Feb 4, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Hall of Fame member Warren Moon speaks during a press conference announcing the NFL hall of fame class of 2012 finalists at the JW Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
In all likelihood, Kyler Murray will lead the Minnesota Vikings at quarterback in 2026, so long as third-year passer J.J. McCarthy doesn’t score the training camp upset. And according to former Vikings signal-caller Warren Moon, Murray’s emergence to the QB1 spot sounds bittersweet.
Moon sees Murray’s upside, but the familiar commitment questions still follow the Cardinals quarterback.
Moon believes Murray has the talent for the job, but seemed to question his commitment.
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Murray’s Vikings Career Still Depends on McCarthy — and Himself?
It’s a familiar critique of Murray.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray scrambles with the football while Green Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas closes in during Thursday Night Football action at State Farm Stadium. Murray extended plays with his mobility on Oct. 28, 2021, as Arizona battled Green Bay in one of the NFL’s marquee regular-season matchups during the Cardinals’ hot start that season. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
Moon on Murray
Moon spoke to Kay Adams this week and didn’t hold back, saying about Murray, “He never looks like he’s motivated. Maybe he is inside, but he just doesn’t give you that demeanor. He doesn’t give you that demeanor. I hope he’s learned over the last couple of years, with all the criticism that he’s taken, with the injuries that he’s gone through. I have to give more of myself to my football team.”
“I have to show people more about what I’m feeling and thinking. You have to do that as a quarterback in order to get people to follow you. Murray is so dynamic. He makes so many plays that you go, ‘Wow.’ And then, all of a sudden, he goes through phases where he doesn’t even look like the same guy.”
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The Vikings inked Murray in March to a $1.3 million 2026 contract, one of the best-value contracts in sports.
Moon added, “I hope that coming into this situation, he’s re-motivated to show what he can do. He’s been out of the game for a while with injury. He’s going to a great place with a great coaching staff, and he has really excellent weapons to throw the football to. It’s all in his possession if he wants it.”
“But J.J. McCarthy is right there, too. I don’t think he’s going to make it easy.”
The “Aloof” Talker + Study Clause
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Moon seems to be buying into a widespread, consistent Murray-themed talker: the guy loves video games too much and doesn’t prioritize football. That narrative has persisted for years, prompting an outside audience to wonder whether Murray cares about his craft as much as his quarterback peers.
The Cardinals even baked a “study clause” into his contract extension four years ago, which drew ire and awe because of its unprecedented nature. After backlash, the Cardinals removed the clause.
So, in conjunction with Moon’s comments, Murray must prove the naysayers wrong. The perception is that football may be a side perk for him; he has to dispel that.
All Up to Murray
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In addition to the attitudinal concerns, Murray has a tall task afoot. He’ll be asked to guide a 9-8 team from last year to the postseason, and hopefully, for the head coach’s sake and job security, win a playoff game or two.
Getting kicked out of Arizona — a franchise known for generally poor ownership and operations — in favor of Jacoby Brissett and rookie Carson Beck is flat-out embarrassing. On top of that, the Cardinals are paying Murray to play for the Vikings. It’s how Minnesota finagled the March contract for $1.3 million.
Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon speaks with reporters as Cam Ward is introduced as the Tennessee Titans’ first overall pick during NFL Draft festivities in Nashville. The moment unfolded on Apr. 25, 2025, after Moon approved Ward wearing his retired No. 1 jersey, connecting two eras of franchise quarterback history for the Titans organization. Mandatory Credit: Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Murray can “stick it to the Cardinals,” as athletes often do to their ex-employers, almost like a grudge match in wrestling. He also has 2027 to consider. A 30-touchdown season with 3,500+ passing yards in 2026 will fetch him around $50+ million per season via his next contract — in Minnesota or elsewhere. A 7-10 campaign with a litany of Murray injuries might lead to more “prove-it” contracts, which Murray basically has right now.
It’s all up to Murray to show that he’s locked and can perform at a Top-15 NFL quarterback clip.
A QB Verdict in August
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Of course, Murray must win the job over McCarthy first. Minnesota is selling the competition to anyone willing to buy, creating an atmosphere for McCarthy to pull off the upset if he has the stomach for it. Unlike last year, when McCarthy was handed the QB1 job on a silver platter without impediment, Murray must stave off McCarthy’s advances. McCarthy is young and hungry. Murray is seeking redemption and, from Moon, accusations that he “never looks like he’s motivated.”
