Maple Leafs have the perfect seller's trio — 3 bargain bin trade targets — and more

Toronto is set up to make some moves.

Right now, Alexandra Eala is one of the most talked-about names in tennis, drawing attention, no matter what she is doing on or off the court.

When she wins, it is just another step forward in her steady rise, as she continues to break new ground for her country every time she hits a new career high.

But when things do not go her way, the criticism can get sharp. Some start to say that Eala is not living up to all the hype around her name.

The 20-year-old will likely always find it difficult to consistently perform at the high level demanded by her dedicated fan base. However, most fans fortunately do not expect her to win titles regularly or achieve top-ten victories all the time.

Despite the inherent nature of sports to attract quick criticism of a struggling superstar, Kim Clijsters commended Alexandra Eala.

The Filipina earned this praise for her resilience, refusing to be discouraged after her early first-round defeat at the Australian Open.

Kim Clijsters highlights areas of Alex Eala’s game that need work

The four-time Grand Slam champion started her Love All podcast by highlighting Eala’s skills.

“Well, there’s a lot of things that she does really well, and I think there’s a lot of things that make her opponents feel very uncomfortable. You know, one of the things that she can’t control is that she’s a left-hander,” she said.

Clijsters added: “Her forehand is really good, but I think her backhand is better, her backhand is a little bit more of an aggressive shot, whereas the combination of her aggressive baseline shots with her backhand and then the ability to hit a heavier spin and make your opponent kind of step back a little bit behind the baseline, being able to make the angle with her forehand and open up the court.

Clijsters went on to discuss Eala’s mental strength: “She’s still very young, but we see the mental growth as well.

“You know, having that support, like, we talk about that, but at times, and we saw it this year, after the Australian Open where Rafa, you know, spoke out about, you know, being a little bit of a protector for her as well, because when she lost to Alycia Parks at the Australian Open in a close three setter, she also got a lot of hate from her fans and from the Philippine world and the fans that support her from her home country.

“And so, you know, there’s a lot of new things that she’s dealing with, that’s such a young age as well, and she’s been in Spain for many years since I think she was 13 years old.

“I think she moved to Spain and trained at Rafa’s Academy and has been, you know, around people with a mindset that demands a lot, but is also very focused on, you have to put in the work, you are respectful, and she’s been around that environment, and I think there’s no coincidence that she has the results that she has.

“But I think it’s going to be very important for her to be a little bit protected from the craziness that comes with that all as well, and just the ability to keep focusing on what she has to do.”

Despite increasing scrutiny, Eala continues her steady ascent, achieving yet another career-high ranking last week.

Kim Clijsters draws Michael Jordan comparison for Alex Eala

Clijsters was not done there, saving perhaps her highest praise for the end of her comments.

She went as far as to draw a comparison between Eala and Michael Jordan, highlighting the level of fame she has reached in her home country.

The four-time Grand Slam winner explained: “She has done great things so far at a young age, but, you know, still has some improvements to get to, and consistency is something that is going to be very important. A lot of players know her now, know her strengths, know her weaknesses.

“So that’s something that she’s going to have to deal with as well, is to make sure that she can make her strengths become even stronger, but work on some of the weaknesses and yeah, and deal with, you know, this life of being, you know, like Michael Jordan in the Philippines.

“People just think it’s online, and it’s in the news and everything, but it’s, it’s not easy to, I think, to deal with, you know, changes like that.”

Read more:

Arsenal and Chelsea Circle Honest Ahanor as Premier League Battle Looms

Credit to Caught Offside for first reporting the growing Premier League interest in Atalanta’s teenage defender, Honest Ahanor.

Rise in Bergamo

At just 18, Ahanor has forced his way into the wider European conversation. As reported, “At just 18 years old, Honest Ahanor has emerged as one of the most exciting defensive prospects in European football.” That is not a label handed out lightly, particularly in a season shaped by intense domestic and continental competition.

The Atalanta full back has featured 25 times in all competitions, gaining exposure in Serie A and the Champions League. For a teenager operating in one of Europe’s most tactically demanding leagues, that volume speaks to trust as much as talent. Atalanta’s model, patient, technical and structured, has long prized intelligent defenders capable of stepping into midfield and sustaining pressure high up the pitch. Ahanor appears to fit that mould seamlessly.

Modern Profile Attracts Attention

Caught Offside describe him as physically robust, quick across the ground and adept in defensive duels. They note his “ability to overlap, deliver accurate crosses and recover quickly in transition,” painting him as “the prototype of the modern attacking full-back or even a hybrid centre-back in systems requiring tactical flexibility.”

That versatility is gold dust in the Premier League. Managers increasingly demand defenders who can form a back three in possession, advance into midfield, or hold width as wingers drift inside. Ahanor’s profile suggests he is comfortable across those shifting roles. One scout is quoted as saying privately, “He plays with the composure of someone far older,” an observation that feels pertinent given his age.

Arsenal and Chelsea Monitoring Closely

Interest from England appears concrete. “Scouts from Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly watched Ahanor live in recent months.” City and Arsenal are said to be evaluating bids “in the region of €35 million,” a fee that underlines both promise and projection.

Photo IMAGO

Chelsea, in keeping with their recruitment strategy, “could pursue a structured deal involving a loan spell to accelerate his development before integrating him into their first team.” That model has become familiar, securing talent early and refining it elsewhere.

