A year ago, there were reports that Jonas Valanciunas wanted to negotiate a buyout with Denver so he could sign with Greek side Panathinaikos, except that the Nuggets didn't want to let their primary backup to Nikola Jokic walk.
Valanciunas played more than 1,000 NBA games across 14 seasons, averaging 12.8 points and nine rebounds a game in his career. Last season, in 65 games with the Nuggets, averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds a night.
Denver moved on and signed Marvin Bagley III to fill the Jokic backup role next season. While Valanciunas spoke to several NBA teams about a return, it was always expected he would return to Europe for next season.
It's been an oddly Philadelphia-themed offseason for Senators fans.
It started with the Sens re-signing Nick Cousins, who was drafted by Philadelphia and spent his first four pro seasons in that organization. Cousins got a two-year contract worth $1.59 million a season.
Later in the day on July 1st, GM Steve Staios addressed his backup goalie riddle, re-signing newly-acquired RFA Samuel Ersson, who had spent the past five seasons with the Flyers.
Steve Staios talked last month on NHL draft day about acquiring goalie Samuel Ersson.
Then, after false reports that he'd gone back to Philly, veteran free agent Claude Giroux signed on for a fifth season in Ottawa and explained to the media on Tuesday why he did so.
Finally, on Wednesday, the NHL announced that the Senators will open their new 42-game home schedule against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 8 at Canadian Tire Centre.
For Giroux, the decision to return to Ottawa wasn't simply about playing another NHL season. It was about staying with a group he's grown so close to over the past four years.
"I chose to come back because I want to be here. I'm excited to be an Ottawa Senator," Giroux told reporters Tuesday during a Zoom media availability.
"Being around those guys for four years, we got really close. The team feels like a family. I just care for those players."
The Senators officially announced Giroux's new contract on July 7. The one-year deal carries a base salary of $2 million, with the veteran forward eligible to earn up to another $3 million in performance bonuses.
Two million dollars of those bonuses are tied to games played, reaching the 10-game and 40-game marks, while the remaining bonuses depend on Ottawa's playoff success.
Giroux's future had been the subject of plenty of speculation after free agency opened. At one point, inaccurate media reports even suggested he had agreed to return to the Flyers, which naturally got tongues wagging in Philly. There was also talk that he may be in the mix in Toronto and Edmonton.
Instead, the 38-year-old appears to be happy to walk into the NHL sunset with Ottawa, the place he's called home since moving here from Hearst, Ontario, at age 14.
While Giroux chose to stay in Ottawa, another player with Flyers ties is just arriving.
Goaltender Samuel Ersson is expected to begin the season as Ottawa's backup behind Linus Ullmark after signing a two-year contract carrying an average annual value of $2.2 million.
As an RFA, Ersson was moved earlier this summer in the deal that saw Philadelphia acquire Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit from the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Speaking in an interview posted on the Senators' website, Ersson said he's looking forward to the opportunity and excited for a fresh start.
The Senators' crease now features three goaltenders on NHL contracts, with Ersson joining Ullmark and Leevi Meriläinen, who also signed a one-year contract earlier this offseason. While Meriläinen remains in the picture, Ersson appears to have the clear inside track on the backup job heading into training camp.
Now, the former Flyer won't have to wait long to see his old teammates.
The NHL announced Wednesday that Ottawa's home opener will come against Philadelphia on October 8 at Canadian Tire Centre.
The NHL season starts on September 29th this fall, so that means the Sens will likely open with a two- or three-game road trip. The full regular season schedule, now 84 games long, comes out tomorrow.
With two new extra games to be played in 2026-27, who'd be surprised if one of them is against Philly?
How the Dylan Larkin trade request was handled by GM Steve Yzerman was thought to be a possible watershed moment for his tenure in Detroit. As it turns out, someone else is going to land on that particular grenade.
The Red Wings announced July 15 that Yzerman is being relieved of his GM duties and moved to an advisory role to Chris Ilitch, leaving the organization with Yzerman as a lame duck in the meantime. As such, it stands to reason the Larkin move — should it happen — will be handled by whomever the team appoints to take Yzerman's mantle.
Larkin, of course, requested a trade from the Red Wings in June, and has expressed interest in waiving his no-movement clause for the Minnesota Wild, Vegas Golden Knights, and Florida Panthers. The Dallas Stars have also been reported as a team Larkin would consider, but those reports are unconfirmed. Larkin has spent his entire professional career with the Red Wings since being drafted in 2014. They made the playoffs in his rookie year but haven't made it since. He was named captain in 2021.
