor
Morning Flurries: Who will land Dylan Larkin?
As we wait for a Stanley Cup champion to get on with the rest of the offseason, the name of Detroit Red Wings’ top center is percolating in the rumor mill. Word is Dylan Larkin has requested a trade. Most teams should be interested but it seems there’s only three teams he’s willing to waive his No Trade Clause to join — Florida, Minnesota and Vegas. Will he get what he wants or will Steve Yzerman get the upper hand?
One organization that is making moves is the Nashville Predators and Chris MacFarland quickly added former LA Kings GM Rob Blake to his staff. Apparently there were thoughts of Blake joining the Avalanche and that option is now removed.
It’s also awards season since the in-person show got nixed. There were mixed reviews on how Tampa Bay Lightning’s star goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy received the Vezina trophy. The NHL set up a prank and stuffed the trophy in his very small car, saying the police needed to raid it. All was good in the end but was it necessary?
Knicks vs. Spurs – NBA Finals – Game 3 – predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for June 8
The 2026 NBA Finals shift to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 with the Knicks firmly in control after taking the first two games on the road. New York enters Monday night up 2-0 in the series and riding a 13-game playoff winning streak, now just two wins from its first championship since 1973. No team has ever lost the NBA Finals after winning the first two games on the road. The Spurs, meanwhile, no question will face a loud and hostile environment just a couple of days after rallying late but then letting a golden opportunity slip through their fingers to even the series in Game 2.
Game 2 was a classic, with the Knicks escaping San Antonio with a 105-104 win in a back-and-forth finish. Karl-Anthony Towns led New York with 21 points and 13 rebounds on 8-of-12 shooting, while Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges each added 20 points in a balanced effort that saw five Knicks score in double figures. The Spurs erased a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit and briefly took the lead late, but a turnover by Victor Wembanyama with under 10 seconds remaining led to Brunson’s go-ahead free throw. Wembanyama then missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer, finishing with 29 points and 9 rebounds in a strong but ultimately costly performance.
Through two games, the Knicks’ depth, efficiency, and experience have been the defining differences in this series. Towns has been arguably the series’ best player, averaging 19.5 points and 12.5 rebounds through two games in the series Game 2 while leading the defensive effort against Wembanyama. Despite Brunson shooting just 33.9% in the series (19-56), the Knicks’ leader has averaged 25 points and four assists per game. For San Antonio, De’Aaron Fox rebounded from a poor Game 1 (7 points, 5 assists) with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Devin Vassell (14 points, 9 rebounds) and Dylan Harper (15 points) were also solid in Game 2 loss.
The concern for the Spurs heading into Game 3 is their poor execution on the offensive end, most noticeably in transition. Despite generating more chances on the break than New York, San Antonio has struggled to convert, scoring just 0.84 points per possession in transition during the Finals. In addition, highlighted by Wembanyama’s pass to an unsuspecting Stephon Castle late in Game 2, turnovers in key moments have proven decisive.
Keys in Game 3:
- Wembanyama has to get off to a better start. As fatigued as he may be, he has to find a way to maintain an exceptionally high level of play for the entire game.
- Castle need to shoot the ball better. They need him to be an efficient secondary option.
- Josh Hart needs to stay on the court. The rebounding machine for the Knicks got in foul trouble and played just 18 minutes.
- Brunson needs to own the moment. The NBA’s most clutch player must own Madison Square Garden tonight. A fast and efficient start could finish Game 3 early.
Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game Details and How to Watch Game 3 Live: Knicks vs. Spurs
- Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
- Time: 8:30PM EST
- Site: Madison Square Garden
- City: New York, NY
- Network/Streaming: ABC
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NBA Finals Game 3 Odds: Knicks vs. Spurs
The latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:
- Moneyline: New York Knicks (-130), San Antonio Spurs (+110)
- Spread: Knicks -1.5
- Total: 215.5 points
This game sits almost right where it opened with the Knicks favored by 1.5 and the Game Total set at 216.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups for NBA Finals Game 3: Knicks vs. Spurs
New York Knicks
- PG Jalen Brunson (20 points, 6 assists in Game 2)
- SG Mikal Bridges (20 points, 6 assists in Game 2)
- C Karl-Anthony Towns (21 points, 13 rebounds in Game 2)
- SF Josh Hart (0 points, 6 rebounds in Game 2)
- PF OG Anunoby (17 points, 2-5 from 3-point range in Game 2)
San Antonio Spurs
- PG De’Aaron Fox (20 points, 8-12 from the field in Game 2)
- SG Stephon Castle (14 points on 5 of 14 shooting in Game 2)
- SF Devin Vassell (14 points, 9 rebounds in Game 2)
- PF Julian Champagnie (8 points, 4 rebounds in Game 2)
- C Victor Wembanyama (29 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 turnovers in Game 2)
Injury Report: Knicks vs. Spurs
New York Knicks
- No injuries to report
San Antonio Spurs
- David Jones Garcia (ankle) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Important stats, trends and insights: Knicks vs. Spurs – Game 3
- The Knicks are 36-11 on the road this season
- The Spurs are 35-15 on the road this season
- The Spurs are 57-44-2 ATS this season
- The Knicks are 56-42-1 ATS this season
- The OVER has cashed in 46 of the Knicks’ 99 games this season (46-53)
- The OVER has cashed in 47 of the Spurs’ 103 games this season (47-56)
- Landry Shamet has buried 3, 3-pointers in each of the first two games of this series
- Luke Kornet scored 1 point in Game 2 after going without even 1 point in Game1
Rotoworld Best Bet
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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Monday’s Game 3 between the Knicks and the Spurs:
- Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Knicks on the Moneyline
- Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Knicks -1.5
- Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 215.5
Player Props:
- Devin Vassell 3+ 3-pointers (+106) – Vassell’s record over the last 8 games is 4-4 so more than likely will be a sweat, but the Spurs know they need to get him going tonight. The volume will be there.
