NHL free agency officially opened at noon ET Tuesday, but general managers had been busy whittling down the list beforehand.

Gone was top target Mitch Marner, who headed to the Vegas Golden Knights after a sign-and-trade deal Monday. Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito reached deals with Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand, three days after signing playoff MVP Sam Bennett, giving his team a chance at another title.

In a bit of a surprise, Brock Boeser stayed with the Vancouver Canucks as the clock hit noon ET on Tuesday.

But there were other impactful players out there. Mikael Granlund signed with the Anaheim Ducks and Vladislav Gavrikov signed with the New York Rangers, who traded defenseman K’Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes. Forward Nikolaj Ehlers hadn’t signed as of 9 p.m. ET.

Follow along as USA TODAY tracks signings and trades that take place at the start of NHL free agency July 1:

Hurricanes sign K’Andre Miller after trade with Rangers

The Hurricanes signed defenseman K’Andre Miller to an eight-year deal with a $7.5 million cap hit after acquiring him from the Rangers. Carolina gives up defenseman Scott Morrow, a conditional first-round pick and Carolina’s 2026 second-rounder in the trade. The Rangers dealt Miller, 25, to free up the space to sign top free agent defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov.

Miller gives the Hurricanes a young defenseman for their roster with Dmitry Orlov and Brent Burns hitting free agency. ‘Right now, I do not anticipate either of them being back with us,’ general manager Eric Tulsky said. ‘Obviously that could change with one phone call.’

The Hurricanes also signed free agent defenseman Mike Reilly to a one-year, $1.1 million deal. He played for the Islanders last season.

Rangers re-sign Will Cuylle

New York locked up its top restricted free-agent priority to a two-year, $7.8 million deal on July 1, as first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. It will carry an average annual value of $3.9 million. Cuylle’s coming off a sophomore NHL season in which he scored 20 goals while breaking the franchise’s single-season record with 301 hits. – Vince Z. Mercogliano, lohud.com

Sharks sign John Klingberg

The veteran defenseman gets a one-year, $4 million deal. He had played for the Oilers last season, suiting up for 19 playoff games and four in the final. The Sharks also signed forwards Philip Kurashev (one year, $1.2 million) and Adam Gaudette (two years, $2 million average) and traded for goalie Alex Nedeljkovic.

Devils sign Evgenii Dadonov

He’ll get a one-year, $1 million deal that could grow with bonuses. He’s coming off a 20-goal season in Dallas, but his ice time shrank in the playoffs.

Stars sign Radek Faksa

His three-year deal will average $2 million. Faksa played his entire career in Dallas, except for 2024-25, when the depth forward played for the Blues. He won 57% of his faceoffs this past season and he kills penalties. The Stars also are bringing back forward Colin Blackwell on a two-year deal with a $775,000 cap hit.

Mammoth sign Vitek Vanecek

The goalie signs a one-year, $1.5 million contract. He split time between San Jose and Florida last season, getting to lift the Stanley Cup. Utah backup goalie Connor Ingram is out indefinitely after entering the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program.

Ducks sign Mikael Granlund

He gets a three-year deal, with a reported $7 million cap hit. Granlund played on an all-Finland in Dallas after arriving in a trade, but the Stars didn’t have the cap room to keep him. The Ducks continue to be aggressive in trying to get back to the playoffs after earlier trading for Chris Kreider.

Wild sign Nico Sturm

He’ll average $2 million in the two-year deal. Sturm is strong on faceoffs and kills penalties. He spilt time the past between the Sharks and Panthers, winning a Stanley Cup with Florida. He started his career in Minnesota.

Islanders sign Jonathan Drouin

He gets a two-year contract with a reported $4 million average. He averaged 0.76 points per game in two seasons in Colorado but missed nearly half of the 2024-25 season.

Devils sign Connor Brown

He’ll average $3 million in the four-year deal. Brown has reached the Stanley Cup Final the past two seasons with the Oilers. He can move up and down the lineup and teams appreciate that versatility.

Mammoth sign Brandon Tanev

He’ll average $2.5 million in the three-year contract. The forward is fast, kills penalties and has the league’s best team head shots.

Red Wings sign James van Riemsdyk

The forward gets a one-year, $1 million contract. His 16 goals this past season were his most since 2021-22.

Kings sign two defensemen, goaltender

Defenseman Cody Ceci (four years, $4.5 million average) and Brian Dumoulin (three years, $4 million average) will fill the roster spots of Vladislav Gavrikov (signed by Rangers) and Jordan Spence (traded to Senators). Goalie Anton Forsberg gets two years at a $2.25 million cap hit. Kings goalie David Rittich signed a free agent deal with the Islanders.

Kings sign Corey Perry, Joel Armia

Perry, 40, had 10 playoff goals during the Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final. He has been to the final five times in the last six seasons, losing all five (he won in 2007). But for a Kings team that has lost four years to the Oilers. they’ll gladly accept a player who regularly gets past the first round and more. Armia is a penalty killing forward with 17 career short-handed goals.

Perry gets a one-year, $2 million contract and can earn other $2 million in bonuses. Armia averages $2.5 million his two-year deal.

Mammoth sign Nate Schmidt

The defenseman will average $3.5 million in the three-year deal. Schmidt had been bought out in Winnipeg last summer and joined coach Paul Maurice in Florida, where he played a key role in the Stanley Cup run. The Mammoth were in need of a defenseman after trading Michael Kesselring to the Sabres. The Mammoth also signed defenseman Scott Perunovich and forward Kailer Yamamoto to one-year, two-way deals.

Blackhawks acquire Sam Lafferty from Sabres

The forward is returning after previously playing in Chicago for parts of two seasons. He struggled in Buffalo with seven points in 60 games. The Sabres get a 2026 sixth-round pick in return.

Kraken sign Ryan Lindgren

The defenseman will average $4.5 million over four years. He kills penalties and is known for putting his body on the line, but that takes its toll. The team later signed goalie Matt Murray to a one-year, $1 million contract.

Flyers sign Christian Dvorak

He’ll get $5.4 million in the one-year deal. He kills penalties and wins faceoffs. The Flyers ranked 20th in penalty killing and were just below 50% in faceoff winning percentage.