Yzerman and Larkin's relationship has been chilly, at least to the public eye. Larkin criticized a passive trade deadline in 2025, and Yzerman said at the NHL draft whether Larkin would be moved depended on if the return was worthwhile. As a GM, Yzerman has been known to be cautious about trading pieces. Larkin has proven to be no exception.
The transition for the Red Wings creates two branching paths, and they hinge on a big question: Was Larkin's problem with the Red Wings? Or was it with Yzerman?
Path No. 1: Dylan Larkin stays with Red Wings
Yzerman is not exiting the Red Wings organization completely, but there is a world in which Yzerman being out of a decision-making role causes Larkin to rescind his trade request.
The center is on a team-friendly contract, and his extremely truncated list of contenders who would be unwilling to part with win-now pieces makes moving him difficult. The longer this saga drags out, the worse it looks for both parties. If Larkin perceives Yzerman's GM exit as the team choosing him over Yzerman (this is unlikely the case, but some will see it that way), perhaps he stays.
That's still complicated. Captains asking out doesn't happen especially often, so how the locker room would handle this path further muddies the waters of Larkin staying. But that's a bridge the team would have to cross if it gets there.
Path No. 2: A new GM comes in and negotiates a Larkin trade
The problem with trading a player like Larkin, a franchise stalwart, is the return has to be worthwhile. Not just to the person making the trade, but also to the fanbase at large.
Yzerman not making this deal takes every single piece on the board for a Larkin trade and moves it back to start. No passing go. No $200. If the Wild, Panthers or Golden Knights had any momentum in landing Larkin, that momentum has been completely arrested.
That can be good or bad. If Yzerman was asking for an unreasonable package for Larkin, another GM might ask for something more doable. With that being said, the new GM will be under tremendous pressure to get this move right. It can make or break a tenure before a single game has a puck dropped. And the Red Wings are not looking to go into another full-blown rebuild. Anyone will ask for pieces that get them back to the postseason.
Path No. 3: Absolutely nothing changes
This is not physics. Every action doesn't necessarily beget a reaction.
It's completely possible Yzerman moves on, Larkin still wants a trade and Yzerman's replacement can't negotiate anything either. Should that happen, trade talks with the aforementioned teams will resume.
From there, it's just a waiting game as both sides try to navigate the offseason. The Red Wings moving on from Yzerman is in no way a decision on Larkin. But if nothing else, it shows that progress wasn't happening fast enough for the powers that be in Hockeytown.
Holy Jumpin'! On "Leafs Morning Take", Chicago Blackhawks announcer Darren Pang confirmed a rumor that was swirling about EA Sports NHL. Pang, along with ESPN's John Buccigross, will be the broadcast team calling matches in the video game.
Pang, an employee of CHSN as a Blackhawks analyst, will complement Buccigross' play-by-play. He also confirmed that this is not a one-year deal; they have a multi-year agreement with EA Sports.
Pang is a wonderful broadcaster best known for his catch phrases that make fans smile on a nightly basis. In addition to his work with CHSN, he is also a national broadcaster with NHL on TNT, so his knowledge of the league as a whole is second to none. He's perfect for this role in the video game.
On Tuesday, EA Sports revealed that San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini is going to be on the cover of the game, which makes you wonder if Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard has the honor in his future. You'd think.
The next generation is here. Macklin Celebrini is the youngest NHL cover athlete in history. Tune in for the #NHL27 Reveal Trailer on July 16 at 11 AM ET.
The full reveal trailer, where you will likely hear Pang's voice in the game, will be published on Thursday, July 16th, at 10 AM CT. That will also come with preorder details, along with a release date.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting on the article below on THN.com or by creating your own post in our community forum.
COLUMBUS, OHIO - JUNE 18, 2026: Tyler Hardman #36 of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders bats during the fourth inning against the Columbus Clippers at Huntington Park on June 18, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
With the help of Tyler Hardman’s bat, the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders rode some momentum into the All-Star break.
The RailRiders took four of six games in a series at Sahlen Field in New York against the Buffalo Bisons, top affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. Hardman led the way, batting .500 (12-for-24) in the six games with one double, four home runs, eight runs and nine RBIs.
Those numbers earned him International League Player of the Week honors for July 6-12.
In the series opener July 7th, Hardman went 4-for-6 with a double, two home runs, four runs, and four RBIs as the RailRiders romped to an 18-3 victory. He hit a two-run shot in the top of the second inning and a solo blast leading off the top of the sixth. It is his second two-homer game with the RailRiders — the other came June 25th at Indianapolis — and third of the season. The other came May 2nd with Double-A Somerset.
