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Caleb Malhotra Makes Sense For Blackhawks At 3rd Or 4th Overall

The Chicago Blackhawks have a decent chance to select first or second in the 2026 NHL Draft. The lowest they can pick is 4th, and that can only happen if both lottery winners come from teams that finished in 30th place or better. The lottery will make this determination on May 5th. 

If the Blackhawks select first or stay put at second, Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg are the two best options. With the third or fourth pick, assuming McKenna and Stenberg go first and second, the possibilities are endless. 

If they want to go the route of a defenseman, Chase Reid and Keaton Verhoeff are exceptional prospects. They can each move the puck, skate, and develop their two-way play as they move into pro hockey. 

The Blackhawks already have a lot of young studs on the blue line, but they may want someone who shows more promise as a true number one. If one of Reid or Verhoeff turned out to be better than both Sam Rinzel and Artyom Levshunov, it would make it a great selection. 

With all of that said, if they wanted to go with a forward 3rd or 4th overall, Caleb Malhotra would be an excellent pick. He is a true center and projects to be one at the NHL level. 

With Nick Lardis and Marek Vanacker already in the organization, the Blackhawks have had a great line between them and the OHL's Brantford Bulldogs. Malhotra would be a great person to extend that relationship. 

During the 2025-26 season, Malhotra was second in scoring on the Bulldogs with 84 points (29 goals). Only Jake O'Brien, who was drafted eighth overall by the Seattle Kraken in 2025, had more points (93). Vanacker, sharing the ice with Malhotra, led the OHL with 47 goals. 

Malhotra's father, former NHL player Manny Malhotra, is the head coach of the Abbotsford Canucks, the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks. His son, Caleb, has a great chance to be the first center off the board in 2026. 

What makes Caleb Malhotra an elite prospect is his two-way ability. When he doesn't have the puck, you can expect him to make wise choices while defending and trying to get the puck back. On offense, he has an incredible hockey IQ, which allows him to make plays for himself and others. 

If the Blackhawks drafted him, it would become almost certain that one (or maybe both) of Frank Nazar or Anton Frondell will become a full-time wing. Having that level of forward depth and versatility would pay off down the road when they are dealing with playoff matchups. 

In his draft +1 year, Malhotra is committed to play for Jay Pandolfo and the Boston University Terriers. That squad is projected to be very good, which would make for a great developmental environment for a young star like Malhotra. 

The results of the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery will determine whether or not this is a possibility for Chicago. If they do end up taking Malhotra, you'll know they did their homework because they are in Brantford scouting quite a bit. 

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Mets Daily Prospect Report, 4/23/26: St. Lucie saves the day

Feb 17, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Jacob Reimer (98) throws the ball during the New York Mets spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

Triple-A: Syracuse Mets (12-10)

Worcester 7, Syracuse 6 (BOX)

Starter Brandon Waddell had a slow start to the game, allowing three first inning runs. He would settle down in his next two frames, handing off a 3-0 deficit to the bullpen. The score stayed 3-0 until the fifth, when Ji Hwan Bae doubled home two to make it 3-2. Jackson Cluff hit a three run home run in the sixth to make it 5-3 Mets. Both clubs traded runs in the bottom of the seventh and the top of the eight, giving Syracuse a 6-4 lead heading into the eighth inning.

The eighth inning saw the bullpen start to fall apart, as they surrendered a run in the eighth. Eventually, they would blow the game completely, getting walked off in the bottom of the ninth.

  • RF Nick Morabito: 0-2, R, 3 BB, K, 2 SB
  • DH Ji Hwan Bae: 2-5, 2B, 3 RBI
  • 3B Ronny Mauricio: 0-4, BB, K
  • LF Ryan Clifford: 0-3, 2 BB, 2 K
  • SS Vidal Bruján: 1-4, R, BB, K, E (4)
  • CF Cristian Pache: 2-4, R, 2B, BB, SB (5)
  • 2B Jackson Cluff: 2-4, 2 R, HR (3), 3 RBI, BB, K, SB (2)
  • 1B Trace Willhoite: 1-3, R, 2B, BB, K
  • C Onix Vega: 1-4
  • LHP Brandon Waddell: 3.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 1 WP
  • RHP Jonathan Pintaro: 3.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
  • REHAB ALERT: LHP A.J. Minter: 1.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, H (1)
  • RHP Ryan Lambert: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, H (4)
  • RHP Alex Carrillo: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 1 WP, L (1-1), H (1)
  • RHP Daniel Duarte: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, BS (2)

Double-A: Binghamton Rumble Ponies (6-10)

Erie 8, Binghamton 1 (BOX)

Will Watson, the 2024 seventh round pick who burst onto the scene with a 2.60 ERA across three levels last year, continued his slow start to the 2026 campaign. He surrendered a three run home run in the second, another run in the third, and it was academic from there for Erie.

