Wisconsin has filed a suit against Miami, alleging the Hurricanes engaged in impermissible contact with former Badgers defensive back Xavier Lucas.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora says decision to trade Rafael Devers is ‘not personal'
Red Sox manager Alex Cora says decision to trade Rafael Devers is ‘not personal' originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – Red Sox manager Alex Cora was in no mood to discuss the tiny details and nuances behind Boston’s decision to trade Rafael Devers to the Giants earlier this week. In Cora’s view, it was nothing more than a simple baseball move.
For all the talk circulating about Devers being a problem child in the Red Sox clubhouse and having serious communication issues with management after the team wanted him to change positions, Cora instead focused on the good that Devers brought to Boston.
“He produced,” said Cora, who acknowledged it will be ‘awkward’ to see Devers in another uniform. “You look at the list of homers in the franchise, 500 extra-base hits, the World Series ring. There’s a lot of stuff Raffy did for us that we’re going to miss. We’re very proud of him. To face him here, it’s going to be different.
“I appreciate everything he did for us, everything he did for me. This weekend we have to get him out. We’re prepared for that, and obviously he’s prepared to do the opposite.”
The trade, which went down on Father’s Day landed the Giants the potent and productive bat they’ve been seeking to add to their lineup all season.
The deal happened so abruptly that Devers left the East Coast and flew to San Francisco before many of his Red Sox teammates had learned about the trade.
“He’s been a cornerstone of this franchise for a long time. To see him on TV in a different uniform is weird,” Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story said. “Once we’re out there it’ll be good to see him and talk to him and kind fo say bye. We didn’t really get to talk to him (when the trade happened).”
Story said he felt the Red Sox handled the news of the trade well, noting that they had to move on quickly.
“I wouldn’t say a gut-punch. I would say it’s more of a shock to the system a bit,” Story said. “I think we did a good job of not letting that hang around. There’s ball to be played and we know we still have a good team.”
When a Boston reporter asked Cora if he felt the need to meet with Devers at any point to clear the air, the Red Sox manager basically shrugged his shoulders.
“It’s baseball, it’s a business, that’s how it works,” Cora said. “People have their opinions about the whole thing, communication, first base, the age, third base, the manager, GM, owners, whatever. It’s a baseball trade. From my end I turn the page.
“Nothing in this business is personal. That’s something that throughout the years I always tell then, We agree on a lot of stuff, we disagree in others. Xander Bogaerts is in San Diego, it’s not personal. Mookie Betts is in LA, it’s not personal. Raffy Devers is with the Giants, it’s not personal.”
It’s personal for the Giants, who now boast a bat in their lineup capable of changing the direction of this season by his presence alone.
Where Do Blues Turn With Draft, Free Agency Looming?
ST. LOUIS -- Now that the 2024-25 season is behind and the Florida Panthers repeated as Stanley Cup champions, it's a quick turnaround for everyone looking ahead to 2025-26.
For the St. Louis Blues, the focus turns to the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles on June 27-28, where they'll -- barring trade(s) -- have a first-, a fifth-, and a sixth-round pick and no rest for the weary because free agency then kicks off July 1st.
There's also a development camp, which takes place June 30-July 3 and features some of the top prospects in the organization, but for the immediate needs, what will be the focus of the Blues to improve on their 44-30-8 record and entry into the playoffs for the first time in three years?
The center position seems to be a logical place, but since we last wrote on some prospective targets in the UFA market, even taking a stab at the RFA market should general manager Doug Armstrong go down that route, the center position has dwindled with the recent signings of Brock Nelson back to the Colorado Avalanche and Matt Duchene re-signing with the Dallas Stars, among others.
What will happen with pending restricted free agent Joel Hofer, who could be in line for an offer sheet should the goalie and the Blues not come to an agreement by July 1?
Do the Blues look to alter the blue line, where it has already been confirmed that veteran Torey Krug's days in the NHL are likely over barring a miraculous recovery from an arthritic condition in his left ankle? Will veterans Justin Faulk and/or Nick Leddy be in play on the trade market?
The Blues have all sorts of options on the table and just north of $13 million in cap space at their disposal should they get the green light to use it or choose to use it.
NHL Free Agency: Top Seven Pending UFA Wingers
The NHL’s free-agency period is fast approaching, so it’s time to break down the key free agents who will soon be on the open market.
We began the process by looking at the top seven looming UFA defensemen. And today, we’re turning our attention to the league’s top-six soon-to-be UFA wingers.
1. Mitch Marner, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs
Far and away the most high-profile UFA, Marner is heavily rumoured not to be returning to the Maple Leafs, his hometown team and only employer in his nine-year NHL career. Marner set new personal bests on offense in 2024-25, including 75 assists and 102 points in 81 games. He’s going to get a significant raise on the $10.9 million he made last season, and the only question is which new team he’ll be playing for next year.
At 28 years old, Marner is in his prime, and he’s likely to choose a team close to winning a Stanley Cup. That could be the Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights or a different team. But regardless of where he goes, Marner is going to be earning north of $12 million, and there will be plenty of teams willing to pony up that amount for him.
