Inter Miami CF Staying In Fort Lauderdale

     Inter Miami CF will remain at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale for the 2025 Major League Soccer season. They have played their home contests in Broward County since joining MLS in 2020. 

     There has been plans by the soccer team for many years to move their headquarters to Dade County and play their home games in the Miami vicinity. It is now anticipated that Inter Miami CF will play their first campaign at Miami Freedom Park in 2026. 

     Another factor to be looked at is their most recognizable player, Lionel Messi. He signed with Inter Miami CF back in July 2023 and his contract will go until the end of the 2025 calendar year. It is unknown if Messi will re-sign a new deal with the team and return for the 2026 season. 

Miami Marlins Roster Moves

     The Miami Marlins made numerous transactions before the Major League Baseball trade deadline yesterday. The Fish traded seven players on their 26-man roster on Tuesday and dealt a total amount of nine players since July 25. 

     It has been a complete overhaul of the club since Peter Bendix became the head of baseball operations and took over for Kim Ng. The Marlins now have just 10 out of 26 players that competed in the National League Wild Card Series against the Philadelphia Phillies back in October.

Marlins Set Down Rays

     The Miami Marlins hustled by the Tampa Bay Rays 6-2 at Tropicana Field on Wednesday. The Marlins will continue their nine-game trip through three locations on Thursday when they visit the Braves in Atlanta. 

     Tampa Bay(55-53) marched out to a 1-0 lead in the opening frame and led 2-1 after two innings. Miami(40-68) bounced back with three runs in the top of the third for a 4-2 advantage. The Marlins added two more runs in the seventh inning for a 6-2 lead. 

Bret Hedican Exits Broadcasting

     Former Florida Panthers defenseman Bret Hedican has left the television broadcasting field. He has been named the player development analyst of the San Diego Gulls. They are the American Hockey League affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks. 

     He had held roles as the television game analyst, television rinkside reporter, radio game analyst and television studio game analyst for the San Jose Sharks over the last 15 NHL seasons. Hedican was a radio game analyst at Westwood One alongside play-by-play announcer Steve Goldstein announcing ice hockey at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. 

     Hedican played 202 games with the Florida Panthers from 1998-99 to 2001-02 and chalked up 65 points. He was acquired along with Pavel Bure in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks for Ed Jovanovski and Kevin Weeks in an eight-player deal on January 17, 1999. 

     He was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in January 2002. Hedican captured two Eastern Conference titles in 2002 and 2006 along with a Stanley Cup championship in 2006. 

Dylan Floro Lands With Diamondbacks

     One-time Miami Marlins relief pitcher Dylan Floro was dealt by the Washington Nationals to the Arizona Diamondbacks for infielder Andres Chapparo. Floro has a 3-3 record with a 2.06 earned runs average in 51 relief appearances with the Nats this year. 

     He played for the Marlins for three seasons from 2021 until 2023. Floro participated in 167 contests and compiled 32 saves along with a 3.32 earned run average. 

Jesus Tinoco Claimed By Marlins

     Jesus Tinoco was claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins on Tuesday. He was placed on waivers by the Chicago Cubs. 

     This will be the second stint for Tinoco with the Fish. He was acquired by Miami in a trade from the Colorado Rockies in August 2020. Tinoco participated in just three games with the Marlins and surrendered no runs in five innings. 

Mets Pick Up Huascar Brazoban

     The New York Mets added to their roster as they picked up relief pitcher Huascar Brazoban from the Miami Marlins. The Fish will acquire minor league infielder Wilfredo Lara in the trade. Miami has dealt nine MLB players off their roster in the last five days. 

     Brazoban has participated with the Marlins since the 2022 season. He has 2.93 earned run average and 20 relief appearances this year with Miami.  

Marlins Trade Bryan De La Cruz

     The Miami Marlins have traded outfielder Bryan De La Cruz to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Jun-Seok Shim. It was the conclusion of a day in which the Marlins franchise traded seven players from their Major League Baseball roster.

     De La Cruz spent his entire four-year MLB career with the Marlins. He has 18 home runs, 51 runs batted in and a .289 batting average for the Fish this season. 

Marlins Moving Tanner Scott To Padres

     The Miami Marlins are trading their main relief pitcher Tanner Ross along with pitcher Bryan Hoenig to the San Diego Padres for Robby Snelling, Adam Mazur, Graham Pauley and Jay Beshears. Ross and Hoenig has been associated with Miami since the 2022 campaign.

     Ross was elevated by the Marlins to their closer in 2024 to pick up saves for the team during the ninth inning. He ends up with a team-leading 18 saves this year. 

J.T. Chargois Gone From Marlins

     The Miami Marlins continued to make deals on Major League Baseball trade deadline day. The Fish have traded right-handed relief pitcher J.T. Chargois to the Seattle Mariners for pitcher Will Schomberg.

     Chargois has been with Miami for the past two seasons. He made 61 relief appearances with the Marlins and had a 3.05 earned run average. 

Eric Staal Retires

     Former Florida Panthers center Eric Staal announced his retirement from the National Hockey League on Tuesday. He signed a one-day contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he won a Stanley Cup title with in 2006. Staal will have his number 12 jersey number retired by the Canes at a home game in Raleigh during the 2024-25 campaign. 

     Staal played his final season in the NHL with the Florida Panthers in 2022-23. He was part of the team when they captured the 2023 Eastern Conference championship. Staal chalked up 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points in 72 contests during his lone season with the Cats. 

Marlins Deal Josh Bell To Diamondbacks

     Miami Marlins first baseman Josh Bell has been dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Fish will receive cash considerations in the exchange. 

     Bell was acquired by Miami from the Cleveland Guardians in August 2003. He compiled 25 home runs, 75 runs batted in and a .249 batting average in 157 contests with the Marlins. 

Trevor Rogers Traded To Orioles

     The Miami Marlins have dealt starting pitcher Trevor Rogers to the Baltimore Orioles for second baseman Connor Norby and outfielder Kyle Stowers. The Fish continued to fleece their MLB roster. 

     Rogers has played all five seasons of his Major League Baseball career with Miami. He had a 15-32 record with a 4.23 earned run average in 80 career starts. Rogers was with the team when they got to the postseason in 2020 and 2023. 

Rays Jump By Marlins

     The Miami Marlins were passed by the Tampa Bay Rays 9-3 at Tropicana Field on Tuesday night. It is the first contest of a two-game series between the in-state rivals. The Marlins traded seven players off their roster prior to today's game.

     Miami(39-68) chalked up two runs in the top of the first and had a 3-1 lead at the end of five innings. Tampa Bay(55-52) piled on five runs during the bottom of the sixth and two runs in the bottom of the seventh for an 8-3 advantage.  

Jorge Soler Sent To Braves

     Former Miami Marlins outfielder Jorge Soler has been traded from the San Francisco Giants to the Atlanta Braves along with pitcher Luke Jackson for infielder Sabin Ceballos and pitcher Tyler Matzek. Soler previously won a World Series with the Braves in 2021 during his only campaign with that club. 

     Soler spent two seasons with the Marlins in 2022 and 2023. He had an impressive 2023 season with Miami when he compiled 36 home runs and 75 runs batted in during 137 contests. Soler helped the Fish reach the postseason last year. 

Bally Sports Returns To Comcast Xfinity

     Bally Sports programming will be returning to Comcast Xfinity cable systems as August 1. The regional sports network will be placed on Xfinity digital preferred and ultimate television packages instead of the current channel tier it has been on. 

     Comcast took off Bally Sports Florida and Bally Sports Sun from their cable systems back on May 1. All Miami Marlins game broadcasts have not been seen on Xfinity since then. The Marlins will make their return even though the club has the second worst record in the National League and are unlikely to reach the postseason. 