The two bright spots on the day for the Rumble Ponies are Eli Serrano, who pushed his season OPS to .942 and drove in their only run with a double, and Jacob Reimer, who has struggled mightily this year, but went 4-4 on the day.

  • CF A.J. Ewing: 0-4, K
  • SS Marco Vargas: 0-4, 2 K
  • 3B Jacob Reimer: 4-4, R, 2B
  • C Chris Suero: 1-4, K
  • LF Eli Serrano III: 1-3, 2B, RBI, BB, K
  • RF Jose Ramos: 0-4, K
  • DH Kevin Parada: 1-3, BB
  • 1B Nick Lorusso: 0-4, 3 K
  • 2B Wyatt Young: 0-3, 2 K
  • RHP Will Watson: 5.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, L (0-3)
  • LHP Felipe De La Cruz: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP
  • RHP Zach Peek: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP
  • RHP Saul Garcia: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

High-A: Brooklyn Cyclones (4-12)

Hudson Valley 4, Brooklyn 3 (BOX)

Brooklyn continued to struggle in 2026, dropping their 12 game over their first 16. They actually led this game 2-0 after one, with Corey Collins and Ronald Hernandez driving in the runs with a sacrifice fly and double respectively. Hudson Valley slowly but surely chipped away at the small lead, and eventually led the game themselves by a score of 3-2 after four. A John Bay single would tie it in the sixth, and that score would hold until the ninth inning, when Bryce Jenkins would surrender a walk off home run.

  • 2B Mitch Voit: 0-3, R, BB, 2 SB (3, 4)
  • SS Antonio Jimenez: 0-4, K
  • DH Daiverson Gutierrez: 1-3, 2 R, 2 K
  • 1B Corey Collins: 0-3, RBI, K
  • C Ronald Hernandez: 1-4, 2B, RBI, K, E (3)
  • CF John Bay: 1-4, RBI, K
  • 3B Colin Houck: 1-3, BB, K
  • RF Yohairo Cuevas: 1-3, BB, K
  • LF Kevin Villavicencio: 0-3, K, E (2)
  • RHP Noah Hall: 3.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 1 HBP
  • RHP Parker Carlson: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
  • RHP Cristofer Gomez: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
  • RHP Bryce Jenkins: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, L (0-1)

Single-A: St. Lucie Mets (9-8)

St. Lucie 5, Palm Beach 2 (BOX)

A win! The only win in the organization besides THE METS WHO SNAPPED THEIR 12 GAME LOSING STREAK(!!!).

St. Lucie actually trailed 2-0 after a two run home run in the second inning, but starter Frank Camarillo settled down from there to deliver five innings of two run ball. The Mets tied the game in the bottom of the fourth with RBI singles by JT Benson and Branny De Oleo. Julio Zayas gave tgem the lead with a double in the seventh, AJ Salgado added a run with a sacrifice fly, and Sam Biller added another insurance run with a double of his own. The St. Lucie pen was nearly perfect surrendering just two hits and a walk.

  • SS Elian Peña: 1-3, R, 2 BB, K
  • 2B Sam Robertson: 0-4, R, 2 K
  • 1B Randy Guzman: 0-3, BB, 2 K
  • DH Julio Zayas: 2-4, 2B, RBI, K
  • RF AJ Salgado: 0-3, R, RBI, 2 K, SB (2)
  • CF JT Benson: 1-4, R, RBI, SB (3)
  • C Chase Meggers: 0-1, R, 3 BB, K
  • LF Sam Biller: 1-2, 2B, RBI, BB, K, SB (5)
  • 3B Branny De Oleo: 1-4, RBI, 2 K, E (2)
  • RHP Frank Camarillo: 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
  • LHP Nate Lavender: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
  • RHP Elwis Mijares: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, W (2-0)
  • RHP Tyler McLoughlin: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, WP (1), S (1)

Rookie: FCL Mets (0-0)

NO GAME (SCHEDULE)

STAR OF THE NIGHT

Jacob Reimer

GOAT OF THE NIGHT

Nick Lorusso

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Orioles news: Holliday’s MRI, another comeback win

Apr 22, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Orioles left fielder Colton Cowser (17) and center fielder Leody Taveras (30) and right fielder Dylan Beavers (12) celebrate in the outfield after the win over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Hello, friends.

