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How Roman Anthony is helping fuel Red Sox' resurgence

How Roman Anthony is helping fuel Red Sox' resurgence originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Red Sox are red hot. They’ve won six straight games and eight of their last 10. With a 49-45 record, they are four games above .500 for the first time all season.

They entered Thursday tied with the Seattle Mariners for the third and final wild card playoff spot in the American League. Playing meaningful baseball in October is a real possibility for the franchise.

What’s fueling Boston’s recent resurgence? A couple things.

The starting pitching has improved. Garrett Crochet has been an ace all season, but now other pitchers like Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello are giving quality starts more consistently. The schedule also has been quite favorable for the Red Sox. Their last nine games have come against the Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals and the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies might not even win 40 games this season.

In fairness to the Red Sox, you have to take care of business regardless of the opponent, and they’ve taken advantage of this opportunity in their schedule.

One player who’s taken full advantage of the schedule is Roman Anthony. The No. 1 ranked prospect in baseball is finding his groove at the plate, and he’s been a major catalyst for Boston’s recent success.

Why Bregman believes Roman Anthony can be a ‘superstar for a long time’

Anthony made his Red Sox debut June 9 against the Tampa Bay Rays. It took him a while to get acclimated to the majors. He tallied just two hits and struck out eight times in his first 27 at-bats.

But in July, Anthony has been on a tear offensively. He has almost matched his June hits total in 29 fewer at-bats.

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Anthony has collected at least one hit in seven of his eight games played in July. He currently has a six-game hit streak with 11 total hits and four multi-hit games during that stretch.

Anthony is seeing the ball at the plate at such an impressive level right now. The ball is exploding off his bat, evidenced by his average exit velocity of 94.7 mph, which is the second-highest of any Red Sox player this season, per Baseball Savant. His average exit velocity is also the fourth-highest of any player in the majors. Anthony’s hard-hit rate (percentage of batted balls hit with an exit velocity of 95 mph or higher) of 55.1 is the second-highest on the team.

Anthony’s plate discipline has gotten better, too. His chase percentage — which measures how often a batter swings at pitches outside the strike zone — is 19.6, which is below the MLB average of 28.6 percent.

What has Red Sox manager Alex Cora seen from Anthony during this uptick in performance?

“Obviously getting hits helps, but I think the process and the quality of at bats has been there since Day 1,” Cora told the WEEI Afternoons show on Wednesday. “The kid — he controls the strike zone, he hits the ball hard, he doesn’t deviate from his plan, and kind of like (Jackson) Merrill last year in San Diego, right?

“They took him overseas in the opening series — I think it was Japan — and they didn’t expect him to be part of the roster, and all of the sudden he became a force for them. This kid is becoming a force for us. And I was kind of stupid pinch hitting (for) him in his first big league start. We’re not doing that anymore. Now he’s hitting second, he’s hitting third, he’s playing good defense in right field.

“(Wednesday) he’s going to play left field. And we keep challenging him. He’s a big part of what we’re trying to accomplish now and in the future. And we’re very happy with the progress.”

Anthony is already playing a prominent role in the lineup — 78 of his 95 at-bats have come as the No. 2 or No. 3 hitter. Add in his quality defense, and Anthony has quickly become a player the Red Sox need to have in the lineup every single game, regardless of whether the opponent is starting a lefty or a righty.

If the Red Sox are going to reach the postseason for the first time since 2021, they’ll need Anthony to continue to be a force at the plate. It’s a lot to ask of a kid who just turned 21, but he’s shown an ability to make adjustments as needed.

Now that Anthony is getting hot at the plate, the next challenge for him is keeping it up against better competition. The next four series for the Red Sox are against playoff-caliber teams in the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers.

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NHL Rumor Roundup: The Latest On Ilya Sorokin, Anthony Cirelli And Mason McTavish

The New York Islanders made a bold move last month by trading defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens. According to insider Frank Seravalli, they could be considering another major deal. 

The Hockey News’ Stefen Rosner cited Seravalli's recent appearance on the Kevin Kraus Show, during which he indicated he'd heard some trade conversation about Ilya Sorokin. The 29-year-old goaltender is in the second season of an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $8.25 million. 

Seravalli cited sources saying the Islanders might have sought a draft-day deal that would've sent Sorokin to the Utah Mammoth for the 2025 fourth overall pick. They would've used that pick to select Long Island native James Hagens. 

However, Rosner cited Islanders GM Mathieu Darche, who said he attempted to move up in the first round, but clubs were unwilling to part with their picks. He's also skeptical that Darche would move his franchise goalie if he wants the Isles to remain competitive and make the playoffs, especially with backup Semyon Varlamov coming off lower-body surgery.

It's worth noting that Sorokin cannot be moved without his permission. He has a full no-movement clause through 2027-28.

Ilya Sorokin (John Jones-Imagn Images)

Meanwhile, RG.Org's Marco D'Amico cited some online speculation making the rounds regarding the Canadiens' search for a second-line center.

One rumor had Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli being in play, but D'Amico swatted that one down. He pointed out that the 27-year-old Cirelli is on a sweetheart contract ($6.25-million cap hit through 2030-31) with a full no-trade clause that kicked in on July 1. 