- Karl-Anthony Towns 4+ Assists (-145) – may not be worth the squeeze as the price has dropped, but this cashed in Games 1 and 2 of the Finals, twice in the East Final, and in all 4 games in the Second Round
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- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
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Knicks say $1 million was the winning bid for 2 celebrity row seats for Game 3 of the NBA Finals
NEW YORK (AP) — In the NBA Finals, celebrity row property is worth $1 million.
The New York Knicks announced that was the winning bid in an auction for two seats for Game 3 on Monday night, the first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999.
The winning bid was split by the law firm Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher LLP and private equity firm Veritas Capital. The fundraiser benefited the Garden of Dreams Foundation, and the Knicks said it was the largest single donation in the history of the foundation, which works with MSG’s companies to assist children at need in the tristate area.
The seats are located in section VIP 10, row AA, seats 25 and 26, right off center court. It’s impossible to know what they would usually cost, because the team doesn’t sell them. Instead, they are given to the celebrity fans such as Tracy Morgan and Timothée Chalamet who are courtside fixtures.
Seats everywhere in the building are expensive. The cheapest upper-deck seats available Sunday night were going for more than $6,000 on secondary markets like StubHub, SeatGeek and VividSeats. The experience of being courtside went for more than $75,000.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Donald Trump’s ceaseless need for attention is wrecking the NBA Finals in New York
Donald Trump hates the NBA, but he loves attention. This has manifested itself by creating hell at Madison Square Garden for thousands of basketball fans in order to get some camera time, with Trump set to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York City on Monday night.
There is no shortage of receipts when it comes to Trump’s public disdain for the NBA. Trump rescinded his invite to the Warriors in 2017 after the team was hesitant about visiting the White House. In 2018, he preemptively banned both finals teams from the White House. In 2020, he was gleeful that the NBA had declining ratings. The same year, he mocked the low ratings of the NBA Finals and blamed them on LeBron James’ politics. In addition, he has joyously shared links to any article that seemingly spells trouble for the NBA, especially when it comes to TV ratings. This is par for the course when it comes to the president, who has done the same with the NFL when it comes to criticizing sports, yet when there’s an opportunity to get himself on camera via an invite from an owner, he’ll jump to it.
Knicks owner James Dolan, noted Trump supporter and shitty musician, invited the president to attend Game 3 of the Finals at Madison Square Garden. In doing so he’s displaced thousands of die-hard fans who love the NBA, and have supported the Knicks in spite of Dolan’s horrible ownership tenure.
With ticket prices soaring into the tens of thousands of dollars, one of the most popular events for Knicks fans have been watch parties outside Madison Square Garden. Those have been cancelled by the NYPD and Secret Service for Monday, citing security concerns with the president in attendance. In addition, fans who are actually attending the game will go through more rigorous “TSA-style” security screenings, which have resulted in fans being told to arrive two hours before tip-off, transforming the sporting event into an airport security line. That’s not all, as a ban on all bags is in effect as well — which includes clear bags typically allowed into NBA arenas. It’s unclear if the bag ban will also impact medication and childcare needs, which are typically allowed.
New York mayor Zohran Mamdani has made alternate plans in response to the MSG watch ban, announcing a 5,000 person watch party in Manhattan’s Bryant Park, some eight blocks away from the arena. It’s a nice gesture to make up for some of the ban, but won’t nearly accommodate the number of fans who would have been outside the arena had Trump not attended the game. It’s estimated that 10,000 fans were in attendance for the watch party on West 33rd Street for Game 1, with the Eastern Conference Finals topping 6,000 fans.
All of this was unnecessary. Dolan chose to invite President Trump, which is his prerogative — but in doing so, he actively alienated the lifeblood of his organization: die-hard fans who have supported the Knicks, warts and all, over the 20-year NBA Finals drought. These are people who bleed blue and orange, who have been priced out of being inside the arena so the exceedingly wealthy can buy tickets. Now they’re being pushed back from being in close proximity to the arena, in service of a vanity appearance from a president who knowingly hates the NBA and its players.
Let them eat cake.
Spurs vs Knicks Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for Game 3
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The NBA Finals move to the Big Apple when the San Antonio Spurs take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Our NBA player prop projections have you covered with NBA picks for this pivotal Game 3.
For more analysis, be sure to check out our complete Spurs vs. Knicks predictions on June 8.
