The New York Islanders have bolstered their playoff push by acquiring St Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn in a significant trade deal involving forward Jonathan Drouin.
As part of the exchange, New York have sent veteran forward Drouin to St Louis alongside a 2026 first-round pick and a third-round selection.
The return package for the Blues also includes 6ft 7in Swedish goaltending prospect Marcus Gidlof.
That first-round selection was originally acquired by the Islanders from the Colorado Avalanche during the deal for Brock Nelson last season.
Championship pedigree
Schenn, 34, brings significant leadership experience to Long Island having served as the Blues’ captain for the past three seasons.
The veteran forward contributed 12 goals and 16 assists in 61 appearances for St Louis during the current campaign.
A key component of the Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup triumph, the Canadian is renowned for his durability after playing all 82 regular-season games in the previous two years.
However, his average ice time has dropped to 16 minutes and 41 seconds this season, his lowest figure since 2014.
Contract situation and roster fit
The Saskatoon native is under contract through the 2027-28 campaign with a salary cap hit of $6.5m (£5.1m).
Schenn reportedly waived a 15-team no-trade clause to approve the move, despite speculation linking him with the Avalanche.
His arrival strengthens a centre group that already features Bo Horvat, Calum Ritchie, Casey Cizikas and Jean-Gabriel Pageau.
Pageau also committed his future to the club on Friday, signing a three-year extension worth $4.85m annually just before the deadline.
Playoff implications
The move signals clear intent from New York, who currently sit third in the Metropolitan Division with 75 points from 63 games.
They remain just three points clear of the Columbus Blue Jackets in a tight race for postseason qualification.
Conversely, the trade marks a retooling phase for St Louis, who receive Drouin on a deal running through next season at a $4m cap hit.
Formula 1 has confirmed a sweeping set of regulation changes for the 2026 season, introducing active aerodynamics and a revised qualifying format to accommodate an expanded grid.
The sport is preparing for one of the most significant technical overhauls in its history.
Regulations have been updated to reflect the arrival of General Motors brand Cadillac, bringing the field to 11 teams and 22 cars.
Active aerodynamics replace DRS
The traditional Drag Reduction System (DRS) will be retired in favour of a new active aerodynamic setup.
Cars will feature adjustable front and rear wings that transition between two distinct configurations.
Drivers will utilise ‘Z-Mode’ to generate maximum downforce through corners.
On designated straights, they can switch to a low-drag ‘X-Mode’ regardless of their proximity to other competitors.
To facilitate wheel-to-wheel action, a ‘Manual Override’ function has been introduced.
When within one second of the car ahead, a driver can deploy an additional burst of electrical energy to maintain high speeds for longer than their rival.
Engine overhaul and sustainable fuels
The 2026 power units have been redesigned to deliver an equal split between internal combustion and electrical power.
Complex heat recovery systems, known as the MGU-H, have been removed from the regulations.
To compensate, the output of the kinetic energy recovery system (MGU-K) has been tripled.
The FIA has also revised start procedures to allow drivers to build engine revs, countering potential turbo lag caused by the removal of the MGU-H.
Environmental sustainability remains a priority, with all cars running on 100% sustainable ‘drop-in’ fuel.
This fuel is derived from non-food sources or atmospheric carbon capture and functions without requiring combustion chamber redesigns.
Qualifying format adjusted for 22 cars
The expansion of the grid to 22 cars has necessitated changes to the knockout qualifying format.
Six drivers will now be eliminated at the end of both Q1 and Q2, an increase from the previous five.
This ensures that the final pole position shootout remains a battle between the top 10 cars.
The duration of Q3 has also been extended to 13 minutes.
This change provides teams with additional time to recharge batteries between flying laps, preventing the session from feeling rushed.
World Cup co-hosts Mexico will deploy nearly 100,000 security personnel to protect fans at this summer’s tournament following a surge in drug cartel violence.
President Claudia Sheinbaum presented the strategy on Friday to guarantee the safety of the competition.
The move follows significant unrest in Jalisco state after the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes.
Operation ‘Plan Kukulkan’
Named after a Mayan deity, the new security initiative covers the three host cities and surrounding tourist destinations.
Roman Villalvazo Barrios, head of the coordination centre, confirmed a total force of "just over 99,000 personnel".
This figure comprises 20,000 military troops, 55,000 police officers and various private security contractors.
The massive operation will utilise 2,500 vehicles, 24 aircraft, anti-drone technology and specialist canine units to detect explosives.
Regional instability
Security is a top priority after the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) cartel reacted violently to the death of their leader.
Known as ‘El Mencho’, the wanted fugitive was killed in a military operation and buried on Monday near a base in Zapopan.
