First baseman Pete Alonso has been fielding questions about his uncertain future with the New York Mets amidst their unexpected winning streak. This streak has kept them in postseason conversations as the spring season ends.

Alonso’s Hope to Stay with the Mets

When asked if he thinks he’ll be with the Mets past the July 30 MLB trade deadline, Alonso expressed optimism. “I hope so,” Alonso told Bill Ladson of the MLB website.

“I really do because that means that we are playing good baseball. For me, this is a special place. I love the guys and the staff in the clubhouse. This is home.”

Alonso, who debuted with the Mets in 2019, is nearing free agency and is a frequent subject of trade rumors.

An unnamed club official suggested the Mets might consider trading Alonso and other out-of-contract baseball players shortly after the All-Star break.

ESPN’s Buster Olney has linked Alonso with the Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners.

Despite the trade rumors, the Mets have improved to 34-37, one game back in the National League’s third wild-card spot.

Pete Alonso’s Loyalty to New York Amid Contract Delays

Alonso reiterated his love for New York and the Mets during his conversation with Ladson. “It’s a really special place,” Alonso said.

“I would like to stay. It’s a great city. It’s a great place to play. I’ve grown up here. Some of my best memories in life have been in New York.”

There has been little progress in contract talks between Alonso’s camp and the Mets, which isn’t surprising given his agent Scott Boras’ history of taking clients into free agency. This past winter, sources indicated that Alonso isn’t inclined to offer a ‘hometown discount.’

“As much as people like to blame Scott, it’s the player that has the ultimate choice,” Alonso explained.

“Every agent — not just Scott — represents the player as the player wishes.”

Future Moves Based on Team Performance

Alonso’s future with the Mets may depend on the team’s performance leading up to the All-Star break on July 14. The Mets will aim to improve their record when they face the 33-39 Texas Rangers.

Executive Foresees Alonso Trade for Substantial Return

As the Mets hover near the bottom of the National League standings, Pete Alonso’s future remains a hot topic.

An AL executive told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that the Mets would likely trade Alonso if they could get “real value” rather than wait for draft compensation through the qualifying offer system.

Alonso, earning $20.5 million this season, seeks a long-term deal worth at least $200 million. The Mets, with the highest CBT payroll in MLB at $339.3 million, would receive minimal draft pick compensation if Alonso left through the qualifying-offer system.

Alonso’s Trade Prospects Amid Mets’ Playoff Chase

Alonso has been mentioned in trade rumors since the offseason. Despite the Mets’ 30-37 record, they remain within reach of a wild-card spot due to the NL’s overall mediocrity.

Alonso is hitting .233/.315/.459 with 14 homers and 32 RBI in 67 games. His performance and the Mets’ position may influence trade decisions as the deadline approaches.

Proposed Blockbuster Trade Sends Alonso to Yankees

Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer proposed a significant trade, sending Alonso to the New York Yankees along with pitcher Adam Ottavino and cash for pitching prospect Chase Hampton.

This move could significantly boost the Yankees, who lead the AL East with a 49-22 record.

Adding Alonso to a lineup featuring Aaron Judge and Juan Soto could make the Yankees formidable contenders for the World Series.

The trade would address the Yankees’ depth issues and enhance their offensive power.

Future for Pete Alonso as Mets Weigh Trade Options

As the trade deadline approaches, Pete Alonso’s future with the Mets is full of questions. His strong attachment to New York and his good performance this season make his situation more complex.

The Mets need to decide whether to keep him or trade him for valuable assets. This decision will impact the team’s chances of making the playoffs.

As rumors continue to swirl, all eyes are on the Mets and Alonso to see what will happen next.

Fighting in ice hockey is a unique and regulated aspect of the sport, deeply rooted in its history and culture.

Despite growing concerns over health risks, it remains an integral part of the game, with strict rules and a code of conduct among players guiding its occurrence.

The Rules of Fighting in Ice Hockey

To the untrained eye, hockey fights might look like chaotic brawls. However, they are regulated by strict rules, especially in professional leagues like the National Hockey League (NHL).

According to the NHL rulebook, a fight is officially defined when at least one player punches or attempts to punch an opponent repeatedly. Additionally, fights can occur if two players wrestle in a way that prevents the linesmen from separating them.

Fighting is limited to two players at a time, though multiple fights can happen simultaneously on the ice. The instigator rule (Rule 46.11) imposes additional penalties on the player who starts the fight.

This rule, while sometimes controversial, is one of many that govern fighting in hockey. Penalties can also apply to players who leave the bench to join a fight, fight off the playing surface, or fight non-player personnel, such as coaches.

