The Flyers are making a bold swing for one of the best young players in hockey.
Philadelphia announced Friday that it tendered a five-year, $90 million offer sheet to Ducks center Leo Carlsson, putting Anaheim on the clock and risking four first-round picks in the process.
The offer carries an $18 million average annual value, which would make Carlsson the highest-paid player in the NHL, topping Oilers star Leon Draisaitl’s $14 million AAV and even the Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov’s $17 million mark he’s set to make next season.
General Manager Daniel Briere of the Philadelphia Flyers addresses the media regarding the firing of Head Coach John Tortorella prior to an NHL game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Wells Fargo Center on March 27, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NHLI via Getty Images
But the draft-pick compensation may be the bigger part of the gamble.
If Anaheim declines to match, the Flyers would land a star center yet to enter the prime of his career — but only after surrendering their first-round picks in each of the next four drafts.
If the Ducks match, Philadelphia will have at least forced Anaheim into a massive contract for its 21-year-old franchise cornerstone.
The Ducks have seven days to decide whether to match the Flyers’ offer or accept the picks.
Ducks reporter Zach Cavanagh wrote that “four other teams” gave an offer sheet to Carlsson and added that Anaheim isn’t expecting to make a decision Friday.
Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks smiles during warmups before Game Three of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights at Honda Center on May 8, 2026 in Anaheim, California. NHLI via Getty Images
It’s a stunning move for Flyers general manager Daniel Briere, who is attempting to accelerate Philadelphia’s timeline.
The Flyers made the playoffs for the first time since 2020 last season, the first under head coach Rick Tocchet, before falling to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes in the second round.
Carlsson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, has 141 points in 201 career games, including 29 goals and 38 assists for 67 points in 70 regular-season games last season.
He also added 11 points in 12 playoff games during Anaheim’s postseason run.
DENVER, CO - 2009: The Bulova clock and American Flag adorn the entrance to Coors Field as seen in this 2009 Denver, Colorado, spring cityscape photo. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Francisco Giants head to Coors Field tonight to begin a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies.
As of the time this is being written, the Giants have not yet announced a starting pitcher. But check out the comments below for more up-to-date information.
Whoever it ends up being will be facing off against Rockies right-hander Ryan Feltner, who enters tonight’s game with a 4.42 ERA, 4.94 FIP, with 35 strikeouts to 20 walks in 53 innings pitched. His last start was in the Rockies’ 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, in which he allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits in six innings.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 28: Hendrix Lapierre #29 of the Washington Capitals skates with the puck on a breakaway before scoring a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on March 28, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Penguins reached an agreement with one of their restricted free agents on Friday getting Hendrix Lapierre to ink a two-year contract with an AAV of $1.3 million.
The Penguins have signed forward Hendrix Lapierre to a two-year contract.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Hendrix Lapierre to a two-year contract, it was announced today by President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas.
His contract runs through the 2027-28 season and carries an average annual value of $1.3 million.
Lapierre, 24, spent the 2025-26 season with the Capitals, skating in 74 games and tallying four goals, 12 assists and 16 points. Lapierre has spent the past five seasons in the Capitals organization, splitting time between Washington and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Hershey Bears. In 158 career NHL games, the 6-foot, 195-pound forward has recorded 13 goals, 34 assists and 47 points and tallied career highs during the 2023-24 season when he registered eight goals, 14 assists and 22 points in 51 games.
The two-time Calder Cup Champion (2023, ’24) has played in 113 career AHL games, recording 27 goals, 52 assists and 79 points, while adding 31 points (10G-21A) in 48 postseason games. During the Bears’ run to the 2024 Calder Cup, with Penguins’ Assistant Coach Todd Nelson as the bench boss, Lapierre was named the Playoffs MVP while recording a postseason-high 22 points (7G-15A).
Lapierre was originally drafted in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft by Washington.
Pittsburgh traded third and fifth round picks to Washington last week to acquire Lapierre. The Pens still have six more restricted free agents to go, including Egor Chinakhov, Arturs Silovs, Nick Robertson and others who finished the previous season in the minor leagues, with about $27 million in cap space that will be more than enough to sign that group and still have some flexibility for future moves.
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 26: Spencer Arrighetti #41 of the Houston Astros pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the second inning at Comerica Park on June 26, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
TONIGHT’S GAME: The Houston Astros (43-46) will welcome in the top team in the AL, the Tampa Bay Rays (51-33), for a three-game holiday weekend series at Daikin Park beginning tonight.
RHP Spencer Arrighetti (7-4, 4.00 ERA) will get the Friday night start for the Astros opposite the veteran RHP Nick Martinez (7-2, 2.66 ERA) and the Rays.
SPENCER’S GIFTS: RHP Spencer Arrighetti is 7-4 in his 13 starts, leading the club in wins and ranking 10th in the AL in opponent batting average (min. 70IP). He has allowed just 56 hits in his 72.0 innings, averaging 7.00 hits per 9.0, which ranks eighth in the AL.