The Orioles have escaped Kansas City with a series win after pulling off a comeback to get an 8-6 victory in yesterday’s game, bringing themselves back within a game of .500. The Royals broke a long losing streak with their win on Tuesday but remain in the basement of the American League. You could maybe say that it would have been better if the O’s really embarrassed the worst team, which they didn’t do. Still, they won two of three, and they showed some resilience in doing it, so that’s something. Check out Paul Folkemer’s recap of the game for more of the lovely totals.

One thing I think that we can hope for coming out of that series is that the signs of life from Samuel Basallo and Coby Mayo at the plate continue. Mayo, in particular, had a pair of three-run homers over the course of the series. Struggling outfielders Dylan Beavers and Colton Cowser had two hits apiece in Wednesday’s game as well. The problems that the team has had so far will seem a lot easier to overcome if these guys are able to start hitting at least decently.

Less positive is the continuing struggle of this year’s edition of the veteran starting pitcher signing, Chris Bassitt. The team spotted him a five-run lead yesterday after scoring six runs in the top of the sixth inning and Bassitt still couldn’t get through the bottom of the inning without making things way more interesting. He gave up a home run to the first batter he saw after the big O’s offensive outburst. In all, Bassitt gave up five runs in 5.1 innings to raise his season ERA to 6.75 after five starts.

It’s not quite Charlie Morton territory. Morton had a 10.89 ERA after the same number of games, after which he got dumped from the rotation. With each of Cade Povich and Brandon Young starting off well for Triple-A Norfolk, I understand the impulse to do the same for Bassitt. I doubt that the Orioles will, at least not unless this drags out for a longer at this level of bad results. Maybe another five starts. At least we don’t have to worry about him for a few more days.

There’s a little Orioles injury news that will probably hang in limbo over the off day today. Jackson Holliday was sent back to Baltimore yesterday for an MRI on his hand after his latest rehab stint was shut down following an uncomfortable swing in Norfolk. There was no news about it after yesterday’s game and there probably won’t be in the off day either. We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out if there are any updates to be had there – or with any of the other injured O’s who might be back any day now or might just keep on lingering.

The Orioles will next be in action on Friday night at home against the Red Sox starting at 7:05. As of this writing, there is not a scheduled starter for the Orioles. If they don’t use the off day to skip Dean Kremer’s turn, then it will be Kremer who would be on turn to make the start. The Red Sox will send out Brayan Bello, who’s struggled to begin the 2026 season. This does not necessarily mean anything where the enigmatic Orioles offense is concerned.

Orioles stuff you might have missed

Orioles place Helsley on family leave/bereavement list, recall Espada (Baltimore Baseball)
There was a roster move ahead of yesterday’s game, with the closer leaving for a few days for the family medical or bereavement leave list. The team did not announce the specific circumstances. If it is a medical situation, I wish the best for it turning out well. If it’s bereavement, condolences to the family.

Jeremiah Jackson is getting his hacks in (FanGraphs)
The folks at FanGraphs have taken notice of the strong start by an unlikely Oriole. Now that Jackson’s BABIP luck has reached a more stable place, what might he do the rest of the way?

How Tyler Wells’s new mental approach is helping with life in the bullpen (The Baltimore Banner)
Wells had a great outing yesterday, with 1.2 innings scoreless. That’s heading in the right direction.

Birthdays and Orioles anniversaries

Today in 1994, future Hall of Famer Lee Smith picked up his ninth save of the season in the 16th game played by the Orioles. This was a new MLB record for fastest to nine saves. The Orioles beat the Mariners, 4-3, as Smith got his save. He did not allow a run over 12 April appearances that year.

In their 25th game one year ago, the Orioles lost to the Tigers, 4-3, in the first game of a doubleheader, to fall to 10-15 on the season. Jordan Westburg, Ryan O’Hearn, and Ramón Urías all had three hits in the losing effort for the O’s. For the time being, the 2026 edition of the team is doing two games better than those guys.

There are a few former Orioles who were born on this day. They are: 2022 pitcher Louis Head, 2009 pitcher Sean Henn, and 1957 infielder Buddy Peterson.

Is today your birthday? Happy birthday to you! Your birthday buddies for today include: playwright William Shakespeare (1564), 15th president James Buchanan (1791), physicist Max Planck (1858), baseball Hall of Famer Warren Spahn (1921), actress Shirley Temple (1928), musician Roy Orbison (1936), wrestler/actor John Cena (1977), comedian/host John Oliver (1977), baseball Hall of Famer Andruw Jones (1977), and gold medal snowboarder Chloe Kim (2000).

On this day in history…

In 1014, the Irish, led by High King Brian Boru, repelled a Viking invasion in the Battle of Clontarf, though Brian Boru himself was killed in the battle.

In 1635, the Boston Latin School was founded. Still in operation continuously on through today, this school is recognized as the first public school in what is now the United States.

