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Lakers agree to terms to bring back Jaxson Hayes

Minneapolis, Minnesota, Friday, April 25, 2025 - Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) glides by defenders Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) and Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the LA Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves in game three of the NBA playoffs, at the Target Center. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) glides by Timberwolves defenders Mike Conley (10) and Rudy Gobert (27) for a layup during Game 3 of their playoff series this spring. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The Lakers and free-agent center Jaxson Hayes have agreed up on a one-year contract for him to return to the team, according to people not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

With Hayes, the Lakers now have a backup center after they agreed to a two-year deal with Deandre Ayton.

Hayes became the Lakers’ starting center when Anthony Davis was part of a trade that sent him to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic.

Despite shooting a career-high 72.2% from the field as a lob threat for the Lakers during the regular season, he struggled in the playoffs. He started the first four games against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first-round series but was so ineffective that he didn’t play more than 10 minutes in any game as the Lakers lost 4-1. He did not play at all in Game 5.

In 56 games during the regular season, Hayes averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Max Muncy heads to IL with what Dodgers are calling a left knee bone bruise

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 2, 2025: Los Angeles Dodgers third base Max Muncy (13) grimaces as he holds his left knee after colliding with Chicago White Sox outfielder Michael A. Taylor (21) after he tagged Taylor out trying to steal third base in the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on July 2, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy grimaces as he holds his left knee after colliding with Michael Taylor of the White Sox after he tagged Taylor out trying to steal third in the sixth inning of Wednesday's game. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The Dodgers will be without Max Muncy for approximately six weeks after the third baseman was placed on the injured list Thursday with what the team is calling a bone bruise in his left knee. Muncy was injured in the sixth inning of Wednesday’s walk-off win over the Chicago White Sox when Chicago’s Michael Taylor slid headfirst into third on an unsuccessful attempt to steal third base.

The Dodgers now have 13 players on the injured list.

Taylor’s helmet hit Muncy’s knee, bending it sideways and flipping the infielder to the ground. The collision was so gruesome, SportsNet LA, which was broadcasting the game, did not show replays. Muncy writhed on the ground in obvious pain before being helped to the clubhouse.

Muncy, who entered the Dodger clubhouse Thursday afternoon wearing a blue elastic support bandage on his left leg, said he originally feared the worst, but an MRI found no structural damage.

“It was tough news, but it was also great news,” he said. “I still get to play baseball this year instead of coming back next year around April. So it was kind of best-case scenario.”

Read more:'Super grateful' Clayton Kershaw, Dodger teammates bask in glow of 3,000th strikeout

Muncy, who said his knee felt stiff but not painful, was scheduled to meet the Dodger doctors later Thursday but said he intended to embark on an aggressive rehabilitation process.

“Everybody's body is different,” he said. “You know, some guys heal extremely fast, some guys heal extremely slow. Traditionally, I've always healed fairly fast.”

Taylor also left the game with a shoulder contusion. The White Sox have listed his status as day to day.

Muncy’s place on the roster was taken by outfielder Esteury Ruiz, who was acquired on April 2 from the Athletics in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Carlos Duran. Ruiz appeared in 66 games for triple-A Oklahoma City, batting .292 with eight homers, 37 RBIs and 38 stolen bases.

Muncy’s absence will leave a big hole in the Dodgers’ lineup. He led the team with a .333 average and 24 RBIs in June, when he matched Shohei Ohtani for the lead in home runs with seven. He is hitting .250/.375/.457 for the season and is third on the team with 55 RBIs.

“He's huge,” pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who was on the mound when the injury happened, said of Muncy. “I don't really know why he stole there. It just seemed unnecessary. We're all holding our breath that Munc is going to be OK.

“He's obviously a huge part of our team, especially the last two months.”

Max Muncy tags out Michael Taylor trying to steal third base as Muncy gets injured on the play in Wednesday's game.
Michael Taylor's helmet collided with Max Muncy's left knee on his unsuccessful attempt to steal third base, injuring Muncy in the process. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Miguel Rojas, who hasn’t played since injuring his left hand on an attempted steal Sunday, started at third base Thursday. Kiké Hernández, who took Muncy’s place Wednesday, is also likely to see some time at third in Muncy’s absence.

Hernández is hitting .204/2.70/.383 while Rojas, primarily a second baseman, is batting .250/.289/.380.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Report: Warriors balked at Kings' initial trade offer for Jonathan Kuminga

Report: Warriors balked at Kings' initial trade offer for Jonathan Kuminga originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

While the Jonathan Kuminga saga awaits a resolution, there still is plenty of buzz surrounding the impending future of the young Warriors forward.

NBC Sports California’s Tristi Rodriguez reported Wednesday that the Kings, Warriors and Detroit Pistons were discussing a blockbuster three-team trade that would send Kuminga to Sacramento.

