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Is Jordan Binnington ‘s act, accompanied by his value on the trade market the kind of combination that will see the St. Louis Blues try to move him this summer? One insider believes that could be the case as Elliotte Friedman addressed trade speculation in his latest episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast. At the very least, Friedman believes Binnington’s future with the Blues is uncertain.
Friedman’s recent remarks on the 32 Thoughts Podcast have sparked speculation about potential upheaval within the St. Louis Blues organization. He suggests that General Manager Doug Armstrong is contemplating significant roster changes, hinting at a forthcoming overhaul of the roster. One key consideration is the future of goaltender Jordan Binnington, whose contractual situation may prompt his departure from St. Louis.
Despite Binnington’s notable contributions to the team, Friedman notes that trading him could be part of the Blues’ rebuilding strategy. Binnington’s contractual clauses, including a partial no-trade clause, add complexity to any potential trade discussions. However, his departure could yield valuable assets for the team’s future, particularly in acquiring high-end prospects.
The Blues’ goaltending depth, highlighted by promising young goalie Joel Hofer, adds another layer to the decision-making process. While Binnington’s departure may unsettle some fans, it could align with the team’s long-term objectives.
Binnington Continues to Gain Detractors
In a recent game against the Anaheim Ducks, tensions flared as Binnington engaged in a skirmish with Ducks’ forward Ross Johnston. The altercation stemmed from earlier incidents, including a slash by Johnston on Binnington during the first period. Binnington’s response demonstrates his competitiveness and willingness to protect his teammates. It also proves he’s still a hothead. While he’s got value for his goaltending skills, his temper is not something every team will line up to acquire. Should his numbers drop, the Blues might have a harder time moving him. It might be best to get ahead of any downturn in market value by moving him sooner rather than later.
Amidst uncertainty surrounding Binnington’s future and potential roster changes, the Blues face crucial decisions that could shape their franchise trajectory. There’s often a lot of talk surrounding Armstrong’s teams. He doesn’t always pull the trigger on moves, but he’s not afraid to.
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Hurricanes take care of business, sign star winger to lucrative eight-year extension
The Hurricanes announced Thursday night that they’ve signed winger Jackson Blake to an eight-year, $45M extension that will kick in for the 2026-27. While that would normally mean an average annual value and cap hit of $5.625M, the actual cap hit of the contract will fall in the $5.1M range due to deferred compensation, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports. The contract buys out the extent of Blake’s RFA eligibility and will make him a UFA following the 2033-34 season. Blake’s stock has been on the rise since immediately after Carolina selected him in the fourth round in 2021. He was a USHL All-Star in his post-draft season with the Chicago Steel before making the jump to NCAA hockey with North Dakota, where he totaled 102 points in 79 games in two seasons — earning a Hobey Baker finalist nod in his sophomore year. He signed his entry-level contract with the Hurricanes in April 2024 and joined them for the brief remainder of the regular season. In his first full pro season, Blake hit the ground running. He made the Canes out of camp and had five points through his first nine games despite seeing less than 12 minutes of ice time per night. That offense didn’t quite hold up the rest of the way, though. While he ended up seeing significant deployment alongside Sebastian Aho at even strength, he ended up finishing the year with a 17-17–34 scoring line in 80 games, finishing ninth on the team in scoring and ninth in Calder Trophy voting as the league’s Rookie of the Year. That’s fine production, especially considering he averaged under 14 minutes per game on the year. He’ll need to build on it to justify that cap hit, though, especially with so much risk attached to a max-term deal. The good news is that Blake has another year left on his entry-level contract to continue his development before he’ll need to start justifying that cap hit. The son of former NHLer Jason Blake turns 22 next month, yet with this deal, he’s guaranteed to surpass his dad’s career earnings. The Hurricanes have historically opted to sign their young players for as long and as early as possible, a trend that continues here. Sometimes, it’s paid off — their eight-year, $59.4M commitment to Seth Jarvis last offseason looks like a steal after he put up a repeat 67-point performance in 2024-25. There’s also the glaring example of where that strategy has failed regarding center Jesperi Kotkaniemi, whose $4.82M cap hit looks more stomachable now with a rising ceiling but is still well above his market value four years into the deal. The jury is still out on newly acquired Logan Stankoven, who they inked to an eight-year, $48M extension at the beginning of the month. Blake’s deal will be one of the last of its kind. It contains two elements — deferred compensation and an eight-year term — that will be outlawed when the new CBA Memorandum of Understanding takes effect on Sep. 15, 2026. If he waited until reaching RFA status next summer to sign, a lengthy negotiation could have lost him that eighth year if the two sides didn’t come to terms until the beginning of training camp. With the salary cap’s upper limit projected to reach $104M in 2026-27, the Hurricanes have around $16M in projected space with Blake’s and Stankoven’s deals taken care of. While they’re projected to be Carolina’s 11th- and 12th-highest-paid forwards on their opening night roster this season, they’ll be their fifth- and sixth-highest-paid forwards in 2026-27.