Arrighetti had a rough June (9.00 ERA), but was the AL Pitcher of the Month for May, posting a 4-1 record with a 0.93 ERA.
RECENT ‘STROS: The Astros have won six of nine, seven of 11, and are 10-5 in their last 15 games. The Astros 16-11 record in June tied as the best in the AL, along with their rival Rangers.
SERIES-LY SPEAKING: Prior to the Astros losing two of three to the Twins earlier this week, the club had won five consecutive series dating back to June 12. The last time the Astros won five straight series was from June 20-July 6 of last season.
WINNING THE CLOSE CALLS: The Astros are 9-5 in one-run games and 19-10 in two-run games. Each of the Astros last seven wins and 12 of their last 13 victories have come by two-or-fewer runs.
NEYENS ADDED TO FUTURES GAME: IF Xavier Neyens has been added to the 2026 All-Star Futures Game, which will be played on July 12 in Philadelphia. Neyens, the Astros first-round selection last year, joins the club’s top prospect OF Kevin Alvarez on the American League squad.
MY BOY BLU: RHP AJ Blubaugh worked another 2.2 scoreless innings on Wednesday vs. MIN, giving him 56.1 innings pitched on the season, which leads all Major League relievers. Blubaugh has been on a strong run since April 11, going 3-0 with a 2.06 ERA (11ER/48IP) in his last 29 appearances.
ASTROS ROSTER MOVES: The Astros have reinstated RHP Cristian Javier from the 60-day IL and have transferred LHP Bennett Sousa to the 60-day IL to make room for Javier on the 40-man roster. Postgame on Wednesday, the Astros optioned RHP Miguel Ullola to Triple A.
ALL-STAR UPDATE: Full All-Star rosters (starters and reserves) will be announced tomorrow night beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT on FOX. DH Yordan Alvarez was a finalists on the 2026 KONAMI eBaseball MLB All-Star Ballot and is a strong candidate to be the AL starter at the DH position. Alvarez has been an All-Star three times in his career.
MVP-CALIBER: DH Yordan Alvarez has had a torrid first half to his season, currently leading all of baseball in OPS (1.053), OBP (.433), SLG (.620) and total bases (194). Additionally, he ranks first in the AL in extra-base hits (42), tied for first in homers (26), tied for first in hits (100), second in batting average (.319), second in RBI (60), tied for second in runs (59) and fourth in walks (59).
TAP FOR SUCCESS: Astros hitters have won an MLB-best 63 ABS challenges and lead the Majors in challenge success rate (60%). 3B Isaac Paredes (9-for-9) has the most successful challenges in the Majors without losing one. 2B Jose Altuve has been successful on 15-of-21 challenges (71%), ranking second in the Majors in challenges won.
OUT ON ASSIGNMENT: The Astros have several players on minor league rehab assignments:
• RHP Ronel Blanco (rt. elbow surgery) started on Wednesday for Double A Corpus Christi at NW Arkansas, tossing 4.1 innings, allowing three runs on five hits with four strikeouts. He tossed 60 pitches (45 strikes) in what was his third minor league rehab start.
• RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (rt. shoulder inflammation) started on Wednesday for Triple A Sugar Land at OKC, tossing 4.0 innings of one-run ball, fanning three. He tossed 60 pitches (41 strikes) in what was his second minor league rehab start.
• RHP Hayden Wesneski (rt. elbow surgery) began a minor league rehab assignment on Tuesday for the FCL Astros, tossing 3.0 innings (0ER) on 25 pitches.
• IF Braden Shewmake (rt. adductor strain) had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple A on Wednesday and has started two games for the Space Cowboys, one at shortstop and one at second base.
• OF LaMonte Wade Jr. (rt. hamstring strain) began a rehab assignment at Triple A on Tuesday and has started two games so far for the Space Cowboys, one at first base and one in left field.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 2020 – In a year unlike any other, the Astros begin Summer Camp workouts at Daikin Park and the University of Houston. It was the first workout day for all clubs as MLB returned following nearly a three month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the club’s first day back on the field since Spring Training was halted on March 13.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Friday, July 3, 7:15 p.m. CT
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: Apple TV
Radio: KTRH 740 AM; KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
Pavel Dorofeyev had spent plenty of time in the Tri-State Area before he put pen to paper on a seven-year, $77 million deal with the Rangers last month.
Since beginning his transition into a full-time NHL role in 2022, the Russian wing has trained with Ben Prentiss in Stamford, Conn., alongside many other NHLers and a multitude of Rangers.
The familiarity he already has not only with Manhattan, but also with some of his new Blueshirts teammates, should help Dorofeyev settle into his new team after experiencing his first ever trade from Vegas.
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To also have his lucrative contract signed and sealed, Dorofeyev is free to focus entirely on hockey as he begins this new chapter of his young career.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s a great thing,” he said about his new deal in his first interview as a Ranger on a Zoom call from Russia Friday morning. “But I’ve been around the area for the past year. It’s great to be a Ranger. I’m thankful for the whole organization that they believed in me and they traded for me.”
