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Sharks trade William Eklund and two others to the Senators for the No. 9 pick in the draft

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The San Jose Sharks traded William Eklund and two other forwards to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday for the ninth pick in the draft.

San Jose acquired that pick for Eklund and prospects Kasper Halttunen and Brandon Svoboda. The Sharks now have the Nos. 2, 9 and 27 picks in the first round of the draft Friday night.

Eklund, a Swede who turns 24 in October, was second on the team with 38 assists, fourth with 53 points and seventh with 15 goals. He has 163 points in his first 252 NHL games and is signed for three more seasons at a salary cap hit of $5.6 million, with additional team control in restricted free agency beyond that in 2029.

“William is a dynamic and skilled forward who plays with a competitive edge,” Senators general manager Steve Staios said. “We are excited to welcome him to the Senators organization, and he will fit in well with our core group of players.”

The ninth pick was part of the return Ottawa got from Florida for Brady Tkachuk in that trade over the weekend.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL

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What Jalen Brunson's NBA title run did (and didn't do) to Becky Hammon's take

The New York Knicks won the NBA championship. But that doesn't mean Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon is apologizing for comments she made about New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson.

In 2023, during an "NBA Today" discussion on ESPN about the Knicks, Hammon shared a hot take about Brunson's ceiling. Hammon said New York didn't have "a dude" or true No. 1 superstar to win a championship. Analyst Kendrick Perkins pushed back, saying the Knicks had Brunson, but Hammon didn't agree.

The Aces coach argued the 6-foot-2 guard was "too small," citing John Stockton, Steve Nash and Allen Iverson. Hammon mentioned Stephen Curry as the lone exception to the rule.

“Jalen, all he did was prove history wrong, he proves he’s an outlier,” Hammon said, when asked about the comments by reporters from New York in for the Liberty game on Tuesday (10 p.m. ET, USA Network). “So you can put his name next to Steph Curry and Isiah Thomas, and I thought he played brilliantly, especially down the stretch.

“I mean, he was that 1A dude. But apologize, I’m never gonna apologize for having an opinion. That’s what ESPN pays me for.” 

After making the statement in 2023, Hammon clarified the remarks on social media. She said she loved Brunson's game but it's hard to win a championship "if your best player is the smallest player on the court."

And to her point, just four players 6-foot-2 or shorter have won Finals MVP since it was introduced in 1969: Brunson, Curry, Thomas and San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker. Hammon coached in the NBA for the Spurs from 2014-2021 before leaving to become head coach of the Aces. USA TODAY reporter Meghan L. Hall contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Becky Hammon won't apologize for Jalen Brunson comments after Knicks title

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Knicks operating as if they're going to stay under second apron for 2026-27 NBA season

With the Knicks championship celebration in the rearview, the team enters the 2026 offseason with lots of work to do.

Mainly, they need to figure out their free agency plan ahead of the NBA's negotiating window that opens on June 30 at 6:00 p.m. (teams can officially sign players on July 6 at 12:01 p.m.). Many of the role players on New York's 2025-26 title team will become free agents, including center Mitchell Robinson, and it will be a challenge for them to bring everyone back, as much as they'd like to.

SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley added some insight into their anticipated spending on Tuesday's episode of The Putback, saying the team is operating as if they'll be under the second apron (a cap that penalizes teams that overspend) for the 2026-27 season. That aligns with owner James Dolan's comments on WFAN on June 17, where he made it clear New York "cannot go into the second apron" next season.

"The Knicks are operating, planning right now as if they're going to stay below that second apron number in team salary. And that has a lot of implications," Begley said. 

"It's going to be really tough to bring Mitchell Robinson back, assuming he gets strong offers on the open market, which he will. I think he'd have to take a pay cut here to come back to New York. It's a lot of pieces moving around here for the Knicks and the front office."

Begley added that "the team is going to look drastically different" if they don't go into the second apron. To avoid crossing the salary line, they would be able to offer one veteran like Landry Shamet or Robinson about $5-6 million per season, but that would likely be it. 

In addition to Robinson and Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, Jeremy Sochan, Ariel Hukporti (restricted), Kevin McCullar Jr. (restricted) and Trey Jemison (restricted) are free agents. Bench favorite Jose Alvarado has a player option, while Miles McBride is eligible for an extension. Begley also reported Monday that New York and Mohamed Diawara are expected to agree to a multiyear deal to bring him back.

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Kadri Trade Fallout: 2028 First-Round Pick Moves Again In Blockbuster Deal

The 2028 first-round pick the Colorado Avalanche sent to the Calgary Flames in the Nazem Kadri deal has already changed hands again.

In a notable summer move, the Flames have added former second-overall pick Simon Nemec along with winger Maxim Tsyplakov in a multi-piece trade with the New Jersey Devils, a deal that brings both immediate NHL help and longer-term upside while reshuffling a handful of future draft assets.

Nazem Kadri spoke to The Hockey News upon his return to Colorado.

Heading the return for New Jersey is a package that includes a conditional 2027 first-round pick (VGK), a conditional 2028 first-round pick (COL), a 2026 second-round pick (NYR), and defenceman Etienne Morin. Both first-round selections are top-10 protected, softening the risk on Calgary’s end while still underlining the cost of acquiring two young, NHL-established players.