One night later, Hardman capped a four-run first inning with a three-run home run off future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer, who was making a MLB rehab start with Buffalo, and the RailRiders won, 5-1.
Hardman had three hits, including another home run leading off the sixth inning, and two RBIs on July 10th in a 9-1 RailRiders win. In a doubleheader July 11th he went a combined 3-for-5 although the RailRiders wound up losing both games of the twin bill, 5-2 and 3-1. Hardman contributed a hit in the series finale which the RailRiders won in 10 innings, 8-7.
It took Hardman quite some time to get to Triple-A and he is making the most of it. In 44 games with the RailRiders, he is batting .276 (43-for-156) with nine doubles, nine home runs, 23 runs, and 26 RBIs.
Including 42 games at Somerset, Hardman is batting a combined .288 (88-for-306) with 17 doubles, and 22 home runs. He leads all Yankees minor leaguers in games played (86) and RBIs (66). His 88 hits rank second behind Kaeden Kent’s 97 with High-A Hudson Valley and his 22 home runs are second behind teammate Garrett Martin. Both Kent and Martin are currently on the seven-day injured list at Hudson Valley and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, respectively. Martin has 24 home runs, with his last three coming as a RailRider.
This is the fourth time this season that a RailRider has won the MiLB weekly award. Yanquiel Fernández was named Player of the Week for the period of May 18-24. Brendan Beck was twice chosen Pitcher of the Week: May 11-17 and June 1-8. Beck also was named IL Pitcher of the Month for June.
By winning four of the six games in Buffalo, the RailRiders took the season series from the Bisons, 10-5. They also improved to 11-6 in the second half (48-43) and are in second place in the International League standings, 2.5 games behind the Durham Bulls — right in the thick of the playoff race.
Coming out of the All-Star break, the RailRiders will be home at PNC Field in northeastern Pennsylvania for nine consecutive games. First, they host the Worcester Red Sox on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Then, they entertain the Syracuse Mets in a six-game series next week. Against the WooSox this season, the RailRiders are 4-7, while they are 7-11 against the Mets.
Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs and Munetaka Murakami of the Sox share a laugh at the All-Star Game. Could these two and their teams meet in October? | Getty Images
The Chicago Cubs are celebrating their 150th anniversary this year. The Chicago White Sox, charter members of the American League in 1901, are in their 126th season.
That’s a lot of baseball and a lot of history. And in the World Series era of Major League Baseball the two Chicago teams have played in October in the same year in just three of the 121 seasons we’ve had postseason baseball. Those years are 1903 to 2025, with these exceptions: 1904 (no World Series because manager John McGraw of the Giants was being pigheaded and refused to play the AL champion A’s) and 1994, when the postseason was cancelled due to a players’ strike.
In addition to having been in the postseason together just three times, the Cubs were often awful when the Sox were in the postseason and vice versa. Consider this article a slice of Chicago baseball history.
I’ve made two tables to show that to you. First, here are the 22 Cubs postseason years:
Year
Cubs record/finish
White Sox record/finish
1906
116-36, NL pennant
93-58, WS champions
1907
107-45, WS champions
87-64, third place
1908
99-55, WS champions
88-64, third place
1910
104-50, NL pennant
68-85, sixth place
1918
84-45, NL pennant
57-67, sixth place
1929
98-54, NL pennant
59-93, seventh place
1932
90-64, NL pennant
49-102, seventh place
1935
100-54, NL pennant
53-99, eighth place
1938
89-63, NL pennant
65-83, sixth place
1945
98-56, NL pennant
71-78, sixth place
1984
96-65, NL East title
74-88, fifth place
1989
93-69, NL East title
69-92, seventh place
1998
90-73, NL Wild Card
80-82, second place
2003
88-74, NL Central title
86-76, second place
2007
85-77, NL Central title
72-90, fourth place
2008
97-64, NL Central title
89-74, AL Central title
2015
97-65, NL Wild Card Game winner
76-86, fourth place
2016
103-58, WS champions
78-84, fourth place
2017
92-70, NL Central title
67-95, fourth place
2018
95-68, NL Wild Card Game loser
62-100, fourth place
2020
34-26, NL Central title
35-25, AL Wild Card series loser
2025
92-70, NL Wild Card Series winner
60-102, fifth place
While the Cubs were good in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, the Sox were pretty bad for almost that entire era. Here’s the chart for the 11 White Sox postseason years:
Year
White Sox record/finish
Cubs record/finish
1906
93-58, WS champions
116-36, NL pennant
1917
100-54, WS champions
74-80, fifth place
1919
88-52, AL pennant
75-65, third place
1959
94-60, AL pennant
74-80, fifth place
1983
99-63, AL pennant
71-91, fifth place
1993
94-68, AL West title
84-78, fourth place
2000
95-67, AL Central title
65-97, sixth place
2005
99-63, WS champions
79-83, fourth place
2008
89-74, AL Central title
97-64, NL Central title
2020
35-25, AL Wild Card series loser
34-26, NL Central title
2021
93-69, AL Central title
71-91, fourth place
Apart from the three matching postseason years, the Cubs were also generally pretty bad when the Sox played in October, most recently in 2021 when the Sox appeared to have a team that could make the playoffs in multiple years and the Cubs had their big selloff. That postseason run for the Sox obviously didn’t happen and they have been terrible since then… until this year.
