Brad Marchand is one of the top pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) who can hit the market on July 1. Both the Florida Panthers and Marchand have expressed interest in getting a new contract done. However, with Panthers stars Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad also needing new deals, there is certainly a possibility that No. 63 could end up becoming a UFA at the start of next month.

After the playoff run Marchand just had, he would be a very popular target if he became available on the free-agent market. The 37-year-old winger has proven that he is still a star and that he can still step up big time in games that matter most.

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Due to this, in his most recent 32 Thoughts column, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman mentioned several potential suitors for Marchand if the Panthers are unable to re-sign him by July 1. These teams include the Utah Mammoth, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Capitals.

The Mammoth making a push for Marchand would be understandable, as they could use a star winger like him as they look to take that next step and become a playoff team. Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs, Kings, Devils, and Capitals also make sense as possible suitors, as they each are playoff-caliber teams with high expectations for next year. Thus, bringing in a clutch playoff performer like Marchand would be huge for them.

Nevertheless, it is going to be intriguing to see what happens between Marchand and the Panthers this off-season. If Florida is unable to keep him around, it’s clear that the future Hall of Famer will have plenty of other options to consider.

Brad Marchand Has Big Message For Panthers GM Bill Zito Brad Marchand is one of the

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Florida Panthers’ top pending unrestricted free agents (UFA) with the summer here. The star winger has undoubtedly increased his value after his marvelous playoff run, as he recorded 10 goals, 20 points, and a plus-17 rating in 23 games. With this, he was one of the major reasons why the Panthers were able to repeat as Stanley Cup champions.

Photo Credit: © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Rutgers University currently fields 24 teams in the Big Ten Conference, which range from the major revenue sports of football and basketball to swimming, diving, volleyball, and golf. But if Rutgers were to add more athletic programs, which ones would make the most sense? We came up with a short list here, with men’s volleyball, crew, swimming & diving, gymnastics, and ice hockey taking the top spots.

Men’s Volleyball

Rutgers has a Division 1 women’s volleyball program, which recently competed in an overseas tour against European pro teams, yet does not have a men’s squad. As well-known as women’s volleyball is in the college landscape, men’s volleyball is just as exciting. Rutgers-Newark has a volleyball team, and Rutgers has a successful men’s club volleyball team that competes against other colleges. Some of the top teams in women’s volleyball are members of the Big Ten conference, including Penn State and Nebraska, and the conference should add men’s volleyball to the mix. Matches can happen at basketball venues throughout the conference, just as women’s volleyball games do.

Men’s Gymnastics

Gymnasts amaze at the Olympics every four years, and the Big Ten has a robust men’s gymnastics competition involving several of the conference’s marquee schools, ending in the Big Ten and NCAA Championships. The Rutgers women’s gymnastics team recently hired a new coach, Anastasia Candia, and the program qualified for the NCAA Regionals for the first time since 2014 this past year. Although both men and women compete in vault and floor exercise, men’s gymnastics brings many other competitions to the table, many of which emphasize upper body strength. Pommel horse, still rings, and parallel and horizontal bars are events that men compete on that women do not, making men’s gymnastics an event that fans would enjoy seeing. As does women’s gymnastics, men’s gymnastics can compete at Jersey Mike’s Arena for their home meets.

Men’s Swim and Dive

Swimmers and divers are a main staple of the Olympics, and similar to gymnastics, the Big Ten has a comprehensive men’s swim and dive schedule, including many of its teams hosting invitationals throughout the year before conference and national championships. The Rutgers women’s swim and dive team hosts meets at the Sonny Werblin Recreation Center on campus, and even made waves recently, with synchronized divers Bailee Sturgill & Katerina Hoffman claiming the gold medal at the Canada Diving Cup. Similar to men’s gymnastics, Rutgers could produce athletes who go on to compete on the national stage in men’s swimming and diving, making it a top program to invest in.

Ice Hockey

This one is a very tall ask of the university, but it would still be fun to have at Rutgers. Nearby schools, such as Penn State, Boston College, and Boston University, have electric crowds for their Hockey games. New Jersey is a state full of Hockey fans, and since there is no major college hockey power in the state, there is enough of an audience to be sustainable. Rutgers does have an Ice Hockey team loosely linked to the University; however, they play in the American Collegiate Hockey Association, which is a very small D1 conference. They also play 30 minutes off campus in Monmouth Junction at Proskate Arena. The Big Ten has a hockey conference that Rutgers could move into if it elevated their program.

This one is more far-fetched because Rutgers would have to build the team their own rink. With that being said, a Big Ten level hockey team has serious potential to garner support at Rutgers.