Why Fighting is Encouraged in Ice Hockey

A very interesting fact about ice hockey is that even though fighting breaks the rules, it’s often allowed and even expected because of a long-standing tradition among players.

Former NHL referee Kerry Fraser said that once a fight starts, it’s usually not stopped because it’s an important part of the sport’s culture.

Fights usually begin when a player defends a teammate after a hard hit. The fast and physical nature of hockey can lead to arguments and fights over trash talk or old grudges.

There are unwritten rules in hockey that say players, especially those who often fight, should pick opponents of similar size and remove their gloves and helmets to avoid serious injuries.

Sometimes, players fight to lift their team’s spirits. For example, in a 2017 game, Brenden Dillon of the San Jose Sharks and Austin Watson of the Nashville Predators agreed to fight and were later heard chatting in the penalty box about their summer plans.

History of Fighting in Ice Hockey

Fighting in hockey dates back to the very first game. The first recorded fight happened in 1890, and by the time the NHL was formed in 1917, fighting was a common aspect of the game. Early fights were more brutal and less regulated than today.

In 1905, Alcide Laurin became the first player to die from on-ice injuries, showing the dangers of unchecked physicality.

As hockey evolved, fighting became more systematic, with enforcers like Tie Domi and Bob Probert in the 1990s making it part of their game strategy.

These players became notorious for their fighting skills, adding excitement and physicality to the sport.

Modern Perspective on Fighting in Ice Hockey

Even though fighting has been part of hockey for a long time, it’s now being questioned because of its connection to brain injuries.

Many former tough players, like Todd Ewen and Bob Probert, have had serious health problems and even died young due to their aggressive style of play.

Some have suggested banning fighting in hockey, but it is still a big part of the game. Today’s players are more aware of their health, and fights are becoming less common.

For example, during the 2018-19 NHL season, there were fewer than 200 games with fights, compared to 384 games with fights in the 2006-07 season.

Even though fights happen less often now, they are still a well-known part of hockey, much like Rodney Dangerfield’s joke, “I went to a fight, and a hockey game broke out!”

Top 10 Bloodiest Hockey Games Ever

Now, let’s delve into the top 10 bloodiest hockey games ever, where fierce rivalries and intense brawls left both the ice and players drenched in blood.

1. Boston Bruins vs. New York Rangers (1979)

This game is famous for a brawl that happened after the match ended. Boston’s Stan Jonathan was attacked by a Rangers fan who stole his hockey stick. This led to the Bruins climbing into the stands to fight with fans, creating a chaotic and bloody scene.

2. Detroit Red Wings vs. Colorado Avalanche: The Sequel (1997)

Known as “Bloody Wednesday,” this game saw the Red Wings seeking revenge for a previous incident. A massive brawl erupted, involving many players and leaving both the ice and players covered in blood.

3. Boston Bruins vs. Chicago Blackhawks (2007)

During this game, Boston’s Zdeno Chara brutally beat Chicago’s David Koci. The fight was short but intense, with Koci left bloodied on the ice, showcasing the Bruins’ tough reputation.

4. Nottingham Panthers vs. Sheffield Steelers (2001)

In the now-defunct Ice Hockey Superleague, this game featured a long and chaotic fight with multiple players involved. The brawl lasted so long that it was hard to keep track of all the action.

5. Rockford IceHogs vs. Milwaukee Admirals (2022)

In the American Hockey League, Mathieu Olivier of the Admirals pounded Kurtis Gabriel of the IceHogs so severely that Gabriel’s face was covered in blood. This modern-day fight showed that intense brawls still happen outside the NHL.

6. Detroit Red Wings vs. Colorado Avalanche (1996)

During an NHL playoff game, Detroit’s Kris Draper was seriously injured by Colorado’s Claude Lemieux, who slammed him into the boards. Draper left the ice with a badly bloodied face, marking a violent moment in the series.

7. Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens (1978)

This game featured a brutal fight where Boston’s Stan Jonathan beat Montreal’s Pierre Bouchard so badly that blood was left all over the ice. The fight was even more dangerous because helmets were optional at the time.

8. Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Philadelphia Flyers (1996)

This game is remembered for an early fight between Wendel Clark and Daniel Lacroix. The brawl escalated when the goalies, Ron Hextall and Felix Potvin, also fought, thrilling the crowd with their intense showdown.

9. Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues (2014)

A hard hit by Chicago’s Brent Seabrook on St. Louis’s David Backes led to a major fight. Backes was left dazed and bloody, and Seabrook received a three-game suspension for his actions.

