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Brady Tkachuk Nominated For King Clancy Memorial Trophy For Third Straight Year

Back in the 1920s, King Clancy was the beloved captain of the Ottawa Senators, known for his scoring ability, leadership, and toughness. Almost 100 years later, current Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, who shares those same virtues, seems like the perfect choice to be nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy.

In fact, it’s the third straight year – and fourth time in six years – that Tkachuk has received this nomination.

Nov 12, 2024: Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates a win with goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) against the Toronto Maple Leafs (Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images).

The trophy is awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community. All of it fits Tkachuk to a T—especially if you’ve ever seen him engaging with fans.

Two years ago, Tkachuk and his wife Emma launched the “Tkachuk’s Captains” campaign in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club. They also started the T7 clothing line, with proceeds going to the Senators Community Foundation to benefit BGC Ottawa. Both the T7 clothing line and the Brady Burger were created to support these charitable efforts.

In January, Tkachuk hosted “Brady’s Skate for Kids” at the City Hall Rink of Dreams, where kids from BGC Ottawa got to hang out with him and enjoy a day of skating and pizza.

There’s no question about the 25-year-old’s impact on the ice either—he’s tallied 55 points, including 29 goals, while treating opponents like bowling pins most nights. Though he’ll miss his eighth straight game on Tuesday night, he’s expected to be ready for Game One of the playoffs in a few days.

While King Clancy has been gone a long time, there’s little doubt he’d be thrilled to see someone like Tkachuk being considered for the trophy that bears his name.

Here’s the full list of players that Tkachuk will be up against.

Anaheim Ducks: Radko Gudas

Boston Bruins: Charlie McAvoy

Buffalo Sabres: Alex Tuch

Calgary Flames: Jonathan Huberdeau

Carolina Hurricanes: Jordan Staal

Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Murphy

Colorado Avalanche: Devon Toews

Columbus Blue Jackets: Zach Werenski

Dallas Stars: Matt Duchene

Detroit Red Wings: Jeff Petry

Edmonton Oilers: Darnell Nurse

Florida Panthers: Aleksander Barkov

Los Angeles Kings: Kevin Fiala

Minnesota Wild: Frederick Gaudreau

Montreal Canadiens: Nick Suzuki

Nashville Predators: Ryan O'Reilly

New Jersey Devils: Jack Hughes

New York Islanders: Matt Martin

New York Rangers: Adam Fox

Philadelphia Flyers: Garnet Hathaway

Pittsburgh Penguins: Kevin Hayes

San Jose Sharks: Mario Ferraro

Seattle Kraken: Jaden Schwartz

St. Louis Blues: Colton Parayko

Tampa Bay Lightning: Victor Hedman

Toronto Maple Leafs: Mitch Marner

Utah Hockey Club: Alex Kerfoot

Vancouver Canucks: Quinn Hughes

Vegas Golden Knights: Jack Eichel

Washington Capitals: Tom Wilson

Winnipeg Jets: Adam Lowry

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2025 NBA Draft Lottery odds: Jazz, Wizards, Hornets have best chance at No. 1

2025 NBA Draft Lottery odds: Jazz, Wizards, Hornets have best chance at No. 1 originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

One NBA team’s trajectory is about to change for the good.

While the 2024 draft didn’t have one — or multiple — clear-cut potential No. 1 picks, this year’s class is slightly different.

Duke star Cooper Flagg is easily the big prize this year, while Rutgers boasts two potential top-three picks in Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. Flagg’s freshman Duke teammate Kon Knueppel and Baylor’s freshman guard V.J. Edgecombe also pose credible top-five options.

But which teams will be in the mix for these talents and more, and what will the draft order be? Here’s what to know about the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery odds:

Who will pick first in the 2025 NBA Draft?

The draft lottery odds are sorted with the teams with the worst records leading the way. This season saw the Utah Jazz (17-65), Washington Wizards (18-64) and Charlotte Hornets (17-63) finish with the worst three records. The New Orleans Pelicans (21-61) and Philadelphia 76ers (24-58) round out the top five.

