Latest news with #StanleyCupFinal
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Edmonton Oilers face crucial offseason with Connor McDavid extension and Kris Knoblauch decision pending
McDavid's contract and Knoblauch's future put Oilers in high-stakes offseason (Image via: Getty Images) The Edmonton Oilers have turned into perennial Stanley Cup contenders, reaching the Final in back-to-back seasons (2023–24 and 2024–25). But with head coach Kris Knoblauch entering the final year of his contract and superstar Connor McDavid approaching free agency, the franchise is entering one of its most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. Knoblauch's contract status sparks questions before 2025–26 season Kris Knoblauch took over as Oilers head coach in 2023 and has since transformed the team into a powerhouse in the Western Conference. With two straight Stanley Cup Final appearances under his belt, his leadership has proven instrumental. But as his original three-year contract enters its final season, the lack of a new deal is drawing increased attention. Knoblauch recently addressed his contract situation in a press conference on July 14, revealing there have been only 'slight talks' about an extension. Oilers GM Stan Bowman, however, made it clear he wants to keep the coach in Edmonton. 'I think Kris has done a fantastic job,' Bowman said. 'We've got a lot of things to sort through, but I expect we'll get to that.' RAW | Kris Knoblauch 07.14.25 Knoblauch emphasized that his current focus remains on staffing and roster decisions, including the search for a new goalie coach. Still, he expressed his desire for long-term stability, indicating he'd like to stay in Edmonton. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Audiologists Furious About New $99 Device That Makes Hearing Crystal Clear Again risinghealthtrends Learn More Undo With training camp approaching, both fans and analysts expect extension talks to resume soon. All eyes on Connor McDavid's future in Edmonton While Knoblauch's future is a topic of discussion, the bigger storyline is Connor McDavid's looming free agency. The 28-year-old captain has one year left on his eight-year, $100 million contract, which carries a $12.5 million AAV. If not re-signed before July 1, 2026, he will become an unrestricted free agent, and speculation about his next move is already heating up. Oilers focus on locking in McDavid amid contract uncertainty Stan Bowman has made it clear that re-signing McDavid is the franchise's top priority. 'Connor's the most important player in the League… and our No. 1 priority,' he said. McDavid, however, remains non-committal for now, stating he'll take time to regroup and consult with his agent and family. Also Read: Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, and Leon Draisaitl's fiancée Celeste Desjardins spotted jamming to Justin Bieber's surprise album 'Swag' McDavid's 2024–25 season was another masterclass, with 100 points in 67 games and a dominant postseason. Oilers fans are holding their breath, hoping both their head coach and franchise cornerstone commit to the team's long-term future. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Stanley Cup shame sparks Oilers' panic move—goalie coach out as franchise refuses to face roster truth
Edmonton Oilers' awaited goaltending changes get new update (Image via AP) The Edmonton Oilers did not revive goaltending coach Dustin Schwartz's contract, sparking conjecture about significant changes. Insider Evan Renaerts suggests the team might create a panoptic goaltending department instead of just replacing Schwartz. With top candidates for the coaching role being considered, this strategic shift aims to bolster goalie development and performance after recent playoff struggles. After goaltending disaster, Oilers target coaches instead of replacing struggling netminders The Edmonton Oilers are reorganizing their coaching staff, particularly concerning their netminders. After a decade with the team, goaltending coach Dustin Schwartz's contract was not extended, prompting a search for a replacement and potentially a much broader restructuring. Especially after their recent playoff performance, this move comes as the Oilers aim to solidify their last line of defense, a significant point of discussion. Hockey analyst Evan Renaerts shared insights into the club's thinking, uttering, "The Edmonton Oilers management is reportedly nearing a decision regarding their goaltending coach, indicating a significant overhaul in that area of the coaching staff." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giá vàng đang tăng mạnh trong năm 2025 — Các nhà giao dịch thông minh đã tham gia IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo He also hinted that the team might move beyond the traditional single-coach model. Renaerts unfolded, "This strategic shift aims to provide a more robust support system for their goalies, reflecting a commitment to enhanced development and performance in the crease." This signifies a potential investment in a more extensive goaltending department, a departure from their current setup. The team's struggles in goal were apparent during the Stanley Cup Final, where the Panthers outwitted them. Ahead of a critical Game 6, head coach Kris Knoblauch had appreciated the tough choices he faced, voicing, "It's not an easy decision. We've got two goalies that have shown they can play extremely well, win hockey games, and we feel that no matter who we choose, they can win the game." Despite this, the team's goaltending ultimately halted. There's a belief within the organization that the solution lies not in replacing their current goaltenders