Andrei Kuzmenko Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Source: NHL.com
Los Angeles Kings winger Andrei Kuzmenko signed a new one-year contract with the team on Monday worth $4.3 million. The 29-year-old played for three different teams during the 2024-25 campaign, splitting time between the Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers before landing in L.A. in March. He enjoyed a good finish to the season, posting 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 22 contests with the Kings. Additionally, he was a point-per-game player in the playoffs. Following a turbulent time, Kuzmenko appears to have found himself a good fit and seems poised for a productive year in 2025-26 as a member of the Kings' top line.Morgan Geekie Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Source: NHL.com
Boston Bruins forward Morgan Geekie has signed a six-year, $33 million contract extension with the team. He was heading toward restricted free agency before Boston managed to lock Geekie up with a long-term deal. The 26-year-old cashed in on a career year, having finished the 2024-25 campaign with 33 goals and 57 points in 77 appearances. Geekie scored in six straight games to end the season and recorded 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) over the final 14 games, setting high expectations for the upcoming season.Ivan Provorov Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Source: ESPN
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Ivan Provorov has secured a seven-year, $59.5 million contract extension. Provorov was set to be one of the most attractive free agents among defensemen on the open market. Instead, he has committed his long-term future to the Blue Jackets, who acquired Provorov a couple of years back from the Philadelphia Flyers. The Russian blue-liner has produced back-to-back 30-point campaigns in Columbus. In 2024-25, he notched seven goals and 26 assists in 82 games with 127 blocked shots. He is expected to remain a steady two-way contributor next season.Alex Pietrangelo Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Source: ESPN
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is expected to sit out the 2025-26 season after announcing that he is stepping away from the team for health reasons. The 35-year-old veteran is dealing with hip problems. "The past few years have been very challenging on my physical well-being, and I am in a difficult position with my overall playing health," Pietrangelo said in a statement. "After exploring options with doctors as well as my family, it's been advised to remove the intensity of hockey to see if my body can improve so that I can return to a normal quality of life." Pietrangelo, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, posted 33 points (four goals, 29 assists) in 71 games this term. The Vegas blue line will get a new look next season, with Pietrangelo sidelined and Nicolas Hague traded to the Nashville Predators.Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Source: NHL.com
Left wing Matias Maccelli was traded by the Utah Mammoth to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday in exchange for a conditional third-round draft pick. Maccelli showed good offensive upside during his first couple of years in the NHL, but his career trajectory took a downward trend in 2024-25. He spent a large portion of the final few months of the season as a healthy scratch, finishing with 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 55 games. Acquiring Maccelli could be a shrewd move for the Maple Leafs if he can return to the form that earned him a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2023.Evan Bouchard Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Source: NHL.com
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard has landed a four-year, $42 million contract extension. With a cap hit of $10.5 million, he becomes one of the highest-paid defensemen in the NHL. Bouchard, who was a pending restricted free agent, has put together back-to-back impressive seasons with the Oilers. In 2024-25, he tallied 67 points (14 goals, 53 assists) in 82 games while blocking 108 shots. Since he is only 25 years old, Bouchard seems poised to remain among the top fantasy defensemen for many more seasons.Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Source: NHL.com