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray walks off the field following a road victory over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Murray and the Cardinals secured a 37-20 win on Oct. 3, 2021, during an early-season stretch when Arizona emerged as one of the NFL’s hottest and most explosive offensive teams. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
In that regard, training camp may be cinema for the Vikings, a winner-take-all duel for the QB1 crown.
Moon played for the Vikings from 1994 to 1996, so he knows a little something about the franchise.
Vikings training camp is 10 weeks away.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Former world champion Pedersen made it look easy as he surged clear of a small group to take his first win since stage 15 of last year’s Vuelta a Espana, and first Tour win since 2023, with his Lidl-Trek team-mate Quinn Simmons coming second for good measure.
Traeen, diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2022 after a routine anti-doping test, was eighth on the day and moved into yellow with the main peloton finishing some 13 minutes later, Pogacar happy to hand over the responsibilities of race leader a day after his stage win in Les Angles.
Torstein Traeen took the yellow jersey after stage four (Reuters)
Every time the Tour has visited Foix it has ended in a breakaway win and it soon became obvious this day would be no different as 34 riders went clear in sweltering temperatures touching 40 degrees in south-west France.
The break splintered on the final climb but Lidl-Trek managed to get three riders in the front group of 10 – Mathias Vacek joining Pedersen and Simmons – and they were able to control a series of late attacks to set up Pedersen.
“This was I would say a masterpiece of teamwork,” the Dane said. “I was suffering a lot on the last climb but with Quinn and Vacek it was an incredible day, they did incredibly well on the climb to pace it for me and make sure we didn’t lose too much time.
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“They were just machines to the finish. What a team effort, what a team win today.”
Mads Pedersen sprinted to victory as part of the stage four breakaway (Reuters)
But Traeen celebrated taking the race lead (AP)
Uno-X Mobility’s Traeen, who spent four days in red at last season’s Vuelta, started the day five minutes off yellow, and once it became apparent the peloton would not chase, the 30-year-old’s only rival for the race lead was Sean Quinn, also in the front group but a further 28 seconds down.
“I think it’s quite hard for me to understand how big it is,” Traeen said. “You can see the face of my coach, the soigneur, everybody, you see how special it is but for me at the moment I don’t really understand what’s going on. Maybe in a couple of days it will sink in.”
Quinn moved up to second overall with Vacek third, three minutes 50 seconds down, and Pogacar dropping to fourth, almost eight minutes down and still on the same time as his rival Jonas Vingegaard as they save resources for later in this Tour.
There was indeed a foul on Martinez a short while before the goal, and Argentina have got away with one.
It was a superb run from Hassan to create the goal, dribbling from near his own area before sewtting up Salah, who slid it into the path of Zico, who beat the onrushing Martinez to it and blasted past him for 2-0!
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Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:25
GOAL! Argentina 0-2 Egypt (Zico)
GOAL! Oh my word, Egypt have a second!
Or do they…it’s being reviewed for a foul on Martinez in the build up…
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Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:23
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
The rest doesn’t last long though! Messi skips away from Hafez on the right and he has a free-kick around 30 yards out…
Argentina play it short though and it’s a complete waste as they’re forced backwards before Messi runs out of space on the edge of the box as he tries to take matters into his own hands.
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Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:20
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
The free-kick is punched away by Shobeir but Argentina come again.
De Paul, Messi, Fernandez, Messi again…it’s all a little pedestrian.
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Messi is tackled near the edge of the Egypt box and the Pharaohs can enjoy a little rest now.
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:18
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
Argentina are seeing plenty of the ball as the second half gets underway, though once again it’s more probing than anything else.
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Egypt think they have a golden counter-attacking opportunity as Salah nips in to the win the ball near halfway, but he’s penalised for a foul!
(Reuters)
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:16
Argentina 0-1 Egypt
A chance right away for Egypt as Messi gets a bit of space outside the box and lays it off to De Paul, who fires a tame effort straight at Shobeir.
(Reuters)
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:12
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KICK-OFF! Argentina 0-1 Egypt
Back underway in Atlanta!
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:11
HALF-TIME! Argentina 0-1 Egypt
It’s been an intriguing game in Atlanta, and not just because of the scoreline, even if that does help!
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Argentina have not necessarily played badly but they find themselves behind after a missed penalty and an inspired performance from Shobeir so far.