And that brings us back to 2026, where we come out of the All-Star break with both Chicago MLB teams in postseason position. The Cubs are currently in the first NL Wild Card spot, with a real chance of winning the NL Central, and the Sox are in a virtual tie with the Guardians for the AL Central lead, both teams at four games over .500. In fact, only five of the 15 AL teams are over .500 at this time — besides those two, the Rays and Yankees are battling for the AL East, and the Rangers, currently two games over .500, lead the AL West.
Of the three seasons where both Chicago teams made the postseason, one of them (2020) was the shortened pandemic season and should be taken with some grains of salt. Both teams were bounced out of that year’s 16-team postseason in the first round, the Cubs swept by the Marlins and the Sox losing a Wild Card series 2-1 to the A’s.
In 2008, the Cubs appeared possibly headed to the World Series with the best record in the NL (97-64) and breakage of their WS drought on its 100th anniversary. But they were rudely dispatched by the 84-78 Dodgers, swept in a division series. Meanwhile, the Sox had to win three straight games against three different teams just to get in — the final regular-season game vs. Cleveland, then a rainout makeup game against Detroit, then a divisional tiebreaker with Minnesota. After that they got bounced in the division series by the eventual AL champion Rays.
The other one, of course, was 120 years ago, when the Cubs won a still-MLB record 116 games and were expected to demolish the 93-win White Sox. But the “Hitless Wonders” White Sox, who had the best pitching staff in the American League, outscored the Cubs 22-18 in winning the World Series four games to two.
One other year in which there was hope in Chicago that both teams would make the postseason was 1977, when the Cubs got off to a 47-22 start, only to collapse and finish at .500. The Sox, who roared into first place at midseason on the strength of a 22-6 July, also faded and finished 92-70. Both teams were in first place as late as Aug. 6. This year? “As always, we await developments.”
As we return to the present day, it does seem as if 2026 will be the fourth time both Chicago MLB teams will be in the postseason and first in 18 years. They could, conceivably, both go into the October tournament as division champions with first-round byes. Who knows? 118 years after their only World Series meeting, could the Cubs and Sox play in October this year? Now that would likely grab a lot of nationwide attention.
Matt Ponatoski scrambles for a Moeller first down at the Princeton vs. Moeller King of the Block rivalry football game, Aug. 23, 2025. | Geoff Blankenship for The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
There’s just something inherently magical about a kid who can sling a football on Friday nights and launch a 97-mph fastball or turn a smooth double play on the diamond in the spring. That’s exactly what Will Stein, Nick Mingione, and the rest of Big Blue Nation envisioned when Matt Ponatoski committed to the Kentucky Wildcats.
And now, that dream has reportedly become a reality.
According to KSR’s Drew Franklin, Ponatoski has enrolled at UK ahead of the start of football training camp. That means the highly decorated recruit is set to stick with the Wildcats after being drafted in the 18th round of the 2026 MLB Draft by his hometown Cincinnati Reds.
Ponatoski is an absolute stud. A phenomenal talent out of Archbishop Moeller in Ohio, he signed to play both baseball and football at Kentucky. On the gridiron, he’s a highly touted 4-star quarterback who set school records and earned Ohio Mr. Football honors.
On the diamond, he’s a Gatorade Player of the Year with pro-level tools and a winner’s mentality. The talent is undeniable, and he has the skills to excel in either sport. But as the 2026 MLB Draft approached, the looming question hanging over Lexington was: Will he ever actually step on campus?
For those of you who might be unfamiliar with how the MLB Draft rules work, it’s completely different. When a high school player who has signed with a college program gets drafted, they face a massive choice. They have a narrow negotiating window to either sign a professional contract with the MLB franchise that drafted them or honor their college commitment.
