Alex DeBrincat has been creating some chatter in the rumor mill as a trade candidate as he enters the final season of his contract with the Detroit Red Wings in 2026-27.
Could the Chicago Blackhawks look to bring the star forward back?
The Fourth Period recently listed the Blackhawks among the possible suitors for DeBrincat this summer.
"The Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Seattle Kraken and Buffalo Sabres are some of the teams exploring the market for a top-line, scoring winger and could have interest in DeBrincat," The Fourth Period wrote.
The idea of the Blackhawks bringing back DeBrincat is undoubtedly a fascinating one. They memorably traded DeBrincat to the Ottawa Senators during the 2022 NHL off-season as they were getting their rebuild started. It would make for an entertaining story if they brought him back to Chicago four summers later.
With the Blackhawks needing a star scoring winger, it would make sense for them to try to reunite with DeBrincat. The 28-year-old winger is coming off a fantastic season with the Red Wings, as he scored 41 goals and set new career highs with 44 assists and 85 points in 82 games. With numbers like these, he could be a great linemate for Connor Bedard to have.
In 368 games over five seasons with the Blackhawks from 2017-18 to 2021-22, DeBrincat posted 160 goals, 140 assists, and 307 points.
With the Mets spiraling out of control -- and with manager Carlos Mendoza not under contract beyond this season -- New York essentially ripped the band aid off on Friday, firing Mendoza and naming Andy Green the interim manager for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Back in April, the message the Mets gave was that there was really no reason to blame their struggles on Mendoza -- to make him the fall guy for what the club hoped were issues that were temporary. It was quite apparent that they did not plan to fire Mendoza.
But after the team treaded water for a bit and even played a few games over .500 for a decent stretch across May and June, things devolved over the last week as they lost game after game in humiliating fashion while falling 10.0 games back of the third and final Wild Card spot in the National League.
Barring a miracle, their season is over before the calendar flips to July. And since Mendoza almost certainly would've been gone after the year, letting him go now made sense. Maybe it creates a spark. Maybe it doesn't. But continuing to do nothing about what this team had become would've been malpractice.
While it's not fair to lay this season at the feet of Mendoza, it is fair to point out that he didn't seem to be helping matters.
Specifically, the continued mental mistakes and physical errors on the field were shocking -- to the point where Mendoza described the team's performance after Wednesday's doubleheader sweep as "embarrassing."
There were also guys running through stop signs at third base, and -- in one instance -- showing no remorse for it after. Players forgot how many outs there were numerous times, constantly challenged ball/strike calls at odd times, failed to back up home plate, overthrew cutoff men, and did baffling things on the field -- including recently, when Juan Soto attempted to bunt with runners on first and second.
But the Mets' season isn't in disarray because of the above, and it isn't in disarray because of the now-departed Mendoza.
The Mets are where they are due mainly to a combination of poor roster construction, injuries, and underperformance.
So with Mendoza now gone, what's next?
A trade deadline sell-off seems to be a foregone conclusion, but do the Mets need to do more than just deal players who are set to be free agents after the season? In other words, are there far deeper issues at play than a struggling roster?
Feb 11, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; David Stearns, Mets President of Baseball Operations, watches pitchers warm-up during spring training. / Jim Rassol - Imagn Images
One thing that stuck out after Thursday's loss to the Cubs was who the face of it was afterwards.
The only position player who spoke following the game was Eric Wagaman, a journeyman who has a grand total of 25 plate appearances as a Met and who will very likely not be a big part of the team going forward. Given that the Mets' season is falling apart, it would've made sense for a more prominent member of the team (or multiple prominent members) to be available to speak about it.
Perhaps the Mets' leadership in the clubhouse behind closed doors is sound. But the front-facing leadership has felt rudderless, which really shouldn't be a shock when you consider that most of the players who were long-tenured members of the team left as free agents or were traded this past offseason.
And that is still at the top of many fans' minds, as evidenced by the loud "PETE ALONSO" chants that rang out at Citi Field late during their Game 2 loss to the Cubs on Wednesday.
Alonso, who is now an Oriole, has 18 homers, 55 RBI, and an .815 OPS for Baltimore this season in the first year of a five-year deal.
Meanwhile, three of the four key offensive players David Stearns brought in are on the IL. Jorge Polanco has been out since April 15 due to an Achilles issue. Luis Robert Jr. has been out since April 27 because of a back injury. Marcus Semien recently joined them on the IL because of a hip injury.
All three players were struggling before hitting the IL, and their absences have led to daily lineups that include the likes of Wagaman, MJ Melendez, and Jared Young.
The injuries have also meant players being used out of position, or at spots where they should really only be used in a pinch. Examples of that? Mark Vientos getting starts at first base and Brett Baty manning right field, where their presence hurt the Mets badly during their four-game sweep to Chicago.
There have also been major starting rotation issues. The freak leg injury to Clay Holmes hurt, but underperformance -- especially by Sean Manaea, the recently-traded David Peterson, and Kodai Senga --has been the main culprit.
It's also fair to wonder if the mostly-new coaching staff is getting the most out of this roster.
To that end, Stearns said earlier this week that he's "pleased" with the coaching staff's process.
"I think our staff and our coaches are working incredibly hard every day to get these guys going," Stearns explained. "And I think in certain areas they're as frustrated as anyone that we haven't seen better results."
May 23, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) speaks to first baseman Mark Vientos (27) after this at bat against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning at loanDepot Park. / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Even the minor league performance has been worse than expected this year, with many of the Mets' top prospects -- including Jonah Tong, Jacob Reimer, Will Watson, Dylan Ross, and Ryan Lambert --struggling badly. Perhaps that's a blip, given the strong performance overall in the minors during the first few years of Stearns' tenure.
But questions about Stearns' process in building the roster, the effectiveness of the coaching staff, and many players on the big league club remain.
There also doesn't seem to be a soul to this team, which is not surprising given how many of them were thrown together this past offseason. It takes time for things to gel. Sometimes, things don't gel at all.
So what now?
I was among the people this past February who thought Stearns did a good enough job putting the club together. I, like many, thought the Mets would make the playoffs and be a legitimate World Series contender. I, like many, was wrong.
