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Sabres 2025 Draft Projection – Jackson Smith

Coming out of the NHL Scouting Combine earlier this month, the Buffalo Sabres got the lowdown on a number of prospects that could be their with the ninth selection at the 2025 Draft in Los Angeles later this month, but barring a trade up they will have to rely on the player they want slipping through the cracks.  

The NY Islanders are likely to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the top overall pick, but there is no accurate read on how the remaining seven picks will break. That seems to be reflected in various mock drafts that have emerged since the combine. After Schaefer, names like Michael Misa, Caleb Desnoyers, and rising star Anton Frondell are likely to go in the top five, but at that point, any of a number of players could be there for the Sabres at #9.  

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Defenseman Jackson Smith has been ranked in the top 10 of many mock drafts, and based on some of the projections that have the Sabres selecting top blueline prospects Radim Mrtka or Kashawn Aitcheson, the offensively gifted Smith could be in the mix as well. The 18-year-old broke out in his second full season with the WHL’s Tri-City Americans, more than doubling his production with 54 points (11 goals, 43 assists). With the rules change allowing players to shift to the NCAA, Smith is one player taking advantage and is heading to Penn State, the alma mater of Sabres owner Terry Pegula. 

According to the Hockey News Draft Preview, Smith has shown flashes offense and physicality to get scouts excited about his potential. He has good size and strength and will improve once he adds more consistency to his game and projects as a top-pairing ‘D’ at the NHL level. He logged big minutes in all situations in Tri-City and finished tied for second in ice time among draft-eligible CHL defensemen this season.

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NBA Finals Game 7 history: Looking back at the last seven Game 7s

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sunday night we will witness the 20th Game 7 in NBA Finals history — one game with everything on the line.

"One game. I mean, this is what it's all about," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "This is what you dream about growing up, this kind of opportunity."

It's a stage where the biggest, most legendary names in the game — as well as some role players with impeccable timing — have etched their name in NBA lore.

"When I think of Game 7, at least in the Finals, I think of San Antonio and Miami, and I think of Lakers/Celtics," Alex Caruso said.

On Sunday, people will be thinking of Pacers vs. Thunder. Either Indiana or Oklahoma City will win its first NBA championship (we're not counting the title the former Thunder won as the SuperSonics in Seattle, they will have an expansion team in that city that can count that title soon enough).

In honor of Game 7, let's look back at the last seven Game 7s of the NBA Finals.

2016: Cavaliers at Warriors

This is the Game 7 that sticks in many people's minds.

"I think that's probably one of the greatest games I've ever been able to watch as a basketball fan," Tyrese Haliburton said. "That's what makes Game 7 so fun."

"2016, that was the Kyrie step back on the wing," the Pacers' Obi Toppin said when asked about his favorite Game 7 memory. "Yeah, that was probably the coldest one, for sure."

We can only hope Sunday's Game 7 lives up to the drama of the last NBA Finals Game 7, when LeBron James put up a line of 27 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and three blocks — although we only remember one of them.

LeBron's effort helped Cleveland cap a 3-1 series comeback and beat Golden State on its home court. Don't forget about Kevin Love's defense on Stephen Curry late in that game, either.

2013: Spurs at Heat

This NBA Finals is remembered more for Game 6, when Ray Allen's corner 3 off a Chris Bosh offensive rebound forced a Game 7 just as it looked like San Antonio would be celebrating a title. After that, the Heat still had work to do. In Game 7, LeBron took charge with 37 points and 12 rebounds, while Dwyane Wade added 23 points and 10 rebounds in the 95-88 Miami win.

2010: Celtics vs. Lakers

The Lakers had come from 3-2 down in the series to force a Game 7 (and don't ask Celtics fans "what if Kendrick Perkins had been healthy?"). Like a lot of Game 7s, this one wasn't pretty. Kobe Bryant stepped up with 23 points and 15 rebounds, and Pau Gasol added 19 points and 18 boards. However, with the Lakers up by just 3 and more than a minute left in the game, it was Ron Artest's 3-pointer that proved to be the biggest shot of the night, leading to the greatest postgame podium session in NBA history.

