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With Nedeljkovic Traded, Penguins Are Starting To Solve Goaltender Logjam

The Pittsburgh Penguins made a surprise move on July 1, shipping backup goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic to the San Jose Sharks for a third-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. Nedeljkovic had been the backup for the past two seasons before Penguins general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas moved him. 

It allows Nedeljkovic to team up with Yaroslav Askarov for the 2025-26 season. He will also have the opportunity to play behind a young Sharks team that is still in the process of rebuilding. Macklin Celebrini is on track to be a star in the NHL after finishing the 2024-25 season with 25 goals and 63 points in 70 games. His production may skyrocket this upcoming season as he continues to get better. The Sharks also have other young players who may take significant steps forward next season, including William Eklund and Will Smith. 

This move allows Tristan Jarry to keep his starting job going into next season unless he gets dealt to another team that needs a goalie. It felt like the Penguins reached their breaking point with Jarry last season when he spent multiple stints with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. However, they called him back up to the main roster to end the season due to Joel Blomqvist’s struggles. 

The Penguins’ season was practically over when Jarry was recalled in early March, and to his credit, he played better down the stretch than he did during the first half of the year. He finished March with a .907 save percentage and had a .914 save percentage or better in five of his nine starts that month. He managed a .903 save percentage or better in three of his five starts in April. 

With him set to return and Nedeljkovic now a Shark, it opens the door for Blomqvist to win the backup job out of camp. Blomqvist looked to be the favorite for the job going into free agency last year until Dubas signed Nedeljkovic to a two-year deal. Blomqvist got a taste of NHL experience last season but still spent more time in WBS. 

If Blomqvist can win the backup gig, it would allow Sergei Murashov to compete for the starting job in WBS. That’s the next step in his development after he showed he was too good for the ECHL last season. In his first North American season with the Wheeling Nailers, he played in 26 games and finished with a .922 save percentage and a 2.40 goals-against average. He struggled in the ECHL playoffs, but that was mainly because he got no help from the skaters in front of him. 

Murashov also spent some time in WBS, playing in 16 games and finishing with a .913 save percentage and 2.64 goals-against average. He set the WBS franchise record for the longest winning streak in a rookie season (10). He is a freakish athlete and has the potential to develop into a solid NHL goalie. The trick for the Penguins will be not to rush him, even though some fans are ready to see him up with the big squad right now. 

Filip Larsson will also battle for the starting gig in WBS after a solid first season with the team. He played in 26 games, finishing with a .910 save percentage and a 2.84 goals-against average. The Penguins signed him after he put together strong seasons in Sweden, specifically in 2023-24 when he played in the SHL. In 28 games, he had a .920 save percentage and a 1.93 goals-against average. The Detroit Red Wings initially picked him in the sixth round of the 2016 NHL Draft. 

Penguins fans shouldn’t forget about Taylor Gauthier, either. WBS re-signed him to an AHL contract for next season and also sees him as a potential option in the net. He has played in 25 AHL games and has posted 10 wins, a .908 save percentage, and a 2.77 goals-against average. Gauthier is set to be in his fourth season with the Penguins organization after going undrafted. He finished a three-year entry-level deal with the Penguins before WBS signed him on July 2. 

Gauthier is too good for the ECHL as well, having put up ridiculous numbers for the Wheeling Nailers over the last three years. He was the ECHL’s Goaltender of the Year for the 2023-24 season after finishing with 24 wins, a .923 save percentage, and a 2.23 goals-against average. He improved upon the latter two numbers this past season, compiling a .928 save percentage and a 2.06 goals-against average. 

The Nedeljkovic trade doesn’t entirely solve the goalie logjam, but it provides an opportunity for some of the younger goalies to take the necessary next step in their development. Training camp will be a blast to follow when it gets underway in September. 

Featured Image Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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Mets vs. Yankees: 5 things to watch and Subway Series predictions | July 4-6

Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Yankees play the three-game Subway Series at Citi Field starting on Friday at 3:10 p.m. on SNY.

5 things to watch

Can the Mets' offense find consistency?

Despite a strong top five in the lineup that features Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, and Jeff McNeil, the Mets' offense has been hit or miss recently, including during last weekend's three-game sweep at the hands of the Pirates (when they scored a total of four runs) and their Game 1 doubleheader loss to the Brewers on Wednesday (when they mustered only two hits).

The two main issues have been the bottom of the lineup and overall struggles with runners in scoring position.

When it comes to the six-through-nine hitters, the Mets have been getting better at-bats from Ronny Mauricio lately, which has helped. Meanwhile, Mark Vientos recently returned, which lengthened the order.

If Vientos can get hot, it would be a boon for the rest of the lineup.

Meanwhile, a reinforcement should be coming soon in the form of Jesse Winker, who could return from the IL at some point next week.

Who will start on Friday?

Paul Blackburn was slated to start Friday's series-opener, but he just landed on the IL due to a shoulder impingement.

The right-hander had been ineffective lately.

He allowed four runs (three earned) in 3.2 innings against the Braves on June 18, surrendered three runs in 4.2 innings against Atlanta on June 23, and gave up three runs on six hits in his only inning of work against the Pirates on June 28 -- during a game that was interrupted by a lengthy rain delay.

It is conceivable that the Mets will use Justin Hagenman to start on Friday.

Hagenman made his major league debut on April 16 against the Twins, tossing 3.1 innings of one-run ball while allowing three hits, walking none, and striking out four. He also pitched on June 19 against the Braves, going 2.2 scoreless innings.