Spurs vs Knicks computer picks for Game 3
 Spurs |  Knicks |
|---|---|
| Harper u5.5 rebounds -115 | Hart u4.5 assists -112 |
| Champagnie o9.5 points -115 | Towns o3.5 assists -150 |
| Fox o14.5 points -112 | Brunson u26.5 points +100 |
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Spurs Game 3 computer picks
Dylan Harper Under 5.5 rebounds (-115)
Projection: 3.83 rebounds
This is the one and only five-star play our model found for this game, sitting with a 25.75% EV edge. Dylan Harper has been a beast on the boards, but our projections call for fewer rebounding chances for the guard at MSG tonight.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet harper Now at bet365!/span
Julian Champagnie Over 10.5 points (-115)
Projection: 11.25 points
Julian Champagnie took only five threes in Game 2, but still finished with eight points. The San Antonio Spurs need him to knock down outside looks to avoid a 0-3 hole, and his volume will be high enough to reach 11 points.
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De'Aaron Fox Over 14.5 points (-112)
Projection: 16.26 points
After a sluggish Game 1, De'Aaron Fox found his groove in his last outing with 20 points. Mitch Johnson has proven he is riding with his veteran PG, and he'll continue to get plenty of shots.
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Knicks Game 3 computer picks
Josh Hart Under 4.5 assists (-112)
Projection: 3.48 assists
Josh Hart has had a rough NBA Finals thus far, playing just 18 minutes in Game 2. While that was mostly due to foul trouble, our model doesn't see Hart's playmaking having much impact tonight.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Hart Now at bet365!/span
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 3.5 assists (-150)
Projection: 4.97 assists
Karl-Anthony Towns has been doing it all for the New York Knicks this series, eclipsing this assist total in both games. KAT is averaging nearly six assists per game in the postseason, and our model calls for him to dish out four more tonight.
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Jalen Brunson Under 25.5 points (+100)
Projection: 24.87 points
The Spurs have made it clear they're willing to let anyone but Jalen Brunson beat them. JB scored just 20 points on horrible efficiency, and one can only assume he'll get the majority of the defensive focus tonight at MSG.
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How to watch Spurs vs Knicks Game 3
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date | Monday, June 8, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Not intended for use in MA.
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REPORT: Islanders Are Not On Dylan Larkin's 3-Team Trade List
Last Thursday, news broke that Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin had requested a trade.
The 29-year-old centerman, who won gold with Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics, is entering the fourth season of an eight-year deal worth $8.7 million annually.
Per Helen St. James of the Detroit Free Press, the New York Islanders, who are looking to add a top-six scorer, are not one of the teams on Larkin's shortlist, which was submitted to Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman.
Those three teams are believed to be: Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild and Vegas Golden Knights.
Spoiler alert: #Isles are not on Dylan Larkin’s initial 3-team lst. https://t.co/q1ZHUmT96v
— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) June 8, 2026
While this list can be expanded on, and likely will be, it's clear that Larkin wants to join a Stanley Cup contender, as he should, after years of waiting for Yzerman to build a winning hockey club in Michigan.
REPORT: Three Teams In Running For Dylan Larkin
NHL Insider Frank Seravalli has cited The Detroit Free Press' Helene St. James, and confirmed that Dylan Larkin has submitted a three team list for a trade out of Detroit.
The three teams are the Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, and, to no one's surprise, the Vegas Golden Knights. Shocker, right?
This means that the Columbus Blue Jackets are effectively out of the running for Larkin's services.
Many fans considered it a pipe dream anyway, but with the Zach Werenski connection, many believed that it could be a move that very well might happen. Other fans knew from the start that Larkin would never come to Columbus, as the soon-to-be 30-year-old had no interest in a team like Columbus.
Helene reports that Dylan Larkin gave #LGRW three teams where he'd accept a trade and believes those teams are: #FlaPanthers, #mnwild and #VGK. https://t.co/RGkuQuBXAi
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 8, 2026
Next Up For Columbus: The NHL Draft is on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, where the CBJ will own pick #14.
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Trump, Mamdani, and the other VIPs expected at NBA Finals Game 3
Besides the stars on the court, a number of big names will flock to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday, June 8.
President Donald Trump is expected to attend the game between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, the first at the iconic Manhattan arena in nearly three decades.
Days after repealing bedtimes for the youngest Knicks fans, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is also set to be in the stands.
In addition to the politicians, several famous faces could be in attendance as well.
Here's a look at all the VIPs that could show out.
Trump to be at MSG for NBA Finals
The president told reporters at the Oval Office on June 4 that he's a "big fan" of the Knicks, confirming that owner James Dolan invited him to the game.
"The answer is yes – he’s invited me, I’m going," Trump said.
The NBA said Trump will be the first-ever president to go to an NBA Finals game. Trump, who has been a frequent critic of the league, did occasionally attend Knicks games before his foray into politics.
In light of Trump's attendance, Madison Square Garden announced fans will face increased security measures, including screening procedures similar to that of the Transportation Security Administration.
A watch party that had been planned outside the arena has also been canceled because of Trump's visit, authorities said.
Mamdani says he paid for his own ticket for Game 3
Mamdani, an avid Knicks fan, also confirmed he will be in the stands for Game 3.
In an interview with radio station 1010 Wins on June 5, the mayor said he's paying for his own ticket to the event.