Kadri was traded back to the Avalanche at the deadline for a slew of draft picks, Victor Olofsson, and Max Curran. Credit: Ron Chenoy - Imagn Images
Kadri was traded back to the Avalanche at the deadline for a slew of draft picks, Victor Olofsson, and Max Curran. Credit: Ron Chenoy - Imagn Images

Nemec is the centerpiece of the move, a right-shot defenceman who was selected second overall by New Jersey in the 2022 NHL Draft and has already accumulated significant NHL experience at a young age. He appeared in 68 games during the 2025-26 season, finishing with 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) and 26 penalty minutes, marking his most productive campaign to date. Since debuting in 2023-24, he has now reached 155 career NHL games, steadily expanding his role and offensive impact from the blue line.

On the international stage, Nemec has been a consistent presence for Slovakia. He suited up in all six games at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, collecting two assists as Slovakia finished just shy of the podium in fourth place. That followed a bronze-medal performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, giving him two Olympic appearances before turning 23.

His development track has been highlighted by standout performances at every level. Nemec captained Slovakia at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, earning tournament MVP honors after recording six points, and later set a record for most points by an 18-year-old defenceman at the 2022 IIHF World Championship with six points in eight games.

Tsyplakov is the second portion of the deal. Credit: Bob DeChiara
Tsyplakov is the second portion of the deal. Credit: Bob DeChiara

Tsyplakov arrives as a different kind of addition — a late-blooming, physical winger whose path to the NHL has been built through extended professional experience overseas and a rapid adjustment to North American play. Across 126 NHL games with the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils, he has posted 39 points, including 12 goals and 27 assists. After signing as an undrafted free agent in 2024, he quickly established himself as a regular in New York before being moved to New Jersey during the 2025-26 season, where he added 22 more appearances.

Prior to his NHL arrival, Tsyplakov spent parts of nine seasons in the KHL with Spartak Moscow, appearing in 327 games and recording 121 points, including 63 goals and 58 assists. His game is built around size, straight-line speed, and a direct, physical style that has translated effectively at the NHL level.

The 2028 first-round pick was one of several draft assets the Colorado Avalanche moved in recent seasons while pursuing a Stanley Cup. However, Colorado has begun to recoup some of that draft capital in smaller increments.

General manager Joe Sakic acquired two picks from the Nashville Predators in exchange for Ross Colton and goaltender Isak Posch: a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick originally belonging to Colorado.

The 2027 third-round selection returns to the Avalanche after previously being sent to Nashville in the Juuso Pärssinen trade. It was later included in a separate transaction during the 2025 trade deadline involving Ryan Lindgren.

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Kadri Trade Fallout: 2028 First-Round Pick Moves Again In Blockbuster Deal

The 2028 first-round pick the Colorado Avalanche sent to the Calgary Flames in the Nazem Kadri deal has already changed hands again.

In a notable summer move, the Flames have added former second-overall pick Simon Nemec along with winger Maxim Tsyplakov in a multi-piece trade with the New Jersey Devils, a deal that brings both immediate NHL help and longer-term upside while reshuffling a handful of future draft assets.

Nazem Kadri spoke to The Hockey News upon his return to Colorado.

Heading the return for New Jersey is a package that includes a conditional 2027 first-round pick (VGK), a conditional 2028 first-round pick (COL), a 2026 second-round pick (NYR), and defenceman Etienne Morin. Both first-round selections are top-10 protected, softening the risk on Calgary’s end while still underlining the cost of acquiring two young, NHL-established players.

Kadri was traded back to the Avalanche at the deadline for a slew of draft picks, Victor Olofsson, and Max Curran. Credit: Ron Chenoy - Imagn Images
Kadri was traded back to the Avalanche at the deadline for a slew of draft picks, Victor Olofsson, and Max Curran. Credit: Ron Chenoy - Imagn Images

Nemec is the centerpiece of the move, a right-shot defenceman who was selected second overall by New Jersey in the 2022 NHL Draft and has already accumulated significant NHL experience at a young age. He appeared in 68 games during the 2025-26 season, finishing with 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) and 26 penalty minutes, marking his most productive campaign to date. Since debuting in 2023-24, he has now reached 155 career NHL games, steadily expanding his role and offensive impact from the blue line.

On the international stage, Nemec has been a consistent presence for Slovakia. He suited up in all six games at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, collecting two assists as Slovakia finished just shy of the podium in fourth place. That followed a bronze-medal performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, giving him two Olympic appearances before turning 23.

His development track has been highlighted by standout performances at every level. Nemec captained Slovakia at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, earning tournament MVP honors after recording six points, and later set a record for most points by an 18-year-old defenceman at the 2022 IIHF World Championship with six points in eight games.

Tsyplakov is the second portion of the deal. Credit: Bob DeChiara
Tsyplakov is the second portion of the deal. Credit: Bob DeChiara

Tsyplakov arrives as a different kind of addition — a late-blooming, physical winger whose path to the NHL has been built through extended professional experience overseas and a rapid adjustment to North American play. Across 126 NHL games with the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils, he has posted 39 points, including 12 goals and 27 assists. After signing as an undrafted free agent in 2024, he quickly established himself as a regular in New York before being moved to New Jersey during the 2025-26 season, where he added 22 more appearances.

Prior to his NHL arrival, Tsyplakov spent parts of nine seasons in the KHL with Spartak Moscow, appearing in 327 games and recording 121 points, including 63 goals and 58 assists. His game is built around size, straight-line speed, and a direct, physical style that has translated effectively at the NHL level.