2005: Pistons at Spurs

This was the peak defense NBA Finals — only one team broke 100 all series long — and San Antonio won Game 7 in an 81-74 slugfest. Tim Duncan did his thing with 25 points and 11 rebounds, but it was Manu Ginobili scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter that locked the title up for the Spurs.

1994: Knicks at Rockets

New York had a 3-2 series lead, but under the old 3-2-3 format, had to go to Houston and seal the deal. Hakeem Olajuwon proved to be too much. In Game 7 he had 25 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three blocked shots. This was the first of back-to-back Rockets titles.

1988: Pistons at Lakers

"Big Game" James Worthy lived up to that reputation in this one with a triple-double of 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists. Magic Johnson also stood out with 19 points and 14 assists to help the Lakers come back from a 3-2 deficit in the series and win.

1984: Lakers at Celtics

Of course this classic 1980s Finals Game 7 featured a big game from Larry Bird — 20 points, 12 rebounds — but this game is remembered as the Cedric Maxwell game: 24 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. The Celtics got to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy that year.

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Islanders Should Take Flyer On Goaltender Ilya Samsonov

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Ilya Samsonov will be testing the free agent market, according to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox.

The 28-year-old went 16-9-4 with a 2.82 GAA and .891 SV% with Vegas in 2024-25.

Before joining the Golden Knights on a one-year, $1.8 million deal last offseason, he spent time with the Washington Capitals (2019-2022) and Toronto Maple Leafs (2022-2024).

VGK@BOS: Samsonov with a great save against Morgan Geekie | Vegas Golden KnightsVGK@BOS: Samsonov with a great save against Morgan Geekie | Vegas Golden KnightsIlya Samsonov (VGK) makes a save against Morgan Geekie (BOS) at 12:23 of the 1st Regulation Period

While the New York Islanders would prefer not to be in the market for a goaltender, they are likely to add depth, as Semyon Varlamov’s injury status is a question mark after sustaining a lower-body injury in November that kept him off the ice through the remainder of the season.

At Clean Out Day following the 2024-25 regular season, Varlamov provided an update on his rehab progress:

“I expect to be ready for next season. Everything is going well with rehab and physiotherapy.The main focus for me to finish the rehab, hopefully soon, and have a good summer of training, and then ready for September for training camp.”

“I want to make sure I'm ready 100% for the next season,” Varlamov added. “I want to show up for the training camp by feeling good without any issues. That's the main goal.”

Varlamov Expecting to be Ready for Isles Training Camp | New York IslandersVarlamov Expecting to be Ready for Isles Training Camp | New York IslandersSemyon Varlamov is planning to be good to for next season after being limited to 10 games with an injury in 2024-25

While Varlamov is expected to be ready for the season, adding a strong third goaltender would be a smart insurance move.

Marcus Hogberg filled that role in 2024-25 and was serviceable during Varlamov’s absence. 

In seven games before the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament, he went 2-2 with a 1.45 GAA and a .947 SV%. However, after the tournament, he struggled, going 0-6-3 with a 5.00 GAA and an .821 SV%, putting uncertainty into his 2025-26 outlook.

Adding Ilya Samsonov would also provide value to the Islanders’ AHL affiliate, Bridgeport, which allowed a league-worst 294 goals in 2024-25, 43 more than the next closest team.

With Jakub Skarek heading to IFK Helsinki in Liiga and both Henrik Tikkanen and Tristan Lennox still developing, Bridgeport could benefit from a more stable tandem in Samsonov and Hogberg.

While Samsonov would prefer an NHL role, the 2025 free-agent market is filled with goaltenders of similar caliber, which could make him open to joining the Islanders even without an expected NHL spot.

In addition to consistent AHL ice time, he would be joining a franchise that used five different goaltenders in 2024-25 and would be surrounded by fellow Russians in Semyon Varlamov and Ilya Sorokin.

Samsonov’s contract would likely be a one-year deal in the $1 to $1.5 million range.

Michael Ostrower wrote this story. 

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Penguins Rumors: Pittsburgh Has Clear Target In Sabres Star

The Pittsburgh Penguins have multiple areas on their roster that they should be aiming to improve if they hope to be more competitive during the 2025-26 season. One of their most notable needs is strengthening their defense's left side. This will be even more of the case if Matt Grzelcyk signs elsewhere in free agency. 

