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Why Marner To Buffalo Is A Non-Starter

The Buffalo Sabres have reached the highest level of hockey ignominity with their playoff drought extending to 14 seasons, but after strong statements regarding potential organizational changes last month at their season-ending press conferences, there have been only rumors of possible managerial and coaching shakeups. 

As for the roster, the goaltending and blueline situations are in flux, with questions of whether either Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen or Devon Levi can be a difference-making #1 goalie, and if the blueline can be upgraded if RFA Bowen Byram is traded. Up front, the Sabres bounced back slightly from an offensive downturn in 2024, but still have not matched the production (293 goals) that saw them come to within one point of making the postseason. 

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The Sabres have over $23 million in available cap space going into the summer, and with the NHL salary cap projected to go up over the next three seasons, owner Terry Pegula may have to spend to the cap to get Buffalo over the top to end their long streak of futility. 

One area of speculation making the rounds is Buffalo’s potential interest in pending unrestricted free agent Mitch Marner. Marner is coming off a career-best 102-point season with the Toronto Maple Leafs and is likely to be leaving his hometown team because of their failure to make a deep playoff run for the entire balance of his nine-year tenure in Blue and White. 

The Sabres certainly have the cap space to make a competitive offer, and have a supporting cast which would be elevated by one of the NHL’s most gifted playmakers, but the fact that Buffalo is in close proximity to Toronto would not alleviate the pressure on the 27-year-old winger; it would likely increase it. 

With the Leafs, some of the pressure on Marner was deferred by the presence of the other Core 4 members (Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares). If he signed with Buffalo, Marner would become the central figure on the roster and would be expected to produce every night, as Jack Eichel was after signing his eight-year, $80 million contract in 2017. 

There are indicators that Marner a) wants to sign in a less pressure-filled hockey market like Carolina, Utah, Anaheim, or Los Angeles, b) wants to be the highest paid player in the NHL and would be willing to go to a rebuilding club like Chicago or San Jose, or c) would choose to be a high-paid support player (à la Phil Kessel in Pittsburgh) with another winning organization like Florida or Vegas. 

None of those options is a fit with the Sabres. 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

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Carlos Mendoza laments Mets' struggles with runners in scoring position: 'We are all aware'

From the start, the Mets' series finale against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday afternoon didn't look promising.

Even before Griffin Canning allowed two runs in the top of the first, the game's start time was bumped up from 7:10 p.m. to 1:10 p.m. due to inclement weather expected at night, and when the game got underway the weather still wasn't great.

Perhaps that can help explain why Canning didn't look sharp for the second straight start (his last outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers was cut short because of a lengthy rain delay), although he didn't use that as an excuse after the game.

"Just not very good, not very competitive out there," he said. "Kinda just let the team down (with) how I set the tone."

While Canning's three innings of five-run ball (three earned) with four walks was not what New York was hoping for as it failed to get the sweep of the White Sox following a 9-4 loss, the bigger concern remains the team's inability to hit with runners in scoring position.

Even with Mark Vientos launching a two-out, opposite-field three-run homer with runners on first and third to get the Mets closer and make it a 5-3 ballgame in the third inning, the offense went just 2-for-12 with RISP.

Entering Wednesday, New York was hitting .212 with RISP -- the fourth-worst mark in the majors and the worst in the NL. That number only got worse after the series finale.

"We gotta get better with runners in scoring position. We are all aware," manager Carlos Mendoza said after the game. "Yes, the underlying numbers (are encouraging), but at the end of the day we gotta get the job done, right? I thought yesterday we took some better at-bats, today not so much."

Indeed, the Mets only managed five hits on the day but walked eight times, including five times in the first 3.2 innings against Chicago starter Shane Smith, which is why they had so many scoring opportunities. But once again, the offense couldn't break through.

To make matters worse, former Mets top pitching prospect Mike Vasil pitched three scoreless innings against his old club, allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out five to lower his season ERA to 2.10 in his first big league season.

"That’s just baseball," Vientos said. "Baseball is a game that’s six months, seven months of the year and you’re hot, you’re cold and then you’re in the middle. That’s just the name of the game."

While the skipper understands his team's offensive struggles at the moment, he shares his third baseman's confidence that things will turn around.

"We got a lot of good hitters there, I’m pretty confident that at the end of the year the numbers are gonna be where they need to be, especially with runners in scoring position," Mendoza said. "But right now we gotta continue to find a way. We gotta find a way to get the job done and we will."