Crew

This one should be less of a sport that Rutgers should add and more like a sport they should bring back. Rutgers has such a rich history with its Crew team, one that should have never been taken away. Several Olympic athletes spent their time on the RU crew team. New Jersey is a hotbed for high school crew teams when compared to other states. Rutgers does have a Crew team that is still well supported by its alumni. In their previous efforts to be restored to varsity status, Crew didn’t even ask the university to fund their scholarships. The money is there, the support is there. There isn’t much of an investment that needs to be made when it comes to equipment and facilities. Why not bring back one of the most storied programs at Rutgers?

Former Ohio State offensive lineman Kirk Barton is facing an aggravated vehicular manslaughter charge following a fatal crash early Saturday morning, according to multiple reports.

Police in Dublin, Ohio, say Barton is suspected of speeding, although they haven’t said how fast they suspect him of driving, when his truck hit a car at 2:56 a.m. ET. The driver of that car, 24-year-old Ethan Wence Perry, died at the scene, ESPN reported Saturday.  

Barton was driving a Ford F-150 Raptor pickup eastbound on U.S. 33 before he crashed into Perry’s westbound Lexus on West Bridge Street, just west of Franklin Street, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

Barton, 40, was hospitalized briefly with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. He was later taken to Franklin County Jail, where he is facing the felony charge. Barton has a court hearing on June 23.

Barton was an offensive lineman for Ohio State from 2003-2007 and started at right tackle for four seasons. In his final season with the Buckeyes in 2007, he was team captain for the 11-2 Big Ten championship-winning OSU team.

Barton went on to play in the NFL, being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. 

Barton has a history of traffic offenses dating back to his first year in the NFL, per The Columbus Dispatch’s report, including speeding and suspicion of OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired).

In all the speeding cases, Barton paid a fine. One OVI charge from 2010 was dismissed, and another from 2017 was pleaded down to reckless operation and failure to stop. He received another fine and a 180-day license suspension.

This is a developing story.

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Kirby Smart’s Recruiting Resilience

In the high-stakes world of college football, the emotional toll of losing key players can weigh heavily on a coach. Kirby Smart, head coach of the University of Georgia, has recently navigated the unsettling aftermath of losing 18 pivotal players. This mass exodus has not only reshaped his roster but has also posed significant challenges on the recruiting front. Yet, in the face of adversity, Smart has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building a formidable team.

Navigating the Fallout of Player Departures

The departure of such a substantial number of athletes is not merely a logistical headache; it carries with it a profound emotional impact. Each player lost represents not just a statistic but a unique story, a personal connection, and a piece of the team’s identity. Smart, who has built his reputation on cultivating strong relationships with his players, is undoubtedly feeling the weight of these losses. The emotional cost of such a transition can be staggering, often leading to a period of adjustment as the team seeks to redefine its culture and cohesion.

A Surge in Recruiting Success

Despite the challenges, Smart has quickly shifted gears on the recruiting trail, showcasing his ability to adapt and strategize under pressure. In a remarkable display of determination, he secured commitments from four highly sought-after recruits within just a week in June. This impressive feat serves as a testament to his recruiting prowess and the enduring appeal of the Georgia program. Smart’s ability to attract top talent speaks volumes about his vision for the future, even in the wake of significant roster changes.

The NIL Factor in Modern College Football

Central to Smart’s current recruiting strategy is the emerging landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which have transformed how college athletes are compensated. The challenge of navigating this new terrain is compounded by financial limitations; a staggering $220,000 NIL hurdle stands in the way of securing a pivotal recruit. This figure underscores the competitive nature of college football today, where financial incentives can heavily influence a player’s decision to join a program.

Smart’s clear stance on NIL reflects a broader philosophy that prioritizes the integrity of the program while still striving to remain competitive. His approach highlights the delicate balance coaches must strike between fostering player development and adapting to the evolving dynamics of recruitment.

Looking Ahead: Building a New Legacy

As Kirby Smart continues to chart a path forward for the Georgia Bulldogs, the journey will be marked by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. While the emotional cost of losing 18 key players cannot be understated, it has also opened the door for new opportunities and fresh talent. The challenge of rebuilding is daunting, yet it is also a chance for Smart to redefine his legacy and solidify his vision for the program.

In the ever-changing landscape of college football, Smart’s ability to navigate these complexities will ultimately determine the future success of his team. As he embraces the challenge ahead, the focus remains on fostering a new generation of athletes who can carry the torch and uphold the proud tradition of Georgia football. The road may be fraught with obstacles, but with each recruiting victory, Smart inches closer to crafting a new chapter in the storied history of the Bulldogs.