     Miami Heat game broadcasts will continue to air on Bally Sports Sun on South Florida Comcast cable systems for the 2024-25 NBA season. Other specialty shows from the Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami Hurricanes will also be seen. 

     One professional sports team that has moved on from Bally Sports and their parent company Diamond Sports Group was the Florida Panthers. Local Comcast subscribers in South Florida were unable to see special postgame programming of Florida Panthers playoff games in their final contest of the Eastern Conference Finals and following all seven 2024 Stanley Cup Final games. The Panthers announced Scripps Sports as their new television home earlier this month. 

Tua Tagovailoa Signs Extension

     Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be staying with the Miami Dolphins for the long term. He has signed a four-year contract extension with the team worth $212.4 million. Tagovailoa was entering the final season of his rookie contract in 2024. 

     Tagovailoa has spent his entire four-season career with the Fins from 2020 to 2023. He led the National Football League with 4,624 passing yards last season. Tagovailoa has 1,096 pass completions for 12,639 passing yards and 81 touchdowns in 53 regular season games with Miami. 

Brewers Avoid Sweep To Marlins

     The Miami Marlins fell to the Milwaukee Brewers 6-2 at American Family Field on Sunday. The Marlins were unable to sweep the three-game series from the Brewers. The Fish have tomorrow off and will visit the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. 

     Miami(39-67) scooted out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Xavier Edwards connected with his first Major League Baseball home run to right field on the first pitch of the contest. 

     Milwaukee(60-45) answered back with two runs in the bottom of the first to go ahead 2-1. Jake Bauers smacked a two-run homer on a 0-0 count over the right-field fence with Brice Turang aboard for his eighth home run of the season. 

     It became 4-1 for the Brew Crew in the fourth inning. Joey Ortiz had an infield hit to the left side and Rhys Hoskins reached home. Two batters later, Turang drove in Garrett Mitchell on a single to left field. 

     The Brewers made it 6-1 in the bottom of the fifth. Jackson Chourio belted a solo home run to right-center field on a 2-2 pitch for his 11th homer of the year. Three batters later, Hoskins hit a sacrifice fly to center field and Bauers scored. 

     The Marlins got one run in the top of the seventh and were down 6-2. Edwards tripled off the right-center field wall and completed the cycle on the play. Bryan De La Cruz grounded out to first and Edwards crossed the plate. 

Marlins Trade Jazz Chisholm Jr. To Yankees

     The Miami Marlins have traded outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the New York Yankees for catcher Agustin Ramirez, infielder Jared Serna and infielder Abrahan Ramirez. He has played his entire four-season Major League Baseball career with the Marlins. 

     Chisholm helped Miami reach the postseason in 2020 and 2023. He was a second baseman with the club during his first two seasons. Chisholm was shifted to centerfielder when the Fish acquired Luis Arraez. 

Marlins Beat Brewers

     The Miami Marlins downed the Milwaukee Brewers 7-3 on Saturday night at American Family Field. Marlins outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. was traded to the New York Yankees prior to the contest. Both clubs will complete the three-game series on Sunday. 

     Miami(39-66) got out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the second. Milwaukee(59-45) overcame it with three runs in the bottom of the fourth. 

      The Marlins reclaimed the lead 7-3 in the seventh inning with five runs. Josh Bell hit a home run in his fourth consecutive game to set a new mark in his career. 

Inter Miami CF Blanks Puebla

     Inter Miami CF began their defense of their Leagues Cup title in Group 3 and got a 2-0 shutout of Puebla at Chase Stadium on Saturday night. The Herons will continue and challenge Tigres in Houston next Saturday to complete group play. 

     In the first half, Inter Miami CF pushed out to a 1-0 advantage. Matias Rojas roofed a left-footed shot from 12 yards away during the ninth minute of play. 

     The Herons increased it to 2-0 in the 72nd minute. Luis Suarez tapped in a shot with his right foot into an empty net from 13 yards out. 

Mets Deal Cole Sulser To Rays

     The New York Mets have traded pitcher Cole Sulser to the Tampa Bay Rays for cash. He participated in four contests with the Mets this year and had a 9.64 earned run average. 

     Sulser was with the Miami Marlins during the 2022 campaign. He had a 1-4 record with a 5.29 earned run average in 39 games that season. 

Ryne Stanek Traded To Mets

     The Seattle Mariners have dealt relief pitcher Ryen Stanek to the New York Mets for outfielder Rhylan Thomas. Stanek had a 6-3 record with a 4.38 earned run average in 46 relief appearances in Seattle this year. 

     He played for the Miami Marlins for two seasons in 2019 and 2020. Stanek helped the Fish reach the postseason for the first time in 17 years back in 2020. He compiled a 6.03 earned run average in 31 contests while with Miami. 

Marlins Breeze By Brewers

     The Miami Marlins stuffed the Milwaukee Brewers 6-2 at American Family Field on Friday night. The Marlins began a long nine-game road trip through three cities. The Brewers are in first place in the National League Central Division. 

     Miami(38-66) rocketed out to a 3-0 lead in the opening frame. Bryan De La Cruz hooked a two-run homer past the left-field foul pole on a 1-1 count with Jazz Chisholm Jr. aboard. It was the 18th home run of the year for De La Cruz. Two batters later, Jake Burger powered a solo home run to left field on the first pitch count for his 13th homer of the season. 

     The Marlins expanded their lead to 5-0 in the top of the second. Nick Fortes and Chisholm scored on a fielding error during a De La Cruz at-bat. 

     Milwaukee(59-44) cut the deficit to 5-1 in the bottom of the third. Rhys Hoskins blasted a solo home run on a 2-2 pitch to left-center field for his 16th home run with his new team. 

     The Brewers made it 5-2 in the fourth inning. Gary Sanchez hit a sacrifice fly to left field and William Contreras scored. 

     The Fish increased it to 6-2 during the top of the ninth. Josh Bell cracked a solo homer on a 2-2 count to left-center field for his 1,000th career hit. Bell compiled his 13th home run of the campaign. 

Marlins Trading A.J. Puk

     The Miami Marlins have agreed to trade relief pitcher A.J. Puk to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Fish are expected to receive outfielder Andrew Pintar and infielder Deyvison De Los Santos. 

     Puk was acquired from the Oakland A's back on February 11, 2023 for outfielder J.J. Bleday. Puk made 90 appearances for the Fish and had 16 saves along with a 4.11 earned run average. 

SiriusXM Radio Adds Scott Kaplan

     SiriusXM Radio has added Scott Kaplan as an early afternoon co-host to their SportsGrid Radio channel. Kaplan, a Coral Springs High School and University of Pittsburgh grad, has done the Kaplan & Crew podcast since 2019. He will continue as the afternoon co-host with Jorge Sedano on KSPN-AM in Los Angeles. 

     One of the first opportunities that Kaplan got in the broadcasting business was in South Florida.  He was a sports anchor at Sports Radio 560 WQAM-AM. Kaplan co-hosted a program with Sid Rosenberg at CBS Sportsline in Fort Lauderdale.

Orioles Fly By Marlins

     The Baltimore Orioles eased by the Miami Marlins 7-6 in 10 innings at loanDepot park on Thursday. The Marlins went 4-3 during their homestand and will visit the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend. 

     Baltimore(61-41) got out in front 1-0 in the top of the first. Anthony Santander belted a solo home run to right field on the first pitch for his 28th home run of the season. 

     It became 2-0 for the O's in the second inning. James McCann knocked in Colton Cowser with a base hit into 

     The Orioles added three more runs during the top of the third for a five-run margin. Cowser powered a three-run homer on a 2-1 count over the right-center field wall with Ryan O'Hearn and Ryan Mountcastle aboard. It was the 14th home run for Cowser this year. 