Even if Cirelli lacked no-trade protection, D'Amico pointed out the Lightning has no one to replace him. Considering the two-way center was a finalist this past season for the Selke Trophy, it's a safe bet that he's not going anywhere. 

D'Amico also had bad news for Montreal fans hoping the Canadiens might target Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish with an offer sheet. He cited a league source indicating the 22-year-old McTavish doesn't want to leave Anaheim. They also noted that clubs are reluctant to risk their first-rounders in what is expected to be a deep draft next year.

The Ducks aren't concerned about the threat of an offer sheet for McTavish. With nearly $30 million in cap space, they can easily match any offer.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

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Cam Schlittler brings heat and hope to Yankees in winning MLB debut

NEW YORK — One game into his major league career, Cam Schlittler is the hardest-throwing member of the New York Yankees’ rotation.

Schlittler used his 100 mph fastball to shut down Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners during an eye-opening debut Wednesday night, pitching the Yankees to a 9-6 victory before a throng of friends and family members in the crowd.

“Obviously, it’s been my goal my whole life,” Schlittler said. “I don’t think I’ve really processed it yet.”

One of the team’s top-rated prospects, the 6-foot-6 Schlittler struck out seven over 5 1/3 innings to earn the win. He threw New York’s seven fastest pitches this season and his average fastball velocity of 97.9 mph was the highest for a Yankees pitcher this year.

But it was his poise and improved secondary pitches that really impressed manager Aaron Boone.

“You see his stuff really plays,” Boone said. “I see a lot of potential.”

Boone called it “a great first step” and said Schlittler will get another big league start, likely after the All-Star break.

“He was sick,” said Yankees teammate Jazz Chisholm Jr., who homered twice and drove in four runs.

Schlittler was called up from Triple-A to pitch in place of injured Clarke Schmidt, who is expected to undergo a second Tommy John surgery on his right elbow that would sideline him for the rest of this season and much of next year.

So there’s a genuine opportunity for Schlittler to stick in the rotation for a Yankees squad trying to catch Toronto atop the AL East.

“Obviously, just trying to get the first one under my belt and then whatever happens. I’m just fortunate that they gave me that opportunity,” Schlittler said. “Just take it day by day and see what happens.”

Staked to an early 3-0 lead, Schlittler gave up three runs and four hits — including solo homers by J.P. Crawford and Jorge Polanco.

The 24-year-old right-hander walked his first batter but settled down quickly and froze Raleigh, the major league home run leader, with a 100 mph heater for his first strikeout in the opening inning.

“He was nasty,” Yankees outfielder Jasson Domínguez said.

That baseball was one of two sitting in Schlittler’s locker after the game, both keepsakes inscribed and encased above the Yankees’ championship belt for the night.

Schlittler said the strikeout ball will probably end up in his room back home eventually, but first he planned to give it to his parents.

“I know they’ll cherish that,” he said.

Schlittler, who walked two, ending his outing with another strikeout of Raleigh before leaving with a 6-2 lead in the sixth to a standing ovation as his parents hugged in the Yankee Stadium stands.

Schlittler was born in Massachusetts but said he always wanted to play for the Yankees. They selected him in the seventh round of the 2022 amateur draft from Northeastern in Boston, right in the heart of rival Red Sox country.

The pitcher said his girlfriend and cousin were on hand in addition to plenty of friends, and he left 23 tickets for his supporters. But he said he wasn’t all that nervous come first pitch.

“I think probably had more jitters this morning, honestly,” Schlittler said. “I know my dad just in general gets more nervous than I do when I throw.”

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Andrew Bogut knows Alex Toohey's Australian Stoicism defines Warriors rookie

Andrew Bogut knows Alex Toohey's Australian Stoicism defines Warriors rookie originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Who then is invincible? The one who cannot be upset by anything outside their reasoned choice. –Epictetus, ‘Discourses’, 1.18.21

Stoicism’s most important practice is understanding what we can and cannot change. What we have influence over, and what we do not. Alex Toohey ascribes to the notion, too, maybe without even knowing it. 

The great Stoics all sought steadiness, stability and tranquility in their lives. This is how Marcus Aurelius strove to be, as did Epictetus, Seneca the Younger and Zeno of Citium, who is credited with creating the Stoic school of philosophy.

Those who know him best see the same out of the Warriors’ top pick from this year’s NBA draft. He rarely, if ever, is fazed on the court.

Before Andrew Bogut said anything about the way Toohey, taken No. 52 overall by the Warriors, can dribble, pass and shoot a basketball, one word in describing who he is stood out. The word isn’t something usually seen on most scouting reports, yet the term can lead to his ultimate success in a Warriors jersey. 

Stoic. Coaches beg for it, also knowing the phrase grows with time and maturity, not typically designated for a 21-year-old. 

“He’s a very stoic individual,” Bogut said to NBC Sports Bay Area in an exclusive phone interview. “He’s very focused.”

As well as anybody else, Bogut would know. The former Warriors champion had an inside view of Toohey’s development during his two seasons in Australia’s NBL, and even before that. Toohey played for the Sydney Kings, the same team the Warriors plucked Bogut out of for the end of the 2018-19 season, a club in which Bogut became a part-owner in 2021 and was added to the coaching staff this past March. 

