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Player News
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Jorge Soler Leaves Early Wednesday With Hip Irritation
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Cardinals Won't Trade Josh Sweat
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Mac Jones Not Throwing Due to "Soreness"
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Chris Bassitt Exits with Back Tightness
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Aaron Judge to Undergo Additional Imaging
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Logan Henderson Receives Injection for Back Injury
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Jorge Soler Leaves Early Wednesday With Hip Irritation
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jorge Soler (hip) left Wednesday's game early against the visiting Colorado Rockies in Anaheim with left-hip irritation, according to the team. Before departing early in the fifth inning, Soler went 0-for-2 at the plate with a walk and two strikeouts to drop his season average to .220 and his OPS to .702. He was replaced in right field and in the leadoff spot by Jo Adell. In a blowout, it's possible that the Angels removed Soler early for precautionary reasons, but we should know more about the severity of his hip injury by Thursday. With an off day coming on Thursday, the Cuban slugger could be back in the Angels' starting lineup for the start of another Freeway Series on Friday on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Soler came into Wednesday's tilt with Colorado with a .217 average (13-for-60) with just one homer, five RBI, two walks, and 16 strikeouts in his last 15 games, dating back to May 17. He still has notable power, but 30.8% strikeout rate and low on-base percentage are major drawbacks. -
Cardinals Won't Trade Josh Sweat
Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat will not be traded, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Sweat is reportedly unhappy with his contract after signing a four-year, $76.4 million deal with the Cardinals in March of last year after the 29-year-old outside linebacker set a new career high with 12 sacks in 17 starts in 2025 in his first year with the team. In addition to his 12 sacks, the former fourth-rounder by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 out of Florida State racked up 30 tackles (20 solo), 13 tackles for loss, 17 QB hits, four forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery out in the desert. Sweat has 55 sacks in his first eight years in the NFL over 121 games (81 starts), with his first seven years coming in Philly. The Cardinals need Sweat to be at his best again if he sticks around in 2026 after they were near the bottom of the NFL in QB pressures and sacks. -
Mac Jones Not Throwing Due to "Soreness"
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (undisclosed) hasn't thrown in OTA practices last week or this week due to undisclosed "soreness," according to Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News. There isn't really any concern that Jones won't be a full-go for the start of training camp at the end of July. The 27-year-old went 5-3 as the Niners' starter last year in place of the injured Brock Purdy, completing a career-best 69.6% of his pass attempts for 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 11 games played (eight starts). Jones more than kept the 49ers afloat as injuries decimated both sides of the ball. Purdy is fully healthy heading into the start of the 2026 campaign, which leaves very little fantasy value for Jones in single-year leagues. He'll once again be a valuable insurance policy for Purdy as he heads into his sixth year in the NFL. Jones thrived in head coach Kyle Shanahan's QB-friendly offense last year, but it still didn't make him much more than a QB2 streamer in superflex fantasy leagues. -
Chris Bassitt Exits with Back Tightness
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (back) was removed early during Wednesday's outing against the Boston Red Sox. Bassitt was pulled after three innings of work due to lower-back tightness. Before exiting, Bassitt allowed three earned runs on six hits and walked two batters. He was replaced on the mound by Andrew Suarez in the fourth inning. The O's should provide an update on Bassitt's status following Wednesday's game. For now, Bassitt is scheduled to take the mound against the Seattle Mariners on Monday. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on his status. -
Aaron Judge to Undergo Additional Imaging
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (ribs) will undergo additional imaging on his ribcage. Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed the team will do extra testing for more specific spots in his right ribcage. Judge has been dealing with shoulder soreness that was determined to be from a bone bruise in his ribs. He has missed the last two games and could very well be headed for a stint on the Injured List. The Yankees want to do more testing and see what they're dealing with before deciding on the next steps for Judge. For now, the superstar slugger should be considered day-to-day. Fantasy managers should get more clarity on the situation at some point on Thursday. -
Logan Henderson Receives Injection for Back Injury
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Logan Henderson (back) received an injection in his back on Tuesday. The right-hander landed on the Injured List earlier this week due to a lower-back strain. The injection should hopefully help, but Henderson is expected to be sidelined 3-5 weeks. This is a tough blow to the Brewers' rotation, given how well Henderson has been pitching this season. Across five starts, Henderson owns a 2.74 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and a 30:6 K:BB ratio this season. This timetable should put Henderson's return around late June or early July. There's no clear favorite to take over Henderson's spot in the rotation right now. Fantasy managers should hold onto Henderson through this injury. -
Adonai Mitchell's Chemistry With New Jets QB is Growing
The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt writes that Adonai Mitchell and Geno Smith "feel like a wide receiver-quarterback pairing built to play together." Mitchell, who has the size at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds to win jump balls all over the field, could work well with the veteran Smith, who has the arm strength and confidence to test any area of the field. Mitchell and Smith's chemistry "appears to be growing" in the early days of the offseason program. The 23-year-old pass-catcher said that Smith is "a baller," and added, "He's a natural leader. He's the alpha of the room, that's the best way I could put it. He takes initiative, he communicates very well." After being acquired from the Indianapolis Colts in a midseason trade last year, Mitchell caught 24 of his 58 targets for 301 yards and two touchdowns in eight games with the Jets. The former second-rounder in 2024 out of the University of Texas made an immediate impact for Gang Green, despite terrible QB play. However, that also came with Garrett Wilson out of action due to a knee injury. Smith was one of the worst signal-callers in the league in 2025 with the Raiders, but if he takes a liking to Mitchell in the Big Apple this year, Mitchell has the athleticism, size, and speed to become a threat over a full season. Right now, he's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 76 fantasy wideout for 2026. -
Max Fried to Ramp Up Throwing Program
New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried (elbow) has been cleared to ramp up his throwing program. Fried has been throwing off flat-ground at 75 feet. He'll look to extend that to 90 feet and beyond over the next week. The southpaw is also expected to undergo imaging at some point next week. If everything looks good, Fried could progress to throwing bullpen sessions in the near future. The 32-year-old is making progress, but isn't close to rejoining the Yankees rotation. Given his current progress, Fried is likely going to be sidelined until around the All-Star break. He has been sidelined since the middle of May due to a bone bruise on his left elbow. Fantasy managers will hopefully be able to get something out of Fried during the second half of the season. -
Shohei Ohtani Won't Play on Thursday
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani won't be in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Wednesday that he'll allow Ohtani to empty the tank on Wednesday while serving as the designated hitter and starting pitcher. Ohtani will take a full day off on Thursday before likely returning to the lineup for Friday's series opener versus the Los Angeles Angels. The 31-year-old has been remarkable on the mound lately and is hitting nearly .400 at the plate over his last 10 games. The two-way star has earned a day off to rest and recover. -
Steelers, Darnell Washington Agree to Four-Year Extension
The Pittsburgh Steelers and tight end Darnell Washington agreed to a four-year, $42 million contract extension on Wednesday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. The hulking 6-foot-7, 264-pounder has developed into a key piece of Pittsburgh's offense after they selected him in the third round (93rd overall) in 2023 out of the University of Georgia. Although the 24-year-old hasn't been on the fantasy football radar, outside of dynasty/keeper leagues, he could have an even bigger role with the Steelers in 2026 after both Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward left in free agency this offseason. Washington had his best year as a pro in 2025 in Year 3 in the Steel City, catching 31 of his 43 targets for 364 yards and just one touchdown in 16 regular-season games (13 starts). Pat Freiermuth remains the better fantasy target in single-year leagues, but Washington could be a Freiermuth injury away from becoming a weekly TE option for fantasy managers. -
Micah Parsons Eyeing a Mid-October Return After Having Another Knee Surgery
In addition to having surgery to fix his torn ACL, Green Bay Packers All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons (knee) said he had a procedure to "clean up" his meniscus, according to Packers beat writer Ryan Wood. Parsons said it's a hard nine-month rule before he even considers coming back, prioritizing longevity of his career. In a best-case scenario, Parsons could return to Green Bay to make his 2026 season debut in the middle of October, which means he will more than likely open the campaign on the Physically Unable to Perform list and be forced to miss at least the first four games. The 27-year-old had surgery to fix his torn ACL on Dec. 29. He could return for Week 5 against the division-rival Chicago Bears or Week 6 against his old team, the Dallas Cowboys, but he's emphasizing patience. The Packers also won't rush him back. The five-time Pro Bowler is a game-changer on Green Bay's D-line when healthy, as he had 12.5 sacks in his 14 games in his first year with the team in 2025 before tearing his ACL late in December versus the Denver Broncos. -
Luis Lara Scratched From Triple-A Lineup, is he Nearing an MLB Promotion?