"I’ll be there with a few friends. And I know that the president will also be coming. I can tell you that I won’t be courtside or in a suite, but I can’t wait to see the game," he said.
Mamdani has not said whether he will meet with the president during his trip to New York.
"If I do see him, I will let him know what I've said time and again, which is we're excited to welcome anyone and everyone who's rooting for the Knicks," he told the outlet.
Which celebrities are going to the Knicks game tonight?
While fans will have to wait for tip off to see all the stars in attendance, celebrity row is expected to be in full force at Madison Square Garden's first NBA Finals game in 27 years.
If the first two games of the series are any indication, at least one Emmy Award-winning actor and an Oscar-winning director may be cheering on the Knicks Monday.
Actor Ben Stiller and director Spike Lee both went to Games 1 and 2, as did Manhattan native Timothée Chalamet and "Saturday Night Live" legend Tracy Morgan.
Rapper Fat Joe and comedian Shane Gillis also showed out in San Antonio for the start of the series, so they could be back in New York for Game 3.
There are also a number of other famous Knicks fans who have appeared at games this season: Tina Fey, Kylie Jenner, Mariska Hargitay, Michael J. Fox, Jimmy Fallon and Edie Falco, to name just a few.
Knicks, Spurs legends show out for NBA Finals
Several former players for both the Knicks and Spurs also attended the first two games of the NBA Finals, so expect more appearances throughout the rest of the series.
Knicks legends Patrick Ewing, Walt "Clyde" Frazier and Allan Houston appeared in San Antonio.
On the Spurs' side, former stars Manu Ginóbili, David Robinson and Tim Duncan were also in the stands.
Are the Spurs nuns going to NBA Finals Game 3?
The Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, or, as they have become lovingly known around the Frost Bank Center, the Spurs nuns, have become a signature part of San Antonio's fanbase.
But the sisters will be cheering on Victor Wembanyama and the rest of the team from afar as they look to secure their first win of the series on June 8.
"There have been some rumors that we're going to New York City for the next two games. We're not going," the nuns said in a social media post.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump, Mamdani, and the VIPs expected at MSG for Knicks-Spurs Game 3
The Spurs are free to play like there’s nothing left to lose
Second verse, same as the first. In Game 2 of in the NBA Finals, the Spurs looked better than in Game 1, which they lost in the last minute to the New York Knicks. The defense was tighter, the offense was more disciplined, and the Spurs once again kept Jalen Brunson under wrap — until they didn’t. After another heartbreaking loss where the Spurs had a chance to win or, at worst, take it to overtime, the turnover of all turnovers handed the Knicks a 2-0 lead as the series heads to New York.
With that, I continue Fraternizing with the Enemy with Russell Richardson, editor-in-chief of our Knicks sister site Posting and Toasting, as we discuss what went right and wrong, and if the Spurs have one last push in them or if Knicks just flat out have their number this season. Click the links if you would like to revisit Part 1 or Part 2.
J.R.
What a game. What an incredible game! Loved the ebb and flow. Loved the tension. Loved the comeback and taking the lead. Loved forcing the Brunson miss and rebound to bring it up the court with a chance to make sure that overtime was the worst possible result. Man, there is nothing like the final moments of a huge game with tons riding on it when it comes down to the final possession.
I’d say that’s right about the point where I stopped loving things. From the point of that rebound it was either bad things or not so bad. But there were no good things. What a game, but how … what’s the word? I need a word for a pain so big that you can’t simply use the word pain because it’s too small to cover the enormity of the loss. The kind of pain that, as you come to terms with it, keeps growing to the point that you wonder if it’ll overwhelm you. A pain that you can’t get your arms around. A pain that makes you re-examine who you are and how you approach the things that matter. Excruciating. That’s the word.
After you’ve found the right word, there’s nothing left to do but find the silver linings. I mean, of course, there are plenty of things to do besides that. There’s wallowing in the pain of a 0-2 series. There’s torturing yourself with the frustration of coming up short. There’s bemoaning missed calls and bad plays and missed free throws and turnovers. There is all of that. But none of that is constructive and so I refuse to do that to myself. I reject the idea that my fandom (the state and the core of my rooting for a team) would be something that turns me to bitterness. Never! So finding silver linings it is.
Wemby has come through in the clutch all season. He’s taken the measure of the moment and made not just big but huge plays. For him to see his best fall short is just the kind of pain that forces more focus and development and teamwork. That’s the kind of pain that makes a team dig deep and turn 2013 into 2014. Oh, it’s excruciating. But they either get hurt enough to learn from — really learn and improve— or they get back to 2-2. There’s no pressure on them now. After three straight days of “will NY sweep?” it’s free and easy from here until the series is tied or it’s all over.
R.R.
Boy were my briefs tight in the final two minutes! When Victor Wembanyama put the Spurs ahead, 103-102, my voice squeaked like a 12-year-old eunuch’s. Thank goodness my baby-making days are over. Can you imagine explaining that to the specialist? “Everything was fine until that 14-0 run and then—sssnap!”
That particular pain you speak of is all too familiar to us in New York. That existential dread still gives us shivers. You see, while the Spurs were hanging five championship banners, we went 53 years without one. (Not me personally, I’m old but not that old!) While you were partying, we were always talking about next year, and how Kevin Knox just needed a little refinement, and how Phil Jackson would lead us to the Promised Land (if he’d quit napping at team practices). Silver linings? Silver linings?? We had orange and blue skies, but they were always trimmed by strands of twinkling silver.