Crediting his agent, Rick Komarow, for setting him with Prentiss, Dorofeyev reveled in the fact that he ended up signing a long-term contract around the same area he was spending his offseasons training in.
For some 25-year-old’s in the league, the jump to a new team, a new state and a new market can be overwhelming.
But Dorofeyev’s seemed unfazed by the acclimation process he is sure to go through as training camp inches closer.
Pavel Dorofeyev of the Vegas Golden Knights skates during warmups against the Carolina Hurricanes prior to Game Six of the 2026 Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on June 14, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NHLI via Getty Images
Coming off a career season (37 goals, 27 assists in 82 games) and a strong playoff showing (12 goals, 16 points in 22 games), Dorofeyev will be at least partially charged with replacing the lost production of perennial leading scorer Artemi Panarin.
“Obviously, it feels great, but I don’t plan to stop,” Dorofeyev said of where his game is at. “I still have time to get better at certain points of my game, and usually I’m just focused on the game, not trying to beat myself.”
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Pavel Dorofeyev (16) is defended by Carolina Hurricanes defenseman K’andre Miller (19) during the second period in Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final. AP Photo/John Locher
The expectation is that Dorofeyev will slot into the top six and onto one of the two power play units.
Setting career highs with 20 power-play goals and 30 power-play points, Dorofeyev can certainly bolster what was already a top-five power play in the NHL last season.
Asked if he felt any pressure to help lead the Rangers through this retool, Dorofeyev reveled in that, too.
“I think pressure is kind of a privilege,” he said. “I’ve been dealing with pressure all my life. I’m just looking forward to join the team and do my best helping any way I can.”
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 03: Nathan Church #27 of the St. Louis Cardinals runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run during the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on July 03, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images) | Getty Images
You could sense that the St. Louis Cardinals entered Wrigley Field Friday afternoon feeling the momentum of their inspiring series-winning comeback victory in Atlanta on Thursday. The Cardinals took the Cubs to Church in a Nathan kind of way to win Friday’s contest easily in Chicago.
St. Louis did not wait long before they jumped all over Chicago Cubs starter David Peterson. They literally hit him hard in the top of the 2nd inning as José Fermín hit a two-out double and Blaze Jordan lined a ball off of Peterson’s right triceps. He was fortunately not injured and stayed in the game. On the 8th pitch of his at-bat, Nathan Church did not miss a 79 mph curveball that didn’t curve enough with a 3-run homer that soared 384 feet into the right field stands.
The bottom of the 2nd inning would include a defensive highlight that shows just how far Jordan Walker has come both offensively and with the glove. Sliding catches by our right fielder for the win!
The Cardinals would continue to add to their lead in the top of the 3rd inning when Iván Herrera singled followed by a Jordan Walker double. Nelson Velázquez lifted a sacrifice fly to center making it 4-0 St. Louis. The Cardinals weren’t done, either. After Alec Burleson grounded out to first, Masyn Winn singled which scored Walker upping the St. Louis lead to 5-0 then José Fermín launched a shot into the right-center field gap scoring Winn all the way from first making it a commanding 6-0 lead for the Cardinals.
The St. Louis words for the day were relentless and merciless. The Cardinals would continue to pile on the hapless Cubs in the top of the 4th inning when Iván Herrera , Jordan Walker and Nelson Velázquez drew two-out walks. Alec Burleson then walked to the plate and said “thank you for throwing a meatball 84 mph slider on the first pitch” lancing it into right field scoring Herrera and Walker giving St. Louis a remarkable 8-0 lead. But wait, there’s more. Masyn Winn decided to put an exclamation point on an already big lead as he lifted a 391 foot homer over the left field wall making it 11-0 Cardinals.
While the Cardinals offense was going ballistic, Andre Pallante was quietly keeping the Cubs from mounting much of a threat. Through the first 4 innings, all the Cubs had to show for their efforts were a couple of infield singles and a double from PC Armstrong who’s name I refuse to write out completely. Andre gave St. Louis the exact kind of start they needed after an exhausting bullpen game on Thursday. The bats made the headlines today, but Pallante deserves major kudos, too. By the time he was taken out of the game in the bottom of the 6th inning Andre’s line was an impressive 5 2/3 innings allowing just 5 hits, absolutely no Cubs runs with 2 strikeouts and just 1 measly walk. Just what the Cardinals bullpen needed.
It is with great pleasure that I let you know that the Cardinals did not stop at 11 runs. In the top of the 5th inning, Blaze Jordan led off with a single. Three batters later, Herrera singled to center and then Jordan Walker was hit by a pitch to load the bases. The Cubs then decided that they’d like to score on themselves by walking Velasquez giving St. Louis an even dozen runs. Alec Burleson and his bat then added to the delightful Cubs misery by ripping a single into right scoring 2 more and giving the Cardinals a football lead of 2 touchdowns and 2 extra points at 14-0.
The top of the 6th inning saw St. Louis load the bases AGAIN (and that’s not a complaint). With one out, Blaze Jordan collected his 3rd hit of the game which was a single to left which Nathan Church followed with a single of his own. JJ Wetherholt was hit by a pitch to load the bases which gave Iván Herrera the opportunity to add to his RBI total which he did with a ringing single to center scoring 2 more and giving the Cardinals a whopping 16-0 lead.
