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Stamkos signs 4-year contract with Predators after leaving Lightning

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Marchessault signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the Predators ($5.5 million AAV) after he and the Vegas Golden Knights were unable to reach an agreement on a contract. An original member of the Golden Knights, the 33-year-old said he was disappointed he could not re-sign with Vegas, but told TSN, “I turned the page an hour ago. We move on. A new chapter, a new challenge for me and my family.”

Marchessault, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP in 2023, when he helped the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup, had 69 points (42 goals, 27 assists) in 82 games last season and four points (two goals, two assists) in seven playoff games. He has 487 points (230 goals, 257 assists) in 638 regular-season games for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Lightning, Florida Panthers and Golden Knights, and 76 points (36 goals, 40 assists) in 102 playoff games.

“To me, it’s an organizational win for today,” Trotz said. “But we don’t play the game on paper. Our lineup looks better, but we’ve got to be a better team. Plain and simple. You saw last year it took some time. This year it will take some time for some guys. We’ve got players from different organizations that don’t quite play the same way, but I think their DNA allows them to play the way we want them to play. We’ve got to give them a little time, and then hopefully we can get our feet off the ground and into training camp. I’m really excited about that.”

Trotz said his biggest priority heading into free agency was to address the void in the lineup left after Nashville traded defenseman Ryan McDonagh to Tampa Bay on May 21.

“A, he’s a good defender, and B, he’s a leadership guy,” Trotz said of McDonagh. “If I had to prioritize, I said I needed to fix the back end because I told our players I was going to do that.”

The Predators believe they did that with Skjei, whom they signed to a seven-year, $49 million contract ($7 million AAV). The 30-year-old had an NHL career-high 47 points (13 goals, 34 assists) in 80 games for the Carolina Hurricanes last season and nine points (one goal, eight assists) in 11 playoff games.

Selected by the New York Rangers in the first round (No. 28) of the 2012 NHL Draft, Skjei has 247 points (68 goals, 179 assists) in 609 regular-season games for the Hurricanes and Rangers, and 25 points (seven goals, 18 assists) in 76 playoff games.

The Predators also re-signed defenseman Alexandre Carrier to a three-year, $11.25 million contract ($3.75 million AAV) and signed goaltender Juuse Saros to an eight-year, $61.92 million contract ($7.74 million AAV) that will begin with the 2025-26 season.

Saros, 29, has one season remaining on a four-year, $20 million contract ($5 million AAV) he signed with Nashville on Aug. 16, 2021. He was 35-24-5 with a 2.86 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage in 64 games last season and 2-4 with a 2.02 GAA and .900 save percentage in six playoff games.

Carrier, 27, had 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in 73 games last season and three points (one goal, two assists) in three playoff games.

Wedgewood signed a two-year, $3 million contract ($1.5 million AAV) to compete to be Saros’ backup. He was 16-7-5 with a 2.85 GAA and .899 save percentage in 32 regular-season games (28 starts) for the Dallas Stars last season and had a 2.28 GAA and .862 save percentage in three games off the bench in the playoffs (no decisions) — his only NHL postseason experience.

A third-round pick (No. 84) by the New Jersey Devils in the 2010 NHL Draft, the 31-year-old is 48-48-22 with a 2.98 GAA and .899 save percentage in 130 NHL regular-season games (114 starts) for the Devils, Arizona Coyotes and Stars.

Goaltender Yaroslav Askarov, selected by Nashville with the No. 11 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, will also vie for the backup role at training camp. He has played three NHL games.

The Predators believe their additions in free agency have given them the necessary components to compete in the playoffs.

“I’ve been on championship-winning teams in the past in Tampa,” Stamkos said. “You see those teams that have won recently, there’s always a mix of a really good goaltender, an elite defenseman and some elite forwards. Even before today with the signings, Nashville checked those boxes. Obviously, a great goalie. (Defenseman) Roman Josi, he speaks for himself. You’ve got [forwards Filip Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly and Gustav Nyquist], that line was dynamic last year. And they’ve got a great mix of younger players, too.”