2. Brad Marchand, LW, Florida Panthers
Few NHLers earned themselves more of a raise in the 2025 post-season than Marchand, who posted 10 goals and 20 points in 23 playoff games. Marchand was always likely to get some sort of raise heading into the playoffs, but his dominance when games matter most is what will be driving his asking price well beyond the $6.125 million he earned in 2024-25.
The 37-year-old Marchand may be looking at his final NHL contract, so contract length could be the difference between him choosing one team over another. But there’s no question teams including the Panthers, Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins will be highly motivated to add his championship pedigree and dogged-determination-to-win to the table. Marchand did all the right things this year, and his salary is going to get a giant boost because of it.
3. Brock Boeser, RW, Vancouver Canucks
In eight full NHL seasons, Boeser has posted six seasons in which he’s had at least 23 goals, and while the 2024-25 campaign was a down year for him, in 2023-24, he put up a career-best 40 goals and 73 points in 81 games. Staying healthy has been an issue for the 28-year-old, but that’s not going to stop many teams from offering Boeser much more than the $6.65 million he earned last season.
At the end of last year, Boeser talked like his days as a Canuck are over. And the Minnesota native may well want to play closer to home. But a number of teams will be jostling to employ him, and he ultimately may choose a team he sees as being closest to winning a Cup. Could that be the New York Rangers? Maybe the Bruins or Maple Leafs? Time will tell, but it’s clear Boeser will be one of the first UFAs snapped up once July 1 arrives.
4. Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Winnipeg Jets
The 29-year-old Ehlers tied his career-high in assists (39) this season, and with 63 points in 69 games, he came within one point of matching his career best in points. It couldn’t have come at a better time for the lifelong Jet, and now, he’s assured of being the subject of a bidding war for his services.
Ehlers’ 2024-25 salary of $6 million will be dwarfed by his next contract, which is likely to be for seven or eight seasons in length. Winnipeg has done well when it comes to retaining its free agents, so there’s a chance Ehlers remains a Jet. But if his asking price gets too high, Winnipeg may part ways with him. And a team like the Detroit Red Wings or Chicago Blackhawks could turn out to be his new employer.
5. Patrick Kane, RW, Detroit Red Wings
When he left the Blackhawks in 2023, Kane had his longevity as an elite winger questioned by some. But since then, mostly as part of a young Wings team, Kane has shown he has lots left in his competitive tank, posting two years of at least 20 goals and 47 points.
Now, Kane has a different choice before him: sticking with Detroit and trying to get the Red Wings into the post-season for the first time since 2016, or going in another direction, and signing with a team like the Leafs, Rangers, Minnesota Wild or Kings. The 36-year-old is likely looking for a two or three-year contract, but so long as his average annual salary is in the area of $4 million, Kane will have his choice of several potential employers.
6. Claude Giroux, RW, Ottawa Senators
When he went home to play for the Senators in 2022, Giroux was coming off a year in which he put up 21 goals and 65 points in a season split between the Panthers and Philadelphia Flyers. But after his first season in Ottawa, where he posted 35 goals and 79 points, Giroux’s productivity has fallen off in successive seasons, dropping to 15 goals and 50 points last season.
Thus, Giroux’s asking price for his next contract will probably be for a maximum of the $6.5 million he made in 2024-25. Surely, the Sens will be interested in bringing him back, but Giroux could choose to sign with a different team. Ottawa isn’t flush with cap space, so perhaps another team – say, the Montreal Canadiens – could swoop in and scoop him up.
In any case, teams that lose out on one of the aforementioned UFA wingers could make Giroux a priority, and that should keep his salary around the same number as it was last year.
7. Jamie Benn, LW, Dallas Stars
Benn has spent the entirety of his 16-season NHL career with the Stars, and while Dallas GM Jim Nill is on record as saying he wants Benn to finish his career as a Star, the reality is the Stars have limited cap space after signing center Matt Duchene. Needless to say, while Benn was always going to have to sign for far less than the $9.5 million he earned in each of the past eight seasons, the Stars are going to have to move money around to even have a hope of retaining Benn’s services.
Another potential issue for Benn is that his offensive numbers took a serious hit in 2024-25, as he generated only 16 goals and 49 points in 80 regular-season games. And in 18 playoff games, Benn produced only one goal and three points.
Teams will value Benn’s experience and grit, but the 35-year-old may have a tough choice to make this summer: take the biggest payday he can find, regardless of where it is, or accept a gigantic pay cut to sign with a true Cup contender.
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Campbell refutes report Devers was upset with him over first base situation
Campbell refutes report Devers was upset with him over first base situation originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
In the aftermath of the Boston Red Sox’ stunning Rafael Devers trade, there have been several accounts of what led to the veteran slugger’s untimely departure. Among them was a bombshell Yahoo Sports report from Joon Lee, who detailed the dysfunction at 4 Jersey Street.
There were several revelations in Lee’s report, including chief baseball officer Craig Breslow firing a longtime scouting supervisor for calling him a “f—ing stiff” during a Zoom meeting. Lee also explained how Devers’ frustration with the club’s poor communication ultimately led to him being sent to the San Francisco Giants.