The Mets should get some rotation help soon, with the returns of Sean Manaea (likely after one more rehab start) and Kodai Senga (who is about to begin a rehab assignment).

The Mets also need a starter for Sunday

Sunday's start was supposed to go to Clay Holmes, but Tuesday's rainout and Wednesday's doubleheader pushed Holmes to Wednesday -- meaning New York now needs a starter for the finale of the series.

Their two options appear to be going with an opener/bullpen game or calling someone up from Triple-A Syracuse.

New York Mets starter Brandon Sproat (91) pitches against the Houston Astros at Clover Park.
New York Mets starter Brandon Sproat (91) pitches against the Houston Astros at Clover Park. / Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

With Nolan McLean pitching on Thursday night for Syracuse, the Mets could theoretically turn to Brandon Sproat for Sunday's start.

The hard-throwing Sproat, who is currently in line to pitch on Friday in Triple-A, is coming off his best start of the season. He fired 6.0 innings of two-run ball on June 28 while allowing just two hits, walking three, and striking out six.

The Yankees' rotation is lined up

Marcus Stroman, who senselessly bashed the Mets on his way out of town following the 2021 season, gets the start on Friday. And he'll certainly be out for some kind of revenge against a team that never did anything wrong to him in the first place.

Following Stroman, the Yanks have Carlos Rodon lined up for Saturday and Max Fried set to pitch on Sunday.

Rodon is having a very strong season, with a 2.95 ERA and 1.00 WHIP to go along with 123 strikeouts in 106.2 innings.

Fried has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this year, with a 2.13 ERA and 0.94 WHIP.

He did get touched up a bit in his last start, though, allowing four runs (including two homers) to the Blue Jays in 6.0 innings on Tuesday in Toronto.

Aaron Judge has "cooled off"

Judge was hitting .250/.400/.574 over his prior 20 games ahead of play on Thursday. That's tremendous for any other player, but a slump for Judge, who is possibly on track for another AL MVP award.

The slugger has also been more susceptible to the strikeout lately, and has already fanned 97 times this season -- that extrapolates to 183 over a full season.

Still, Judge is one of the most dangerous hitters on the planet. And the Mets would be wise to walk him any time there's a base open, and pitch incredibly carefully to him in every other situation.

The idea, as it was last season when the Mets faced the Yanks (when they still had Soto), should be to make anyone else in the lineup beat them.

Predictions

Who will the MVP of the series be?

Juan Soto

Soto didn't break through during Round 1 of the Subway Series. This time will be different.

Which Mets pitcher will have the best start?

Frankie Montas

Montas has fixed a pitch-tipping issue, which should help in a big way.

Which Yankees player will be a thorn in the Mets' side?

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Chisholm has been heating up.

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Yankees swept by Blue Jays, fall out of first place with fourth straight loss

The Yankees' struggles with runners in scoring position continued, going 2-for-14 and leaving 12 on base, in an 8-5 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday night for their fourth straight loss.

It's just the third time they have been swept by the Blue Jays in a four-game series (2003 and 2021) and first time ever in Toronto.

The Yankees (48-39) are now a game behind the Blue Jays (49-38) for first place in the AL East.

Here are the takeaways...

-- Clarke Schmidt found himself in an early 1-0 hole as Addison Barger drove in George Springer (walk) from first base with a two-out double in the bottom of the first inning. He bounced back for a quick second inning, issuing just a two-out walk. The right-hander gave up a leadoff double to Nathan Lukes in the third and then Springer continued his hot stretch with a two-run homer to make it a 3-1 game -- it was his third HR and ninth RBI of the series.

Schmidt let up another double to Barger but got a flyout and groundout to escape the third inning. He didn't head back out for the fourth inning, ending his night after 55 pitches, as Clayton Beeter replaced him on the mound. Overall, Schmidt allowed three runs on four hits with two walks and a strikeout. It was later announced that Schmidt left the game with right forearm tightness.

-- The Yankees went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and left three on base over the first two innings. Aaron Judge (hit by pitch) and Cody Bellinger (single) were left stranded as Jazz Chisholm Jr. struck out to end the top of the first inning. Jasson Domínguez led off the second inning with a single and advanced to second base after a balk by Chris Bassitt, but Anthony Volpe, Austin Wells, and Oswald Peraza failed to drive in the run.

-- Trent Grisham came through with a solo home run to tie the game at 1-1 in the top of the third inning. It's homer No. 16 on the year for the outfielder -- one shy of his career-high of 17 HRs in 2022 with the Padres.

-- The cold streak of hitting with RISP snapped in the fourth as Domínguez tripled with one out and scored on Volpe's single, cutting the Toronto lead to 3-2. Wells doubled to give the Yanks more scoring opportunities and Volpe scored from third on a wild pitch to tie it up at 3-3. That's all they could get across the plate, however, as Peraza and Ben Rice both struck out.

New York got another chance in the fifth after Judge walked and Domínguez singled and stole second, but Volpe popped out into foul territory to end the frame.

-- Beeter's season debut didn't go as planned as he let up a two-run double to Lukes in the fourth and a solo homer to Barger in the fifth. The righty was pulled after 1.2 IP, allowing three runs to give the Blue Jays a 6-3 lead. Jonathan Loáisiga struck out Davis Schneider to end the fifth inning.

-- New York rattled off three straight hits in the seventh from Judge, Bellinger, and Chisholm, whose double scored Judge to make it a two-run game. Volpe drove in another with a groundout as the Yanks trailed, 6-5. After Wells walked to give the team runners at the corners, Giancarlo Stanton pinch-hit for Peraza, but grounded out back to the pitcher to end the inning.

