With the Stanley Cup playoffs now in the rearview, the landscape for the NHL offseason is becoming clearer by the day. The Anaheim Ducks are currently projected to have $38.8 million in cap space, and the biggest hole in their lineup remains on the right side of their blueline.

The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported on Tuesday that veteran pending unrestricted free agent defenseman John Carlson (36), via his agent Rick Curran, has relayed to Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek that Carlson intends to remain unsigned and head to the UFA market on July 1.

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“I’ve had good discussions with Pat,” Curran told LeBrun. “I told him how much John enjoyed his time in Anaheim. But his preference is to return and play in the East, closer to family and the familiarity with it. Pat was naturally disappointed but completely understood.”

The Ducks acquired Carlson at the 2026 trade deadline from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a conditional 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick.

The goal of the acquisition was to reward the Ducks for their position in the standings, give them the best chance of making the playoffs, and the best chance of succeeding once there. Following the trade, Verbeek stated his intention to attempt to re-sign Carlson at the season’s end.

Carlson was injured at the time of the trade, but he returned to action on March 15, with 16 games remaining in the 2025-26 regular season. After some tense moments down the stretch where their standings position was in question, the Ducks qualified for the NHL Playoffs for the first time since 2018, going 7-6-3 with Carlson in the lineup.

To the Ducks’ lineup, Carlson brought with him a veteran poise and offensive production. He scored 14 points (3-11=14) while averaging 24:11 in 16 regular season games in Anaheim. He was instrumental in the Ducks’ first-round defeat of the Edmonton Oilers, and though he didn’t get the McDavid matchup during those games, he provided a quality two-way impact and notched four assists.

Carlson only tallied two assists in the Ducks second round series against the Vegas Golden Knights, as the entire team had a difficult time cracking the Knights’ zone coverage and penalty kill.

The Ducks were one of the NHL’s worst defensive teams in 2025-26, and are a young team looking to build on their year and become sustainable contenders for years to come. So, the acquisition of Carlson, who can mostly be considered an “offensive defenseman” at this stage in his career, and was on an expiring contract, may have caused some to scratch their heads. Especially given the reported availability of defensemen like MacKenzie Weegar, Colton Parayko, and Rasmus Ristolainen at the deadline, all of whom either have more term, are younger, and are better stylistic fits.

Reports indicate that Carlson’s preference will be to return to the East Coast on his next contract. Other Ducks right-shot defensemen Radko Gudas and Jacob Trouba are also pending UFAs, leaving Drew Helleson, Ian Moore, and Tristan Luneau as the only RHDs in the Ducks’ organization with NHL experience.

The first-round pick that the Ducks sent to Washington in exchange for Carlson will be the 18th overall pick on June 26. It will mark the first time since 2017 that the Ducks won’t have a pick on the first day of the NHL Draft.

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June 16, 2026

NBA Offseason Trade/Free Agent Rumors 2026: Teams eyeing Trae Young, Kessler and Jazz at 'odds'

One week out from the NBA Draft, rumors around trades and free agency are coming fast. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the name most often discussed — get the latest on his potential trade here — but there is much more going on as well. Here are some of the latest news and notes.

Is Trae Young available?

All indications out of Washington have been that it plans to get Trae Young to reject his $49 million player option and get the All-Star point guard to sign a longer-term extension at a lower per-year number.

That said, teams are eying a potential Young trade, including the Miami Heat, who see him as a "big fish" backup if they strike out on landing Giannis Antetokounmpo, reports Jake Fischer at The Stein Line.

That all seems a little odd after there was virtually no market for Young at the trade deadline, and the Wizards got him for a song. Fischer notes that the changed lottery rules — where the teams with the three worst records have a worse chance of landing the No. 1 pick than seeds 4-10 — have increased the value of a floor-raiser like Young.

The key thing to watch: If Young picks up that $49 million player option — which he has to do by draft day next Tuesday — it's a sign he's about to be traded.

Miami also has its eye on Kawhi Leonard — if he becomes available, he is not currently — and Ja Morant as big swings if they miss out on Antetokounmpo.

Kessler, Jazz at “odds”

Being a restricted free agent sucks, especially if the team holding a player's rights makes it known they plan to match any offer.

Enter Walker Kessler. The Utah Jazz big man will be a restricted free agent (once the Jazz extend a $7.1 million qualifying offer), and a number of teams have interest in the 24-year-old. However, he is frustrated by the way the Jazz are handling the situation, reports Sam Amick at The Athletic.

Kessler... was already known to be frustrated by Utah's choice not to offer him an extension last summer. And now, with the Jazz choosing to leverage the realities of restricted free agency against him as a way to minimize his market, sources say he is strongly considering the prospect of a basketball future outside Utah. Yet, as is always the case with restricted free agents, it's never quite that simple. Kessler can either strike a deal with the Jazz, sign an offer sheet with another team (starting on July 1) that Utah could match, find a suitable sign-and-trade option for both parties or sign the qualifying offer (worth $14.6 million) for next season as a pathway to unrestricted free agency next summer. Whatever route he ultimately takes, this much is clear: Kessler is currently disenchanted with the Jazz franchise.

Welcome to Negotiations 101. Kessler and his agent want as big a deal as they can get from the Jazz, so the goal is to create leverage — and an unhappy player who might take an offer from another team, or hold a grudge long term, is some leverage. Will Kessler be able to get the size of offer he wants from a team with cap space, like the Lakers? Maybe, but those teams are not tying up their cap space for a couple of days unless they believe Utah will not match the offer. There is no reason to believe that.