10. Calgary Flames vs. Vancouver Canucks (2014)

The fight broke out right after the puck dropped, quickly turning into a full-scale melee involving both teams. The officials struggled to control the chaos, leading to numerous penalties before the game could properly start.

Evolution and Impact of Fighting in Hockey

Hockey fights have been a part of the sport’s culture for over a century. These bloody battles, from intense rivalries to personal vendettas, have left a lasting impression on players and fans.

While the number of fights has decreased in recent years, the stories of these violent encounters remain a memorable part of hockey history.

Whether it’s defending a teammate or boosting team morale, fighting in hockey remains significant and controversial.

As the sport evolves, so does the conversation about the place of fighting in the game.

Dustin Poirier is considering retirement after his loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, where he narrowly missed out on winning the lightweight championship.

As he recovers from serious injuries, Poirier is uncertain about his future in MMA but acknowledges his continued passion and skill in the sport.

Dustin Poirier’s Journey After UFC 302 Loss

Dustin Poirier faced a tough defeat at UFC 302 against Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight championship.

Following the loss, Poirier revealed that he had been considering retirement. Had he won the championship in Newark, he planned to retire immediately.

“I was going to put the belt down with the gloves,” Poirier said on “The MMA Hour” with Ariel Helwani.

“But this is my story, and it happened the way it was supposed to happen for my journey. It’s been written already.”

Before UFC 302, Poirier had hinted at retiring if he defeated Makhachev. However, he was submitted in the fifth round by Makhachev with a d’arce choke and now faces a period of recovery from damaged ribs, a broken nose, and a partially torn ACL.

Poirier is Yet to Make His Final Decision

While Poirier has not made a final decision about his future, UFC 302 might have been his last fight.

“I’m leaning towards being done,” Poirier shared with Helwani.

“Especially getting the title fight. How many more times would I need to fight to get myself back into position to fight for the world title? I don’t know. But like I said, I’m not going to do it again. I’m not going to fight five more times trying to earn another title shot.”

Poirier is in a difficult position, unsure of his next steps and taking things day by day. He acknowledged the challenges of returning to the top and the physical toll fighting has taken on him.

Dustin Poirier on His UFC Future

Though Poirier is not entirely set on retirement, he is leaning toward it.

At 35, he is far from another title shot anytime soon. He expressed uncertainty about the reasons to continue fighting, given the physical and mental toll it has taken on him.

“I can’t say I’ll never fight again, but I just don’t know the reason,” Poirier said.

“What am I going to fight for? To get into a battle? I love that, but I’ve taken some lumps over the years. It has to be for something.”

Despite the loss, Poirier proved he is still one of the best lightweights in the world, giving Makhachev a tough UFC fight for nearly five rounds.

This performance makes it difficult for him to commit to retirement, knowing how capable he still is.

Poirier’s Experience with New UFC Gloves

At UFC 302, the new gloves design was introduced to reduce eye pokes and improve hand safety.

Poirier praised the new design, mentioning that they helped keep his fist closed better than the previous gloves.

“I like them, I like them. My hands kind of got a little banged up,” Poirier said.

“They’re thinner, my hand is still healing. But I like them because I can make a closed fist very tight. The other gloves were very tough to make a closed fist.”

However, he said that the new gloves resulted in more bruising. Poirier pointed out that his knuckles were more severely bruised despite landing fewer strikes against Makhachev than in his fight with Max Holloway in 2019.

“In the Max fight, there was a lot of volume thrown, so my knuckles were raw but not this deep a cut on my knuckle,” Poirier explained.

“It’s different [the gold color], I don’t mind it. I see people talking trash. To each their own. I like it, thought it was cool.”

What’s Next for Dustin Poirier?

Dustin Poirier is at a crossroads after his tough fight at UFC 302. While he thinks about retiring, he’s still not sure if he’s ready to stop fighting.

He knows he is still a top fighter, but the path to another title shot is long and hard. Poirier will take some time to heal and decide what’s best for his future. Whether he fights again or retires, his fans will support him and respect his journey.

In the meantime, Poirier continues to reflect on his career and the impact he has made in the UFC.

His love for the sport and his competitive spirit will guide his next steps. Everyone is eager to see what he decides and to support him in whatever path he chooses.

The 2024 NHL offseason is shaping up to be thrilling, with several high-profile players potentially on the move. Teams are looking to strengthen their rosters and take advantage of the increased salary cap, leading to exciting trade possibilities.

