The start of NHL free agency is getting closer, as it is now less than one month away. Between now and then, the Chicago Blackhawks will have some decisions to make when it comes to their pending free agents.
When looking at Chicago's roster, they have three pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) who could not be back on the team next season. Let's go over each of them now.
Ilya Mikheyev, RW
Last month, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Blackhawks have made Ilya Mikheyev's signing rights available for trade. With this, there is certainly a real chance that he won't be back with Chicago next season.
However, when noting that Mikheyev is a key part of the Blackhawks' forward group and penalty kill, it would also be understandable if they continue to try to extend, even with his signing rights being available. In 77 games this season with the Blackhawks, he had 18 goals, 36 points, and a plus-2 rating.
Matt Grzelcyk, D
With the Blackhawks having many young and promising defensemen in their pipeline, it would not be particularly surprising if they let Matt Grzelcyk walk into free agency. The Massachusetts native was a decent veteran defenseman for Chicago this season, posting 12 assists in 69 games. Yet, the Blackhawks should be looking for an upgrade on their blueline this summer.
Sam Lafferty, C/RW
Sam Lafferty's return to the Blackhawks was uneventful this season. He was scratched often by Chicago and had just two points in 29 games. With this, it would not be surprising in the slightest if the Blackhawks don't bring back Lafferty this summer.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Gerry Meehan, one of the Buffalo Sabres' first players who went on to an influential role as the team’s general manager, has died. He was 79.
The Sabres announced Meehan’s death on Saturday after being informed by a member of his family. The team said he died Friday. The cause of death and where Meehan died were not immediately available.
Meehan was from Toronto but essentially adopted Buffalo as his hometown as a player and eventual executive. As GM, he was responsible for acquiring eventual hall of famers Dominik Hasek, Pat LaFontaine, Alexander Mogilny and Dale Hawerchuk spanning the late 1980s and early 1990s.
His introduction to Buffalo came after splitting his rookie NHL season between Toronto and Philadelphia in being selected by the Sabres in the 1970 expansion draft.
The center went on to set up the franchise’s first goal in a two-assist outing in Buffalo’s first game. Meehan later became the team’s captain before being traded to Vancouver in October 1974.
Upon completing his 10-year NHL career and two games with Cincinnati of the World Hockey Association in 1978-79, Meehan returned to Buffalo to earn a law degree before joining the Sabres' front office in 1984 under general manager Scotty Bowman.
In replacing Bowman as GM during the 1986-87 season, Meehan oversaw numerous franchise-changing moves, including Mogilny’s defection from the Soviet Union in 1989. Meehan and Sabres player development director Don Luce traveled to Sweden, where Mogilny was competing in a tournament, and covertly ushered him back to North America.
In a statement released by the league, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman referred to Meehan as a “pillar of the franchise.”
“As shrewd and successful as he was on the ice and in the front office, Meehan had a significant impact on countless players and executives in recent years as a generous mentor and advisor,” Bettman added.
With Mogilny, Meehan rebuilt the Sabres by acquiring Hawerchuk in a trade with Winnipeg in 1990. A year later, Buffalo sent Pierre Turgeon to the New York Islanders to acquire LaFontaine, who would post a 148-point season playing alongside 76 goal-scorer Mogilny in 1992-93.
Meehan then oversaw what is considered among the NHL’s most one-sided trades, acquiring Hasek from Chicago in 1992. Buffalo gave up Stephane Beauregard and a fourth-round draft pick to land a player who would go on to become a two-time Hart Trophy-winner as NHL MVP and win six Vezina Trophy’s as the league’s top goalie.
Meehan’s tenure as GM ended following the 1995-96 season and he remained an active member of the Sabres Alumni Association.
As a player, he had 180 goals and 423 points in 670 career games, rounded out by stops in Washington and with the Atlanta Flames.
He is survived by his wife, Mirella, their children Dan, Adam and Kate, and grandchildren Christian, Alexander, Nathan and Juniper. Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.
The Philadelphia Flyers will have to wait a little longer to see one of their top goalie prospects, with a new opportunity in the KHL on the horizon.
On Saturday, it was announced that Flyers goalie prospect Egor Zavragin had officially been traded by SKA St. Petersburg, alongside defenseman Yegor Zelenov, to Metallurg Magnitogorsk in exchange for defenseman Alexei Maklyukov.