2025 NBA Draft Lottery odds with ties included

The Jazz, Wizards, Hornets, Pelicans and 76ers may have the best odds, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Here’s a look at this year’s odds with ties included, via Tankathon:

Team1234567891011121314AVG
Jazz14.013.412.712.047.93.7
Wizards14.013.412.712.027.820.03.9
Hornets14.013.412.712.014.826.07.04.1
Pelicans12.512.211.911.57.225.716.82.24.4
76ers10.510.510.610.52.219.626.78.70.65.0
Nets9.09.29.49.68.629.720.63.70.25.5
Raptors7.57.88.18.519.734.112.91.3>0.06.2
Spurs6.06.36.77.234.532.06.80.4>0.07.0
Suns3.84.14.54.950.728.33.50.1>0.08.2
Trail Blazers3.74.04.44.863.418.51.2>0.0>0.09.0
Heat2.02.22.42.877.612.60.4>0.010.3
Mavericks1.31.41.61.886.17.60.111.5
Bulls1.21.31.51.792.02.312.4
Kings0.50.60.60.797.613.7

For Philadelphia, however, its first rounder could go to the Oklahoma City Thunder if it falls outside of the top six. The Thunder acquired the pick in 2020 in a trade that involved Terrance Ferguson, Danny Green and Vincent Poirier, among others.

The Phoenix Suns are also set to lose their lottery pick due to the Houston Rockets having the rights to a pick swap. The Brooklyn Nets used to own that right in the Kevin-Durant-to-Suns trade, but it went to the Rockets in a complex draft picks deal in the summer of 2024.

2025 NBA Draft Lottery odds without ties

Here’s how the odds shape up without ties, via Tankathon:

Team1234567891011121314AVG
Jazz14.013.412.712.047.93.7
Wizards14.013.412.712.027.820.03.9
Hornets14.013.412.712.014.826.07.04.1
Pelicans12.512.211.911.57.225.716.72.24.4
76ers10.510.510.610.52.219.626.78.70.65.0
Nets9.09.29.49.68.629.820.53.70.15.5
Raptors7.57.88.18.519.734.112.91.3>0.06.2
Spurs6.06.36.77.234.532.16.70.4>0.07.0
Suns4.54.85.25.750.725.93.00.1>0.08.0
Trail Blazers3.03.33.64.065.919.01.2>0.0>0.09.2
Heat2.02.22.42.877.612.60.4>0.010.3
Mavericks1.51.71.92.186.16.70.111.5
Bulls1.01.11.21.492.92.312.5
Kings0.50.60.60.797.613.7

When is the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery?

The 2025 lottery will be held on Monday, May 12.

When is the 2025 NBA Draft?

Now split into two nights, the first round of the 2025 draft will take place on Wednesday, June 25. The second round will follow on Thursday, June 26.

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Mets starters shine, Jose Siri out, and Pete Alonso keeps raking | The Mets Pod

Connor Rogers and Joe DeMayo are back with a new episode of The Mets Pod presented by Tri-State Cadillac, as the Mets continue their strong start.

Connor and Joe look at the strength of the bullpen, the early impact of Kodai Senga, and share some injury updates for guys like Jose Siri and Francisco Alvarez.

Later, the guys go Down on the Farm to check in on Drew Gilbert and Jett Williams, preview Ronny Mauricio's long-awaited return to action, do another round of The Scoreboard bets, and answer Mailbag questions about Eli Serrano III and the Mets' struggles with runners in scoring position.

Be sure to subscribe to The Mets Pod at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Giants' sixth-inning Verlander decision backfires in loss to Phillies

Giants' sixth-inning Verlander decision backfires in loss to Phillies originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

PHILADELPHIA — On the first night of this Giants road trip, Robbie Ray picked up a win despite pitching just four innings, a rarity that was possible only because the game was called early when a storm arrived. On the first night in Philadelphia, Landen Roupp gave up three runs in the first and nearly got knocked out, but he walked away with the win after the Giants rallied.

This is a fun time to be a Giants starting pitcher, and the rotation already has seven wins during this surprisingly strong start. But somehow the winningest active pitcher in baseball still is looking for his first in orange and black. 