I have a life motto that there is no such thing as scoring too many runs when you’re playing the Cubs and Bryan Torres obviously agreed. Oli Marmol decided to give Masyn Winn the rest of the game off and Bryan honored that opportunity by crushing his own home run over the right field wall increasing the Cardinals obliteration of Chicago to 17-0.
The Cubs did end up getting a consolation run in the bottom of the 7th inning off of reliever Max Rajcic, but who cares. That reduced our lead to a nerve-racking 17-1 and yes, that’s sarcasm. Max did a fine job of eating innings in a blowout so the Cardinals bullpen will enter Saturday night’s national broadcast game fully-rested. Ryne Stanek, back from paternity leave after becoming a new dad (congrats, btw), took care of the Chicago Cubs in the bottom of the 9th.
The St. Louis Cardinals will continue a very enjoyable stay in the Windy City so far as they’ll do battle with the evil empire Chicago Cubs Saturday night. The Cardinals will send Kyle Leahy to the mound for a 4th of July national broadcast while the worst franchise in baseball Cubs give Shota Imanaga the ball. First pitch is set for 7:08 central time as this will be a TV broadcast handled by Fox.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 28: Ryan Feltner #18 of the Colorado Rockies pitches during the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Sunday, June 28, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Ritter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Colorado Rockies (35-53) open a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants (36-50) tonight at Coors Field.
Colorado is still in last place, but the Rockies enter just two games behind the floundering Giants, adding a little division-floor intrigue to the weekend.
The Rockies also enter with some momentum after splitting a four-game series with the Miami Marlins. Miami took the first two games to close June with 20 wins for the month — the winningest month in their franchise history — before Colorado answered by taking the final two to open July undefeated.
Ryan Feltner gets the ball for Colorado. The right-hander enters at 2-2 with a 4.42 ERA and 35 strikeouts through 11 starts. Feltner posted a 4.00 ERA across five June starts and has allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of his last four outings, including his June 28 start against the Minnesota Twins, when he allowed two runs over six innings with no walks.
His six-pitch arsenal has been anchored by his slider, changeup, and sweeper, all of which have produced positive run value this season. His four-seam fastball and curveball have been more hittable, which puts more weight on how he gets through the lineup. Feltner is not overpowering hitters right now, so sequencing and execution will matter.
Ace right-hander Logan Webb will start for San Francisco and enters on a roll. Across five June starts, Webb went 3-1 with a 0.71 ERA, allowing just three earned runs over 38 innings while striking out 29 and walking four — leading to National League Pitcher of the Month honors. On the year, Webb is 5-5 with a 3.09 ERA through 14 starts, and he has already faced Colorado once this season, allowing one run over 4 ⅓ innings on May 29 in a game the Rockies eventually won 8-6.
Webb is not built around premium velocity — his four-seam fastball sits around 92.5 mph — but he controls contact with a sinker-heavy mix. He throws his sinker 32.2% of the time, and it has produced +11 run value this season. The changeup sits next at 24.5%, followed by the sweeper at 19.7%. He also enters with a 53.1% ground-ball rate.
San Francisco’s bullpen gives Colorado its best opening, entering with a 4.36 ERA, 4.45 FIP, 4.76 xFIP and negative collective WAR.
First-year Giant Luis Arraez remains a tough out, entering with a 126 wRC+ and a 3.6% strikeout rate. Casey Schmitt has supplied some power with 16 home runs and a .489 slugging percentage, while Jung Hoo Lee has been one of San Francisco’s steadier bats with a 124 wRC+ and a 9.2% strikeout rate.
T.J. Rumfield has been productive all year and now has back-to-back National League Rookie of the Month honors to show for it. Rumfield enters the series with a .293/.373/.487 line, 12 home runs, 46 RBI, and a 125 wRC+. Mickey Moniak has also been hot over his past three games, going 7-for-13 with three home runs and eight RBI, while Hunter Goodman continues to chase the MLB home run lead with 27 home runs, second only to Kyle Schwarber.
If the Rockies can stay close against Webb and force the game into San Francisco’s bullpen, Coors Field might leave room for a little LoDo Magic.
The Lakers are under a full-on roster reconstruction.
And their latest move on Friday, trading Deandre Ayton to the Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two of Washington’s second-round picks (2031 and 2032), made clear another area they need to address while making it easier for them to reconfigure the roster.
Add in Rui Hachimura, who remains an unrestricted free agent and has multiple teams expressing interest in signing the 6-foot-8 forward, and there’s a strong likelihood the Lakers won’t return any of the players who started for them (Smart, Kennard, James, Hachimura and Ayton) in the first five games of their first-round playoffs series victory over the Rockets.