Zavragin, 20, had fallen out of favor with new SKA head coach Igor Larionov in the latter's first season with the team, resulting in Artemi Pleshkov and Sergei Ivanov dominating the share of KHL playing time.
As a result, the Flyers' 2023 third-round pick spent much of his season playing in the MHL and VHL, Russia's second-tier men's league and top junior league, respectively.
Now that Colorado Avalanche goalie prospect Ilya Nabokov will be moving over to North America full-time, Zavragin will have the opportunity to play regular KHL games going forward.
Zavragin's new counterpart, Alexander Smolin, played 35 games for Metallurg last season, going 23-8-2 with a 2.33 GAA, .915 save percentage, and one shutout.
Zavragin, while being younger than Smolin and playing on a worse team, went 5-7-0 with a 2.63 GAA, .919 save percentage, and one shutout in his 12 games of limited action.
On the heels of Zavragin getting a fresh start in an environment more conducive to his development, Hockey News Hub reports on X that the 20-year-old will extend his contract in the KHL another year, lasting until May 31, 2028.
The Flyers could have gotten their young goalie to come over to North America as soon as this time next year, but with a contract extension in the cards, that is now unlikely.
Truthfully, the Flyers aren't likely to be upset with this development, either, as it gives Zavragin a chance to make up for what is effectively a lost year of development that he spent playing against lower tiers of competition instead of the KHL.
Flyers general manager Danny Briere recently told NHL.com's Adam Kimelman at the NHL Scouting Combine that the Flyers "feel our prospect goalies need a little bit more time still," in regards to extending Dan Vladar.
We can deduce that, with a Vladar extension looming and further potential additions to the goalie group, the Flyers are in no rush to have Zavragin, Aleksei Kolosov, Carson Bjarnason, and anyone else they may draft this year turn into NHL goalies on the hop.
On paper, Zavragin's new move should benefit both him and the Flyers long-term.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 31: Braxton Ashcraft #35 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning during the game against the Minnesota Twins at PNC Park on May 31, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the road today against the Atlanta Braves looking to grab a win.
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Jun 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half during game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
I don’t particularly care for people who say, “I’ll be honest with you,” after I’ve had an hour-long conversation with them about their family, work, or the car they’re trying to sell me. So you were lying this whole time? You don’t have two kids, and this car has NO WHEELS? But that being said, I’ll be honest with you: I was fully expecting the San Antonio Spurs to win Game 2 so that on the heels of the overreactions from Game 1, I was hoping to careen in the complete opposite direction and declare this Spurs team the greatest team to ever walk the Earth if that final shot from Victor Wembanyama went through the hoop.
But. We’re here, and I’m committed to the bit. Let’s panic some more.
10. Even the Knicks alums outnumbered the Spurs alum. I saw the great George Gervin sitting behind the great David Robinson, and I saw my personal G.O.A.T. Manu Ginóbili stop by the Inside the NBA booth. But then I also noticed former Knicks players in attendance like Walt Frazier Jr., Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, and Billy Baldwin. Sure, Billy Baldwin wasn’t a Knick, but there’s so many Baldwin brothers that you can’t tell me that at least one of them suited up for the team at one point or another. And yes, I know (as the graphic below illustrates), apparently there were other notable Spurs alums like Tim Duncan and Danny Green in attendance, but we’re overreacting remember? So facts and evidence or any reasonable arguments have no place here.
9. The average price of gas in the United States is $4.22 per gallon. This particular overreaction is related to basketball because as number 10 above suggests, even millionaire celebrities and former professional athletes are flocking down to San Antonio because the cost of living is so high in New York.
“I threw that one away. I messed up … Am I going to regret it? Yes, of course. Am I gonna use that to fuel me and to fuel us next game? Absolutely.”
Yes, Victor Wembanyama, we hope you do use that to fuel you and fuel your team for the next game. But I suggest a rewards card, coupons, or something because gas prices are more insane than that almost comeback down 14 points with about 6 minutes remaining.
8. Luke Kornet has too many jobs on this team. Let’s list them out: official pregame salsa dancer, grab any and every single rebound that ever existed, did exist, will exist, and might exist (yes, even theoretical rebounds) whenever his feet touches the floor, block every shot in his orbit, beyond his orbit, even ones in black holes (yes, we expect him to defy physics and reach into a super compact astronomical body where even light cannot escape—but he better come back out with a block or a steal). And he’s supposed to do all of this in 5 – 7 minutes per game. Got it? Good. Do it again!
