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Should The Canadiens Worry About The Exodus Of American Players?

It used to be that Canadian teams had trouble luring free agents north of the border. Some argued the taxation system was the reason why, others said it was about the weather, and for those who didn’t want to come to Montreal, it was often said to be about the language. However, nowadays, the Canadian teams seem to have trouble even retaining their players. Should the Montreal Canadiens worry?

It started when the late, great Johnny Gaudreau told the Calgary Flames he would not be signing a contract extension with them and opted for a seven-year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Johnny Hockey said he wanted to be closer to his family, which was within his right; he was an unrestricted free agent and free to head elsewhere.

Today In Canadiens’ History: Big Missed Opportunites
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Will Former Canadiens Goaltender Get The Call To The Hall?

Days later, though, his former teammate Matthew Tkachuk, who still had a year left on his contract, told the Flames that he wouldn’t be signing an extension at the end of the following season. Calgary didn’t want to end up empty-handed once again. It made a blockbuster trade with the Florida Panthers, netting Jonathan Huberdeau, Mackenzie Weager, Cole Schwindt, and a conditional first-round pick at the 2025 draft.

Earlier this season, Quinn Hughes told the Vancouver Canucks he wouldn’t re-up either. The captain still had another year on his contract. Still, he gave the British-Columbia team an opportunity to get at least a sizeable return from the Minnesota Wild in Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Ohren, and a first-round pick at the 2026 draft.

Yesterday, a bomb was set off by the Ottawa Senators; they traded captain Brady Tkachuk to the Panthers. The captain wanted out and had given the team a shortlist of potential destinations, including the Wild, the Panthers, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Carolina Hurricanes. The Wild reportedly made an offer, but it wasn’t good enough, and the Sens shipped out their captain to Florida for a boatload of futures, three first-round picks (including two at this week’s draft), one in 2029, and a second-round pick in 2030. It’s a good return, but it does nothing to plug the giant pest-shaped hole in their current lineup. That’s enough to throw a spanner in the works of the best laid plans.

Should this exodus of American players out of Canada worry the Canadiens? I wouldn’t think so. Those teams that were told their players wanted out were all in Canada, but that wasn’t the only common denominator. They were also all teams struggling to become winning teams or contending teams. The Habs just made a run to the Eastern Conference Final. While two Americans play massive roles in Montreal with Lane Hutson and Cole Caufield, both have committed long-term to the team and are showing incredible enthusiasm for what lies ahead for the Habs. Jacob Fowler, who’s earmarked as the goaltender of the future for the franchise, is also American, but seems to be loving Montreal so far.

There’s a reason why Kent Hughes has managed to sign both Caufield and Hutson to long-term, team-friendly deals; they want to win. Those players were willing to leave money on the table to win with the team that put its faith in them. The Canadiens picked them in the draft after many teams passed on them because of their size. Team USA also ignored both in the latest international competitions because of their diminutive physique. Both are motivated to bring a Stanley Cup back to Montreal to repay that trust. Hughes has said it time and time again; money is not everything for hockey players, they want to win.

As long as the GM makes good use of the money those players left on the table to improve the team and gives it the means to win, they won’t be tempted to leave. There’s a good culture in Montreal and a camaraderie that’s akin to one big happy family. The ultimate goal is not to have fun, though; it’s to win, to capture the trophy those guys have all dreamt about since they were kids: the Stanley Cup.

That’s also why Dylan Larkin has demanded a trade from the Detroit Red Wings. He’s already in the USA, but that’s not what it’s about. It’s about winning, and Steve Yzerman being unable to show that he could lead the Wings to become a contender. His failure to bring him the right pieces at the trade deadline prevented Detroit from taking the next step.

Hughes and the Canadiens don’t have to worry, at least as long as they are showing the players that they have a plan to make the Habs worthy of being called les Glorieux again and that they keep moving the needle towards that. 

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MLB power rankings: Giants still in free fall – but haven't hit rock bottom yet

The San Francisco Giants are on the verge of a low they haven't reached since 2018.

And that doesn't even include their myriad off-field dramas.

The Giants were swept in three games at Miami this past weekend and once again fell 15 games below .500, at 31-46. They haven't been 16 games underwater since the final day of the 2018 season.

The Giants are also firmly ensconced at No. 29 in USA TODAY Sports' power rankings - and No. 30 Colorado isn't too far from dropping them to the cellar. While the Giants franchise is known for its June swoons, this one is unique.

The club has lost five of eight games since starting pitcher Landen Roupp and two relievers scrawled a Bible verse on their caps on the Giants' Pride night, a story that grew into more than a weeklong news cycle, despite the pitchers claiming they simply want to "play ball."

But that's not going so hot either. Rafael Devers publicly protested his removal from their Sunday, June 21 game at Miami by wagging his finger at manager Tony Vitello and then cursing into his helmet; shortly thereafter, the Giants hit into a game-ending double play. Adrian Houser, one of Buster Posey's offseason pitching signings, is ticketed for the bullpen and not happy about it.

And the Giants are on pace for 65 wins, fewest since 2017. This might not be bottom, either.

A look at our updated rankings:

Rafael Devers is hitting .238. in 166 games since joining San Francisco.

1. Atlanta Braves (-)

  • Bryce Elder has given up five, six and eight earned runs in a five-start span.

2. Milwaukee Brewers (-)

  • Brandon Woodruff returns Monday after two-month siesta due to shoulder inflammation.

3. Los Angeles Dodgers (-)

  • Shohei Ohtani now a two-way player at home, too.

4. New York Yankees (-)

  • Paul Goldschmidt has four homers in his last seven games and 12 for the year, two more than 2025 total.

5. Tampa Bay Rays (-)

  • Chandler Simpson finally snaps a 30-game drought without a stolen base.

6. Philadelphia Phillies (+3)

  • Still that guy: Kyle Schwarber's three-homer night gives him seven more dingers than anyone in NL.

7. St. Louis Cardinals (-)

  • Michael McGreevy's K rate, ERA slide a good bit in June.

8. Cleveland Guardians (-2)

  • Travis Bazzana is happening: Posts first multi-homer game on 4-for-4 night.

9. Chicago White Sox (-1)

  • Seranthony Dominguez blows his fourth save.

