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Jonathan Toews Agrees To Sign With His Hometown Winnipeg Jets In NHL Return

The Jonathan Toews sweepstakes are over, as it has been confirmed that the three-time Stanley Cup champion will be joining the Winnipeg Jets for this upcoming season. First reports came from TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, who added that Toews will be joining his hometown team on a one-year contract.

The 37-year-old won’t register as a Jets player until July 1 when free agency officially opens, but the agreement is there, and the stage for an NHL comeback is set.

In a statement, Toews said, "I’m grateful to be making my return to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets. It’s very special to come home and play in front of my family and friends in Manitoba. The Jets have been on the rise over the last few seasons and I’m eager to join the group and help however I can."

Toews' contract with the Jets will have an average annual value of $2 million with $5 million in performance bonuses. Certainly a decrease from his previous eight-year deal with Chicago, which paid him $10.5-million per season, but it makes sense given his age and time away from the league.

Next year will mark three seasons that Toews has been away from the game. He announced that he would be stepping away from the Chicago Blackhawks after his contract expired at the end of the 2022-23 campaign. He played 53 games, scoring 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points in that season.

He was forced to step away after suffering from long COVID and chronic immune response syndrome. However, he spent his time off searching for recovery strategies in India and other countries around the world. 

Now, with the certainty that he is coming back to the NHL, he’ll be looking to add what is already an incredible career.

Toews has accomplished several feats and milestones in his 15-year career. He’s won three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks and even took home the Conn Smythe Trophy in their 2010 Cup win.

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In addition to all the team success he’s had as the captain of Chicago, he has some individual hardware, too. Toews was awarded the Selke Trophy for his defensive efforts during the 2012-13 campaign and was also presented with the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2014-15.

Toews could have a chance to be a part of the team to break Canada’s 32-year Stanley Cup drought. The Jets have proven to be a top team in the league this past season, and winning the Cup with Winnipeg may end up at the top of Toews’ list of achievements.

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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Matthew Robertson Signs Two-Year Contract Extension With Rangers

 Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers have signed defenseman Matthew Robertson to a two-year contract extension. 

He was set to become a restricted free agent on July 1. 

The deal is two-way the first year and one-way in the second and Robertson will make a league minimum of $750,000 at the NHL level. 

Robertson was selected by the Rangers in the second round in the 2019 NHL Draft, but he didn’t make his NHL debut until this past season.

The 24-year-old has spent the majority of his time since being drafted with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League.

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Giants' Rafael Devers admits he's ‘happy, relaxed' after trade from Red Sox

Giants' Rafael Devers admits he's ‘happy, relaxed' after trade from Red Sox originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — When a few Boston questions were mixed in during Tuesday’s press conference at Oracle Park, Rafael Devers deflected them, saying he didn’t want to talk about the past. At one point, Buster Posey smiled and said he liked the way his new superstar answers questions. 

Posey really, really would have liked the way Devers handled his second large media availability of the week.

About two dozen reporters and six cameras — many of them from Boston — descended on the dugout Friday so Devers could offer answers to Red Sox reporters and his former fan base. He spoke for more than 10 minutes, and nearly every answer was some variation of “I don’t want to talk about the past, I’m focused on the future.” But when asked about his future in San Francisco, Devers lit up.

Devers was asked if he could remember the last time he had been this happy, and his answer surely pleased Posey and the Giants. 

“It’s been a long time,” he said through interpreter Erwin Higueros. “I don’t know how to explain it. Yes, I feel happy. I feel relaxed now.”

If all goes according to plan, that’ll be the last time Devers has to address a week that stunned Major League Baseball. He’s clearly ready to move on, but the timing of this weekend’s series — less than a week after the blockbuster deal — led to an interesting situation. He said he spent Thursday catching up with some former teammates after the Red Sox arrived from their series in Seattle, and on Friday, he spoke to reporters who once thought they might be covering him for the next eight and a half seasons. 

Devers did not offer a lot of answers to the questions that persist across the country, although he did say that had the Red Sox asked him to play first base during the spring — instead of after Triston Casas got hurt in-season — he would have agreed. Asked for further details, he said all of that was in the past. 