What we would be saying in your position–and you can trust my expertise on this, because Knicks fans have been in your position practically since Dr. Naismith hung his peach crates–is that there is no team more dangerous than one that has been summarily written off. Down 2-0? Ho Ho Ho!No sweat! This is the exactly the adversity Elfrid Payton needs to kick in the next gea–
Sorry. Had a gnarly flashback to the 2021 playoffs. My therapist calls this basketball-induced PTSD.
Returning to 2026: I thought San Antonio’s response to Game One mostly worked. They doubled the paint aggressively, got better games from De’Aaron Fox and Wembanyama, and defended more physically. Even Tony Brothers shook his head when Carter Bryant dropped an elbow on Jalen Brunson from the top rope. Ol’ Tone didn’t blow his whistle, but he did admonish the behavior with a stern head shake. Did you see the clip of Wemby nearly snapping Jose Alvarado’s neck? I hope Brooklyn has good chiropractors.
So, the fact that they threw a mightier haymaker and still came up short doesn’t bode well for your guys. Meanwhile, Brunson is primed to have a breakout game; Josh Hart hasn’t yet had one of his random five-three-pointer games; OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges are playing defense like cops from El Salvador; and the ghost of Willis Reed has possessed the body of Towns. The most encouraging thing about heading home up 2-0 is that the Knicks haven’t even turned the dial all the way up yet.
Some on our side are speculating that Johnson might start Harper in place of Fox in Game Three. Fox’s ankle issues seem to be hindering San Antonio’s offense. Harper, being bigger, stronger, and more physical, would attack downhill, create tough pick-and-roll problems with Wembanyama, and force Brunson into heavy defensive work, opening up opportunities for the Spurs’ shooters and star big man. What do you think? Do you think Johnson will make the change?
J.R.
Nossir. Uh uh. Nope.
As much as I would love to see Dylan’s minutes increase, if Fox is healthy enough to play, I don’t see Mitch starting Harper. I’m not saying Pop would’ve done it, but one of the things that happens when you replace a living legend is that you deal with a lot more second-guessing of the kind that would’ve been waived away with a breezy, “The guys got five rings and do you think you know more about basketball than he does!?”
I love Mitch. I feel certain that he’s the right guy. I think San Antonio has their Eric Spoelstra in Coach Johnson. You know, the guy who started in the Heat’s system as a video coordinator and worked his way up to being Riley’s right hand man, and eventually successor. That’s Mitch, only swap South Beach for the Alamo and slicked back hairdo for a white beard and a smirk.
My take on Mitch from early season: it doesn’t matter if he’s the best qualified guy to take the Spurs to the Finals this year. It only matters that he’s the guy who will be able to grow with the team so that he’s finals-ready when the team is. Only there was a problem with that neat little take of mine. The team went out and made the finals! So we’re seeing what it looks like when a franchise’s 22-year-old best player who’s learning on the fly and is being coached by a first-full-year head coach who’s (say it with me) learning on the fly. So much potential that the sky is the limit. How high will they fly this year? No one knows but it’s been entertaining so far!
Yes, even Game 2 was stunningly entertaining – like a cinematic masterpiece that leaves you so emotionally impacted that you have to spend $10,000 in therapy to get over it. Costly, sure. But entertaining.
So, with the ghosts of Elfrid Payton and Stephon Marbury hanging in the wings, and with the words “it might just be crazy enough to work” echoing in the halls, the series moves back to MSG. Would you agree that the pressure is on the Knicks at this point, or would that only happen should the Spurs take Game 3?
R.R.
How you thought about coach Mitch is kinda how we regarded coach Thibs. He was going to be the bridge—the Mark Jackson to the Steve Kerr, if you will. Tom was hired to install discipline, fundamentals, and a winning culture. He had never (head) coached a team to the Finals, nor did we expect him to. When the team reached the ECF last season, our heads were sent reeling.
The camp was divided. The curmudgeon had delivered on one major dream (the ECF); did he deserve a chance at a Finals run, or were his weaknesses the last obstacles to glory? Leon Rose & Co. went with the latter. I’d say their choice has been vindicated.
One criticism of Thibs was that the Knicks’ offense became predictable: dribble handoffs at the top, drive-and-kicks, and heavy Brunson iso-ball. Mike Brown was hired to change that. Throughout the regular season, though, the offense looked eerily similar. Remember, this is not a young roster but one of seasoned vets, with pride and ingrained beliefs about their personal skills. (OK, psst—the problem was mostly KAT, but shhh. We love him now!)
Only in the playoffs has Mike Brown’s scheme been realized. The Knicks have consistently moved the ball and involved everyone in the offense. They’ve executed at a speed unseen from them before. In fact, I suspect their game plan—which is to push the pace to tire out Wemby—had the same deleterious effect on their stamina in Game Two. When they became winded, the old habits emerged. Late possessions became sloppy. Luckily, they snapped out of it enough to salvage the game, with special thanks to Captain Clutch.