Anticipating Major Trades at the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas

The NHL draft is one of the busiest and most important days of the year for the league. Teams are not only looking to pick young players who could become stars in the future but are also trying to improve their teams right away through trades.

The 2024 NHL Draft, set for June 28-29 in Las Vegas, is expected to be very active. The salary cap is likely to increase from $83.5 million to $87.7 million for the 2024-25 season.

Andrew Mangiapane’s Rising Trade Interest

Andrew Mangiapane of the Calgary Flames is becoming a hot topic in trade discussions.

As he enters the final season of his contract and heads towards unrestricted free agency (UFA) in 2025, the Flames are open to dealing players with expiring contracts, evident from their recent trades involving Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin, Nikita Zadorov, and Chris Tanev.

Mangiapane had a solid season with 14 goals, 40 points, and a plus-7 rating in 75 games. His standout performance in 2021-22, with 35 goals and 55 points in 82 games, hints at his potential as a significant scoring threat.

Arthur Kaliyev Seeking a Fresh Start

Los Angeles Kings’ Arthur Kaliyev has been at the center of trade rumors, especially after his disappointing season with just seven goals and 15 points in 51 games.

The 22-year-old right winger, who was scratched multiple times and benched during the playoffs, is reportedly seeking a trade.

Kings GM Rob Blake acknowledged Kaliyev’s struggles and the need for a resolution. Kaliyev, with his potential as an effective middle-six forward, will likely attract interest, particularly from teams in a rebuilding phase.

Tanner Jeannot and Tampa Bay’s Cap Crunch

The Tampa Bay Lightning face a challenging situation with their limited cap space and several UFAs, including Steven Stamkos. Tanner Jeannot, who had a rough season with just seven goals and seven assists, emerges as a prime trade candidate to alleviate their cap issues.

Despite his recent struggles, Jeannot’s past success and reputation as a gritty forward make him appealing to teams looking for toughness and scoring depth. His $2.665-million cap hit and 16-team no-trade list, however, add complexity to any potential trade.

Trevor Zegras to the Montreal Canadiens?

Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks, after a challenging third season limited by injuries and contract negotiations, has been linked to trade rumors. The Montreal Canadiens, seeking to bolster their scoring depth, have shown interest.

Zegras, a proven scorer and friend of Canadiens’ Cole Caufield, could thrive under coach Martin St. Louis. The Ducks will demand a significant return, possibly including Montreal’s first-round pick and a young defenseman like David Reinbacher or Logan Mailloux.

Filip Hronek for Martin Nečas

The Carolina Hurricanes and Vancouver Canucks each face tricky RFA situations. Hurricanes winger Martin Nečas and Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek are both seeking substantial raises. This scenario could lead to an old-fashioned one-for-one hockey trade.

Nečas, desiring top-six minutes, could find a better role in Vancouver, while Hronek could bolster Carolina’s defensive depth. Previous trade discussions involving these players lay the groundwork for a potential deal this summer.

Nikolaj Ehlers for Ryan Pulock

The Winnipeg Jets’ Nikolaj Ehlers and New York Islanders’ Ryan Pulock are both prime candidates for a trade. Ehlers, with one year left on his contract and a 10-team no-trade clause, could be traded to bolster Winnipeg’s defense.

Pulock, with a similar cap hit and a full no-trade clause, could pair well with Jets’ Josh Morrissey. However, convincing Pulock to waive his clause and ensuring Ehlers isn’t on the Islanders’ no-trade list are key challenges.

Linus Ullmark for Jakob Chychrun

Boston Bruins’ Linus Ullmark and Ottawa Senators’ Jakob Chychrun are both intriguing trade targets. Ullmark, with a year left on his contract, could be moved to a team like the Senators, who need a reliable starting goaltender.

Chychrun, also nearing free agency, could strengthen the Bruins’ defense. The Senators may need to offer Chychrun and additional picks to land Ullmark, assuming he isn’t on their no-trade list.

Jacob Markström to the New Jersey Devils

Calgary Flames’ Jacob Markström, linked to the New Jersey Devils, could be on the move this summer. Despite remaining with the Flames post-trade deadline, his future is uncertain.

The Devils, seeking to address goaltending issues, are revisiting trade discussions. Markström, with a $6 million cap hit, could command a first-round pick, a top prospect, and a promising young player in return.

Mitch Marner for Juuse Saros

The Nashville Predators’ trade of Ryan McDonagh back to the Tampa Bay Lightning sparked rumors about acquiring Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs. While Predators GM Barry Trotz dismissed these as rumors, the idea remains tantalizing.