The original plan was for Toohey to attend college. Gonzaga was supposed to be the Canberra native’s next stop on his path to the NBA, all while Bogut and the Kings continued to court him. Toohey had a change of heart and decided to be part of the NBL Next Stars program, joining the defending champions ahead of the 2023-24 season. 

Both seasons Toohey played for the Kings, he was the team’s youngest player, and as Bogut says, “he was asked probably to do more than most young kids.” He averaged 21.4 minutes per game as a 19-year-old his first season, and then 23 minutes last season, essentially improving in every category across the board. 

What might sound like a compliment to his skill set goes back to Toohey’s stoic nature. Sydney’s roster was full of players in their late 20s, and the oldest veteran was former first-round NBA draft pick Denzel Valentine, who now is 31 years old. 

“That’s always part of it. Guys don’t like the young guys coming in and taking their spots,” Toohey said to NBC Sports Bay Area. “Had a few run-ins with that, but overall it makes me a better basketball player, so I’m glad that happens.”

But Bogut doesn’t remember other teams really trying to go after Toohey. If they did, it was pointless. Why bother with trying to push an immovable object? 

“He’s one of those annoying guys,” Bogut says. “I don’t think people really went after him because you just don’t get a reaction really. I’ve rarely seen him react poorly in those situations. When you got guys trying to plan to antagonize and get into a guy, try it once or twice and the guy’s giving you nothing, then move on to someone else. 

“He does a great job of that. He just stays even keel for the most part and battles through what he needs to battle through.” 

For instance, that includes shooting struggles for stretches. Toohey shot just 43.6 percent from the field as a rookie with a 24.2 3-point percentage and 68.5 free-throw percentage. Though the numbers weren’t great in Year 2, they improved to 44.9 percent overall, 31.0 percent from deep and 72.6 percent at the line. Bogut remembers the ups and downs. He doesn’t remember seeing Toohey once hang his head or try to rush the process of his own development. 

Mechanically speaking, Toohey’s shot for a 6-foot-8 forward is sound. A possible weakness was seen as a strength at the draft combine when Toohey impressed in drills and then went 8-of-13 shooting in two scrimmages, going 3 of 6 on threes and 5 of 6 on free throws. 

His Warriors workout wasn’t as smooth. Toohey called his private workout at Chase Center, “probably one of his worst.” When the Warriors called to tell him they were drafting him, Toohey nearly apologized for the poor showing and wanted to thank them for not judging him off one day. 

Warriors brass saw the same resilience Bogut has. During and after his tough summer league debut Tuesday, Toohey didn’t display frustrations, nor did he point a finger at anybody else. He was honest about the adjustments he’ll need to make to the NBA, admitting he struggled without fixating on the results. 

Mentally, Bogut has supreme confidence in Toohey. Physically, he believes Toohey’s versatility is his greatest advantage. 

From what he saw with Sydney, Bogut believes Toohey can comfortably guard the two through the four and even at times stick him on certain point guards. The ball continues to move with him offensively, and he’s constantly in motion to create space for himself and others. 

“As a young guy, if you can be multifaceted, teams can be like, ‘S–t, we can play him at the three, four, sometimes emergency five, maybe some two every night,’” Bogut said. “That’s invaluable when you’re structuring your lineup. I think that’s a great quality.” 

Does that mean Bogut can see Toohey making an impact as a rookie, as someone who played multiple seasons himself under Steve Kerr? 

“Steve likes smart players. Steve likes players that are stoic, and they’re not up and down like a Yo-Yo,” Bogut said. “Alex, he’s consistent. He’ll fit in. He won’t need things around him to make him fit in. He’ll find a way to fit in.” 

And what a gift that is.

Joining a locker room of Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and others can be too intimidating for many. Playing in the G League can be isolating and humbling. Toohey likely will have both experiences as a rookie. He’s ready for whichever road he must take. 

Without even knowing it, that’s his nature. Maybe that’s just the way things go down under. 

“As long as you ride out the bumps, you’re gonna get better each day,” Toohey said. “I think being around older guys and trying to learn from them, but also being confident in who I am and not trying to give away too much of my cards. 

“I think just being Australian is part of that, honestly.” 

Dribble, pass and shoot. Rebound, steal and block shots. Our eyes can see all those parts of the game.

The hidden Australian Stoicism of Toohey is the part of his scouting report unseen in the box score that already gives the newest Warriors rookie an edge over others, and a clear path to respect among his peers.

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Former Monster Signs In England

Former Cleveland Monster Cliff Pu has signed with the Sheffield Steelers of the EIHL, the club announced yesterday. 

“I’d never thought of the UK to play hockey” said Pu in a Steelers press release. “Then when the opportunity came up I started doing some research and realized this was a great opportunity to play for a winning franchise as well as being able to my get education with the University."

Pu was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Markus Nutivaara on October 8, 2020, in what many believed was a salary dump due to an internal cap placed on the team during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Pu was the main player involved in the Jeff Skinner to the Buffalo Sabres traded in 2018. Pu was a third round pick of the Sabres in 2016. 

