Thank goodness you're not a Maple Leafs fan
Thank goodness you're not a Maple Leafs fan
Good morning, Winners! This is For The Win's daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here. Here's Mike Sykes.
As a Wizards fan, it's very rare for me to find someone on the sports misery index who I truly believe has it worse than me. The Wizards stink and have always stunk. They'll probably always stink, too, as last week's NBA Draft lottery has demonstrated to us.
But I'm not going to lie to you. Leafs fans? Y'all might have me beat.
The Toronto Maple Leafs lost another Game 7 on Sunday night to the Panthers. Not only did the Leafs lose, but they got destroyed 6-1. The game was over after that quick burst from Florida in the second period. Toronto didn't stand a chance.
When I say Toronto didn't stand a chance, I don't mean against Florida. Ordinarily, those Maple Leafs could absolutely beat the Panthers. Instead, what Toronto didn't stand a chance against was history. The Leafs were always going to blow this game. There was waaaaaay too much stink involved all around for Toronto to get it done.
This was a Game 7, man. The last time the Maple Leafs won a Game 7 was in 2004. Usher's "Confessions" was the No. 1 song on the Billboard 200. The Marvel Cinematic Universe didn't exist. Neither did your iPhone. Some of you reading this probably weren't even born.
More than two decades have passed. Since then, the Leafs have lost six straight game 7s, including Sunday night's loss. At this point, it feels like we'll get a President's Trophy winner taking home the Stanley Cup again before we get a Leafs Game 7 win. At least this time, the loss was in the second round and not the first. That's progress! Fans should probably be thankful it was over quickly and not simply some agonizing heartbreaker of a game.
LEAFS FANS ARE DONE: They threw beers and jerseys on the ice after the loss.
Leafs fans, I don't really know what to tell you. My favorite team sucks, but at least I don't get the delusions of grandeur that come with playing in a Game 7. You always believe your squad has a chance because it's one game! Any team can win one game. But nah. Not your team. Your team is doomed, for whatever reason.
I'm sorry. I feel for you. One day, this will end, as all sports curses do no matter how long they take. Unfortunately, today is not that day.
Scottie is back on top
Last year's PGA Championship was all about Scottie Scheffler's arrest at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville. He didn't win it, but the fact that he competed at all after being detained was just an unreal sequence of events.
This year? Sheffler won it all. This PGA Championship win is his third major title and his first since his arrest last year. He got off a well-deserved Gronk-style hat spike after finishing up the tournament.
For the first time in a long time, golf does seem to finally have that guy again. Not only did Scheffler win here, but he dominated. He won by five strokes. There was never a doubt that it'd be him in the end, even if the trophy did slip out of his hands at least once.
I won't call him Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus just yet. But I will point out that, at 28 years old, Scheffler joins those two as the only three players in PGA history to win 15 PGA tour titles before 29 years old, per Golfweek. The trajectory that Scottie is on seems very clear at this point.
We'll see how the rest of the summer goes for him.
Really big rings
The New York Liberty played their first game of the season against the Las Vegas Aces and absolutely dominated. Once again, New York looks like the best team in the WNBA.
But less on that and more on these gaudy championship rings. SHEESH, guys.
These are legitimately some of the best rings I've ever seen. How fun, New York.
Quick hits: Drake blames Beiber ... Alex Caruso explains OKC's greatness ... and more
— Drake is blaming Justin Beiber for the Maple Leafs' loss. We all know it was you, Drake. Charles Curtis has details.
— Alex Caruso had a three-word response on why the Thunder were better than the Nuggets. Robert Zeglinski has more on that.
— Here's Mary Clarke with 8 photos of Scottie Scheffler after his championship win.
— Cousins in the Conference Finals! SGA vs. NAW is going to be fun.
— Stick to football, Gronk. Charles Curtis has more on him whiffing on a Bill Belichick joke.
— Aaron Gordon is making some valid points here with the NBA's playoff schedule.
-Sykes ✌️
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New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
Can the Maple Leafs upgrade at centre without trading Easton Cowan?