What's helped New York get past the woes offensively are wins.

Despite the laboring offense, the Mets are 34-22 -- good for second in the NL East. It's part of the reason some players inside the clubhouse aren't worried about the offense.

"The way I look at it is if this is us struggling and we’re winning games, imagine when we’re not," Vientos said. "I don’t think the whole season is gonna be like this. I hope to believe that it’s not gonna be like this, that’s just baseball -- you’re always waiting for that hot streak and I know it’s coming for us."

In theory, Vientos is right. Once the Mets start hitting like the team is capable of then they should presumably take off.

However, the problem with that thinking is it assumes that every other aspect of the team remains the same. Yes, right now New York is getting carried by its pitching, both starting and relief. But what happens if/when both of those areas falter like they likely will at some point in a long season?

The answer: Games like Wednesday's.

"We gotta be better," Mendoza said.

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Fantasy Football: Chris Olave looks like a risk-reward pick worth betting on this draft season

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

If you’ve wondered if Saints receiver Chris Olave should be on your draft radar this season, the latest Yahoo Fantasy Forecast episode with Matt Harmon and Footballguys Alfredo Brown offers some clarity — and a dose of optimism.

Subscribe to Yahoo Fantasy Forecast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.

First, let’s acknowledge the obvious: Olave, who already has two 1,000-yard receiving seasons on his resume, has never truly benefitted from consistent, high-end quarterback play since entering the league in 2022. Harmon and Brown both agree that his connection with Derek Carr left much to be desired — “they never really had the best chemistry in the world,” Harmon suggests. The lack of rhythm is a big part of why Olave hasn’t been a difference-maker in fantasy. 

Yet, buried in uncertainty is a potential gold mine of upside. With new head coach Kellen Moore stepping in, there’s buzz around a more creative deployment of Olave — perhaps even increased usage out of the slot. 

“What Moore has done for even a guy like DeVonta Smith ... both [he and Olave are] technicians, pro-level route runners in college, " Harmon points out. "They don’t need to play in the slot, but they can be weaponized in the slot.”

Brown goes a step further: “I think that he’s got that upside for high-target volume, high efficiency deep downfield and he’s just one of those guys. Tyler Shough [the likely new QB] is actually a pretty good deep-ball thrower ... that could actually be good for Olave.”  

[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season]

Slot usage under Moore could mean more layup targets, and with a new offense and a QB unafraid to push downfield, those big Olave games may finally happen more often.

While there’s risk — particularly with QB uncertainty and Olave coming off of two scary concussions last season that limited him to eight games — better days could be ahead.

Olave’s blend of youth, technical polish and untapped ceiling are tantalizing. If Olave builds rapport with his quarterback and Moore makes him a focal point of the offense, a true breakout could be just around the corner — and that’s something worth keeping an eye on this summer ahead of fantasy drafts.

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Corey Seager is reinstated by Texas Rangers after shortstop's second IL stint this season

ARLINGTON, Texas — Two-time World Series MVP shortstop Corey Seager was reinstated by the Texas Rangers on Wednesday after his second stint on the injured list this season because of a right hamstring strain.

The Rangers activated Seager before their series finale against Toronto. Seager hadn't played since hitting two home runs on May 10 at Detroit. He missed 28 of their previous 33 games going into Wednesday night.

Seager was out 16 games while on the IL for the second time, but that didn't count the two games he didn't play before his two-homer game against the Tigers. He missed 10 games while out the minimum 10 days for his previous IL stint from April 23-May 2, then played only five games after being reinstated before being getting sidelined again.

Infielder Blaine Crim was sent back to Triple-A Round Rock after not playing in either of the two games he had been back with the Rangers since getting called up Monday to fill an open spot on their 26-man roster. He appeared in five games in his first major league stint last month, going 0 for 11 with a walk.

Seager, a five-time All-Star, is in the fourth season of his $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers. He went into the finale against the Blue Jays hitting .300 with six homers and 12 RBIs in 26 games this season, and 102 homers in his 419 games with Texas.

Seager missed the end of last season after his second hernia surgery in less than eight months. That operation in September was a right sports hernia repair, on the opposite side of his abdomen from a procedure the previous January.

He dealt with the left hernia issue at the end of 2023, when he still hit .318 with six homers, 12 RBIs and 15 walks in 17 postseason games as the Rangers won their first World Series title. He was on the IL twice that season (left hamstring issue and right thumb sprain).

