EA Sports wants its players' voices heard when it comes to how the future of College Football video game franchise is shaped.
Yankees promoting prospect Spencer Jones to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
Spencer Jonesis moving on up.
The Yankees are promoting the 24-year-old to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, according to SNY's Andy Martino.
Jones, ranked the No. 2 prospect in New York's system by MLB Pipeline, had ben lighting it up over 49 games at Double-A this year to earn his first taste of the last step between him and the big leagues. The 6-foot-7 outfielder had 16 home runs and 32 RBI with a .274/.389/.594 slash line for a .984 OPS over his first 208 plate appearances of the campaign.
He has been on a particularly hot run during 21 games in June, smacking seven homers with 15 RBI, a .321 average, and 1.039 OPS.
Jones played 124 games for Double-A last campaign and produced 17 homers and 30 doubles, good for a .452 slugging percentage and .789 OPS. But, the 84th rated prospect in baseball entering that year, continued his struggles with strikeouts as he went down on strikes 200 times over 544 times up. That after he struck out 155 times over 117 games across two levels the year prior. This year, despite his better success in the box, he has already been fanned 70 times.
Jones was the 25th overall pick (Round 1) by the Yanks in the 2022 MLB Amateur Draft after playing his college ball at Vanderbilt. He was selected in the 31st round of the 2019 draft by the Los Angeles Angels, but opted to play college ball.
Last July, the Chicago White Sox were reportedly “insisting” that Jones be included in any potential trade package for left-hander Garrett Crochet, who was dealt to the Boston Red Sox this past offseason.
2025 NHL Draft Predictions: Pittsburgh Penguins Edition
The day is finally here.
On Friday at 7:00 p.m. ET, the 2025 NHL Entry Draft will begin. Team general managers, draft prospects, and fans alike have been preparing for and awaiting this day for a long while, and there is already a ton of buzz around this, potentially, being a very interesting draft.
And one of the teams generating the most buzz? Kyle Dubas's Pittsburgh Penguins.
After the decision by the New York Rangers to give Pittsburgh their 12th overall pick in this year's draft - which officially completed the J.T. Miller and Marcus Pettersson trades - the Penguins are slated to select back-to-back at 11th and 12th overall. The team has never selected back-to-back before, and they'll have the opportunity to add two impact players who could play a big part in their future.
But, it might not go down the way you think.
There are several reports that the Penguins are willing to either trade up in the draft or pony up one of those picks for the "right young player," as per Darren Dreger of TSN. Whatever way they decide to go, they'll be getting two good young players - but, obviously, the door is open for them to draft a game-changer, should they decide to move up.
So, with that said, here are two draft scenarios for the Penguins - and who I think they'll select in these scenarios.
2025 NHL Mock Draft: Final First-Round Predictions For Schaefer, Martone And MoreThe 2025 NHL draft kicks off Friday evening, so it’s time to get in the spirit by conducting the final mock draft of the season.
Penguins stand pat at 11 and 12
It should be emphasized that, despite all the buzz around the Penguins, they very well could play it safe and do exactly this. So, what would happen if the Penguins stay put?
Truthfully, the odds are that the Penguins are going to get a pair of difference-making players regardless. Names are bound to fall, and I believe one will.
Given the alleged focus on centers in this draft class, it's entirely possible that the Penguins could snag Swedish left wing Victor Eklund, who is - arguably - one of the most skilled players in the draft. Eklund registered 19 goals and 31 points for Djurgardens IF of HockeyAllsvenskan last season, and he played alongside top-five draft hopeful Anton Frondell.
Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Victor EklundWith the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them.
Drawing comparisons to NHL forwards such as Jesper Bratt and Travis Konecny, the relentless forward would be a very solid choice for the Penguins at 11 - and, seemingly, a very realistic one.
As for the 12th overall spot? There's a good chance that spot belongs to defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, who the Penguins have had conversations with.
The hard-hitting left defender - contrary to popular belief - isn't just known for his meanness, physicality, and shutdown ability. He is also known for his booming shot, ability to aid the transition game, and steady offensive production, as he finished seventh overall in OHL scoring among defensemen with 26 goals and 59 points in 64 games for the Barrie Colts last season.
If the Penguins draft back-to-back at 11 and 12 - again - they'll be getting two good players. And they could also be getting a potential high-end forward and a top-four defenseman, which are both things they desperately need in their system.
Penguins Draft Prospect Profile: Kashawn AitchesonWith the 2025 NHL Entry Draft approaching fast, POHO and GM Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins have their work cut out for them.
Penguins trade up, draft third overall
It is, perhaps, unwise to read too much into speculation around draft day. Teams purposefully leak things, and misleading narratives are told left and right, to try to throw other teams off in hopes of a given team being able to land who they want.
But, as Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects said, this year seems to feel a bit different.
Y'all wouldn't believe the stuff that's floating around out there right now.
— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) June 26, 2025
If even a fraction of it happens, we're shaping up for a very fun Friday.
As mentioned before, there is a lot of talk about the Penguins potentially moving up in the draft in order to be able to select an elite talent. Having the Rangers' first-round pick gives them quite a bit more flexibility to do so.
And it's something I predict is going to happen.
It has been reported that the Chicago Blackhawks - who are currently slated to draft third overall - are trying to take a step this year and are open to dealing that pick for some NHL help. They are also one of the teams rumored to be interested in Penguins' veteran winger Rickard Rakell, who had a career season with 35 goals and 70 points in 2024-25.
If you do the math, it's not all that difficult to see a package from the Penguins involving Rakell and their 11th overall pick to Chicago for their top-three pick.
Can The Penguins Trade Up For Blackhawks' Third Overall Pick?It has been rumored that the Pittsburgh Penguins would like to trade up in the 2025 NHL Draft.
It's possible that more would have to be involved to get a deal across the finish line, but - given that the Penguins would still have that 12th overall selection and that they're in the midst of a rebuild - a move like this certainly makes sense. And it will be one of the biggest storylines to watch out for on Friday.