Judge was intentionally walked for a record fifth time in the series in the eighth with two outs and the move paid off as Bellinger struck out to end the inning. Judge now has 23 intentional walks on the year, tied with Mickey Mantle in 1957 for the most in a season in Yankees history.

Game MVP: George Springer

Barger had a good argument with two doubles and a homer, but Springer's second HR of the night (a two-run blast in the eighth) gives him the honor. He dominated the Yanks during the four-game series, going 8-for-14 with four home runs and 11 RBI.

Highlights

What's next

The Yankees and head back to New York for a Fourth of July weekend Subway Series with the Mets on Friday at Citi Field. First pitch is at 3:10 p.m. on SNY.

Marcus Stroman (1-1, 8.16 ERA) takes on his former team. The Mets have yet to announce a starting pitcher.

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Mets pitching holds down Brewers, win first series in three weeks after 3-2 victory

David Peterson pitched into the seventh and the Mets bullpen did the rest as New York defeated the Brewers, 3-2, on Thursday night at Citi Field.

After a 35-minute rain delay to start the game, the Mets had their best pitching performance in a while and the offense did just enough to take the series against the Brewers.

Here are the takeaways...

-After the success of Game 2 on Wednesday, Carlos Mendoza kept Francisco Lindor in the two-hole but had Starling Marte lead off in this one. But it was Brandon Nimmo who got the Mets' scoring started. Hitting in the five-hole, Nimmo launched a first-pitch sinker from Jose Quintana just over the right field wall.

Quintana would keep the Mets in check until the sixth inning when Marte and Lindor hit back-to-back singles with one out to put runners on the corners for Juan Soto. The Player of the Month for June hit a seeing-eye single just under the second baseman's glove to put the Mets up 2-1. Pete Alonso followed with a first-pitch double off the wall to score Lindor. The Mets failed to tack on after Nimmo and Mark Vientos struck out to leave two runners stranded.

-David Peterson, after back-to-back rough starts, was back to form on Thursday night. However, the defense betrayed him in the fourth inning. Brett Baty dropped a liner at second base to put runners on first and second with one out and then Vientos dove in front of Lindor, causing the shortstop to only get one out instead of a double play. The run would score on a soft chopper to third and tie the game.

The defense would help out Peterson in the next few innings, converting two double plays to get Peterson through six innings. Peterson is the first Met since June 17 to get through six innings (14 games), when Peterson did it.

With a two-run lead, Peterson started the seventh and got the first two outs before Andruw Monasterio hit his first homer of the season and Sal Frelick hit an infield single to knock the Mets left-hander out of the game. Ryne Stanek, working his second consecutive day, got the final out of the inning to put a bow on Peterson's night.

The Mets southpaw threw 103 pitches (69 strikes) over 6.2 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out four batters.

-Stanek was impressive in relief. After getting the final out in the seventh, he struck out the side in the eighth. His four-out appearance is the longest outing of the season for Stanek.

Edwin Diaz pitched the ninth and after a strikeout, Christian Yelich picked up a pinch-hit single. Yelich attempted to steal second and looked to have it, but after a replay, it was deemed that Luis Torrens' throw and Lindor's tag got Yelich for the second out. Diaz would strike out the pinch-hitting Brice Turang to nail down the save.

Game MVP: David Peterson

After all the injuries and bullpen usage, Peterson gave the Mets exactly what they needed.

Highlights

What's next

The Mets welcome the Yankees to Citi Field for the second Subway Series of the season. First pitch is set for 3:10 p.m.

Marcus Stroman (1-1, 8.16 ERA) will take the mound for the Yankees while the Mets have yet to announce a probable pitcher.

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If This Is It When It Comes To Sabres Roster Changes, It's Going To Be A Long Season In Buffalo

Buffalo Sabres players (Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Images)

The Buffalo Sabres' underwhelming roster changes thus far this off-season have some fans itching to see them make a move of consequence, particularly when it comes to the future of RFA defenseman Bowen Byram. But what if nothing else transipres on the roster alterations front? What if the Sabres roster we see in early July is highly similar to the one we see when next season begins?

Indeed, if this is how the Sabres are going to look next season, will anyone be surprised when just about everyone picks Buffalo to miss the Stanley Cup playoffs for the 15th consecutive season? And more importantly, will Sabres fans be blamed for giving up on this organization? 

It's one thing if the Sabres spend to the salary cap ceiling and still miss out on the playoffs. But it's something different if all these signings and trades are simply about the bottom line financially. Buffalo fans aren't buying tickets and merchandise to see Sabres management penny-pinch their way through another disappointing season.

And we're not advocating trades or signings for the sake of trades or signings. Teams can take steps forward by sticking together and moving forward with most, if not all of the same players as important components. 

However, it's not as if these Sabres have had any of thoese days to point to as particularly-wonderful days. In 10 of its 14 straight seasons withought playoffs streak, this Buffalo team has finished between sixth-to-eighth in its division. This is not a team that missed out on the post-season by a win here or there. This has been sustained, almost-predictable crap, and everyone who has seen it doesn't want to see. it again.

After Sabres' Latest Trade, Don't Expect Much From New Buffalo DefensemanAfter Sabres' Latest Trade, Don't Expect Much From New Buffalo DefensemanThe Buffalo Sabres made a trade Saturday, but it wasn't the trade many were expecting, as star defenseman Bowen Byram remained a Sabre, at least, for the time being. However, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams reshaped his defense corps by sending rugged blueliner Connor Clifton and the 39th-overall pick in this year's draft to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for D-man Conor Timmins and minor leaguer Isaac Beliveau. 