For such a deal, Marner would need to agree to move to Nashville. With both players eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer and the Predators having ample cap space, this trade, though unlikely, could be the summer’s blockbuster.

Anticipating Key Moves in the 2024 NHL Offseason

The 2024 NHL offseason is set to be very exciting, with many big-name players potentially being traded. Teams are looking to improve their rosters and take advantage of the increased salary cap.

Andrew Mangiapane, Arthur Kaliyev, Tanner Jeannot, Trevor Zegras, Filip Hronek, Martin Nečas, Nikolaj Ehlers, Ryan Pulock, Linus Ullmark, Jakob Chychrun, Jacob Markström, and Mitch Marner are some of the players to watch.

These trades could significantly change the teams and the league. As the NHL draft approaches, keep an eye on these possible moves.

The Lakers, Knicks, and Jazz are considering a trade involving Julius Randle, Lauri Markkanen, and several other players and draft picks.

This deal aims to strengthen each team’s position by addressing their specific needs and future plans.

Potential Trade Breakdown

This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are exploring significant trades to enhance their competitiveness.

A potential three-team trade with the Utah Jazz could be the key. The trade details are as follows:

• Utah Jazz Receive: Bojan Bogdanovic, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2030 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2030 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
• Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Julius Randle
• New York Knicks Receive: Lauri Markkanen, Rui Hachimura

Will the Utah Jazz Accept This Deal?

The Jazz have been in a rebuilding phase, and trading Lauri Markkanen could maximize their returns. Markkanen, who has an average of 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds this season, is a significant asset.

However, this trade offers the Jazz multiple picks and expiring contracts, allowing them to focus on future development and open up space for promising players like Taylor Hendricks and Brice Sensabaugh.

Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 6’6″ point guard, could also thrive in Utah’s rebuilding environment.

Are the Lakers Willing to Bring Back Julius Randle?

The Lakers have been seeking a third star, and Julius Randle could fit this role.

Adding Randle to a roster with LeBron James and Anthony Davis might require strategic adjustments, such as moving James back to the point guard position.

Randle’s $28.9 million contract could be a challenge for the Lakers’ salary cap, but the trade would upgrade their roster by replacing Rui Hachimura, who averaged 13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds, with a more consistent and high-performing player.

Though financially demanding, this move could help the Lakers maintain their competitiveness.

Is the Cost Justified for the Knicks?

This trade is an opportunity for the Knicks to upgrade their roster by acquiring Lauri Markkanen and Rui Hachimura.

Markkanen’s offensive skills and versatility would complement Jalen Brunson, allowing for a more dynamic offense.

Hachimura adds valuable depth across multiple positions. The loss of Julius Randle, despite his significant contributions, might be mitigated by the improved team dynamics and the retention of key players like Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart.

Evaluating the Trade: Lakers, Knicks, and Jazz

This three-team trade sends ripples across the NBA, offering a mixed bag of benefits and challenges for the involved teams. Here’s a closer look at how each team fares:

Overall Grade: B

This three-team trade involves significant changes for each team, with benefits and potential drawbacks balanced across the board.

Utah Jazz: C+

The Jazz could potentially seek a better offer for Markkanen, but the proposed trade aligns with their rebuilding strategy. The return includes draft picks and young talent, which is valuable for their long-term plans.

The Jazz might benefit from negotiating for an additional first-round pick to feel more confident about the deal.

Los Angeles Lakers: B

The Lakers would benefit from acquiring Randle, who offers an upgrade over Hachimura.

However, the financial implications are significant, and the team must adjust their strategy to integrate Randle effectively. Preserving first-round picks is a positive aspect, allowing for future flexibility.

New York Knicks: A

The Knicks stand to gain the most from this trade, acquiring two valuable players without giving up too much.

Markkanen’s fit with the team and Hachimura’s versatility address key needs, making this a favorable deal.

Knicks’ Strategy to Trade Randle for Emerging Talent

The Knicks face decisions on several player contracts, including Julius Randle’s potential extension.

While mock trades suggest various scenarios, the proposed trade with the Lakers and Jazz is one of the more plausible options.

The Knicks aim to add complementary star players like Markkanen to build around Jalen Brunson, and this trade aligns with that strategy. In summary, this proposed trade between the Lakers, Knicks, and Jazz offers significant changes for each team.

The Jazz aim to rebuild, while the Lakers and Knicks seek to enhance their competitiveness.

Each team must carefully consider the trade’s implications, but the overall potential benefits suggest it could be a smart move for all involved.