If the Penguins do bump up to third overall, I think their guy is Frondell. Frondell has steadily climbed the draft board after his season with Djurgardens IF - alongside Eklund - that saw him put up 11 goals and 25 points in 29 games.
He was putting up such numbers after a slow start and as a 17-year-old in HockeyAllsvenskan, and this was just one season after registering 18 goals and 39 points in 29 games as part of J20 Nationell in 2023-24 - again, dominating despite his young age. He is also projected as an elite two-way centerman, which is something that certainly excites NHL clubs.
It will be interesting to see whether or not the Penguins do move up - and, if they do, how far they are interested in moving up. Dubas is known to be enamored with right wing Porter Martone as well, so it's possible that Pittsburgh could look to even just move up a handful of spots in order to land him.
Regardless, things should be interesting. And I do think they will try to move up.
NHL Trade Rumors: Penguins Have Prime Target In Utah ForwardThe Pittsburgh Penguins are currently retooling their roster. While there certainly is a chance that they could end up trading away some of their key players before the off-season is done, they also should not be afraid to acquire players who could help them in the long term.
Final first-round predictions
Here are my final predictions for the first-round draft order on Friday:
1. D Matthew Schaefer - New York Islanders
2. C Michael Misa - San Jose Sharks
3. C Anton Frondell - Pittsburgh Penguins (traded by Chicago Blackhawks on draft day)
4. C James Hagens - Utah Hockey Club
5. RW Porter Martone - Nashville Predators
6. C Caleb DeSnoyers - Philadelphia Flyers
7. C Brady Martin - Boston Bruins
8. D Radim Mrtka - Seattle Kraken
9. C Jake O'Brien - Buffalo Sabres
10. C Roger McQueen - Anaheim Ducks
11. LW Victor Eklund - Chicago Blackhawks (traded by Pittsburgh Penguins on draft day)
12. D Kashawn Aitcheson - Pittsburgh Penguins (from New York Rangers)
13. C Justin Carbonneau - Detroit Red Wings
14. D Jackson Smith - Columbus Blue Jackets
15. LW Carter Bear - Vancouver Canucks
Five NHL Draft Comparables: Will We See The Next Hughes, Hischier, Bennett, Getzlaf And Jarvis? With the 2025 NHL draft quickly approaching, teams around the league are finalizing their draft boards in hopes of landing the best young talent from around the hockey world.
16. C Cole Reschny - Montreal Canadiens (from Calgary)
17. D Logan Hensler - Montreal Canadiens
18. C Braeden Cootes - Calgary Flames (from New Jersey)
19. LW Lynden Lakovic - St. Louis Blues
20. RW Malcolm Spence - Columbus Blue Jackets (from Minnesota)
21. C Jack Nesbitt - Ottawa Senators
22. D Blake Fiddler - Philadelphia Flyers (from Colorado)
23. C Ivan Ryabkin - Nashville Predators (from Tampa Bay)
24. C Cullen Potter - Los Angeles Kings
25. RW Alexander Zharovsky - Chicago Blackhawks (from Toronto)
26. G Joshua Ravensbergen - Nashville Predators (from Vegas via San Jose)
27. C Eric Nilson - Washington Capitals
28. D Sascha Boumedienne - Winnipeg Jets
29. RW Daniil Prokhorov - Carolina Hurricanes
30. D Cameron Reid - San Jose Sharks (from Dallas)
31. C Cole McKinney - Philadelphia Flyers (from Edmonton)
32. RW Ryker Lee - Calgary Flames (from Florida)
Get your hands on The Hockey News' Draft Preview Issue today by clicking here.
2025 NHL Draft: Islanders, Canadiens, Penguins Hold Pivotal Points In Round 1Every NHL draft, there are pivot points that affect what happens next.
Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!
Feature image credit: Michael Augello-The Hockey News
2025 NBA Draft Dynasty Rookie Rankings: Cooper Flagg leads the way
With the 2025 draft wrapped up, the next logical step is to start drafting those rookies into your dynasty league! Perhaps the best method is to wait a little bit longer to start drafting, but sometimes, the real sickos like us just need to draft. It’s the itch that can’t be scratched any other way.
So here’s my take on how to value these players in dynasty leagues, with a few thoughts on whether they’re better for rebuilding or contending teams and if they’ll be optimized in points or categories formats.
The tier names indicate where I think they have a chance to finish in redraft leagues in the future, which should give a good indication of what type of value to place on these players. We'll have a larger dynasty rankings update coming next month that will include this rookie class!
Rotoworld writers Raphielle Johnson and Noah Rubin pick fantasy basketball winners and losers following a busy week that began with the Kevin Durant trade.
Raphielle JohnsonTier 1: Perennial Top Five
1. F Cooper Flagg, DAL
He's in a league of his own, which we've known for a while. No matter what format you're playing in, Flagg should be the first player off the board.
Tier 2: Top 25 upside
2. G Dylan Harper, SAS
The clear No. 2 option in every format. Harper is going to have a ton of success as Victor Wembanyama's point guard for a long time.
Tier 3: Multiple Top 75 seasons ahead
3. G V.J. Edgecombe, PHI
Edgecombe's path to minutes in year one is entirely dependent on how important his defense becomes. In a large role, he can be an elite source of steals. How much the offense develops will determine just how dominant he can be.
4. F Ace Bailey, UTA
Perhaps this wasn't Bailey's preferred destination, but it checks all the boxes of a place where he'd want to be. He's just in Utah. Bailey will have a chance to start immediately and get a ton of shots. He was also a solid rebounder and good source of blocks at Rutgers.
5. G Kon Knueppel, CHA
Knueppel should immediately slot in as the starting shooting guard next to LaMelo Ball and get a ton of three-pointers, which he can provide efficiently. He can provide some other decent numbers across the board, but the value will be found in category leagues, where his strong percentages will be amplified.