The 2028 first-round pick was one of several draft assets the Colorado Avalanche moved in recent seasons while pursuing a Stanley Cup. However, Colorado has begun to recoup some of that draft capital in smaller increments.

General manager Joe Sakic acquired two picks from the Nashville Predators in exchange for Ross Colton and goaltender Isak Posch: a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick originally belonging to Colorado.

The 2027 third-round selection returns to the Avalanche after previously being sent to Nashville in the Juuso Pärssinen trade. It was later included in a separate transaction during the 2025 trade deadline involving Ryan Lindgren.

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Lakers have interest in Kel’el Ware, Bucks not expected to make trade

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 14: Kel'el Ware #7 of the Miami Heat plays against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

On top of having cap space to make moves in free agency, the more likely outcome is that the Lakers will use that flexibility to get involved in a trade as a third team.

The big trade of the week, and likely of the offseason as a whole, saw Giannis Antetokounmpo moved from the Bucks to the Heat. As it stands, the deal is a two-team trade, but multiple teams are knocking on the door in Milwaukee trying to get involved.

That includes the Lakers, who appear to have interest in Kel’el Ware. The big man was part of the trade package Miami traded away to land Giannis. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Lakers have been linked to Ware in recent days.

Elsewhere, within league circles, there was palpable chatter about the Pistons hoping to get involved in the Antetokounmpo trade to land Herro, while dangling assets such as Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland, Duncan Robinson, and draft compensation, league sources told HoopsHype. In addition, the Los Angeles Lakers were linked with trade interest in Kel’el Ware over the past couple of days, sources said.

Piggybacking off that, NBA reporter Jake Fischer said the Lakers have interest in Ware but the expectation is that Milwaukee will not be trading him.

Last season, Ware averaged 11.1 points and 9 rebounds in 22.1 minutes per contest. He shot 53% from the field and was able to stretch the floor, hitting 39.5% of his threes. He also had 137 dunks in 77 games, which is more than Jaxson Hayes or Deandre Ayton had last season for the Lakers, for context.

It’s clear to see, then, why the Lakers would target him. It’s also clear to see why the Bucks would want to keep him as well.

What this does show is that, perhaps, the Lakers are looking at young centers to acquire, which can help both solve a need the team has as well as preserve some of their cap space for other moves as well. It’s a smart strategy and approach…if they can pull it off.

The Bucks could be bluffing to try to hold out for more in a trade. Or they could genuinely be interested in keeping him. Either way, the Lakers should certainly test their reserve and continue looking for these types of opportunities across the league.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

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Jaylen Brown Next Team Odds: Giannis Switch A No-Go – Where Does Juice Splash Down?

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Never underestimate the suddenness of an NBA offseason panic spiral. Just two years removed from lifting a Finals MVP trophy, Jaylen Brown is suddenly the most talked-about asset on the league's trading block.

Following bombshell reports from Shams Charania on The Pat McAfee Show and subsequent verification from Brian Windhorst indicating the Boston Celtics are actively listening to trade offers, Kalshi’s Jaylen Brown Next Team odds have gone into complete overdrive.

The sudden willingness to move Brown reportedly stems from the internal fallout after Boston failed to land Giannis Antetokounmpo. For savvy prediction market traders, this isn't just sports gossip—it’s a high-volume, hyper-volatile ecosystem where overnight narrative shifts translate directly into real-dollar percentage moves.

Traders are moving aggressively to separate genuine front-office interest from empty pre-draft smoke. Let's look at where the sharpest capital is flowing on the board right now.

Key takeaways

  • The Fragile Favorite: "Stays with Boston or Retires" still leads the board at a declining 44% probability, leaving it highly vulnerable to any concrete pre-draft trade leaks.
  • The Late-Stage Challenger: New Orleans has surged to a 9% implied probability on Kalshi following specific rumors involving an advanced package centered around Trey Murphy III.
  • The Consensus Sleepers: Rebuilding and transitioning rosters like Portland (11%) and Houston (7%) represent the most consistent public narratives propping up the top of the board.
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Jaylen Brown Next Team Odds: Top Contenders

Liquidity has for this prediction market has crossed an impressive $1.22 million ($1,224,345 vol). This massive volume proves that traders are backing up their offseason theories with serious capital.

The long-term trend lines show a steady erosion of confidence in Boston keeping their star, with the 44% baseline for him staying put sitting at a summer low.

The Pacific Northwest is technically leading the pursuit on the board, with Portland sitting at 11¢. The Trail Blazers are routinely cited by league insiders like Marc Stein as a logical landing spot for teams navigating a rebuilding-to-contending transition.

But the real kinetic movement over the last 48 hours belongs to New Orleans. The Pelicans jumped up to a 9% implied probability, riding a wave of highly specific leaks regarding player-for-player swaps.

Meanwhile, traditional asset-heavy suitors like Houston (7%) and Atlanta (6%) remain firmly in the mix, waiting to see if Boston's asking price drops as the draft approaches.

Jaylen Brown Next Team Odds: Value Picks

Prediction markets aren't just about picking the eventual winner. The sharpest traders look for localized inefficiencies where the public crowd has either overreacted to a headline or completely underpriced a highly logical outcome.

