Hurricanes Acquire Rights to John Carlson

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 06: John Carlson #74 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on during the first period against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Two of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on May 06, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Zak Krill/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

It had been a long day. Some teams were using all of their allotted time, even in the later rounds to make their draft decisions. Then came Carolina, and time had expired while the world waited for them to make pick number 192 in the Draft.

What happened?

Eric Tulsky and company smacked everyone in the face with another shocking trade announcement. The Hurricanes traded their final pick, along with Kyle Masters, (leant to Greensboro last season), to Anaheim for the rights to John Carlson. Yes, that John Carlson.

Carlson will be a Free Agent come July 1st, so the Canes have three days to sign the defenseman. It won’t be easy.

While the blueliner is a bit long in the tooth at 36 years old, he had 14 goals and 60 points last season in 71 games playing for both the Capitals and the Ducks. He averaged playing over 23 minutes a game and he is going to be highly sought after if he makes it to free agency.

The Caps traded him to the Ducks at the deadline last season for a conditional first rounder and a third rounder. He is coming off an eight year, 64 million dollar contract averaging $8 million a year. The rumor is that he is looking for $9 to $10 million for next year.

Obviously, this puts Alexander Nikishin’s future with Carolina in question. Also, if Carlson is signed, that would most likely end any Connor Hellebuyck or Zach Werenski rumors as well.

His hardest shot last season was clocked at 99.77 MPH, so he still has it. He was ranked in the top 80% with his skating.

https://www.nhl.com/nhl-edge/skaters/john-carlson-8474590

His offense is rated higher than his defense but Carolina could probably live with that.

Stay tuned. We will find out within the next three days.

The Canes could manipulate their salary cap situation a bit if they decide to buy-out Jesperi Kotkaniemi. If I had to guess, they tried to trade the center for a draft pick today and were unsuccessful. He was healthy scratched 40 times during the season and never saw any action in the playoffs.

“KK” currently earns $4.8 million annually. The buy out, if it happens before July 1st, would be about $850,000 per year for eight years. So the savings to the Cap would be about $4 million per year. We will get more details about this later if it happens.

I asked Darren Yorke about the situation after the Draft today and this was his answer.

“We’ll evaluate what happened today and as we go through July 1, we’ll always try to do what we think is the best thing for the organization to get better.”

Prospect Development Camp starts soon with on ice sessions at Invisalign Arena. These sessions are open to the public. All draft selections today will attend except for Wiggo Sorensson.

Monday, June 29th

10:00 a.m.: Skills sessions

3:00 p.m.: Skills Sessions

Tuesday, June 30th

9:00 a.m.: Fitness testing

1:00 p.m.: On-ice testing

Wednesday, July 1

10 a.m.: Skills Sessions

St. Louis Cardinals Can’t Break Out of Funk-Lose to Miami Marlins Again

Jun 27, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) is unable to field a one run single hit by Miami Marlins first baseman Kyle Stowers (not pictured) during the third inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Saturday night’s game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins was a contrast of two teams who have almost identical records, but are heading in completely opposite directions. The Miami Marlins took advantage of scoring opportunities and the St. Louis Cardinals didn’t. Watching this team for the past week has made it difficult to not go into an ALL CAPS RAGE.

I hope the St. Louis Cardinals were paying attention to what the Miami Marlins were doing when runners were in scoring position. Given the opportunity, they came through with clutch hits and it started early. The Marlins scored early on Andre Pallante as Otto Lopez hammered a one-out triple in the right field corner and Kyle Stowers singled him in giving Miami an immediate 1-0 lead. Scoring runners in scoring position is possible, Cardinals.

The Marlins added to their lead in the top of the 3rd inning. Joe Mack led off with a single followed by Edwards then reached on a bunt single to third that Bryan Torres couldn’t handle. But, after Lopez grounded into a double play, Miami scored anyway as Stowers came through with a clutch two-out single scoring Mack doubling the Marlins lead to 2-0.

St. Louis had an opportunity in the bottom of the 3rd inning when JJ Wetherholt went the other way smacking a single into left field after Jimmy Crooks and Nathan Church had struck out for the Cardinals first hit of the game. Iván Herrera added his own single to give the Cardinals two baserunners and Alec Burleson was barely grazed on the foot by a pitch which loaded the bases with two outs bringing up the very much overdue Jordan Walker. What did St. Louis do with this opportunity to break out of their 12 inning scoreless streak? Walker struck out on a 3-2 sinker. This has been the St. Louis Cardinals for the past week.

The Miami Marlins took advantage of the Cardinals lack of improving their freefalling RISP numbers by adding to their lead again in the top of the 4th. Jakob Marsee led off with a double. Conine shattered his bat, but grounded out to JJ Wetherholt advancing Marsee for a productive at-bat. Javier Sanojo promptly singled to center scoring Marsee increasing the Marlins lead to 3-0. They weren’t done, either. After Mack flied out, Sanojo stole second and then scored when Edwards came through with a two-out single to left making it 4-0 Marlins.

The Cardinals would FINALLY score a run, but it didn’t happen until the bottom of the 6th inning when they strung together hits for a change. Jordan Walker got it started when he drew a one-out walk. Lars Nootbaar then singled moving Walker up to second. Masyn Winn added his own single as St. Louis began chipping away at the Marlins lead as it was 4-1 Miami after 6 innings.