Knicks Primed to Land Former All-Star in Free Agency as Potential Buyout Looms
Who doesn't love playing in a big market like New York, Los Angeles, and some of the other prime destinations that the NBA has to offer? Kevin Love certainly doesn't mind them. In fact, the former All-Star prefers them. Jake Fischer recently offered insight into where the aging big man may end up as his next destination. The NBA insider reaffirmed previous reports that stated Love prefers a big market. Fischer said, "So with Kevin Love, to my understanding, he really only wants to be in the big glamour markets. I do think it would mostly be something along the lines of Kevin Love going to a New York or a Los Angeles type of situation. So, we'll see if that can materialize for him." With the New York Knicks still in the market for a boost to their depth, Love could be a natural connection for the team to explore. The recently-traded big man will await his buyout from the Utah Jazz. If or when those terms are settled, the Knicks could add the former champion to a spot on the bench. Veteran presence of Kevin Love not without value for New York Love is certainly long past his days as a double-double machine, like he was with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The floor-spacing big man is not even what he used to be with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, writing him off entirely would be unwise. If there is not key thing Love can still offer to any team, it is undoubtedly his 3-point shooting. The 36-year-old shot 35.8 percent from beyond the arc last season for the Miami Heat. No one is saying to offer Love a prominent bench role, or anything of the sort. However, when the situation calls for an offensive lift and a spaced out floor, the former top five pick can still fit the bill in that scenario.
Dustin Rhodes Assigns Blame After Hulk Hogan’s Death
Following the shocking news of Hulk Hogan’s passing, wrestling legend Dustin Rhodes, known to millions as Goldust in WWE, took to social media to share a deeply personal and provocative reaction: “Hospitals truly kill people. I really do mean that.” Rhodes’ blunt statement stunned many fans, but those who know his story saw the pain behind the words. His father, the iconic Dusty Rhodes, passed away in 2015, aged 69, after a fall at home led to hospitalization for kidney failure. After his father's passing, Dustin shared a contemplative response on WWE's YouTube channel to discuss the legacy his father left behind. The news of Hogan's death comes just a month after reports suggested he was on his "deathbed" after undergoing a neck procedure back in May. Hogan's reps denied that was the case. In June, US Weekly reported that Hogan had also undergone a "pretty serious heart surgery and was doing well afterward." Dustin’s connection to his brother Cody Rhodes, now a top WWE superstar and face of the company’s next generation, is unbreakable. The Rhodes family legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of pro wrestling history, and seeing another legend like Hogan pass has clearly hit close to home. While Goldust and Hulk Hogan never had a headline-grabbing rivalry, they did share the ring once. It occurred in WCW in 2000 when Dustin Rhodes matched up against Hogan. Although their paths didn’t often cross in the squared circle, Hogan and the Rhodes family were part of the same larger-than-life era that helped define pro wrestling for decades and catapult the sport into society's zeitgeist. Rhodes’ comment about hospitals might not sit well with everyone, but it speaks to a raw and honest pain felt by someone who has seen too many legends, both personal and professional, fade away in similar fashion. The sport of wrestling has endured more than its fair share of lives cut short. As tributes continue to pour in for Hogan, Rhodes’ reaction serves as a powerful, if somber, reminder of the real human emotions behind the wrestling personas.
Vikings HC discusses Justin Jefferson's availability for Week 1 after injury
On Friday, the Minnesota Vikings announced a concerning training-camp injury for Justin Jefferson, which will sideline the star wide receiver during the preseason. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell told the media that Jefferson felt discomfort on Thursday. Minnesota discovered he has a mild left hamstring strain. The Vikings plan to be cautious with the four-time Pro Bowl receiver during the preseason. However, O'Connell believes there is no doubt that Jefferson will play the Chicago Bears in Week 1 at Soldier Field. "The best thing is, we avoided anything serious," O'Connell said via Alec Lewis of The Athletic. "I see no concerns in regards to the opener (against Chicago). I have no worry at all that we’ll be able to get Justin ready to go for the regular season.” Jefferson, 26, suffered a right hamstring injury in Week 5 of the 2023 campaign, causing him to miss seven games. The All-Pro wideout is coming off a season where he recorded 103 receptions for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Vikings are doing the right thing by choosing to be cautious in the preseason with their best player. Minnesota needs its No. 1 receiver available for first-year starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the regular season. Jefferson has had big games against the Bears during his time in the league, including four games (out of eight appearances) with 100+ receiving yards. He has 50 receptions for 685 yards and three touchdowns against Chicago since he was taken by the Vikings in the first round of the 2020 draft.
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