Ultimately, Kessler and the Jazz will settle on a number and go from there. If Kessler can be the anchor at the five this team needs next to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen, then he will have a lot more leverage on a future contract.

Nuggets want to keep Gordon, trade Braun

There is going to be some re-shuffling in Denver this summer. Peyton Watson is a restricted free agent and his absence during the playoffs showed how vital it is for this team to re-sign him. With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray both making $50+ million next season, the Nuggets are already flirting with the second tax apron before re-signing Watson, which means shedding some salary.

Teams are calling about Aaron Gordon but the Nuggets are more interested in trading Christian Braun, reports Marc Stein at The Stein Line.

I'm told Aaron Gordon, who turns 31 in September, is the Denver veteran drawing the strongest external trade interest. Next season will be the first on a three-year, $103.6 million contract extension ... League sources say that the Nuggets' preferred course for a roster shakeup is finding a trade market for Christian Braun rather than entertaining deals that involve Gordon or Jamal Murray after Murray's first All-Star season, but those efforts are rife with challenges.

A lot of teams would love to trade for Gordon for the same reason Denver can't afford to let him go — Gordon is the ultimate glue guy, a two-way four that was critical to their championship run. The market for Braun will not be as strong, but he is a plus defender on the perimeter who averaged 12 points a game last season and is a career 36.5% from 3-point range — he can help a lot of teams. He's also locked into a fully guaranteed contract with four years and $103.4 million remaining.

One way or another, Denver has to get under the second tax apron and create some flexibility.

Other trade notes:

• Cleveland, a team over the second apron last season, is looking to trim some salary and, with that, is seeing what the trade market looks for veteran guard Dennis Schroder, reports ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Schroder is set to make $14.8 million next season and $15.5 million the season after, but only $4.4 million of that second season is guaranteed.

• No, Oklahoma City is not trying to trade Chet Holmgren. It's not on the table. That was never logical or on the table, but when a few teams did call, they were shot down quickly, something Zach Lowe noted on his podcast.

• One trade the Thunder are looking to make is moving the No. 17 pick in this year's draft, with multiple reports that they are looking to move on from that selection. They likely keep the No. 12 pick.

• There are more signs out of Dallas that the Mavericks plan to keep Kyrie Irving, reports Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

• League sources keep telling NBC Sports to expect that the Lakers will re-sign Austin Reaves despite rumors of other teams expressing interest. The only question is the final number.

June 16, 2026

Michigan State Spartans fan survey on the school’s leadership issues

Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Michigan State head basketball coach Tom Izzo watches during the first half of the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

TOC Nation, I know most of us are not pleased with the chain of events we have seen in East Lansing over the past few weeks. As Tom Izzo said yesterday in his brief comments to the media, it is up to all of the Spartan community to get things moving in the right direction. So in this week’s survey questions, I am asking a couple questions about the road ahead. First, I want to see if you believe we can get this thing turned around. And second, I want to see what you are looking for in the person to lead us there.

I look forward to seeing how you vote and reading your comments on these. And as always, sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

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June 16, 2026

T.J. Hughes’ Road To The Avalanche Starting Lineup Next Season

The signing of T.J. Hughes out of the NCAA has been a wonder for the Colorado Avalanche. The Hobey Baker finalist, in his short span with the AHL Colorado Eagles, has already shown the fanbase and organization what's to come from him and how things can look even better.

Despite the Eagles losing to the Chicago Wolves in the Western Conference Finals in the Calder Cup Playoffs, as every game and series passed, Hughes managed to get more and more comfortable and show off different elements of his game that can really show how a successful training camp could have him as a runner-up for the final spot on the Avalanche 2026-27 opening night roster.

A Great Fit For The Middle-Six

After finishing his season with the University of Michigan and signing with the Avalanche, he played only two regular-season games before the team prepared for the playoffs, finishing with a goal and an assist. While his first couple of games showed some nervousness and unfamiliarity with the environment, in every game that followed, he showed increasing confidence with his linemates and the AHL's style of play.

By the end of the Eagles' run of the playoffs, he finished with four goals and 10 assists for 14 points in seventeen games played. That's the third most points on the team behind Tristen Nielsen (17) and Ivan Ivan (15). Before Game 3 of the Calder Cup Finals between the Toronto Marlies and the Wolves, Hughes is still ninth in terms of scoring in the entire playoffs.

What really stands out in his game is his playmaking, as he can read plays and make the most of them however he can, all while playing as the second-line center. He was able to follow the play well and be in position for loose pucks, and while four goals wasn’t the most on the team, his shot volume was high as he finished with 54 shots on goal, the second most on the team behind Neilsen (56) and still fourth most among all AHL playoff skaters.

The Michigan boys are at it again! pic.twitter.com/JAuMUYXADo
— Colorado Eagles (@ColoradoEagles) May 18, 2026

What really interests me is how the Avalanche could use him if he makes the lineup. While he is naturally a center, we have seen him play on the right wing at times, which opens up possibilities within the lineup. He probably won't play a center role in the top six, but he could see time on the wing if the role fits or if there is an injury.

The most sense is in a bottom-six position right away as a center to utilize his skills to the fullest, with players like Parker Kelly, Logan O’Connor, and Nicolas Roy; many defensive players can help Hughes while matching his speed and skills on offense.

How This Offseason Could Determine His Role

The Avalanche are in for a ride this offseason, and it's already started pretty hot. From fans wanting head coach Jared Bednar fired to General Manager Chris MacFarland, who is leaving for the Nashville Predators, change is on the way, and we learned that from Joe Sakic at the end-of-season media conference.