6. G Jeremiah Fears, NOR
Landing in New Orleans isn't ideal for the short term, but the 18-year-old undersized guard was never going to dominate immediately. Bump him down your board if you need year one production, but Fears has the potential to be a truly dominant offensive player.
7. C Derik Queen, NOR
Does the fit next to Zion Williamson work defensively? Probably not, but it could be a ton of fun on offense. Plus, if you give up an unprotected first-round pick that is the more favorable pick between two teams in a class as stacked as 2026, you better be committed to making this thing work.
8. C Khaman Maluach, PHX
The trade for Mark Williams minutes before taking Maluach was heartbreaking, but that doesn't mean we should bump him down our boards. Williams is a gifted offensive big, but Maluach should be better defensively and is certainly an impactful offensive player as well. Plus, Williams certainly has some injury question marks. It's not an unrealistic scenario that Maluach is simply better than Williams within a year or two.
9. C Thomas Sorber, OKC
Sorber isn't a short term success pick. The absolute best case scenario is that he develops in the G League as a rookie and ends up being good enough that the Thunder decline IsaiahHartenstein's team option for the 2026-27 season and have Sorber fill that role. The more realistic scenario is it takes a bit longer for Sorber to crack the rotation, but he is a truly gifted big with a fantasy-friendly skillset.
10. F Collin Murray-Boyles, TOR
CMB would be higher if he were in a better situation. He has the statset to be a dominant fantasy producer, especially in category leagues. However, the fit next to Scottie Barnes is an interesting one. Still, talent wins out, and it's hard enough to drop him this low.
11. G Egor Demin, BKN
Regardless of how you feel about Demin as a prospect (I am lower on him), this is an ideal situation. Brooklyn had so many point guard issues last season, so they drafted three of them, and then also a seven-footer that plays like a point guard. Using the No. 8 pick on Demin means they're going to give him the keys and let him run the show. If you're looking for year one production and can deal with inefficiency, Demin could be taken earlier.
Tier 4: Potential Top 75 seasons ahead
12. G Cedric Coward, MEM
Coward could replace Desmond Bane in the starting lineup. He has a 7'2" wingspan and shoots threes. Fantasy stud potential.
13. G Tre Johnson, WAS
The scoring and shooting are great, but he doesn't contribute much else in the box score. Johnson should be a better player for the Wizards than he will be for fantasy managers.
14. G Kasparas Jakucionis, MIA
He slipped to the Heat, and now Jakucionis doesn't have a ton of competition for minutes. The fit next to TylerHerro is questionable on defense, but Jakucionis in a large role should lead to a ton of production in the box score.
15. C Ryan Kalkbrenner, CHA
The Hornets added Kalkbrenner in the second round, and he'll compete for a starting role immediately. He averaged 2.7 blocks per game in college and is now going to be fed easy buckets by LaMelo Ball.
16. C Danny Wolf, BKN
Wolf is a dynamic center that should be able to create mismatches against big defenders. Also, bigs that can pass like Wolf don't come around often, and most of them are fantasy studs.
17. G Walter Clayton Jr., UTA
There's a real chance Clayton ends up being the best point guard on the team by opening night. In that role, he'll provide a ton of three-pointers and assists. Utah has said they're done tanking, and Clayton will help with that.
18. F Rasheer Fleming, PHX
He slid to the second round, but Fleming is much better than that. He can shoot threes at has a 7'5" wingspan. Fantasy goldmine on a team without much depth.
Tier 5: Top 100 upside
19. F Noa Essengue, CHI
Essengue isn't the most polished scorer, but he should get some easy looks off passes from Josh Giddey, and he's a nice upside swing on the wing for Chicago. It'll be interesting to see how he co-exists next to Matas Buzelis.
20. F Carter Bryant, SAS
Bryant is a high-level defensive prospect with offensive upside. There isn't a clear path to ample minutes at this point, but his defense will be valuable. How his offense progresses will determine how much success he has, since he should be able to get defensive stats if he's on the floor.
21. C Joan Beringer, MIN
Long-term project here. The hope is he can learn how to be Rudy Gobert from the man himself. Don't expect much production over the next few seasons, but the upside here is tremendous.
22. F Nique Clifford, SAC
A win-now piece for the Kings, and if he can get enough minutes, he's a win-now pick for fantasy managers. He's an older prospect, but he can provide well-rounded numbers in the box score.
23. C Yang Hansen, POR
I liked Yang before the draft. He's a strong passer for a big man that played well at the combine. Like everyone else, I didn't expect him to be a first-round pick, and I certainly didn't expect him to go 16th. However, Portland's management basically staked their reputation on this pick, and that means something to me. He has a fantasy-friendly skillset. How he fits with DonovanClingan is unclear, but I wouldn't let Yang fall past this spot in your rookie draft, and if you trust Joe Cronin, feel free to take a swing earlier.
24. G Jase Richardson, ORL
Orlando is the perfect fit for Richardson to thrive as an off-ball guard next to some big playmakers. May not play a lot early, but he is an efficient, cerebral guard that will make Magic fans happy.
25. F Asa Newell, ATL
In terms of playstyle, John Collins is a pretty good comparison for Newell, and Collins enjoyed some really productive seasons in Atlanta. With Jalen Johnson in front of him, Newell doesn't have the same path to minutes that Collins had, but as situations change, there is a path for Newell to be a really good fantasy option.
Tier 6: I see the vision
26. G Nolan Traore, BKN
Not sure how he fits with the other point guards they drafted, but the assist upside is intriguing.
27. G Hugo Gonzalez, BOS
Gonzelez got playing time on a talented Real Madrid team as a 19-year-old. He's effective in transition and on defense. The shot needs work, but this is an upside swing for Boston
28. F Adou Thiero, LAL
An athletic defender on the wing that can score in transition. Thiero fills a lot of needs for the Lakers and the steal upside is intriguing for fantasy managers.