Rodriguez reported that the framework of the deal would revolve around Golden State receiving 2024 first-round pick Devin Carter and former Warriors big man Dario Šarić and two second-round draft picks, while Sacramento would send Malik Monk to Detroit, clearing a path for Kuminga to land in California’s capital.

The Warriors balked at the Kings’ offer for Kuminga, feeling the proposal was a buy-low attempt, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported Thursday, citing league sources.

Golden State extended a $7.9 million qualifying offer to Kuminga last weekend, kickstarting a restricted free agency that faces similar issues as players in comparable situations league-wide due to the lack of teams possessing a wealth of salary-cap space.

Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points on 50.7 percent shooting from the field in four NBA seasons since being selecyted by the Warriors No. 7 overall in the 2021 draft.

While it remains to be seen what compensation the Warriors would be comfortable receiving to part with Kuminga, it’s clear the Kings’ initial offer still has a ways to go before any deal materializes between the two Northern California franchises.

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Mets prospect Nolan McLean strikes out 10 in latest start for Triple-A Syracuse

Nolan McLean continues to dominate with Triple-A Syracuse.

In his latest start on Thursday, the Mets prospect struck out a career-high 10 batters in five innings of work against the Worcester Woo Sox. The right-hander threw 89 pitches (58 strikes), allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk. His ERA now stands at 2.80 on the year.

McLean was rather dominant, allowing one run in the first after what should have been the third out but a bloop fly ball from Blaze Jordan that dropped out of Syracuse shortstop Yonny Hernandez's glove. McLean's second run allowed came in the fifth after Red Sox rookie Kristian Campbell hit a two-out double.

The young right-hander left Thursday's game with a 5-2 lead after Pablo Reyes drove in three runs thanks to a solo shot and a two-run double. Mets outfield prospect Drew Gilbert slugged a two-run shot in the third inning to give Syracuse more insurance. It's the second consecutive day Gilbert hit a home run and it's the fourth homer in five games for the outfielder.

With the Mets' starting rotation dealing with massive injuries to Tylor Megill, Griffin Canning and now Paul Blackburn, the team may need to lean on their younger arms -- like they've done with Blade Tidwell -- until Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga return from the IL. However, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said on Thursday that he prefers not to call up McLean or Brandon Sproat for a spot start.

He did not entirely rule out a call-up but the situation continues to remain fluid.

So far, McLean has proven he can handle Triple-A hitting, and now it's only a matter of time until the 23-year-old gets the call.

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Robbie Ray's complete-game gem secures Giants' crucial series split vs. D-backs

Robbie Ray's complete-game gem secures Giants' crucial series split vs. D-backs originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

PHOENIX — After the bottom of the eighth inning, Robbie Ray walked slowly back to the visiting dugout at Chase Field and made eye contact with manager Bob Melvin. The left-hander had thrown just 78 pitches, but you never know in today’s game.

The complete game has just about been washed out of modern baseball. There have been just 10 of them in the National League this season, and no pitcher has done it twice. The math says you’re not even supposed to let a guy face a lineup a third time, let alone a fourth. Most front offices these days would rather see a random reliever soak up that last inning or two of a blowout and save a few bullets for the starter. Occasionally in 2025, teams throw position players out on the mound to further save arms.

But there was no doubt for Melvin and Ray. The manager knew his bullpen was gassed and needed a break. Ray hadn’t thought much about how it had been eight years since his last CG, but he knew he felt great and had been on the attack for eight innings. When the two made eye contact, no words were exchanged.
“He deserved it,” Melvin said after Thursday’s 7-2 win. “He wanted it.”

Melvin had his contract option picked up before this series, but this has not been a generally positive stretch for the manager, and not just because of all the losing. Every night is stressful on the top step of the dugout, but the last couple of months have been filled with extra heartburn. The Giants seemingly play a one-run game every night. Even when they’re up by two or three late, they always seem to give runs back. On Wednesday, a 5-2 lead late turned into an extra-innings win that required using closer Camilo Doval to get six outs.

The win on Thursday looked relatively easy on paper, but Melvin still had to sweat in the ninth. Ray gave up a solo homer with one out and then issued a walk. With Spencer Bivens and Erik Miller getting loose, pitching coach J.P. Martinez came out and told Ray to empty the tank. There was a pop-up on the next pitch, and as Ray’s pitch count climbed past 100, he figured he was facing his final batter. Melvin had him down for two more, maximum.

On his 102nd pitch, Ray reached back for 95 mph. He had good stuff all night, but that game-ending strikeout was still his sixth-hardest pitch of the night. It was his 39th four-seamer, and like many of the others, it stayed true to the top rail.

“I felt really good today,” Ray said. “This year, just kind of all around, it’s a full year of being healthy. That’s the biggest thing. That’s allowed me to do what I’ve been able to do this year. I always knew that it was in there. It takes time after the (Tommy John) surgery — you know, talking to guys, they said 18-20 months is kind of where the sweet spot is and you kind of feel like yourself again. I hit that around spring training. That’s when I started feeling like myself again.”