Avalanche’s End-of-Season Media Availability: What Sakic & Kronke Had To SayGeneral Manager and President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic and KSE Vice Chairman Josh Kronke spoke with the media today about the past Colorado Avalanche season and how things look for the future of the team

The bottom six as a whole could look a lot different to start next season. Joel Kiviranta is an unrestricted free agent, and Jack Drury and Zakhar Bardakov are restricted free agents. I’ve made my case for why Drury should be a key focus for the Avalanche to keep, but we could see Kiviranta go, with Bardakov as another player between the Eagles and Avalanche on a two-way deal.

Then there's the cap situation: the Avalanche have just under $3 million in cap space, and that's not gonna be enough if they want to keep Drury and Brett Kulak. So we could be looking at cap casualties like Ross Colton or Valeri Nichushkin.

If this team wants to match last season's success, it needs production up and down the lineup, as it did. With how well Kelly played last season, the ability to get a full season of a healthy O’Connor, and hopes of re-signing Drury with Roy to fill out the center positions, a guy like Colton needs to go, given his cap hit and limited production.

Before signing Hughes, other playoff teams in the league thought Hughes could jump right into their lineup and help produce. With what Hughes showed this playoff run with the Eagles, it's time for the Avalanche to put that faith into him and reap the benefits of his cheap ELC to improve other areas of the team.

David Pagnotta: Re TJ Hughes (college free agent): Teams like Toronto and Edmonton have viewed him as a player that can step in and play with some of the big boys right out of the gate - The Sheet (4/3)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) April 10, 2026

Why the Avalanche's Biggest Battle Will Start on Day One of Training CampScott Wedgewood turned an unexpected opportunity into the best season of his career and helped make “The Lumberyard” one of hockey’s most surprising stories, but now Mackenzie Blackwood enters training camp facing the toughest battle of all: winning back Colorado’s crease.

June 16, 2026

MLB ballparks are a friendly neighbor to the World Cup, bringing fans and soccer energy to The Show

ARLINGTON, Texas — When St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol saw his team had an unusual Saturday off during the season, and in the middle of a series, he had one question: “Can I make it to the soccer game?”

Not just any soccer game, a World Cup match.

The international soccer tournament, held every four years, is ongoing at 16 sites in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Those include 11 markets that also are home to a combined 13 Major League Baseball teams.

Kansas City, where the Cardinals open a three-game series, is hosting six World Cup matches at the NFL stadium in the same complex with the Royals’ ballpark. The Cardinals and Royals will be off Saturday, when Ecuador plays Curaçao.

“That is the goal, yes,” Marmol said when asked if he was going to that match.

Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino and his wife, who played soccer at Old Dominion, plan to be there.

“It’s strange, but it’s special circumstances,” Pasquantino said. “It’s awesome that Kansas City got access to World Cup games. So, however many years until the United States hosts again, we’ll be all right with some off days like that.”

World Cup matches are being played in the United States for the first time since 1994.

Getting their kicks in Texas

A tournament-high nine matches are being played at AT&T Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys that is adjacent to Globe Life Field. The neighboring Texas Rangers will host two split series, but also have a Monday off between home series on July 6, the day of a round of 16 match.

Texas now is in a three-game series against Minnesota that will finish Thursday, after a pause Wednesday when powerhouse England plays its Cup opener against Croatia.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson, who played soccer as a kid in California.

The Rangers completed a road trip Sunday in Boston, with thousands of Scottish fans chanting and singing at Fenway Park the night after Scotland won the opener of its first World Cup appearance in 28 years. That win over Haiti was at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, about 30 miles away.

Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said the presence of the Tartan Army made it feel like a European soccer game. He and members of his staff now want to attend the World Cup.

“It was so much fun that on the off day the majority of our staff is trying to find a way to get tickets to go to a game that they know really nothing about because of the atmosphere that was so incredible,” Schumaker said. “The passion was insane.”

In Philadelphia, the Phillies will be off Friday during their home series against the New York Mets since Brazil plays Haiti at nearby Lincoln Financial Field.

Like for the Rangers, Royals and Seattle Mariners, the home of the Phillies is next to an NFL stadium hosting some of the 104 matches during the nearly six-week tournament with teams from 48 nations. Those stadiums all have shared parking lots.

Texas and Kansas City both are off for round of 32 Cup matches on July 3, a Friday. The Rangers will have already opened a series against Detroit, while the Royals wait to start an unusual Saturday through Monday series against the Phillies.

Not all of the matches are next door

Either the Mets or Yankees have a home game on each of the eight dates World Cup matches are at MetLife Stadium across the river in New Jersey, including the championship finale July 19, when the Yankees also host Shohei Ohtani and the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Yankee Stadium is about 14 miles from the Meadowlands, with Citi Field about 24 miles away.

World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium will be about 13 miles from Dodger Stadium and 35 miles from Angel Stadium. Either the Dodgers or Angels play at home on six of the eight match dates in Inglewood. Those other two dates fall on normal off days during a homestand, one for each team.

With separation between stadiums, Atlanta, Boston, Houston, Miami and Toronto all will play multiple home games that concur with World Cup matches in their markets.

Mariners and Red Sox almost played two

There still will be a split series for the Angels when they go to Seattle, with a midweek break July 1 for a round of 16 Cup match.

The Mariners originally were scheduled to have a home doubleheader Saturday against Boston with the United States playing Australia in Seattle. But when match time at Lumen Field was set at noon local Friday, the Mariners and Red Sox switched to a traditional three-game series with the opener that night, instead of playing MLB’s first scheduled doubleheader in two years.

