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The Rangers Made The Right Decision To Give Away Their 2025 12th Overall Pick And Keep 2026 First-Round Pick

 Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

There’s a lot to sort out when analyzing the New York Rangers’ move to transfer their 12th overall pick in this year’s draft to the Pittsburgh Penguins and keep their 2026 first-round pick. 

The bottom line is that the Rangers made the right decision. 

As part of the terms of the J.T. Miller trade with the Vancouver Canucks, the Rangers either had to give up their 2025 or 2026 first-round pick. 

It may be frustrating for fans not to see the Rangers make a first-round selection on Friday, but it will be worth it in the long run. 

The Rangers needed to keep their 2026 first-round pick for a couple of different reasons. 

First off, according to TSN’s Pierre Lebrun, part of the thinking for the Rangers in moving this year's pick is to potentially be able to use their 2026 first-rounder for a move at the trade deadline if they are in a position to contend. 

Despite missing the playoffs during the 2024-25 season, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury does not seem to be planning on tanking. 

The team’s core filled with some talented veteran players is primed for a bounce-back season with the playoffs in sight. 

If the Rangers are sitting in a playoff position at the time of the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline and feel they are ready to compete for a Stanley Cup, it’s important that Drury has this first-round pick in his back pocket, so he can potentially explore trading it for a win-now player to help boost the roster ahead of the postseason. 

Rangers Transfer 12th Overall Pick To Penguins, Deciding To Keep 2026 First-Round PickRangers Transfer 12th Overall Pick To Penguins, Deciding To Keep 2026 First-Round PickThe New York Rangers will give up the 12 overall pick in this year’s draft as part of the J.T. Miller trade and they’ve decided to keep their 2026 first-round pick. 

Without a first-round pick, the Rangers’ competitors in the Eastern Conference will have an advantage over them to acquire talent in hopes of making a deep playoff push. 

In the case that the Rangers implode during the 2025-26 season, the team will still have a quality first-round selection which they can use to draft a prominent prospect. 

The 2026 NHL draft class is supposed to be better and deeper than this year’s prospect pool, which makes the Rangers 2026 pick a lot more valuable. 

Drury decided to be patient instead of looking into this year’s draft. It’s a move that Rangers’ fans may actually be praising in a few months time.

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Why Mathieu Darche Believes Rocky Thompson Is The Right Guy To Lead Bridgeport's Bench

On Monday, the New York Islanders announced the hiring of Rocky Thompson as the next head coach of the Bridgeport Islanders. 

Thompson has spent a considerable amount of time behind the bench of several NHL teams, most recently with the Philadelphia Flyers under John Tortorella. 

Islanders Hire Coach Rocky Thompson to Lead Bridgeport Amid Crucial Prospect Development PhaseIslanders Hire Coach Rocky Thompson to Lead Bridgeport Amid Crucial Prospect Development PhaseOn Monday, the New York Islanders announced that they have hired Rocky Thompson to serve as Bridgeport's head coach.

New general manager Mathieu Darche made it clear during his introductory press conference that he values the minor league teams immensely and understands the important role they play in the overall success of the franchise. 

So, why did Darche settle on Thompson?

“Rocky, he’s had various experiences, right? He’s won a Memorial Cup, so, coaching young players. He’s gone to the Calder Cup finals with Chicago. He’s coaching in the NHL, so he has a wide range and he’s a great, great communicator,” Darche said during his pre-NHL Draft presser on Tuesday morning. “When we had interviews with him, we’ve done Zoom, and on the phone, his communication and people skills are extremely strong, which I think is a huge asset in the AHL because you’re coaching young men that want to play in the NHL, and it’s a process. 

“Obviously, every player that turns pro, they’ve been the best player in their league, and now sometimes they face adversity. You realize the pro game is a different level. You might be a top player in juniors or in college. The pro game is a different level. It’s a different animal. So players will have adversity, and I think his communication skills are going to be a huge asset to work with those kids. And he’s had success coaching younger men in the AHL and juniors, so I like that aspect of the development of the players.” 

What has been absent from Bridgeport for the last two seasons is a winning culture, and Darche is actively trying to fix it. 

“I want to develop a winning environment. Does it mean winning the Calder Cup every year? No, because the reality of it is you have injuries in the NHL,” Darche said. “ I always joke with Rocky, the AHL is probably the toughest league to coach in because you’re affected by your injuries. You’re affected by the parent club’s injuries. When the Islanders sneeze, well, you catch a cold, too. It’s your top player going, depending on the role, so you’re affected by it. But that’s why you need someone who’s able to communicate and move those guys forward. It’s not going to be about every young guy, it doesn’t matter how they play if they get an opportunity to play. 