Andre Pallante did not have his “A” game going Saturday night, but he did pitch deep into the game. He pitched into the top of the 7th inning and was helped by a picture-perfect JJ Wetherholt to Masyn Winn to Alec Burleson double play. He would be removed from the game by manager Oli Marmol after giving up a standup double to Edwards replaced by Matt Svanson. Andre Pallante’s line for the night was 6 2/3 innings giving up 11 hits, 4 earned runs while striking out 4 and walking 1 as he hit the 98 pitch mark. Not disastrous, but not as sharp as Andre has been in his previous June starts. Matt Svanson was unfortunately greeted by a two-out double from Otto Lopez which (of course) scored Edwards who barely beat the throw by Jordan Walker from right upping the Marlins lead to 5-1.

I thought perhaps that fate would begin smiling on the St. Louis Cardinals as JJ Wetherholt hit one of the highest singles in recent history as the Marlins infield and outfield could not decide who should catch JJ’s popup. Lopez called it and then they all just looked at each other as the ball bounced in between them all. I was hopeful the Cardinals would go on a Bender – Anthony Bender who was brought in by the Marlins in relief. Unfortunately, it was just another St. Louis runner left on base when Iván Herrera flied out to center to end the bottom of the 7th.

The Cardinals also wasted a single by Jordan Walker in the bottom of the 8th inning, but that was hardly surprising based on what St. Louis has done for the past week. Did the Cardinals do something inspiring in the bottom of the 9th and make a game of it? Of course not. Hold on a second, personal emotional eruption is coming…

WHY ARE THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS SUDDENLY SO FLAT FOR THE PAST WEEK? WHY DO RUNNERS IN SCORING POSITION SEEM TO CAUSE TREPIDATION TO WHATEVER CARDINAL HAPPENS TO BE IN THE BATTER’S BOX? WHY HAS OUR DEFENSE BECOME SO SLOPPY? WHO’S GONNA RISE TO THE OCCASION AND REMIND THIS CARDINALS TEAM WHAT INSPIRED THE “TARPS OFF” RIGHT FIELD CRAZIES IN THE FIRST PLACE? WHO STOLE OUR BATS? Sorry about that, but I feel better now.

The St. Louis Cardinals will wrap up their homestand Sunday by trying to avoid a sweep from the Miami Marlins. The Cardinals will start Kyle Leahy while the Marlins starter has yet to be announced. First pitch scheduled for 1:15pm central time at Busch Stadium with the game TV broadcast being handled by Cardinals.tv.

Nine Michigan State Spartans Selected In NHL Draft

Jun 26, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Chase Reid reacts beside NHL commissioner Gary Bettman after being selected with the seventh pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Seattle Kraken at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images | Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

As Steve detailed in his NHL Draft Preview, a number of Michigan State Spartans were going to hear their names called. However, unlike the more familiar styles of the NFL and NBA Drafts, pro hockey’s version is full of names that will still play at the amateur levels. In these cases, all the newly drafted players associated with MSU have not actually laced up for the Green & White yet. All the top names you heard during MSU’s most recent season had already been drafted in previous years. Some will be back next season, while some are off to the NHL. The names picked over the past two days are the ones to continue giving us fans hopes for an NCAA championship.

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The NHL Draft began with its 1st round on Friday followed by rounds 2-7 on Saturday. (I think I would like the NFL to follow this arrangement rather than its current 3-day program.) Five players who have given commitments to Sparta went in the first round, four who we will see in 2026-27 and a fifth who will keep us waiting for 2027-28. Here are those selections:

  • #7: Chase Reid, D – Seattle Kraken
  • #15: Nikita Klepov, LW – Anaheim Mighty Ducks
  • #17: Ethan Belchetz, C- Utah Mammoth
  • #30: Jack Hextall, C – Calgary Flames
  • #31: Thomas Bleyl, D – Nashville Predators (*coming to MSU in 2027-28)

In addition to the quintet of first rounders, four more future members of MSU’s hockey program were selected in rounds 2-7 including the very first pick of round 2.

  • Rd. 2, #1: Brooks Rogowski, C – Vancouver Canucks
  • Rd. 4, #2: Jonas Kemps, D – Florida Panthers (*coming to MSU in 2027-28)
  • Rd. 5, #11: Nicholas Bogas, D – St. Louis Blues (*undecided for 2026-27)
  • Rd. 7, #24: Cullen McCrate, D – Boston Bruins

Nine total selections in this NHL Draft will eventually play for Michigan State, assuming “reopening my recruitment” doesn’t come to college hockey. 6, and maybe 7, of those draftees will be in East Lansing for the 2026-27 season, four of which are forwards. While the Spartans lost a good deal of talent to the NHL after last season, this could be a case of reloading, not rebuilding.

The future still looks bright inside Munn Ice Arena.

Brewers drop Saturday night affair with Cubs, 8-2, as bullpen struggles

Jun 27, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the base after hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Box Score

Kyle Harrison had another solid outing on Saturday night, handing the bullpen a 2-2 tie with the Cubs in the sixth inning. Unfortunately, Milwaukee’s bullpen struggled, allowing six runs over the final four innings in what ended up as a blowout 8-2 loss.