June 16, 2026

Jalen Brunson is a top-50 all-time NBA player after Knicks title: Bill Simmons

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Jalen Brunson in a New York Knicks uniform, gesturing with his hand, Image 2 shows bill simmons put jalen brunson into his list of the top 50 NBA players of all time

Bill Simmons believes Jalen Brunson’s championship run has changed the way he should be viewed historically.

The Ringer founder said Brunson now belongs among the top 50 players in NBA history after leading the Knicks to their first championship since 1973, capped by a 45-point performance in New York’s Game 5 win over the Spurs.

“I think he has to be one of the top 50 players of all time now,” Simmons said on “The Bill Simmons Podcast.”

Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks talks to the media after the game San Antonio Spurs during Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images

It is a major jump in reputation for Brunson, who arrived in New York as an undersized guard with playoff credibility but not the profile of a player expected to become the centerpiece of a championship team.

That changed during the Knicks’ run.

Brunson was repeatedly the player New York leaned on to create offense late in games, and his Game 5 performance helped close out a 94-90 win over San Antonio that delivered the franchise its first title in 53 years.

Simmons said that kind of run puts Brunson in a different category, especially when compared with other great guards whose teams never quite reached the same stage with them as the clear lead option.

“He did something a bunch of great guards were never able to do,” Simmons said.

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Simmons pointed to James Harden, Steve Nash, Chris Paul and Jason Kidd while making the argument.

Harden reached the Finals early in his career with the Thunder, but never got there as the lead star of his own team. Nash won two MVP awards but never made the Finals. Paul reached the Finals with the Suns in 2021 but lost to the Bucks, while Kidd lost twice in the Finals with the Nets before later winning a championship with the Mavericks.

Simmons said Brunson’s ability to carry New York’s offense through the biggest moments put his run alongside some of the most memorable individual postseason pushes in league history.

“What Brunson did was up there with Dwyane Wade in 2006,” Simmons said. “It was up there with Walton in ’77.”

Wade led the Heat to the 2006 title with a dominant Finals performance against the Mavericks, while Bill Walton carried the Trail Blazers to the 1977 championship.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson motions after a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in San Antonio. AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Simmons said Brunson’s case was built not only on production, but on how often he delivered under pressure.

“He was the guy over and over again who could create the best offense for them, and he got better when it mattered,” Simmons said.

Brunson’s workload also stood out to Simmons, who noted that the Knicks guard played heavy minutes despite giving up size to many of the players around him.

“He never got tired,” Simmons said. “As a small guy, the stuff that he did was inconceivable.”

The performance that appeared to push Simmons over the edge was Game 5, when Brunson’s 45 points finished off the series and secured the title.

“The more I look at it and stare at it, I think it is one of the great Finals games,” Simmons said.

Simmons said he now has Brunson ranked No. 40 on his all-time list, placing him above several Hall of Fame-level names, including Nash, Kidd, Sam Jones and George Gervin.

He also acknowledged how unlikely that would have sounded earlier in Brunson’s career.

Brunson was a second-round pick, became a key piece with the Mavericks and then took another leap after signing with the Knicks. What once looked like a strong free-agent addition turned into the foundation of a championship team.

“He is somebody that I never in a million years would have thought would make the pyramid,” Simmons said.

After the Knicks’ title run, Simmons no longer sees that as a debate.

Brunson, in his view, has moved from star guard to all-time company.

June 16, 2026

Padres recently-potent offense hits skid against Cards

BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 14: Manny Machado #13 and Gavin Sheets #30 of the San Diego Padres celebrate after defeating the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sunday, June 14, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Alyssa Piazza/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The San Diego Padres were on the wrong end of the best start of Dustin May’s major league career. The righty threw nine shutout innings against the Friars with some help from some key defensive plays by the St. Louis Cardinals. The Padres only had one real rally in the seventh inning and it was quashed by a lucky double play.

Starter Lucas Giolito pitched well, surrendering just three runs across five innings of work. He looked better than he has in his last few outings, commanding his pitches well apart from a two-run fourth inning. But it was impossible for Giolito to keep up with May. Thankfully, San Diego staved off a perfect game after six perfect innings from the right-hander. Still, he pitched a one-hitter and gave up just one walk to Fernando Tatis Jr.

The Padres’ offense had looked great for the last few games until Tuesday night. Hopefully the Friars can right the ship in Game 2, and force their fourth consecutive rubber match.

Taking the mound

Andre Pallante (STL) v. Michael King (SD)

Pallante has been a solid starter for St. Louis to start the year. He boasts a 3.88 ERA and 1.26 WHIP through 69 2/3 innings. He’s been incredibly consistent throughout the year, surrendering less than four runs except for three of Pallante’s starts.

Most of the Friars have yet to face the right-hander. The only batter to have any success has been Manny Machado. The star third baseman owns a career .273 batting average in 11 at-bats against Pallante.

King has put up a fantastic season with the Friars, posting a 3.46 ERA and 72 strikeouts through 80 2/3 innings. He’s had some rough outings lately but bounced back somewhat against the Cincinnati Reds (3 ER, 6.2 IP).

Unlike Pallante, King has faced plenty of the Cards’ hitters. The ace has had plenty of success against the St. Louis lineup, with the group having a combined .148 batting average when facing King. Should he have the same success tonight, it would be huge for San Diego.

Batter up!

The offense struggled in an (almost) historic way on Monday night. San Diego had been slugging their way to victory in the last two series, scoring an average of 5.2 runs per game against Cincinnati and the Baltimore Orioles. It was a resurgent performance for the Friars. Hopefully the club can regain that momentum against Pallante in Game 2.

Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Jackson Merrill, CF
Manny Machado, 3B
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Gavin Sheets, 1B
Samad Taylor, LF
Will Wagner, DH
Sung-Mun Song, 2B
Rodolfo Durán, C

Monday night was Taylor’s first game out of the lineup since last Saturday against the New York Mets. He’s been a spark plug for the Friars offense so his departure came at a difficult time. He figures to be back in the lineup with manager Craig Stammen back after serving his one-game suspension for Saturday’s debacle with the O’s.

Relief corps

With Wandy Peralta being used as an opener, the Padres only had to turn to Kyle Hart to cover the final two frames for the San Diego pitching staff. Hart was called up in Mason Miller’s place after the latter was placed on the bereavement and family medical leave list ahead of Game 1.

With just those two relievers being used, San Diego has a plethora of options to turn to tonight. Jason Adam, Ron Marinaccio, Yuki Matsui, Adrian Morejon, David Morgan and Bradgley Rodriguez are all available out of the bullpen. Marinaccio and Matsui haven’t been used since Saturday, and Morgan since Friday’s game against Baltimore. Those three will likely be the first out of the ‘pen once King exits the game.

June 16, 2026

Drake Baldwin returns to the lineup as Braves face Giants

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 16: Drake Baldwin #30 of the Atlanta Braves reacts as he rounds third base after hitting a solo homer to lead off the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Truist Park on May 16, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There is no way to sugarcoat it, the Atlanta Braves have struggled offensively this month. In fact, only three teams have scored fewer runs since the start of June. Of course, there are some excuses in terms of injuries, but the fact remains the same that the offense needs to get rolling again.

This evening the Braves are facing the San Francisco Giants who will be bringing Adrian Houser and his 5.54 ERA to the mound. With the news that reigning ROTY winner and first place All-Star vote getter Drake Baldwin will be back, there is hope that the Braves can catch a spark.

Baldwin coming back in itself is huge, but factor in that the catcher position for the Braves since the Baldwin injury is dead last in fWAR in all of MLB, it amplifies how big of a deal the return is.

As mentioned earlier, Houser is struggling this season for the Giants, and there are a few Braves players who have done well against him in their careers. Austin Riley has seventeen at-bats against Houser and has been successful with one HR, .471 average, and .1.147 OPS. Ozzie Albies has also done well in his sixteen at-bats where he has maintained an OPS of .974 which is promising since he typically hits lefties better than righties. Michael Harris only has eight at-bats against Houser but has a .375 average against him.

Interestingly, Matt Olson has struggled in his eleven at-bats against Houser with a .182 average and .630 OPS.

The Drake is back!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/Gx8iJMuRdi
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 16, 2026

Baldwin will be the one leading off with Michael Harris hitting second. It should also be noted that Ha-Seong Kim will be getting the start at SS and will be batting ninth.

Grant Holmes has struggled mightily when he faces hitters a second time in a game. Hitters are averaging a slash line of .317/.391/.663 the second time they face him in a game. With JR Ritchie now slotted in the rotation, there is a good chance we will see Didier Fuentes today.

Only four players on the Giants’ active roster have faced Holmes before and none of them have more than five at-bats. Rafael Devers is the player to watch today. He has a .400 average in his five at-bats against Holmes. Willy Adames is one for two against Holmes. Matt Chapman and Luis Arraez are both hitless in their two at-bats against Holmes.

The Giants are starting every player that has faced Grant Holmes before as both teams look to get headed in the right track in this series.

First pitch is at 7:15 pm EDT.

June 16, 2026

Who are the Phillies’ other All-Stars?

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 02: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with teammate Brandon Marsh #16 after hitting a home run in the forth inning during the game between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Earlier today, Joe asked the question about how everyone is feeling about the team’s All-Star voting results after the first round of results were released.

Now, we’re asking a different question.

Realistically, Sanchez and Schwarber are as close to locks as we can get. Sanchez is probably going to start while Schwarber will be the backup to Shohei Ohtani as the DH. They do have other candidates available, but let’s be honest: J.T. Realmuto and Bryson Stott probably aren’t going to in the All-Star Game. These other three do have a solid chance at making it.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Phillies fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

June 16, 2026

Injury clouds Yankees’ minor-league pitcher Eric Reyzelman’s return to RailRiders

Eric Reyzelman of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders reacts during a Minor League Baseball game at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, United States, on May 22, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images

Eric Reyzelman was glad to be back in Triple-A.

After spending all of last season with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the right-handed reliever and No. 28 prospect in the Yankees organization opened this season in Double-A Somerset. He was promoted May 19th.

“I loved being in Double-A. We have a great staff, great team, love the facilities and the people over there,” Reyzelman said. “It was really good for me to go back there and get some confidence and get back to how I feel I should be pitching.

“But obviously, really good to be here. Definitely wanted to be back here and pitch well and put myself in a good spot to move through.”

🚨 100 MPH FROM ERIC REYZELMAN 🚨

The @Yankees No. 28 Prospect dials up the fastest pitch of his @MiLB career for his second strikeout! pic.twitter.com/mrbxMw283V
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) May 13, 2026

Unfortunately, his return was curtailed by a trip to the injured list.

In Reyzelman’s first three outings, he allowed one run and four hits with three walks and four strikeouts in 4.1 innings. Then at Syracuse on June 3rd, he gave up four runs and three hits in two-thirds of an inning with four walks and one strikeout. He was put on the seven-day IL on June 5th.