29. F Will Riley, WAS
Riley has the upside to impact the game in a multitude of ways on offense, but it may be a few years. Washington will give him the chance to develop, but don't expect early production.
30. G Ben Saraf, BKN
The playmaking upside is intriguing, but I'm once again not sure how everything fits together in Brooklyn with all of these ball handlers.
31. G Kam Jones, IND
Tyrese Haliburton is likely going to miss all of next season. Jones was a productive point guard last season and could immediately provide some value for fantasy managers if they need him to start from time to time.
32. F Noah Penda, ORL
Another big playmaker for the Magic that is also a high-level defender. Penda's path to minutes isn't clear, but he's a talented player that just needs to figure out a way to score.
33. G Drake Powell, BKN
I really like Powell as a prospect, but I don't think it's going to translate to much fantasy value. He's a high-level defender and a freak athlete, but that didn't translate to many defensive stats at North Carolina.
34. C Amari Williams, BOS
Kristaps Porzingis is in Atlanta. AlHorford and LukeKornet are free agents. Somebody has to play center in Boston, and TylerZeller is not walking through that door. Williams was also a strong passing center for a big at Kentucky last season.
35. C Maxime Raynaud, SAC
I would've taken Raynaud much earlier than where the Kings got him, so it was a great value pick for them. I was hoping he'd find a situation where he could play a lot early on, but being the backup behind DomantasSabonis doesn't leave him many minutes. In a different situation, I'd take Raynaud much earlier.
36. C Yanic Konan Niederhauser, LAC
A rim-runner that can block shots is an archetype that has had a lot of success playing with James Harden, but the backup to Ivica Zubac doesn't leave Konan Niederhauser with much of an opportunity early on.
37. F Liam McNeeley, CHA
McNeeley struggled in a role for UConn that he won't play in the NBA. But even if he's better than he was in college, there isn't a lot that's going to translate for fantasy basketball in any format, unless you're really desperate for three-pointers.
Tier 7: Wild Cards
38. F Bogoljub Markovic, MIL**
39. F Micah Peavy, NOR
40. G Alijah Martin, TOR
41. F Jamir Watkins, WAS
42. G Javon Small, MEM
43. F Sion James, CHA
44. G Chaz Lanier, DET
45. C Johni Broome, PHI
46. G Koby Brea, PHX
47. F Eric Dixon, LAL*
48. C Vladislav Goldin, MIA*
49. C Rocco Zikarsky, MIN
50. G John Tonje, UTA
51. F Lachlan Olbrich, CHI
52. G Ryan Nembhard, DAL*
53. G Tyrese Proctor, CLE
54. G Mark Sears, MIL*
55. G Will Richard, GSW
56. G Kobe Sanders, LAC
57. G Kadary Richmond, WAS*
58. F RJ Luis Jr., UTA*
59. G Chucky Hepburn, TOR*
60. G Hunter Sallis, PHI*
61. G Caleb Love, POR*
62. F Alex Toohey, GSW
63. G Max Shulga, BOS
64. F Brooks Barnhizer, OKC
65. F Eli Ndiaye, ATL*
66. F Mohamed Diawara, NYK
67. G Taelon Peter, IND
68. G Jahmai Mashack, MEM
69. C Dylan Cardwell, SAC*
70. F CJ Huntley, PHX*
71. G Tamar Bates, DEN*
72. C Hunter Dickinson, NOR*
73. G Miles Kelly, DAL*
74. F Saliou Niang, CLE**
*Two-way UDFAs
**Draft-and-stashes
Blackhawks Unveil New Centennial Home Sweater For 2025-26
Ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks revealed new sweaters for their upcoming centennial season. They will wear these during home games during the 2025-26 season.
Chicago has always been known for having one of the most recognizable uniforms in all of sports, and this new sweater celebrates what has made it so iconic.
Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) on XINTRODUCING OUR 2025-26 CENTENNIAL JERSEY‼️
In 1955, we created something special—a red sweater with black and white stripes that would become the most beloved and iconic jersey in all of sports. Seventy years later, it remains largely unchanged proving that true classics
Vinnie Parise (@VinnieParise) on X🚨 Chicago Blackhawks centennial sweaters 🚨
(Courtesy of Chicago Blackhawks via Fanatics)There is a gold outline surrounding the crest, which is inspired by the gold-trim sweaters that the Blackhawks used to wear in their earlier days.
The new centennial patch is on the shoulder to signify it as the jersey worn by the team in its 100th year of existence.
A new twist to the jersey is a lace-up collar, which has become popular around the National Hockey League. This is to mark a mash-up of the past and future of the franchise.
Chicago has had Stanley Cup success over the course of their history, including recently. All six of their victorious seasons are hemmed inside the jersey. Fans can always remember the years in which the Stanley Cup returned to Chicago.
“The Blackhawks sweater has consistently been voted the best jersey in sports by players and fans alike. For our Centennial season, we wanted to honor that iconic symbol of Chicago’s hockey heritage that has remained largely unchanged since 1955,” Danny Wirtz said in a statement. “While the classic elements of the jersey stay the same, thoughtful design details make this jersey unique – melding past and present while proving that the best traditions transcend trends.”
Being an original six team, having an iconic sweater has always been a part of the identity for the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team. Now, for the special season ahead, there is a new twist to their home jersey for everyone to enjoy.
Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.
2025 NHL Draft Mailbag: Where Misa Would Rank Last Year, Hagens' Drop And More
The wait is over, and the 2025 NHL draft starts Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
Most NHL franchises look to alter their course with big trades, draft picks and a new outlook.
There’s no better time than right before the festivities to do a mailbag, answering some questions surrounding the NHL draft and the players involved. Let’s look at some of the questions you sent my way via X, messages and in comments on THN.com.
What’s behind everyone dropping James Hagens right at the end of the year?
I think the reason Hagens has dropped a bit in the last few weeks is that he’s been on everyone’s radar for so long, so he’s been a bit overscouted.