In May, Devers publicly called out Breslow for asking him to replace the injured Triston Casas as Boston’s primary first baseman. The club eventually turned to rookie second baseman Kristian Campbell to take practice reps at first base, and according to Lee, Devers’ took issue with Campbell “volunteering” to play the position.
“According to multiple sources, Devers was also upset when the rookie Campbell volunteered to play first base this season — interpreting it as a slight to his own stature,” Lee wrote.
Campbell, who was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Friday, refuted that report and praised his ex-teammate.
“That was false,” Campbell told reporters Friday at Polar Park, via MassLive’s Katie Morrison-Day. “First off, Raffy never came to me, never had a problem with it. We were always cool. He’s an extremely great player, extremely great person. He’s a very kind person and a good teammate.
“Second, I would say I never went to the Red Sox to play first base. They came to me and asked me if I could play first base because we didn’t have one at the time. That’s when Casas went down, and I said I would do it because it would make the team better and I would be willing to learn the position. That was basically how it went down.”
While he often worked out at first base after Casas’ injury, Campbell never ended up playing the position in a game for Boston. The Red Sox instead have primarily gone with the combination of hot-hitting Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez.
Campbell will get some playing time at first base as he aims to get back on track in Worcester. He’ll also play second and center field, but he told reporters that first base will be “the priority.”
As for Devers, the three-time All-Star said he is open to playing anywhere for San Francisco. He has already practiced at first base, though he won’t play the position when the Red Sox visit Oracle Park for a three-game series starting Friday night.
Penguins Name Full Coaching Staff For 2025-26 Season
Back on Jun. 4, the Pittsburgh Penguins hired Dan Muse as the 23rd coach in franchise history.
And, now, his supporting cast has been made official.
On Jun. 20, the Penguins announced that they have brought on assistant coaches Todd Nelson, Nick Bonino, and Rich Clunen as well as Troy Paquette, who will be the team's assistant video coach under Madison Nikkel.
Andy Chiodo will remain on the staff as the team's goaltending coach.
Nelson, 56, has been the head coach of the AHL's Hershey Bears - affiliate of the Washington Capitals - for the past three seasons and won back-to-back Calder Cups in 2023 and 2024. He has also coached the Chicago Wolves and Grand Rapids Griffins as part of his AHL resume - earning 450 total AHL wins, which is the fifth-highest mark in AHL history - and his coaching experience at the NHL level includes the now-defunct Atlanta Thrashers, Dallas Stars, and Edmonton Oilers - which was a brief stint as head coach in 2014-15.
A bonus nuggest? Nelson, a former defenseman, was drafted by the Penguins in 1989, appearing in only one NHL game with the organization.
“With over two decades of coaching experience, Todd brings a championship pedigree and a winning history that speaks for itself,” Muse said. “He has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to get the most out of his players, most recently in Hershey, and his leadership qualities and wealth of experience will be a tremendous asset to our team as we continue to build a culture of excellence.”
'I Couldn't Be More Excited To Get Started Here': 3 Takeaways From Dan Muse's Introductory Press Conference As Penguins' Head CoachOn Wednesday, Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas formally introduced Dan Muse as the 23rd head coach in franchise history at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Bonino, 37, said publicly that he would be joining the Penguins' staff on Wednesday. He was selected in the sixth round (173rd overall) by the San Jose Sharks in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and spent parts of three seasons with Pittsburgh, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
He was part of the famous "HBK Line" - which also included Phil Kessel and Carl Hagelin - that helped lead Pittsburgh to its 2016 championship. Bonino did see a short-lived second stint in Pittsburgh during the 2022-23 season post-trade deadline, appearing in only three games due to injury.
In his NHL career - primarily as a responsible, shutdown two-way centerman - Bonino registered 159 goals and 358 points in 868 games, including 27 goals and 66 points across his two full seasons in Pittsburgh.
Former Penguin Set To Join Coaching Staff For 2025-26 SeasonA few weeks after it was announced that Dan Muse would become the 23rd head coach in Pittsburgh Penguins franchise history, it appears that a former Penguin will be joining his coaching staff as well.
“Nick's understanding of what it takes to win at the NHL level is unmatched, and his unique experience as a player who filled many different roles over the course of his career will only help him as an assistant coach,” Muse said. “His familiarity with the Penguins organization, as well as my familiarity with him as a player, and person, made him a great fit for this role, and we’re excited to welcome him to our coaching staff as he enters the next phase of his career.”
An assistant for the Anaheim Ducks last season, the 37-year-old Clune was also involved with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in player development as well as with the AHL's Toronto Marlies as an assistant coach in 2023.
The specific roles on the coaching staff for Nelson, Bonino, and Clune have yet to be announced.
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Featured image credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
Stienburg, Polin Signed to One-Year Deals Through 2026
Denver, Colo. - The Colorado Avalanche announced on Friday morning that both Matthew Stienburg and Jason Polin have signed one-year deals with the organization through the 2026 season.
Both Stienburg and Polin were RFAs heading into this upcoming offseason.
Another one!