     Miami(37-66) surrendered another run in the fourth inning and trailed 6-0. Connor Norby sliced a 0-1 pitch to right field for his second career home run. 

     The Marlins broke the shutout in the bottom of the sixth. Josh Bell hammered a solo home run to center field on 1-2 pitch for his 12th homer of the 2024 campaign. 

     In the eighth inning, the Fish closed it to 6-3. Xavier Edwards picked up an infield single for Nick Fortes to score. Two baters later, Bryan De La Cruz doubled down the left-field line and Edwards crossed the plate. 

     Miami cut the deficit during the bottom of the ninth with four runs to even it up 6-6. Jazz Chisholm Jr. reached base with the bases loaded on fielding error and Nick Gordon scored. Edwards followed with a sacrifice fly to left field and Vidal Brujan reached home. Josh Bell came up next and drove in Jake Burger on a single to center field and tied it up 6-6. 

     Baltimore regained the lead 7-6 in the top of the 10th. Mountcastle singled into right field and Jordan Westburg touched home 

Orlando Robinson With Kings

     Former Miami Heat center Orlando Robinson is now with the Sacramento Kings. He has agreed to a one-year contract with that club. He cleared waivers in early July and participated with the Houston Rockets in the NBA Summer League. 

     Robinson played his entire two-season NBA career with the Heat. He averaged 3.2 points per game and 3.1 rebounds per game during his stint in Miami. 

Miami Heat Wins NBA Summer League

     The Miami Heat won the NBA Summer League championship held at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Monday. They defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 120-118 in overtime. 

     The Heat were undefeated and went a perfect 6-0 in the tournament. Josh Christopher was named the Most Valuable Player in the title contest with 24 points. 2024 second-round draft pick Pelle Larsson broke the 118-118 tie game when he scored the go-ahead basket in overtime to win the game. 

Shaquil Barrett Retires

     Miami Dolphins linebacker Shaquil Barrett retired from the National Football League on Saturday. He signed a one-year contract worth $9 million with the Fins back in March, but he never played in a game for them. 

     Barrett was known for his stints with the Denver Broncos from 2015 to 2018 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2019 to 2023. He captured a Super Bowl title with both teams. 

Orioles Lose To Marlins

     The Miami Marlins pushed by the Baltimore Orioles 6-3 on Wednesday night at loanDepot park. Both teams will complete the three-game series tomorrow. 

     Miami(37-65) defeated Baltimore(60-41) by the same score yesterday. The Marlins, who have won four of their past six games since the MLB All-Star Game break, will go for the sweep of the O's. Orioles starting pitcher Chayce McDermott made his Major League Baseball debut. 

Marlins Upset Orioles

     The Miami Marlins upended the Baltimore Orioles 6-3 at loanDepot park on Tuesday night. The Marlins have a 3-2 record since Major League Baseball All-Star Game break. The Orioles made their once every two-season trip to South Florida. 

     Miami(36-55) has the worst record in the National League standings. Baltimore(60-40) remains first in the American League East Division. 

Mets Split Marlins

     The Miami Marlins fell to the New York Mets 6-4 at loanDepot park on Monday night and finished with a split in the four-game wraparound series. 

     The Marlins will host the Balitmore Orioles beginning tomorrow. The Mets visit the New York Yankees for the Subway Series on Tuesday. 

Miami Marlins 2025 Schedule Released

     Major League Baseball announced the regular season schedule of all 30 teams. The Miami Marlins will participate in their 33rd MLB season. 

     The Marlins will open the 2025 campaign at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 27. They will conclude the regular season hosting the New York Mets on September 28. 

     Miami will play their National League East Division foes which consists of the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals 13 times next year. The Fish host and visit all National League teams in 2025. 

     The Fish will host American League clubs the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, Houston Astros and Athletics. The Marlins will go on the road and face the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners. 

Marlins Take Mets

     The Miami Marlins held off the New York Mets 4-2 on Sunday at loanDepot park. The Marlins and the Mets will play in the final contest of their four-game wraparound series on Monday. 

     New York(50-48) scored once in the top of the fourth for a 1-0 lead. Luis Torrens hit a sacrifice fly to left field and Pete Alonso crossed the plate. 

     Miami(35-64) jumped over their opponent in the bottom of the fourth for a 3-1 advantage. Jazz Chisholm Jr. blasted a three-run homer to right field on a 3-2 pitch for his 13th home run of the season. Xavier Edwards and Vidal Brujan scored in front of him on the play. 

     In the fifth inning, the Mets cut it to 3-2. J.D. Martinez knocked in Harrison Bader with a base hit into left field. 

     The Marlins extended their lead to 4-2 in the bottom of the seventh. Jake Burger powered a solo home run to left-center field on a 1-1 count for his 12th homer of the campaign. 

Jim Leyland In Baseball Hall Of Fame

     Former Florida Marlins manager Jim Leyland was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York on Sunday. He was put in along with Adrian Belte, Joe Mauer and Todd Helton.

     Leyland managed the Marlins for just two seasons. He led the club to their first World Series in franchise history during his first season with them in 1997. 

     He was at the helm of the Pittsburgh Pirates and helped them win the National League East Division in 1990, 1991 and 1992. Leyland guided the Detroit Tigers to American League championships in 2006 and 2012. 

Johnny Cueto Inks With Angels

     Former Miami Marlins starting pitcher Johnny Cueto has signed with minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels. He played earlier this season with the Texas Rangers on a minor league deal, however Cueto did not pitch in the majors in 2024. 

     Cueto was with the Marlins during the 2023 campaign. He ended up with a 1-4 record and a 6.02 earned run average with Miami. 

Inter Miami CF Outduels Chicago Fire FC

     Inter Miami CF got by Chicago Fire FC 2-1 on Saturday night at Chase Stadium. It was the final Major League Soccer game for Inter Miami CF until August. The Herons extended their lead in the MLS and Eastern Conference standings with the victory.

     The Herons got out to a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute of play. Matias Rojas was able to find the back of the net on a shot. 

     Chicago Fire FC(6-12-7) tied it up 1-1 during the 73rd minute. Rafael Czichos rushed the ball through the middle and blasted a left-footed shot from 13 yards out.  

     Inter Miami CF(16-4-5) reclaimed the lead 2-1 just two minutes later in the 75th minute. Jordi Alba volleyed the ball in with his left foot from 12 yards away. 

Mets Blank Marlins

     The New York Mets blanked the Miami Marlins 1-0 at loanDepot park on Saturday. The third game of the four-game series between New York(50-47) and Miami(34-64) will happen tomorrow. 

     The Mets scored the only run in the contest during the fourth inning. Francisco Alvarez grounded into a force out for Pete Alonso to score. 

Ravens Get Eddie Jackson

     The Baltimore Ravens are expected to sign defensive back Eddie Jackson to a one-year contract. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round during the 2017 NFL Draft and spent his entire seven-year NFL career with them. 

     Jackson played high school football with the Boyd Anderson Cobras. He attended the University of Alabama and captured a CFP national championship with the Crimson Tide in 2015. 

Kenyan Drake Ends Career

     Former Miami Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake announced that he is retiring from the National Football League. He was in the NFL for eight seasons and participated with five different teams. 

     Drake began his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins starting in the 2016 campaign. He compiled 333 carries for 1,532 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 54 contests with the Fins. Drake was dealt during the 2019 season to the Arizona Cardinals. 

Marlins Stop Mets

     The Miami Marlins topped the New York Mets 6-4 at loanDepot park on Friday night. It was the first contest for both teams since the Major League Baseball All-Star Game break. 

     The Marlins are currently last in the National League East Division and have the worst record in the National League. The Mets are in third place inside their division. 

