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Avalanche’s New Contract For Goalie Blackwood Could Turn Out To Be A Financial Sinkhole
Mackenzie Blackwood

Isaiah J&period; Downing-Imagn Images

On Dec. 9, the Colorado Avalanche acquired veteran goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood from the San Jose Sharks. And less than three weeks later, the Avs signed Blackwood to a five-year, $26.25-million contract that has an average annual value of $5.25 million.

Does that sound like an overreaction to you? It does to this writer.

While it’s true the 28-year-old Blackwood has performed well since Avs GM Chris MacFarland traded for him – posting a 3-1-0 record, a .931 save percentage and a 2.03 goals-against average – it definitely feels like Colorado jumped the gun with this Blackwood extension. Sure, Blackwood was going to be a UFA at season’s end, but if you’re suggesting there were teams out there who were willing and able to offer Blackwood a half-decade deal or more, we’re saying we’re extremely skeptical of that.

Indeed, why couldn’t this new Blackwood deal have waited until the end of the regular season? At least the Avalanche would’ve had a bigger sample size to judge him by. And when you look at many of the contracts NHL goalies have signed of late, a long-term deal never materializes for them.

Take Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz. He only received a two-year deal from Toronto last summer. In Vegas, Stanley Cup winner Adin Hill’s latest contract was for two years at $4.9 million per season. In Carolina, youngster Pyotr Kochetkov is playing on a four-year contract, but at only $2 million per season – and Frederik Andersen is working under a two-year contract at $3.4 million per season. And in Detroit, Cam Talbot signed a two-year contract last summer.

Meanwhile, for every long-term deal that makes sense – Ilya Sorokin on Long Island, Igor Shesterkin in Manhattan, Jeremy Swayman in Boston and Jake Oettinger in Dallas – there are long-term contracts that turned out to be full-on grenades. Think of John Gibson in Anaheim, Jordan Binnington in St. Louis, Tristan Jarry in Pittsburgh and Elvis Merzlikins in Columbus. All those netminders would likely be long gone from their current team if their contracts had half the term on their present deals.

This is the danger we’re talking about when we look at Blackwood’s new extension. The Avs have thrown caution to the wind here, and MacFarland and Colorado president of hockey operations Joe Sakic are putting a good deal of their salary cap flexibility on the line with this Blackwood contract. The cap ceiling is going to rise in a major way in the next few seasons, but that’s not a good reason all on its own to spend money the way the Avs have spent it on this new contract.

In a perfect world for the Avalanche, the Blackwood extension will turn out to be a long-term bargain. Blackwood is now locked up through his prime, but there was a reason he bounced from New Jersey to San Jose before the Avs traded for him this month. Blackwood hasn’t posted an SP of .900 or better in any of the past three seasons – yet somehow, Colorado has decided he’s worth investing a lot of time and money in. And that’s why this contract could wind up being bought out by the Avs before it comes to an end.

Blackwood now is under immense pressure to justify the Avalanche’s investment in him. It’s a high-stakes battle, and one that could turn out to be disastrous for the Avs. And only time will tell whether MacFarland’s gamble will pay off positively or end in ruin.

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The Colorado Avalanche recently signed goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood to a five-year contract worth $25 million, making him one of the highest-paid goalies in the league. While Blackwood has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career, this new contract could end up being a financial sinkhole for the Avalanche.

Blackwood, who is just 24 years old, has had his fair share of ups and downs since entering the league in 2018. While he has shown the potential to be a top-tier goalie, he has also struggled with consistency and has yet to prove himself as a true number one goaltender.

With a salary cap hit of $5 million per year, the Avalanche are taking a big risk on Blackwood’s potential. If he fails to live up to expectations and struggles to perform at a high level, this contract could end up handcuffing the team financially and limiting their ability to make necessary roster moves in the future.

While the Avalanche are undoubtedly hoping that Blackwood will develop into a franchise goaltender, the reality is that this contract could turn out to be a financial sinkhole if he fails to meet expectations. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off for Colorado.