Injuries were the primary culprit for Reyzelman’s struggles last season. He appeared in 34 games with the RailRiders and was 1-2 with a 4.29 ERA, 42 walks, and 45 strikeouts in 42 innings. He was experiencing back pain, but didn’t say a word. Being so close to The Show, he was afraid to tell the Yankees anything.

Part of the reason he didn’t say anything was due to the season he had in 2024. He went a combined 1-1 with a 1.16 ERA, 63 strikeouts, and 5-for-5 in save opportunities in 31 games across three levels: Rookie ball, High-A, and Double-A. He got an invite to big-league spring training in 2025 as a result.

“To know I was a call away, I just really, really wanted to push through,” he said. “It turned out to not be the right decision. But all of that is a learning process and experience and something that I now know how to deal with.”

Reyzelman said it was like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet hole. He would do all these short-term fixes, but all he was doing was making things worse.

Finally, after a rough outing on August 3rd against Nashville – three runs, one hit, three walks, two strikeouts in two innings – he couldn’t take the pain anymore and spoke up.

“I realized if I did go up, if there was a circumstance, a situation, if I had a couple good outings in a row, when I did get called up to the big leagues, I wouldn’t be able to bring my best self,” Reyzelman said. “I didn’t want to go up there and not pitch the way I know I can pitch. I know how tough it is, I know what the business is like. You go up there and don’t throw the ball well, it makes it a lot harder to get back up. Unfortunately, that’s how it goes sometimes. You need to be ready and the truth is I just wasn’t physically, mentally, all the stress of dealing with that. Where I was, the headspace I was in, wasn’t going to translate to good pitching performances.”

When rest and rehab didn’t work, Reyzelman had back surgery in the offseason. He also did a lot of work with Aaron Barnett in the Yankees’ mental conditioning department.

Having surgery meant Reyzelman wasn’t able to go to big-league camp this year nor able to pitch alongside fellow Triple-A arm Harrison Cohen for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic. Then, his first outing in minor-league spring training wasn’t great.

“I went in there thinking, ‘I’m going to throw the best I’ve ever thrown,’” Reyzelman said. “That first outing it was like my body forgot what to do. I think I walked three or four in a row, gave up a couple hard hits in the zone and my velo was 91, 93. I just had to take a step back. Last year, after all those outings, I’d be so shortsighted that I’d lose sight of why I wasn’t pitching well, which was my back. I tried to make all these changes on the fly and reinvent the wheel every outing. I kind of defaulted back to that for a second and was like, ‘Oh, no. It didn’t work.’

“But we just have the best people in the business. John Kremer, our rehab coordinator, sat me down and was like, ‘Dude, it is your first time on the bump in who knows how long. You just had major surgery. Everything we’ve been doing is 100 percent right. We have a great process, you have the best routine you’ve ever had. Continue to hammer it and the results will come.’ As much as I didn’t want to listen to him, I did. It was the best advice I’ve taken. I did not change a thing in my routine since that day and progressively every outing just got better and better and better.”

It showed at Somerset. In 13 games, he was 1-1 with a 3.12 ERA, 32 strikeouts and just four walks in 17.1 innings to earn the promotion to Triple-A.

Now, it’s wait-and-see for how long Reyzelman is on the injured list before returning to the RailRiders.

June 16, 2026

Sportsbooks Have Given Up On The Winnipeg Jets and That Could Be A Major Mistake

The Carolina Hurricanes have barely had time to pop the champagne and the sportsbooks are already moving on, posting their early Stanley Cup odds for the 2026-27 season.

As always with early markets, there are numbers that make sense and numbers that are going to raise eyebrows, and perhaps none raises more eyebrows than what oddsmakers have done to the Winnipeg Jets.

Just one season removed from winning the Presidents' Trophy as the NHL's best regular season team, the Jets find themselves tied for the eighth-worst Stanley Cup odds in the entire league at +8000.

That number puts Winnipeg in the same company as the New York Rangers, a team that finished with the third-worst record in the NHL this past season. The message from the sportsbooks is that they do not believe the Jets will improve next season and may actually get worse.

It is a stunning fall from grace for a franchise that was considered among the elite teams in the Western Conference not long ago. A combination of poor roster decisions and underwhelming additions derailed what should have been a serious Cup run, and Winnipeg ended up missing the playoffs entirely. The market is clearly pricing in that disappointment and expressing serious doubt about the organization's ability to course correct quickly.

Meanwhile, at the top of the board, the Colorado Avalanche open as the outright favorites at +700, with the Hurricanes right behind at +750 as they chase back-to-back titles and a chance to become the fourth consecutive repeat champion since 2016. The Vegas Golden Knights, fresh off a Finals appearance, are listed at +1000 as they look to go one step further next spring.

At the back of the pack, the Vancouver Canucks sit at +50000 and the Calgary Flames at +30000, two franchises that face significant rebuilding before entering any serious contention conversation.

But back to Winnipeg, because the Jets situation deserves a closer look before anyone writes them off entirely. The top of their forward group remains genuinely dangerous, with elite talent that most teams in the league would envy. The issue this past season was depth, and that is precisely where this summer's free agent market sets up favorably for them.

This is shaping up to be one of the stronger free agency classes in recent years when it comes to middle-six and bottom-six options, exactly the kind of players Winnipeg needs to replenish around their core stars.

General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has cap space to work with and a clear understanding of where this roster needs to be fixed. If he hits on two or three of the right depth additions this summer, the Jets could look like a dramatically different team by October. A franchise with Connor Hellebuyck in net, a proven top-six and a replenished supporting cast is not a +8000 team.