Pu was never able to make it into the NHL, but he did play 16 games for the Monsters during the 2020-21 season. He scored 3 goals and 10 points. He played 79 total games in the AHL and had his best season while playing for Cleveland. 

Pu would leave North America in 2021 and head to the KHL, where he played for three seasons before moving to Slovakia and Switzerland. 

Let us know what you think below.

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Former Blue Jackets Forward Still Looking For New Contract Former Blue Jackets Forward Still Looking For New ContractFormer Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jack Roslovic is still looking for a new place to call home.  Recapping The Metro Division Free Agency & SigningsRecapping The Metro Division Free Agency & SigningsEveryone knows that the NHL's Metropolitan Division is an absolute meat grinder. Every year, people wonder when teams like the Capitals, Penguins, and Hurricanes will take a step back.  Former Blue Jackets Forward Retires After 13 SeasonsFormer Blue Jackets Forward Retires After 13 SeasonsFormer Columbus Blue Jackets forward Riley Nash has decided to retire from the NHL after 13 seasons, he announced on Tuesday. 
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Charley Hull withdraws from Evian Championship after collapsing on course

  • English player suffering from virus at French major

  • 29-year-old unable to continue after tee shot at 4th

Charley Hull has withdrawn from the Evian Championship after collapsing after a tee shot during her first round. The Englishwoman was taken from the course at the French major on a medical cart on Thursday morning.

Reports from the event said Hull sat by the side of a bunker on the 3rd hole, clearly looking unwell. Having taken a 15-minute medical break, she hit her tee shot on the 4th and slumped to the ground.

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Textor insists Palace influence ‘not decisive’ as club fear Europa League ban

  • Club face threat of demotion to Conference League

  • Textor also has majority stake in Ligue 1 side Lyon

John Textor has insisted that he didn’t have a decisive influence at Crystal Palace as the FA Cup winners await Uefa’s decision on whether they can compete in next season’s Europa League.

Palace are facing the threat of being demoted to the Conference League by European football’s governing body because the American businessman also owns a majority stake in Ligue 1 side Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League. The French club have successfully appealed against relegation to Ligue 2, with Uefa having delayed its ruling on Palace last week pending the outcome of Lyon’s appeal.

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Luisangel Acuña back up with Mets; Travis Jankowski DFA'd

Luisangel Acuñais returning to the Mets ahead of Thursday's doubleheader against the Orioles in Baltimore.

Travis Jankowski was designated for assignment to make room on the roster.

Acuña replacing Jankowski makes sense, since the two have a similar skill set.

While Acuña is a natural infielder, he's gotten exposure in center field and played one game there for the Mets earlier this season. And manager Carlos Mendoza said on Thursday that Acuña will be relied on in center when needed.

"From the very beginning when we sent him down to Triple-A, we knew we were looking at somewhere between 40-to-50 plate appearances," Mendoza explained. "Got up to 53, got consistent playing time. And we knew how important he is to this ball club -- the versatility, the speed. So there's a lot of upside there.

"He was a big part of this team the first couple of months. We got to a point where we felt like 'Hey, let's get him some everyday playing time.' And now it's time for him to be back up here and continue to help us win baseball games. Got exposure in center field as well, and that'll be kind of like his role here, too. Playing everywhere, speed. He's a big part of this team."

In 158 plate appearances over 65 games for the Mets this year, Acuña has hit .241/.293/.283 with 11 stolen bases, six doubles, and 23 runs scored while getting playing time at second base, third base, shortstop, and center field.

In an additional move, the Mets added right-handed pitcher Austin Warren as the 27th man for Thursday's games.

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Examining Brad Marchand contract with Panthers amid cap circumvention complaints

There was an equal amount of shock and awe to go around for those following the Florida Panthers free agency situation this offseason.

Somehow, Florida General Manager Bill Zito was able to retain all three of Florida’s big pending unrestricted free agents: Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand.

To his credit, Zito was quick to give all the props to the players themselves.

It was the players, after all, who decided against hitting the open market and taking a deal for (probably) much less money to stay with the Panthers.

Bennett signed an eight-year deal worth $64 million that carries an average annual value (AAV) of $8 million, Ekblad signed for $48.8 million over eight years, carrying a $6.1 million AAV, and Marchand inked six-year deal that will pay $31.5 million and carry a $5.25 million AAV.

The contract that some are pushing back against is Marchand’s.

While it’s not breaking any rules, the contract will expire when the veteran forward is 43 years old.

One of those voicing their opinion is THN Toronto’s David Alter. You can check out his thoughts in the social media post and video below:

“We all expected that (Marchand) would get multiple years, into those years where he may or may not play, but to 43 years of age? No one has played in the NHL at 43 as a forward since Jaromir Jagr in 2017-2018,” Alter said.

He does have a point. 

Is it impossible for a player to stay in the NHL until the age of 43? Of course not.

Is it common to see any player remain in the NHL around or past the age of 40? Of course not.

Hockey is an incredibly physically demanding sport that tests strength and endurance just as much as agility and grit.

It’s an all-around workout unlike any other sport.

Odds are, Marchand will hang up his skates before he reaches 43 years old.