Devers said he did plan to catch up with former manager Alex Cora, although they haven’t spoken since the trade. If Cora watches closely this weekend, he’ll see Devers taking grounders at first during batting practice, something he refused to do for Cora and the Red Sox. 

The Giants will continue to get Devers work there all weekend after two days of grounders earlier this week. He said he’s not ready to play first base against his former team, though. Devers isn’t sure when he’ll be ready for a new position, but he promised to inform his new manager, Bob Melvin, as soon as he feels comfortable. 

In the meantime, the Giants will continue to start Devers at DH. He reiterated Friday that he’ll do anything his new bosses want, and said he’s confident that better days are ahead. The Giants scored just six runs in their first three games with Devers in the lineup, but he said he’s excited about the future. 

“There’s a reason they brought me here,” he said. “Our offense is going to hit.”

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

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Jonathan Toews Returns To NHL, Signs With Winnipeg Jets

Not long ago, Jonathan Toews made it clear that he intended to return to the National Hockey League in 2025-26. Toews last played with the Chicago Blackhawks in the final game of the 2022-23 season. Since then, he's been recovering and preparing his body for a potential return to action.

Before anybody knew he was going to take some time away, the Chicago Blackhawks had already declared that they would not bring Toews back. Everybody, including Toews, seemed to be at peace with that decision.

Once he became serious about signing, plenty of good teams started to line up. However, one team was deemed to be the favorite for a variety of reasons. That team is the Winnipeg Jets. 

Of course, Winnipeg is one of the best teams in the NHL. They fell out during the second round to an excellent Dallas Stars team, but that doesn't take away from the President's Trophy-winning season that they had. 

Signing with an elite team that needed center help up and down the lineup made the most sense for Toews. He would be able to play on any of the lines outside of the first, which is manned by Mark Scheifele. 

The Jets are also the hometown NHL team for Toews. He is from St. Vital, so going back to Manitoba always made sense for him. 

On Friday, that dream of playing in the NHL at home became a reality for Toews. He signed a one-year deal with the Jets, but the contract can't be registered until July 1st. The team already made it official on social media. 

Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on XWinnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on XThe kid from St. Vital is coming home.Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on XWinnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on XThe kid from St. Vital is coming home.

Getting over the hump in the playoffs has been an issue for the Jets in the past, including this year. A guy like Toews, who has had many deep runs in the postseason, will be a great help.

In addition to winning the Stanley Cup three times, Toews also has two Olympic Gold Medals and one World Cup of Hockey championship. The man has done a lot of winning. Character and leadership have been a big part of his game. Winnipeg could use some more of that after taking a nice step in 2024-25.

On a personal note, this is a win for Toews. He will finally return after being gone for so long. It is also great for the Jets, who need a proven winner with an elite mentality in the locker room. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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REPORT: Jonathan Toews Has Agreement To Sign With Winnipeg Jets

Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) is honored after the game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He played his last game as a Blackhawk, at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Per a report from Pierre LeBrun, Jonathan Toews and the Winnipeg Jets are in agreement on a contract that cannot be signed until July. 1 when the free agency window opens. 

Toews will be joining the second NHL team of his career after spending the first 15 years of his career with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 37-year-old scored 372 goals and 883 points in 1067 games during his Blackhawks tenure, taking home three Stanley Cups, a Selke Trophy, a Conn Smythe Trophy and the Mark Messier Leadership Award. 

Throughout his illustrious hockey career, Toews has proven that no matter the stage, his teams find a way to win. The Winnipeg native is a member of the Triple Gold Club, having won gold at the World Juniors, World Championship, and the Olympics. 

At this point in his career, the Jets will likely use Toews in a shutdown role. Trusting him to drive a line offensively might be too tall an ask, but asking him to provide leadership, win faceoffs, and be potent defensively is exactly what he is capable of doing.

At the moment, no details about numbers have been shared, but LeBrun confirmed that the length of the contract will be one year. 

"The three-time Stanley Cup champion is expected to ink a short-term contract, likely one-year, that may be painted with various goal-oriented bonuses, such as games played and points totals," said David Pagnotta in a report he shared earlier about Toews' situation. 