In just about every way, Ray’s numbers are in line with his 2021 season. He won the Cy Young Award that year, but he wasn’t an All-Star despite having a good first half.

Ray said he hasn’t thought much about making this year’s team, and he’s trying not to get his hopes too high. He knows that strange things can happen when MLB accounts for every team having an All-Star, but three days before the announcement, Ray is tied for the NL lead in wins, fourth in innings, fifth in strikeouts and eighth in ERA. If the Giants get what they believe they deserve, Ray will join Logan Webb and Randy Rodriguez on the team.

That’s a conversation for Sunday and the following week. If the Giants elect to protect their young pitchers, Ray could come back to start the final Sunday of the first half, which would make him ineligible to pitch in the All-Star Game. Still, he can be named, and the hope is that honor comes Sunday.

On Thursday night, there was simply joy about a good all-around win. Willy Adames reached base four times to pace the offense and backup catcher Andrew Knizner worked well with Ray. Brett Wisely did a Matt Chapman impersonation at third base, too, as the Giants got a series split.

It was a wild week in the desert, one that started with the surprising announcement about Melvin’s status. The Giants lost the next two games, briefly giving the Diamondbacks hope that they could grab third place in the NL West by the end of the series. Instead, the Giants left Arizona in a tie for the final NL Wild Card spot.

“We’re feeling really good,” Ray said. “To be able to split the series, to be able to come back and win this, it’s huge. We’ve been grinding these past two weeks. Even last night’s game, having to come back in extras and win it, to be able to do that and grind and win, and then the bats get hot tonight, it was really fun to watch.

“They gave me an early lead which allowed me to attack the zone more. We’re looking forward to getting back home and keep grinding.”

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'It was a no-brainer': Defenseman Jeff Petry speaks on decision to join Panthers, pursue Stanley Cup

It’s no secret that in recent years, good things have happened when players have joined forces with the Florida Panthers.

Particularly, there is a growing list of defensemen who have found that they played some of the best hockey of their careers while wearing a Panthers sweater.

First it was Brandon Montour revitalizing his career in South Florida, earning a massive offer from the Seattle Kraken after three excellent seasons, and postseasons, with the Panthers.

Radko Gudas took a pay cut to sign with Florida in 2020 as a 31-year-old, only for his next offer from Anaheim three years later to come with the highest average annual value (AAV) of his career.

Then Oliver Ekman-Larsson signed with the Panthers during the summer of 2023 for a fraction of what he’d previously been making after two very tough seasons in Vancouver. He parlayed a bounce-back season in Sunrise, at age 32, into a four-year, $14 million deal with Toronto.

The situation for Florida’s newest defensive signing, veteran Jeff Petry, may be a little bit different.

The 37-year-old is entering the twilight of his career, and in addition to knowing how well defensemen have fared recently when joining the Panthers, he’s also quite keen on trying to hunt down a championship before hanging up his skates.

“An important part of my decision was wanting to be in the playoffs, wanting to compete for a Stanley Cup again,” he said. “That feeling of being really close in Montreal, and then losing in the Final, that was a tough feeling. I always said, before my career is over I want to be in that position again and be on a team that can compete for a Stanley Cup. Coming to Florida, that gives me a very good opportunity to do that.”

To be fair, the aforementioned success found by newcoming blueliners who join up in South Florida is something that absolutely factored into Petry’s decision to sign with the Cats.

“You consider all things, and the track records of the players (who have come and gone) is apparent,” said Petry. “I think it speaks to the group that they have, that you can bring a new player in, and they fit in and do well.”

Indeed, it’s an incredibly welcoming group, as long as you are willing to put in the work.

One of the main reasons the Panthers have found so much success, and teams have not found a way to match Florida’s intensity and style of play, is that it is incredibly difficult, physically demanding and mentally challenging to play within the Cats’ systems.

If the Panthers pursued Petry, it’s because they feel he can thrive within those systems.

Usually, when Florida targets a player, they turn out to be a good fit.

“I’ve heard from several people that you’re not expected to be something that you’re not,” Petry said of joining the Panthers. “They want you to come in and be the player and person that you are and not try to do something that isn’t within your characteristics.”

For now, it seems like a good match between Florida and their newest defenseman.

Petry is a smooth skating, high hockey IQ blueliner who should acclimate well to Florida’s way of doing things.

His size, strength and above-average mobility will suit him well with the Panthers.

The excitement and desire certainly seem to be there, as Petry explained it was a pretty easy decision once Florida reached out.

“When I got the call that there was interest (from the Panthers) in me coming there, I saw (Sam) Bennett and (Aaron) Ekblad and (Brad) Marchand re-signing, so when they called it was a no-brainer,” he said. “You hear about the group, what they do together on the ice and off the ice, you hear so many good things about it.”