“They’ve got to earn their ice time in the minors, too. That’s the mindset I want the players to have. That’s the culture we want to have. Like to use an expression, you eat what you kill. So I think Rocky will do a great job for that. And right now we’re working through hiring a couple of assistant coaches, hopefully in the next few days.”

It’s clear that Darche is preparing for the next wave of Islanders prospects. When Cole Eiserman, Danny Nelson, Quinn Finley, and Kamil Bednarik are ready to turn pro from college, Bridgeport needs to be a place where they can go and develop. 

A successful AHL team, in terms of development, could be the difference between a prospect going back to college or joining the organization after just one season. The coach plays a vital role in that, too. 

Just look at the college scene, with a guy like Boston University’s Jay Pandolfo and David Carle out of Denver. Players want to play for them, and that’s enticing. 

With Bridgeport's struggles in recent years, again, someone who has not only coached in juniors, the AHL, and the NHL, but has also found success, is the perfect start to turning the page in Bridgeport on what Darche hopes to be a new era. 

Bringing prospects and even fringe NHL players into a competitive environment is key for an AHL team.

For prospects, they get an early taste of what it’s going to be like to fight for every inch of ice, for every shift they get, for every win their team has. Therefore, when the time with the big club comes, they are more than prepared. For those who may not currently be NHL players, it’s about maintaining a competitive mentality and learning the proper methods to return to the NHL level.

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

Joseph LaChase contributed to this story. 

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Wizards acquire CJ McCollum, send Jordan Poole to Pelicans: Report

Wizards acquire CJ McCollum, send Jordan Poole to Pelicans: Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The NBA offseason has its second major trade in as many days.

After the Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers made a deal involving Jrue Holiday and Anfernee Simons Monday night, the Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans followed suit.

New Orleans sent CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick to Washington for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 overall pick in this year’s draft, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday.

McCollum is a 12-year veteran who is joining his third team since 2022, with Washington bringing him in on an expiring contract that will allow for more cap space in 2026 as it continues a lengthy rebuild process. That salary cap space could be in the $100 million range, with Olynyk also on an expiring deal.

Also the National Basketball Players Association president, McCollum reacted to the news on social media:

New Orleans gets a younger guard in Poole who has an NBA championship under his belt with the Golden State Warriors in 2022. The splashy guard eventually had to be dealt to Washington after footage emerged of an altercation between him and Golden State star Draymond Green.

The Pelicans have struggled to stay healthy ever since Zion Williamson came in as the No. 1 pick, with Brandon Ingram also being dealt to the Toronto Raptors at the trade deadline. Poole is coming off a 20.5 points-per-game season on a 43/38/88 shooting split on high volume.

Saddiq Bey, a steady double-digit scoring wing since he was drafted by the Detroit Pistons five years ago, joins a wing department that includes Trey Murphy and Herb Jones.

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Wizards acquire CJ McCollum, send Jordan Poole to Pelicans: Report

Wizards acquire CJ McCollum, send Jordan Poole to Pelicans: Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The NBA offseason has its second major trade in as many days.

After the Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers made a deal involving Jrue Holiday and Anfernee Simons Monday night, the Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans followed suit.

New Orleans sent CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick to Washington for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 overall pick in this year’s draft, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday.

McCollum is a 12-year veteran who is joining his third team since 2022, with Washington bringing him in on an expiring contract that will allow for more cap space in 2026 as it continues a lengthy rebuild process. That salary cap space could be in the $100 million range, with Olynyk also on an expiring deal.

Also the National Basketball Players Association president, McCollum reacted to the news on social media:

New Orleans gets a younger guard in Poole who has an NBA championship under his belt with the Golden State Warriors in 2022. The splashy guard eventually had to be dealt to Washington after footage emerged of an altercation between him and Golden State star Draymond Green.

The Pelicans have struggled to stay healthy ever since Zion Williamson came in as the No. 1 pick, with Brandon Ingram also being dealt to the Toronto Raptors at the trade deadline. Poole is coming off a 20.5 points-per-game season on a 43/38/88 shooting split on high volume.

Saddiq Bey, a steady double-digit scoring wing since he was drafted by the Detroit Pistons five years ago, joins a wing department that includes Trey Murphy and Herb Jones.

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Red Sox manager Alex Cora ejected after another shaky start by Walker Buehler in loss to Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Alex Cora is 0 for 2 in arguing obstruction calls with umpire Alan Porter after the Boston Red Sox manager was ejected in the fifth inning of a 9-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels, the second straight game in which Cora was tossed.

Boston was trailing 5-4 when Jarren Duran doubled to lead off the fifth. Abraham Toro grounded to shortstop, but Duran hesitated before breaking for third and was tagged out in a rundown by Angels second baseman Christian Moore.

