Latest news with #ElliotteFriedman
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'They want to make noise': NHL Insider reveals Seattle Kraken might steal stars from rivals using bold NHL loophole
NHL Insider reveals Seattle Kraken might steal stars from rivals using bold NHL loophole (Image via Getty) The NHL offseason is heating up, and the Seattle Kraken may be planning something bold. A new update from a well-known hockey insider has people talking. Fans are now watching closely to see what the team will do next. Could a big surprise be coming soon? Elliotte Friedman says Seattle Kraken might use offer sheet to grab players On the June 8 episode of the 32 Thoughts Podcast, hockey reporter Elliotte Friedman said the Seattle Kraken might try something rare and aggressive during this offseason. He shared that the team could look into 'offer sheets' to take players from other clubs. This kind of move is not common, but it's allowed under NHL rules. Offer sheets are contract offers made to restricted free agents (RFAs) from other teams. If the player signs and the original team does not match the deal, the player moves to the new team. These deals can cause drama and strong reactions across the league. Friedman explained, 'I think Seattle wants to do something. They want to make noise. Don't be surprised if they try an offer sheet.' This comment came during a chat with Jeff Marek on their regular podcast, which many fans listen to for trusted NHL news. Also Read: K'Andre Miller Trade Rumors: Seattle Kraken Emerge As Surprise Suitor In Potential Blockbuster Deal Ron Francis might be ready for bold moves after tough season Seattle Kraken general manager Ron Francis may be under pressure to make changes. In the 2023-2024 season, the Kraken missed the playoffs and had problems scoring goals. They ended the season with just 34 wins and finished sixth in the Pacific Division. Now, with the draft and free agency coming up in late June and early July, fans believe Francis will act fast. The team has some salary cap space, which means they can afford to take chances. Elliotte Friedman mentioned that while nothing is confirmed yet, Seattle might go after a young forward or a strong defenseman from a team that's tight on money. 'They might go for someone other teams can't afford to keep,' Friedman said. Offer sheets are rare because teams don't want to upset others, but if the Kraken do it, they'll be making headlines across the league.
Toronto Sun
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Sportsnet ripped for bizarre Stanley Cup promo using AI to turn announcers in babies
'The NHL is the hardest league to play in ... and they promote it with this garbage.' Get the latest from Rob Longley straight to your inbox Sportsnet used AI to create 'baby' versions of their analysts before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final. Pictured is Elliotte Friedman. Sportsnet/Twitter Perhaps the Sportsnet braintrust ran out of material to pump up a much-anticipated Stanley Cup final. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Or perhaps they were sticking with the idea that lame attempts at humour were both in keeping with some of the jocularity the crew is known for and somehow endearing to a national audience awaiting the best-of-seven repeat showdown between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. But whatever Sportsnet was thinking in using a bizarre artificial intelligence social media post seemed like a spectacularly bad idea. Unless, of course, the idea was to go the parody route to mock their own on-air talent, which seems to be the end result. If you missed it, on Wednesday afternoon, some seven hours before the emotional and much-hyped puck drop in Edmonton for the series opener, Sportsnet dropped a social media bomb on X. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. And by 'bomb' we mean an intended promo piece that did the opposite and bombed. 'Oh Baby, the Stanley Cup Final sequel is here,' the post proclaimed, followed by a baby emoji and a trophy emoji. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. What followed, was a 66-second clip with the voices of Ron MacLean, Elliotte Friedman, Kevin Bieksa and Kelly Hrudey over AI-created characters that were — you guessed it — babies. While it may have caused the odd chuckle, an attempt at irreverence was instead immature at best. In particular, there were a couple examples of the commentators tripping over there words and another where Friedman was, shall we say, all chocked up. Mercifully, the bit didn't run in its entire on the broadcast, though a brief clip of it aired during one of the intermissions with what seems to be a sheepish reaction from some of the participants. AI-generated babies mocking your own talent? What could go wrong? Not surprisingly, the segment drew widespread criticism from fans and social media users, including former ESPN commentator Keith Olbermann who rather succinctly made his point. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Just stop with this crap,' Olbermann posted on X. Just stop with this crap — Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) June 4, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Other users were just as harsh in their criticism of the clip and of Sportsnet. 'This stuff is just so stupid. I'm so sick and tired of everybody thinking let's take all the trends and use them,' another user on X replied. 'Create your own trend instead. And stop using AI for this kind of stuff. Post real content.' 'Stop the AI bulls*** please. Your normal hosts are bad enough,' a third user wrote. 'This is pathetic. Nobody asked for this. They can do 100 different broadcasts and this is what it boils down to?' one user on Reddit wrote. 'The NHL is the hardest league to play in … and they promote it with this garbage.' Read More Columnists NHL Columnists Columnists Toronto & GTA