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Photo caption: Nov 29, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jeff Petry (46) looks on during a faceoff in the first period against the New Jersey Devils at Little Caesars Arena. (Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images)

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Report: Sixers agree to add Jabari Walker on 2-way contract

Report: Sixers agree to add Jabari Walker on 2-way contract  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers have reportedly filled their third and final two-way contract slot. 

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Thursday night that the team has agreed to a two-way deal with Jabari Walker. Hunter Sallis and Alex Reese are their two other players on two-way contracts, which generally involve players splitting time between an NBA team and its G League affiliate. 

Walker was an unrestricted free agent after the Trail Blazers did not extend a qualifying offer. Portland picked Walker at No. 57 overall in the 2022 NBA draft out of Colorado and he spent his first three professional seasons with the franchise.

The 22-year-old forward was officially listed at 6-foot-7, 237 pounds last year. He logged 12.5 minutes per game and averaged 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds.

Walker had his best NBA year from three-point range by a wide margin, hitting 38.9 percent of his shots beyond the arc (28 of 72). He made of all six of his long-distance attempts in a March 5 game against the Celtics. 

Walker’s father is Samaki Walker, who played a decade in the NBA and won a championship with the 2001-02 Lakers.

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Golden Knights Development Camp Day 1 Spotlight: Cameron Whitehead

The Vegas Golden Knights are showcasing impressive talent this camp season. Not only from the players taking shots on the net, but also from the young stars defending it, stars like Cameron Whitehead. 

Whitehead, 22, stands at 6-foot-3 and possesses a tracking prowess that reveals his strong read on the game. He was Vegas’s fourth-round selection back in 2022 and has played his last two seasons at Northeastern University. He has a 30-31-6 NCAA record posted with a 2.68 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage.

Prior to his time with the Huskies, he played two USHL seasons with the Lincoln Stars from 2021–23. Over that time span, he compiled a record of 41-23-6 with a 2.98 goals-against average and a .899 save percentage. 

He was named to the USHL’s Third All-Star Team in 2023, and in 2025, backstopped the Huskies to the Hockey East Semifinal.

“I would say that when Northeastern won games in the last two years, he was often the best player, not always, but often their best player, and would give them a chance to win those big games,” Golden Knights director of player development Wil Nichol said. “He did play his best in big games. So just his strength, his maturity, all those things–the thing about Whitey that's really impressive is he's got such a calm demeanor to him, yet he's such a competitive kid. So he's got a great combination for people who know that position.” 

Whitehead, meanwhile, is staying focused as he prepares for the next steps in his career.

“Just taking it one day at a time,” Whitehead said. “Obviously, pro hockey is different from anything else. Everyone’s really good, and everyone could shoot the puck, so just focusing on trying to get better one thing at a time. Just trying to feel as prepared as I can going into September.” 

Whitehead is set to return to the ice with the Henderson Silver Knights for the upcoming AHL season.

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Mets signing RHP Zach Pop to major league deal: report

The Mets are signing another reliever to help their beleaguered bullpen.

According to FanSided's Roberty Murray, the Mets are signing right-hander Zach Pop to a major league contract.

Pop, 28, was recently designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners. The Canadian native appeared in four games for the Mariners this season, allowing nine runs (eight earned) across 5.1 innings pitched. He's pitched much better in the minors this season, allowing five runs (three earned) across 7.2 innings (nine appearances) with the Mariners' Triple-A affiliate.

The news comes the same day the Mets placed Dedniel Núñez on the IL with an elbow strain that could result in Tommy John surgery. Signing Pop to a major league contract means room will need to be made on the Mets' 40-man roster. However, moving Nunez to the 60-day IL would open up a spot for Pop.

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Ken Holland Quickly Put His Stamp On The Los Angeles Kings. Are They Now Better Than The Oilers?

Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland has been one of the busiest GMs in NHL free agency. 

The longtime NHL executive has only been on the job in L.A. since the middle of May, but Holland put his stamp on the Kings extremely quickly. 

That said, after a flurry of signings, has Holland made this team better? And specifically, has he made the Kings better than the team he left in June 2024 – the Edmonton Oilers?

If we’re being honest, we have to question some of Holland’s signings this summer. Re-signing left winger Andrei Kuzmenko to a one-year, $4.3-million extension was a good gamble, given that Kuzmenko produced 11 goals and 37 points in 66 games this past season. The year before that, Kuzmenko posted 22 goals and 46 points in 72 games, and a show-me contract could see him put up even better numbers in 2025-26.

Holland also added two veteran right wingers with former Montreal Canadien Joel Armia and former Oiler Corey Perry. The two new Kings will count for a combined $4.5-million cap hit next season, although Perry’s deal is a performance-bonus-laden pact that could add another $2 million. Still, that’s a total the Kings should be happy to pay out.