Moore then spun and threw to second base, where Angels third baseman Luis Rengifo was covering, to nail Toro trying to advance. Cora argued that Rengifo blocked the bag with his knee and was ejected after a long argument with Porter, who made the out call.

Porter ejected Cora for arguing a similar play in a game against Minnesota last Sept. 22 after Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta threw to second baseman Vaughn Grissom in an attempt to pick off Byron Buxton.

Buxton was safe, but the Twins argued that Grissom blocked Buxton’s path to the bag with his knee. The umpires ultimately agreed, and Buxton was awarded third base.

“Our point of view was that he was blocking the bag,” Cora said, referring to the most recent play. “I guess the rule is if he’s going to be out easy, they can do that. But we had a similar situation last year with the same (umpiring) crew … and Alan reversed the call.

“That was the whole point
I was trying to make — it happened six months ago, the same situation, and it was reversed. Maybe he’s right, you know, if he was going to be safe, but I wanted to make sure.”

Major League Baseball Rule 6.00(h) awards the base to the runner when the fielder is ruled to have impeded the runner’s progress while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball.

Porter, however, told a pool reporter there was an extenuating circumstance — mainly, that Moore’s throw arrived well before Toro, who was out by several feet, essentially making an obstruction call moot.

“Did the fielder obstruct, or was the runner just out?” Porter said. “We felt that the runner, no matter what the fielder had done in that situation, was out. He was out by a lot. And that’s part of also not calling the obstruction.

“And the other side of it is that it’s a very quick developing play there. So we’re able to give them a little bit of leeway when they don’t have time to set up because it was the rundown, and (Rengifo) is running back (toward second base).”

Cora wasn’t around to see the Angels score four runs in the eighth to snap a 5-all tie, but he saw enough of Walker Buehler’s shaky start to acknowledge the veteran right-hander might be losing his grip on a rotation spot.

Handed a 3-0 lead before he took the mound, Buehler walked four and hit two batters during a five-run first inning in which he threw 39 pitches. He finished with a career-high seven walks in four innings.

The Red Sox rallied to tie the score in the sixth, taking Buehler off the hook for a loss, but he is 5-5 with a 6.29 ERA in 13 starts. In his previous outing, he gave up eight runs and eight hits over 3 1/3 innings in a loss at Seattle.

“You can’t walk seven guys in a major league baseball game and expect to be successful,” Buehler said. “I think we keep trying different things and looking at different stuff, this (pitch) mix or that mix, but at the end of the day, if you don’t execute and throw strikes, you really don’t have a chance.

“I feel like a broken record. It’s embarrassing. It’s not who I want to be as a baseball player, obviously. I’d rather get whacked around than do that.”

Buehler struggled in his return from a second Tommy John surgery last season, going 1-6 with a 5.95 ERA in 16 starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he recovered in October to play an integral part in the team’s run to a World Series title. He even came out of the bullpen to get the final three outs of the series-clinching win over the New York Yankees.

Asked if he was sure Buehler is healthy, Cora said: “One hundred percent.” When Buehler was asked if he’s pitching through anything right now, he said, “I don’t want to talk about that.”

Buehler recovered from his brutal first inning to blank the Angels on one hit over his final three frames, perhaps earning a longer leash in the team’s rotation.

“The second, third and fourth innings were really good,” Cora said. “The velocity was up and the movement on his pitches were great. There’s a few things mechanically that he feels he needs to do better, but he’ll be ready for the next one.”

Buehler was a postseason star for the Dodgers as they won three National League pennants and a World Series crown from 2017-20. But is he worried about his spot in the Boston rotation?

“Yeah, I think you have to be,” Buehler said. “At some point, there’s 26 guys that are going to help this team hopefully make the playoffs and if you’re not one of them, I don’t really think it matters what you’ve done in years past.

“At some point, I’ve got to put some results out there for myself, but also for this organization. … It just sucks, man. I want to contribute to this team so badly. I’ve enjoyed playing here so much outside of my own performance, so it’s just really frustrating.”

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Patrick Kane Dangles Through 1,000 Pucks in Bauer Ad

Red Wings' Patrick Kane dangles through 1,000 pucks as part of ad campaign with Bauer Hockey. 

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NHL players use the off-season to train and prepare for the upcoming year, and brands take advantage of this window to film advertisements, capitalizing on the rare availability of the game's biggest stars.

As part of a campaign with Bauer Hockey, Red Wings forward Patrick Kane tried the difficult task of stick handling through 1,000 consecutive pucks. Kane didn't just accomplish the astonishing feat but did so on his first try.

More Red Wings:Red Wings Reveal 2025–26 Preseason Schedule

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.

Hockey fans know how elite Kane's stick handling abilities have been for the last two decades but the ad shows that the now 36-year-old winger still has it. 