The Lakers are under a full-on roster reconstruction. Getty ImagesAnd with two roster spots, four tradeable draft picks and a little bit more financial flexibility at their disposal, the Lakers’ focus is on addressing the glaring holes on the roster. NBAE via Getty Images
That’s in addition to re-signing Austin Reaves (four years, $185 million) and selecting Cameron Carr with the No. 24 pick of the draft and signing him to his rookie scale contract (four years, $16.8 million) on Thursday.
And with two roster spots, four tradeable draft picks and a little bit more financial flexibility at their disposal, the Lakers’ focus is on addressing the glaring holes on the roster.
What are the needs?
A backup big man behind Kessler and a defensive-minded wing/forward who, ideally, can start alongside Kessler, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and possibly Grimes.
As currently constructed, the Lakers are very guard/backcourt-heavy with Doncic, Reaves, Grimes, Sexton, Hardy, Carr and Bronny James, though Doncic, Grimes and Carr can play wing/forward positions.
Doncic, Mamukelashvili, Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero and Jarred Vanderbilt are the lone players on the current roster listed between 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-9.
Kessler, who’s 7-foot-2, is the lone player listed at 6-foot-10 or taller.
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Veteran center Kevon Looney is an unrestricted free agents who the Lakers will consider signing. Getty Images
Who are the targets?
Ironically, Ayton is better than the backup big man options currently available to the Lakers.
Veteran center Kevon Looney is an unrestricted free agents who the Lakers will consider signing.
Nick Richards, a 28-year-old big man entering his seventh season in the NBA, is also an unrestricted free agent.
The Lakers are also expected to consider Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas, who’s entering the final season of his three-year, $30.3 million contract that pays him $10 million in 2026-27.
Among these options, Looney is the center the Lakers must prioritize because of his proven abilities to contribute to winning teams and durability.
On the wings, the Lakers are still exploring adding Jonathan Kuminga to their roster. Kuminga is drawing interest from other teams, but the unrestricted free agent forward is a significant priority for the Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images
Los Angeles had significant interest in Andre Drummond as their backup center, but he signed a one-year, $3.9 million deal to join the reigning NBA champion Knicks.
On the wings, the Lakers are still exploring adding Jonathan Kuminga to their roster. Kuminga is drawing interest from other teams, but the unrestricted free agent forward is a significant priority for the Lakers.
Hachimura returning to the Lakers is still a possibility, but would be challenging since the Lakers don’t have much cap space left and had to relinquish Hachimura’s cap hold to make their other additions. He can likely join another team for a significantly higher salary.
Former Nets forward Ziaire Williams has been linked to the Lakers. Ochai Agbaji is another option on the wings who looms for them.
Other moves?
The Lakers are projected to have three tradeable second-round picks (Wizards two picks and their own 2033 pick) and a 2032 first-round pick swap they can include in a trade.
Expect for them to explore seeing if they can attach picks to one of their own players (such as Knecht and Vanderbilt) to free up financial flexibility and a roster spot.
They could also use those picks to acquire a player ready to contribute now.
And once LeBron makes his decision on his next destination, whether the Lakers will keep Bronny on the roster or trade him to LeBron’s next team will be the next domino to fall.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 06: Leo Carlsson #91 of the Anaheim Ducks skates during the third period against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 06, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
The figure for Carlsson eclipses that of Kirill Kaprizov, who the Minnesota Wild signed to a $17M AAV contract last year, which was the previous highest mark. Swelling NHL contracts are a sign of the times, with the sport’s popularity meaning increasing TV deals, growth in the salary cap, and whispers of expansion on the wind.
Carlsson is one of the brightest young stars in the NHL. The 21-year-old just completed his third season in league since being drafted with the No. 2 overall pick in 2023, and has shown exponential growth. In 2025-26 he finished with 67 points in 70 games, and the record-breaking money being offered by Philadelphia proves that they believe he can quickly become an elite, 100-point player.
Two questions now remain:
Firstly, will the Ducks match the offer sheet? The team has seven days to decide if they want to match the Flyers’ offer and retain their RFA. The Ducks have more than enough cap space to make it work, currently sitting $35M under the salary cap for the 2026-27 season.
Secondly, is Carlsson worth it? While there are so many reasons to be hopeful about the 21-year-old’s future, this offer doesn’t come without mammoth risk for whichever side ends up with him. An $18M AAV deal means he absolutely needs to become a Top 10 player in the NHL within the next season or two, or this would be a colossal bust. The tea leaves are certainly there to say Carlsson can become that guy, but ultimately you’re still projecting how a very young player will grow moving forward.
If the Ducks chose not to match the offer sheet and relinquish Carlsson to the Flyers, they will get colossal draft compensation. Draft picks are based off the money being spent on the player, and the $18M AAV deal means that Philadelphia will give up their first-round pick for the next four years if they are able to land the star.
Now begins the gamesmanship. Do the Ducks believe that Carlsson can make Philadelphia so much better than those four draft picks will be largely meaningless? Can they envision a future without their young star? Are they prepared to sink that much money of their cap into him moving forward? Those questions will be answered in the next week.