And so we again ask,  when will it arrive to Sabres managent that Buffalo fans want more? There can be no more excuses, or talk about a "youth movement". Buffalo has to do what San Jose GM Mike Grier is doing -- namely, adding many veteran voices to be a smart support seaon. And while that approach didn't work well when the Chicago Blackhawks did it last year for Connor Bedard, it's still worth trying another time.

We don't expect the Sabres to set the world on fire with a team that can win the Atlantic Division. But that doesn't mean expectations aren't sky-high for them. Being realistotic and adding players who can help play meaningful hockey isn't a stretch, but Buffalo ownership has to spend the money needed to move past their other Atlantic teams and finally carve out a playoff spot.

The Sabres have to spend all their money to prove to Sabres fans that they are doing their utmost to give Buffalo a decent shot at winning, but when you're not spending as an owner, you're telling fans,  in essence, that you don't care about them.

Sabres' Signing Of Veteran Goalie A Solid Gamble That May Wind Up Saving Buffalo's SeasonSabres' Signing Of Veteran Goalie A Solid Gamble That May Wind Up Saving Buffalo's SeasonThe Buffalo Sabres' first day of the NHL's free-agent frenzy saw Sabres GM Kevyn Adams take some low-risk, decent-return gambles in signing mid-tier veterans like winger Justin Danforth and defenseman Zac Jones. But another Sabres signing could prove to be extremely important as the season goes on -- and that's the signing of experienced goalie Alex Lyon.

It may be unfair, but it's undenable -- if you're not trying with all your might to improve, you're not a team worth rooting for. And the Sabres fans that you're in danger of losing (if you haven't lost them already) may just say that this latest indignity is the straw that breaks the camel's back.

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Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon Forced To Apologize For False Trade Rumors

Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

When speaking to the media following the signing of Mitch Marner, Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon touched upon having to apologize for false trade rumors surrounding veterans William Karlsson and Tomas Hertl.

"It’s shameful that I had to phone William Karlsson and say, ‘Karly, I’m sorry you’ve gotta go through this sh*t, you’re not for trade. Tomáš, relax, you’re not for trade," said McCrimmon.

Throughout the process prior to completing the sign-and-trade for Mitch Marner, rumors surrounding a Hertl trade to the Carolina Hurricanes and Karlsson possibly being on the move to create cap space gained a lot of traction. 

In the end, both remain with the team. 

Hertl had a stellar first full season with the Golden Knights, scoring 32 goals and 61 points in 73 games. The 31-year-old played his role to perfection, dominating as a net front and bumper presence on the first power play unit. Recently, Hertl was interviewed by a Czech outlet, where he spoke about the trade speculation. 

“Honestly, I didn’t even know – it was the people around me who told me. I knew the situation – they can’t trade me at all until July 1, and then I have three teams that I can choose from. Then general manager Kelly McCrimmon, called me and said he was sorry that this had even come up, and that nothing was being discussed. I was calm; I have the situation in hand. When a journalist writes something, everyone’s reaction is quick. I know that (the Golden Knights) are counting on me for next year, but you can never know anything 100 percent. That’s just how it works.”

INTERVIEW: Tomáš Hertl Responds To Trade RumorsINTERVIEW: Tomáš Hertl Responds To Trade Rumors Tomáš Hertl, who was acquired by the Vegas Golden Knights from the San Jose Sharks late in the 2023-24 season, has recently been the subject of trade rumors again, which THN Vegas writer Julian Gaudio recently explained in detail.

Unsurprisingly, when the rumors began to generate steam around Karlsson, several teams were interested, but many trusted insiders, including Elliotte Friedman, continued to reiterate that he didn't believe Karlsson was being made available. 

The 2024-25 season was challenging for the 32-year-old. His defensive game remained potent, but offensively, he scored just nine goals and 29 points in 53 games, dealing with a pair of injuries. Entering the seventh year of an eight-year deal which pays him $5.9-million annually, Karlsson remains a vital piece to the Golden Knights' success, and a bounce-back season of full health will go a long way in becoming a threat for the Stanley Cup.  

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

REPORT: Golden Knights Interested In Trading For A Pair Of DefensemenREPORT: Golden Knights Interested In Trading For A Pair Of DefensemenThe Vegas Golden Knights are reportedly interested in trading for defensemen Rasmus Andersson and Bowen Byram.
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NHL Trade Rumors: Blues Making Big Push For Sabres Star

The St. Louis Blues are continuing to be linked to one of the NHL's top trade candidates. 

According to The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford, he heard from a league source that the Blues are working hard to acquire Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram. Rutherford also added that Byram is a candidate to receive an offer sheet, but noted that the Blues would not get him that way. 

This is not the first time that the Blues have been connected to Byram. Late last month, NHL insider Darren Dreger reported that the Blues were one of the teams interested in the Sabres blueliner. Now, the Blues are only continuing to be linked to Byram with this latest report. 

However, it also makes sense that the Blues are reportedly making a push to acquire Byram. Nick Leddy and his $4 million cap hit were claimed off waivers by the San Jose Sharks. Thus, the Blues have a spot available on their blueline and more cap space to work with.

If the Blues acquired Byram, it would be a significant move for the Central Division club. This is because the 24-year-old is a top-four defenseman who provides solid offense and is right in his prime. Thus, he could be a long-term part of the Blues' core if brought in. We will need to wait and see if the Blues end up winning the sweepstakes from here. 