The ad was designed to promote Bauer’s new “Hyperlite” line, a fresh addition to their already extensive and influential catalog of hockey equipment. 

The partnership between Bauer and Patrick Kane has led to several memorable moments, including the time he displayed his elite stickhandling through a sea of pucks that sparked the “Patrick Kane Challenge,” inspiring hockey players and fans alike to replicate his slick moves.

Kane is coming off a solid 59-point campaign that included 21 goals and 38 assists. He currently sits as an unrestricted free agent but insiders have alluded to the Red Wings likely narrowing in on a deal with the future Half of Famer.

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Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll has chip fracture in left wrist, timeline for return unknown

CHICAGO — Arizona outfielder Corbin Carroll has a chip fracture in his left wrist and his timeline for a return is unknown, manager Torey Lovullo said.

Lovullo told reporters after a 10-0 win over the Chicago White Sox that Carroll would “continue to get some opinions just to find out what that official diagnosis means and what the time frame will be.”

Carroll hasn’t played since a pitch hit him in the left hand in Toronto. X-rays at the time showed no fracture.

“That’s a little bit confusing to all of us,” Lovullo said of the chip fracture. “It’s on the back of his hand. The impact of the ball hit the side of his hand. Just goes to show you how hard these guys are throwing today. Definitely that fracture in there.”

Carroll is batting .255 with 20 homers and 44 RBIs this season. He was the NL rookie of the year and an All-Star in 2023.

The Diamondbacks saw infielders Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor leave with injuries. Suárez left after he was hit on the right hand in the first inning on a pitch from Shane Smith. The team announced he had a right-hand contusion and X-rays were negative.

Naylor appeared to injure his shoulder on a swing in the second inning and left in the fourth after grounding out. He is day-to-day with right shoulder discomfort.

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Giants notes: Matt Chapman progressing; Bryce Eldridge to miss time with injury

Giants notes: Matt Chapman progressing; Bryce Eldridge to miss time with injury originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — Even before they traded for Rafael Devers, the Giants had no intention of rushing Bryce Eldridge. But now they have no choice but to be patient. 

The organization’s top prospect has a “moderate” right hamstring strain and will rehab for at least three to four weeks at the organization’s minor league facility in Scottsdale. That would be a blow at any point, but the timing is particularly poor for the 20-year-old, who got off to a slow start in Triple-A but had started to pick up steam.

Eldridge got hurt on Saturday after roping a 106 mph double down the right field line. He pulled up as he rounded second and immediately came out of the game with a trainer.

The double gave Eldridge three straight multi-hit games, raising his average with Sacramento to .230. In 16 games with the River Cats, he had a .710 OPS, three homers and 13 RBI.

The injury will make it more difficult for Eldridge to push for a promotion this season, as he had hoped, but it had already become a bit more unlikely. Devers continues to take grounders at first, and the Giants plan to start him there at some point soon, with Wilmer Flores serving as the everyday DH. They also are happy with what Dominic Smith has brought to the roster.

Positive Strides

Matt Chapman took some dry swings in the cage and fielded grounders, taking the next step in his rehab from a sprained right hand. Chapman had his splint removed on Friday and manager Bob Melvin said he appears to be slightly ahead of schedule. 

Chapman has been pushing to accelerate things, but the Giants are still viewing the end of the first half as a likely return date. That would put Chapman back in the lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ first visit to Oracle Park this season.

A New Look

Christian Koss got the first start at second base after Tyler Fitzgerald was sent back to Triple-A, but Melvin said Brett Wisely will also mix in and will get a start during this series against the Miami Marlins. 

Melvin didn’t want to reveal too much about the plan for the rest of the season, but did say that Casey Schmitt figures to be a big part of it. Schmitt will start taking grounders at second base to prepare for a likely move across the diamond when Chapman returns. The young infielder is hitting .415 at third base since taking over for Chapman.

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Predators hire former Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson as assistant

It's a small world in the Central Division as the Nashville Predators announced on Tuesday that they had hired former Chicago Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson as an assistant coach. 

He replaces Todd Richards, who will not be returning to the Predators staff this coming season. Richards had been with the Predators since 2020, originally hired onto John Hynes' staff. 

Hynes was fired in 2023, and Andrew Brunette was named the Predators' head coach the same year. 

"Luke [Richardson] brings a wealth of NHL experience as both a player and coach to our staff, and we are excited to welcome him and his family to the organization," Predators general manager Barry Trotz said in a press release. "With that experience, we believe he will be a valuable new voice and set of eyes - not just for our defensemen, but for our coaching staff."

"His strong character, leadership, perspective as a former NHL head coach, and ability to connect with both young and veteran players will elevate our team on and off the ice."