In 1985, Coca-Cola released New Coke, a change to its formula. Within three months, they brought back the previous Coca-Cola formula. New Coke survived as Coke II through 2002.

In 2005, the first YouTube video was posted. One of its co-founders released a video titled “Me at the zoo”.

**

And that’s the way it is in Birdland on April 23. Have a safe Thursday.

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Phillies News: J.T. Realmuto, Clearwater, Lucas Giolito

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 13: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park on April 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Cubs 13-7. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Phillies have been bad and unlucky to start the season. Now they can officially add “injured” to that list of grievances, as J.T. Realmuto was placed on the injured list with back spasms, joining the likes of Jhoan Duran, Jonathan Bowlan, and Zach Pop who were already on the IL. Get ready for a whole lot more Rafael Marchán and some Garrett Stubbs.

On to the links.

Phillies news:

MLB news:

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Open Thread: Victor Wembanyama’s 48-hour protocol expires Thursday evening

It was hard to watch on Tuesday as Victor Wembanyama collided with Jrue Holiday just minutes into the second quarter. Upon impact, Wemby lost his balance and landed face first onto the hardwood. In the immediate aftermath, it was unclear if Wemby had been knocked unconscious. After a few moments, he turned around appearing to stand up, only to need another moment to regain his composure.

Dusty Garza with Spurs Reporter posted this doctor’s opinion:

As Shams Charania reported, Wemby’s 48 hours began immediately after the diagnosis. He is being re-evaluated and monitored. As of this post, the 2-days ends this evening, Thursday, April 23rd at arounf 8:00 p.m.

Wemby is hoping to travel with the Spurs in the event he is available to play in either game 3 or game 4, but no decision will be available until he’s been fully checked out and given the go ahead.

Dr. Brian Sutterer, who independently analyzes sports injuries for his own YouTube channel, posted this video:

According to NBA protocol, which is less stringent than the NFL, Wemby “theoretically, could come back for game 3,” but the doctor states that he doesn’t think that time should be the only metric used in making the decision.

If past is prologue, the Spurs will not release any information until necessary and will not play Victor Wembanyama until it is believed he is in the right physical and emotional state and that his injury won’t hamper his playing ability or harm him.

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Game 3 Preview: B’s look to keep momentum going on home ice

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - APRIL 21: Logan Stanley #64 of the Buffalo Sabres and Mark Kastelic #47 of the Boston Bruins fight during the third period in Game Two of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center on April 21, 2026 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Just the facts

  • When: Tonight, 7 PM
  • Where: TD Garden – Boston, MA
  • How to follow: NESN, 98.5 The Sports Hub, TNT, TruTV, HBO Max
  • Opposing perspective:Die by the Blade

Know your enemy

  • 1-1-0, series tied 1-1
  • Tage Thompson: 2G-1A-3PTS; Alex Tuch: 1G-2A-3PTS; Peyton Krebs: 1G-1A-2PTS
  • Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen: 1-1-0, 4.19 GAA, .825 save percentage

Game notes

  • After earning a hard-fought split in two games in Buffalo, this first round series shifts to Boston, where the Bruins will look to build on a strong effort in Game 2.
  • The Bruins were the second-best road team in the NHL during the regular season, winning 29 of their 41 home games. Carolina also won 29 games, but had two OT losses to the Bruins one, so they had a one-point edge in overall performance on home ice.
  • The shift to TD Garden will give Marco Sturm and the Bruins a chance to have the second change during all stoppages, which could allow Sturm to try to go for some more favorable match-ups. For example, he could try to deploy some line-matching on Tage Thompson’s line, or could elect to put his speedy third line out against more opportune opposition. It’s probably not something worth overthinking too much, but could be a slight advantage.
  • At this point, it looks like a case of which team blinks first in terms of lineup changes. Barring injury, the Bruins aren’t likely to shake things up yet on the back of two (mostly) strong performances. On the Buffalo side, however, there’s some clamoring for a change in net, something Lindy Ruff wouldn’t comment on yesterday. Gaffe on Morgan Geekie aside, I don’t think Luukkonen has been terrible, and if you pull him now, you likely can’t go back to him in the series. Still, it’s a move Ruff will probably make tonight.
  • Noah Ostlund may be available for Buffalo tonight. The forward has been out since the end of March and could rotate into the lineup to give Buffalo a bit of a boost. The rookie had 11G-16A-60PTS totals in the regular season.
  • Game 2 was more physical than Game 1, a trend the Bruins would likely want to continue in Game 3. I’m not sure we’ll see Pittsburgh-Philly Game 3 levels of shenanigans, but you never know. The Sabres, as a team, are faster than the Bruins, so it benefits the B’s to make the game more of a grind instead of a track meet.
  • However, Ruff is already delving into the Craig Berube School of Coaching manual, accusing the Bruins of “clutching and grabbing” to “slow things down.” If the Bruins get called for a holding penalty five minutes into the game, don’t be surprised.
  • As another reminder, this game will start at 7 PM, not 7:30 PM, though that might be more of a “7ish” because the game is on TNT.