When looking at names floating around the rumor mill as trade candidates who would make sense for the Penguins, here is no question that Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram stands out big time.

Byram is exactly the kind of defenseman that a retooling team like the Penguins should consider making a serious push. At just 24 years old, the 2019 first-round pick has cemented himself as a legitimate top-four defenseman and is young enough that he could be a long-term part of the Penguins' plans. Furthermore, one could argue that he also still has the potential to hit another new level in the right situation.

Byram is coming off a strong season with the Sabres in 2024-25, too. In 82 games, he scored seven goals and set new career highs with 31 assists, 38 points, and a plus-11 rating. With numbers like these, Byram would instantly become the Penguins' top left-shot defenseman if acquired. Furthermore, he would offer them another clear option for both their power play and their penalty kill if acquired. 

Byram is a pending restricted free agent and is undoubtedly due for a notable raise from his previous $3.85 million average annual value. However, with the Penguins desperately needing help on their blueline and Byram being young, acquiring him would undoubtedly be worth it.

Ex-Penguins Forward Expected To Hit Free-Agent MarketEx-Penguins Forward Expected To Hit Free-Agent MarketWith the Pittsburgh Penguins being out of the playoff race by the 2025 NHL trade deadline, they traded away some of their players. One of them was forward Cody Glass, as they dealt him and Jonathan Gruden to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Chase Stillman, Max Graham's signing rights, and a 2027 third-round pick.

Photo Credit: © Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

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Ilya Samsonov Won't Return To The Golden Knights; Testing Free Agency

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Ilya Samsonov (35) makes a save against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Goaltender Ilya Samsonov will not return to the Vegas Golden Knights and will test the free agency waters, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox. 

The Golden Knights signed Samsonov to a one-year-, $1.8M contract last offseason after a disappointing season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Golden Knights were hoping for a bounce-back season from the Russian netminder, but his struggles were much of the same.

In his lone season with the Golden Knights, Samsonov posted a .891 SP and a 2.82 GAA in 29 games, losing his job as the backup netminder by the playoffs.  

The market for unrestricted free-agent goaltenders is very thin this season, and it's understandable why Samsonov would like to test free agency to see what he can earn on the open market. At 28 years old, there could be several teams that believe Samsonov can turn his career around and form a tandem with another goalie. 

Even if Samsonov had an interest in returning to Vegas, the Golden Knights may likely have wanted to move on anyway. The Golden Knights appear to be gearing up for a pursuit of a top free agent, with all signs pointing to Mitch Marner. If they can work out a deal, they'll need to save every dollar they can, which is why they could be looking at a goalie tandem of Adin Hill and Akira Schmid next season. 

“To me, it was a missed opportunity because I felt our team was good enough to win,” McCrimmon told reporters upon elimination. “We’ve got Tanner Pearson, Victor Olofsson, Reilly Smith, Brandon Saad, and Ilya Samsonov with expiring contracts on June 30.

“There’s a really good case to be made for a lot of those players. I think they played well here for us. So, we’ll make those decisions. And then depending on how that goes, that can dictate to some extent what you do on July 1 with free agency. But we’re going to do everything we can to make our team better.”

Including Samsonov, Reilly Smith, Tanner Pearson, Victor Olofsson, and Brandon Saad wrap up the Golden Knights' UFA list this offseason. 

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NHL Free Agency: Top Six Pending UFA Centers

The NHL’s free-agency period is almost here, and it’s time to look at the key pivots who could be UFAs on July 1. 

TheHockeyNews.com has already looked at the top eight UFA defensemen and the top seven wingers. As for the centers, this is a rather thin class, but there’s no doubt which center will be paid the most as a UFA this summer.

1. Sam Bennett, Florida Panthers

Bennett was arguably the biggest impact player of the 2025 playoffs, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP. 

Bennett posted an amazing 15 goals and 22 points in 23 playoff games. No other player had more than 11 goals, making Bennett’s scoring prowess all the more remarkable. 

The 29-year-old will get a massive raise on the $4.425 million he earned for the past four years. The Panthers aren’t devoid of salary cap space, with $19 million in room. However, they might prioritize re-signing UFA winger Brad Marchand and defenseman Aaron Ekblad, cutting ties with Bennett and sending him to the open market looking for a bigger payday than Florida can afford. 