Richardson spent the previous three seasons with the Blackhawks, posting a 57-118-15 record over 190 games as head coach. He was fired 26 games into the 2024-25 season after a 8-16-2 start by the Blackhawks. 

Prior to his time in Chicago, he was an assistant coach for the Montreal Canadiens from 2018 to 2022, which included a run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. Richardson also served as an assistant coach for the New York Islanders during the 2017-18 season. 

Along with praising Richardson's experience as a strong defensive-minded coach, Trotz believes that Richardson will bring a "different perspective" not just to the Predators' defensemen, but the team as a whole. 

With the NHL Draft commencing on Friday and Richardson working with a younger corps in Chicago, the Predators may look to build and capitalize on a younger roster. 

The Predators have nine picks in the upcoming draft in the following order: fifth (first round), 23rd (first round), 26th (first round), 35th (second round), 55th (second round), 67th (third round), 131st (fifth round), 163rd (sixth round) and 182nd (sixth round).

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Analyzing every Nashville Predators first round NHL Draft pick: 2003-2008

While the Nashville Predators aren't the oldest franchise in the NHL, they have a lot of history of picking in the first round of the NHL Draft.

In its 27-year history, the Predators have selected 25 times in the first round. Amongst those first-round selections, some have had massive success in Nashville, others have found it elsewhere, and a few have been busts.

With the Predators picking fifth, 23rd and 26th overall in this year's draft, we take a look back at every first-round pick by Nashville. 

MORE: Analyzing every Nashville Predators first round NHL Draft pick: 1998-2002

2003: Ryan Suter (defenseman, 7th overall) 

Jan 11, 2009, Chicago, IL, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Suter (20) passes the puck away from Chicago Blackhawks right wing Martin Havlat (24) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

While it took a bit for the Nashville Predators to see defenseman Ryan Suter make his NHL debut, the wait paid off. 

He was selected seventh overall out of the United States National Development Program, recording 24 points in 42 games. After being drafted, he'd play a season at Wisconsin, recording 19 points in 39 games.

Suter was expected to debut at the start of the 2004-05 season, but the NHL lockout forced him to make his professional debut with the Milwaukee Admirals. The following year, in his rookie season, he had 16 points in 71 games.

However, his numbers quickly grew as one of the most promising young defensemen in the NHL. From 2007 to 2012, Suter recorded at least 31 points per season, with the peak coming during the 2011-12 season (46 points in 79 games). He also had a plus/minus of 20 during the 2010-11 season. 

He also represented the United States during the 2010 Winter Olympics, winning a silver medal. Suter was also named to the NHL All-Star game in 2012. 

Suter's exit from the Predators may be one of the most memorable moments of his career as he signed a 13-year, $98 million contract with the Minnesota Wild alongside New Jersey Devils captain Zach Parise. 

While Suter solidified as one of the better defensemen in the league, his numbers peaked in the late 2010s. The Wild eventually bought out Suter's contract in 2021, and he signed with the Dallas Stars on the first day of free agency. 

In 2024, he was bought out by the Stars and signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Blues, 

While Suter is undecided on his future, he has played over 1,500 NHL games, only the third American player to do so. With this potentially being his final upcoming season, he could make a return to Nashville. 

2004: Alexander Radulov (forward, 15th overall) 

Nashville Predators right wing Alexander Radulov (47) is defended by Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (13) in the first period at Joe Louis Arena.

Alexander Radulov has been in and out of the NHL since he was drafted by the Predators in 2004. 

Selected 15th overall out of Russia's second-tier professional league, Radulov came to North America and played with the Quebec Remparts for two seasons. 

During his time in the QMJHL, he put up two monster seasons. In 2005, he had 75 points in 65 games and 11 points in 13 playoff games. In 2006, he recorded a whopping 152 points in 62 games off 61 goals and 91 assists. In the playoffs, Radulov had 55 points in 23 games. 

He had a solid first two seasons in the NHL, recording 37 points in 64 games in his rookie year and 58 points in 81 games during the 2007-08 season. Radulov would then leave the NHL to play for Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the KHL, leading to a complex contract dispute among the Predators, Radulov, and Salavat Yulaev. 

Radulov's signing with Salavat Yulaev while still under contract with the Predators led to Radulov getting suspended from international play by the IIHF and by the Predators for the 2008-09 season. 

He'd eventually return to Nashville for the 2011-12 season and have his suspension lifted. Radulov scored seven points in nine games and six points in eight playoff games before getting suspended by the Predators again due to a violation of team rules. 

Nashville announced it would not extend Radulov's contract, and he'd return to Russia to play for CSKA Moscow. Radulov came back to the NHL in 2016, spending a season with the Montreal Canadiens and five seasons with the Dallas Stars. 