Blues Lose Veteran Forward To Division Rival Blues Lose Veteran Forward To Division Rival The St. Louis Blues worked hard to try to re-sign forward Radek Faksa, but he is now heading elsewhere. 

Photo Credit: © Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

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NBA free agency, offseason winners and losers

The NBA offseason moved fast this year — so fast that it started before the NBA Finals were even over with the Kevin Durant trade. Then there were a series of trades around the draft, followed by potential free agents re-signing with their teams (James Harden, Kyrie Irving) or opting in (LeBron James). Then, free agency began and we quickly saw blockbuster moves, such as the Bucks waiving and stretching Damian Lillard to make room to sign Myles Turner.

There are still moves to be made, but the dust is starting to settle. Who won the NBA offseason and free agency? Let's break it down.

WINNER: Houston Rockets

Adding Kevin Durant — at the affordable price of Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and one first-round pick (plus five seconds) — already made the Rockets winners. Everyone who watched their first-round playoff loss to the Warriors understood this team needed a combination of experience (gained in that series) and one more player who could just bend defenses and get a bucket in the half court under pressure. Kevin Durant is as good at that as anyone who ever played the game.

The Rockets did much more than that. They signed Dorian Finney-Smith (four years, $53 million), who is at least as good a defender, if not an upgrade, on the wing from Brooks, with fewer technical fouls. They signed Clint Capela to a three-year deal as a backup center. They re-signed Fred VanVleet to new contract, extended Jabari Smith Jr. on a fair deal, and re-signed Jae'Sean Tate, Aaron Holiday and Jeff Green.

The Rockets enter next season as clear title contenders, a team that can push Oklahoma City in the West. That is the definition of a good offseason.

WINNER: Atlanta Hawks

Give new general manager Onsi Saleh credit, the Hawks have had a tremendous offseason (now Hawks fans just need to hope ownership and their family don't step in to help).

Building around an undersized point guard who is not a great defender is tricky; it requires an elite rim protector — like Kristaps Porziņģis, whom the Hawks acquired in the Boston fire sale (a bet on KP being healthy is baked into this). The Hawks poached Nickeil Alexander-Walker from Minnesota, making a fearsome defensive wing combo with Dyson Daniels. The Hawks added more shooting with Luke Kennard.

Then there was draft night, when the Hawks fleeced New Orleans, trading back 10 spots, from No. 13 to No. 23, and getting an incredibly valuable 2026 unprotected first-round pick. That could pay off big a year from now.

Whatever happens with that pick, the Hawks are going to jump from "maybe they can make the play-in" to a potential top-four team in the East next season, they certainly should be top six. That is winning the offseason.

LOSER: New Orleans Pelicans

What is the plan? What is the direction in New Orleans? If you can answer that, you're doing better than I.

There are things the Pelicans did right this offseason. They held on to Zion Williamson rather than trade him for a below-market offer (plenty of teams were interested, but only with lowball bids). They drafted Oklahoma's Jeremiah Fears at No. 7 and Maryland's Derik Queen at No. 13 (a potentially good big man, but with a game that overlaps Zion's).

However, two things still have them as losers on this list. One is the question a couple of paragraphs up: What is Joe Dumar's plan? It's hard to see the path they are trying to walk.

The other was the draft night trade sending out a 2026 unprotected first-round pick — the most favorable of the Pelicans' or Bucks' picks, so probably the Pelicans. While they should improve on their 21-61 record from last season, in an incredibly deep West, it's very likely this is a lottery pick — and if Zion is injured again, a high lottery pick — in a very deep draft. That was a huge asset to give up and a massive bet on Queen.

WINNER: Denver Nuggets

Denver was a lot closer than people seem to recall to being in the Finals and possibly earning a second banner hung in Ball Arena — Nikola Jokić and company pushed Oklahoma City to seven games before losing.

What held the Nuggets back in that series? They needed more depth, a little more shooting, and a little more defense. Denver addressed all of that this offseason. It traded Michael Porter Jr. for an upgrade in Cameron Johnson from Brooklyn — Johnson is just as good a shooter as MPJ, a much better defender, and plays a more high-IQ game with fewer mistakes. Denver brought back Bruce Brown Jr. It added Tim Hardaway Jr. for shooting.

And they probably traded for Jonas Valanciunas, giving up only Dario Saric, who was not part of the Nuggets' rotation last season. Valanciunas would be the best backup center Denver has had in the Jokic era, helping slow the bleeding when Jokic rests. This is still on hold, however, because Valanciunas is considering walking away from the Nuggets and the NBA entirely, returning to Europe, where he reportedly would prefer to play. To do so would leave about $10 million and a chance to compete for a title on the table, but what matters most to him?

Assuming Valanciunas stays, the Nuggets will have given up two rotation players (Porter Jr. and Russell Westbrook) and added four, plus it appeared during the postseason that Julian Strawther is ready to make a leap. If the Nuggets give Jokic more depth, with better shooting and defense around him, this team can do more than just push OKC to seven games.

LOSER: Indiana Pacers

It's been a rough few weeks for Pacers fans. Tyrese Haliburton tearing his Achilles in Game 7 was just gut-wrenching.

Then ownership compounded the situation by letting Myles Turner walk. The Pacers were expected to be headed into the luxury tax next season to keep Turner and the rest of a Finals team together. Then Haliburton went down, and suddenly next season looked like a gap season. Herb Simon balked at paying the tax of a gap year, the team lowballed Turner, who found a team willing to pay him the going rate for a quality starting center in Milwaukee, and he bolted. Indiana got nothing out of it. (One could argue the Pacers put themselves in this spot by overpaying Andrew Nembhard to retain their own free agent a year ago, but he lived up to the price.)