There will be a slew of teams – including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and many more – who will happily bring Bennett on board with a salary north of $8 million. It’s all up to Bennett to choose where he plays next, but he can rest assured he’ll be one of the most targeted assets in free agency.

Gary Bettman presents Sam Bennett with the Conn Smythe Trophy. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

2. John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs

At 34 years old, Tavares is entering the final stage of his tremendous NHL career. But he hasn’t let up in terms of offensive production, putting up 38 goals – his best total since 2018-19 – and 74 points in 75 games. There are few players more consistent as a point-per-game producer than Tavares, but he’ll be taking a huge pay cut as he does his best to remain with his hometown Maple Leafs.

Thus, Tavares will be earning far less than the $11 million he earned for the past seven years. Rumored projections have him in the $4-million to $5-million range over a four- or five-year contract term. That should make Leafs fans very happy. Tavares can be part of the solution in Toronto by accepting a massive pay cut and allow the Buds to put together a deeper, stronger roster.

3. Mikael Granlund, Dallas Stars

Very quietly, Granlund put together an excellent season, generating 44 assists and 66 points in 83 games split between the Stars and San Jose Sharks. In the playoffs, Granlund amassed another five goals and 10 points in 18 games with Dallas. He was a terrific acquisition, and he guaranteed himself a strong market for his services this summer.

Granlund earned $5 million annually for the past six years, but at 33 years old, his next contract will likely be for three or four years. He’ll probably want to sign on a bona fide Cup contender, but a developing team might offer him more money to come in and provide leadership and offensive consistency to their lineup. Regardless, once Bennett and Tavares come off the board, Granlund will quickly garner major attention and sign very soon on July 1.

4. Pius Suter, Vancouver Canucks

For the first four years of his NHL career, Suter posted either 14 or 15 goals. But in 2024-25, he had a career-high 25 goals and 46 points in 81 games. The 29-year-old’s agent had to be ecstatic with the timeliness of Suter’s offensive outburst, because he’s going to be the focus of teams that lose out on Bennett, Tavares and Granlund.

Suter was a serious bargain this year in particular, earning just $1.6 million. He’ll easily double that amount this summer, as many teams – including the Canucks, which have the cap space to bring him back to Vancouver – will be jockeying for Suter’s attention. We’ll see who winds up with him, but there’s no question he’ll be in high demand.

NHL Free Agency: Top Seven Pending UFA WingersNHL Free Agency: Top Seven Pending UFA WingersThe NHL’s free-agency period is fast approaching, so it’s time to break down the key free agents who will soon be on the open market. 

5. Christian Dvorak, Montreal Canadiens

Dvorak has had trouble staying healthy, as he appeared in 82 games this past season for the first time in his nine-year NHL career. But as a third-line center option, he’s going to be intriguing.

Dvorak posted 12 goals and 33 points last season – numbers that don’t knock your socks off but aren’t anything to sneer at, either. He won’t match or better his 2024-25 salary of $4.45 million, but on a playoff-bound team, he could be a nifty little acquisition who is hungry and determined to be part of a winning organization.

6. Adam Gaudette, Ottawa Senators

In parts of seven NHL seasons, the 28-year-old Gaudette has had to scratch and claw for opportunities in hockey’s best league. Before this past season, his career high in games played was 59, back in 2019-20. But in ’24-25, the Senators took a chance on him for just $775,000, and in return, Gaudette put up 19 goals and 26 points. 

So, once the other players on this list have signed a new contract, Gaudette is bound to get multiple offers for his services. The Sens aren’t swimming in cap space, so Gaudette could be moving on to a different team next year. But as a third- or fourth-line option, he could fit in very well with a team intent on being a playoff contender.

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Yankees' Clarke Schmidt, 'one of the more underrated starting pitchers in the game,' makes statement against Orioles

Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt did not get a chance to see the eighth and ninth innings through after throwing a career-high 103 pitches in Saturday's 9-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles, but his seven no-hit frames how good he can be.

"I kind of feel like Clarke's one of the more underrated starting pitchers in the game," said New York manager Aaron Boone. "It's two years now of really, really good stuff and to be under three now after a little bit of getting his feet wet at the start.

