×
Deadspin | Kraken close out disappointing season while Avs prep for playoffs Mar 17, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Bobby McMann (74), second from left, skates off the ice with defenseman Adam Larsson (6), left, forward Matty Beniers (10), and forward Jordan Eberle (7) after scoring a goal during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images Nothing is on the line for either team when the Seattle Kraken wrap up a disappointing season on Thursday night at the Colorado Avalanche in Denver. Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points) has been eliminated from the playoffs for the fourth time in its five-year existence after cratering late in the season. The Kraken were 27-20-9 coming out of the Olympic break and won two of their next four but have gone 5-14-2 since, including Wednesday night’s 4-1 loss at Vegas. Captain Jordan Eberle said recently it was a number of issues that resulted in Seattle sitting out another postseason. “The power play’s gone dry. The (penalty kill’s) let in some goals,” he said. “It’s not just one thing. We just haven’t played the way that we were playing, the detailed hockey, (knowing) the importance of each shift, the importance of special teams. The most frustrating part is that we have the group capable of doing it, because we’ve literally done it.” The disappointing finish has led to some changes in the organization, most notably the news that Ron Francis, the president of hockey operations, is stepping down at the end of the season. Francis joined the Kraken as general manager in 2019, two years ahead of their first game, and helped build a team that upset Colorado in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. The Avalanche (54-16-11, 119 points) have clinched the Presidents’ Trophy and likely will rest as many players as possible for a window-dressing game. If Colorado earns one point, it will set the franchise record reached in 2021-22 when it won the Stanley Cup. “I’m sure a lot of us will take off the last game and get ready for the real fun here,” star center Nathan MacKinnon said after the 3-1 win at Calgary on Tuesday night. Martin Necas needed one point to reach 100 for the first time in his career, and he got it with an assist on MacKinnon’s empty-net goal with 17 seconds left in the game on Tuesday night. MacKinnon leads the NHL with 53 goals, two more than Montreal’s Cole Caufield and five ahead of Edmonton’s Connor McDavid. Caufield’s regular season is over while the Oilers have one more game, Thursday night against Vancouver. In addition to sitting players, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar may remain sidelined with injuries sustained when he was hit by a puck in Saturday’s loss to Vegas. Bednar missed the two-game road trip to Edmonton with facial fractures and a corneal abrasion. The team has not announced Bednar’s status for Thursday night, and MacKinnon said Wednesday on a local radio show that he thinks his coach should be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs. Assistants Dave Hakstol and Nolan Pratt ran the team for the last two games — both victories — as the team prepares for the postseason. “We’ve solidified our position, obviously, so you’re just trying to stay as sharp as you can,” Pratt said. “Obviously, it’s tough when you’re looking ahead at what’s to come. Really, it’s just about us trying to keep our game where it’s at and preparing for what’s coming forward.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kraken #close #disappointing #season #Avs #prep #playoffs

Deadspin | Kraken close out disappointing season while Avs prep for playoffs
Deadspin | Kraken close out disappointing season while Avs prep for playoffs Mar 17, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Bobby McMann (74), second from left, skates off the ice with defenseman Adam Larsson (6), left, forward Matty Beniers (10), and forward Jordan Eberle (7) after scoring a goal during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images Nothing is on the line for either team when the Seattle Kraken wrap up a disappointing season on Thursday night at the Colorado Avalanche in Denver. Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points) has been eliminated from the playoffs for the fourth time in its five-year existence after cratering late in the season. The Kraken were 27-20-9 coming out of the Olympic break and won two of their next four but have gone 5-14-2 since, including Wednesday night’s 4-1 loss at Vegas. Captain Jordan Eberle said recently it was a number of issues that resulted in Seattle sitting out another postseason. “The power play’s gone dry. The (penalty kill’s) let in some goals,” he said. “It’s not just one thing. We just haven’t played the way that we were playing, the detailed hockey, (knowing) the importance of each shift, the importance of special teams. The most frustrating part is that we have the group capable of doing it, because we’ve literally done it.” The disappointing finish has led to some changes in the organization, most notably the news that Ron Francis, the president of hockey operations, is stepping down at the end of the season. Francis joined the Kraken as general manager in 2019, two years ahead of their first game, and helped build a team that upset Colorado in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. The Avalanche (54-16-11, 119 points) have clinched the Presidents’ Trophy and likely will rest as many players as possible for a window-dressing game. If Colorado earns one point, it will set the franchise record reached in 2021-22 when it won the Stanley Cup. “I’m sure a lot of us will take off the last game and get ready for the real fun here,” star center Nathan MacKinnon said after the 3-1 win at Calgary on Tuesday night. Martin Necas needed one point to reach 100 for the first time in his career, and he got it with an assist on MacKinnon’s empty-net goal with 17 seconds left in the game on Tuesday night. MacKinnon leads the NHL with 53 goals, two more than Montreal’s Cole Caufield and five ahead of Edmonton’s Connor McDavid. Caufield’s regular season is over while the Oilers have one more game, Thursday night against Vancouver. In addition to sitting players, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar may remain sidelined with injuries sustained when he was hit by a puck in Saturday’s loss to Vegas. Bednar missed the two-game road trip to Edmonton with facial fractures and a corneal abrasion. The team has not announced Bednar’s status for Thursday night, and MacKinnon said Wednesday on a local radio show that he thinks his coach should be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs. Assistants Dave Hakstol and Nolan Pratt ran the team for the last two games — both victories — as the team prepares for the postseason. “We’ve solidified our position, obviously, so you’re just trying to stay as sharp as you can,” Pratt said. “Obviously, it’s tough when you’re looking ahead at what’s to come. Really, it’s just about us trying to keep our game where it’s at and preparing for what’s coming forward.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kraken #close #disappointing #season #Avs #prep #playoffsMar 17, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Bobby McMann (74), second from left, skates off the ice with defenseman Adam Larsson (6), left, forward Matty Beniers (10), and forward Jordan Eberle (7) after scoring a goal during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Nothing is on the line for either team when the Seattle Kraken wrap up a disappointing season on Thursday night at the Colorado Avalanche in Denver.

Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points) has been eliminated from the playoffs for the fourth time in its five-year existence after cratering late in the season. The Kraken were 27-20-9 coming out of the Olympic break and won two of their next four but have gone 5-14-2 since, including Wednesday night’s 4-1 loss at Vegas.

Captain Jordan Eberle said recently it was a number of issues that resulted in Seattle sitting out another postseason.

“The power play’s gone dry. The (penalty kill’s) let in some goals,” he said. “It’s not just one thing. We just haven’t played the way that we were playing, the detailed hockey, (knowing) the importance of each shift, the importance of special teams. The most frustrating part is that we have the group capable of doing it, because we’ve literally done it.”

The disappointing finish has led to some changes in the organization, most notably the news that Ron Francis, the president of hockey operations, is stepping down at the end of the season. Francis joined the Kraken as general manager in 2019, two years ahead of their first game, and helped build a team that upset Colorado in the first round of the 2023 playoffs.

The Avalanche (54-16-11, 119 points) have clinched the Presidents’ Trophy and likely will rest as many players as possible for a window-dressing game. If Colorado earns one point, it will set the franchise record reached in 2021-22 when it won the Stanley Cup.


“I’m sure a lot of us will take off the last game and get ready for the real fun here,” star center Nathan MacKinnon said after the 3-1 win at Calgary on Tuesday night.

Martin Necas needed one point to reach 100 for the first time in his career, and he got it with an assist on MacKinnon’s empty-net goal with 17 seconds left in the game on Tuesday night. MacKinnon leads the NHL with 53 goals, two more than Montreal’s Cole Caufield and five ahead of Edmonton’s Connor McDavid.

Caufield’s regular season is over while the Oilers have one more game, Thursday night against Vancouver.

In addition to sitting players, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar may remain sidelined with injuries sustained when he was hit by a puck in Saturday’s loss to Vegas. Bednar missed the two-game road trip to Edmonton with facial fractures and a corneal abrasion.

The team has not announced Bednar’s status for Thursday night, and MacKinnon said Wednesday on a local radio show that he thinks his coach should be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs.

Assistants Dave Hakstol and Nolan Pratt ran the team for the last two games — both victories — as the team prepares for the postseason.

“We’ve solidified our position, obviously, so you’re just trying to stay as sharp as you can,” Pratt said. “Obviously, it’s tough when you’re looking ahead at what’s to come. Really, it’s just about us trying to keep our game where it’s at and preparing for what’s coming forward.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kraken #close #disappointing #season #Avs #prep #playoffs

Sports news

Mar 17, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Bobby McMann (74), second from left, skates off the ice with defenseman Adam Larsson (6), left, forward Matty Beniers (10), and forward Jordan Eberle (7) after scoring a goal during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Nothing is on the line for either team when the Seattle Kraken wrap up a disappointing season on Thursday night at the Colorado Avalanche in Denver.

Seattle (34-36-11, 79 points) has been eliminated from the playoffs for the fourth time in its five-year existence after cratering late in the season. The Kraken were 27-20-9 coming out of the Olympic break and won two of their next four but have gone 5-14-2 since, including Wednesday night’s 4-1 loss at Vegas.

