Sports

Canadiens Notebook: New contract puts wind in Slafkovsky’s sails

After signing his big extension, Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky isn’t just being paid, he’s being empowered. Eric Engels tells us what it means.

Avalanche Should Target These 3 Unsigned Free Agent Forwards

The busiest parts of the NHL offseason are over, with the NHL Draft and the opening of free agency kickstarting a flurry of player movement. The Colorado Avalanche were busy, though most of their work came in the form of unheralded moves meant to shore up the bottom of the lineup.

Devils’ Free Agent Additions Give Sheldon Keefe Many Line Options

Amid the flurry of moves made throughout the NHL on July 1, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald resisted the temptation to remake his forward group by overpaying for a top-six caliber forward.

'Boring': Zverev and Sinner slammed by former Wimbledon champion

Around the CFL: Quarterback depth to be tested

After a great start to the season for CFL quarterbacks, we’re about to find out whether some teams are capable of overcoming injuries at the most important position on the field, writes Mike Koreen.

Daniel Ricciardo offered Formula One lifeline as unlikely option emerges for under-fire Australian amid fears he will be SACKED by RB

Ricciardo, 34, had hoped to make a strong pitch to return to Red Bull as Max Verstappen 's teammate in 2025, after being brought in from the cold following his McLaren sacking.

Cameron Norrie provides the SECOND all-Brit upset of the day as he knocks out new British No 1 Jack Draper in straight sets

TAMARA PRENN ON NO1 COURT: On the heels of British No2 Harriet Dart's triumph over Katie Boulter hours earlier on the same No1 Court, Norrie recorded a statement win on home soil.

India cricketers feted in victory parade in Mumbai after winning Twenty20 World Cup

NEW DELHI (AP) — Tens of thousands of jubilant fans poured onto Mumbai’s Marine Drive to cheer India's new world cricket champions when they returned home on Thursday.

Red Wings sign two-time Stanley Cup champion

While he’s slipped from his days of routine 30-goal, 70-point seasons — he can still be relied upon for 20 goals and 50 points outside of a top-line role.

Bombers' Collaros to miss first start of season vs Redblacks

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ quest to end their season-opening, four-game losing streak just got more difficult. No. 1 quarterback Zach Collaros will miss his first start of the season when the Bombers host 2-1 Ottawa on Friday. That leaves backup Chris Streveler to start his first CFL game since 2019. Streveler compiled a 4-8 career record as a starter in 2018 and ’19, his last one coming in October of ’19, when he started eight in a row...

Novak Djokovic breaks Wimbledon 'Golden Rule' but clarifies he was given the 'thumbs up' to stray away from strict policy

Novak Djokovic made a triumphant return to tennis this week at Wimbledon. However the seven-time champion broke Wimbledon's golden rule in his opening round game.

Romania fuming after bizarre 'shoe' controversy against the Netherlands

Novak Djokovic is given a major scare on Centre Court by British wildcard - and world No 277 - Jacob Fearnley to reach Wimbledon's third round

Novak Djokovic was given a real scare on Centre Court by plucky Brit Arthur Fearnley, eventually winning 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5 to reach round three.

Spain and host nation Germany meet in quarterfinals at Euro 2024 with a potential record on the line

STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Spain plays host nation Germany on Friday in the quarterfinals of the European Championship in an eagerly-anticipated matchup between two of the best performing sides at the tournament. There is also a potential record on the line as Spain and Germany have each won three European Championships, better than any other nation. Two of the most exciting talents will be on show in Spain teenager Lamine Yamal and 21-year-old...

Jets add to depth with two-way signings

The Winnipeg Jets signed two depth players to NHL-minimum contracts on Wednesday, with forward Mason Shaw and defenceman Haydn Fleury agreeing to one-year, two-way deals. Shaw is a 25-year-old centre from Alberta who played 20 games for the Minnesota Wild last season, scoring once and adding two assists, with 34 minutes in penalties. The 5-foot-10, 184-pounder was Minnesota’s fourth-round draft pick in 2017. His contract pays him a reported...

Hakanpaa Brings Size, Grit & Experience to Maple Leafs’ Blue Line

On July 1, 2024, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced the signing of defenceman Jani Hakanpaa to a two-year, $3 million contract. Known for his physicality and shot-blocking abilities, he brings a wealth of experience and grit to the Maple Leafs’ blue line.