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 20, 2025
We've signed Matthew Stienburg to a one-year contract. pic.twitter.com/GfCLnPq3a2
From Halifax, Nova Scotia, Stienburg spent most of last season nursing an upper-body injury. Prior to sustaining his injury on November 1st, he played in three games with the Eagles, earning three points (1G/2A). He returned during the Eagles' postseason run, playing in three total games before they were eliminated by the Abbotsford Canucks.
Stienburg made his NHL debut on October 16th with the Avalanche, finishing the stint off with eight total games. During his time with the Avalanche, on October 30th, he made a hit against the boards that earned him a two-game suspension for charging. His suspension was served during a call-up to the Avalanche for their playoff run against the Dallas Stars.
The 24-year-old was selected by the Avalanche in the 3rd round of the 2019 NHL Draft. Prior to his professional career, he played with Cornell University, appearing in 73 games and tallying 46 points (20G/26A).
We've signed Jason Polin to a one-year contract through the 2025-26 season ✍️ pic.twitter.com/z1qFI4M4vb
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) June 20, 2025
From Holt, Michigan, Jason Polin appeared in 39 regular-season games for the Colorado Eagles last season, totaling 19 points (11G/8A) despite missing a good portion of the season due to injury. He dressed for seven games in their most recent postseason run, during which he scored his first professional postseason goal.
The 26-year-old made his NHL debut in January of 2024 and has appeared in nine games for the Avalanche. He scored his first NHL goal on January 16th, 2024 against the Ottawa Senators.
Polin has skated in 88 AHL games, earning 30 total points (15G/15A) across that run. He signed with the Colorado Eagles as a college free agent in March of 2023.
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When could Nolan McLean and other Mets pitching prospects get extended big league looks?
Whenever I post stat lines and highlights of some of the Mets' top pitching prospects on X (@PSLToFlushing if you don’t already follow, I think you should!), my mentions get lit up to "call up prospect X."
Whenever pitchers land on the injured list, like Kodai Senga or Tylor Megill, I see similar responses to call up a prospect to take their place.
While that is certainly more exciting for the fanbase, myself included, the organization must have a big picture outlook.
An example: Friday’s series-opener against the Phillies did line up with No. 3 prospect Nolan McLean’s scheduled day to throw, but Friday’s start is being made by his Triple-A teammate, Blade Tidwell.
Adding McLean to the 40-man roster and starting his service time clock when he still has a few things to work on just to make one spot start frankly would not have been a wise organizational decision.
Especially so when you consider the fact that Frankie Montas (next week) and Sean Manaea (in the next couple of weeks) are expected to return to the rotation. Despite their rehab assignments being up-and-down, the Mets are paying them roughly a combined $40 million this year, and they both have very recent big league success. They are going to get spots in this rotation.
While teams are building in perpetuity, the most important thing for the Mets is winning right now. The juxtaposition of that is that a team requires young talent to impact the major league team to be able to pursue sustained success.
This begs the question of, when will these pitching prospects get an extended opportunity at the big league level?
I think the answer is different for each individual, and at its core, the answer really should be… when they are ready to come up without the thought that they will have to go back to the minors. Things don’t always work ideally or according to plan, but that is the objective.
Let’s go through some of the options..
Blade Tidwell
Tidwell made his big league debut earlier this year in what amounted to a spot start against the Cardinals. It wasn’t a debut to remember for Tidwell, as he lasted 3.2 innings, allowing nine hits, six runs and three walks while striking out two.
It’s been an up-and-down year for Tidwell at Triple-A, with a 4.76 ERA in 13 appearances (11 starts). He still possesses swing-and-miss stuff, headlined by a fastball that will touch 98 mph.
With him being on the 40-man roster, he could fill in as a spot starter like he is on Friday or potentially fill a longer-term role in the second half -- either in the rotation or the bullpen, where his stuff could tick up in shorter sprints.
Brandon Sproat
Sproat entered the season as the No. 1 prospect in the Mets system after a breakout 2024 season. But it certainly has been an uneven season at the Triple-A level for Sproat, with a 5.31 ERA in 13 starts. However, things have begun to look better over his last 4 starts, where he has a 2.95 ERA in 21.1 innings.
He is a changed pitcher in 2025, as far as his pitch mix goes. Sproat still sports mid-to-upper 90s velocity, but in 2024 in Triple-A, he threw his four-seam fastball 51.7 percent of the time and his sinker just 1.1 percent of the time. In 2025 he is throwing his four-seamer much less, at 28.2 percent of the time, and his sinker much more, at 22.1 percent of the time.
The byproduct of that is he is generating significantly fewer swings and misses, but he has avoided barrels at an elite rate (2.8 percent barrel rate) and become a ground ball merchant with a 54.2 percent ground ball rate.
Sproat also has three pitches graded above average by Stuff+, so while the numbers on the surface aren’t exciting, there are still reasons under the hood to believe in Sproat as a future big league starter. I don’t look at Sproat as a particularly ideal fit in a bullpen role, but if a rotation spot were to open in the second half, Sproat warrants consideration.
Nolan McLean
McLean, the No. 3 prospect in the system, entered 2025 for the first time in his entire life as exclusively a pitcher. He was a two-way player growing up, in college at Oklahoma State and until midseason last year in professional baseball. In 12 games split between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse, McLean has a 2.08 ERA with 65 strikeouts in 65 innings.