See ya tonight!

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Thursday’s Brotherhood Playoff News & Links

Dec 28, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) shoots on Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

In Wednesday’s Brotherhood Playoff Action, Detroit beat Orlando, 98-83, and OKC tamed Phoenix, 120-107.

Detroit didn’t have too much trouble with Orlando in this one, though Paolo Banchero scored 18 points and also had 6 rebounds and 8 assists.

With just three points, Wendell Carter didn’t have a great game, though his rivalry with Jalen Duren livened things up. Carter is dating Angel Reese, while Duren used to as well. Things might get a bit heated, obviously, and they did.

The Thunder took a 2-0 lead on Phoenix, but the Suns are still without Mark Williams and Grayson Allen, both out with injuries.

Khaman Maluach got 19 minutes, scoring 4 points and grabbing 2 boards.

On Thursday, we’ll see Quin Snyder’s Hawks take on the New York Knicks. Tyrese Proctor and the Cleveland Cavaliers will see the Toronto Raptors, featuring RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram. Finally, Tyus Jones and the Denver Nuggets will challenge the Timberwolves.

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New England coach McDermott backs Connor and criticises Wane’s ‘unfair’ treatment

  • Super League Man of Steel central to World Cup plans

  • McDermott: ‘We can win it; absolutely we can win it’

Brian McDermott, the new England head coach, has insisted that Super League’s reigning Man of Steel, Jake Connor, is central to his plans for this year’s World Cup, before appearing to attack the treatment of the Leeds Rhinos half-back by his predecessor Shaun Wane.

McDermott was unveiled on Thursday as England’s coach on a short-term deal for the tournament in Australia this autumn. The former Leeds and London coach is now working in the NRL as an assistant for Gold Coast Titans and saw off competition from Sam Burgess to be named as Wane’s successor.

Continue reading...
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De’Anthony Melton’s expected free agent market may lead to his leaving Warriors

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 10: De'Anthony Melton #8 and Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 10, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

One of the best value contracts on the Warriors last season was De’Anthony Melton, who averaged 12.3 points and 1.6 steals in 49 games, for just under $3.1M. After proving he’d recovered nicely from his ACL tear early in the 2024-25 season, a Warriors insider suggested that Melton will have teams planning to offer him more than a one-year minimum deal.

Melton signed with the Warriors for $12.8M before the 2024-25 season, but suffered an ACL tear in his sixth game with the team. The team traded him for Dennis Schroder, then flipped Schroder in the trade for Jimmy Butler, while Melton spent the season rehabbing. He came back to Golden State on a make-good minimum contract, eventually debuting on Dec. 4.

He made good. Melton played 49 out of 60 games since his return, mainly due to sitting out one half of their back-to-backs. His outside shooting was pretty bad, going 29.4% from three-point range, but some of his shooting decline was due to having to shoot off the dribble and create his own shot more when the Warriors stars were out. Melton has been an excellent role player for some very good teams, the Memphis Grizzlies and Philadelphia 76ers, and last season indicated he could do it again.

At the very least, Melton should be able to get a two-year deal at the taxpayer mid-level exception, which would be roughly twice the years and twice the money of his 2026-27 player option.

Does that mean he’ll leave the Warriors? Honestly, the only player who seems certain to be a member of the 2026-27 Warriors is Wardell Stephen Curry. While the Warriors would probably love to have Melton back, their may be a limit to what they’d love to pay him.

Melton would probably love to get more financial security. The Warriors may no longer be in a position to offer that, nor can they entice veterans with the chance to compete for titles. Or, realistically, the chance to compete for guaranteed playoff seeds. If a quality role player wants to take a discount for a real shot at playing not one, but two play-in tournament games? Then welcome to the Chase Center!

Golden State already has a lot of free-agent decisions to make on players ranging from Kristaps Porzingis to Gui Santos to Gary Payton II. All signs are pointing to Melton joining that uncertain group.

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Anthony Mantha is making the Penguins decision easy for them

Apr 20, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (80) makes a save as Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Anthony Mantha (39) looks for a rebound during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

There is not any one player or person that is responsible for the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 series deficit. It has been a well-earned, collective group effort that everybody has to own. The Penguins have allowed themselves to get suckered into Philadelphia’s game, there is little discipline, they are not in any way adapting to what the Flyers are doing defensively, and Dan Muse has not exactly covered himself in glory in his first big moment on the big stage.