Tags:
1. Avalanche goalie contract
2. Blackwood financial implications
3. NHL goalie contracts
4. Avalanche salary cap
5. Blackwood contract analysis
6. Colorado Avalanche goalie deal
7. Financial risks in sports contracts
8. NHL salary cap impact
9. Goalie contract negotiations
10. Blackwood contract details
#Avalanches #Contract #Goalie #Blackwood #Turn #Financial #Sinkhole
December 28, 2024
Sharks Made the Right Call: Blackwood Signs Big Contract With Avalanche
That was fast.

Mackenzie Blackwood signed a five-year, $26.25 million extension ($5.25 million AAV) with the Colorado Avalanche on Friday, following the trade that sent him out of the San Jose Sharks organization Dec. 9.

“When we acquired Mackenzie a few weeks ago, we wanted to let him get to Denver, get acclimated to his new team, new city and then in due time we’d reach out to him and his representatives,” Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland said in a team statement. “We are thrilled to get this deal done now and have Mackenzie under contract for the next six years.”

Blackwood has three wins through his first four games with the Avalanche with .931 Save %. His new deal starts after the contract the San Jose Sharks gave him back in 2023 — two years at $2,350,000 million AAV — expires at the end of this season.

It also makes Blackwood the clear No. 1 netminder for the Avalanche in the coming years, alongside back-up Scott Wedgewood’s $1,500,000 million AAV over the next two years.

“As I said when we acquired him, we feel like Mackenzie has just gotten better and better every year and he has come in and done a great job with us in his first few starts,” MacFarland said. “He’s a big body, athletic goaltender who is still young and still growing as a goaltender. Stylistically, he has fit really well with how we play and has been a perfect fit in our dressing room as well.”

After the trade, San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier revealed that he considered keeping Blackwood, but concluded, “He probably played his way out of what we would be looking for, especially, he’s going to want some term.”

It looks like Grier made the right call. San Jose’s net is likely up-and-coming star Yaroslav Askarov’s in the coming years, and while Askarov has just a $2 million AAV in the next two years after this season, he might be a very expensive RFA in the summer of 2027, if he’s as good as the Sharks project.

“My job is to look down the road too,” Grier stressed, “and how much money do you want in the net?”

So while the vibes of a Askarov-Blackwood duo might have been out of control — “He’s a beauty,” Yaroslav Askarov told SJHN — it’s a salary cap league, first and foremost.

The hockey world is buzzing with excitement as the Colorado Avalanche announced their latest big signing – goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood. The former New Jersey Devils netminder has inked a massive contract with the Avalanche, solidifying their goaltending depth for years to come.

Many fans and analysts were surprised by the move, as Blackwood had been a staple in the Devils’ crease for the past few seasons. However, the Avalanche saw an opportunity to add a talented young goaltender to their roster and did not hesitate to make the move.

The Sharks, who were also reportedly interested in Blackwood, ultimately made the right call by letting him sign with the Avalanche. With their own goaltending situation already in good hands, the Sharks can now focus on other areas of their roster that may need attention.

Blackwood’s signing with the Avalanche is a win-win for both parties. The Avalanche get a talented, young goaltender to bolster their already strong lineup, while Blackwood gets the opportunity to compete for a Stanley Cup with one of the top teams in the league.

Overall, this move is a clear indication that the Sharks made the right call in letting Blackwood sign with the Avalanche. It’s a smart move that will benefit both teams in the long run.

Tags:
1. Sharks
2. Blackwood
3. Avalanche
4. NHL
5. Contract
6. Signing
7. Hockey
8. Sports
9. Player
10. Professional
#Sharks #Call #Blackwood #Signs #Big #Contract #Avalanche
December 28, 2024
Jordynne Grace Reportedly Finishing Out Her TNA Contract, Update On Possible Jump To WWE
“The Juggernaut” could be WWE bound in the New Year.

Jordynne Grace is nearing the end of her time with TNA Wrestling but still has some commitments left to fulfill.

According to Fightful Select, Grace’s contract, initially set to run through mid-2025, was amended some time ago to conclude in early 2025. Unlike several other TNA wrestlers with contracts expiring at the end of 2024, Grace’s agreement extends into the new year.

Grace’s final contracted appearances for TNA will take place during the TNA Genesis event on the weekend of January 19, 2025. She’s slated to face Tessa Blanchard at the show.

