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How Giants prospect Carson Seymour has interesting connection to ‘Ted Lasso'

How Giants prospect Carson Seymour has interesting connection to ‘Ted Lasso' originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

“You know what the happiest animal on Earth is? It’s a goldfish.”

And did you know recent Giants call-up Carson Seymour is connected to the man who helped inspire the character Ted Lasso? Seymour’s father-in-law, Donnie Campbell, is the basketball coach who inspired the lovable character from the hit Apple TV+ show.

“So, my girlfriend’s dad was Jason Sudeikis’ basketball coach,” Seymour told Roger Munter, who covers Giants prospects on the “There R Giants” podcast, in June 2023 — a little over a year before he married his now-wife, Sydney. “So, a lot of, basically Ted Lasso, the character Ted Lasso, is a combination of Sudeikis’ dad and Donnie, my girlfriend’s dad.”

“Ted Lasso,” for those unaware, is a television show about an American college football coach who leaves the United States and becomes a soccer coach — or football depending on where you live — in England and defies the odds to lead a down-and-out team to victory.

So, while the 20th-ranked prospect in the Giants’ system is ready to make his mark on the diamond after being called up to the big leagues Friday, his connection to the soccer pitch is quite the interesting tidbit.

“All those sayings, like the goldfish saying, that’s Donnie,” Seymour said. “And, that’s just a really good guy too. That’s who he is. He’s literally Ted Lasso, like a real-life Ted Lasso, so it’s cool to watch.”

Giants fans are hoping Seymour will be cool to watch as he joins one of MLB’s best bullpens — they’re first in ERA (2.86), and second in WHIP (1.14) and opponent batting average (.213).

Seymour, who has posted a 3.89 ERA in 74 innings pitched at Triple-A Sacramento, was recalled after the team optioned Sean Hjelle.

The 26-year-old right hander joined the Giants in Chicago and when he walked into the locker room, he might have said, “It smells like potential.”

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Two-start pitchers: Garrett Crochet headlines the intriguing options for week of June 30

Hello and welcome to the 14th installment of our weekly two-start pitcher article for the 2025 MLB season.

I'll be here every Friday to highlight some of the best two-start pitcher options in fantasy baseball leagues for the upcoming week, as well as some streaming options to keep in mind.

Thinking ahead with your weekly strategy can give you an advantage on the waiver wire and hopefully be a difference-maker in the standings at the end of the season.

This is a living document, so we'll update the options below as the weekend moves along.

Before we get into it, we'll start with a couple of notes on situations that may be unresolved or teams that may not have a two-start pitcher lined up for the upcoming week:

We don’t have clarification yet on what the Tigers are planning to do. Reese Olson (finger) is set to return from the injured list at some point early in the week, it’s just unclear whether or not that will be on Tuesday. If it is, he would line up for two starts (@ Nationals, @ Guardians) and would make for a nice streaming option. If Olson doesn’t slot back in until Wednesday, it would be Jack Flaherty making those two starts for the Tigers. Despite his recent struggles, fantasy managers still need to roll Flaherty out most weeks right now, especially when he’s taking the ball twice. We’ll follow this one throughout the weekend and pass along any updates.

We also don’t have info yet on what the Padres will do with the rotation spot vacated by the injured Ryan Bergert. My best guess is that we’ll finally see the return of knuckleballer Matt Waldron, in which case he would line up for two starts (@ Phillies, vs. Rangers) and make for a decent streaming option. We’ll update this one throughout the weekend as well.

Also, my apologies, I'm running a bit behind schedule this week. Have a few teams still to get through (Cardinals, Rangers, Blue Jays, Nationals and Rays) which will be incorporated shortly. Thanks for your patience.

Without further ado, let's dig into the options for the week of June 30.

Going Twice…

Note: Probable pitchers as of Friday, June 27, and are subject to change.

American League

Strong Plays

Garrett Crochet, Red Sox, LHP (vs. Reds, @ Nationals)

The 26-year-old left-hander has most definitely lived up to the hype in his first season with the Red Sox, going 7-4 with a scintillating 2.06 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and a league-leading 135 strikeouts over 109 1/3 innings through his first 17 starts. He’s an absolute workhorse and someone that should be started in 100 percent of fantasy leagues each and every week without question. The fact that he gets to pitch twice – and gets two solid matchups on top of that – is just icing on the cake.

Joe Ryan, Twins, RHP (@ Marlins, vs. Rays)

Ryan has been terrific through his first 15 starts on the season, posting a stellar 8-3 record with a 2.86 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and a 104/20 K/BB ratio over 91 1/3 innings. He now gets a premium draw, getting to take on the Marlins in Miami to start the week before battling the Rays in the friendly confines of Target Field. There’s nothing really to think about here, start the Twins’ right-hander with complete confidence in all formats this week and enjoy the production.

Max Fried, Yankees, LHP (@ Blue Jays, @ Mets)

Fried has been an absolute model of consistency for the Yankees this season, giving up more than two earned runs just twice in his first 17 starts – a six-run disaster against the Dodgers in Los Angeles and three runs at home against the Orioles a couple of weeks ago. The Jays and the Mets both hit left-handers fairly well, but as we have seen Fried is no ordinary southpaw. He should continue to be started in all leagues without question each and every week.