"What stands out to me is not just solely leaning on cutter, cutter -- because it's such an important pitch, such a good pitch for him, but he can back himself into a little bit of a corner. ... I like how he's using his arsenal right now. Really, in the last few (starts)."

Schmidt (4-3, 2.84 ERA), who had five strikeouts to two walks and one hit batter, agreed with Boone.

"Every time I go out there, I'm trying to prove myself," Schmidt said. "I've had a chip on my shoulder since I was a young kid. I always play with a chip on my shoulder. Every time I go out there, I have a chip on my shoulder.

"The lack of attention or attention to not being one of the top guys is a motivating factor for me and it's something that I'm always thinking about. I find ways to motivate myself very easily, so being underrated is another way to put it."

With three straight scoreless outings spanning 20.2 IP, Schmidt has kicked into another gear as he nears the halfway point of his third season in the Yankees' starting rotation.

"I think he's just getting better and better," said catcher J.C. Escarra. "Every time he goes out there, he has a better game than he did the last. I'm excited to see what the season has for him."

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Mets' Max Kranick's MRI reveals minor flexor strain, expected to miss 3-4 weeks

The Mets got some bad news on Saturday after an MRI revealed that Max Kranick has a minor flexor strain, which is expected to sideline the reliever for 3-4 weeks.

With their pitching already in a tough spot due to mounting injuries, Kranick's diagnosis puts even more strain on an already-beleaguered starting staff and bullpen.

Kranick, 27, owns a 3.65 ERA in 24 appearances spanning 37 innings this season -- his first with New York. The right-hander last pitched for the club on June 15 when he went two scoreless innings against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Kranick's role on the Mets has been that of a Swiss Army knife, able to go multiple innings whenever needed while also coming in during big spots.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York claimed the righty before the start of the 2024 season. Kranick didn't make the team out of spring training, but he made 45 appearances in the minors and owned a 3.82 ERA over 70.2 innings.

The injury news comes on the same day the Mets recalled RHP Chris Devenski and RHP Tyler Zuber, optioning RHPs Blade Tidwell and Justin Garza in their place as the team continues to look for pitching help.

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Rafael Devers joins rare MLB company with first Giants home run against Red Sox

Rafael Devers joins rare MLB company with first Giants home run against Red Sox originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Rafael Devers joined a rare group of MLB players with his two-run blast in the Giants’ 3-2 win over the Boston Red Sox on Saturday at Oracle Park.

The home run, Devers’ first with the Giants, came just six days after his final home run for the Red Sox prior to be being traded last Sunday.

With the shot to left field, Devers became the 10th player in MLB history to homer for and against the same team in a span of seven days or less, per Sportradar. (h/t Josh Dubow)

It was Devers’ 15th home run of the 2025 MLB season, and proved to be decisive in a game where pitching ruled the day as San Francisco grinded out a one-run win in a low-scoring affair with Boston.

While the home run landed Devers in scarce company while also coming against his former team following a public breakup with no shortage of drama, the star slugger was far more focused on helping his new squad record a win than any personal achievment.

“Really happy that I was able to contribute to the win,” Devers told reporters through interpreter Edwin Higueros after Saturday’s win. “Hopefully I will continue to contribute, give my 100 percent and hopefully we get some more wins …

“Nothing more special than any other home run that I hit. (Red Sox starting pitcher Brayan Bello is) my brother out there but we know that once we cross that line we’re competing with each other. Whoever wins wins, and it was us this time.”

As San Francisco seeks to keep pace in a loaded National League playoff race, Devers’ bat figures to play a major role in determining the Giants’ ceiling moving forward.

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Clarke Schmidt's seven no-hit innings headline takeaways from Yankees' 9-0 win over Orioles

The Yankees rebounded from Friday's series-opening loss to the Baltimore Orioles with Saturday's dominant 9-0 win in which right-hander Clarke Schmidt's seven no-hit innings set the tone for a breakthrough that New York needed.

