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Astros at Tigers Game Discussion: 6/26/2026

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 20: Spencer Arrighetti #41 of the Houston Astros pitches in the second inning during a game against the Cleveland Guardians at Daikin Park on June 20, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (40-43) and Detroit Tigers (34-47) will play the 2nd game of their 4-game set tonight at Comerica Park.

RHP Spencer Arrighetti (7-3, 3.13 ERA) will start for the Astros vs. Tigers RHP Keider Montero (3-5, 3.68 ERA). Tonight will be Arrighetti’s 3rd career start/app. vs. DET and his 2nd at Comerica Park.

ROAD TRIPPIN: Tonight is the 5th game (3-1 thus far) of a 7-game road trip for the Astros. They were 2-1 at TOR on the 1st stop of the trip.

Road Recovery: The Astros are 13-7 in their last 3 road trips combined. They have have posted a 19-13 record on the road since going 1-9 on their 1st road trip of the 2026 season.

Road Bats: The Astros are 2nd in the AL in road OPS (.737), T-2nd in road HR (57) and 3rd in road SLG (.414).

ASTROS-TIGERS: The Astros are 3-1 vs. DET this season, having won 2 of 3 games from the Tigers last week at Daikin Park (June 15-17). The 2 clubs will play all 7 of their scheduled games between June 15-28.

In 2025, the Astros and Tigers finished with identical 87-75 records, with the Tigers earning the final AL Wild Card spot due to winning the season series vs. HOU.

Recent Success: Since 2022, the Astros are 19-10 vs. DET with an 8-4 record here at Comerica Park.

SPENCER’S GIFTS: RHP Spencer Arrighetti is 7-3 in his 12 starts with a 3.13 ERA, leading the club in both categories. He currently ranks T-6th in the AL in wins and 6th in ERA (min. 65.0 IP).

Additionally, he has allowed just 51 hits in his 69.0 innings of work and just 6 HR in his 12 starts on the season.

Pitcher of the Month: Arrighetti was named AL Pitcher of the Month for May, posting a 4-1 record with a 0.93 ERA.

WINNING THE CLOSE CALLS: The Astros are now 9-4 in 1-run games and 16-10 in 2-run games (4-4 in extra innings).

SERIES-LY SPEAKING: The Astros have won 4 consecutive series for the 1st time in 2026, posting an 8-4 record in that span. The last time that the Astros won that many series in a row was when they won 5 straight, from June 20-July 6 of last season (went 12-3 in that stretch).

RECENT STROS: The Astros have won 4 of 5, 7 of 9 and 9 of their last 13 games.

THE SLOW TURNAROUND: After a slow start to the season, over the last month or so (May 21-June 25), the Astros are 20-12 (.625), which is the best record in the AL in that span.

Top Records since May 21 (AL)

1. HOU: 20-12 (.625)

2. NYY: 18-12 (.600)

STANDINGS UPDATE: The Astros currently occupy the final Wild Card position in the AL. HOU is also T-2nd in the AL West, 1.5 games behind SEA for the top spot in the division.

MVP-CALIBER: Yordan Alvarez has had a torrid 1st half to his season, currently leading all of baseball with a 1.055 OPS. Additionally, he leads the AL in SLG (.625), OBP (.430), TB (185), is T-1st in HR (25), 2nd in batting avg. (.318) and T-3rd in RBI (56). Alvarez, who was the AL Player of the Month for May, is hitting .363 (29×80) in June with 5 HR and 17 RBI with a 1.069 OPS (.469 OBP/.600 SLG).

ALL-STAR UPDATE: Per MLB’s update yesterday, Yordan Alvarez’ 2,911,655 fan votes were tops among all DH’s and the 2nd-most overall in the AL. The second phase of fan voting begins Monday, June 29th and features the top two vote-getters at each position. Phase 2 voting concludes at 12:00 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, July 2nd.

Alvarez has been an All-Star 3 times thus far in his career. Since 2017, the Astros 37 All-Star selections are tops in the AL in that span.

PEN PALS: Since May 15, the Astros bullpen has been one of the best in the AL, posting a 2.76 clip (42ER/137P) in that span. The Astros are 23-15 since May 15.

OKERT’S 0’s:LHP Steven Okert has not allowed a run in his last 17.0 innings, which is the longest scoreless streak by an Astros hurler this season and the 3rd-longest by a reliever in the Majors this season. In his current streak, which spans 14 appearances, and began on May 23 at CHC, Okert has allowed just 8 hits in those 17.0 innings pitched.

