old Mirotic made his NBA debut in 2014 and averaged 10.2 points while playing in all 82 games during his rookie year. He made 38 starts last season and averaged 11.8 points, but he has been plag

Much of the hockey world has been keenly eyeing July 1, which officially kicks off the free-agent signing period. That is when weeks of hot-stove speculation finally give way to actual player movement. But NHL executives also had June 27 marked on their calendars, the deadline to tender qualifying offers to restricted free agents. The passing of this years deadline didnt result in too many shocking moments. However, it did add a few intriguing names to a pool of free agents that suddenly became just a little more interesting.After not receiving a qualifying offer by Monday, here are three newly minted unrestricted free agents who could gain the attention of NHL general managers.Justin Schultz, 25: Fresh off a Stanley Cup run in which he contributed four assists in 15 playoff games for the Pittsburgh Penguins, this wont be Schultzs first brush with free agency. The mobile defenseman failed to sign with the Anaheim Ducks after they drafted him in the second round of the 2008 draft before signing in 2012, and ultimately struggling, with the Edmonton Oilers. But having earned valuable playoff experience with the Penguins and discovering a new role as a depth defenseman, the University of Wisconsin product could open a new chapter in what was a frustrating NHL career before he was dealt at the trade deadline. He posted back-to-back 30-point seasons in Edmonton and should be an asset to any coach who can harness his point production while building his defensive game.Devante Smith-Pelly, 24: Smith-Pelly truly emerged this season with the New Jersey Devils, scoring eight goals and 13 points in 18 games after being dealt at the deadline by the Montreal Canadiens. So it came as a surprise when the Devils didnt tender an offer for a player who appeared to finally be finding his stride as an NHL-caliber power forward. Still, that successful six-week stint with the Devils might have earned him a few free-agent options. The real issue for Smith-Pelly as he ventures into the murky waters of unrestricted free agency for the first time could be the term of his next contract. Having played on three teams in the past two seasons, hed surely like to find a team willing to commit to him for the next few seasons. It remains to be seen if one month of strong play as a top-six forward on a non-playoff team can earn him those years. But 214-pound players who provide a disruptive net-front presence arent easy to find, so Smith-Pelly could be on the radar of several teams.Brandon Pirri, 25: Pirri appeared to be on his way after a breakout 2014-15 season in which he scored 22 goals in 49 games for the Florida Panthers. But injuries and a late-season trade to the Anaheim Ducks stalled his development. Unable to round out his overall game, Pirri is now a free agent. But in the short time he has appeared in the NHL, Pirri has established himself as a capable goal scorer. In fact, his goal rate per 60 minutes over the past three seasons compares favorably with the likes of Wayne Simmonds, Jamie Benn, Evgeni Malkin and Brad Marchand. No one in their right mind is going to compare Pirri to any of those stars, but teams are always in search of scoring, meaning the Toronto native should get an opportunity to catch on somewhere new.Blake Griffin Jersey . Aaron Harrison scored a 22 points for Kentucky (6-1), which has won four in a row following a Nov. 12 loss to current No. 1 Michigan State. Julius Randle overcame a scoreless first half and added his sixth double-double in as many games with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Wesley Johnson Jersey . In taking its goal tally to 99 in all competitions already this season, City delivered another demonstration of its lethal firepower at Etihad Stadium to set up a fourth-round match at home to another second-tier team -- Watford. https://www.clipperslockerroom.com/Tobias-Harris-City-Edition-Jersey/ . "I dont know that were close," said general manager Alex Anthopoulos. "I just think, right now, the acquisition cost just doesnt work for us right now. I dont know if I can quantify how far off or things like that that they might be but I would say we continue to have dialogue. Landry Shamet Jersey . The Montreal Canadiens announced on Friday that the veteran forward will return to the teams line-up on Saturday night when the Habs visit the Nashville Predators. Terance Mann Clippers Jersey . Meanwhile, there were huge victories for Sunderland and West Ham over fellow relegation rivals, leaving the battle to avoid the drop up for grabs with the bottom 11 teams separated by just six points. Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres scored second-half goals to seal a fourth straight victory for Chelsea, which climbed above Arsenal and Manchester City in the standings ahead of their games on Monday and Sunday respectively.CHICAGO -- Chicago forward Nikola Mirotic was fined after he missed the team walkthrough before the Bulls ugly 95-69 loss to Milwaukee on Friday night, and coach Fred Hoiberg kept him on the bench for the second night.Mirotic said he forgot about the walkthrough, and he apologized to his teammates and Hoiberg. He said it had nothing to do with not playing Thursday night.No, Im not that kind of guy. Even if things are not like how I would like them to be, Im very professional, he said. Its not my first year here. Those guys respect me and I respect them. I would never do that, something like that.Hoiberg said Mirotic worked out Friday morning and they had a meeting, but he wasnt excused from the walkthrough. The 6-foot-10 Mirotic is averaging a career-low 8.7 points through 24 games this season. He is shooting 38 percent from the field and 28 percent from 3-point range, also career lows.Asked about their meeting, Hoiberg said Mirotics mindset was as good as he can be in a situation like that.Obviously, any competitor isnt going to be happy when you get taken out of a lineup, Hoiberg said before the loss to Milwaukee. But talking to him about keeping himself ready ... It was good to see him in there this morning getting in extra work and getting up extra shots, keeping himself prepared when hhis name was called, and thats what we talked about.dddddddddddd Obviously hes going to get another chance this year. Hes got to keep working, keep himself ready, and when opportunity comes, go out and play well.The 25-year-old Mirotic made his NBA debut in 2014 and averaged 10.2 points while playing in all 82 games during his rookie year. He made 38 starts last season and averaged 11.8 points, but he has been plagued by inconsistency throughout his time in Chicago.Its been difficult, Mirotic said of sitting for consecutive games. Its the first time in my career that this is happening, but its the coachs decision, so I have to respect that.Also Friday, guard Michael Carter-Williams got the cast off his injured left wrist and said he is hoping to practice next week. Carter-Williams has been sidelined since Oct. 31 with wrist and left knee injuries.Ive been doing everything with my cast on, he said. Ive been running and working out, just trying to stay in shape, so when I come back it wont take me long to get back to playing (in games).The Bulls acquired Carter-Williams in an October trade with Milwaukee.---Jay Cohen can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/jcohenap ' ' '