Alex Steeves should finally get his opportunity with the Maple Leafs in 2024-25

Lost in the series of more interesting moves over the past week is that the Toronto Maple Leafs qualified restricted free agent Alex Steeves. And now as

Blue Jays’ Jose Cuas throws three pitches, makes history

It was an outing to forget for Blue Jays reliever Jose Cuas, but unfortunately for him, it put him in the record books.

Canucks Signing Jake DeBrusk Is a Good Move

The Vancouver Canucks’ biggest signing of free agency this week was inking former Boston Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million.

Maple Leafs are taking a risky approach to solving their goaltending depth

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has been busy so far this offseason, securing some goaltending depth for next season and beyond. Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll are locked up on multi-year contracts and veteran Matt Murray is returning to Toronto next season.

Islanders Trading Pageau Is Increasingly Likely With Recent Moves

The New York Islanders had a surprisingly-eventful opening to free agency compared to previous dull offseasons. After a successful 2024 NHL Entry Draft, the team signed Anthony Duclair to a four-year, $14 million contract and Mike Reilly to a team-friendly one-year, $1.25 million contract.

There will be NO extra-time during Copa America knockout rounds until the final... with tied games set to go straight to a penalty shootout

After a thrilling group stage, the quarter-final fixtures have been drawn for the competition and it's thrown up some intriguing battles that are set to take place.

Former NHLer Nikita Zaitsev signs four-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg

A Russian blueliner is heading back home. On Thursday, it was announced that defenseman Nikita Zaitsev signed a four-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League.

Emergence of Jamaican sprinter Kishane Thompson injects real drama into men's Olympic 100 metres

Kishane Thompson's sudden emergence in the sprinting landscape ahead of the Paris Games is an unforeseen plot twist. And a welcome one.

Red Wings’ Projected Depth Chart for 2024-25

We’ve reached the point where the Detroit Red Wings’ roster is just about set for 2024-25. There could be another move or two, but, generally speaking, the Red Wings are in good shape.

Instant Reaction: Blue Jays’ bullpen meltdown led to a 9-2 defeat at the hands of the Astros

The Toronto Blue Jays played on Wednesday against the Houston Astros. They lost. Coming into this game, the series was tied at one, as the Jays had a chance to finish the series with a split at worst.

Jeff Skinner: All About the New Oiler Forward’s Fascinating Childhood

Free-agent forward Jeff Skinner signed with the Edmonton Oilers on Monday (July 1) to a one-year contract worth $3 million. The 32-year-old joins Edmonton after playing the last six seasons for the Buffalo Sabres.

Manchester United 'make transfer decision on Donny van de Beek' with midfielder back at Old Trafford after loan spell at Eintracht Frankfurt

The midfielder has returned to United following his loan spell at Eintracht Frankfurt. Although the German club had an option to sign van de Beek permanently they elected not to do so.

Commemorating Pelé: the world's greatest soccer player

To this day, Pelé is still the world's most prolific goal scorer and a three-time World Cup winner. To many, he will always be known as "O Rei," or the King. The late Brazilian football legend is now being honored with a national day dedicated to him in his home country. Brazil has declared November 19 "Dia do Rei Pelé," or "King Pelé Day." The date holds special significance in the soccer star's career. On November 19, 1969, Pelé scored his 1,000th goal in a match in Rio de Janeiro. He was playing for his childhood club Santos against the club Vasco da Gama. This incredible feat highlights the near-supernatural talent that defined his career and made him the legend he is today. This honor was put into effect by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva less than two years after Pelé's death. In honor of his memory, click through this gallery and take a nostalgic look back at the man who coined the phrase "The Beautiful Game," and whose electrifying skill and dazzling footwork on the field still inspire would-be soccer players today.

The best 5 x 5 offensive teams in the NHL’s salary cap era

Last year, the Edmonton Oilers scored the third most 5×5 goals in the NHL with 193. With the additions of Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, many wonder if the Oilers will be even more potent at 5×5.

Ka-ching! Jayson Tatum signs the richest extension in NBA history

Germany out to stop Lamine Yamal show in blockbuster Euro 2024 quarterfinal

STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Spain wonderkid Lamine Yamal has had a charmed run in the European Championship.

Brian Burke strongly advises against removing John Tavares’ captaincy

We’re past the opening days of free agency and now the discourse surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs has become so performative, we may as well call it theatre.