David Schultz Retires From Broadcasting

     Former Miami radio sportscaster David Schultz has retired from the broadcasting field. He is taking a position as an outpost ambassador at Jim Beam Distillery in Louisville. Schultz will continue as the Locked On Sun Belt podcast host. 

     Schultz, a SUNY-Oswego grad, was at Sports Radio 560 WQAM-AM from 2009 to 2011. He worked as a sports anchor, fill-in host, Florida Marlins reporter and Florida Panthers reporter. 

ESPN West Palm Adding Michael Rizzo

     ESPN West Palm 106.3 WUUB-FM in West Palm Beach will be adding Michael Rizzo as an on-air host. It is unknown when his new shift will be. The only local weekday program ESPN West Palm currently has is with WPTV-TV sports anchor Theo Dorsey along with Christian Katt for one hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

     Rizzo started his broadcasting career as an intern at ESPN Cleveland WKNR-FM. He then co-hosted sports shows on WZPN-FM in Peoria. 

Inter MIami CF Silence Toronto FC

     Inter Miami CF handled Toronto FC 3-1 at Chase Stadium on Wednesday night. The Herons leaped up to first place in the Eastern Conference and the Major League Soccer overall standings. 

     In the first half, Inter Miami CF(15-4-5) rolled out in front 1-0. Diego Gomez received a long lead pass and blasted an 18-yard shot with his right foot in the 43rd minute. 

     The Herons later extended their lead to 3-0 in the second half. Federico Redondo scored during the 53rd minute on a six-yard header following an indirect kick. He followed with a left-footed shot from nine yards out in the 59th minute. 

     Toronto FC(8-14-3) broke the shutout in the 80th minute and made it 3-1. Derrick Etienne Jr. was able to get the tally as he powered in a right-footed shot from 13 yards. 

Steve Lapa Dead

     Former South Florida broadcast executive Steve Lapa passed away back on June 28 at the age of 72. Lapa was best known for being the vice president and general manager of James Crystal Radio Group in Fort Lauderdale from 2009 until 2014. The radio stations in that cluster included 640 WMEN-AM, 850 WFTL-AM and 1400 WFLL-AM. 

     He first arrived in Miami as the general sales manager at WVCG-AM and WYOR-FM in July 1982. Lapa later became the general sales manager at WDZL-TV Channel 39 in 1983-1984. He returned to radio in West Palm Beach during the mid-1990s as the general manager at WOVV-FM and WRLX-FM. 

Brian Anderson Leaves Braves

     Former Miami Marlins third baseman Brian Anderson has elected free agency and has left the Atlanta Braves. He competed in just three contests with that team this season and had no hits in five at-bats. 

     Anderson was once with the Marlins organization from 2017 to 2022. He had a .256 batting average in 531 games with Miami. 

Shannon Spake Exiting Fox Sports

     Former 560 WQAM-AM staff member Shannon Spake will be exiting Fox Sports. She has been at that network since 2016. 

     Spake, a Piper High School and Florida Atlantic University grad, broke into the broadcasting business as an intern on the Neil Rogers Show at WQAM. She became a sports reporter and studio co-host at Speed. 

     She then landed at ESPN. Her duties there included NASCAR pit reporter, college football sideline reporter, college basketball sideline reporter and SportsCenter reporter. Spake moved on to Fox Sports and worked as a NASCAR pit reporter, college basketball sideline reporter, college football sideline reporter, NASCAR studio host and NFL sideline reporter. 

Steven Kampfer Returning To KHL

     Former Florida Panthers defenseman Steven Kampfer will be returning to the Kontinental Hockey League. He is expected to sign with Traktor Chelyabinsk. Kampfer played with the Arizona Coyotes AHL Affiliate the Tucson Roadrunners for the last two seasons.

     Kampfer was once with the Panthers from 2014-15 until 2016-17. He compiled two goals and six assists for eight points in 73 contests with Florida. 

Marlins Pick P.J. Morlando

     The first round of the Major League Baseball Draft was held on Sunday night. It took place after all MLB games took place earlier in the day. 

     The Miami Marlins selected P.J. Orlando 16th overall in the first round. He is an outfielder from Summerville High School in South Carolina. 

Argentina Wins Copa America

     Argentina defeated Columbia 1-0 for the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday night. It was the first time that the title game was held in the United States. 

     There would be no scoring during the first half and the second half. Argentina, the defending World Cup Champions, took the lead during extra time in the 112th minute. Lautaro Martinez powered in a right-footed shot from 14 yards away for his fifth goal in the Copa America. He was given the Golden Boot Award after the victory. 

     Inter Miami CF and Argentina forward Lionel Messi played in the contest and was substituted in th second half because of a right ankle injury. Argentina forward Angel Di Maria participated in his final game with the Argentina national team. 

     Argentina captured their second straight and 16th overall Copa America title, which is the most all-time. Columbia won their only Copa America back in 2001. 

Marlins Edge Reds

     The Miami Marlins avoided a sweep with a 3-2 victory over the Cincinnait Reds at Great American Ball Park on Sunday. The Marlins were almost swept for the second time in the last six days. The Fish went 1-5 on their recent road trip before the MLB All-Star Game break.

     Miami(33-63) took a 2-0 lead in the top of the fifth. Jonah Bride hit a single to up the middle for Xavier Edwards and Jesus Sanchez to score. 

     Cincinnati(47-50) tied it up 2-2 during the bottom of the sixth. Elly De La Cruz blasted a two-run homer to right-center field on the first pitch for his 17th home run of the season. Jonathan India scored in front of him on the play. 

     The Marlins regained the lead 3-2 in the eighth inning. Edwards knocked in Jake Burger with a base hit through the left side.

NBA Cup Groups Set

     The National Basketball Association announced the five-team groups for the 2024 NBA Cup. It will be the second season that the NBA Cup will be held. The Los Angeles Lakers captured the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023. 

     The Miami Heat was placed in East Group B with the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons. The beginning of the upcoming NBA Cup will start on November 12. 

Reds Down Marlins

     The Cincinnati Reds outscored the Miami Marlins 10-6 on Saturday at Great American Ball Park. The Marlins are now on a five-game losing streak. The Reds look to sweep the three-game series on Sunday. 

Reds Speed By Marlins

     The Cincinnati Reds passed by the Miami Marlins 7-4 at Great American Ball Park on Friday night. The Marlins, who have lost four straight games, continued their six-game road swing before the MLB All-Star Game break. 

     Cincinnati(46-49) rocketed out to the lead early in the contest. The Reds scored two runs in bottom of the first. Jonathan India led off with a solo homer to center field on a 0-1 pitch for his eighth home run of the year. Two batters later, Jeimer Candelario lifted a solo home run to right field on a 2-2 count for his 15th homer of the season. 

     It became 3-0 for the Red Legs during the second inning. Will Benson doubled into right field to score Rece Hinds. 

     The Reds added four more runs in the bottom of the third for a 7-0 lead. Hinds blasted his first career grand-slam homer and third home run of the campaign to right-center field on the first pitch. Candelario, Spencer Steer and Noelvi Marte scored in front of him on the play. 

     Miami(32-62) bounced back with three runs during the top of the fourth and trailed 7-3. Jesus Sanchez powered a three-run homer to right field on a 2-1 count with Xavier Edwards and Bryan De La Cruz aboard. The Marlins added another tally in the ninth inning. 

West Palm Beach Ratings June 2024

     The ratings were issued for sports talk radio stations in the West Palm Beach area. The time span went from the fourth week in May until the third week in June. Both local competitors tied for the fifth time since July 2023. 

     Fox Sports 640 South Florida WMEN-AM fell from a 0.5 to a 0.4 in the month. They continued airing Fox Sports Radio on a regular basis and had no game broadcasts. 