but in enhancing the coaching and support around them. General Manager Stan Bowman, when asked about acquiring new goalies, phrased, "We're not at the point where we're definitely bringing in new goalies. It could make sense to keep this group. It's about finding that sweet spot." This implies a focus on development within the existing roster, supported by a more robust coaching framework. Also Read: Connor McDavid to Vegas? Golden Knights eye NHL's biggest star amid Jack Eichel uncertainty This strategic direction is acquiring traction among hockey pundits. Jason Gregor of Oilers Nation advocates for a structured goalie department, particularly given the team's promising young talent. He emphasizes that the Oilers, with their significant resources, should invest heavily in developing their goaltending future. Names like Ian Clark, Sean Burke, and Stéphane Waite are propagating as potential candidates, highlighting the Oilers' urgent and focused strategy to strengthen their goaltending foundation. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Katie Taylor fight garners six million viewers worldwide, setting US records
Katie Taylor's fight with Amanda Serrano was watched by six million viewers across the globe, co-promoter Most Valuable Promotions said. The Irish girl won a points victory to defeat Serrano for the third time and retain her super lightweight title. In the US, an estimated 4.2 million viewers tuned in - more than hockey's Stanley Cup Final, the WNBA Final and the French Open Finals - making it the most-watched professional women's sports event of 2025. The live-streamed event was No. 1 on Netflix in the United States, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, and made the top 10 in 43 countries. A sold-out crowd of 19,721 people were also in attendance, generating a $2.63 million gate at Madison Square Garden, the highest gate ever for a women's boxing card, and the highest gate for a female sporting event in MSG history. The third instalment of the rivalry also broke the official Guinness World Record title for the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 17 world titles. 'Taylor vs. Serrano 3 wasn't just a fight; it was the start of a movement for boxing and redefined what's possible for women's sports on a global stage,' MVP co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian said. 'We've made it our mission to make women's boxing a global force, and this is proof that the demand is there for premium content and only growing. 'Thank you to Netflix and Madison Square Garden for sharing our commitment to elevate women's sports and for helping us deliver this moment to the world.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Don Cherry comments on the country's immigrants, and Ron MacLean calls it an orchestrated exit strategy
(Image via Getty Images: Ron MacLean and Don Cherry) In November 2019, CBC's Hockey Night In Canada's segment Coach's Corner's iconic commentator, Don Cherry, was fired by Sportsnet because he made certain comments on the country's immigrants. Cherry said on-air, 'I live in Mississauga (Ontario). Very few people wear the poppy. Downtown Toronto, forget it…nobody wears the poppy. Now you go to the small cities, you people…that come here, whatever it is - you love our way of life. You love our milk and honey. At least you can pay a couple of bucks for a poppy or something like that. These guys paid for your way of life that you enjoy in Canada. These guys paid the biggest price for that.' Cherry was alleging that the country's immigrants were not honoring the fallen soldiers by wearing poppies on Remembrance Day, November 11. Ron MacLean, the co-host on that show, had given a 'thumbs up' to Cherry's on-air statement. But six years later? MacLean called it Cherry's orchestrated exit strategy. Hockey Night In Canada shut down Coach's Corner, fired Don Cherry, but Ron MacLean wasn't fired Ron MacLean recently spoke to Gare Joyce, a senior writer at Sportsnet. When Joyce asked MacLean about his long-time partner Don Cherry's exit, the commentator said, 'It was a bit clumsy. But it was the right outcome. Ultimately, that's what needed to happen. It was liberating. Don needed out, and the time was right. Remembrance Day was his last swing, taking a stance that's unpopular, but that feels good in his world. For Don, it's all a fight. It's all a battle. So he was happy and I'm happy for him.' MacLean thought Cherry was not only expressing his earnest opinion but also knew what the outcome would be. As a result, Hockey Night in Canada shut down Coach's Corner and dismissed Don Cherry. Joyce wrote that many people criticized MacLean for not being fired like Cherry was. They labelled him Judas for betraying his long-time on-air partner. Ron MacLean talks about Don Cherry's health scare in Boston MacLean also addressed Don Cherry's health scare at the time of his exit. Cherry was 85 years old at the time(in 2019). 