Cricket West Indies have urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to give Caribbean nations a chance to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Games and avoid the region being “shut-out of history”.
MLS rules continue to fail Lionel Messi + Michele Giannone previews the Hudson River Derby
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to the midweek slate of MLS fixtures including another bad defensive performance from Inter Miami! Christian and Alexis then chat with MLS reporter & analyst Michele Giannone ahead of the Hudson River Derby between NYCFC and New York Red Bulls. Later, Christian and Alexis react to Ashlyn Harris’ latest podcast appearance on another edition of Run that Back.
Jimmy Butler's performance in Warriors' Game 5 loss criticized by NBA analysts
Jimmy Butler's performance in Warriors' Game 5 loss criticized by NBA analysts originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Warriors forward Jimmy Butler didn’t live up to his “Playoff Jimmy” moniker in Golden State’s final two losses of its Western Conference semifinals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Butler, under the weather during Games 4 and 5, attempted 20 combined shots and scored 31 total points, well below what was expected from the six-time NBA All-Star.
With Steph Curry moving closer to returning, the Warriors needed to win just one game to extend the series long enough for the 37-year-old to have a chance to play in Game 6.
But Butler wasn’t able to put the Warriors on his back. His performances on Monday and Wednesday were criticized by a pair of ESPN analysts on Thursday morning.
“You weren’t asked to win the war. You were asked to hold the damn line,” Jay Williams said on “Get Up” on Thursday. “Right? For one game. One game. Not two games. Not three games. Just one game. Give the sun in your solar system a chance to rise again for Game 6. That sun is Steph Curry. And what we came off last game, where he took nine shots, the fact that Jimmy Butler only took 11 shots when you needed him … the most in this game, it’s shocking to me. It’s shocking to me.
“It’s the biggest question I have from this series. This is a guy who is going to get paid $120 million over the next two years. $120 million. Took only 11 shots. Now, I know the game got away. But [Udonis Haslem], you’re going to swing. If you’re going to go out, you’re going to go out swinging, not taking two more shots than the nine shots you took in the game you didn’t come out for [two nights] before.”
While Stephen A. Smith believes the Warriors’ trade for Butler lived up to expectations, he echoed Williams’ sentiments, though in a more toned-down manner.
“When Butler first arrived in Golden State, a lot of us didn’t think much of it because we said, ‘How does this really pair with seeing a guy like Steph with a guy like Klay [Thompson]? How does this mesh? How does this work exactly?’ And then they were playing lights out together and so we got our hopes up. But then it came crashing down once Steph hurt his hamstring. And it is what it is.
“Here’s what makes this look bad. Butler obviously forced his way out of Miami. We know you didn’t want to be a No. 1 option. You wanted to play with someone who’s a No. 1. You didn’t mind being that ‘Robin.’ Then you go to Golden State and y’all have major success. Steph gets hurt. You got your money. And Joe Lacob and the Golden State Warriors, all they needed was one game.
“See, it ain’t like Steph went down like [Boston Celtics star Jayson] Tatum did [with a ruptured Achilles] and he’s out for the next year, at least. It’s not like that. Everybody had projected, it’s going to take about a week. Steph Curry should be back for Game 6. All you got to do, being [Game] 3, 4 or 5, give me one game and he couldn’t do it. Eleven shot attempts last night. Twenty shot attempts over the last two games.”
Butler’s arrival jump-started the Warriors’ season and helped them secure the No. 7 seed. But his last impression wasn’t good and he left himself open to sharp criticism.
Hull sack head coach Rubén Sellés despite avoiding drop
- Club escaped Championship relegation on final day
- Spaniard won nine of 27 league games in charge
Hull have sacked their head coach, Rubén Sellés, after less than six months in charge.
The club escaped Championship relegation on the final day of the season on goal difference, having been bottom when Sellés was appointed in December. The 41-year-old Spaniard is the third manager sacked by the Hull owner, Acun Ilicali, in the past 12 months and the club now begin their search for a fifth permanent coach since the Turkish media executive took control in early 2022.
Continue reading...Selles axed by Tigers – give us your thoughts
Tigers fans, what do you make of the news that Ruben Selles has left the MKM Stadium?
