Hockey talk in June | Sports Daily Newsletter

Wait a minute. It’s early summer and the sweat-inducing air outside is as thick as soup and we’re talking about hockey?

Indeed we are. Say this much about Danny Brière: The newly-minted Flyers general manager has been mucking in the corners, working feverishly to unload some players (and salary) before the NHL draft, which begins Wednesday.

First, he dealt Ivan Provorov to Columbus in a three-team trade. Then over the weekend, Brière nearly pulled off two deals.

Nearly.

The first would have sent Kevin Hayes and Travis Sanheim to St. Louis, but that trade hit a roadblock when Blues defenseman Torey Krug reportedly refused to waive his no-trade clause. The second would have sent defenseman Tony DeAngelo, a one-season mistake here, back to Carolina, but the NHL held up that deal for procedural reasons.

Who knows? Maybe by the time you read this newsletter, Brière will have pulled off one deal or another. Maybe this really is “a new era of orange.” (Still a silly slogan, though — what happened to the black?)

— Jim Swan, Inquirer Sports Staff, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

James Harden is set to opt out of his final year with the 76ers and become a free agent this Friday, joining teammates Georges Niang, Jalen McDaniels, Shake Milton, Montrezl Harrell, and Paul Reed on the open market. His storyline will define the Sixers’ summer as they try to re-sign him and put together a roster that can compete in the Eastern Conference. And if he leaves? The Sixers have to go to the drawing board and find a new point guard at a cheaper rate. The Inquirer takes a look at what options will be available.

One more sleep until what promises to be an eventful first round of the NHL draft for the Flyers, who not only hold two picks at Nos. 7 and 22, but also are engaged in several trade conversations as mentioned above.

But who should the Flyers select with their top pick Wednesday? Olivia Reiner and Giana Han looked at 10 prospects the Flyers could select with the seventh pick and ranked them based on the likelihood they hear their name called by Danny Brière on draft night after factoring in things like position, skill set, and availability.

Mike Sielski listens to Keith Jones talk about the Flyers’ approach to their roster overhaul and is reminded of another Philadelphia sports executive who made a few waves. Remember Sam Hinkie?

The 2022 Phillies were powered by big bats, and they were propped up by starting pitching. The formula was supposed to be the same this season, and in time, it probably will be. But while Bryce Harper has been stuck on three homers for a month and the Phillies are on pace to hit nearly 50 fewer homers than last year, the starting pitchers are holding up their end once again as the team’s backbone — and the biggest reason for a 15-5 surge entering this week’s three-game series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. But it isn’t only Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. Ranger Suárez and Taijuan Walker — the Phillies’ No. 3 and 4 starters — have 1.04 and 0.69 ERAs, respectively, in their last four starts, in large part because they have diversified their pitch mix rather than leaning primarily on one signature pitch.

Phillies prospects Mick Abel and Justin Crawford have been selected to play in the MLB Futures Game.

Next: The Phillies open a three-game series at Wrigley Field at 8:05 p.m. Tuesday (NBCSP). Suárez (1-2, 3.50 ERA) will start for the Phillies. The Cubs have not yet named a starter.

Who is the last Phillie to win the All-Star Home Run Derby? Send your answer to sports.daily@inquirer.com. The first person with the correct answer will be featured in the newsletter.

A) Jim Thome

B) Ryan Howard

C) Bobby Abreu

D) Pat Burrell

We asked: Are you still worried the Phillies won’t make the playoffs, or are you confident it will happen, and why? Among your responses:

Through this first half I have been mostly enthusiastic and somewhat confident that they would get it together and make the playoffs again, but right now I am really struggling to feel the love. If I were forced to put my money on the table and make my bet, I am sorry to say I would bet against them making it.

... Nola is still struggling to find himself and now Wheeler is not pitching like Wheeler, but my biggest concern is Bryce. He led this team all the way to the WS last year with his very inspirational play, but this year he is really struggling since coming back from surgery and the absence of his hitting power is definitely hurting the team. If he can return to the Bryce of last season in the 2nd half, I think he can pull this team all the way back. — Everett S.

Yes I think they will make the playoffs. I like their manager and he is good with them. It has been frustrating at times this season, but I am a Phillies fan, always have been and will continue to be. Last year people were surprised when they made the World Series; just wait & see. It’s a Philly thing. — Nancy M.

I am legitimately worried about our Phils making the playoffs. They have the talent to do so but struggle through many a game that they should win. Our pitching always has me worried. When our aces struggle, as they have, it’s not a good sign. The bullpen can be shaky at best, despite what the stats say. I do think having Harper play in the field will help. And they need to look for key pieces at the trade deadline to shore up the offense. And get Schwarber out of left field. He is just a liability out there at this point. — Kathy T.

I don’t feel as confident now about the Fightin’s making the playoffs, but I felt the same way last year as I do now. I predict that the Phillies will go on a run and to make the playoffs. — Virgil K.

Am I worried ... yes, a little. But I do think they will make the playoffs. With the extra wild-card spot available now and the improvements by the pitching staff, both relievers and starters, I can see them getting in again. Also, the hitters should continue to improve and maybe Dave Dombrowski can make a trade-deadline deal to get the team some more power, which we sorely need! — Bill R.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Mike Jensen, Gina Mizell, Keith Pompey, Mike Sielski, Scott Lauber, Olivia Reiner, Giana Han, Devin Jackson, and Sapna Bansil.