Egypt have been a threat but they’ve been pushed back since scoring, and it felt for a while like only a matter of time before the holder equalised.
However, the Pharaohs have held on this long, so can they do the same again in the second half? We’re about to find out.
Chris Wilson7 July 2026 18:04
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Argentina fans bring the noise to World Cup last 16 clash in Atlanta
Argentina fans in good voice ahead of Egypt knockout match
Miguel Delaney in Atlanta7 July 2026 18:04
HALF-TIME! Argentina 0-1 Egypt
Here’s the full array of pics from that superb Shobeir save as well.
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Lionel Scaloni had his hands on his head in disbelief!
Day 27 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues the Round of 16, with Lionel Messi and Argentina taking on Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in Atlanta before Switzerland faces Colombia in Vancouver. Both matches air on FOX, with every game streaming live and on demand on FOX One.
World Cup Schedule for Tuesday, July 7
Argentina vs. Egypt
Argentina rolled through Group J at 3-0-0 and needed extra time to beat Cape Verde 3-2 in the round of 32. Messi is tied atop the Golden Boot Race with Norway’s Erling Haaland and France’s Kylian Mbappe with seven goals. Egypt finished Group G at 1-0-2 and survived a shootout against Australia in the round of 32, leaning on Salah to generate chances in the final third. Messi’s early movement around Egypt’s box should signal whether the defending champion cruises or has to grind out a knockout win.
Player to Watch
Lionel Messi
Forward
Argentina
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It is hard to think of things that have not been said about Messi, but the Inter Miami attacker has now scored in eight straight World Cup matches. In his career, Messi has 12 goal contributions in the knockout stages of the World Cup. He remains at the heart of everything Argentina does, and even at his age, that might be enough for Argentina to win a second straight title.
Switzerland vs. Colombia
Switzerland went 2-0-1 through Group B and beat Algeria 2-1 in the round of 32 to reach the knockout’s second week. Colombia also finished 2-0-1 in Group K, drawing with Portugal before closing out Ghana 1-0 in the round of 32. Tuesday’s winner keeps its World Cup run alive with a place in the quarterfinals on the line.
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The Swiss captain is essential to his team’s chances of playing the way it wants to play. Switzerland cannot afford to chase the game for too long, and Xhaka, at his best, can win possession and set up his teammates in the attacking third while also defending well. Switzerland needs him to be in his top form like he was against Ghana.
ONE Strawweight champion Joshua Pacio. –HANDOUT PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines— ONE Strawweight champion Joshua Pacio believes he is a more complete fighter heading into his title rematch against Mansur Malachiev on Friday at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
“I believe I’ve grown a lot since our first fight. Not just technically, but also mentally and spiritually. Malachiev is a very dangerous opponent, especially with his grappling, and I respect that. But I’ve worked hard to improve in all areas, my defense, my striking, my composure.
“I wouldn’t say I’m better in every single aspect, but I know I’m more complete and more prepared now. I’m excited to show that in this rematch.”
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Pacio neutralized Malachiev’s grappling in their first encounter through disciplined striking and improved defensive wrestling to retain control over three rounds.
Despite already owning a win over the challenger, Pacio expects another difficult test.
“Every fight is an opportunity to show growth and represent my team and my country. So it’s not just about dominance, it’s about performance, discipline, and showing the best version of myself.”
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The Filipino champion said his experience in title fights gives him confidence, but he acknowledged Malachiev’s recent run.
The Russian has won three straight bouts since their first meeting, including a submission victory over former strawweight champion Jarred Brooks.
“I think one of my biggest advantages is my experience at this level and my ability to adapt. I’ve been in many tough fights and different situations, and I’ve learned how to stay calm and make the right adjustments.
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“I also believe in my striking and my ability to control the pace of the fight. But overall, it’s about being ready everywhere because I know he’s dangerous in his own way.”
Pacio said another successful title defense would be meaningful, though his focus remains on his performance rather than adding to his resume.
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“This fight is very important. Every title defense adds to your legacy, especially against a tough opponent like Malachiev. For me, it’s not just about being remembered as a champion, but about inspiring others and showing who really brought me to where I am now and that is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
BTS performed in London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night (July 6), where the ARMY spotted a playful Jinkook moment – Jungkook piggybacking Seokjin as the duo sang on the stage.