Sharks give William Eklund contract extension

The three-year deal, starting in 2026-27, will average $5.6 million. He finished second on the Sharks this past season with 58 points. His brother, Victor, was just drafted by the Islanders.

Bruins sign Tanner Jeannot, per reports

He’ll average $3.4 million in the five-year contract, per reports. Jeannot is a rugged forward with 211 hits in each of the past two seasons. He scored 24 goals in his second season but hasn’t had more than seven goals since.

Rangers sign Vladislav Gavrikov, per report

He’ll average $7 million over seven year, according to multiple reports. He was the top defensive defenseman in the free agent pool and can slot in next to Adam Fox. The Rangers needed shoring up defensively and Gavrikov (140 blocked shots) will fill that role. He also had 30 points, second best in his career. Does this mean K’Andre Miller gets moved out?

Flyers sign goalie Dan Vladar

He’ll average $3.35 million in the two-year deal. Goaltender was an issue with the Flyers last season, and Vladar will make sure that Samuel Ersson has a steady backup.

Capitals extend Martin Fehervary

He’ll average $6 million in the seven-year extension that kicks in during the 2026-27 season. He had career highs with 20 assists and 25 points this past season.

Avalanche re-sign Parker Kelly

He’ll get four years at a reported $1.7 million average.

Canucks re-sign Brock Boeser

He’s staying with a seven-year deal worth $7.25 million a year. That’s key for the Canucks after he scored 40 goals two seasons ago. His agent, Ben Hankinson, posted that the deal was reached ‘in the final minutes, really, did you expect him to sign anywhere else?’

Free agency officially open

It’s noon and teams can officially pursue players on other teams.

Bruins-Oilers trade

The Bruins acquire forward Viktor Arvidsson from the Oilers for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, Arvidsson had signed a two-year deal with Edmonton last season and did not work out. He was in and out of the lineup in the playoffs. But he did score 26 goals two seasons ago and could fill a middle-six role in Boston. Edmonton saves $4 million in cap space.

Canadiens-Blues trade

The Canadiens acquire forward Zack Bolduc for defenseman Logan Mailloux. Bolduc adds secondary scoring after scoring 19 goals and 36 points in his first full season. Mailloux, who was taken in the first round of the 2021 draft despite asking not to be drafted, has played eight NHL games. The Canadiens recently acquired Noah Dobson, who fills the role of offensive defenseman.

Jake Allen staying with Devils

He’ll average $1.8 million over five years and will remain in a tandem with Jacob Markstrom. That will disappoint teams that may have been looking for a goalie. He was the top netminder out there.

Islanders re-sign Tony DeAngelo

The defenseman gets a one-year deal worth a reported $1.75 million. His offensive role will grow with the Islanders trading Noah Dobson to the Canadiens.

Hurricanes’ Logan Stankoven gets extension

He’ll average $6 million in the eight-year deal. Stankoven, 22, was the key return when the Hurricanes traded Mikko Rantanen to the Stars. He scored five game-winning goals last season. The contract kicks in during the 2026-27 season.

Panthers sign Daniil Tarasov

The goalie, recently acquired from the Blue Jackets, will get one year at $1.05 million, according to reports.

Canucks sign Thatcher Demko, Conor Garland to extensions

Demko will average $8.5 million in his three-year contract and Garland will average $6 million in his six-year contract. Both deals will take effect in 2026-27. Demko has dealt with injuries but was a Vezina Trophy runner-up in 2023-24. Garland is a two-time 50-point scorer.

Panthers re-sign Tomas Nosek

He’ll get one year at $775,000. Nosek joined the lineup with the Panthers down 2-0 to the Maple Leafs in the second round. The new-look fourth line helped lead the Panthers’ comeback and the team rallied around Nosek after his overtime delay of game penalty proved costly in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers have all 12 forwards from their clinching game under contract.

Maple Leafs announce Matthew Knies deal

He’ll get six years at a reported $7.75 million per year. Knies, a restricted agent, played on the top line with Auston Matthews and just-departed Mitch Marner. He had a career-best 29 goals, 29 assists and 58 points.

Golden Knights make Mitch Marner deal official

The Golden Knights officially announced the Mitch Marner deal on July 1. He was acquired from the Maple Leafs for center Nicolas Roy and will get an eight-year, $96 million contract. The $12 million average makes him Vegas’ top-paid player ahead of Jack Eichel ($10 million). Marner will wear No. 93, his junior hockey number with the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights.

Best remaining NHL free agents

What time does NHL free agency open?

NHL free agency signing period officially begins at noon ET Tuesday.

The City of Detroit is responding to Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham after she questioned the WNBA’s decision to expand the league to Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia by 2030.

‘I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit,’ Cunningham said on Tuesday, ahead of the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final, in response to the WNBA’s expansion news on Monday.

‘There’s more opportunities, so I get that aspect, but I also think you want to listen to your players too. Where do they want to play? Where are they going to get excited to play and draw fans?’ Cunningham said. ‘I’m not so sure what the though process is there.’

Cunningham offered up a number of other cities, saying, ‘Miami would’ve been a great one, Nashville is an amazing city, Kansas City— amazing opportunity with a huge arena downtown that no one’s using.’

Cunningham’s comments reached the city of Detroit, which is home to many professional sports teams, including the NFL’s Detroit Lions, NBA’s Detroit Pistons, MLB’s Detroit Tigers and NHL’s Detroit Red Wings. Detroit was formerly home to the three-time WNBA champion Detroit Shock from 1998 to 2009, but the franchise relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma from 2010 to 2015 and eventually rebranded into the Dallas Wings in 2016.

‘The last time we were home to a WNBA team (Detroit Shock) we ranked top five in attendance for five straight seasons, No. 1 in attendance for three straight seasons and set a single-game attendance record of 22,076 fans at Game 3 of the 2003 WNBA Finals,’ the official X account for the City of Detroit tweeted in response to Cunningham.

The city’s social media account reminded that ‘Detroit is a sports town,’ noting that ‘more than 775,000 people were excited to come to Detroit for the 2024 NFL draft,’ an attendance that broke the previous 2019 record.

‘We’re sure we’ll see the same excitement for the WNBA returning,’ the City of Detroit added.