Brunson was mauled for much of the night and never found a rhythm. In yet another massive moment, he hit the tying shot, recovered Wembanyama’s turnover, and scored the winning point. That’s why his jersey sells like hotcakes. The 2024-25 Clutch Player of the Year, remember.
To your question: the pressure should be on New York, with a chance to effectively slam the door with a Game Three victory on their home turf. But they are playing with such confidence that I doubt they’re overly concerned. Truly, an impartial juror would look at this scenario and say, “Duh. Can I go home now?” New York defeated the Spurs four out of five times between the regular season and postseason (pretty good for the purported underdogs, no?). Could San Antonio flip the script, unlock some cheat code, and win four of the next five? It’s possible. But don’t bet your kid’s college tuition on it.
AHL Playoff Update: WBS eliminated by Marlies in Game 6
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hit the end of the line in the 2026 Calder Cup playoffs last night, dropping a 2-1 overtime game to the Toronto Marlies in Game 6. It was a bitter pill for a team to swallow to run out of gas and yield to an older, stronger opponent, but one that planted many promising seeds for the future.
Here were the lines for the Pens, this graphic isn’t even accurate as Owen Pickering (who took warmups) was a very last minute scratch, adding to the injury pile on the blueline. Alex Alexeyev returned from injury, but with Pickering, Phil Kemp, Sebastian Aho and Finn Harding all unavailable, WBS needed to rely on ECHL callups in Emil Pieniniemi and David Breazeale in an elimination game.
Wilkes took a lead early in the period, a very nice pass from Avery Hayes setup Aidan McDonough for a power play goal.
Ultimately it would be the final goal of the WBS season. Toronto’s Easton Cowan scored in the second period to tie the game, leaving the teams clinging to that 1-1 battle for a large portion of the night.
In overtime, it was former Penguin (and WBS Penguin) Alex Nylander delivering the goal to end the series and send Toronto to the Calder Cup Final.
In the end, it wasn’t meant to be for WBS, and their season comes to an end as a result. They had some chances, including Tanner Howe getting a great look just a minute prior to Nylander ending the game. The opponent had something to do with the outcome as well, have to give credit to them. Toronto was a very well-coached team playing a 1-1-3 neutral zone trap that was difficult to fight through to earn quality scoring chances (not to be confused with the high number of shot total that Wilkes usually ended up with). The Marlies got great goaltending along the way from Artur Akhtyamov and had some savvy vets who could pop out and make WBS pay at key moments. That all contributed.
The team would probably not blame the injury situation, but there’s no doubt that played into things. It’s hard, if not impossible, to win a playoff series with four of a team’s top six or seven defensemen all hurt by the end of it. And yet, the Pens only conceded two goals in almost 74 minutes in Game 6, a testament to Sergei Murashov (37 saves on 39 shots for the game) and their team will to keep battling.
In the end, WBS fell short and their season is over. In the wider picture, there’s much to be proud of for the players and see a lot of promise for the future.
- Murashov has to be at the top of that list as an emerging young goalie. Last season Murashov only got to play one AHL playoff game, this spring he got in 15 of them (posting a .931 save% and 2.11 GAA along the way). This run will likely provide direct, tangible benefits for Murashov’s future and development as a player.
- Harrison Brunicke’s topsy turvy season trying to find a place to stick ended on a sweet note. Many considered him the best player on the ice in more games than not down the stretch. With all the defensive injuries and then ECHL callups in the lineup, the Pens often resorted to double-shifting defensemen. Brunicke was a beast, a big development change from about six-eight months earlier when he played choppy in the NHL and then not much better in a short AHL stint in late 2025. Fast forward to the middle of 2026 and it was like a different player for how much growth he was able to inject into his game.
- Tristan Broz led the team in points, with 11 (3G+8A) in the 15 games. As always in his career, when a team that Broz is on scores a big goal in a crucial moment, he has that knack of having something to do with it. Who knows what that means for his future next season, but as always he acquitted himself well in the AHL once again.
- Bill Zonnon turned pro on the fly in the middle of the AHL playoffs and ended up with four goals and three assists in 11 games. Very impressive stuff from him, the youngster will need some time to round out his game but the best part is that he’ll never be as inexperienced or in as peripheral a role in the future as he was in this playoff and Zonnon still managed to make a difference.
- Mikhail Ilyin in some ways was even less experienced than Zonnon for AHL playoffs in terms of lack of familiarity with the North American style, rink sizes and all that after five AHL regular season games, and Ilyin still ended up tied for second on the team in playoff scoring (2G+7A). Ilyin’s talent level is legit and there’s good reason to be hopeful about how the adaptation process is going to show he can succeed in this environment. Early signs are pretty good.
- Agreed with the note here from Jonathan Bombulie about Ville Koivunen standing out after the whistle. Next training camp (when he needs waivers to go to the AHL) is literally now or never for him, here’s to hoping he shows up with the same moxie and nerve to try and stand out, which he hasn’t done much at the NHL level.
- Rutger McGroarty and Avery Hayes played like players who aren’t long for the AHL. Both, you would think, will be under serious contention for an NHL roster spot out of camp. It can always be dangerous to pencil anyone in right now (especially before trades and free agent signings flood the deck with plenty of options) but at the same time, you would also have to think these two have done everything asked of them to show what they were supposed to show.