10. Chicago Cubs (+1)

  • Pete Crow-Armstrong's 19-game heater: 36-for-80 (.450), 10 homers, 1.432 OPS. Wow.

11. Seattle Mariners (+1)

  • Kade Anderson Watch: Scoreless streak up to 27 2/3 innings, SO/BB ratio 90-8 at Class AA.

12. San Diego Padres (-2)

  • The unstoppable Samad Taylor promoted to leadoff spot.

13. Washington Nationals (+1)

  • CJ Abrams homers in three straight games, pushes OPS to .901.

14. Arizona Diamondbacks (-1)

  • Zac Gallen's ERA climbs to 6.10.

15. Miami Marlins (+3)

  • Once again finding their midseason mojo: At 14-4, own baseball's best record in June.

16. Toronto Blue Jays (-)

  • Shane Bieber making long-awaited season debut Tuesday at Houston.

17. Pittsburgh Pirates (-2)

  • Losing seven straight Paul Skenes starts is no way to contend.

18. Athletics (+1)

  • After long week in Vegas and giving up 27 runs to Angels in Yolo County, "home" ERA now 6.14 - worse than Rockies.

19. Texas Rangers (-2)

  • Remember Jordan Montgomery? Tosses a scoreless inning at Class AA in first outing since 2024.

20. Baltimore Orioles (+1)

  • Pete Alonso is delivering: Eighteen homers, an .812 OPS.

21. Cincinnati Reds (-1)

  • Elly De La Cruz on the minor league rehab trail back to Cincy.

22. Houston Astros (-)

  • Three straight series wins and they say they'll be buyers.

23. Minnesota Twins (+1)

  • A 5-1 road trip. Dodgers visit to Target Field will be nice heat check.

24. New York Mets (-1)

  • Hey, they're only five games out - of fourth place.

25. Detroit Tigers (+1)

  • Swept the mighty White Sox, so perhaps all is not lost.

26. Boston Red Sox (-1)

  • Aroldis Chapman just three strikeouts shy of tying Hoyt Wilhelm's 1,363, most by a reliever in major league history.

27. Kansas City Royals (-)

  • Bobby Witt Jr. going down just the latest bummer in a season full of 'em.

28. Los Angeles Angels (-)

  • Donovan Walton with a six-game extra-base hit streak. Yes, the Donovan Walton.

29. San Francisco Giants (-)

  • Great timing: After awkwardness of Rafael Devers' Mutombo routine, Giants hop plane for their longest flight of the year to date - 2,600 miles.

30. Colorado Rockies (-)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB power rankings: SF Giants calamity unfolds with Devers, Vitello

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Who should go No. 1? Ranking every top NBA draft pick since 2000

There's still a debate about the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Will the Washington Wizards select AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson, or maybe Cameron Boozer? The weeks since the NBA Draft lottery haven't settled much, with rumors and speculation seizing control as NBA executives and agents try to shape the narrative to their benefit.

There's a long legacy of Hall of Famers produced from the No. 1 spot atop the draft order, with players like Elgin Baylor (1958), Oscar Robertson (1960), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1969), Magic Johnson (1979), Shaquille O'Neal (1992) and Tim Duncan (1997) among those who thrived under the spotlight. 

Recent history shows the right No. 1 pick can change the direction of a franchise. The wrong one can set a team back for years. Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 pick in 2025 and the reigning NBA rookie of the year, was a relative slam dunk compared to the decision facing the Wizards front office this time around.

Here's a ranking of every No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft since 2000:

NBA MOCK DRAFT: What we're hearing, updates, rumors about all 60 picks

26. Anthony Bennett, 2013

Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Career: 4 seasons, 151 games (regular season + playoffs)
  • Stats: 4.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.5 assists

What's worse for a team than a No. 1 pick who didn't live up to the billing because of injury? A No. 1 pick who didn't live up to the billing because the team completely bungled the evaluation process. That's the fate of Anthony Bennett after the Cavaliers shocked everyone when it chose the UNLV forward with the No. 1 pick only for him to be discarded by the team the next year. Bennett ended up playing four NBA seasons with four different franchises and has since carved out a lengthy career in the G League and overseas.

25. Greg Oden, 2007

Portland Trail Blazers

  • Career: 3 seasons, 114 games
  • Stats: 8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks

Oden missed more NBA seasons than he played after being drafted No. 1 in 2007 as a one-and-done star from Ohio State. He played in 61 games in his 2008-09 rookie season (after sitting out his first season following the draft), and then appeared in just 44 games the rest of his career due to foot and knee injuries.

24. Zaccharie Risacher, 2024

Atlanta Hawks

  • Career: 2 seasons, 145 games
  • Stats: 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 12.0 PER (Player Efficiency Rating)

It's tough to judge the Hawks' top pick based on his first two seasons in the league, but 2025-26 was a step back. After making the all-rookie team, Risacher fell out of the rotation this past season as the Hawks surged into the playoffs. There are questions about his long-term future in Atlanta, and he could be an intriguing trade piece this offseason.

23. Markelle Fultz, 2017

Philadelphia 76ers

  • Career: 9 seasons, 275 games
  • Stats: 10.2 points, 4.3 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 14.2 PER

A mysterious shoulder ailment that affected Fultz's shooting motion fundamentally altered the trajectory of his career and led to a failed stint with the Sixers after Philadelphia used the No. 1 pick on him. Fultz forged a rotation role with the Orlando Magic two years ago and played 21 games with the Sacramento Kings in 2024-25. He appeared in five games for the Toronto Raptors at the end of this past regular season.

22. Kwame Brown, 2001

Washington Wizards

  • Career: 12 seasons, 625 games
  • Stats: 6.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists

Michael Jordan's notorious No. 1 pick with the Wizards wound up playing for seven teams in the NBA after coming to the league straight from high school. His best statistical season came playing alongside Jordan with the Wizards, and he was later a rotation player on Lakers' playoff teams starring Kobe Bryant.

21. Andrea Bargnani, 2006

Toronto Raptors

  • Career: 10 seasons, 561 games
  • Stats: 14.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists

Bargnani settled in as more of a role player after the Raptors used the No. 1 pick on him. The Italian 7-footer had three-straight seasons in which he averaged at least 15 points per game while shooting better than 34.5% from 3-point range.

