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NHL Trade Rumors: 2 Teams Interested In Penguins' Bryan Rust

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust is one of the NHL's most-talked-about trade candidates right now. With the Penguins retooling their roster, the veteran winger has naturally been the subject of trade speculation. 

The Penguins are not in a position where they need to rush a potential move, though, as Rust has a bargain $5.125 million cap hit until the end of the 2027-28 season. However, he also just had a big season, so it is fair to wonder if the Penguins could take advantage of his heightened trade value. 

During the latest episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman named the Buffalo Sabres and the Columbus Blue Jackets as two teams that are likely interested in Rust.

"I think there has been a lot of interest in Bryan Rust, and for good reason," Friedman said. "It wouldn't surprise me if Buffalo was one of those teams, too. Don't know if it will happen, but I think there are a lot of teams looking at that guy. I would think Columbus would be another... But someone told me that Buffalo was one of the teams around Rust."

Hearing that the Sabres are reportedly interested in Rust is not surprising in the slightest. After trading JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth, they have a clear hole in their top six, and Rust would undoubtedly fix it. In addition, he would give the Sabres another impactful veteran forward to help mentor their younger players, which is a clear need for them as they look to turn things around. 

When looking at Columbus' lineup, it is fair to argue that they could use a player like Rust, too. He would certainly give the Blue Jackets' top six and power play a major boost if acquired. Furthermore, with the Blue Jackets on the rise, bringing in a star like Rust could help them take that next step and get back into the playoffs. 

NHL Trade Rumors: Penguins Have Prime Target In Utah ForwardNHL Trade Rumors: Penguins Have Prime Target In Utah ForwardThe Pittsburgh Penguins are currently retooling their roster. While there certainly is a chance that they could end up trading away some of their key players before the off-season is done, they also should not be afraid to acquire players who could help them in the long term.

Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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Marlins at Diamondbacks prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, stats for June 27

Its Friday, June 27 and the Marlins (34-45) are in Phoenix to take on the Diamondbacks (41-39). Eury Pérez is slated to take the mound for Miami against Merrill Kelly for Arizona.

Miami îs 4-0 over the last four games and 5-1 in the last six outings, while Arizona is 5-2 over the last seven games and coming off a 7-3 loss to the White Sox in a series they won 2-1.

The Diamondbacks last played the White Sox and Rockies, so this is another favorable series for the DBacks.

Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Marlins at Diamondbacks

  • Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
  • Time: 9:40PM EST
  • Site: Chase Field
  • City: Phoenix, AZ
  • Network/Streaming: FDSNFL, ARID

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Marlins at the Diamondbacks

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Marlins (+146), Diamondbacks (-174)
  • Spread:  Diamondbacks -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Marlins at Diamondbacks

  • Pitching matchup for June 27, 2025: Eury Pérez vs. Merrill Kelly
    • Marlins: Eury Pérez, (0-2, 6.17 ERA)
      Last outing: 4.2 Innings Pitched, 3 Earned Runs Allowed, 4 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 6 Strikeouts
    • Diamondbacks: Merrill Kelly, (7-3, 3.39 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.0 Innings Pitched, 2 Earned Runs Allowed, 6 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 7 Strikeouts

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Marlins and the Diamondbacks

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection 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 Friday’s game between the Marlins and the Diamondbacks:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Arizona Diamondbacks on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Miami Marlins at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Marlins at Diamondbacks

  • The Diamondbacks have won 6 straight games against the Marlins
  • In the Diamondbacks' home games last season with Merrill Kelly on the mound the Over was 5-2 (71%)
  • The Diamondbacks have failed to cover the Run Line in 9 of their last 11 games with a rest advantage over their opponents

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Mets' Griffin Canning injures left ankle. Manager Carlos Mendoza says ‘it looks like an Achilles’

NEW YORK — The New York Mets’ depleted pitching rotation took another hit when right-hander Griffin Canning likely suffered an Achilles injury during a non-contact play in the third inning of a 4-0 win over the Atlanta Braves.