In all, that’s a wrap on the 2025-26 WBS Penguins team. They fall a little short of the promised land, which is a big shame for an organization that has never won a Calder Cup. While they will benefit in the years to come from what Pittsburgh hopes is a continuing stream of talented young players, the immediate future probably won’t be as bright for WBS next year if they have to deal with the immediate or eventual NHL graduations of players like Murashov, Brunicke, McGroarty, Hayes, Broz and Koivunen. One way or another, this was sort of the crest of the wave for this mini-generation of those prospects, a trough could follow before the next batch gears all the way up again. It’s never a fun ending to come up short, but this team has a lot for the organization to be proud of both on individual and overall areas of growth and achievement following this AHL season.
Where Are They Now? Revisiting Conroy's Flames Draft Picks
Craig Conroy is about to enter his fourth NHL Draft as the general manager of the Calgary Flames, assuming the duties on May 23, 2023. He inherited the role from Brad Treliving, who held only three draft picks in the 2022 NHL Draft, none of whom have reached the NHL as of the 2025-26 season.
Meanwhile, Conroy had a month to prepare for the 2023 NHL Draft, with the 16th overall pick, and five more for a total of six that first year. He restocked the team's 2024 draft pool, selecting 10 prospects, including two first-rounders at 9th and 28th overall.
In 2025, Conroy trimmed his selections down to eight, once again with two first-rounders at 18th and 32nd overall. Overall, the Flames general manager has made 24 selections at the NHL Draft, with 11 more on tap at this year's event, including 6th overall and eight picks in the top 68 spots.
Today, many could call Conroy a veteran at the draft table, which raises the stakes with every selection he makes in Buffalo. While many will look towards the future, let's revisit his previous draft picks and catch up with where they are in 2026.
2023 NHL Draft
Samuel Honzek (16th overall) LW/C
Samuel Honzek made his NHL debut during the 2025-26 season, skating in 18 games, tallying two goals and four points. At the moment, he's on the Flames roster for next season, with two years remaining on his entry-level deal.
Étienne Morin (48th overall) D
Étienne Morin became an AHL regular with the Calgary Wranglers last season, scoring his first goal and adding six assists in 42 games. He also spent seven games in the ECHL, but is going to be a lock to remain with the Wranglers in 2026-27.
Aydar Suniev (80th overall) LW/RW
Aydar Suniev earned a one-game NHL call-up in 2024-25 and has seven games of experience with the Flames, but is currently a mainstay with Wranglers. Last year, in his first full AHL campaign, he scored 16 goals in 57 games.
Jaden Lipinski (112th overall) C/RW
After parts of four seasons in the WHL with the Vancouver Giants, Jaden Lipinski went on to play for the University of Maine in 2025-26, scoring three goals and totaling 12 points in 30 games. As of right now, he remains unsigned by the Flames, and his rights expire on July 1, 2027.
Yegor Yegorov (176th overall) G
Yegor Yegorov is one of two netminders that Conroy has drafted, and the Russian-born puckstopper is ready to make the move to North America, committing to Miami University for the 2026-27 season. Like Lipinski, Yegorov is unsigned, but his rights remain with the organization until July 1, 2027.
Future Flames Franchise Goalie? Yegorov Takes First Step Toward NHL DreamRussian goaltending prospect Yegor Yegorov is set to continue his development path in North America after committing to Miami University for 2026–27, adding another intriguing piece to the Calgary Flames’ growing crease pipeline.Axel Hurtig (208th overall) D
The Swedish-born Axel Hurtig has found a home in Calgary, joining the WHL's Hitmen squad for the 2024-25 season and serving as team captain last year. After 35 points in 119 games in the WHL, Hurtig is getting called up and slated to be in the Wranglers' lineup for the upcoming season.
2024 NHL Draft
Zayne Parekh (9th overall) D
Zayne Parekh doesn't need an introduction to Flames fans. After dominating the OHL for three seasons, including 107 points in 61 games as a defenseman in 2024-25, he became an NHL regular in 2025-26 and is a core player in Calgary's rebuild. In 37 games with the Flames, the 20-year-old had four goals and nine points.
ZAYNE'S PLAYING 🏒
— NHL (@NHL) April 17, 2025
Zayne Parekh, the first defenseman since Bobby Orr to record multiple 30-goal seasons in the OHL/OHA, will make his NHL debut tonight!
📺: @NHLFlames vs @LAKings TONIGHT at 9:30p ET on @espn and @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ pic.twitter.com/Ga8GGrdLYM
Matveii Gridin (28th overall) RW/LW
Matveii Gridin was busy in 2025-26, skating 37 games with the Wranglers and another 37 with the Flames, tallying a total of 16 goals and 50 points in his first season of professional hockey. As another key prospect in the rebuild, Gridin has two years left on his entry-level deal.
Andrew Basha (41st overall) LW/RW
Andrew Basha won a Memorial Cup with the Medicine Hat Tigers, skating with the club for parts of five seasons before making his AHL debut last year. In 27 games, he had a goal and five points, and he will be a regular in the Wranglers' lineup next season.