The Minnesota Wild have acquired winger Vladimir Tarasenko from the Detroit Red Wings for future considerations. The former 40-goal scorer is set to play for a sixth team in four seasons. Tarasenko has started to bounce around in the league, despite being a point-per-game player as recently as the 2021-22 season. He joined the Red Wings on a two-year, $9.5 million deal as a free agent last offseason. It turned out to be a poor investment for Detroit, as Tarasenko only scored 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 80 regular-season outings. Fantasy managers should not expect much from him in 2025-26.Patrick Kane Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Source: ESPN
Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane will stay in Motown for another year after agreeing to a new $3 million contract. He could earn up to $7 million during the upcoming campaign, depending on bonuses. Kane played the 2024-25 season in Detroit on a one-year, $4 million deal. In 72 regular-season games, he scored 21 goals and 59 points, marking his best season in three years. Kane isn't the superstar he once was, but he can still make an impact on offense and aims to hit a few big milestones next season. The former MVP is eight goals away from 500 in his career and needs 49 assists to reach 900 career helpers.Brad Marchand Lands Six-Year Extension
Source: Sportsnet
Florida Panthers left wing Brad Marchand is set to sign a six-year extension with the team. After arriving from Boston midseason, Marchand proved to be an excellent fit for the Panthers, and the team will retain him with a contract that has an average annual value of $5.25 million. It's a significant deal for Marchand, considering he turned 37 in May. Marchand had his 10th straight season with at least 50 points this season and contributed 10 goals and 10 assists in 23 games during Florida's second consecutive successful Stanley Cup run. The veteran forward still seems to have plenty of gas left in the tank.Aaron Ekblad Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Source: Sportsnet
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad has agreed to an eight-year, $48.8 million contract extension. He has taken a small pay cut to stay with the back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, having finished off an eight-year, $60 million deal. Ekblad had 33 points (three goals, 30 assists) in 56 outings in 2024-25, missing the final 18 regular-season games due to a suspension for a failed drug test. He also recorded 64 blocks and 90 hits. The top pick of the 2014 draft will continue to see heavy usage on the Panthers blue line next season and still has plenty more to give at 29 years old.Mitchell Marner Heads to Vegas
Source: ESPN
The Vegas Golden Knights have acquired right wing Mitchell Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Nicolas Roy. It was a sign-and-trade deal, with Marner agreeing to an eight-year, $96 million contract. Marner spent nine productive seasons with the Maple Leafs but was seeking a change of scenery after having a career year with 102 points (27 goals, 75 assists) in 81 games. He joins a contending team and will have a strong chance of reaching 100 points again next season, playing on the top line with Vegas captain Jack Eichel.Randy Arozarena Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Randy Arozarena had a strong game at the plate in Monday's 6-2 win over the Royals. Arozarena went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a three-run HR. The 30-year-old took Michael Wacha deep in the fourth inning for his 100th career HR. He then took Wacha deep again in the fifth, launching a high fastball to straightaway center field. Arozarena hasn't hit for quite the batting average fantasy managers were hoping for, but he has pretty much met expectations overall. He is slashing .244/.358/.416 with 10 HR, 37 RBI, and 15 stolen bases in 360 plate appearances.Source: MLB.com
Seattle Mariners outfielder Ramon Laureano Collects Four Hits in Monday's Win
Ramon Laureano continued his strong offensive season in Monday's 10-6 extra-inning win over the Rangers. Laureano went 4-for-6 with a single, three doubles, an RBI, and a strikeout. The 30-year-old has quietly put together a solid season with regular playing time for an underperforming O's squad, slashing .287/.358/.538 with 10 home runs, 27 RBI, and three stolen bases in 193 plate appearances. He is currently rostered in just 10 percent of leagues, meaning he is available in plenty of deep leagues for fantasy managers in need of a boost to their lineups.Source: MLB.com
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Shea Langeliers Hits Three-Run Homer In Return From Injured List Monday