On Monday, the WNBA announced it will establish new franchises in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029) and Philadelphia (2030), joining previously announced cities Portland and Toronto, which will begin play next season.

“The demand for women’s basketball has never been higher, and we are thrilled to welcome Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia to the WNBA family,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. “This historic expansion is a powerful reflection of our league’s extraordinary momentum, the depth of talent across the game, and the surging demand for investment in women’s professional basketball.’

The expansion plan now goes to the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors for final approval.

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NHL free agency officially opened at noon ET Tuesday, but general managers had been busy whittling down the list beforehand.

Gone was top target Mitch Marner, who head to the Vegas Golden Knights after a sign-and-trade deal Monday. Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito reached deals with Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand, three days after signing playoff MVP Sam Bennett, giving his team a chance at another title.

In a bit of a surprise, Brock Boeser stayed with the Vancouver Canucks as the clock hit noon ET on Tuesday.

But there are other impactful players out there. Mikael Granlund signed with the Anaheim Ducks and Vladislav Gavrikov signed with the New York Rangers, who traded defenseman K’Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes. Forward Nikolaj Ehlers hadn’t signed as of 5 p.m. ET.

Follow along as USA TODAY tracks signings and trades that take place at the start of NHL free agency July 1:

Hurricanes sign K’Andre Miller after trade with Rangers

The Hurricanes signed defenseman K’Andre Miller to an eight-year deal with a $7.5 million cap hit after acquiring him from the Rangers. Carolina gives up defenseman Scott Morrow, a conditional first-round pick and Carolina’s 2026 second-rounder in the trade. The Rangers dealt Miller, 25, to free up the space to sign top free agent defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov.

Miller gives the Hurricanes a young defenseman for their roster with Dmitry Orlov and Brent Burns hitting free agency. ‘Right now, I do not anticipate either of them being back with us,’ general manager Eric Tulsky said. ‘Obviously that could change with one phone call.’

Rangers re-sign Will Cuylle

New York locked up its top restricted free-agent priority to a two-year, $7.8 million deal on July 1, as first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. It will carry an average annual value of $3.9 million. Cuylle’s coming off a sophomore NHL season in which he scored 20 goals while breaking the franchise’s single-season record with 301 hits. – Vince Z. Mercogliano, lohud.com

Sharks sign John Klingberg

The veteran defenseman gets a one-year, $4 million deal. He had played for the Oilers last season, suiting up for 19 playoff games and four in the final. The Sharks also signed forwards Philip Kurashev (one year, $1.2 million) and Adam Gaudette (two years, $2 million average) and traded for goalie Alex Nedeljkovic.

Devils sign Evgenii Dadonov

He’ll get a one-year, $1 million deal that could grow with bonuses. He’s coming off a 20-goal season in Dallas, but his ice time shrank in the playoffs.

Stars sign Radek Faksa

His three-year deal will average $2 million. Faksa played his entire career in Dallas, except for 2024-25, when the depth forward played for the Blues. He won 57% of his faceoffs this past season and he kills penalties. The Stars also are bringing back forward Colin Blackwell on a two-year deal with a $775,000 cap hit.

Mammoth sign Vitek Vanecek

The goalie signs a one-year, $1.5 million contract. He split time between San Jose and Florida last season, getting to lift the Stanley Cup. Utah backup goalie Connor Ingram is out indefinitely after entering the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program.

Ducks sign Mikael Granlund

He gets a three-year deal, with a reported $7 million cap hit. Granlund played on an all-Finland in Dallas after arriving in a trade, but the Stars didn’t have the cap room to keep him. The Ducks continue to be aggressive in trying to get back to the playoffs after earlier trading for Chris Kreider.

Wild sign Nico Sturm

He’ll average $2 million in the two-year deal. Sturm is strong on faceoffs and kills penalties. He spilt time the past between the Sharks and Panthers, winning a Stanley Cup with Florida. He started his career in Minnesota.

Islanders sign Jonathan Drouin

He gets a two-year contract with a reported $4 million average. He averaged 0.76 points per game in two seasons in Colorado but missed nearly half of the 2024-25 season.

Devils sign Connor Brown

He’ll average $3 million in the four-year deal. Brown has reached the Stanley Cup Final the past two seasons with the Oilers. He can move up and down the lineup and teams appreciate that versatility.

Mammoth sign Brandon Tanev

He’ll average $2.5 million in the three-year contract. The forward is fast, kills penalties and has the league’s best team head shots.

Red Wings sign James van Riemsdyk

The forward gets a one-year, $1 million contract. His 16 goals this past season were his most since 2021-22.

Kings sign two defensemen, goaltender

Defenseman Cody Ceci (four years, $4.5 million average) and Brian Dumoulin (three years, $4 million average) will fill the roster spots of Vladislav Gavrikov (signed by Rangers) and Jordan Spence (traded to Senators). Goalie Anton Forsberg gets two years at a $2.25 million cap hit. Kings goalie David Rittich signed a free agent deal with the Islanders.

Kings sign Corey Perry, Joel Armia

Perry, 40, had 10 playoff goals during the Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final. He has been to the final five times in the last six seasons, losing all five (he won in 2007). But for a Kings team that has lost four years to the Oilers. they’ll gladly accept a player who regularly gets past the first round and more. Armia is a penalty killing forward with 17 career short-handed goals.

Perry gets a one-year, $2 million contract and can earn other $2 million in bonuses. Armia averages $2.5 million his two-year deal.

Mammoth sign Nate Schmidt

The defenseman will average $3.5 million in the three-year deal. Schmidt had been bought out in Winnipeg last summer and joined coach Paul Maurice in Florida, where he played a key role in the Stanley Cup run. The Mammoth were in need of a defenseman after trading Michael Kesselring to the Sabres. The Mammoth also signed defenseman Scott Perunovich and forward Kailer Yamamoto to one-year, two-way deals.

Blackhawks acquire Sam Lafferty from Sabres

The forward is returning after previously playing in Chicago for parts of two seasons. He struggled in Buffalo with seven points in 60 games. The Sabres get a 2026 sixth-round pick in return.

Kraken sign Ryan Lindgren

The defenseman will average $4.5 million over four years. He kills penalties and is known for putting his body on the line, but that takes its toll. The team later signed goalie Matt Murray to a one-year, $1 million contract.

