Perry’s son, Griffin, joins Oilers forward

Griffin Perry, the 8-year-old son of Edmonton Oilers forward Corey Perry, made quite the impression during Tuesday’s Stanley Cup Final Media Day at Rogers Place, even if it meant playing a little hooky from school. Dressed sharply in a suit, Griffin joined his dad on the podium and charmed reporters while fielding questions like a seasoned pro. He confessed that his classmates had no idea where he was, likely thinking he was home sick. While Griffin admitted it can be tough for his dad to coach him in hockey, he revealed that Oilers star Leon Draisaitl has stepped in to help. But the highlight of the appearance came when it was time to wrap up the press conference. Corey told his son he had to return to school, prompting some hilarious resistance. Griffin tried to buy time, asking to go see the trophies in the room, then making a final plea: “So, I have to go to school? I’ll only have three hours at school.”“I know, that’s perfect,” Corey replied.“No, it’s not. I won’t learn anything,” Griffin shot back. Classic media day moment and a solid “A” for effort from young Griffin.

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Derek Lalonde Joins Maple Leafs as Assistant Coach

The Toronto Maple Leafs added experience to their bench on Friday by hiring Derek Lalonde as an assistant coach. The move comes just over five months after Lalonde was dismissed from his role as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings. Lalonde led the Red Wings for two seasons (2022–2024), compiling an 89-86-23 record but falling short of the Stanley Cup Playoffs both years. He was let go on December 26 and replaced by veteran coach Todd McLellan. Before Detroit, Lalonde built his reputation under Jon Cooper as an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning, helping guide the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021. His résumé also includes international experience with Team USA at the IIHF World Championships in both 2023 and 2024. Lalonde now joins head coach Craig Berube’s staff in Toronto. Berube completed his first season behind the Leafs bench with a 52-26-4 record and a first-place finish in the Atlantic Division. However, the team fell in seven games to the Florida Panthers in the second round of the playoffs. Toronto had a vacancy on its coaching staff after assistant Lane Lambert was hired as head coach of the Seattle Kraken on May 29. The Leafs are looking to reshape their coaching group in hopes of finally ending that historic drought.

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Paul Maurice: From Managing Disappointment to Stanley Cup Glory

Paul Maurice chose his words as he reflects on a pivotal period in his life. In early 2022, after stepping down as Winnipeg Jets head coach. Maurice considered himself effectively retired from hockey. “I could manage it mentally,” he says, choosing that phrase over “at peace,” acknowledging the complexity of his emotions. But six months later, Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito called, offering Maurice a chance to return. Taking the helm, Maurice led the Panthers to consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, losing the first but winning the second. This victory marked a life-altering moment, transforming not only his career but his very perspective on hockey and life. Reflecting on his earlier career, Maurice candidly admitted, “I wasn’t happy with the way it ended… I never won.” But with the Cup now in his grasp, those old wounds have healed. At 58, he credits his players with teaching him invaluable lessons, calling his experience “life-altering” with no exaggeration. Now, as the Panthers prepare to face the Edmonton Oilers in their third straight Stanley Cup Final, Maurice is focused on cementing their legacy among the NHL’s greats.

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Bears Coach Ben Johnson Brings Trick-Play Flair

During his three years as Detroit’s offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson earned a reputation for bold trick plays, fearlessly calling them in critical moments. Now as Chicago’s head coach, Ben Johnson making sure the Bears are ready by closing minicamp with an unusual drill: sending offensive linemen sprinting down the sideline for passing practice. Backup QB Tyson Bagent  joked that “nobody I threw the ball to, at least” stood out, but right tackle Darnell Wright stole the spotlight with a slick one-handed catch and spin before hitting the ground.  If this is a sign of things to come, Bears fans might be in for some creative offensive fireworks this season.

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DJ Moore Promises a New Attitude Under Coach Ben Johnson

After a frustrating 2024 season, Pro Bowl receiver DJ Moore says he’s turning a new page with the Panthers. On Tuesday, Moore revealed he’s had talks with new head coach Ben Johnson about keeping his emotions in check. “Just don’t do it. Just keep it inside,” DJ Moore said, joking about not giving the media any fuel. Johnson has made it clear he wants to reshape not only the roster but also the team’s culture, emphasizing professionalism and positive energy. The Panthers and DJ Moore seem ready to start fresh this season.