Another summer, another change in the dugout. Do you think Selles would have improved City's fortunes next season, or do you think this is the right move after a season of struggle? Who would you like to see replace him?
Let us know your thoughts here.
Check back later and we'll publish a selection of views right here.
NHL Veteran Sam Gagner Launches Next Chapter With Ottawa Senators In Player Development Role
The Ottawa Senators brought on veteran NHL center Sam Gagner for the next phase of his hockey career.
Gagner is now the director of player development for the Senators after a 1,043-game NHL career.
“Sam had an incredible career as a player, and we look forward to launching his next chapter,” Senators GM Steve Staios said in a news release. “A true character individual, Sam has contributed to the success of his organizations, both on and off the ice.”
Gagner recently played for the AHL’s Belleville Senators in the 2024-25 season after signing a professional tryout with the team. He made 19 appearances and recorded 10 assists for Belleville up until the NHL trade deadline.
The 35-year-old has played 1,043 games in the NHL across 17 years. He played for the Edmonton Oilers, Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings and Winnipeg Jets.
He spent most of his career with the Oilers, which selected him sixth overall in the 2007 NHL draft. He played 10 seasons with Edmonton in three different stints. Gagner’s first seven years in the NHL were with Edmonton, followed by another two seasons from 2018 to 2020.
He also played his last NHL season with his draft team in 2023-24, featuring in 28 games, scoring five goals and 10 points.
Gagner’s career high in points came in the 2016-17 season with the Blue Jackets, when he had 18 goals and 32 assists for 50 points in 81 games. He also has seven 40-point campaigns in his career.
While Gagner only appeared in 11 NHL playoff games in his career – six games with Philadelphia in 2015-16 and five with Columbus the following year – he does have some championship hardware.
In 2012, Gagner won the Spengler Cup with Team Canada, recording three assists in four games. He was part of a star-studded Canadian squad that year during the 2012-13 NHL lockout, playing with Matt Duchene, Patrice Bergeron, John Tavares, Jason Spezza, Tyler Seguin and more.
Gagner also won gold with Canada at the 2006-07 world juniors, the same season he made the CHL’s all-rookie team with 118 points in 53 games on the OHL’s London Knights.
The Senators also hired Matt Turek as the new GM for Belleville. He’s been a GM and scout in the OHL for the last decade, and he was an amateur scout for the Montreal Canadiens from 2017 to 2022.
Turek played a key role in the former Hamilton Bulldogs’ OHL championship wins in 2018 and 2022 as the director of player personnel before becoming their GM from 2022 to 2025, including during the squad’s move to Brantford.
Senators owner Michael Andlauer owned the Bulldogs up until midway through this season, when he sold the team to the family of Edmonton Oilers left winger Zach Hyman. The Bulldogs announced Thursday that Spencer Hyman will take over as GM.
“Matt has managed a successful Ontario Hockey League team, and he has gained a critical management skills and experience at that level,” Staios said. “In addition to his experience, Matt will bring passion and leadership to our organization.”
These additions come after the Senators parted ways with associate GM Ryan Bowness earlier in May.
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Shaw reportedly not returning to Flyers' coaching staff
Shaw reportedly not returning to Flyers' coaching staff originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Flyers will pretty much have a whole new coaching staff next season.
Brad Shaw will not be back with the Flyers, according to a report Thursday by Charlie O’Connor of PHLY Sports. Per the report, it was Shaw’s decision.
The 61-year-old was in Philadelphia for three seasons, mostly as the Flyers’ associate coach. He served as the club’s interim head coach for the final nine games of this season after John Tortorella was fired.
Shaw had an uphill battle at landing the Flyers’ full-time job. This was a huge decision for general manager Danny Briere and president of hockey operations Keith Jones. It was their first head coaching hire, one that could define their rebuild, so it felt likely that they would ultimately bring in their handpicked guy.
They did so Wednesday by landing Rick Tocchet.
The Flyers went 5-3-1 with Shaw running the bench and scored an impressive 3.89 goals per game. But they also allowed 3.56 per game.
As Tortorella’s right-hand man, Shaw was in charge of the back end and penalty kill. A number of the Flyers’ defensemen improved under Shaw’s watch, while the team’s penalty kill was a top-five unit in 2023-24 and scored an NHL-leading 16 shorthanded goals.