Takeaways

  1. How much better can Schmidt get? After 7.2 scoreless IP in this past Monday's 1-0 11-inning loss to the Los Angeles Angels, Schmidt delivered a no-hit encore. Schmidt (4-3, 2.84 ERA), who threw a career-high 103 pitches (70 strikes), fanned five and walked two before manager Aaron Boone pulled him for right-hander JT Brubaker. The reliever's first batter in the eighth inning, former Yankee Gary Sánchez, broke up the combined no-hit bid by singling a 95 mph sinker up the middle and into center field on a 3-2 count. Regardless, Schmidt continues to trend up as he delivered his career-best outing.
  2. Four home runs, starting with Trent Grisham turning on Zach Eflin's 2-2 curveball at 78 mph and over the short porch for his 15th long ball of the season, were more than enough to support Schmidt. J.C. Escarra and Ben Rice added a solo shot apiece in the second and third innings to push the Yankees' 3-0 lead ahead before Anthony Volpe's fifth-inning leadoff blast buried the Orioles (33-43), 7-0.
  3. Volpe's ninth home run of the season was an exclamation point and came in an afternoon where he broke free from his 0-for-24 slump. Volpe's 3-for-4 day brings his slash line to .236/.308/.424 with 41 RBI through 75 games and figures to serve a much-needed confidence boost as he looks to build in the summer months of his third season.
  4. The Yankees (44-32) are 1.5 games ahead of the Tampa Bay Rays (43-34), who won Saturday's 8-3 game against the Detroit Tigers (48-30), for first place in the American League East Division. New York has a chance to take the three-game set from the Orioles and win its first series since June 10-12's sweep of the Kansas City Royals.

Who's the MVP?

Schmidt, who got all the run support that he needed with Grisham's first-inning home run before his dominant start.

Highlights

What's next

The rubber game between the Yankees and Orioles is set for Sunday at 11:35 a.m.

Right-handers Will Warren (4-4, 4.83 ERA) and Dean Kremer (6-7, 4.80 ERA) are in line to start.

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Mets recall Tyler Zuber, Chris Devenski from Triple-A Syracuse

The Mets recalled Triple-A Syracuse right-handed relievers Tyler Zuber and Chris Devenski before Saturday's game at the Philadelphia Phillies.

In a corresponding move, the Mets optioned right-handers Blade Tidwell and Justin Garza to Triple-A Syracuse.

In 23.2 IP over 21 Triple-A games this season with Syracuse, Zuber, 30, has allowed 16 runs (all earned) on 27 hits (three home runs) while striking out 21 and walking 11.

The 34-year-old Garza, meanwhile has allowed 11 runs (10 earned) on 20 hits (six home runs) while striking out 15 and walking four in 22.2 IP over 20 games this season for Triple-A Syracuse.

Originally, the Mets acquired Zuber in a July 30, 2024, trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for right-handed pitcher Paul Gervase.

Zuber's 2024 season with the Mets saw him log 16 games for Triple-A Syracuse, where he allowed 23 runs (22 earned) on 28 hits (two home runs) while striking out 18 and walking 15 in 16 IP.

He appeared in two games with the Rays last season, allowing one run on three hits (one home run) while striking out four and walking two over 3.1 IP.

Zuber's career started as a sixth-round pick by the Kansas City Royals at No. 180 overall in the 2017 MLB Draft. He spent most of the 2020-21 seasons in the big leagues with the Royals before the Arizona Diamondbacks claimed him off waivers Oct. 26, 2022.

The Cleveland Guardians signed Zuber on a minor league contract Jan. 31, 2024, and invited him to spring training. The Rays signed him to a minor league contract May 14, 2024,

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Two Quebecers Interested In Joining The Canadiens

Now that the playoffs are over and the Stanley Cup has been awarded, NHL general managers are planning for the next season and preparing for both the draft and free agency. Some are rushing to sign their pending UFA and RFA before they hit the market or can be signed to offer sheets. So far, Montreal Canadiens' GM Kent Hughes has signed prospect Vinzenz Rohrer to an entry-level contract (ELC), but he has not put pen to paper with any of his pending free agents.

Joel Armia and Christian Dvorak are set to hit the market. Armia has already said he’d like to return, while Dvorak preferred not to touch on the subject at his exit interview, but Montreal appears to be set to give the kids a chance. Still, could the Canadiens be active come July 1? If there are, a couple of Quebecers who would like to receive a call.