But of all the players that have come up small in this series so far, Anthony Mantha might be one of the most obvious.

It might also be making whatever decision the Penguins have to make with him this summer a lot easier for them.

Coming into the playoffs, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman made mention that Mantha might be one of the most watched players in these playoffs (and that almost certainly includes the Penguins), and it’s not hard to understand why there would be so much interest in him.

He led the team with 33 goals and put together a career year.

He is an unrestricted free agent this summer and is going to be one of the top players available, at least in terms of production this season, in a painfully shallow pool of players.

A big postseason showing, on the heels of that regular season performance, would have certainly opened some eyes across the league. It would have also opened checkbooks.

While you shouldn’t let small sample sizes drive your team-building decisions, the harsh reality is teams put a lot of weight on what you do in the playoffs. Or sometimes what you do not do in the playoffs.

And the latter point is what is going to be the problem for Mantha.

He entered this year’s postseason having scored 0 goals in 14 career playoff games.

He has now played 17 career playoff games and is still stuck on zero goals, while being a complete non-factor in the first three games of the series.

Making matters worse, he took one of the costliest — and most easily avoidable — penalties in recent Penguins playoff history when he inexplicably launched the puck from the defensive zone into the stands over the team’s bench. It was not only a bad penalty to take just because it is such an avoidable play, but also because of the timing. There were only eight minutes remaining in the game. The Penguins were still trailing by a goal, had just scored to make it a one-goal game, and were starting to tilt the ice a little bit. There was some momentum building.

And then it was gone.

And then Philadelphia responded with a power play goal to put the game, and maybe the series, back out of reach.

Given the context of the entire situation, it was just a brutal play.

Mantha was never meant to be a long-term answer for the Penguins when they signed him this past offseason. The plan was almost certainly for him to get put somewhere in the top-six, build up his value by chipping in some goals for a rebuilding team, and then get dealt at the trade deadline for a second-round pick. But both he and the Penguins threw a wrench into that plan. The Penguins by being better than expected and making the playoffs, and Mantha by being their top goal-scorer, with several of them coming in big moments.

As the Penguins inched closer to a playoff spot, and he kept producing, there was no chance they were going to move him in-season.

That eventually led to discussion of a possible extension, especially given the lack of quality free agents on the open market and the amount of salary cap space the Penguins have available to them.

But it’s hard to imagine this performance is making anybody in the Penguins front office excited about the idea of re-investing him, especially given the way this series has played out. It’s almost certainly hurting his standing in the eyes of fans.

Is that a valid response to a three game sample size?

Or is it an overreaction given how good the season as a whole went?

Maybe a little of both. But at some point the Penguins do need to find a way to get younger and faster, and a 32-year-old winger with an injury history that’s been a non-factor in the playoffs, and is probably unlikely to repeat his regular season performance, doesn’t seem to be the way to do that.

I don’t blame the Penguins for not trading him in March, and I am not going to criticize them for that decision. Given the way the season played out and the way expectations changed, it was the right move. The initial signing itself has also been an obvious win. But it might be best to just leave it at that. The tough decision they had this summer is not looking as tough as it did a couple of weeks ago.

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Cavs have a plan for keeping Jaylon Tyson informed about Jordyn during NFL Draft

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 10: Jaylon Tyson #20 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on April 10, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

INDEPENDENCE — Brothers Jaylon and Jordyn Tyson have a friendly wager on whether Jordyn will be a top-10 NFL Draft pick. Unfortunately, Jaylon won’t be able to go to the draft or even watch it on TV live to find out who wins the bet. The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Toronto Raptors at the same time the Draft is set to start.

The Cavs can’t let Jaylon watch the start of the draft, but they are working on a plan to keep him updated on what’s happening.

“We’re going to make sure he gets the news somehow,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said after practice on Wednesday. “I know it’s the playoffs and all, but that’s your family and your brother. So we’re going to get that to him.”

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We’ll see where Jordyn ends up going in the draft. Many see him as the best wide receiver in this year’s draft class. ESPN’s latest mock draft has him landing in the fifth spot with the New York Giants. However, there’s speculation that he may fall down the board due to some injury concerns.

Although Jaylon doesn’t see a fall happening. He’s been steadfast in his belief that Jordyn is going to go high.

“JT has been telling me he’s a top-10 pick, so I’m going with that,” Atkinson said. “That would be awesome.”

Jaylon is expected to have a big role in Game 3 for the Cavs. Atkinson thinks that Tyson has played well in the minutes he’s gotten in the first two games of the opening round series and believes that he will have a breakout game. It’s not a matter of if, just a matter of when.