Milwaukee Brewers outfield prospect Luis Lara was scratched from the lineup with Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday, leading to speculation that he might be on his way up to the Brewers for his first major-league call-up. The 21-year-old Venezuelan, who is considered the team's No. 5 prospect per MLB Pipeline, came into Wednesday's tilt with the Sounds with a .338/.447/.500 slash line with a .947 OPS, seven home runs, 27 RBI, 18 stolen bases, and 49 runs scored across 56 games and 247 plate appearances in his fifth season in the minors. Lara is still very young and probably has some more maturing to do, but the 5-foot-7, 169-pounder has shown improvement in the power department so far in 2026, to go along with his already elite speed and defensive abilities in the outfield. Once he does reach the majors, Lara has the defensive ability alone to be an everyday center fielder. If his power continues to improve, he has the potential to be a five-category fantasy producer, making him a stash candidate now for managers in dynasty/keeper leagues. -
Rome Odunze's Foot Injury Still an Issue Going into 2026 Season?
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) had a somewhat alarming answer on Wednesday when he was asked when his injured foot from last season felt normal again, saying, "This is my new normal. And it's not from a standpoint that I'm always in pain, but the way my foot broke there's callouses in there that create a different type of foot structure with those bones — different types of things that kind of shift things around. So my new normal is kind of what I am going into." It's not exactly what you want to hear from a third-year player and former first-rounder who played in just 12 regular-season games in 2025 due to his foot injury. The former ninth overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Washington looked to be on his way to a Year 2 breakout last season after catching 20 passes for 296 yards and five touchdowns in his first four games, but he only had one 100-yard game and one touchdown the rest of the way while missing five games. There is less competition for targets in Chicago now that DJ Moore is in Buffalo, but second-year wideout Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland are both capable of much larger roles. Odunze may never live up to his draft capital as a top-10 pick, and he's most definitely a faller heading into his third NFL season. -
Ketel Marte Out on Wednesday With Back, Hamstring Injuries
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (back, hamstring) is out of Wednesday's starting lineup against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field due to lower-back tightness and a tender hamstring, according to Jose M. Romero of The Arizona Republic. Manager Torey Lovullo classified it as a day of rest for Marte, who was feeling uncomfortable during Tuesday's loss to L.A. Ildemaro Vargas will start at the keystone for the Snakes and will bat seventh in the order against right-hander Shohei Ohtani. The D-backs will give Marte a breather against one of the best pitchers in the league this year in Ohtani, and he could be back in action as early as Thursday's series finale against the Blue. The 32-year-old switch-hitting Dominican infielder had an 11-game hitting streak from May 16 to May 27, in which he hit over .500 with four homers, six doubles, and 17 RBI, before going 1-for-18 with a homer and four RBI in his last five contests. For now, Marte should be considered day-to-day, and fantasy managers should check back on Thursday to see if he's back on the field. When fully healthy, Marte is a must-start in all traditional fantasy leagues. -
Zach Neto Still Out on Wednesday With Neck Issue
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (neck) is missing another game on Wednesday against the visiting Colorado Rockies, according to MLB.com. Oswald Peraza will make the start at the 6 at Angels Stadium and bat fifth for the Halos versus Rockies right-hander Michael Lorenzen. Neto is dealing with whiplash and is sitting out as a precaution for a third straight game. The Angels don't expect the starting shortstop to land on the 10-day injured list, and he could be back in the starting nine as soon as Friday's series opener to begin another Freeway Series at Chavez Ravine against the Los Angeles Dodgers after a scheduled day off on Thursday. The 25-year-old former 13th overall pick in 2022 out of Campbell University is only hitting .231 (54-for-234) on the year, but he has been a solid counting-stat producer for fantasy managers with 10 long balls, 27 RBI, eight stolen bases, and 42 runs scored across 60 games and 274 plate appearances in his fourth year in the league. Peraza is in the midst of a career year in his first full season in Anaheim, hitting .280 (47-for-168) with a career-high seven homers, 15 RBI, seven steals, and 18 runs in 56 games played. -
Mitchell Robinson is Available for Game 1 on Wednesday
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (finger) is available to play ahead of Wednesday's Game 1 of the NBA Finals versus the San Antonio Spurs. Robinson suffered a broken pinky finger during the previous series. He was uncertain to suit up for the beginning of the series, but he will shed the questionable tag and play on Wednesday. The expectation is that he'll continue to play his key reserve role off the bench. He will be the primary backup center for when Karl-Anthony Towns is out of the game. The finger injury shouldn't impact his performance on the court, but the Knicks might play it somewhat cautiously in his first game playing after the injury. -
Kawhi Leonard Unlikely to be Traded
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard could potentially be on the move this summer. The veteran forward is entering the final-year of his contract, and it's unclear if he wants to stay with the Clippers long-term. With that being said, the Clippers could potentially move Leonard for draft picks or younger assets. The Detroit Pistons are one reported target for Leonard, but they'd likely be unwilling to trade young assets for one year of Leonard. This could be an ongoing issue for the Clippers if they seek a trade partner for Leonard. Many organizations are going to be unwilling to give up a lot in return for a 35-year-old on a one-year contract with no guarantee of sticking around. -
Russell Wilson Retiring From the NFL
Quarterback Russell Wilson is announcing his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, according to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Wilson will end his playing career to join The NFL Today on CBS Sports for the upcoming 2026 season. The 37-year-old was named a Pro Bowler 10 times in his 14-year career and came away with one Super Bowl ring after the Seattle Seahawks took him with the 75th overall pick in the third round in 2012 out of the University of Wisconsin. Despite his size (5-foot-11, 206 pounds), Wilson quickly became one of the most dangerous dual-threat signal-callers in the league over the last decade-plus thanks to his scrambling ability and strong arm deep down the field. Mr. Unlimited will finish his outstanding career with 46,966 passing yards, 353 touchdowns, and 114 interceptions over 205 regular-season games with the Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants. Wilson spent the vast majority of his career (10 seasons) in Seattle, and he finished out with only six games played (three starts) in 2025 with the Giants before he was benched for rookie Jaxson Dart. -
Corbin Burnes has Teres Major Strain, Unlikely to Return Until September
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Corbin Burnes (elbow) has been diagnosed with a teres major strain and has been pulled back from his throwing progression, manager Torey Lovullo told Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. The skipper said the setback probably pushes Burnes' timeline for a return to around September. The 31-year-old veteran only made 11 starts in his first year in Arizona in 2025 before needing Tommy John surgery to fix a torn UCL in his right elbow. There was hope that the former Cy Young winner and four-time All-Star would return at some point in July this year for the Snakes, but his recent setback now means he won't return until the final month of the regular season. It's a tough blow for the D-backs and for any fantasy managers who were stashing the former fantasy ace in an injured-list spot all year. It's now hard to justify holding onto Burnes in redraft leagues. He's currently rostered in 33% of Yahoo leagues. -
Malik Davis Appears to be the Front-Runner for RB2 Job in Dallas
Tommy Yarrish of the Dallas Cowboys' official website writes that running back Malik Davis "appears to be the front-runner" for the RB2 job again for the time being. As the RB2 in 2025 in his third year in the NFL, Davis saw a career-high 52 carries for 250 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and two rushing touchdowns, adding only two catches for 16 yards in 10 games (zero starts). The Cowboys signed RB1 Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24 million contract extension in late February, so Davis is stuck behind him for the foreseeable future in Dallas. Williams led the Cowboys with 252 carries and 1,201 rushing yards last year. In addition to Davis, the Cowboys have Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah in their RB room that could compete for RB2 duties this summer. Blue needs to show more consistency, and Mafah was on Injured Reserve for most of his rookie campaign. At best, Davis will enter the 2026 season as a deep-league handcuff for those who have Williams rostered. He's outside of RotoBaller's top-100 RB rankings currently. -
Tyson Hardin on the Verge of Promotion After Elite Showing at Triple-A?
Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitching prospect Tyson Hardin, who is ranked as the team's No. 17 prospect per MLB Pipeline, could be on the verge of making his first appearance in the big leagues soon after impressing lately following his promotion from Double-A Biloxi to Triple-A Nashville. Hardin was 0-3 with a 7.67 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in his seven starts with Biloxi to begin the 2026 season, but he also struck out 43 batters and walked just 12 in 29 1/3 innings. In his three starts for Nashville, the 24-year-old former 12th-rounder out of Mississippi State University has allowed only three runs (two earned) while walking seven and fanning 18 in 18 2/3 frames. The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder is primarily a fastball/slider pitcher who lacks overpowering velocity, but he makes up for it with a deceiving low arm angle that generates plenty of weak contact. Hardin has the control necessary to stick in Milwaukee's rotation in the second half of the 2026 season if he gets a chance, but right now, he's only worth stashing in dynasty/keeper formats. -
Kayshon Boutte to Compete for Snaps in Three-Receiver Sets
The New England Patriots acquired Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown in a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday and signed former Green Bay Packers wideout Romeo Doubs in free agency back in March, which leaves Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams competing for snaps in three-receiver sets in 2026, according to Evan Lazar of the team's official website. Lazar writes that Brown's route tree will likely be similar to the Patriots' deployment of Boutte last year as the primary X receiver. The Patriots' beat writer suggests that Boutte might be "redundant on the roster" because of how his role overlaps with the newly-acquired Brown. The 24-year-old Boutte has played his way into being a top-three WR on the depth chart, but the addition of Brown has firmly put the former sixth-rounder on the trade radar as the offseason progresses. In his third year in the NFL in 2025, Boutte had just 33 grabs for 551 yards and a career-high six touchdowns on 46 targets over 14 regular-season games (10 starts). Unless he's dealt to another team with a better shot for consistent snaps, Boutte will likely be avoidable in standard 12-team leagues this fall. -
Alvin Kamara Attends OTAs on Wednesday
New Orleans Saints veteran running back Alvin Kamara (knee) was present at the team's OTA workout on Wednesday, according to Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football. Triplett goes on to write that it's still to be determined if this means that Kamara is all systems go for the team going forward. Despite rumors suggesting that the 30-year-old five-time Pro Bowler was considering retirement this offseason, Kamara said he wants to be with the Saints and continue playing in 2026. However, his contract ($10.4 million salary cap hit in 2026) will still likely need to be addressed in some form before anything becomes final for this year after the Saints signed Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $48 million deal in free agency back in March. Head coach Kellen Moore said he doesn't know if Kamara has had any talks with the organization regarding his contract, but he has been pleasantly surprised that he's joined the team in Week 2 of OTAs. On top of the fact that Kamara is now clearly the RB2 in the Big Easy if he sticks around, he's recovering from knee and ankle injuries that caused him to miss the final six games in 2025. Kamara has tumbled all the way down to an RB59 ranking at RotoBaller for the upcoming season, and a trade out of town might be his best path back to fantasy relevance. -
Rhett Lowder to Return on Sunday, Worth a Waiver-Wire Pickup?