If he does, and he’s healthy and simply retires, he wouldn’t receive whatever money was left on his contract. However, if he’s injured at some point, and that keeps him from playing, Florida could put Marchand on LTIR and he would continue getting paid without the money counting against the Panthers’ cap hit.

The way Marchand’s contract was constructed, he will earn $13.5 million over the first two years.

Every year of the deal has a base salary of $1 million, and the rest is paid out in the form of a signing bonus on every July 1.

This season came with a $6.5 million signing bonus and next season carries a $5 million signing bonus. The remaining four years each have a signing bonus of $3.5 million.

You can see how the contract dollars break down here, thanks to PuckPedia.

Ultimately, time will tell how much of Marchand’s contract he actually plays for, and gets paid for.

Until then, the debate will go on into whether deals like this should be permitted by the NHL.

It would be a difficult rule to set, as every player ages differently.

Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

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Photo caption: Jun 3, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Florida Panthers centre Brad Marchand (62) is seen taking questions during media day in advance of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. (Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images)

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Anaheim Ducks Development Camp Takeaways: Beckett Sennecke Will Push for NHL Roster Spot, Management has a Tough Decision Looming

The Anaheim Ducks held their annual development camp from June 30 to July 2. This year’s camp was shorter than the last couple of years, typically a five-day camp concluding with a 3v3 scrimmage.

The camp is used more as an instrument that allows newly drafted prospects to familiarize themselves with the organization, meet staff and potential future teammates, and take a nugget or two back home to train for the summer before rookie camp begins in Sept.

Though most of the drills are done at half or three-quarter speed and don’t necessarily simulate game situations, players were available to the media, and there were on-ice takeaways to be had from each player.

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The Ducks selected Beckett Sennecke with the third overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The pick came as a surprise to most, including Sennecke himself, who gave one of the most genuinely shocked reactions after hearing his name called by NHL and Ducks legend Scott Niedermayer.

Sennecke went on to dazzle during his draft-plus-one season, quickly silencing many who doubted his selection that high in the draft. Despite producing at a torrid pace, initially being omitted from Canada’s World Junior selection camp, gaining an invitation shortly after, and ultimately not making the team, Sennecke seemed to use that rejection as motivation and continued to grow and refine his game during his third full junior season.

Ducks director of amateur scouting and assistant general manager Martin Madden sat down with The Hockey News’ Anaheim Ducks site in May to discuss Sennecke and a myriad of prospects in the organization.

“Really well. I think we're all very pleased with his development. He had to deal with a lot from the start, from the draft on,” Madden said when asked about Sennecke’s 2024-25. “So, lots of different ways that he had to adapt and become aware of his own reactions and his own emotions related to everything.

“Off-ice reactions, on-ice. How do you deal with the spotlight? How do you deal with (being left off the World Juniors squad)? How do you rebound after that? How do you lead your team in the playoffs? How do you come back from injury? He grew as a person, he grew as a prospect. He had a terrific season.”

Sennecke finished his 2024-25 campaign with 86 points (36-50=86) in 56 regular season games for the Oshawa Generals of the OHL and added 32 points (14-18=32) in 18 playoff games en route to a second consecutive finals appearance against the London Knights. Sennecke, once again, saved his best hockey for last, and when it mattered most, elevating his impact on a shift-by-shift basis, constantly involving himself in plays throughout the entire 200-foot ice surface, and tactically manipulating defenders with superior skill and processing ability.

There isn’t much more, if any, room for Sennecke to grow his game at the CHL level, and there isn’t much more to learn at that level. He’s in an unfortunate position, as his Jan. 2006 birthday means he won’t be eligible to play in the AHL during the 2025-26 season. Despite the new CHL/NCAA agreement that has allowed several CHL stars to further their careers playing in college, Sennecke is ineligible for that as well, as he signed his three-year ELC with the Ducks during the Ducks’ 2024 development camp.

Jun 28, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Beckett Sennecke is selected with the 3rd overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Anaheim Ducks at The Sphere. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Sennecke will either have to play for the Ducks or head back to the CHL for his 2025-26 season. Madden seems to believe that the only aspect of his game that is holding him back from a full-time role in the NHL is of the physical variety, that his skill, compete, and IQ levels are there.

“He's close. He's one really good summer away from being able to compete physically with NHL players, in my mind,” Madden said. “There's no doubt he's got the talent to make the jump. Now, he just needs to seize the opportunity, and that comes with pressure. Let’s see what the team looks like in September, October, and where he fits at that point. It's his to take, I think.”

At this point in the summer, with the additions of Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund, the Ducks' top nine forward group looks full and may leave Sennecke on the outside looking in unless there’s an injury between now and the start of the season or one of the players currently listed in the top-nine is given and accepts a role on the fourth line.

Given what we saw at development camp (which again, isn’t telling of where a player is developmentally in terms of game situations), Sennecke seems physically ready or extremely close to physically ready enough to challenge for one of those top-nine spots on the Ducks roster. Adding strength has been an area of emphasis for him since he departed Ducks’ training camp in the Fall of 2024, and he’s seemed to physically and mentally grow into his now 6-foot-4, 195-pound frame.