New Orleans New Orleans Pelicans | ‘Yes’ 9¢ | 9% Chance

When a market is moving this fast, you want to buy into specific structural smoke before it becomes an official fire. The latest insider chatter points to a very specific negotiation framework: Brown heading to the Pelicans in exchange for Trey Murphy III and a package of draft assets.

At just 9¢ on Kalshi, the broader market is still pricing this as a generic rumor rather than an advanced discussion. If a definitive trade structure leaks, this 9¢ contract will experience an immediate, violent upward spike.

Boston Stays with Boston Celtics or Retires | ‘No’ 55¢ | 44% Chance

Fading a favorite is a classic strategy when an elite front office experiences major institutional disappointment. Missing out on the Giannis sweepstakes has clearly broken the status quo in Boston.

The fact that Brad Stevens is actively picking up the phone to field competitive offers means the organizational calculation has fundamentally changed. Because retirement chatter is nonexistent for a 29-year-old superstar in their absolute physical prime, paying 55¢ to bet that a motivated front office finds a deal offers an exceptional reward-to-risk ratio.

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Denver Denver Nuggets | ‘Yes’ 2¢ | <1% Chance

Denver is a proven contender with explicit, reported interest in acquiring Brown’s perimeter defense. Speculation around a blockbuster swap involving Jamal Murray has quietly circulated among league analysts. While highly complex, an elite front office like Denver's wouldn't look into this without a strategic roadmap.

At 2¢, you are risking pennies for an absolute moonshot option if the Pacific or Southwest teams stall out.

Houston Houston Rockets | ‘Yes’ 8¢ | 7% Chance

The Rockets have the young players, the salary matching, and the explicit desire to fast-track their rebuilding transition into a perennial Western Conference threat.

Houston has consistently remained in the top tier of rumored suitors over the past two weeks. The Kalshi market has only priced them at a modest 7% probability, which completely ignores their sheer volume of available draft capital. This represents an excellent entry point for traders who believe Boston will ultimately prioritize a haul of future draft picks over established veterans.

Expert context: Why The Jaylen Brown Next Team Odds Markets Are Shifting

The tectonic plates of the NBA landscape shifted the moment Boston's pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo evaporated. In professional basketball, an elite franchise experiencing a high-profile acquisition failure rarely sits on its hands.

The current volatility in the market reflects a classic correction where a previously untouchable asset is transformed into a premium liquid chip.

As analyst Richard Jefferson aptly noted amid the chaos, Brown should fundamentally view the caliber of franchises being floated in these trade circles as an immense compliment. This isn't a salary dump; it’s an elite superstar auction.

Because the NBA Draft is rapidly approaching, front offices are being forced to lay their absolute best assets on the table right now. This structural pressure creates a naturally hyper-reactive trading environment where a single broadcast quote from a major insider can cause a 10¢ price swing in minutes.

Strategic Considerations For Traders

  • Treat insider streams like earnings calls: When Shams Charania breaks news live on digital platforms, Kalshi prices react within seconds. Traders who monitor live video feeds gain a massive execution advantage over those waiting for text notifications.
  • The draft-day arbitrage strategy: Trade assets peak in value right before the draft order locks. If you hold low-priced 'Yes' contracts on teams like Portland or Houston, look to liquidate your positions during the peak pre-draft media hype to capture guaranteed returns.
  • Fade the retail noise: Do not fall into the trap of buying into unverified fan trade packages involving teams like Dallas or Golden State, which sit at under 1% for a reason. Stick closely to names backed by elite insiders to insulate your trading capital from empty online hype.

How To Trade Jaylen Brown Odds On Kalshi

Navigating binary prediction markets offers a nimble, data-driven alternative to static sportsbooks, letting you trade directly on roster mechanics and media narratives.

  • Account setup: Create and fund your Kalshi profile seamlessly via standard wire or bank transfer to ensure your trading capital is fully liquid ahead of breaking NBA news cycles.
  • Navigate: Head over to the main basketball section, select the "Next NBA Team" category, and open the active Jaylen Brown market.
  • Execute: Evaluate the board to determine if you want to buy cheap 'Yes' shares on an aggressive suitor or purchase 'No' contracts to fade a stale public consensus.
  • Monitor: Track your portfolio's value in real-time as the news cycle updates, allowing you to sell your shares early to lock in profits or mitigate your downside risk.

Jaylen Brown Next Team Odds FAQs

How does Kalshi determine the winning outcome for this market?

The market officially resolves based on the specific NBA franchise Jaylen Brown is under contract with for their next active game appearance. Definitive official announcements from the NBA league office or verified team communications serve as the primary resolution sources.

Any speculative internet rumors or unexecuted verbal agreements are completely discounted until formal paperwork is submitted.

Can I trade my shares before an official trade happens?

Yes, Kalshi provides a fully fluid trading environment where you can freely buy and sell your positions at any point before the market resolves.

If an insider report causes a sudden price spike for a team you hold shares in, you can instantly liquidate for a profit. You are never permanently locked into a position until the final official contract resolution occurs.

What happens to the market if Jaylen Brown stays in Boston?

If the trade deadline passes or the front office formally retains them, the "Stays with Boston or Retires" contract resolves as the winner. All other team-specific contracts on the board will instantly drop to zero value, rendering those "Yes" shares completely worthless.

Traders holding 'No' shares on the field would subsequently collect their full payouts under this structural outcome.

Why did the market price for Boston drop so drastically?