Amid the offseason of change, though, I wrote last November that the Mets needed to add two legitimate starting pitchers to guard against possible underperformance from all of their bounce back candidates. They did not. I also wrote that they should bring back Alonso -- even if it took a five-year deal to do so. His power mattered. His connection to the fans mattered. But the Mets did not even make an effort to bring him back.
In fairness, it seems that everything that could've possibly gone wrong this season has gone wrong. The underperformance, the injuries, the bad luck. But this is where the Mets are now, with no clear answers beyond the fact that Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing are keepers as part of a rather small core.
Beyond that, nearly everything should be in question.
In addition to trading pending free agents such as Freddy Peralta, Brooks Raley, and A.J. Minter, should the Mets try to fast-track a retool by also dealing Luke Weaver and even Devin Williams?
Should they trade Clay Holmes if he gets healthy before the deadline, or try to work out an extension for him to stay? As things stand, Holmes has a player option for 2027 that he seems very likely to decline.
Is something more drastic needed to shake things up, such as pondering a trade of Francisco Lindor? Lindor, who has been a terrific, accountable, tough Met, certainly didn't seem off-limits this past offseason.
What about the future of Semien, who is under contract through 2028 but was borderline unplayable before his injury?
One thing does seem clear -- at least for now -- which is that Stearns will get the chance to turn this around. If he gets it right this time, the mess that is the 2026 season will eventually disappear into the rearview. If he doesn't, there won't be another fall guy to sacrifice.
James Clark is a young man with enticing options on his baseball horizon.
The promising 18-year-old shortstop was taking infield practice Tuesday during the MLB draft combine at Chase Field, fluidly handling ground balls before firing to first base. It’s one of many reasons the California native has a chance to be selected in the first round of next month’s draft.
But if he decides he’s not ready to start his professional baseball career, he’s committed to play college ball at Duke, which has a successful baseball program and an elite academic reputation.
“It’s going to be a difficult decision,” Clark said. “But it’s a good one to have.”
If MLB gets it’s way, it’s a decision that future baseball prospects won’t get to make.
Owners recently proposed banning high school players from signing with major league teams, raising the age for international amateurs and slashing the money spent on signing bonuses in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.
If the league gets its way, starting in 2028, a prospect for the amateur draft would have to be at least 20 years old by the Sept. 1 of his signing year and two years removed from the graduating year of his high school class — a restriction that also would eliminate players who completed their first year of junior college.
Many, many big leaguers began their pro careers right after high school
There are dozens of current MLB stars who signed as teenagers, including Pete Crow-Armstrong, Mike Trout and Bobby Witt Jr. Even more recently, Pirates phenom Konnor Griffin made his MLB debut at 19 years old.
Crow-Armstrong — who was selected as an 18-year-old with the No. 19 overall pick in 2020 out of Harvard-Westlake High School in Los Angeles — was committed to play college baseball at Vanderbilt but decided to begin his pro career instead.
He hopes other young ballplayers will still have that option in the future.
“I got an opportunity to grow up in a really real-life setting and I was really grateful for it,” the All-Star center fielder said earlier this week. “I think if there’s any sport you can go straight from high school, it’s this one. You’re afforded a lot of time in the minor leagues to develop, and that’s kind of the point.”
Cubs pitcher Ben Brown was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies as a 17-year-old in 2017 in the 33rd round — which doesn’t even exist anymore after MLB shortened the draft to 20 rounds in 2021. The owners’ most recent proposal would shorten the draft to 12 rounds starting in 2027.
Brown said he has fond memories of staying in hotels with roommates in the lower levels of the minors, learning how to budget money on a low salary and being on his own trying to make it in the baseball world.
“It was the greatest blessing in the world for me to go into pro ball at a young age,” Brown said. “I had to work in the offseasons. I did plenty of things just to show up to spring training early. And the Phillies took amazing care of me as a young kid.”
Of course, for every Ben Brown or Pete Crow-Armstrong, there are countless high school signees who never reached the majors. There also are lots of baseball players who want to go to college, earn a degree and then embark on their pro career if things work out.
The college game is growing, and it’s changing the calculus
Shortstop Roch Cholowsky was a highly-rated recruit coming out of a high school in Arizona in 2023 but instead played at UCLA for three seasons. Now he could be the No. 1 selection in next month’s MLB draft after a standout career with the Bruins.
Still, he had plenty of friends who went straight to the pros out of high school.
“It’s different for everybody — whatever is best for you,” Cholowsky said. “A guy like myself needed to go to college. I got to play three years of unbelievable baseball at UCLA, learn a lot and really grow up.”
College baseball has grown rapidly in recent years for many reasons, including that NCAA programs can now offer 34 scholarships instead of the old cap of 11.7. There’s also some NIL money available at the top programs, though it’s usually not like the high-dollar deals for their football or basketball counterparts.
Mississippi baseball coach Mike Bianco has been at the school for 26 years — winning a national championship in 2022 — and said the college game has become more enticing, with more and more young prospects deciding it’s the best option. If MLB bans teenagers from signing out of high school, it likely means the NCAA version becomes even stronger.
Bianco’s four sons all played at least some college baseball.
“Even if they had been potential first-round draft picks, I would have made them go to college,” Bianco said. “At the major college level, you’re playing the best amateur baseball in the world. You’ve got a support system that’s different than the minor leagues and you’re getting educated in lots of different ways.”
MLB takes notice of better college players
In the 2025 MLB draft, 56 college players were selected in the top 90 picks.
Thanks to a variety of factors — especially money and technology — the MLB and NCAA versions of baseball have never been more similar. It’s part of the reason Tony Vitello is now the manager of the San Francisco Giants despite never working or playing for a professional organization before he was hired. That’s a first in MLB history.
Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz was last year’s AL Rookie of the Year after playing in college at Wake Forest, needing just 210 plate appearances in the minors before dominating MLB pitching with 36 homers and 86 RBIs in 117 games.
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes was a star pitcher at LSU before being drafted in 2023 and needed just 34 innings in the minors before making it to the big leagues. He was obviously ready — winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and the Cy Young award in 2025.