In 2022, Radulov returned to the KHL and recently won the Gagarin Cup with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv. 

Radulov had the potential to be a franchise player for the Predators, but was limited by his off-ice behavior and clash with Predators management. 

2005: Ryan Parent (defenseman, 18th overall) 

Apr 1, 2009; Toronto, ON, Canada; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ryan Parent (77) looks for the pass against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, ON. The Maple Leafs beat the Flyers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images

While defenseman Ryan Parent had a short stint in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers, he never played a game with the Predators.

Selected 18th overall in 2005, Parent embodied the physical presence that Nashville had been looking for. The year after he was drafted, Parent returned to the Guelph Storm, where he recorded 21 points in 60 games and 122 penalty minutes.

He eventually joined the Milwaukee Admirals in the 2005-06 playoffs, playing in 10 games. The parent was sent back to Guelph for a fourth and final season, where he recorded 10 points in 43 games and accumulated 86 penalty minutes. 

In 2007, Parent was traded to the Flyers, alongside fellow Predators first-round pick Scottie Upshall, for Peter Forsberg and a pair of draft picks. He played in 106 games with the Flyers, recording seven points before getting traded back to the Predators for the rights to Dan Hamhuis. 

Nashville then traded Parent to Vancouver, where he was placed on waivers and sent to the AHL, where he spent the rest of his career. 

While Parent had a physical side to his game that the Predators have traditionally favored, the scoring never came around. 

2007: Jonathon Blum (defenseman, 23rd overall) 

Mar 20, 2011; Buffalo, NY, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Jonathon Blum (7) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at the HSBC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-Imagn Images

After trading its 2006 first round pick for Brendan Witt, the Predators selected defenseman Jonathon Blum 23rd overall in 2007, its highest pick in two years. 

Nashville went for a more offensively minded defenseman as he was fresh off a 51 point season with the Vancouver Giants during the 2006-07 season. He'd return to Vancouver the following two years, recording 63 points (2007-08) and 66 points (2008-09).

He'd spend his first three professional seasons in Milwaukee before cracking the Predators roster during the 2010-11 season. Blum had eight points in 23 games in his rookie season and seven points in 33 games the following year.

Blum flipped back and forth between Nashville and Milwaukee, posting strong numbers in the AHL but struggling to replicate that production in the NHL. 

As a free agent, Blum signed with the Minnesota Wild for the 2013-14 season, but continued to flip between the NHL and AHL. In 2015, Blum left the NHL for the KHL and has spent the rest of his career in Russia, Sweden and most recently Germany. 

Blum had 179 points in 336 AHL games, but just 24 points in 110 NHL games. It's a big "what if" Blum was able to transfer his AHL production to the NHL. 

2008: Colin Wilson (center, 7th overall) 

Nov 6, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Nashville Predators center Colin Wilson (33) controls the puck in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. The Predators defeated the Avalanche 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Predators moved around the board during the 2008 NHL Draft, trading the ninth overall pick and a second round pick for the seventh overall pick . 

The bump up two spots allowed the Predators to select Boston University center Colin Wilson. In his draft season, Wilson netted 35 points in 37 games and upon returning to Boston for the 2008-09 season, he recorded 55 points in 43 games. 

Wilson split time between Nashville and Milwaukee in his rookie season, but quickly cemented himself as a regular on the Predators main roster.

He spent eight seasons in Nashville from 2009 to 2017, recording 237 points in 502 games.

In 2017, Wilson was traded to the Colorado Avalanche for a 2019 fourth round pick where he finished his NHL career in 2020. 

While Wilson wasn't a franchise player with the Predators, he proved to be a consistent producer. 

2008: Chet Pickard (goalie, 18th overall) 

In the Predators second move in the first round, they'd trade the 15th overall pick to the Ottawa Senators for the 18th overall pick and a third round pick. 

Ottawa ultimately won this trade, selecting three-time Norris Trophy-winning defenseman William Karlsson with the pick. Nashville took another risk by selecting a goalie in the first round, Chet Pickard, from the Tri-City Americans. 

In his draft year, Pickard posted a 46-12-4 record with a .918 save percentage and 2.32 goals against average. He was named CHL Goaltender of the Year in 2008 and would win a gold medal with Canada at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship. 

Pickard played for the Milwaukee Admirals during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons, before getting sent down to the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL). A 3.39 and 3.12 goals against average during the 2011 and 2012 seasons saw Pickard leave for Sweden for a season. 

He returned to North America for the 2013-14 season, starting the year with the Oklahoma City Barons before being demoted to the Bakersfield Condors after posting a 5.34 goals against average over six games. 

In 2015, he left for Europe again, playing in Germany for the rest of his professional career till 2022. 