“I think I got a lot better at puck protection. I feel like I got a lot stronger (since) last summer and I was able to keep guys on my him and create more time and space for myself with the puck,” Sennecke said. “Something I can still improve on is my quick release. I think I try and get so much on my shot and get the perfect shot. When you’re shooting on bigger NHL goalies, it’s going to be something you can’t do. It's more quick over power, and if you can do both, you’re going to be a good goal scorer.”

Refining a shot and learning how to score on NHL goaltenders is a luxury problem to have in one’s development on a macro level in just their second summer after being drafted into the NHL. With a few more months of strength training, the doubt that Sennecke will at least begin the season in the NHL with the Ducks will have further shrunk exponentially.

He can play a maximum of nine NHL games before a year is spent off his ELC. Teams can send players in his situation to the AHL for conditioning stints, like the Seattle Kraken did with Shane Wright in his draft-plus-one year, before ultimately sending them back to junior.

The onus will be on Sennecke to play well enough (too well) for the Ducks not to keep him in the NHL all season. Judging by how he utilizes and is fueled by challenges, as displayed by his playoff performances and how he played after being omitted from the World Junior Championship roster, smart money would be on Sennecke rising to the occasion and playing the entirety of his 2025-26 season in the NHL.

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Photo Credit: Patrick Present-The Hockey News

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Craig Breslow reveals Red Sox' priority at MLB trade deadline

Craig Breslow reveals Red Sox' priority at MLB trade deadline originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Red Sox are right in the middle of the American League playoff race with the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaching.

The Red Sox have won six straight games and eight of their last 10, moving them into a tie with the Seattle Mariners for the third and final wild card spot entering Thursday. With a 49-45 record, Boston is four games over .500 for the first time all season.

The Red Sox need to capitalize on the recent improvement and give the clubhouse a jolt by being buyers at the trade deadline.

What might the Red Sox prioritize adding at the deadline? Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow was asked that question during an interview with WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show on Thursday.

“It kinda depends on where we are, so we have to zoom out a little bit and try to figure out who we are, what do we have coming back and what do we think is sustainable,” Breslow said. “A month and a half ago, we would have talked a ton about starting pitching and getting more consistency and finding someone who slots in toward the top of the rotation behind Garrett (Crochet).

“And then you look at what Lucas and Brayan have done over the last month and a half, and you start to feel confident in the way the starting pitching is coming together.

“That said, you can never have too much (starting pitching), so I think that’s probably what we would prioritize. But we’ve seen what (Richard) Fitts has done, (Hunter) Dobbins is getting healthy, (Tanner) Houck is getting healthy. We have some depth, but I think if there’s the opportunity to provide some impact starting pitching, and add that to the group, that’s probably where we’d focus.”

Red Sox starters have a 4.18 ERA this season, which ranks 10th out of 15 AL teams. Boston starters also have allowed the third-most hits, fourth-most runs and the fourth-most walks among AL teams.

Walker Buehler, who the Red Sox signed in free agency last offseason, has been a major disappointment. Tanner Houck has struggled, too, after being an All-Star in 2024.

On the bright side for the Red Sox, recent outings from Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello have been encouraging. However, a good portion of that success has come against lackluster opponents. It remains to be seen whether those two starters can pitch at this level on a consistent basis.

Even if they do maintain that level of performance, the Red Sox still need another ace in their rotation to go along with Crochet. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported this week that the Red Sox are among the teams “monitoring” Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan as a potential trade candidate.

Red Sox ‘monitoring’ Twins pitcher ahead of trade deadline: Report

Ryan would not be a rental because he’s under team control through 2027, which makes him an ideal trade target. Crochet and Ryan would be a formidable 1-2 punch.

Whether it’s Ryan or a similar player, the Red Sox must prioritize another impact starting pitcher — not only to compete for the playoffs this year but also in future seasons. So if that kind of pitcher is available in the coming weeks, the Red Sox need to be bold and make an aggressive push.

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James Jones leaves Suns to become head of basketball operations for NBA

Joe Dumars left his job as executive vice president and head of basketball operations with the NBA to become the de facto GM and decision maker in New Orleans. It's only fitting that a GM is going to take his place.

James Jones is leaving the Phoenix Suns to officially become the Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations for the NBA, the league and the Suns announced.

"I'm thrilled and honored to take on the responsibility of leading the Basketball Operations department," Jones said in a statement. "This is an exciting opportunity to pour my passion for the game into a new role and collaborate with so many talented professionals on driving the continued success and growth of the NBA."

What does the head of basketball operations for the league do? His most public-facing part of the job is handing out fines and suspensions to players — he is the league's new disciplinarian. Beyond that, the league described his job as engaging "with players, coaches, team executives and referees on the state of the game, style of play and playing rules issues. In collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders, Jones will develop innovative strategies and solutions that sustain the highest level of play and competition."

"James is widely respected across the NBA for being an inspiring leader and the consummate teammate during his more than 20 years as a highly successful player and team executive," the NBA's president of league operations, Byron Spruell — Jones's new boss — said in a statement. "With his exceptional relationship-building skills and deep basketball expertise, he is well suited to guide our efforts to shape the current and future direction of the NBA game."