After Genesis, Grace will officially become a free agent. WWE has shown interest, and her availability could align with an appearance at the Royal Rumble.

We will keep you posted.

Jordynne Grace, one of the top talents in Impact Wrestling, is reportedly finishing out her contract with the company. The powerhouse wrestler has been making waves in the women’s division and has been a key player in some of the biggest storylines in Impact.

Rumors have been circulating about Grace potentially jumping ship to WWE, with many fans speculating about what her future holds. While nothing has been confirmed yet, the possibility of Grace making the jump to WWE has fans buzzing with excitement.

Grace’s unique blend of strength and agility has made her a standout performer in Impact, and many believe that she would be a valuable addition to WWE’s already stacked roster of women’s talent. With her contract reportedly coming to an end soon, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see where Jordynne Grace decides to take her talents next.

Stay tuned for more updates on Jordynne Grace’s future in the world of professional wrestling.

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1. Jordynne Grace
2. TNA contract
3. WWE
4. Wrestling news
5. Pro wrestling updates
6. Jordynne Grace TNA contract update
7. WWE rumors
8. Female wrestler news
9. Impact Wrestling update
10. Jordynne Grace WWE debut speculation
#Jordynne #Grace #Reportedly #Finishing #TNA #Contract #Update #Jump #WWE
December 28, 2024
Backstage Update On Jordynne Grace’s TNA Contract Status
WWE

Previous reports indicated that the contract of former TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace was initially slated to expire in the summer of 2025, but was later revised to end somewhere around January 2025. As 2024 soon comes to an end, we now have an even clearer picture on her status.

According to Fightful Select, Grace’s last contracted TNA dates fall on the weekend on TNA Genesis, which is slated for Sunday, January 19. After that weekend, Grace will officially hit the free agency market. The outlet adds that “The Juggernaut” has already drawn interest from WWE – the company in which she repeatedly appeared throughout 2024, thanks to a partnership with TNA Wrestling.

In the meantime, Grace looks ahead to TNA Genesis, where she is scheduled to take on another former TNA Knockouts Champion in the form of Tessa Blanchard. The controversial figure returned to the TNA realm at Final Resolution, specifically laying out Grace amidst her match with Rosemary. Grace has since sought out revenge, now with an opportunity to do so at Genesis.

The timing of Grace’s free agency notably comes two weeks before the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble, which emanates from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Through WWE’s partnership with TNA, Grace appeared in the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble as the Knockouts Champion, with notable faceoffs with Naomi and “The EST” Bianca Belair. The latter ultimately eliminated Grace from the match, courtesy of a KOD off the apron. Grace later lost the Knockouts Championship to Masha Slamovich at TNA Bound For Glory in October.

Backstage Update On Jordynne Grace’s TNA Contract Status

There has been much speculation surrounding Jordynne Grace’s contract status with TNA Wrestling, and we have some exclusive backstage updates on the situation.

Sources close to the situation have revealed that Grace’s contract with TNA is set to expire in the coming months, and negotiations are currently underway for a potential renewal. Grace has been a standout performer for TNA, with her impressive in-ring skills and charismatic presence making her a fan favorite.

While there have been rumblings of interest from other promotions, including WWE, Grace is said to be leaning towards re-signing with TNA. The promotion has been supportive of her career and has given her opportunities to showcase her talents on a larger stage.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding her contract status, Grace remains focused on her in-ring performances and is committed to delivering the best matches possible for TNA fans. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

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1. Jordynne Grace TNA contract
2. TNA backstage update
3. Jordynne Grace contract status
4. TNA wrestling news
5. Impact Wrestling updates
6. Professional wrestling contracts
7. Jordynne Grace latest news
8. TNA contract negotiations
9. Impact Wrestling roster changes
10. Jordynne Grace future in TNA
#Backstage #Update #Jordynne #Graces #TNA #Contract #Status
December 28, 2024
WWE Rumors on Charlotte Flair’s Return, Kevin Owens’ Contract, Raw on Netflix Length | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Bleacher Report catches you up on the latest news from the WWE Universe.

Potential Creative Plans for Charlotte Flair

With Charlotte Flair’s return imminent, details about potential creative plans for her have leaked.