Shea Langeliers (oblique) wasted no time in getting back to contributing offensively in Monday's 6-4 win over the Rays. Langeliers, who returned from the 10-day injured list after dealing with a strained left oblique, went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run. The 27-year-old got things going right away, lining a first-inning Drew Rasmussen fastball over the left-center wall to plate three. Langeliers picked up right where he left off before his IL stint and is now slashing .237/.299/.441 with 11 HR, 30 RBI, and four stolen bases in 234 plate appearances. He won't provide much in terms of batting average but should provide plenty of power, especially in hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park.Source: MLB.com
Athletics catcher Jeff Hoffman Earns Second Consecutive Save Monday
Jeff Hoffman wrapped up his strong June on a high note in Monday's 5-4 win over the Yankees, notching his 19th save of the season. Hoffman came in to pitch the top of the ninth inning up by one. He got the first two outs on a pop-out and a strikeout, allowed a single, and ended the game on a fly-out. The 32-year-old has converted 19 of 23 save opportunities on the season with a 4.84 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and a 12.48 K/9 rate in 35 1/3 innings pitched. His season ERA may be high, but Hoffman posted a stellar 1.80 ERA with 13 strikeouts and six saves in 10 IP in June. He should offer plenty of fantasy value as the season goes on and will hopefully continue working on bringing his ERA down.Source: MLB.com
Toronto Blue Jays closer Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope to Play in All-Star Futures Game
Josue De Paula and Zyhir Hope have both been selected to play in the 2025 All-Star Futures Game. The Dodgers' top two prospects are having productive seasons at High-A Great Lakes, with De Paula hitting .269 with 10 home runs, 24 steals, and an .852 OPS thanks in part to a phenomenal .409 OBP that is bolstered by an 18.8 percent walk rate. Hope is hitting .297 with seven home runs, 11 steals, and an .865 OPS, also thanks to a strong 14.1 percent walk rate. Both are making the case for a promotion to Double-A, and both could be in the big leagues as soon as next year. Each of them could also be big-time fantasy producers within a couple of years, so dynasty managers should have a keen interest in both players.Source: MiLB Central
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospects Pete Fairbanks Takes Loss In Non-Save Situation Monday
Pete Fairbanks fell to 3-2 in Monday's 6-4 loss to the Athletics. Fairbanks came in to pitch the top of the ninth inning with the game tied 4-4. He allowed back-to-back singles, got the first out on a strikeout, allowed a two-RBI triple, got the second out at home on a fielder's choice, and got the third out on a pickoff. The 31-year-old has converted 15 of 17 save opportunities this season with a 2.53 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP in 32 innings pitched. However, his 7.59 K/9 rate is the lowest of his career and is much lower than his 11.40 career mark. The Rays have played well this season, and Fairbanks has served as the team's primary closer, so he should offer a relatively high fantasy floor even if his strikeout numbers remain down.Source: MLB.com
Tampa Bay Rays closer Mason Miller Notches 16th Save Of Season Monday
Mason Miller picked up his 16th save of the season in Monday's 6-4 win over the Rays. Miller came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning up by two. He got the first out on a strikeout, allowed a single, and ended the game by inducing a groundball double play. The 26-year-old flamethrower has converted all but three of his save opportunities with an elite 14.67 K/9 rate. However, he has had several blowup outings this season and has struggled with walks, leading to a lackluster 4.70 ERA in 30 2/3 innings of work. The good news is that he has allowed few hits, so his 1.14 WHIP is still solid despite a 4.40 BB/9 rate. Miller has some of the best strikeout stuff in baseball and has been electric and overall effective throughout his career, so fantasy managers may be wise to look beyond his bloated ERA for now.Source: MLB.com
Athletics closer Austin Hays Tallies Two Extra-Base Hits in Loss
Austin Hays went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in his team's 13-6 loss to the Boston Red Sox. He also notched a two-run triple -- his fourth in 35 contests. The 29-year-old picked up his first multi-hit game and homer since returning from the injured list a few days ago due to a foot injury. Hays was hitting well before sustaining the ailment, and has already collected four RBI in four appearances since rejoining the squad. Overall, he's slashing a strong .295/.336/.568 with seven long balls, seven doubles, 29 RBI, and 26 runs scored. If he can stay healthy, he'll have plenty of RBI opportunities batting from the four-hole in Cincinnati's lineup. However, it's important to note he's outproducing his .256 xBA by a good margin.Source: ESPN