'When we landed in Boston, I had to park him on a bench and get his luggage. We checked into the hotel room and then took him to a nearby fitness center that had a sauna - tried to clear out his lungs. Don and I didn't have our post-show ritual beers because he was so sick. I just had a couple of beers by myself, and then I got a call from Gary Bettman - you know, he and I like, well, pick your poison - and he asks, 'How's Don?' I tell him, 'He's good. Why do you ask?' Bettman says, 'Well, he's in the hospital.' That was a shocker.' Ron MacLean said Don Cherry started plotting an exit strategy after being diagnosed with pneumonia in Boston MacLean said Cherry's illness also played a role in wanting him to retire at the time. Back in June 2019, Cherry had landed in the Boston Hospital with pneumonia after the Stanley Cup Final between the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins. MacLean said, 'I think that pneumonia scare was it. The pneumonia said to Don - it's time. He had to think - why is this grind suddenly so hard? He was ready to have an exit strategy. From that moment on, he was plotting a way out. The first opportunity to end Coach's Corner was going to be a happy one for Don, and I thought he did it well.' Don Cherry is very disappointed with Ron MacLean's comments about him Toronto Sun's Joe Warmington reached out to 91-year-old Don Cherry. Cherry was very disappointed with his on-air partner of 38 years, Ron MacLean. He said, 'I'm very disappointed in Ron that he wouldn't let it go. He should let it go.' Talking about his pneumonia health scare, Cherry said, 'I didn't go to the hospital in Boston. I went to my room. I was pretty tired, but I just didn't go to the hospital.' Cherry's son, Tim, said, 'I can't believe someone's health was in a story. It's really nobody's business.' Don Cherry says he does not have any feelings toward his on-air partner of 38 years, Ron MacLean Cherry said that MacLean's comments weren't true about looking for a way out. He said, 'No, I wasn't looking for a way out. I was surprised. I never even thought of that.' His son, Tim, added, 'It makes no sense.' Cherry later said, 'He can say what he wants, but it never happened. I guess he had to say it, but he doesn't say it right.' As a parting note, Don said, 'I don't have any feelings toward Ron.' When Warmington asked if Don would want to sit and talk it out with MacLean, the commentator said, 'No, I don't want to talk to him about it. ' Also Read: 'Kasper the Friendly ROTY': Marco Kasper wins the title of the 2024-25 Detroit Red Wings Rookie of the Year | NHL News - Times of India For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Don Cherry ‘very disappointed' by Ron MacLean's comments about health, Hockey Night in Canada exit
Don Cherry said his departure from Hockey Night in Canada in 2019 was not an orchestrated 'exit strategy' related to health concerns, as was recently suggested by Ron MacLean, his ex-longtime on-air partner. The former co-host of Coach's Corner isn't ready to call MacLean's candid comments to the Kingston Whig Standard a 'betrayal,' but admitted to feeling aggrieved by the narrative created after so many years have passed. 'I'm very disappointed in Ron that he would bring this up,' Cherry, 91, told the Toronto Sun's Joe Warmington in a conversation about MacLean's assertions. 'I'm very disappointed that he would reach back five years and do this. 'He should let it go,' he added. Cherry said he was 'really surprised' when his wife Luba showed him the story, noting to Warmington that as far as she is concerned, MacLean is not welcome at their home or to contact them. Luba told the writer she would speak with her husband's former peer directly. Broached with the subject of Cherry and his son Tim possibly ending their podcast Grapevine by Whig Standard sports writer Gare Joyce recently, MacLean was reminded of Cherry's departure from HNIC and tied it to the pneumonia he was suffering from at the end of a long Stanley Cup Final between the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins that June. MacLean alleged that Cherry was struggling to breathe on their flight to Boston for a decisive Game 7, and he was taken to a sauna upon landing in an attempt to 'clear out his lungs.' A then 85-year-old Cherry would go on air that night, but his account of what occurred after the game differs from MacLean's. 'Don and I didn't have our post-show ritual beers (because) he was so sick,' MacLean told the Whig Standard. 'I just had a couple of beers by myself and then I got a call from (National Hockey League Commissioner) Gary Bettman — you know, he and I are like, well, pick your poison — and he asks, 'How's Don?' I tell him, 'He's good. Why do you ask?' (Bettman) says, 'Well, he's in hospital.' That was a shocker.' For his part, Cherry insisted to Warmington that while he was 'pretty tired,' there was no hospital visit in Boston. 'I went to my room,' he said, admitting he later visited a hospital upon returning to Canada, where he spent one night being assessed and treated for pneumonia. Regardless, MacLean went on to suggest the 'pneumonia scare' led Cherry to begin 'plotting a way out' that ultimately arrived on a November broadcast ahead of Remembrance Day when he spoke about immigrants to Canada not wearing poppies to honour Canada's fallen soldiers. 'You people come here, whatever it is, you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey. At least you could pay a couple of bucks for a poppy,' Cherry said at the time. Rogers Sportsnet released him two days later following public backlash, which MacLean said 'was the right outcome.' 'Don needed out, and the time was right. (Remembrance Day) was his last swing, taking a stance that's unpopular, but that feels good in his world. For Don, it's all a fight. It's all a battle. So he was happy and I'm happy for him.' Cherry also flatly rejected that assertion, saying 'he wasn't looking for a way out.' 'He can say what he wants, but it never happened.' Cherry said he's not been in contact with MacLean about the statements, nor does he plan to reach out. As for the future of the Grapevine podcast, Cherry and his son told Warmington that the show will continue. Rex Murphy: Don Cherry's cruel exclusion from the Order of Canada 'I've been through some ordeals': Ron MacLean is the last Canadian icon Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here.