     Sports Radio 1230 The Gambler WBZT-AM rose from a 0.3 to a 0.4 in the period. The Florida Panthers knocked off the New York Rangers. They were tied for the series lead 3-3 in the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. The Miami Marlins were near the bottom of the National League standings. 

Astros Sweep Marlins

     The Houston Astros downed the Miami Marlins 6-3 at Minute Maid Park on Thursday night. The Astros swept the three-game series from the Fish. The Marlins visit the Cincinnati Reds this weekend. 

     The Marlins scored first in the top of the first for a 1-0 advantage. Bryan De La Cruz smashed a solo home run to left field for his 16th homer of the season. 

     The Astros leaped in front 2-1 in the bottom of the first. Jon Singleton hit a sacrifice fly to center field and Alex Bregman reached home. Jeremy Pena followed with a single into right field to score Yainer Diaz. 

     Miami(32-61) tied it 2-2 in the top of the second. Nick Fortes drove in Xavier Edwards on a base hit into left field. 

     Houston(49-44) regained the lead 3-2 in the bottom of the frame. Cesar Salazar grounded out to first for Trey Cabbage to score. 

     It became 5-2 for the Astros in the fourth inning. Jake Meyers doubled to deep center and Joey Loperfido crossed the plate. Four batters later, Bregman grounded into a force out with the bases loaded and Meyers scored. 

     The Fish cut the deficit to 5-3 in the top of the first. Jazz Chisholm Jr. lifted a solo homer to right field for his 12th homer of the year. 

     In the bottom of the fifth, the Astros increased it to 6-3. Loperfido knocked in Singleton with a sacrifice fly to center field. 

Kyle Lowry Staying With Sixers

     Former Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry will be remaining with the Philadelphia 76ers. He has agreed to a one-year contract with that team. Lowry was picked up off waivers by the Sixers from the Charlotte Hornets in February. 

     Lowry was with the Heat from 2021-22 until the middle of the 2023-24 campaign. He averaged 11.4 points per game and 5.8 assists per game during his stint with Miami. Lowry was part of the club when they won the Eastern Conference title in 2023. 

Astros Squash Marlins

     The Houston Astros pounded the Miami Marlins 9-1 on Wednesday night at Minute Maid Park. Both teams will conclude their three-game series tomorrow. 

     Houston(48-44) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the opening frame. They added four more runs in the bottom of the second for a five-run margin. 

     The Astros made it 6-0 in the bottom of the fourth. Miami(32-60) garnered their only run of the contest in the fifth inning. Houston put the game out of reach in the sixth inning with three runs for a 9-1 advantage. 

Miami Ratings June 2024

     The ratings were released for sports talk radio stations in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area. The time span went from the fourth week in May to the third week in June. 

     AM 560 Sports WQAM-AM increased from a 0.9 to a 1.1 in the month. The Florida Panthers defeated the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference Finals and at one point held a 3-0 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. They were on their way to capture their first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. Inter Miami CF had the best record in Major League Soccer and the Eastern Conference. The Herons were 9-1-2 in a 12-game stretch. 

     Fox Sports 940 WINZ-AM remained at a 0.5 for the second straight period. The Miami Marlins were in last place in the National League East Division and near the bottom of the National League standings. 

     Fox Sports 640 South Florida WMEN-AM ended up with a 0.1 again. They did not have any play-by-play broadcasts and continued with constant Fox Sports Radio programming. 

     The stream of WQAM rose to a 0.4 after three consecutive months with a 0.2. There was more of a social buzz and audience with the Florida Panthers deep playoff run. 

Astros Outlast Marlins

     The Houston Astros got by the Miami Marlins 4-3 at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday night. The Marlins began their final road trip before the Major League Baseball All-Star Game break. 

     Miami(32-59) had a 1-0 advantage in the top of the first. Jazz Chisholm Jr. cracked a solo home run to right field on a 2-1 pitch for his 11th homer of the season. 

     Houston(47-44) tied it 1-1 during the bottom of the first. Chas McCormick drove in Jake Myers with a base hit into left field. 

     The Astros moved ahead 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth. Alex Bregman singled into left-center field to score McCormick.    

     In the top of the seventh, the Marlins evened it up 2-2. Jesus Sanchez smacked a solo homer to left field on a 1-0 count for his 10th home run of the campaign. 

     Houston regained the lead 4-2 in the bottom of the frame. Bregman collected his 11th home run on a two-run shot to left field on a 1-0 pitch with McCormick aboard. 

     The Fish made it 4-3 in the eighth inning. Bryan De La Cruz knocked in Chisholm on a single into left field.  

Adam Boqvist Joins Panthers

     Former Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Adam Boqvist has inked a contract with the Florida Panthers. It is a one-year deal worth $775,000. 

     Boqvist has spent the last three seasons with the Blue Jackets. He compiled 17 goals and 39 assists for 56 points in 133 games with Columbus. 

Haywood Highsmith Re-Signs With Heat

     Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith has re-signed with the club. It is a two-year contract that is worth $11 million. 

     Haywood has played for the Heat over the past three seasons. He finished with a career-high 6.1 points per game along with 3.2 rebounds per game in 2023-24. 

Tanner Scott MLB All-Star

     Miami Marlins relief pitcher Tanner Scott has been named to the National League All-Star Team. The Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be held on July 16.

     Scott was the lone representative from the Marlins and has 13 saves in 2024. Luis Arraez, traded by Miami to the San Diego Padres on May 4, was also named to play for the National League. 

Caleb Martin Ups With Sixers

     Caleb Martin has signed a four-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. The amount of the contract is around $32 million. 

     Martin was with the Miami Heat for the last three seasons. He helped the club win the Eastern Conference title in 2023. Martin had a career-high 10.0 points per game and 2.2 assists per game last season. 

Marlins Come Back On White Sox

     The Miami Marlins overcame the Chicago White Sox 7-4 on Sunday at loanDepot park. The Marlins took two contests in the three-game series against the White Sox. 

     Chicago(26-66) led 4-3 heading into the ninth inning. Josh Bell doubled to left field and Vidal Brujan scored to tie it up 4-4. Two batters later, Miami(32-58) third baseman Jake Burger burned his former team with a walk-off, three-run homer to left-center field. 

     Nine of the Marlins 18 home victories in 2024 have been walk-off wins. The White Sox have the worst record in Major League Baseball and the American League. The Marlins are tied for the second worst record in the National League and MLB. 

FC Cincinnati Wipes Out Inter Miami CF

     Inter Miami CF was walloped by FC Cincinnati 6-1 on Saturday night at TQL Stadium. The Herons had their four-game winning streak and their eight-game road undefeated streak end. 

     It was first time this season that the Herons were bumped from first place in Major League Soccer and the Eastern Conference. The last time that Inter Miami CF was at that venue they were victorious during the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Semifinals. 

     FC Cincinnati(15-4-3) broke out to a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute on a tally by Yuya Kubo. Inter Miami CF(14-4-5) got their only goal in the contest by Sergii Kryvtsov during the 21st minute. 

     The rest of the game would belong to FC Cincy as they put together five unanswered goals. Their goal output was done by Luciano Acosta(36th minute), Pavel Bucha(38th minute), Yamil Asad(45th minute), Kubo(57th minute) and Gerardo Valenzuela(72nd minute). 

White Sox Lose To Marlins

     The Chicago White Sox were edged by the Miami Marlins 4-3 at loanDepot park on Saturday. The Marlins snapped a five-game losing streak. The Fish and the White Sox look to win the final contest and take the three-game series on Sunday. 

Christian Bethancourt Moves To Cubs

     Christian Bethancourt is headed to the Chicago Cubs. He has signed a minor league contract with the team. 