Jones had been the sole GM of the Suns since 2019, although since Mat Ishbia purchased the team he reportedly has had a heavy hand in player and personnel decisions. This summer, Ishbia replaced Jones with Brian Gregory, with the official line being that Jones was becoming a senior advisor for the Suns. With that, Jones decided to get a new job.

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Former Sabres, Hurricanes Prospect Signs In England

Canadian forward Cliff Pu, 27, has signed a one-year contract with the Sheffield Steelers, the EIHL club announced on Thursday.

“I’d never thought of the U.K. to play hockey,” Pu is quoted. “Then when the opportunity came up, I started doing some research and realized this was a great opportunity to play for a winning franchise as well as being able to my get education with the university.”

“Cliff is coming in with a extremely high skill set,” said Steelers coach Aaron Fox. “He skates at an elite level and has played in some top leagues. Cliff is a natural center that can play both wing positions as well. His game will translate here to being a really productive player that I think will be able to help our PP and play a top-six role.”

As a junior, Pu played in the OHL and was a member of the London Knights 2015-16 Memorial Cup championship team. He was spotlighted by The Hockey News that spring as a potential first-round draft pick and ended up going in the third round, 69th overall, to the Buffalo Sabres. He followed up his draft season with 86- and 84-point seasons – the latter split between London and the Kingston Frontenacs.

Pu spent the better part of three seasons in the AHL while in the organizations of the Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets before signing with Kunlun Red Star – a Chinese-based club in the KHL – in 2021.

While many Kunlun players quickly became naturalized Chinese citizens and played for the national team, Pu’s arrival was too soon before the 2022 Beijing Olympics for this to happen. He played two and a half seasons with the Chinese-based team before transferring to Russian-based Admiral Vladivostok midway through 2023-24. In three KHL seasons, Pu recorded 41 points in 109 games.

Former Sabres draft pick Cliff Pu leaves KHL for SlovakiaFormer Sabres draft pick Cliff Pu leaves KHL for SlovakiaCliff Pu, a 26-year-old Canadian forward, has spent the past four seasons in the KHL. On Thursday, however, Slovak club Dukla Michalovce announced the signing of the Buffalo Sabres’ third-round pick from 2016.

Pu split the 2024-25 season between Dukla Michalovce of the Slovak Extraliga and HC La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland’s second-tier league.

Pu joins a Steelers team that is used to success – they have not finished worse than third in the past six seasons. The team includes British national team captain Robert Dowd, who is also the EIHL’s all-time scoring leader.

Describing himself, Pu said, “Firstly I love to win, I work hard and I’m fast, I try and use my speed, I’ve always focused on power skating, and that has helped me create offense for my self and teammates.”

Photo © Kim Klement-Imagn Images: Cliff Pu, playing a pre-season game for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2018, being checked by Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Robert Dowd Is British League’s All-Time Scoring LeaderRobert Dowd Is British League’s All-Time Scoring LeaderOn Saturday night, the Sheffield Steelers defeated the visiting Glasgow Clan 6-3 in EIHL action. Captain Robert Dowd scored to break a 2-2 tie early in the third period and in doing so, recorded his 740th career point – a new league record.
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This Is What Riley Nash Will Always Be Remembered For In His Maple Leafs Tenure

A former Toronto Maple Leafs player, with a brief history with the club, has called it a career. Riley Nash told the Western Canadian news outlet Castanet that he is retiring from professional hockey after 628 games in which he registered 63 goals and 113 assists.

“It is definitely something weird to say, and it hasn’t really sunk in yet, even though I basically had all of last year away from the rink, this year will still be weird,” Nash told the news site. “This is all I’ve done and focused on for the past 30 years, but now is the time to end this chapter (or book) and look at what’s next.”

The 36-year-old played for eight different NHL clubs, including the Maple Leafs; however, none of those aforementioned games were regular-season contests with the Blue and White. The Maple Leafs acquired Nash from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick in April of 2021. He was injured at the time with a knee sprain, but that didn’t deter the Leafs from acquiring him.

On the contrary, the Leafs were able to add the player and effectively use his entire $2.75 million in salary cap space within the long-term injured reserve pool. This strategy helped them acquire additional players like then-Jackets captain Nick Foligno and goaltender David Rittich in other trades. Nash healed up in time for the playoffs and dressed in two of the club’s seven games in their first-round loss to the Montreal Canadiens.

Nash himself found humor in it when he addressed the Toronto media for the first time ahead of the playoffs, saying, “It was definitely unique.”

While the Nash acquisition demonstrated creative cap management, new changes to the NHL's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will impact how teams can utilize similar strategies in the future. With the NHL ratifying its new CBA, there will be a playoff salary cap for the 20 players dressed on the ice. Additionally, the amount of cap space a team will get for a player on LTIR will be equal to the prior season’s average.

Not that the Leafs couldn’t do this again with another player of Nash’s type, but such moves may become more complex under the new rules. Nash’s tenure in Toronto was more memorable for the craftiness of the front office rather than the player’s effectiveness on the ice.

Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Marlies Sign Five Players, Including Four Players From Past Maple Leafs Development CampsMarlies Sign Five Players, Including Four Players From Past Maple Leafs Development CampsThe Toronto Marlies have made more additions to their club ahead of next season. Ex-Maple Leafs Assistant Dave Hakstol Lands New NHL Coaching JobEx-Maple Leafs Assistant Dave Hakstol Lands New NHL Coaching JobDave Hakstol is back behind an NHL bench. 'Mitchy Earned The Right To Go Wherever He Wants': Ryan Reaves Discusses Marner’s Depature And Time Spent With The Marlies Last Season'Mitchy Earned The Right To Go Wherever He Wants': Ryan Reaves Discusses Marner’s Depature And Time Spent With The Marlies Last SeasonBefore Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ryan Reaves calls it a career, he hopes to hit the milestone of 1,000 games.
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St. Louis Blues 2023 Third-Round Pick Juraj Pekarcik Eager To Turn Pro After Enjoying Great Success Past Two Years

St. Louis Blues third-round pick Juraj Pekarcik (second from right) enjoyed great success for Moncton of the QMJHL last season, but the forward is turning pro for the 2025-26 season, most likely playing in Springfield of the AHL. (St. Louis Blues photo)

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- Juraj Pekarcik already spent one year in North America in 2023-24, after making the jump from Europe to begin his trek towards making it to the NHL when the St. Louis Blues selected the forward in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft.

The 19-year-old spent a season in Dubuque of the United States Hockey League, and although it was a successful season (nine goals, 50 assists; 43 games) for the 6-foot-1, 183-pound wing, making the decision to play junior hockey turned out to be even more beneficial.

Pekarcik, with the help from his agent Gerry Johansson, who collaborated with the Blues to get Pekarcik to play for Moncton of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League and not only did Pekarcik's game grow, he played important minutes for a side that won the QMJHL and competed for the Memorial Cup.

They were important games and important roles that Pekarcik grew into well.

"I feel like it was a great season for us, for the team," Pekarcik said last week at Blues development camp, his third and final one. "We won the (QMJHL) championship so a great experience for me. I learned from the year. I wish we could (have won) the Memorial Cup, but it was a great season.

"It was a pleasure for me to play in the Mem Cup. It was a great experience, and the teams were really good. London and Medicine Hat. I wish we could have been better and won the Mem Cup, but it was a great experience."

Pekarcik, who has also played for Slovakia in the past two U20 World Junior Championships, would greatly benefit from his one season with the Wildcats, finishing with 67 points (24 goals, 43 assists) in 53 regular-season games and a plus-34 rating; he would add 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists in 19 playoff games, helping Moncton win the title for the first time since 2009-10; he was a teammate of Caleb Desnoyers, who was selected by the Utah Mammoth with the No. 4 pick in the 2025 draft.

"I feel like I grow a lot," Pekarcik said. "I improved a lot of things in my game. The coaches there in Moncton helped me a lot, really a lot. I improved in the D-zone most probably. That's what I needed the most. I'm trying to improve everything. My shots on goals. Last year I had nine goals, this (past) year I had 24, so I think I improved that. I'm so happy for it.

"Yeah, it was a great move. It was. It was my agent and St. Louis Blues decision, and I was so happy for it. It was a great year for me, great year."

But as much as good times last, they also come to an end and a new chapter opens. For Pekarcik, it's time to turn pro; he will be at main training camp once again, and depending on his performance while in St. Louis, it will determine where his playing address will be for 2025-26.

Blues prospect and 2023 third-round pick Juraj Pekarcik (left) met and took part in development camp last week with 2025 first-round pick Justin Carbonneau. (St. Louis Blues photo)

"Yes, I'm always ready," Pekarcik said. "It was always my dream. I hope I'm going to make it. I can't wait.

"I feel like I need to play more physical during games and I'm going to try and improve that for sure, but overall, everything I need to improve and to be the best if I want to be in the NHL, so I'll do everything to be an NHL player one day."

As is the case with all their prospects, management will not rush the forward, but they recognized the success he had in his only season of junior hockey and realize the next step is necessary.

"Yeah, he had a great year," Blues assistant general manager Tim Taylor said. "They raved about his character. His teammates loved him. He was really good in the playoffs for them. He was the type of kid that plays really big in big games, hard-nosed and has a nose for the net. We're excited for him. Obviously a steppingstone. This (was) his third camp. He's going to turn pro this year, and we have a lot of young kids turning pro this year so we're excited with that.

"Obviously he'll be coming to training camp and make a big impression on us. We expect him to turn pro and have a good year."

Pekarcik is likely to begin the season in Springfield of the American Hockey League but seeing how he's progressed each step the Blues have laid out for him will only fuel his fire since he will be one step away from the pinnacle of his dreams.

But in the meantime, he was able to enjoy another strong development camp, with many of the prospects that have the same aspirations as he does.

Blues prospect Juraj Pekarcik makes the kids happy last week with a souvenir stick at development camp. (St. Louis Blues photo)

"I was so happy to come again," Pekarcik said. "It was a great experience. It's a pleasure for me to be here again. I'm so thankful. I just want(ed) to enjoy this one more time, the boys. I'm so happy here. I've learned so much from being here for these.

"I'm going to make it. I'll do everything I possibly can to be here. This is the next step, I have to be my best."