“I told him today he’s next up,” Atkinson said. “Max had that big game, core four had their big games. [Next] it’s going to be Jaylon Tyson. I can almost guarantee that he’s going to have one of those games.”

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Battle of Penn at the brink, North Star battle goes to OT

One of the many uniforms… | Getty Images

Wednesday night was another fun one in the first round of the NHL playoffs.

  • The Battle of Pennsylvania continued to inflict much-deserved pain on Pittsburgh, as the Penguins fell behind 3-0 in their series with the Flyers after a wild sequence where every skater on the ice was sent to the box early in the second period.
  • The Battle for North Stars History continued between the 3rd-overall Dallas Stars and 7th-overall Minnesota Wild, extending deep into double overtime before the Stars converted on their second 2OT power play opportunity (this, after the Wild whiffed on two power plays in the first OT).
  • Meanwhile, the Ducks got on the board to even their series with the Oilers after a 6-4 win over Edmonton where Connor McDavid was held pointless.

Thursday Night

Meanwhile, Thursday night the Bridgeport Islanders are in Hershey hoping to extend their mini-series after dropping Game 1 at home, 2-0.

  • Here’s Andrew Gross’ piece on Long Island fans heading to Bridgeport to take them in one last time. [Newsday]
  • Speaking of the Isles’ AHL affiliate, they’ve filed for some trademark options for the team in Hamilton. [THN]

And in the NHL, there are three games Thursday with the Bruins and Sabres knotted at 1-1, while the Hurricanes-Senators (2-0) and Avalanche-Kings (2-0) switch venues with the trailing teams at home hoping to stay in the series.

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Pens Points: Not Great

PHILADELPHIA , PA - APRIL 22: Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust #17 attempts to step on Philadelphia Flyers right wing Travis Konecny #11 during game three of the Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburg Penguins on April 22nd, 2026 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Needing a win to avoid going down 0-3 in the series, the Pittsburgh Penguins struck first on Wednesday night for their first lead of the series, but three second period goals from the Philadelphia Flyers erased that deficit and the Penguins subsequently came apart at the seams in what turned out to be a 5-2 loss in Game 3 and had the Penguins staring down a possible first round sweep at the hands of their cross-state rival. [Pensburgh]

If the Penguins hope to avoid an embarrassing sweep, they will need to win Game 4 which is scheduled for Saturday evening back in Philadelphia.

Pens Points…

It’s not a roster move that had any effect on Game 3 between the Penguins and Flyers last night, but goaltender Sergei Murashov was recalled from the AHL to serve as the third netminder on the roster with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins being off until their playoff series begins next week. [The Hockey News]

NHL News and Notes…

Roope Hintz remained out for the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of their first round series with the Minnesota Wild and all signs point to Hintz also being out for Game 4 on Saturday. Since sustaining a lower-body injury back on March 6th, Hintz has not played or even skated at practice for the Stars. [NHL]

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Can Cam Schlittler surpass the hype tonight?

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 17: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees looks on before the game against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium on April 17, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Yankees have stormed Fenway and taken their first series meeting with the Red Sox, and now they stand on the precipice of opening the season series up with a sweep. Their pitching has kept the Sox shut down thus far, tossing a shutout in the first game and allowing a single run in the ninth inning of game two. While the two teams have been on different trajectories to start the year, this matchup has only furthered the gap with a chance to punt them further down into the cellar of the AL East.

Now the baton passes over to Cam Schlittler to get the job done, and while it’s nowhere near the same scenario as the last time he lined up against them there’s a familiar vibe to this start. Schlittler was the man most responsible for ending Boston’s season last year, pitching eight shutout innings in Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series and striking out a dozen batters in the process. This time around the Sox aren’t dead in the water if they lose, but a poor April can doom a team in this division especially when you tip the season series heavily in the favor of a team that you know you’ll be chasing all year. They certainly can’t be thrilled that they’re facing the young phenom here in this moment, even if the thought of revenge is on most of their batters’ minds.

That outing was by far the highlight of Schlittler’s 2025 season, as he delivered a generational postseason performance for the Yankees’ staff. He was excellent in his regular season starts, earning his way into the circle of trust for an October outing in the first place despite debuting midway through the year, but no one could have expected him to go out and carve up Boston. Now the expectations have heightened considerably for him in his sophomore season, and he’s somehow managing to deliver. He’s the owner of a sparkling 1.95 ERA thus far, but his FIP is even more outstanding at 0.87 — that’s the kind of potential that the Yankees haven’t seen out of a pitching prospect in ages, and it’s coming closer to fruition with each successful start. Add onto that how down-trodden the Sox currently look offensively, and there’s a perfect storm building for the brooms to kick up a lot of dust as they get brought out.