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Thomas White Strong in Second Double-A Start
Thomas White had a strong showing in his second start at Double-A Pensacola, tossing five shutout innings, yielding just two hits and a walk while striking out five in the outing. The Marlins' top prospect now owns a 2.53 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and a 22.9 percent K-BB% in 11 starts this season, nine of which came at High-A. The former 35th-overall draft pick could make some starts at Triple-A later in the year at this rate, and the 6-foot-5 hurler could be in the big leagues by next year, so dynasty managers should be keeping a close eye on his progression.Source: MiLB.com
Miami Marlins pitching prospect Shelby Miller Earns Four-Out Save Monday
Shelby Miller picked up his 10th save of the season in Monday's 4-2 win over the Giants. Miller came in to pitch the top of the eighth inning up by one with two outs and the bases empty. He struck out Heliot Ramos to end the inning and stayed on to pitch the ninth, turning in a 1-2-3 inning with another strikeout. The 34-year-old veteran has had some ups and downs but has settled in as the team's primary choice for save opportunities with both Justin Martinez (elbow) and A.J. Puk (elbow) on the injured list with elbow injuries. He has now converted 10 of 15 save opportunities with a 2.10 ERA, a 0.99 WHIP, and a 10.22 K/9 rate in 34 1/3 innings of work.Source: MLB.com
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Garrett Crochet Earns Win Despite Yielding Five Runs
Garrett Crochet allowed five runs (four earned) over six innings of work in Monday's 13-6 home win over the Cincinnati Reds. He yielded seven hits, issued one free pass, and struck out nine. Cincinnati got to the 26-year-old in three consecutive frames, but his team had built up a seven-run lead at that point and never relinquished it. Despite the inflated run total, Crochet was efficient -- firing 63 of 89 pitches for strikes (31% CSW) to improve to 8-4 through 18 starts. He'll bring a stellar 2.26 ERA. 1.03 WHIP, and a 144:32 K:BB ratio into a road outing with the Washington Nationals this weekend.Source: ESPN
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jorge Burgos Named Eastern League Player of the Week
Jorge Burgos was named the Eastern League Player of the Week after going 12-for-24 (.500), including four doubles, a triple, a home run, nine RBI, and five runs scored in six games at Double-A Akron. The 23-year-old got off to a slow start, so the recent hot streak has only pushed his slash line to .234/.311/.448, but he's tallied 11 home runs in 68 games. It's an improvement over the .127/.200/.309 line he posted in 15 games at Double-A last year, but he'll probably need to continue to produce if he's going to get a look at Triple-A later this year. For now, he's off the dynasty fantasy radar.Source: MiLB.com
Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect Max Scherzer Solid for Five Innings in No-Decision
Max Scherzer allowed three hits and two earned runs over five innings pitched, but did not factor into his team's 5-4 win over the New York Yankees. He walked none and punched out seven. Scherzer fell victim to a Jazz Chisholm Jr. two-run homer in the fourth inning, but was otherwise effective against a Yankees lineup that scored 12 runs the day prior. Still, it's worth mentioning that the veteran was pulled after just 71 pitches (47 strikes) while experiencing fatigue in his thumb. Blue Jays manager John Schneider reports he'll be evaluated in the next few days. Scherzer has been decent in two appearances since his return, but the 40-year-old's thumb will require some monitoring for the time being. He'll get the visiting Los Angeles Angels his next time out.Source: ESPN
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Carlos Cortes Named Pacific Coast League Player of the Week
Carlos Cortes was named Pacific Coast League (PCL) Player of the Week after going 14-for-23 (.609) last week, including three doubles and four home runs, as well as 13 RBI, seven runs scored, and a 3:4 BB:K for Triple-A Las Vegas. The 28-year-old has yet to make a major league debut; however, this latest hot stretch has pushed his season-long slash line to .313/.404/.605 with 14 home runs and the second-best OPS in the PCL (1.010). The A's have brought up Nick Kurtz and Colby Thomas already this season, and with a glut of talent in the outfield, there likely isn't a need for a left-handed hitting bat in the lineup, but a major league debut before the season is out seems likely.Source: MiLB.com