After Harrison breezed through the first with a 1-2-3 inning, including a strikeout, Jackson Chourio greeted lefty David Peterson — in his Cubs’ debut, after being acquired from the Mets earlier this week — with a first-pitch homer over the wall in center at 411 feet to make it 1-0.

The bats went quiet after that, as singles by Gary Sánchez and Joey Ortiz were the only other baserunners through the end of the third.

In the fourth, the Cubs finally broke through. After Harrison struck out Pete Crow-Armstrong, Matt Shaw singled up the middle for Chicago’s first baserunner of the evening, and Seiya Suzuki followed with a two-run homer, his second homer in as many games, to give the Cubs a 2-1 lead. Harrison worked out of the inning with no further damage, though he did allow a two-out walk and single.

The Brewers got a run back in the bottom of the fifth, as Blake Perkins lined a double into the right-center gap, and Sal Frelick followed with an RBI single to left to knot it up at 2-2.

The tie wouldn’t last, though, as Chad Patrick found himself in some trouble in the sixth after taking over from Harrison. While he got the first two outs without a problem, he then issued a pair of walks before Nico Hoerner hit a single to right to make it 3-2 Chicago.

It wouldn’t end there, either, with Ian Happ jumping on a first-pitch cutter from Patrick for a three-run homer, quickly stretching the Cubs’ lead to 6-2.

Milwaukee, meanwhile, couldn’t do much of anything against the Cubs’ bullpen — they went down in order in the sixth and seventh, and their only baserunner in the eighth came on a two-out walk by David Hamilton.

Chicago was able to add one more insurance run in the seventh off Grant Anderson, as he walked Shaw, Suzuki singled to put runners at the corners, and Alex Bregman brought in a run with a sac fly. The Brewer defense was able to limit the damage, though, as Chourio, Cooper Pratt, and William Contreras combined to cut Suzuki down at the plate on a double into the gap by Michael Busch.

Just for good measure, the Cubs added a pinch-hit solo homer from Michael Conforto against Joel Kuhnel in the ninth to bring this one to an 8-2 final.

In an even more unfortunate turn of events in the ninth, Garrett Mitchell entered as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the ninth, and after swinging and missing at the first pitch, immediately grabbed his left hamstring. After a visit from the trainer, he remained in the game (the team was out of position players), ultimately grounding out — hopefully nothing major and something more like a cramp.

Harrison looked good, though he wasn’t the most efficient. He threw 92 pitches across just five innings, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out nine. Patrick took the loss as he gave up four runs in less than an inning of work, while Anderson and Kuhnel each gave up a run. Jared Koenig, in his first appearance since early April after being activated from the IL yesterday, was the only pitcher with a clean inning, allowing one hit and striking out one.

The offense collected just five hits and one walk, with no players reaching base more than once. Chourio had the homer, Perkins had the double, and Frelick, Ortiz, and Sánchez each singled.

The Brewers still hold a 6.5-game lead over the Cubs, but they’ll look to move that back to 7.5 games with a series win on Sunday. Brandon Woodruff is slated to make the start for Milwaukee, with the always terrifying TBD scheduled for Chicago. First pitch is at 1:10 p.m.

42-42: Chart

Jun 27, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images

Guardians 4, Mariners 3

Groundhog Day as a movie: Randy Arozarena, .14 WPA

Groundhog Day for your baseball team: J.P. Crawford, -.17 WPA; Colt Emerson, -.16 WPA

Game thread comment of the day:

Not everything can be perfect: Mets 6, Phillies 2

Jun 27, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) reacts after hitting a two run triple against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Phillies have had a pretty remarkable week. Three games that would have been losses were in not for the fight they showed against a weaker opponent. The catch of the year in Friday’s victory over the Mets. It’s been quite the several days.

Today, that came to a screeching halt.

After a decently long rain delay, the Mets and Phillies got underway about an hour late, a game that ultimately saw the Phillies wither without a true starting pitcher and a lockdown performance by the Mets bullpen. Things started well with Bryce Harper homering off of Christian Scott to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead.

However, it being the fifth starter’s turn, the team continued with its opener/Alan Rangel plan for the position and got burned today. Tim Mayza started and was fine, but Rangel allowed four runs in his four innings of work. He started off fine, but in the sixth, things got hairy. Juan Soto and Bo Bichette both singled with one out, then scored when Francisco Lindor tripled to tie the game at two.

After a walk, Jonathan Bowlan came in, walked a batter, then gave up a two-run single to give the Mets a 4-2 lead. In the seventh, Soto hit an RBI triple, then scored on a sacrifice fly by Bichette to end the scoring on the day. The Phillies’ offense struggled against the bullpen that only allowed two hits and a walk in 4 2/3 innings.

It happens.

Sometimes, teams just have a rough game and this was one of them.