He still needs to iron out some command issues (he is walking 4.0 batters-per-nine) and a couple of his secondary offerings, but I think McLean is close to big league ready.
McLean's sweeper is his highest percentage offering, and it is genuinely one of the best pitches in all of minor league baseball. He has essentially an even split of usage of his sinker and four-seam fastball, which he will throw 94-96 mph. He also throws a cutter, changeup, and will infrequently spin a curve.
McLean is the pitcher of this group I would most expect to make an impact in 2025, whether it's because a long-term rotation spot opens up, or in August or September as a weapon out of the bullpen. It is worth noting that McLean was a reliever in college and he could trim his pitch mix and be a power reliever down the stretch -- a strategy that has been used by many playoff teams in the past.
Jonah Tong
I will preface this saying I do not believe Tong will make his major league debut in 2025. With that out of the way, Tong has emerged as one of the biggest rising pitchers in all of minor league baseball. He has now reached unanimous top 100 prospect status in baseball.
In 12 starts with Double-A Binghamton, Tong has a 1.97 ERA in 59.1 innings. He is second in all of minor league baseball with 96 strikeouts. Among all minor league pitchers with at least 40 innings, he is second in strikeout percentage (40.7 percent), tied for second in batting average against (.141) and fifth in FIP (2.07).
He comes equipped with a fastball that sits 93-95 and will touch 97 mph with elite carry, and an old-school 12-6 curveball that he loves to throw. A big addition this year has been the Vulcan-grip changeup that has generated swings and misses. Tong also has a cutter and a hard slider that he is tinkering with different shapes on.
Tong admitted himself while recently speaking with SNY that he does need to continue to work on his command, as his 4.4 walks-per-nine can stand to improve. Other than a slightly elevated walk rate, he is dominating the Double-A level. I suspect a promotion to Triple-A is not far away and that it may simply be a bit of a numbers game right now as to why he isn’t already there.
The command will be something to monitor as the Triple-A level changes to the major league ball, and with the presence of both veteran hitters and the ABS challenge system. But I believe Tong is ready for that next challenge. He will be an arm to watch to make a potentially significant impact in 2026.
The Mets have some returning veterans to the rotation, but they also have some young talent getting ready to knock on the door of the big leagues over not just the next couple months, but the next couple years -- with names even beyond the list above.
Duke walk-on Stanley Borden, last player in college to have played for Coach K, transfers to UTSA
Stanley Borden, the final basketball player still in college to have played for Mike Krzyzewski, has announced he is transferring to UTSA from Duke. The 7-foot Borden was a walk-on for the Blue Devils, joining the team in 2021 — the last of the Hall of Fame coach's career. “Everything that everyone has heard or said in terms of aura and energy is all there,” Borden said Thursday in a phone interview from Istanbul, where his family lives.
Penguins Hire Ex-Maple Leaf Rich Clune, Marlies' Troy Paquette To NHL Coaching Staff
It's been said before, and I'll repeat it: Pittsburgh Penguins president and general manager Kyle Dubas appreciates his people.
Nearly one year after bringing in Toronto Maple Leafs Director of Player Personnel, Wes Clark, the Penguins have added two more coaches who've spent time in Toronto's organization. Pittsburgh hired former Toronto Marlies assistant coach Rich Clune and video coach Troy Paquette on Friday afternoon, rounding out the team's coaching staff under new bench boss Dan Muse.
Clune was most recently an assistant coach with the Anaheim Ducks. He spent one season with the NHL club after holding a similar role on the Marlies' coaching staff for part of the year prior, after assistant coach Eric Wellwood went on medical leave.
The 38-year-old ran Anaheim's power play last season, which finished at an NHL-worst 11.8 percent. The Ducks also finished 25th in the league with 80 points. Clune had been captain of the Marlies for part of two seasons (2020-21 to 2021-22) before shifting into a development role with the organization after retirement in August 2022.
Following former Anaheim head coach Greg Cronin's dismissal in April, questions arose about the rest of the team's coaching staff. A month later, the Ducks announced that Clune and assistant coach Brent Thompson would not return next season.
Can Matt Duchene’s Extension Offer Clues For John Tavares’ Next Contract With The Maple Leafs? One of the few center options the Toronto Maple Leafs could've had in free agency is now off the market.
This will be Clune's second season behind an NHL bench as an assistant coach.
"Rich brings a wealth of knowledge across every level of professional hockey, spanning from his 15-year playing career to his time in development and coaching at the AHL and NHL levels over the past three years," Muse said.
"Rich’s experience in coaching, development and as a former player and captain will be extremely valuable in this role, and we’re excited for his addition to our coaching staff."
'We Were Down 2-0 And You Got Us Here': Paul Maurice's Viral Stanley Cup Comment Serves As A Painful Reminder For Maple LeafsWhen the Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers to win their second consecutive Stanley Cup, some Toronto Maple Leafs fans lamented another missed opportunity. After all, the Maple Leafs were the only team to push Florida to seven games during its championship run.