Justin Verlander picked up his first decision as a Giant, but it was a loss after a shaky sixth inning put the Giants behind for good. They fell 6-4 to the Philadelphia Phillies, and it was easy to pinpoint where the game turned. 

With the Giants leading 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth, Verlander gave up back-to-back one-out singles. Randy Rodriguez, who has been as good as any reliever in the NL early on, was warming up, but manager Bob Melvin stuck with Verlander. 

A catchable fly ball to left field tied the game. Two batters later, Alec Bohm lined a 95-mph fastball onto the grass to bring the go-ahead run home. Melvin said repeatedly after the loss that he wanted to give Verlander a shot to finish and get out of the jam. 

“I wanted to give him a chance there,” Melvin said. “The inning before was probably his best inning.”

Verlander was at 84 pitches after a 1-2-3 fifth. In his mind, there was no doubt about what was ahead. 

“If I’m at 84 through five, that should be my inning,” Verlander said of the sixth. 

The decisions came when the Phillies threatened right away in the sixth. Melvin stuck with Verlander against J.T. Realmuto, who already had homered, and for a moment it appeared that would pay off. Realmuto hit a fly ball to left that was in the air for 5.6 seconds, but Heliot Ramos was playing all the way over in the gap in left-center. That’s where the Giants have played Realmuto all series, and that’s exactly where his homer went. 

The fly ball, though, landed much closer to the line. Ramos ran 108 feet, but his slide came up short. 

“I thought I had it. I was playing in the gap and I tried my best,” Ramos said. “The wind took it. I didn’t know what to do right there.”

The single tied the game, and Max Kepler followed with a liner to short that nearly led to an inning-ending double play. Again, Melvin had a decision to make, but he stuck with Verlander. His 104th pitch was knocked into left for a fourth Phillies run, and the Giants never caught up. 

“The decision was after Kepler lined out,” Melvin said. “The ball that falls in left field, he makes a good pitch and it just ended up falling. It was after the Kepler at-bat that I had a decision to make and I gave him one more guy.”

Verlander ended up getting charged with four runs on eight hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings. He’ll carry a 6.75 ERA into his next start, although the peripheral numbers say he has pitched much better than that. Verlander has a 4.75 FIP and 4.52 xFIP, but it’s hard to lean on expected statistics too much when you’re still waiting to join the early-season party.

“You find yourself in a situation where the team gives you a chance to win and then you give up a couple singles that aren’t really well-struck, and the wheels kind of fall off a little bit. It’s tough. It’s tough,” Verlander said. “I’m just being tested here. I’m not sure why I’m being tested so hard, but I’ll keep working hard and trying to make my pitches.

“I’ll do everything I can do and just try to make pitches and try to get guys not to hit the ball hard and let the results happen.”

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

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Golden Knights Resting Multiple Key Players Tonight Against Flames

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin (15) celebrates with Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (7), Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61), and Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) after scoring a goal against the Seattle Kraken during the third period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The Vegas Golden Knights will rest multiple players tonight against the Calgary Flames, those being Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Alex Pietrangelo, Noah Hanifin and Adin Hill. 

Eichel has missed the previous three games with an upper-body injury but returned to practice yesterday for the first time. He was joined by Pietrangelo, who will also miss his third consecutive game with an injury and illness. The 35-year-old will miss his 11th game this season, scoring four goals and 33 points. 

Stone and Hanifin will be out tonight for what's being called rest. The pair have been healthy as of late, neither dealing with any injury issues. Hanifin has played in all 80 games this season, scoring 10 goals and 39 points. 

Stone has missed 14 games, enjoying another point-per-game season. The 66 games he's played are the most he's played during his Golden Knights tenure. 

Hill will unsurprisingly not dress tonight after missing practice yesterday. The 28-year-old has played 50 games this season, eclipsing his career-high of 35 which he set in the 2023-24 season. 

With Hill resting, Ilya Samsonov will make his return to the crease, making his first appearance since Mar. 29. Akira Schmid will back up Samsonov tonight. 

Alexander Holtz, Ben Hutton and Kaedan Korczak will all remain or rejoin the lineup tonight with the plethora of scratches. 