The deadline to sign is July 27 at 5 PM ET. If they don’t sign on the dotted line by that exact deadline, the team loses its rights, and the player is headed to college for three years or until they turn 21 at a 4-year school (unless they opt to attend a junior college the school year after the draft, which makes them draft-eligible again the following year).
Heading into the draft, MLB.com ranked Ponatoski as the 206th-best player in the class (funnily enough, former Cat Tyler Bell comes in at number 10 on those same rankings, the exact same spot he was selected in the first round by the Colorado Rockies). While he isn’t a first-rounder, Ponatoski has serious pro-level stuff, and scouts clearly love his upside.
That’s why Ponatoski was selected by No. 542 overall in the 18th round of the draft. But thankfully, it appears he’s going to attend college and give the Cats some much-needed depth at quarterback on the gridiron while also giving the Bat Cats a boost in the bullpen.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shakes hands with Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors after the Lakers defeated the Warriors 118-108 at Chase Center on January 25, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Golden State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Golden State Warriors have, rather openly, been involved in the LeBron James sweepstakes ever since the NBA’s all-time leading scorer opened the offseason by announcing that he would not return to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Dubs have made their pitches, while Steph Curry has spoken publicly about how much fun it would be to welcome James into the fold, and Draymond Green has spent time vacationing and golfing with the once rival.
But while James is undoubtedly one of the best players in NBA history — and the best, in the eyes of many — opinions about him remain mixed, particularly at this stage of his career. And with the Warriors already aging and injury prone, many people don’t feel like James is a great fit, despite his numbers last season (20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game).
So we’re asking you, Dub Nation: how would you feel about LeBron joining the Warriors as both sides go for one final run?
The New Jersey Devils are coming off a tough season that saw injuries and inconsistencies ruin their campaign. They missed the playoffs and are looking to bounce back in a big way.
Sheldon Keefe was not fired when the Devils overhauled their front office, led by new GM Sunny Mehta. Instead, he was allowed to fill out a new coaching staff in an attempt to get the team on the right path.
Leo Luongo, Ted Donato, AJ MacLean, and Dan Stewart have been named to the coaching/development staff.
Luongo is going to be the man who oversees all goaltending development. He will report directly to Martin Brodeur, who serves as the Vice President of Hockey Operations. Of course, Brodeur is one of the greatest NHL goalies to ever lace up the pads, so good minds are leading the way there.
Dan Stewart has been hired as the goaltending coach, and he will work together with Luongo alongside Utica Comets goalie coach Brian Eklund and goalie scout/development coach Manny Legace.
Drafting and developing goaltenders has been an issue for the Devils since the retirement of Brodeur, who they relied on so much for parts of three decades. Now, they will move their philosophy in a different direction.
AJ MacLean, son of former NHL head coach Paul MacLean, will serve as an assistant coach under Keefe. He is coming off a tenure with the AHL Syracuse team, which serves as the affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
MacLean worked with Keefe when they were together on the coaching staff of the Toronto Marlies.
As for Ted Donato, whose son Ryan is a forward for the Chicago Blackhawks, is a Harvard coaching legend. He recently stepped down from the head coaching position there after a remarkable 22 seasons. He was also an NHL player for parts of 13 seasons, including stints with the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, and New York Rangers.
Donato was inducted into the Massachusetts Hall of Fame in 2010 for his dedication and strength as a head coach of a prominent NCAA program in the state. Now, he is back in the NHL as a New Jersey Devils assistant coach.
Are these the moves that will be the magic wand that gets the Devils back into Stanley Cup contention? Not on their own, but putting the right people in the right jobs is a great way for players to feel comfortable in their roles.
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 5: Adou Thiero #1, Anton Watson #41, and Cameron Carr #43 of the Los Angeles Lakers speak after the California Classic Game on July 5, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
With three straight wins in Las Vegas after consecutive wins to close the California Classic, the Lakers are have quickly become a fun watch during Summer League.
While results don’t matter as much in these competitions, what is important is that the key players on the roster impress. The Lakers have gotten that as well.
Adou Thiero is entering his second year and is playing like it in Summer League as he’s punishing the rim with monster dunks in virtually every game. Thiero has scored in double figures in every contest in Las Vegas and had his best game against the Thunder, tallying 20 points in the win.
Whether the Lakers win it all in Las Vegas or not, the fact that the two players on the main roster have played so well makes this Summer League a success.
For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we ask, which player are fans more excited about, Carr or Thiero?
Excited is an interesting word. It doesn’t necessarily mean who you think is better, but which player you are most looking forward to watching.