The Toronto Maple Leafs have two paths to improvement at centre this offseason: free agency or trade (and maybe both). The free-agent pool isn't especially deep and the potential for costly missteps is high. The trade route, on the other hand, holds more appeal, with more options, potentially, and more fits for what the Leafs need: a No. 2 centre to play behind Auston Matthews — and likely a No. 3, as well. Advertisement There's just one teeny little problem for general manager Brad Treliving: The Leafs don't have much left to trade. Not after sending out two first-round picks, Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin this year in separate deals for Brandon Carlo and Scott Laughton. The Leafs have one shiny asset left to dangle to rival teams and that's 20-year-old Memorial Cup MVP Easton Cowan. To trade Cowan or not is a thorny proposition for the Leafs front office. Cowan is the best prospect they've got and the one who's closest to helping the NHL team in some way in the not-so-distant future (if not the 2025-26 season, then the one after that). Trade him and there's little to nothing left on the immediate horizon. The Leafs aren't booming with youth at the forward position, either. Just about every forward save for 22-year-old Matthew Knies and 26-year-old Pontus Holmberg is approaching or already past age 30 — and that doesn't include John Tavares, a soon-to-be 35-year-old who may or may not be re-signed. Which is to say that a youthful boost would be helpful here, especially with only four forwards signed beyond the 2025-26 season. Incoming young talent isn't something the Leafs have had a lot of over the years, thanks in part to the plethora of draft picks traded in the name of Stanley Cup contention as well as not-so-great drafting. The list of forwards the Leafs have drafted and developed into NHL regulars since 2017 is short and sweet: Knies, Holmberg and Nick Robertson. Minten figures to join that bunch as a Boston Bruin and Grebenkin has an outside chance now with the Philadelphia Flyers. But that's it so far. Cowan is the next man up. It remains to be seen what he can be at the NHL level. Is he a feisty point-producing star? Or a Trevor Moore-like middle-six forward covered in grease who contributes 20 goals and 40-60 points annually? Both have value to the Leafs in the near and long term. The Leafs may be more likely to deal him if they believe he's destined to become a role player. They have to consider a move regardless, given the urgency to compete for the Stanley Cup ASAP. Advertisement If it's not Cowan, who else does the front office have at its disposal to get rival front offices excited? The kind of pieces that will entice said teams to part with a top-nine centre — and to not ask for one of the pieces the Leafs won't be inclined to deal (or can't because of no-trade protection). That off-limits group presumably includes Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Knies, Jake McCabe, Chris Tanev, Anthony Stolarz, Morgan Rielly and, likely, Joseph Woll — since goalies tend not to fetch much in trades with the obvious recent exception of Spencer Knight, who, along with a first-round pick, netted the Panthers Seth Jones this season. (Could any of those players get dealt this summer? It's not impossible, but it seems unlikely.) The Leafs don't have a first-round pick in the next three drafts, having dealt them away in trades for McCabe (2025), Carlo (2026) and Laughton (2027). What's left? Not a lot in terms of what opposing teams might find valuable, that is, and what the Leafs might consider moving. Cowan: Though he is undoubtedly the Leafs' top prospect, even Cowan may not have enough juice to headline a trade alone. The Athletic's prospect expert Scott Wheeler had Cowan ranked as the 45th drafted prospect back in February and told me this week that Cowan likely remains in that same neighbourhood for him (late 30s, high 40s). For context, the Colorado Avalanche had to deal Calum Ritchie, the 21st-ranked prospect on that same top 100, plus picks in the first and third rounds to land Brock Nelson, a rental, at the trade deadline. Cowan might just be a piece, the top piece for sure, among many in the kind of trade we're envisioning. Ben Danford: Now the Leafs' second-ranked prospect after Minten's exit, Danford is a relatively low-upside future NHL defenceman. Given that and how well-stocked the Leafs are at the NHL level with defencemen for the foreseeable future, moving Danford as part of a larger package might be palatable. Advertisement Bobby McMann: A middle-six power forward who just scored 20 goals and makes only $1.35 million cap dollars. What limits his value? He has only a year left on his contract and he'll be 29 later this month. Carlo: It's hard to see the Leafs moving Carlo after spending so much to get him, not to mention the need he fills on the right side. He's signed for two more seasons at just $3.48 million on the cap. Laughton: He fetched a first-round pick at the deadline. He still has another year left on his contract, with a cap number of $1.5 million. He also recently turned 31 and is coming off an uneven playoffs for the Leafs. Oliver Ekman-Larsson: Someone who likely has more value to the Leafs, given his competency and professionalism, than a rival team, given his age (he turns 34 in July) and three years remaining on his contract ($3.5 million cap hit). Second-round picks in 2025 and 2027: The best picks the Leafs have at the moment for the foreseeable future. Calle Järnkrok: This season wasn't a good one because of injuries. But he's still a useful middle-six forward, making only $2.1 million on the cap for one more season. Simon Benoit: The youngest player on the Leafs' defence has two more years left on his contract at $1.35 million on the cap. A helpful depth piece, potentially. David Kämpf: Overpaid for what he brings, but still a centre — in a market where centres are in short supply — signed for two more seasons. Holmberg: His versatility, age and likely low price tag (he's an RFA this summer) give him some value as a depth forward. Robertson: Definitely worth a flier for some rebuilding team with openings up front. But after a number of seasons in which he struggled to establish himself as an everyday NHLer, his value won't be high. So, Cowan? He is the player who figures to launch trade conversations for the kind of centres the Leafs need. Advertisement Before they get to that point, the Leafs need to determine, if they haven't already, who, if anyone, on the free-agent market a) appeals to their needs and b) has interest in coming to Toronto. The list of viable candidates for the 2C gig isn't long and might include only Tavares, a known commodity, Matt Duchene, who is 34 and seeking a long-term deal, and Sam Bennett, a terrific playoff performer turning 29 with a career high of 51 points in the regular season. (Nelson re-signed in Colorado on Wednesday, removing one possibility from the pool.) Outside of Tavares, an overpay is likely required. Which is what makes the trade market more appealing — but also less appealing in that it might take Cowan to bring said player in. Could the Leafs pry Brayden Schenn, as an example, out of St. Louis without including Cowan? Hard to see it. What else would entice the Blues to even consider moving their captain? The Leafs could try to piece together some of those other non-Cowan assets and upgrade the position as best as they can. Or pay for a more modest replacement or two (not any of the top candidates) in free agency. Or, maybe they simply re-sign Tavares and stick one of Max Domi or Holmberg in the 3C role yet again and try to upgrade at a later date (as unappealing as that seems). Do they have an ace up their sleeve, a creative swing that doesn't include Cowan but other pieces that feel more untouchable? The Leafs may simply be stuck choosing between their future or their present or making a big, risky bet in free agency. A tough spot, for sure. — Stats and research courtesy of Hockey Reference and PuckPedia
New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
Mick Abel gives the Phillies some stability amid the chaos in Toronto
TORONTO — By the end of it, there was chaos everywhere — concern for J.T. Realmuto after taking a foul ball to his groin, further consternation about Jordan Romano's place in all of this, and lament for a failed bases-loaded opportunity in the middle of the game. And, in the corner of the visitors clubhouse at Rogers Centre after a 2-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, Mick Abel represented something stable for the Phillies. Advertisement No pitcher in 125 years of Major League Baseball had begun his career with two starts that consisted of at least five innings, no walks and one or zero runs allowed. Abel did it. He did not throw with the massive adrenaline bump he experienced during his big-league debut last month. But he pitched into the sixth. 'I wouldn't say I had my greatest stuff today,' Abel said. 'I didn't have my A-plus stuff today. So, going as long as I did and feeling how I did, I think I did a pretty good job.' That was something; the Phillies needed something because there was too much to digest. Realmuto was in serious pain during the ninth inning and had to leave. The team did not provide any updates on the severity of Realmuto's injury; the catcher was seen gingerly walking in the clubhouse afterward. The delay only intensified the ninth-inning drama. Jeff Hoffman, who went from the Phillies to the Blue Jays in the offseason, earned the win by getting the final out in the top of the ninth. Romano, the native Canadian son jettisoned by the Blue Jays, took the loss for the Phillies when Alejandro Kirk crushed a 97 mph fastball off the wall for a run-scoring single. Romano, who had spent more than 30 minutes before Wednesday's game acknowledging various Blue Jays fans who welcomed him back, hunched over on the mound. He put his hands on his knees as his former Toronto teammates celebrated on the infield. It was too poetic. 'Definitely a lot of emotion coming here,' Romano said. 'Got on the mound focused. I felt good. Stuff felt good. Obviously, not good enough.' Without his best stuff, Abel survived. He is here to stay — perhaps longer than expected. The Phillies created a rotation opening by shifting Taijuan Walker to the bullpen. Abel will have a spot so long as Aaron Nola is sidelined, and there is a chance Nola's absence will be extended. The Phillies paused plans for Nola to throw a live session to hitters Thursday afternoon at Rogers Centre because he felt soreness in his right side. 'Very mild,' Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. Nola described the decision to halt his throwing program as 'precautionary' and did not express much concern. Advertisement But he is going to need more time. Nola said his injured right ankle is feeling much better. But he's also been sick; an illness has spread through the clubhouse. Nola could need two minor-league rehab outings whenever he reaches that point in his recovery. That means more runway for Abel. 'I think it's the same thing,' Abel said. 