From the MLB perspective, it’s become advantageous to let prospects develop in college instead of drafting them as teenagers, paying large signing bonuses, and then trying to project their growth. Currently, each MLB team runs five levels of domestic minor leagues, which can get expensive.
Streamlining that process is enticing. The minors are already shrinking — MLB cut 40 minor league affiliates back in 2020. MLB has said it will not seek to reduce the 120 minor league teams in the top four levels when it negotiates new professional development licenses in 2030 to replace expiring 10-year deals. But the makeup of those 120 teams will surely be different if no players are signing out of high school.
“These guys trust (college) programs,” Arizona State coach Willie Bloomquist said earlier this spring. “They say, ‘We’ll just watch them in college in three years at a Power 4 program, see how they development and then we’ll go get them.’”
Detroit needs more shooting and solid guard play around Cade Cunningham and they got it with this move.
Oklahoma City reportedly is trading sharpshooter Isaiah Joe to Detroit for two second-round picks, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN and since confirmed by other reports.
This is a big win for the Pistons, picking up a 6'4" two guard who averaged 11.1 points per game and shot 42.3% from 3-point range last season for the Thunder. He is exactly the kind of addition Detroit needs in the back court. He can defend a little, has some handles, and is one of the better shooters in the league. He's also playoff tested and has a ring to show for it, the kind of veteran in the locker room that Detroit also could use.
Oklahoma City clears a roster spot and some cap space for future moves. Joe is set to make $11.3 million next season and has a team option at the same price for 2027-28. Sam Presti and the Thunder front office also pick up even more draft picks.
One other Pistons note: Detroit is letting other teams know Jalen Duren is not available in a trade, NBA insider Chris Haynes reports.
Duren had an All-NBA season, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds a game while playing high-level defense in the paint — he was key to Detroit getting the No. 1 seed. However, after a rough playoff run, he is having difficult negotiations with the Pistons over his next contract. Because he made All-NBA, he is eligible for a 30% of the cap max (starting at $49.6 million) but after the playoffs, the Pistons are likely offering a little less than that (maybe the 25% max he would have been eligible for if he had not made All-NBA, which starts at $41.4 million). There are plenty of teams that would love to jump in and make a trade for the 22-year-old center, but Detroit is telling them he's not available. Being a restricted free agent, Duren has little leverage here, which is why players and especially agents hate the RFA system.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 6: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks plays defense during the game against Trey Jamison III #55 of the Los Angeles Lakers on March 6, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s the worst-kept secret in the NBA that the Lakers are in search of a big man.
Not only is LA’s need for a center obvious to anyone who watched them this past season, but with Luka Dončić reportedly asking for an upgrade at that spot, the focus on that position has only increased.
So far, the Lakers haven’t done anything to bolster their frontcourt, but the offseason has just begun. And with the Lakers set to have a ton of cap space, the hope is that they could take advantage of a situation somewhere and snag a free agent from a team that didn’t want to pay the cost to retain said player.
That exact scenario might be playing out in New York.
“The Lakers, amid a growing pessimism that the Knicks will be able to hang onto Robinson, are also regarded as a likely suitor for the New York big man once free agency officially begins.”
Keeping a championship team together is tough. If Knicks owner James Dolan remains determined not to go over the second apron, then they could lose Robinson this summer.
Robinson is an unrestricted free agent and made just under $13 million last season, so there’s an opportunity here for LA to be aggressive and snag one of the best centers available this offseason.
The Lakers could certainly use a player like Robinson in their frontcourt, and it’s why they’ve been connected to him before this summer.
He doesn’t put up gaudy numbers, averaging just 5.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game for the Knicks. But he’s a solid role player, a respectable defender and an efficient scorer. Robinson shot 72.3% from the field this season.
He was an integral part of the Knicks’ title run and would certainly bolster the frontcourt even if he isn’t the star center Lakers fans are dreaming about.
If the Lakers can figure out a number that makes Robinson happy, but doesn’t break the bank, then he could be a good fit in LA.
We’ll see if he is actually interested in joining the Lakers or if the Knicks cave and do what it takes to keep their title team intact. For now, this is an intriguing situation to monitor and a potential solution to LA’s frontcourt woes as they try to build a title contending roster.
The New York Rangers have traded Brett Berard to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for William Trudeau.
Leading up to this trade, there was mixed reporting on whether Bearard was looking for a change of scenery.
Berard, who showed flashes of promise during the 2024-25 campaign in 35 games with the Rangers, did not make the Blueshirts’ opening-night roster out of training camp to kick off the 2025-26 season and spent the majority of the season in the American Hockey League playing for the Hartford Wolf Pack.
The 23-year-old played in just 13 NHL games this past season, failing to record a point in the process.
With Berard set to become a restricted free agent this summer,he’s now lined up to sign a contract extension with the Canadiens.
He now reunites with Canadiens president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton, who drafted him in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Draft while serving as general manager of the Rangers.
The Rangers add Trudeau, a 6-foot-1 left-handed, defenseman to their prospect pool.
Since being selected by the Canadiens in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Trudeau has spent four seasons playing for the Laval Rocket of the AHL, unable to break into an NHL role, given Montreal’s depth on the left side of their blueline.
The 23-year-old defenseman is coming off a season in which he recorded eight goals, 12 assists, and 20 points in 62 games.
Similar to Berard, Trudeau is also set to become a restricted free agent on July 1.
On Friday, reports continued to build around the idea that the Winnipeg Jets are aggressively exploring ways to move up into the top four of the upcoming NHL Draft, with multiple league insiders confirming ongoing conversations with the Buffalo Sabres.
The latest wave of speculation follows a busy week of reporting. On Wednesday, insider Frank Seravalli suggested that a major swing deal could see Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck moved to Buffalo in exchange for the fourth overall pick.
That framework would allow Winnipeg to retain its own eighth overall selection while adding a second top-eight pick, a rare draft capital scenario for any club.
By Thursday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman added further fuel to the speculation, reporting that Winnipeg remains actively engaged in discussions around the fourth pick.
Friedman also noted that the Jets are not alone, with the Calgary Flames among multiple teams pursuing Buffalo’s selection, signaling a competitive trade market forming around the pick.