Flyers sign Christian Dvorak

He’ll get $5.4 million in the one-year deal. He kills penalties and wins faceoffs. The Flyers ranked 20th in penalty killing and were just below 50% in faceoff winning percentage.

Sharks give William Eklund contract extension

The three-year deal, starting in 2026-27, will average $5.6 million. He finished second on the Sharks this past season with 58 points. His brother, Victor, was just drafted by the Islanders.

Bruins sign Tanner Jeannot, per reports

He’ll average $3.4 million in the five-year contract, per reports. Jeannot is a rugged forward with 211 hits in each of the past two seasons. He scored 24 goals in his second season but hasn’t had more than seven goals since.

Rangers sign Vladislav Gavrikov, per report

He’ll average $7 million over seven year, according to multiple reports. He was the top defensive defenseman in the free agent pool and can slot in next to Adam Fox. The Rangers needed shoring up defensively and Gavrikov (140 blocked shots) will fill that role. He also had 30 points, second best in his career. Does this mean K’Andre Miller gets moved out?

Flyers sign goalie Dan Vladar

He’ll average $3.35 million in the two-year deal. Goaltender was an issue with the Flyers last season, and Vladar will make sure that Samuel Ersson has a steady backup.

Capitals extend Martin Fehervary

He’ll average $6 million in the seven-year extension that kicks in during the 2026-27 season. He had career highs with 20 assists and 25 points this past season.

Avalanche re-sign Parker Kelly

He’ll get four years at a reported $1.7 million average.

Canucks re-sign Brock Boeser

He’s staying with a seven-year deal worth $7.25 million a year. That’s key for the Canucks after he scored 40 goals two seasons ago. His agent, Ben Hankinson, posted that the deal was reached ‘in the final minutes, really, did you expect him to sign anywhere else?’

Free agency officially open

It’s noon and teams can officially pursue players on other teams.

Bruins-Oilers trade

The Bruins acquire forward Viktor Arvidsson from the Oilers for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, Arvidsson had signed a two-year deal with Edmonton last season and did not work out. He was in and out of the lineup in the playoffs. But he did score 26 goals two seasons ago and could fill a middle-six role in Boston. Edmonton saves $4 million in cap space.

Canadiens-Blues trade

The Canadiens acquire forward Zack Bolduc for defenseman Logan Mailloux. Bolduc adds secondary scoring after scoring 19 goals and 36 points in his first full season. Mailloux, who was taken in the first round of the 2021 draft despite asking not to be drafted, has played eight NHL games. The Canadiens recently acquired Noah Dobson, who fills the role of offensive defenseman.

Jake Allen staying with Devils

He’ll average $1.8 million over five years and will remain in a tandem with Jacob Markstrom. That will disappoint teams that may have been looking for a goalie. He was the top netminder out there.

Islanders re-sign Tony DeAngelo

The defenseman gets a one-year deal worth a reported $1.75 million. His offensive role will grow with the Islanders trading Noah Dobson to the Canadiens.

Hurricanes’ Logan Stankoven gets extension

He’ll average $6 million in the eight-year deal. Stankoven, 22, was the key return when the Hurricanes traded Mikko Rantanen to the Stars. He scored five game-winning goals last season. The contract kicks in during the 2026-27 season.

Panthers sign Daniil Tarasov

The goalie, recently acquired from the Blue Jackets, will get one year at $1.05 million, according to reports.

Canucks sign Thatcher Demko, Conor Garland to extensions

Demko will average $8.5 million in his three-year contract and Garland will average $6 million in his six-year contract. Both deals will take effect in 2026-27. Demko has dealt with injuries but was a Vezina Trophy runner-up in 2023-24. Garland is a two-time 50-point scorer.

Panthers re-sign Tomas Nosek

He’ll get one year at $775,000. Nosek joined the lineup with the Panthers down 2-0 to the Maple Leafs in the second round. The new-look fourth line helped lead the Panthers’ comeback and the team rallied around Nosek after his overtime delay of game penalty proved costly in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers have all 12 forwards from their clinching game under contract.

Maple Leafs announce Matthew Knies deal

He’ll get six years at a reported $7.75 million per year. Knies, a restricted agent, played on the top line with Auston Matthews and just-departed Mitch Marner. He had a career-best 29 goals, 29 assists and 58 points.

Golden Knights make Mitch Marner deal official

The Golden Knights officially announced the Mitch Marner deal on July 1. He was acquired from the Maple Leafs for center Nicolas Roy and will get an eight-year, $96 million contract. The $12 million average makes him Vegas’ top-paid player ahead of Jack Eichel ($10 million). Marner will wear No. 93, his junior hockey number with the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights.

Best remaining NHL free agents

What time does NHL free agency open?

NHL free agency signing period officially begins at noon ET Tuesday.

The NBA’s free agency period began Monday evening, June 30, with several notable names expected to be available on the market. The moves continued into Tuesday.

Free agency will provide teams with the opportunity to reshape and retool their rosters to take one step closer to their respective NBA championship aspirations.

Several big-name players who had the potential to become free agents are no longer expected to be available. That list includes Lakers star LeBron James, Clippers standout James Harden and Timberwolves forward Julius Randle.

Centers Myles Turner and Al Horford are among the top unrestricted players on the market as of Sunday evening. Chris Paul, Tyus Jones and Josh Giddey are expected to be among the top unrestricted guards available.

Malik Beasley also could be among the list of notable guards, but instead will be the subject of another storyline after it was reported he is being investigated for gambling on NBA games.

Duncan Robinson to Detroit

The Pistons have agreed to a three-year, $48 million deal with the former Michigan standout, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports. It’s a sign-and-trade deal, with Simone Fontecchio going to Miami, per Charania.

Robinson had spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Miami Heat. In 2024-25 he averaged 11 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 74 games (37 starts).