20. DeAndre Ayton, 2018

Phoenix Suns

  • Career: 8 seasons, 525 games
  • Stats: 15.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 19.7 PER

Ayton is on his third team and got a fresh start with the Los Angeles Lakers this past season. He made the NBA Finals with Phoenix in 2020, but this 7-footer with a wealth of offensive tools has seen his production decline in recent seasons and appears better-suited as a role player at this point.

19. Kenyon Martin, 2000

New Jersey Nets

  • Career: 15 seasons, 869 games
  • Stats: 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.1 blocks, 15.0 PER

Martin was a one-time All-Star and a key starter on a Nets team that went to the NBA Finals in back-to-back seasons. He carved out a 15-year career as a role player coveted for his interior defense, rebounding and toughness.

18. Cooper Flagg, 2026

Dallas Mavericks

  • Career: 1 season, 70 games
  • Stats: 21 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 17.9 PER

Flagg is poised to move up this list quickly after being named the 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year. He shined with the Mavericks after a slow start, leading the team in points, rebounds, assists and steals. He became the youngest player in NBA history to log three straight 30-point games and set an NBA record for points by a teenager in a single game (51). He's also the first rookie since Michael Jordan to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals.

17. Ben Simmons, 2016

Philadelphia 76ers

  • Career: 8 seasons, 422 games
  • Stats: 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.5 steals

The toll Simmons' injury issues, outside shooting woes and attitude concerns have taken on his reputation has overshadowed some of the productive seasons he had after being selected No. 1 by the Sixers. The 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year earned one All-NBA nod, led the league in steals in 2020 and was named to the NBA All-Defensive teams twice. He last played for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2024-25 season.

16. Andrew Wiggins, 2014

Cleveland Cavaliers (traded to Minnesota Timberwolves)

  • Career: 12 seasons, 878 games
  • Stats: 18.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steals, 14.8 PER

Drafted No. 1 by Cleveland and then included in the trade that sent LeBron James back to the Cavaliers, Wiggins is now on his third team (the Miami Heat) since starting his career with the Timberwolves. The 2015 NBA Rookie of the Year was a key starter on the Golden State Warriors' 2022 championship team and shot better than 40% from 3-point range for the first time in his career this past season.

15. Zion Williamson, 2019

New Orleans Pelicans

  • Career: 7 seasons, 276 games
  • Stats: 23.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 24.6 PER

Williamson ranks lower than some of his relative peers on this list, as the two-time All-Star has yet to make an All-NBA team with the Pelicans because of his injury and availability issues. The 25-year-old proved more durable this past season while playing 60 games, but his production dipped from previous All-Star campaigns and New Orleans had another unsuccessful season.

14. Andrew Bogut, 2005

Milwaukee Bucks

  • Career: 14 seasons, 783 games
  • Stats: 9.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 blocks, 16.4 PER

The Australian center once led the league in blocks (2011) and eventually earned a third-team All-NBA nod and a spot on the All-Defensive team after being drafted No. 1 overall by the Bucks. He was also a prominent role player on the Golden State Warriors when they won the 2015 NBA championship.

13. Paolo Banchero, 2022

Orlando Magic

  • Career: 4 seasons, 210 games
  • Stats: 22.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 17.2 PER

The 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year had his second season shortened by injury and went through some more growing pains as the Magic attempted to elevate into contenders this past season. But Banchero remains a promising inside-outside threat who has been the leading scorer of a postseason team every season since being drafted No. 1 by Orlando.

12. John Wall, 2010

Washington Wizards

  • Career: 11 seasons, 684 games
  • Stats: 18.7 points, 8.9 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals

Wall led the Wizards past the first round of the playoffs three times in four years during his prime after the franchise had accomplished the feat just once in the previous 30 years. The athletic point guard, who last played in an NBA game in January 2023, earned All-NBA and All-Defense honors one time apiece during his career.

11. Yao Ming, 2002

Houston Rockets

  • Career: 8 seasons, 514 games
  • Stats: 19 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 1.6 assists, 23.0 PER

The 7-foot-6 Chinese center became one of the best centers in the NBA with the Rockets but had his run as an elite player cut short due to injury. Ming earned All-NBA honors five times but only once did his teams in Houston advance past the first round of the playoffs.

10. Cade Cunningham, 2021

Detroit Pistons

  • Career: 5 seasons, 292 games
  • Stats: 22.5 points, 8.0 assists, 5.4 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 18.0 PER

Cunningham earned first-team All-NBA honors for the first time this past season after leading the Pistons to the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. He enjoyed a breakthrough in Detroit in 2025, earning third-team All-NBA honors while leading the franchise to a playoff win for the first time since 2008.

9. Derrick Rose, 2008

Chicago Bulls

  • Career: 15 seasons, 775 games
  • Stats: 17.4 points, 5.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 18.0 PER

Rose would be ranked higher based on his brief rise and peak as an NBA player, when he won the 2009 Rookie of the Year award and the 2011 MVP award in his third season after the Bulls took him No. 1 overall. Injuries derailed Rose's time in Chicago after a run to the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals, though he did carve out a lengthy career as a role player. His only All-NBA honor came during his MVP season.

8. Blake Griffin, 2009

Los Angeles Clippers

  • Career: 13 seasons, 833 games
  • Stats: 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 21.0 PER

Griffin didn't play during his first year in the NBA due to injury, but he won NBA Rookie of the Year in 2011 as part of a strong run of seasons during the first portion of his career with the "Lob City" Clippers. Griffin was a five-time All-NBA selection, including one nod later with the Detroit Pistons.

7. Karl-Anthony Towns, 2015

Minnesota Timberwolves

  • Career: 11 seasons, 789 games
  • Stats: 22.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 23.6 PER

The 2016 NBA Rookie of the Year was a versatile two-way force for the Knicks as they won their first NBA championship since 1973 this season. Towns also earned third-team All-NBA honors for the third time in his career last year. One of the best 3-point shooting big men in league history, Towns previously led the Timberwolves to a playoff series win for the first time in 20 years.