Either way, Leo Carlsson is now the highest-paid player in NHL history.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 02: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket while guarded by Royce O'Neale #00 of the Phoenix Suns in the first half during their game at Spectrum Center on April 02, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As we sat here a little more than a year ago, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal were still on the roster, but the Suns had just finished 11th in the Western Conference and missed the playoffs entirely. We all knew something had to change. The philosophy needed to change. The culture needed to change. The direction of the franchise needed to change.
Mat Ishbia gave us exactly that.
He moved on from James Jones and Mike Budenholzer, replacing them with Brian Gregory and Jordan Ott. What followed was an offseason filled with corporate buzzwords we could only hope would eventually turn into action. Thankfully, they did.
The 2025-26 Phoenix Suns will be remembered as one of the most enjoyable teams this fan base has watched in years. It wasn’t because they won a championship or dominated the league. It was the style in which they played, the tenacity with which they executed the game plan, and their ability to exceed expectations.
Yes, they stumbled at the finish line. But they also gave us confidence in the direction the franchise was headed. After all, Suns owner Mat Ishbia told us he wanted this organization to resemble the Pittsburgh Steelers, a franchise built around players who compete a certain way and make you proud to watch them wear the uniform.
“You can talk about the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Ishbia said last summer. “You kind of know what they mean when you talk about the Pittsburgh Steelers. Or even my old team, Michigan State basketball. You kind of know what you’re going to get when you talk about Michigan State basketball. What is Phoenix Suns basketball? That’s on me. That’s a change that’s coming, and it will be undeniable.”
For the first time in a long time, it felt like the Suns were beginning to look the part.
The acquisition of Miles Bridges, only a year later, runs counter to much of that philosophy, at least from a reputational standpoint. Bridges carries the baggage of his domestic violence case, and when we talk about the culture we want the Phoenix Suns to build, and the reasons we want to feel proud of this team, bringing in a player with that kind of history naturally conflicts with the message the organization spent the previous year promoting.
Recent polling reflects that tension. 62% percent of Suns fans approved of the Miles Bridges acquisition. That’s a solid number. But it also means 38% disapproved for one reason or another, and it’s fair to assume the primary reason is the player’s character concerns.
If we’re talking strictly about basketball, Bridges aligns with what the Suns are trying to become. Arizona Sports Suns insider John Gambadoro recently shared an observation from one of his coaching sources:
“One of my favorite players. Loves to play, works hard, epitome of a Four. Can throw a lob to him. He can hit a three, can guard. Plays bigger than he is. Has a love for the game that not all have – if the season was ever cancelled he would be the first one at the Y looking for a pickup game. He was a great teammate and was very coachable. He needed to get out of Charlotte so Phoenix will be great for him. He may explode in Phoenix so don’t be surprised to see the best version of him”
That sounds like a player who, on the court, aligns with what the Suns established over the past season. Is it enough to move the FanDuel odds? Time will tell. But it’s enough to give you hope that he’ll fit within the ecosystem Phoenix has spent the past year creating.
The Suns needed a starting-caliber power forward, and they went out and acquired one. For many fans, the issue isn’t the position. It’s the person playing it. And that’s completely understandable. It’s something many people will wrestle with throughout this season and, if an extension is signed as expected, potentially for years to come. I can’t tell you how to feel about that. I can only tell you how I view the basketball side of it.
From a basketball standpoint, I think Miles Bridges is an ideal fit given the market and what Phoenix was trying to accomplish. Is he a great defender? No. But neither was Royce O’Neale, who started 67 games for the Suns last season. Is he a great three-point shooter? No. But he’s capable enough. He shot 33.3% from deep with Charlotte last season, and what he brings in other areas helps offset that. But there is no doubt that he is an upgrade to what Royce O’Neale gave us.
He puts pressure on the rim. He can average close to 20 points per game. He can absorb many of the offensive possessions Dillon Brooks was forced into last season, doing so with more confidence while still providing enough spacing to allow Brooks to settle into a more natural offensive role. Hopefully, that means fewer of those Kobe Bryant turnaround fadeaways that made everyone hold their breath.
There will be plenty of analysis this summer as we try to understand what this team can become. We’ll continue to discuss the basketball fit. We’ll continue to acknowledge the moral dilemma. I suppose this is what they call the Miles Bridges experience.
It was 7-feet tall. It weighed 250 pounds. And it was a glaring distraction in the locker room.
So long, Deandre Ayton, whom the Lakers sent to the Wizards on Friday in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks in 2031 and 2032.
Ayton came to the Lakers in free agency hoping to resuscitate his career after stints in Phoenix and Portland had left his reputation in tatters.
So long, Deandre Ayton, whom the Lakers sent to the Wizards on Friday in exchange for Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks in 2031 and 2032. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The big man was the prize of the 2018 draft. He was selected by Phoenix as the No. 1 overall pick ahead of Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But instead of reaching his potential in his first seven seasons in the league, Ayton backslid into unanimously being labeled inconsistent and immature by the two franchises for which he played, all but putting a scarlet letter on his forehead.