Robinson will likely come off the bench in Detroit, which seemingly turned to the longtime Heat player as a replacement for Malik Beasley. — Jace Evans

Tre Mann back to Charlotte

The Hornets are re-signing Mann, on a three-year, $24 million deal, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports. Mann, the 18th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, arrived in Charlotte on trade deadline day 2024 in the deal that sent Gordon Hayward to Oklahoma City. He played in just 13 games in 2024-25, none after Nov. 21, due to a back injury. He averaged 14.1 points, 3 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 24.5 minutes. — Jace Evans

Larry Nance Jr. returns to Cavs

After four years away from Cleveland, Larry Nance Jr. is returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers, per Marc Stein.

Drew Eubanks to the Kings

Per Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Clippers may be waiving Drew Eubanks, but he’s already found another California squad in the Sacramento Kings. Charania reports that Eubanks plans on signing a one-year deal with Sacramento after he clears waivers. Eubanks averaged 4.6 points per game with the Jazz and Clippers last season.

Tim Hardaway Jr. to Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. is joining his third team in three seasons, per Shams Charania, joining a Denver Nuggets squad that has already added Jonas Valanciunas, Cam Johnson, and Bruce Brown this offseason. Hardaway agreed to a one-year deal with the team. He averaged 11 points on 37% three-point shooting for the Pistons last year.

Bucks’ Rollins becomes free agent

After originally offering Rollins a qualifying offer following his best season as a pro, the Bucks have reportedly rescinded said offer, making Rollins an unrestricted free agent, per Chris Haynes.

Rollins provided solid shooting off the bench in Milwaukee, hitting over 40% of his three-point attempts for the Bucks in 2025. Rollins will now be looking to join his fourth team in five years.

Jakob Poeltl remains in Toronto

Poeltl always seems to find his way north of the border. After spending the last three years in Toronto, it appears he’ll be staying through the end of the decade after signing a four-year, $104 million extension through the 2029-30 season, per Shams Charania.

Charania also reports that there were many considerations for the deal, including an opt-out of the final year of his contract, followed by an extension. However, it seems Poeltl and the Raptors eventually settled on Poeltl accepting his player option for 2026-27 at $19.5 million followed by another three year extension.

Bucks make two more moves after waiving Lillard

It seems the addition of Gary Harris was not enough. In a span of about eight minutes, the Bucks traded away wing Pat Connaughton for point guard Vasilije Micic, per Shams Charania, then followed that up by adding center Jericho Sims on a two-year deal.

Nuggets trade for Jonas Valanciunas

In an effort to give Nikola Jokic a bit more help in the frontcourt next year, the Denver Nuggets have traded Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for veteran big man Jonas Valanciunas, per Shams Charania.

Dennis Schroder contract details revealed

Yesterday, it was revealed that the Kings were looking for veteran guard help and were interested in both Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook. Today, the contract details for Schroder have been revealed. Per Shams Charania, Schroder, 31, is signing a three-year, $45 million deal with the team.

Bucks waive Damian Lillard to add Myles Turner

Bucks fans were ecstatic to learn that despite their salary issues, they were still able to grab veteran frontcourt help with the addition of Myles Turner to a four-year, $107 million deal.

That excitement quickly transitioned to stunned silence when it was revealed that in order to pull off this move, the Bucks waived star guard Damian Lillard, per Shams Charania. Lillard is nursing a torn Achilles he suffered in the first-round of the playoffs, but will not return to Milwaukee.

In order to replace Lillard, the Bucks immediately went out and signed Gary Harris to a two-year deal. However, that move did nothing to quell star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo’s anger. Per Chris Haynes, the Greek Freak is ‘not pleased’ with the Bucks’ decision.

Gary Trent Jr. returning to Bucks

Milwaukee retains another member of the 2024-25 team with the re-signing of Gary Trent Jr. He will sign a two-year, $7.5 million deal that includes a player option to return to Milwaukee, Shams Charania reports.

Trent is coming off one of his best seasons as a pro. He played in a career-high 74 games and averaged 11.1 points per game off the bench, including a 41.6% mark from 3-point land. He also tied a franchise playoff record when he made nine 3-pointers in Game 3 of the first round series against the Indiana Pacers.

76ers add Trendon Watford

Philadelphia is adding an emerging forward in Trendon Watford. He will sign a two-year, $5.3 million deal with the 76ers, Shams Charania reports. A reserve most of his career, Watford had a breakout campaign in 2024-25 despite missing most of the first half of the season. He averaged a career-high 10.2 points per game.

Taurean Prince staying in Milwaukee

The Bucks will keep Taurean Prince on a two-year, $7.1 million deal, according to Shams Charania. He played 80 games for Milwaukee last season, the most he’s played since 2017-18. He averaged 8.2 points and 3.6 rebounds and gets to stay with assistant Darvin Ham, who he was with when Ham was coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Prince also reportedly has a player option for the second season.

Charlotte Hornets bring back Mason Plumlee

Mason Plumee is headed back to the Queen City, signing a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets, Shams Charania reports. Plumlee played for the Hornets from 2021-23 before he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Luke Kennard joining Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta continues to make moves with the addition of Luke Kennard. The Hawks will sign the wing to a one-year, $11 million deal, according to Shams Charania.

Kennard spent the past two and a half seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and solidified himself as one of the best sharpshooters in the league. He shot 43.3% from 3-point land during the 2024-25 season, ninth best in the NBA. He has shot at least 40% from beyond the arc the past five seasons, including when he was a league-high 44.9% from 3 in 2021-22.

Tyus Jones heads to Orlando

After starting 58 games for the Phoenix Suns last season, Jones is headed to an Eastern Conference contender in the Orlando Magic on a one-year, $7 million deal, per Shams Charania. Jones has averaged more than 10 points per game in each of the last three seasons.

Atlanta gives $60 million to Nickeil Alexander-Walker

A solid scoring option off the bench for Minnesota, the Atlanta Hawks have acquired Nickeil Alexander-Walker via a sign-and-trade on a four-year, $62 million deal, per Shams Charania. In just his seventh year in the league, Alexander-Walker is already joining his fifth team, but his first in the Eastern Conference.

In return, the Timberwolves are acquiring a 2027 second-round pick (via Cleveland) and cash.

Ty Jerome leaves Cavs for Grizzlies

Three years, $28 million. That’s the deal for sought-after guard Ty Jerome, who will be moving to Tennessee to play with the Memphis Grizzlies, per Shams Charania.