Captain Jordan Eberle said recently it was a number of issues that resulted in Seattle sitting out another postseason.

“The power play’s gone dry. The (penalty kill’s) let in some goals,” he said. “It’s not just one thing. We just haven’t played the way that we were playing, the detailed hockey, (knowing) the importance of each shift, the importance of special teams. The most frustrating part is that we have the group capable of doing it, because we’ve literally done it.”

The disappointing finish has led to some changes in the organization, most notably the news that Ron Francis, the president of hockey operations, is stepping down at the end of the season. Francis joined the Kraken as general manager in 2019, two years ahead of their first game, and helped build a team that upset Colorado in the first round of the 2023 playoffs.

The Avalanche (54-16-11, 119 points) have clinched the Presidents’ Trophy and likely will rest as many players as possible for a window-dressing game. If Colorado earns one point, it will set the franchise record reached in 2021-22 when it won the Stanley Cup.

“I’m sure a lot of us will take off the last game and get ready for the real fun here,” star center Nathan MacKinnon said after the 3-1 win at Calgary on Tuesday night.

Martin Necas needed one point to reach 100 for the first time in his career, and he got it with an assist on MacKinnon’s empty-net goal with 17 seconds left in the game on Tuesday night. MacKinnon leads the NHL with 53 goals, two more than Montreal’s Cole Caufield and five ahead of Edmonton’s Connor McDavid.

Caufield’s regular season is over while the Oilers have one more game, Thursday night against Vancouver.

In addition to sitting players, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar may remain sidelined with injuries sustained when he was hit by a puck in Saturday’s loss to Vegas. Bednar missed the two-game road trip to Edmonton with facial fractures and a corneal abrasion.

The team has not announced Bednar’s status for Thursday night, and MacKinnon said Wednesday on a local radio show that he thinks his coach should be ready for Game 1 of the playoffs.

Assistants Dave Hakstol and Nolan Pratt ran the team for the last two games — both victories — as the team prepares for the postseason.

“We’ve solidified our position, obviously, so you’re just trying to stay as sharp as you can,” Pratt said. “Obviously, it’s tough when you’re looking ahead at what’s to come. Really, it’s just about us trying to keep our game where it’s at and preparing for what’s coming forward.”

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Kraken #close #disappointing #season #Avs #prep #playoffs

Previous post

Sydney Sweeney’s New Horror Movie Lands Exciting Director

Next post

MI vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Why is Rohit Sharma not playing for Mumbai Indians? <div id="content-body-70869595" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Rohit Sharma will miss Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Thursday, April 16.</p><p>Rohit misses the match with a hamstring injury that forced him to retire hurt in Mumbai Indians’ last outing against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday.</p><p>“The medical staff is assessing him… An official update will be given when available,” said MI batter Naman Dhir in the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.</p><p>Rohit reportedly underwent scans after the game and had skipped training on Monday.</p><p>His place at the top of the order is expected to be taken by Quinton de Kock.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 16, 2026</p></div> #PBKS #IPL #Rohit #Sharma #playing #Mumbai #Indians

Related Posts

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

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.

Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?

52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.

This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.

This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.

Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?

All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.

12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.

Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.

Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?

As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup.

#referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup">Every referee selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup. #referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup

2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.

Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?

52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.

This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.

This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.

Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?

All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.

12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.

Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.

Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?

As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup.

#referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup">Every referee selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway later today, when host nation Mexico takes on South Africa in the opening match.

Here is a full list of the referees, assistant referees, and video referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who are the head referees at the 2026 World Cup?

52 referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup. The majority of them, 15 in all, are from UEFA countries. That includes Szymon Marciniak from Poland, who was the referee for the 2022 World Cup Final.

This list includes 12 referees from CONMEBOL and nine from CONCACAF. New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh is the lone OAF referee.

This list also includes Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia, who was denied entry into the United States. While Canadian politicians have offered that he could referee matches in Canada, at the time of publication it is unclear if that will be arranged.

Who are the assistant referees at the 2026 World Cup?

All told, 88 referees were selected as assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All six confederations are represented.

12 of the assistant referees come from the AFC, while 11 come from the CAF. CONCACAF has 15 assistant referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including four from the United States (Corey Parker, Kyle Atkins, Kathryn Nesbitt, and Brooke Mayo), two from Canada, and three from Mexico.

Once again UEFA has the most assistant referees, with 29, while Isaac Trevis is the lone representative from the OFC.

Who are the VAR officials for the 2026 World Cup?

As such, FIFA has assigned 30 video match officials for this year’s World Cup. Five confederations are represented here, as OAF does not have a video match official for the 2026 World Cup.

#referee #selected #FIFA #World #Cup

Post Comment