The biggest issue for Holland that he failed to address so far is the Kings’ defense corps. L.A.’s group of blueliners took a major hit on July 1 when cornerstone veteran Vladislav Gavrikov left the Kings in favor of the New York Rangers. Gavrikov had a $5.875-million cap hit in Los Angeles for the past two seasons, and Holland had more than enough cap space to match or better the Rangers’ eventual offer of $7 million per campaign for the next seven years.  

However, rather than bring Gavrikov back, Holland opted for two veteran D-men: Brian Dumoulin and Cody Ceci. 

Dumoulin bounced between four teams since 2022-23 before signing with the Kings on a three-year deal worth $4 million per season. But the most curious signing was Ceci on a four-year deal worth $4.5 million per season.

Since 2021-22, 31-year-old Ceci has played on three different teams – the Oilers, San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars – and his totals on offense have been decidedly unimpressive. In 85 games this past season, Ceci had four goals and 24 points. Ceci is also hardly a defensive shutdown menace. Why did Holland give him a big-money, long-term deal? It’s mind-boggling.

Adrian Kempe and Cody Ceci (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)

So, when you compare Holland’s new-look Kings to the Oilers, you have to come to the conclusion that Edmonton is, on paper, still a better team than Los Angeles. 

The Oilers have two of the top five forwards in the world in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. They also have terrific depth up front, and their defense corps – with newly-signed star Evan Bouchard, rugged Mattias Ekholm, Darnell Nurse, Brett Kulak and Jake Walman filling out the top-three pairings – is better than the ‘D’ corps of the Kings.

If there is one area where L.A. has an advantage over the Oilers, it’s in net. 

The Kings have Stanley Cup-champion Darcy Kuemper as their starter, and Holland added a decent-enough backup with former Ottawa Senators veteran Anton Forsberg at the relatively cheap rate of $2.25 million. The Oilers, on the other hand, have the tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard – and many expect Edmonton GM Stan Bowman will break up that tandem via trade at some point this summer.

On the whole, though, we have to say we like Holland’s former team as a group more than we like his new-look Kings. But don’t get us wrong – we still see the Kings as a lock to make the playoffs in the relatively weak Pacific Division.

NHL Free Agency 2025: Six Losers So FarNHL Free Agency 2025: Six Losers So FarThe first day of the NHL’s 2025 free-agent frenzy is now in the books, and as is tradition on THN.com, we’re examining the winners and losers from the beginning of the free-agent period. 

Once again, Edmonton and Los Angeles could be facing each other in the first or second round of the 2026 playoffs. If that happens, and the lineups remain relatively the same as they are on July 3, we see the Kings losing to the Oilers for the fifth straight season. 

Who knows – stranger things could happen, and Holland’s changes could ultimately be enough for L.A. to avenge prior losses to Edmonton. But it’s just as likely, if not more likely, that McDavid and Draisaitl once again overwhelm the Kings’ defense and the Oilers send Los Angeles home for another long summer.

At that point, Holland’s imprint on the Kings should face intense scrutiny.

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Recapping What Teams Around The Pacific Division Did During The Opening Days Of 2025 Free Agency

The Pacific Division looks a lot different now than it did a week ago. Some of the Vancouver Canucks biggest rivals made intriguing signings in the opening days of free agency, which will impact how the division shapes up in 2025-26. Here is a recap of the moves made by teams in the Pacific Division at the start of 2025 free agency.

Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks were able to land the top center available this season, as they signed Mikael Granlund to a three-year contract, which carries an AAV of $7 million. The Ducks also made a surprising move at the draft, trading John Gibson to the Detroit Red Wings for Petr Mrazek, a second-round pick in the 2027 draft, a fourth-round pick in 2026, and a fourth-round selection in the 2026 draft. With the Granlund deal complete, the Ducks can now shift their focus to re-signing Mason McTavish, who is currently a restricted free agent. 

Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames added some depth on July 1, signing Nick Cicek and Ivan Prosvetov to one-year contracts. Calgary also re-signed Joel Hanley and Morgan Frost to two-year extensions. Just like Vancouver, it appears that the Flames' 2025-26 roster will resemble the one they finished with last year. 

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers' big move this off-season was signing Evan Bouchard to a four-year extension, which carries an AAV of $10.5 million. Edmonton also added some scoring on the wing, signing Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year contract which carries an AAV of $3.6 million. Lastly, the Oilers added some depth to their roster, inking forward Curtis Lazar to a one-year deal, while bringing in defenceman Riley Stillman and goaltender Matt Tomkins on two-year contracts. 

L.A. Kings

The L.A. Kings made multiple splashes on July 1st, as they added plenty of experience to their roster. L.A. signed Corey Perry to a one-year contract, Joel Armia and Anton Forsberg to two-year deals, Brian Dumoulin to a three-year contract and finally, Cody Ceci to a four-year deal. Overall, the Kings were one of the most active teams once free agency opened up, as they signed nine contracts over the past three days. 

