NHL free agents 2025: Ranking best players available

NHL free agents 2025: Ranking best players available

The biggest question as the NHL heads to free agency on July 1 is who will be left. Sam Bennett, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP,was re-signed by the Florida Panthersbefore theNHL drafton an eight-year, $64 million deal.Toronto Maple Leafscenter John Tavares also left money on the table with a four-year deal averaging $4.38 million a year.Dallas Starscaptain Jamie Benn signed a bonus-laden one-year deal. Matt Duchene is alsoback with the Stars,trade deadline acquisition Trent Frederic re-signed with the Edmonton Oilers for eight years andChicago Blackhawksleading goal scorer Ryan Donato is sticking around. Jonathan Toews already decided on theWinnipeg Jetsfor hisNHL comeback. And nowreports out of Canadasay the Maple Leafs andVegas Golden Knightsare discussing the possibility of a sign-and-trade deal involving Toronto's Mitch Marner. If that happens, it would take the top free agent off the market. Panthers general manager Bill Zito is still hoping he can bring back Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad. Here are the NHL's top pending unrestricted free agents with thesalary cap going up: The team that signs him will get a prolific scorer. He had a career-best 102 points last season and three other 90-point seasons, all with Toronto. The postseason is another story. The Maple Leafs have been to the second round only twice during his nine years with the team. The Leafs aren't likely to want to lose him for nothing so look for them to trade his rights. He was shockingly traded to the Panthers in March, then put together a playoff to remember with 10 goals. Six of those were in the Stanley Cup Final as he made somespectacular moves. The speedster is a consistent 20-goal scorer and could get more in a place that plays him more than 16 minutes a game. Ekblad is the franchise's top-scoring defenseman after being drafted No. 1 overall in 2014. He led Panthers defensemen in playoff scoring despite missing four games withsuspensions, including two at the tail end of a20-game PED ban. He has expressed an interest in returning. He was a 40-goal scorer in 2023-24. He, like the team, dropped off last season, but he still scored 25 goals, his sixth season of 20 or more. Granlund played well on Dallas' all-Finland line after arriving in a trade from the Sharks. He plays on the power play and penalty kill and had a hat trick in the second round. The shutdown defenseman averaged more than 23 minutes a game, had a career-best plus-26 rating and scored 30 points (second best in career). He's no longer the prolific scorer he was earlier in his career, but he has topped 20 goals in the two seasons since he returned from hip surgery. His numbers have dropped in his past two seasons in Ottawa. But Giroux, 37, still got 50 points and is a former captain. He'll draw interest after a 25-goal season, 10 more than his prior career best. He averages 23 minutes a game, kills penalties and gets power play time. There aren't a lot of free agent goalies out there. Allen had a steady 2.66 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in 29 starts while serving as Jacob Markstrom's backup. He had been bought out by the Winnipeg Jets and rejoined former coach Paul Maurice in Florida. He was a key contributor in the Panthers' run with three goals in their first two playoff games. He showed in Edmonton that he can move up and down the lineup. Teams will appreciate that type of versatility. Kuzmenko bounced around a lot after scoring 39 goals in his first NHL season in 2022-23. He played for three teams this past season and finished strong with the Kings. He's coming off a career-best 39 assists and 40 points. He had 93 points in his two seasons with Colorado, but missed nearly half the season in 2024-25 with injuries. He's 40 and his scoring numbers have dropped, but he still can play a lot of minutes. He hasn't missed a game since the 2013-14 season. He's also 40 but still had 10 playoff goals this season. Even though he has come up short in five recent trips to the Stanley Cup Final, he does get to the championship round. He won in 2007. He scored 20 goals but had diminished ice time in the playoffs, including some scratches. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NHL free agents rankings 2025: Best players available to sign

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June 29, 2025

NHL free agents 2025: Ranking best players available

NHL free agents 2025: Ranking best players available The biggest question as the NHL heads to free agency on July 1 is who will be left. Sa...

