#trade-targets

#trade-targets

In today's NHL rumors rundown, there is talk about a potential coaching change for the Edmonton Oilers. Is the head coach on the hot seat, or is the team simply looking at adding another voice behind the bench? Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs are evaluating potential trade targets, including, but not limited to, Travis Konecny. Finally, Artemi Panarin discussed the factors that led to his trade to the Los Angeles Kings following a brief contract dispute with the Rangers.

The Pirates have emerged as a surprise entrant in the Framber Valdez market, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, who calls the Bucs "one of the most aggressive clubs" in their pursuit of the star left-hander. Valdez rejected a qualifying offer from the Astros at the start of the offseason and would cost the Pirates their third-highest selection in the 2026 draft if a deal were to come together.

Yesterday, I wrote that I'm starting to accept the increasingly likely possibility that the Red Sox are not going to add an infielder before opening day, leaving second base to be covered by a platoon of Romy Gonzalez and David Hamilton. It seems to me to be a clear case of roster mismanagement to enter the season with holes in the infield while the outfield remains overcrowded (arguably for the second year in a row). And yet, Craig Breslow doesn't seem to mind.

From talking to NBA executives and scouts who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, the most likely scenario for the Lakers is to make moves along the margins. NBA people say the Lakers are looking for big wing players, but they said so is most of the league.

hitting nearly five 3-pointers per game, grabbing nearly nine rebounds and picking off 1.5 steals per game while playing 35 minutes a night. MPJ has a long injury history and the Nets are 11-23 on the season. This screams "move him while he's hot and healthy," but the bottom line is he's carrying fantasy teams right now. Managers need to hope he stays healthy and plays through the end of the season while also hoping he's traded at the deadline.

The Giants are known to be looking for upgrades at second base. Earlier this week, they were reported as one of the frontrunners for Brendan Donovan of the Cardinals and were also connected to Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that they have checked in on Nico Hoerner of the Cubs. She also lists Brandon Lowe of the Rays as one of their targets.

The Mets have been perusing the trade market in hopes of bolstering their rotation and have their eye on Twins right-hander as one of several targets, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. He adds that the Twins like young Mets righty - hardly a surprise, given that Tong is widely regarded as one of the sport's top pitching prospects.

I'm considering Bo Bichette, but until we actually get past the checkout with Bregman ( "Only 1 available, and it's in 4 other carts"), I'm not sure. If Bregman doesn't return, let's get Bichette at third base. There's room for him at second (maybe?) if we clear room in the outfield and commit to keeping Ceddanne Rafaela in centerfield, where he belongs.

I've been impressed with how Justin Steele is just grinding through his rehab, one of the loneliest aspects of playing a team sport. As Evan Altman reported earlier this week, Steele is progressing ahead of schedule and could be back in the rotation by Opening Day. Assuming Shōta Imanaga returns despite his complicated option clause, the Cubs have a strong five-deep rotation with Steele, Imanaga, Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd, and Jameson Taillon.

The All-Star Game featured a thrilling ninth-inning comeback and a swing-off to determine the winner, showcasing a gripping and competitive match.

The Maple Leafs should leverage their cap space in the trade market this offseason, as the UFA crop is weak and better deals might arise.