The video has since gone viral on X, with Jinkook fans going crazy over the cuteness of Jinkook’s bond. Here’s how netizens have been reacting to it:
“i took this photo, I hope you will cherish like I do. happy jinkook”
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Some fans were heart-eyed over the bond the two band members shared, while others expressed gratitude for the Arirang World Tour that helped them witness so many moments between the BTS members.
jeon jeongguk is never putting that grown man down. and seokjin is EXACTLY where he wants to be!! 😭😭
Wow don’t want let go of Jin aww my jinkook heart ❤️
I know some people died when they saw this and resurrected to start trolling them because they are affecting their ship… This Tour is so fun to watch A lot of necks are pressed by these two and I am sure they don’t even know it. Just living their best life after separation
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Honestly, every angle is worth posting. This moment was way too cute to get over.
Give us a 5 min compilation of all angles
For the unversed, Jinkook is a popular ship name for the youngest – Jungkook – and the oldest – Jin – members of BTS, which was coined by Jungkook himself in a 2015 interview. Despite their 5-year age gap, the duo is always the most playful around each other and shares an adorable sibling energy.
BTS will perform their second London concert tonight – on Tuesday, July 7 – before moving on to Germany, where they have two shows in Munich’s Allianz Arena on the coming weekend (July 11 and 12).
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BTS crowd interactions amid their first London show, explored
Besides the viral Jinkook moment, BTS made many memorable moments on London’s stage on Monday, one of which was them jokingly taking credit for England’s victory against Mexico on the same day.
After England defeated the Mexican soccer team on Sunday (July 5), RM congratulated the audience for the victory, while jokingly adding:
“Congrats on the win last night. We always bring the luck to every place we play. When we played in Belgium, Belgium won. Now that we’re in London, Britain won. You see?”
RM also apologized to their British fans for returning to perform in the country after seven years, saying:
“There was Covid, there was military, and now we’re here in 2026 together. I missed you so much, and thank you for all coming.”
Before Monday night, the last time BTS graced a stage in London was in 2019, when the pop band earned the title of the first-ever South Korean act to headline at Wembley Stadium. They had plans to return to Britain in 2020, but shows were cancelled in light of COVID.
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Suga also chimed in, thanking the fans for their patience as he remarked:
“I’m still feeling the emotion I felt seven or eight years ago. I don’t think you guys have changed. You’re still in a passionate country.”
Meanwhile, J-Hope expressed his “honor” to be playing at the stadium where South Korean captain Son “Sonny” Heung-min first gained global recognition.
Conor McGregor and Max Holloway come full circle. McGregor and Holloway meet 13 years after their first fight, before either man carved out Hall of Fame careers. They’re now two of the biggest stars in the sport’s history, headlining UFC 329 on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
McGregor beat Holloway by unanimous decision early in their rises. “The Notorious” channeled that momentum into a historic run that made him the first simultaneous two-division UFC champion, and the biggest star the sport has ever seen. The loss did little to stunt Holloway’s growth. “Blessed” became one of the greatest featherweight champions in UFC history before finding new life as the ceremonial BMF champion at lightweight. He may not have achieved McGregor’s crossover popularity, but Holloway cemented himself as one of the most beloved fighters in the sport. Plus, his longevity and activity make him a meaningful betting favorite against a version of McGregor who hasn’t fought in five years.
Sign up for Paramount+ and watch UFC 329 live for no additional fee — every UFC numbered event and UFC Fight Night is included with your subscription! Plans start as low as $8.99/month or $89.99/year!
UFC International Fight Week is the promotion’s flagship weekend. The novelty of UFC Freedom 250, held at the White House, might have drawn some attention away from the annual event, but it didn’t compromise its quality. The main and preliminary cards are loaded with mouth-watering matchups.
The featured preliminary fight is Robert Whittaker’s light heavyweight debut. Speaking of debuts, Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson — a prodigy of retired two-division champ Jon Jones — makes his UFC debut.
Below is the complete fight card for UFC 329 along with the latest odds. Check back all week long for the latest news, features, and other content around this massive event.
UFC 329 fight card, odds
Odds via DraftKings (As of July 7)
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Max Holloway -225 vs. Conor McGregor +185, welterweights
Benoit Saint Denis -135 vs. Paddy Pimblett +114, lightweights
Cory Sandhagen -148 vs. Mario Bautista +124, bantamweights
When we think of offer sheets like the massive one Leo Carlsson signed last week, your mind naturally drifts to the player side of the equation as you scout around the league wondering who — if anyone — could be next.
