TL;DR

McDavid, Oilers face Panthers in Cup Final; Thunder reach NBA Finals; Dodgers acquire Alexis Díaz.

Highlights

• Connor McDavid reached 100 career playoff assists as the Oilers beat the Stars to set up a Stanley Cup Final rematch with the Panthers , who are now -115 favorites to repeat 120.
• Florida Panthers reach third straight Stanley Cup Final; series vs. Oilers begins Wednesday 20.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to the NBA Finals as MVP; OKC awaits Pacers (lead 3-2) or Knicks (Brunson 32 points in Game 5) 27.
• TNT ends 36-year NBA broadcast run; “Inside the NBA” moves to ESPN, Michael Jordan joins NBC’s NBA coverage, Stan Van Gundy to Amazon 3.
• NCAA men’s basketball tournament may expand to 72 or 76 teams by 2026; decision pending after Big 12 meetings 4.
• Dodgers acquire reliever Alexis Díaz from Reds amid bullpen injuries; Díaz starts in minors, Evan Phillips to 60-day IL 5.
• Mike Trout activated by Angels after month-long IL stint; team struggled offensively during absence 6.
• Dolphins , Steelers discuss trade for Pro Bowl TE Jonnu Smith; Miami could clear $28M in cap space 10.
• NFL allows one player per team for 2028 Olympic flag football; Mahomes unlikely, Ja’Marr Chase non-committal 9.
• Liverpool transfers Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid for £10 million ahead of window 11.
• AC Milan rehires Massimiliano Allegri as head coach after 11 years; Di María returns to Rosario Central after 18 years in Europe 1213.
• Jonathan Toews plans NHL comeback, with Winnipeg Jets likely; Capitals clarify Ovechkin’s future as he enters contract year, no retirement decision 1416.

Commentary

The NHL and NBA Finals are now set for high-profile matchups. Edmonton advances after Connor McDavid’s historic 100th playoff assist, facing a Florida Panthers team seeking consecutive Stanley Cups and now favored at -115 120. Bettors should evaluate player props and series odds, especially with McDavid’s postseason production and the Panthers’ recent form 120. Jonathan Toews’ planned return, likely with Winnipeg , is notable for fantasy and futures markets, while Washington clarified that Ovechkin’s 2025-26 season is his contract’s last, but no retirement is confirmed 1416.

In the NBA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance has propelled the Thunder to the Finals, with OKC awaiting either the Pacers (up 3-2) or the Knicks (Brunson’s 32 points forced Game 6) 27. Bettors and DFS players should monitor injury reports and potential Game 7 scenarios 27. Off the court, the NBA enters a new media era: TNT 's rights loss means “Inside the NBA” shifts to ESPN, Michael Jordan joins NBC, and Amazon adds Stan Van Gundy—changes that may affect fan engagement and broadcast-driven betting content 3.

MLB sees the Dodgers addressing bullpen depth by acquiring Alexis Díaz, who will start in the minors after recent struggles, while Evan Phillips heads to the 60-day IL 5. Mike Trout’s activation gives the Angels a needed offensive boost, but his pre-injury numbers (.179 average) suggest caution for fantasy managers 6. In the NFL, Miami’s trade talks regarding Jonnu Smith could impact both the Dolphins ’ cap space and Pittsburgh ’s tight end usage if a deal materializes 10.

The NCAA tournament’s possible expansion to 72 or 76 teams by 2026 would alter bracket strategies and increase opportunities for bubble teams 4. In soccer, Liverpool ’s early transfer of Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid and AC Milan ’s reappointment of Allegri headline the European offseason, while Ángel Di María’s return to Rosario Central is a notable move for Argentine football 111213. The NFL’s Olympic flag football plan is a marketing step, but top stars like Mahomes are unlikely to participate 9.