6. Anthony Edwards, 2020

Minnesota Timberwolves

  • Career: 6th season, 494 games
  • Stats: 24.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 18.2 PER

Edwards could be poised to climb even higher based on the potential shown during his first six years in the NBA. He's already a two-time All-NBA selection (and fell just shy of the 65-game threshold to achieve the feat a third time this past season). The two-way threat averaged a career-best 28.8 points this season while also setting new career highs for field goal percentage and 3-point percentage.

5. Victor Wembanyama, 2023

San Antonio Spurs

  • Career: 3 seasons, 203 games
  • Stats: 23.4 points, 11 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 3.5 blocks, 25.7 PER

Wembanyama has quickly leaped into the top-5 of this list after leading the Spurs to the NBA Finals, earning first team all-NBA honors and winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award during his third season in the NBA. He finished third in MVP voting this year and appears poised to be the best big man in the league for a generation.

4. Kyrie Irving, 2011

Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Career: 15 seasons, 875 games
  • Stats: 23.7 points, 5.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 22.2 PER

Irving was the 2012 Rookie of the Year after the Cavaliers chose him with the No. 1 overall pick and then won an NBA championship alongside LeBron James in 2016. He's a three-time All-NBA selection (and did so with three different teams) and made the NBA Finals with the Dallas Mavericks in 2024. Irving did not play for the Mavericks during the 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn ACL suffered in March 2025.

3. Anthony Davis, 2012

New Orleans Hornets

  • Career: 14 seasons, 867 games
  • Stats: 24.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.3 blocks, 26.7 PER

Davis ranks behind Dwight Howard on this list even though he was the NBA Finals MVP on the team Howard won a championship with because of how Davis' tenure with the team that took him No. 1 went. He had one playoff run with New Orleans before demanding a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. Davis nonetheless became arguably the best two-way big man of his generation, and the argument is only due to the injuries that sidelined him over the years. Davis is a five-time All-NBA selection (including four first-team nods), a five-time All-Defensive pick and led the NBA in blocks three times.

2. Dwight Howard, 2004

Orlando Magic

  • Career: 18 seasons, 1,367 games
  • Stats: 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.3 assists, 21.3 PER

His career numbers don't do justice to his run as one of the league's most dominating players during his prime years after being picked No. 1 by the Magic. The recent Hall of Fame inductee was an 8-time All-NBA selection (including five first-team nods), named Defensive Player of the Year three times, led the league in rebounding five times and led the NBA in blocks twice. Howard won an NBA championship as a role player with LeBron James and the Lakers in 2020 after leading Orlando past James and into the NBA Finals as a star 11 years earlier.

1. LeBron James, 2003

Cleveland Cavaliers

  • Career: 23 seasons, 1,924 games
  • Stats: 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 26.9 PER

The NBA's all-time leading scorer is a no-brainer No. 1 choice for the best No. 1 pick since 2000. The four-time MVP, four-time Finals MVP and four-time NBA champion just completed his record-breaking 23rd season in the league and still seems to have more left in the tank. He's only one season removed from earning second team All-NBA honors with the Los Angeles Lakers as a 40-year-old. Though his initial run in Cleveland as its No. 1 pick ended in his controversial "decision" to leave for Miami, James led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals and then returned to Cleveland to win an NBA championship in 2016. He also won consecutive championships with the Heat in 2012 and 2013 and guided the Lakers to the 2020 championship.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA draft 2026: No. 1 picks ranked since 2000

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NHL Draft Week Starts with a Tkachuk Bang

New colors for everyone? | Getty Images

The week leading into the NHL Draft has kicked off with a bang as the long-speculated joining of the Tkachuk brothers has come to fruition.

The Florida Panthers, back-to-back Cup winners and three-time finalists before falling off due to injuries in 2025-26, are reloading by acquiring Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators for a package of first-round picks. The Senators are apparently not rebuilding but rather aiming to turn some of those into new, current-NHL assets.

Islanders News

The latest episode of On The Island dropped, covering the Isles after the Olympic break, the deadline moves, Pete DeBoer’s late-season hiring, some bonus Pierre Turgeon content, Mat Barzal connecting with a cancer patient who’s a big Islanders fan…and maybe Anders Lee’s final highlight? [YouTube]

Elsewhere

  • Fathers Day blockbuster, Brady Tkachuk to Florida for two first-rounders this week, another in 2029 (top-10 protected) and a 2nd. [NHL]
  • Friedman: the Senators didn’t have a good feel that Tkachuk would re-sign a couple of years from now, so they acted now. [Sportsnet]
  • Supposedly the Senators will make a big push for Stars RFA Jason Robertson. [@TheFourthPeriod]
  • Trade grades: yay for the Panthers, tough for the Senators — although Florida still has a goaltending question, and the Senators maybe did well considering Brady is not quite as good as the hype. [Athletic]
  • Former Leaf Bobby McMann re-signs for six years with Seattle. [Sportsnet]
  • Jason Dickinson signs a five-year extension in Edmonton. [Sportsnet]
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How to watch 2026 NBA Draft: Schedule, time, projected top picks, players to watch

The NBA will chart the early career courses of its next wave of young talent Tuesday night with its annual draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The league's 30 teams will be choosing players over two rounds in two nights.

The Washington Wizards have the first overall pick after winning the draft lottery last month.

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament First Round-Texas at Brigham Young
2026 NBA Draft Big Board: AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson lead the way
The quartet of Dybantsa, Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson has separated itself from the pack.

Here are the details on how to watch and what to know about the 2026 NBA Draft:

How to watch the 2026 NBA Draft

  • When: June 23-24
  • Time: Each day begins at 8 p.m. ET
  • TV: ABC and ESPN on Tuesday, June 24; ESPN on Wednesday

2026 NBA Draft schedule

The first round will be held Tuesday, June 23. The second round will be held Wednesday, June 24.

2026 NBA Draft time

Teams will have 5 minutes to make their picks in the first round and 4 minutes for their selections int the second round.

Both rounds will start at 8 p.m. ET.

2026 NBA Draft projected top picks

According to NBC Sports’ Raphielle Johnson, AJ Dybantsa of BYU is projected as the top overall selection.

