Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x
Wild re-sign Adam Raska to one-year, two-way contract
© Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

The State of Hockey is keeping a player in the fold for another year.

On Tuesday, Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin announced the team has re-signed forward Adam Raska to a one-year contract.

Raska is on a two-way contract, with a $775,000 NHL cap hit, and a minor-league salary of $97,500. Raska started the 2023-24 campaign elsewhere, as he was with the San Jose Sharks organization, the team that took the Czechia winger in the seventh round of the 2020 NHL Draft. He was dealt to the Wild in the trade that saw the Sharks receive Calen Addison in early November.

Raska played just five games for Minnesota, appearing in 49 games with the AHL’s Iowa Wild. While in Iowa, he notched three goals and four assists. He has yet to register a point in 13 NHL games. He has played no more than five games in the NHL over the past three seasons.

In 159 AHL games with Iowa and the San Jose Barracuda, the former Rimouski Oceanic product has posted 12 goals and 20 assists.

Raska played parts of two seasons in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League with the Oceanic. In 57 games, he registered 25 goals and 21 assists, including six points in eight games during the 2021 playoffs.

He has also registered his country on a number of occasions. While he had the chance to play on the Under-16 and Under-17 Czech National Teams, Raska made his big-time international debut at the 2019 IIHF Men’s Under-18 World Championship. He ended up appearing on the Czechia roster at the 2020 and 2021 IIHF World Junior Championships, posting an assist in nine games over the two tournaments.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST

How the Maple Leafs Will Deploy Easton Cowan This Season
NHL

How the Maple Leafs Will Deploy Easton Cowan This Season

He’s undoubtedly the next big thing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, in terms of prospects – especially after the trade that sent Fraser Minten to the Boston Bruins last season – but the next few months aren’t as transparent for Easton Cowan as some might want them to be. Coming off another strong season with the OHL’s London Knights, which included an OHL championship, a Memorial Cup championship and most valuable player honours in the Memorial Cup tournament, naturally Cowan’s next step would be to crack the Maple Leafs’ NHL roster. Right? But what if it isn’t that easy? There’s a reality here where Cowan misses out on the Maple Leafs’ roster again and starts the season elsewhere. Projecting the Maple Leafs’ Lineup As it stands, the Maple Leafs have four full lines with two other players ahead of Cowan on paper when it comes to the team’s depth chart – David Kämpf and Nick Robertson. The additions of Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy and Matias Maccelli have filled voids in the lineup and speculation around trading away Kämpf and Calle Järnkrok still linger. That said, even if Brad Treliving were to move on from Järnkrok and Kämpf, that would leave one spot in the current projected lineup for an opening night roster. Enter Robertson, who has an arbitration date early in August and could land that open spot. Even then, rumours have swirled that the Maple Leafs are still in the market for a potential top-six forward that could push players deeper in to the team’s lineup and, as a result, bump Cowan a little further down the depth chart. Middle Six Protection is Ideal for Cowan Upon NHL Arrival Even with his production in the OHL, given the projected lineup for the Maple Leafs, Cowan will have to truly stand out in camp to crack the opening night roster for the 2025-26 season. It’s not a commentary on his inabilities, nor a lack of skill. Rather it’s a discussion of the necessary development needed to help him be successful and stay in the NHL when that time comes. It would be detrimental to Cowan if the Maple Leafs were to start him in the NHL and for him to find himself in and out of the lineup to kick off his rookie campaign. Likewise, filling in a fourth line role would also hinder his development. How is he supposed to take the next step in his growth with seven to eight minutes of playing time? When the time comes that Cowan makes the jump to the NHL, his spot should be in a middle-six role, with some powerplay opportunities. Playing a middle-six role would allow him to see 12 to 15 minutes of ice-time per game while still protecting him from playing against opposing top lines, at least to start his career. Now, that’s not to say he can’t work his way up the lineup into a top-six role. But it goes back to the old Detroit Red Wings’ mentality – what’s the rush in developing your top prospects? Maple Leafs Can’t Develop Cowan Like Robertson The issue with bringing Cowan into a bottom-six role too early is one that could affect his overall development. While it’s hard to compare two players – with both having different mental approaches to the game, different abilities on the ice and just overall – the rush to get a prospect into the NHL prior to developing their game at the AHL level has some recency bias when it comes to the organization. Take Robertson for example. A drafted, home-grown, talented forward who has been in and out of the Maple Leafs lineup since his debut in the playoffs in 2019-20, Robertson’s journey to become a regular for the team has been well-documented. The argument can be made that injuries played a role in setting Robertson back at times in his career, but they were just a piece of the puzzle that has hindered his overall growth at times. For the Maple Leafs to repeat this process with Cowan, it would be a mistake. Cowan has been highly-touted by the organization ever since they drafted him – surprisingly to some – with the 28th overall pick in 2023. Since then, he’s gone on to have 165 points in 100 regular season games in the OHL with two OHL championships and a Memorial Cup win. But that doesn’t mean his path to the NHL is done just yet. Maple Leafs Should Set the Path for Cowan’s Climb A start elsewhere doesn’t mean that we won’t see Cowan in the NHL this season. Having signed his entry-level contract, Cowan is ineligible to play at the NCAA level. But there is another option. Cowan can kick off the season with a strong AHL program in the Toronto Marlies. He would still be in the city – a city that thrives on their hockey – and he would be right around the corner from the big club. This would provide him the opportunity to take the next step in his development without exposing him right away to NHL-level criticism and opposition. The jump from major junior to the NHL isn’t always as smooth as we make it seem. In saying that, it almost seems irresponsible if the Maple Leafs don’t have that conversation with Cowan before sending him to the Marlies. Let him know that he’s the next to be called up if he can show that same level of commitment to the Marlies that he has throughout his junior career. If he can, and the Maple Leafs either make a move early in the season or have a significant injury, then Cowan becomes the next guy on the list to don the blue and white. It’s not necessarily about giving him an opportunity to jump straight from the OHL to the NHL, rather it’s about having the team communicate with the player to let them know where their head is at. As for Cowan, he’s a competitive player that believes he should be in the NHL and wants to be in the NHL. That desire alone will get him there in due time. But it’s fair for the organization not to cheat the development process with this particular prospect. It’s time to do it the right way and make sure they set Cowan up for success – with a long and prosperous career as a piece to a winning organization in the Maple Leafs.