This is the same player we watched at the World Men’s Under-18s two years ago as a 16-year-old before setting the scoring record at the tournament last year. Having aged out of that tournament this year as a late-2006 born player, Hagens became an effective player at the World Junior Championship. We’ve seen him on the big stage so many times in recent years that some people are just used to how he plays.
We’ve seen two elite-level talents play in the NCAA and win the Hobey Baker Trophy as freshmen: Adam Fantilli and Macklin Celebrini. Hagens didn’t put up Hobey Baker numbers, but he was a point-per-game center on one of the country's most dominant teams. He showed he can add a bit more physicality to his game on top of his silky smooth hands and slippery skating, to which we’ve become accustomed.
Hagens finished the year at No. 3 on my board and No. 5 on The Hockey News editor in chief Ryan Kennedy’s draft board. Not everyone is underrating him, but those who do could be in for a reality check when he blossoms into one of the draft’s most impressive offensive players.
Where would Michael Misa rank in last year’s draft?
For reference, my NHL draft rankings last year were as follows:
- Macklin Celebrini
- Ivan Demidov
- Berkly Catton
- Cayden Lindstrom
- Zeev Buium
Where Misa fits in there feels immediately clear to me. He’s behind Celebrini, but I would at least have the debate between the two centers. Demidov likely also slides ahead of Misa (and Schaefer), but I would easily have him ahead of Catton and Lindstrom. Matthew Schaefer would be the top defender in the class, ahead of Buium for me.
Even a year later, the order of my top five wouldn’t change, so there is no need to add in Artyom Levshunov or Zayne Parekh. The top two for this year, Misa and Schaefer, would be easily the third and fourth players in this group.
Five NHL Draft Comparables: Will We See The Next Hughes, Hischier, Bennett, Getzlaf And Jarvis? With the 2025 NHL draft quickly approaching, teams around the league are finalizing their draft boards in hopes of landing the best young talent from around the hockey world.
Why is Henry Brzustewicz not ranked on your list?
Among the players unranked on my list, Brzustewicz and David Bedkowski get asked about the most.
The two OHL defensemen are off the list for very different reasons. To be clear, both players will be drafted and deservedly so. There is a world where I would take them in a draft if the situation called for it. Unfortunately, they are valued much lower for me than the consensus, and if I were to get to them, it would be very late in the draft.
Let’s start with Bedkowski. The bruising blueliner is one of the more physical and intimidating players in the draft, punishing players all over the ice. His willingness to throw his weight around is admirable. The concerns I have with his on-puck game are quite substantial, though. He panics a bit under pressure and tends to just fire the puck to nowhere at times. So much of his game must come a long way to reach the point where his physicality is realistically effective. It’s not to say that it won’t come, but he’ll need to work with a skills coach and watch plenty of film.
With Brzustewicz, it’s almost the opposite. His game with the puck is quite solid, and he showed more creativity and skill whenever he got the opportunity.
That said, it’s tough to overlook his defensive habits and some of his often-questionable decision-making. He often tried to push play to the middle, but there were so many times a pass had no recipient, or he wasn’t patient with the puck. There could be a very good player here, but must work on getting his details right. He strikes me as a player who will have a very good CHL career, look great in the AHL but lose his game a bit in the NHL.
2025 NHL Mock Draft: Final First-Round Predictions For Schaefer, Martone And MoreThe 2025 NHL draft kicks off Friday evening, so it’s time to get in the spirit by conducting the final mock draft of the season.
Who are the top five defense-first blueliners?
This year’s defense group has different tiers and categories. Schaefer’s alone at the top, and a group of five or six players follow before getting to a bunch of what I’ve deemed specialists. When it comes to defensive hockey and shutdown defense, there are a number of players who fit that mold.
In one of my latest articles, I covered the top five, plus an underrated player and some honorable mentions for 12 categories, and best shut-down defender was one of them. Here is the top five:
1. Radim Mrtka
2. Blake Fiddler
3. Sascha Boumedienne
4. Matthew Schaefer
5. Jackson Smith
Underrated: Sean Barnhill
These six defenders all play defensive hockey in their own way. Barnhill could have easily made the list, but there hasn’t been much buzz around the big, mobile blueliner, so he fit right into the underrated slot. Mrtka has a boatload of potential as a shutdown guy, and Fiddler has an excellent floor. Boumedienne, Schaefer and Smith are all elite movers who use that to cut down play. Be sure to check out the full “Top Traits” article covering shooters, playmakers, motors, two-way forwards, and so much more here.
Which player do you think realistically outplays his draft position the most?
This is an interesting question because I could have easily said LJ Mooney or Adam Benak. They are two of the most skilled and cerebral players in the draft class who likely would have been top-15 talents had they been six-feet or even close, but they are 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-8, respectively. If they hit, they could be wickedly good, and teams will regret not taking them before the mid-late portion of the draft.
The question was centered around what’s realistic, though, so that slightly changes things.
Eric Nilson comes to mind initially as a highly intelligent, tactical center who understands how to come out on top just about every shift. His biggest issue is that he needs to add some weight to his frame, but his agile, swift playmaking based on his IQ is very impressive.
Cullen Potter also comes to mind. He’s one of the fastest skaters in the class and a slick and precise playmaker.
Potter was a play-driving beast for Arizona State as one of the youngest players in the NCAA, but because he didn’t have much help around him, he couldn’t benefit from the playmaking side of his game. He scored as many goals as Hagens this year in the NCAA and brought an effective transition and playmaking game.
The final name I’ll add here is Sascha Boumedienne, the defenseman from Boston University. His mobility is so smooth and crisp, and he’s developed into such a solid all-around defender. His offensive game was muted a bit as he adjusted to the NCAA, but when he had the chance to play against his age group at the U-18s, he set the record for scoring by a blueliner. He’s got some things to refine, but if Boumedienne hits, he could be the second-best defender in the class.