Jacob Lopez, Athletics, LHP (@ Rays, vs. Giants)

After a very rough start to the season, Jacob Lopez has settled into the Athletics’ rotation and started to flash some of the strikeout upside that made him a sleeper candidate for many fantasy managers in deep league drafts during March. The 27-year-old southpaw has struck out five or more batters in each of his last five starts while punching out nine three different times during that stretch. He has also allowed just one earned run over 23 innings in his last four outings. Pitching in Tampa Bay isn’t ideal, but it’s not like pitching at home in West Sacramento would have been any better for him. Both are still plus matchups and Lopez is honestly worth a look in all leagues for this upcoming two-start week.

George Kirby, Mariners, RHP (vs. Royals, vs. Pirates)

Kirby has shown inconsistency in seven starts since returning from the injured list, from the highs of a 14-strikeout gem against the Angels to the lows of a six-run disaster against the Nationals. He has settled in nicely over his last five starts though and now draws two premium matchups for the upcoming week, getting to take on the weak offenses of the Royals and Pirates at home. Don’t let the overall line on the season dissuade you. Kirby makes for a strong option in all formats this week.

Decent Plays

Trevor Rogers, Orioles, LHP (@ Rangers, @ Braves)

Listen, I get it. We have all been burned by Trevor Rogers in the past, many of us multiple times. It’s very difficult to trust him. He has been brilliant through his first three starts with the Orioles this season though, registering a 1.62 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and a 13/3 K/BB ratio over 16 2/3 innings. While that could all come crashing down at any time, we have also seen Rogers deliver elite performances in the past, so this isn’t completely out of nowhere. The matchups this week are good as the Rangers are one of the worst teams in all of baseball against left-handed pitching this season while the Braves sit in the bottom third as well. Call me crazy, but Rogers looks like a good streaming option in leagues of all sizes for the upcoming week.

Emerson Hancock, Mariners, RHP (vs. Royals, vs. Pirates)

Hancock has struggled overall on the season, posting an underwhelming 5.30 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and a 52/27 K/BB ratio across 71 1/3 innings. That’s not something that most fantasy managers would be happy with on most weeks. What’s exciting about this week though is the matchups, getting to battle the Royals and Pirates, but in the friendly confines of Safeco Field. Hancock is a difficult person to trust for your fantasy lineups, but this looks like a premium spot and one that’s worth using in most leagues.

Gavin Williams, Guardians, RHP (@ Cubs, vs. Tigers)

While his overall line on the season isn’t exciting, Williams has pitched much better over the past two months – registering a 2.91 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and a 52/31 K/BB ratio over 52 2/3 innings in his last 10 starts. The WHIP is always going to be a concern with his high walk rate, but the strikeouts should continue to be there for the 25-year-old right-hander. It’s not going to be easy this week though, with matchups against two of the best offenses in all of baseball. I think you roll with him for sure in 15 teamers and as long as you acknowledge and accept the potential damage in ratios, he’s perfectly fine to start in 12 teamers as well.

Michael Wacha, Royals, RHP (@ Mariners, @ Diamondbacks)

Wacha has always been the type of player that’s usually viable from a fantasy perspective only on weeks where he pitches twice or draws an absolutely premium matchup. This week he has the pleasure of taking the ball twice. He gets a mixed bag in terms of matchups, with a strong start against the Mariners to open the week before a tough tilt against the Diamondbacks in Arizona to finish it out. He’s unlikely to hurt your ratios, should strike out close to double-digit batters and will give you a shot at a victory each time he takes the mound. That makes him a viable streaming option in both 15 and 12 team formats.

At Your Own Risk

Shane Smith, White Sox, RHP (vs. Dodgers, @ Rockies)

On the surface, you could look as Smith’s season-long 3.38 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 68/32 K/BB ratio over 74 2/3 innings and think that he would be an easy start for any upcoming two-start week. I have reasons for skepticism here though. The rookie right-hander has shown cracks in the armor as of late, giving up five runs in each of his last two starts. He now draws about as bad of a two-start week as you can get, having to battle the Dodgers for the front half before heading to Coors Field to end the week. Maybe he survives the week without inflicting irreparable ratio damage, that’s not a gamble that I’m willing to take though, especially with his upside in victories so limited while pitching for the White Sox.

Colton Gordon, Astros, LHP (@ Rockies, @ Dodgers)

The 26-year-old rookie left-hander has impressed through his first eight starts in the big leagues, going 3-1 with a 3.98 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and a 38/5 K/BB ratio over 40 2/3 innings. In most weeks – especially two-start weeks – he would be an obvious start in all formats. This is no ordinary two-start week though. He first has to navigate the Rockies at Coors Field, and while they have been abysmal this season, their offense has really picked it up since their coaching regime change and that’s a brutal place to pitch. He then finishes the week with a matchup against the vaunted Dodgers’ offense in Los Angeles. That’s about as bad as you can get for a two-start week. Love Gordon’s potential for the rest of the season, I’d just have a hard time trusting him in any league this week unless your ratios are already completely in the tank.

Michael Lorenzen, Royals, RHP (@ Mariners, @ Diamondbacks)

Lorenzen has had a rough season overall in the Royals’ rotation, going 4-8 with a 4.91 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and a 73/28 K/BB ratio over 88 innings. He’s occasionally worth looking to as a streaming option in two-start weeks when the matchups line up for him, but with a potential disastrous spot on tap against the Diamondbacks in Arizona to finish the week, I’d simply pass and take my chances elsewhere.