Indiana isn't done, they have a season to restock the cupboard for when Haliburty is healthy, and there are plenty of moves they can make. However, Indiana made a bad situation worse and risked turning this season into a one-time fluke.

WINNER: Orlando Magic

This is pretty straightforward, but it was long enough ago that people seem to have forgotten: Acquiring Desmond Bane was a perfect move for Orlando. They look like a top-four team in the East next season.

Orlando has an elite defense, plus star forwards in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, but they needed more shooting and some shot creation from the guard spot. Bane is exactly that (career 41% from beyond the arc and an improved shot creator) who is a hand-in-glove fit at the two guard next to Jalen Suggs.

Adding Tyus Jones as a backup point guard was a smart move, too.

WINNER AND LOSER: Milwaukee Bucks

I'm not sure what to do with Milwaukee, because I don't know the answer to this question: Did the bold move to get Myles Turner make Giannis Antetokounmpo happy enough to stay and not request a trade?

My gut says yes, he's always been loyal. My bet is he plays out another season with the Bucks, but that's no sure thing. Milwaukee, as constructed, is good, but it needs another shot creator at the guard or wing to compete with teams like Cleveland and New York at the top of the East. That player will not be easy to get.

Even if Antetokounmpo stays, plays like an MVP, and the Bucks make a deep playoff run, this is a house of cards. The Bucks don't control their own first-round pick until 2031 and now have $22.5 million in dead money on their books for the next five years from the Lillard buyout. This team is not in good long-term shape, but they should be okay in the short term. As long as Antetokounmpo is happy.

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Knicks did background work on Deandre Ayton, in touch with backup guards as free agency continues

A few notes on the Knicks’ offseason entering the July 4 weekend...

The Knicks are hard-capped at the second apron this season ($207,824,000). They are currently close to the second apron. But they should have enough money to sign another veteran free agent.

I don’t know if there is a specific focus for that final roster spot. But the Knicks have been in touch with multiple backup guards on the market.

Dante Exum considered the Knicks as a possible destination before he agreed to a deal with Dallas on Wednesday (per ESPN). As noted earlier, the Knicks touched base with free agent Ben Simmons this week. So it seems like the Knicks are at least keeping an eye on the market for a backup guard.

He's obviously not on their radar now, but the Knicks also did some background work on Deandre Ayton. Some decision makers viewed Ayton as a good fit next to Karl-Anthony Towns. Part of their background work included talking to the Trail Blazers about Ayton. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Blazers gave good feedback on Ayton to teams that called on him, which runs contrary to recent reports painting Ayton in a negative light. The Knicks received similar positive feedback from Portland about Ayton’s leadership with some of the younger Blazers.

I assume if the Knicks paired Ayton and Towns, Mitchell Robinson would have been the club’s backup center. Ayton reportedly signed a two-year, $16.6 million deal with the Lakers. Ayton chose the Lakers over his other suitors because he viewed Los Angeles as the best basketball fit.

IMPRESSED BY NORI

He didn’t get the job, but Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori impressed the Knicks during the interview process. According to people in touch with the team, Nori’s insight on workload/player production stood out during the Knicks’ interview process. Mike Brown, Nori, Taylor Jenkins, James Borrego and Dawn Staley were the known interviewees for the Knicks opening. The Knicks were always leaning toward hiring a head coach with NBA experience, but Nori’s interview certainly gave them something to think about.

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Jets Sign Mason Shaw To A One-Year, Two-Way Deal

Photo courtesy of the Manitoba Moose

The Winnipeg Jets have signed forward Mason Shaw to a one-year, $775,000 two-way contract.

The 26-year-old played his first season with the Jets organization this year, recording 17 goals and 37 points in 72 games with the Manitoba Moose in the AHL. The Moose's alternate captain led the team in points and finished second in goals. 

Shaw was a fourth-round pick (97th overall) to the Minnesota Wild in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. With the Wild, Shaw recorded eight goals and 20 points in 82 NHL games, but spent most of his tenure with the organization in the AHL with the Iowa Wild. 

Although Shaw is listed at just 5'10, he plays the game with a physical edge, willing to mix it up. He finished second on the Moose in penalty minutes, recording 114. His two-way game is solid for his size, and he's now a veteran AHL player who can be viewed as a positive voice in the dressing room for young players like Nikita Chibrikov, Brad Lambert, Brayden Yager, Colby Barlow and Elias Salomonsson. 

The Jets did not extend a qualifying offer to Shaw on Jun. 30, which allowed him to become an unrestricted free agent, but he and the Jets were able to agree on a contract anyway. Shaw will be in contention throughout the 2025-26 season to be called up to the NHL if the Jets run into injury issues. 

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Jets Hand Out Five One-Year, Two-Way ContractsJets Hand Out Five One-Year, Two-Way ContractsThe Winnipeg Jets have handed out one-year, two-way contracts to Isaac Poulter, Kale Clague, Phillip Di Giuseppe, Walker Duehr and Samuel Fagemo.
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Lakers agree to terms to bring back Jaxson Hayes

Minneapolis, Minnesota, Friday, April 25, 2025 - Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) glides by defenders Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) and Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the LA Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves in game three of the NBA playoffs, at the Target Center. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) glides by Timberwolves defenders Mike Conley (10) and Rudy Gobert (27) for a layup during Game 3 of their playoff series this spring. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The Lakers and free-agent center Jaxson Hayes have agreed up on a one-year contract for him to return to the team, according to people not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

With Hayes, the Lakers now have a backup center after they agreed to a two-year deal with Deandre Ayton.