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Bears QB Caleb Williams Opens Up About Draft Drama

Caleb Williams addressed the recent controversy stemming from details in the upcoming book American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback by ESPN’s Seth Wickersham. The book reveals that Williams and his father initially explored ways to avoid being drafted by the Bears. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Williams emphasized his focus on the present and his determination to help turn the Bears’ fortunes around. “This whole storm wasn’t something we wanted at this point,” he said. “We’re focused on now… trying to get this ship moving in the right direction.” Williams acknowledged visits with other teams, including Minnesota, but stressed that his decision to join Chicago was “a deliberate and determined answer” after meeting with the Bears organization. “Those were all thoughts and ideas,” he explained, “but after my visit here, I knew this was where I wanted to be.” Despite the distractions, Williams remains committed to building success in Chicago.

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Etienne Brothers Set for Week 1 NFL Showdown

Trevor Etienne’s NFL debut with the Carolina Panthers will double as a memorable family reunion when he squares off against his older brother, Travis Etienne, and the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1. The rookie running back has eagerly circled this game on his calendar, excited not only for his first pro action but for the rare opportunity to face his brother on the field. “As soon as we found out the big news, we already were excited about playing each other this year,” Trevor shared with Panthers.com’s Kassidy Hill.. “And then come to find out that it will be Week 1. It’s even more exciting, and we all can’t wait.” Their mother, Donnetta, is also preparing for the occasion, planning to wear a split-jersey that pays tribute to both sons—a tradition inspired by other NFL families like the Kelces and the Browns. Travis Etienne is heading into a crucial season with the Jaguars, looking to rebound after a career-low 558 rushing yards in 2024. Despite trade rumors, the new head coach Liam Coen has committed to the veteran back, though competition remains fierce with Tank Bigsby and rookie Bhayshu Tuten. Meanwhile, Trevor joins a crowded Panthers backfield, featuring 2024’s 1,000-yard rushers Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle. As a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Trevor is focused on learning the offense and carving out his role. Come September 7, this family rivalry will take center stage, promising a storybook kickoff to the NFL season.

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Ravens Coach Focuses on Lamar Jackson Game Readiness

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh emphasized Friday that his primary concern is Lamar Jackson’s performance on game day, not his attendance at voluntary organized team activities (OTAs). Lamar Jackson missed his second straight week of voluntary OTAs, sparking questions about a possible contract dispute. Harbaugh downplayed any connection between Jackson’s absence and extension talks, praising the quarterback’s on-field performance when he played last season. “I’m not measuring attendance. When Lamar’s out here, he loves being out here,” Harbaugh said. Jackson reportedly missed five of six OTAs this offseason. He wasn’t alone, other notable absences included Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and DeAndre Hopkins.

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Denver Broncos Add Evan Engram as Offensive “Joker”

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton has designated tight end Evan Engram as his offensive “Joker”. Engram, however, prefers to call himself a “cleaner,”. Engram arrives after three seasons with Jacksonville, including a 2023 Pro Bowl appearance. Despite a down 2024 season due to injuries and limited production (365 yards on 47 catches), Engram was quickly pursued by the Broncos after being released by the Jaguars’ new management. Payton sees Engram as the ideal player to invigorate Denver’s tight end position, which struggled last year with veteran Adam Trautman leading. While Engram embraces the “Joker” label, he stresses that earning the role requires hard work, and building trust with the coaches and teammates, including QB Bo (Nix).

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Championship Play-Off Final Highlights Premier League Promotion Challenges

Sunderland and Sheffield United face off in Saturday’s Championship play-off final, with Premier League riches awaiting the winner.  However, recent history shows the promotion dream can quickly sour, as all three sides promoted in the past two seasons have been relegated back immediately, a phenomenon previously only seen once in 1997/98. The widening gap between the Premier League and the Championship is clear. The bottom three Premier League teams over the last two seasons have amassed historically low points totals, with Luton, Burnley, and Sheffield United collecting just 66 points last year, and this season’s relegation trio, Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton, on track to break that record with only 59 points combined. Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna commented on the challenge: “It’s clear that the gap is big… 17 teams have two full seasons of Premier League money and everything that comes with that. And it makes it harder for everyone to catch up.” Sheffield United earned £110 million from Premier League TV and commercial revenues last season despite finishing last, and when parachute payments over three years are included, a single Premier League season can exceed £200 million in revenue. The English Football League (EFL) is concerned about how these parachute payments distort the Championship’s competitive balance and sustainability. If Sheffield United join Leeds and Burnley in promotion this season, six of the last nine promoted clubs would have returned immediately after relegation. EFL chairman Rick Parry said, “The impact of these payments on the competitive balance of the Championship, and on the sustainability of all other clubs, is a major concern.”

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