The sharp drop was directly triggered by mainstream breaking reports confirming that Boston's front office is actively listening to aggressive trade inquiries.

Once elite insiders validated that the Celtics were open to moving their Finals MVP, traders rapidly devalued the probability of them staying. This created immediate upward mobility for high-profile suitors who possess the necessary assets to facilitate a blockbuster deal.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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NBA commissioner Adam Silver: Giannis trade signals it was Bucks' 'time to rebuild'

From the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the New York Knicks' first title in 53 years and ongoing conversations surrounding flopping and tanking, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver explored several of the association's top storylines on this morning's episode of the Dan Patrick Show.

Giannis Antetokounmpo traded to the Heat

With two-time MVP and 10-time All-Star Giannis Anteokounmpo on the move to Miami, Silver reflected on the important ripple effects of blockbuster trades involving superstars.

"A certain amount of player movement is good. It creates renewed energy and hope in markets. Even in Milwaukee, there was a sense there it was time to rebuild, and a lot of excitement about Giannis going to Miami."

Asked if he had any involvement in the blockbuster deal, Silver said “not at all" before the two reminisced on the infamous 2011 vetoing of Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers by former commissioner David Stern. “David was, in essence, the acting owner of New Orleans,” Silver explained, smiling to a laughing Patrick.

Minnesota Timberwolves v Milwaukee Bucks
Winners, losers from Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to Miami
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Miami are winners, Boston and Bucks fans not so much.

Knicks end 53-year title drought

Silver, a native New Yorker, expressed jubilation over the New York Knicks' "unique" title-winning season, opining that the championship "brought people together like nothing else in recent history."

He championed New Yorker's collective spirit, which came in the form of watch parties across the city and state, to the team's massive parade through the streets of Manhattan. The commissioner also looked back at his youth growing up as a Knicks fan, where he contemplated the 53-year gap between this year's title and the Knicks' last championship in 1973.

Knicks Parade
Knicks parade shows the chaotic, joyous, and adaptable spirit of New York City and its title-winning team
Many never caught a glimpse of the players. They came anyway, and they wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

Tanking and flopping

The commissioner went on to address ongoing conversations around tanking. He highlighted the association's new anti-tanking initiatives set to take effect starting with the 2027 NBA Draft, with hopes that they will “presumably disincentivize teams from that sort of behavior.”

Turning to flopping, Silver mentioned that the trend gained “more attention” during this year’s playoffs, understanding fan's frustrations of how it impacts the flow of games.

Additionally, Silver commented on sports betting, expansion plans and turning the tides of small market teams to an era where “players recognize they can have success regardless of where they are.”

Watch the Dan Patrick Show on Peacock, streaming Monday through Friday from 9am to 12pm ET.

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'Until Doors Close, You Never Know': Panthers GM Bill Zito Provides Update On Sergei Bobrovsky Negotiations

Another day, another update to the Florida Panthers goaltending situation.

As the 2026 NHL Draft and new league year approaches, the Panthers are once again viewed as one of the teams to beat in the race for the next Stanley Cup.

Earlier this week, the Panthers completed their latest blockbuster trade, acquiring Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk in exchange for three first-round picks and a second-round pick.

The move gives Florida arguably the best and deepest forward group in the league, but leaves the Panthers with just over $7 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia, and one gaping hole on their would-be championship roster: They don’t have any goaltenders signed for next season.

In recent weeks, the Panthers have been linked to a pair of goalies who are currently under contract – Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck and St. Louis’ Jordan Binnington – while still maintaining negotiations with their longtime goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

Hellebuyck makes an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million through the 2030-31 season while Binnington is entering the final year of a deal that pays him a $6 million AAV.

It’s been continuously reported that Bobrovsky and the Panthers remain far apart in those negotiations, with a recent report by former Sun-Sentinel columnist Dave Hyde suggesting that Bob’s ask was as high as $42 million over three years (a $14 million AAV), which would make him the highest paid goaltender in the league by far (New York’s Igor Shesterkin makes an AAV of $11.5 million followed by Tampa’s Andrei Vasilevskiy at $9.5 million).

THN Florida recently learned that the Panthers were exploring goaltending options who would come with much lower price tags, such as free agent Stuart Skinner or Calgary veteran Devin Cooley, but those who follow the Panthers know that Zito should never be counted out of a situation until he says he’s officially out.

That brings us to Tuesday’s press conference, when Zito was asked if the door was still open for an extension for Bobrovsky following the combination of trading for Tkachuk and Bob’s apparent high contract ask.

“Until doors close, you never know,” Zito said. “Bob is a guy that has done so much for our organization, and we continue to evaluate every single day and try to be better. There are no doors closed here, ever.”

We’ll see what that means for Bobrovsky in South Florida and whether he and the Panthers can find some common ground between now and July 1, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Bobrovsky, who will be 38 years old on Opening Night, originally signed a 7-year, $70 million contract with the Panthers in 2019.

During his time in Florida, Bob led the Cats to the postseason in each of his first six seasons, capped off by three straight Stanley Cup Final appearances and back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025.

We will find out in the coming days whether Bobrovsky will remain with the Panthers and potentially finish his career in South Florida, or if he’ll move on in search of a higher payday.

Stay tuned.

LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA

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Brady Tkachuk To Wear No. 8 For Florida Panthers, Will Be Officially Introduced Tuesday

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The Hockey Show: Reaction To Panthers Acquiring Brady Tkachuk, Exploring Florida's Goaltending Situation

Exploring Panthers Options At Goaltender Following Acquisition Of Brady Tkachuk

Photo caption: Apr 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins before the first period at PPG Paints Arena. (Mark Alberti-Imagn Images)

Posted on

'Until Doors Close, You Never Know': Panthers GM Bill Zito Provides Update On Sergei Bobrovsky Negotiations

Another day, another update to the Florida Panthers goaltending situation.

As the 2026 NHL Draft and new league year approaches, the Panthers are once again viewed as one of the teams to beat in the race for the next Stanley Cup.

Earlier this week, the Panthers completed their latest blockbuster trade, acquiring Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk in exchange for three first-round picks and a second-round pick.

The move gives Florida arguably the best and deepest forward group in the league, but leaves the Panthers with just over $7 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia, and one gaping hole on their would-be championship roster: They don’t have any goaltenders signed for next season.

In recent weeks, the Panthers have been linked to a pair of goalies who are currently under contract – Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck and St. Louis’ Jordan Binnington – while still maintaining negotiations with their longtime goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

Hellebuyck makes an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million through the 2030-31 season while Binnington is entering the final year of a deal that pays him a $6 million AAV.

It’s been continuously reported that Bobrovsky and the Panthers remain far apart in those negotiations, with a recent report by former Sun-Sentinel columnist Dave Hyde suggesting that Bob’s ask was as high as $42 million over three years (a $14 million AAV), which would make him the highest paid goaltender in the league by far (New York’s Igor Shesterkin makes an AAV of $11.5 million followed by Tampa’s Andrei Vasilevskiy at $9.5 million).

THN Florida recently learned that the Panthers were exploring goaltending options who would come with much lower price tags, such as free agent Stuart Skinner or Calgary veteran Devin Cooley, but those who follow the Panthers know that Zito should never be counted out of a situation until he says he’s officially out.

That brings us to Tuesday’s press conference, when Zito was asked if the door was still open for an extension for Bobrovsky following the combination of trading for Tkachuk and Bob’s apparent high contract ask.

“Until doors close, you never know,” Zito said. “Bob is a guy that has done so much for our organization, and we continue to evaluate every single day and try to be better. There are no doors closed here, ever.”

We’ll see what that means for Bobrovsky in South Florida and whether he and the Panthers can find some common ground between now and July 1, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Bobrovsky, who will be 38 years old on Opening Night, originally signed a 7-year, $70 million contract with the Panthers in 2019.

During his time in Florida, Bob led the Cats to the postseason in each of his first six seasons, capped off by three straight Stanley Cup Final appearances and back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025.

We will find out in the coming days whether Bobrovsky will remain with the Panthers and potentially finish his career in South Florida, or if he’ll move on in search of a higher payday.

Stay tuned.

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Photo caption: Apr 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins before the first period at PPG Paints Arena. (Mark Alberti-Imagn Images)

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Don’t overthink it!

Yaxel Lendeborg shooting a free throw.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines shoots a free throw during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The 2026 NBA Draft is in a few hours, and for the first time since 2021 (when they used the No. 7 pick on Jonathan Kuminga and the No. 14 pick on Moses Moody), the Golden State Warriors have a lottery pick. The Dubs hold the No. 7 overall pick, and if you want reason for optimism, well … I’ve got you covered! I recently covered the recent history of the No. 11 pick, and it includes some fantastic names, including two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Warriors franchise legend Klay Thompson.

Golden State will have plenty of names to intriguing names to choose from (our Ricko Mendoza covered the players being mocked to the Dubs here), and I’m here to tell them to keep it simple: draft Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg.

As Ricko pointed out, Brayden Burries — a common name mocked to the Warriors — would be an incredibly intriguing fit, thanks to his size, physicality, and combination of defense and slick shooting. Should he make it to the Warriors (many mocks have him drafted in the top 10), you wouldn’t be able to blame Mike Dunleavy Jr. for taking a swing. There are far worse approaches to take than grabbing a highly-ranked player who falls.

But Lendeborg, who seems extremely likely to be available at No. 11, just makes too much sense. As a five-year senior who will turn 24 before Opening Night, he is arguably the most NBA-ready player in the entire draft. Given Golden State’s open desire to compete this year behind Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and (half a season of) Jimmy Butler III, that NBA readiness makes all the sense in the world … it’s the same reason that most mock drafts have the Oklahoma City Thunder scooping up Lendeborg at No. 12 should the Warriors pass on him.

And yet, the versatile forward is more than just a high-floor, NBA-ready player. He’s a genuine prospect, with a heigh ceiling and some untapped potential. My colleague Ricky O’Donnell, who mocked Lendeborg to the Thunder, ranks him as the No. 5 prospect in the draft, while noting that he has the skills and athleticism to play on the perimeter, despite having a 7’3.25 wingspan and the weight of a center.

Lendeborg blossomed this season, his lone year at Michigan, which resulted in both a championship and consensus first-team All-American honors. That trajectory would certainly suggest there’s a lot more left in the tank, and the Warriors can dream of Lendeborg being not just a contributor to a playoff run this year, but an All-Star to build around further down the road.

Beyond that, Lendeborg simply has the skillset that matches a team coached by Steve Kerr. He’s a big who can shoot well from deep. He makes quick reads and operates with decisiveness. He’s gifted defensively, and can guard everyone from shooting guards to centers. He’s aggressive and invites contact, something the team sorely lacks. He has the mindset to lead a unit and take over, and the selflessness to fit into a smaller, more thankless role.