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder (shoulder) will be reinstated from the 15-day injured list to start on Sunday in St. Louis against the division-rival Cardinals, manager Terry Francona told Charlie Clifford of NBC 5 Cincinnati. Lowder has been cleared to rejoin the Reds' starting rotation this weekend after allowing three runs with no walks and eight strikeouts in five innings during his minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday. He was able to get up to 70 pitches. The 24-year-old former seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest University will be a shaky fantasy baseball streamer on Sunday at Busch Stadium after being sidelined since early May with a right-shoulder injury. Before his stint on the IL, Lowder went 3-3 with a 5.40 ERA (3.77 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP with 27 strikeouts and 18 walks in 38 1/3 innings over his first eight starts. Lowder has only made 14 starts in the big leagues since debuting in Cincy in 2024 and has struggled with injuries, but his high-end velocity and strikeout upside make him worth stash consideration in deeper leagues now that he's on the cusp of a return. He's currently rostered in just 6% of Yahoo leagues. -
Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Drop Andrei Iosivas?
Across 17 games in 2025, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas recorded 33 receptions for 435 yards and two touchdowns on 58 targets. The 26-year-old has established a consistent role as the WR3 in Cincinnati, but his production upside is limited as long as the Bengals' star wide receiver duo of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are both healthy. Higgins has missed 12 games since the start of the 2023 season, which has led to some stretches of fantasy-relevant production for Iosivas. However, Iosivas may have to fight just to hold onto his WR3 role in 2026 following Cincinnati's selection of University of Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Between his limited upside and the increased playing time competition in Cincinnati, dynasty managers may want to consider moving on from Iosivas as he enters his fourth NFL season. -
Is Tyjae Spears Droppable in Dynasty Formats?
Across 13 games in 2025, Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears recorded 547 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 117 touches. Although the 24-year-old has flashed upside throughout the first three seasons of his NFL career, he's been unable to break out of a complementary role in the Titans' backfield alongside veteran back Tony Pollard. Spears has also run into injury troubles, missing nine games over the past two seasons due to ankle, hamstring, and concussion issues. Entering 2026, Spears remains in competition with Pollard and could also receive heightened pressure on his playing time from 2026 fifth-round pick Nicholas Singleton. Spears established nice chemistry with Titans quarterback Cameron Ward as a receiver out of the backfield in 2025, recording 45 catches for 264 yards on 50 targets. He could continue to provide modest PPR production in 2026, but his dynasty upside appears to be fading. -
Jaylen Wright the Dynasty Handcuff Running Back to Own in Miami?
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright's 2025 season got off to a slow start, as he missed the first six weeks while recovering from a knee injury. However, the 23-year-old was fairly productive in a reserve role upon his return, finishing the year with 332 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 75 touches across 10 games played. Wright's path to regular playing time in Miami is blocked by star Dolphins running back De'Von Achane, whom the team recently signed to a four-year, $68 million extension. Still, Wright passed fellow Dolphins back Ollie Gordon II on the team's depth chart last season and projects to open 2026 as Miami's RB2. If Achane were to suffer an injury, Wright's fantasy value would immediately skyrocket. In dynasty formats, managers should consider buying low on Wright and stashing him in a bench spot for his handcuff appeal. -
Colby Parkinson Facing Likely Regression After Career Year in 2025
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson put together a career year in 2025, recording 43 catches for 408 yards and eight touchdowns on 56 targets across 15 games. However, Parkinson looks like a prime regression candidate heading into 2026. For one, his production in 2025 was largely fueled by a spike in touchdown receptions, and he remained a low-volume target-earner on a game-to-game basis. Secondly, the Rams have one of the deepest tight end rooms in the league with Terrance Ferguson, Tyler Higbee, and 2026 second-round pick Max Klare all providing playing time competition for Parkinson. Even if Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford leads the league in touchdown passes for the second straight season in 2026, it seems unlikely that Parkinson will be able to match or exceed his 2025 output. Dynasty managers should be looking to sell high on Parkinson before the start of the upcoming season. -
Garrett Whitlock Feels "Really Good" After Throwing Side Session
Boston Red Sox right-handed reliever Garrett Whitlock (knee) said he "felt really good" after throwing a side session on Tuesday, according to Gabrielle Star of the Boston Herald. Whitlock slipped on a wet mound over a week ago and then landed on the 15-day injured list on May 28 with inflammation in his knee. The 29-year-old's injury isn't believed to be all that serious, so he could be ready to return on the first day he's eligible to come off the IL without going on a minor-league rehab assignment. Whitlock has zero saves (10 in his six-year career) and is merely a late-inning setup man for the BoSox, which limits his fantasy baseball appeal to deeper leagues when he's healthy. Before injuring his knee, the former 18th-round pick by the New York Yankees in 2017 out of the University of Alabama at Birmingham was 3-1 with a 3.20 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 25:6 K:BB in 19 2/3 innings pitched out of the bullpen. Outside of holds leagues, Whitlock isn't very attractive to fantasy managers. He's rostered in just 14% of Yahoo leagues. -
Cal Raleigh to Start Rehab Assignment on Sunday
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (oblique) will start a minor-league rehab assignment this Sunday at High-A Everett, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. From there, the plan is for Raleigh to transition to Triple-A Tacoma and play the rest of the week there. After that, the Mariners will reassess Raleigh's status. Barring a setback once the left-handed slugger resumes playing in games, he could rejoin the active MLB roster for the start of a homestand on June 16. The 29-year-old former third-round pick in 2018 out of Florida State University was a first-time All-Star in 2025 after he led the league in home runs (60) and RBI (125) in 159 regular-season games. Things have not gone swimmingly for Raleigh so far in 2026, though, as he currently owns a .161/.243/.317 slash line with an ugly .560 OPS and 31.5% strikeout rate in 181 plate appearances. Fantasy managers must hold him through his slump and injury, though, and hope he can turn things around when he returns. Raleigh has elite raw power at the catching position and has slugged at least 30 homers in each of his last three seasons. -
Omarion Hampton Remains a High-End Dynasty RB1 Despite Injury History
A first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton played just nine games as a rookie after fracturing his left ankle in Week 5. However, the 23-year-old should be fully healthy and ready to go heading into 2026. Hampton was productive when healthy last season, recording 737 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 156 touches. He should be in an even better position to succeed in his second year with the Chargers following the team's hire of former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as its new offensive coordinator. The Los Angeles offensive line should also be massively improved with healthy seasons from the star tackle duo of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. Hampton's rookie season may not have been as explosive as fantasy managers would have hoped, but he remains a high-upside player who should be valued as an RB1 in dynasty formats. -
Is Ollie Gordon II Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
A sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II recorded 231 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 77 touches across 17 games as a rookie. After starting the year as the RB2 in Miami behind De'Von Achane, Gordon II gradually lost playing time to Dolphins back Jaylen Wright over the course of the season. While the Dolphins did not make any notable additions to their backfield over the offseason, Gordon II appears likely to enter 2026 third on the team's running back depth chart. Additionally, Miami signed Achane to a four-year, $68 million extension in May, locking him in as a focal point of its offense for the remainder of the decade. Gordon II could still carry some appeal as a handcuff option, but his dynasty stock is falling thanks to the crowded backfield picture in Miami. -
Aaron Judge Out Again With Rib/Shoulder Injury
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (rib, shoulder) will miss a second straight start on Wednesday against the visiting Cleveland Guardians, according to MLB.com. Utility man Jose Caballero will make another start in right field in the Bronx and will bat sixth against Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams. Judge is currently considered day-to-day with a rib/shoulder injury that he's been playing through for a while now. It's unclear if the injury is serious enough to potentially send the 34-year-old three-time MVP to the 10-day injured list. It could help explain why Judge has hit just .163 (8-for-49) with only one home run, two doubles, eight RBI, five runs scored, seven walks, and 15 strikeouts in 13 games since May 17 to drop his season slash line to .248/.375/.533. Check back on Thursday to see if Judge is feeling good enough to return to the starting nine for the series finale against the Guards. The Yankees can ill-afford to send another outfielder to the IL, with both Giancarlo Stanton (calf) and Jasson Dominguez (shoulder) still out. UPDATE: Manager Aaron Boone said that Judge will go for further testing, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. -
Maikel Garcia Remains Sidelined With Hamstring Injury on Wednesday
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (hamstring) is missing another game on Wednesday in Cincinnati against the Reds, per MLB.com. Nick Loftin will make another start at the hot corner and will bat eighth for the Royals against Reds right-hander Chase Burns. Garcia will miss a fourth straight game with a right-hamstring injury, and if he misses any more time going into the latter part of the week, the Royals could be forced to send him to the 10-day injured list. The 26-year-old Venezuelan infielder is currently hitting .268/.325/.384 on the season with a .709 OPS, only three home runs, 21 RBI, 28 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 224 at-bats across 56 games in his fifth year in the big leagues. Garcia was a first-time All-Star in 2025, when he set career highs in homers (16) and RBI (74) while also adding 23 stolen bases and 81 runs scored in 160 games played. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Thursday to see if he's available to face the division-rival Minnesota Twins for the series opener on the road. -
J.T. Realmuto Back From Wrist Injury to Face Padres
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (wrist) is doing the catching for left-hander Cristopher Sanchez and will bat seventh on Wednesday against the visiting San Diego Padres and right-hander Walker Buehler, according to MLB.com. Realmuto was hit on the left wrist by a pitch in Sunday's series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and despite having a scheduled day off on Monday, he remained out for Tuesday's series opener against SD. The 13-year veteran is back in action for Game 2 of the series at Citizens Bank Park, but fantasy managers may want to continue to leave the struggling Realmuto on their benches. The three-time All-Star has shown his age in 2026 (35 years old) and is hitting just .220 (28-for-127) with two home runs, nine RBI, 11 runs scored, and a stolen base in 39 games played. Realmuto has only had three career at-bats against Buehler and is hitless against him. Since May 18, Realmuto has gone 6-for-29 (.207) at the plate with a solo homer, three walks, and seven strikeouts in 10 games played. -
Samad Taylor Worth an Add After Impressive Start to Triple-A Season?