When Ayton signed with the Lakers in free agency last summer, he had a golden opportunity to start over. No one in the NBA gets more attention than the 17-time NBA champions, especially when a guy named LeBron James is on the roster.
This was his chance to rewrite his narrative.
Careers are defined by the Lakers. One great stint in Los Angeles can wash away all of the dirt of the past. Look at how Marcus Smart redefined himself this season after his career was in a freefall. Look at how Luke Kennard’s stock skyrocketed after a great first-round playoff series with the purple and gold.
Ayton was well aware of the power of the Lakers.
When Ayton signed with the Lakers in free agency last summer, he had a golden opportunity to start over. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I feel like I’ve just been absent for a little bit in this league,” Ayton said during his introductory press conference with the Lakers last July. “…I want to really just show the world and prove to everybody that I am a winner.”
The problem?
The same issues reared their ugly head in Los Angeles as the ones that inspired Phoenix to trade him in 2023 and Portland to buy out his contract for nothing in return last summer.
Ayton is talented.
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But his effort flickers like the light of a candle.
He’s prickly with the media. He has outbursts in the locker room. He’s wildly unpredictable. Sometimes he’ll lightheartedly do somersaults around reporters. Sometimes he’ll snap at them.
At first, Ayton struggled to embrace his role with the Lakers. He wanted to be a star but the team needed him to star in his role. There was a palpable power struggle.
The same issues reared their ugly head in Los Angeles as the ones that inspired Phoenix to trade him in 2023 and Portland to buy out his contract for nothing in return last summer. NBAE via Getty Images
He responded to the tension in the worst way possible.
He’d often disengage on the court.
Ironically, never was that more clear than after he shined in a 21-point, 13-rebound performance against the Magic on Feb. 24. As Ayton walked toward the shower after talking to the media, he let it be known that he felt pigeonholed.
“They’re trying to make me Clint Capela,” he said, referring to the Houston Rockets’ backup center. “I’m not no Clint Capela.”
Instead of celebrating the moment, he got in his own way. Instead of proving himself, he shot himself in the foot.
The problem with Ayton is sometimes he plays with force. Other times, he goes through the motions. The difference is stark. It’s obvious to the naked eye. To both high-paid scouts and fans alike.
NBAE via Getty Images
While a shooter’s slumps can be forgiven, Ayton’s issues were correlated to effort. To something he could control. To something that was inexcusable to let ebb and flow when he was getting paid millions of dollars and representing the Lakers.
Effort is the bare minimum. It’s a requisite. It’s a non-negotiable.
Ayton let it come and go like a feral cat.
He locked in during the Lakers’ 16-2 run last spring. During that period, he was consistent. He was a difference-maker.
“Felt like I picked up my energy and my focus,” Ayton said March 12. “And, you know, I finally caught up with the team. That’s about it.”
But the playoffs were his ultimate test.
And he failed.
The Lakers desperately needed Ayton to be at his best, especially considering Luke Doncic was sidelined the entire postseason because of a hamstring injury and Austin Reaves missed the first four games of the Lakers’ first-round series against the Rockets because of a strained oblique.
But Ayton was inconsistent.
At times he shined, like when he had a 19-point and 10-rebound performance against the Rockets in Game 4 followed by an 18-point and 17-rebound performance in Game 5.
At times he shined, like when he had a 19-point and 10-rebound performance against the Rockets in Game 4 followed by an 18-point and 17-rebound performance in Game 5. Getty Images
But when the Lakers needed him the most, he had a disappearing act.
Against the Thunder and their monstrous frontcourt, he shriveled.
Ayton averaged just 7.2 points and 7.7 rebounds as the Lakers were swept out of the playoffs. His defense was lackluster. He was a liability on the court.
For the Lakers, enough was enough.
It was time for Ayton to go.
He had his chance to turn things around. He had the opportunity to rehabilitate his name. All he had to do was try. All he had to do was pour out his heart onto the court when they needed him most. All his other antics could be forgiven.
But instead of digging his heels into the ground, he collapsed onto his knees.
Now he has been shipped to Washington, the equivalent of basketball Siberia considering the franchise has missed the playoffs seven of the last eight seasons.
Anthony Kay will look to build on his past success against the Guardians.
Although the Chicago White Sox went 6-3 over nine games heading into their series with the Cleveland Guardians, a Chicago loss in the opening game draws the two teams even atop the AL Central. With three games left to go, someone will be leaving this series with a lead in the divisional race.
Last night, the White Sox held a lead going into the bottom of the ninth, but a Grant Taylor slip-up now makes the next three games crucial for Chicago. With plenty of resentment over how the game ended, the White Sox will look to get the bats rolling early.
They face an uphill battle to do so, with Gavin Williams taking the bump for the Guardians. While he did post a 6.04 ERA in the month of June, Williams still comes into the game with a 9-4 record and a 3.81 ERA. He faced off against the White Sox on June 22 and went five innings, allowing just two earned runs on five hits.
That game ended up being a back-and-forth contest, much like last night, and was closer than it should have been due to a faulty White Sox bullpen. Unlike last night, on June 22 the White Sox came up with magic late, thanks to a Sam Antonacci single in the bottom of the ninth to steal a win from the jaws of defeat.