2025 NHL Draft Rankings: Ferrari's Final Top 80The 2025 NHL draft cycle nears the end, and it’s been a unique class.
Which team makes the surprise pick that throws everyone off?
I wish I knew. The Nashville Predators have three picks in the first round, so maybe they take a chance and go off the board. The Montreal Canadiens or Pittsburgh Penguins could be the surprise of the round as they each possess back-to-back picks and could trade up to grab a top-end prospect. There is sure to be a surprise, but it’s only a surprise because no one saw it coming.
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Holley: Making sense of Mazzulla's contract situation with Celtics
Holley: Making sense of Mazzulla's contract situation with Celtics originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Brad Stevens was nearing the end of his press conference Wednesday night when he made a comment that raised a few eyebrows.
“Joe and I — first of all, keep any of those discussions in-house — but we’ve got Joe under contract for multiple years right now,” Stevens said when asked if the team had begun discussing a possible contract extension for head coach Joe Mazzulla. “We certainly want Joe to be around here for a long time.”
The most recent reporting around Mazzulla’s contract suggested the 2025-26 season would be the final year of his current deal, hence the speculation that he could sign an extension this offseason. But that reporting doesn’t seem to align with Stevens’ insistence that Mazzulla is under contract for “multiple years.”
So, what’s going on here? NBC Sports Boston’s Michael Holley shared his take Thursday night on The Off C’season show during the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
“I think there may be a team option for Joe Mazzulla,” Holley told co-hosts Tom Giles and Tim Welsh. “So, technically … Joe Mazzulla is not in the final year of his contract if it’s up to the team. Now, I don’t think it will come to that.
“So, in other words, he’s got a year, and a team option that would make it ‘multiple years.’ So, he’s technically under contract for ‘multiple years’ with the Celtics.”
Under this scenario, Mazzulla would be under contract for the 2025-26 season, then the team could decide whether to extend his deal into the 2026-27 season or end it after the upcoming campaign. Holley believes we won’t even get to that point, however.
“What I think is going to happen is, they’re going to tear up the contract and he’s going to get an extension,” Holley added.
“… I think Brad made it clear. He didn’t like how things went down (in the playoffs), especially in those first two games against the Knicks, but he likes Mazzulla, and I’d be shocked if Mazzulla is not signed to a contract extension. … I think a contract extension is just inevitable.”
Mazzulla has built quite the impressive resume since taking over as Boston’s head coach in September 2022 following Ime Udoka’s suspension. Mazzulla currently owns the best regular-season winning percentage of any coach in NBA history (.740) and guided the Celtics to their 18th championship in 2024.
Boston won 61 games during the 2024-25 campaign — the first time the C’s have won 60-plus games in back-to-back seasons since 2008 and 2009 — before falling to the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2025 playoffs.
Mazzulla is about to face his most difficult challenge as Celtics head coach: His best player, Jayson Tatum, is expected to miss most or all of next season due to a ruptured Achilles, while two key pieces of his 2024 title team — Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis — are out the door, with the possibility of more departures as Boston looks to shed salary.
At this point, however, it sounds like Stevens still believes in Mazzulla’s ability to navigate those challenges — and he could reiterate that belief by handing his head coach a contract extension before the season begins.
Raducanu glad to share spotlight with Draper as Wimbledon pressure builds
Raducanu: ‘For us to be British No 1s is pretty cool’
Old friends can benefit from sharing responsibility
Emma Raducanu believes that the recent success enjoyed by Jack Draper can only help her as the two old friends tackle Wimbledon, and all the pressure that comes with it, as Britain’s No 1 players.
Draper has taken over Andy Murray’s mantle on the men’s side of the game, having reached No 4 in the world rankings after a remarkable six months. Although Draper has never passed the second round at Wimbledon, he is capable of making his first deep run at the All England Club when the championships begin on Monday.
Continue reading...Canadiens: Acquiring A Centre Without Paying The Big Bucks
While there are plenty of teams trying to take the next step right now and the competition to land quality centers is fierce, a new option has just landed on the market, and it’s an option that has proven chemistry with Montreal Canadiens’ rookie Ivan Demidov.
Last season in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg, Demidov spent time skating alongside former NHL player Evgeny Kuznetsov. After finishing his contract with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2023-24, the pivot decided to sign a new contract with the Raleigh-based outfit with a $3.9 M AAV. Still, days later, the parties mutually decided to part ways, and he was put on unconditional waivers.
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The Russian then headed back home to Russia, where he signed a four-year pact with SKA on July 24, 2024. In 39 games under Roman Rotenberg, the pivot put up 37 points, picked up 38 penalty minutes, and finished his season with a plus-13 rating. However, in early April, the club and the player agreed to part ways, and the contract was terminated.
On Thursday, Kuznetsov’s agent Shumi Babaev announced that his client has decided he wants to return to the NHL next season, and he has reportedly already had talks with multiple teams who could potentially be interested.
The 33-year-old has played 743 games in the NHL with the Washington Capitals and the Hurricanes, picking up 575 points in the process. His most productive campaigns came skating alongside fellow Russian Alexander Ovechkin when he gathered 83 points in 79 games. That was in the 2017-18 season, when the Caps won the Stanley Cup. In these playoffs, he scored 32 points in just 24 games. However, Ovechkin was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy after recording 27 points, including 15 goals.
The end of Kuznetzov’s tenure in Washington was a rocky one, as he joined the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in February 2024. There hasn’t been any confirmation as to what prompted him to enter the program, but he was banned from playing for Russia for four years in 2019 following a positive drug test for cocaine. That same year, he was also suspended for three NHL games for “inappropriate conduct”.
After he was cleared to return, the Caps placed him on waivers, where he went unclaimed and was assigned to Hershey in the AHL before being traded to Carolina. There’s no denying that Kuznetsov could be an interesting option for Demidov on the ice, but only if his issues with the ice are behind him.
Given what Jeff Gorton said to the media on Thursday about not being careful not to bring a player that wouldn’t be a good fit in the room, the Canadiens would have to be satisfied that there is no chance of his behavior becoming an issue.