Thiero is certainly an exciting player. Anyone can watch him attack the rim and understand how special it is. Considering he appears to be more in control of his incredible athleticism, he could not only be the most exciting player on the Lakers but also earn an increased role on a team looking for his youth and athleticism.
If even part of Thiero’s Summer League game translates to the regular season, his second year will be better than his first.
As for Carr, he is less known, which makes him exciting. Right now, nearly all the film of him in a Lakers jersey is encouraging. His shot is so pure and he’s scoring with ease.
He’s a bit light but is planning to spend time in the weight room to bulk up. Also, he’s already proving to be a willing defender with at least one block in four of the five Summer League games he’s played in.
After these Summer League performances, Lakers fans likely believe Carr was the steal of the draft and will be even more excited for his official debut.
Who are you most excited about? Let us know by participating in the poll above and in the comments section below.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 13: Fans react after Kyle Schwarber (not pictured) of the Philadelphia Phillies advances to the finals of the 2026 Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park on July 13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Philadelphia sports fans made headlines once again this week.
And this time, you should feel nothing but pride.
The story of All Star Week at Citizens Bank Park was not Jordan Walker’s incredible come-from-behind victory over the hometown slugging hero, Kyle Schwarber. It was not the American League’s 4-0 victory over the National League in Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic.
It was not Cristopher Sanchez’ rough inning of work, Jesus Luzardo’s pristine 4th, Jhoan Duran’s 9th inning cameo, nor anything Schwarber, Bryce Harper or Brandon Marsh did in the All Star Game.
No, you were the story.
You ruled All Star week in Philadelphia.
Whereas most All Star games are attended by a wide variety of fan bases, both marquee events this week felt intensely Philly. This was a mostly rabid hometown fanbase looking to will all players wearing red and white pinstripes to ridiculous success while at the same time booing the lifeblood from every other player in existence, save for Philly-natives Mike Trout and Kevin McGonigle.
As a result, Philadelphia fans turned a meaningless exhibition into a sporting spectacle that crackled with electricity. It gave a staid and, sometimes boring event, a playoff-type atmosphere.
We should have known it would be like that once Harper and Schwarber announced they would participate in the Derby in front of their home crowd. We should have known the fans in attendance would use all of their powers to try to rattle opposing participants and will their stars to victory.
Why doesn’t every fanbase do this?
The booing in this case was, of course, all in the spirit of competition and good fun. And to the credit of Wilson Contreras, Jordan Walker, and every other participant, they all understood the fans’ assignment. They realized what was happening and, instead of making a stink and shrinking from the moment, used it to motivate them to perform well.
"The boos were crazy, especially in the opening ceremony. It was so cool. I always like the saying, 'they don't boo nobodies.'"
Cardinals HR Derby Champ Jordan Walker gives credit to Philly fans: “I’ve never heard people cheer harder for Schwarber and Harper.” pic.twitter.com/OimL6l8BPD
Listen to the admiration in Walker’s voice. Every player would want to play in front of a fanbase like ours. Even players who exist in the so-called “Baseball Heaven” of St. Louis.
Coincidentally, these are the things the national media won’t post about when talking about Philly fans pic.twitter.com/zQgxPF6US3
— The Red Stripes Supporter Group (@TheRedStripesSG) July 14, 2026
These types of events are supposed to be entertaining. And while the All Star Game itself was a bit of a dud, with Phils hitters going 0-for-5 with four strikeouts and the entire NL lineup mustering just three hits and 15 strikeouts, the atmosphere coming into the game felt rich.
It was fun watching the fans boo every Met, Yankee, Dodger, Astro, Diamondback and Brave participant in the starting lineups. There is no safe quarter in Philly.
Phillies fans, I salute you. You made MLB's Home Run Derby and All Star Game feel like one of the most electric sporting events of 2026.
Over the last few seasons, the Philadelphia Flyers have generally struggled to re-sign their own players to team-friendly deals, or to deals that at least make sense for the future of the franchise.
According to a new report, that unfortunate trend could very well continue for yet another offseason.
Two weeks on from the start of NHL free agency, veteran defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen remains with the Flyers despite years of intense trade rumors and reports of multiple kiboshed deals, especially over the last two seasons.
But, new intel from Flyers team writer Bill Meltzer, via the O&B PuckCast, tells us that this might not change any time soon. In fact, it might not even change for the foreseeable future.
That's because the Flyers are purportedly considering a contract extension for the 31-year-old Finn.
"From what I gather, they've actually talked to Rasmus Ristolainen about an extension, because he's an unrestricted free agent in a year," Meltzer said.