     Bethancourt was released by the Miami Marlins last week. He participated in 38 games with the Fish in 2024 and had a .159 batting average. 

White Sox Wash Marlins

     The Chicago White Sox knocked off the Miami Marlins 3-2 on Friday night at loanDepot park. It was the first contest of a three-game series between both clubs. 

     The Marlins and the White Sox entered the game with the two worst records in Major League Baseball. The Fish extended their losing streak to five games. 

     Chicago(26-64) pulled in front 1-0 in the top of the second. Nicky Lopez drove in Paul DeJong with a double into right field. 

     The White Sox made it 2-0 during the top of the fourth. Lopez scored on a double by Martin Maldonado to left field. 

     In the fifth inning, the Pale Hoses expanded it to a three-run margin. Lopez connected with a ground-rule double down the left-field line and Eloy Jimenez reached home. 

     Miami(30-58) got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the seventh. Xavier Edwards singled into left field to score Dane Myers. 

     The Marlins had a final chance in the ninth inning and cut it to 3-2. Bryan De La Cruz got a base hit through the left side and Vidal Brujan crossed the plate. 

Jaycob Megna Leaps To Panthers

     The Florida Panthers have increased their roster with another defenseman. They have inked Jaycob Megna to a two-way, one-year contract at $775,000. 

     Megna played 44 games with the Chicago Blackhawks last season and compiled two assists. He had previous stints with the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks and Seattle Kraken. 

Golden Knights Add Robert Hagg

     One-time Florida Panthers defenseman Robert Hagg has signed a one-year contract worth $775,000 with the Vegas Golden Knights. He participated in only five NHL games with the Anaheim Ducks last season. 

     Hagg was acquired by the Panthers in March 2022 from the Buffalo Sabres. He had one assist during his 16-game stint with Florida. 

Red Sox Sweep Marlins

     The Boston Red Sox knocked off the Miami Marlins 6-5 in 12 innings at loanDepot park on Thursday. The Red Sox completed a three-game series sweep of the Marlins. The Fish will host the Chicago White Sox this weekend. The Red Sox will clash with the New York Yankees in The Bronx. 

     Boston(47-39) picked up the first run in the contest during the top of the first. Rafael Devers grounded out to first for David Hamilton to score. 

     The Red Sox increased their lead to 2-0 in the sixth inning. Devers again grounded out to first and Hamilton reached home. 

     Miami(30-57) broke up the no-hitter by Boston starting pitcher Nick Pivetta with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Jesus Sanchez was able to triple into center field. 

     In the eighth inning, the Marlins evened it in 2-2. Jazz Chisholm Jr. knocked in Vidal Brujan on a base hit into right field. Bryan De La Cruz came up next and singled into center field to score Nick Gordon. 

     The Red Sox got two runs in the 11th inning and the Fish matched it. Boston compiled two runs in the top of the 12th and Miami picked up one run in the bottom of the frame. 

Thomas Bryant Re-Signs With Heat

     Miami Heat center Thomas Bryant has agreed to re-sign with the organization. It is a one-year contract for the veteran minimum between him and the club. 

     Bryant joined the Heat for the 2023-24 NBA season. He finished with 5.7 points per game and 3.7 rebounds per game during the campaign. 

Inter Miami CF Bounces Chalotte FC

     Inter Miami CF dropped Chalotte FC 2-1 at Bank Of America Stadium on Wednesday night. It extended their winning streak to four games. 

     The Herons scooted out to a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute of play. Robert Taylor slide in a right-footed shot from seven yards out. 

     Charlotte FC(9-8-5) got their only tally in the contest during the 41st minute. Patrick Agyemang broke down the left side and blasted a 17-yard, right-footed shot. 

     In the second half, Inter Miami CF(14-3-5) made it a 2-1 lead in the 86th minute. Benjamin Cremaschi placed in a shot from eight yards away with his right foot. 

Vladimir Tarasenko Leaves Panthers

     Vladimir Tarasenko has moved on from the Florida Panthers. He has agreed to a two-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings worth $9.5 million. 

     Tarasenko was acquired by the Florida Panthers from the Ottawa Senators on March 6. He gave the Cats six goals and eight assists for 14 points in 18 regular season contests. Tarasenko collected nine points in 24 postseason games and guided the Panthers to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. 

Josh Mahura Joins Kraken

     Florida Panthers defenseman Josh Mahura is off to the Seattle Kraken. He has signed a one-year deal that is worth $775,000. 

     Mahura spent the last two seasons with the Panthers. He ended up with nine assists in 30 games with the team in 2023-24.     

Red Sox Take Down Marlins

     The Boston Red Sox pulled away from the Miami Marlins 7-2 on Wednesday night at loanDepot park. It was the second contest of a three-game series between both teams. 

     In the first inning, Miami(30-56) scooted out to a 1-0 advantage. The Red Sox leaped over them in the fourth inning. 

     Boston(46-39) made it 3-1 during the top of the seventh. They piled on four runs in the top of the ninth inning for a 7-1 lead. 

Florida Panthers Extend Anton Lundell

     Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell will be staying with the club for a very long time. The club signed the restricted free agent to a six-year contract worth $30 million. 

     Lundell has been with the team since the 2021-22 season. He has helped the Panthers win a Stanley Cup in 2024, two Eastern Conference titles, two Atlantic Division crowns and a Presidents' Trophy over the past three seasons. 

     He posted 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points in 78 regular season games last season during their championship campaign. Lundell chalked up 17 points in 24 games in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has compiled 112 points in 216 contests with the franchise. 

Riley Stillman In Carolina

     Former Florida Panthers defenseman Riley Stillman is joining another NHL club. He has inked a two-way, one-year contract worth $775,000 with the Carolina Hurricanes. His father Cory Stillman once played and won a Stanley Cup with the Canes. 

     Stillman was with the Panthers for three seasons from 2018-19 to 2020-21. He chalked up five assists in 43 contests while in Florida. 

Panthers Getting Nate Schmidt

     The Florida Panthers are signing defenseman Nate Schmidt. It is a one-year contract worth around $800,000. 

     Schmidt has played the past three seasons with the Winnipeg Jets. He had two goals and 12 assists for 14 points in 63 games last season. 

Red Sox Bust Marlins

     The Boston Red Sox canned the Miami Marlins 8-3 at loanDepot park on Tuesday night. The Marlins began a six-game homestand against American League opponents. 

     Boston(45-39) sprinted out with two runs in the top of the first. The Red Sox made it 5-0 with three more runs during the fourth inning. 

     Miami(30-55) broke up the shutout in the bottom of the fifth with one run. Both teams scored two runs in the seventh inning for a Boston 7-3 lead. 

Scripps Sports New Florida Panthers Television Home

     The Florida Panthers will have a new home for their television broadcasts beginning next season. E.W. Scripps Co. and Scripps Sports acquired the television broadcast rights of the team with a multi-year agreement. Panthers contests will air on WSFL-TV Channel 39 in Miami, WHDT-TV Channel 9 in West Palm Beach and a yet to be named television station in Fort Myers. 

     Bally Sports Florida held the Florida Panthers television rights until the end of the 2023-24 NHL season. The conflict involving Diamond Sports Group with National Hockey League teams has been the main problem since last year. Comcast cable systems in South Florida had not carried Bally Sports Florida with Florida Panthers programming since May 1. 

     It is unknown who will work as on-air talent on the new Florida Panthers game telecasts. Bally Sports Florida had Steve Goldstein as play-by-play announcer, Randy Moller as game analyst, Katie Engleson as rinkside reporter, Jessica Blaylock along with Craig Minervini as studio analysts and Ed Jovanovski along with Jeff Chychrun as studio analysts. 