While Guadalajara has seen recent disturbances including roadblocks and shootouts, fellow host cities Mexico City and Monterrey have been spared.
The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July across Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Fifa support
Despite the volatile backdrop, global football chiefs have backed the extensive security arrangements.
Fifa and President Sheinbaum insisted the ongoing conflict would have no impact on the sporting spectacle.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino added that he feels "very reassured" by the plans for the event.
Jurgen Klopp has reportedly opened talks with Atletico Madrid regarding a return to management as a potential replacement for Diego Simeone.
The former Liverpool boss is currently serving as Red Bull’s head of global soccer following his emotional departure from Anfield in 2024.
However, reports in Spain suggest the German is now discussing a shock move to the Metropolitano Stadium.
Spanish outlet El Chiringuito claims Klopp has entered advanced negotiations with Mark Rowan, the CEO of the club’s majority shareholders Apollo.
Simeone under pressure in Madrid
Current head coach Simeone is approaching the final year of his contract in the Spanish capital.
The Argentine has not guided Los Colchoneros to a major trophy since their La Liga triumph in 2021.
Despite being the highest-paid manager in world football, faith in his long-term tenure appears to be waning among the club’s hierarchy.
Simeone recently faced Liverpool in the Champions League, where his side lost 3-2 during the initial league phase.
Red Bull tenure and Anfield links
Rumours regarding Klopp’s dissatisfaction with his current strategic position at Red Bull have circulated in recent weeks.
While the Austrian organisation previously denied seeking a replacement for the 57-year-old, speculation over his future persists.
A rapid return to the dugout could theoretically set up a Champions League meeting with his former club Liverpool later this season.
Klopp remains a legendary figure on Merseyside after ending the club’s 30-year wait for a league title and lifting their sixth European Cup.
Max Verstappen has received FIA permission to race with the number three this season after reigning world champion Lando Norris elected to use the number one on his McLaren.
The Red Bull driver has been forced to relinquish the number one plate he carried for the previous four years following his championship defeat to Norris.
McLaren’s Norris, who secured his maiden Formula 1 title last year, confirmed in December he would exercise his right to swap his customary number four for the champion’s number one.
While drivers are not obliged to carry the number one, the regulations allow the reigning champion exclusive rights to the digit for the duration of their title defence.
Returning to a favourite
Consequently, the Dutchman has opted to revert to his favourite number, three, rather than the number 33 he used prior to his first title triumph in 2021.
However, this required special dispensation from the FIA as the number was previously utilized by Daniel Ricciardo.
Formula 1 sporting regulations stipulate a racing number must remain dormant for two consecutive seasons before it can be reallocated to another competitor.
Since it has been fewer than two years since the Australian’s final race, Verstappen had to seek approval from both the governing body and his former team-mate.
“It won’t be number 33. My favourite number has always been three, apart from number one,” Verstappen told Viaplay.
“We can now swap, so it’ll be number three. The rules state that a number isn’t available until it hasn’t been used for two consecutive seasons.”
“Number 33 was always fine, but I just like one three better than two. I always said it represented double luck, but I’ve already had my luck in Formula One.”
New numbers for the new season
Verstappen becomes only the second driver to race under the number three since the personalised numbering system was introduced in 2014.
Aside from the reshuffle at the front of the grid, the majority of returning drivers have retained their existing identities for the new campaign.
Valtteri Bottas will continue his long association with number 77, while Sergio Perez remains faithful to number 11, a tribute to former footballer Ivan Zamorano.
The grid’s sole rookie, British teenager Arvid Lindblad, has selected number 41 for his debut season.
The newcomer explained that the digits were chosen as they visually resemble his initials, ‘AL’, making him the first driver to race with the number in the modern era.
India will attempt to become the first team to retain the Men’s T20 World Cup when they face New Zealand in Sunday’s final in Ahmedabad.
The hosts are aiming to secure a record third title in the tournament’s history.
Success on home soil would see them become the first side to successfully defend the trophy, two years after defeating South Africa in the 2024 showpiece.
New Zealand arrive in the final seeking to silence the home crowd and lift the trophy for the very first time.
Expectation weighs heavy on home side
A capacity crowd of over 100,000 is expected at the Narendra Modi Stadium for the blockbuster clash.
New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips believes the burden of history rests squarely on the home favourites.
Glenn Phillips, New Zealand all-rounder“I mean I guess that means only one team can fail, doesn’t it?”
The Black Caps star insisted his side would focus on enjoying the occasion rather than fearing the hostile atmosphere.
“We go out and do our best for our country and obviously a packed crowd is fantastic. We play to entertain the people and, whether they’re supporting us or whether they support India, it is fantastic for cricket in general.”