Ristolainen indeed has one year remaining on his contract at a $5.1 million cap hit, and while injuries have been a detractor for him, the former Buffalo Sabres defender has revived his career in Philadelphia.
The Flyers, with the help of ex-coaches Brad Shaw and John Tortorella, have morphed Ristolainen into a physical, reliable second-pair, stay-at-home defenseman who has figured out how to mitigate his average mobility and puck skills.
With that said, though, Ristolainen is not getting any younger, and the Flyers have refused to settle on any potential deals for their prized defender to this point, despite recorded interest from other NHL teams.
The Flyers also have recent trade acquisition David Jiricek, as well as second-year pro Oliver Bonk, pushing for roster spots this upcoming season.
In the prospect pipeline, the Flyers already have Spencer Gill, Carter Amico, and Luke Vlooswyk, and they just allocated a second-round pick to another right-shot defenseman in Brek Liske at the 2026 NHL Draft last month.
If the Flyers are indeed considering an extension for Ristolainen, this is not a rousing endorsement of their prospect pool; three of the four aforementioned names were second-round picks, while Bonk and Jiricek were first-rounders.
Of course, it is possible that the Flyers are simply trying to re-gain some leverage, as other NHL teams are surely aware of their situation, knowing that Ristolainen will eventually be squeezed out in a numbers game.
Potential suitors already struggled with the idea of taking on Ristolainen's $5.1 million cap hit, especially with more than one year of term attached, so it would make little sense for the Flyers to give Ristolainen several more years with age-based regression looming, on top of what we can expect to be a raise of some kind.
By giving Ristolainen a contract extension of any kind, the Flyers will make it harder on themselves to find a trade suitor, while also presenting a roadblock for many of their top prospects unnecessarily.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. may have offered the latest clue in the LeBron James free agency mystery — or simply confirmed the Warriors are already prepared to move on without him.
Speaking during Golden State’s summer league game, the Warriors general manager said the franchise is nearing the end of its offseason work.
Mike Dunleavy says the Warriors are close to finalizing their roster, fueling fresh speculation about LeBron James. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle via AP
“I think we’re getting close to finalizing the roster here,” Dunleavy said. “So we’re looking forward to that finish point.”
Naturally, one routine front-office update immediately became LeBron tea.
LeBron James (23) and Steph Curry would be an intriguing combination for the Warriors. Getty Images
That makes Dunleavy’s wording difficult to ignore. If the Warriors are waiting on James as their final major piece, “getting close” could suggest the organization believes his decision is imminent — and perhaps that Golden State remains firmly involved.
It could also mean the exact opposite.
Recent reporting from Shams Charania indicated that James’ focus has shifted toward the Cavaliers, Heat and 76ers. Dunleavy may simply know Golden State cannot hold the rest of its offseason hostage much longer.
The Warriors are hoping for a run at another title for Steph Curry (right). NBAE via Getty Images
Should James choose another destination, Golden State could pivot toward a veteran alternative or enter the season largely with what it has.
James and Draymond Green (right) reportedly have chatted about joining forces. Getty Images
For a franchise supposedly nearing the finish line, there are several rather important blanks left to fill.
The Warriors know Stephen Curry’s championship window is closing, which is why pairing him with LeBron James carries so much appeal. James would not simply add another superstar; he would give Golden State the secondary playmaker it lacked last season.
With James handling more creation, Curry could spend additional possessions moving without the ball, where his shooting becomes even more dangerous. Few players manipulate defenses and locate shooters coming off screens better than James, and no shooter punishes those openings more ruthlessly than Curry.
Stephen Curry #30 (2nd from left) of the Golden State Warriors reacts on the bench during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament game against the Phoenix Suns Getty Images
A lineup featuring James, Curry and Draymond Green would also possess an extraordinary level of basketball intelligence. All three understand spacing, angles and defensive coverages, making them natural fits for Golden State’s pass-and-cut system. James could initiate the offense, attack mismatches and push the ball in transition without dominating every possession.
The arrangement would benefit him, too. Rather than carrying an offense for nearly 40 minutes a night, James could lean on Curry, Green and Al Horford, allowing Golden State to preserve him for the postseason.
United States forward LeBron James and guard Stephen Curry celebrate after the game against Serbia in a men’s basketball semifinal during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Chemistry is not theoretical. James and Curry repeatedly closed games together while leading Team USA to gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Curry has since taken his recruiting pitch public, saying on Good Morning America that Golden State could allow James to finish his career “the right way.”
“The Bay, we know how to win, it’s beautiful weather, great golf, and I know he’s into that,” Curry said.