Throughout the process, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche and the Tampa Bay Lightning were pushing hard to sign Toews, but several reports indicated that his hometown team were always the favourite. In the end, the future Hall of Famer will receive the opportunity to play where he grew up. 

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

Jonathan Toews Looking To Make His Decision Prior To The Draft; Jets Considered a FavouriteJonathan Toews Looking To Make His Decision Prior To The Draft; Jets Considered a FavouriteThree-time Stanley Cup winner, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, and former Chicago Blackhawks centre Jonathan Toews is planning a return to the NHL, and a recent report states that Toews is looking to make his decision prior to the 2025 NHL draft, and the Winnipeg Jets are considered one of his possible landing spots.
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Jonathan Toews To Join Hometown Winnipeg Jets Next Season

Three-time Stanley Cup Champion Jonathan Toews set to join hometown Winnipeg Jets, according to multiple reports. 

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Former Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is set to join his hometown Winnipeg Jets, per multiple reports. 

Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on XWinnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on Xundefined

In a stunning twist to the NHL offseason, multiple reports confirm that Jonathan Toews is expected to sign with the Winnipeg Jets, signaling a long-anticipated return to the game and to his hometown.

The 36-year-old Toews, who hasn't played since the 2022–23 season due to health-related issues, has reportedly been training and feels ready to make a comeback. Now, the former Chicago Blackhawks captain and three-time Stanley Cup champion is on the verge of joining a Jets team looking to stay in the Western Conference playoff mix.

Toews was quoted as saying "I’m grateful to be making my return to the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets. It’s very special to come home and play in front of my family and friends in Manitoba. The Jets have been on the rise over the last few seasons and I’m eager to join the group and help however I can.”

Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on XWinnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) on XJONATHAN TOEWS IS A WINNIPEG JET

More NHL:Panthers' Sam Bennett Confirms He's Signing Extension

Toews, a native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, played his entire 15-year NHL career with the Blackhawks, notching 883 points (372 goals, 511 assists) in 1,067 games, and earning a Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010. His leadership and two-way play were hallmarks of Chicago’s dynasty years, and his presence in Winnipeg could provide a significant locker room and on-ice boost.

While the contract details have yet to be made public, the expected deal is believed to be short-term and incentive-heavy, allowing Toews to ease back into the NHL pace while giving Winnipeg additional veteran depth at center.

Jets' Odds Could Shift with Toews' Return

Sportsbooks have begun to take notice. The Jets, previously listed around +3500 to win the Stanley Cup on most major platforms, could see their odds shorten slightly if Toews officially signs and is cleared to play. While his exact on-ice role remains to be seen, his playoff experience and championship pedigree add intangible value, particularly in a Western Conference wide open behind favorites like Edmonton and Dallas.

For futures bettors, this move may represent a low-risk, high-upside play. If Toews stays healthy and contributes on special teams or in key faceoff situations, Winnipeg's depth could give them a serious edge come spring.

Keep an eye on updated odds as the signing becomes official—sharper markets may react early.

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

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White Sox at Blue Jays Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, stats for June 20

It's Friday, June 20 and the White Sox (23-52) are in Toronto to take on the Blue Jays (40-34). Davis Martin is slated to take the mound for Chicago against Spencer Turnbull for Toronto.

Chicago has lost eight straight games and are 1-9 over the last 10 games after being swept in two straight series. Toronto took the series against Arizona, 2-1, but are 2-4 over the previous six games. This is the first meeting of the season between the two teams.

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 White Sox at Blue Jays

  • Date: Friday, June 20, 2025
  • Time: 7:07PM EST
  • Site: Rogers Centre
  • City: Toronto, ON
  • Network/Streaming: CHSN, Sportsnet

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 White Sox at the Blue Jays

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: White Sox (+171), Blue Jays (-207)
  • Spread:  Blue Jays -1.5
  • Total: 9.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for White Sox at Blue Jays

  • Pitching matchup for June 20, 2025: Davis Martin vs. Spencer Turnbull
    • White Sox: Davis Martin, (2-7, 3.79 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.0 Innings Pitched, 4 Earned Runs Allowed, 7 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 5 Strikeouts
    • Blue Jays: Spencer Turnbull, (1-0, 2.08 ERA)
      Last outing: 2.1 Innings Pitched, 1 Earned Runs Allowed, 5 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 0 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 White Sox and the Blue Jays