"We want to play well, we want to win a couple games," said HC Bruce Cassidy. "That's what we're preparing to do... we want to be as prepared as possible for game one, so that's what we're looking forward to."

Stay updated with the most interesting Golden Knights stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

Five Golden Knights Players Return To PracticeFive Golden Knights Players Return To PracticeJack Eichel, Alex Pietrangelo, Nicolas Hague, Victor Olofsson and Ilya Samsonov all returned to the Vegas Golden Knights' practice today. Cassidy Has Good Reason To Consider Load Management For Certain Knights In Last Two Games Cassidy Has Good Reason To Consider Load Management For Certain Knights In Last Two Games LAS VEGAS -- The Golden Knights are Pacific Division champs, they'll host a Wild Card team starting Easter Sunday and barring a casualty in the first round, will host a second-round series, too.
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Tim Washe Signs ELC With Anaheim, Will Make NHL Debut Against Minnesota

Apr 12, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, UNITED STATES; Western Michigan Broncos forward Tim Washe (16) is presented the national championship trophy after Western Michigan defeated the Boston University Terriers to win the Frozen Four college ice hockey national championship at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The Anaheim Ducks’ lineup will have a new face when they take on the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday. After signing his entry-level contract (ELC) on Monday, former Western Michigan Bronco Tim Washe is expected to make his NHL debut, per NHL.com’s Jessi Pierce and Ducks Stream’s Alexis Downie.

Fresh off winning both the NCHC Championship and the NCAA Championsip as Western Michigan’s captain, Washe will slot into the Ducks’ fourth line. Who he plays with is still unclear, as he skated with Isac Lundeström, Jansen Harkins and Brett Leason during morning skate, per Downie.

Jocob Trouba Suggests Ducks Haven't Turned the Corner the Standings IndicateJocob Trouba Suggests Ducks Haven't Turned the Corner the Standings IndicateMuch of the discussion surrounding the 2024-25 Anaheim Ducks has centered on their significant jump in the standings from the previous two seasons.

Named the NCHC’s Best Defensive Forward for the 2024-25 season, Washe is a faceoff wizard. His prowess in the dot will aid the Ducks, who are dead-last in the league in faceoff percentage. Mason McTavish is the only regular faceoff taker with a faceoff percentage of 50 percent or higher.

Because of his age, Washe’s ELC only goes through the 2024-25 season, which means he will be a restricted free agent (RFA) at the end of this season. The allure of being able to get into an NHL lineup right away may have been a swaying point for coming to Anaheim, as many teams were rumored to be interested in the undrafted Washe’s services.

Like Washe, Lundeström is an RFA this summer. He has proven to be a reliable defensive forward and has been a staple on the penalty kill for the Ducks. However, his offensive ceiling is lacking. With players like Leo Carlsson, Troy Terry and Cutter Gauthier factoring into the penalty kill more often, Lundeström’s role could be squeezed out. 

Takeaways from the Ducks 4-2 Loss to the Avalanche

Report: Rumored Zegras to Canadiens Trade at 2024 Draft Clarified

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Yankees’ Jasson Dominguez shows learning curve in left field

NEW YORK — The Martian is tracking down fly balls on Mother Earth.

Maligned for dubious defense when the New York Yankees first moved him to left field last year, Jasson Dominguez made their best catch of the early season when he robbed Salvador Perez of an extra-base hit in a 4-1 win over the Kansas City Royals.

Dominguez leaping, backhand grab at the warning track of Perez’s 106.4 mph, 347-foot drive had a 60% catch probability, according to MLB Statcast. That was the lowest of any Yankees catch this season.

“Got a good jump on it, the speed, the action of the ball,” Dominguez said. “At that point, you don’t even know how tough. You just come get it.”

He added a running catch to the glove side on the warning track of Jonathan India’s 102.9 mph shot in the sixth.

“Those are two really good ones. What I like is the ease in the routes and the ease that he’s getting to those balls,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I feel like that’s where he’s really — even since the start of the season, I feel like he’s grown and just the right footwork, the right move to the ball, and that’s when you’re going to start to see his range with his speed show up.”

Nicknamed “El Marciano” as a teenager in the Dominican Republic for his out-of-this-world talent, Domínguez signed with the Yankees as a 16-year-old in 2019 for a $5.1 million bonus.