Before we address that, though, what about the other side of the coin?
Will teams see the Philadelphia Flyers’ bold play — general manager Daniel Briere threw $90 million over five years at Carlsson — and view it as the off-season version of, “Why not us?”
When you’re talking about trying to lure a young player to your team, it really widens the field in terms of what type of club — as in, where they are in their competitive arc — could conceivably be interested.
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Philly is an up-and-coming squad trying to surge forward. Couldn’t the same, more or less, be said of Montreal, Buffalo, Utah and Pittsburgh?
What about rebuilding squads near the bottom of the standings trying to expedite what can be a long process? On one hand, you could see a team in that position balking at a price like four first-round picks — which is what the Flyers would fork over to the Anaheim Ducks if the latter doesn’t match the offer to Carlsson by Friday — during a down phase for the franchise. On the other, why leave your fate up to lottery luck? Instead, make a strong play for one immaculate, known entity who has already shown real promise in the league and is on the precipice of his best seasons.
Could a bottom-feeder like the Seattle Kraken — who already have a decent prospect cupboard and had big-money plays for Artemi Panarin and Jason Robertson thwarted in 2026 — go that route?
At the other end of the standings, a contender with cap space — and, boy, that upper limit is rising higher and higher — could take the unconventional route of offer-sheeting a young player to put them over the top.
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The only consideration there, of course, is you must have the draft capital to complete the transaction. If we’re talking about an offer that features an AAV of (basically) $12 million or above, four teams currently can’t fulfill the obligation of handing over four first-rounders in the next five drafts, thus making them ineligible to tender an offer sheet in 2026: the Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers.
In terms of having cap space, remember the upper limit for the 2027-28 campaign is expected to be $113.5 million. That means, by the second season of his new five-year contract, Carlsson’s AAV will be taking up only 16 per cent (the maximum for one player is 20 per cent) of either the Flyers or Ducks cap. In 2025-26 terms, that’s basically a $15 million AAV.
With all that in mind — and with a huge assist from the heroes over at Puckpedia — let’s take a look at some high-profile and/or intriguing RFAs and potential RFAs from now until 2028.
Adam Fantilli, Columbus Blue Jackets
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For a minute there, it seemed like things could really slide off the rails this summer in Ohio. But both Zach Werenski — with two years to go before he can become a UFA — and Kirill Marchenko — who is offer-sheet eligible as an RFA in 2027 — remain with the club. For now.
Surely the Jackets see Adam Fantilli, picked one spot after Carlsson at third overall in 2023, as the centrepiece they need to lock down. Fantilli hasn’t truly exploded offensively yet, but he’s a big No. 1 centre with all kinds of leverage given some of the big-picture question marks in Columbus.
If you were a team seriously contemplating an offer to Carlsson, any chance you’d pivot to Fantilli?
Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks
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You knew there was still a long road ahead when the Hawks took Bedard first overall in 2023, but three years into his career, Chicago has yet to even sniff a playoff spot.
Bedard, who sustained an apparent shoulder injury during off-season training last week, is due for a new deal and it will be interesting to see how long-term he commits. Will he take an eight-year deal — which can only be offered until September, when new CBA stipulations will limit term to seven years — or a shorter deal that offers more flexibility in coming years.
Chicago paid a heavy price to acquire and sign defenceman Bowen Byram; now it’s time to lock down the franchise centre.
Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks
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Like everyone who is a potential 2027 RFA, Celebrini is eligible to ink an extension any day now. Would it surprise anyone if Celebrini’s next deal supplanted Kirill Kaprizov’s contract ($136 million over eight years) as the richest deal in NHL history? If you’re San Jose, no question you’re hoping to secure Celebrini’s services for as long as possible. An eight-year deal — which is eating into pricey UFA years — at, say, $19 million per season would come in at a total of $152 million.
And, honestly, it might soon seem like a bargain.
Matvei Michkov, Philadelphia Flyers
If the Flyers don’t land Carlsson, they can turn their attention to extending the Russian winger who fell to them at No. 7 in 2023. It hasn’t been all smiles and sunshine for Michkov during his first two years in the league, but the talent is there.