On Friday’s edition of his 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman reiterated that both Winnipeg and Calgary have continued conversations with the Sabres, while emphasizing that interest in the fourth pick is widespread and evolving quickly as draft day approaches.
Winnipeg could consider a smaller jump, moving from seventh into the four spot without necessarily paying the premium of a blockbuster trade. They could position themselves towards potentially adding a marquee player in this draft like Chase Reid.
The 6-foot-2, 192-pound blueliner from the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds, who some scouts have ranked as the second-best player in the class, met with Winnipeg during the NHL Draft Combine. Reid made clear he would welcome the opportunity to join the organization.
“I think that’d definitely be an honor to go play for them,” Reid said at the Combine when asked about the Jets.
Reid has put together two strong seasons with the Greyhounds, improving his offensive production each year. After posting 40 points in 39 games in his first OHL season, he followed it up with 48 points in 45 games this past year, establishing himself as a dynamic, offense-driving defenseman.
The connection between Reid and Winnipeg extends beyond formal interviews. Earlier in the season, he spoke with Jets defenseman Colin Miller, a Sault Ste. Marie native who offered insight into life in Winnipeg and spoke positively about the organization.
Draft projections across the league continue to shift, with several mock drafts now projecting a top three of Gavin McKenna going first overall to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ivar Stenberg selected by the San Jose Sharks, and Caleb Malhotra joining his father Manny Malhotra in Vancouver at third overall.
If that scenario holds, Reid could be available at fourth, making Buffalo’s pick one of the most pivotal assets in the entire draft.
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At the 2026 NHL Draft, the Calgary Flames have the 6th overall pick, marking the 11th time in franchise history that they will have a selection inside the Top-10. Moreover, this will be the sixth time they will make their first pick at 6th overall.
Thus far, through the ten players Calgary has selected within the Top-10, some have been hits, some have missed, and others are Stanley Cup winners. Today, we will revisit each of those picks and see what happened.
This list is ranked based on points scored in the NHL.
10. Brent Krahn - 9th Overall 2000
Flames Career: 0GP - 0G - 0A - 0PTS
NHL Career: 1GP - 0G - 0A - 0PTS
Despite being a top-10 pick in the 2000 NHL Draft, Brent Krahn never dressed for the Flames and appeared in only one NHL game with the Dallas Stars, playing 20 minutes and surrendering three goals on nine shots.
After tearing up the OHL, Zayne Parekh transitioned smoothly to the NHL and is now one of the top prospects in the Flames' rebuild. Despite being just 20, his future is bright, and Calgary fans have only seen a glimpse of what he could achieve.
8. Daniel Tkaczuk- 6th Overall 1997
Flames Career: 19GP - 4G - 7A - 11PTS
NHL Career: 19GP - 4G - 7A - 11PTS
Daniel Tkaczuk is one of many top-10 first-round picks who just never found their footing in the NHL. He appeared in 19 games with the Flames during the 2000-01 season, scoring four goals and totaling seven points. As a career minor leaguer, Tkaczuk found his calling as a coach and executive.
7. Rico Fata - 6th Overall 1998
Flames Career: 27GP - 0G - 1A - 1PTS
NHL Career: 230GP - 27G - 36A - 63PTS
Immediately following the 1998 NHL Draft, Rico Fata debuted with the Flames on Opening Night. He played only 27 games with the organization before moving to four other teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he tallied a career high 16 goals and 34 points in 2004.
6. Eric Nystrom - 10th Overall 2002
Flames Career: 204GP - 19G - 20A - 39PTS
NHL Career: 593GP - 75G - 48A - 123PTS
Eric Nystrom joined the Flames at 22 and spent the next ten years in the NHL, suiting up for four different teams. His best season in Calgary came in 2010 with 11 goals and 19 points, before reaching a high of 16 lamp-lighters in 2012.
Not only is Sam Bennett the highest drafted player in Flames history, but he's also a two-time Stanley Cup winner, earning the Conn Smythe in 2025. The only other player to achieve that is Hall of Famer Mike Vernon, who did it in 1997 with the Detroit Red Wings. Since moving to the Florida Panthers in 2021, Bennett has doubled his goal and point totals and is now a four-time 20-goal scorer.
4. Dion Phaneuf - 9th Overall 2003
Flames Career: 378GP - 75G - 153A - 228PTS
NHL Career: 1,048GP - 137G - 357A - 494PTS
As of 2026, Dion Phaneuf is one of two Flames top-10 draft picks in history to skate in over 1,000 games in the NHL. In Calgary, he was a member of the All-Rookie Team and finished with votes for the Norris Trophy in five consecutive seasons. Eventually, Phaneuf would go on to captain the Toronto Maple Leafs and play for their provincial rival, the Ottawa Senators.
3. Sean Monahan - 6th Overall 2013
Flames Career: 656GP - 212G - 250A - 462PTS
NHL Career: 896GP - 276G - 355A - 631PTS
There's no denying that Sean Monahan's best seasons came with the Flames, with 73% of his career points coming in Calgary. Since leaving the club in 2022, he's bounced around with a few clubs, recently finding a home with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
2. Matthew Tkachuk - 6th Overall 2016
Flames Career: 431GP - 152G - 230A - 382PTS
NHL Career: 242GP - 101G - 187A - 288PTS
As the most recent 6th overall pick in Flames history, Matthew Tkachuk will always have a special place in team lore, not for being a 40-goal scorer, but for requesting a trade out of town. Once Tkachuk landed in Florida, he scored 40 again and helped the Panthers to three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, winning in 2024 and 2025.
Cory Stillman became the first Flames top-10 pick ever to win the Stanley Cup, achieving it against the club that drafted him in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Two seasons later, he won again with the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite spending more time with other clubs throughout his 16-year career, Stillman's best seasons, in which he scored 27 goals, came in Calgary.
SECAUCUS, NEW JERSEY - MAY 05: Detailed view of the draft board is shown following the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery at the NHL Network Studio on May 5, 2026 in Secaucus, New Jersey. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Good evening, Devils fans. Tonight, at 7:00 PM EDT (barring any ridiculous production-related delays), the 2026 NHL Draft will commence.
In the first round, the Devils will pick 12th overall unless they trade the pick.