The San Diego Padres are calling up second baseman/outfielder Samad Taylor to the big leagues on Wednesday, according to Milb Central. Taylor will get the call from Triple-A El Paso to take the roster spot of veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos, who was designated for assignment. The 27-year-old will get the call to the big leagues after hitting an impressive .319/.406/.500 with a .906 OPS, seven home runs, 25 RBI, 35 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 51 games and 222 plate appearances on the farm. The former 10th-round selection by the Cleveland Guardians back in 2016 has only appeared in 38 big-league games with the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners since debuting in the majors back in 2023, so he doesn't have much experience. Taylor could get some run in SD's outfield now that Castellanos is out of the picture, but he's no lock to play regularly and could quickly be shuttled back to El Paso. In 83 plate appearances in the majors, Taylor has gone 15-for-73 (.205) with no homers, four RBI, eight steals, seven walks, and 24 strikeouts in 38 games. -
Lars Nootbaar Worth Stashing Ahead of Season Debut?
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (heels), who is expected to come off the 60-day injured list to make his 2026 season debut on Friday against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds, hit his third minor-league home run on Wednesday in his 12th rehab game, per MLB reporter John Denton. Nootbaar had double heel surgery last October and has yet to play for the Cardinals this year. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has teased power upside in the past, but he hasn't taken advantage of regular playing time in St. Louis has also been limited by injuries along the way. The former eighth-rounder in 2018 out of USC has slashed .242/.341/.406 with a .747 OPS in his five major-league seasons (all with the Red Birds). Fantasy managers in mixed leagues should probably take a wait-and-see approach on Nootbaar as he returns to the big leagues following a long absence. He's currently rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues, but he should be playing regularly in St. Louis upon his return, at least against right-handed pitching. -
Justin Herbert Overhauling his Footwork This Offseason
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert said on Tuesday that new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has been overhauling his footwork in the offseason in an effort to speed up his release and get the ball out of his hand quicker, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. "Mechanically, it's a little different timing … he wants the ball out early. We feel like that is going to help us get the ball out quicker," Herbert said. McDaniel said last month that the goal is for Herbert to "own the position," and McDaniel plans to maximize Herbert's success on passes with 2.4 seconds or less time to throw. Once plays extended into the intermediate timing window last year — between roughly 2.4 and 3.5 seconds, Herbert's efficiency dipped. The move to get the ball out of Herbert's hand faster makes plenty of sense, as he was the league's most hit and pressured QB in 2025, spending most of his time scrambling to avoid pass-rushers behind an ineffective and banged-up offensive line. With Pro Bowl tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt returning from injury, Herbert should be better protected, but it may not matter if he's getting the ball out quicker. The Oregon product's fantasy stock is on the rise heading into the 2026 season, and he'll be a nice low-end QB1 target if you wait a bit on the position. -
Nick Castellanos Designated for Assignment by Padres
The San Diego Padres have designated outfielder Nick Castellanos for assignment on Wednesday and recalled utility man Samad Taylor from Triple-A El Paso. Castellanos, who signed a one-year deal with the Padres this offseason, has struggled in 2026, hitting just .191 with a .560 OPS, four home runs, and 20 RBI in 39 games. The move clears a roster spot as the Padres continue to shuffle their outfield and infield depth. Taylor, who has played both the outfield and second base, gets another opportunity in the big leagues. While the Padres currently have a crowded outfield, his versatility could help him carve out a role in the near term. With Triple-A this season, Taylor has posted an impressive .319/.406/.500 line with seven doubles, seven home runs, and nine stolen bases over 51 games. -
De'Von Achane Doing Individual Drills at Minicamp
Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley said that running back De'Von Achane (shoulder) has been limited to individual drills during mandatory minicamp this week, according to Chris Perkins of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Achane is being eased back into offseason workouts after he had a clean-up procedure on a shoulder injury that caused him to miss the regular-season finale last year. All signs point to the star RB being fully ready for training camp and the start of the 2026 regular season, though, so fantasy managers should have nothing to worry about. The Dolphins put their money where their mouth is this offseason, signing the 24-year-old former third-rounder to a four-year, $68 million extension last month. Achane had his first 1,000-yard rushing season with eight rushing touchdowns in 16 starts in 2025 in his third year in the NFL despite the Dolphins' offense struggling all year. More offensive struggles could be coming as Miami rebuilds, but Achane should have a high floor thanks to heavy volume in the Dolphins' backfield in 2026. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 7 fantasy RB in redraft formats. -
Gabriel Moreno Emerging As Viable Starting Option at Catcher Position
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno has dealt with injuries again in 2026, but he remains a high-upside option at a thin position when healthy. The 26-year-old is hitting .260 with three home runs, 19 RBI, and three stolen bases in 123 at-bats. After returning from a stint on the injured list in early May, Moreno has gone on to hold a .253/.326/.398 line with three doubles, three home runs, and three stolen bases. When he's been on the field, Moreno has shown the ability to hit for average and get on base at a solid clip. While he has typically been placed at the bottom of the batting order, the backstop has recently begun to move up to the cleanup spot against right-handed pitching, which has bolstered his scoring opportunities. He's still widely available in most leagues, sitting at just 40% rostered on Yahoo. For managers looking for catcher help with some long-term appeal, Moreno is worth picking up. -
Is Antonio Senzatela the Closer to Roster in Colorado?
Colorado Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatela has been one of the more surprising and effective relievers in baseball this season after transitioning from the rotation to the bullpen. The veteran has posted a 1.30 ERA and 0.89 WHIP with 26 strikeouts in 34 2/3 innings while picking up three saves. After struggling mightily as a starter in 2025 (holding an overall 6.65 ERA across 130 frames), Senzatela has found a new role in high-leverage situations. He's been used in multi-inning appearances and has also closed games for the Rockies in recent weeks, earning two saves over his last 10 appearances. A move to a winning team ahead of the trade deadline could also boost his save opportunities if he were to join a club that lacks a proven ninth-inning option. For managers in need of saves in deeper leagues, he remains a worthwhile addition as he is emerging as the preferred ninth-inning option in Colorado over Juan Mejia. -
Raiders Emphasizing Ashton Jeanty's Progress as Their Lead Back
Levi Edwards of the Las Vegas Raiders' official site writes that the Raiders have put an emphasis during offseason workouts to make sure running back Ashton Jeanty "thrives and continues to grow in his role as the lead back." The Raiders selected Jeanty with the sixth overall pick last year out of Boise State, and the 22-year-old impressed in his first year in the NFL, leading all rookie RBs in rushing yards (975). Nearly 60% of his yardage came after contact, though. "If I don't have to, I don't want to come off the field," Jeanty said. The second-year back is "doing all the right things" to ensure that he's a three-down workhorse in 2026, according to RBs coach Omar Young. New head coach Klint Kubiak has never had a true workhorse back leading his offenses, but that could change now that he has Jeanty at his disposal. With a new coaching staff in town and quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza under center, Jeanty's fantasy stock is on the rise heading into his second NFL campaign. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 8 fantasy RB for the 2026 season. -
Marvin Harrison Jr. Still on the Mend From 2025 Injuries
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. said he is still recovering from multiple injuries that shortened his 2025 season, although the third-year wideout doesn't think they will linger into the upcoming campaign, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. Harrison is still trying to get back to 100% health after missing time last year due to appendicitis, two heel injuries, and a concussion. The 23-year-old former fourth overall pick in 2024 out of Ohio State missed a total of five games and finished with 41 catches, 608 yards, and four touchdowns on 73 targets in 12 total contests in his sophomore season. "I don't think it's going to linger into next season, for sure," Harrison said. "The thing with your feet, you use them all the time. That makes the process take probably a little longer than maybe usually." The question now becomes whether Harrison can take the next step to become a reliable WR1 in the NFL. In a new offense in 2026 that will be much more balanced, he's likely fighting an uphill battle to justify an early-round fantasy pick, especially with both Michael Wilson and tight end Trey McBride emerging as legitimate threats in the Cardinals' passing game. Harrison's stock is down in both redraft and dynasty leagues after his disappointing 2025 campaign. -
Hurston Waldrep Seeing Value Increase as High-Upside Stash Candidate?