The rest of the top five prospects are:

  • Darryn Peterson (Kansas)
  • Cameron Boozer (Duke)
  • Caleb Wilson (North Carolina)
  • Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)

How many rounds are in the 2026 NBA Draft?

There are two rounds with 30 picks apiece.

Why is the 2026 NBA Draft two nights?

The league expanded the draft to two nights in 2024.

NBA officials said they wanted to give teams more time to group between rounds and have additional time between picks in the second round. A second night also allowed more time to "showcase the draftees."

How many picks are there in the NBA Draft?

There are 60 total picks in the NBA Draft.

NBA: Draft
2026 NBA Draft Order: Full list, dates, start times and how to watch
The rundown on when teams will be drafting in the 60 picks across two rounds.

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Today on Pinstripe Alley – 6/22/26

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Home plate umpire Nic Lentz stands in position in the first inning during the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, June 21, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

For whatever reason, the Yankees just haven’t been able to shake the Reds of all teams. Since MLB changed its schedule to allow all teams to play at least one series against each other on an annual basis in 2022, the Yankees have now lost four of five series to the Reds, who even at their best this decade have only been fringe NL Wild Card contenders. The lone series win came in 2023, a Yankees sweep despite being at their most recent nadir. Go figure. The primary culprit this time around was a 2-for-32 series with runners in scoring position — though that hasn’t generally been an issue for the Yankees in 2026.

Now, the Yankees will play a slightly resurgent Tigers club, who just swept the White Sox and are 11-6 in June following a dreadful May that almost put them out of the mix entirely. Sam will preview the three-game set from Detroit that kicks off tonight, Kevin will run through the Rivalry Roundup, and Jeff will celebrate the 147th birthday of an original Yankee from the 1903 team. Later on, Madison will put out the call for your mailbag questions.

Also, in case you missed it, check out this survey I put in the Feed last night about Giancarlo Stanton. I’ll be curious about your thoughts!

Today’s Matchup

New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers

Time: 6:10 p.m. EST

TV: YES Network, Detroit SportsNet

Venue: Comerica Park, Detroit, MI

Questions/Prompts:

1. How much of the Yankees’ play over the past couple days is more concerning and how much is it simply “That’s baseball, Suzyn?”

2. Did you watch any of the U.S. Open this weekend and Wyndham Clark’s win at Shinnecock?

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Twice as nice: Phillies 6, Mets 2

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 21: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning during a game against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on June 21, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 6-2. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s always nice to beat the Mets.

It’s even nicer to beat them in back to back games.

It’s even nicer to beat them by hitting home runs and pitching well like they did Sunday night. Playing the game on Sunday Night Baseball for a national audience, the offense clicked into gear yet again, riding the wave of home runs from Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper to take the series from New York.

The scoring started in the first when Mets starter David Peterson walked the first two hitters in the lineup, struck out Harper, then allowed an infield single to Alec Bohm. On that single, Brett Baty threw the ball away, allowing Trea Turner to score the opening run. Edmundo Sosa followed that with an infield single to score Schwarber and the Phillies had a 2-0 lead by hitting the ball a total of about 120 feet.

Zack Wheeler settled in nicely, even if he was a bit off with his command. He had a jam in the second when he allowed singles to lead off the inning by Jared Young and A.J. Ewing, but retired the next three batters in order. That allowed the Phillies to tack on in their half of the inning when Bryson Stott and Turner singled with one out for Schwarber.

A second night in a row with a monster shot and the lead was at five. Wheeler would give one back in the third when emerging pest Carson Benge homered on an opposite field shot to cut the score to 5-1. The Mets might have started a rally later when Juan Soto hit a ball that he believed was a perfect opportunity to stretch into a double, but Derek Hill gunned him down with relative ease.

Ok then.

In the fourth, Bryce Harper hit his 17th home run of the year to push the lead back to five.

New York threatened yet again in the sixth when Wheeler walked the bases loaded with one out before a visit from Don Mattingly. The ace was left in the game to try and get a double play, but only managed to get one out on a force out, giving the Mets another run, but keeping runners on the corners for Marcus Semien. Jonathan Bowlan was summoned from the bullpen to put the fire out and did so with ease, striking Semien out and ending the threat.

From there, the Phillies’ bullpen trio of Jose Alvarado, Orion Kerkering and Jhoan Duran doused any other flames and gave the Phillies a win to send them seven games over .500. They’ll head to Washington for an interesting showdown with one of the top offenses in the game.

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Jose Alvarado, NBA Champion

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 13: Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after the victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

New York is the basketball capital of the world.

The game wasn’t invented here, but the history of it has been woven into the fabric of life in the city. There are thousands of basketball courts across the five boroughs that some of the most iconic players to ever play the game once roamed. There’s a reason that Madison Square Garden is known as the Mecca.

Now imagine being one of the millions of kids who’ve grown up in New York City, growing up a Knicks fan, and seeing the torment that the franchise has gone through for 50 years.

Now imagine being good enough to make the NBA and getting the chance to play for said team. That alone would be fulfilling a lifelong dream, but now imagine being a key part of the team that brings a championship to a city that had been starving for one for much longer than you’ve been alive.

Fortunately, we got one of those feel good stories as a subplot of this championship run.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – JUNE 13: Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait after winning Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 2026 NBAE(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Jose Alvarado was born in Brooklyn on April 12, 1998, to a Mexican mother and a Puerto Rican father. He grew up in public housing, both in Brooklyn and his later home in Queens, where he came onto the basketball scene at Christ the King Regional High School.

As one of the best players in the New York circuit, winning multiple Player of the Year awards and recording a quadruple-double as a senior, he was a three-star recruit in the Class of 2017, but still ranked beneath the likes of Hameir Wright, Isaiah Washington, Mamadou Doucoure, and Keith Williams. He was heavily pursued by local schools in Seton Hall and Rutgers, but committed to play for Josh Pastner at Georgia Tech in the ACC.

Right out the gate at Georgia Tech, Alvarado was the team’s starting point guard. He averaged 12 points, 3.7 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 steals as a freshman, but didn’t earn All-Freshman honors. His scoring was never the feature of his game, but he was the face of a Yellow Jackets program that was trying to emerge from the darkness.