After four seasons with the Marlies, Paquette joins the Penguins as an assistant video coach. Before joining AHL Toronto in 2021, Paquette spent three seasons with the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs (2018 to 2021) and two as a goaltending coach with USports' Queen's University (2019 to 2021).
The 29-year-old will work underneath video coach Madison Nikkel, who's been with the Penguins since 2019.
Possible Maple Leafs Trade Target Gone As Kraken Land Former Prospect Mason MarchmentAny hopes the Toronto Maple Leafs had of re-acquiring Mason Marchment were dashed Thursday , as the Dallas Stars traded the gritty forward to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2025 fourth-round selection in the NHL Draft. The Maple Leafs are in the hunt for more forward depth, and Marchment brings plenty of playoff experience, having played with the Stars in the Western Conference Final for the third consecutive season.
(Top photo: Toronto Marlies / X)
David Ortiz seemingly takes shot at Giants' Rafael Devers with Instagram story
David Ortiz seemingly takes shot at Giants' Rafael Devers with Instagram story originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
David Ortiz is not backing down from his criticism of Rafael Devers.
The Baseball Hall of Famer on Friday once again seemingly took a shot at the three-time MLB All-Star ahead of the Giants’ series with the Boston Red Sox, Devers’ former team.
Ortiz posted a photo of himself with his retired number in the Fenway outfield with a message that read:
“The thing is that to have some like this at Boston you have to just not be a hitter you have to be the full package a all the way around player… go Sox.”
This added to some choice words Ortiz told The Athletic on Monday, just one day after the trade first was reported.
“I know the communication between Devers and the Red Sox wasn’t the best at the very beginning,” Ortiz told The Athletic. “But at some point, you have to realize the organization has the power over everyone. They can play you, trade you, let you go. Sometimes, as a young player, it’s hard to understand that.
“But they have the power to do whatever they want. The only thing you can control is what you do on the field.”
“Big Papi” ’s remarks didn’t go over well with everyone with ties to the Red Sox, however, as his former teammate Pedro Martinez had his own thoughts on the situation and even mentioned Ortiz as a possible influence on the Devers-Red Sox relationship deteriorating.
“Big Papi also made a mistake in spring training by speaking in front of the cameras about some of the things that he needed to tell Devers,” Martinez said. “And just like I said before, that should’ve been handled in-house. Big Papi should’ve gone out with Devers to talk about those things, not really openly speaking in the field, because the cameras are able to pick up everything that we say.”
The 28-year-old Devers repeatedly told reporters before Friday night’s game that he wants to move on as he turns a new page in his career, and it starts with facing his former club just three games into his Giants career.
NHL Rumor Roundup: The Latest On Mitch Marner And Brock Boeser
Earlier this week, it was reported that Mitch Marner's camp had not engaged in contract talks with the Toronto Maple Leafs. It seemed certain that the 28-year-old winger would move on to another club when free agency begins on July 1.
However, TSN's Darren Dreger reported Tuesday that Marner had not informed the Leafs that he wouldn't return. He added that they could still be part of the bidding when he goes to market.
Dreger also indicated that Marner and his representatives intend to take their time fielding contract offers and visiting with the interested clubs, planning to reach a decision by mid-July.
The Marner camp may be willing to keep the Maple Leafs in the mix, but they could move on without him by July 1. Whatever they do leading up to that date will be the determining factor.
PuckPedia indicates the Leafs have $25.7 million in cap space with 17 active roster players under contract. Part of it will go toward a new contract for RFA power forward Matthew Knies, and perhaps re-signing UFA forwards John Tavares and Max Pacioretty to affordable short-term deals.
The rest could be used to attempt a major acquisition via trade at the upcoming NHL Draft (June 27-28) or via free agency.
Sam Bennett could become a Leafs target if the Florida Panthers center tests the market on July 1. However, the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner reportedly doesn't have Toronto on his list of preferred destinations.
Maple Leafs Snubbed? Sam Bennett Reportedly Has No Interest In Toronto If He Hits Free AgencyWhen the Toronto Maple Leafs look for free agents to sign on July 1, they’ll no doubt go big game hunting. And while the Leafs would certainly be interested in a player like Sam Bennett, it appears the feeling isn't mutual. According to FanDuel Sports reporter Andy Strickland, Bennett does not have Toronto on his list of possible destinations if he is unable to sign an extension with the Florida Panthers.
Speaking of UFA forwards, Brock Boeser will be among the notable names available on July 1. The 28-year-old right winger has scored 20-plus goals six times in his nine seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, including a career-best 40 goals in 2023-24.
Ben Kuzma of The Province wonders if Boeser might head to New York and reunite with former Canucks teammate J.T. Miller, who was traded to the Rangers in January. He pointed out they could use a top-six scoring winger after shipping Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks last week.
Kuzma projected Boeser could seek a long-term deal with an average annual value of $8.5 million on his next contract. If so, that could put him out of the Rangers' price range.
Larry Brooks of the New York Post reported the Rangers have around $14.5 million in cap space after re-signing center Matt Rempe earlier this week. He anticipates part of that will go toward re-signing RFAs Will Cuylle and K'Andre Miller, or Miller's replacement if he's traded.