Jerome was an elite shooter last season, nearly joining the 50-40-90 club (52% FG, 44% 3PT, 87% FT) during the regular season, playing vital minutes for the Cavaliers. He played a major role in the Cavaliers earning the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, and is a massive addition for a Grizzlies’ team that just locked up Jaren Jackson Jr. long-term.

Brook Lopez returns to Los Angeles

Former NBA champion Brook Lopez, 37, is headed back to the City of Angels, this time as a member of the Clippers after signing a two-year, $18 million deal, per Shams Charania. Lopez spent the 2017-18 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, then spent the next seven seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, playing a sizable role on the 2021 championship team.

Lopez will likely serve as a bench option for the Clippers behind Ivica Zubac.

Pistons lock up Caris LeVert

Shams Charania reports that the Detroit Pistons and free agent guard Caris LeVert have agreed to a two-year, $29 million deal. LeVert is familiar with the Detroit area, having spent his collegiate career at the University of Michigan.

Clint Capela returns to Houston

After five seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, free agent big man Clint Capela is returning to the Houston Rockets on a fully guaranteed, three-year, $21.5 million deal, per Shams Charania.

Capela played in just 55 games last season, his fewest since the COVID-shortened 2020 season. He spent most of last year battling a series of injuries.

Dennis Schroder to Sacramento

Early reports indicated that the Sacramento Kings were looking to add veteran guards this offseason. Well, they’ve begun with the addition of Dennis Schroder, per The Athletic’s Fred Katz. Though details of the agreement are still unknown, there have been reports that Sacramento’s guard hunt will not end there. The Kings are also interested in adding Russell Westbrook to the fold for the 2025-26 season.

$41 million for Luke Kornet

The San Antonio Spurs have added depth behind Victor Wembanyama, adding center Luke Kornet, part of the Boston Celtics’ 2024 championship team, to a four-year, $41 million deal, per Shams Charania.

Given the uncertainty regarding Wembanyama’s blood clot in his shoulder, adding Kornet provides a bit of an immediate safety blanket, even though Wembanyama is considered likely to recover before the start of next year.

Kevon Looney era in Golden State has come to an end

Longtime Golden State Warrior and three-time NBA champion Kevon Looney is leaving the West Coast for a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, per Shams Charania. Looney had been a starter for much of his last five years with Golden State before being relegated to a bench role in 2025, starting in only six games all of last season. Looney did still put up solid minutes though, averaging 15 minutes per game.

Jake LaRavia moves to Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers will reportedly sign Jake LaRavia to a two-year, $12 million deal, per Shams Charania. LaRavia has always been a strong three-point shooter, which could come in handy as part of a team that finished outside the top-ten in three-point percentage a year ago.

D’Angelo Russell reunites with Anthony Davis in Dallas

With Kyrie Irving nursing an ACL tear, the Dallas Mavericks have added some guard depth by signing D’Angelo Russell to a two-year, $13 million deal. Russell has experience playing with Davis, having each spent parts of the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Win-now Rockets continue to stack pieces

Days after they agreed to trade for Kevin Durant, the Rockets are bolstering their perimeter play — on both sides of the ball — by reportedly locking up forward Dorian Finney-Smith. ESPN reports the deal is worth four years and $53 million.

Pistons re-up with Paul Reed

After he stepped up in the playoffs with backup forward-center Isaiah Stewart sidelined with a right knee injury, Paul Reed became a valuable fill-in for the Pistons. Detroit is rewarding Reed with a two-year, $11 million deal to return to the team, per ESPN.

Grizzlies lock up key young players

The Grizzlies are continuing their roster overhaul. All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr. is expected to ink a renegotiated, five-year, max contract extension worth $248 million, according to ESPN. Jackson was on a favorable contract that he had outperformed.

Memphis’ trade of Desmond Bane helped clear up the cap space required to make this deal happen. The Grizzlies shipped him to the Magic, but then — following a separate trade with the Trail Blazers — drafted Cedric Coward at No. 11 overall. Coward essentially becomes a low-cost replacement for Bane. Another corresponding salary cap maneuver being made to accommodate the Jackson deal is a reported buyout to guard Cole Anthony, whom Memphis had just acquired in the Bane trade.

ESPN also reports that the Grizzlies also locked backup forward Santi Aldama to a three-year, $52.5 million deal.

A scorer set to unexpectedly hit the market

It’s not often that consistent, double-digit scorers hit the open market. But as the Utah Jazz continue to remake their roster, Jordan Clarkson has finalized a buyout, according to the Athletic, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Clarkson, 33, averaged 16.2 points, 3.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 37 games last season. Clarkson had carved out a role as Utah’s sixth man and became known for providing a scoring spark off the bench. Given his ability to score off the bench, Clarkson could draw interest from contenders looking to bolster their depth.

Veteran Nicolas Batum back for 18th season

Forward Nicolas Batum, a steady presence off the bench for the Los Angeles Clippers, will sign a two-year deal worth $11.5 million, per ESPN.

Nets to re-sign Day’Ron Sharpe

After locking up one of their reserve forwards earlier Monday in Ziaire Williams, the Nets moved to do the same for backup center, Day’Ron Sharpe. ESPN reports that Sharpe is set to sign on a two-year deal to keep him in Brooklyn, worth $12 million.

Joe Ingles to return to Timberwolves

Veteran forward Joe Ingles will be playing his 12th season in the NBA, returning to the Minnesota Timberwolves on a one-year contract worth $3.6 million, according to ESPN.

Knicks forward Josh Hart had a funny response to the news, writing: ‘Man someone tell him to go head and retire already’ in a social media post.

Ziaire Williams heading back to Brooklyn

Free agent forward Ziaire Williams is on the verge of signing a two-year, $12 million deal to return to the Brooklyn Nets, ESPN reports. Williams, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2021 draft, averaged 10 points and 4.3 rebounds in 63 games with the Nets last season.

DeAndre Ayton set to test market

Center DeAndre Ayton is finalizing a buyout agreement with the Portland Trail Blazers, according to ESPN, which will make him a free agent — and one of the more interesting players available.

Ayton was acquired by the Blazers in 2023 as part of a three-team trade with Phoenix and Milwaukee. He’s played in only 95 games in two seasons with Portland, averaging 15.7 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. As part of the contract he signed with the Suns, Ayton was scheduled to make $35.6 million next season.