Atlanta Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep is gaining attention as a high-upside stash candidate as he works his way back from elbow surgery. The 24-year-old former first-round pick has shown flashes of plus stuff when healthy. He recently began a rehab assignment in the Florida Complex League and is currently targeting a return in late June to early July. While he's not expected to be an immediate rotation contributor, the combination of his pedigree and the Braves' need for pitching depth makes him an interesting speculative add. During the 2025 season, Waldrep held his own during his first extended taste in the majors, logging 56 1/3 innings with a 2.88 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. For managers who can afford to stash a high-ceiling arm with a chance to contribute later this summer, Waldrep is worth considering now before his value potentially rises. -
JoJo Romero Emerging as Priority Closer Handcuff to Roster?
St. Louis Cardinals left-hander JoJo Romero has been effective in high-leverage situations this season and stands as the clear handcuff to closer Riley O'Brien. Romero owns a 2.96 ERA and 1.17 WHIP with 26 strikeouts in 27 2/3 innings. While O'Brien has locked down the closer role, he has begun to struggle as of late, allowing 10 earned runs (11 total runs) with two blown saves over his last 11 innings. He also has closing experience from last season, when he shared the role with O'Brien down the stretch and converted eight of nine save opportunities. Overall, last summer, Romero posted a stellar 2.07 ERA with 24 holds while operating in a high-leverage role. For fantasy managers in standard saves leagues, Romero is a smart, low-cost speculative add as O'Brien's primary handcuff. For those in leagues that reward holds, Romero continues to hold high-end value as he should remain a go-to option in high-leverage spots. -
Warrant Issued for Brandon Aiyuk's Arrest in California
A warrant has been issued for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's arrest in Northern California, according to Edward Lewis of The California Post. Aiyuk is wanted on a misdemeanor charge of exhibition of speed, according to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's office. The matter stems from a video that the pass-catcher posted to his YouTube page in December. He reached speeds of over 100 mph on Santa Clara roadways, at one point hitting 104 mph as he went by Levi's Stadium. The 28-year-old former first-rounder in 2020 out of Arizona State had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Niners in 2022 and 2023 before signing a four-year, $120 million contract with the team in August of 2024. Aiyuk then only played in seven games in 2024 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Aiyuk missed the entire 2025 campaign and is likely to be released by the organization this offseason. Most reports project Aiyuk to land with the Washington Commanders, where he would be reunited with quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, this new legal matter could complicate matters and open Aiyuk up to a suspension from the NFL to begin the 2026 season. -
Quinn Priester Moving his Rehab to Arizona Complex League
After struggling in the higher levels of the minor leagues on his rehab assignment, Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester (shoulder) is being moved to the Arizona Complex League as he attempts to return from thoracic outlet syndrome, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Doctors continue to believe that Priester won't need surgery to relieve the symptoms of TOS, a condition in which the nerves running down his neck and into his arm and torso are compressed. Surgery would end Priester's season and would put him in jeopardy of being ready for 2027 as well. The 25-year-old former first-rounder by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019 hasn't had much success in seven rehab starts so far, allowing a whopping 25 earned runs on 21 hits while walking 19 and striking out 14 in 13 1/3 innings. Priester's velocity is not only down, but he's struggling with his control on the mound. He couldn't make it out of the first inning in two of his rehab outings. There's no timetable for Priester's return, and if he continues to struggle in the ACL, surgery might be on the table. Priester is rostered in just 15% of Yahoo leagues at this juncture. -
Blake Corum Remains an Elite Handcuff in Dynasty Leagues
Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum continues to be a top handcuff while also offering standalone value in deeper leagues. Corum took on a larger role during the second half of the 2025 season, totaling 405 rushing yards and five touchdowns over the final six games. From Week 13-16, he was the overall RB8 in PPR leagues, despite Kyren Williams being the lead back and Corum having just two catches during that window. Corum already ranks as the RB32 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty rankings, and he has top-12 upside if Williams were to miss time. Dynasty managers should consider sending out trade offers for Corum this offseason. Although his price tag went up based on his strong 2025 campaign, he's still likely priced below his true value. He's a particularly valuable target for managers who have Williams on their roster and want a little insurance in case he goes down. -
Consistency the Key for Chris Godwin Jr. in Dynasty Leagues
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. continues to have immense dynasty upside, but staying healthy will be a key factor in whether he lives up to his potential. Godwin's fantasy production peaked as the WR2 in 2019, but he had a streak of six consecutive top-32 seasons from 2018 through 2023. Managers would love to see him return to that form. Now that Mike Evans has departed for San Francisco, Godwin has the potential to reassert himself as the top pass catcher in Tampa Bay. Emeka Egbuka has the makings of a future superstar, but he was inconsistent at times last year, setting the stage for Godwin to be the most dependable Bucs receiver in 2026 and beyond. Injuries cost Godwin nearly half of his season last year, but he was productive when healthy, catching 24 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns from Week 13-17. During that span, he was the WR15 overall. He has fallen to WR48 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty rankings, but that's partly due to his age (30). He could still be productive over the next few years, supporting a Baker Mayfield resurgence after the quarterback's subpar 2025 campaign. If Godwin can be healthy for 15+ games in 2026, he could be a top-24 fantasy receiver. -
Can Managers Look to Sell High on David Montgomery This Year?
Houston Texans running back David Montgomery is a dynasty hold for now, but a strong start to the 2026 season could position him as an intriguing sell-high candidate. Montgomery has maintained his ranking as the overall RB29 in dynasty leagues, but now that he's 28 years old and was shipped off to the Texans in an offseason trade, managers might be hesitant to trade for him. With that being said, a productive start to the 2026 season would make him a top target for dynasty managers looking to win now. We fully expect to see Montgomery have a significant role in Houston after Woody Marks showed that he probably can't handle an every-down role. If Montgomery gets short-yardage situations (including goal-line snaps) and even some early-down work, he'll increase his trade value, becoming a midseason sell-high candidate for managers looking to stock up draft picks. On the other hand, if Montgomery's current managers are in a win-now position, he'll remain a "hold" with RB2 upside. After all, he had 900+ scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns last season, even though he was the clear No. 2 behind Jahmyr Gibbs. -
Malik Willis a Low-Cost Dynasty Target in Miami?
