Ray Whitney Back In NHL

     Former Florida Panthers center Ray Whitney has returned to the National Hockey League. He has been named an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings and will work under new head coach Peter Laviolette. 

     The last time Whitney was involved in the NHL was as a pro scout with the Carolina Hurricanes from 2015 until 2018. He was part of the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes AAA team staff for much of the 2020s.  

     Whitney played for the Panthers from 1997-98 to 2000-01. He compiled 97 goals and 130 assists for 227 points in 273 contests with Florida. Whitney later captured a Stanley Cup title with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2005-06. 

Christopher Morel Off To Mets

     Former Miami Marlins player Christopher Morel has inked a minor league contract with the New York Mets. He was released by the Marlins earlier this week. 

     Morel spent time with Miami to begin the 2026 regular season. He ended up with no home runs, one run batted in and a .162 batting average in 22 games. 

Rockies xxxx Marlins

     The Miami Marlins xxxx Colorado Rockies x-x on Tuesday night at Coors Field. The Marlins are in the middle of their 10-game road swing. 

     Miami(45-40)

     Colorado(33-52)

Dru Smith Remains With Heat

     The Miami Heat will to pay the $2.58 million salary to guard Dru Smith for the 2026-27 campaign. The Heat decided not to waive Smith by Sunday and guarantee his salary for next season. 

     Smith has been with the Heat organization for the past four years. He participated in a career-high 70 contests last season and averaged 5.6 points per game. 

Akira Schmid Traded To Panthers

     The Florida Panthers made another trade as they received goalie Akira Schmid from the Vegas Golden Knights for a 2027 third-round pick. The Panthers made an initial decision for their goaltending next season. 

     Schmid played his first three seasons with the New Jersey Devils from 2021-22 to 2023-24. He was with Vegas for the last two seasons. Schmid played a career-high 34 games last season with the Golden Knights and ended up with a 16-10-6 record. 

Andrew Wiggins Staying With Heat

     Andrew Wiggins will be remaining with the Miami Heat. He has exercised a player option worth $25.7 million for the 2026-27 million. In addition, Wiggins is expected to a agree to an additional two-year extension to begin in 2027-28. 

     Wiggins was traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Heat for Jimmy Butler in February 2025. He had a 15.4 points per game in 68 contests last season with Miami. 

Chris Paddack Going To Rangers

     One-time Miami Marlins starting pitcher Chris Paddack is expected to sign a deal with the Texas Rangers. He will be joining his third team this year. 

     Paddack began the 2026 campaign with the Marlins. He finished up with a 0-5 record and a 7.63 earned run average with the Fish.