     It was the policy of Bally Sports Florida and its predecessor Fox Sports Florida to make the hiring decisions concerning on-air talent. The Florida Panthers organization would then need to approve these decisions. 

Florida Panthers 2024-25 Schedule

     The Florida Panthers released their 2024-25 regular season schedule on Tuesday. The Panthers will get to defend their Stanley Cup title during the campaign. 

     The Panthers will open the season at home versus the Boston Bruins on October 8. There will be a pregame ceremony to raise the 2024 Stanley Cup championship banner to the rafters of Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. The B's will return later in the campaign on January 11. 

     The Panthers will challenge their Atlantic Division foes four times in the regular season. The Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres will visit South Florida two times. The Ottawa Senators will be here once. The Panthers will host their cross-state rivals the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 23 and March 3. 

     Florida will play against Metropolitan Division clubs three times during the regular season. The New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes will show up twice. The New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets will appear once. 

     The Cats will face each Western Conference team once at home and once on the road. The 2024 Western Conference champions the Edmonton Oilers will appear in Sunrise on February 27. Former Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour returns along with the Seattle Kraken on February 22. The Utah Hockey Club will be in Florida on March 28. 

     The Dallas Stars will not make a visit to South Florida for the upcoming season. The Panthers clash with the Stars in the 2024 NHL Global Series. It will be held in Tampere, Finland on November 1 and November 2. It is the hometown of Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov. 

James Reimer Shuffles To Sabres

     Former Florida Panthers goalie James Reimer has landed with the Buffalo Sabres. He has signed a one-year contract that is worth $1 million. Reimer left the Detroit Red Wings and will suit up for his sixth NHL team. 

     Reimer played with the Panthers for three seasons as the club missed the postseason from 2016-17 to 2018-19. He had a 53-42-16 record along with a .912 save percentage and a 2.85 goals-against-average during 123 games in Florida. 

Vinnie Hinostroza In Nashville

     One-time Florida Panthers center Vinnie Hinostroza will continue in the NHL. He has agreed to a two-year deal with the Nashville Predators. 

     Hinostroza participated with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season and had three points in 14 contests. He was with the Panthers in 2020-21 and had no points in nine games. 

Rangers Sign Casey Fitzgerald

     The New York Rangers have signed defenseman Casey Fitzgerald to a two-year contract worth $1.550 million. He is the cousin of Florida Panthers right wing Matthew Tkachuk.

     Fitzgerald was in the Panthers organization for the past two seasons. He spent the 2023-24 season with the Charlotte Checkers and played in 69 games. Fitzgerald participated in four contests with Florida in 2022-23 after being acquired from the Buffalo Sabres. 

Lucas Carlsson Gone From Panthers

     Defenseman Lucas Carlsson is no longer in the Florida Panthers organization. He has inked a two-way, two-year contract worth $1.6 million with the San Jose Sharks. 

     Carlsson spent the entire 2023-24 campaign with the Panthers AHL affiliate the Charlotte Checkers. He played 42 games on the NHL level with the Panthers in 2021-22 and 2022-23. 

Jazz Waive Omer Yurtseven

     The Utah Jazz have waived center Omer Yurtseven. He was with the Jazz for 48 games last season and averaged 4.4 points per game along with 4.3 rebounds per game. 

     Yurtseven spent two seasons with the Miami Heat prior to his arrival in Utah. He participated in 65 games in Miami and averaged 5.2 points per game. He helped the Heat win the 2023 Eastern Conference title. 

Heat Sign Players To Contracts

     The Miami Heat signed players to two-way contracts. It was the first day of the NBA free agency period. 

     Miami signed guard Dru Smith, forward Keshad Johnson and guard Zyon Pullin. Smith played nine games with the Heat last season. Johnson was with the University of Ariona while Pullin spent 2023-24 with the University of Florida. 

Panthers Add Jesper Boqvist

     The Florida Panthers increased their roster with the signing of center Jesper Boqvist to a one-year contract that is worth $775,000. It completed the first day for the Panthers in the free agency period. 

     Boqvist was with the New Jersey Devils in his first four NHL seasons. He compiled 14 points in 47 games with the Boston Bruins last season. 

Chris Driedger Returns To Panthers

     Former Florida Panthers goalie Chris Driedger has returned to the Cats for a second stint. He has agreed to a one-year deal. 

     Driedger spent two seasons with the Panthers from 2020-21 to 2021-22 as a backup goalie to Sergei Bobrovsky. He had a 21-8-4 record, .931 save percentage and a 2.07 goals-against-average in 34 games with the club. His success got him selected by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 expansion draft. 

Jakob Chychrun Traded To Capitals

     Boca Raton native Jakob Chychrun has been traded by the Ottawa Senators to the Washington Capitals. Chychrun once played hockey locally with the Junior Everblades and the Florida Panthers Junior Club. 

     He spent the first seven NHL seasons with the Arizona Coyotes. Chychrun was with the Senators since March 2023. 

Shayne Gostisbehere Returning To Carolina

     Shayne Gostisbehere will be returning to the Carolina Hurricanes for a second stint with that club as a defenseman signing a three-year deal at $9.6 million. He played last season with the Detroit Red Wings and had 56 points in 81 games. 

     Gostisbehere, who played with the Florida Panthers Junior team along with Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School for a couple of years, entered the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers and stayed there for seven seasons. He followed that with almost two complete seasons with the Arizona Coyotes. Gostisbehere was traded to the Hurricanes and compiled 10 points in 23 contests. 

Joel Quenneville Reinstated

     Former Florida Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville has been reinstated by the National Hockey League and are now eligible for employment. He was suspended by Commissioner Gary Bettman and the league due to his role in the 2010 sexual assault scandal while the head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks. Quenneville captured three Stanley Cup titles with the Blackhawks in 2010, 2013 and 2015. 

     Quenneville joined the Florida Panthers as their new head coach on April 9, 2019. He led the Cats to the playoffs for the first time in four years during the pandemic season of 2019-20. The Cats returned to the postseason in 2020-21. Quenneville resigned as the Panthers head coach on October 28, 2021. Florida began the season with a 7-0-0 record, their best start in franchise history.  

Panthers Ink A.J. Greer

     The Florida Panthers have added one more player to their roster during free agency. They have signed left wing A.J. Greer to a two-year contract worth $17 million. 

     Greer has made several stops in the NHL which includes the Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins and Calgary Flames. He marked down six goals and six assists for 12 points in 59 contests with the Flames last season. 

Alexander Wennberg Travels To San Jose

     One-time Florida Panthers center Alexander Wennberg heads for the San Jose Sharks on a two-year deal at $10 million. He split his time last season between the Seattle Kraken and the New York Rangers. 

     Wennberg was with Florida for one season in 2020-21. He finished with 17 goals and 12 assists for 29 points during 56 games with the Panthers. 

Jonathan Marchessault Heads To Predators

     Former Florida Panthers forward Jonathan Marchessault has joined the Nashville Predators. He has inked a five-year contract worth $27.5 million. 

     Marchessault was with the Golden Knights since their inaugural season in 2017-18. He captured two Western Conference championships and a Stanley Cup title with them. Marchessault was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. 

     He was with the Panthers for only one season in 2015-16 and helped them win the Atlantic Division title. Marchessault had an impressive campaign with 30 goals and 21 assists for 51 points in 75 games. He was exposed by Panthers general manager Dale Tallon in the expansion draft and taken by Vegas in June 2017. 

Mike Reilly Remaining With Islanders

     New York Islanders defenseman Mike Reilly will be staying with the New York Islanders. He has agreed to a one-year contract that is worth $1.25 million. 

     Reilly began the 2023-24 campaign with the Florida Panthers and played in two games. He was placed on waivers and picked up by the Islanders on November 25. 