Should Burries — or better yet, an even more highly-touted prospect — fall to the Dubs at No. 11, then they’ll have a decision to make. But there’s no need to overcomplicate this one. Sometimes players just make sense. And Lendeborg to the Warriors just makes sense.

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BREAKING: Flames Land Simon Nemec And Maxim Tsyplakov In Blockbuster Trade With Devils

Summer blockbuster season has arrived in Calgary, with the Flames landing former No. 2 overall pick Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov in a major trade that signals a clear push to reshape both their present and future.

In return, Calgary sends a substantial package that includes a conditional 2027 first-round pick (VGK), a conditional 2028 first-round pick (COL), a 2026 second-round pick (NYR), and defenceman Etienne Morin. Both first-round selections are top-10 protected, giving the Flames some measure of insurance while still paying a steep price for two NHL-ready pieces.

Nemec stands out as the headliner of the deal — a former second-overall pick still early in his career but already carrying meaningful NHL experience. The right-shot defenceman appeared in 68 games during the 2025-26 season, posting a career-high 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) along with 26 penalty minutes. Over three NHL seasons since his debut in 2023-24, he has now played 155 games, steadily building confidence and offensive impact from the blue line.

Internationally, Nemec has been a key figure for Slovakia on the world stage. He represented his country at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, recording two assists in six games as Slovakia finished just outside the medals in fourth place. That came after a bronze-medal run at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, marking two separate Olympic appearances before the age of 23.

His résumé stretches back into junior and international dominance. Nemec captained Slovakia at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he was named tournament MVP after posting six points. He followed that with a standout performance at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, setting a tournament record for the most points by an 18-year-old defenceman with six points in eight games.

Tsyplakov is headed to this third NHL club. Credit: Bob DeChiara
Tsyplakov is headed to this third NHL club. Credit: Bob DeChiara

The Flames also bring in Maxim Tsyplakov, a late-blooming winger whose path to the NHL has been far less conventional but no less impactful in terms of physical presence and versatility. In 126 NHL games split between the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils, Tsyplakov has recorded 39 points, including 12 goals and 27 assists. He originally joined the Islanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024, quickly earning a regular role before being moved to New Jersey during the 2025-26 season, where he added 22 more games to his resume.

Before arriving in North America, Tsyplakov built an extensive professional foundation in Russia’s KHL, playing 327 games with Spartak Moscow and producing 121 points, including 63 goals and 58 assists. His game has translated into a heavy, north-south style that brings size and straight-line speed to an NHL lineup.

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BREAKING: Flames Land Simon Nemec And Maxim Tsyplakov In Blockbuster Trade With Devils

Summer blockbuster season has arrived in Calgary, with the Flames landing former No. 2 overall pick Simon Nemec and winger Maxim Tsyplakov in a major trade that signals a clear push to reshape both their present and future.

In return, Calgary sends a substantial package that includes a conditional 2027 first-round pick (VGK), a conditional 2028 first-round pick (COL), a 2026 second-round pick (NYR), and defenceman Etienne Morin. Both first-round selections are top-10 protected, giving the Flames some measure of insurance while still paying a steep price for two NHL-ready pieces.

Nemec stands out as the headliner of the deal — a former second-overall pick still early in his career but already carrying meaningful NHL experience. The right-shot defenceman appeared in 68 games during the 2025-26 season, posting a career-high 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) along with 26 penalty minutes. Over three NHL seasons since his debut in 2023-24, he has now played 155 games, steadily building confidence and offensive impact from the blue line.

Internationally, Nemec has been a key figure for Slovakia on the world stage. He represented his country at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, recording two assists in six games as Slovakia finished just outside the medals in fourth place. That came after a bronze-medal run at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, marking two separate Olympic appearances before the age of 23.

His résumé stretches back into junior and international dominance. Nemec captained Slovakia at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he was named tournament MVP after posting six points. He followed that with a standout performance at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, setting a tournament record for the most points by an 18-year-old defenceman with six points in eight games.

Tsyplakov is headed to this third NHL club. Credit: Bob DeChiara
Tsyplakov is headed to this third NHL club. Credit: Bob DeChiara

The Flames also bring in Maxim Tsyplakov, a late-blooming winger whose path to the NHL has been far less conventional but no less impactful in terms of physical presence and versatility. In 126 NHL games split between the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils, Tsyplakov has recorded 39 points, including 12 goals and 27 assists. He originally joined the Islanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024, quickly earning a regular role before being moved to New Jersey during the 2025-26 season, where he added 22 more games to his resume.

Before arriving in North America, Tsyplakov built an extensive professional foundation in Russia’s KHL, playing 327 games with Spartak Moscow and producing 121 points, including 63 goals and 58 assists. His game has translated into a heavy, north-south style that brings size and straight-line speed to an NHL lineup.

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Texas RHP Jason Flores enters the NCAA transfer portal

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 04: Texas pitcher Jason Flores (4) looks for the pitch call during the college baseball game between Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders on March 4, 2025, at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, Texas. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Right-hander Jason Flores became the ninth Texas Longhorns player to enter the NCAA transfer portal with the news of his departure from the Forty Acres breaking on Tuesday.

