How did everyone enjoy the Opening Ceremonies? It was quite, umm how do you say? French. Very very French.

Jeff Marek released a statement confirming the reports that he's no longer at Sportsnet. While he acknowledged the outpouring of support, why he was suddenly removed from the broadcast company is still unanswered. I guess we just have to wait and see.

This is a story to watch late into the summer and into September. Patrik Laine has been released from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, and the discussion of Laine's trade request has come to the fore once again. It seems both the player and front office are in agreement on a move and it's just down to finding another team or two to make it work.

I don't see Marner for Laine having any legs, even if the Blue Jackets throw in a big future prospect (it would have to be a package for Marner). Laine is just too much of an unknown when it comes to how well he can play or whether he can at all based on his track record. Losing Marner on top of it and the Leafs might struggle to make the playoffs.

“Patrik’s made it clear that, even before all the changes this summer, he would like a fresh start someplace. We will look at it when the time comes – which hopefully is very soon – all the options. Now, I can’t rule out any options, even returning here because it takes two teams to make a trade and if there’s not a trade that makes any sense to us, then we have to just deal with what reality is."
Columbus Blue Jackets Patrik Laine cleared to return from NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program
Laine recorded six goals and nine points in 18 games in 2023-24.
Daily FaceoffShane Seney

THN is making a Daily Faceoff-esque lineup section on their website. On it has the active roster, non-roster players, and prospects. The contracts are up to date as of right now, but I find one of the hardest parts of making any cap site is keeping up with all the transactions around the league. The other is understanding all the league's esoteric rules and being the recognized authority on the subject. Both of which CapFriendly had.

The hole is getting deeper for Soccer Canada as more reporting on Drone-gate is unveiling this has been going on for years.

World soccer GOAT, Christine Sinclair, put out a statement strongly denying she and her team ever saw or discussed drone footage in her 23 years with the national team.

It should be noted the first person who was charged and removed from Paris, Joseph Lombardi, was new to the women's team as of 2023 and had previously worked on various youth teams. Rick Westhead's reporting focuses on a report accusing men's coach John Herdman of spying.

And for crying out loud, put your nationalism and pride down for a second and back off Westhead and TSN for revealing the truth of what's going on here. Don't like how this looks on Canada? Be mad at the people who did it.

From The Branches