Reilly Smith Traded To Rangers

     One-time Florida Panthers left wing Reilly Smith has been traded by the Pittsburgh Penguins to the New York Rangers for two draft picks. Smith won a Stanley Cup title with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 and participated last season with the Penguins. 

     Smith was with the Panthers for two seasons from 2015-16 to 2016-17. He ended up with 40 goals and 47 assists for 87 points in 162 contests with Florida. 

Islanders Pick Up Anthony Duclair

     Former Florida Panthers left wing is on the move again. He has signed with the New York Islanders a four-year contract worth $14 million. It will be his fourth NHL club in the last three seasons. 

     Duclair was once with the Panthers for three seasons from 2020-21 to 2022-23. He compiled 43 goals and 56 assists for 99 points in 137 games with the Cats. 

Rasmus Asplund In Panthers System

     Florida Panthers forward Rasmus Asplund with be staying in the Florida Panthers organization. He has agreed to a two-way, one-year deal worth $775,000. 

     Asplund did not reach the National Hockey League in 2023-24. He was with the Panthers AHL affiliate the Charlotte Checkers and had 44 points in 67 games.

Ryan Lomberg Moves To Flames

     Florida Panthers left wing Ryan Lomberg has left the club. He has signed a two-year contract worth $4 million with the Calgary Flames. It will be his second stint with Calgary. 

     Lomberg has played the past four seasons with the Florida Panthers. He had 28 goals and 21 assists for 49 points in 246 games with the organization. Lomberg was a catalyst during his time in Florida which led to a Stanley Cup title in 2024. 

Bucks Get Delon Wright

     Delon Wright has landed with the Milwaukee Bucks on a one-year deal worth $3.3 million. He finished off a short stint with the Miami Heat. 

     Wright was picked up by the Heat after he was waived by the Washington Wizards. He participated in just 14 games with Miami and averaged 5.5 points per game. 

Tomas Nosek Inks With Panthers

     Tomas Nosek is joining the Florida Panthers. He has agreed to a one-year contract with the Cats worth $775,000. 

     Nosek was with the New Jersey Devils during the 2023-24 campaign and compiled six points in 36 games. He previously had stints with the Detroit Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights and Boston Bruins. 

Kevin Stenlund Lands In Utah

     Florida Panthers right wing Kevin Stenlund is no longer with the organization. He is joining the Utah Hockey Club on a two-year contract at $4 million. 

     Stenlund was picked as a free agent by the Cats in July 2023. He finished with 11 goals and four assists for 15 points in 81 games with the Panthers during the regular season on his way to a Stanley Cup title. 

Kevin Connauton Off To Utah

     One-time Florida Panthers defenseman Kevin Connauton will be joining another team. He has inked a two-way, two-year contract worth $1.550 million with the Utah Hockey Club. 

     Connauton was with Florida for two seasons in 2020-21 and 2021-22. He chalked up one point in 20 contests with the Panthers. 

Anthony Stolarz Ends In Toronto

     Goalie Anthony Stolarz has moved on from the Florida Panthers. He has signed a two-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs worth $4 million. 

     Storlarz spent just one season with the Panthers as their backup goalie behind Sergei Bobrovsky. He ended up with a 16-7-2 record with two shutouts, 2.03 goals-against-average and a .925 save percentage in 27 regular season contests during 2023-24. 

Oliver Ekman-Larsson Goes To Maple Leafs

     Florida Panthers defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson has left the club. He has signed a four-year contract worth $14 million with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

     Ekman-Larsson signed a one-year deal as a free agent with the Panthers in July 2023. He had nine goals and 23 assists for 32 points in 80 games with the team last season. Ekman-Larrson spent 11 seasons with the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes and two seasons with the Vancouver Canucks prior to his arrival in South Florida. 

Florida Panthers Opening Night Set

     The National Hockey League announced the contests for opening night to begin the 2024-25 regular season. The Florida Panthers will be involved in one of three contests to be held on October 8. 

     Florida will have their season opener at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise against the Boston Bruins. The Panthers will have a pregame ceremony to raise their 2023-24 Stanlcy Cup Champion banner to the rafters. 

     The Cats and the Bruins have created a great Atlantic Division rivalry over the past two seasons. The Panthers overtook the B's in the final two regular season games in 2023-24 to take the Atlantic Division title. Florida upset the Bruins, who won the Presidents' Trophy and best regular season in NHL history, in 2023 during the first round coming back from a 3-1 game deficit to win the series. The Panthers knocked off Boston in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in six games during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

Brandon Montour Leaves Florida Panthers

     Florida Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour will not be returning to the team. He will sign a seven-year contract with the Seattle Kraken worth $50 million. 

     Montour was with the Panthers for the past four seasons. He was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres in April 2021. Montour contributed to the team winning two Atlantic Division titles, one Presidents' Trophy, two Eastern Conference crowns and a Stanley Cup championship. 

     He had his best season with Florida in 2022-23 with 16 goals and 57 assists for 73 points in 80 games. Montour was limited to 60 games this past season due to overcoming an off-season injury and compiled 33 points in 66 contests. 

Dmitry Kulikov Remains With Panthers

     Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov has agreed to a four-year contract worth $4.6 million. He will continue his second stint with the club. 

     Kulikov rejoined the Panthers for the 2023-24 season as a free agent. He ended up with an Atlantic Division crown and a Stanley Cup title last season with the organization. Kulikov chalked up one goal and 19 assists for 20 points during 76 contests in 2023-24. 

     He had his first stint with the Panthers from 2009-10 until 2015-16 and helped the club capture their first two division titles in 2012 and 2016. Kulikov later played for the Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg Jets, New Jersey Devils, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks and Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Sam Reinhart Staying With Florida Panthers

     Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart will be remaining with the team for a very long time. He has signed a maximum eight-year deal worth $69 million. It will cost the Panthers $8.625 million per season on their salary cap through the 2031-32 campaign. 

     Reinhart finished with the third highest total of goals during a regular season in team history with 57 goals in 2023-24. He scored the game-winning goal in the second period of Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final last week to help the team capture their first Stanley Cup title in Florida Panthers franchise history. He became the fourth player in NHL history to score at least 50 goals in the regular season and score the Stanley Cup clinching goal.

     He played his first seven NHL seasons with the Buffalo Sabres. Reinhart was traded to the Panthers on July 24, 2021. The team has won back-to-back Atlantic Division titles, one Presidents' Trophy, two Eastern Conference titles and a Stanley Cup while he has been in Florida. 

Kevin Love Re-Signing With Heat

     Miami Heat forward Kevin Love will be re-signing with the club. It is expected to be a two-year contract abound $8 million between him and the team. 

     Love joined the Heat late in the 2022-23 campaign. He helped the team win the Eastern Conference title that season. Love averaged 8.8 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game during 2023-24. He captured an NBA title while with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. 

Chase Priskie With Capitals

     Former Florida Panthers forward Chase Priskie will remain with the Washington Capitals signing a two-way, one-year deal worth $775,000. He played with their American Hockey League affiliate the Hershey Bears last season and captured the Calder Cup.

     Priskie, a Pembroke Pines native, was once in the Florida Panthers organization. He participated in four games with the team in 2021-22 and compiled no points. 

NBA Salary Cap

     The National Basketball Association announced on Sunday the salary cap for next season. it will go into effect as of July 1. 

     The salary cap has been set at $140.588 million for the 2024-25 campaign. The tax level will be at $170.814 million. 

     The salary cap floor for all 30 NBA teams will be $126.529 million. The first tax apron level is $178.132 million while the second tax apron is at $188.931 million. 

     There will be three different mid-level exceptions depending on a team's salary level. The non-taxpayer mid-level is $12.822 million, the taxpayer mid-level is $5.168 million and the mid-level for a club with room under the salary cap is $7.983 million.