On the bump for the White Sox is Anthony Kay, the same pitcher who matched up against Williams in that game. While he was not rewarded with the win Kay pitched a gem, going six innings and allowing just three hits and no runs.
Unfortunately, it’s been a turbulent campaign for Kay, who posted a 6.35 ERA in the month of June after going 4-0 with a 1.95 ERA in the May. With that in mind, three of his starts came against the high-powered offenses of the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees.
Both starters are more than capable of shutting the other team down, and it would seem unlikely that one outshines the other. Whether White Sox fans like it or not, this game will probably come down to who has the better bullpen tonight. With no margin for error for either side and the White Sox looking to avoid a three-game losing streak as well, this July game will certainly have more of a playoff atmosphere than normal.
Here is the starting lineup for the Chicago White Sox:
Here is the starting lineup for the Cleveland Guardians:
First pitch is 6:10 p.m. CST. You can watch on CHSN or listen on ESPN Chicago 1000. Let us know your thoughts and predictions below!
Jul 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith (8) celebrates after scoring a run with shortstop Jim Jarvis (74) against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
It’s time the Atlanta Braves turn things around to work in their favor before the All-Star break hits…what better way to do it than against their division rivals that are ranked last in the Division?
Don’t count the New York Mets out…they took the first series win and are scheduled to face this team a few more times this season.
This four-game series will be a perfect way to kick off the week before break, but do the Braves’ bats know that?
Before Lendeborg’s first game in a Warriors jersey at Chase Center, he already had the home crowd on its feet giving some loud cheers from high-flying dunks in warm-ups. What he did once the game started brought even more cheers in a 104-72 blowout win against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The first look at Lendeborg with the Warriors was, well, perfect.
Lendeborg played 22 minutes and scored a game-high 19 points on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting while going 4 of 4 from deep. Along with his scoring, Lendeborg led the Warriors in rebounds (five) and assists (six), plus he blocked a shot and had one steal.
“I would say probably like a B,” Lendeborg said when assessing his debut. “I messed up a lot of defensive rotations. That’s kind of taken a while for me to get the rotations down. I played a fairly well game until the fourth quarter. Kind of went a little sloppy with four turnovers. But overall offensively, I think I was in the right spot moving the ball well and just finding out where to be.”
Coach Khalid Robinson started Lendeborg alongside guards LJ Cryer and Will Richard, forward Malevy Leons and center Graham Ike. Cryer, Richard and Leons all played for the Warriors last season, and Ike was signed to an Exhibit 10 contract after going undrafted out of Gonzaga last month. Yet it was Lendeborg who looked like a seasoned veteran.
The No. 11 pick lit it up from the jump. Lendeborg played eight minutes in the first quarter and scored 11 points. He made all three of his 3-point attempts and also added two assists, one rebound and one steal.
His first shot attempt was a transition three from the left wing that Lendeborg splashed without any hesitation. He then hit a three from the top of the arc and another from the left wing. Lendeborg had a 37.2 3-point percentage as a senior at Michigan and looked like he’s already comfortable from NBA 3-point range.
The Warriors led 57-33 at halftime, and Lendeborg was a major reason why. Lendeborg played 14 minutes in the first half and scored 16 points. He also had three assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Lendeborg improved as a 3-point shooter every year in college and expanded on how he believes that part of his game will translate to the next level.
“This has been all about confidence,” Lendeborg said. “Honestly, I never really had the confidence to shoot it until last year at Michigan. And now here, I feel a lot more confident shooting the ball here. I definitely think that I could probably be in the 37-plus range for threes if I keep shooting with confidence. Hopefully the NBA season doesn’t drain my confidence.
“Just trying to stay consistent and see how much they fall.”
After a shortened halftime, the good times kept rolling for Lendeborg to begin the second half, as he immediately powered his way through contact for a three-point play.
“I thought Yaxel played with a really high level of force and physicality,” Robinson said. “That was a point of emphasis for us all week, just force and physicality in everything that we do. Then, he showed a little bit of everything in his game.”
Lendeborg only played seven and a half minutes in the second half. Anything he needed to prove was already done. The rest was just an added bonus for fans to enjoy.
Checking multiple boxes with an array of skills is what drew the Warriors to Lendeborg in the draft. Being ready to make an impact as a rookie from Day 1 was a major selling point in landing on him. If first impressions are everything, Lendeborg proved the Warriors made the right decision.
Looks like Rich Paul might need to add another name on his whiteboard next to Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Lendeborg is made for the big show.
CLEVELAND, OH - JULY 01: Brayan Rocchio #4 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates with teammate Kahlil Watson #31 after the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Texas Rangers at Progressive Field on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Sean Finucane/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Here’s the White Sox lineup:
White Sox 7/3
S. Antonacci LF M. Vargas 3B K. Teel C A. Benintendi DH C. Montgomery SS B. Montgomery RF C. Meidroth 2B T. Peters CF J. Gonzalez 1B