Longest 2026 Scoreless Streaks – Relievers

1. Luke Weaver: 22.1 IP (active)

2. Chad Patrick: 18.1 IP

3. Steven Okert: 17.0 IP (active)*

*Okert’s streak is the longest by a LH reliever in ‘26

HADERADE: In his 10 appearances since coming of the IL on June 3, opponents are just 2×32 off LHP Josh Hader. Hader has posted a 0.90 ERA (1ER/10IP) and is 6-for-6 in save opportunities (.063 opp. avg., .040 WHIP).

ON THE DEFENSIVE: The Astros are T-1st in the AL in fielding pct. with a .989 clip. Their 31 errors are the 2nd-fewest in the AL.

TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 1988 – Rookie catcher and future Hall of Famer Craig Biggio makes his Major League debut in a 6-0 win over the Giants. Biggio, batting 8th in the lineup, draws a walk and scores his 1st Major League run. He would go on to tally 3,060 hits in his career, en route to becoming the 1st player to go into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown as an Astro in 2015.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Friday, June 25, 5:40 p.m. CT

Location: Comerica Park, Detroit, MI

TV: SCHN

Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)

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NBA insider believes Cavs and James Harden should have ‘verbal agreement’ on multiyear deal soon

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - FEBRUARY 22: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers warms up prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on February 22, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. (Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers are set for a busy offseason. One of the goals will be ducking below the second apron, and preferably the first as well. Look no further than the Cavs trading out of the first round into the second this past week to save money as proof of that.

One of the ways they should be able to save money next season is by negotiating a new deal with James Harden. As it stands, Harden has a player option worth $43.3 million for next season with $13.3 million guaranteed. Reporting suggests that Harden is willing to negotiate a smaller annual value in a deal for next year, in exchange for a longer deal.

NBA insider Jake Fisher wrote on Friday morning that Harden and the Cavs “should soon have a verbal agreement on a new multi-year deal” shortly. The annual value of that deal is unknown.

This makes sense for both parties.

Harden is nearing the end of his career. Securing future paydays beyond this upcoming season is more beneficial for him in the long term. From the Cavs’ perspective, they could be saving up to $10 million on next season’s cap sheet, depending on how much Harden signs for. That would allow them to get under the second apron and remake the roster.

Harden had a strong season for the Cavs after being dealt to Cleveland in February. He averaged 20.5 points and 7.7 assists per game on .466/.435/.840 shooting splits in 26 regular-season games. In the playoffs, Harden averaged 19.2 points and 5.5 assists on .410/.299/.831 shooting splits in 18 games.

Earlier this month, Harden was arrested outside of Houston, Texas, for unlawfully carrying weapons. He was charged with a misdemeanor.

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CSR Weekend Warriors: 6/26-6/28

Greetings, Panthers fans. Welcome to the weekend.

Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the site’s ToS, it’s fair game here.

You know the drill.

This is now an open thread

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Gamethread 6/26: Phillies at Mets

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 25: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a two-run home run in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on June 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Here are the lineups. For the Phillies:

For the Mets:

Let’s talk about it.

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Mets interim manager Andy Green talks 'responsibility' of taking over for Carlos Mendoza; role in clubhouse

The Andy Green era as Mets manager begins Friday. And while it will only last until the end of the 2026 season, the former San Diego Padres skipper is ready for the challenge of taking over for Carlos Mendoza.

Green was working in the Mets' front office when the organization decided to relieve Mendoza of his duties earlier in the day, so he has seen the connections and culture that Mendoza built firsthand.

And while he won't try and replicate what Mendoza did in his two-plus seasons as Mets manager, Green believes this team is capable of more and that he will try to get the best out of them.

“We’re in a situation where we have an incredibly talented group of baseball players that haven’t come together to perform at a level we all expect and they expect," Green said in his introductory news conference before the team's series opener with the Phillies. "This isn’t a strategy problem; what it comes down to is the best thing we can do is recognize what keeps most people from performing is the burden they carry with them to work every day. And that burden is from caring too much."

Green said that his management style is rooted in authenticity, being collaborative and adaptable, and wants to cultivate an environment where the players can play freely and with joy. Green believes the players were pressing this season after a slow start to try and succeed for the sake of Mendoza, and that the managerial change can be beneficial.