On Day Two, which starts at 11:00 AM EDT tomorrow morning, the Devils will select:
35th overall (second round, from NYR through CGY)
44th overall (second round)
140th overall (fifth round)
172nd overall (sixth round)
Check back here for any updates to those selections throughout the Draft. When each pick is made, a post giving a rundown on the player selected will be made in which you can vote on how well you liked the pick. At the end of the NHL Draft, an overview of the Devils’ selections and moves will be posted, and you will get another chance to vote on how well you liked the pick then. Please keep in mind that each of these polls will take place in Feed Posts, as the platform currently does not support in-article polls. So, there will be a link at the bottom of each article with a 24-hour timeframe on each poll.
Day One Broadcast: 6/27/26 at 7:00 EDT; TV – ESPN, ESPN+, Sportsnet, TVAS
Day Two Broadcast: 6/28/26 at 11:00 AM EDT; TV – NHL Network, ESPN+, Sportsnet
May 24, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) watches from the dugout against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images | Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Your 2026 New York Mets: My [team’s] a liar, but I’ll stand beside them
“We know our record is not what we want, and we know we are capable of more. We don’t view this as a manager problem, and we don’t intend to make a change.” -David Stearns, May 1st [MLB]
[They’re] all I’ve got, and I don’t wanna be alone
My [team] don’t see me when [they’re] with my friends
“Carlos has led the organization with passion and grace and is beloved by everyone who works with him on a daily basis. Carlos’ impact on our players, staff, and culture over the last three seasons has been transformative. Unfortunately, we know we are falling short and change is necessary to move forward.” -David Stearns [The Athletic]
[They’re] all I’ve got, and I don’t wanna be alone
“Our commitment to bringing our fans a championship-caliber team has not changed. There is no sugarcoating it: this season has been a disappointment and our fans deserve better than what we’ve delivered.” -Steve Cohen [The Athletic]
No, there is no other one
“It’s a completely different inning, especially for Freddy’s outing. It’s just routine plays that are costing us. At this level, you expect to make plays like that. … You understand that they’re not going to be perfect, but those are as routine as it gets. And teams are making us pay for it, especially the past few nights.” -Carlos Mendoza [MLB]
No, there is no other one
“I think I have been a little inconsistent but I have time to be better.” -Freddy Peralta [New York Post]
I can’t have any other one
“It’s very tough to give up the lead right away but it’s part of the game. We have just got to be better. We have got to play better baseball and go out there and execute.” -Juan Soto [New York Post]
Though I would now I never could with one
“Embarrassing. Overall, you know, the whole day. Two losses, but just the way we played overall. That last game, unacceptable. Obviously, everybody’s pissed. Everybody’s frustrated. As simple as that.” -Carlos Mendoza [New York Post]
Nobody knows me like [them]
"Oh my goodness. One of the worst trades in a long while by the Mets" – Keith Hernandez sounds distraught as he watches Pete Crow-Armstrong round the bases pic.twitter.com/XoA6Iqt52l
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 20: Steven Kwan #38 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates with Brayan Rocchio #4 after defeating the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on June 20, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Mariners have not scored more than three runs in a single game since dropping 10 on the Nationals way back on June 12. Over the last two weeks, they’ve dropped from second in the AL in wRC+ (107) to eighth (101)! They’ve gone 4-7 during this cold snap and have lost merely a half game in the standings. The mediocrity of the entire AL West — really, the entire American League — has been their saving grace all season long. Now, they’ll wrap up this Midwest road trip with a stop in Cleveland this weekend.
The Guardians are in the middle of a tightly contested AL Central race — and therefore in the middle of the crowded AL Wild Card race too. The only problem is that José Ramírez, their superstar third baseman, fractured his hamate bone in his left hand on June 13 and will be sidelined until August. That puts a ton of pressure on the rest of the roster to at least tread water until he can return to lead the lineup. So far, the team has lost all three series it’s played without Ramírez, though that’s been good enough to stay tied with the White Sox atop their division.
Player
Position
Bats
PA
K%
BB%
ISO
wRC+
Travis Bazzana
2B
L
213
20.2%
12.2%
0.185
125
Kyle Manzardo
1B
L
253
31.6%
11.1%
0.164
105
Brayan Rocchio
SS
S
296
13.5%
8.1%
0.119
108
Rhys Hoskins
DH
R
233
30.5%
15.9%
0.175
90
Daniel Schneemann
3B
L
227
30.0%
9.3%
0.131
75
Kahlil Watson (AAA)
RF
L
254
28.0%
14.6%
0.236
124
Steven Kwan
LF
L
299
10.7%
13.0%
0.048
72
Patrick Bailey
C
S
162
25.3%
7.4%
0.074
40
Petey Halpin
CF
L
51
29.4%
2.0%
0.063
21
The Guardians’ lineup looks a lot less dangerous without Ramírez anchoring it. Their best hitter is now Travis Bazzana, their rookie second baseman who made his big league debut a couple of months ago. He’s been excellent so far, with a 125 wRC+ and seven home runs in 50 games played, though he can’t carry the load all on his own. The problem is guys like Steven Kwan and Kyle Manzardo, who had been solid sidekicks for Ramírez in the past, have really struggled this year. Kwan’s issues are a huge problem in particular. He’s been Cleveland’s second-best hitter since debuting, but a 47 point drop in his BABIP has completely sabotaged his contact-first approach. If you’re looking for something positive, Brayan Rocchio has taken a pretty big step forward at the plate this year, though he’s hilariously miscast as a number three hitter. That’s just the reality of the Guardians’ options without Ramírez taking that familiar place in the lineup.
Joey Cantillo spent last year split between the bullpen and the rotation. Once he made the move to starting in July, things really took off for him; he posted a 2.96 ERA and a 3.21 FIP across 13 starts down the stretch. His calling card is a phenomenal changeup that produced a 49.4% whiff rate last year! His two breaking balls are okay too — his curveball is the better of the two but he was testing a new grip on his slider this spring to hopefully increase that pitch’s effectiveness. His command is his weakness, though his walk rate improved slightly after joining the rotation last year. With a role in the rotation secured to start this season, he’s well positioned to take a big step forward if he can get his errant command under control.