It could take up $10 million of their cap space to retain Cuylle and Miller, leaving little to add Boeser without making another cost-cutting trade.
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What's the 2025 NBA Draft order? Here's an updated list of all 59 picks
What's the 2025 NBA Draft order? Here's an updated list of all 59 picks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
There have been some changes to the 2025 NBA Draft order as the two-day event nears.
The most recent deal involving picks in this year’s draft was between the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans. The Pacers reacquired their 2026 first-rounder from the Pelicans in exchange for the No. 23 selection and the rights to guard Mojave King, who was a 2023 second-round pick.
That Pacers-Pelicans deal followed a blockbuster trade between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic. Orlando paid a steep price to acquire standout guard Desmond Bane from Memphis, sending out four first-round picks — including No. 16 this year — and one pick swap along with guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony.
Who has the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft?
The Dallas Mavericks are picking first overall thanks to one of the most unlikely draft lottery wins in NBA history. Months after controversially trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas moved up 10 spots in the order to No. 1 despite boasting 1.8% lottery odds.
The Mavs are widely expected to kick off the draft by taking Duke forward Cooper Flagg, the consensus top prospect in this year’s class.
What’s the 2025 NBA Draft order?
The rest of the top five, in order, includes the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz.
Here’s an updated look at the full draft order:
- Dallas Mavericks
- San Antonio Spurs
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Charlotte Hornets
- Utah Jazz
- Washington Wizards
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Brooklyn Nets
- Toronto Raptors
- Houston Rockets (from Phoenix through Brooklyn)
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Chicago Bulls
- Atlanta Hawks (from Sacramento)
- San Antonio Spurs (from Atlanta)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (from Miami through LA Clippers)
- Memphis Grizzlies (from Orlando)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (from Detroit through New York, OKC and Houston)
- Washington Wizards (from Memphis)
- Brooklyn Nets (from Milwaukee through New York, Detroit, Portland and New Orleans)
- Miami Heat (from Golden State)
- Utah Jazz (from Minnesota)
- Atlanta Hawks (from LA Lakers through New Orleans)
- New Orleans Pelicans (from Indiana)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (from LA Clippers)
- Orland Magic (from Denver)
- Brooklyn Nets (from New York)
- Brooklyn Nets (from Houston)
- Boston Celtics
- Phoenix Suns (from Cleveland through Utah)
- Los Angeles Clippers (from OKC)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah)
- Boston Celtics (from Washington through Detroit and Brooklyn)
- Charlotte Hornets
- Charlotte Hornets (from New Orleans through San Antonio, Phoenix and Memphis)
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Brooklyn Nets
- Detroit Pistons (from Toronto through Dallas and San Antonio)
- San Antonio Spurs
- Toronto Raptors (from Portland through Sacramento)
- Washington Wizards (from Phoenix)
- Golden State Warriors (from Miami through Brooklyn and Indiana)
- Sacramento Kings (from Chicago through San Antonio)
- Utah Jazz (from Dallas)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (from Atlanta)
- Chicago Bulls (from Sacramento)
- Orlando Magic
- Milwaukee Bucks (from Detroit through Washington)
- Memphis Grizzlies (from Golden State through Washington and Brooklyn)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (from Milwaukee)
- New York Knicks (from Memphis through OKC and Boston)
- Los Angeles Clippers (from Minnesota through Atlanta and Houston)
- Phoenix Suns (from Denver through Charlotte and Minnesota)
- Utah Jazz (from LA Clippers through LA Lakers)
- Indiana Pacers
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Memphis Grizzlies (from Houston)
- Orlando Magic (from Boston)
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Houston Rockets (from OKC through Atlanta)
What are the 2025 NBA Draft dates?
The NBA draft will take place over two days for the second straight year. The first round, which includes the first 30 picks, is on Wednesday, June 25, followed by Round 2 on Thursday, June 26.
What is the 2025 NBA Draft location?
The Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets in New York, is hosting the entire draft.
Why are there only 59 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft?
There are typically 30 picks per round in the NBA draft, but the New York Knicks were docked their 2025 second-rounder after the league found they had violated tampering rules before signing Jalen Brunson in 2022 free agency.
Is $10 billion sale price good or bad for Lakers? Yes. Mostly it highlights changing NBA.
The NBA without the Buss family owning the Lakers sounds… weird.
Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers when Ronald Reagan was entering the White House and he proceeded to transform both the team and the league. There is the on-court success, where the Lakers have won 11 championships since Buss bought the franchise, while boasting a parade of “face of the game” level players: Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and now LeBron James, with Luka Doncic.
Laker fans should be estatic. A few things I can tell you about Mark - he is driven by winning, excellence, and doing everything the right way. AND he will put in the resources needed to win! I can understand why Jeanie sold the team to Mark Walter because they are just alike -…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 18, 2025
Beyond that, Dr. Buss changed how the sport was packaged as a product — this was entertainment. This was an event. It was the Laker girls and music pumped in the arena (not just an organist), it was Dancing Barry and celebrities sitting courtside. The modern fan sporting experience started with Buss' vision.
