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Deadspin | Bryan Reynolds displays his dominance of Reds in Pirates rout  May 1, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds (10) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Justin Berl-Imagn Images   Bryan Reynolds continued his dominance of Cincinnati pitching with a tape-measure homer and an RBI triple in support of seven strong innings from Mitch Keller as the Pittsburgh Pirates routed the Cincinnati Reds 9-1 Friday night in Pittsburgh.  Henry Davis, who came into the game batting just .154 in 20 games, broke out of a season-long slump with two homers and three runs scored from the ninth spot in the order. Marcell Ozuna added a two-run shot and Nick Gonzales went 3-for-4 to raise his average to .333 for the Pirates, who snapped a five-game losing streak.  Cincinnati, which entered with a major league-best 10-3 road record, fell for just the fourth time away from home.  Keller (3-1) allowed only three hits and one run in seven innings, striking out six and walking just one on a season-high 104 pitches.  The Reds were held to three hits, two of which came off the bat of TJ Friedl. The Cincinnati outfielder collected the first hit off Keller in the third and doubled to open the sixth and scored on an Elly De La Cruz groundout.  The game, which was delayed 91 minutes at the start by rain, was played in raw conditions with temperatures hovering around 40 for most of the night.   In the Pittsburgh first, Reynolds crushed a fastball from Cincinnati starter and loser Brady Singer an estimated 443 feet to the shrubs beyond the centerfield wall for his fourth homer of the season.  Reynolds now has two home runs this season against Cincinnati pitching and 19 lifetime, the most against any opponent in his career.  Singer (2-2) was roughed up for four runs and seven hits over just 3 1/3 innings, striking out just one while walking two.  Pittsburgh has taken three of the first four meetings between the two clubs this season.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Bryan #Reynolds #displays #dominance #Reds #Pirates #rout

Deadspin | Bryan Reynolds displays his dominance of Reds in Pirates rout
Deadspin | Bryan Reynolds displays his dominance of Reds in Pirates rout  May 1, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds (10) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Justin Berl-Imagn Images   Bryan Reynolds continued his dominance of Cincinnati pitching with a tape-measure homer and an RBI triple in support of seven strong innings from Mitch Keller as the Pittsburgh Pirates routed the Cincinnati Reds 9-1 Friday night in Pittsburgh.  Henry Davis, who came into the game batting just .154 in 20 games, broke out of a season-long slump with two homers and three runs scored from the ninth spot in the order. Marcell Ozuna added a two-run shot and Nick Gonzales went 3-for-4 to raise his average to .333 for the Pirates, who snapped a five-game losing streak.  Cincinnati, which entered with a major league-best 10-3 road record, fell for just the fourth time away from home.  Keller (3-1) allowed only three hits and one run in seven innings, striking out six and walking just one on a season-high 104 pitches.  The Reds were held to three hits, two of which came off the bat of TJ Friedl. The Cincinnati outfielder collected the first hit off Keller in the third and doubled to open the sixth and scored on an Elly De La Cruz groundout.  The game, which was delayed 91 minutes at the start by rain, was played in raw conditions with temperatures hovering around 40 for most of the night.   In the Pittsburgh first, Reynolds crushed a fastball from Cincinnati starter and loser Brady Singer an estimated 443 feet to the shrubs beyond the centerfield wall for his fourth homer of the season.  Reynolds now has two home runs this season against Cincinnati pitching and 19 lifetime, the most against any opponent in his career.  Singer (2-2) was roughed up for four runs and seven hits over just 3 1/3 innings, striking out just one while walking two.  Pittsburgh has taken three of the first four meetings between the two clubs this season.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Bryan #Reynolds #displays #dominance #Reds #Pirates #routMay 1, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds (10) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Justin Berl-Imagn Images

Bryan Reynolds continued his dominance of Cincinnati pitching with a tape-measure homer and an RBI triple in support of seven strong innings from Mitch Keller as the Pittsburgh Pirates routed the Cincinnati Reds 9-1 Friday night in Pittsburgh.

