The Toronto Maple Leafs appointed Jim Hiller as their new head coach on Wednesday to replace Craig Berube following a dismal season that saw the franchise miss the play-offs.
The 57-year-old returns to the Canadian outfit having previously served as an assistant between 2015 and 2019.
General manager John Chayka confirmed the appointment following an extensive, multi-phased search to fill the vacancy.
“Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today’s NHL,” Chayka stated.
“We believe he’s the right person to lead our team and help us reach our goals.”
Return to familiar surroundings
The incoming boss recently managed the Los Angeles Kings, compiling a 93-58-24 record over parts of three campaigns.
He was dismissed by the Californian franchise in March following a heavy defeat by the Edmonton Oilers.
Before his tenure in Los Angeles, the experienced tactician worked as an assistant with the New York Islanders.
During his first spell in Toronto, he primarily managed the power play under then-head coach Mike Babcock.
“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to return to Toronto and lead the Maple Leafs,” the new manager said.
“This is a special organisation with great players, passionate fans and high expectations.”
A crucial summer rebuild
Securing a new bench boss was a priority for the front office ahead of next week’s NHL Entry Draft, where they hold the number one overall pick.
The organisation has undergone significant restructuring over the past few months.
Former general manager Brad Treliving was dismissed in March, paving the way for Chayka’s arrival alongside franchise legend Mats Sundin.
These sweeping personnel changes were triggered by a highly disappointing 2025-26 campaign.
Finishing seventh in the Atlantic Division with just 78 points meant the squad missed the post-season for the first time since drafting Auston Matthews in 2016.
Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan has confirmed the club have narrowed their search for a new head coach down to two leading candidates following the surprise departure of Marco Silva.
The West London side have been actively seeking a replacement since their Portuguese manager opted to leave Craven Cottage upon the expiry of his contract in early June.
Former Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa has been heavily linked with the vacant position in recent weeks.
Board meetings and false rumours
Speaking to in-house media, Khan admitted that the initial expectation internally was that their former boss would agree to new terms and remain in the capital.
“We have to bring in a new coach, it’s something we’re working on and we’ve been actively talking and working to find someone to come in,” Khan stated.
The American executive dismissed several media reports, noting that the hierarchy had been linked to perceived frontrunners whom they had never actually contacted.
“In particular, there are two candidates that have met with the board several times and we have a few candidates that we’ve had good conversations with,” he added.
Transfers on hold until appointment
While refusing to confirm whether the former Spanish international was among the final two, the Fulham director outlined a clear timeline for the remainder of the summer.
Any potential incoming player business will be strictly paused until the managerial vacancy is officially resolved.
“I think it’s very important to make the hire for who’s going to be the head coach before we figure out who comes in for potential transfers,” Khan explained.
The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate closely with the board on squad evaluation before executing a unified strategy in the current transfer window.
Selwyn Cobbo scored a second-half hat-trick as Queensland produced a stunning 44-24 comeback victory against New South Wales in Melbourne to level the State of Origin series.
The Dolphins winger enjoyed a career-defining performance as the Maroons ran in 36 points after the interval.
This emphatic win banishes the bitter memories of their narrow defeat in Sydney just two weeks ago.
Sam Walker delivered an absolute masterclass from the tee in only his second Origin appearance.
The Sydney Roosters half-back finished with a flawless kicking record, converting all seven tries alongside an early penalty.
Maroons bounce back to force Brisbane decider
Victory sets up a mouth-watering series finale in Brisbane scheduled for 8 July.
The team desperately needed a positive response after squandering a 20-6 advantage in the opening fixture following Kalyn Ponga’s dismissal.
It was really special to bounce back from such a tough loss in game one. I can’t wait to get out there in Brisbane.
Sam Walker
The Queenslanders were forced to show tremendous resilience following a shaky opening period where they fell 12-2 behind.
Their task was made even harder when captain Cameron Munster was temporarily withdrawn for a head injury assessment.
Blues fade despite Nawaqanitawase debut double
New South Wales dominated the first quarter and crossed the whitewash four times throughout the contest.