For bettors willing to look past one difficult season, the Jets may represent the best value on the entire board heading into 2026-27. The sportsbooks have lost faith in Winnipeg and the Jets may make it a costly mistake for them.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

June 16, 2026

What Can The Senators Learn From The Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes?

Now that the Carolina Hurricanes have emerged as Stanley Cup champions in just 19 games, it has become clear that there was no shame in the Senators' first-round exit.

The 'Canes lost one game in the Eastern Conference bracket, and it came on the heels of an 11-day layoff and back-to-back series sweeps.

The question most often asked now is:

“Who was Carolina's toughest opponent in the playoffs?”

The Hockey News Ottawa's Steve Warne discusses with Gregg Kennedy how new NCAA eligibility rules could lead to some sleeper picks at the draft.

Does it really matter?

For the record, when comparing the Hurricanes' four playoff foes, the Senators basically had the least effective offence and the most effective defence.

But more importantly, what can Sens GM Steve Staios glean from watching the 'Canes playoff run if he wants the Senators to enjoy similar success?

Apr 25, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wingers Warren Foegele and Fabian Zetterlund and defenseman Carter Yakemchuk (58) and center Tim Stutzle (180 and defenseman Nikolas Martinpalo (33) stand on the ice following their loss of game four against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn

Patience

Carolina had Rod Brind’Amour as head coach for the last eight years through the highs and lows. He was an assistant for seven years before that. They kept most of their core together, including Conn Smythe winner Jordan Staal, who's been there throughout Brind’Amour’s entire head-coaching tenure, using the philosophy 'if you build it, they will come.'

'They,' in this case, is the likes of Taylor Hall and Nikolaj Ehlers who could smell a winner.

The Senators can’t run the same team back from last season and inspire confidence in their fans. However, if they believe in the core, then they need to keep them together and build around them.

Keep the core of Tkachuk (8 yrs), Stutzle (6 yrs), Sanderson (4 yrs), Batherson (6 full yrs) and Chabot (9 yrs) together and the missing pieces in free agency will come.

Structure

The Hurricanes' structure and ability to impose their will on their opponents with speed and cohesion were a huge part of their series against the Senators, and when they had that in the other series, it wasn’t even close.

The good news on that front is that Travis Green and his staff have definitely instilled structure within the game plan without sacrificing the natural skill of their star players.

However, it was Carolina dictating terms against the Senators and not the other way around during that playoff series.

So there is still work to be done.

Wisdom in Free Agency

Teams that try to right the ship in free agency often end up sinking, with ill-advised contracts being given out. Above all, the Senators should be looking to find players who fit the mould of a player who can fit with what Green is trying to do.

Carolina signed Ehlers to an eight-year deal because he's a player with high skill, but can also play with the pace that Brind’Amour was looking for.

The sign and trade to get K’Andre Miller allowed the Canes to get a mobile, puck-moving defenseman with size, which every team wants. It was also a shrewd piece of asset management that allowed Carolina to get Miller for the full eight-year extension.

These acquisitions weren't designed to be team-altering; they were meant to surround the core and fit with the team identity.

If you will forgive the baseball analogy, the Senators don’t need to swing for the fences this summer. They just need to advance the runners

They need to replace what's missing organically or through wisely spent free agent dollars, focusing on filling holes with the right player fit.

Cap Discipline

With the cap going up $8.5 million to $104 million next season, a lot of focus is on whether or not the Senators will spend to the cap. Michael Andlauer suggested at the recent Sens Alumni golf tournament that he's willing to do whatever it takes in that area.

As the Canes accepted the Stanley Cup on Sunday night, they were nearly $12 million under the cap. That should show that it’s the quality of money spent, not quantity.

Extensions for the likes of Jordan Spence (2026 RFA), Batherson, Zub, and Amadio (UFA’s in 2027) should be as much or more of a priority for Staios than summer spending on free agents.

All four will come at a cost. However, they are the known quantities. They fit what Green is trying to do.

Watch the Waiver Wire

The Senators had goaltending issues almost from the outset, with neither of their goalies being effective early on.

But Brandon Bussi was right there for the taking.

Bussi had no experience, and his performance this year was surely a surprise even to the Canes. The Senators' pro scouting needs to identify these types of players the way the Carolina's did, or the way the Florida Panthers did in claiming Sens defenseman Donovan Sebrango.

The Hurricanes are going to be a force for years to come based on these lessons. If Ottawa wants to keep pace, and perhaps meet them again later in the playoffs, they need to borrow from this model.

By Pat Maguire
The Hockey News

This story was first published at The Hockey News' Ottawa Senators site. Check out more from THN.com/Ottawa at the links below.

Jason York Shares A Wild Mike Babcock Story From Their Anaheim Days
Senators Reveal Their First-Round Draft Approach
Former Senators Forward Retires From Hockey At 34
Senators Top Amateur Scout Weighs In On Yakemchuk's First Pro Season
LA Kings Get Their Man, And The Ex-Senators Coaching Drought Continues
Why Brady Tkachuk Is Poised For A Monster Bounce-Back Season

June 16, 2026

Golden Knights coaching candidates: Who's available with John Tortorella out?

The Vegas Golden Knights are looking for a new coach after their Stanley Cup run, saying John Tortorella isn't returning.

The Golden Knights are a win-now team, evidenced by them firing Bruce Cassidy with eight games left in the regular season and hiring Tortorella. The move worked as Tortorella turned around the slumping team, won the Pacific Division and three rounds of the playoffs before Vegas lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Final.