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis isn't the flashiest name in fantasy football, but his new three-year contract suggests that he could be a steady dynasty option going forward. The Dolphins made a substantial financial investment that indicates Willis should be the starter for at least two seasons in Miami. That type of stability puts him on the fantasy radar, even though he isn't a very talented passer. He makes up for some accuracy concerns with a dynamic rushing ability that allowed him to rack up fantasy points during limited action in 2025. Between Weeks 16 and 17 with the Packers last year, he totaled four touchdowns, 104 rushing yards, and one turnover. The Dolphins appear to be heading in a run-heavy direction with Willis and De'Von Achane, as well as the release of Tyreek Hill and the trade of Jaylen Waddle. Allowing Willis to run the ball is good for his fantasy managers, as long as he can stay healthy. The guaranteed starting role puts Willis on the fantasy radar as a low-end QB2, making him an intriguing low-cost trade target in dynasty fantasy football leagues this summer. He ranks as the overall QB24 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty rankings. -
Jalen Chatfield Records Two Assists in Tuesday's Loss
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield had two assists in Tuesday's 5-4 Game 1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. The 30-year-old showcased his playmaking twice early in the game, helping Nikolaj Ehlers grab a pair of goals within the first 12:08 of action. Previously, only nine rearguards in NHL history had tallied multiple assists in the opening period of a Stanley Cup Finals. While Chatfield has occasionally chipped in offensively, he does most of his work in the defensive zone. With 14 games played in the 2026 postseason, Chatfield has registered seven points (one goal, six assists), 24 SOG, 22 blocks, and 10 hits. -
Nikolaj Ehlers Nets Two Goals in Game 1 Loss to Golden Knights
Carolina Hurricanes winger Nikolaj Ehlers made a terrific start to the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights, scoring two goals in a 5-4 loss on Tuesday night. With just 25 seconds played, Ehlers scored the third-fastest goal to open the Stanley Cup Finals, and he put Carolina two goals up at the 12:08 mark in the first period. Ehlers became the first player in 37 years to score two first-period goals in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. He lit the lamp with both of his attempts on net, giving him three multi-point performances in five games. Sebastian Aho's line remained quiet in Game 1 against Vegas, putting additional responsibility on players like Ehlers. The Danish veteran ranks second on his team with six goals and has amassed 11 points in 13 postseason games. -
Shea Theodore Notches Three Points in Game 1 Win
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore made a mark in Tuesday's 5-4 Game 1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes with a goal and two assists. Vegas' first defensive pairing of Theodore and Brayden McNabb played a major role in the contest, becoming the first set of defensemen from the same team to each record three points in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Theodore has heated up as the postseason nears its conclusion, putting together a three-game point streak. Throughout the playoffs, he has been a steady offensive contributor, logging five goals and nine assists in 17 games. -
Brayden McNabb Sets Up Three Goals in Game 1 Win Over Hurricanes
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb had a special outing in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, finishing a 5-4 victory with three assists. He became only the seventh defenseman in NHL history to open the Finals with a three-assist effort. McNabb's big performance came out of nowhere, as the 35-year-old isn't known for his offensive ability. In 63 regular-season games, he posted 12 points (five goals, seven assists). McNabb had three points in 14 playoff games before snagging four points across the past two games. Given that McNabb has had a three-game postseason point streak only once in his 14 NHL seasons, fantasy managers shouldn't count on his offensive surge lasting. -
Brett Howden Starts Finals With Multi-Point Effort
Vegas Golden Knights forward Brett Howden recorded a goal and an assist in the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals opener against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, helping his team to a 5-4 win. The 28-year-old factored in two go-ahead goals, assisting William Karlsson on Vegas' third goal of the night and scoring the team's fourth himself. Remarkably, Howden leads the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 11 goals and is now just one tally away from his regular-season mark of 12. Howden, who has 14 points in 17 postseason appearances, needs two more goals to tie Jonathan Marchessault's franchise record for most in a single playoff run. -
Tomas Hertl Scores Game-Winner in Finals Opener
Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl scored the 5-4 game-winning goal in Game 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night. The Golden Knights lost the lead midway through the third period, but Hertl's fourth postseason goal gave the team a valuable road win. On Tuesday night, Hertl reached 10 points for the 2026 postseason. He's recovered from a very slow start, averaging a point per game over his last eight appearances. Having lost the 2016 Finals with San Jose, the Czechia forward will be determined to avoid the same outcome this time. -
Isaiah Hartenstein Hopeful to Stay with Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein would like to remain with the organization long-term. His future with the team is uncertain, with Hartenstein having a $28.5 million team option for the 2026-2027 season. The big man is grateful for his time with the organization and would love to stay in Oklahoma City. This past season, Hartenstein averaged 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 24.2 minutes per game in 47 games. Hartenstein saw a slightly reduced role with the team during his second year with the organization. It's hard to imagine the team paying him nearly $30 million, given the depth they have on this roster. A change of scenery could help Hartenstein's overall value, but we'll see what happens this summer. -
Luguentz Dort Wants to Remain with Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Luguentz Dort recently said that his main goal is to remain with the organization. His future with the organization is up in the air, with Dort having a $17.7 million team option for next season. Dort has been with the team since entering the league in 2019. His overall stats took a hit last season, but he has been a consistent option for this team for many years. This past season, Dort averaged 8.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 26.8 minutes per game in 69 contests. There could be a handful of suitors for Dort if he does hit free agency this summer. -
Mitchell Robinson is Questionable for Game 1
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (finger) is officially listed as questionable ahead of Wednesday's Game 1 of the NBA Finals versus the San Antonio Spurs. Robinson is currently nursing a fractured right pinky finger that he suffered at some point during the Eastern Conference Finals. He was able to get through some individual work without any issues on Sunday. All signs are pointing to Robinson being active, but fantasy managers will need to check back ahead of tip-off. If Robinson sits out, Karl-Anthony Towns would take on a heavy workload with Ariel Hukporti likely getting a few minutes off the bench. -
Moussa Diabate Has Contract Guaranteed for 2026-2027 Season
Charlotte Hornets center Moussa Diabate will be back with the team next year after recently having his contract guaranteed by the organization. Diabate is coming off a surprisingly solid season for the Hornets this past season. The big man averaged 7.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists across 26.0 minutes per game across 73 games. Diabate emerged as a viable starting center option for the Hornets with 47 starts across his 73 appearances. Ryan Kalkbrenner should continue to push for the starting gig after a decent rookie year. Regardless of who starts, both players should be worth a look as late-round options, with Kalkbrenner having higher overall upside. -
Oso Ighodaro Gets Guaranteed Contract for Next Season
Phoenix Suns forward/center Oso Ighodaro will be back with the team next season. Recently, the organization guaranteed Ighordaro's contract for the 2026-2027 season. The Suns selected Ighodaro with the 40th overall pick during the 2024 draft. He averaged 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 82 games (24 starts) with the Suns this past season. He was mostly used in a reserve role, but saw increased playing time when Mark Williams went down due to a foot injury. Ighodaro could be in the mix for the starting center role next season. It remains to be seen what the Suns decide to do this offseason. Khaman Maluach could also be in the mix for an expanded role. Regardless, Ighodaro should take on a larger role in some capacity next season. -
Brendan Gallagher to Leave Canadiens This Offseason
Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher has one season remaining on a six-year, $39 million contract, but he doesn't expect to spend it with the team that drafted him in 2010. "It's pretty clear I'll kind of be moving on here," said Gallagher in an emotional exit interview on Monday. Gallagher's contract carries a $6.5 million cap hit, and he hasn't performed up to the required level. This season, the 34-year-old managed just seven goals and 23 points in 77 games. He was a regular healthy scratch in the playoffs, appearing in only three of Montreal's 19 games. Even a change of scenery probably won't help Gallagher reclaim fantasy relevance. -
Patrik Laine Looking Forward to Free Agency
Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine will not stay with the team for next season. The Finnish forward ended the season on Injured Reserve despite being ready to play soon after New Year's, indicating he clearly isn't part of the plans in Montreal. "I'm excited to see new opportunities and see where it goes," Laine told reporters in his exit interview on Monday. "We'll see where the wind takes me." Laine is set to end his tenure with the Canadiens after posting just 34 points (20 goals, 14 assists) in 57 games over two seasons. He has struggled to stay healthy for several years, which has dropped Laine's fantasy value to an all-time low. -
Jeremy Lauzon Returns to Action Tuesday
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (upper body) will be back in action on Tuesday in Game 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals, Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com reports. Lauzon hasn't played since being hit by a puck in Game 6 of Vegas' first-round matchup with the Utah Mammoth. He finished the first round scoreless but had eight blocks and 14. Vegas hopes Lauzon's physicality will be an asset in the Finals. "Good solid positional defenseman," Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella said. "Has some bite to him. He was missed." Lauzon is expected to join Dylan Coghlan on the third defensive pairing, with Kaedan Korczak sitting out the action as a healthy scratch. -
Zach Werenski Wins 2025-26 Norris Trophy
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski has been announced as the winner of the 2025-26 James Norris Memorial Trophy. The award is presented annually to the NHL's "top defensive player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability in the position." In the voting, Werenski beat Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche) and Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres). Werenski, who became the seventh Blue Jackets player to capture a major NHL award, finished the regular season as the second-highest-scoring defenseman in the league. He tallied 81 points (22 goals, 59 assists) in 75 games, leading Columbus in assists and points. That's now back-to-back 80-point campaigns for Werenski, who has established himself as one of the top fantasy blue-liners. -
Chet Holmgren Fails to Step Up in the Season Finale