After making Third-Team All-ACC as a junior, he raised his game as a senior, leading his team to its best conference record in 25 years, being named to Second-Team All-ACC, and winning ACC Defensive Player of the Year after leading the conference with 2.8 steals a game. In the ACC Championship Game, he had five steals and played every single second of a five-point win over Florida State to win the Yellow Jackets their first conference tournament title in 28 years, sending them to their first NCAA Tournament since 2010.

It was a forgettable first-round loss in Alvarado’s final game at Georgia Tech, but he had established himself as a legend at that university and hoped to continue his gritty playstyle to the next level. Unfortunately for him, 60 picks came and went, as he went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft before latching on with the New Orleans Pelicans for Summer League, earning a two-way contract.

He only played five games down in the G-League with the Birmingham Squadron, averaging 19.8 points, 6.8 assists, six rebounds, and 3.4 steals. His hard work and exceptional play in the G-League earned him playing time with the main club, where he quickly earned a reputation. It didn’t take long for him to start getting chippy with anyone who wanted it.

By the start of his second season in 2022-23, he was a mainstay in the Pelicans’ rotation, averaging nine points, three assists, and a steal across 61 games while gaining a penchant for his backcourt steals, earning him the nickname “Grand Theft Alvarado”.

He finished sixth in Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2023-24 and was slowly contributing more and more for a Pelicans team that was stuck in neutral. Sure, they made a pair of playoff appearances in 2022 and 2024, but they were dead on arrival with Zion Williamson hurt for both series. After averaging a career-high 10.3 points per game, albeit on career-worst efficiency, in 2024-25, he was entering a contract year with real trade value.

So after this season became lost for the Pelicans again, they shopped him on the open market. Armed with a reasonable salary of $4.5 million and a team-friendly player option in 2026-27, he would have a lot of suitors. The team that happened to come calling, though, was his hometown squad.

For Dalen Terry and two second-round picks, Alvarado had come home. His debut was on the road, but he immediately made an impact in a major rivalry game up at TD Garden against the Celtics with 12 points.

After struggling in his home debut, he had a magical moment in MSG South, splashing a career-high eight threes against the Sixers in a major blowout before the All-Star break.

From there, his impact was up and down. He’d struggle at times, but he’d be part of a major bench volt of energy in big wins over the Spurs, Rockets, and Raptors. Every other game, he was putting up a plus-minus of at least +15, a game-breaking margin. He’d go through stretches of struggle, of triumph, of trials and tribulations. Like the team itself, he waxed and waned heading into the playoffs.

But his role entering the playoffs wasn’t crystal clear. He took two DNP-CDs in early April and didn’t play in a Game 1 win against Atlanta. He played in the next two games, both losses, but didn’t make much of an impact. In Mike Brown’s nine-man rotation, he was the odd man out.

But with Landry Shamet struggling, they needed a spark off the bench, and he gave them that with some timely threes in Games 4 and 5, being a big part of the Knicks’ dominance in the final three games of that series.

He would be reduced to just 7-8 minutes a game in the Sixers series, but knocked down a three in all four games of a very uncompetitive sweep. For a guy who’s not known for his three-ball, he knew how to make a big one.

Against Cleveland, you didn’t see much of him until Game 4, where his 10-minute stint resulted in the bench mob burying a half-dead but analytically alive Cavaliers squad, outscoring them by 21 points in his minutes in the ECF clincher.

He was pretty quiet entering the Finals, but his impact was loud when he got to the biggest stage. He hit big threes to halt the Spurs’ momentum, he went right at the giant in the middle of the court with no fear, he played tenacious defense. The Knicks won his minutes by a combined 20 points through three games, but entering the fourth quarter of Game 4, the Knicks were spiraling and on the verge of relinquishing all momentum in the series.

But just then, the momentum breaker struck again. Paired with Jalen Brunson in lineups for the first time all postseason, the New York kid had the quarter of his life.

His heroics, coupled with the tremendous clutch performances by OG Anunoby and Brunson, snatched the Spurs’ soul. His Game 5 struggles didn’t matter. They climbed the mountaintop, and he was a big reason why.

His emotions after the game told the whole story. His excitement in the locker room and at the parade wrote another chapter. It’s a story of a kid from New York City being the homegrown link of a team that ended a half-century of suffering.

Many New York kids have gotten to play for the Knicks. Mark Jackson, Rod Strickland, Taj Gibson, Bernard King, Stephon Marbury, Carmelo Anthony. The list goes on and on.

Only one of them got to win a title here. That’s Jose Alvarado. An inspiration to all the young Knicks fans who live in the city, that one day, that can be them.

The title means a lot to the city, to the fans, and to the team. I suspect that it means just a bit more to Jose.

–

(P&T will be doing player-by-player article tributes over the next few weeks to commemorate the special team that ended our long, half-century nightmare)

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Yankees news: Wells feels good after return, Grisham progressing well

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Austin Wells #28 of the New York Yankees takes the field prior to the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, June 21, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

New York Daily News | Peter Sblendorio: Austin Wells made his return yesterday after a two-week stint on the IL due to cervical headaches. Wells went 0-for-2 and was lifted in the sixth inning, but said he felt good about his first day back. “I felt solid,” Wells said afterward. “I saw the ball well, so I feel good.” The Yankees are relying on better health getting Wells back to his prior standards. Though he’s never been a great hitter in the majors, Wells combined fringe-average offense with quality defense at catcher over his first few seasons, before cratering to a 50 OPS+ in his first 47 games this year.

In some good injury news (also in the Sblendorio article), Trent Grisham appears to be progressing well in his recovery from a hamstring injury. The center fielder performed agility drills on the field yesterday ahead of the Yankees’ 4-1 loss to the Reds. “We’re really encouraged by how well he’s doing,” Aaron Boone said. Grisham missing minimal time would be a boon to a Yankee offense that, though it’s done well on the whole since Aaron Judge went down, could use a little more depth.