With Nashville selecting Pekka Rinne in the eighth round of the 2004 draft and Juuse Saros in the fourth round of the 2013 draft, the Predators should steer clear of goalies in the first round. 

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Emma Raducanu fights back tears after battling win over Ann Li at Eastbourne

  • British player wins 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-1 in first round

  • ‘I’m very, very happy to come through that’

Emma Raducanu fought back tears after resuming her Wimbledon preparations by battling back from a set down to beat the US’s Ann Li in the first round of the Eastbourne Open.

Amid blustery conditions, the British No 1, who missed last week’s Berlin Open as she managed a back problem, triumphed 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-1.

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Pittsburgh Penguins Release 2025-26 Preseason Schedule

With the off-season here, the Pittsburgh Penguins have released their 2025-26 preseason schedule. The Metropolitan Division club will play seven games this preseason, with three at home and four on the road. 

The Penguins kick off their preseason on Sept. 22 against the Montreal Canadiens before facing off against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, and Buffalo Sabres twice. 

Here is the Penguins' full preseason schedule:

Monday, Sept. 22 at Montreal Canadiens, 7:00 pm

Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7:00 pm 

Friday, Sept. 26 vs. Detroit Red Wings, 7:00 pm 

Saturday, Sept. 27 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets, 7:00 pm 

Monday, Sept. 29 at Detroit Red Wings, 7:00 pm 

Wednesday, Oct. 1 at Buffalo Sabres, 7:00 pm 

Friday, Oct. 3 vs. Buffalo Sabres 7:00 pm

Penguins Receive Rangers' 2025 First-Round PickPenguins Receive Rangers' 2025 First-Round PickThe Pittsburgh Penguins will now officially have two first-round picks for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. 

Photo Credit: © John Jones-Imagn Images

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Knicks' coaching search continues: Minnesota assistant Micah Nori interviewed, considering James Borrego

On the eve of the 2025 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks continue their search to find their next head coach (they don't have a pick before No. 50, there's no pressure there).

The Knicks have already conducted interviews with former Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins and former Cavaliers/Lakers/Kings head coach Mike Brown, and both were "impressive," reports James Edwards III at The Athletic. Those are names we knew were in the mix, but then Edwards adds they are considering bringing in a new name, former Hornets head coach James Borrego.

"New York has tossed around the idea of speaking with James Borrego for its vacancy, per league sources. Borrego, a CAA client, is known around the league for his offensive creativity and analytics-forward approach."

The Knicks have already interviewed Minnesota lead assistant Micah Nori, reports Shams Charania of ESPN.

Nori has been near the top of the list of assistant coaches deserving a shot in the big chair and is well-liked by the players he has coached. He has been a key part of a Minnesota staff that has led the Timberwolves to back-to-back Western Conference Finals. However, the Knicks have been looking for an experienced head coach after firing Tom Thibodeau, rather than replacing him with a first-time coach.

Borrego has experience as a head coach, and his teams in Charlotte improved every year — he led them to 43 wins in his final season — despite the roster not exactly being stacked with elite NBA talent. That wasn't enough for the Hornets, who let him go. Last season he was an assistant on Willie Green's staff in New Orleans.

The Knicks have taken their time and done a broad search to replace Thibodeau, who in five years as the Knicks head coach established a culture, led the team to the playoff four times (as many times as they had been there the previous 20 seasons combined), and last season led New York to its first Eastern Conference Finals in a quarter century. The sense was that Thibodeau had taken this team as far as he could, and a new voice was needed to take Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and the rest of the crew one final step: to the NBA Finals. The door feels open in the Eastern Conference next season (considering the Achilles injuries to Jayson Tatum in Boston, Tyrese Haliburton in Indiana, and Damian Lillard in Milwaukee). Still, that's a big ask for the next Knicks coach, which is why the team has leaned into veteran coaches.

There is no timeline for the hire, but Leon Rose and the Knicks front office would want a coach's input on free agency, which starts in a week.

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Cal Raleigh continues hot streak, hits 32nd homer of the season

MINNEAPOLIS — Cal Raleigh picked up right where he left off last week.

Raleigh hit his major league-leading 32nd home run in the ninth inning of the Seattle Mariners’ 11-2 win over the Minnesota Twins.

Raleigh was chosen AL player of the week after he hit .417 with five homers and 12 RBIs in six games. Much of that came in the Mariners’ series with the Cubs, when Raleigh hit four home runs as the Mariners took two of three at Wrigley Field.

His latest home run came off left-handed reliever Joey Wentz, a two-run shot to left field off a high changeup that Wentz left over the middle of the plate. It was Raleigh’s fourth straight game with a home run.

“He’s just in a really good spot,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said. “I think he feels comfortable, clearly, and he’s getting good pitches. And when he gets them, he doesn’t miss them.”