Hayes became the Lakers’ starting center when Anthony Davis was part of a trade that sent him to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic.

Despite shooting a career-high 72.2% from the field as a lob threat for the Lakers during the regular season, he struggled in the playoffs. He started the first four games against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first-round series but was so ineffective that he didn’t play more than 10 minutes in any game as the Lakers lost 4-1. He did not play at all in Game 5.

In 56 games during the regular season, Hayes averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Max Muncy heads to IL with what Dodgers are calling a left knee bone bruise

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 2, 2025: Los Angeles Dodgers third base Max Muncy (13) grimaces as he holds his left knee after colliding with Chicago White Sox outfielder Michael A. Taylor (21) after he tagged Taylor out trying to steal third base in the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on July 2, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy grimaces as he holds his left knee after colliding with Michael Taylor of the White Sox after he tagged Taylor out trying to steal third in the sixth inning of Wednesday's game. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The Dodgers will be without Max Muncy for approximately six weeks after the third baseman was placed on the injured list Thursday with what the team is calling a bone bruise in his left knee. Muncy was injured in the sixth inning of Wednesday’s walk-off win over the Chicago White Sox when Chicago’s Michael Taylor slid headfirst into third on an unsuccessful attempt to steal third base.

The Dodgers now have 13 players on the injured list.

Taylor’s helmet hit Muncy’s knee, bending it sideways and flipping the infielder to the ground. The collision was so gruesome, SportsNet LA, which was broadcasting the game, did not show replays. Muncy writhed on the ground in obvious pain before being helped to the clubhouse.

Muncy, who entered the Dodger clubhouse Thursday afternoon wearing a blue elastic support bandage on his left leg, said he originally feared the worst, but an MRI found no structural damage.

“It was tough news, but it was also great news,” he said. “I still get to play baseball this year instead of coming back next year around April. So it was kind of best-case scenario.”

Read more:'Super grateful' Clayton Kershaw, Dodger teammates bask in glow of 3,000th strikeout

Muncy, who said his knee felt stiff but not painful, was scheduled to meet the Dodger doctors later Thursday but said he intended to embark on an aggressive rehabilitation process.

“Everybody's body is different,” he said. “You know, some guys heal extremely fast, some guys heal extremely slow. Traditionally, I've always healed fairly fast.”

Taylor also left the game with a shoulder contusion. The White Sox have listed his status as day to day.

Muncy’s place on the roster was taken by outfielder Esteury Ruiz, who was acquired on April 2 from the Athletics in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Carlos Duran. Ruiz appeared in 66 games for triple-A Oklahoma City, batting .292 with eight homers, 37 RBIs and 38 stolen bases.

Muncy’s absence will leave a big hole in the Dodgers’ lineup. He led the team with a .333 average and 24 RBIs in June, when he matched Shohei Ohtani for the lead in home runs with seven. He is hitting .250/.375/.457 for the season and is third on the team with 55 RBIs.

“He's huge,” pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who was on the mound when the injury happened, said of Muncy. “I don't really know why he stole there. It just seemed unnecessary. We're all holding our breath that Munc is going to be OK.

“He's obviously a huge part of our team, especially the last two months.”

Max Muncy tags out Michael Taylor trying to steal third base as Muncy gets injured on the play in Wednesday's game.
Michael Taylor's helmet collided with Max Muncy's left knee on his unsuccessful attempt to steal third base, injuring Muncy in the process. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Miguel Rojas, who hasn’t played since injuring his left hand on an attempted steal Sunday, started at third base Thursday. Kiké Hernández, who took Muncy’s place Wednesday, is also likely to see some time at third in Muncy’s absence.

Hernández is hitting .204/2.70/.383 while Rojas, primarily a second baseman, is batting .250/.289/.380.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Report: Warriors balked at Kings' initial trade offer for Jonathan Kuminga

Report: Warriors balked at Kings' initial trade offer for Jonathan Kuminga originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

While the Jonathan Kuminga saga awaits a resolution, there still is plenty of buzz surrounding the impending future of the young Warriors forward.

NBC Sports California’s Tristi Rodriguez reported Wednesday that the Kings, Warriors and Detroit Pistons were discussing a blockbuster three-team trade that would send Kuminga to Sacramento.

Rodriguez reported that the framework of the deal would revolve around Golden State receiving 2024 first-round pick Devin Carter and former Warriors big man Dario Šarić and two second-round draft picks, while Sacramento would send Malik Monk to Detroit, clearing a path for Kuminga to land in California’s capital.

The Warriors balked at the Kings’ offer for Kuminga, feeling the proposal was a buy-low attempt, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported Thursday, citing league sources.

Golden State extended a $7.9 million qualifying offer to Kuminga last weekend, kickstarting a restricted free agency that faces similar issues as players in comparable situations league-wide due to the lack of teams possessing a wealth of salary-cap space.

Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points on 50.7 percent shooting from the field in four NBA seasons since being selecyted by the Warriors No. 7 overall in the 2021 draft.

While it remains to be seen what compensation the Warriors would be comfortable receiving to part with Kuminga, it’s clear the Kings’ initial offer still has a ways to go before any deal materializes between the two Northern California franchises.

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Mets prospect Nolan McLean strikes out 10 in latest start for Triple-A Syracuse

Nolan McLean continues to dominate with Triple-A Syracuse.