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren recorded four points, four rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in Saturday's 111-103 Game 7 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The 24-year-old was a non-factor on the offensive end, going 1-for-2 from the field and 2-for-4 at the charity stripe over 32 minutes. Although Holmgren offered some utility with his defensive production, his lack of assertiveness was glaring as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shouldered the scoring burden with 35 points. Holmgren closes out his campaign having maintained his status as an elite rim protector, but he must increase his shooting volume to make himself more impactful on the offensive end next season. -
Cason Wallace Ends Postseason with Strong Showing
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Cason Wallace accounted for 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, one block, and five three-pointers in Saturday's 111-103 Game 7 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The 22-year-old shot 6-for-10 from the field, giving Oklahoma City a needed two-way boost with Jalen Williams (hamstring) unavailable. Wallace averaged 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists during the regular season, so this was one of his better offensive outings of the postseason. His fantasy profile remains more valuable when the defensive stats and threes come together, and Saturday's line was a reminder that he can help across categories when his role expands. -
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Caps MVP Season with Game 7 Exit
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 35 points in Saturday's 111-103 Game 7 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, ending the franchise's title defense in the Western Conference Finals. The back-to-back MVP shot 12-for-21 from the field and 9-for-11 at the free-throw line, adding nine assists, four rebounds, three steals, one block, and two 3-pointers. The efficient outing broke from a series in which his jumper had deserted him, as he entered Game 7 shooting 37.9 percent from the field and 26.1 percent from deep over the first six games. Oklahoma City got little help around him, especially with Jalen Williams (hamstring) sidelined for the finale, and a thin supporting cast leaves the offseason squarely focused on reinforcements for its multi-category centerpiece. -
Stephon Castle Continues Postseason Run with 16 Points
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle recorded 16 points, six rebounds, six assists, and one steal in Saturday's Game 7 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 21-year-old was instrumental in securing the team's first Finals appearance since 2014, going 7-for-15 from the field and 2-for-3 at the charity stripe. Castle's offense sparked a crucial fourth-quarter run, giving San Antonio a needed lift after Victor Wembanyama went to the bench with foul trouble. He has been a consistent contributor during this postseason, averaging 19.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game. The second-year guard will remain an appealing fantasy asset when the Spurs tip off against the New York Knicks in the championship series beginning Wednesday. -
Julian Champagnie Shines in Series-Clinching Win
San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Julian Champagnie recorded 20 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and six three-pointers in Saturday's 111-103 Game 7 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 24-year-old shot 6-for-11 from the field and 2-for-3 at the free-throw line as San Antonio advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014. Champagnie averaged 11.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists during the regular season, so this was a timely ceiling game. His fantasy appeal still leans heavily on threes and rebounds, but his role as a trusted floor spacer should keep him in play against the Knicks. -
De'Aaron Fox Provides Secondary Punch in Game 7 Triumph
San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox recorded 15 points, five assists, and three steals in Saturday's 111-103 Game 7 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The victory sent the Spurs to their first NBA Finals since 2014. The former Kings guard shot 6-for-12 from the field and knocked down three 3-pointers, a clean bounce-back from his 1-for-9 night in Game 6. He has played through a sprained right ankle for much of the series, yet his points-assists-steals mix gives San Antonio a reliable secondary creator behind Victor Wembanyama, and a healthier ankle would only sharpen that value against the New York Knicks. -
Victor Wembanyama Earns Conference Finals MVP in Spurs' Game 7 Win
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama led the team with 22 points in Saturday's 111-103 Game 7 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, clinching a trip to the NBA Finals and taking home Western Conference Finals MVP. The Defensive Player of the Year shot 7-for-15 from the field, 3-for-5 from deep, and 5-for-7 at the line, adding seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. After opening the series with 41 points and 24 rebounds in a double-overtime Game 1, he settled for a steadier scoring night here, and San Antonio's balanced attack carried the rest, led by Julian Champagnie's six triples. Wembanyama brings a multi-category floor few centers can match into a Finals meeting with the New York Knicks, beginning Wednesday in San Antonio. -
Donovan Mitchell Remains Cleveland's Top Priority
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell is extension-eligible on July 7, and president of basketball operations Koby Altman made it clear the organization plans to keep building around him, according to cleveland.com's Chris Fedor. "He's our guy. Do we think we can win with him as the best player on a championship team? Yes," Altman said. The 29-year-old backed up that confidence with another high-end fantasy season, averaging 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 3.5 threes across 70 games. Cleveland's playoff run ended with a four-game Eastern Conference Finals sweep against New York, so the offseason focus now shifts to how Mitchell fits with James Harden and Evan Mobley. If the Cavaliers keep that core intact, Mitchell should remain the team's top scoring option and a strong early-round fantasy anchor. -
Adou Thiero Remains a Lakers Development Project
Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero had a quiet rookie season, but Silver Screen and Roll's Edwin Garcia wrote that the team should keep him in its long-term plans. The 22-year-old missed training camp and the start of the regular season while recovering from left knee surgery and later lost time to an MCL sprain. He logged only 25 regular-season games, averaging 1.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in 6.0 minutes while shooting 51.6% from the field. There were still fantasy-relevant flashes, including a 25-point South Bay outing on 10-for-12 shooting and 5-for-5 from deep. Thiero needs a steadier jumper and a real rotation lane, but his rim pressure and defensive tools make him a summer watchlist name. -
Kyrie Irving Reports He's Nearing Full Strength in ACL Recovery
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (knee) said on a Friday Twitch stream that he's "close to being over at 100%" in his recovery, more than 14 months removed from surgery. The nine-time All-Star tore his left ACL in March 2025 and missed all of 2025-26, but general manager Mike Schmitz and president Masai Ujiri have backed his return rather than entertaining trade talk. No timetable is set, and Dallas doesn't open camp until late September, leaving runway for a full ramp-up. Before the injury, Irving averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists across 50 games. Age 34 and coming off a torn ACL, he profiles as a draft-day discount rather than a top-tier guard, though Ujiri's plan to let him play off the ball next to Cooper Flagg protects both his efficiency and Flagg's on-ball value. -
Lane Hutson Posts a Power-Play Assist in Game 5 Loss
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson contributed a power-play assist in Friday's season-ending 6-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. He set up Cole Caufield midway through the third period. Hutson was among Montreal's leading scorers throughout the postseason, but the Hurricanes proved too tough a nut to crack for the team. The 22-year-old finishes the playoffs with 16 points (three goals, 13 assists) in 19 games — only three blue-liners in franchise history have been more productive in a postseason campaign. Hutson also enjoyed a big regular season, totaling 78 points (12 goals, 66 assists) in 82 outings. He's just two years into his NHL career, and the best is definitely yet to come from Hutson. -
Cole Caufield Nets a Power-Play Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Montreal Canadiens winger Cole Caufield scored a third-period power-play goal in Friday's 6-1 defeat to the Carolina Hurricanes. It was too little, too late, as the Canadiens were once again overwhelmed and eliminated in five games. Caufield had a disappointing postseason. He managed only 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 19 games and was limited to three even-strength points. During the regular season, Caufield averaged at least a point per game for the first time in his career, with 51 goals and 37 assists in 81 contests. He became the first Canadiens player in 36 years to score at least 50 regular-season goals, setting a high bar for himself in the next campaign. -
Seth Jarvis Closes Out East Finals With Multi-Point Game
Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis notched a goal and an assist as the team moved into the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals with a 6-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night. He assisted Shayne Gostisbehere on the power play late in the second period and scored the final goal of the Eastern Conference Finals in an empty-net situation in the third. Jarvis has been quiet in the postseason, but he gained some momentum against Montreal with four points in five games. Overall, the 24-year-old has posted eight points (three goals, five assists) in 13 playoff games. -
Logan Stankoven Notches Three Points in Big Game 5 Win
Carolina Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven finished Friday's 6-1 Game 5 victory over the Montreal Canadiens with one goal and two assists. His ninth goal of the postseason was the series-clinching marker. Stankoven assisted both of his linemates, Taylor Hall and Jackson Blake, in the game. The trio has seen a lot of success in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, combining for 43 points. Stankoven has 12 points (nine goals, three assists) in 13 contests. After kicking off the postseason with a five-game goal streak, the 23-year-old has begun building another ahead of the Finals, lighting the lamp in back-to-back games. -
Taylor Hall Racks Up Three Points in Series-Clinching Win
Carolina Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall was one of the protagonists in a series-clinching 6-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night, scoring the opening goal and dishing out two assists. The former MVP recorded his second three-point night of the 2026 playoffs. Hall is having the best postseason of his 16-year career, and no player can match his even-strength points tally. 14 of his 16 points have come at even strength. Hall has tallied five goals and 11 assists in 13 contests. Taming Hall in the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals should be the Vegas Golden Knights' No. 1 priority. -
Frederik Andersen Remains Stellar as Hurricanes Clinch Finals Berth
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen recorded 23 saves with a .958 save percentage in Friday's series-clinching 6-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. He was only beaten on a power play midway through the third period. Andersen became the third netminder in NHL history to register 12 wins through his first 13 games in a playoff year. The Danish veteran has been on a spectacular run and will give Carolina a great chance to win the Stanley Cup if he maintains his current level of play. Andersen has a 12-1 record, a 1.41 goals-against average, a .931 save percentage, and three shutouts in the playoffs. Across 11 career appearances against the Vegas Golden Knights, he has gone 5-6-0. -