'My job is to go out there and pitch every fifth day. And if that changes, that changes. I'm going to do the same thing every day throughout the week in order to prepare for those starts. Mentally, I think I'm in a really good spot right now. Not trying to ride the highs too high or really lull in the lulls. It's just trying to stay neutral the whole time.' Abel pitched Wednesday on four days' rest, only the second time in his professional career he has done that. The Phillies planned for him to have an extra day, but Zack Wheeler left the team to be with his wife, who is expecting this week. The team is unsure when Wheeler will make his next start; if he's not ready by Saturday, they will have to do a bullpen game. Knowing that Abel was in uncharted water, the Phillies did not plan to push him. But he kept throwing strikes; he fired first-pitch ones to 13 of the 19 batters he faced. Abel has yet to walk a batter in the majors. His 11 1/3 innings without a walk are the longest to begin a Phillies career since Carlton Loewer went 12 walkless innings in 1998. He began the sixth inning at 66 pitches. His command wavered. He allowed a one-out single to Andrés Giménez. Thomson let Abel face Bo Bichette for a third time. Bichette worked a 3-0 count, then took a huge hack at a 92 mph sinker. Brandon Marsh could not reach it in the left-center field gap. It was a run-scoring triple — the first big-league run Abel allowed. That ended his night. He has shown more conviction on the mound than the Phillies could have imagined. 'It's kind of clicked for him, you know?' Thomson said. 'He's been around now for a few years, and I think he's learned a lot. He's confident in his stuff. He understands now to attack hitters and trust his stuff, and that goes a long way.' There would have been less scrutiny on Romano in the ninth had the Phillies scored more runs. They missed a great chance in the fifth when Bryson Stott popped out and Trea Turner flied out with the bases loaded. The bullpen held — Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm and Tanner Banks preserved the tie. If anything, the Phillies are worried about Romano having a backbreaking weakness. Opponents have stolen nine bases against him this season, already tied for Romano's season high. The Blue Jays know him well; they were going to exploit it. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who had two steals since the beginning of last season, took second base on Romano despite the pitcher trying a slide-step delivery. Advertisement He was still too slow. 'It's kind of part of Jordy's game a little bit; you can see him try to be a little bit quicker,' Toronto manager John Schneider said. 'We talked about that with him for a long time. Good job by Vlad recognizing it.' Thomson said Romano has improved his times to the plate. 'But, still, we have ways to go here,' Thomson said. Is it something Romano can fix? 'I hope so,' Thomson said. 'Yeah.' Quality starting pitching fixes most things. Abel's performance was not the eye-popping type from his debut, but it was just as impressive given the circumstances. He is, for now, one less thing to stress. 'Just trying to go out there and win,' Abel said. 'It's the most important thing. I don't know if it's really a mentality shift or what. But I've felt good.'
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
Rory McIlroy was 'Pissed Off' after PGA Championship Driver Fail Leaked
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy finally spoke to the press for the first time in three weeks. He did so from TPC Toronto, the site of the RBC Canadian Open, and unsurprisingly, the controversy surrounding his driver at the PGA Championship dominated the conversation. Regarding his failure to speak to reporters during any of the four days of competition at Quail Hollow, McIlroy offered various reasons, including his emotional state due to his poor performance and the late finish on Saturday. However, he quickly got to the root of the matter. "I was a little pissed off because I knew that Scottie's driver had failed on Monday, but my name was the one that was leaked," said McIlroy. "It was supposed to stay confidential. Two members of the media were the ones that leaked it." Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland speaks to the media following his round at the RBC Canadian Open Pro-Am at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on June 04, 2025 in Caledon, Ontario, Canada. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland speaks to the media following his round at the RBC Canadian Open Pro-Am at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on June 04, 2025 in Caledon, Ontario, cited other reasons for not speaking to the press at the time. "I didn't want to get up there and say something that I regretted. I'm trying to protect Scottie. I don't want to mention his name. I'm trying to protect TaylorMade. I'm trying to protect the USGA, PGA of America, myself. I just didn't want to get up there and say something that I regretted at the time." Clearly, the Northern Irishman was most bothered by the failure to ensure confidentiality of the process. "With Scottie's stuff, that's not my information to share. I knew that that had happened, but that's not on me to share that, and I felt that process is supposed to be kept confidential, and it wasn't for whatever reason. That's why I was pretty annoyed at that." In the days leading up to the PGA Championship, Rory McIlroy's driver was declared non-conforming by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Consequently, the five-time major champion had to use a backup driver. "I was a little pissed off" Rory McIlroy's full answer about skipping media at the PGA Championship and his failed driver test. — Jamie Kennedy (@jamierkennedy) June 4, 2025 Multiple sources, including the PGA of America, later have explained that this is a normal process that occurs at virtually all top-level tournaments. In fact, McIlroy's driver wasn't the only one that failed the test before the PGA Championship. Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1, suffered the same fate, and ultimately won the tournament with a backup. Rory McIlroy was among the heavy favorites to win at Quail Hollow, a course on which he has enjoyed much success. However, he was unable to capitalize on his mastery of the course, shooting rounds of 74, 69, 72, and 72 and finishing tied for 47th place at 3-over. More Golf: Golf's Longest Day Sees Caddie Turned Dentist Turned US Open Competitor