The Mariners scored two runs in 3.2 innings against Cantillo in his first start of the season way back in April. It’s been an up-and-down year for him since; he had a 3.57 ERA but a 4.53 FIP through the end of May, but a rough pair of outings against the Yankees and Rangers at the start of this month have pushed his ERA up a hair over four.
Pitcher
IP
K%
BB%
HR/FB%
GB%
ERA
FIP
Slade Cecconi
84.1
18.2%
7.4%
12.8%
46.0%
4.48
4.45
Logan Gilbert
93
27.2%
6.0%
12.7%
33.8%
3.29
3.78
Emerson Hancock
85
24.2%
5.7%
12.9%
41.1%
3.60
3.84
Pitch
Usage vRHB
Usage vLHB
Velocity
Stuff+
Whiff+
BIP+
xwOBA
Four-seam
26.8%
32.5%
93.2
95
86
92
0.356
Sinker
26.8%
15.7%
93.3
93
72
66
0.349
Cutter
29.5%
25.2%
88.1
89
100
133
0.301
Changeup
0.4%
2.9%
81.6
Curveball
9.5%
21.3%
75.4
95
105
63
0.304
Slider
7.1%
2.4%
83.7
95
Sweeper
9.5%
3.2%
81.6
95
From a previous series preview:
Slade Cecconi came to the Guardians last offseason in the December 2024 trade that sent Josh Naylor to Arizona. He had a decent year in Cleveland, managing to stick in the rotation for the entire year after spending the first two years of his career as a swingman in Arizona’s bullpen. He doesn’t have outstanding stuff and won’t overpower batters, but he does have excellent command and a deep repertoire to keep batters off balance. His two breaking balls are his best pitches and he added a cutter and sinker to his arsenal last year. His fastball is pretty lackluster and that’s where his whole approach breaks down. If he’s not keeping batters honest with his secondary pitches, they can key in on his heater and do some real damage.
The Mariners rocked Cecconi for six runs in 4.1 innings in his first start of the season. He continued to struggle over his next six outings but has since turned things around; he’s got a 2.96 ERA and a 3.50 FIP in nine starts since May 9. The biggest difference has been the introduction of a revamped slider to replace his sweeper. That new breaking ball has returned a 40% whiff rate so far and he’s throwing it about 15% of time this month.
Pitcher
IP
K%
BB%
HR/FB%
GB%
ERA
FIP
Gavin Williams
96.2
28.5%
8.0%
16.9%
45.7%
3.82
3.85
George Kirby
96
20.9%
5.7%
9.3%
49.0%
3.94
3.35
Pitch
Usage vRHB
Usage vLHB
Velocity
Stuff+
Whiff+
BIP+
xwOBA
Four-seam
25.4%
33.5%
96.7
104
145
107
0.357
Sinker
48.1%
14.8%
96.4
94
100
98
0.405
Cutter
7.2%
15.4%
92.2
81
104
93
0.430
Curveball
19.3%
36.3%
82.7
109
93
115
0.305
Sweeper
58.3%
23.0%
87.2
113
129
103
0.242
From a previous series preview:
Gavin Williams ended last season on an extremely lucky run. From June through the end of the season, his BABIP allowed was just .221 which led to a 2.50 ERA that far outpaced his 4.27 FIP. Most of his underlying peripherals stayed pretty stable through the season, but a ton of good batted ball luck allowed him to be a key piece of the Guardians’ playoff run in September. He added a sweeper to his pitch mix last year and it returned a 44.0% whiff rate. That gives him two excellent breaking balls to attack batters with alongside a hard fastball. The issue is his command. His walk rate is well below average and it’s pretty shocking he was able to get away with all those baserunners without giving up a ton more runs.
The Mariners really made Williams work in his first start of the season, scoring three runs in five innings on Opening Day. Williams walked six in that outing, a season high for him. He’s steadily improved his walk rate over the course of the season, marking a significant improvement to his results. His strikeout rate is up nearly four points as well, though he’s paid for it by allowing a ton of hard contact and a ton of home runs.
The Big Picture:
Team
W-L
W%
Games Behind
Run Diff
Recent Form
Mariners
41-41
0.500
—
+4
L-W-W-L-L
Astros
40-43
0.482
1.5
-39
W-L-W-W-W
Athletics
39-42
0.481
1.5
-54
L-L-L-L-W
Rangers
39-42
0.481
1.5
-13
W-W-L-L-W
Angels
34-48
0.415
7.0
-36
W-W-L-W-W
Team
W-L
W%
Games Behind
Run Diff
Recent Form
Rays
45-33
0.577
+7.0
+13
W-L-L-W-W
Guardians
42-39
0.519
+2.5
-8
W-L-L-L-W
Astros
40-43
0.482
—
-39
W-L-W-W-W
Athletics
39-42
0.481
—
-54
L-L-L-L-W
Blue Jays
39-42
0.481
—
-28
W-W-L-L-L
Rangers
39-42
0.481
—
-13
W-W-L-L-W
The Astros started a four-game series against the Tigers yesterday, winning 2-1. That’s their third win in a row and it moved them into a virtual tie with the Rangers and Athletics for second in the AL West. Both Texas and the A’s won yesterday as well, with the Rangers beating the Blue Jays. That means all three of those AL West teams and Toronto are tied for that final Wild Card spot. After salvaging a win against the Giants yesterday, the Athletics will head to Anaheim to face the Angels this weekend.
Amidst an overwhelming display of prospect prowess up and down the system, premiere shortstop Felnin Celesten headlined an active AquaSox lineup by hitting for the cycle in just seven innings. This marks the first professional cycle for Celesten and underscores what has been a truly remarkable stretch of offensive production. Since May 1st, Celesten is batting .341 with an OPS of 1.024, striking out less than 20% of the time and swiping a flawless 12 bases along the way. Celesten has undoubtedly benefited from playing in the hitter-friendly ballpark in Everett (1.066 Home OPS), but his numbers remain robust while playing on the road (.869 Road OPS) and provide confidence he’s truly excelling at the High-A level. It seems likely he’ll be heading to Double-A Arkansas in the coming weeks, a welcome challenge he’s more than earned.