In his latest start on Thursday, the Mets prospect struck out a career-high 10 batters in five innings of work against the Worcester Woo Sox. The right-hander threw 89 pitches (58 strikes), allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk. His ERA now stands at 2.80 on the year.

McLean was rather dominant, allowing one run in the first after what should have been the third out but a bloop fly ball from Blaze Jordan that dropped out of Syracuse shortstop Yonny Hernandez's glove. McLean's second run allowed came in the fifth after Red Sox rookie Kristian Campbell hit a two-out double.

The young right-hander left Thursday's game with a 5-2 lead after Pablo Reyes drove in three runs thanks to a solo shot and a two-run double. Mets outfield prospect Drew Gilbert slugged a two-run shot in the third inning to give Syracuse more insurance. It's the second consecutive day Gilbert hit a home run and it's the fourth homer in five games for the outfielder.

With the Mets' starting rotation dealing with massive injuries to Tylor Megill, Griffin Canning and now Paul Blackburn, the team may need to lean on their younger arms -- like they've done with Blade Tidwell -- until Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga return from the IL. However, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said on Thursday that he prefers not to call up McLean or Brandon Sproat for a spot start.

He did not entirely rule out a call-up but the situation continues to remain fluid.

So far, McLean has proven he can handle Triple-A hitting, and now it's only a matter of time until the 23-year-old gets the call.

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Robbie Ray's complete-game gem secures Giants' crucial series split vs. D-backs

Robbie Ray's complete-game gem secures Giants' crucial series split vs. D-backs originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

PHOENIX — After the bottom of the eighth inning, Robbie Ray walked slowly back to the visiting dugout at Chase Field and made eye contact with manager Bob Melvin. The left-hander had thrown just 78 pitches, but you never know in today’s game.

The complete game has just about been washed out of modern baseball. There have been just 10 of them in the National League this season, and no pitcher has done it twice. The math says you’re not even supposed to let a guy face a lineup a third time, let alone a fourth. Most front offices these days would rather see a random reliever soak up that last inning or two of a blowout and save a few bullets for the starter. Occasionally in 2025, teams throw position players out on the mound to further save arms.

But there was no doubt for Melvin and Ray. The manager knew his bullpen was gassed and needed a break. Ray hadn’t thought much about how it had been eight years since his last CG, but he knew he felt great and had been on the attack for eight innings. When the two made eye contact, no words were exchanged.
“He deserved it,” Melvin said after Thursday’s 7-2 win. “He wanted it.”

Melvin had his contract option picked up before this series, but this has not been a generally positive stretch for the manager, and not just because of all the losing. Every night is stressful on the top step of the dugout, but the last couple of months have been filled with extra heartburn. The Giants seemingly play a one-run game every night. Even when they’re up by two or three late, they always seem to give runs back. On Wednesday, a 5-2 lead late turned into an extra-innings win that required using closer Camilo Doval to get six outs.

The win on Thursday looked relatively easy on paper, but Melvin still had to sweat in the ninth. Ray gave up a solo homer with one out and then issued a walk. With Spencer Bivens and Erik Miller getting loose, pitching coach J.P. Martinez came out and told Ray to empty the tank. There was a pop-up on the next pitch, and as Ray’s pitch count climbed past 100, he figured he was facing his final batter. Melvin had him down for two more, maximum.

On his 102nd pitch, Ray reached back for 95 mph. He had good stuff all night, but that game-ending strikeout was still his sixth-hardest pitch of the night. It was his 39th four-seamer, and like many of the others, it stayed true to the top rail.

“I felt really good today,” Ray said. “This year, just kind of all around, it’s a full year of being healthy. That’s the biggest thing. That’s allowed me to do what I’ve been able to do this year. I always knew that it was in there. It takes time after the (Tommy John) surgery — you know, talking to guys, they said 18-20 months is kind of where the sweet spot is and you kind of feel like yourself again. I hit that around spring training. That’s when I started feeling like myself again.”

In just about every way, Ray’s numbers are in line with his 2021 season. He won the Cy Young Award that year, but he wasn’t an All-Star despite having a good first half.

Ray said he hasn’t thought much about making this year’s team, and he’s trying not to get his hopes too high. He knows that strange things can happen when MLB accounts for every team having an All-Star, but three days before the announcement, Ray is tied for the NL lead in wins, fourth in innings, fifth in strikeouts and eighth in ERA. If the Giants get what they believe they deserve, Ray will join Logan Webb and Randy Rodriguez on the team.

That’s a conversation for Sunday and the following week. If the Giants elect to protect their young pitchers, Ray could come back to start the final Sunday of the first half, which would make him ineligible to pitch in the All-Star Game. Still, he can be named, and the hope is that honor comes Sunday.

On Thursday night, there was simply joy about a good all-around win. Willy Adames reached base four times to pace the offense and backup catcher Andrew Knizner worked well with Ray. Brett Wisely did a Matt Chapman impersonation at third base, too, as the Giants got a series split.

It was a wild week in the desert, one that started with the surprising announcement about Melvin’s status. The Giants lost the next two games, briefly giving the Diamondbacks hope that they could grab third place in the NL West by the end of the series. Instead, the Giants left Arizona in a tie for the final NL Wild Card spot.

“We’re feeling really good,” Ray said. “To be able to split the series, to be able to come back and win this, it’s huge. We’ve been grinding these past two weeks. Even last night’s game, having to come back in extras and win it, to be able to do that and grind and win, and then the bats get hot tonight, it was really fun to watch.

“They gave me an early lead which allowed me to attack the zone more. We’re looking forward to getting back home and keep grinding.”

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