Henry Davis, who came into the game batting just .154 in 20 games, broke out of a season-long slump with two homers and three runs scored from the ninth spot in the order. Marcell Ozuna added a two-run shot and Nick Gonzales went 3-for-4 to raise his average to .333 for the Pirates, who snapped a five-game losing streak.

Cincinnati, which entered with a major league-best 10-3 road record, fell for just the fourth time away from home.

Keller (3-1) allowed only three hits and one run in seven innings, striking out six and walking just one on a season-high 104 pitches.

The Reds were held to three hits, two of which came off the bat of TJ Friedl. The Cincinnati outfielder collected the first hit off Keller in the third and doubled to open the sixth and scored on an Elly De La Cruz groundout.


The game, which was delayed 91 minutes at the start by rain, was played in raw conditions with temperatures hovering around 40 for most of the night.

In the Pittsburgh first, Reynolds crushed a fastball from Cincinnati starter and loser Brady Singer an estimated 443 feet to the shrubs beyond the centerfield wall for his fourth homer of the season.

Reynolds now has two home runs this season against Cincinnati pitching and 19 lifetime, the most against any opponent in his career.

Singer (2-2) was roughed up for four runs and seven hits over just 3 1/3 innings, striking out just one while walking two.

Pittsburgh has taken three of the first four meetings between the two clubs this season.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bryan #Reynolds #displays #dominance #Reds #Pirates #rout

May 1, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds (10) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Justin Berl-Imagn Images

Bryan Reynolds continued his dominance of Cincinnati pitching with a tape-measure homer and an RBI triple in support of seven strong innings from Mitch Keller as the Pittsburgh Pirates routed the Cincinnati Reds 9-1 Friday night in Pittsburgh.

Henry Davis, who came into the game batting just .154 in 20 games, broke out of a season-long slump with two homers and three runs scored from the ninth spot in the order. Marcell Ozuna added a two-run shot and Nick Gonzales went 3-for-4 to raise his average to .333 for the Pirates, who snapped a five-game losing streak.

Cincinnati, which entered with a major league-best 10-3 road record, fell for just the fourth time away from home.

Keller (3-1) allowed only three hits and one run in seven innings, striking out six and walking just one on a season-high 104 pitches.

The Reds were held to three hits, two of which came off the bat of TJ Friedl. The Cincinnati outfielder collected the first hit off Keller in the third and doubled to open the sixth and scored on an Elly De La Cruz groundout.

The game, which was delayed 91 minutes at the start by rain, was played in raw conditions with temperatures hovering around 40 for most of the night.

In the Pittsburgh first, Reynolds crushed a fastball from Cincinnati starter and loser Brady Singer an estimated 443 feet to the shrubs beyond the centerfield wall for his fourth homer of the season.

Reynolds now has two home runs this season against Cincinnati pitching and 19 lifetime, the most against any opponent in his career.

Singer (2-2) was roughed up for four runs and seven hits over just 3 1/3 innings, striking out just one while walking two.

Pittsburgh has taken three of the first four meetings between the two clubs this season.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Bryan #Reynolds #displays #dominance #Reds #Pirates #rout

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Lakshya Sen to miss India’s Thomas Cup semifinal against France due to injury <div id="content-body-70931461" itemprop="articleBody"><p>India’s top-ranked men’s shuttler, Lakshya Sen, will miss the Thomas Cup 2026 semifinal against France on Saturday due to injury, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) confirmed.</p><p>“Lakshya sustained an impact to his elbow following an intense quarterfinal match that involved multiple dives.</p><p>“Following a thorough evaluation by the team’s medical staff, the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to allow Lakshya adequate recovery time and ensure he is in optimal condition for the final, should India progress,” the statement from BAI secretary general Sanjay Mishra read.</p><p>“He is currently under close medical observation and receiving all necessary support. The team remains confident and optimistic about his swift recovery and return to peak form,” Mishra added.</p><p>Lakshya had beaten higher-ranked Chou Tien Chen 18-21, 22-20, 21-17 in the first match of the quarterfinal, paving the way for India’s eventual 3-0 win.</p><p>Ayush Shetty, Kidambi Srikath and HS Prannoy will be the Indian athletes involved in the men’s singles ties. Satwik Rankireddy/ Chirag Shetty and M. Arjun/ A. Hariharan will be the pairs involved in the doubles fixtures.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on May 02, 2026</p></div> #Lakshya #Sen #Indias #Thomas #Cup #semifinal #France #due #injury