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La Presse’s Guillaume Lefrancois attended the Beauchemin-Fleury-Beauvillier-Aube-Kubel golf classic on Friday, and according to his article in the Quebec newspaper, both Anthony Beauvillier and Nicholas Aube-Kubel would like to wear the Bleu, Blanc, Rouge.

Beauvillier knows Hughes from his agent days, as he is a Quartexx client, and he has a lot of respect for the Canadiens’ GM, calling him a great hockey mind who sees things differently. He adds that he has always believed in what he’s doing and the deals he has been making.

The 28-year-old was a first-round pick for the New York Islanders at the 2015 draft and spent seven seasons on Long Island before being part of the package that brought Bo Horvat to town. Since then, he has played for the Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Washington Capitals.

Beauvillier is coming off a one-year deal he signed with the Penguins, which had a $1.25 million cap hit. He felt the Capitals might want to bring him back in his exit interview, but there hasn’t been any discussion since. The 5-foot-11 and 180-pound left winger has never put up more than 40 points in a season, a feat he achieved once when he split his time between New York and Vancouver in 2022-23. This past season, he picked up 25 points in 81 games and landed 139 hits, which would have ranked fifth on the Canadiens.

If Hughes were to make an offer to Beauvillier, he would certainly listen, but it would be for little more than a depth forward, and it would be surprising given his frame. The Habs want to get bigger, and the needs they have to address up front are more in the top-six than the bottom-six. I would be surprised if such an offer were to be made, but you never know.

As for Aube-Kubel, he was born in Alberta but moved to Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, when he was just two years old, and would also like to join the Tricolore. A 6-foot and 213-pound right winger, he has spent most of his season in the AHL.

He started the year in Buffalo with the Sabres, but suffered a knee injury. He was put on waivers in January and remained unclaimed, leading to his eventual assignment to the Rochester Americans. He was traded to the New York Rangers in March, and he played three games with the big club and three with its AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.

It was a challenging year for him, and in 22 NHL games, he could only muster two points and 19 penalty minutes. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where Hughes would be tempted to add the right winger to his NHL roster, as he would be nothing more than a depth player, perhaps the kind of player who could replace Michael Pezzetta, who is, in all likelihood, done in Montreal.

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Lefty Shota Imanaga will rejoin the Cubs next week in St. Louis

CHICAGO — Left-hander Shota Imanaga will rejoin the Chicago Cubs early next week in St. Louis following a sharp Triple-A rehab start on Friday, manager Craig Counsell said Saturday.

Counsell wasn't sure when Imanaga would be slotted into Chicago's rotation but said before the Cubs' game against the Seattle Mariners that the 31-year-old “is gonna make his next start in the big leagues."

Imanaga, who was 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA as a rookie last season, is coming back from a left hamstring strain. He got hurt covering first base during the sixth inning of a 4-0 loss at Milwaukee on May 4.

Imanaga is 3-2 with a 2.82 ERA in eight starts for the Cubs this season. His return is expected to provide a lift to the NL Central leaders, who entered Saturday 4 1/2 games in front of Milwaukee and St. Louis.

Imanaga tossed 4 1/3 scoreless innings of two-hit ball for Triple-A Iowa at Nashville on Friday night. He struck out eight and walked two.

“Everything went great,” Counsell said. “Did what we hoped he would do. He's in a position to be ready. So he's going to join us in St. Louis and we'll figure out the next steps.”

Before the transition to Iowa, Imanaga pitched six scoreless innings over two rehab starts in the Arizona Complex League. He had a bullpen session in Arizona last Tuesday.

Imanaga signed a $53 million, four-year contract with Chicago in January 2024. He often dazzled in 29 starts last season, making the NL All-Star team and finishing fourth in balloting for the NL Rookie of the Year.

Also Saturday, the Cubs recalled right-hander Nate Pearson from Iowa and designated lefty Génesis Cabrera for assignment.

Pearson is 3-1 with a 2.22 ERA in 19 appearances since he was optioned to Iowa on April 15.

Cabrera had an 8.68 ERA in nine games with the Cubs. He signed with Chicago on May 29 after being designated for assignment by the Mets.