“He has meant so much to my game personally,” Travis Sanheim said at his end-of-the-season press conference. “I think a lot of guys on the D core could probably say the same thing. We don’t know what’s going to happen, time will tell. In saying that, I’m just super thankful for where he has taken my game and I really enjoyed my time working with him, so it would obviously be a disappointment if I didn’t get to continue that.”
A little over three weeks ago, the Flyers parted ways with three assistants, including power play coach Rocky Thompson. Goaltending coach Kim Dillabaugh, who isn’t on the bench for games, was not among the subtractions.
Warriors will be ‘incredibly aggressive' retooling roster, per Shams Charania
Warriors will be ‘incredibly aggressive' retooling roster, per Shams Charania originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Steph Curry’s Grade 1 hamstring strain proved to be helpful for the Warriors.
Curry’s injury showed coach Steve Kerr and general manager Mike Dunleavy that they need to upgrade the role players on the roster.
Without Curry, the Warriors lost four consecutive games and saw their promising 2024-25 NBA season end at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
So, what is the Warriors’ offseason plan? ESPN’s Shams Charania provided insight into Golden State’s mindset.
“The Golden State Warriors have up to four first-round picks they can trade,” Charania said on “SportsCenter” on Thursday. “They have tradeable contracts, pick swaps as well. Sources told me in the last few hours, the Warriors will be incredibly aggressive in the marketplace to go find help, to continue to retool around their big three of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.
“I’m told their priority is finding a play-making wing defender or a center to add to this group. A lot of it will come down to someone that Steve Kerr and the big feel like will help this team and fits their culture and their identity.”
In addition to the assets Charania mentioned, the Warriors have 22-year-old forward Jonathan Kuminga, a restricted free agent who they potentially could move in a sign-and-trade to acquire pieces that fit around Curry, Green and Butler.
Kuminga was in and out of Kerr’s rotation and has had an uneven four years with the Warriors, but the young forward averaged 24.3 points in the four games Curry missed against the Timberwolves
So, while Kuminga might not fit the Warriors’ roster, another team might value him and provide Golden State with the pieces it desires.
“One key player to keep an eye on on this roster right now is forward Jonathan Kuminga,” Charania said. “I’m told he’s going to have a strong sign-and-trade market coming up. He’s an exciting young wing player. Both sides are expected to have conversations commencing over the next several weeks ahead of free agency to see, is there a potential sign-and-trade landing spot that gives him a lucrative deal while also potentially bringing the Warriors some additional help for their roster so that both sides end up as winners.”
The Warriors’ window to win a title with Curry, Green and Butler is closing and the front office understands the team wasn’t good enough to win games without their two-time NBA MVP.
So, changes around the three superstars are coming this summer.
Buckle up.
What are expectations for Sam Darnold, Tyler Shough and 3 other QBs on new teams?
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
"Competency" is Step 1 for a group of NFL teams who will have a new quarterback under center in the 2025 season. The thinking for these clubs: get average to above average play and see if any QB can flash something special.
For the rookies and young starters, it’s about showing they're not over their heads and giving their teams a chance to evaluate them long term. For the veterans, expectations are more about providing stability and not losing games, with hope for occasional upside.
In this episode of "Football 301," Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice, Charles McDonald and Matt Harmon lay out the expectations for quarterbacks who are in new cities with expected starting role responsibilities. Here are the key takeaways from the discussion:
Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
The hosts agree that "competency" should be the expectation for Shough this year. With a new coaching staff and a 26-year-old rookie starting, the Saints are hoping Shough can look like a top-20 quarterback and give them a fighting chance in games, even if it’s just a 7-10 season.
Because of his age and experience, Shough should be ready right away, and if he falters, the Saints might already be looking to next year's draft class.
Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans
For Ward, it’s about showing the aggressive playmaking he was known for in college. The Titans have beefed up their offensive line and added some interesting receivers. The consensus is that anything “better than last year” is a win.
The expectation is that Ward keeps firing downfield, makes mistakes, and hopefully learns quickly. The offense should be more competent overall, aided by improvements up front.
Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks
Darnold lands in a Shanahan/Kubiak system in Seattle, a scheme that should mitigate some of his worst tendencies with play action and a strong run game. But there's reason to be cautious since Darnold “is as good as the players around him.”
The expectation is that the Seahawks lean into a run-heavy, play-action-heavy script and try not to let Darnold get stuck in a dropback-heavy passing game. If things go well, Darnold can be a fine starter, but the offense's talent and the fit of its skill players present question marks.
Las Vegas Review-Journal via Getty Images
Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders
With Chip Kelly coming in as offensive coordinator, the Raiders are expected to lean heavily on the run and utilize a creative, multifaceted ground attack. Smith raises the floor for the offense as he’s a steady hand who can make enough throws, especially if the run game is working.
The Raiders' offense is expected to be better than last season, with the main question being whether they have enough explosive playmakers outside.
Justin Fields, New York Jets
The expectation is a “run-heavy, bruising” offense built around Fields’ legs and the Jets' strong running back group. Passing game questions remain — particularly the fit with Garrett Wilson — but there's reason to believe this offense can at least pound the rock and be a team no one wants to play, even if it won’t be explosive through the air. Think of the "bad team beater" Falcons from a couple of years ago.
To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
Golden Knights Shut Out In Back-To-Back Games As Their Season Ends
The Vegas Golden Knights were shut out by the Edmonton Oilers in Games 4 and 5 as their season ended disappointingly.
Offence was hard to come by against the Oilers despite the high-scoring opening-round series they played against the Los Angeles Kings. In five games, the Golden Knights scored just 10 goals and gave up 16. In back-to-back must-win games, the Golden Knights managed just 47 shots.
“Discipline. We only had one power play, that can usually get you going,” said HC Bruce Cassidy about what made the Oilers so difficult to score on. “Both teams checked well, not easy to get the the front of the net, so second chances were at a premium. We’re not a team that shoots first anyways. I think that cost us a little bit last year as well in lack of production. We’ll have to look at changing our mindset.”
Although the final results were far from what Cassidy and the Golden Knights were expecting, he felt the team played well and liked their game yesterday.
“I liked our game,” said Cassidy. “I thought we competed hard physically, we wanted to win puck battles, we wanted to take care of the puck, and we knew we couldn’t give up any easy goals. That’s going to take away some of your offence in the risk part, but it’s getting inside, getting second chances that was tough for both teams, and they got one in the end."
It's hard to avoid facts, and the most obvious one is that the Golden Knights roster has multiple key players over the age of 30. Outside of Jack Eichel, Pavel Dorofeyev, Noah Hanifin and Shea Theodore, many of their players showed fatigue or signs of aging.
William Karlsson and Mark Stone are both effective players, but have dealt with numerous injury issues that have hampered them at important times of the season. Alex Pietrangelo took another step back, dealing with injuries, but also looked a step too slow, creating several turnovers.
Other contributors over the age of 30 include Tomas Hertl, Brayden McNabb, Brandon Saad, Reilly Smith and soon, Ivan Barbashev. The Golden Knights have maintained their stance that they can continue to add talent to their roster, but the fear was always that they could run into this problem.
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"Show up and put your best foot forward"; Golden Knights Head Into A Must Win Game 5 With A Clear MindsetIt's been a poor display by the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round of the playoffs, and now they find themselves on the brink of elimination, trailing the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 in the series.
Ottawa Senators Make More Front Office Changes On Thursday
The Ottawa Senators didn’t take long to replace Ryan Bowness as their AHL General Manager in Belleville.
Senators GM and president of hockey operations Steve Staios announced on Thursday that the club has hired former Brantford Bulldogs GM Matt Turek to take over the same role with the AHL's Belleville Senators. He’ll also oversee a player personnel role with the Sens organization.
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Turek is part of that Hamilton/Brantford connection, working for Staios and former Bulldogs owner Michael Andaleur.
Turek joined the Bulldogs during the 2015-16 season as a scout. He moved up in the organization and took on the role of director of player personnel ahead of the 2018-19 season. He took over as the club’s GM in 2022 when Staios left for a hockey ops job with the Edmonton Oilers.