The 6’1, 240-pounder has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Out of Garland Naaman Forest, Flores was a well-regarded prospect in the 2024 MLB Draft, but chose to honor his commitment to Texas and play for head coach Jim Schlossnagle. Perfect Game ranked Flores as the No. 76 player nationally and the No. 22 right-handed pitcher.

A power hitter who played multiple positions around the diamond in high school, Flores focused on pitching in college thanks to a fastball that reaches into the mid-90s and a high-spin curveball.

In Austin, Flores wasn’t able to capitalize on his upside, struggling to command the run on his fastball on the way to hitting 14 batters in 32.1 innings as a freshman. Flores was hard to hit, though, as opponents batted .205 against the big right-hander, who notched a 4-2 record and 2.78 ERA in 14 appearances, including five starts.

As a sophomore, Flores struggled to make his stuff match up with his results, failing to earn a role as the midweek starter despite two opportunities and failing to factor into the weekend bullpen, as well. In 12 innings over nine appearances, Flores had a 6.75 ERA thanks to a 7-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio and opponents hitting .333 against him with 16 hits allowed. Flores also hit four batters and threw two wild pitches.

Schlossnagle continued to speak glowingly about Flores and his upside, including superlative efforts in simulation games during practice, but in limited chances, Flores wasn’t able to translate that success into real games.

No longer considered an MLB Draft prospect, Flores will now look for an opportunity elsewhere.

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NBA draft to welcome history as Mexican-born Karim Lopez takes stage

Editor's note: Get the latest updates on the NBA Draft here.

Karim Lopez is set to become the first Mexican-born player to be picked in the first round of the NBA Draft. With that history expected to be made Tuesday, June 23, the story is about more than basketball.

Which is not to say basketball is irrelevant. He is 6-8, played in the NBL Next Stars program in Australia, and has the skills that have attracted the interest of the Golden State Warriors. And Latinos in the Bay Area.

“We would love to have a Latino player from whichever nationality it is to come and represent with the Warriors because as you know right now in the country there is a very bad narrative surrounding the Latino community,’’ said Susana Rojas, executive director of the Calle 24 in San Francisco, referring to the Trump administration’s immigration policy. “We want to showcase the talents that we have.

“And so when we bring our artists, when we bring players, when we bring people talent that is from Latin America, it only elevates and cements the true nature of our culture and not the stereotypes that are represented in the media.’’

Lopez, 19, was born in Hermosillo, Mexico and he comes by his talent naturally. He is the son of Jesús Hiram López, a former professional basketball player who played for Mexico’s national team.

Love for the Warriors

Finding Latino culture figures to be easy.

According to the 2000 Census, there were almost 1.9 million Hispanic or Latinos living in the Bay Area.

“All love the Warriors here,’’ Rojas told USA TODAY Sports. “I actually was just at the Chase Center last night. We went to watch the Valkyries.’’

Rojas was referring to the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA team which, along with the Golden State Warriors, call the Chase Center home.

“I think more than being fans of a specific sport, it is more about being fans of the city and supporting our local sports, our local legions, our local players to be the best that they can be in the country,’’ Rojas said of the Latino community. “And obviously we wanted to bring the World Series, the basketball --  I don't even know what the championship is -- the Super Bowl, all of it.’’

Lopez would not be the first Latino to suit up with the Warriors. Juan Toscano-Anderson, who is Mexican-American, played for the team from 2019 to 2023.

A sense of responsibility

Lopez told Sports Illustrated he grew up playing basketball in driveways, in parks and in blistering heat. Now he's hoping to inspire others -- and not just aspiring NBA players.

“I want to show people that come from the same situation I come from that it’s possible,” Lopez told Sports Illustrated. “That there’s someone that’s just like them, had the same struggles, and [still made] it. That’s what really motivates me.”

Until now, Eduardo Nájera is the only other Mexican-born player picked in the NBA draft. The Houston Rockets selected him in the second round and No. 38 overall in the 2000 NBA Draft.

Nájera, who played 12 seasons in the NBA as a reserve forward, has taken a special interest in López’s rise.

“Karim López is not just breaking barriers as the next Mexican-born player in the NBA, he’s redefining greatness with every step he takes on the court,” Nájera told Andscape. “The future of Mexican basketball shines bright with his talent and determination leading the way.”

Passion for the game

Before the NBA scouts discovered Lopez, basketball executives in Mexico took notice of Lopez’s development. One of those men was Orlando Méndez-Valdez, general manager for the NBA G League's Mexico City Capitanes.

“I think he just continued to get more responsibility, more confidence,’’  Mendez-Valdez said. “He just continued to demonstrate the talent that he is. He was able to adjust to the physicality.

“Obviously, he's a high IQ player, knows his limitations and his strengths. He knows areas to improve with outside three-point shooting is a concern. I would say with most scouts…him being so young and playing with the senior national team each window, you can see him progressing, either being more aggressive with the ball, open court, being able to be three-dimensional, being able to have the high IQ passing ability, short roll situations, punishing closeouts. It was just nice to see him play at that level.’’

As for where Lopez might play, Mendez-Valdez said the Warriors would be a popular destination among NBA fans in Mexico.

"Honestly speaking, I think wherever he lands, it's going to be good overall for a team market or where he goes,'' Mendez-Valdez said. "I mean, you have an entire country rooting for this kid and behind him.''

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Karim Lopez set to make NBA draft history as Mexican-born prospect