Pelicans’ exec makes team's stance on Zion Williamson crystal clear
NBA

Pelicans’ exec makes team's stance on Zion Williamson crystal clear

It’s wild how quickly the NBA narrative can flip. A year ago, Zion Williamson was in every trade rumor possible. People were questioning his health, his work ethic, even his future in New Orleans. And the Pelicans? They didn’t really deny any of it. It felt like both sides were one step away from walking. But things have shifted this offseason — quietly, but clearly. The Pelicans could’ve pulled the plug. Zion’s contract gave them outs, and the trade market might’ve still brought back some real value. Instead, they stuck with him. And based on what one of their own just said, they’re not just keeping him around — they’re still betting big on him. In a recent interview with Spotrac’s Keith Smith, an anonymous Pelicans executive made it crystal clear. “Zion is still our guy. We’re all in on him. We think he’s going to have a huge year. We’ve had some bad injury luck and some things that just haven’t worked out. This partnership hasn’t even come close to reaching our best yet.” That’s not something you say if you’re halfway in. They backed it up with their offseason moves, too. They traded CJ McCollum and brought in Jordan Poole, a high-usage creator who can take pressure off Zion. They drafted Jeremiah Fears with the No. 7 pick, a dynamic young guard. They added Kevon Looney, a reliable veteran who brings playoff experience and toughness. Those aren’t tear-it-down moves — those are “let’s try this another way” moves. Of course, Zion’s health is still the question. That never really goes away. He played just 30 games last season, but in those games he looked solid: 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per night on 56.7 percent shooting. The explosiveness was there. The playmaking was sharp. And the hope for New Orleans is that this time, he can finally sustain it. What’s interesting is how the front office is trying to create a better environment around him. Joe Dumars has stepped in to lead basketball operations and is reportedly building a closer relationship with Zion — dinners, real conversations, not just surface-level stuff. It feels like, for once, the team is trying to meet him halfway. It’s a risk, sure. But it’s a calculated one. The West is brutal and the margin for error is thin. Still, if Zion can stay healthy for 60 games, and if Poole finds a rhythm and guys like Trey Murphy and Herb Jones keep improving — this team has a shot to be in the mix. The quote from the exec says it all. They could’ve hit reset, moved on, cleaned house. But they didn’t. They’re still in. And now it’s on Zion to hold up his end of the deal. After everything that’s happened, they’re telling the world they still believe. Now it’s time to find out if they’re right.