"Often, what happens is you care too much," Green continued. "When you get to these types of moments where a manager change occurs, you eliminate a measure of the burden in a way that nobody wants to. Those guys are trying to come together for Mendy because they care about Mendy, and when you get to the finality of this moment, then it’s passed. And sometimes you see guys play with a greater measure of freedom and that’s the best thing I can do for this group."

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns announced Green would return to his previous position in the front office after the 2026 season and a new managerial search will commence in the offseason. 

Green was asked why he was stepping into the manager's role and the former player was candid. He said he liked his position as Mets VP for player development and the flexibility it gave him to spend time with his family. But when he was approached about taking over for Mendoza, Green accepted, knowing he could help the organization in the short-term.

"This felt like a responsibility, more than an opportunity," Green explained. "Once it was made known to me that nothing was going to change, once I learned that, I genuinely believe, given my life experience, I was in the best position to help over the next three months and see what we can get done as a group."

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With first sweep since May, Padres turn to division rivals

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 24: Ty France #25 of the San Diego Padres celebrates a solo home run against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park on June 24, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Mike Nowak/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For the first time in 2026, the Atlanta Braves were swept. For most of the season, they’ve been the unquestioned best team in baseball. The Los Angeles Dodgers now hold sole possession of that title. But, of all teams, the San Diego Padres were the first (and only) to do it. They beat them handily, outdueling them at every turn and playing good baseball for the first time in what’s felt like a while.

Starter JP Sears did exactly what he needed to do: save the bullpen. The ‘pen had been taxed after Griffin Canning couldn’t finish a single inning in Tuesday night’s matchup. Thankfully, Sears was able to work into the sixth inning in his first start of the season against a Braves lineup that has not been kind to most.

The Friars need all the help they can get facing Los Angeles. Their momentum certainly helps as the two rivals clash for the second time this season on Friday night. Winning the series opener would be huge for San Diego. They’ll need to keep their foot on the gas in order to do so.

Taking the mound

Roki Sasaki (LAD) v. Walker Buehler (SD)

Sasaki has started to come into his own a bit this year. After struggling in 2025 as a starter, the righty was moved to the bullpen where he dominated in the postseason. Now, he’s back in the rotation and has worked through his struggles.

That said, despite flashing elite stuff, he still doesn’t look like the pitcher he was in Japan. Sasaki owns a 4.76 ERA and 1.29 WHIP through 68 innings pitched. His last few starts have been marginally better, but he just gave up seven runs to the Chicago White Sox. The Padres’ lineup has looked good lately. It will be interesting to see how much Sasaki can limit the damage.

Buehler will make his scheduled start, with Randy Vásquez moving to Lucas Giolito’s spot after the latter was moved to the 15-day IL. He’s surged as of late, pitching to a 2.72 ERA across his last seven starts. He’s given up just one run apiece in each of his last four starts.

The longtime Dodger will face his former team for the first time as a member of the rival Padres. Buehler has had success facing his former teammates before, but San Diego will need him to keep it going in order to make up ground in the divisional race.

Batter up!

Tonight’s game actually marks the first time that the Friars will face Sasaki. That tends to be an advantage for the pitcher, but that hasn’t been the case for the righty in the past. San Diego just scored 13 runs off of a very good Atlanta pitching staff, and they’ll need their lineup to keep it up.

  1. Fernando Tatis Jr., 2B
  2. Samad Taylor, RF
  3. Manny Machado, 3B
  4. Xander Bogaerts, SS
  5. Jackson Merrill, CF
  6. Gavin Sheets, LF
  7. Ty France, 1B
  8. Will Wagner, DH
  9. Freddy Fermin, C

After his homer in Wednesday’s series finale, France figures to start at first base. That seems to suggest that Taylor shifts over to right field to make room for Sheets in the outfield. That said, Sheets could DH and Tatis could start in right field. He’s played a lot of second base this season, but the Padres have used him in the outfield more in the last few games.

Relief corps

Like I said, Sears did exactly what the Friars needed him to do. San Diego only needed three arms to finish out the game (though why they didn’t use Ron Marinaccio instead of David Morgan remains to be seen). The latter had pitched in the previous game where the former hasn’t thrown since Sunday. Either way, it was a successful first outing for Sears.