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 White Sox and the Blue Jays:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Toronto Blue Jays on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Chicago White Sox at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards 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 White Sox at Blue Jays

  • The Blue Jays are 8-2 in their last 10 home games
  • The Blue Jays' last 4 games have gone over the Total
  • The Blue Jays have covered in their last 4 games against the White Sox

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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Ex-NHL D-Man Moves From Czechia To Sweden

Czech defenseman Michal Kempný, 34, has signed a one-year contract with Brynäs IF, the Gävle-based SHL club announced on Friday.

“It’s an honor to be part of such a fantastic organization with a proud tradition and passionate fanbase,” said Kempný. “I look forward to meeting everyone in the organization and becoming part of the Brynäs family. I can’t wait to get started.”

“Michal is a player who has won at several different levels in his career,” said Brynäs sports director Johan Alcén. “He has incredible experience and is a guy who is driven by competition and wants to win. We’ve received many great references for Michal and it feels really good and exciting that Michal will play for us.”

Originally from Hodonín in southeastern Czechia, Kempný played junior hockey just across the border in Skalica, Slovakia and then played in the Czech Extraliga for Kometa Brno and Slavia Prague and for one season in the KHL for Avangard Omsk.

Never drafted by an NHL team, Kempný signed as a free agent with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2016 at age 26. From 2016 to 2022, he played 247 NHL regular-season games for the Hawks and Washington Capitals, recording 63 points and 146 penalty minutes. He also recorded six points in 30 playoff games and was a member of Washington’s 2018 Stanley Cup championship team.

Kempný signed as a free agent with the Seattle Kraken in 2022 but was assigned to the AHL and, after two games, his contract was terminated by mutual agreement. He then signed with Sparta Prague on Oct. 25, 2022, where he spent the following three seasons.

There Will Be A New Czech Champion - Třinec's 5-Year Reign Ended By SpartaThere Will Be A New Czech Champion - Třinec's 5-Year Reign Ended By Sparta After five long years, Oceláři Třinec’s reign as Extraliga champion is over, following the team’s quarterfinal defeat at the hands of Sparta Prague before a sellout crowd of 17,220 at O2 Arena on Monday.

Internationally, Kempný has represented Czechia at five IIHF World Championships, winning a gold medal on home ice in 2024, and at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Kempný joins a Brynäs team that is coming off a season in which it shattered all expectations. Just after being promoted from the HockeyAllsvenskan, Brynäs finished first overall in the regular season and made it to the SHL finals, where it lost to Lulea in six games.

In addition to Kempný, the club’s roster includes ex-NHLers Jakob Silfverberg, Johan Larsson, Robert Hägg, Oskar Lindblom, Christian Djoos, Axel Jonsson-Fjällby, Mattias Norlinder and goaltender Erik Källgren.

Last year’s team included defensemen Charles-Édouard D’Astous and Victor Söderström – however, D’Astous has signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Söderström, whose rights have been traded twice in the past few months, has signed with the Boston Bruins.

Photo © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Robert Hägg Returns To SwedenRobert Hägg Returns To Sweden Swedish defenseman Robert Hägg, 30, has signed a one-year contract with Brynäs IF, the Gävle-based SHL club announced on Wednesday. Hägg is returning to Sweden after spending the past 11 seasons in North America, split between the NHL and AHL in six different organizations.
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Braves at Marlins Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for June 20

It's Friday, June 20 and the Braves (34-39) are in Miami to take on the Marlins (29-44). Didier Fuentes is slated to take the mound for Atlanta in his MLB debut against Janson Junk for Miami.

The Marlins are 1-3 over the last four games and are 4-4 in the previous eight outings, while the Braves enter on a three-game winning streak and 6-1 over the past seven games (4-plus runs scored in all six runs).

These two teams split the first series earlier in the year 1-1 with another contest being postponed.