7. The NBA needs more father/assistant coaches of players getting into on-court ruckuses with opposing team players. I’m not saying there’s not enough distractions during a Finals game, but given the entertainment value and to help cope with big losses, I feel like we could use more drama during these games. There’s a certain uncle I remember from the Spurs’ past who would might be suited for such a kerfuffle between relatives adjacent to their family members who happen to be professional athletes and other professional athletes.
6. The nuns are back in. I would like to apologize for what I said about not needing the nuns after Game 1. Our boys are down 0-2. At this point, we need more nuns, more monks, more Jedi, whatever divine intervention or universal power that will will this team back to the victory column. Baby Yoda (Grogu) is only 53 years old? So that means he’s too young to have allied himself with an NBA team yet. Let’s play the celebrity card against the Knickerbockers and recruit Pedro Pascal (who grew up in San Antonio!) to influence Grogu to swear allegiance to the Spurs before those evil Sith Lords from Madison Square Garden sink their claws into him.
I’m waaay past shock, panic, and anger. I’m at the bargaining stage where if “The Force” can get the Spurs two wins on the road in NYC then sign me up for a lifetime of dressing in robes and living in mud huts in the swamp. I mean, I’ve been to Florida—I can handle it.
5. The Spurs are not spoiled enough.
We’re kind of like spoiled kids,” he said. “For some of us, it’s our first season and we’re already in the Finals. We don’t fully realize it yet. And to me, the team that appreciates the position we’re in the most will be the one that wins.”
Three straight lottery picks that are panning out so far? Boring. Five titles in six finals trips that span over a consistent-never-miss-the-playoffs, multi-decade benchmark of excellence? Wake me up when we win ten titles in row. Wembanyama is wrong here. We need to be more spoiled. It’s not enough if the other fan bases become extremely annoyed with us, it needs to extend to other sports like football, fútbol (soccer, for you domestic heathens), cricket, and other species like dolphins, crickets, and penguins. They all need to be annoyed at how much winning the Spurs are obtaining.
4. Playoff scars are too gruesome. Yeah sure, the Oklahoma Thunder (the latest version) went through it in 2024 when they lost to the Dallas Mavericks before breaking through last year. But the Mavericks made it to the Finals that year with a young team! And they (checks notes) lost to the Boston Celtics (the latest version), who had their own long list of heart-breaking playoff losses. For every young team that magically made it to the Finals or close to getting to the finals on their first run with a specific squad and superstar (e.g., Thunder, Mavericks, Pacers, these Spurs), there was another team with their own playoff scars that were either more experienced or had better injury luck (like the New York Knicks).
It happens, but I don’t want it happen. It’s mentally taxing. Instead of playoff scars, can we just get playoff “boo boos,” orange slices, and maybe a birria taco? Are we still at the bargaining stage? In exchange for two wins on the road in NYC for the Spurs, can we send all the birria tacos to Manhattan AND I’ll move to Florida?
3. Victor Wembanyama might need contacts, goggles, LASIK, or is still suffering from that concussion from round 1.
“I’m still very blurry, and that’s the whole problem. I need to have more poise, more control over the game.”
Blurry? Sir, what do you need because I know people who know people who can get you giant sports goggles so big that it would make Horace Grant blush. I mean Wembanyama did shoot 52% from the field, which was a marked improvement from Game 1’s 29% field goal percentage. So I guess when he meant “blurry” he was talking about poise and control over the game, the very thing he elaborated on in the second sentence of that quote. No one said reading comprehension was important outside of the SATs anyway. That would be insane.
2. The Spurs are too mature for their age. Speaking of insanity, that late turnover by Wembanyama was complete bonkers. What made it more crazy for me was how quickly Wembanyama accepted responsibility, apologized, and also how calmly Stephon Castle dapped him in the chest and (presumably) told him it’s OK, or to presumably tell him that it was actually his fault. It matters whose fault it is because it was a huge blunder, but it also didn’t matter because the game wasn’t over, and they almost won it anyway. ALMOST BEING THE OPERATIVE WORD. But. You get what I’m saying.
I mean what, I’m supposed to believe that with about 10 seconds left in Game 2 of the NBA freakin’ Finals that a 22 year old and a 21 year old handled that big of a turnover during the most crucial part of the most important game they’ve ever played (so far) in their professional lives with the maturity of Van Halen and David Lee Roth reuniting after decades of animosity?