Morgan finished out the sixth and seventh innings before Wandy Peralta covered the eighth. He set up Jason Adam, who slammed the door shut on Atlanta to sweep the series. With the off day on Thursday, the bullpen will get some much-needed (and much-deserved) rest. Everyone will be available, but, barring any moves, Kyle Hart, Ron Marinaccio, Yuki Matsui, Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon will be options after not pitching in the series finale.

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Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: Andrew Abbott vs. Paul Skenes

DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 20: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 20, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, June 26, 2026, 6:40 p.m. ET

The Pittsburgh Pirates are hoping to keep their winning streak alive as they begin a series with the Cincinnati Reds. After winning two of three against the Mariners earlier in the week, the Pirates welcome the Reds to town for a divisional series that could dictate how the NL Central wraps up later in the year.

Paul Skenes is on the mound for the Pirates, but that hasn’t boded well for the Buccos over his last seven starts. The last time the Pirates won a game in which Skenes started came back on May 12 against the Colorado Rockies. Since then, the Pirates have not been able to win with Skenes on the mound. In five of those seven games, Skenes has picked up the loss, including in each of his last two appearances.

The Reds will counter with Andrew Abbott, who has pitched at least five innings in each of his last 10 starts. Abbott is coming off a win against the New York Yankees in his last start on June 20, when he gave up five hits and one earned run in a 10-2 victory at Yankee Stadium.

This is Abbott’s second start against the Pirates this season. In his last start against the Pirates on April 1, he pitched 5.2 innings, giving up five hits and four earned runs in an 8-3 victory for Pittsburgh.

Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA

Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh

Pitching Matchup: Andrew Abbott (5-4, 3.83 ERA) vs. Paul Skenes (6-7, 2.86 ERA)

BD community, chime off in the comments section below.

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SB Nation Reacts results: Jabari Smith Jr. most likely to “step up” for Rockets

Nov 12, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) and forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) arrives at the arena before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

It hasn’t been a linear trend towards success for this Houston Rockets rebuild.

There have been peaks and valleys. At times, it has looked like the Rockets had one of the brightest futures in the NBA. There’s been plenty of gloom and doom as well. As is often the case, the truth is likely somewhere in the middle.

All of the Rockets’ young players have shown potential. The problem is that none have emerged as a true franchise player. That leaves us all waiting for one of these young Rockets to “step up”.

According to the latest polls, you think Jabari Smith Jr. is the man for the job.

Jabari Smith Jr. voted most likely to “take the next step”

I know…I know. The poll question was not “Is Jabari Smith Jr. a franchise-caliber player”? Maybe I’ve got writer’s block, maybe every NBA writer has writer’s block during the summer until their team makes a splashy acquisition.

What you actually voted for was Smith Jr. to step up ahead of Tari Eason next year. That makes sense. Eason is a couple of years older than Smith Jr., which gives Smith Jr. a longer runway for improvement. Eason has also been generally better than Smith Jr., so the latter’s bar for “stepping up” is lower.

The question is, what does stepping up look like for Smith Jr.?

Rockets’ Smith Jr. has room to grow

Resisting the urge to claim that you voted this way because I’d recently written a whole article about Smith Jr. stepping up.

Joking. I know I don’t have that influence. Again, writer’s block. Trying to be funny. Words.

To reiterate: There are two clear paths to improvement for Smith Jr. One is to simply improve his three-point shooting, and the other is to explore his midrange game more thoroughly.

As the roster is constructed, that midrange game might be difficult to probe. Between Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, that part of the floor is largely occupied. So, an increase in three-point efficiency (and, ideally, volume) seems like the more available path.

If Smith Jr. can take strides, the Rockets should win more games. If you happen to want to bet on how many games they might win (or anything else), head on over to FanDuel, who sponser our SB Nation Reacts polls. There are plenty of bets available that feature the Rockets.

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Center Mark Williams returning to Suns on three-year, $38 million contract

Phoenix had already re-signed starting point guard Collin Gillespie and his backup Jordan Goodwin, now it has locked up all three of its own free agents it wanted to keep.

Center Mark Williams is returning to the Suns on a three-year, $38 million contract, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN.

Williams came to Phoenix on a draft night trade a year ago and averaged 11.7 points and eight rebounds per game. He was a solid part of the rotation, and the Suns wanted to bring him back on a two-year deal, reports John Gambadoro, the well-connected long-time radio host in Phoenix.