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 Braves at Marlins

  • Date: Friday, June 20, 2025
  • Time: 7:10PM EST
  • Site: LoanDepot Park
  • City: Miami, FL
  • Network/Streaming: FDSNSO, FDSNFL

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 Braves at the Marlins

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Braves (-143), Marlins (+120)
  • Spread:  Braves -1.5
  • Total: 9.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Braves at Marlins

  • Pitching matchup for June 20, 2025: Didier Fuentes vs. Janson Junk
    • Braves: Didier Fuentes, (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
    • Fuentes is making his MLB debut
    • Marlins: Janson Junk, (1-0, 2.78 ERA)
      Last outing: 5.2 Innings Pitched, 0 Earned Runs Allowed, 2 Hits Allowed, 0 Walks, and 4 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 Braves and the Marlins

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 Braves and the Marlins:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Atlanta Braves 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 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 Braves at Marlins

  • The Braves are 34-39 this season but they've won 7 of their last 9 games
  • 5 of the Marlins' last 6 matchups against NL East teams have gone under the Total
  • Miami is 2-3 on the ML when Janson Junk 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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Mets at Phillies prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for June 20

It's Friday, June 20 and the Mets (45-30) are in Philadelphia to take on the Phillies (45-30). Blade Tidwell is slated to take the mound for New York against Zack Wheeler for Philadelphia.

The Phillies are 7-1 in the last eight games and 8-2 over the past 10 to follow up a 0-5 and 1-9 stretch of play. Philadelphia took three out of four against Miami despite outscoring the Marlins 14-13.

The Mets are on a six-game losing streak after being swept by Tampa Bay and Atlanta. New York has scored 14 runs in that span with three games of one or fewer run.

New York swept Philadelphia earlier this season at home, so this appears to be good timing for the Phillies to win the series and attempt to extract revenge in the form of a series sweep.

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 Mets at Phillies

  • Date: Friday, June 20, 2025
  • Time: 7:15PM EST
  • Site: Citizens Bank Park
  • City: Philadelphia, PA
  • Network/Streaming: Apple TV+

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 Mets at the Phillies

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Mets (+156), Phillies (-187)
  • Spread:  Phillies -1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Mets at Phillies

  • Pitching matchup for June 20, 2025: Blade Tidwell vs. Zack Wheeler
    • Mets: Blade Tidwell, (0-1, 14.73 ERA)
      Last outing: 3.2 Innings Pitched, 6 Earned Runs Allowed, 9 Hits Allowed, 3 Walks, and 2 Strikeouts
    • Phillies: Zack Wheeler, (7-2, 2.76 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.0 Innings Pitched, 1 Earned Runs Allowed, 4 Hits Allowed, 0 Walks, and 9 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 Mets and the Phillies

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 Mets and the Phillies:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Philadelphia Phillies on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the New York Mets 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 Mets at Phillies

  • The Phillies have won 5 of their last 6 games at home
  • 4 of the Mets' last 5 matchups against NL East teams have gone under the Total
  • The Mets have failed to cover the Run Line in 7 of their last 9 games
  • New York is 3-0 on the ML against Philadelphia this season
  • New York is 0-1 on the ML when Blake Tidwell pitches this season
  • Philadelphia is 10-4 on the ML when Zack Wheeler 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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Tigers at Rays prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats for June 20

It's Friday, June 20 and the Tigers (48-28) are in Tampa to take on the Rays (41-34). Jack Flaherty is slated to take the mound for Detroit against Shane Baz for Tampa Bay.

Detroit played a double-header at home against Pittsburgh yesterday, winning the first and losing the second to take the series 2-1. The Tigers are on the road after those two games for a new series as they haven't lost a road series since April 30.

Tampa Bay is 5-2 in the past seven games and coming off a 2-2 series split with Baltimore. The Rays scored 19 runs in their two wins and 2 runs in the two losses against the Orioles. This is the first meeting of the season between the Tigers and Rays.