“He’s getting an MRI, we’re waiting for the result — but it looks like an Achilles injury,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said.

The Mets initially said Canning suffered a left ankle injury when he was hurt while breaking toward the left side of the infield on Nick Allen’s one-out grounder to shortstop.

The 29-year-old Canning, who allowed one hit and struck out three, immediately began hopping on his right leg and took only a couple steps before dropping onto the field with his left leg elevated. Catcher Luis Torrens signaled for time and assistance before Allen was thrown out at first by Francisco Lindor.

“I was watching the play and before you know it, I see him on the ground,” Mendoza said. “Not a good feeling there.”

Canning covered his face with his hands as he was tended to by trainers. Mendoza and Mets infielders gathered around the pitcher as the Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr., the on-deck hitter, watched from a few steps behind.

After a couple minutes, Canning limped off the field with his arms draped around trainers.

“See him just wincing in pain and his leg in the air — for anyone to do that, when they’re not getting up by themselves, it’s obvious, you kind of know something’s not just off but really, really wrong,” Mets first baseman Pete Alonso said. “Hate to see it.”

Austin Warren relieved Canning and retired Acuña on a pop-out, stranding White at second. Warren earned the win with 2 1/3 innings of one-hit relief.

“Adrenaline kicked in right away,” Warren said.

Canning, who signed a one-year deal worth $4.25 million on Dec. 19, is 7-3 with a 3.77 ERA in 16 starts this season after going 6-13 with a 5.19 ERA for the Los Angeles Angels last season.

“Feel sorry for the guy, especially how big he’s been for us and the way he’s been throwing the ball the whole year,” Mendoza said. “He’s been pretty consistent.”

Canning is the third member of the Mets’ opening day rotation to get hurt in the last two weeks — a stretch in which New York has gone just 4-10.

Ace Kodai Senga is on the injured list after suffering a right hamstring strain reaching for an Alonso throw on June 12, while Tylor Megill hasn’t pitched since June 14 due to a right elbow sprain.

In addition, left-hander Sean Manaea, who appeared to be nearing a return from an oblique injury suffered in spring training, was diagnosed with a bone chip in his elbow following his most recent rehab appearance for Triple-A Syracuse.

Mendoza and president of baseball operations David Stearns said they hope Manaea, who received a cortisone shot, can resume his rehab.

The Mets got one starter back, when Frankie Montas tossed five scoreless innings after recovering from a lat injury suffered in spring training,

“We lost two starters very quickly with Senga and Megill and here we are now with Griff going down,” Mendoza said. “We’ve got some reinforcements coming back. Guys will step up.”

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Dodgers at Royals Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for June 27

Its Friday, June 27 and the Dodgers (51-31) are in Kansas City to take on the Royals (38-43). Dustin May is slated to take the mound for Los Angeles against Noah Cameron for Kansas City.

Kansas City enters on an 0-5 stretch after being winners of four consecutive, while Los Angeles is 4-0 in the last four and 10-2 in the previous 12 outings.

Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Dodgers at Royals

  • Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
  • Time: 8:10PM EST
  • Site: Kauffman Stadium
  • City: Kansas City, MO
  • Network/Streaming: SNLA, FDSNKC, MLBN

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Dodgers at the Royals

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Dodgers (-154), Royals (+129)
  • Spread:  Dodgers -1.5
  • Total: 9.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Dodgers at Royals

  • Pitching matchup for June 27, 2025: Dustin May vs. Noah Cameron
    • Dodgers: Dustin May, (4-5, 4.46 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.0 Innings Pitched, 3 Earned Runs Allowed, 5 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 5 Strikeouts
    • Royals: Noah Cameron, (2-3, 2.08 ERA)
      Last outing: 5.1 Innings Pitched, 2 Earned Runs Allowed, 5 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 2 Strikeouts