A center fielder as he moved through the minors, he made an instant impact at the plate two years ago. But following his shift to left, Dominguez's defensive struggles in left made highlight shows in 2024 and ’25.

“He talks about winning a Gold Glove,” said Luis Rojas, the Yankees third base and outfield coach. “I think he has the tools to do it and we just got to keep working.”

The switch-hitting Dominguez was promoted to the Yankees on Sept. 1, 2023, and became the fifth-youngest player to homer in his first plate appearance, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He had four homers and seven RBIs in his first eight games, then tore a ligament in his right elbow and had Tommy John surgery that Sept. 20.

He returned to the minors last May 14, but was sidelined between June 15 and July 26 by an oblique strain and was limited to two homers and four RBIs in 18 late-season games with New York. He made 13 appearances in left field and four in center, and struggled to a minus-3 Outs Above Average, according to Statcast.

Dominguez reported early to spring training and worked on defense at the Yankees minor league complex with minor league outfield and infield coordinator Dan Fiorito and minor league infield and outfielder coordinator Ryan Hunt. Dominguez was criticized by Yankees fans when he lost Colt Keith’s fly ball in the sun on Feb. 23 against Detroit, then let Andy Ibanez’s shot one inning later drop for an RBI scoring double. A ball by Philadelphia’s Edmundo Sosa fell for an RBI double on Feb. 27.

“It didn’t look great. There was a little noise about it,” Rojas said.

Adjusting to left was a slow process. Boone said Dominguez would be fine with time as he learned to judge balls.

“Left field is nothing like center field. Center field you get less action,” Rojas said. “The sound. The exit velo(city), those things, the more accurate he’s going to be with his reads and the routes and the angles that he needs to take to the ball according to a kind of action the ball is going have off the bat.”

Jazz Chisholm Jr. understood what Domínguez was going through. An All-Star second baseman in 2022, Chisholm was moved to center field by Miami from 2023 until he was traded last summer to the Yankees, who shifted him to third and then moved him back to second this spring training.

“You hear a crack of the bat and you might think it’s 110 miles per hour and it’s 86 miles per hour,” he said. “It’s making that adjustment with your eyes and always being ready out there. I would say that and first step.”

Dominguez is hitting .229 with one homer and five RBIs. Boone has removed him for a defensive replacement or pinch hitter in five of 12 left-field starts.

Dominguez's Outs Above Average has improved to 0 this season and the latest game boosted his defense from the 18th to 36th percentile. He’s confident he will get better.

“I had a tough moment at first,” Dominguez said, “but I knew with the reps it would be good.”

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Blue Jackets Must Beat Flyers To Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

© Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

The Columbus Blue Jackets have done the impossible — they’ve battled back and now have a real chance at making the playoffs. 

Over the last week, they’ve avoided elimination with some strong wins, along with help from the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Chicago Blackhawks, who all beat the Canadiens in their last three games.

If the Blue Jackets can beat the Philadelphia Flyers tonight, they’ll move to just one point behind the Canadiens.

The Canadiens play the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow night. If they win, the Blue Jackets will officially be eliminated. However, if they lose, it sets up a chance for Columbus to jump them in the standings — if they can win their final game on Thursday against the New York Islanders.

It all starts with a win tonight. Failure to do so means the end of their unbelievable push for the postseason. All eyes will be on the game tonight against the Flyers.

Werenski Snubbed In Player Poll Despite Norris-Caliber SeasonWerenski Snubbed In Player Poll Despite Norris-Caliber SeasonThe NHL and NHLPA released the results of their 2024-25 player poll — always a fun look at what the players think around the league. But this year, there were some decisions that left a lot of people scratching their heads. Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski Nominated For King Clancy Memorial TrophyBlue Jackets' Zach Werenski Nominated For King Clancy Memorial TrophyThe NHL has officially announced the 32 nominees for the 2025 King Clancy Memorial Trophy, and representing the Columbus Blue Jackets is defenseman Zach Werenski. Gaudreau Brothers: Sean Higgins Trial UpdateGaudreau Brothers: Sean Higgins Trial UpdateSean Higgins, the man accused of killing Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau while drunk driving, was back in court on Tuesday. 
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Why Star Forward Mitch Marner Was Named Maple Leafs' Nominee For King Clancy Memorial Trophy

Mar 8, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitch Marner (16) reacts after his second goal in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The NHL announced its 32-team nominees for the 2024-25 King Clancy Memorial Trophy on Tuesday, and representing the Toronto Maple Leafs is star winger Mitch Marner.