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 Tigers at Rays

  • Date: Friday, June 20, 2025
  • Time: 7:05PM EST
  • Site: George M. Steinbrenner Field
  • City: Tampa, FL
  • Network/Streaming: FDSNDT, FDSNSUN

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 Tigers at the Rays

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Tigers (-109), Rays (-110)
  • Spread:  Rays 1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Tigers at Rays

  • Pitching matchup for June 20, 2025: Jack Flaherty vs. Shane Baz
    • Tigers: Jack Flaherty, (5-7, 4.03 ERA)
      Last outing: 4.2 Innings Pitched, 7 Earned Runs Allowed, 5 Hits Allowed, 5 Walks, and 5 Strikeouts
    • Rays: Shane Baz, (6-3, 4.54 ERA)
      Last outing: 6.2 Innings Pitched, 0 Earned Runs Allowed, 3 Hits Allowed, 4 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 Tigers and the Rays

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 Tigers and the Rays:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Tampa Bay Rays on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Detroit Tigers 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 Tigers at Rays

  • The Under has cashed in 5 of the Rays' last 7 games with Shane Baz starting
  • Tampa Bay is 10-4 on the ML when Shane Baz pitches this season and a profit of +5.46 units
  • Detroit is 5-9 on the ML when Jack Flaherty 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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Celtics draft fits: Can Jase Richardson provide a Pritchard-like spark?

Celtics draft fits: Can Jase Richardson provide a Pritchard-like spark? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics need to shed at least $20 million in salary this offseason to get under the second apron of the luxury tax and avoid punitive roster penalties, which means president of basketball operations Brad Stevens may have to trade several core players.

If that’s the case and superstar forward Jayson Tatum misses the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from Achilles surgery, Boston will need players on lower-cost deals to step up if the team wants to remain competitive.

More Celtics Draft Fits:

That’s why the 2025 NBA Draft is so crucial for the Celtics: Can they find a legitimate rotation player with either the No. 28 or No. 32 pick in next Thursday’s draft — or package those picks to move up higher in the first round?

The “trade up” path is intriguing if Stevens and Co. believe they can acquire a prospect with the potential to be a legitimate rotation player. And if that scenario comes to pass, Michigan State guard Jase Richardson is a name worth watching.

Let’s continue our “Celtics Draft Fits” series with a full breakdown of Richardson — the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson — and why he’d make sense for Boston:

Jase Richardson’s bio

  • Position: Guard
  • Height: 6-foot-1
  • Weight: 178 pounds
  • Birthdate: Oct. 16, 2005 (age 19)
  • Birthplace: Berkeley, Calif.
  • College: Michigan State

Jase Richardson’s collegiate stats

  • 2024-25: 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 49.3 field goal percentage, 41.2 3-point percentage (36 games)

Jase Richardson’s college accolades

  • 2025 Third-Team All-Big Ten
  • 2025 Big Ten All-Freshman Team

Jase Richardson’s highlights

Why Jase Richardson fits with Celtics

If Boston trades Jrue Holiday, that could thrust reigning Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard into a starting role. And the Celtics might be very tempted by the possibility of developing Richardson into the next Pritchard.

While Richardson is much greener than Pritchard — who entered the league at age 23 after four years in college — he’s the son of an NBA player who boasts a high basketball IQ and averaged just 0.8 turnovers per game last season.

Richardson also is a deadly shooter (41.2 percent from 3-point range) who makes up for his lack of height with strong body control around the basket. Sound familiar?

“The son of Jason Richardson, he hit 41 percent of his threes as a freshman at Michigan State,” Celtics Insider Chris Forsberg says of Jase Richardson. “Richardson’s fit with the Celtics could be similar to what Payton Pritchard has provided as a scoring spark off the bench.

“Boston could be intrigued by those NBA bloodlines and his two-way potential. For the Celtics to get to Richardson, they might need to move up from No. 28.”

Indeed, Richardson is projected as a top-15 pick in most NBA Mock Drafts. But if Stevens likes him enough, perhaps the C’s would strike a deal to jump up and draft the Spartan sharpshooter.

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Official: Rick Tocchet Rounds Out Flyers Coaching Staff

(Header/feature image courtesy of Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Philadelphia Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet has officially completed his coaching staff, adding two respected names to help guide Philadelphia into its next chapter.

On Friday, the Flyers announced the hiring of Todd Reirden as assistant coach and Dylan Crawford as assistant/video coach, joining Jaroslav Svejkovsky and Jay Varady to form Tocchet’s trusted team.