Diamondbacks 2, Tampa 4: Fish House Blues

LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 28: A manta ray is seen as people visit the Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanario de Lisboa) the second largest aquarium in Europe and is home to around 16,000 marine creatures from 450 different species, in Lisbon, Portugal on May 28, 2025. Opened in 1998 as part of the Expo '98 World Fair, the aquarium features a main tank with a capacity of 5 million liters, housing sharks, penguins, and tropical fish. Attracting great interest from both local and international tourists throughout the year, the facility offers a unique opportunity to closely observe underwater life. (Photo by Didem Mente/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images

I was initially going to call this “Bouncy Castle Blues,” because that’s what Tropicana Field reminds me of as much as anything. With its synthetic fabric top, and its weirdly springy turf, and the fact that try as we might we never seem to play competent baseball there, it seems fitting. But that would have led me to Google Images and then probably an extended session of foolishness with Photoshop, and I realized I really wanted nothing more than to get this recap done as soon as possible, because it wasn’t a fun baseball game to watch, even with the always pleasant company in the Gameday Thread. And rays are basically fish, right? They live in water and they swim around in it, anyway. Whatever.

Young Jose Cabrera was making his second start of his young major league career, and I was kind of excited to see that, because I must admit I slept through the early innings of his debut last Sunday. And you know what, the kid looked pretty good, even though his final pitching line doesn’t quite reflect that.

We also staked him a lead before he’d even taken the mound, thanks to a one-out Geraldo Perdomo double off the top of the wall in right center that just missed being a home run, followed by a Corbin Carroll single to right that drove him in. Carroll was then promptly thrown out trying to steal second, and Gabriel Moreno grounded out to third to end things against Tampa opener (and former Diamondback, apparently) Cole Sulser. 1-0 DBACKS

Sadly, Cabrera gave that run right back in the bottom of the first. After retiring Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda without any drama at all, he allowed a 2-1 sinker to catch a little too much of the plate, and Junior Caminero launched it over the fence in the left field corner for his third first-inning home run in as many games. 1-1 Tie

And there things stood until the bottom of the fifth, as Cabrera settled down and put up zeroes in the next three innings, while the Diamondbacks offense could do nothing whatsoever against Sulser (who pitched the second inning as well) or former Doyer Michael Grove (who pitched three scoreless with no blemishes other than a Moreno single in the fourth). Cabrera retired the last two batters in the Rays’ order to start the fifth, flipping the lineup back to the top, where their big bats live. And they did big bat things, alas: Diaz drew a 7-pitch two-out walk, and Cabrera threw Aranda a sweeper on the inside that Aranda turned on and sent into the right field seats. 3-1 Tampa

Cabrera was only at 78 pitches, though, so Torey Lovullo sent him out to start the bottom of the sixth, where he was promptly greeted by consecutive first-pitch bunt singles by Victor Mesa, Jr. and Chandler Simpson. Cedric Mullins came to the plate and looked like he was going to bunt as well, and I mean, why not? We hadn’t been able to stop it the first two times, right? That was enough for Torey, though, who pulled Cabrera and sent in Juan Morillo to throw some high-velocity pitches that wouldn’t be so buntable. Which was fine, so far as it went, but Morillo bounced the second pitch he threw in the dirt and it got by Moreno and rolled to the backstop. The runners moved up, and then a fly ball by Mullins to center field allowed Mesa to tag and score. 4-1 Tampa

Some new guy had come in out of the Rays’ bullpen, and allowed a two-out Perdomo single in the top of the sixth, and a two-out Arenado double in the seventh, but both runners were left standing there as the Diamondbacks once again continued to fail to hit with runners in scoring position (they were 0 for 5 total today). We did get one run back in the top of the eighth, courtesy of Ketel Marte going deep to pretty much straightaway center to drive himself in with his 14th home run of the year:

So that was nice, I guess, though it wasn’t nearly enough to make a difference. 4-2 Tampa

Meanwhile, after Morillo’s work was done, Ginkel and Clarke put up zeroes to keep Tampa from doing any more damage, but we couldn’t do any more damage ourselves, so it wound up being kind of moot.

Loss Probability Added, courtesy of FanGraphs

This one was a truly symphony of mediocrity, in terms of Win Probability Added, with nobody really rating in either a positive of negative way other than Jose Cabrera, who also wore the loss in this one:

Fish Food: Jose Cabrera (5 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR, -15% WPA)

Sad to say, it was also a pretty anemic Gameday Thread as well, with 141 comments total at time of writing. Amusingly, it looks like the three that got the most recs were from me and Ramona for our hello posts, so in the interest of choosing something at least nominally game relevant, this one goes to AZNailgal520 and kilnborn for this trifecta regarding Jose Cabrera’s nickname and how it reflects his ability to move about the infield:

Extra credit, too, for the callback to last night’s hippo business!

Anyway. If you feel like some morning baseball, you can stop by and join us as we try to avoid getting swept by the other Florida team. Merrill Kelly takes the ball for us, Drew Rasmussen goes for Tampa, first pitch is scheduled for 10:40am AZ time. Hope to see you!

As always, thanks for reading, and as always, Go Diamondbacks!

Mets bullpen continues to dominate, pick up Christian Scott in win over Phillies

It was another banner night for the Mets bullpen, and they came up huge in the team's 6-2 win over the Phillies on Saturday night.

Four relievers combined to pitch 4.2 scoreless innings against a tough Philadelphia lineup, and with the help of Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, the Mets snapped their seven-game losing streak.

"The pitching was really good," Mets interim manager Andy Green said after the win. "For me, what [A.J.] Minter did was pretty special today. He went through the heart of the lineup in an inning-plus; there was a lot to like about today’s game."