Where’s the yelling? Where’s the blame game? Where is that photo of LeBron James with two arms outstretched as he incredulously gawks at J.R. Smith during the 2018 Finals?
If the actual players on the floor are more poised and calm even in the face of mistakes, why couldn’t us fans be as zen? Because that’s what we do: we’re freaking out, man.
1. Desperate times call for desperate mentalities.
“It’s not the first to win two … We just have to come out with a mentality of just being more desperate.”
OK so I really like this quote not because Dylan Harper said it but because Dylan Harper said it as convincingly as his play on the court has been. The fans seem pretty desperate. I’m told no car horns were honked throughout the burrows of San Antonio. At least Spurs-related honking. There’s always honking on 1604 because it’s more of a mosh pit for cars than a major highway.
At least the players are saying the quiet part out loud. They have to be desperate because us couch riders are already there.
MESA, ARIZONA - MARCH 22, 2026: Kade Morris #12 of the Athletics throws a pitch during the fourth inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Hohokam Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Game two in Houston is set to get going as the Athletics hope to get back in the win column against their division rivals. The squad fell last night in the series opener but the team can right the ship with a win in the second game of this weekend series in Houston.
We got an MLB debut today as right-hander Kade Morris will be getting the ball for the very first time in the big leagues. The A’s prospect finally got the call after steadily climbing the minors over the past couple of years. He’d had a solid season in the hitter-friendly PCL but now he’ll be tasked with taking on a major league lineup for the first time. The 23-year-old is a ground-ball machine and that should play up in the Astros’ ballpark.
The usual lineup full of the regulars today. Carlos Cortes is leading off, leaving Lawrence Butler on the bench. Against a right-handed pitcher. Take that for what you will.
As for the Astros, they’ll counter our rookie starting pitcher with their own “rookie” in Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai. The 28-year-old high-priced offseason acquisition had a tough start stateside plus a stint on the IL with arm fatigue but has returned and looked solid overall in four starts since being activated. He’s been sharp in his two most recent outings as well, pitching 12 innings and allowing just two runs. The A’s bats will need to figure it out against an unknown enemy if they want to get the win today.
Apr 3, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kyle Bradish (38) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Orioles have won 10 of their last 14 games and are just two games under .500. With their win last night, they have pulled ahead of the Blue Jays to take sole possession of third place in the American League East. They sit 1/2 game back of the third Wild Card spot. The team in the last spot, the Rangers, have the same number of wins as the Orioles.
It’s dangerous to have too much hope because this team has let us down many times before. But the longer this stretch of good play goes on, the easier it is to feel good. And with Kyle Bradish on the mound today, it’s even easier to think we could see another win.
After a clunker to kick off the month of May, Bradish kicked off a fantastic five-start run in which he pitched to a 1.72 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 31.1 innings. His last start of May came against these very Blue Jays, and he pitched seven innings with on unearned run allowed. On May 2nd, his ERA was 5.04; it is now 3.44. I am excited to say that Kyle Bradish is back.
The Orioles will face opener Brayd0n Fisher today, a righty relief pitcher with a 2.82 ERA and sub-1 WHIP. He’s pitched in 32 games this year but has made just two appearances as an opener. Against the Yankees, he pitched 1.1 innings. He faced five batters and struck out four. Against the Marlins, he pitched a scoreless first with one hit allowed.
If you’re wondering about the health of Samuel Basallo, you’re not alone. Basallo exited yesterday’s game early with abdominal soreness. Craig Albernaz told reporters today that Basallo is still being evaluated, but hopes to avoid a trip to the Injured List. In the meantime, Sam Huff has been activated from the taxi squad. Weston Wilson was DFA’s to make room.
Orioles lineup
Taylor Ward (R) DH Gunnar Henderson (L) SS Adley Rutschman (S) C Pete Alonso (R) 1B Coby Mayo (R) 3B Leody Taveras (S) CF Colton Cowser (L) RF Blaze Alexander (R) LF Jackson Holliday (L) 2B
Blue Jays lineup
George Springer (R) DH Nathan Lukes (L) RF Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (R) 1B Jesús Sánchez (L) LF Ernie Clement (R) 2B Brandon Valenzuela (S) C Kazuma Okamoto (R) 3B Andrés Giménez (L) SS Myles Straw (R) CF
“Sick,” McCollum wrote on X early Saturday. “Knicks have been a different team since this moment.”