Tyler Anderson, Angels, LHP (@ Braves, @ Blue Jays)

While I have tried, I’m having a difficult time finding anything about Tyler Anderson that excites me for the upcoming week. He has been pretty terrible overall this season, with a 4.41 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and a 70/33 K/BB ratio over 85 2/3 innings while winning just two ballgames in his first 16 starts. He has also struggled recently, with a horrifying 6.93 ERA over five starts in the month of June. The Blue Jays have crushed left-handed pitching all season and while the Braves have been middle of the pack, most of that was without superstar outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. I just don’t see many paths to success for Anderson this week and his limited upside is nowhere near worth the risk.

Marcus Stroman, Yankees, RHP (@ Blue Jays, @ Mets)

The expectation is that Marcus Stroman will return from the injured list to join the Yankees’ rotation on Monday in place of the injured Ryan Yarbrough. Even if that does happen though, fantasy managers would be wise to steer clear. He holds an 11.57 ERA and 2.04 WHIP over 9 1/3 innings in three starts for the Yankees this season and it’s been a long time since we have seen Stroman have any sort of mixed league viability for fantasy purposes. It’s also his first start coming back from the injured list, so there are workload concerns as well as performance concerns. Just say no.

National League

Strong Plays

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers, RHP (vs. White Sox, vs. Astros)

Yamamoto has been the rock in an otherwise turbulent Dodgers’ rotation this season, going 7-6 with an outstanding 2.61 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and a 101/31 K/BB ratio over 89 2/3 innings through his first 16 starts. He’s a threat to earn a victory every time he takes the mound and he gets the added benefit of a premium matchup against the White Sox at home to open his two-start week. Not only should Yamamoto be started in all leagues this week, he represents one of the top overall options on the board.

Matthew Boyd, Cubs, LHP (vs. Guardians, vs. Cardinals)

Matthew Boyd has been one of the best stories in the National League this season. He has been a tremendous addition to the Cubs’ rotation, going 7-3 with a magnificent 2.65 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and an 82/21 K/BB ratio across 91 2/3 innings. Fantasy managers who were fortunate enough to call his name in the later rounds of drafts in March have been reaping the benefits all season long. That should continue this week with a pair of strong matchups against the Guardians and Cardinals. Boyd may give up a couple of homers with both starts coming at home, but the overall results should mirror what we have seen from him this season. He should be started in all leagues.

Freddy Peralta, Brewers, RHP (@ Mets, @ Marlins)

Peralta has pitched like a true ace this season, going 8-4 with a 2.90 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and a 98/34 K/BB ratio across 93 innings through his first 17 starts. He’s the type of player who should be locked into fantasy lineups every week regardless of matchup and this week is no exception. Look for continued dominance with a nice shot at earning a victory against the Fish to close out the week.

Cristopher Sánchez, Phillies, LHP (vs. Padres, vs. Reds)

Sánchez just continues to deliver outstanding results for the Phillies and for fantasy managers, going 6-2 with a 2.79 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and a 103/28 K/BB ratio over 93 2/3 innings. He’s coming off of perhaps his finest start of the season, an 11-strikeout gem in a tough-luck no-decision against the Astros. Sánchez is another guy who should be started every week regardless of matchups, especially when he’s pitching twice.

Logan Webb, Giants, RHP (@ Diamondbacks, @ Athletics)

Another pitcher that we shouldn’t have a decision on. Webb has been outstanding this season with a 2.52 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and a 120/23 K/BB ratio across 107 1/3 innings. He should be a fixture in fantasy lineups each and every week and despite the matchup against the Diamondbacks in Arizona and a tough draw against the A’s in West Sacramento, there’s zero reason to shy away from using the studly right-hander in this spot. All systems go.

Ryne Nelson, Diamondbacks, RHP (vs. Giants, vs. Royals)

Nelson has excelled since getting a real shot in the Diamondbacks’ rotation and has been on a major roll as of late, allowing just two total runs over 15 2/3 innings in his last three starts. Now he lines up for two beautiful matchups against teams that struggle against right-handed pitching, with both starts coming at home. Nelson should be started in all formats this week without question.

Edward Cabrera, Marlins, RHP (vs. Twins, vs. Brewers)

Cabrera’s overall line for the season doesn’t jump off the page, but that can be attributed to him shaking off the rust during his first four starts. Since the calendar flipped to May, he has been terrific – registering a 2.36 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 49/18 K/BB ratio over 45 2/3 innings. He has punched out five or more batters in each of his last seven starts – a trend that should continue with the Twins and Brewers on tap for the upcoming week. His name carries more risk than it should, trust in what Cabrera has done recently and start him in all leagues for his two-start week.

Clay Holmes, Mets, RHP (vs. Brewers, vs. Yankees)

Holmes continues to shine in his transition from the bullpen to the rotation, registering a 2.97 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and a 75/35 K/BB ratio over 88 innings through his first 16 starts with the Mets. He has also secured eight victories. He’ll get a nice matchup against the Brewers to start the week before finishing things up with a tough battle against the Yankees in a revenge game, though at least it’s at home instead of Yankee Stadium. I think if you’re enjoyed the production that Holmes has provided thus far, you keep trotting him out there, even with the tough spot against the Yankees on the docket to finish the week.

Decent Plays

Chase Burns, Reds, RHP (@ Red Sox, @ Phillies)

Burns is going to be the most popular waiver wire addition in fantasy leagues this week, and for good reason. The 22-year-old right-hander dazzled in his big league debut, piling up eight strikeouts while allowing three runs over five innings against the Yankees. The only reason that he’s not listed as a strong play for the upcoming week is the fact that it’s a pair of difficult matchups, both on the road in good hitter’s parks. He should deliver a boatload of strikeouts over his two starts, just don’t expect him to be a major asset in the ratio categories this week and his chances of winning are muted as he’s matched up against Garrett Crochet and Cristopher Sanchez.

Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks, RHP (vs. Giants, vs. Royals)

I really want to be able to trust Zac Gallen given his extensive track record of quality results for fantasy managers. He gets two strong matchups this week – both at home – and in most circumstances you would simply start him without thinking twice about it. He has been brutal lately though, giving up four earned runs or more in each of his last four outings and 12 runs over 10 1/3 innings in his last two starts. Even the strikeouts disappeared his last time out with just two punchouts against the Cubs. I think you still have to roll with him in 15 teamers and hope for the best, but I wouldn’t fault you if you were considering alternative options in 12 team leagues.

Hayden Birdsong, Giants, RHP (@ Diamondbacks, @ Athletics)

Birdsong hasn’t quite been the savior that fantasy managers were anticipating when he finally joined the Giants’ rotation. He struggles to get through five innings every time that he takes the ball and was just obliterated by the Marlins his last time out. The assignment doesn’t get any easier this week taking on a strong Diamondbacks’ offense in Arizona and then having to battle the tiny confines of Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento. I still like the skills and the strikeouts could till be there, but there’s a lot of ratio risk in this one. I’d use him in 15 teamers and try to find a way to get around it in 12’s.

At Your Own Risk

Didier Fuentes, Braves, RHP (vs. Angels, vs. Orioles)

This one just feels like playing with fire. Fuentes has struggled mightily through his first two starts with the Braves (10.80 ERA, 1.80 WHIP, 4/1 K/BB in 8 1/3 innings) and if he doesn’t turn it around against the Angels it’s unlikely that he winds up sticking around to make his second start of the week. There’s a lot of promise in this 20-year-old right-hander for the future, I just think it’s going to be difficult to extract any sort of fantasy value out of him this season. The ratio risk is extremely high and even if he doesn’t kill you there, the benefits in wins and strikeouts seem very muted at best. I think you can find better options, even in most 15 teamers.

Chase Dollander, Rockies, RHP (vs. Astros, vs. White Sox)

All season long I have preached to never trust a Rockies’ starting pitcher for a two-start week, regardless of who it is or the matchup. If there was ever going to be an exception, this would have probably been it. Dollander has pitched well over his last three starts, giving up three earned runs or fewer each time out – including a matchup at home against the Dodgers his last time out. What’s discouraging is that the strikeouts haven’t been there, with just 11 total in 23 2/3 innings over his last five starts. I get that a matchup against the White Sox – even at Coors Field – may look intriguing. I just can’t get there with the ratio risk, diminished strikeouts and the poor shot at securing a victory on the Rockies.

Andrew Heaney, Pirates, LHP (vs. Cardinals, @ Mariners)

Just when fantasy managers started to trust Andrew Heaney he turned back into a pumpkin, giving up seven runs in each of his last two outings – bringing his ERA from 3.33 to 4.48 in the blink of an eye. There’s simply no need to gamble when Heaney has been struggling like this. His upside in wins is muted while pitching for the Pirates and even when he’s going well, he’s not a major strikeout guy. Even in deeper leagues, fantasy managers should be able to find a better gamble than throwing Heaney out there for two tough starts during the upcoming week.

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Celtics future draft picks: Updated list after 2025 NBA Draft

Celtics future draft picks: Updated list after 2025 NBA Draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics have stocked up on future draft assets over the last week.

On Monday, the Celtics traded veteran guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons, a 2030 second-round draft pick from the New York Knicks, and the Blazers’ own 2031 second-round pick. They followed that by sending big man Kristaps Porzingis and a 2026 second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal that yielded them Georges Niang and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2031 second-rounder.

Stevens continued to deal during Day 2 of the 2025 NBA Draft. Boston’s president of basketball operations traded the No. 32 overall pick to the Orlando Magic for the 46th and 57th picks, plus second-rounders in 2026 and 2027.

Second-round picks are invaluable for teams like the Celtics that are over the luxury tax. While first-round picks have a predetermined salary slot over four seasons, second-rounders can be signed to similar-length deals starting at minimum salaries that don’t need to be guaranteed for all of the years.

That’s a big reason why Stevens has loaded up on second-round draft picks this summer, and he may not be done just yet. There are still moves to be made as Boston looks to shed more salary, which it must do to retain pending free agents Al Horford and Luke Kornet.

For now, here’s an updated list of the Celtics’ future draft assets. This list will be updated if and when more moves involving draft picks are made.

2026

  • Round 1: Own
  • Round 2: Most favorable between Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, Trail Blazers
  • Round 2: Most favorable between Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, and Magic
  • Round 2: Potential pick swap with Memphis Grizzlies

2027

  • Round 1: Own
  • Round 2: Least favorable of Trail Blazers and Pelicans.
  • Round 2: Most favorable between Celtics and Magic

2028

  • Round 1: Potential pick swap with San Antonio Spurs (Protected top 1)

2030

  • Round 1: Own
  • Round 2: Via Knicks

2031

  • Round 1: Own
  • Round 2: Via Trail Blazers
  • Round 2: Via Cavaliers
  • Round 2: Via Rockets (Protected 31-55)

2032

  • Round 1: Own
  • Round 2: Own
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Detroit Re-Signs Depth Defenceman Lagesson to Two-Year Deal

Detroit brings back depth defenceman William Lagesson on two-year deal. 


The Detroit Red Wings have signed defenseman William Lagesson to a two-year contract extension, securing a reliable depth option as the team continues to build its blue line for the future. 