If he wins the award, Marner would join Curtis Joseph (1999-2000) as the only other Maple Leaf to win the trophy in franchise history. His most recent nomination is the second of his nine-year NHL career, with the last nod coming during the 2019-20 season at just 23 years old.

Presented annually, the King Clancy Memorial Trophy honors the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.

Nominees are chosen by their respective teams, and the final winner is selected by a committee of senior NHL executives. As per the NHL website, the winner will receive a $25,000 donation to a charity of their choice, along with an additional $20,000 grant eligible to support a community initiative through their NHL club.

The King Clancy Trophy was handed out for the first time following the 1987-88 season, with Lanny McDonald winning the award. 

Here is the full list of nominees across the NHL:

Anaheim Ducks: Radko Gudas

Boston Bruins: Charlie McAvoy

Buffalo Sabres: Alex Tuch

Calgary Flames: Jonathan Huberdeau

Carolina Hurricanes: Jordan Staal

Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Murphy

Colorado Avalanche: Devon Toews

Columbus Blue Jackets: Zach Werenski

Dallas Stars: Matt Duchene

Detroit Red Wings: Jeff Petry

Edmonton Oilers: Darnell Nurse

Florida Panthers: Aleksander Barkov

Los Angeles Kings: Kevin Fiala

Minnesota Wild: Frederick Gaudreau

Montreal Canadiens: Nick Suzuki

Nashville Predators: Ryan O'Reilly

New Jersey Devils: Jack Hughes

New York Islanders: Matt Martin

New York Rangers: Adam Fox

Ottawa Senators: Brady Tkachuk

Philadelphia Flyers: Garnet Hathaway

Pittsburgh Penguins: Kevin Hayes

San Jose Sharks: Mario Ferraro

Seattle Kraken: Jaden Schwartz

St. Louis Blues: Colton Parayko

Tampa Bay Lightning: Victor Hedman

*Toronto Maple Leafs: Mitch Marner

Utah Hockey Club: Alexander Kerfoot

Vancouver Canucks: Quinn Hughes

Vegas Golden Knights: Jack Eichel

Washington Capitals: Tom Wilson

Winnipeg Jets: Adam Lowry

Marner has been a notable presence in the Toronto community, particularly through his charitable work with the Marner Assist Foundation. The foundation’s mission is focused on generating sustainable change for children and youth by supporting social care, health, education, and environmental initiatives. Through the foundation, Marner has supported numerous efforts aimed at improving the lives of young people and families across Ontario. This includes hosting the annual Marner All-Star Invitational, which has raised over $2 million since 2018, with the next event to occur this July.

Among his notable contributions, the 27-year-old has partnered with the Salvation Army for many years, helping provide toys and funding for the annual ‘Toy Mountain’ around the holiday season to children in need. 

Why Mitch Marner’s Decision to Limit Media and Dictate Terms of Interviews at his Charity Event Shows he may not be cut out for the Maple Leafs AnymoreWhy Mitch Marner’s Decision to Limit Media and Dictate Terms of Interviews at his Charity Event Shows he may not be cut out for the Maple Leafs AnymoreLeafs star welcomed sports media to promote his Marner Assist Foundation in the past, but with questions surrounding his future with the club swirling, he’s changed course.

Marner has also worked with Second Harvest FEMAP (First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program) to tackle food insecurity and mental health challenges among youth and families in London, Ont., and surrounding areas. From organizing food drives to supporting mental wellness programs, Marner is an excellent choice for nomination as he’s continued to leverage his platform to give back to the community.