Athletics outfield prospect Chase Burns Implodes Vs. Red Sox
Chase Burns yielded five hits and seven runs (five earned) in a third of an inning in his team's 13-6 road loss to the Boston Red Sox. He issued two free passes and struck out none. The former second-overall pick of last year's draft pitched well in his big-league debut last week, but wasn't as fortunate against Boston on Monday, recording a lone out and tossing 33 pitches before getting yanked. It was a disaster for Burns and an outing to forget as he attempts to build confidence in his MLB tenure. He figures to get at least one more chance at toeing the rubber with teammate Hunter Greene (back, groin) still shelved with various injuries. That projects to come against a formidable Philadelphia Phillies lineup on the road later this week.Source: ESPN
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Wilyer Abreu Belts Grand Slam and Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run
Wilyer Abreu went 2-for-5 with two home runs and five RBI in Monday's 13-6 win against the visiting Cincinnati Reds. The Venezuelan native was electric in the lopsided win, though he severely misjudged his first home run of the game. In the bottom of the fifth, Abreu led off the inning with a bomb to the deepest part of the park. It was clear he thought it left the yard, evidenced by his slow start out of the box, but quickly turned on the jets after it bounced off the top of the wall. Fortunately, TJ Friedl misjudged it, too, falling to the warning track to allow the 26-year-old to book it home. Then, in the eighth, Abreu cleared the bases with his first career grand slam. He appears to be heating up again, logging three home runs over the last three daysSource: ESPN
Boston Red Sox outfielder Colt Keith Could See More Time at Third Base
Colt Keith, who has played back-to-back games at third base and seven appearances overall at the hot corner this year, could stick at third base more permanently moving forward. Keith played third in the minors before a shoulder injury hurt his throwing arm, and it's been a way to keep his bat in the lineup with Gleyber Torres at second and Spencer Torkelson at first. With Keith and Matt Vierling now options at third, the Tigers may be less inclined to acquire another infielder at the trade deadline this summer. The 23-year-old left-handed hitter should continue to start at third against right-handers, which means he should regain third-base eligibility for fantasy managers. Keith is currently slashing .247/.331/.402 with six homers, 25 RBI and 35 runs scored in 219 at-bats in his second year in the big leagues.Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen suggests that Detroit Tigers infielder Parker Meadows Still Trying to Get Going
Parker Meadows has yet to lock it in since returning from the injured list with a nerve issue in his throwing arm on June 2. He has homered twice in 75 at-bats, but The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen writes that Meadows has looked more like the hitter who was optioned to the minors early last season than the one who had an .840 OPS in August and September. He is currently hitting .187 (14-for-75) and has struck out over 35 percent of the time on breaking balls. The good news is that the 25-year-old has gone 8-for-30 (.267) with a homer, double, four RBI and five runs scored of late in his last nine games. Fantasy managers that continue to hang onto him have to hope that he's just starting slow for a second straight season. If he continues to struggle, though, the Tigers could hold him out against lefties in center field in favor of Matt Vierling.Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Detroit Tigers outfielder Angel Genao with Another Multi-Hit Game, Adds Two Steals
Angel Genao went 2-for-3 with two walks and a pair of singles on Sunday for Double-A Akron, his fifth consecutive game with two hits, during which time he's gone 10-for-17 (.588) with a double, a triple, four RBI, five runs scored, two steals, and a 4:1 BB:K. The Guardians' fourth-ranked prospect dealt with a shoulder injury that kept him out until June 9, but since that time, he's slashing .306/.363/.431 in 19 games for the RubberDucks. The 21-year-old has good contact skills, striking out at just a 13.8 percent rate this season at Double-A, and is coming off a 25-steal campaign in 2024, so there is some speed as well. With such a delay to his season, he may spend the rest of the year at Double-A, but if he continues to collect multi-hit games, a taste of Triple-A before the season is out would be prudent.Source: MiLB.com
Cleveland Guardians infield prospect