Milwaukee Brewers: Eugenio Suarez Trade Rumors Heat Up, MLB Analyst Gives 1 Reason Team Could Have Upper Hand
MLB

Milwaukee Brewers: Eugenio Suarez Trade Rumors Heat Up, MLB Analyst Gives 1 Reason Team Could Have Upper Hand

The Milwaukee Brewers, at 61-41, lead the Chicago Cubs by one game in the two-team race for the National League Central Division and currently have the best record in all Major League Baseball. With 60 games remaining, though, the season is far from over and several other contending teams are about to get a whole lot better very soon. This, of course, is because the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline is right around the corner. Many teams, including Milwaukee’s biggest challengers in the National League, have been rumored and linked to various stars that are on the trade block. One of the biggest names that is expected to be moved is Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez, a two-time All-Star who is hitting .252/.325/.593 with 36 home runs and a Major League-leading 86 RBI. And while he has been linked to many teams, including the Cubs, one MLB analyst thinks the Brewers will have the upper hand if they choose to pursue him. Why the Milwaukee Brewers Could Land Eugenio Suarez in a Trade Brewers third baseman Caleb Durbin is making a case for himself to be considered for the National League Rookie of the Year Award, hitting .260/.345/.376 with five home runs and 35 RBI. But one thing that Milwaukee is seriously lacking on offense is a power hitter who can consistently hit home runs and elevate the rest of the team around him. The Brewers score many runs by utilizing small ball and taking advantage of mistakes made by opposing defenses. With so many hitters that are younger and do not have a consistent power swing, many analysts think that the Brewers would want to trade for Suarez ahead of the deadline. And one of these analysts thinks there is one thing that would tip the scales in Milwaukee’s favor in a bidding war: their pitching depth. “The vibes are immaculate right now and just about everything is going right. Why stir the pot at the trade deadline? I don’t see it that way. I see an excellent team that is as well-positioned to make a World Series run as any point in franchise history. Caleb Durbin has been red hot the last few weeks at third base, though Suárez would still be an upgrade, plus smart teams figure out how to make the “more good players than lineup spots” thing work. “Milwaukee might finish with only three double-digit home run guys this year. Suárez has game-changing power and is an excellent clubhouse guy, plus the Brewers are pretty much the only contender with rotation depth to spare. The Diamondbacks are said to be seeking young pitching in any trade. The Brewers have it. They match up very well as trade partners.” As one can see, CBS Sports believes that Milwaukee can part with one of their young controllable arms to win the Suarez sweepstakes. The big question, though, is if they would be willing to do so. Jose Quintana and Nestor Cortes will be gone next season, leaving in free agency. Freddy Peralta only has one more year left on his contract. Brandon Woodruff’s future with the team is unknown despite the good vibes surrounding his long-awaited comeback. In other words, the Brewers will need to restock their starting rotation next year, making parting with any of their current pieces a difficult decision.

Phillies’ 1.83 ERA starter drawing trade interest ahead of deadline
MLB

Phillies’ 1.83 ERA starter drawing trade interest ahead of deadline

The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the best starting rotations in baseball. Not only do they have a great front five, but there goes, potentially, eight pitchers deep with MLB talent. Unsurprisingly, with such a surplus of talent, the Phillies are drawing trade interest in their starters. Ranger Suarez, whose contract expires at the end of the year, would be a typical trade deadline candidate. But he's going nowhere. Instead, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies are drawing trade interest in Phillies right-handed prospect Mick Abel. The 23-year-old starter could be a trade chip if the Phillies find a suitable trade target. "... Same goes for Mick Abel," Gelb writes, "who is drawing trade interest." The Phillies right-hander has impressed in his brief Major League stint, even if he now sits at a 5.04 ERA in six starts. His ceiling, which he displayed in his MLB debut, is enough to captivate teams around baseball. In the minors, Abel has been dominant this season. He has a 1.83 ERA in 12 starts in Triple-A, a significant improvement over his 6.46 ERA in 2024. Abel's progress this season has been incredible, and has teams interested in trading for him. If the Phillies find a trade partner for an outfielder or a dominant reliever, Abel could be a centerpiece of a deal to land such a player at the deadline. With the crowded rotation, Abel might not have a starting role on the roster for the rest of the season. He could go to the bullpen for the postseason run or be dealt to land a high-profile reliever or outfielder. But, regardless of what the Phillies do with Abel, this report from Gelb is a good sign. If teams around baseball are interested in Abel, then his progress isn't just a facade; it's something teams are willing to buy in on.

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!