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Where a situation like this gets interesting — beyond the obvious curiosity of whether teams will target Philly after its play for Carlsson — is if Michkov doesn’t ink an extension this summer, has another 20-goal season and doesn’t seem like a slam-dunk for a monster deal.
Would a team swoop in and make a big bet that he can be their guy in a different situation?
Kirill Marchenko, Columbus Blue Jackets
As noted above, Marchenko has one year left on his deal it and it sure doesn’t seem as though he’ll be putting pen to paper in Columbus any time soon.
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A lot can change in a year, but this will be a serious situation to monitor if Marchenko remains unsigned next summer — assuming he’s not traded in the interim.
He’s provided crazy value for Columbus on his current three-year bridge deal, which packs an AAV of just under $4 million.
His next AAV could be nearly quadruple that.
32 Thoughts: The Podcast
Hockey fans already know the name, but this is not the blog. From Sportsnet, 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas is a weekly deep dive into the biggest news and interviews from the hockey world.
In the history of the NHL, only two goalies have received offer sheets — both resulting in successful bids — and they occurred within two weeks of each other. If you just said to yourself, “Yeah, Ron Tugnutt to Ottawa and Arturs Irbe to Dallas in 1996,” please depart immediately for the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and demand they open an entire wing in your honour.
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Could we see another goalie offer in 2027? Probably not, but let’s flag the names Jesper Wallstedt in Minnesota, Joel Hofer in St. Louis and Yaroslav Askarov in San Jose.
All three goalies will be coming off two-year deals signed in 2025 and in the mid-20s-age sweet spot where goalies firmly establish themselves in the league. Hofer is taking the reins in St. Louis, Wallstedt has a goalie partner, in Filip Gustavsson, who accounts for an AAV of $6.8 million through 2031 and Askarov must prove he’s worth betting on as the guy who can backstop an emerging power in San Jose.
It’s hard to see any of these clubs parting with these players, but — as we know — things change fast in the crease.
Matthew Schaefer, New York Islanders
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The real question here is, with both Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar eligible to ink extensions right now, how will Schaefer’s first non-ELC contract measure up to those new deals?
It’s a long way to look down the road, but even if Schaefer — who can sign an extension 51 weeks from now — inked a deal that carried a $21 million AAV, that would represent only 17 per cent of his team’s cap hit in the first year (2028-29) of his new pact, when the upper limit is projected to be $123 million.
This is a clear blank-cheque situation for the Isles.
Beckett Sennecke, Anaheim Ducks
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Let’s be honest, whether they keep Carlsson or not, everything to do with the Ducks and payroll just got a lot more interesting.
Sennecke is coming off a fantastic rookie season where he not only finished third in Calder Trophy voting, but came through in the playoffs with five goals in 12 outings.
If Anaheim lets Carlsson go, there will be extra pressure to keep the rest of the young crew intact. If Carlsson stays, there’s a pretty high precedent for what great young players get on their second contract in the organization.
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, known as Kane in WWE wrestling, walks onto the pre-race stage prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 on April 12, 2026, at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN.(Jeff Robinson / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“If I were a wrestling promoter and wanted to draw as big a crowd as possible without regard to cost, even if it meant bankruptcy, I’d make admission free and give everyone free unlimited pizza and beer,” Jacobs wrote.
President Donald Trump’s stance on immigration helped him win the presidential election in 2024 over Kamala Harris. In May, the Trump administration celebrated a full year of “zero releases” at the southern border.
In a news release announcing the decline in releases at the southern border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pointed to broader enforcement statistics showing illegal crossings and apprehensions at levels officials said have not been seen in more than three decades. CBP said Border Patrol recorded 8,943 southwestern border apprehensions in April, 94% lower than the Biden administration’s monthly average, 96% below the December 2023 peak during Biden’s tenure and fewer than the number apprehended in just three days in April 2024.
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Wrestling fighter Kane stands in the ring during “WWE Smackdown” at Plaza Monumental Monterrey on October 15, 2009, in Monterrey, Mexico.(Alfredo Lopez / Jam Media / LatinContent via Getty Images)
The 59-year-old Republican politician became the mayor of Knox County in 2018. He won a second term in 2022 and is unable to run for a third term.
He’s advocated for voters in his county to vote for Betsy Henderson and Republicans down the ticket when early voting begins later this month. Henderson is going up against Democrat Beau Hawk in the general election.