Dual-code international Mark Nawaqanitawase impressed immediately, scoring twice on his highly anticipated Origin debut.
The Blues initially capitalised on a Thomas Flegler knock-on, allowing Kotoni Staggs to power over for the opening try.
The visiting side then extended their advantage when Nathan Cleary expertly set up the debuting winger in the corner.
Second-half blitz seals Queensland victory
The momentum drastically shifted just before the break following a sweeping passing move finished by Trent Loiero.
The forward was subsequently the victim of a brutal high tackle from Victor Radley, who controversially escaped with only a penalty.
Radley made history by stepping onto the field, becoming the first England international to feature in rugby league’s fiercest rivalry under new eligibility rules.
With their influential skipper back orchestrating the attack, the Maroons completely overwhelmed their rivals after the restart.
An inch-perfect kick from the returning playmaker gifted the lightning-fast Cobbo his first try of the evening.
The dynamic finisher quickly grabbed his second before Jojo Fifita crossed the line to cap off a remarkable offensive display.
Restricted free agent Walker Kessler and the Utah Jazz have stalled in contract negotiations despite a proposed five-year offer worth roughly $140m.
Record-breaking offer for non-All-Star
The proposed deal would represent the largest contract ever awarded to a center who has yet to make an All-Star appearance.
As a restricted free agent, Utah retains the right to match any offer sheet the 7ft 2in player signs with a rival franchise.
The 24-year-old has firmly established himself as one of the premier shot blockers and rebounders in the NBA.
His previous campaign was severely curtailed by a season-ending shoulder injury after making just five appearances.
However, the dominant rim protector previously ranked second in the league for blocks and fifth in rebounds, averaging an impressive 11.1 points on 66.3% shooting during a healthy 2024-25 season.
George extension also in doubt
Franchise executives are also reportedly pessimistic about reaching an early agreement with promising guard Keyonte George.
The dynamic playmaker enjoyed a breakout third season, drastically improving his efficiency while averaging 23.6 points and 6.1 assists per game.
Despite internal optimism regarding his long-term value, Utah’s front office wants to see sustained production before committing to a maximum rookie extension.
Management appears completely comfortable allowing foundational pieces to test restricted free agency if immediate agreements cannot be reached.
Draft preparations continue amid top prospect snub
Meanwhile, the Salt Lake City outfit are preparing to use the second overall pick in next week’s NBA draft.
Kansas prospect Darryn Peterson is reportedly refusing to visit the franchise, choosing instead to focus solely on the Washington Wizards who hold the first selection.
However, BYU standout AJ Dybantsa remains firmly in contention and has already completed pre-draft visits with both organisations.
Anthony Joshua has invited Tyson Fury to step into the ring for a face-off in Saudi Arabia on 25 July following his upcoming bout against Kristian Prenga.
The two British heavyweights have finally signed contracts for a long-awaited super-fight, although an official date and venue are yet to be announced.
Promoter Eddie Hearn previously suggested the historic clash would take place in the UK, but Las Vegas has now emerged as a frontrunner to host the blockbuster event.
Turning the tables on Fury
The Gypsy King previously called for his domestic rival to join him inside the ropes following his April victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Joshua declined that initial invitation, insisting he would only engage in such promotional face-offs once a contract was officially agreed.
Now that agreements are signed and sealed, the former unified world champion is ready to confront his undefeated rival.
“Come to Saudi July 25 and I’ll welcome you into the ring,” Joshua told Matchroom.
“If you’re serious, come out and we can get talking then.”
Focusing on the Prenga test
Before the decade-in-the-making clash can materialise, the Watford fighter must first navigate his upcoming summer return against Prenga.
This will mark his first competitive appearance since being involved in a fatal car collision last December.
“They’ve dangled the carrot in front of me saying if I beat Prenga I can fight Tyson Fury, so I’m fully locked in on getting the job done,” Joshua added.
The 34-year-old views his upcoming schedule as a clear roadmap back toward the top of the global heavyweight division.
“Give me the opportunity to fight Prenga, give me the opportunity to fight Fury, give me the opportunity to fight for the championship.”