Lagesson, 28, joined the Red Wings organization in 2024 on a one-year deal and split the season between Detroit and AHL affiliate Grand Rapids.

While he appeared in just seven NHL games with Detroit, registering one assist and averaging 14:34 of ice time per night, he was a steady presence for the Griffins, putting up three goals and six assists for nine points in 23 games, along with a strong +13 rating.


Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.

Originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the fourth round (91st overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft, Lagesson has carved out a journeyman career as a stay-at-home defenseman capable of stepping in when needed. 

Over 107 career NHL games with Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, and Detroit, he has recorded 12 points and served primarily in a third-pairing or extra defenseman role. 

His physical play and ability to kill penalties have made him a useful option for teams needing dependable coverage on the back end. With this extension, the Red Wings continue to emphasize organizational depth and veteran insurance as their core defense group continues to evolve.

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Toronto Maple Leafs Keep John Tavares Away From Free Agency

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed former captain John Tavares to a four-year contract worth $4.38 million per season.

This new contract includes a full no-move clause for the first two seasons of the deal. For the remaining two years, Tavares has a five-team trade list, according to TSN and The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

In addition, Tavares’ contract includes $2 million in deferred compensation, LeBrun reported. That mechanism is set to be banned in the reported collective bargaining agreement extension between the NHL and NHLPA, which is scheduled to take full effect for the 2026-27 campaign.

"Coming to Toronto seven years ago has been better than I ever anticipated," Tavares said in a social media post. "The challenge of helping bring the Cup back to the many generations of Leafs fans and Leafs Nation is an incredible opportunity that pushes myself and my teammates everyday."

Tavares' contract comes under Matt Duchene’s $4.5-million cap hit on his four-year extension with the Dallas Stars, which was speculated as a comparable. It's also nearly $7 million less than the $11-million cap hit Tavares had since he left the New York Islanders for Toronto in 2018.

John Tavares (Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

Tavares and Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving made it clear ahead of this signing that they wanted to make it work. The 34-year-old center wanted to play and potentially retire with his hometown team. As for Treliving, the free-agent market is thin in terms of middle-six centers.

Tavares had an excellent regular season for the Maple Leafs. He finished second on the team in goals with 38, behind William Nylander's 45. He nearly reached a point-per-game average with 74 points in 75 appearances.

It was his second-best season in terms of goals, with his career high being the first year he joined the Maple Leafs in 2018-19, when he scored 47 times. 

The veteran also averaged 18:14 in ice time throughout the regular season and recorded 12 power-play goals and eight game-winning goals.

In the playoffs, Tavares recorded five goals and two assists in 13 contests. He had three goals and five points in Toronto’s first-round series against the Ottawa Senators, followed by two goals in the next round against the Florida Panthers.

When this new contract expires, Tavares could be in the 600-goal and 1,300-point club.

He's at 494 career goals and 520 assists for 1,114 points in 1,184 career regular-season games. 

This past season, Tavares averaged about half a goal per game. If he played at least 75 games in the next few seasons and kept this pace, he could reach 600 goals in 2027-28. If his points pace in 2024-25 continues, he may also reach 1,300 points in 2027-28 as well.

If Tavares remains healthy and plays out his contract, he could join the list of players who have played 20 seasons in the NHL, potentially making a case to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The Maple Leafs now have about $21.3 million in projected cap space. They have four other pending UFAs, including Mitch Marner, Max Pacioretty, Steven Lorentz and Jani Hakanpaa. Marner is expected to test the free-agent market, Treliving told reporters on Thursday.

Toronto also has three pending RFAs: Matthew Knies, Nick Robertson and Pontus Holmberg. Treliving said there's no rush on Robertson and Holmberg, as they need to figure out their other free agents first.

Jonathan Tovell contributed to this report.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

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NHL Nugget: Calgary Flames' Kevin Bahl's Birthday Backcheck

Here's today's NHL Nugget – this Birthday Backcheck features Calgary Flames pending RFA Kevin Bahl, who turns 25 on June 27.

At 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, Bahl ranked third on the Flames in blocked shots this past season, with 116, and seventh in hits, with 109. He's been part of three NHL organizations in his young career, beginning with the Arizona Coyotes, which selected him 55th overall in the 2018 NHL draft. He played his first NHL seasons with the New Jersey Devils before joining the Flames.

Brian T. Dessart takes fans on a distinctive ride through the historic-laden NHL with the #NHLNugget. Check out NHLNugget.com to find where to follow NHL Nugget on social media.  And for past NHL Nuggets, click here.  

Promo image credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

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NHL Draft preview: Frondell, Hagens, McQueen emerge as favorites for Predators 5th overall pick

The Nashville Predators have a chance to place three major building blocks for the future on Friday, owning three first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft.

While the Predators drew the short end of the stick in May's lottery, drawing the fifth pick, they still own the 23rd and 26th overall picks, thanks to a pair of trades from 2023 and 2024.

This is the most picks the Predators have had in the first round in franchise history. The Philadelphia Flyers are the only team with three first-round picks in this year's draft.

MORE: Trotz, Predators prepared to get 'a really good player' at NHL Draft

MORE: Predators hire former Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson as assistant

MORE: Analyzing every Nashville Predators first round NHL Draft pick: 2017-2021

With so much top-end talent in this year's draft, it's anyone's guess as to where players will be drafted. However, no matter who the Predators end up selecting, they believe they're getting a star.