New York Post | Dan Martin: The Yankees have been deploying Jasson Domínguez in right field in light of Aaron Judge’s injury, and the Martian is still a work in progress out there. He’s made a couple nice plays, but also had some adventures, overrunning a ball on Friday night, while also having trouble with a fly ball down the line yesterday. The Yankees have high hopes for Domínguez, who they hope will adapt to the new position. “I’m very confident in him feeling very comfortable quickly,’’ outfield instructor Luis Rojas said. “Obviously, you want more experience for him there. Our right field [at Yankee Stadium] plays a lot different than a lot of other places in the big leagues, but with his tools… I think it’s gonna work well for him.”

Bryan Hoch via X/Twitter: For the second time this month, J.C. Escarra will likely see a quick return to the majors following a demotion. The Yankees optioned him when Wells was activated from the IL, choosing to keep Ali Sánchez as the backup catcher. However, Sánchez will soon go on the paternity list, opening the door for Escarra to report back to the team — though there will again be a clock ticking on how long that will last. Escarra was optioned with a .188/.239/.271 triple slashand a a 42 OPS+ in 32 games.

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Francisco Lindor’s possible next step towards Mets return emerges

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Mets Francisco Lindor reacts in the dugout in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field, Monday, May 25, 2026, in Queens, NY

PHILADELPHIA — Francisco Lindor’s next stop could be Citi Field but perhaps not to rejoin the Mets roster just yet.

After the shortstop played in a rehab game for Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, manager Carlos Mendoza indicated there is a possibility Lindor will play in a simulated game before the Mets open their series against the Cubs on Monday — serving the purpose of giving Lindor back-to-back “games” given the minor league schedule is dark.

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The earliest Lindor would likely play for the Mets is Wednesday — he would receive a day off after the back-to-back outings.

Mendoza was encouraged that Lindor, who is rehabbing a right calf strain that has kept him sidelined since April 22, played a full game for Syracuse. Lindor played a rehab game for Double-A Binghamton on Friday before receiving a day off Saturday.

“He’s getting close,” Mendoza said before the Mets lost 6-2 to the Phillies on Sunday night.

Mets Francisco Lindor reacts in the dugout in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field, Monday, May 25, 2026, in Queens, NY. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Mendoza gave Luis Torrens a second straight start at catcher with Francisco Alvarez as the DH, allowing the Mets to play their best defensive option behind the plate while keeping Alvarez’s higher-upside bat in play. Torrens went 1-for-3 with a strikeout while Alvarez was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.

Luke Weaver has a 20-inning scoreless streak over his previous 18 appearances. Over that stretch, he allowed 10 hits with four walks and 25 strikeouts.

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Knicks broadcaster Mike Breen will throw out a ceremonial first pitch before Monday’s game at Citi Field. The Yonkers native and Fordham alum — a longtime Mets fan — has been the voice of the NBA Finals for the past two decades.

Sunday was the 62nd anniversary of Jim Bunning’s Father’s Day perfect game for the Phillies against the Mets at Shea Stadium.

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Austin Wells makes first Yankees start with hope his rehab stint could serve as ‘reset’

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (28) reacts during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium

Austin Wells was behind the plate for the Yankees for the first time Sunday since hitting the injured list with cervical headaches.

The catcher went 0-for-2 with a strikeout, but both Wells and manager Aaron Boone are confident that his ability to work on his approach at the plate while on a rehab stint with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre will be beneficial.

The Yankees hoped the time in the minors might serve as something of a “reset” for Wells, according to Boone.

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Wells has continued to wear a one-piece face mask, which resembles a hockey goaltender’s mask, instead of the more traditional two-piece mask he’d worn throughout his career.

He made the switch shortly before being sidelined and used it in the minors.

While rehabbing, Wells said he took “one or two” foul balls off the helmet and noticed an improvement from his previous headgear.

He also hasn’t experienced any more headaches, which he hopes are behind him.

The Yankees certainly could use more offense from the catcher position, since Wells, J.C. Escarra and Ali Sánchez have mostly struggled.

Escarra was optioned to SWB after Saturday’s game, as the Yankees preferred to keep the righty-hitting Sánchez around with several left-handed pitchers lined up to face them in the coming week — including Framber Valdez and Tarik Skubal in Detroit.

New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (28) reacts during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium on June 2. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Boone added that Sánchez and his wife are expecting, which could lead to Sánchez landing on the paternity list and a return of Escarra.

“Ali has earned some opportunities,’’ said Boone, who’s been impressed with Sánchez’s work on defense, as well.

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Gerrit Cole, originally scheduled to start Sunday, was pushed back to Monday in Detroit, as the Yankees looked to give their rotation a break in the middle of a 16-day stretch without an off day.

Cole has made five starts since returning from Tommy John surgery and said he feels good and the extra day was the team’s suggestion.

“It’s not that big a deal,” Cole said, adding it didn’t impact his preparation between starts.

The Yankees felt that with Cole, along with Carlos Rodón, coming back from elbow surgeries, and young pitchers like Cam Schlittler and Will Warren in the rotation, a break was beneficial.

Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws a pitch during the first inning when the New York Yankees played the Chicago White Sox Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Robert Sabo for NY Post

The transition of Carlos Lagrange to the bullpen — at least for now — continued Sunday, with the right-hander tossing a scoreless inning for SWB. He hit 100 mph twice in the outing as the Yankees prepare him to pitch as a reliever for the rest of this season.

The Yankees have said they want him to be able to pitch on back-to-back days before bringing him to The Bronx, which he still hasn’t done, but it’s becoming clearer that Lagrange will likely be part of a new-look bullpen with the Yankees fairly soon.

Trent Grisham has been doing on-field agility drills, and Boone said he’s “encouraged” by how the center fielder is recovering from a right hamstring strain.

“Maybe a little surprised he’s moving as well as he is,” Boone said.

Without Grisham, they used José Caballero in center after some pinch-hitting moves in the bottom of the sixth, and he was slow to get to Spencer Steer’s grounder up the middle and then threw wildly, which allowed Steer to get to third.

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Thunder reportedly agree to trade Aaron Wiggins to Atlanta for two second-round picks

Oklahoma City is trying to reduce its massive upcoming tax bill, and Atlanta has become the beneficiary.

The Thunder are trading Aaron Wiggins to the Hawks for two second-round picks, a trade first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. Officially, the trade is Wiggins for the Hawks' 2030 second-round pick and the least favorable of the 2032 Hawks or Lakers pick.