When is NBA free agency? Dates, times and offseason schedule

NBA free agency officially began on Monday, June 30, at 6 p.m. ET. Teams and players can now start agreeing to the terms of a contract. Teams and players, however, will have to wait until July 6 for contracts to be officially signed.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars made the first big move of the 2025 NFL Draft by trading up in the first round from No. 5 overall to No. 2 overall to select Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter of Colorado.

The two-way star had one of the more impressive seasons in recent college football history with a standout year at both wide receiver and cornerback. The move came as the Jaguars enter a new era with Liam Coen as head coach and James Gladstone as general manager.

Jacksonville paid a hefty price to move up three spots. The Jaguars sent four draft picks, including their first-rounder in 2026, to the Cleveland Browns to move up and select Hunter. It could pay off as he may address a need on defense at cornerback and provide another young talent for franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence to target on offense.

‘Liam [Coen] plans to involve Travis on both offense and defense,’ Khan said. ‘In our offseason activities already, early in minicamp, and we’ve seen Travis work on both sides and he’s been very impressive.’

Eisen pressed Khan for specifics, asking if 100 snaps per game – 50 on offense, 50 on defense – is realistic for Hunter.

‘I think there’s going to be different game flow,’ Khan said. ‘Different games have different flows but I know he’s going to contribute and play a lot of snaps on both sides of the ball… 100 [snaps] is a lot, man.’

Khan continuously reiterated that he believes in Coen’s plan for deploying Hunter.

‘I think Liam’s got a good plan and he’s been pretty open about it that he believes Travis can get involved as a top player on both sides of the ball,’ Khan said.

Rookies report for Jaguars training camp on July 19 ahead of the team’s preseason opener Aug. 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. That could provide more clarity on Hunter’s role, as will preseason action.

Jaguars WR depth chart

Hunter won’t be relied upon as the top target at wide receiver in Jacksonville like he was in college. That honor goes to 2024 first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr., who finished third in the NFL in receiving yards as a rookie.

Here’s a look at the full depth chart:

Brian Thomas Jr.
Travis Hunter
Dyami Brown
Joshua Cephus
Austin Trammell
Parker Washington
Eli Pancol
Trenton Irwin
Chandler Brayboy
Cam Camper
J.J. Jones
Dorian Singer
Louis Rees-Zammit
Darius Lassiter

Jaguars CB depth chart

New defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile may have a more important role for Hunter on defense than what the Heisman Trophy winner will handle on offense. He may be relied upon to help a defense that allowed the most passing yards in the NFL in 2024.

Here’s the depth chart ahead of training camp:

Jarrian Jones
Tyson Campbell
Jourdan Lewis
Travis Hunter
Montaric Brown
Christian Braswell
Zech McPhearson
De’Antre Prince
Jabbar Muhammad
Aydan White
Doneiko Slaughter

The 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, the league’s annual in-season tournament, comes down to one game. The Indiana Fever, minus Caitlin Clark, will face off against Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx in the title game at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

The Fever announced on Tuesday, July 1 that Clark would not be cleared to make her highly anticipated return to the court as she continues to recover from a left groin injury. This will be third consecutive game Clark has missed, after being sidelined five consecutive games with a quad strain earlier in June.

The Lynx, who have a league-best 14-2 record, have been here before. Minnesota returns to the Commissioner’s Cup final for the second consecutive year and looks to defend their title after defeating the New York Liberty 94–89 in the 2024 final. The Lynx are vying to become the first back-to-back WNBA Commissioner’s Cup champions.

The Fever, on the other hand, have not been in this position before and are set to make their first Commissioner’s Cup final appearance in franchise history, although Indiana is no stranger to big moments. While Clark won’t be playing, she expressed full confidence in her team when she and Collier were named an All-Star Game captains, declaring on June 29, ‘We about to get that dub.’

WNBA ALL-STAR GAME: Starters, including Clark, Collier, announced for 2025 event

History is not on the Lynx side. The home team hasn’t won the Commissioner’s Cup in the tournament’s history. Instead, the visiting team has won each time, aside from the inaugural Commissioner’s Cup final that was played at a neutral site in 2021.

Will the Lynx become the first repeat champions? Or will the Fever play spoiler? Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final:

How to watch 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final

The fifth-annual WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final will be decided on Tuesday. A $500,000 prize pool is up for grabs.

Date: Tuesday, July 1
Time: 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT)
Location: Target Center (Minneapolis)
TV: None
Steaming: Prime Video

The game will be available to view on demand on WNBA League Pass after it concludes.

Will Caitlin Clark play in Commissioner’s Cup final?

No, Clark will not play against the Minnesota Lynx in the Commissioner’s Cup final, the Fever announced hours before the game. Clark had been considered day-to-day after alerting the Fever coaching staff of a groin injury on June 25th following the Fever’s 94-86 win over the Seattle Storm on June 24. She missed the Fever’s loss vs. Los Angeles on June 26 and Indiana’s win at Dallas on June 27 with the injury.

WNBA Commissioner’s Cup champions, by year

Here’s every team that has won the WNBA’s in-season tournament since it began in 2021:

2024: Minnesota Lynx def. New York Liberty
2023: New York Liberty def. Las Vegas Aces
2022: Las Vegas Aces def. Chicago Sky
2021: Seattle Storm def. Connecticut Sun

Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier named WNBA All-Star captains

Clark and Collier will go head to head in the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final on Tuesday and the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game will mark Round 2.

On Sunday, June 29, the WNBA announced that Clark and Collier will serve as captains of this year’s All-Star Game after picking up their second and fifth career All-Star nods, respectively. Clark, the reigning Rookie of the Year, and Collier, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, earned the honor by receiving the most fan votes.

The All-Star Game starters were revealed on June 30.

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The last surviving star from Detroit’s greatest sports dynasty, Alex Delvecchio helped the Red Wings reach the pinnacle in the 1950s, struggled mightily as they hit bottom in the 1970s and segued into an elder statesman with a retired number, a bronze statue and ceremonial roles celebrating the franchise’s renaissance in the 1990s.