Jacob Battaglia (62nd overall) RW/LW
Jacob Battaglia has yet to play outside of the OHL, amassing 230 points in 265 games over the past four seasons. However, he is no longer in the Flames organization as Conroy traded the winger to the New York Rangers in exchange for Brennan Othmann on Mar. 6, 2026.
Henry Mews (74th overall) D
Henry Mews' first season in the NCAA with the University of Michigan Wolverines lasted only ten games, but he managed to collect nine assists in those contests. In the OHL, he averaged 0.93 points per game with the Ottawa 67's, collecting 174 points in 188 games. He's still recovering from a knee injury and may not be ready for the 2026-27 season.
Kirill Zarubin (84th overall) G
Kirill Zarubin continues to skate in his native Russia, serving as the starting netminder for AKM Tula in the MHL, posting a 26-13-3 record last year with a .930 SV% and 2.17 GAA. According to his Elite Prospects profile, the 20-year-old is in line for a promotion to the VHL for the upcoming campaign.
Trevor Hoskin (106th overall) RW/C
Trevor Hoskin swapped NCAA jerseys last season, moving from Niagara University to Merrimack College. His production stayed the same, with 35 points in 39 games, a slight dip from the previous year, 39 points in 36 games. Hoskin is returning to Merrimack for the 2026-27 season.
Luke Misa (150th overall) C/LW
Luke Misa was a teammate of the projected No. 1 overall pick, Gavin McKenna, at Penn State University last year, where Misa, a freshman, scored 8 goals and 19 points in 37 games. After producing at almost a point-per-game pace (0.91) in the OHL, his numbers dipped down to 0.51 in the NCAA.
Hunter Laing (170th overall) C/RW
Hunter Laing had his best season as a WHL skater in 2025-26, scoring 24 goals and 55 points in 64 games, the first time he surpassed 50 points in the league. Interestingly, the Flames did not retain Laing's draft picks, making him eligible for reentry in this year's draft.
Eric Jamieson (177th overall) D
Eric Jamieson is currently the only player drafted by Conroy to go on and win an NCAA National Championship, achieving the feat last season with the University of Denver. In addition to a championship, Jamieson was named to the NCAA (NCHC) All-Rookie Team, thanks to 18 points in 43 games with only 47 penalty minutes and a plus-12 rating.
2025 NHL Draft
Cole Reschny (18th overall) C/LW
Cole Reschny is committed to staying at the University of North Dakota and looks to improve on his six-goal, 35-point performance in 36 games last season. As a former 20-goal scorer in the WHL, he'll look to get back to double digits in his second NCAA campaign.
Cullen Potter (32nd overall) C/LW
Cullen Potter will begin his third NCAA season in 2026-27, transferring to Michigan State University after two years with Arizona State. Despite a career minus-2 total, he's producing at a 0.81 points-per-game pace, with 48 points in 59 NCAA games.
Theo Stockselius (54th overall) C/LW
Theo Stockselius, a Swedish native, has yet to skate in North America, but finally made his SHL debut in 2025-26, collecting an assist in 16 games with Djurgårdens IF. Additionally, he earned a spot on Sweden's U18 club in 2025 and, most recently, the country's U20 team in 2026.
Mace'o Phillips (80th overall) D
Mace'o Phillips is another Flames prospect poised to take a jump in their career this season, agreeing to skate at the University of Minnesota after several seasons in the USHL. As an alternate captain with the Green Bay Gamblers, he scored one goal and had ten helpers for 11 points in 44 games.
Ethan Wyttenbach (144th overall) LW/RW
Ethan Wyttenbach had a great first season in the NCAA, scoring 25 goals and 59 points with Quinnipiac University, totals slightly higher than his previous year in the USHL. At 19, he's going to return to Quinnipac for another campaign in 2026-27.
Aidan Lane (176th overall) RW/LW
Aidan Lane made his NCAA debut last year with Harvard, scoring six goals and 13 points in 34 games. He's bounced around, skating in the PHC, USHL, OHL, and now the NCAA since 2024. At the time of this writing, Lane remains unsigned by the Flames, who retain his rights until 2029.
A Brief Flames Stint Is Keeping Jagr's Wild Stanley Cup Final Teammate Streak AliveFuture Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr has played professional hockey for 36 years, with many of his old teammates skating in the Stanley Cup Final. As the Vegas Golden Knights battle the Carolina Hurricanes, his teammate streak has reached 46 seasons.Jakob Leaner (208th overall) D
Jakob Leaner is another Swedish prospect in the Flames system, who is still skating at the U20 level in his native country. As of spring 2026, he has yet to make his SHL debut, but he reached double digits for the first time since age 16, with two goals and 12 points in 36 games. The Flames retain his rights until 2029.
Yan Matveiko (18th overall) C
Yan Matveiko made his VHL debut last year, earning an assist in his only appearance. Down in the MHL, he tallied 15 goals and 37 points in 50 games with the second-best plus/minus rating (plus-23) on Krasnaya Armiya Moskva. Like several of his 2025 draft classmates, Matveiko remains unsigned by the Flames, who maintain his rights until 2029.
How would you rank Conroy's draft history through three years? Which players are you hoping will make an impact somewhere in the organization next season? Who will be the next one to make their NHL debut with the Flames? Let us know what you think in the comments.