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Dodgers and the Royals

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection 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 Friday’s game between the Dodgers and the Royals:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Los Angeles Dodgers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Kansas City Royals at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 9.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Dodgers at Royals

  • The Dodgers have won their last 4 road games, while the Royals have lost 17 in 20 at home
  • 6 of the Royals' last 7 home games stayed under the Total
  • The Dodgers have covered in 4 of their last 5 games showing a profit of 1.36 units
  • The Royals have lost four straight games with Cameron pitching

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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The Worst No. 1 Overall In NHL History

Lou Capozzola-Imagn Images

With the Draft about to take place in Los Angeles, our weekly "Ask The Maven" is all about a past draftee. Edwin Slim of Port Jervis sends this one for Stan:

WHO WOULD YOU NAME AS THE ALL-TIME WORST NO. 1 DRAFT CHOICE? The Maven Responds:  Check the date – June 26, 1993, a good 32 years ago, minus one day – when the Draft was held in Quebec City. Picking first, the Ottawa Senators selected forward Alexandre Daigle. 

A Montreal native, Daigle had starred in the Quebec Major Junior League and was so highly-touted that the Senators signed him to a five-year deal worth $12.5 million. That instantly made him one of the NHL's highest-paid players. Feeling his oats,l Daigle delivered a deathless line:

"I'm glad I finished first because no one remembers number two."

As it happened, Daigle's career was eminently forgettable. After five mediocre NHL seasons, Alex move to Philadelphia on a downward spiral which ended four years later. A brief NHL comeback in 2003-04 with Minnesota lasted a season.

In all fairness, Daigle did total 327 NHL points, but that's not the point. His build-up led to a colossal letdown. And, as far as his wisecrack about nobody remembering No. 2, it so happened to be Chris Pronger, a future Hall of Famer.

Which is a roundabout way of saying Alexandre Daigle is my choice as the "Worst No. 1 Draft Choice."

Forgettable, yet unforgettable.

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Rockies at Brewers Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for June 27

It's Friday, June 27 and the Rockies (18-63) are in Milwaukee to take on the Brewers (45-36). Kyle Freeland is slated to take the mound for Colorado against Jose Quintana for Milwaukee.

The Brewers enter hot at 6-1 in the last seven games, while the Rockies lost three straight games and six of the past seven. The Brewers have taken two out of three against the Rockies earlier this season.

Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitchM, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Rockies at Brewers

  • Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
  • Time: 8:10PM EST
  • Site: American Family Field
  • City: Milwaukee, WI
  • Network/Streaming: COLR, FDSNWI

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Rockies at the Brewers

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Rockies (+176), Brewers (-214)
  • Spread:  Brewers -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Rockies at Brewers

  • Pitching matchup for June 27, 2025: Kyle Freeland vs. Jose Quintana
    • Rockies: Kyle Freeland, (1-8, 5.13 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.0 Innings Pitched, 3 Earned Runs Allowed, 7 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 5 Strikeouts
    • Brewers: Jose Quintana, (5-2, 2.98 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.0 Innings Pitched, 0 Earned Runs Allowed, 3 Hits Allowed, 4 Walks, and 1 Strikeout

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Rockies and the Brewers

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection 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 Friday’s game between the Rockies and the Brewers:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Milwaukee Brewers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Colorado Rockies at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Rockies at Brewers

  • The Brewers have won 7 of their last 9 games
  • The Under has hit in each of the Brewers' last 4 games with a rest advantage over their opponents
  • The Brewers have covered in 4 of their last 5 games showing a profit of 1.59 units

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Cubs at Astros prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for June 27

It's Friday, June 27 and the Cubs (48-33) are in Houston to take on the Astros (48-33). Cade Horton is slated to take the mound for Chicago against Brandon Walter for Houston.

The Cubs are 3-5 over the past eight games and coming off a 2-2 series tie with the Cardinals. Houston is hot at 12-3 in the last 15 games and a series sweep over the Phillies, The Astros are winners four straight and five of the past six over the Phillies and Angels.

Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Cubs at Astros

  • Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
  • Time: 8:10PM EST
  • Site: Minute Maid Park
  • City: Houston, TX
  • Network/Streaming: MARQ, SCHN

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Cubs at the Astros

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Cubs (-107), Astros (-112)
  • Spread:  Astros 1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Cubs at Astros

  • Pitching matchup for June 27, 2025: Cade Horton vs. Brandon Walter
    • Cubs: Cade Horton, (3-1, 3.73 ERA)
      Last outing: 4.2 Innings Pitched, 3 Earned Runs Allowed, 7 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 2 Strikeouts
    • Astros: Brandon Walter, (0-1, 3.80 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.0 Innings Pitched, 7 Earned Runs Allowed, 9 Hits Allowed, 1 Walks, and 6 Strikeouts

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Cubs and the Astros

Rotoworld Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection 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 Friday’s game between the Cubs and the Astros:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Houston Astros on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Chicago Cubs at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Cubs at Astros

  • The Astros have won 3 straight home games against the Cubs
  • The Astros' last 5 home games have stayed under the Total
  • Houston is 1-3 when Brandon Walter pitches this season
  • Chicago is 6-2 when Cade Horton pitches this season

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Barry Bonds will be getting a statue outside the Giants’ ballpark, team CEO says

SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds will be getting a statue outside the San Francisco Giants’ home stadium where he set baseball’s career home run record, the team’s CEO said.

Giants President and Chief Executive Officer Larry Baer was asked during a radio interview about a statue for Bonds, and he responded that it was “on the radar.” But Baer didn’t have any details of when that would happen.

“Barry is certainly deserving of a statue, and I would say should be next up,” Baer said during an appearance on San Francisco’s 95.7 The Game. “We don’t have the exact location and the exact date and the exact timing. ... It’s coming. All I can say is it’s coming.”

Bonds played for San Francisco the last 15 of his 22 big league seasons, hitting 586 of his 762 homers while with the Giants from 1993-2007. He set the single-season MLB record with 73 homers in 2001, and hit his record-breaking 756th homer to pass Hank Aaron in a home game off Washington’s Mike Bacsik on Aug. 7, 2007.

There currently are five statues outside Oracle Park, those of Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Juan Marichal, Gaylord Perry and Orlando Cepeda. The Giants retired Bonds’ No. 25 jersey in 2018.

Bonds, a seven-time MVP and 14-time All-Star, is not in the Hall of Fame. He failed to reach the 75% threshold required during his 10 years on the Baseball Writers Association of America’s Hall of Fame ballot, mostly because of steroids allegations that dogged him during his final years with the Giants. The Contemporary Player Committee also passed on electing Bonds in 2022, though the committee could reconsider Bonds’ status.

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NHL Rumor Roundup: Notable Trade Candidates Before The 2025 NHL Draft

The NHL draft weekend is when trade activity involving established players usually occurs.

Here's a brief look at the notable trade candidates heading into this year's draft. 

Noah Dobson, New York Islanders: Ethan Sears of the New York PostreportsIslanders GM Mathieu Darche hasn't pivoted from trying to re-sign Dobson to trading him. Nevertheless, a recent report claiming the 25-year-old defenseman seeks an $11-million cap hit on his next contract has stoked some trade speculation. The Hockey News' Stefen Rosner said there's word the St. Louis Blues poked around about Dobson, while The Athletic's Chris Johnston claimed the Montreal Canadiens are among the interested teams as well. 

Bowen Byram, Buffalo Sabres: The Buffalo News' Mike Harrington believes the 24-year-old defenseman could be shopped for a top-six forward to replace recently traded right winger JJ Peterka. He's an RFA with arbitration rights coming off a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.85 million. TSN's Darren Dreger suggests the Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver Canucks and Colorado Avalanche could have him on their radar.