On the ice, Marner has taken on a leadership role among the ‘Core Four,’ representing the team as an assistant captain. The forward plays in all areas of the ice, oftentimes placed in every situation – even as a defenseman. Whether it be on the power play, penalty kill, blue line, or when the team needs a goal, he’ll be on the ice.

‘I Enjoy It Back There’: Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner Shines On Both Ends Of The Ice, Scores Overtime Winner After Taking Shifts On Defense‘I Enjoy It Back There’: Maple Leafs’ Mitch Marner Shines On Both Ends Of The Ice, Scores Overtime Winner After Taking Shifts On DefenseMitch Marner was doing it on all ends of the ice on Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens. 

Marner is currently one point shy of a new career-high, leading the Maple Leafs in points (99) with 26 goals and 73 assists – also tying him for fifth in the NHL in points alongside Connor McDavid. Playing in a contract year, Marner has two games to potentially hit the 100-point mark for the first time in his career before gearing up for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

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Nashville Predators Place Defenseman On Waivers

Marc Del Gaizo (© Steve Roberts-Imagn Images)

The Nashville Predators have placed defenseman Marc Del Gaizo on waivers,  PuckPedia reports.

Del Gaizo, 25, has two goals, nine points, 51 blocks, 70 hits, and a minus-4 rating in 45 games this season with the Predators. This is after he had three assists, 20 hits, and a plus-2 rating in his first nine career NHL games with the Predators last season. 

Del Gaizo has also spent a decent amount of the season down in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Milwaukee Admirals. In 30 games with the AHL squad this campaign, he has eight goals, 12 points, and a plus-10 rating.

Del Gaizo was selected by the Predators with the 109th overall pick of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. In 54 career NHL games over two seasons with Nashville, he has two goals, 12 points, 90 hits, and a minus-2 rating. 

Recent Predators News 

New Predators Forward Michael Bunting Is Heating UpNew Predators Forward Michael Bunting Is Heating UpAt the 2025 NHL trade deadline, the Nashville Predators acquired forward Michael Bunting and a 2026 fourth-round pick from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tommy Novak. Schenn was then quickly flipped by the Penguins to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick. Predators Call Up Promising Prospect DefensemanPredators Call Up Promising Prospect DefensemanThe Nashville Predators have announced that they have recalled defenseman Ryan Ufko from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. In addition, the team announced that Ufko will make his NHL debut during the Predators' April 14 contest against the Utah Hockey Club. Predators Top Prospect Is Heating Up In AHLPredators Top Prospect Is Heating Up In AHLNashville Predators prospect Joakim Kemell is considered one of the team's most promising youngsters. The 20-year-old forward is continuing to develop his game at the American Hockey League (AHL) level with the Milwaukee Admirals and is in the middle of a solid season that saw him play in the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic.
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Canucks Quinn Hughes Nominated For The 2025 King Clancy Trophy

Apr 12, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) handles the puck against the Minnesota Wild in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes has been nominated for the 2025 King Clancy Trophy. The annual award is presented “to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.” All 32 teams nominated a player, with the winner receiving not just the trophy but also a $25,000 donation to the charity of their choice.

Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:

Top Five At 15: The Final Five Canucks, April 2025

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The Kind Clancy Trophy has been awarded to three Canucks in the past. Trevor Linden won in 1997, while Henrik Sedin took home the trophy in 2016. Henrik won the award a second time in 2018, but this time, alongside his brother, Daniel Sedin, as the NHL recognized all the work the twins had done in the community during their careers.

Hughes has developed into a leader on and off the ice. He started the Team 43 campaign, which donates tickets to local first responders in BC. Hughes has also developed into a superstar in the NHL and will finish this season as the team's leading scorer despite missing 14 games due to injury.