Mitchell Robinson Plans to Play in Game 1 After Finger Surgery
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (finger) underwent surgery on his broken right pinky and plans to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals next Wednesday with a brace on his hand, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The 28-year-old has been a low-usage piece all postseason, averaging 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 14.2 minutes off the bench behind Karl-Anthony Towns. His value has always come from energy rebounding and rim protection rather than scoring, so the brace is the real question: a player whose calling card is securing the ball now has to do it with a protected hand. Even at full strength, he offers little beyond rebounds and blocks for fantasy purposes, and if the finger limits him, Ariel Hukporti is the only proven fallback at center for New York. -
Ajay Mitchell Ruled Out for Game 7
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's Game 7 against the San Antonio Spurs. The 23-year-old has been unavailable since aggravating the injury during Game 3, removing one of Oklahoma City's better bench scorers and secondary ball-handlers from the rotation. Mitchell averaged 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists during the regular season and 15.1 points with 4.3 assists in the playoffs before going down. With Jalen Williams (hamstring) also sidelined, Jared McCain and Cason Wallace should remain busy behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. -
Jalen Williams Unavailable in Decisive Game 7
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) won't play in Saturday's Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against San Antonio. The 25-year-old tried to return in Game 6, but he logged only 10 minutes and finished with one point and one assist before being ruled out again. Williams averaged 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists during the regular season, so Oklahoma City loses a key secondary creator. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should handle even more late-clock work, while Jared McCain and Cason Wallace are in position for elevated backcourt minutes. -
Jalen Williams Limited in Game 6 Return
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams produced one point and one assist in Thursday's 118-91 Game 6 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He went 0-for-1 from the field and 1-for-2 at the line in only 10 minutes, returning after missing the previous three games with a hamstring strain. Williams also came off the bench for the first time since his rookie season, so this looked more like a controlled reintroduction than a normal workload. He averaged 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists during the regular season, but his Game 7 value depends heavily on whether Oklahoma City is ready to loosen his role. -
Jared McCain Provides Bench Spark in Game 6 Loss
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain finished Thursday's 118-91 Game 6 loss to the San Antonio Spurs with 13 points, two rebounds, six assists, and two steals in 27 minutes. He shot 4-for-11 from the field, 2-for-3 from deep, and 3-for-3 at the line, giving Oklahoma City one of its cleaner offensive lines on a night when the team shot 36.8 percent overall. With Jalen Williams limited to 10 minutes in his return, McCain's secondary creation stood out. His regular role has been modest, but the six assists give him some Game 7 intrigue if Oklahoma City keeps needing more ball movement. -
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Posts Lowest-Scoring Night of His MVP Season
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander managed just 15 points (6-for-18 FGs, 3-for-3 FTs), one rebound, and four assists in Thursday's 118-91 Game 6 loss to the Spurs. The back-to-back MVP went 0-for-5 from deep and finished a game-worst minus-28, his quietest offensive night of the entire 2025-26 season. The series has followed a clear script: when Wembanyama outscores Gilgeous-Alexander, San Antonio wins, and Game 6 was no exception. None of that dents his outlook. A Game 7 at home is the reset spot, the 0-for-5 from three reads as noise, and OKC will run everything through him as the season hangs on one game. -
De'Aaron Fox Struggles From the Field Thursday
San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox was limited to five points, five rebounds, and seven assists in Thursday's 118-91 Game 6 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He shot 1-for-9 from the field and missed all three attempts from deep, but San Antonio still forced Game 7 behind a 20-0 third-quarter run and a 52-42 rebounding edge. Fox has not looked fully settled as a scorer in this series, yet the playmaking volume remains useful while the Spurs lean on Victor Wembanyama and their younger guards to carry more of the offense. Fox's fantasy line will need better efficiency to match his usual ceiling in Saturday's elimination game. -
Stephon Castle Controls the Spurs Offense in Game 6 Win
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle racked up 17 points (5-for-10 FGs, 7-for-8 FTs), nine assists, five rebounds, one steal, and just one turnover in Thursday's 118-91 Game 6 win over the Thunder. The reigning Rookie of the Year notched his eighth 15/5/5 game of the postseason, behind only Magic Johnson and Larry Bird among rookies and sophomores in a single playoff run. The bigger development is the ball security: Castle had 20 turnovers across the series' first two games before settling down. That control, layered on his scoring and playmaking, is what gives him a dependable multi-category floor the rest of this run. -
Martin Necas Collects an Assist in Game 4 Loss to Golden Knights
Colorado Avalanche right wing Martin Necas finished Tuesday's 2-1 season-ending loss to the Vegas Golden Knights with an assist. The Avalanche once again struggled to generate offense against Vegas, but finally made a breakthrough late in the third period. Necas and Nazem Kadri set up Gabriel Landeskog for a late consolation goal. It was a strong campaign for Necas, who averaged a point per game in the playoffs after posting a career-high 100 points (38 goals, 62 assists) in 78 regular-season contests. He found a way to elevate his play, an encouraging sign for Colorado, as Necas' eight-year, $92 million contract extension will take effect next season. -
Gabriel Landeskog Scores Only Avalanche Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Colorado Avalanche winger Gabriel Landeskog scored the team's only goal in Tuesday's 2-1 season-ending loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Avalanche captain ended Carter Hart's shutout bid with 2:03 remaining in regulation. Landeskog finished the Conference Finals with three goals in four games, but many of his teammates struggled, leaving Colorado as the seventh No. 1 seed in history to be swept in a playoff series. In 13 postseason appearances, Landeskog recorded 11 points (six goals, five assists). Compared with the regular season, where he had 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 60 outings, the Swedish veteran took his offensive production to a new level. -
Carter Hart Finishes Series-Clincher With 20 Saves
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart made 20 saves in Tuesday's series-clinching 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. He fell just 2:03 short of becoming the third active netminder to record a shutout in a victory that has given a team a berth in the Stanley Cup Finals. On Tuesday night, Hart picked up his sixth consecutive win. He's been in phenomenal form during the hot streak, producing a .948 save percentage. Over his last 11 outings, Hart has allowed more than two goals only twice. This has helped him to a 12-4 postseason record, and he has registered a 2.22 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage. -
Dylan Coghlan Continues Unlikely Success Story
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Dylan Coghlan assisted Cole Smith on the game-winning goal in Tuesday's series-clinching 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Coghlan has unexpectedly emerged as an important part of Vegas' blue line. After making only three regular-season appearances, he was inserted into the lineup midway through the second-round matchup with Anaheim and has kept his place since. The 28-year-old collected his first career playoff points in the Conference Finals, recording one goal and two assists in four games. Now, Coghlan will get a chance to make an impact in the Stanley Cup Finals and looks to have a strong case to remain in the lineup, even when Jeremy Lauzon (upper body) is cleared to return. -
Cole Smith Scores Series-Clincher Tuesday Night
Vegas Golden Knights left wing Cole Smith will go down in history as the player whose goal sent the team into the 2026 Stanley Cup Finals. In Game 4 against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night, Smith put Vegas 2-0 up at the 14:15 mark in the third period. The 30-year-old became the sixth undrafted player in the 21st century to score a series-clinching goal that has earned a team a Stanley Cup Finals spot. Smith also popped up with a pair of goals in Round 2 against Utah. Before Tuesday night, he had gone nine consecutive games without a point. Still, the fourth-liner has made a mark during Vegas' playoff run, posting five points (three goals, two assists) and 44 hits in 16 games. -
Mark Stone Nets Another Goal as Golden Knights Finish Off Avalanche
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone opened the scoring in Tuesday's series-clinching 2-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche. He gave Vegas the lead just 4:42 into the game, with defensemen Brayden McNabb and Shea Theodore recording the assists. After missing the first two games of the series, Stone made a massive impact as the Golden Knights swept Colorado. In two outings, he had two goals and one assist. The Golden Knights captain has been on the score sheet in each of his last four appearances and is close to averaging a point per game in the playoffs. Stone has tallied five goals and five assists through 11 games. -
Claude Giroux Planning to Return for 20th NHL Campaign
Ottawa Senators forward Claude Giroux is ready to continue his NHL career, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports. "I was told Monday that the 38-year-old forward, an unrestricted free agent on July 1, has decided he wants to come back and play another season," LeBrun wrote in The Athletic. Giroux has spent four seasons in Ottawa and played on a one-year, $2 million deal in 2025-26. The Senators received decent value for their money, as Giroux ranked second on the team with a plus-20 rating and had 49 points (14 goals, 35 assists) in 82 games. Midway through next season, Giroux will turn 39, but he looks capable of flirting with another 50-point campaign, whether in Ottawa or elsewhere. -
Carter Hart Aiming for Sixth Consecutive Win Tuesday
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart will look to extend his winning streak to six games on Tuesday night against the Colorado Avalanche. He hasn't suffered any defeats since Game 5 of the second-round matchup with the Anaheim Ducks, allowing more than two goals just once. Thanks to this hot streak, Hart boasts an impressive 11-4 postseason record. He has allowed 2.30 goals with a .923 save percentage. Before facing Vegas, the Avalanche averaged 4.11 goals in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but Hart has limited Nathan MacKinnon's crew to just 2.00 goals per game. -
Evgeni Malkin Inks New One-Year Deal With Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin will remain with the team for one more year. The veteran star was headed for unrestricted free agency before agreeing to a one-year, $5.5 million deal with Pittsburgh. According to TSN's Chris Johnston, Malkin's new contract includes several bonuses, including $1 million if the Penguins make the playoffs. The deal has a maximum value of $9 million. Malkin is coming off a contract with a $6.1 million cap hit. In 2025-26, Malkin averaged at least a point per game for the first time in three seasons. He finished with 19 goals and 42 assists in 56 games. Unfortunately, health issues meant Malkin struggled to stay in the lineup, but he proved he's still a difference-maker on offense near age 40.