Photo credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
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TNT Sports Is Parting Ways With NBA TV
TNT Sports is walking away from NBA TV, as the Warner Bros. Discovery cable unit has elected to close out its oversight of the league-owned network this fall.
Talks that would have seen TNT retain its oversight of NBA TV operations, a role it had held down since the 2008-09 season, did not bear fruit. While financial considerations obviously played a key role in the split, the diminished number of games that will be carried on NBA TV under the league’s new 11-year rights package is said to have undermined TNT’s interest in maintaining the partnership.
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The decision to end the alliance was announced Friday morning by TNT Sports Chair and CEO Luis Silberwasser in a memo to employees. In the note, Silberwasser characterized the split as a mutual parting of ways.
“We made several proposals to continue to provide services and operate the NBA TV network and related digital assets,” Silberwasser wrote. “However, we were unable to agree on a path forward that recognized the value of our expertise, quality content and operational excellence that our fans and partners have come to expect from TNT Sports.”
Silberwasser went on to note that day-to-day oversight of the network would revert to the NBA on Oct. 1.
While this marks the end of a 17-year arrangement that was originally brokered by former Turner Sports capo David Levy, TNT will continue to serve as a generator of digital content for the NBA via its Bleacher Report and House of Highlights properties.
TNT’s DNA will also persist care of its Inside the NBA studio show, for which Silberwasser licensed the rights to Disney’s ESPN and ABC. Under the terms of that side deal, the four leads (Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal) will remain locked in behind the desk and TNT will continue to have absolute editorial control of the show.
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Mets option Jared Young to Triple-A, keep Ronny Mauricio with Mark Vientos coming off IL
The Mets have decided it will be DH Jared Young who is optioned to Triple-A Syracuse to make room on the active roster for third baseman Mark Vientos to come off the IL on Friday, SNY's Andy Martino reported.
The move means both Ronny Mauricio and Brett Baty are staying with the big-league club for the series-opening game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Young heads back to Syracuse after 17 games with the Mets. He tallied seven hits in 41 at-bats (.171) with three home runs and for four RBI with a .642 OPS.
Vientos, who had been sidelined since the beginning of the month with a hamstring strain, had been off to a slow start at the plate, but should provide a boost to the lineup. And with Mauricio and Baty remaining on the roster, Vientos can see more time at DH as he eases his way back into the swing of things.
Vientos had four hits (two doubles) during the six games of his injury rehab at Triple-A. He was batting .230 with a .678 OPS over 53 games before landing on the IL.
"Mark is a big part of our team," Carlos Mendozasaid on Thursday. "We saw it in the playoffs last year, he drives the ball to all fields, gives you good at-bats, and the power is real -- if we get him going, we’re talking about a deep lineup one through nine. He’s a guy who can hit anywhere in the lineup, so it just adds to the quality of our roster."
Mauricio, who was seen as the most likely candidate to get sent down, notched four hits in his last two games, including a solo homer on Wednesday night. His average is .226 with a .676 OPS after 18 games and 62 at-bats.
"I’ve been impressed with how he’s handled the adversity," Mendoza said ahead of Thursday's game. "I haven’t been around him much because he spent all of last year rehabbing and this year.... Watching him after missing so much time and struggling, he’s being the same guy, continues to work and asks for feedback for help -- it was finally good to see a really good game from him last night, we hope to see that same version moving forward."
Baty is off to the best start of the bunch who was under consideration to go down, with eight home runs and 27 RBI and a .225/.276/.401 slash line for a .677 OPS through 60 games of the year.
Mike Dunleavy reveals specifics Warriors must address in 2025 NBA free agency
Mike Dunleavy reveals specifics Warriors must address in 2025 NBA free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The first part of the Warriors’ 2025 offseason has come and gone with the NBA draft in the rearview, and now the real fun begins.
While Jonathan Kuminga’s future will be a domino effect for the rest of Golden State’s free agency, which is set to begin Monday morning, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy spoke to Tim Kawakami on “The TK Show” about what their top priority is for the rest of the offseason regardless of how the Kuminga situation unfolds.
“Yeah, I think the biggest thing for us is knowing the guys that are going to be here, how do we complement them?” Dunleavy said. “How do we complement around Steph [Curry], Jimmy [Butler] and Draymond [Green]? [Brandin Podziemski], Moses [Moody], and going down the list. What do we need to add to that?
“I think there’s some specific skill sets that we can use on both sides of the ball, while also understanding what types of players work for us. What types of players can play for Steve [Kerr], in the system with Steph and dray and what they’ve done for many years here. It’s a tricky one. You got a little bit of a needle thread with it, but there are players out there that we can get that make us better.”
Since their 2024-25 NBA season came to a crushing end with Curry sidelined due to injury, the Warriors remain committed to their one-season quest to win it all with their superstar point guard — and his partners in crime.
So, what type of skill set is Dunleavy looking for specifically?
“The good thing is there’s a lot of players available, whether that’s in the free-agent market or we can make trades and put offers out on guys. So we’ll target some players that we think can fit well. You got to have that balance of playing with these guys offensively by making shots and being able to pass, handling the ball and reading the game. And defensively, you’ve got to be able to guard. You’ve got to be able to hold up. I can’t bring in a guy who’s a great shooter and, on the other end, defensively can’t do anything. It’s a problem.
“So we’re trying to look at guys that can make this team better. I think we’ve done a pretty good job in free agency, whether it’s minimums or exceptions. I have a good feel for our group and what we can do to get better. So we’ll see what we can do.”
Kuminga will be given a qualifying offer by Sunday’s 2 p.m. PT deadline, giving Golden State the chance to match any contract another team agrees to with him as a restricted free agent.
Teams officially can begin negotiating with players on Monday at 3 p.m. PT.
