Sports

As the NHL calendar turns to late May 2025, the clock on Mitch Marner’s tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs is ticking louder than ever. With unrestricted free agency looming on July 1st, the organization faces a franchise-altering decision: commit to a massive, long-term extension for the star winger, or risk losing him for nothing. Amidst the endless debate, one creative, complex, and rare solution presents a compelling, if improbable, path forward: a sign-and-trade. It’s a move that could, in theory, satisfy everyone, transforming a potential crisis into a strategic reset. Let’s explore how it would work and if it’s a realistic endgame. ...

Mitch Marner is undeniably one of the most talented players ever to wear a Maple Leafs jersey. His skill, creativity, and work ethic have made him a cornerstone of the team for years. But as Toronto’s playoff heartbreaks continue, it’s clear that talent alone doesn’t guarantee a storybook ending—and for Marner, the final chapters in Toronto are being written with a tinge of bitterness. Let’s be honest: the boos echoing through Scotiabank Arena aren’t just about playoff stats. Yes, the Leafs stumbled again, but Marner wasn’t the sole culprit, nor did he ever appear to coast through the postseason. His effort has rarely been in doubt. ...

A reporter caught flack for asking Angel Reese what seemed like a complimentary question about her off-hand finishing: Reporter: “Off-hand finishing, how much did you work on that? Your right hand was working a lot tonight.” Angel: “I’m right-handed.” The moment sparked debate—but the question wasn’t out of line. In fact, it was rooted in observation. Reese regularly finishes and shoots with her left hand, (images below), even though she identifies as right-handed. That’s not unusual in basketball—plenty of elite players shoot with their non-dominant hand, including LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Russell Westbrook, Rudy Gobert, Chris Paul, James Harden and Lisa Leslie. ...

It’s the same old story all over again You turn a lover into just another friend I wanna love you, I wanna make you mine Won’t you lay it on the line? I’m tired of playing foolish games I’m tired of all your lies making me insane I don’t ask for much, truth will do just fine Won’t you lay it on the line? Triumph It’s the same old story—another postseason, another no-show. The Toronto Maple Leafs had everything to play for in Game 5. Season on the brink. Legacy on the line. And once again, when the moment called for courage and conviction, the Leafs blinked. ...