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CSK vs MI, IPL 2026: Head-to-head record, most runs, wickets ahead of Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians <div id="content-body-70927627" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The two most successful teams in the IPL will face off once again as Chennai Super Kings take on Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, May 2.</p><p>CSK hammered MI by 103 runs at the reverse fixture at the Wankhede Stadium just over a week ago. Tonight’s clash assumes a lot of importance as both teams desperately need a win to stay alive in the competition.</p><p>MI holds a slight edge in the head to head record. In 40 matches, MI has won 21 times while CSK has won 19 times.</p><p>Rohit Sharma, who has been sidelined due to injury with no clarity on his return date, is the highest run scorer in CSK vs MI matches with 881 runs. Dwayne Bravo is the highest wicket taker with 35 scalps.</p><p>Here are the complete stats and head-to-head numbers you need to know before the CSK vs MI IPL 2026 match:</p><div class="fact-box"><h5 class="main-title"> CSK vs MI head-to-head record in the IPL </h5><p> Matches played- 40 </p><p> MI won- 21 </p><p> CSK won- 19 </p></div><p><b>Most runs in CSK vs MI matches in the IPL</b></p><div class="article-table my-3"><table class="table"><tr><td> Player</td><td> Innings</td><td> Runs</td><td> Average</td><td> Strike Rate</td><td> HS</td></tr><tr><td> Rohit Sharma</td><td> 30</td><td> 881</td><td> 33.88</td><td> 134.29</td><td> 105*</td></tr><tr><td> Suresh Raina</td><td> 30</td><td> 710</td><td> 29.58</td><td> 141.71</td><td> 83*</td></tr><tr><td> MS Dhoni</td><td> 33</td><td> 679</td><td> 35.73</td><td> 134.45</td><td> 63*</td></tr><tr><td> Ambati Rayudu</td><td> 31</td><td> 658</td><td> 27.41</td><td> 127.51</td><td> 72*</td></tr><tr><td> Kieron Pollard</td><td> 23</td><td> 583</td><td> 36.43</td><td> 171.97</td><td> 87*</td></tr></table></div><p><b>Most wickets in CSK vs MI matches in the IPL</b></p><div class="article-table my-3"><table class="table"><tr><td> Player</td><td> Innings</td><td> Wickets</td><td> Average </td><td> Economy Rate</td><td> BBI</td></tr><tr><td> Dwayne Bravo</td><td> 22</td><td> 35</td><td> 21.05</td><td> 8.23</td><td> 4/42</td></tr><tr><td> Lasith Malinga</td><td> 21</td><td> 31</td><td> 19.03</td><td> 7.23</td><td> 4/37</td></tr><tr><td> Harbhajan Singh</td><td> 26</td><td> 26</td><td> 23.61</td><td> 6.47</td><td> 5/18</td></tr><tr><td> Ravindra Jadeja</td><td> 28</td><td> 21</td><td> 31.09</td><td> 8.37</td><td> 3/20</td></tr><tr><td> Mohit Sharma</td><td> 11</td><td> 15</td><td> 21.33</td><td> 8.06</td><td> 4/14</td></tr></table></div><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on May 02, 2026</p></div> #CSK #IPL #Headtohead #record #runs #wickets #ahead #Chennai #Super #Kings #Mumbai #Indians

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was tightlipped about selection ahead of her side’s opening match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 against Sri Lanka on Friday.

The tournament host has used a variety of players during its warm-up fixtures for the T20 World Cup and poses a wealth of riches in most departments with good depth in the spin bowling ranks and a bevy of quality batting options at the top of the order.

ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head in T20Is

Played: 12

England: 10

Sri Lanka: 2

What that means in terms of selection for the opening match of the T20 World Cup in Edgbaston on Friday remains to be seen and Sciver-Brunt was giving nothing away when asked about the make-up of her side for the clash with Sri Lanka.

The all-rounder has already confirmed she will play purely as a batter as she returns to full fitness following a calf concern, while the England skipper also suggested it would be unlikely that the side will use all three of its left-arm spin options – Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Tilly Corteen-Coleman – in the same XI.

But where that leaves all-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson remains unanswered, while there is also plenty to ponder for the England captain at the top of the batting order with Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones, Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley all jostling for positions.

“We have a squad of 15 players, all of whom could be part of our XI,” Sciver-Brunt said on Thursday at the pre-match press conference.

“Selecting that final XI is hard and there’ll be some disappointed people because everybody so far in the summer has put their hand up with different performances at different times.

ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head record in Women’s T20 World Cups

Played: 2

England: 2

Sri Lanka: 0

“We know that we’ll need to call upon every one of those 15 people during this tournament. It’s not just about the XI. And I suppose that makes for some tough conversations and I’m sure some disappointed people.”

Sri Lanka looks relatively more settled after ending its warm-up run unbeaten with wins over the Netherlands and Pakistan.

Experienced skipper Chamari Athapaththu will once again be the lynchpin for Sri Lanka against England as the veteran gears up for her 10th appearance at the T20 World Cup having previously featured at every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2009

And Athapaththu enters the opening contest quietly confident her side can cause an upset, with the Sri Lanka captain embracing the tag of underdogs given all the pressure and focus will be on their opponents.

“The game is very important game for both the teams, but we are coming with underdog tag because we need to earn something,” Athapaththu said.

“But I know England have a little bit pressure because they’re playing in their home condition and first game and with a lot of expectation. 

“And most of the England people are coming here for cheering for them. 

“I feel some kind of pressure they have. So we don’t have that kind of pressure. 

“So we just need to play our fearless cricket. And if we can play our best cricket tomorrow, I know we can change and make — we can make history.”

SQUADS

England squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Chethana Vimukthi

Published on Jun 12, 2026

#England #Sri #Lanka #Womens #T20 #World #Cup #Preview #Headtohead #record #squads #playing #news">England vs Sri Lanka, Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Preview, Head-to-head record, squads, playing XI news  England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was tightlipped about selection ahead of her side’s opening match at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 against Sri Lanka on Friday.The tournament host has used a variety of players during its warm-up fixtures for the T20 World Cup and poses a wealth of riches in most departments with good depth in the spin bowling ranks and a bevy of quality batting options at the top of the order.
ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head in T20Is

Played: 12

England: 10

Sri Lanka: 2
What that means in terms of selection for the opening match of the T20 World Cup in Edgbaston on Friday remains to be seen and Sciver-Brunt was giving nothing away when asked about the make-up of her side for the clash with Sri Lanka.The all-rounder has already confirmed she will play purely as a batter as she returns to full fitness following a calf concern, while the England skipper also suggested it would be unlikely that the side will use all three of its left-arm spin options – Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Tilly Corteen-Coleman – in the same XI.But where that leaves all-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson remains unanswered, while there is also plenty to ponder for the England captain at the top of the batting order with Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones, Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley all jostling for positions.“We have a squad of 15 players, all of whom could be part of our XI,” Sciver-Brunt said on Thursday at the pre-match press conference.“Selecting that final XI is hard and there’ll be some disappointed people because everybody so far in the summer has put their hand up with different performances at different times.
ENG-W vs SL-W: Head-to-head record in Women’s T20 World Cups

Played: 2

England: 2

Sri Lanka: 0
“We know that we’ll need to call upon every one of those 15 people during this tournament. It’s not just about the XI. And I suppose that makes for some tough conversations and I’m sure some disappointed people.”Sri Lanka looks relatively more settled after ending its warm-up run unbeaten with wins over the Netherlands and Pakistan.Experienced skipper Chamari Athapaththu will once again be the lynchpin for Sri Lanka against England as the veteran gears up for her 10th appearance at the T20 World Cup having previously featured at every edition of the tournament since its inception in 2009And Athapaththu enters the opening contest quietly confident her side can cause an upset, with the Sri Lanka captain embracing the tag of underdogs given all the pressure and focus will be on their opponents.“The game is very important game for both the teams, but we are coming with underdog tag because we need to earn something,” Athapaththu said.“But I know England have a little bit pressure because they’re playing in their home condition and first game and with a lot of expectation. “And most of the England people are coming here for cheering for them. “I feel some kind of pressure they have. So we don’t have that kind of pressure. “So we just need to play our fearless cricket. And if we can play our best cricket tomorrow, I know we can change and make — we can make history.”
SQUADS
England squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Hansima Karunarathne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sugandika Dassanayaka, Nimasha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya, Chethana Vimukthi
Published on Jun 12, 2026  #England #Sri #Lanka #Womens #T20 #World #Cup #Preview #Headtohead #record #squads #playing #news

Deadspin | GM pledges that star Cale Makar will finish his career with Avalanche  May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images   The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday.  Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year,  million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.  “Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.”  A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury.  He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games.  Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season.   A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25.  The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals.  Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators.  Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022.  “He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision.  “He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #AvalancheMay 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday.

Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year, $54 million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.

“Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.”

A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury.

He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games.


Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season.

A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25.

The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals.

Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators.

Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022.

“He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision.

“He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #Avalanche">Deadspin | GM pledges that star Cale Makar will finish his career with Avalanche  May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) looks on during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images   The Colorado Avalanche want to sign star defenseman Cale Makar to a contract extension so he completes his career with the team, president of hockey operations and general manager Joe Sakic said on Thursday.  Makar, 27, is eligible to sign an extension on July 1 to his six-year,  million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He has played his entire career with the Avalanche, who selected him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.  “Cale is going to finish his career here,” Sakic said. “We’re already talking to his agent, so we’re confident that something’s going to get worked out at some point. I mean, he’s got another year, but this summer we expect to have him signed.”  A two-time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season. He was a finalist for the sixth consecutive year and fell just short on Tuesday to first-time winner Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Makar added five points (four goals, one assist) and a plus-5 rating in 11 playoff games while dealing with an upper-body injury.  He has 507 career points (136 goals, 371 assists), a plus-168 rating, 134 penalty minutes, 664 blocks and 377 hits in 470 regular-season games. He has 26 goals and 90 points with a plus-28 rating, 24 penalty minutes, 147 blocks and 100 hits in 90 playoff games.  Makar was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2021-22 season.   A three-time All-Star, Makar was Calder Memorial Trophy winner as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2019-20 and top defenseman in 2021-22 and 2024-25.  The Avalanche won the Presidents’ Trophy this season with the league’s best record (55-16-11, 121 points), then eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in four games and the Minnesota Wild in five before getting swept by the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference finals.  Sakic, who previously had served as Avalanche general manager before becoming president of hockey operations, took over as GM earlier this month when Chris MacFarland became president and GM of the Nashville Predators.  Sakic on Thursday said the coaching staff is staying intact, including head coach Jared Bednar, who is going into the final season of his contract. Bednar, 54, has coached the team for 10 regular seasons (445-262-75) and nine playoff runs (60-41), including capturing the Stanley Cup in 2022.  “He’s got the confidence from the players,” Sakic said. “It’s clear from everybody, from players, the staff, that he’s the right guy. They respect him, they love playing for him, and that’s a big thing. And when we look at it for this group, he’s the best coach. He’s the best coach for the group, and we’re confident in that decision.  “He’s not just the coach, I mean, he’s the voice of the of the organization, and, like I said, the players really believe in him, and I’m going with the players.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #pledges #star #Cale #Makar #finish #career #Avalanche

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