Brendan’s Sports Shorts; Tuesday, July 2nd

NHL Free Agent Frenzy

Over a billion dollars was spent during Day 1 of the NHL’s free-agency period on Monday.

The Nashville Predators were among the big spenders inking Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei and Jonathan Marchessault.

Stamkos, ended a 16-year-run with the Tampa Bay Lightning, which resulted in two Stanley Cups. He left for Music City USA on a four-year, 32-million dollar deal.

“When you start getting text from your players going ‘I’m excited,’ I think that really says a lot. Players know players and they know that what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to win.”@PredsNHL general manager Barry Trotz discusses all the moves made to the roster🔊 pic.twitter.com/Lu5oMxgIgD

— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) July 1, 2024

Marchessault, who also won a cup with the Vegas Golden Knights, signed on for five-years and 30-million while Skjei agreed to terms for seven-years and 49-million for the veteran blueliner.

The Vancouver Canucks made a big splash by signing former Boston Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year-contract worth $38.5 million dollars.

🗣️ “I had a really good feeling about [Vancouver]… It’s been really exciting. I can’t wait to get to the city, I can’t wait to get started.”

Jake DeBrusk meets with the media after he signs with the Vancouver Canucks. pic.twitter.com/Pgq5ZKOop5

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) July 1, 2024

A full list of signings can be found here.

MLB

Houston Astros 3 Toronto Blue Jays 1

The Jays (38-46) remain 5th in the American League East while the Astros improve to 43-41 and sit second in the AL West.

Both teams continue their series today from Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Roger That. #Relentless x @MethodistHosp pic.twitter.com/2MG7lnhxw0

— Houston Astros (@astros) July 1, 2024

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NBA

The free agent frenzy for the NBA also kicked off on Monday.

Jayson Tatum agreed on the largest contract in league history, re-signing with the recently crowned champion Boston Celtics for five-years and $315 million dollars.

In addition, Paul George signed a max contract with the Philadelphia 76ers worth 212-million over four years.

Boston Celtics All-NBA star Jayson Tatum is finalizing a five-year, $314 million super maximum contract extension through the 2029-30 season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. This is now the largest deal in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/FCAZLTmkhi

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2024

A full list of signings can be found here.

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CFL

Week 5 of the CFL Season kicks off on Thursday when the Saskatchewan Roughriders (3-0) lock horns with the Toronto Argonauts (2-1).

Vernon Adams and the BC Lions return to action on Sunday (3-1) when they travel to Steeltown to play the winless Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-4).

Made in The Hammer Game loading…⁠ 🔨

🗓 | Sunday, July 7
🕖 | 7:00 p.m. ET⁠
🆚 | BC Lions
🏟 | @TimHortonsField⁠
📺 | TSN (🇨🇦)/ CFL+ (🇺🇸/🌎)⁠/ CBS Sports Network
🎧 | https://t.co/Vdtu4PhxiB
🎟 | https://t.co/J3K5LOKIUO#TheHammer | @herculestires pic.twitter.com/yyG1VUyVtY

— Hamilton Tiger-Cats (@Ticats) July 1, 2024

Euro Cup

Round of 16

France 1 Belgium 0

Portugal 0 (3) Slovenia 0 – the Portuguese won 3-0 on penalty kicks.

Today’s action includes Romania taking on the Netherlands (9am Pacific) followed by Austria and Türkiye (Noon Pacific).