Minter took over for starter Christian Scott in the fifth inning with a man on and one out. The veteran reliever got Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber to fly out to end the inning. Minter then followed up by pitching a scoreless sixth, working around a Bryce Harper single to get five outs for Green and the Mets. He also gave the Mets offense a chance to score four runs in the sixth to take the lead.

Huascar Brazoban, Luke Weaver and Devin Williams followed, allowing just two baserunners in the final three innings to complete the win. 

"It’s no secret the starters haven’t been going deep into games, haven’t really been doing our jobs too well," Scott said of the bullpen. "But our bullpen’s kind of saving us. Especially Minter, Brazo, Weave and Devin. Just coming in and being nails every time they’re out. Gives us a chance to win deep in ballgames. Gives our offense a chance to compete later in games. They’ve been huge for us, honestly."

The Mets' bullpen has pitched to a 3.35 ERA, which is the third-lowest in the NL and the fifth-lowest in MLB. The pen also leads the majors in strikeouts with 363.

Minter, specifically, has increased his scoreless innings streak to 12 and has not allowed an earned run in his last 24 appearances. But Weaver has been especially nasty for the Mets.

The right-hander completed another shutout inning, getting Turner, Schwarber and Harper out in order, running his consecutive innings streak to 23 across 21 games. He tied Roger McDowell (1986) for the sixth-longest scoreless streak in franchise history by a relief pitcher. 

"He had the heart of what they have and he had his way with it today," Green said of Weaver. "Schwarber couldn’t pick up the changeup. And the fastball is just alive right now. That combination is tough for guys."

According to Elias, since May 1, Weaver is the only relief pitcher in the majors with 20.0 innings pitched and zero runs allowed. During the same stretch, Weaver has held opposing batters to a .127 (10-79) average and has pitched to a 0.65 WHIP.

With their long losing streak snapped, the Mets will try to string together wins. If they hope to climb out of the hole they created for themselves, they'll need this performance from the bullpen.

Rangers beef up on blue line to help key area of need on NHL draft Day 2

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Benjamin MacBeath poses for a photo after being selected 64th overall by the New York Rangers during Day Two of the 2026 NHL Draft at KeyBank Center on June 27, 2026 in Buffalo, New York, Image 2 shows Charlie Morrison #27 of the Quebec Remparts skates after the puck against the Moncton Wildcats during the third period at Avenir Centre on November 16, 2025 in Moncton, Canada
Rangers

The left side of the Rangers defensive depth chart was heavily reinforced during the second day of the NHL draft Saturday. 

Five of the Blueshirts’ nine total draft picks this weekend were left-shot blueliners who will bolster the organization’s thin collection of defensive prospects. After taking Alberts Smits on Friday’s Day 1, the Rangers took four more at the same position throughout Day 2. 

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Capping the second round by taking Benjamin MacBeath at No. 64 out of the Western Hockey League, the Rangers also selected Charlie Morrison 77th overall from the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League. 

“Obviously, I feel a lot of emotions,” MacBeath said in a Zoom call. “It’s a lot of stress leading up to it, but I mean, to be drafted by the kind of organization like the Rangers, it’s such a relief and it’s awesome to get to spend that time with my family after. It’s been great.” 

The 18-year-old MacBeath is headed to play for three-time NCAA champion coach David Carle at the University of Denver next season. Committed to the Pioneers since he was 15, MacBeath highlighted the elite coaching staff, winning culture and proximity to his family as reasons for choosing the NCAA route. 

Benjamin MacBeath poses for a photo after being selected 64th overall by the Rangers during Day 2 of the 2026 NHL Draft at KeyBank Center on June 27, 2026 in Buffalo. NHLI via Getty Images

Describing himself as a two-way defenseman, MacBeath touted his ability to move up and down the ice and join the rush. He said he looks to create shooting lanes on the blue line and can close spaces quickly with his edges. 

Rangers director of player personnel and amateur scouting John Lilley cited the department’s best-available-player philosophy for the influx of left-handed defensemen. 

“Sometimes it’s just the way the list falls,” Lilley said. “This year it certainly seemed a little D-heavy anyway. And we ended up with those left-shot ‘D,’ but it was the way the list went and to deviate from it, and jump six, seven spots — because a lot of times players have been taken in between — just kind of goes against what you’ve tried to build the entire season with your list.” 

The Rangers also added size to their D-pool with Andre Mondoux in the sixth round (162nd overall). Mondoux is slated to return to the OHL next season before heading to Notre Dame in the fall of 2027. 

Just three picks after MacBeath, the Rangers selected goalie Danai Shaiikov at No. 67 out of the QMJHL. Amid the expected departures of netminders Hugo Ollas and Talyn Boyko, who combined for just seven games for the Wolf Pack, team president and general manager Chris Drury needed to strengthen the goalie depth. 

Right now, the organization has Igor Shesterkin, Dylan Garand, Spencer Martin and Callum Tung. 

“Scott Clemmensen, who is our goalie scout, really valued this young man [Shaiikov] in Gatineau,” Lilley said. “He’s athletic. He’s very competitive. He doesn’t give up on pucks, and he had a lot of work this year. … He’s a battler with a lot of skills and quickness and I know Scott really pushed and really wanted him.” 

After taking Morrison at No. 77, the Rangers went with Slovakian center Tomas Chrenko. 