The Predators haven’t yet determined where Stamkos, Marchessault and Skjei will fit into the lineup, but Stamkos and Marchessault will likely be top-six forwards. Skjei could play with Josi on Nashville’s top pair.

“We’re so excited to be part of this amazing franchise,” Stamkos said. “We saw what happened today with some of the other signings. A great day to be a Nashville Predators fan. Very, very excited to be part of that.”

 

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Manchester City vs Chelsea LIVE!

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Two Premier League giants clash tonight in Ohio in a huge pre-season friendly as new Blues boss Enzo Maresca comes face to face with former mentor Pep Guardiola. Chelsea have won one and lost two of their three matches this summer, having finally clicked against Club America after concerning defeats to Wrexham and Leicester City.

Maresca could hand new goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen a first start after a half-time introduction in the week, while Marc Guiu will be hoping to keep his spot after scoring against Club America. Enzo Fernandez may get the nod after minutes off the bench last time out.

For Man City, Erling Haaland has been an injury doubt in the build-up but Guardiola was more upbeat on the striker’s fitness ahead of the game, so he could feature. Jack Grealish will hope to again feature with plenty of first-team stars still on their holidays. Follow Man City vs Chelsea LIVE with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog.

Man City vs Chelsea latest updates

Kick-off: 10.30pm BST | Ohio Stadium
How to watch: Chelsea TV and City+

Live updates

1 minute ago: Man City 2-0 Chelsea
17 mins: Better from Chelsea. Gusto gets down the left and crosses, but no one can get on the end of it.

4 minutes ago: Man City 2-0 Chelsea
14 mins: Caicedo goes into the book and he can’t have many complaints. He clips Oscar Bobb hard on the back of his heels.

6 minutes ago: Man City 2-0 Chelsea
11 mins: Chelsea trying to get a foothold in the game after that shaky start. Mudryk is found with a good cross-field ball to the right, but he can’t get past his opposite man.

8 minutes ago: Man City 2-0 Chelsea
9 mins: Haaland like a man possessed so far and causing Chelsea’s defence so many problems. He is already on a hat-trick…

11 minutes ago: GOAL! Man City 2-0 Chelsea | Haaland 5′
And again! Remarkable stuff from Haaland, two goals in the space of a minute as he pounces on another mistake!

13 minutes ago: GOAL! Man City 1-0 Chelsea | Haaland 4′
Haaland scores, but is forced to retake it as he went before the referee’s whistle. The striker steps up again – and guess what? He scores again.

15 minutes ago: Man City 0-0 Chelsea
2 mins: Penalty to Manchester City! Chelsea make a mess of trying to play out from the back and Colwill brings down Haaland.

18 minutes ago: KICK-OFF!
We are underway!

28 minutes ago: Final work being done
Chelsea and Man City players have finished their warm-ups. Not long now as we prepare for what should be a cracker in Ohio!

43 minutes ago: Not long now!
Kick-off just 15 minutes away. Chelsea looking to build on their 3-0 win over Club America earlier this week. Man City

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Canada vs. Spain: Olympic Basketball Showdown

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In a highly anticipated group play match of the men’s Olympic basketball tournament on Friday, Canada faced off against Spain. The game saw Canada taking a significant lead into halftime, with the score standing at 49-38. The Canadian team aimed to secure their third victory in Group A, while Spain struggled to avoid their second loss of the Olympics.

Spain managed to reduce the gap to four points late in the second quarter, creating a tense moment in the game. However, Canadian superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) responded decisively, going on a personal 5-0 run that reestablished Canada’s control over the game. SGA first nailed a three-pointer and then executed a spectacular play by stealing the ball from Spain’s Sergio Llull, which he followed with a fastbreak dunk.

SGA’s performance was not only pivotal but also highlighted his confidence and dominance on the court. As he made his way down the court after the dunk, he turned towards his bench and cheekily stuck out his tongue, a gesture that seemed to encapsulate his enjoyment and confidence in the game. This moment was captured and shared widely on social media, including a tweet by user SaDbo (@Sadbomary), which quickly garnered attention.