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Elliotte Friedman Reveals Why Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner Trade to Vegas Never Happened
Elliotte Friedman Reveals Why Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner Trade to Vegas Never Happened originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Mitch Marner appear headed toward a separation after six seasons under his current deal with the winger set to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1. Advertisement As the 28-year-old approaches the market, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman brought back a past Toronto effort to move Marner away from Canada. That could have been the case in the summer of 2024, when there was a failed blockbuster trade attempt between the Leafs and the Vegas Golden Knights. On Friday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast, Elliotte Friedman detailed why Toronto and Vegas couldn't complete a deal for Marner last offseason. According to Friedman, both sides showed interest, but two key issues stopped talks from advancing. "I do believe, on some level, last year, that the Maple Leafs and Vegas talked about a trade," Friedman said. "At some point, I think Vegas was interested in Marner. I think Toronto talked to them." Advertisement Friedman said Toronto's asking price became the first major hurdle in negotiating the trade. "Number one was that I think Toronto was interested in Shea Theodore," Friedman said. "As the Golden Knights proved, they were not interested in trading him. They wanted to keep him." Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (16) skates against the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Vegas, according to Friedman, made Theodore completely unavailable before ultimately signing him to a seven-year, $51.98 million extension last October. "They told people, 'You want to watch Shea Theodore? You're going to watch him,'" Friedman said. "'You can buy a ticket to watch him play for us.'" The second obstacle was Marner's stance at the time, which didn't make Vegas feel comfortable enough to complete the trade. Advertisement "There was no guarantee that Marner at that time was going to be agreeing to (waive his no-trade clause to facilitate a trade, nor signing a contract extension with Vegas)," Friedman said. "So while I do think the two teams talked about it and Vegas had some interest, I don't think it was ever, ever realistic." Marner stayed in Toronto for the 2024-25 season, where he put together his best campaign, scoring 102 points in 81 regular-season games before notching 13 points in 13 postseason games. Related: Maple Leafs GM Makes 'Emotional' Admission About Discussion With Mitch Marner Related: Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner Linked to Struggling Western Conference Team This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Florida Panthers await 2025 Stanley Cup Final opponent as NHL faces Oilers bias claims
Panthers await Stanley Cup Final as NHL schedule sparks Oilers vs. Stars debate (Image via: Getty Images) The Florida Panthers have punched their ticket to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final for the third year in a row. But as the Eastern Conference champions wait to see whether they'll face the Edmonton Oilers or Dallas Stars, NHL fans can't help but wonder: is the league subtly angling for a Panthers-Oilers rematch? With the Final's start date hinging on a single game, controversy is already heating up. When does the 2025 Stanley Cup Final start? Depends on Oilers vs. Stars Game 5 The start date for Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final is still up in the air and it all depends on Thursday night's Game 5 showdown between the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars. As reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, if the Oilers finish the job and eliminate Dallas, the Stanley Cup Final will begin on June 4. But if the Stars push the series to Game 6, the Final won't start until June 7. At first glance, it seems like standard scheduling. But many fans aren't buying it, especially with the Florida Panthers already locked in as the Eastern Conference champions. The question buzzing across hockey circles now is whether the NHL is hoping for a Panthers-Oilers rematch? There's reason to believe so. The Oilers are led by megastars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, two of the most recognizable names in the NHL. Their presence alone guarantees ratings. Add in the fact that Florida and Edmonton clashed in a thrilling seven-game Stanley Cup Final just last year, and you've got the kind of storyline that networks and advertisers dream of. On the other hand, the Dallas Stars, despite being a strong team with a recent Final appearance in 2020, just don't command the same spotlight. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ele vive na casa mais solitária do mundo - não julgues até o veres lá dentro! Conselhos E Truques Undo A Dallas win would delay the Stanley Cup Final — a three-day wait that could hurt momentum and viewership. That's why some fans are raising eyebrows. The league's decision to link the Final's schedule directly to Edmonton's performance feels a little too convenient. Is the NHL subtly steering the narrative toward a high-revenue, high-drama repeat matchup? Also Read: Toronto Maple Leafs brace for impact; Mitch Marner contract negotiations stall before 2025 free agency Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers remain locked in and focused, knowing full well that whoever they face, McDavid's Oilers or a gritty Stars team, the pressure will be immense. But for longtime fans of the game, this is about more than just prime-time matchups and TV numbers. It's about fairness, balance, and the soul of playoff hockey. Game 5 which could decide more than just a series airs Thursday at 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. MT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NHL rumors: Insiders provide update on Mitch Marner, potential replacement for Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs head into the offseason with uncertainty after extending their Stanley Cup drought to 58 years. With NHL free agency looming, one of the club's biggest questions regards the future of All-Star winger Mitch Marner. During an appearance on TSN 1050's First Up, hockey insider Chris Johnston said that the Maple Leafs could explore trading Marner's rights in the week before NHL free agency opens. For now, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Toronto wants clarity on what Marner is planning to do. 'That's usually something that happens in the last week or so before July 1st, but I'm sure there's going to be some conversations between then and now. I don't think he came this far playing out his contract year to sign a new deal now. I just think he's of the mind to at least look at the open market.' TSN's Chris Johnston on if the Toronto Maple Leafs impending free agent Mitch Marner Advertisement Related: Insider sheds light on Maple Leafs' challenging contract talks with John Tavares Examining Mitch Marner's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs Marner, age 28, is poised to become one of the top NHL free agents this summer. The 6-foot winger, selected by Toronto with the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, played a critical role in another postseason failure by the club. Mitch Marner stats: 102 points (75 assists, 27 goals), +18 plus/minus, 6 power-play goals, 7 game-winning goals, 15.6% shooting rate, 4 blocks, 49 hits, 56 takeaways, 106 giveaways In a contract year, Marner's plus-minus (+21 to +18) dropped, but he played in 80-plus games for the second time in three seasons while setting career-highs in assists (75), points (102) and tied his career-best for power play assists (27). 'I think, first of all, the Maple Leafs are going to ask for clarity. Just where is this going? Is it 100% you are testing free agency on July 1st? Or is there any conversation that can be had here? And that's what I think they'll do, is they'll ask that first and see what the answer is, and go from there.' Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on where things stand between the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mitch Marner Advertisement Back in 2019, Marner received multiple offer sheets as a restricted free agent, but he remained committed to Toronto and the club ultimately signed him to a six-year deal worth $65.385 million. With the NHL salary cap climbing significantly next year ($88 million to $95.5 million), the price will be even higher now. Between the cost and Marner's subpar performance in the Stanley Cup playoffs – 2 goals and -1 plus/minus in 13 games – Toronto seems very open to moving on but they would need to find a quality replacement. Related: Longest championship and playoff droughts in pro sports, including Maple Leafs Chris Kreider named as a potential Maple Leafs target During an appearance on The Fourth Period, Dave Pagnotta mentioned that he expects the New York Rangers to listen to offers for winger Chris Kreider this offseason. If that happens, Pagnotta believes that the Maple Leafs could target him as a replacement for Marner. Advertisement Chris Kreider stats (2024-'25): 30 points (22 goals, 8 assists), -5 plus/minus, 14.5% shot rate, 39.7% faceoff rate, 26 blocks, 79 hits, 9 takeaways, 39 giveaways Related: Why it's time for the New York Rangers to trade Chris Kreider Kreider, age 34, was taken by New York with the 19th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-3 winger had a down year this past season after averaging 68.7 points per season with the Rangers from 2022-'24. It could be a buy-low opportunity for Toronto, especially if the cost of acquiring him is lessened by New York wanting to dump his contract to create more room under the salary cap. Chris Kreider contract (PuckPedia): $6.5 million cap hit in 2025-'26 and 2026-'27 seasons Kreider would provide the Maple Leafs with more size and he has a better track record of scoring in the Stanley Cup Playoffs – 24 goals and 13 assists in his last 43 playoff games – which could prove appealing to a club with limited avenues of replacing Marner. While it would be a gamble, it could also be a more cost-effective option than re-signing Marner. Listen: Chris Kreider Trade debate, should the Rangers trade him