Always popular among fans, players and press, universally heralded as one of the NHL’s 100 greatest players but always considered underrated by his peers, and a three-time Lady Byng winner on the ice but a lifelong Lady Byng winner off the ice, Delvecchio died Tuesday, July 1, surrounded by his family at age 93, the team announced.

The team issued a statement from Delvecchio’s family on Tuesday:

‘Alex was more than a Hockey icon, he was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, cherished friend, and respected teammate to so many. While the world knew him as an incredible hockey player with numerous accomplishments on the ice, we knew him as someone whose humility, strength, competitiveness, kindness and heart were even greater than his professional achievements. For decades, your love and support meant everything to Alex and to all of us. We are deeply grateful and thankful to everyone.’

Delvecchio’s hockey story parallels the nearly 100-year story of the Red Wings franchise. Delvecchio’s mentor played in the first game at the Old Red Barn on Grand River and Delvecchio’s statue sparkles at the state-of-the-art arena on Woodward. He had ties to the earliest days of Detroit’s franchise, when it was owned by a grain and shipping magnate, and he relished its rebirth as Hockeytown, when it was owned by a pizza baron.

If not for Gordie Howe, his legendary linemate known as Mr. Hockey, Delvecchio could have been Mr. Red Wing:

Only Howe played in Detroit longer than Delvecchio’s 24 seasons.

Only Steve Yzerman was a captain in Detroit longer than Delvecchio’s 12 seasons.

Only Nicklas Lidstrom played more games in a career spent with a single NHL franchise than Delvecchio’s 1,550.

And only Howe had more points in NHL history when Delvecchio retired in 1973.

“When you think of the Red Wings, you think of Howe,” future Hall of Fame center Phil Esposito told Sport magazine in 1971. “But Alex is the most underrated player in the game today — underrated by everyone but the players.”

Delvecchio was approaching his 40th birthday at the time.

Late in the 1964-65 season, his 15th in the NHL, Delvecchio recorded a point in 17 consecutive games, a Red Wings record until Yzerman broke it 23 years later.

“He’s like a magician with the puck,” goaltender Eddie Giacomin said during a Hall of Fame career.

A left-handed shot, Delvecchio played on three Stanley Cup championship teams — all in his first four full seasons, all before he turned 24.

As a rookie in 1951-52, when the Wings swept Toronto and Montreal in the playoffs for the Cup, Delvecchio centered the third line. In 1953-54, on a line with Howe and Ted Lindsay, Delvecchio’s nine points tied Howe for the Wings’ playoff scoring lead. In 1954-55, Delvecchio scored 15 points in 11 playoff games and the first and last goal in the Cup-clinching 3-1 victory over the Canadiens in Game 7.

“I felt proud to be among so many players that were true stars of the game,” Delvecchio said decades later.

After 1955, the Wings wouldn’t win another Stanley Cup for 42 years.

A dynamic skater, a gifted passer and frequently the center on the second iteration of the Production Line with Howe and Lindsay, Delvecchio also was an ironman in the NHL’s Original Six days. He never missed a game from age 25 until nearly 33. During a 12-year stretch, he played in 840 of 842 possible games. In 1956-57, his seventh season, a broken ankle sidelined him for 22 games; he then missed only 14 games the last 17 seasons of his career.

“You don’t get hurt in this game,” he once told Sport magazine, “if you keep your head up and watch what’s going on around you.”

In the 1950s and ’60s, players also lived in fear that in a six-team league, with jobs scarce, every injury jeopardized their careers. “You just didn’t want anybody to come in,” Delvecchio said, “because you’re gone if they shine.”

Unlike his Hall of Fame teammates from the 1950s — when the Wings finished atop the regular-season standings eight of nine years and won four  Stanley Cups — Delvecchio wasn’t banished in an ill-conceived trade (like Sid Abel in 1952, Terry Sawchuk in 1955, Lindsay in 1957, Red Kelly in 1960 and Marcel Pronovost in 1965) or given a do-nothing front office title (like Howe in 1971).

In the early 1970s, Delvecchio turned down a lucrative offer to join Howe and his teenaged sons Mark and Marty with the Houston Aeros in the upstart World Hockey Association. “I’d spent my whole life with the Wings,” Delvecchio explained, “and, what the heck, I’d better finish with them.”

“He was a pure Red Wing, for sure,” said Jimmy Devellano, a Hall of Fame executive for the team. “Not only was he a great player, he never went anywhere else, and he managed and coached the team.”

Delvecchio did think he had been traded on Nov. 7, 1973, a few weeks before his 42nd birthday. A distraught Delvecchio, coming off a stellar 71-point season, planned to retire on the spot. And he did retire that evening — because general manager Ned Harkness asked him to coach the Wings. Delvecchio agreed to take over a 2-9-1 team about to lose its top playmaker, whose skills stood out as much as he did on the ice with his salt-and-pepper hair in an era without helmets. Harkness also cut Delvecchio’s $125,000 salary.

Delvecchio later would call it “the most terrible job of my career.” He coached for parts of four seasons and was the general manager for most of three. A decade known by Wings fans as ‘Darkness with Harkness’ turned even worse under Delvecchio’s watch. The U.S.-based franchise with the most Stanley Cups was derided as the Dead Wings.

After owner Bruce Norris fired Delvecchio and hired Lindsay in March 1977, Delvecchio was devastated, declared he was “ticked off” and decided “the hell with ’em.” That was harsh talk from a respected, classy and even-keeled hockey figure who three times won and three other times nearly won the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct. 

The bad blood faded when Little Caesars founder Mike Ilitch purchased the franchise for a pittance from Norris five years later. Delvecchio spent time in the broadcast booth in the 1980s (sometimes subbing for an ailing Abel). His number was retired in the 1990s (in a dual ceremony with Lindsay). His statue was unveiled in the 2000s (two days before Lindsay’s). He was included in the festivities after teams captained by Yzerman or Lidstrom won four Stanley Cups (appearing with Howe and Lindsay).

Delvecchio appreciated it all. When his No. 10 jersey was hung with Lindsay’s No. 7 from the Joe Louis Arena rafters before roaring fans in 1991 — joining Howe’s No. 9 retired in 1972 — Delvecchio declared: “I’ve been inducted into the Hall of Fame, I’ve won Stanley Cups, but this is better.”