“I’m happy to have rounded out my coaching staff by bringing Todd and Dylan on board,” Tocchet said in a statement. “Todd’s extensive experience across all levels of coaching, as well as his success throughout his career, will play a pivotal role in all facets of our game. Dylan adds another level to our video team in an area that is rapidly expanding and becoming more critical in the outcome of games and the way teams prepare.”

There’s plenty of reason for Tocchet’s enthusiasm. Reirden, 53, brings 14 years of NHL coaching experience and a proven track record in sharpening defensive groups and special teams. Most recently, he served as associate and assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2020 to 2024, overseeing the Penguins’ defense corps and power play. Before that, Reirden spent six seasons with the Washington Capitals—including a Stanley Cup championship in 2018.

Reirden’s addition could be a crucial piece for the Flyers, whose defense has seen growing pains amid roster transitions and prospect integrations. His experience in managing elite defensemen and steadying back ends will be vital as Philadelphia continues to mold its young talent into NHL regulars.

Crawford, meanwhile, represents the new wave of NHL coaching—where video and analytics play an ever-larger role in game preparation. The 35-year-old spent the last three seasons working alongside Tocchet in Vancouver, where his attention to detail and modern approach to video analysis earned high praise. With seven years of experience in video coaching, Crawford will help ensure the Flyers are prepared for every angle and nuance of the fast-changing NHL game.

Together, Reirden and Crawford give Tocchet a staff with a balance of experience, innovation, and familiarity. As the Flyers aim to turn promise into progress, this staff will be tasked with building a structure that maximizes the potential of an evolving roster.

Now, with the bench set, the work truly begins.

Posted on

Orioles at Yankees Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for June 20

It's Friday, June 20 and the Orioles (32-42) are in Bronx to take on the Yankees (43-31). Tomoyuki Sugano is slated to take the mound for Baltimore against Max Fried for New York.

Baltimore is coming off a split of a series against Tampa Bay where 39 combined runs were scored. The Orioles are 16-6 over the last 22 games after going 16-36 through the first 52 games.

New York lost six straight, which was a season-long losing streak, before ending a four-game series against the Los Angeles with a 7-3 win. The Yankees were swept by the Red Sox and lost three of four against the Angels mainly because of the offense. New York scored five runs total over their six-game losing streak, but bounced back with seven yesterday in a game that featured two rain delays.

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 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 Orioles at Yankees

  • Date: Friday, June 20, 2025
  • Time: 7:05PM EST
  • Site: Yankee Stadium
  • City: Bronx, NY
  • Network/Streaming: MASN, YES, 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 Orioles at the Yankees

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Moneyline: Orioles (+188), Yankees (-229)
  • Spread:  Yankees -1.5
  • Total: 9.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Orioles at Yankees

  • Pitching matchup for June 20, 2025: Tomoyuki Sugano vs. Max Fried
    • Orioles: Tomoyuki Sugano, (5-4, 3.38 ERA)
      Last outing: 4.2 Innings Pitched, 3 Earned Runs Allowed, 6 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 4 Strikeouts
    • Yankees: Max Fried, (9-2, 1.90 ERA)
      Last outing: 7.0 Innings Pitched, 2 Earned Runs Allowed, 6 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 9 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 Orioles and the Yankees

Rotoworld Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) thinks there is still value on Aaron Judge to be the home run leader:

"Aaron Judge has been cold lately with two hits and three walks (two intentional) since that game-tying homer in the 9th against Boston (six game span).

His odds of hitting .400 before the All-Star break are barely worth a sprinkle now as he's at a .366 batting average. However, he is still -110 to +110 to lead the MLB in homers and with 26 on the season, he ranks second.

I don't expect Cal Raleigh (27) to lead the MLB and Shohei Ohtani (25) is pitching now, so the wear and tear could affect the NL MVP favorite, so I think Judge is still a good bet to lead the MLB in homers."