Jacobs compared Hawk to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
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“Knox County has its very own Mini Mamdani running to replace me as your next mayor,” he wrote in a separate post on X. “The only way he can win is if Republicans take it for granted. Please remember to go vote for Betsy Henderson and Republicans up and down the ticket.”
Kane poses in a studio photo circa 2002.(WWE / Getty Images)
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois claimed that his side ‘punished the disrespect’ by knocking the USA out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ahead of the clash between the two sides in the Round of 16,There was a massive controversy surrounding USMNT forward Folarin Balogun’s eligibility to feature. The 25-year-old was sent off in his nation’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32; his suspension, however, was deferred for a year after US President Donald Trump spoke personally to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
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The decision sparked a massive debate online and prompted the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) to launch an appeal. Their claim was immediately denied by FIFA and Balogun was allowed to play the game.
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The Red Devils were clearly fired up by the apparently ‘unjust’ decision. After Malik Tillman’s deflected free-kick (31′) cancelled out Charles De Ketelaere’s opener (7′), Rudi Garcia’s side took control of the game.
De Ketelaere’s second goal of the night (33′) and goals from Hans Vanaken (57′) and Romelu Lukaku (90+3′) secured a comfortable 4-1 win for Belgium. After the game, Courtois spoke to reporters and claimed that he was confident in his side’s ability to win the game despite the pre-game controversy.
“We have PUNISHED the DISRESPECT that the Americans have shown us in the last few days. I was WAY MORE confident that we’d beat USA than I was of beating Senegal, simply because Senegal are a MUCH better team than the USA.”
Courtois has played every minute of Belgium‘s five games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup thus far, keeping one clean sheet in the process.
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“There’s always justice” – Belgium star Nicolas Raskin makes claim after knocking the USA out of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Belgium star Nicolas Raskin claimed that there was a sense of ‘justice’ in his side’s 4-1 win over the USMNT in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Raskin played an important role in his side’s thumping victory. He set Charles De Ketelaere up for the opening goal of the night, completed 37 of his 45 passes (82%), won seven of his 14 duels (50%), made four tackles and recovered the ball five times (stats via FotMob).
After the full-time whistle, Raskin delivered his opinion on the biggest talking point ahead of the game – the postponement of USMNT forward Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension. Speaking to reporters, the 25-year-old said (via Hayters):
“Like I said, I think there’s always a justice somewhere in life and the fact that something can happen like that, you can call it what you want, but we don’t think that (Balogun being allowed to play) was fair. And today, I think it just brings us a little bit of luck.”
Up next, Belgium will lock horns against Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Friday, July 10).
Coco Gauff is through to her first Wimbledon semi-final after battling to a comeback victory over Jessica Pegula.
Two-time Grand Slam singles champion Gauff had never previously gone beyond the fourth round at the All England Club and suffered a first-round exit last year.
However, she recovered from an error-strewn start against world number four Pegula, who was the highest-ranked player left in the singles draw, to win 4-6 6-3 6-3.
The 22-year-old is the youngest player to reach the semi-finals at all four Grand Slams since Maria Sharapova, who achieved that feat at the 2007 French Open.
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The seventh seed was hindered by four double faults and 17 unforced errors in the opening set.
But as she has done all tournament, Gauff showed excellent fighting spirit to become the first woman to reach the singles semi-finals with four three-set wins for 30 years.
“I think a lot of people had me going out in the first or second round this tournament,” Gauff joked afterwards.
“After seven years playing in this tournament, it is the first time I’ve walked onto Centre Court and not felt nervous.
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“So I don’t know – am I becoming a veteran already?”
Gauff will face either Naomi Osaka or Karolina Muchova, who meet later on Tuesday, for a place in Saturday’s final.
Pegula was ultimately punished for failing to take her opportunities early in the second set, when she forced three break points in her opponent’s first two games.
The momentum flipped when Gauff capitalised on a poor game from Pegula, breaking to love and maintaining her composure to battle back from 0-30 down as she served out the set to level the match.
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The topsy-turvy nature of the contest continued in the final set, but it was Gauff who was able to raise her level when it mattered.
The 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open champion offered an immediate response to take a 4-3 lead after Pegula had broken back, and celebrated victory on Pegula’s serve with a first match point.
The loss means Pegula’s wait for a first Grand Slam singles title goes on – and she may be left to rue a missed opportunity.
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