McCollum taunted the Madison Square Garden crowd with big shots and gestures as the Hawks stole Game 2 of their series against the Knicks. Then he hit the game-winner in Game 3 in Atlanta to give the Hawks a 2-1 series edge.
Karl-Anthony Towns dunks during the Knicks’ Game 2 win. Jason Szenes for The New York Post
The Knicks haven’t lost since, winning three straight to close out the Hawks, sweeping the 76ers and Cavaliers, and taking a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals with back-to-back wins in San Antonio.
McCollum faded in the final three games of the Knicks-Hawks series. Josh Hart, his former Trail Blazers teammate, took the main assignment of defending McCollum, whose averages dipped to 11.3 points on 39.5 percent shooting from the floor over three straight losses.
McCollum had been bargaining to join the likes of Michael Jordan, Reggie Miller, P.J. Brown and Trae Young as Knicks’ playoff tormentors.
The Knicks are now two wins away from winning the NBA Finals. Charles Wenzelberg / New York PostCJ McCollum of the Atlanta Hawks fights for the ball during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 1 Game 6 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks’ last possession of their most recent loss ended with a turnover by Jalen Brunson. In the Finals, Brunson has shaken off two poor shooting games to become the first player since at least 1971 to score the final go-ahead points in the last two minutes of back-to-back games, per ESPN.
De’Aaron Fox tried to get in Brunson’s head late in Game 2 with a face-to-face staredown after committing a foul along the sideline, but Brunson didn’t take the bait. His father, Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson, wasn’t having it.
Jun 5, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Alex Call (12) dumps a cooler of ice water on first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) after hitting a walk-off home run Los Angeles Angels in the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
It was Freeman’s fifth walk-off hit with the Dodgers in the regular season, and his first home run. But you might remember that the first baseman has also authored two of the most famous World Serieswalk-off home runs in history as well. All told, Freeman has 20 career walk-off hits in the regular season and postseason, putting him in very rare company.
Baseball Reference has full play-by-play data dating back to 1910, and in the 117 seasons in the database the Dodgers have hit 224 walk-off home runs, a tad under two per year on average. Since moving to Los Angeles, they’ve averaged about 2.4 walk-off homers per regular season.
Only once did the Brooklyn Dodgers hit a walk-off home run in a 0-0 game. On May 2, 1955 at Ebbets Field, Carl Furillo took Gene Conley of the Milwaukee Braves deep in the 12th inning, but that was a two-run shot that also scored Jackie Robinson. Conley started that game for Milwaukee and went the whole way, as did winning pitcher Carl Erskine with his 12 scoreless frames. Furillo pushed Brooklyn’s record to 16-2, on their way to a 22-2 start and a runaway pennant on their way to the franchise’s first World Series championship.
Freeman’s 1-0 walk-off winner was the first by the team since Yasmani Grandal did in the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 3, 2015 in the 13th inning, the latest in the game any of these home runs were hit. The Russell Martin home run on August 13, 2006 finished off a classic 10-inning tilt on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball featuring Greg Maddux needing only 68 pitches in his eight scoreless innings in a duel with future Dodger Jason Schmidt when he still had intact shoulder ligaments.
Five of these nine 1-0 home runs came in extra innings.
Player
Date
Opponent
Pitcher
Inning
Tommy Davis
Jun 18, 1962
Cardinals
Bob Gibson
9th
Eric Karros
Sep 20, 2000
D-backs
Byung-Hyun Kim
9th
Gary Sheffield
May 12, 2001
Braves
Matt Whiteside
9th
Paul Lo Duca
Sep 27, 2002
Padres
Jeremy Fikac
10th
Russell Martin
Aug 13, 2006
Giants
Vinnie Chulk
10th
Matt Kemp
Jun 1, 2010
D-backs
JC. Gutiérrez
10th
Yasiel Puig
Jul 28, 2013
Reds
Curtis Partch
11th
Yasmani Grandal
May 3, 2015
D-backs
Evan Marshall
13th
Freddie Freeman
Jun 5, 2026
Angels
Kirby Yates
9th
The Dodgers’ last two games have been decided on walk-off home runs, with a loss on Thursday before Friday’s win. Los Angeles still has not played an extra-inning game this season, the only MLB team in 2026 who has yet to play beyond nine innings.