After three seasons at the helm, Turek left the Bulldogs late last month, which started the rumour mill turning that he might reunite with Andlauer and Staios. When Bowness parted company with the club 11 days ago, that added more fuel to the fire.
“Matt has managed a successful Ontario Hockey League team and he has gained a critical management skills and experience at that level,” Staios in a club press release. “In addition to his experience, Matt will bring passion and leadership to our organization.”
As for the Bulldogs, now owned by Oilers forward Zack Hyman and his family, they announced on Thursday they've replaced Turek with Zack’s brother, Spencer Hyman. Former NHL player Gary Roberts also joined the Bulldogs as one of their directors of player development.
Meanwhile, his stop in Belleville has turned out to be the swan song for Sam Gagner.
Gagner has ended his long NHL playing career and was named Ottawa's director of player development. Gagner has a fine connecton to Staios as well. They were teammates in Edmonton for three and a half years. Staios was even teammates with Sam father's, Dave, during their time with the Vancouver Canucks.
Bowness’ Reported Departure Marks Big Shift In Staios’ Vision For Ottawa’s Front OfficeFive days after the Ottawa Senators were eliminated from the postseason, significant changes are already on the horizon for the organization's hockey operations department.
“Sam had an incredible career as a player and we look forward to launching his next chapter,” Staios said in the release. “A true character individual, Sam has contributed to the success of his organizations, both on and off the ice.”
Gagner played 1043 NHL games and is the only man in the past 36 years to score 8 points in a single NHL game.
Steve Warne, Site Editor
The Hockey News Ottawa
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Twins' Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton exit game against Orioles following collision
BALTIMORE — Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa and center fielder Byron Buxton exited the game against Baltimore after colliding in the third inning.
Baltimore’s Cedric Mullins hit a fly ball to shallow center field. Correa retreated to the outfield grass in pursuit while Buxton raced in. Buxton appeared to call off Correa at the last minute, but it was too late. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Buxton slammed into the 6-3, 220-pound Correa.
Correa exited the game immediately and was replaced by Jonah Bride. Buxton stayed in for the remainder of the third inning but did not return for the fourth and was replaced by Ty France.
The 30-year-old Correa has missed just three games this season — all scheduled rest days — after being limited to 86 games last season because of plantar fasciitis in his right foot.
The Twins entered the day on a 10-game winning streak that brought them back into the mix in the competitive AL Central.
Fantasy football managers should proceed with caution with Deebo Samuel Sr. in 2025 — here's why
(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)
Every offseason, fantasy football managers want to know: who can you really trust in your lineup? One name that has popped up — along with a big dose of skepticism — is new Commanders receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. In the latest Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Matt Harmon and Andy Behrens got into the weeds on Samuel's prospects now that he’s in Washington. Is he someone you can rely on, or is caution the smarter approach?
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Let’s break down what they said, what the numbers show and how you should treat Samuel in your 2025 draft plans.
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Deebo Samuel Sr. joins a new team
Washington added Samuel to help take Jayden Daniels and the offense to the next level. But as Matt and Andy pointed out, the Commanders otherwise didn’t do much to upgrade their receiver room: "[Deebo Samuel] is the only, like, real pass catcher addition here," Matt said. “Zach Ertz is another year older. ... The other spots along the offensive line, we don’t quite know what’s going to happen.”
So, Samuel is clearly being counted on to be more than just a gadget player or possession guy — he’s supposed to be a difference-maker on this team.
Wiht that said, there are some real red flags.
Both hosts had reservations about what Samuel still brings to the table. "Deebo is such a complicated player because he built his reputation on the one great season, right? The 1,400-yard season. ... That one big season represents about 30% of his career receiving production and the rest of the career is full of isolated good games and a whole bunch of really quiet games," Andy said.
Deebo’s 2021 breakout was legendary. But since then? He simply hasn’t come close to repeating it.
Deebo's been in a steady decline since his monster season
Matt highlighted some stunning Reception Perception data: “Deebo Samuel last year ... 39.7% success rate vs. man coverage. That is ... the third lowest mark I’ve ever charted, ever, ever, ever. ... Deebo’s never been a great man-beater, but it was better than that previously. ... This was consistent on film before the pneumonia thing.”
Translation: he’s struggling to separate, even before last year’s health issues.