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Rafael Devers relishes first Giants home run in bounce-back win vs. Red Sox

Rafael Devers relishes first Giants home run in bounce-back win vs. Red Sox originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – Ever since being traded to the Giants last weekend, Rafael Devers has been greeted with loud, prolonged ovations at Oracle Park nearly every time he strolls to the plate.

Facing his former Boston teammates on Saturday, the two-time Silver Slugger gave the home fans something to really cheer about in San Francisco’s 3-2 win over the Red Sox on Saturday afternoon.

After grounding out in his first at-bat, the 28-year-old slugger smashed an 0-1 fastball from Boston starter Brayan Bello into the left field stands, Devers’ first home run with the Orange and Black.

“Really happy that I was able to contribute to the win,” Devers said through interpreter Edwin Higueros. “Hopefully I will continue to contribute, give my 100 percent and hopefully we get some more wins.”

Devers made history with his 16th home run of the season. He is the seventh player in MLB history to hit his first 200 home runs with one team then have their first home run with a new team come against their former team.

It was a moment that Giants fans have eagerly been anticipating since the trade that went down on Father’s Day.

They had to wait a bit for it to happen.

Devers was just 3-for-16 (.187) with one RBI during his first four games with the Giants, although it did little to slow the groundswell of support that has been growing for Devers over the past week.

Fans continued to cheer his every move, elevating him to a fan favorite position that up to this point had been focused primarily on Jung Hoo Lee.

Seeing Devers finally get that much-anticipated home run surely made fans fall even deeper in love with the Giants’ newcomer, who has been welcomed in the Bay with open arms.

“They certainly have,” manager Bob Melvin said. “That’s kind of typical him, can just let it travel and catch it late and block it out to left field. He’s done it so many times in Boston, and this park kind of plays that way to lefties as well.

“To get that one of his back, feel good about that. Now (he) can kind of settle in and do his thing.”

Devers has tried to downplay the scuttle about facing his former team so soon after the trade. He was humble after Saturday’s game, too, insisting that homering against the Red Sox was not a huge thing for him indivually.

“Nothing more special than any other home run that I hit,” Devers said. “(Bello is) my brother out there but we know that once we cross that line we’re competing with each other. Whoever wins wins, and it was us this time.”

Devers said he has relished how the fans in San Francisco have treated him since the trade went down.

“I appreciate it very much but as we know San Francisco and Boston have the greatest fans both,” Devers said. “Now that I’m on this side I really do appreciate how they have received me.”

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Giants pitcher Sean Hjelle addresses abuse allegations made against him

Giants pitcher Sean Hjelle addresses abuse allegations made against him originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — Giants reliever Sean Hjelle addressed accusations of abuse made by his wife on social media, saying he’s still in the process of trying to figure the situation out.

Hjelle didn’t get into specifics and said he plans to release an official statement on the matter in the coming weeks.

“I feel confident in saying that I will have one eventually,” Hjelle said following San Francisco’s 3-2 win over the Boston Red Sox at Oracle Park. “I don’t have an exact timeline on that but I would like to actually get with the people that are handling the situation with me and for me before I make an actual statement.”

Caroline Hjelle’s post on TikTok on Friday included a caption that read: “When my MLB husband abandons us on Mothers Day a week after this (video was taken) once I finally found about his affairs and stopped putting up with his abuse, so I’ve been raising two boys alone.”

According to Hjelle, the couple have not been together for awhile and have been in the process of divorcing for about a year. Clerical and legal procedures have held matters up.

“We reached an agreement in mediation this offseason,” Hjelle said. “In the state of Virginia we had to wait a full year of separation, which was filed last May. So the official divorce decree has been delayed because of me starting in Sacramento, and per the terms of the agreement there were some nuances and what not.

“So that part has actually been delayed. But for all intents and purposes the divorce is a signature away from being officially finalized.”

The Giants released a statement earlier Saturday acknowledging that Major League Baseball has begun investigating the incident.

Hjelle hadn’t spoken publicly about it until Saturday and wants to wait until he gathers more information before making any further comments.

“I would like to talk with my agent, my lawyer,” Hjelle said. “This has been something that’s been going on for over a year now in terms of our relationship and our divorce and our separation and everything. But I don’t have any official comment right now.

“I just want to talk to the appropriate people, figure out what the steps are (and) just kind of take it in stride.”

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