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San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks have also been very active since the start of free agency. Some of their key signings include Philipp Kurashev and John Klingberg on one-year deals, as well as Adam Gaudette and Dmitry Orlov signing two-way contracts. San Jose also claimed Nick Leddy off waivers from the St. Louis Blues while buying out the contract of Marc-Edouard Vlasic. 

Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken have made two signings during the opening days of free agency. Seattle locked up Ryan Lindgren to a four-year contract while Matt Murray signed a one-year deal. Ultimately, the Kraken will be an interesting team as they could have one of the youngest rosters this season. 

Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights took a massive swing as they acquired Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs. In exchange for Marner, who signed an eight-year contract with an AAV of $12 million before being traded, Vegas sent Nicolas Roy to the Maple Leafs. Vegas was also able to re-sign Kaedan Korczak to a four-year contract extension while adding Jaycob Megna for the next two seasons. 

Nov 8, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitchell Marner (16) skates with the puck as Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) tries to defend during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

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Flyers Letting Jakob Pelletier Go Was a Clear Mistake

Jakob Pelletier was a superb checking forward for the Flyers. (Photo: Kyle Ross, Imagn Images)

The Philadelphia Flyers have lost one of their most effective players from the end of this past season in Jakob Pelletier for no good reason.

Pelletier, 24, signed a three-year, $2.33 million ($775K AAV) contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning that will pay him league minimum in each of the three seasons.

With these kinds of players - former first-round picks who bounce around looking for opportunities - a three-year deal is very uncommon. Comparatively, the Flyers could have retained Pelletier on a one-year deal, at minimum, had they extended him a qualifying offer of $840k.

By failing to do so, the Flyers relinquished Pelletier's signing rights, and the fact that a team like Tampa Bay swooped in before sunrise on Day 2 of free agency to sign him for multiple years indicates Pelletier had value around the league, or at least to them.

Instead, the Flyers let him walk for free. The optics of that don't look great, considering Maxim Shabanov passed on the Flyers for the New York Islanders on Wednesday.

Plus, the team has known for a few weeks now that there is a possibility Tyson Foerster might not be available come opening night due to injury.

Yes, Pelletier is only 5-foot-11, and yes, he scored eight points in 25 games in Philadelphia, but he was actually much more effective than the raw stats indicate.

Pelletier played 16 games under John Tortorella after arriving via trade, posting an on-ice scoring chance percentage of 52.73% (58-52), trailing only Owen Tippett, Egor Zamula, Rasmus Ristolainen, and Erik Johnson, per Natural Stat Trick.

In terms of high-danger chance creation under Tortorella, Pelletier was the clubhouse leader at forward as the Orange and Black out-chanced opponents 21-15 (58.33%) with him on the ice.

Aleksei Kolosov Must Change Attitude Towards NHL, Legendary Coach SaysAleksei Kolosov Must Change Attitude Towards NHL, Legendary Coach SaysThe Philadelphia Flyers haven't fully given up on Aleksei Kolosov yet, but has Aleksei Kolosov given up on the Flyers?

Of the 14 players that played in 16 or more games from Pelletier's arrival to Tortorella's dismissal, Pelletier played the second-fewest minutes ahead of only Nick Deslauriers.

After Tortorella was dismissed by the Flyers with nine games to go in the regular season, Pelletier still played the least 5-on-5 ice time of the 15 skaters who played in all nine remaining games, but led the Flyers in scoring chance percentage (40-32, 55.56%) down that stretch.

Additionally, Pelletier was the only Flyers player to have a positive high-danger scoring chance differential (17-15, 53.13%) during this period. Defenseman Travis Sanheim was the only other Flyers skater to reach 50%.

This is all to say that the Flyers got the job done with Pelletier on the ice much more often than not and still chose to let him go for free despite having perceived value on the market.

In the wake of Foerster's injury and Shabanov's heel turn, the Flyers will now be forced to pivot towards unproven (but exciting, nonetheless) options like prospects Alex Bump, Porter Martone, and Nikita Grebenkin.

The NHL free agency market has been extremely unkind to buyers this summer, and the Flyers have paid the price after signing Christian Dvorak and Dan Vladar - literally.

It limits how high they can go on salary with RFA defenseman Cam York, it limits their ability to make injury call-ups if they suffer another injury in addition to Foerster given their unwavering desire to avoid using LTIR, and it limits their ability to further remedy the winger situation.

But an error or a misstep only becomes a mistake if it isn't learned from or fixed. The Flyers' next step from here will decide that.

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Penguins Prospect Development Camp: Standouts From Day 1

Credit: Kelsey Surmacz - The Hockey News

On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Penguins opened their annual Prospect Development Camp, which features 48 players both from the Penguins' system and outside of it.

And fans and media got their first glimpse at some of the new faces as well.

All 13 of the Penguins' new draftees took the ice for the first time in uniform - including first-round picks Ben Kindel, Bill Zonnon, and Will Horcoff - along with some development camp veterans. 