Redemption for 2023 heartbreak?
For the defending champions, Sunday represents a chance to banish the ghosts of the 2023 50-over World Cup.
India dominated that tournament on home soil only to suffer a painful defeat by Australia in the final at the same venue.
Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik believes this adds an extra layer of significance to the contest.
Dinesh Karthik, former India wicketkeeper“It’s redemption time in a way. That 2023 campaign was amazing. They were flawless all the way to the final that day and then had one bad day.”
Do not write off the Black Caps
India enter the contest as firm favourites, having beaten the Kiwis 4-1 in a T20 series earlier this year.
The holders also showed resilience to bounce back from a record defeat by South Africa in the group stages before edging past England in the semi-finals.
However, former England captain Nasser Hussain has warned against underestimating the tourists.
Nasser Hussain, former England captain“All the focus will be on India. New Zealand will do what they always do – rock up and play their best cricket. India are definitely the favourites, but do not write off New Zealand in any format.”
Tottenham defender Pedro Porro has revealed a desire to play for Real Madrid while admitting his frustration during the club’s deepening relegation crisis.
The 26-year-old spoke to Spanish radio station Cadena SER about his future ambitions amid a turbulent week for the north London side.
Porro’s comments emerged shortly after Spurs suffered a damaging 3-1 home defeat by Crystal Palace on Thursday night.
Bernabeu ambitions
The Spain international acknowledged the club’s current league form has been a “disaster” but refused to hide his long-term career goals.
With speculation surrounding Real Madrid’s defensive options, the full-back was asked about the possibility of one day wearing the famous white shirt.
“When you’re little, you dream a lot of things, but on a day-to-day basis I think about my reality,” said Porro.
“When you think about playing for the best teams in the world, you know that you still have things to improve.”
Pedro Porro via Cadena SER
Tensions boil over for Tudor
The timing of the interview coincides with a period of significant unrest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under manager Igor Tudor.
Spurs currently sit just one point above the Premier League relegation zone following a string of poor results.
Porro was visibly furious during the loss to Palace, particularly after being substituted in the 74th minute.
Witnesses reported seeing the defender “smashing everything” on the substitutes’ bench following his withdrawal.
Relegation battle intensifies
Tottenham had initially taken the lead through Dominic Solanke before the match unravelled.
The dynamic changed drastically when Micky van de Ven was sent off, allowing Palace to score three times without reply.
Tudor’s side must now regroup quickly as they face a daunting trip to Anfield to play Liverpool in nine days.
The manager will hope to recover several senior players from injury as the club fights to avoid dropping into the Championship.
Arsenal and Manchester City chase historic quadruple as domestic cup ties await
Arsenal and Manchester City have created history by becoming the first two English clubs to reach March while still in contention for the quadruple.
Both sides remain in the hunt for the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Champions League.
It marks the first time two top-flight sides have entered the business end of the season with a clean sweep of silverware still a mathematical possibility.
The two title rivals are set to meet in the EFL Cup final later this month, guaranteeing that at least one side’s pursuit will end shortly.
Before their Wembley showdown, the Gunners face League One outfit Mansfield in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s men face a stiffer test in the same competition, travelling to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United.
Following the Champions League knockout draw, the Premier League’s top two cannot meet in Europe until the final in May.
Celtic’s benchmark and English near-misses
Winning all four major trophies remains the ultimate rarity in British football.
Scottish giants Celtic famously achieved the feat in the 1966-67 campaign, culminating in their European Cup triumph over Inter Milan.
That historic squad, all born within 30 miles of Celtic Park, swept all before them to set a benchmark that has never been matched south of the border.
While Manchester United’s class of 1999 and City’s 2023 vintage secured historic trebles, neither reached the spring fighting on all four fronts.
Both iconic sides exited the League Cup at the quarter-final stage, ending their quadruple dreams in the winter months.
Liverpool did manage a variation of the feat in 1983-84, securing the First Division, European Cup and League Cup.
Recent history suggests heartbreak
In terms of longevity, Liverpool’s 2021-22 campaign stands as the closest an English club has come to the complete set.
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds had already lifted both domestic cups before missing out on the league title by a single point on the final day.
Their heartbreak was compounded six days later with a narrow defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
Chelsea also flirted with history that same season, reaching late February with four trophies in sight.
However, penalty shootout defeats to Liverpool in both domestic finals left the Blues with a consolation haul of the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.
The Stamford Bridge club also went tantalisingly close in 2006-07 under Jose Mourinho, only to fall short in the two biggest competitions.
Manchester United faced a similar fate in 2008-09, proving how difficult it is to sustain a challenge across four distinct competitions.