In his last 30 games, Raleigh is hitting .331 (39 for 118) with 17 home runs and 36 RBIs. For the season, he’s hitting .278 with 68 RBIs and a 1.048 OPS.

The 28-year-old catcher, who signed a six-year, $105 million contract with Seattle this spring, needs three more homers to match Ken Griffey Jr. for the most before the All-Star break in Mariners history.

“He’s hit a lot of home runs, but he’s found a lot of barrels, and when you’re hitting .270 with that kind of power, you’re putting up a lot of good at-bats,” Wilson said. “He’s hitting the ball hard. He’s hitting the ball on the line, and then occasionally he’s getting ... underneath it a little bit more and driving it out of the ballpark.”

Mariners starter Bryan Woo struck out nine in six innings to earn the win. He’s pitched at least six innings in each of his 15 starts this year and sports a 3.12 ERA. But even Woo shook his head when asked how he’d pitch to Raleigh right now.

“I’d put up four fingers and let him take first base,” said Woo. “Yeah, I’m not pitching to him.”

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Chase Burns excited to make MLB debut for Reds against Yankees

CINCINNATI — Growing up, Chase Burns dreamed of playing for the New York Yankees.

He’s about to make his major league debut against them.

The 22-year-old Burns will take the mound for the Cincinnati Reds less than a year after being the second overall pick in the 2024 amateur draft.

“I wanted to be like Derek Jeter and play shortstop. I’m excited to have a Reds uniform, though,” Burns said before Cincinnati opened a three-game series against the Yankees.

The right-hander went 7-3 with a 1.77 ERA in 13 starts with Class-A Dayton, Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville before Reds brass declared him big league ready. He was elevated to the taxi squad and will be added to the active roster.

“I talked about it a lot. I wanted to move up quick and make an impact, but when it happens it’s surreal. Just the other day it felt like I was in Dayton and making my first start,” Burns said.

Burns will be the fifth first-round selection from last year’s draft to reach the majors, joining Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz, Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone, Angels second baseman Christian Moore and Astros outfielder Cam Smith, who was selected by the Cubs before going to Houston in the Kyle Tucker trade last December. Burns and Kurtz both attended Wake Forest.

Burns’ strength is his fastball, which is averaging 97 mph and regularly hits triple digits. He also has an above-average slider as a secondary pitch and has improved his changeup.

He led full-season minor league pitchers with a 0.77 WHIP, ranked fifth in ERA, was sixth with 89 strikeouts and tied for sixth with an opponents’ batting average of .167.

“He’s electric on the mound. He throws hard and his off-speed stuff is great,” Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott said. “He comes in with the right makeup and mentality. With all of those things combined, he’ll be ready.”

Making a big league debut creates its own special kind of stress. Doing it against one of the top lineups in the majors takes that to another level.

The third hitter Burns will likely face is Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who hit his 28th home run during the first inning in the first game of the series.

Burns, though, is trying to remain level-headed.

“I know he’s there. Just enjoy the moment,” Burns said. “There’s going to be pressure in anything you do in life. That’s what my dad instilled in me. And, of course, being the No. 2 overall pick, you’re going to have a lot of pressure. At the end of the day, you just have to have fun.”

According to baseball-reference.com, Burns will be the 58th starting pitcher since 1961 to make his major league debut against the Yankees. Included on that list are Luis Tiant, Blake Snell, Jacob deGrom, David Wells and Jake Peavy.

Another person who isn’t concerned about Burns’ debut coming against the Yankees is his manager.

“I don’t think you give a (darn) about the mystique. If we did that, we probably made a mistake,” Terry Francona said. “We don’t make decisions because of that. That’s maybe for social media, not for what we’re doing.

“You can’t replicate your first game in the major leagues. It might be the most exciting day in your life, and don’t back away from that. But whatever happens tomorrow is not going to define his career. You know, if he throws seven shutout innings, everybody is going to put him in the Hall of Fame. If he gives up four runs in three innings, they will want to send him down. I told him, just be who you are and let’s see if they can hit you.”

The Reds (41-38) opened the series with a 6-1 win having won 11 of 16 to get within two games of the final NL wild-card spot.

Cincinnati is 12-8 in June, tied for the third-best record in the NL.

Burns’ promotion and high-priced infielder Jeimer Candelario being designated for assignment indicate the Reds think they can make a run at a postseason spot in Francona’s first year as manager.

“The front office and ownership could have stalled out Burns, but he’s an extremely talented player that everyone can see can help us win now. It reinforces and shows they believe in us as well, which is pretty cool,” said outfielder Gavin Lux, who homered in the win. “Guys are pulling for each other and we’re starting to gain some momentum.”