Baseball rarely plays to expectations, though. The better a team plays, the more surprising the random pitfalls that they go through become. And even the best teams are going to drop dozens of games that make you scratch your head and wonder “how did they lose that?” So with the stage set for Schlittler to take it to his hometown team once more, will he live up to that hype? Can he manage to beat it even? Or will the Sox protect their pride and answer back, adding another page into this chapter of the rivalry?

Today on the site, we’ve got a full schedule leading up to the series finale. Peter starts us off by looking at Luis Gil’s recent stellar outing against the Sox for the Sequence of the Week, and then I’ll handle the Rivalry Roundup. Jeff wishes newly-minted Hall of Famer Andruw Jones a happy birthday and reminisces on his playing career, John muses on the modern bullpen building methods that the Yankees have deployed, Kento considers the recent wave of early extensions that teams have been handing out and how it tempers the ability to rely on free agent retooling, and Peter returns to examine the resurgence of the sinker in the Yankee organization.

Today’s Matchup

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox

Time: 6:10 p.m. EST

Video: YES Network, NESN+, FS1

Venue: Fenway Park, Boston, MA

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Kentucky Football and Will Stein face MLB Draft hurdle for 4-star QB Matt Ponatoski

matt ponatoski
Moeller senior Matt Ponatoski prepares for a pitch as Moeller defeated Ryle 12-2 in the River Cup during the Skyline Chili Reds Futures Showcase March 29, 2026, at Sycamore High School. | James Weber/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Will Stein and Nick Mingione have been working in tandem to map out just how 4-star quarterback Matt Ponatoski can play baseball and football at Kentucky.

There is just one massive, unavoidable hurdle standing in the way of getting Ponatoski, who has already signed, to campus: the MLB Draft.

The generational profile of Matt Ponatoski

Ponatoski’s resume is the stuff of legend. He was named Mr. Football in Ohio for the 2024 season and was a finalist again in 2025. He also swept the Gatorade Player of the Year awards in both baseball and football for the 2025 season.

He signed early with Kentucky once Will Stein replaced Mark Stoops, locking him in as a possible QB of the future. But when you possess the kind of raw talent Ponatoski does, the lure of turning professional straight out of high school is incredibly strong.

Just how elite is his baseball profile? When he stepped onto the diamond for a recent Perfect Game showcase, scouts tested his arm strength across the infield. Ponatoski unleashed an absolute heater that was clocked at 101 MPH. For context, that is the type of arm strength usually reserved for elite MLB superstars like the Reds’ Elly De La Cruz, except Elly is 24 years old, and Matt is just 18.

The mindset and the money

Currently, MLB scouts are weighing the risk of Ponatoski’s football commitment against his undeniable baseball ceiling. In a recent ESPN mini-mock draft from April 17, Ponatoski was projected to go at No. 69 overall. Factoring in compensation and competitive balance additions, that projection places him as a borderline second-round pick.

For Ponatoski, the decision is a win-win scenario, but it requires serious deliberation.

“I’m going to be fully prepared to go to school and go be at Kentucky and enroll and go compete for a quarterback battle when I get there,” Ponatoski recently said regarding his thought process. “But at the same time, like going and putting my best foot forward to these MLB teams and showing them like I have what it takes for you to draft me.”

“It’s one A and one B,” he continued. “I’m going to go have a great career at Kentucky, or I’m going to go be a professional baseball player. It’s like you can’t draw it up much better.”

Financially, the playing field is surprisingly level. A second-round slot value in the MLB Draft usually guarantees a signing bonus between $1 million and $2 million. In the modern NIL landscape, a 4-star SEC quarterback of his caliber will command a very similar valuation if he decides to honor his commitment to Kentucky.

The timeline

Ultimately, the decision will come down to how MLB front offices evaluate him. If a team falls in love with his 101 MPH arm and he creeps into the first round, the guaranteed money will likely pull him to the minor leagues. If he remains a second or third-round evaluation, returning to Lexington makes all the sense in the world.

The stakes are high because of MLB Draft eligibility rules. If Ponatoski enrolls at a four-year university like Kentucky, he is locked into the college ranks and cannot enter the MLB Draft again until after his junior year or until he turns 21, whichever comes first.

He is currently not on campus and plans to join the football team in the fall if he chooses the collegiate route. The MLB Draft takes place from July 11-12 in Philadelphia. After being selected, Ponatoski will have to choose to either sign or go to college. He may also let teams know ahead of time that he is going to college, so no one drafts him. Either way, we will finally know if Kentucky’s dual-sport dream will become a reality soon.