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Ilia Topuria makes case for being UFC's pound-for-pound best with first-round KO of Charles Oliveira

Ilia Topuria makes case for being UFC's pound-for-pound best with first-round KO of Charles Oliveira

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Ilia Topuria continued his ascension up the pound-for-pound ladder with a major statement via a vicious first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira to win the vacant lightweight championship Saturday night at UFC 317. Topuria used adevastating right hand before finishing with a left hookto drop Oliveira and end the bout at the 2:27 mark of the opening round, fulfilling his prediction of a first-round KO while sending the announced crowd of 19,800 into a frenzy. "I always say I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts," said Topuria, who closed a -400 favorite at BetMGM sportsbook. Topuria (17-0), who now has 10 first-round finishes to his credit, moved up to the 155-pound weight class following a successful campaign in the featherweight division last year. He claimed that belt with a second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski and defended his title by finishing Max Holloway in the third round of an October bout in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Topuria, who came in ranked fourth on UFC's pound-for-pound list, joined nine others who have held a UFC belt in two weight classes. He is the first undefeated fighter to become champion in two UFC divisions. "I think tonight was his big night," UFC CEO and president Dana White said. "We have a star on our hands." Oliveira (35-11), who has the most finishes in UFC history, was hoping to become the first fighter to win the lightweight belt on separate occasions. Fellow lightweight Paddy Pimblett was in the audience and summoned to the ring, wherea heated exchangeled to Topuria shoving the eighth-ranked contender and igniting a rivalry from years ago. "Let's (expletive) fight! If you're ready, I'm here," Topuria said to Pimblett before he entered the ring. White wasn't happy with Pimblett getting in the ring, knowing the history of bad blood between the two. The pair have been at odds for some time, after they came to blows when Pimblett threw a bottle of hand sanitizer at Topuria's head in 2022. "That was a heavy knockout, I'll give you that," Pimblett said to Topuria. "But you will never knock me out." Replied Topuria: "I'm going to submit you." In the co-main event, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja (30-5) successfully defended his belt by applying a rear-naked chokehold to defeat Kai Kara-France (25-12) at the 1:55 mark of the third round. It marked the second time the fighters met, nine years after their quarterfinal clash on the reality show "The Ultimate Fighter," also won by Pantoja, but by unanimous decision. Pantoja, who closed a -250 favorite and extended his win streak to eight fights, won the title two years ago when he beat Brandon Moreno by decision, and has now defended his title successfully four times. The 35-year-old Brazilian was joined in the ring after his victory by No. 12 Joshua Van, who put on a show of his own. Van (15-2-0) defeated No. 1 contender Brandon Royval (17-8-0) in a slugfest in which both fighters displayed incredible boxing skills. Van, who closed a -120 favorite, used an overhand right to drop Royval before closing out the bout with a severe ground-and-pound to secure the unanimous decision. The 419 combined significant strikes landed were the third most in a UFC fight, and the most in both a three-round bout and a featherweight clash. Moments after Pantoja's win, Van challenged Pantoja with both standing nose to nose before exiting the octagon. Other matches from the main card: In a lightweight bout, No. 9 Beneil Dariush (23-6-1) survived a first-round knockdown to defeat No. 11 Renato Moicano (20-7-1) via unanimous decision. In a bantamweight battle, Payton Talbott (10-1-0) used a much-improved ground game to register a unanimous decision over Felipe Lima (14-2-0). ___ AP sports:https://apnews.com/hub/sports

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June 29, 2025

Ilia Topuria makes case for being UFC's pound-for-pound best with first-round KO of Charles Oliveira

Ilia Topuria makes case for being UFC's pound-for-pound best with first-round KO of Charles Oliveira LAS VEGAS (AP) — Ilia Topuria conti...

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Dave Parker's teammates, Hall of Famers, current Pirates react to his death: 'One of the greatest to ever do it'

Dave Parker's teammates, Hall of Famers, current Pirates react to his death: 'One of the greatest to ever do it'