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Here's Why Oilers' Clutch Player Needs To Be A Free-Agent Target For Sabres

Connor Brown (Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Images)

In their current playoff push, the Edmonton Oilers have received contributions from throughout the lineup. But one player -- albeit a currently-injured player -- is someone the Buffalo Sabres ought to be targeting when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.

We're talking about Oilers right winger Connor Brown, who's been out of action since absorbing a huge hit from Dallas Stars defenseman Alex Petrovic in Game 3. But prior to that, Brown was one of Edmonton's best secondary scoring options, posting five goals and eight points in 14 playoff games this year. The 31-year-old doesn't appear on many highlight reels, but his grit and drive makes him one of the Oilers' more valuable components -- and he's doing it on the cheap, earning only $1-million this season.

With his terrific and timely play, Brown -- who generated 13 goals and 30 points in 82 regular-season games this year -- may be pricing himself out of Edmonton after this season concludes. Since the Toronto Maple Leafs drafted him 156th-overall in 2012, Brown has bounced around the NHL, playing for the Buds, Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals and Oilers. And in five of his nine seasons, Brown has posted at least 13 goals -- and in two seasons, he's put up at least 20 goals. So while he's not going to break the bank by any means, Brown has shown enough to get a healthy raise on a new contract this summer.

As a Toronto native, Brown might decide to play closer to home next year -- and that's where the Sabres should pounce. If Buffalo gave him the security of, say, a three-year contract around $2-millon per season, that might just be enough to convince Brown to play for the Sabres. We're not suggesting there's going to be a bidding war per se for Brown's services, but he's shown more than enough in this current post-season to deserve a serious bump in pay.

Brown's experience, versatility and quiet leadership would serve the Sabres very well. Given that it's going to be difficult for Buffalo to attract high-end UFAs, putting their energy into wooing Brown is the type of move that could pay off for both the player and the team next season. And being part of an on-the-rise Sabres team might prove to be very appealing for Brown.

Canucks' Upcoming Free Agent Should Be A Target For Sabres This SummerCanucks' Upcoming Free Agent Should Be A Target For Sabres This SummerThe Buffalo Sabres have a lot of salary cap space to spend this summer -- and a Vancouver Canucks star should be firmly in the sights of Sabres management.

He has been undervalued in the past, but Brown's rising profile in the current post-season means those days are coming to an end. He's earned the attention he's going to get on the open market at the end of the season, and he's exactly the type of role player Buffalo needs more of.

Brown may ultimately decide to stay with the Oilers -- especially if they win the Stanley Cup this year -- but if he is looking to get paid, the Sabres should be pushing toward the front of the line and doing a hard sell on what relative riches and opportunity awaits him in Western New York. Role players bring their unique skill sets to teams, and Brown's above-average capabilities would look particularly good if he were in a Sabres uniform.

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Former Golden Knights' Forward Reportedly Open To Trade From New Team

Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault (81) salutes the crowd while being recognized for his return to play against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Jonathan Marchessault shocked the hockey world when he signed a five-year, $5.5M contract with the Nashville Predators, leaving the Vegas Golden Knights organization and ending the most successful era of his career.

When Marchessault left the Golden Knights, he left as a Stanley Cup Champion, a Conn Smythe Winner, the franchise leader in goals and points and the most decorated player in franchise history. 

His first season with the Predators went south quickly, both for him and the organization. The Predators finished the season in 29th place in the NHL and were never in contention to make the playoffs. Personally, Marchessault scored 21 goals and 56 points, a step down in production from recent seasons. During his time with the Golden Knights, the 34-year-old was an effective 5-on-5 player, but with the Predators, that all disappeared.

Many analysts and fans believe the Predators could be playoff contenders again this season, but as it stands, Marchessault doesn't want to wait for possibilities; he wants to be on a playoff-contending team again. 

The Daily Faceoff's Frank Servalli said during his show that he believes Marchessault would be open to a trade and that in a perfect world, he'd like to go home and join the Montreal Canadiens.

“I think in a perfect world, he would love to go to the Montreal Canadiens & go home. I don’t know how open they are to that, given the term on his deal. But you can see him helping a pretty good offence already to take that next step. He seems like a true Marty St. Louis type player, doesn’t he?”