Is Red Bull losing patience with Perez despite F1 2025 contract?

Red Bull is open it needs more from Sergio Perez, despite the Mexican having a contract in place for next year

Anthony Stolarz believes he’s one of the best goalies in the world upon joining Maple Leafs

Questions in the crease have been a recurring theme for the Toronto Maple Leafs every offseason. Although there were reports of the Maple Leafs taking a swing for Jacob Markstrom before he was traded to the New Jersey Devils, they ultimately put their chips in the tandem pile once again for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

What each Vancouver Canucks free agent signed for in NHL free agency

By now, you’ve read plenty about what the Vancouver Canucks did since NHL free agency opened on July 1st. Their big fish ended up being Jake DeBrusk, and they made some other sharp additions up front in Danton Heinen and Kiefer Sherwood.

Portugal vs. France expected lineups, starting 11, team news: Mbappe and Ronaldo to lead the attack in Euro 2024 quarterfinal

Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe are set for a thrilling showdown as Portugal faces France in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals this Friday. Here's everything you need to know about team news and predicted lineups.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson raves about the Maple Leafs’ passionate fan base

Oliver Ekman-Larsson inked a four-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday and it’s clear that the veteran defenceman has The Passion. “Playing for other teams, I loved coming into Toronto,” Ekman-Larsson said via TSN’s Mark Masters during his introductory media availability Thursday.

Blue Jays’ John Schneider among MLB’s most-liked managers, according to survey

This season hasn’t gone as planned for the Toronto Blue Jays, as the team owns a 39-47 record following a 9-2 loss to the Houston Astros on Wednesday and sits dead last in the American League East standings, well out of a playoff spot.

Isaiah Hartenstein cashes with Oklahoma City, is he worth it?

Spencer Horwitz’s stellar play has ignited playing time debate: ‘It’s tough to take him out of the lineup’

Spencer Horwitz is proving he needs to be in the lineup as often as possible. It’s nearly been one month since the Toronto Blue Jays designated Cavan Biggio for assignment to make room on the 26-man roster for Horwitz, who’s exploded at the plate during his second big-league stint.

Ducks acquire resurgent winger in trade with Red Wings

The Anaheim Ducks have traded for winger Robby Fabbri, who showed a little flash with the Detroit Red Wings last season.

Report: Jeff Skinner chose to sign in Edmonton after turning down offer from Maple Leafs

Jeff Skinner became one of the freshest faces on the Edmonton Oilers Monday when he signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the club. The 32-year-old forward has yet to appear in a single playoff game in his entire NHL career, which has spanned 14 seasons with only two different teams.

Podcast P arrives in Philadelphia: Grading Paul George’s deal with the 76ers

Ollie Bearman, 19, lands 'dream' F1 seat for next season as he becomes the fourth British driver on the grid... after standing in for Ferrari's Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia

JONATHAN McEVOY: The 19-year-old's position was announced ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone - a fillip for the sport after his excellent debut as a stand-in for Ferrari in March.

Vincent Desharnais brings a big presence at a big price to the Canucks blueline

Of the several players signed by GM Patrik Allvin and Co. on Day One of the 2024 Free Agent Frenzy, only one received any real questions about their value, and that player was Vincent Desharnais.

Maple Leafs Can’t Give In to Nick Robertson’s Trade Request

After losing Tyler Bertuzzi, T.J. Brodie and Ilya Samsonov to free agency — among others — the Toronto Maple Leafs and Brad Treliving spent July 1 trying to bolster a lineup that had far too many holes in it.

Argentina vs. Ecuador Copa America 2024 quarterfinal time, live stream, tv channel, lineups as Lionel Messi eyes return

Argentina face Ecuador in the quarterfinals of the Copa America 2024. The game will take place on Thursday at NRG Stadium in Houston. The Sporting News covers the latest team news and key details regarding where to watch this match in USA and Canada.

Islanders Next Move Should be a Nelson Extension

It looks like the fireworks are over (for free agency that is, otherwise, expect to hear them throughout the summer). The New York Islanders made their big offseason move by signing veteran forward Anthony Duclair.

Random Thoughts: Oilers’ Jeff Jackson crushes free agency, and Edmonton is now a destination

What’s amazing about Oilers fans expecting the team to have a quiet start to free agency is that no one would have ever seen this coming. Not only did Jeff Jackson put the band back together, but he found a way to upgrade the team in a very real way without breaking the bank.