Per WrestleVotes (h/t Felix Upton of Ringside News), WWE is believed to be reimagining a “darker, more intense” version of the Queen persona that Flair used for several years.

In addition to her character, Flair could also add “kind of like a little Seth Rollins-esque flair in her attire” as part of the persona.

This would seem to suggest Flair is returning as a heel, which is a bit strange because typically a big star who returns after an extended absence would initially be used as a babyface.

Of course, Rollins’ attire suggests someone who should be a heel and he’s been a babyface for a while now.

Assuming Flair returns to the SmackDown brand, positioning her as a heel would set her up for potential feuds with Bianca Belair, Bayley, Jade Cargill (who is currently injured) and Tiffany Stratton as soon as she makes her turn that has been teased for months.

Returning as a babyface would really only leave Nia Jax as a top-level opponent for Flair to feud with on the Blue Brand.

Flair has been out of action since tearing the ACL, MCL and meniscus in her knee due to a top-rope spot that went wrong with Asuka on the SmackDown that aired on Dec. 8, 2023.

Whatever the creative plan ends up being for Flair, having one of the top stars in the women’s division back leading up to the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season is a huge boon for WWE.

Kevin Owens Expected to Stay with WWE

Having recently received a massive push that included a championship match with Cody Rhodes at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Kevin Owens is likely to remain with WWE amid rumors about his contract.

Per Sean Ross Sapp on the Fightful Select podcast (h/t Steve Carrier of Ringside News), it’s “safe to assume” Owens has signed a new deal with WWE.

Owens said in May that his contract had nine months remaining, meaning he could have become a free agent around February. There has been speculation for a while now that he’s already signed a new deal—or was at least close to signing—that no one in WWE has seemed nervous about AEW potentially luring him over.

Based on the current booking for Owens, it would seem to suggest he’s either re-upped with WWE or is going to do so very soon. He is advertised for the upcoming holiday tour as the “true WWE champion” after stealing the winged eagle title from Rhodes after his post-match attack on the American Nightmare at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Kevin @FightOwensFight

BALLZ!!!<br><br>Now that I have your attention, I have great news for you all!<br><br>I am proud to officially announce that I will be competing in my first matches as your new, true WWE Champion on this year’s Holiday loop (that’s a term people in “the business” use that refers to a string… <a href=”https://t.co/Q39ZsVIQtI”>pic.twitter.com/Q39ZsVIQtI</a>

All of this seems to be building to a Rhodes-Owens rematch, potentially at the Royal Rumble. The Rumble is scheduled for Feb. 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

If WWE was concerned about Owens potentially leaving, especially for AEW, it’s hard to imagine he would be receiving this kind of push with his contract nearing an end.

Raw Moving Back to Three Hours on Netflix

Even though Raw has only been a two-hour show since Oct. 7 while finishing up its run on USA Network, WWE’s flagship show will go back to its three-hour format on Netflix.

Per Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Carrier), Raw will be three hours every week when it debuts on the streaming service on Jan. 6.

The only reason Raw has been two hours for the past two months is because WWE had to sign a short-term extension with USA since its original contract was due to expire in October, two months before moving to Netflix.

As part of the short-term agreement, USA only paid WWE a rate for two hours of Raw rather the three hours the show has been since 2012.

The loss of television time as understandably caused some frustration behind the scenes.

According to Sapp (h/t Carrier), some of the talent has “voiced some frustrations about not being able to get on TV” because there just isn’t enough time to service all of the wrestlers on the Raw roster.

Netflix could potentially allow WWE to get more people involved because the streamer isn’t limited by time constraints, so there are theoretically some episodes that could last 3.5 hours if required.

There is some potential risk of burning out the audience, especially since WWE announced that SmackDown will also be a three-hour show each week beginning Jan. 3.

But there’s so much talent across both Raw and SmackDown rosters, not to mention all of the young stars who could be called up from NXT at any moment, that Triple H and the creative team should have no trouble filling six hours of television across two shows each week.

Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode below.

WWE Rumors on Charlotte Flair’s Return, Kevin Owens’ Contract, Raw on Netflix Length

There have been some juicy rumors circulating in the world of WWE recently, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Let’s break down the latest gossip:

– Charlotte Flair’s Return: Rumor has it that Charlotte Flair could be making her long-awaited return to the ring sooner rather than later. The Queen has been absent from WWE television for several weeks, but speculation is mounting that she could be back in action in time for a major pay-per-view event. Could we see Charlotte reclaim her throne and dominate the women’s division once again?

– Kevin Owens’ Contract: Another hot topic of discussion is the status of Kevin Owens’ contract with WWE. The Prizefighter’s current deal is reportedly set to expire in the near future, leading to speculation that he could be exploring his options on the free agent market. Will Owens re-sign with WWE, or could he be headed for a new chapter in his wrestling career elsewhere?

– Raw on Netflix Length: In a surprising twist, there are whispers that WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw, could be heading to Netflix in the near future. The streaming giant is rumored to be in talks with WWE about adding Raw to its lineup, but with a shorter runtime. Could this change be a game-changer for both WWE and Netflix, or will it lead to backlash from fans who are used to the show’s three-hour format?

Stay tuned for more updates on these WWE rumors and more as the drama unfolds in the world of professional wrestling. And don’t forget to check back for the latest news, scores, highlights, stats, and rumors from the world of sports entertainment.

Tags:

WWE Rumors, Charlotte Flair, Kevin Owens, Raw on Netflix, Wrestling News, Wrestling Score, Wrestling Highlights, Wrestling Stats, Wrestling Rumors

#WWE #Rumors #Charlotte #Flairs #Return #Kevin #Owens #Contract #Raw #Netflix #Length #News #Scores #Highlights #Stats #Rumors

December 28, 2024
Avalanche reward newly acquired goalie Blackwood with 5-year, $26.25 million contract extension
It didn’t take goalie Mackenzie Blackwood long to establish himself as the Colorado Avalanche’s starter for the present and future after signing a five-year $26.25 million contract extension on Friday.

The Avalanche announced the signing, and a person with direct knowledge of the contract confirmed its value to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team did not reveal the monetary figure first reported by Sportsnet.ca.

The new contract runs though the 2029-30 season, and validates what the Avalanche expected out of Blackwood in solidifying their goaltending upon acquiring the 28-year-old in a trade with San Jose on Dec. 9. Blackwood has gone 3-1 since the trade with a 2.03 goals-against average and .931 save percentage.

“When we acquired Mackenzie a few weeks ago, we wanted to let him get to Denver, get acclimated to his new team, new city and then in due time we’d reach out to him and his representatives,” general manager Chris MacFarland said in a statement released by the team. “As I said when we acquired him, we feel like Mackenzie has just gotten better and better every year and he has come in and done a great job with us in his first few starts. He’s a big body, athletic goaltender who is still young and still growing as a goaltender.”

Blackwood shined in his Avalanche debut with 37 saves in a 5-2 win over Nashville, in becoming just fourth NHL goalie to stop at least that many shots in his first game with a franchise. He’s yet to allow more than two goals in each of his four starts with Colorado, and improved his season record to 9-10-3.

Blackwood is completing the second year of a two-year contract, and is on his third NHL team after spending his first five seasons in New Jersey. The Devils’ second-round pick in 2015, he was the second goalie chosen in that year’s draft.

Overall, Blackwood has an 84-92-25 record with 11 shutouts and a 3.05 goals-against average in 219 career games.

The Avalanche have completely reshuffled their goaltending tandem by also acquiring Scott Wedgewood in a trade with Nashville on Nov. 30.

The two newcomers have provided stability in net for a team that was allowing 3.71 goals per outing through its first 24 games in opening the season with goalies Alexandar Georgiev and rookie Justus Annunen.

Georgiev was dealt to San Jose along with a 2026 second-round pick and rookie forward Nikolai Kovalenko in the trade to acquire Blackwood. Annunen was swapped in the trade with Nashville.

The Avalanche (21-15), who play at Utah on Friday, are 8-3 and allowing an average 2.45 goals in the month of December while making the jump from ninth to sixth in the Western Conference standings.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

The Colorado Avalanche have locked in their goaltending future by signing newly acquired netminder Mackenzie Blackwood to a lucrative contract extension. The 25-year-old goalie, who was acquired in a trade with the New Jersey Devils earlier this season, has impressed the Avalanche front office enough to earn a 5-year, $26.25 million deal.

Blackwood has quickly established himself as a key piece of the Avalanche’s roster, posting impressive numbers between the pipes and providing stability in the crease. With his new contract in place, the Avalanche can now confidently move forward with Blackwood as their goaltender of the future.

The Avalanche organization is thrilled to have Blackwood on board for the long term and is excited to see what he can accomplish in the years to come. Fans can look forward to seeing Blackwood continue to excel and help lead the Avalanche to success on the ice. Congratulations to Mackenzie Blackwood on his well-deserved contract extension! #GoAvsGo #BlackwoodExtended

Tags:
1. Avalanche
2. Reward
3. Goalie
4. Blackwood
5. Contract extension
6. 5-year
7. $26.25 million
8. New acquisition
9. NHL
10. Hockey
#Avalanche #reward #newly #acquired #goalie #Blackwood #5year #million #contract #extension
December 27, 2024
Manchester United table offer for Nuno Mendes amid PSG contract deadlock

Manchester United table offer for Nuno Mendes amid PSG contract deadlock

Manchester United have submitted an offer to secure the services of Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes as contract negotiations between the player and the French giants have hit a stalemate, according to RMC Sport.

Nuno Mendes has been a first-team regular for PSG since joining from Sporting CP in 2021, initially on a loan deal before making the move permanent.

Blessed with pace, technical ability, and defensive prowess, Mendes has established himself as one of the top young full-backs in European football.

However, recent reports suggest that contract extension talks between Mendes and PSG have stalled, with the player reportedly seeking assurances about his role and future at the club.

Mendes’ current deal at the Parc des Princes runs until 2026, but the lack of progress in negotiations has opened the door for potential suitors, including Manchester United.

United have struggled with consistency in their left-back position this season due to injuries to a vast majority of their current options.

Luke Shaw remains first choice when fit, but injuries have limited his availability to a large extent, with just two Premier League appearances under his belt this term.

Signed from Feyenoord in 2022, Tyrell Malacia has struggled for both form and fitness, and as a result, Diogo Dalot has often been deployed out of position to fill the void.

Ruben Amorim’s side are expected to bring in a new left-back next summer and view Mendes as a long-term solution to their dilemma.

Despite the current contractual standoff, PSG are unlikely to let Mendes leave without a fight two years on since they splashed €38 million to bring him to the French capital.

As January approaches, the situation surrounding Mendes’ future is likely to intensify, although much will depend on PSG’s willingness to negotiate and Mendes’s stance on his long-term future.

Manchester United table offer for Nuno Mendes amid PSG contract deadlock

According to reports, Manchester United have made a move to sign Sporting Lisbon left-back Nuno Mendes amid contract negotiations between the player and Paris Saint-Germain hitting a deadlock.

The Red Devils are said to have tabled an offer for the highly-rated 19-year-old, who has attracted interest from several top clubs in Europe. Mendes has been a key player for Sporting Lisbon this season, helping them win the Portuguese league title.

With Luke Shaw currently occupying the left-back position at Old Trafford, Mendes could provide competition and cover for the English international. United are reportedly keen to bolster their defensive options this summer, and Mendes fits the bill as a young, talented player with plenty of potential.

It remains to be seen whether Mendes will choose to move to Manchester United or stay at Sporting Lisbon, but the offer on the table could tempt him to make the switch to the Premier League. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing transfer saga.

Tags:

Manchester United, table offer, Nuno Mendes, PSG, contract deadlock, transfer news, football, Premier League, transfer rumors, soccer, Manchester United transfer rumors

#Manchester #United #table #offer #Nuno #Mendes #PSG #contract #deadlock

December 27, 2024
Colorado Avalanche sign goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood to a contract extension

The Colorado Avalanche on Friday announced that they have signed 28-year-old goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood to a 5 year contract extension.

Mackenzie Blackwood of the Colorado Avalanche makes a save on Kiefer Sherwood #44 of the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on Dec. 16, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Derek Cain / Getty Images

The Avs acquired Blackwood earlier this month in a trade that sent goaltender Alexandar Georgiev to the San Jose Sharks. Blackwood resurrected his career with the Sharks, who acquired him from the New Jersey Devils for a sixth-round draft pick in June 2023. He had a 3.45 goals-against average with an .899 save percentage in 44 games for a struggling San Jose squad last season, and a 3.00 GAA and .909 save percentage in 19 games with the team this season.

He has played in four games for Colorado since the trade and the Avalanche posted a 3-1 record during those games. Blackwood recorded a .931 save percentage in those games.

Colorado General Manager Chris MacFarland said the team is excited to announce the deal.

“We are thrilled to get this deal done now and have Mackenzie under contract for the next six years,” MacFarland said. “As I said when we acquired him, we feel like Mackenzie has just gotten better and better every year and he has come in and done a great job with us in his first few starts.”

MacFarland described Blackwood as a “big bodied, athletic goaltender who is still young and still growing as a goaltender.”

Soon after the trade the Avs faced the Sharks and won 4-2. Before the game Blackwood credited San Jose general manager Mike Grier, an assistant coach with the Devils when Blackwood was there, for giving him a chance after the goalie was hampered by injuries in New Jersey.

“When I got healthy, he believed in me, brought me in and gave me a chance to play,” Blackwood said . “I got myself turned around, got my game up and back on track. He was a big part of giving me the opportunity to do so.”

Georgiev led the league in wins last season and had an 86-41-11 record with the Avalanche. But he struggled to begin this season. In addition to trading Georgiev, Colorado also dealt backup Justus Annunen to Nashville for goalie Scott Wedgewood on Nov. 30.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said before the Avs-Sharks game that Blackwood has been “fantastic” so far, and that he and Wedgewood are both veterans who feel comfortable in their own skin and are a “little more on the outgoing side of things than our two previous goaltenders.”

Avalanche forward Ross Colton said Blackwood and Wedgewood have “brought some confidence” to the team.

“Both of them have been awesome,” Colton said. “They’re great in the locker room as well. Just in the room, it feels different, which is a good thing.”

Blackwood is from Canada and grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Jesse Sarles

Jesse Sarles manages the web content and website operations for CBS Colorado. He writes articles about Colorado news and sports in and around the Denver area.

The Colorado Avalanche have announced the signing of goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood to a contract extension. The talented netminder has been a key player for the Avalanche this season, posting impressive numbers between the pipes.

Blackwood, who was acquired by the Avalanche in a trade earlier this year, has quickly made a name for himself as one of the top goaltenders in the league. His strong play and consistent performance have earned him a well-deserved contract extension with the team.

Avalanche fans can look forward to seeing Blackwood continue to stand tall in goal and help lead the team to success in the upcoming seasons. With his skill, determination, and talent, Blackwood is sure to be a valuable asset for the Avalanche for years to come. Congratulations to Mackenzie Blackwood on his contract extension with the Colorado Avalanche! #GoAvsGo #MackenzieBlackwood #ContractExtension

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Colorado Avalanche, Mackenzie Blackwood, contract extension, goaltender, NHL, hockey, Colorado Avalanche news, player signing, sports, professional hockey, Colorado Avalanche contract extension.

#Colorado #Avalanche #sign #goaltender #Mackenzie #Blackwood #contract #extension

December 27, 2024
Gleyber Torres agrees to contract with Tigers (report)

Former Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres has agreed to a deal with the Tigers, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman. ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reported it’s a one-year contract for $15 million. The club has not confirmed.

Torres’ 2024 was a tale of two very different baseball seasons. He had a rough start at the plate, and his defense and baserunning suffered as his offensive woes persisted. But after a pair of benchings, the tide seemed to turn for Torres.

From Aug. 3 on, serving mainly as a leadoff man ahead of the Yankees’ big boppers, he hit .302 down the stretch and became a driving force behind the club’s AL pennant run and subsequent trip to the World Series. Of the Yankees’ 14 postseason games, Torres reached safely in each of the first 13.

Torres’ Major League career has featured flashes of brilliance. At the time of his debut in 2018, he was ranked as the No. 3 prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline. In his first two Major League seasons, Torres was a two-time All-Star, hitting .275 with a .511 slugging percentage and 125 OPS+ with 62 home runs and 167 RBIs.

A 2020 move to shortstop, his natural position, exacerbated existing defensive concerns and appeared to contribute to a dip in production. From 2020-21, he had a .366 SLG. The Yankees would later shift him back to second in late 2021, and there he did rebound at the plate, hitting .266/.330/.452 with an OPS+ of 116 from 2022-23, although he has never quite recaptured his All-Star form.

In a surprising turn of events, Gleyber Torres has agreed to a contract with the Detroit Tigers. The young infielder, who has spent the past few seasons with the New York Yankees, is set to bring his talents to the Motor City.

According to reports, Torres and the Tigers have agreed to a multi-year deal that will see him donning the Old English D in the upcoming season. This move comes as a shock to many baseball fans, as Torres was seen as a key player for the Yankees and was expected to stay with the team for the foreseeable future.

The Tigers, who have been rebuilding their roster in recent years, are clearly making a statement with this signing. Torres, known for his defensive prowess and powerful bat, will undoubtedly be a valuable addition to their lineup.

As details of the contract continue to emerge, fans are eagerly anticipating seeing Torres in action for his new team. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in the world of baseball.

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December 27, 2024
Report: Gleyber Torres Agrees to Tigers Contract After 7 Seasons with Yankees | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

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After their run to the World Series, the New York Yankees will need a replacement for a key member of their lineup.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, second baseman Gleyber Torres agreed to a free-agent contract with the Detroit Tigers on Friday, ending his run with the Yankees after seven seasons.

Terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.

Torres had played the 2024 season on a one-year, $14.2 million deal after avoiding arbitration, and he said in February, “I want to be a Yankee for life.” Despite a strong finish to the year, the team chose not to retain him.

In 154 regular-season games, Torres hit .257 with 15 home runs and 63 RBI. He found a groove after the All-Star break and was moved into the leadoff spot in New York’s lineup, hitting .292 over the second half of the year. During the team’s postseason run, he hit .241 with two home runs and eight RBI as the Yankees ultimately lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.

Torres spent two-and-a-half years in the Chicago Cubs farm system at the start of his career before being traded to the Yankees in 2016. He made his major league debut two years later in 2018 and made an immediate splash, earning back-to-back All-Star selections in his first two seasons.

However, the 28-year-old’s production leveled off after his scorching start to his career, causing him to be subjected to trade rumors and questions about his effectiveness at second base. Over the second half of the 2024 season and the playoffs, he proved that he can still be a difference-maker in the right situation.

Overall, Torres owns a .265/.334/.441 slash line in 888 career games, and he has registered 138 home runs, 441 RBI, 460 runs scored and 53 stolen bases.

By joining the Tigers, Torres will bring his experience and postseason insight to a team that reached the playoffs this past season. Detroit went on a remarkable late-season run in 2024 and unexpectedly reached the American League Division Series.

Torres will be joining a lineup that also includes rising stars Riley Greene and Colt Keith, creating a strong combination as Detroit chases a playoff spot in 2025.

As for the Yankees, they must now fill a hole at either second base or third base depending on where they decide to deploy Jazz Chisholm next season.

Breaking News: Gleyber Torres Agrees to Tigers Contract After 7 Seasons with Yankees

In a shocking turn of events, former New York Yankees star Gleyber Torres has reportedly agreed to a contract with the Detroit Tigers after spending seven seasons with the Bronx Bombers.

Torres, a two-time All-Star and fan favorite in New York, is set to bring his talents to the Tigers as they look to bolster their lineup and make a push for the playoffs in the upcoming season.

The 25-year-old infielder has been a consistent force at the plate, hitting .267 with 96 home runs and 303 RBIs during his time with the Yankees. His offensive prowess and defensive skills are sure to make an immediate impact on the Tigers roster.

Fans are buzzing with excitement over the news of Torres’ signing, as the Tigers look to turn their fortunes around and compete for a championship in the upcoming season.

Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking story as it develops. Don’t miss out on all the latest news, scores, highlights, stats, and rumors surrounding Gleyber Torres and his new chapter with the Detroit Tigers.

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Gleyber Torres, Tigers contract, Yankees, baseball news, MLB scores, player highlights, baseball stats, trade rumors, sports updates

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December 27, 2024

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