The Canadiens made the playoffs for the first time since the start of their rebuild, losing in the first round to the Washington Capitals. Marchessault would be a great addition to a young core that consists of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Ivan Demidov and Juraj Slafkovsky. 

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

Jonathan Marchessault Anticipates Having 'Tears Just Dripping Down His Face' During Video Tribute From Golden KnightsJonathan Marchessault Anticipates Having 'Tears Just Dripping Down His Face' During Video Tribute From Golden KnightsJonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith talk often. The Series Of Events That Have Followed Jonathan Marchessault's Departure From The Golden KnightsThe Series Of Events That Have Followed Jonathan Marchessault's Departure From The Golden KnightsDrama has followed since Jonathan Marchessault's departure from the Golden Knights with different truths coming from the different parties involved.
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Duke’s ACC slate announced

Blue Devils will play UNC and Louisville twice but miss out on game against Miami USA Today Sports Duke will play North Carolina and Louisville twice in the upcoming men’s basketball season, the ACC announced Wednesday afternoon.

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Former Head Coach Mike Sullivan Sends Heartfelt Message To Penguins' Fans

Nov 7, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan comes off the ice after a loss to the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

On Apr. 28, the Pittsburgh Penguins parted ways with a head coach who had been leading the team for a decade. And although Mike Sullivan was subsequently hired by the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh will always hold a special place for him.

And he sent the Pittsburgh faithful a heartfelt message on Wednesday.

On a billboard in the Pittsburgh area, Sullivan posted a message to Pittsburgh that read, "Thank you, Pittsburgh. Cup Family is forever."

Sullivan was at the helm for Pittsburgh from 2015-2025 and led the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. He left Pittsburgh as the Penguins' all-time leader in wins. In 835 games with Pittsburgh - including the regular season and the playoffs - Sullivan was 453-293-89 (.543 win percentage). That puts him at 15th all-time for wins with a single franchise.

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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Griffin Canning struggles, bats go quiet as Mets fall to White Sox, 9-4

The Mets couldn't complete the series sweep, falling to the Chicago White Sox by a score of 9-4 on Wednesday afternoon at Citi Field.

Here are the key takeaways...

-Griffin Canning had an outing to forget. The right-hander struggled with his command, walking four hitters while throwing just 44 of his 80 pitches for strikes, and the White Sox capitalized when they had traffic on the bases, with Andrew Benintendi and Mike Tauchman each driving in a pair of runs in the first two innings to give Chicago a 4-0 lead.

Canning lasted just 3.0 innings, and while the defense behind him wasn’t always strong (Brett Baty and Jeff McNeil committed back-to-back errors in the second inning), the right-hander allowed three earned runs, and five runs overall, striking out three to go along with those four walks.

-Offensively, the Mets had a couple of base-runners on in the first and second, but failed to take advantage against Chicago righty Shane Smith. In the third, however, after back-to-back walks from Brandon Nimmo and Juan Soto, Mark Vientos came through with two outs, slamming a three-run home run to right to bring the Mets back within two at 5-3.

Vientos' sixth homer of the season was the big blow against Smith, who lasted 3.2 innings, allowing three earned runs on two hits while walking five and striking out five.

-Brandon Waddell gave the Mets some needed outs after Canning's shortened start, but he seemed to be running out of gas in the sixth, which was his third inning of work. Another Benintendi RBI hit and a Lenyn Sosa RBI knock put the Sox up 7-3. Waddell then came back out for a fourth inning, allowing another run before his afternoon came to a close.

Waddell ended up saving the bullpen by going 5.0 innings, throwing 94 pitches while allowing four earned runs on seven hits.

-Mike Vasil, who was at one point the Mets’ top pitching prospect, pitched the sixth inning for Chicago. An eighth-round pick in 2021, Vasil was a Rule 5 pick by the Phillies after the Mets didn’t protect him on the roster. He eventually ended up with Chicago this offseason, and pitching against his former organization on Wednesday he struck out five over 3.0 scoreless innings.

-Nimmo had two of the Mets' five hits, and he reached base four times. Nimmo scored the Mets' fourth run of the day in the ninth inning on a Pete Alonso RBI double.

Who was the game MVP?

Benintendi, who homered off Waddell in the eighth and had four RBI on the day.

Highlights

Upcoming Schedule

The Mets are off on Thursday before welcoming the Colorado Rockies to Citi Field for a three-game weekend set, starting on Friday night at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.

David Peterson starts for the Mets, while the Rockies have not yet announced a starter.