“I think we're going to get a really good player [at fifth overall],”  General Manager Barry Trotz said during a press conference on Tuesday. “We’re fortunate that there are a number of good centers in this Draft." 

Swedish center Anton Frondell, measuring 6-foot-0-inch and 196 pounds, is who many experts believe the Predators will pick with their fifth overall pick. With two strong centers on their top two lines, Nashville is looking to expand that depth down the middle into the bottom six.

Frondell has just finished his second season with Djurgårdens IF in the HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden's second-highest professional hockey league. He had 25 points in 29 games and seven points in 16 playoff games.

Frondell could also be used as a weapon on the power play, as he has showcased his powerful, one-time shot on many occasions.

At the NHL Combine, Frondell had the highest VO2 max score, which measures the amount of oxygen utilized during a high-intensity workout. The prospect pedals on a stationary bike while a face mask measures how well their body is converting oxygen into energy.

Frondell finished with a score of 64.7. He also had the second-highest score (16.8) in the Peak Power Output test, which is measured similarly to the VO2 Max test on a stationary bike.

Boston College center James Hagens and Brandon Wheat Kings center Roger McQueen are two other names that have been thrown around as well.

Hagens is expected to go in the top three following his stellar season with the Eagles, where he scored 37 points in 37 games and helped the United States win the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship.

He is also from Hauppauge, New York, which is located on Long Island, so there is a slim chance that the New York Islanders could select a hometown kid with the No. 1 overall pick. 

If Hagens is still available by the time the fifth pick rolls around, it's likely the Predators will pick him up. Trotz expressed interest in the center on Tuesday, saying that he was "right in our wheelhouse." 

"He's [Hagens] a good example of a player that could go as high as two or three, but he's a tremendous player," Trotz said. "

Opposite to Hagens, McQueen could make the jump from a top 12 prospect to the top 5. With the Wheat Kings, he had 20 points in 17 games, 11 coming in the first eight games of the season, but suffered an injury that sidelined him for the bulk of the season.

McQueen's injury has him lower in the projections, but the Predators could get a steal by drafting him at fifth. He was also asked about his health and said that he "feels 100%" going into the draft.

"It was obviously huge to be able to get the sign," McQueen told NHL.com. "I kind of knew, just because, like, I've been pain-free for a while now. So, I kind of knew I was going to be cleared. Obviously, especially for me, a hurt guy, not playing all year, (it’s important) just to see that you're healthy.

The combined height, measuring 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 198 pounds, McQueen had a 112.8-inch horizontal jump and a 77.5-inch (6.45 feet) wingspan at the combine. 

While he may need to put on a bit more muscle, McQueen's 6-foot-5-inch build is a huge selling point and could be just what the Predators are looking for down the middle.

There is also the possibility that Nashville could trade the fifth overall pick. Trotz said on Tuesday that it'd be something he'd be open to if the right situation emerged. 

According to Elliotte Friedman, the New York Islanders are looking for another "high draft pick," opening the door for Nashville to trade. 

"If someone needs picks and wants to move past a really good player, I'm all in for that," Trotz said. "I'll never turn my nose up at any good player."

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Key denies Archer concerns and backs him to be ‘one of best England have had’

  • Rob Key: ‘We’ve gone slower than we could have done’

  • Fast bowler may be held back for third Test at Lord’s

Rob Key has played down concerns about Jofra Archer’s readiness for Test cricket, insisting England could have fast-tracked his comeback sooner and saying he trusts Ben Stokes not to flog such a precious commodity.

Archer, 30, was the standout name when an otherwise unchanged squad was picked for the second Test against India that starts at Edgbaston next Wednesday. But coming after a four-year absence from first-class cricket, and just 18 overs with a red ball for Sussex this past week, the selection also raised eyebrows.

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Jonathan Pintaro talks Mets debut, his inspiring journey to the majors, and what's next

Standing on the mound at Citi Field in the ninth inning on a sweltering night on Wednesday in front of 38,275 fans, Jonathan Pintaro -- making his major league debut -- met Ronald Acuña Jr., whostepped into the box with two outs and two on as the rookie looked to secure the final out for the Mets.

"Crazy," Pintaro told SNY on Friday about the moment. "As soon as I saw him step in, I was like 'alright, here it is. Here's the big time. You gotta figure out how to get out of this, facing one of the best hitters in the league.'"

Pintaro got strike one when Acuña fouled off a 92 mph cutter, and strike two by dotting a cutter near the knees on the outside corner.

That cutter, by the way? Pintaro said he modeled it after the one Corbin Burnes throws.

The third pitch to Acuña -- another cutter -- caught a bit more plate, and that one was fouled off, too.

Then came the fourth pitch, which was a 97 mph four-seam fastball that was up and in on Acuña for a bit of unintended chin music.

"It was not meant to be up and in," Pintaro said with a chuckle. "It was supposed to just be up. Ball is a little bit more slick than what I'm used to at the minor leagues. But I'll figure it out."

After that adrenaline and slick-ball-induced up-and-in pitch, Pintaro missed inside with another four-seamer before Acuña lined a cutter down the line for a two-run double.

That ended Pintaro's debut. But it was not hard to see why the Mets are so intrigued by him.

Pintaro's somewhat funky delivery and strong pitch mix means he'll likely be back in the majors sooner rather than later, where he'll look to carve out a home as a reliever -- a role he'll start to get more accustomed to beginning right now with Triple-A Syracuse after spending most of his time in the organization as a starter.