The concerns are even more obvious. Age and durability loom large with all the principal pieces having missed significant time last season.
Golden State can offer James smart teammates with existing chemistry, championship experience and a natural basketball fit. The gamble is whether its decorated veterans can remain healthy long enough to give Curry and James one final title run.
But Dunleavy’s comment does not reveal whether Golden State is preparing a LeBron jersey or closing the door.
It only confirms the waiting game is almost over — one way or another.
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The A’s are calling up their No. 7-ranked prospect, third baseman Tommy White, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Wednesday evening. White, a former LSU standout and 2024 MLB Draft second-round pick, is set to make his big-league debut Friday against the Washington Nationals at Sutter Health Park, per Passan.
The A's are calling up third baseman Tommy White, sources tell ESPN. White, a star at LSU and second-round pick in 2024, is hitting .303/.353/.465 with 10 home runs and 64 RBIs this season. The 23-year-old is expected to make his debut Friday against Washington.
As Passan noted, White, 23, has raked between two levels in the minors this season. Since his promotion to Triple-A Las Vegas on April 27, White is slashing .303/.345/.489 with an .834 OPS.
White’s call-up comes as the A’s deal with a slew of injuries to their starting lineup, including third baseman Zack Gelof, who landed on the 10-day injured list last week with a right knee laceration after sliding into the fence against the Detroit Tigers.
While the move to bring White up isn’t official yet, the A’s did make a slew of other roster moves Wednesday. Right-hander Aaron Civale was designated for assignment, and third baseman Donovan Walton was activated, amongst other transactions.
They also selected the contract of No. 27 prospect prospect and right-handed pitcher Yunior Tur.
A's roster moves: – DFA Aaron Civale – Activate Donovan Walton – Select the contract of Yunior Tur – Mason Barnett optioned – Brian Serven optioned – Brady Basso recalled – Joey Meneses optioned
Looks like one more addition will be coming with four leaving and three arriving.
For Larkin, the Habs window is wide open because of what he describes as a core fore formed by Nick Suzuki, who became the third NHLer ever to win the Selke Trophy and score 100 points in the same season, Cole Caufield, who’s now a 50-goal a year scorer, Juraj Slafkovsky who’s a “budding monster of a power forward” and, Lane Hutson who he calls one of the best all-around defenders in the league. He adds that the four have help in Jakub Dobes, who’s overtaken Jacob Fowler as a potential franchise goalie, and sophomore winger Ivan Demidov.
While I would agree that the Canadiens’ contention window is now open, I’m not ready to say that Dobes has emerged ahead of Fowler as a potential franchise goalie. We’ve not seen enough of what Fowler can do to make that determination. What we’ve seen so far is that Dobes can excel when he feels the team's confidence, and that Fowler does not look out of place in the NHL. The upcoming season will tell us more about the tandem, especially if Kent Hughes manages to move Samuel Montembeault. If he doesn’t, we may not see enough of Fowler to make that determination since he will likely end up in the AHL to get more playing time. The GM has said the youngster needs to play this season, making it unlikely the team would carry three netminders.
I would also argue that the Canadiens’ core isn’t just formed of the players he highlights. Granted, the first line and Hutson are the backbone of the Habs, but Demidov, Noah Dobson and Mike Matheson are also part of that core. You can have all the firepower of the world up front, but if you don’t have a stable defense, you won’t get anywhere. That much has been proved over and over again by both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers. The former threw a lot of money at its core four up front and had nothing left to sort out the backend and the net. As for the latter, they used numerous high draft picks on forwards and have struggled to find players to get them over the hill on the blueline and in net.
The Canadiens’ window is open because management put together a solid framework that addresses offense, defense, and goaltending. It’s not perfect, not yet. There are still holes, like the second-line center who Larkin believes could end up being Michael Hage and the right side of defense. The article argues that the Canadiens need a veteran to plug the second-line center hole and tighten up their defense to be contenders as early as next season.
While Hughes has clearly been trying to improve the Habs’ top six to no avail so far this offseason, it feels like the Habs have proven that their window is open with or without that elusive top-six player by making it to the Eastern Conference Final, but they could definitely use more grit and physicality for spring-type hockey.
Hughes has got the Canadiens right where he wanted them to be at this stage, but it takes time to get the right complementary pieces. The Habs GM has said it: Montreal no longer chases talented players to see if there could be a fit; they now have specific needs to fill. It’s harder to find those gems and pry them away from their current team. At this stage, it certainly feels like the Habs would rather stick to a patient approach than overpay for a veteran who would end up blocking the progression of one of their youngsters.