Though not as flashy as a cycle, top slugger Lazaro Montes mashed his way to a four-hit game on Thursday night, launching two homers and a double in the always brutal Dickey-Stephens Park. Montes has consistently been the best bat in this Traveler lineup and ranks second in the Texas League in home runs (23) on the year. With teammates Caleb Cali and Hunter Fitz-Gerald (16 each) rounding out the top five of that same list, Arkansas’ lineup has an astounding amount of thump despite their brutal offensive environment and has a chance to produce several big leaguers in the coming years. Now officially into the second half, the Travs will look to continue this hot hitting and mash their way to a second half crown.
Have a night Lazaro Montes! Laz blasts his 2nd HR of the game.
Rounding out Thursday’s offensive explosion with some excellent performances of their own, the ACL tandem of Nick Becker and Yorger Bautista led the Baby M’s to an 11-4 victory over the Royals’ squad. Bautista (2-3, 3B, 2BB) has had a very solid year in his first action stateside, but last year’s second rounder Nick Becker (2-3, 2B, 2BB, 3SB) has been on another level. Ranking 15th in OPS across Rookie ball, Becker’s 23 stolen bases place him third amongst his leaguemates, and his two caught stealing proves he’s achieved this gaudy total in a highly efficient manner. Each of these two have otherworldly ceilings and are absolutely names to know moving forward.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 21, 2026: Eric Hartman #64 of the Atlanta Braves bats during the second inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 21, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
No prospect in the Atlanta Braves organization has generated more buzz this season than Rome Emperors outfielder Eric Hartman. The 20-year-old possesses a combination of power and speed that sent him rocketing up hot sheets in the midst of a breakout season.
Hartman, Atlanta’s 20th round selection (611th overall) in the 2024 draft, bypassed a potential college career at Michigan to sign with the Braves for a well-over-slot value of $337,500 as the result of a rigorous scouting effort.
That investment is paying major dividends for Hartman and the Braves. Hartman is slashing .302/.362/.569 with 18 home runs, 29 stolen bases, 47 RBIs and 51 runs scored in 65 games for Rome, where he is nearly two years younger than the average High-A player.
With roughly half the minor league season in the books, Hartman is closing in on a 20-homer, 20-steal season. No Braves prospect has combined the elements of power and speed like Hartman since Ronald Acuña Jr. blitzed his way through the Atlanta system nearly a decade ago. It can be difficult to avoid those kinds of comparisons as the numbers pile up, but Hartman is keeping his focus on each and every day rather than getting too far ahead of even his own expectations.
I caught up with the impressive Braves prospect this week to get his take on what has been one of the most exciting minor league seasons in all of baseball. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Grant McAuley: Eric, I’d say that 2026 has been quite a year for you thus far. So, I’ll open up with the most general question I can ask you – what has 2026 been like, because it seems like some big things have been happening for you on the field?
Eric Hartman: I would say just a lot of fun. I think just having fun every day really just allows everything else to work. [I’m] just enjoying the process, enjoying the ups and enjoying the downs, knowing that this is a sport and anything can happen. So, I’m just being excited when things go good and being level when things don’t go as planned.
GM: Sounds like you’ve had an opportunity to really find out what the professional baseball life is all about. There’s another game tomorrow until there’s not, basically. So, a lot to be learned, good, bad and everything in between.
Before we dive into your story, I want to ask you about the guys that you’re playing with. There’s a lot of talent, a lot of excitement on a daily basis to come out to the ballpark with these guys. What has made the Rome Emperors such an exciting team this year?
EH: I’d say just that we can really win any ball game and we’re never out of it on any given day. I think everyone’s really excited based on how we’re stacking at-bats. Every at-bat something cool could happen, so all the guys are really good and really positive. I think that just translates into every day.
GM: As far as what you’re doing every day, it would seem like leveling up your game this year has been the overall theme. Walk me through the difference between, say, the 2025 season, and the things that you learned and the adjustments you wanted to make over the winter. How did you parlay that into a very successful first half this year?
EH: I’m just hammering the basics, really. I wouldn’t say it’s anything crazy, but just really learning, fixing and really focusing on the things I do really well and mastering those. Then it’s just being able to repeat that on a day-to-day basis and trusting myself when a bad game happens. That’s what brought me success before. Then I’m just kind of repeating the things that brought me success, and keeping a steady head on my shoulders.
GM: One of the things I love about the minor leagues is that it is the story of development and of everybody coming into their own at different times and learning more about themselves through the successes and through the failures as well.
A lot of folks look at the draft, the international signings, or maybe how someone is traded over from another organization – a lot of different things can bring a team together. For you, as the final pick the Braves made in the 2024 draft class, what was that process like?
EH: Yeah, it wasn’t really that crazy. They kind of told me in the final rounds, like 15-19 [I’d be selected]. I definitely was getting a little worried as I saw rounds going by, but I was really pumped to see my name pop-up with that last pick.
GM: I would say that it’s worked out pretty well thus far. I want to talk about your style of play. We’ve seen some of the speed that you’re flashing early in your career, but you’ve really grown into the power this year. I know you said it was kind of hammering the basics over the winter and sticking with those things. Was there anybody you were working with in particular, whether it’s this year in spring training or over the winter, that helped you maximize that part of your game?
EH: All my coaches have really helped me hone in on better misses in terms of flyball percentage, hard-hit percentage, and really just hammering down my bat path and my approach, too. So, all my coaches throughout spring training and here in Rome, too.
GM: The spring training experience for minor leaguers is a different one than over in the major league camp. Did you have an opportunity to get around the major league side and observe some things, or maybe talk with some coaches or players who gave you a little bit of feedback to get the year going or just help you out in little ways that can help a baseball player take that next step?
EH: Yeah, I backed up a few big league games and I think just being around the guys and just realizing that for them it’s just a game, too. That and just watching them handle their business is a really important aspect of it. Learning from that and learning that they don’t put too much pressure on themselves, even when everyone’s looking at them, I think learning that really helped me.
GM: Now, success on the field individually is obviously important. As somebody who’s going out there, going to battle every single day, winning obviously beats losing. But how critical is that to this step as you go along in the minor leagues to have competitive teams – teams that can win a championship at whatever level you’re at?