Samuel's game relies on explosiveness, breaking tackles and YAC. But he’s battled injuries, illness and just wear-and-tear, especially as he creeps closer to 30.
Both Matt and Andy also wonder if this offense is even built to make Samuel a reliable fantasy starter. “I’m not saying that I’m betting against the Commanders ... but if by Week 8 we’re kind of looking back and saying like, 'ah, yeah, did we take another step here?' I think that’s the question. … Taking the next step to, ‘okay, we went from conference championship to now we’re in the Super Bowl’ ... I’m a little skeptical that this was enough on offense," Matt said.
If the whole offense takes a step back, Samuel's ceiling — and his weekly floor — could take a nosedive.
Is there any upside to drafting Deebo?
The only thing working in Samuel's favor is that the Commanders did, in fact, give up a draft pick and are paying him to be involved. Same OC, young QB and a thin receiver group means he’ll get his chances. Also, his YAC skills and ability to break the game open are still tantalizing if he’s healthy and properly used.
Nonetheless, Andy and Matt clearly lean skeptical on Samuel, and with good reason:
He’s trending down statistically and on film
He’s no longer the focal point of a Kyle Shanahan offense designed to maximize his strengths
The Commanders offense could be clunky or slow out of the gate
His “one big year” is fading more and more into the rearview
Unless Samuel shows he’s regained his burst and Washington’s offense gels early, he’s the kind of player you draft as a WR3/flex, not someone you trust every week as a locked-in starter.
If he drops in drafts and you want to chase upside, there’s a path. But if you’re hoping for that 2021 magic, you should temper expectations.
Twins send struggling starting pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson to Triple-A
BALTIMORE — The surging Minnesota Twins sent struggling pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson to Triple-A St. Paul.
The move came a day after the right-hander was tagged for six runs and eight hits in four innings of work in the second game of a doubleheader against Baltimore. The Twins rallied late to extend their winning streak to 10 straight.
The 24-year-old Woods Richardson is 2-2 with a 5.02 ERA in eight games (seven starts) for the Twins. He has had trouble working deep into games. Woods Richardson has yet to make it through six complete innings this season. Opponents are hitting .295 against him, with left-handed batters hitting .342.
Reliever Kody Funderburk will take Woods Richardson’s spot on the roster. The left-hander served as the 27th man during the doubleheader and pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief of Woods Richardson in Game 2.
Panthers Duo a Strong Potential Red Wings Free Agent Fit
As we continue to consider potential offseason reinforcements for the Detroit Red Wings, two compelling candidates had their fingerprints all over the Florida Panthers 6–1 demolition of the Maple Leafs in Toronto. That would be Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand, both of them pending unrestricted free agents.
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The broad case for acquiring each player is the same. Both Bennett and Marchand could bring hard skill and championship experience. Whether in February for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off or this spring in the playoffs as the Panthers fight toward a second straight Stanley Cup, both players clearly have the skillset and mentality to thrive in hockey of the highest stakes.
Bennett can play at center or on the wing. He's an excellent defender. Marchand is the league's most infamous agitator but also a gifted playmaker, adept at pulling pucks off the wall and snapping them into dangerous areas. Like everything else about Paul Maurice's Panthers, both are perfectly suited to playoff hockey.
That's clearly what the Red Wings are after this summer, at least in part. The challenge is that those are two profiles every team in the NHL would also covet. Both players fit the mold of July 1 UFA overpays, especially if Florida can pull off another Cup run, the price tag will only go up. As it stands, AFP Analytics projects Marchand at a two-year, $5.1 million AAV contract and Bennett at a six-year $6.64 million a year deal.
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There is some reason for doubt about splurging on either player. With Bennett, it's fair to wonder whether a player with a career high of 51 points ought to command such a robust contract. Meanwhile, at 37, Marchand is not just on the back nine of his career but a long way through it. Presumably he will be signing his last contract this summer.
However, there's ample reason to see past those drawbacks. In Bennett's case, value obviously stems from a lot more than just scoring (which could be acquired more cheaply elsewhere in the free agency), and Marchand is clearly showing that his scoring touch remains potent in a complementary role.
Both would be worthy free agent targets to help Detroit, if Steve Yzerman can get them at the right price.
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