The baseball world mournedthe death of Dave Parker, Hall of Famer and former National League MVP, on Saturday. The 19-year major leaguer had battled Parkinson's disease for nearly 15 years. ThePittsburgh PiratesandCincinnati Reds, the teams with whom Parker played the majority of his MLB career, expressed their condolences. As did theAthletics,Angels,BrewersandBlue Jays, in addition toMajor League Baseball. We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker.A legendary Pirate, Parker spent 11 years in a Pirates uniform, winning 2 batting titles, an MVP award and a World Series Championship in 1979.The Cobra was part of the inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame…pic.twitter.com/UuikGxw6dI — Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates)June 28, 2025 Plenty of Parker's former teammates, fellow Hall of Famers and current Pirates players voiced their sympathies as well. Fellow Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven and Parker were teammates on the Pirates from 1977-80, which included winning the World Series in 1979. "What a sad [day] as my former teammate and friend, HOF'er Dave Parker, passed away," Blyleven posted on social media. "He fought Parkinson's for years. Our condolences to his wife Kellye, his family and everyone that had the great opportunity to be with him. RIP Cobra." What a sad as my former teammate and friend HOF'er Dave Parker passed away. He fought Parkinson's for years. Our condolences to his wife Kellye, his family and everyone that had the great opportunity to be with him. RIP Cobra 🙏🙏🙏❤️pic.twitter.com/xR23BqVLw2 — Bert Blyleven (@BertBlyleven28)June 28, 2025 "Man, I am crushed," former teammate Dave Stewart toldUSA Today's Bob Nightengale. "He's one of the greatest teammates I've ever had. He had such a presence when he walked into the room." Parker and Stewart played together on the Oakland Athletics in 1988 and 1989, getting to the World Series in both seasons and winning a championship on their second try. Oakland A's DH Dave Parker hits a HR vs. the San Francisco Giants in Game 1 of the 1989 World Series! (Al Michaels with the call) Happy 74th Birthday to Dave "The Cobra" Parker!#MLB#Baseball#History#Athleticspic.twitter.com/AK4u291Kzc — Baseball by BSmile (@BSmile)June 9, 2025 Keith Hernandez didn't play on any teams with Parker, but was certainly a peer as both were top major leaguers in the late 1970s through the 1980s. "The best player of the late '70s and early '80s," Hernandez told the New York Post's Mike Puma. "Great boisterous peer. "He used to say, "When the leaves turn brown, I will be wearing the [batting title] crown." Until I usurped his crown in '79. He was a better player than me. RIP." Keith Hernandez on Dave Parker's passing: "The best player of the late '70s and early '80s. Great boisterous peer. He used to say, "When the leaves turn brown, I will be wearing the [batting title] crown." Until I usurped his crown in '79. He was a better player than me. RIP. — Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets)June 28, 2025 Hernandez did indeed win the National League batting title in 1979 with a .344 average after Parker won it for the previous two consecutive seasons, batting .338 in 1977 and .334 in 1978. Fellow Hall of Famer Frank Thomas remembered fielding a ground ball from Parker at first base early in his major league career. RIP Dave Parker the Cobra! One of the greatest to ever do it. Loved watching you as a kid. I will always remember that first line drive ground ball you hit me in the show right off my chest. You said welcome to the show kid. That Big smile and the finger point trot.#Legendary — Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35)June 28, 2025 "RIP, Dave Parker, the Cobra!" Thomas posted on social media. "One of the greatest to ever do it. Love watching you as a kid. I will always remember that first line drive ground ball you hit me in the show right off my chest." "You said, welcome to the show, kid," he continued. "That big smile and the finger point trot. #Legendary." Eric Davis, Parker's teammate with the Reds, issued a statement because he was too distraught to talk,according to Nightengale. The thought that Parker wouldn't be alive for his Hall of Fame induction was too upsetting. "He probably had more impact on young players than any player I've ever been around," Davis said. "He was a big, loveable...he was funny you could mess with him, not too much." - Terry Francona shared his feelings about his former teammate, the late Dave Parker.#Reds@WCPOpic.twitter.com/7YRLvOLTqn — Marshall Kramsky (@marshallkramsky)June 29, 2025 Current Reds manager Terry Francona played with Parker on the 1987 Reds and 1990 Brewers, remembered getting to play with a star he long admired. "He was a big, lovable... I caught him toward the end of his career," Francona recalled. "He was funny, you could mess with him. "Not too much," he added with a laugh. Andrew McCutchen on the late Dave Parker:pic.twitter.com/IcpxLNHHXY — Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf)June 29, 2025 Pirates veteran Andrew McCutchen shared his thoughts on Parkerwith MLB.com's Alex Stumpf, acknowledging what he meant to Pittsburgh fans. "It's a tough thing to hear, but he had been battling Parkinson's for quite some time,"McCutchen said. "It was rough to see him go through that. I just hope now he's in a a better place and not having to worry about any of that stuff anymore." "Just thinking about his family and the fanbase who may have had any type of interaction with him, childhoods," he added. "He was probably Superman to a lot of people when he played." McCutchen's teammate,Nick Gonzales, currently wears the No. 39 jersey that Parker wore during his 11 seasons with the Pirates (and throughout his career) and thinks it should be retired. Nicky G on wearing Dave Parker's #39 ⬇️"I think it should be retired and I should get a new number, honestly... it's an honor just to wear it on my back."pic.twitter.com/gZlOfbKXPh — SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh)June 29, 2025 "It just meant a little bit more today, playing with that number," Gonzales said on Saturday. "I think it should be retired and I should get a new number, honestly." "That might happen at some point," he continued. "For what he did for this community... it's an honor just to wear it on my back." Parker waselected to the Baseball Hall of Famein December by the Classic Era Committee, earning votes on 14 of 16 ballots. He will be officially inducted into Cooperstown on July 27.