Jordan Kyrou, St. Louis Blues: Matthew DeFranks of the St. Louis Post-Dispatchcited Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli putting the 26-year-old right winger at No. 2 on his trade targets list. He acknowledged Kyrou's value to the Blues but indicated his trade value has never been higher. The Hockey News' Michael DeRosa also notes Kyrou's no-trade clause begins on July 1 and lasts through 2029-30. The Blues are deep on the wing but need help at center.

Erik Karlsson (Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)

Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins: Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports the 35-year-old defenseman is open to waiving his no-movement clause for a contender. However, his hefty contract (including a $5-million signing bonus due July 1) remains a significant sticking point. THN.com's Kelsey Surmacz also noted the Penguins are already thin on their blueline.

Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars: Conflicting reports in recent weeks claim the Stars are entertaining trade offers or have no plans to move the 25-year-old left winger. After re-signing Jamie Benn, the Stars have less than $1 million in cap space, which could make Robertson a cost-cutting trade candidate.

Rasmus Andersson, Calgary Flames: Recent contract extension talks between the two sides reportedly didn't go well. RG.Org's Marco D'Amico reports the Flames are taking trade calls about Andersson. The 28-year-old defenseman is a year away from UFA eligibility. D'Amico listed the Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Canadiens and Boston Bruins among the potential suitors.

K'Andre Miller, New York Rangers: The 25-year-old defenseman is an RFA with arbitration rights, but he's also been a fixture in the rumor mill since the Rangers' season ended in April. The latest speculation linked Miller to the Blue Jackets, who could use a left-side defenseman if Ivan Provorov heads to free agency on July 1.

Viktor Arvidsson, Edmonton Oilers: The 32-year-old right winger has a year on his contract with an average annual value of $4.4 million and a full no-movement clause. However, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports his agent is working with the Oilers to find a suitable trade destination as the club seeks to free up more cap space.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

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Nationals at Angels Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for June 27

Its Friday, June 27 and the Nationals (33-48) are in Anaheim to take on the Angels (40-40). Jake Irvin is slated to take the mound for Washington against José Soriano for Los Angeles.

The Angels have won the last three games as they enter this new series and seven of the past 10. For the Nationals, they are 1-3 in the previous four outings and 3-15 in the past 18.

Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two. We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Nationals at Angels

  • Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
  • Time: 9:38PM EST
  • Site: Angel Stadium
  • City: Anaheim, CA
  • Network/Streaming: MASN, FDSNW

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Nationals at the Angels

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Nationals (+138), Angels (-164)
  • Spread:  Angels -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Nationals at Angels

  • Pitching matchup for June 27, 2025: Jake Irvin vs. José Soriano
    • Nationals: Jake Irvin, (6-3, 4.18 ERA)
      Last outing: 5.1 Innings Pitched, 2 Earned Runs Allowed, 6 Hits Allowed, 0 Walks, and 7 Strikeouts
    • Angels: José Soriano, (5-5, 3.39 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.2 Innings Pitched, 1 Earned Runs Allowed, 3 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 10 Strikeouts

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Nationals and the Angels

Rotoworld Best Bet

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection 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 Friday’s game between the Nationals and the Angels:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Los Angeles Angels on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Washington Nationals at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Nationals at Angels

  • The Angels have won their last 3 home games against teams with worse records
  • The Nationals have covered in 4 of their last 5 games for a profit of 2.21 units
  • The Angels have won three straight and four of the last five with Soriano pitching

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

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  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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Montreal, Columbus Named Final Two Teams in Noah Dobson Sweepstakes

Insider reports suggest New York has narrowed down Noah Dobson sweepstakes to Montreal and Columbus

We expected some fireworks on draft day this year and it looks like we're about to get a massive move with the New York Islanders reportedly down to two suitors in a potential deal for defenceman Noah Dobson. 

Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) on XChris Johnston (@reporterchris) on XNew, for @TheAthletic: Sources say the Noah Dobson sweepstakes is down to two teams ... Montreal and Columbus ... with a deal expected to come together soon 🔗⬇️ https://t.co/zPjwPPv4GR https://t.co/zPjwPPv4GR

We had been hearing lots of rumors over the past few days as to who would land the 25-year-old Summerside native with the final two teams being the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets.

David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) on XDavid Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) on XColumbus and Montreal have been discussing their first rounders with teams. Habs have picks 16+17, Blue Jackets have picks 14+20. If a team trades one or both, a roster player may join the package. Voronkov may be in play from CBJ end.

The deal could be huge for betting markets as one of the two teams will land a former 70-point producer at one point and could elevate a squad into playoff contention. This also opens the door for the Islanders to potentially trade up and draft their hometown kid James Hagens out of Boston College.

Montreal made the postseason this past year and with the addition of a player like Dobson, we could easily pencil them in to be playoff contenders once again. Columbus appeared to be a playoff team early in the season with a late season slide taking them out of the running. 

The Blue Jackets with Dobson would certainly be in the playoff picture and could make them a great value bet to make the playoffs. 

More NHL: 2026 Stanley Cup Odds: Oilers, Panthers Lead Early Contenders But One Unexpected Favourite Emerges

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Kings reportedly eyeing Russell Westbrook, Tyus Jones in NBA free agency

Kings reportedly eyeing Russell Westbrook, Tyus Jones in NBA free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Kings are on the hunt for a point guard.

After trading Davion Mitchelllast offseason and then trading De’Aaron Foxto the San Antonio Spurs this past season, Sacramento’s options at the ‘one’ have been limited.

After NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Tuesday that the Kings were in the market for 31-year-old Dennis Schröder, The Athletic’s Sam Amick followed on Wednesday night that the Kings could be in the market for another pair of NBA veterans, Tyus Jones and Russell Westbrook.

“The Kings indeed have serious interest in veteran Dennis Schröder,” Amick wrote. “That is, of course, if he doesn’t get something done with the Detroit Pistons first (league sources say he’s been in talks on that front this week). Fellow free agents Tyus Jones and Russell Westbrook are also known to be options that the Kings are considering.”

Westbrook declined his option with the Denver Nuggets and Jones entered free agency after one season with the Phoenix Suns.

Jones signed a one-year deal with the Suns in 2024 and averaged 10.2 points and 5.3 assists per game – both were less than his season prior, which he played with the Washington Wizards.

The 29-year-old likely would fit in better with Sacramento given his age and the fact that the Kings still are planning to build around center Domantas Sabonis and forward Keegan Murray.

As for the former MVP Westbrook, the 36-year-old had his ups and downs with the Nuggets and averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game with Denver.

Both players could give the Kings significant help at the point guard position, as Malik Monk struggled as the designated ball-handler during the second half of last season. He had issues keeping possession of the ball and averaged a career-high 2.4 turnovers per game on the season, but an even worse 3.1 turnovers per game following the Fox trade in February.

Sacramento’s free agency hunt for a point guard is sure to be a busy one and that officially will start on June 30.

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Analyzing every Nashville Predators first round NHL Draft pick: 2022-2024

While the Nashville Predators aren't the oldest franchise in the NHL, they have a lot of history of picking in the first round of the NHL Draft.

In its 27-year history, the Predators have selected 25 times in the first round. Amongst those first-round selections, some have had massive success in Nashville, others have found it elsewhere, and a few have been busts.

With the Predators picking fifth, 23rd and 26th overall in this year's draft, we take a look back at every first-round pick by Nashville. 

MORE: Analyzing every Nashville Predators first round NHL Draft pick: 1998-2002

MORE: Analyzing every Nashville Predators first round NHL Draft Pick: 2003-2008 

MORE: Analyzing every Nashville Predators first round NHL Draft Pick: 2009-2016

MORE: Analyzing every Nashville Predators first round NHL Draft pick: 2017-2021 

2022: Joakim Kemell (forward, 17th overall) 

Jul 7, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Joakim Kemell after being selected as the number seventeen overall pick to the Nashville Predators in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

With the 17th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, the Predators selected the second-best European skater in the class, Finnish forward Joakim Kemell. 