Will Red Sox trade Jarren Duran? Star OF candidly addresses rumors
Will Red Sox trade Jarren Duran? Star OF candidly addresses rumors originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Are Jarren Duran’s days with the Boston Red Sox numbered?
With the MLB trade deadline just over a month away, Duran’s name has been among the most often mentioned in rumors across the league. The 28-year-old outfielder was No. 2 on ESPN’s top 50 trade candidates list, which set his odds of being dealt at a reasonably high 25 percent.
The Red Sox’ outfield logjam increases those odds. Duran headlines a Boston outfield that also includes Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, and Rob Refsnyder. Trading Duran could clear a path for Anthony, MLB’s No. 1 prospect, to play every day in left field with Rafaela in center and Abreu in right.
If the Red Sox sell ahead of the deadline, the 2024 All-Star Game MVP would undoubtedly be one of their most valuable trade chips. During an appearance on Underdog’s Section 10 podcast, he addressed the possibility that his time in Boston is nearing its end.
“Honestly, the way I think about it is I have absolutely no say and no control. So why would I even give it two thoughts?” Duran said. “That’s the way I think about it.
“If it happens, I’ll probably break down crying having to say goodbye to (Rob) Refsnyder and Trevor Story and the boys. That’ll happen, but at the end of the day, it’s like, I have absolutely no control. The more I feed that into my own brain, the more it’s gonna tear me up. So I just don’t really think about it. And if it happens, it happens. But at the end of the day, I have no control.”
ESPN listed the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals, San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets as Duran’s best fits if he’s dealt. The Padres have reportedly already shown interest in acquiring him.
Of course, if the Red Sox remain in the playoff hunt, trading Duran would be unwise. Although his 2025 campaign hasn’t been on par with his 2024 breakout, he’s still one of the club’s most talented players. He showed MVP potential last season, leading the majors in doubles (48) and triples (14) while posting 21 homers and a .834 OPS.
But if Boston’s season continues to spiral, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow will be busy fielding calls from teams willing to pay a hefty price for Duran’s services. By trading veteran slugger Rafael Devers to the Giants in a stunner, Breslow has made it clear he isn’t afraid to part ways with fan favorites if he believes it’s for the benefit of the team’s long-term outlook.
For now, Duran will look to help the Red Sox snap their five-game losing streak when they welcome the Toronto Blue Jays to Fenway Park. He’ll bat leadoff in Friday’s series opener with first pitch set for 7:10 p.m. ET.
Masai Ujiri ousted as president of the Toronto Raptors, executive led franchise to only title
Thirteen years ago, the Toronto Raptors were an afterthought, if they were thought of at all. The organization had missed the playoffs in nine of the previous 11 years. Then the franchise hired Masai Ujiri as its lead executive and things changed — the Raptors made smart decisions on players, built one of the best player development programs the league had seen, and turned itself into one of the top teams in the East led by beloved players such as Kyle Lowry, winning the franchise's only title in 2019. Ujiri was at the heart of turning the franchise around and he became one of the most respected executives in the NBA. The franchise has reportedly quadrupled in value since he was put in charge of basketball operations.
Ujiri is now out as Vice Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) announced Friday, the day after the NBA draft. Ujiri was about to enter the final year of his contract.
MLSE parts ways with Raptors President and Vice Chairman Masai Ujiri pic.twitter.com/H43RI8qv5H
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) June 27, 2025
The rest of the front office staff, including general manager Bobby Webster, remain in place, and the team will begin a search for a new president. It will be interesting to see who Toronto can bring into a job where the GM is already in place and just extended his contract, combined with the fact that MLSE has shrunk its president role with other sports organizations it owns, such as the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, reports Josh Lewenberg of TSN.
Ujiri was born and raised in Nigeria and, with that, has been instrumental in the NBA's growth on that continent and internationally, at one point serving as the director of the NBA's Basketball Without Borders program. He has been actively involved in numerous charitable programs in Canada and internationally as well.
Thank you, Masai pic.twitter.com/jRLyBYEKN3
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) June 27, 2025
On the court, the Raptors struggled to a 30-52 record last season and have missed the playoffs three consecutive years. That said, they have rebuilt a roster that could well return the team to the postseason if healthy, led by Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and center Jakob Poeltl. Of that group, only Barrett played in 65+ games last season due to injuries.
If Ujiri wants to jump to another team immediately, there will be plenty of offers — teams have tried to poach him out of Toronto multiple times over the previous years, but he has remained loyal. Until the organization did not.
Mike Dunleavy reveals reason Warriors kept future first-round NBA draft picks
Mike Dunleavy reveals reason Warriors kept future first-round NBA draft picks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Steph Curry and Draymond Green aren’t going to play forever.
That was the main point Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy made on Friday’s episode of “The TK Show” with Tim Kawakami, which aired one day after the 2025 NBA Draft, when he discussed why the team is hesitant to let go of their future draft picks.
“We’re probably more protective of them than most teams,” Dunleavy told Kawakami. “Because not knowing after a few years what our roster is, the uncertainty of that, of putting those picks out in the future which, on the market makes them more valuable, but for us they’re a little bit more dangerous so we got to walk that line.”
And walk that line is what they’re doing. Curry and Green both will be unrestricted free agents heading into the 2027-28 NBA season – the four-time champs would be 39 and 37 years old, respectively.
Green also has a player option for 2026-27, but it’s unlikely he’d forego the $27 million he’s due that season.
Additionally, Jimmy Butler also will be a free agent in 2027, as the two-year, $112 million contract extension he signed with Golden State aligns with the two Warriors stalwarts.
“The good news is, you know, if there’s a player that you can call on or reach out, you know, is available, we’re going to be in the game,” Dunleavy added. “Because I think the rest of the league sees these picks way out as pretty valuable because, look, the reality is Steph and Draymond, Jimmy, those guys probably aren’t going to be playing for the Warriors in 2032.”
For now, the Warriors will keep the future draft picks close to the vest, but, if given the chance, it sounds like Dunleavy would be willing to pull the trigger for the right deal.