The bet for Phoenix in this deal is that Williams stays healthy. Williams has an injury history, and while he played 60 games last season for the Suns, he never played more than 44 games in any season during his three years in Charlotte.

This gives the Suns 15 players on their roster, and they are above the first apron and about $4.7 below the second, there is little chance they are adding any salary. If a good deal came up, the Suns have non-guaranteed contracts they could waive to make a move, but this looks like the Suns' roster for next season.

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Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers preview, Friday 6/26, 6:45 CT

Friday notes…

  • ABOUT LAST NIGHT: With the Cubs’ win last night and the Cardinals’ rainout, the Cubs are in sole possession of second place in the division, at 44-37 to the Cards’ 42-36. The Cubs had not been second alone since May 30, following a 6-1 win at St. Louis that made them 32-27 to the Cards’ 30-26. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • PLAYING THE WINNING TEAMS: Tonight’s game will be the first the Cubs have played against the opponent that started the game with a winning record since May 31, when they lost at St. Louis, 5-1. They are 12-9 since then. The Cubs are 18-18 vs. teams with more wins than losses and 26-19 vs. those at .500 or below. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • SCORING LOTS OF RUNS: In their last seven games, the Cubs have outscored their opponents, 63-33. They batted .355 (33 for 93) with runners in scoring position, raising their average for the year by 17 points, from a season-low .217 to .234, its highest since it was .238 on May 17. They have played 33 games since then. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Ron Santo’s three-run homer off Bob Gibson in the seventh helped lead the Cubs to a 5-1 win over the Cardinals at St. Louis. It happened 55 years ago today, Saturday, June 26, 1971.

Cubs lineup:

Brewers lineup:

Colin Rea, RHP vs. Jacob Misiorowski, RHP

Well, this looks like a mismatch.

Colin Rea did have a good start in his last outing, last Saturday vs. the Blue Jays, allowing no runs in 5.1 innings.

He has not faced the Brewers this year. Current Brewers are batting .316 (18-for-57) against Rea with one home run (Andrew Vaughn).

Good luck, Colin.

You all know about Jacob Misiorowski’s amazing run over his last nine starts: 0.45 ERA, 0.564 WHIP. Over that span he’s struck out 87 of 216 batters faced and thrown a metric buttload of pitches over 100 miles per hour.

That stretch includes six shutout innings vs. the Cubs May 20 at Wrigley Field.

Some Cubs have hit him okay, though. Seiya Suzuki is 3-for-9 with a home run. Nico Hoerner, 3-for-8. The Cubs did beat him last year in Milwaukee.

Doing that again will not be easy.

Today’s game is on Apple TV (how to watch). Announcers: Alex Faust (play-by-play), Ryan Spilborghs (analyst), and Tricia Whitaker (reporter).

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Brewers site Brew Crew Ball. If you do go there to interact with Brewers fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.

The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.

You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).

At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.

The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.

You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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2026 NHL Draft: Pittsburgh Penguins' Preview, Predictions

Well, folks, after a long, eventful week, the 2026 NHL Draft has finally arrived.

For the Pittsburgh Penguins, there is a lot of intrigue surrounding this draft, even if they currently only possess five picks in this year's draft as opposed to the 13 they had last year. Trade chatter has been swirling around them, as they are rumored to be one of the teams interested in Dallas Stars superstar left wing Jason Robertson. There are also rumors that Pittsburgh is trying to move up in the draft from their 22nd overall selection, as they are rumored to be interested in Swedish center Viggo Bjorck.

As of now, the Penguins' draft board looks like this:

- Round 1, Pick 22
- Round 2, Pick 39 (acquired from Winnipeg Jets)
- Round 2, Pick 54
- Round 3, Pick 86
- Round 6, Pick 170 (acquired from Nashville Predators)

Again, a whole lot can change between now and 7:00 p.m. ET, when the draft is set to begin. As of now, the Toronto Maple Leafs will select first - presumably, to select consensus first overall pick Gavin McKenna -  followed by the San Jose Sharks at two, the Vancouver Canucks at three, the Buffalo Sabres at four courtesy of the Bowen Byram trade with the Chicago Blackhawks, and the New York Rangers at five.

The Penguins certainly have some tradeable assets they can use to acquire a better pick - Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust, and Erik Karlsson come to mind - but there should also be some pretty good players available in their range as-is.