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June 29, 2025

Dave Parker's teammates, Hall of Famers, current Pirates react to his death: 'One of the greatest to ever do it'

Dave Parker's teammates, Hall of Famers, current Pirates react to his death: 'One of the greatest to ever do it' The baseball wo...

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Ferreira, Musovski score goals to lead Seattle's 2-0 win over Austin; Rusnák reaches MLS milestone

Ferreira, Musovski score goals to lead Seattle's 2-0 win over Austin; Rusnák reaches MLS milestone

SEATTLE (AP) — Jesús Ferreira and Danny Musovski scored midway through the match and the Seattle Sounders defeated Austin FC 2-0 on Saturday night to move into fifth place in the Western Conference of the MLS. Ferreira scored in the second minute of first-half stoppage time, giving the Sounders a 1-0 halftime lead. He connected with a right-footed shot from the center of the box to the top right corner. He was assisted by Paul Rothrock, with a second assist by Albert Rusnák. The assist made Rusnák the 13th player in MLS history to record 65 career goals and 65 career assists. He leads the Sounders offensively this season, with seven goals and four assists. In the 54th minute, Musovski scored with a right-footed shot from the right side of the box to the bottom left corner. Ferreira had the assist. The Sounders (29 points, 8-6-5) move into fifth place, their three points for the win breaking a tie with Austin which remains at 26 points (7-8-5) and San Jose. San Jose has 27 points after a 1-1 tie with LA Galaxy. Austin's Brad Stuver made four saves. Seattle's Stefan Frei had one save for the clean sheet. Seattle's Reed Baker-Whiting was shown a second yellow card in the 89th minute. It was Seattle's first match of the second half of the MLS season. The Sounders recently played three matches in the FIFA Club World Cup. Austin last played on June 14 in a MLS match. Up next Austin hosts LAFC on Saturday. Seattle hosts Columbus on Sunday. ___ AP soccer:https://apnews.com/soccer

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June 28, 2025

Ferreira, Musovski score goals to lead Seattle's 2-0 win over Austin; Rusnák reaches MLS milestone

Ferreira, Musovski score goals to lead Seattle's 2-0 win over Austin; Rusnák reaches MLS milestone SEATTLE (AP) — Jesús Ferreira and Dan...

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Bowman Gray Stadium race ends in absolute chaos, with one driver drop-kicking a competitor's car

Bowman Gray Stadium race ends in absolute chaos, with one driver drop-kicking a competitor's car

North Carolina's Bowman Gray Stadium has seen some of the weirdest and wildest races in the world of auto racing, but Saturday might have been a new peak (or low). Driving the No. 8 car in a 20-lap street stock race, Kyler Staley was a step ahead of Brad Lewis in the final stretch and seemingly about to win, when his father decided to help out. Sitting far enough behind the leaders to be just ahead of the finish line, Zack Staley slowed down in front of Lewis to try to swing the result. It didn't work out. It was actually Kyler who slowed down more, while Lewis surged between father and son for the win. And then it got stupid. 🚨 All hell just broke loose at@BGSRacingat the finish for the Street Stocks!#BowmanGraypic.twitter.com/VwXXFSaNR1 — FloRacing (@FloRacing)June 29, 2025 Lewis' daughter Emilee had been trailing behind the leaders in the final lap and apparently didn't appreciate Zack Staley's attempt to sabotage her father, as she drove straight into him and spun him out after crossing the finish line. Both of the Staleys were visibly livid. When Brad Lewis was given the checkered flag as the winner, Kyler ran out of his car to confront him, but Lewis just drove away. Kyler got into it with Emilee Lewis, and then Zack ran across the infield and drop-kicked the windshield of her car in a scene straight out of "Talladega Nights." After the kick, Zack started ripping up the hood until the police intervened. As he walked away, he issued a middle-finger salute behind him. Then his son climbed on his own car and did the same. The official results were Brad Lewis first, Kyler Staley second, Emilee Lewis third and Zack Staley 14th in a 21-car race. It is unclear what consequences await the drivers involved.

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June 28, 2025

Bowman Gray Stadium race ends in absolute chaos, with one driver drop-kicking a competitor's car

Bowman Gray Stadium race ends in absolute chaos, with one driver drop-kicking a competitor's car North Carolina's Bowman Gray Stadiu...

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