The playful gesture led to an immediate timeout called by Spain, giving SGA another opportunity to express his exuberance. This time, he stuck out his tongue as his teammates walked past him, suggesting that the gesture might have been directed at someone behind the Canadian bench. Regardless of its intended target, it was clear that SGA was relishing the moment and having fun.

SGA’s standout performance is part of a broader narrative of Canada’s impressive showing in the Olympics so far. Improving to a 3-0 record in Group A positions them strongly as contenders in the tournament. The Canadian team has shown remarkable cohesion and resilience, with SGA emerging as a key player who can shift the momentum of the game single-handedly.

For Spain, the game represented a critical juncture. With one loss already on their record, another defeat would put them in a precarious position in the group standings. Despite their efforts to close the gap, they were unable to contain the offensive prowess and defensive tenacity of the Canadian team, particularly the impact of SGA.

SGA’s playful antics and stellar play have created a buzz on social media, highlighting not just his skill but his charismatic presence on the court. Fans and analysts alike have taken to platforms like Twitter to discuss his impact on the game and his potential to lead Canada to a strong finish in the tournament.

As the Olympic basketball tournament progresses, Canada looks poised to make a deep run, thanks in large part to the contributions of players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His ability to perform under pressure and inject energy into the team with his confident play and playful spirit makes Canada a team to watch.

The next games will be crucial for both teams. Canada will look to maintain their unbeaten record, while Spain will aim to regroup and find a way to bounce back from their challenging start. For now, fans can enjoy the spectacle and drama that Olympic basketball brings, with moments like SGA’s tongue-out celebration adding to the excitement and narrative of the games.

 

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Milan vs. Real Madrid: 2024 Soccer Champions Tour Preview

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AC Milan is set to face off against the European champions, Real Madrid, in the 2024 Soccer Champions Tour. This matchup is not just any game but a clash between two football giants with rich histories and a manager who has made a significant impact on both clubs.

Carlo Ancelotti, a name that resonates deeply with Milan fans, will be on the sidelines for Real Madrid. Ancelotti joined Milan in 2001 and led the club to numerous triumphs, including the 2002–03 Champions League and Coppa Italia, a Scudetto the following season, and another Champions League title three years later. He remains the longest-serving manager in Milan’s history in a single spell and has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest managers of all time with a total of 13 trophies won at Real Madrid, including three Champions League titles.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Soldier Field, Ancelotti shared his thoughts on the current state of AC Milan. His comments, which were relayed on Reddit, highlight his continued connection and respect for his former club.

“Milan are doing a great job with Ibrahimovic. Milan are missing Paolo Maldini, but that’s football. They got a great striker like Morata. Camarda is a young man and is very good,” Ancelotti remarked.

Milan’s current squad has been bolstered by the presence of experienced players and promising young talents. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a veteran forward, continues to be a significant influence both on and off the pitch. The addition of Alvaro Morata has strengthened their attacking options, providing a mix of experience and skill.

Lorenzo Camarda, a young prospect, is another player to watch. His development and performances in such high-profile matches could be crucial for Milan’s future.

Real Madrid enters this match as the reigning champions of Europe, boasting a squad filled with world-class talent. Under Ancelotti’s guidance, they have maintained their status as one of the top teams in the world. Their lineup includes seasoned veterans and exciting young players who are eager to prove themselves on the international stage.

The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two footballing powerhouses. Milan will look to test their mettle against one of the best teams in Europe, while Real Madrid aims to showcase why they are the reigning champions. Fans can expect a tactical battle on the pitch, with both teams bringing their best to the game.

As Milan and Real Madrid prepare to face each other in the 2024 Soccer Champions Tour, the excitement is palpable. With Carlo Ancelotti’s rich history with both clubs, this match is more than just a friendly; it’s a reunion of sorts and a celebration of football heritage. Fans around the world will be watching closely as these two legendary teams go head-to-head in what promises to be a memorable game.

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