Jun 25, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jonathan Pintaro (91) has a meeting on the mound with catcher Hayden Senger (30) and first baseman Pete Alonso (20) in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field.
Jun 25, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets relief pitcher Jonathan Pintaro (91) has a meeting on the mound with catcher Hayden Senger (30) and first baseman Pete Alonso (20) in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. / Wendell Cruz - Imagn Images

Then there's the story of Pintaro's journey to the big leagues, which is truly inspiring.

"Coming from a small town in Alabama, then went to a small D2 college in Rome, Georgia that not many people have heard of," Pintaro explained. "Went to Indy ball in Montana, playing for a newer team. And then now I'm here."

While in Independent Ball pitching for the Glacier Range Riders, Pintaro began tweaking some things. And once the Mets signed him last season (after he had a 0.97 WHIP and struck out 14.4 batters per nine for Glacier) and assigned him to the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones, Pintaro continued to fine-tune his arsenal.

"We just started looking at pitch grips and adding new pitches to my repertoire," he said about his time pitching in Independent Ball. "We ended up adding a sinker, changeup. Just kind of tweaking the sweeper, but the sinker and changeup were the biggest ones to add. And then when I got to Brooklyn, the pitching coach there is who helped me get my sweeper to where it is now."

While with Double-A Binghamton earlier this season, Pintaro's velocity ticked up -- something he attributes to adjustments with his mechanics.

In Binghamton, Pintaro impressed, posting a 3.40 ERA and 1.11 WHIP while striking out 57 batters in 42.1 innings over 11 starts -- a K rate of 12.1 per nine.

And he was teammates with Jonah Tong, whom Pintaro has been friends with for a while -- going back to their time playing together in the Draft League.

As far as the biggest thing Pintaro learned during his time in Binghamton?

"Don't take anything for granted," he said. "I did six years of college, played Indy ball. Now I have the opportunity to be here and I'm grateful for it. And I love everybody in Binghamton -- the manager, the coaches, the training staff, the players -- they're all amazing. I couldn't be happier than I am being with this organization."

Now that he's in Triple-A, Pintaro will get acclimated to a more regular relief role, noting that he'll be used mostly out of the bullpen while there -- something he said comes with more of an "adrenaline rush," which he felt during his big league debut earlier this week.

As he gets used to relieving regularly, Pintaro will be striving to return to the majors. And his answer was short and sweet regarding what his focus will be.

"Just command the zone, land all five pitches, and attack hitters," he said.

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Mike Dunleavy believes Jonathan Kuminga can reach NBA potential with Warriors

Mike Dunleavy believes Jonathan Kuminga can reach NBA potential with Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The biggest question mark of the Warriors’ NBA offseason revolves around impending restricted free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga.

After the first phase of the offseason concluded with Thursday’s second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, general manager Mike Dunleavy offered insight into where the Warriors stand with the former No. 7 overall pick.

On Friday’s episode of “The TK Show,” Tim Kawakami asked Dunleavy about Kuminga’s comments earlier this week, when the 22-year-old expressed his desire to be “great” and an NBA All-Star.

“As a young player, I love the personal ambition,” Dunleavy stated. “That’s what I see, first and foremost, with the comments. He’s a guy that believes in himself, wants to see what he can do.

“I think, ultimately, if we’re able to bring him back, we see a path for him to be able to do some of those things here.”

While Kuminga will be free to negotiate with other teams once NBA free agency begins June 30, Golden State will have the chance to match any contract offer sheet he receives from another franchise.

Kuminga’s potential isn’t much of a debate, but it’s fair to wonder if he can become a consistent, high-end scorer on a team led by veteran stars Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler.

Varying from DNP-CDs to the Warriors’ main scoring threat, Kuminga’s playing time under coach Steve Kerr fluctuated greatly throughout the end of the 2024-25 NBA season. As Dunleavy recognized, Golden State will need to make a firm decision on the young forward’s role going forward — which could affect how both sides approach contract talks.

“I think that will come out in the wash. It will get figured out, honestly,” Dunleavy said of Kuminga’s unclear role with the Warriors. “And that would be the calculus on us bringing him back and him wanting to be back here. So these are all of the things we have to go through and figure out. These are all questions that just can’t really be answered until we know what the deal is.”

Whatever those answers end up being, it will be very interesting to see how Golden State continues to handle this saga with a rising star.

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Will The Rangers Trade Back Into The First Round?

James Guillory-Imagn Images

Will the New York Rangers trade into the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft? The answer is likely no. 

When the Rangers still held the 12th overall pick, it was rumored that the team could be looking to move up in the draft and land a top-ten pick. 

However, as part of a trade with the Vancouver Canucks involving J.T. Miller, the Rangers had a choice to either give away this year’s first-round pick or their 2026 first-round pick. 

Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury decided to transfer the 12th overall pick and keep the team’s 2026 first-round pick.

Now, the Rangers are left without a selection in the opening round of the draft on Friday, so it may be a quiet night for the Blueshirts. 

There’s always a possibility the Rangers trade back into the first round if there’s a specific prospect Drury has his eye on, but their move to transfer the 12th overall pick kind of cancels out that possibility. 

The most likely scenario for the Rangers to get a first-round pick tonight is a trade involving K’Andre Miller. 

Since the Rangers 2024-25 season ended, Miller has been the subject of multiple trade rumors as he will become a restricted free agent on July 1 and he’s still without an extension. 

With the draft approaching in just a few hours though, Miller still hasn’t been traded and Vince Z. Mercogliano is reporting that it seems the Rangers aren't crazy about what's been offered so far. 