Charlie Morrison of the Quebec Remparts skates after the puck against the Moncton Wildcats during the third period at Avenir Centre on Nov. 16, 2025 in Moncton, Canada. Getty Images

“I’m a playmaker,” Chrenko said. “I love to make plays. I love to pass to my teammates. I love to score. I’m a creative player and I have a high hockey IQ.” 

The Rangers selected another forward at pick No. 102, adding left wing Spencer Bowes. 

Last season with the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League, Bowes set a new career high with 23 goals and 42 points in 67 games. Quick feet and a high-end pace highlight Bowes’ skill set. 

At No. 163, the Rangers took right wing Darian Anderson out of the OHL. Last season with the Flint Firebirds, Anderson played alongside Jacob Battaglia, whom the Rangers acquired from Calgary in exchange for Brennan Othmann and their 2024 fifth-round pick Nathan Aspinall. 

In his first 60 OHL games, Anderson posted 20 goals and 45 points. 

“I think we checked a lot of boxes and got a lot of players that our scouts are passionate about,” Lilley said. “It’s, a lot of times, a two-year process watching these young men as underagers right through this year. I’m really excited and I know the guys in the room worked extremely hard.”

Deandre Ayton expected to pick up player option

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 18: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts prior to the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images

While Deandre Ayton’s debut season in Los Angeles wasn’t the perfect fit, it was still a strong season for the big man, all things considered.

His numbers were, naturally, down from previous season, but given his role as the fourth fiddle on offense, that’s to be expected. He still had his most efficient season as a scorer and his highest block total since the 2020-21 season.

However, his playstyle didn’t mesh with the Lakers’ pick-and-roll ballhandlers and his inability to be a lob threat has left the team searching for just that this summer. But even if the team is ready to move on from him, he likely won’t be facilitating that transition.

According to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports, Ayton is expected to pick up his player options for his second season.

It’s no secret the Lakers are looking to upgrade at center (it should be noted Deandre Ayton is expected to pick up his player option and be back with the team).

The Lakers probably aren’t going to be surprised by this move. On a recent episode of NBA Today, Dave McMenamin of ESPN hinted that the team would have to look for a trade if he does opt in.

Again, he had a good season last year and will have trade value. The Lakers can look to move him for a piece that fits better on the roster, whether that’s a lob-catching center or an athletic wing.

Even if the fit didn’t work between him and the Lakers, it was still a fun season with some fun moments. Theoretically, he could remain on the roster as a backup, but it’s probably in everyone’s best interest to part ways to find Ayton a team he better fits on and LA a player who fills a need.

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

Ben Rice’s ugly stretch hits low point in loss to Red Sox: ‘He’s grinding a little bit’

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows New York Yankees' Ben Rice, right, strikes out swinging in front of Boston Red Sox catcher Carlos Narváez, left, in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Boston.
ben rice

BOSTON — Ben Rice has spent most of the season looking like an MVP candidate. 

But the past six games have been much more pedestrian, magnified by the rest of the Yankees offense going through a cold stretch with him. 

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Coming off a breather Friday, the slugging first baseman went 0-for-4 in Saturday’s 4-1 loss to the Red Sox.

He is batting just 2-for-23 with a .174 OPS over his past six games, of which the Yankees have lost four. 

“No doubt he’s grinding a little bit right now,” manager Aaron Boone said. “But that’s part of it, man. Even the guys that are going to the All-Star Game and are in the MVP conversations, there’s going to be weeks where it’s not easy, where you go through it a little bit. 

“He’ll be fine, he’ll get through that. Hopefully start getting it going [Sunday].” 

Ben Rice strikes out in the ninth inning of the Yankees’ 4-1 loss to the Red Sox on June 27, 2026 at Fenway Park. AP Photo/Steven Senne

To be clear, Rice is far from alone in having a rough week. But it is noticeable because of how impactful he has been for most of the season — he finished Saturday batting .276 with a .940 OPS — with this marking the quietest stretch of his season so far. 

It comes during a week in which the Yankees have faced a heavy dose of lefty starters — including each of the past four games, with Red Sox southpaw Jake Bennett holding him down Saturday. 

“I think [Bennett] executed pretty well against him to give him some problems,” Boone said. 

In a bit of an oddity, Rice grounded out in eight straight plate appearances before striking out in his final at-bat Saturday. 


There’s still no timetable for the Yankees to get their two biggest bats back from the injured list in Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, but two others should be back within the next week. 

Trent Grisham and Ryan McMahon are expected to come off the injured list during the club’s upcoming homestand that begins on Monday. 

Grisham, coming back from a right hamstring strain, is set to play in at least one rehab game, likely on Tuesday (the minor leagues are off Mondays), before potentially returning.

He was one of the Yankees’ hottest hitters before he got hurt, but his return should also help defensively, as his presence in center field allows Boone to put other players where they are best defensively. 

“I think he settles things a lot,” Boone said. 

Trent Grisham hits an RBI single driving home Amed Rosario in the eighth inning of the Yankees’ win over the Red Sox on June 7, 2026 at the Stadium. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

“You know he’s there, now Belli’s where’s he needs [to be], then other guys are where they’re supposed [to be]. So yeah, we certainly miss him.” 