Atletico Madrid have warned Arsenal and other suitors they must pay a world-record £431m release clause to sign Argentina forward Julian Alvarez this summer.
Mikel Arteta remains keen to bolster his attacking options at the Emirates Stadium before the transfer window closes.
The Gunners face fierce competition for the 26-year-old, with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona also monitoring the situation.
Record release clause required
Enrique Cerezo has firmly dismissed speculation surrounding the former Manchester City striker.
“Whoever wants him can come and look at the contract, and if they’re interested, they’ll sign him; if not, they won’t,” the Atletico president told El Desmarque.
“Julian is an Atletico Madrid player, and I believe he will remain an Atletico Madrid player.”
Real Madrid bid rejected
The World Cup winner has been highly productive since his 2024 switch from the Premier League, netting 49 goals in 106 appearances.
That prolific form prompted an official €150m (£129m) offer from cross-city rivals Real Madrid last week.
The Metropolitano hierarchy instantly dismissed the proposal, citing the prohibitive €500m buyout clause embedded in the attacker’s contract.
Social media tensions
The collapsed bid triggered a remarkably public spat between the two capital clubs.
“We neither study nor consider any offer for Julian,” the red-and-white half of Madrid posted on social media.
The club’s official account further mocked their neighbours by refusing to show gratitude for the offer and accusing them of poaching academy players.
United States midfielder Gio Reyna scored a stunning outside-of-the-boot goal to seal a 4-1 World Cup victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, marking a triumphant return to form.
The 23-year-old produced a brilliant swerving strike to cap off a dominant performance by Mauricio Pochettino’s side in California.
It provided a moment of pure catharsis following a turbulent four-year period for the attacking midfielder.
Putting Qatar struggles behind him
The American international endured a highly publicised fallout with former coach Gregg Berhalter during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
That controversy was compounded by persistent injuries and limited playing time during domestic spells with Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach.
However, Pochettino retained faith in the playmaker’s unique talent by including him in the current tournament squad.
The USMNT manager recently described his selection as a special situation owing to his exceptional technical ceiling.
‘He deserves it’
Team-mates have consistently praised the creative midfielder’s ability behind closed doors.
National team captain Christian Pulisic expressed no shock at the sheer quality of Friday’s spectacular strike.
We see stuff from him like that every day, so it’s not a crazy surprise.
I told him he deserves it.
The goal represents a significant milestone in maturity for a player who is now expecting his first child.
Fans and critics alike are now wondering if this dazzling display against the South Americans is merely the beginning of a golden chapter.
Spain have been held to a shock goalless draw by Cape Verde while France and Germany claimed emphatic victories in their opening matches of the 2026 World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel’s England side are watching closely as their major tournament rivals begin to lay down a marker in North America.
The standout result of the first round of fixtures came as Luis de la Fuente’s European champions stalled against a team making their finals debut.
Veteran goalkeeper frustrates Spain
A 40-year-old goalkeeper from the Portuguese second tier emerged as the unlikely hero of the tournament’s first major upset.
Vozinha produced seven crucial saves to keep a disjointed Spanish attack at bay.
The introduction of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal from the bench failed to break down a resolute Cape Verdean defensive block.
Striker Mikel Oyarzabal was entirely isolated and did not manage a single touch during the opening 30 minutes of the contest.
Germany and France find goalscoring form
In stark contrast to the Spanish struggles, Germany produced a ruthless performance against their own debutant opponents.
The four-time champions recovered from conceding an early equaliser to thrash Dick Advocaat’s Curacao in a seven-goal rout.
The clinical display signals a dramatic shift in fortunes for a nation that suffered group-stage exits at the previous two tournaments.
Meanwhile, Didier Deschamps saw his side overcome a sluggish start to secure a commanding victory over a talented Senegal team.
Mbappe sparks French recovery
A disjointed first half from the 2022 finalists was quickly forgotten following crucial tactical adjustments at the interval.
The French captain found his rhythm to score twice and cancel out a brilliant solo effort from 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye.
Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola added a neat chipped finish to ensure the victory.
Defending South American champions Argentina also rounded out the early action with a strong performance as the tournament’s heavyweights begin to assert their dominance.