The Rangers' Thought Process Behind Keeping Their 2026 First-Round PickThe Rangers' Thought Process Behind Keeping Their 2026 First-Round PickThere’s one major reason the New York Rangers decided to send their 2025 12th overall pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins and keep their 2026 first-round pick. 

The Rangers still hold eight draft picks through the 2-7 rounds that begin on Saturday.

Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury decided to transfer the 12th overall pick and keep the team’s 2026 first-round pick.

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Report: Sixers declining Jared Butler's team option

Report: Sixers declining Jared Butler's team option  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers are declining Jared Butler’s $2.3 million team option for the 2025-26 season, PHLY’s Kyle Neubeck reported Friday.

The team acquired Butler last season in a trade-deadline deal that sent Reggie Jackson to the Wizards. By the end of the Sixers’ injury-decimated year, he was their starting point guard. 

Over 28 appearances as a Sixer last season, Butler averaged 11.5 points, 4.9 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals. He shot 42.6 percent from the floor, 35.2 percent from three-point range and 87 percent at the foul line.

The 24-year-old appreciated the opportunity to have a stable role and aimed to provide stability and poise with a perpetually changing cast of healthy teammates.

“It’s been fantastic,” Butler said on March 29. “I think people underestimate … it’s been four years and it’s my first time getting a stretch of games where I know I’m going to play. … It’s a blessing, and I’m just glad I’m healthy and able to play. I think it’s good for my career.”

When everyone’s available, the Sixers clearly have multiple guards who’d be ahead of Butler on head coach Nick Nurse’s depth chart, including Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain and Quentin Grimes. No. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe is in town, too.

We’ll see what free agency holds for Butler, who’s played for four NBA franchises since being drafted with the 40th pick in the 2021 draft. Free agency will formally begin Monday at 6 p.m. ET.

The Sixers’ other team options are Justin Edwards ($2 million) and Lonnie Walker IV ($2.9 million). 

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Sharks select OHL star forward Michael Misa at No. 2 overall in 2025 NHL Draft

Sharks select OHL star forward Michael Misa at No. 2 overall in 2025 NHL Draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Another young star has entered the mix in San Jose.

The Sharks further fortified their young core by selecting standout forward Michael Misa No. 2 overall in the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday.

The 18-year-old Misa spent the previous season dominating the OHL, recording a league-high 134 points in 65 appearances for the Saginaw Spirit. Misa’s 134-point campaign is the OHL’s highest single-season total since three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane’s 145-point tally in 2007.

Misa did a little bit of everything up front for the Spirit, logging 62 goals and 72 assists in his standout 2024-25 campaign, not only living up to, but exceeding the hype after being drafted No. 1 overall in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.

The 18-year-old center demonstrated remarkable consistency on the score sheet last season, recording multi-point games in 46 of his 65 appearances for Saginaw.

A year after selecting superstar center Macklin Celebrini No. 1 overall in the 2024 draft, once again the Sharks have capitalized on a premium draft pick by adding another blue chip prospect to San Jose’s stockpile of promising youngsters.

As the Sharks seek a return to NHL prominence, Misa joins Celebrini, Will Smith, William Eklund and Yaroslav Askarov as San Jose’s foundational building blocks moving forward.

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Edmonton Oilers Have Three Players Signed Through 2030 After Re-Signing Trent Frederic

The Edmonton Oilers announced they re-signed Trent Frederic to an eight-year contract extension.

Frederic's new deal carries an average annual value of $3.85 million and lasts through 2032-33. The Oilers turned a trade deadline acquisition into a longtime piece of the puzzle.

In fact, Frederic is now one of three Oilers players under contract through at least 2030. The other two are center Leon Draisaitl and defenseman Darnell Nurse.

Draisaitl, 29, begins a new eight-year contract on July 1 with an NHL-high $14-million cap hit. His deal also expires in 2033. Nurse, 30, has five years remaining on an eight-year deal with a $9.25-million cap hit. Both players have no-move clauses in the rest of their contract, although Nurse's clause becomes a 10-team no-trade list in 2027-28 onward.

With Frederic's signing, Edmonton has about $12.35 million in projected cap space, according to PuckPedia. A good chunk of that will likely go to defenseman Evan Bouchard, a pending RFA with arbitration rights. They also have five pending UFAs, including Corey Perry and Connor Brown.

Although only three players are signed through 2030, that could change.

If Bouchard re-signs for at least five seasons, he'll be on that list. And superstar captain Connor McDavid, 28, enters the final year of his contract and can sign an extension as of July 1. He's prioritizing family and a long window to win on his next contract, whether it's with the Oilers or elsewhere.

There were some trade rumors and speculation this week regarding Nurse, who had 33 points in 76 games and eight points in the playoffs. TSN's Ryan Rishaug reported there's nothing to those rumors at this point.  

Trent Frederic (Perry Nelson-Imagn Images)

Frederic, 27, had eight goals and seven assists for 15 points in 58 games this past regular season. All those points came with the Boston Bruins, which traded him to Edmonton on March 4.

Frederic, who dealt with an injury, played one regular-season game with the Oilers before adding a goal and four points in 22 playoff contests. He ranked fourth among Oilers forwards in hits during the post-season, with 85, and fifth in blocked shots, with 15. He averaged 11:24 of ice time on the Oilers in the playoffs, although he averaged 13:50 with the Bruins before the trade.

Since the Bruins drafted the center 29th overall in 2016, he's played 338 career games and recorded 55 goals and 54 assists for 109 points.

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