McMahon, meanwhile, is first eligible to be activated Thursday, an off-day, meaning he should be back for Friday’s series opener against the Twins. After being diagnosed with a peritonsillar abscess Wednesday, he was prescribed a few days of rest, but returned to New York on Friday to begin baseball activities again this weekend. 

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“When he was leaving [Friday] morning from the hotel, he was feeling again another day better, good night’s sleep,” Boone said. “He should be doing baseball activities now all week and would expect him when the 10 days is up.” 


Max Schuemann crushed his first home run as a Yankee in the fifth inning, a 412-foot blast off Bennett that represented the team’s only run of the day.

Schuemann was starting in center field. for the second time this season.

Mets' Jorge Polanco resumes rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse, goes hitless

Mets infielder/designated hitter Jorge Polanco appeared in his first rehab game in nearly a month on Saturday night for Triple-A Syracuse and finished 0-for-3 while batting second and DHing.

In his first at-bat, Polanco, a switch-hitter batting right-handed against the lefty Kolby Allard, swung at the first pitch he saw and popped out to second base. Leading off the fourth inning, the 32-year-old struck out looking against Allard on a 2-2 curveball that appeared to be a bit outside. Polanco did not challenge the call.

An inning later, with the game tied 1-1 and a runner on first base with two outs, Polanco, facing Allard for a third time, once again popped out to second base to end the inning. He was replaced by a pinch-hitter with two outs and nobody on in the seventh inning.

It's been a tough first season in New York for Polanco, who continues to recover from Achilles bursitis that has plagued him all season. In fact, the veteran had to shut down his previous rehab assignment at the beginning of June after six games due to left ankle soreness. 

Semyon Varlamov determined to make Islanders return this season: ‘We plan on him’

New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov (40) makes a stop on a shot by Detroit Red Wings left wing J.T. Compher (37) during the second period when the New York Islanders played the Detroit Red Wings Monday, November 25, 2024 at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY.
New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov (40) makes a stop on a shot by Detroit Red Wings left wing J.T. Compher (37) during the second period when the New York Islanders played the Detroit Red Wings Monday, November 25, 2024 at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY.

Semyon Varlamov is intent on returning to the Islanders, and he appears to be on track after missing most of the last two seasons due to major knee problems

“As of today, actually, ‘Varly’s’ been on the ice. He told me he felt the best the last four, five years with his knees,” general manager Mathieu Darche said over Zoom on Saturday after the completion of the two-day NHL draft. “I told him you feel 25? He just said, no, 26. We’re excited the way he played in the AHL. Right now, if he’s healthy we plan on him.” 

Darche is hopeful that Varlamov can play more frequently next season as Ilya Sorokin’s backup.

Semyon Varlamov (40) makes a stop on a J.T. Compher during the Islanders’ loss to the Red Wings on Nov. 25, 2024 at UBS Arena. Robert Sabo for NY Post

The team will bring in other goaltenders as insurance. One option is last year’s backup, David Rittich, who is an unrestricted free agent. 

“We’re obviously going to sign other goalies, because we have to protect ourselves,” Darche said. “Hopefully, he gives us the 25-30 starts we want from a backup. He would be an awesome addition, if that works out. He’s under contract, he feels great. If he’s healthy, he’s going to be our backup next year. 

“He’s been training, no medication, no anything. He’s been on the ice at Northwell [Health Ice Center] probably twice a week, if not more, and in the gym. It’s very encouraging what we’re seeing right now.” 

The 38-year-old Varlamov last appeared in a game for the Islanders on Nov. 29, 2024. It was revealed late in the season he underwent two knee replacement surgeries. He was able to appear in two games for the team’s AHL affiliate in Bridgeport, while on a conditioning loan. It marked his return to professional hockey after missing over 500 days. 


Darche said he isn’t planning to make a qualifying offer to restricted free agent defenseman Adam Boqvist, partly to give prospect Isaiah George an opportunity at the NHL level. It could either be as a seventh defenseman, or a bigger role. 

“He might start in the top six,” Darche said. “We want competition. Maybe he pushes someone out of the lineup. We have some flexibility with the right and left guys that can play on both sides.” 


When Darche said his team can never have enough quality defensemen Friday night, he wasn’t kidding. 

The Islanders followed up using their first-round pick on blueliner Malte Gustafsson by selecting two more defensemen Saturday with his first two picks of the day. 

After taking Gustafsson 13th overall, the Islanders chose American Lincoln Kuehne (109th) in the fourth round and Czech Vladimir Dravecky (141st) in the fifth. Both are right-handed defensemen, significant since the Isles are thin on the right side of their prospect pool. 

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders looks on as Malte Gustafsson of Sweden (center) is drafted by the Islanders with the No. 13 overall pick during on Day 1 of the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26, 2026 in Buffalo. Getty Images

They capped the draft by taking Russian center Artyom Matyuk in the sixth round (173rd) and American right wing Robert Cowan (205th) in the seventh. 

Without a second- and third-round pick, the success of this draft likely will hinge on the development of Gustafsson, a big, physical defenseman who will take part in the team’s upcoming developmental camp for prospects.

The 6-foot-4, 203-pound, 18-year-old is planning to return next season to HV71 of the SHL, the top professional league in his native Sweden. 