With that, what will they decide to do? Will they trade up to the top-10 for a more premium prospect? Trade up as needed? Will they stand pat? Will they trade down to garner more picks in the 30s and 40s, perhaps by striking a deal with a team like the Calgary Flames, who pick three times in the 30s? Will they trade their 22nd overall pick altogether for an NHL player?

Here are THN co-editor Hunter Hodies and my predictions for the Penguins - as well as the first round, courtesy of the mock draft function on CapWages - in this year's draft.

2026 NHL Draft Tracker: Round 1 Picks, Reports, Rankings And More2026 NHL Draft Tracker: Round 1 Picks, Reports, Rankings And MoreCheck out expert NHL draft coverage and track the first-round picks as they're announced. You can also catch up on NHL draft rankings, mock drafts, player profiles and more.

Hunter's pick

With the 22nd overall pick, the Pittsburgh Penguins select… LW J.P. Hurlbert of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers.

I went back and forth on this but ultimately landed on Hurlbert because of the familiarity (Penguins' prospect Harrison Brunicke also played for Kamloops this past season), and he fits the mold of past Kyle Dubas/Wes Clark picks.

Hurlbert has excellent hockey IQ and an underrated ability to forecheck. He can also go 1-on-1 against defenders and is tough to knock the puck off of. He can really rifle the puck and knows where to pick holes in each goaltender he faces. Don’t forget about his vision, either. He can anticipate a player being in a certain spot on the ice before he’s there.

There is a lot to like about this player. 

Penguins' Draft Prospect Profiles: J.P. HurlbertPenguins' Draft Prospect Profiles: J.P. HurlbertJ.P. Hurlbert is a player that the Pittsburgh Penguins definitely had their eyes on this season. Does he make sense for them at pick No. 22?

Kelsey's pick

With the 15th overall pick, the Pittsburgh Penguins select... RD Ryan Lin of the WHL's Vancouver Giants.

THN - Pittsburgh Penguins Editor Kelsey Surmacz's First-Round Board (via CapWages)
THN - Pittsburgh Penguins Editor Kelsey Surmacz's First-Round Board (via CapWages)

If the Penguins select at 22, my pick would be forward Adam Novotny. I quite like Novotny, as he has a pretty high floor and is the type of hybrid power forward-type player and relentless workhorse the Penguins love.

However, I do think they're going to move up in this draft - just not the way many folks think. Moving up into the top-10 - and, even, closer to the top-five - to be in Bjorck range is simply going to cost more than the Penguins should pay for a "maybe." They desperately need blue line talent in their system as much as they need center depth.

As discussed on our Pucks N'at Podcast with Jesse Marshall on Friday, Lin could be a sleeper to fall a few spots in the draft just depending on how much teams will value centers as well as the blueliners set to be selected ahead of him. If he falls to 15, the St. Louis Blues are set to pick at 15 and 16 and may be willing to negotiate a trade down to 22 if the Penguins offer one of their second-round picks, and perhaps, a sweetener, if necessary. 

Lin is a legitimate two-way defenseman already, and he plays a mature game for his age. He has all the offensive tools to be excellent in transition at the NHL level, and he already defends well, too. According to Marshall, he's a more complete version of a promising young Penguins' defensive prospect in Harrison Brunicke, and there's even more room to grow.

I think Lin would be a fantastic add for the Penguins, and it would significantly bolster their blue line prospect pool. He's someone worth trading up for if he's still on the board within reason. 

If Pittsburgh Targets Forward In 2026 Draft, This Should Be Their GuyIf Pittsburgh Targets Forward In 2026 Draft, This Should Be Their GuyPeterborough Petes forward Adam Novotny might just be the perfect forward for Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins to target in this year's draft.

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!    

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Jose Alvarado returning to Knicks on $14 million contract after declining player option

New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado dribbling the ball against San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle.
Jose Alvarado reacts during the Knicks' June 8 game.

One of the first dominoes of the Knicks’ offseason now has clarity.  

Jose Alvarado declined his $4.5 million player option for next season, but he’s returning on a three-year deal worth over $14 million, according to ESPN.

The decision allowed him to, instead of playing on the one-year option, sign a multiyear deal that carries a lower average annual value than that $4.5 million.

That is crucial because the Knicks are operating in accordance with owner James Dolan’s wishes to stay below the second apron and have a tight budget in order to do so. 