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 Orioles and the Yankees:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the New York Yankees on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Baltimore Orioles at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the under 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 Orioles at Yankees

  • The Yankees have won 13 of their last 20 home games against teams with losing records
  • The Under is 41-30-3 in Yankees' games this season
  • New York is 12-3 on the ML when Max Fried pitches this season
  • Baltimore is 8-6 on the ML when Yomoyuki Sugano 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)
Posted on

2025 NBA Draft Order: Full list, dates, start times, and how to watch

The 2025 NBA Draft will be held on Wednesday, June 25, and Thursday, June 26, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Live coverage begins at 8 PM ET on both nights. This year marks the 79th edition of the event.

See below for everything you need to know about the 2025 NBA Draft, including the full draft order, how to watch information, and more.

RELATED:Pacers to trade No. 23 pick in this year’s NBA draft, Mojave King to Pelicans for 2026 first-rounder

2025 NBA Draft Order:

Round 1:

1. Dallas Mavericks

2. San Antonio Spurs

3. Philadelphia 76ers

4. Charlotte Hornets

5. Utah Jazz

6. Washington Wizards

7. New Orleans Pelicans

8. Brooklyn Nets

9. Toronto Raptors

10. Houston Rockets (from Phoenix via Brooklyn)

11. Portland Trail Blazers

12. Chicago Bulls

13. Atlanta Hawks (from Sacramento)

14. San Antonio Spurs (from Atlanta)

15. Oklahoma City (from Miami via the LA Clippers)

16. Memphis (from Orlando)

17. Minnesota (from Detroit via New York, Oklahoma City, and Houston)

18. Washington (from Memphis)

19. Brooklyn (from Milwaukee via New York, Detroit, Portland, and New Orleans)

20. Miami (from Golden State)

21. Utah (from Minnesota)

22. Atlanta (from the Los Angeles Lakers via New Orleans)

23. New Orleans (from Indiana)

24. Oklahoma City (from the LA Clippers)

25. Orlando (from Denver)

26. Brooklyn (from New York)

27. Brooklyn (from Houston)

28. Boston

29. Phoenix (from Cleveland via Utah)

30. LA Clippers (from Oklahoma City)

RELATED:Dallas Mavericks jump from 11th to first, win 2025 NBA Draft Lottery

Round 2:

31. Minnesota (from Utah)

32. Boston (from Washington via Detroit and Brooklyn)

33. Charlotte

34. Charlotte (from New Orleans via San Antonio, Phoenix, and Memphis)

35. Philadelphia

36. Brooklyn

37. Detroit (from Toronto via Dallas and San Antonio)

38. San Antonio

39. Toronto (from Portland via Sacramento)

40. Washington (from Phoenix)

41. Golden State (from Miami via Brooklyn and Indiana)

42. Sacramento (from Chicago via San Antonio)

43. Utah (from Dallas)

44. Oklahoma City (from Atlanta)

45. Chicago (from Sacramento)

46. Orlando

47. Milwaukee (from Detroit via Washington)

48. Memphis (from Golden State via Washington and Brooklyn)

49. Cleveland (from Milwaukee)

50. New York (from Memphis via Oklahoma City and Boston)

51. LA Clippers (from Minnesota via Atlanta and Houston)

52. Phoenix (from Denver via Charlotte and Minnesota)

53. Utah (from the LA Clippers via the Los Angeles Lakers)

54. Indiana

55. Los Angeles Lakers

— New York (forfeited)

56. Memphis (from Houston)

57. Orlando (from Boston)

58. Cleveland

59. Houston (from Oklahoma City via Atlanta)

Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper headline 19 players invited to 2025 NBA Draft green room
The 2025 NBA Draft takes place June 25 and 26 in Brooklyn.

When is the 2025 NBA Draft?

  • Round 1: Wednesday, June 25, at 8 PM ET
  • Round 2: Thursday, June 26, at 8 PM ET

How can I watch the 2025 NBA Draft?

Coverage of the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft will be available on ABC and ESPN. The second round will be available on ESPN and the ESPN app.

Where is the 2025 NBA Draft?

This year's draft will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

NBA: Boston Celtics at Phoenix Suns
NBA Trade Rumors Roundup: Kevin Durant wants Spurs not Timberwolves, Suns made no promises
Today’s trade rumor roundup is focused heavily on Kevin Durant, the first big domino that has to fall.

Head to nbcsports.com/nba for the latest NBA news, updates, and storylines!