He played for JYP Jyväskylä in the Finnish Elite League during his draft year, scoring 23 points in 39 games. Kemell also played for Finland at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, scoring 12 points in seven games and winning a Silver Medal. 

After being drafted, Kemell returned to JYP Jyväskylä, where he recorded 15 points in 43 games. He'd later join the Admirals toward the tail end of the season, scoring 14 points in 13 games. 

Since arriving in North America, Kemell has made significant progress and has become one of the Admirals' top producers. This past season, he had 40 points in 65 games and eight points in 10 playoff games. 

It was the second straight season in which Kemell registered 40+ points in Milwaukee. He also made his debut with the Predators last season, appearing in two games. 

Based on Kemell's progress, this could really be a breakout year for the forward and he could possibly earn a full-time spot in Nashville. 

2023: Matthew Wood (forward, 15th overall) 

Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators draft pick Matthew Wood puts on his sweater after being selected with the fifteenth pick in round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Matthew Wood was greeted by an ovation from fans as he was selected by the 2023 NHL Draft host, the Nashville Predators, when he was selected 15th overall. 

At 6-foot-5-inches and 205 pounds from the University of Connecticut, which sounds more like an NBA lineup announcement, Wood scored 34 points in 35 games in his first collegiate season.

He'd spend two more years in the NCAA, playing with the Huskies for the 2023-24 season and scoring 28 points in 35 games. He transferred to the University of Minnesota for the 2024-25 season, recording 39 points in 39 games. 

Wood also made his Predators debut last season, recording one point in six games. 

Wood has been putting up consistent, strong numbers over the last three years in the NCAA. It'll be interesting to see if he can translate that play in a longer professional campaign next year, whether that be with Nashville or Milwaukee. 

2023: Tanner Molendyk (defenseman, 24th overall) 

Nashville Predators draft pick Tanner Molendyk puts on a hat after being selected with the twenty-fourth pick in round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

A trade with the Edmonton Oilers in February 2023, sending Mattias Ekholm and a sixth-round pick to the Oilers for a first-round pick, a fourth-round pick, Tyson Barrie and Reid Schaefer, gave Nashville Tanner Molendyk at 24th overall. 

Molendyk sold himself as an offensively minded defenseman, scoring 37 points in 67 games with the Saskatoon Blades in the Western Hockey League. He'd return to the Blades for the 2023-24 season, netting an impressive 56 points in 50 games.

This past season, he was traded from Saskatoon to the Medicine Hat Tigers. His production didn't fall off as he scored a combined 47 points in 49 games in the regular season. In the playoffs, he scored 20 points in 18 games, won the WHL Championship, and advanced all the way to the Memorial Cup Final. 

Exhausting his junior eligibility, this is going to be a big year for Molendyk, arriving in the Predators system. He's proven to be a force in juniors, and if he can translate his game to the professional level, the sky is the limit for Molendyk. 

2024: Yegor Surin (center, 22nd overall) 

Egor Surin is selected by the Nashville Predators with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft at The Sphere.

The future is slowly falling into place for the Predators after four strong first-round picks, capped off by Russian center Yegor Surin in 2024. 

Selected 22nd overall, Surin spent the majority of his draft year with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv's junior team, scoring 52 points in 42 games and logging 108 penalty minutes.

With a 6-foot-2-inch, 198-pound build, he could be the center the Predators have been looking for. 

He returned to Russia this season and played for Yaroslavl Lokomotiv's KHL team, achieving tremendous success. Surin scored 14 points in 41 regular season games, seven points in 19 games and won the Gagarin Cup at just 18 years old. 

Surin still has one year left on his contract with Lokomotiv, which is set to expire on May 31, 2026.