EH: I think just wanting to win, and like knowing you can win, that’s when everyone succeeds individually. But when you lose focus of that, then that’s when stuff hits the fan and you start losing some of your individual talents. But when you’re all just worried about winning and doing whatever you can to help the team win, then that’s when you really shine.
GM: I talked to your teammate, [Braves 2025 first-round pick] Tate Southisene. He was just promoted to Rome, but he told me that you were one of the first guys that he got to know last year as he was just coming into pro ball. You guys are reunited here in Rome now, so could you describe what his game looks like and the difference a year in pro ball can make? It seems like he’s leveled up quite a bit, too.
EH: Yeah, when he first came in, he was just so talented and he still is. He’s just cleaned up a few things with his swing and in his approach, and it just really shows. It’s totally impressive how far even just confidence-wise a year under your belt can give you and I’m looking forward to watching him here, too.
GM: I know not every player is going to come into a year and say, “I need to get certain statistics or pile up this particular stat line.” Are there certain goals or levels that you set out to achieve in a year? Anything you say that you would like to do this thing or that thing? I know being healthy is a big part of doing those things, but anything in particular?
EH: Not really. I would say, just showing up every day, and yeah, like you said staying on the ball field and giving it my best. But I think as soon as you put a number on anything it slows you down. So, I just like to keep pushing and keeping it going.
GM: I really like that. I think that’s a great way to look at it, because you don’t want to get too focused on the here and now, because it might keep you from where you’re going to be tomorrow.
That brings me to my final question – which is the fact that we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. But if you play really well in the minor leagues, oftentimes you’ll change addresses a couple of times. Does any of that kind of stuff creep into the back of your mind, or are you really trying to be solely focused on what you’re doing today and getting ready to do it all over again tomorrow?
EH: Yeah, you hit it on the head. Like, I’m just really focused on controlling the controllables and doing whatever I can to stay here. Yeah, taking it a day at a time, because stuff can change really quickly and I’m just enjoying the process here.
GM: Well, I think folks are enjoying you enjoying that process here in Rome. It’s been a great season thus far with a lot of baseball left to be played. Thanks so much for the time and good luck the rest of the way.
Who will win Phillies vs Mets today: Phillies -1.5 (+105)
The Philadelphia Phillies enter this series having won five of their last six, and they've covered the run line in four of those games. Zack Wheeler gets the ball tonight, and he owns an impressive 2.71 xERA across his last five appearances.
During that span, Wheeler has held opponents to a 32.4% hard hit rate, and a solid 44.6% ground ball rate. The veteran is inducing a lot of weak contact, and he's up against one of the most inconsistent lineups in baseball.
The New York Mets haven't yet announced who will start, but it's likely to be a bullpen game. That's not ideal, considering they own a 41% hard hit rate over the last week.
Phillies vs Mets Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 runs (+101)
The Philadelphia Phillies have been the hottest offense in baseball lately, scoring 51 runs over their last six games while slugging 14 home runs. Their .262 ISO and 155 wRC+ during that stretch back up the production.
Zack Wheeler should keep New York's offense in check, but the Phillies have a favorable matchup against a Mets bullpen allowing 1.87 home runs per nine innings over the last week. Even if the Mets contribute only a couple of runs, Philadelphia has more than enough firepower to push this game beyond the total.
I'll play this pick up to -130.
Quinn Allen's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 31-26, +2.65 units
Over/Under bets: 32-24, +3.53 units
Phillies vs Mets weather
Conditions at Citi Field should be slightly favorable for hitters tonight. Temperatures around 81°F and warm summer air could help the ball carry a bit better, while light 8.1 mph winds aren't expected to have much impact. Overall, the weather provides a modest boost to offense without dramatically changing the matchup.
Phillies vs Mets odds
Moneyline: Phillies -150 | Mets +144
Run line: Phillies -1.5 (+108) | Mets +1.5 (-113)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+104) | Under 8.5 (-113)
Phillies vs Mets trend
The New York Mets have hit the Game Total Over in 11 of their last 17 games at home (+6.65 Units / 36% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Phillies vs. Mets.
How to watch Phillies vs Mets and game info
Location
Citi Field, Flushing, Queens
Date
Friday, June 26, 2026
First pitch
7:10 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Phillies starting pitcher
Zack Wheeler (7-1, 2.11 ERA)
Mets starting pitcher
TBD (Y-Y, X.XX ERA)
Phillies vs Mets latest injuries
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 Los Angeles Kings are still searching for reliable offensive production, and Alex Turcotte has not emerged as part of that solution.
A former fifth-overall pick in 2019, Turcotte has spent his time in the organization battling injuries and trying to carve out a permanent NHL role. While he has managed to provide responsible, detail-oriented play in a bottom-six capacity, his offensive output has remained limited, and he has yet to translate his junior pedigree into consistent scoring at the NHL level.
If you're the Kings, this can't be said enough, but they probably should have started rebuilding a long time ago. Now because they decided to push the can down the road a little while longer, you either have to make a big trade at some point this offseason, or a mixed bag. You could move Turcotte to a team like the Chicago Blackhawks, who've ran into significant issues trying to rebuild that team and now they just overpaid for a top-six defenseman in Bowen Byram. Chicago might be interested in a Turcotte sort of player who can serve a role on that team. Nothing pretty. Turcotte is coming off a down year with three goals and 11 assists for 14 points in 62 games, which is disappointing given the hype that surrounded him from the very beginning.
At least if you're Los Angeles, if you can manage to flip Turcotte for a mid-round pick in the NHL Draft within the year or two or maybe even this draft, at least you get something in return. Turcotte is in the final year of a three-year, $2.325 million deal. It's not a terribly massive contract, but he's been such a disappointment, even spending $850,000 is considered too much, and that's pretty crazy to say for a former first-round pick. That's what the Kings are set to pay him this year. The cap hit for the first two years of the deal was $775,000.
Maybe the lights are a little too bright in a market like Los Angeles. Chicago is kind of a big market as well, but given the team isn't exactly in the limelight, perhaps a change of scenery is what Turcotte needs because this hasn't been a good fit from the onset.
COVERS INTEL: The Phillies are jumping on everything right now, with a 