Sports

After finding his game in Florida, Ekman-Larsson ready to help Maple Leafs

Fresh off a Stanley Cup victory with the Florida Panthers, Oliver Ekman-Larsson is already excited for his next challenge, writes Emily Sadler.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Golden Knights sign goaltender with erratic track record

The Vegas Golden Knights have signed goaltender Akira Schmid, who has swung between fantastic to severely underwhelming over the past two seasons.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Benfica respond to Man Utd's improved offer for Joao Neves after two new bids

Arsenal and Chelsea are also interested.

Annie Kunz: American heptathlon star to miss Paris Olympics

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...

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.

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.

Novak Djokovic grinds out a victory over wild card Jacob Fearnley at Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic says he wouldn’t have been surprised if his second-round match against young Jacob Fearnley at Wimbledon went to a fifth set, but he’s “very glad it didn’t.”

Winnipeg Jets sign forward, defenseman to one-year deals

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Winnipeg Jets have signed forward Mason Shaw to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775K at the NHL level and $350K in the AHL.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alan Shearer tells Gareth Southgate to drop two England stars for Euro 2024 quarter-final

'This is the time where you have to step up.'

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.

The Copa America quarterfinals will have plenty of intrigue, even if Lionel Messi can't participate

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lionel Messi's leg injury was the only major obstacle that fell into Argentina's path while it rolled through group play and into the Copa America quarterfinals.

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.

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.

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

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.

Players hearing it from fans: What's up with Bombers?

For the last two seasons, Winnipeg has been the CFL’s hottest market, the Blue Bombers drawing more fans than every other team. If there’s a downside to that, it’s this: When they lose, players hear about it around town. When they lose four straight games to open a season for the first time in a dozen years, they hear about it a lot. “All the time,” running back Brady Oliveira, a Winnipegger, said on Wednesday. “Whether I’m at the grocery story...

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.

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.

Sharks sign young winger in need of career rejuvenation

Can former top-15 pick Ty Dellandrea revitalize his career with the San Jose Sharks?

Hurricanes Add Roslovic & Stillman on Day 3 of Free Agency

They say there is no rest for general managers and front offices in the NHL, even in the offseason. That can be true for the Carolina Hurricanes’ general manager Eric Tulsky and his front office.

Luke Litter plays darts with Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Sergio Perez at Silverstone - as the teen sensation gets in the F1 spirit ahead of the British Grand Prix

Teen sensation Littler, who shot to stardom with his fairytale run at the PDC World Championship over the festive period, has gone from strength-to-strength in recent months.

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.

Euro 2024: Ronaldo's Portugal and Mbappé's France clash in quarterfinals

HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Portugal and France meet in the European Championship quarterfinals on Friday and the match features a head to head between two of soccer's biggest stars: Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé. The winner will play either Spain or host nation Germany in the semifinals. Kickoff is at 9 p.m. local (1900 GMT) in Hamburg. Here’s what to know about the match:

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.

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.

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.

Expectations for Bruins’ Matthew Poitras in Year 2

It has come and gone at the speed of light, but the offseason for the NHL is moving fast. With the NHL Draft wrapped up and the free agency frenzy completed, the countdown to October is on.

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...

Ekman-Larsson reflects on 'unreal' Stanley Cup run with Panthers

Not hard to decipher what Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Anthony Stolarz will discuss when they re-connect at the Maple Leafs’ training facility later this summer. Something, probably, about hoisting the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers. “It’s hard to take everything in,” Ekman-Larsson said, speaking of what he called the “crazy week” that followed the Panthers’ Game 7 victory against the Edmonton Oilers on June 24. “You’re pretty exhausted from...

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

The worst contracts signed in 2024 NHL free agency so far

You would think that after almost 20 years of the salary cap, NHL teams would learn from the mistakes that are made on the first day of free agency. And

Buddy Hield Warriors sign-and-trade: Has Golden State found its new Klay Thompson?

How Buddy Hield, De'Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson will fill the hole left by Klay Thompson

Blue Jays’ Jansen back in the lineup Thursday, Serven optioned to Buffalo

The Toronto Blue Jays announced that catcher Danny Jansen has been reinstated from the paternity list and will be active for Thursday’s game against the Houston Astros.

Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman Silences Critics with Tarasenko Signing

Social media has impacted our lives in more ways than we sometimes realize. Everything nowadays is quick and on demand. We want it now. One of the biggest drawbacks of all of this is that patience is harder to come by.