Other notable names on the camp roster include defensemen Harrison Brunicke and Emil Pieniniemi - as well as forwards Mikhail Ilyin and Melvin Fernstrom, who each played overseas last season. 

The players were split into three groups - Team Stevens, Team Patrick, and Team Johnston - with each of the three first-rounders being put into separate groups. There was a lot to like about what was shown by prospects on the camp's inaugural day, and - given where the Penguins are at organizationally - there is a ton of excitement surrounding this year's camp.

Here are three standouts from Day One:

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Harrison Brunicke

Penguins' top defensive prospect Harrison Brunicke. (Credit: Kelsey Surmacz - The Hockey News)

Out of everyone today, the player who stood out most was Brunicke.

His skating is so incredibly smooth, his puckhandling skills were on display, and he led the way for his defensive group consisting of Chase Pietila, Kalle Kangas, and 2025 draftees Charlie Trethewey and Brady Peddle.

I found myself trying very hard not to compare him to everyone else. But, Brunicke looked like he didn't belong here in the very best way. He just looks miles ahead of everyone else on the blue line at this camp, and it's only Day One.

This kid should have a real shot at the NHL roster this season. And - as he told NHL.com's Wes Crosby - he is absolutely making it his goal this year to make the big leagues out of training camp.

"Oh yeah," he said in response to being asked about whether his personal goal is to crack the NHL roster.

Brunicke is going to be a player to watch throughout development camp, training camp, and for the years to come. The more I watch this kid, the more I think he is really going to translate into something special at the NHL level. And, according to Scott Wheeler of The Athletic, he will also receive an invite to Team Canada's World Junior Summer Showcase, which features the best of the best Canadian junior prospects.

Speaking of juniors: I'm not entirely convinced that juniors would be the best thing for Brunicke's development next season. Some think he isn't ready for the NHL, and that's understandable. But there are a plethora of reasons why going back to Kamloops may be an even worse path. 

More to come on that later. Regardless, keep an eye on him, folks.

Bill Zonnon 

Penguins' 2025 22nd overall pick Bill Zonnon. (Credit: Kelsey Surmacz - The Hockey News)

Fans are going to love Bill Zonnon.

First thing's first: His shot is more impressive than I realized. It really pops off his stick, and he seems to be able to pick his spots. I was also impressed with his tenacity, anticipation, and work ethic.

But the thing that stood out most to me is that he always seemed to be in the right place. He picked up on the drills, he adapted quicky, and he read and anticipated plays like the back of his hand while working with players he's never skated with before.

And - by all accounts - he seems like a very coachable player.

This comparison has been made elsewhere, but he reminds me a bit of Patric Hornqvist. Just like with everyone else today, the sample size was small, so getting carried away prematurely would be futile. But some of that feistiness, that competitive fire, and those scoring-area smarts that he is known for were on display.

I think this guy has real potential to become an impact middle-six player for the Penguins. His game looked pretty mature in comparison to his peers, so it will be interesting to see how that shakes out for the rest of camp.

Reaction: Penguins Select Forward Bill Zonnon With 22nd Overall PickReaction: Penguins Select Forward Bill Zonnon With 22nd Overall PickThe Pittsburgh Penguins have officially made their second of three first-round selections in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. 

Travis Hayes

Penguins' 2025 fourth-round pick Travis Hayes (front) battles for positioning at the net front. (Credit: Kelsey Surmacz - The Hockey News)

Hayes - a 2025 fourth-round pick (105th overall) for the Penguins - stood out today, but not in quite the same way as the others. 

No, he wasn't skating circles around everyone like Brunicke was. No, he wasn't "wowing" with his shot and hockey smarts like Zonnon.

But he was getting physical and competing hard in front of the goaltender.

Hayes was abrasive, scrappy, and making use of his frame - at just 5-foot-11 - to gain positioning at the net front. Like Zonnon, you can see that competitive fire. But there was a little extra edge to Hayes's game. 

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On several accounts, he plays the game pretty similarly to his brother, Avery, who has climbed his way up the prospect ranks after going undrafted and earned a two-year entry-level contract at the conclusion of last season. And, according to director of player development Tom Kostopoulos, more guys like Avery Hayes in the system - and his literal blood brother, nonetheless - is a really good thing for the Penguins.

"It's pretty impressive what Avery Hayes did since he signed his AHL contract, and he earned the NHL contract," Kostopoulos said. "We're talking to these kids about coachability, competitiveness, and work ethic, and when you think of those things, that's what Avery Hayes did.

"And getting to know his brother... I don't know how many of you watched him out there, but, man, I liked the competitiveness. He seemed to be able to understand what we're trying to tell him, and the compete is something that seems to be built into that family's DNA."

Family Reunion In Order As Penguins Select Brother Of Forward ProspectFamily Reunion In Order As Penguins Select Brother Of Forward ProspectThere appears to be a family reunion on the horizon for a pair of Pittsburgh Penguins prospects.

