Columnists

Mikael Backlund ends days of speculation by signing a two-year contract extension with the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, the same day the team named the 34-year-old centre the 21st captain in franchise history. Salim Valji has more.

This week’s Ryder Cup in Rome gives the United States a chance to end the 30-year dry spell of winning on foreign soil.

Toronto captain John Tavares has started training camp skating between 20-year-old rookie Matthew Knies and Sam Lafferty as the Maple Leafs continue to experiment with line combinations during the pre-season. Mark Masters has more.

Owner of a pair of World Series rings from his time with the Giants, grizzled veteran Brandon Belt is a calming presence in the Blue Jays clubhouse and hopes to play a key role in a deep postseason run, Scott Mitchell writes.

The Cincinnati Bengals found themselves in must-win territory, staring down a potential 0-3 start against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football. Joe Burrow found a way to win the game.

Despite playing just 14 minutes for Canada’s women’s national soccer team prior to Friday’s win over Jamaica in the first leg of their Olympic qualifier, defender Sydney Collins has done everything that’s been asked of her with a Paris Games berth on the line Tuesday in Toronto. Meaghen Johnson has more.

The Toronto Raptors’ front office isn’t afraid to go big-game hunting, but is still waiting for the right catch. Might that be Portland Trail Blazers all-star guard Damian Lillard – a proven closer, lethal outside shooter and the NBA’s latest disgruntled star? Josh Lewenberg has more.

Calgary’s fortunes for the upcoming season will depend greatly on Jonathan Huberdeau’s ability to rediscover his offensive game, including using his shot on a more frequent basis, Salim Valji writes.

Former NHL player Akim Aliu filed complaint concerning the world’s largest minor hockey organization with the agency in June, Rick Westhead writes.