Now, Lakers ownership is changing. Once approved this summer by the Board of Governors, it will be Mark Walter, the CEO of global investment firm Guggenheim Partners, who will have bought the franchise at a $10 billion valuation. Jeanie Buss reported will stay on as the team’s governor (she and the Buss family will retain 18% ownership, according to reports).
Sale about change
Is the sale of the Lakers good or bad for the franchise? Is it good or bad for the NBA?
Yes. The answers are nuanced. It’s also not the right question,
Is this the end of family ownership in the NBA?
Yes
This is the real takeaway from the sale. The days of an NBA team as a family-run operation — especially where the team is the primary source of income, as it was for the Buss children — are gone. Big-time professional sports are now an investment for the ultra-wealthy.
Fans look at the Lakers' brand, the superstar players, how often they are on national television, the purple-and-gold jerseys in the crowd at road games, and with all that comes a perception that the Lakers were a free-spending, do-whatever-it-takes-to-win organization.
They were not even close. Behind the scenes, this was a relative mom-and-pop operation because it had to be — and if it wasn’t for a very generous local television contract it would have been much more noticeable (but betting on cable television to keep funding the team is a losing proposition long term). The Lakers did not spend top dollar on coaches (remember Ty Lue going across town?). They did not spend to beef up basketball operations and staff — Oklahoma City has a larger scouting and basketball operations team.
That’s what Walter’s ownership changes and why Lakers fans should feel positive. Under Walter’s ownership, the Dodgers have unashamedly acted like the richest kids on the block, and have been rewarded for it on the field. For a Lakers team going into summer negotiations with Doncic and LeBron, having a deep-pocketed owner willing to spend matters, even if the NBA’s tax structure limits that spending.
The Lakers are an amazing organization. I’m looking forward to meeting Mark and excited about the future. I am also grateful to Jeanie and the Buss family for welcoming me to LA, and I’m happy that Jeanie will continue to be involved. I look forward to working with both of them…
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) June 19, 2025
What Walter did with the Dodgers was spend — not just on players, he also upgraded Dodger Stadium, he beefed up the team’s front office (stealing the GM from another team), its analytics department, and he spent big on player development. He turned the Dodgers into Goliath and has a couple of World Series wins to show for it.
Walter can’t just spend to buy players under the NBA’s punitive salary cap/luxury tax system, but his Lakers will start acting like a rich team off the court. Expect the Lakers' front office and scouting teams to grow. Expect a focus on player development. Expect facility upgrades (not at Crypo.com, which is owned by AEG, but other team facilities).
The Lakers didn’t act like the richest kids on the block — that other team in Los Angeles did — and around the Lakers there are a lot of little stories that highlight things. As noted at ESPN: “An assistant coach was not approved to stay at the same hotel as the player he was traveling to work out with in the offseason because the room was too expensive.”
All that is about to change.
Something lost
With that, a connection between the fans and the owner is lost. Jeanie Buss will remain the team governor and in some ways face of ownership, but Walter and his investment team will have the final say. A much more corporate entity runs the Lakers now, whatever face they put on it.
The same was true in Dallas, where part of the loss in Mark Cuban selling the Mavericks was not having him as the recognizable owner fans to relate to (and talk to). The same is true in Boston, where Wyc Grousbeck was always a rich, corporate owner, but one fan saw, who a year ago was carrying the Larry O’Brien Trophy around the streets of Boston during a parade, high-fiving fans.
The trend toward corporatization and private equity/investment banking touching everything is not just a sports thing, it’s a societal thing. It’s the way of the world.
It’s just going to feel a little different for the NBA. At least Jeanie Buss will still be around and have a voice in the Lakers, but it’s not going to be the same.
Not that it will matter to Lakers fans if they start winning like the Dodgers.
Did David Ortiz throw shade at Rafael Devers with this IG post?
Did David Ortiz throw shade at Rafael Devers with this IG post? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
It’s no mystery which side David Ortiz is taking in the Rafael Devers-Boston Red Sox debate.
Ortiz hasn’t shied away from sharing his opinion on Devers and the Red Sox’ messy divorce. After Devers was traded to the San Francisco Giants, the three-time World Series champion said he often tried to reach out to Devers and offer advice, but he “almost never returned my messages.” He cited communication and maturity as issues that led to Devers’ departure.
On Friday, Ortiz appeared to take a subtle jab at Devers via his Instagram story. He posted a photo of himself posing in front of his No. 34 at Fenway Park, with the following caption:
“The thing is that to have something like this at Boston, you have to just not be a hitter, you have to be the full package all the way around player. Go Sox.”
That sure seems like Ortiz is calling out Devers’ refusal to play first base for Boston. While the legendary DH hardly played the field during his Red Sox career, he was at least willing to play the position when called upon.
Devers’ attitude changed upon his arrival in the Bay. During his introductory Giants press conference, he stated he would play anywhere the club asked him to play. He has since worked out multiple times at first base, though he has yet to play the position in a game.
Ortiz’s post comes hours before the Red Sox’ series opener against Devers and the Giants in San Francisco. Devers won’t play first base in the series, but there’s still no shortage of hype heading into the matchup with emotions still running high on both sides.
First pitch for Friday’s Red Sox-Giants game at Oracle Park is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. ET.