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!   

Feature image credit: Kelsey Surmacz - The Hockey News

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Start of Thursday's Mets-Brewers game delayed due to impending weather

The start of Thursday's series finale between the Mets and Brewers at Citi Field will be delayed due to impending weather in the area, the team announced.

No new start time was announced at the time of the delay.

David Peterson (5-4, 3.30 ERA) is the Mets starter set to take the mound when the game begins. For the Brewers, it's former Met Jose Quintana (6-2, 3.30 ERA) as both teams look to take the rubber game of their three-game set.

This is the second game affected by the weather this week. Tuesday's game was postponed due to rain and was made up as a split-doubleheader on Wednesday. The Mets let a late lead slip away in Game 1 in their eventual 7-2 loss, but bounced back in the nightcap. A Brandon Nimmo grand slam set the tone for the Mets to win, 7-3, in game two to set up the pivotal third game of this series.

Manager Carlos Mendoza took Francisco Lindor out of the leadoff spot in Game 2 of the doubleheader and it paid off. The Mets skipper will keep Lindor in the two-hole on Thursday but will have a different leadoff hitter. After Nimmo led off last night, Mendoza has penciled in Starling Marte -- starting at DH -- to bat in the one-hole.

After Thursday's series finale, the Mets will welcome the Yankees for a three-game series for the final time this season.

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Young players having key roles in Marlins’ surprising improvement

MIAMI — After Eury Pérez struck out his season-high seventh batter on Thursday, the 6-foot-8 Marlins right-hander pumped his fist and looked up at the stands at Miami’s loanDepot Park.

It was another win for the Marlins — their ninth in 10 games — and the first victory of the season for Pérez after returning last month from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him all of 2024.

Pérez allowed just one hit in six shutout innings against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, the longest start of his career and one of the most dominant. At just 22 years and 79 days old, Pérez is the youngest starter in the majors this season to complete at least six scoreless innings while allowing no more than one hit.

“One of the best outings of the year,” Pérez said through an interpreter. “That’s what we’ve been working for. I can see the results. I feel very happy for the outcome. I feel great, healthy, and we will continue to keep working for more outings like that.”

Thursday’s 4-1 win gave the Marlins their fourth straight series victory going back to June 20. During that span, Miami won series at home against the Twins and Braves, as well as on the road against San Francisco and Arizona.

The Marlins also went on an eight-game winning streak for the first time since 2008 during that 12-game stretch. That winning streak was snapped in Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to the Twins, but Miami’s 10 wins overall during the frame were the most in the league.

“Very happy with the way we’ve been playing this recent stretch,” manager Clayton McCullough said. “And even going back before the winning streak ... our strike throwing as a whole has trended up, and that’s made a big difference. The at-bat quality, the plan guys are taking into the box, being able to string at-bats together. They’ve continued to get better and better in their belief in that. And finally, the defense that we’ve played as a whole for me has been a lot better, a lot cleaner.”

This season was meant to be a continuation of Miami’s rebuild under President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix, who replaced most pieces from year’s 100-loss team and hired McCullough to lead an overhauled roster of prospects and mostly unknown players.

What was supposed to be a year solely focused on finding which one of Miami’s young additions would be key pieces to build around has brought forth a gritty squad that has far exceeded expectations.

Miami is 39-46 entering a three-game series against Milwaukee, the final series of a six-game homestand. Entering Thursday night, the Marlins have the same record as the Braves for third place in the NL East.

McCullough indicated that the team’s place in the standings isn’t necessarily as important as continuing to string together quality wins.

“Where we are right now, record-wise, who’s in front, behind,” he said, “less concerned with that, and just very pleased and proud of how we’ve played baseball. If we continue to play this brand, this style of clean baseball, then we’re going to continue to win games.”

Miami has gotten key contributions all over its lineup, from outfielder Kyle Stowers and second baseman Xavier Edwards to rookie catcher/designated hitter Agustín Ramírez, who was one of the top prospects acquired when Miami traded star Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the New York Yankees last summer.

Stowers entered Thursday on a nine-game hitting streak and in the middle of his second 10-plus game on-base streak of the season.

Ramírez’s impressive rookie season has included a six-game hitting streak last month and the MLB lead among rookies in extra-base hits (29). The 23-year-old hit a two-run homer in the first inning Thursday, giving him 13 on the season, which also leads all MLB rookies.

“I think since I got here, the team, we were doing things the right way,” Ramírez said through an interpreter. “The coach is doing an excellent job. We were doing a great job as well. It’s just the results were not there. ... But I think what’s going on now is that we were steady with our plan and things are coming up the right way now.”

Ramírez added that there are some aspects of being underdogs that fuel this Marlins team. Miami has the lowest payroll in baseball and has lost 80-plus games in four of the past seven seasons.

“It does feel good that we are working really hard,” he said. “We’re trying our best. And now with these outcomes, we can show everybody the results of that.”