One of the bigger available names, Peter Laviolette, was hired by the Los Angeles Kings. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers are far along in their coaching searches, which could take more names out of circulation. Craig Berube is available, but would a reunion with Mitch Marner be a good thing?

Here are potential candidates for the Golden Knights' coach opening:

Ryan Craig, Henderson Silver Knights coach

He's the coach of the Golden Knights' American Hockey affiliate and was an assistant coach on Vegas' 2023 championship team, so he'll be familiar to players. He got Henderson to the second round of the AHL playoffs this year. It seems as some point, he will get the job.

Hire from within

John Stevens and Dominique Ducharme are former NHL head coaches. Stevens was an assistant coach for the 2012 and 2014 champion Kings and the 2023 Golden Knights. Ducharme led the Montreal Canadiens to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, getting past the Golden Knights along the way.

Jay Woodcroft, Anaheim Ducks assistant coach

Woodcroft worked with star players on the Edmonton Oilers in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and the Golden Knights have plenty of stars. Edmonton reached the conference finals in his first season in 2021-22 and had 50 wins in his second season. He was fired after a slow start in this third season.

Patrick Roy, former New York Islanders coach

He's a big name who had success in junior hockey. But he might not be a good fit because he has never advanced out of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Islanders replaced him with four games left in the regular season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: John Tortorella out: Golden Knights coaching candidates

June 16, 2026

Following MLB Pride Night cap controversy, actor Rob Schneider blasts MLB as ‘anti-Christian’

Comedian Rob Schneider has inserted himself into Major League Baseball’s latest Pride Night controversy, offering to pay any future fines for players who display Bible verses on their uniforms and accusing the league of being “anti-Christian.”

Schneider’s comments came after MLB issued warnings to San Francisco Giants pitchers Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker, who wrote references to Genesis 9:12-16 on their Pride Night caps during Friday’s game against the Chicago Cubs. Another Giants pitcher, Sam Hentges, chose not to wear the rainbow-themed cap at all, opting instead for the club’s standard black cap.

Rob Schneider weighed in on the MLB Pride Night cap controversy, saying he will pay the fines for any MLB Christian player who wears a Bible verse on their uniform. Andy Kropa/Invision/AP

The San Francisco Giants celebrate Pride Day at Oracle Park on June 7, 2025 in San Francisco, California Getty Images

“I will pay the fines for any MLB Christian player who wears a Bible verse on their uniform,” Schneider wrote on X. “MLB is ANTI-CHRISTIAN.”

The league, however, has maintained that the warning had nothing to do with religion.

“The writing on the cap violates our rules and consistent with normal practice we have warned the players about future violations,” MLB said in an initial statement.

MLB later clarified that the warning was procedural and not disciplinary. No fines have been reported

“To be clear, this routine verbal warning not to wear the hat in future games is not disciplinary and had absolutely nothing to do with the content of the message,” the league said. “We respect players’ right to free expression. However, writing of any kind, with any message, is prohibited.”

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp (65) throws against the Chicago Cub John Hefti-Imagn Images

The league added that it has previously issued similar warnings for messages such as “Dad,” “Happy Mother’s Day, I Love Mom,” and names of family members.

Roupp later explained that the Bible passage reflected his Christian faith.

“It’s just about God’s covenant and a promise that he makes to us, his faithfulness and his mercy,” Roupp said. “That’s just kind of something I believe in, and I stand firm in that.”

Hentges also emphasized that his decision not to wear the Pride Night cap was not motivated by hostility toward LGBTQ people.

“It’s just something that I feel like I was forced to support when I don’t morally support it,” Hentges said. “There wasn’t hatred behind it. I think that’s kind of something that’s misinterpreted. I don’t hate the LGBTQ community. It’s just something I believed and talked with teammates and family, and they supported it.”

San Francisco Giants pitcher Sam Hentges (31) throws against the Chicago Cubs IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher JT Brubaker throws in the sixth inning of the MLB game between the San Francisco Giants Tannen Maury/UPI/Shutterstock

The debate has drawn comparisons to an earlier chapter in Giants history.

During the late 1970s, a group of San Francisco players dubbed by the media as the “God Squad” became a frequent target of media scrutiny after several players, including reliever Gary Lavelle, openly discussed their Christian faith, including their views on homosexuality.

The Giants situation is also far from the first time professional athletes have objected to Pride-related initiatives.

Pride month celebration at Oracle Park Getty Images

Blake Treinen #49 and Kyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers Getty Images

Last season, several Tampa Bay Rays pitchers declined to wear Pride-themed jerseys, citing their Christian faith. In 2023, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw publicly criticized the team’s decision to honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, while stressing that his concerns were directed at the organization and not the LGBTQ community.

More recently, Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen appeared during Los Angeles’ Pride Night wearing the team’s traditional blue cap rather than the rainbow-themed version worn by most of his teammates. Treinen did not publicly explain the decision, but it quickly generated discussion across social media.

The Giants have since reaffirmed their support for Pride Night and the LGBTQ community while acknowledging that individual players may make personal decisions regarding team activations.

“We also respect that individuals may make personal choices about participating in team activations. We understand that the choices by individual players have caused pain and anger to many in the LGBTQ+ community and we are sorry for that. Those choices do not change our organization’s commitment to inclusion, belonging, and creating a welcoming environment for all.

“We remain grateful to our fans, partners, employees, players, and coaches who help make Pride Night a meaningful celebration.”

For now, MLB has indicated no discipline beyond the warning, but Schneider’s pledge has ensured the debate over faith, free expression and Pride Night celebrations will continue well beyond Oracle Park.

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