For Oklahoma City, this is essentially a salary dump. Wiggins is set to make $9.2 million next season, and that now comes off OKC's books (and creating a roster spot if the Thunder decide to use both first-round picks they control). Most importantly, the trade lowers the team's expected $213 million luxury tax bill down to $152 million. Expect more moves by the Thunder to try to lower that bill even further in the coming weeks.

Atlanta picks up a quality wing player, one who averaged 9.4 points a game last season for the Thunder, but his minutes were getting squeezed by the rise of Ajay Mitchell and the arrival of Jared McCain.

Wiggins is a testament to the Thunder's player development. They drafted him No. 55 but helped him grow into a quality rotation player, and during the Thunder's championship season, he averaged 12 points per game.

This trade will not become official until July 6 (the day the NBA's free agent moratorium is lifted) because of the money involved. The Hawks will absorb Wiggins' salary into an $11 million trade exemption they have, but this will hard-cap them at the first tax apron. Which is not that big a deal because they aren't expected to go near that anyway.

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Now That The Trade Floodgates Have Opened, Eyes Are On Kyle Dubas And The Penguins

The week leading up to the NHL Draft is always an interesting one, as teams typically become a bit more active on the trade market with both the draft and free agency on the horizon.

But, with so many trade rumors already circulating this summer, this week in particular could be a very active one in comparison to years past -- and one major domino has already fallen.

On Sunday, the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers executed the summer's first blockbuster trade, as Sens' captain Brady Tkachuk was sent to Florida for Florida's 2026 ninth overall pick, their 25th overall pick, a 2029 first-round pick, and a 2030 second-round pick. With so many other names - some of them, big names - on the board still, this trade could have opened the floodgates for teams trying to improve in the near-term to get deals done prior to or on draft day.

Panthers Acquire Brady Tkachuk From Ottawa In Blockbuster Trade Panthers Acquire Brady Tkachuk From Ottawa In Blockbuster Trade Florida weaponizes newfound draft capital to unite the Tkachuk brothers in Sunrise, fortifying a championship roster for another aggressive pursuit of NHL dominance.

And, even if they may not play host to some of the market's biggest names, one of the most interesting teams to keep an eye on will be Kyle Dubas's Pittsburgh Penguins. 

No, the Penguins are not the Dallas Stars, who have a very attractive RFA trade-then-sign candidate in star winger Jason Robertson. They're also not the Toronto Maple Leafs, who will likely select Gavin McKenna first overall on Friday and who are shopping top-six winger Matthew Knies. And they're not the Senators, either, who now have multiple first-round picks at their disposal to leverage in the trade market.

However, they should be a very active team on the trade market nonetheless -- and that could involve buying and selling all in one. 

On Sunday, it was reiterated by The Athletic's Josh Yohe - although, it's not exactly new information - that Dubas and the Penguins are not eager to trade top-six wingers Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell but that they are available. Given the going prices of players on the trade market during this calendar year, it would not be entirely surprising to see either one on the move given the return the Penguins could get. 

Numbers Finally Mentioned in Jason Robertson Contract NegotiationsNumbers Finally Mentioned in Jason Robertson Contract NegotiationsDallas faces a tight salary cap as negotiations stall over a multi-million dollar gap. Insiders reveal the star winger's camp is eyeing a record-breaking $14 million valuation.

The Penguins are trying to improve next season, and that much has been made clear. But they are simultaneously trying to get younger while getting better, which is a tough needle to thread. Rust and Rakell may be in their mid-30s with two years each remaining on their contracts that pay them $5.1 and $5 million per year, respectively - and several other teams desire to add top-six players and, in some cases, veterans - but they're still very good players, and each of them could help advance the Penguins' pursuit to get better and younger at the same time. 

They are both around 30-goal wingers who play in the top-six and come cheap relative to the market and the rising cap, so dealing them should be a no-brainer if they can get the specific kind of return they are looking for. 

Because, just like every other trade scenario for a team in their position, they won't be making trades just to trade. 

Another interesting area to watch will be how they handle the potential of trading their picks, and it has been said on numerous occasions by Dubas himself that there is an understanding they'll have to dabble in the market if they are going to take bigger steps. Even with that, however, they'll only pull the trigger on trades if they believe it will benefit them in both the short- and the long-term.

3 Big Takeaways From Dubas's End-Of-Season Press Conference3 Big Takeaways From Dubas's End-Of-Season Press ConferenceOn Tuesday, Pittsburgh Penguins' general manager and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas met with the media to discuss the 2025-26 season and what's next for the organization this summer.

In a vacuum, trading Rust or Rakell hurts the immediate future of the team for next season, but if they can leverage one of them for a younger player to immediately replace them, it makes sense. Many are speculating that the Penguins could trade one of them move up in the draft - and, they very well might - but unless they have a more immediate replacement plan for Rust or Rakell, it doesn't make much sense to leverage them in that situation because the player they draft likely won't be in the picture next season. 

Then, there is the situation with Edmonton Oilers' defenseman Darnell Nurse, who requested a trade andn whose top destination is, reportedly, Pittsburgh. The 31-year-old makes a lot of money - he is signed on for $9.25 million per year through the end of the 2029-30 season - and has underperformed his contract so far, but he is still a decent player in a lesser role and someone the Penguins should be able to bring along a nice return for.

The bottom line is that, while the Penguins figure to be a relatively active team in these next couple of weeks, it will be interesting to see how big they go: Will they try to trade into the top-10? Will they set their sights on the trade market and use their NHL assets and capital to go big? Will they take on contracts like Nurse's to acquire more value that they can leverage later? Will they move anyone of significance at all? Will they offer sheet?

All of these are valid questions -- and many of them will be answered in the next two weeks. The one thing for certain is that Dubas is going to be a busy man, and that will keep Penguins' fans on their toes in anticipation. 

Does Oilers' Defenseman Darnell Nurse Make Sense For Pittsburgh? Does Oilers' Defenseman Darnell Nurse Make Sense For Pittsburgh? Edmonton Oilers' defenseman Darnell Nurse has, reportedly, requested a trade to Pittsburgh. And, even if he is not the ideal left defenseman for them this offseason, taking him on may not be as detrimental as it seems.

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