More than a month after the Senators were eliminated from the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, owner Michael Andlauer still finds himself thinking about what might have been.
He's still not fully over the first-round loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
"It's never over, because you look at it and they're still playing," Andlauer said Friday at the Senators' alumni golf tournament at the Canadia Golf and Country Club . "You look at it and think 'what if?' (Game 2 of the Cup Final) went into overtime. In our Game 2, how many posts, crossbars or open chances did we have? 'What if,' right?"
But those lingering thoughts haven't changed his big picture outlook. If anything, Andlauer sounds more convinced than ever that the Senators are doing things the right way and headed in the right direction.
"I think as a fan, I'm happy where we're going," he said.
Looking back on this season, Andlauer believes his club was stronger than last year's squad. While the Senators' playoff run was even shorter this year, Andlauer admired how his group rallied to earn a wild-card while pushing through so many battles.
"We went through a lot of adversity this season, including in the playoffs, with how many injuries we had on the D-core, and we persevered."
That resilience is something Andlauer clearly values, along with the positive culture that's been created by GM Steve Staios and head coach Travis Green.
Asked what the team needs to do to take the next step, Andlauer didn't talk about adding a specific kind of player or making a splashy move.
"I think continue to stay focused," he said. "I think Steve and his staff are doing a fantastic job of continuously improving. It's a very competitive league. (We need to) stay on track and continue to believe, make sure that the culture is right, that we care, and that we're willing to work harder than our competition."
Staios and his amateur staff have been in Buffalo at the 2026 NHL Scouting Combine over the past week. The combine allows GMs to get a closer look at most of the best young prospects eligible for the NHL Draft later this month.
Until recently, the 2026 combine was an event that the Sens could easily have skipped because they didn't have a first-round pick. It was the NHL's punishment for their role in the 2021 Evgenii Dadonov trade controversy. But in March, after all this time, the league decided to let Ottawa pick in round one after all, though it will be 32nd overall.
"It's good for us. It's good for our organization. It's good for our fans," Andlauer said. "I think we had to show the league what kind of organization we are, a new owner and everything, just to make sure that (the league knows) we're good corporate citizens. And I think maybe a little persistence went a long way."
The league's condition was that the pick could not be traded. When asked if they could make the pick and immediately trade the selected player to another team, Andlauer wasn't sure but felt like they probably could.
Meanwhile, with the salary cap set to spike over each of the next few seasons, Andlauer fielded questions about player payroll, and his answer should be encouraging for Senators fans.
"This is a passion of mine," he said. "Whatever it's going to take to bring a Cup to Ottawa."
That doesn't necessarily mean he'll be throwing money around in free agency. In fact, Andlauer thinks the market may not offer many attractive options that make sense.
"Because there's not enough free agents, I think people are going to want to do trades. And the fact that the cap is going up, I think there's going to be people who are going to look at that as an opportunity."
Andlauer emphasized that there's no urgency to change the game plan that has brought the Senators back to the playoffs the past two years, but he doesn't rule out offseason improvements either.
"I think there are areas that (Staios) wants to improve on," Andlauer said. "And he's focused on those things."
So, to summarize Andlauer's hockey views on Friday: He believes the Senators are stronger than they were a year ago, offseason changes are possible, he's prepared to spend what's required, he's happy to have his first-round pick back, and management has his full support.
One suspects that if the Senators fail to emerge as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender in the next couple of years, it won't be because the owner failed to do his part.
The Los Angeles Dodgers look to stay hot tonight when they host the Los Angeles Angels.
Yashinobu Yamamoto is having a strong season for the defending World Series champs, and my Angels vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks break down why his team is set to cruise as heavy favorites on Saturday, June 6.
Who will win Angels vs Dodgers tonight: Dodgers -2.5 (+104)
When Los Angeles Angels right-hander Jack Kochanowicz doesn’t have his sinker working, he reverts to a four-seam fastball that opponents are posting a .241 ISO and a 53.5% FB% against in 2026.
Kochanowicz’s strikeout rate, chase rate, and xERA all rank in the 16th percentile or worse. An inability to miss bats is simply inviting trouble from this patient Los Angeles Dodgers lineup, which has the highest hard-hit% and third-lowest GB% over the past two weeks.
I'd play this runline to -105.
COVERS INTEL:Opposing hitters registered a 26.6% soft contact rate vs. Yamamoto over the past month — the highest rate for any pitcher with at least 20 IP in that span.