The Islanders acquired defenseman Ryan Healey from the Wild for future considerations, the team announced.

The 22-year-old was a fourth-round pick in 2022 and spent the last four seasons at Harvard.

Game #83: A’s at Angels Game Thread

Jun 21, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics pitcher Jack Perkins (50) throws to a Los Angeles Angels batter during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images | Scott Marshall-Imagn Images

Last night, the Athletics got off to a winning start in their three-game weekend series against the Los Angeles Angels, riding a seven-run fifth inning to a 9-3 victory. Tonight, the “Green and Gold” look to clinch the series, while extending their winning streak to three games with a second straight win over their division rivals.

Taking the ball for the road team this evening will be right-hander Jack Perkins. The 26-year-old enters his 22nd appearance and fifth start with a 2-3 record, a 6.26 ERA, a 1.37 WHIP and 57 strikeouts over 46 innings.

After being tagged with the loss in his first start of the season earlier this month, Perkins has steadily settled in, improving with each outing. He has gone without a decision in each of his last three starts, a streak he hopes to end in his second consecutive start against these Angels.

Last Sunday, Perkins allowed four runs on four hits over five innings while recording a season-high eight strikeouts. He exited with the Athletics holding a three-run lead and in line for the win, but the A’s bullpen surrendered the lead as the Angels rallied for a comeback victory. Still searching for his first win since joining the starting rotation, Perkins will look to change that, though he will need his teammates to hold the lead this time around.

Speaking of the A’s beleaguered bullpen, the team made a trade today to address that weakness.

Juenger, the Blue Jays’ sixth round draft pick in 2021, brings an MLB-ready arm to the A’s relief corps. The team has not yet announced whether he will join the major-league club or report to Triple-A Las Vegas.

In 21 appearances with Triple-A Buffalo, Juenger posted a 1-2 record with a 2.59 ERA. His strong minor league performance to start the season led to his first MLB promotion. The right-hander allowed three earned runs over two innings in his brief time with the big-league club before the Blue Jays designated him for assignment earlier this week.

The other player in this trade, Carapellotti signed with the A’s as an undrafted free agent following four years at Georgetown. He was off to a good start with Single-A Stockton, hitting eight home runs in 20 games.

Lastly, corner infielder Brett Harris’ time with this franchise could be coming to an end. The 28-year-old has been up and down between the A’s and the minors over the past three seasons, yet failed to make much of an impact and has now been overtaken by younger, higher-ceiling players.

Back to the game, here’s the A’s Saturday night lineup:

The A’s starting nine is nearly identical to last night’s lineup. The lone change comes in right field, where right-handed hitter Colby Thomas gets the start in place of Lawrence Butler, who started there in the series-opener. Both catchers also remain in the lineup for a third straight game, though their roles are reversed. Jonah Heim moves behind the plate, while Shea Langeliers shifts to designated hitter.

The bottom three hitters, who sparked the Athletics seven-run fifth inning, will look to deliver again. Alika Williams, one of the team’s most unexpected contributors this season, gets another start at shortstop as Jacob Wilson continues to recover from a re-aggravated left shoulder injury.

That lineup will be facing Angels left-hander Reid Detmers, who has pitched well as a starter after spending all of last season in relief. The 26-year-old enters his 17th start with a 3-5 record, a 3.93 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP and 104 strikeouts across 94 innings.

This game features the same pitching matchup as last weekend’s series finale between these two teams, when the A’s tagged Detmers for five runs on six hits over six innings.

The Athletics potent offense will look to have a similar level of success against the southpaw tonight at Angel Stadium.

And the Angels’ lineup, brought to you by old friend Kurt Suzuki:

The Angels are still without Mike Trout, yet their lineup still features several dangerous bats, including shortstop Zach Neto, right fielder Jo Adell and designated hitter Jorge Soler. Following a blowout loss yesterday, the “Halos” will look to bounce back and even the series. Can Perkins limit mistake pitches and work deep into the contest, or will the Athletics need to dig deeper into their bullpen ahead of tomorrow’s series and road trip finale?

Tune in to find out whether the squad can make it three in a row. Let’s go A’s!

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6/27 Gamethread: Giants vs. Braves

View from behind of Logan Webb stretching to throw a pitch.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 14: Logan Webb #62 of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Sunday, June 14, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kavin Mistry/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

It’s time for Game 2 in the series between the San Francisco Giants and the Atlanta Braves. And it’s a doozy of a pitching matchup!

For the Giants, it’s their ace, right-hander Logan Webb. The two-time All-Star is 4-5 in 13 starts this year, with a 3.35 ERA, a 3.07 FIP, and 70 strikeouts against 20 walks in 83.1 innings. Webb has been lights out lately, having pitched eight innings in each of his last three games, while allowing just three earned runs in that span.

For the Braves, it’s fellow righty and fellow All-Star Bryce Elder, a 27-year old. Elder has made 16 starts this year, and is 5-5 with a 3.71 ERA, a 3.79 FIP, and 79 strikeouts to 29 walks in 94.2 innings. He’s been struggling lately though, as he’s allowed 14 earned runs in 10 innings over his last two starts.

Enjoy the game, everyone.

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Game #82

Who: San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves

Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California

When: 6:05 p.m. PT

Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area

National broadcast: n/a

Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM