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When the news broke, I thought: “There it is, we will now have to deal with analysts and commentators with a French accent during the galas.”
Of course, I am referring to the agreement that has linked WWE to Netflix since the beginning of the month, for the next ten years (and five billion $).
But I was wrong! Good for me!
The WWE – and not Netflix – has decided to hire two additional French-speaking commentators to enhance the broadcast of its events in Quebec: Pat Laprade and Kevin Raphaël.
Laprade and Raphaël are contracted with WWE for several years, I am told.
The (pleasant) surprise is that WWE already had its two French-speaking commentators: Christophe Agius and Nadir Mohammedi, both French and based in France.
WWE will have two duos of French commentators on Netflix:
– Christophe Agius and Nadir Mohammedi
– Pat LaPrade and Kevin Raphael— Julien Pernici (@JulienPernici) January 4, 2025
So we must commend the decision of the two entertainment giants to provide French-Quebec content to Quebecers watching WWE galas. #Tokébakicitte
After enduring a few minutes of the French broadcast of the Jake Paul – Mike Tyson fight, I admit I wasn’t too convinced…
What will be broadcast?
Kevin Raphaël and Pat Laprade will comment on ALL the wrestling produced by WWE, as the contract between Netflix and WWE includes Raw (Monday), NXT (Tuesday), Smackdown (Friday), and special events (WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, and others).
Note that in the United States, only Raw galas are being broadcast on Netflix for now.
WE’RE GOING ON NETFLIX!
I never thought I would say that one day!
But starting today, all WWE content in Canada is exclusively available on Netflix.
And it’s @kevinraphael21 and I who will host it all in French!
Can’t wait to see you there! pic.twitter.com/1rdo6yhwSN
— Pat Laprade (@PatLaprade) January 6, 2025
A duo that isn’t new
Pat Laprade and Kevin Raphaël have been commenting on wrestling events together for seven years. However, they only had one hour out of the three during the Raw galas on TVA Sports. And the galas were broadcast 48 hours later on TVA Sports…
On Netflix, we will also have to wait a day or two before gaining access to the galas described by the Quebec duo… but it won’t be like that for long. According to what I’ve been told, they would like to go live before the end of this year. Especially since Laprade and Raphaël will comment live (each from their own home) on gala nights…
Note that for now, WWE does not plan to send Pat and Kevin on-site for the galas. Maybe for a special event if the Bell Centre hosts a wrestling gala soon? We’ll see.
Pat Laprade is happy and excited
I was able to reach Pat Laprade between two meetings as he was preparing for his new job which starts tonight with the first Raw of 2025.
He didn’t hesitate to express how happy he was to join the Netflix/WWE team.
“Since the announcement that WWE was going to Netflix, it’s something I kept looking forward to. I’m really happy that WWE and Netflix thought about having a French version for Quebec. Kevin and I are very excited to take on this new challenge. This is big news for the history of wrestling in Quebec.” – Pat Laprade
Boy, am I happy for the guys, who must be raking in quite a bit of dollars (in US currency) for such a contract. Good for them, they fully deserve it!
In a nutshell
– A few moves with the Canucks, just hours before their game at the Bell Centre.
General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that F Dakota Joshua has been placed on IR (retroactive to Jan. 3, 2025) and F Jonathan Lekkerimäki has been recalled from Abbotsford (AHL) on emergency basis.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) January 6, 2025
– Happy birthday Richard!
Happy birthday to former Canadiens forward Richard Zednik, who turns 49 today #Habs #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/3XjQbmIUEo
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) January 6, 2025
– Elias Pettersson knows he can (and must) be better.
“I know I can do better.”
As Elias Pettersson prepares to make his return to the lineup, the Canucks forward addressed the ongoing tension around his struggles following comments made by GM Patrik Allvin. (By @imacSportsnet) https://t.co/xw4lJ7PkQ3
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 6, 2025
– An American center-back of 21 years old, who is over 6’0, who has already represented the USA on the international stage and has experience in MLS: a great addition for CF Montréal!
BREAKING: CF Montréal have acquired USMNT center back Jalen Neal from the LA Galaxy, per sources.
Neal will sign a new contract with Montréal as well, sources add.
Neal, 21, won MLS Cup with the Galaxy this year. Made 46 apps for the club.https://t.co/pMeTHJEs61
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) January 6, 2025
– CF Montréal: who will be the next to leave? #GrandMénage
The new management is cleaning house: Since December, 14 players have left the roster or are at the center of departure rumors.
Who do you think could be the next player mentioned in a departure rumor from CF Montréal? #CFMTL
— Nilton Jorge (@NiltonJorge) January 6, 2025
More must-reads:
- Concerning report emerges about Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin's health
- Packers have concerning injury pop up at practice
- The 'Switch-hitter single-season HR leaders' quiz
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TODAY'S BEST
6 extended takeaways from Day 1 of Maple Leafs training camp
TORONTO — The on-ice component of training camp is underway as the Toronto Maple Leafs took the ice at the Ford Performance Centre on Thursday, with new line combinations taking shape. Matias Maccelli received the first look with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies during the Group 1 session, and he may be the favourite to start the year on this line. William Nylander and John Tavares were paired together in Group 2 alongside Bobby McMann, and it’s clear that Craig Berube will be experimenting throughout training camp, in a search for his optimal combinations. “I think more than anything, we want to have a good first day. It’s a tough day,” Berube said. “It’s a lot of battling. It’s intense. Players, they could go and make it as intense as they want, but I thought it was really intense, which is what we want.” Here’s what you need to know from the first day of Maple Leafs’ training camp: It’s too early to be worried about Auston Matthews Auston Matthews said he’s fully confident about his health during Wednesday’s media availability, and Thursday provided a first opportunity to get a look at how the Maple Leafs’ captain is feeling. Matthews submitted a mixed performance during Thursday’s practice, with the extremely obvious caveat that it’s the first day of practice, and it’s too early to be genuinely concerned. Matthews’ puck skills remain otherworldly and during a sequence early in practice, he dangled Noah Chadwick rather easily to get to the net. In another sequence, Matthews beat Philippe Myers to the puck in the corner and fished it out for Matthew Knies in front of the net. He used his frame throughout the session to shield off defenders, win back pucks and instruct his teammates on where he wanted them to go in the offensive zone. And again, with the caveat that it’s way too early to be concerned: Matthews didn’t have the usual velocity on his shot throughout the majority of the session and Morgan Rielly won the majority of 1-on-1 battles against him. Matthews skates and fought through contact with his usual force, but we’ll be keeping our eyes and ears out to see if he gains the same velocity he had during his 69-goal campaign in 2023-24. There’s also a clear example of Matthews ripping the puck with his usual force early in the session, so it may just be a matter of Toronto’s captain rounding into form during the preseason. Berube didn’t seem remotely concerned and raved about Matthews’ leadership after Group 1 finished their session. “I thought he grew quickly as a leader. You guys don’t see it, the in-game things, in the room where he’s commanding,” Berube said of Matthews. “He’s not the only guy. We have a lot of strong leaders who don’t have to wear an A or a C.” Matias Maccelli gets first look on Toronto’s first line, but this could change when Max Domi returns Matias Maccelli was eager to prove himself on Toronto’s first line throughout practice and for now he’s getting the first look, although this could change when Max Domi returns from a lower-body injury. “ Just doing my best with the puck, without the puck, working hard,” Maccelli said, about what he’s focusing on when playing with Knies and Matthews. “ With the puck, trying to make plays, trying to play the same way they do. As we get going with the games, they’ll tell me what they expect and what they want, and then I’ll do the same thing.” Berube addressed reporters and he admitted that he initially planned to place Domi on the first line with Knies and Matthews. “Max went down. He was obviously a guy that I was going to put there. But Max should be back pretty quick, and then we’ll go from there,” Berube said. “I mean, it’s one day. (Maccelli is) in the process of just kind of feeling things out. And you get thrown on the line with Matthews and Knies, I mean, it’s a big step. He’s a guy that can make plays, we know that. “So that’s going to be a big part of it all if he’s making the right plays and the right decisions with the puck. Is he getting Matthews the puck enough for some opportunities and things like that? And then it’s just about him playing 200 feet, too. That line’s going to play against good lines, so he needs to be solid defensively, too.” Maccelli said he’s equally comfortable playing on either wing, but it may be a work in progress. He seemed to be a half-step behind Knies and Matthews in rushes, and when Domi is healthy again, it appears that Berube wants to try this combination out for opening night against the Montreal Canadiens. During camp, Maccelli will get a first look with Matthews and Knies, and it will be a combination that Berube will surely test out throughout camp, but the 24-year-old winger will need to earn his head coach’s trust before he’s affixed to Toronto’s top line. “It’s always weird to come to a new team when you don’t know anyone,” Maccelli said. “ I’ve only been in one spot and knew all the people there, so it’s different. But everybody’s been super welcoming and nice. So it’s been an easy adjustment.” Calle Jarnkrok stood out during Group 1 practice session, may be back to 2023-24 form Calle Jarnkrok was in excellent form during the first practice session and while we’re not pencilling him into the opening night lineup just yet, it’s an encouraging sign from the 34-year-old. Jarnkrok was paired alongside David Kampf and Michael Pezzetta and was the clear standout on the line, ripping his slot with the velocity we’re used to seeing. He roofed the puck past Dennis Hildeby twice off rush drills and wasn’t hesitant to win back pucks in battle drills. The veteran forward underwent groin and sports hernia surgery after suffering an injury during last year’s training camp and only returned to the lineup in March, where he registered a goal and seven points in 19 games, before adding one assist in 12 playoff games, primarily operating in a fourth-line role. Jarnkrok could very well be watching from the press box on opening night, but Thursday was a great start towards cementing his spot to begin the year. Anthony Stolarz wants to get deal done before the season Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz wants to be with the team for the foreseeable future and there’s a sense of urgency regarding his next contract. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving hinted Wednesday that a new extension could be imminent, and Stolarz wants to get the deal done before the year begins. “Our ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup, so once the season starts, that’s all I want to focus on,” Stolarz said. “I’ll let my agent and Treliving talk that out and hopefully we can get something done here soon.” Stolarz recently appeared on Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill, where he outlined what he wants from his next contact, and how he’s fully recovered from a season-ending concussion. Easton Cowan improves throughout practice, builds partnership with Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy Easton Cowan will be afforded every chance to make the roster and he improved as Thursday’s afternoon practice session went on. Cowan was paired with Dakota Joshua in 2-on-2 drills, where Joshua emerged as one of the best players overall through both practices. During controlled 3-on-2 rushes, Cowan was on the right wing, Joshua was on the left wing, with Nicolas Roy playing through centre, and it was a compelling trio that won puck battles and communicated well. It’s the first day of camp and nothing is finalized, but Cowan could find himself with a real chance of unseating the incumbents with a stellar camp. During battle drills, Cowan worked relentlessly, especially during a session against former London Knights teammate Landon Sim. It will be curious to see where Cowan slots into the lineup, when Max Domi returns to the lineup, but he’s firmly in the mix for a top-nine role and like Joshua, was among the best players from the opening day of camp. This line may get some extended looks together during Sunday’s preseason opener against the Ottawa Senators, and all three players are eager to make a strong first impression. Chris Tanev was among the several Leafs who complimented Roy’s ‘extremely underrated’ game, as he moves very well for a player his size, getting to the high-danger areas with relative ease. Joshua was dominant against several younger camp invitees, using his speed, size and hockey intelligence to great effect throughout the day. We can’t wait to see this line in action. John Tavares and William Nylander were the best players Thursday, Bobby McMann joins the line John Tavares and William Nylander were the best overall players from Thursday’s practice sessions, with Chris Tanev and Morgan Rielly earning honourable mentions. These designations are built from what we observed in controlled drills, so it’s worth putting into perspective, but Tavares and Nylander were making high-end plays with ease, and Bobby McMann joined the group, with Berube watching closely. “I think Bobby can take another step in his game,” Berube said. “You know, doing some things a little bit differently. Especially playing with those two guys [Tavares and Nylander], getting those guys the puck more, getting to the net more. I like a big guy with those two guys, to forecheck, get in there and create loose pucks, help out JT in those situations. Willy’s gonna do his thing, we all know that. But Bobby, I feel, can take another step in his game.” McMann-Tavares-Nylander played 158:09 at 5-on-5 with a plus-six goal differential and a 60.4 percent share of the expected goals last season via Natural Stat Trick. There is some proof of concept that this line could work, but McMann simply cannot go 24 games without a goal like he did to conclude the 2024-25 season. “He was basically just saying we want a certain identity. We want to play hard. Don’t take any shifts off, don’t take any seconds off, pushing each other all the way through,” McMann said. “It started from the first drill. You’re chasing the guy down all the way through. You’re playing one-on-ones, two-on-twos. It’s just not giving up an inch.” McMann’s elite straight-line speed and ability to get to the high-danger areas certainly compliment Tavares and Nylander’s skill sets, but there will be some experimentation on the top line, and the challenge has been set for the 28-year-old with several players vying for a chance in the Maple Leafs’ reshuffled top-six.
Raiders' Pete Carroll admits disappointing truth about Ashton Jeanty
The Las Vegas Raiders had high hopes and expectations when they took Boise State phenom Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 pick in this year's draft. It's becoming increasingly rare to see running backs drafted so high, but after watching him post one of the single greatest seasons in college football history, he looked more than worthy of that honor. So far, however, the 2024 Heisman Trophy finalist has looked quite mortal in his first two games in the pros. Ashton Jeanty hasn't gotten off to a fast start in the NFL He logged 38 yards and one score in his NFL debut, and then logged just 43 yards on 11 carries in the loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2. That's why Raiders head coach Pete Carroll had to admit that they needed to take things slowly with Jeanty. While he acknowledged that they hadn't done much to put Jeanty in a position to succeed, he remains optimistic about the RB's prospects. "We're just getting started (with Jeanty)," Carroll told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "He's breaking into the NFL. He's figuring it out. He'll get more carries. We have to run the ball more effectively. We only got (68 yards), and that's not enough. We need more than that. We're bringing (Jeanty) along. More will come." Ashton Jeanty knows he has to do better Jeanty is averaging 2.7 yards per attempt, which is a far cry from his 6.4 yards per carry in college. At least he knows he has to be better, and he believes it's just a matter of time before he gets used to the speed of the pros. "Last week it was on me, I didn't do a good job of reading the plays. I'll put it on myself again this week," Jeanty said. "Just getting used to the speed, honestly. Last week kind of felt like I was moving a little slower, this week felt better. Still not there yet, but once it happens, it will be good." Jeanty continued commenting on the situation on Wednesday. He didn't mince words. Jeanty has posted the fewest rushing yards (81) among players with at least 30 carries, and his next chance to turn the page will come in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders' beatable run defense.
Kyle Shanahan has surprising Brock Purdy update — 49ers are confident in QB situation regardless
Brock Purdy missed the San Francisco 49ers' Week 2 win over the New Orleans Saints with a toe and left shoulder injury he suffered in Week 1. At the time, there was a chance that the injury could keep the quarterback out multiple weeks, but now head coach Kyle Shanahan has provided what seems to be a positive update for this weekend's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Kyle Shanahan provides key update on Brock Purdy "He wasn't limited last week," Shanahan said. "He does have a chance [to play]," Shanahan said on Wednesday, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. According to Wagoner's reporting, of the two injuries, the toe issue seems to be more significant, and it was considered the main reason Purdy didn't play in Week 2. It's similar to turf toe. He was in the 49ers' locker room after that game, though, and he told reporters that his status for the Week 3 game was, "we'll see." Connect those dots and it sounds like, at the very least, Purdy feels hopeful about his chances. If he's not fully back and able to go, he could also at least suit up and act as a backup for Mac Jones. San Francisco 49ers confident in Brock Purdy's backup If Purdy is out for the second straight week, Jones proved against the Saints that he can lead this team to a victory. The former first-round pick of the New England Patriots completed 26 of 39 passes against New Orleans for 279 yards and three touchdowns. On Monday, running back Christian McCaffrey was among the players in the locker room who expressed confidence in Jones. "In this league, whether or not you're a starter or a backup, you got to be ready to go at any point," McCaffrey said, per Wagoner. "In the NFL, you just never know. It's such a talented league and so many great players on the field. And Mac obviously is somebody who's proven himself already, but to have him as our backup is huge." Out of Alabama, Jones was selected with pick No. 15 in the 2021 NFL Draft as the "heir apparent" to Tom Brady in the final years of the Bill Belichick era in New England. He flashed talent but was never able to be consistent. He also had incredibly big shoes to fill, so a case could be made that he was doomed to fail from the very start of his NFL career. Jones started 42 games for the Patriots over three seasons, and he threw for 8,918 yards and 46 touchdowns compared to 36 interceptions. He's on a two-year, $8.4 million deal with the 49ers after spending the 2024 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Legendary Dallas Cowboys Star Dead Wednesday At 79
The Dallas Cowboys lost a two-time Super Bowl champion this week. Former Cowboys D.D. Lewis passed away this Tuesday. He was 79. Prior to becoming a superstar for "America's Team," he was an All-American and SEC Defensive Player of the Year at Mississippi State. That led to him being a sixth-round pick in the 1968 NFL Draft. When it was all said and done, he appeared in five Super Bowls as a member of the Cowboys. He had 15.5 sacks, 14 fumble recoveries and eight interceptions in 186 career games. "D.D. was a great player," former Cowboys star Thomas Henderson said. "He kept me from the weakside because he played it so well. D.D. was a tough guy and I wanted his job Day 1, but I never could get it because he played [coach Tom] Landry’s defense and I couldn’t interrupt that. So I ended up on the strong side, which was better for me because I got to box every down." Earlier this Wednesday, Mississippi State released a statement on Lewis and his legacy. He was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1987. "We mourn the passing of Bulldog legend D.D. Lewis," Mississippi State said. "An All-SEC standout and 1967 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, he played 13 years with the Dallas Cowboys, appeared in five Super Bowls, won two, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001." Lewis was beloved in Dallas. Back when Lewis was making plays for the Cowboys, he dropped an incredible quote about playing at Texas Stadium. "Texas Stadium has a hole in its roof so God can watch his favorite team play," Lewis said. There's no question Dallas fans appreciated Lewis' passion and commitment to the franchise. We'll see if the Cowboys honor him before their Week 3 game. Our thoughts are with the Lewis family at this time.
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