Angels vs Dodgers Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (+100)
Despite expecting Kochanowicz to get pummeled, I’m expecting the game flow to lead to a lower-scoring affair.
Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto has thrived at avoiding contact this season, boasting a 29.9% whiff rate driven by his nasty fastball/splitter combo. His stellar command has also led to a 5.6% walk rate ranking in the 90th percentile.
The Angels have the eighth-highest K% vs. RHP over the past two weeks, and aside from Mike Trout, I don’t see many matchup advantages. The Dodgers will put up runs, but not enough to carry the total by themselves.
Take the Under to -110.
Jason Ence's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 9-14, -5.94 units
Over/Under bets: 14-9, +4.28 units
Angels vs Dodgers odds
Moneyline: Angels +290 | Dodgers -360
Run line: Angels +2.5 (-132) | Dodgers -2.5 (+104)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-120) | Under 8.5 (+100)
Angels vs Dodgers trend
The Angels have hit the game total Under in 10 of their last 15 road games (+4.50 Units / 27% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Angels vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Angels vs Dodgers and game info
Location
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Saturday, June 6, 2026
First pitch
10:10 p.m. ET
TV
ABTV, SportsNet LA
Angels starting pitcher
Jack Kochanowicz (2-4, 5.23 ERA)
Dodgers starting pitcher
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (5-4, 2.86 ERA)
Angels vs Dodgers latest injuries
Angels vs Dodgers weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The New York Mets will look to extend their winning streak to three games as they visit the San Diego Padres tonight.
Griffin Canning hasn't found his rhythm on the mound this season, and I'm backing New York to get the better of him once again in my Mets vs. Padres predictions.
Read on for my full breakdown and free MLB picks for Saturday, June 6.
Although New York Mets starter Nolan McLean (3-4, 4.21 ERA) has gone through a rough patch himself, his underlying numbers look good. The hard-throwing righty is striking out 10.4 batters per nine innings while holding opponents to a .291 xwOBA.
I expect the Mets to hit Canning hard and like them to win at -130 or better.
This is a matchup between what might be the league’s two worst offenses. The Padres (.289) and Mets (.292) are at the bottom of the league in wOBA, take up the worst two spots in OPS, and both have a heavy lean to the Under this year.
The Padres are dead last in run production (3.79 per game) and struggle against McLean’s signature pitch, pulling just 9.7% of sinkers in the air. Even if the Mets fare better against Canning, the Under is the clear play for me, and I’d back it to -120.
Ed Scimia's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 11-15, -4.66 units
Over/Under bets: 8-16, -8.40 units
Mets vs Padres odds
Moneyline: Mets -124 | Padres +106
Run line: Mets -1.5 (+134) | Padres +1.5 (-162)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-110) | Under 7.5 (-110)
Mets vs Padres trend
San Diego is 0-5 SU in Canning’s last five starts. Find more MLB betting trends for Mets vs. Padres.
How to watch Mets vs Padres and game info
Location
Petco Park, San Diego, CA
Date
Saturday, June 6, 2026
First pitch
10:10 p.m. ET
TV
SNY, Padres.TV
Mets starting pitcher
Nolan McLean (3-4, 4.21 ERA)
Padres starting pitcher
Griffin Canning (0-4, 7.16 ERA)
Mets vs Padres latest injuries
Mets vs Padres weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Apr 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the batting helmet of Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
I’m putting this together early, cause I’m running off to get a scan on this foot that I did something to. It is feeling much better today, but the doctor wants to see what I did. It was the strangest thing
Spencer Miles is actually getting the start today. Simeon Woods Richardson will likely get his first action as a Blue Jay. Beyond that, the leverage arms all should be available.
I thought there might be a roster move before the game today, but not yet anyway.
Apparently Chris Bassitt appreciated the video tribute yesterday:
Caught up with former #BlueJays, Chris Bassitt, and asked him about his video tribute. Said he got choked up watching it:
“This whole place is too emotional for me… This place will always be the most special place for me… My son is Canadian!..there are so many different ties”
For all the trade and free agency rumors flying around, this simple truth remains: Giannis Antetokounmpo is the first domino that has to fall. Before LeBron James chooses to stay or go in Los Angeles, before Ja Morant finds a new home, before any other major moves, Antetokounmpo will have to be traded (or, not traded, if you're still a Bucks fan holding out hope... and good luck to you if you are).
