National Sports

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens locked up first-overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky and beefed up their depth with one-year contracts as NHL free agency opened Wednesday.

After facing packed defences against Trinidad and Tobago, Panama and Costa Rica in the group stage, Canada expects a more attacking challenge from Jamaica on Thursday in the semifinal of the CONCACAF W Championship in Mexico.

MONTREAL — Danny Maciocia wants to see the Alouettes play with a lot more pace. The Montreal general manager says he met with the team Friday to share his vision after taking over head coaching duties on an interim basis from the fired Khari Jones.

TORONTO — Canada will get a taste of World Cup opposition in September with games in Europe against Qatar and Uruguay ahead of the men's soccer showcase in Qatar in November. Both matches will take place in Vienna, against Qatar on Sept.

Evgeni Malkin decided to return to the Pittsburgh Penguins after all, Evander Kane chose to stay in Edmonton, and the goalie carousel kept spinning a day before the the NHL's free agency period opened. Malkin late Tuesday night signed a $24.

Buying season is almost upon NHL general managers. Free agency opens Wednesday at 12 p.m. ET with plenty of intriguing situations and scenarios. There are stars poised to potentially leave the only team they've ever played for.

Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Jeremiah Masoli took to social media Tuesday night to address the vicious hit that knocked him out of last week's road loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

TORONTO — After a miserable 1-6 road trip, the Toronto Blue Jays kicked off a two-game interleague series with a much-needed 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Florida State League will limit defensive shifts by drawing chalk lines in a pie shape from second base to the outfield grass starting July 22, prohibiting infielders from the marked area pre-pitch in an experiment that could incr

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Alex Palou's top priority remains winning a second straight IndyCar championship. His future after this year is looking awfully murky.