Jose Alvarado reacts during the Knicks’ June 8 game. Charles Wenzelberg

Alvarado’s deadline for the decision was originally on Monday, but he and the Knicks agreed to push it back to Friday, after the NBA draft. 

He emerged as a key bench piece for the Knicks’ championship run, providing the Knicks with a true backup point guard that they lacked before his arrival.

He also added a bit of snarl and feistiness to a team that, at the time, needed it. 

They acquired him — after a series of moves that started with sending away Guerschon Yabusele — just ahead of the deadline. 

President Leon Rose recently praised Alvarado as one of his best under-the-radar moves in building the Knicks into champions. 

“That was huge,” Rose said on the “Roommates Show” podcast, “because we did need another ball handler, we needed another person that could put it on the floor and take some of the pressure off.”

His playing time varied, but by the postseason and Finals, he was playing critical minutes.

Alvarado memorably scored eight points and drilled two 3-pointers during the Knicks’ historic comeback in their 107-106 win in Game 4 of the Finals. 

Alvarado, 28, is also a local kid, having been born in Brooklyn and played high school basketball at Christ the King. 

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Jose Alvarado signing multi-year deal with Knicks after declining player option

Jose Alvaradois staying with the Knicks.

The reserve guard, who was traded midseason from the New Orleans Pelicans, will decline the $4.5 million player option for the 2026-27 NBA season and will remain in New York on a multi-year deal, according to SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley.

Begley noted that Alvarado was a key piece in helping the Knicks win their first NBA title in 53 years, and the organization has been "prioritizing his return this offseason."

The deal is reportedly for three years and at least $14 million, according to ESPN.

In his fifth season in the NBA, Alvarado, a Brooklyn native, enjoyed much success in New York while playing for the team he grew up rooting for in the city he grew up in. 

"I’m Home," Alvarado posted on social media shortly after the news broke.

As the backup point guard to Jalen Brunson, Alvarado averaged 6.6 points, 3.8 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game and saw action in 28 contests (three starts) for the Knicks. During the team's championship run, the 27-year-old averaged just 9.4 minutes per game, but saw an increased role in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, which included a great fourth quarter in Game 4 while playing alongside Brunson and the rest of the starters.

In addition to his numbers on the stat sheet, Alvarado showed great energy on and off the bench upon joining the Knicks and played with passion and hustle on the court, specifically on defense, endearing himself to New York fans everywhere.

After his performance on the biggest stage, Alvarado, who went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, is hoping to turn that into a significant and long-term payday this offseason.

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Knicks make free agency decision on Jose Alvarado

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: Jose Alvarado of the New York Knicks is seen on the red carpet prior to Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

New York Knicks point guard Jose Alvarado is here to stay at home, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania.

“New York guard Jose Alvarado is declining his $4.5 million player option and intends to sign a new three-year, $14-plus million deal to return to the Knicks, sources tell ESPN. Knicks made it a priority to retain the NY native who played key role on a historic championship team,” Charania tweeted.

Trading for Alvarado was one of the most important moves of New York’s season. In 28 regular-season games with the Knicks, he averaged 6.6 points and 3.8 assists per contest. He also averaged a steal per game, proving to be the menace he is on the defensive end of the floor.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown explained how important Alvarado was to the team shortly after being acquired back in February.

“He’s been good. The quickness is irreplaceable. It gives us a different look,” Brown said back in March. “He’s different in a way that kind of stands out. I don’t know what that way would be, but Jose was available.

“And I give Leon [Rose] credit, he got him. It’s helped us on both ends of the floor. … The energy on top of the quickness that he brings to the table, every time we step on the floor, is irreplaceable. At least with the guys that we had, or the guys that we have. Just different.”

Posting and Toasting community, how do you feel about Alvarado’s new deal? Chime off in the comments section below.

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NHL Draft Open thread

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JUNE 25: Ivar Stenberg attends the 2026 NHL Draft Top Prospects Media Availability on June 25, 2026 at the New Era Cap World Headquarters in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Talk about the NHL Draft here, if you please!

Details-

When: 7:00pm eastern
What: First round of the draft (Rounds 2-7 begin tomorrow at noon)
How to watch: ESPN (tomorrow, NHL Network)
Penguin pick: Currently 22nd overall, but they have a manager with a history of draft night trades