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Anaheim Ducks: Radko Gudas
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Buffalo Sabres: Alex Tuch
Calgary Flames: Jonathan Huberdeau
Carolina Hurricanes: Jordan Staal
Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Murphy
Colorado Avalanche: Devon Toews
Columbus Blue Jackets: Zach Werenski
Dallas Stars: Matt Duchene
Detroit Red Wings: Jeff Petry
Edmonton Oilers: Darnell Nurse
Florida Panthers: Aleksander Barkov
Los Angeles Kings: Kevin Fiala
Minnesota Wild: Frederick Gaudreau
Montreal Canadiens: Nick Suzuki
Nashville Predators: Ryan O'Reilly
New Jersey Devils: Jack Hughes
New York Islanders: Matt Martin
New York Rangers: Adam Fox
Ottawa Senators: Brady Tkachuk
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Pittsburgh Penguins: Kevin Hayes
San Jose Sharks: Mario Ferraro
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St. Louis Blues: Colton Parayko
Tampa Bay Lightning: Victor Hedman
Toronto Maple Leafs: Mitch Marner
Utah Hockey Club: Alex Kerfoot
Vancouver Canucks: Quinn Hughes
Vegas Golden Knights: Jack Eichel
Washington Capitals: Tom Wilson
Winnipeg Jets: Adam Lowry

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What we learned as Verlander, Giants suffer windy loss to Phillies

What we learned as Verlander, Giants suffer windy loss to Phillies originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

BOX SCORE

PHILADELPHIA — Justin Verlander makes no secret of the fact that he wants to join the 300-win club at some point. Right now, the Giants pitcher is having more trouble than he expected in his bid for his first in orange and black. 

The Philadelphia Phillies put four runs on Verlander’s line, knocking him out with a string of singles in the sixth, when Verlander extended his pitch count. He ended up taking the loss as the Giants fell 6-4 in the second game of a four-game series Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park. 

The Phillies’ lead was three heading into the top of the eighth, but the Giants pushed back. 

Singles by Heliot Ramos and Willy Adames got their dugout stirring, and Jung Hoo Lee yanked a 100-mph sinker from lefty reliever Jose Alvarado into right. The Giants had the tying run on first with no outs, but went down in order from there, and again in the ninth.

Here are three takeaways from a loss that dropped the Giants to 12-5.

“He’s The Fastest Kid Alive”

There was a stretch of about 20 minutes in the middle of the game when it seemed the Phillies thought they were still playing spring training games — and the Giants were happy to take advantage. 

Verlander walked two of the three batters he faced in the bottom of the third, but Trea Turner was cut down trying to steal second and Bryce Harper inexplicably tagged on a fly ball to deep center. Lee made a strong throw to end the inning.

In the top of the fourth, Matt Chapman and Wilmer Flores caught Jesus Luzardo napping and executed a double-steal. Both scored right away on a single by Casey Schmitt, with Flores sliding in safely in part because J.T. Realmuto didn’t try to put down a tag on a close play at the plate. 

The steal was Flores’ first since 2021 and just the sixth of his MLB career. He now has five-and-a-half months to try and get another one and set a career-high at the age of 33. 

The Wait Continues

Through four starts, Verlander remains stuck on 262 career wins. He entered the sixth Tuesday with a 3-2 lead, but back-to-back singles by Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos got the Phillies going. Randy Rodriguez was warming up in the bullpen, but manager Bob Melvin stuck with Verlander, who initially looked like he would get out of the jam.

Verlander induced a pop-up to left from Realmuto, but Ramos was shading over toward the left-center gap to account for the craziest wind the Giants have seen this season. Ramos might have thought the ball would float back to him, but it never did, dropping in front of him after he ran 108 feet toward the line and went into a slide. That tied the game, and Alec Bohm’s single gave the Phillies the lead on Verlander’s final pitch.

The oldest player in the majors threw 104 pitches and hit 95 mph in his final inning, but again the results weren’t really there. Verlander gave up eight hits and walked three, and the four earned runs in 5 2/3 innings left him with a 6.75 ERA on the season. 

No Longer Perfect

Hayden Birdsong’s 0.00 ERA disappeared in the bottom of the seventh when Harper hit a high fly ball that landed five rows into the seats in right. Birdsong tried to sneak a 3-0 slider across the inner half to get back in the count, but Harper was ready for it. 

It was interesting that Birdsong was even in the game, and a sign that he truly is being treated like a normal reliever, at least for the time being. Birdsong had just one day of rest after pitching at Yankee Stadium in Sunday’s win; his previous outings came on three, three and five days of rest. Given how good Birdsong has been, Melvin likely figured that was his best way to keep it a one-run game.

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