Where do things stand with Antetokounmpo? Here are the latest reports.
Oklahoma City is not interested in an Antetokounmpo trade. Not for Chet Holmgren, not for anyone.
As much as fans looked at Holmgren against Victor Wembanyama and thought the Thunder needed to do something dramatic, that's a short-sighted and outsider's view. Antetokounmpo is seven years older than Holmgren, hasn't been able to stay healthy long enough for a playoff run in years, and would be even more expensive than Holmgren on a team about to get hit hard by the tax aprons. Plus, you think the Thunder want to take the ball out of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's hands?
OKC believes — I would argue rightfully — that if Jalen Williams (All-NBA a season before) and/or Ajay Mitchell had been healthy, they would be playing the Knicks in the Finals right now. The Thunder have decisions to make about Isaiah Hartenstein, Lu Dort and Kenrich Williams this summer, but Antetokounmpo is not part of the plans.
Giannis concerned about Miami roster
Miami is the frontrunner to land Antetokounmpo, but kind of by default. OKC is out. Cleveland is not interested. The Knicks are two wins from an NBA championship, they are not blowing up this roster. While people speculate about a Jaylen Brown trade to bring Antetokounmpo to Boston, there's no evidence that there is any fire there.
But Antetokounmpo has his concerns about Miami and what the roster would look like after a trade, something Sam Amick of The Athletic talked about on the Dan Patrick Show. "The noise is tied to Miami, but there's also some intel, discussion, kind of understanding, that Giannis has questions about what that Miami roster would look like on the other side of a deal. You don't want to gut your roster and go to the place you're excited to be in and then have a hard time contending for a championship."
A Heat trade for Antetokounmpo likely involves a combination of Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware and multiple first-round draft picks. That would leave Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, and maybe Norman Powell if they can re-sign him. Is that roster any kind of a threat to New York, Boston, a healthy Indiana, or even Cleveland?
The problem is, if Antetokounmpo wants out of Milwaukee, he may have to trust Pat Riley and the Miami front office to build out a contender — and that's not a bad bet, it's one of the best front offices in the league. But it's not walking into a contender on Day 1.
Antetokounmpo's problem is that what he really wants may not be available.
The Stanley Cup Final shifts to Sin City tonight as the Vegas Golden Knights play host to the Carolina Hurricanes at T-Mobile Arena for Game 3.
Carter Hart and the Golden Knights will look to rebound after blowing a late 2-0 lead in Game 2, while the Hurricanes aim to seize their first series lead of the SCF.
Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET as our Covers experts break down their top NHL picks and predictions for tonight's matchup.
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The Carolina Hurricanes have also dominated 5-on-5 possession with a 63.3 Corsi For percentage through the first two games of the series.
I am anticipating tidier work from Hart in the Vegas crease in Game 3.
He’s dipped to an .855 SV% with -2.49 GSAx to start the Stanley Cup Final, after all, so I’m fully expecting the statistical pendulum to swing back in Hart’s favor Saturday.
This prop has my attention at a -130 price, and I’d also play it at Over 27.5 saves to -120.
Todd Cordell's expert pick: Pavel Dorofeyev Over 0.5 points
Price: -125 at BET99
Pavel Dorofeyev has yet to record a point, but all the numbers under the hood are encouraging.
The Golden Knights have won the chance battle during his minutes, and he’s been plenty involved in the offensive zone.
Dorofeyev ranks second on the team with six chances through two games. Of the seven Golden Knights with at least four opportunities, he is the only guy who hasn’t picked up a point.
He’s skating on the top line and power-play unit, creating plenty of looks, and Frederik Andersen is struggling.
I like him to break through in Game 3. Bet to -135.
Chris Faria's expert pick: Logan Stankoven anytime goal scorer
Price: +240 at BET99
Logan Stankoven has been one of the Hurricanes’ biggest breakout stars this postseason with a team-leading 10 tallies.
Eight of his goals have come at even strength, where he leads all players this postseason in shots (43). His 18 high-danger chances at even strength are tied for sixth among all skaters, and he’s had one in each game of the Final so far.
Stankoven is part of Carolina’s dangerous second line, which has been the best trio in the series. They controlled 74% of expected goals in Game 2 and 63% in Game 1.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
COVERS INTEL:
Carter Hart o26.5 saves
Logan Stankoven anytime goal scorer