Atalanta’s stance is firm. They view Ahanor as untouchable and would prefer to retain him for at least another season. Continued Serie A exposure would likely raise both his experience and valuation, a calculation that makes financial and sporting sense.

For Arsenal and Chelsea, the dilemma is clear. Move now and pay for potential, or wait and risk watching the price climb further.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal perspective, this feels like a familiar crossroads. The club have invested heavily in youth with upside, yet the squad now sits at a stage where refinement, not overhaul, is required. Ahanor’s profile is intriguing, particularly his capacity to operate as a hybrid defender in possession. That tactical flexibility would suit a side that often builds with a back three shape.

However, €35 million for an 18 year old remains a calculated gamble. Arsenal supporters may ask whether resources would be better allocated to immediate attacking reinforcement. There is also the question of pathway. With established options already in the defensive unit, would Ahanor receive the minutes required to justify such an outlay?

Chelsea’s loan strategy offers an alternative model, one that reduces short term pressure. Arsenal’s recent evolution has leaned more towards integration and continuity.

Ultimately, if Ahanor develops as projected, missing out could sting. Yet recruitment must balance vision with timing. Arsenal fans will hope that any move reflects a clear tactical plan rather than fear of losing ground to rivals.

Good morning, Collectors.

More than 250,000 Topps Now cards featuring USA Hockey hero Jack Hughes sold before the deadline yesterday, a huge number that leads me to believe at least a few people reading this hit the “Buy” button. Odds are heavily weighted against pulling anything better than a base card, but we like the optimism! One card collector guaranteed to be happy when the cards start hitting mailboxes? Michael Rubin, given Topps made a quick 7-figures off the card run.

SI.com: The National and Sports Cards Nonsense Media Turn the Hobby’s Biggest Show Into a Year-Round Story

The National Sports Collectors Convention is expanding beyond its annual show through a new partnership with the Sports Cards Nonsense Media Network, aiming to become a year-round storytelling platform centered on collectors and community. New initiatives include “National Stories,” highlighting attendee experiences, and the Youth Collector Clubs program, which uses collecting to teach financial literacy and entrepreneurship. The National, which drew more than 100,000 attendees in 2025, will be back in Rosemont, Il July 29th- August 2nd.

Sports Collectors Daily: Sports Stars Come Out for Topps’ Hobby Rip Night

Topps’ Hobby Rip Night returned with roughly 800 shops worldwide hosting collectors for breaks of 2026 Topps Series 1 and other products, with giveaways, athletes and shop events driving turnout. Big names including Tom Brady, Mike Trout, Chris Sale, Cooper Flag and Caleb Williams made appearances and hung with collectors. The night also produced headline hits, including pulls like…

ABC7: Shohei Ohtani Baseball Card Pulled by Collector in Claremont Could be Worth More than $1M

… A potentially 7-figure Ohtani 1/1! The owner, who pulled the card at Legend’s Attic in Claremont, CA (Dodgers Country) plans to hold for now, though we’ll see how long “for now” lasts. Legend’s Attic owner? Dodger great Orel Hershiser.

cllct: St. John’s Cancels Final “One Piece” Promotion Amid Security Concerns

St. John’s canceled its final “One Piece” giveaway ahead of Saturday’s game vs. Villanova at MSG, citing security concerns. The promotion has drawn massive crowds chasing cards that have been selling for hundreds on the secondary market, with incidents like a Rutgers burglary heightening scrutiny. While rumors of $2 million in stolen cards were exaggerated, schools have adjusted logistics as demand outpaced expectations. The promotion spanned five schools and 15 total games.

Mantel: Collecting Medal-Worthy Victory Laps

Alysa Liu victory lap time, since her autos have jumped from ~$25 to around $200 after winning Gold in Milan. Writer J.R. Fickle, who has been on pushing Liu autos since late last year, has not been shy about yelling “Told Ya!”. And given he made good money selling his tickets to previous One Piece Night’s at Rutgers, well before the promotions were canceled, we can expect more gloating in next week’s newsletter.

The Athletic: Victor Wembanyama, the Artist: The Little Alien Doodle Making his Autograph More Valuable

Victor Wembanyama’s “alien” doodle inscriptions have become one of the hobby’s most lucrative modern autograph premiums. Jerseys with the doodle have been priced near $3,000, while cards show even larger gaps — a 2023-24 Topps Mercury Foilfractor Auto 1/1 with an alien sold for $170,800, nearly $100K more than a comparable example without it. So it’s no wonder Nikola Jokic asked for the alien when getting Wemby’s auto after last week’s NBA All Star Game.

LA Times: DVDs Are the New Vinyl Records: Why Gen Z is Embracing Physical Media

Physical media is showing early signs of a niche resurgence, particularly among younger cinephiles. Los Angeles video stores like Vidiots and Cinefile report rising rentals, memberships, and foot traffic, while Barnes & Noble says disc sales are up mid-double digits. The appeal centers on ownership, permanence, and relief from streaming fatigue, with boutique labels like Criterion seeing strong growth. If you are touring a Gen Zer through a video store, which DVD are you telling them to pull off the shelf first?

Disturbing news has emerged from this week’s DP World Tour event in South Africa.

Two-time tour winner Andrea Pavan has reportedly been badly injured in what has been described as a freak accident away from the course.

Early details suggest the incident involved an elevator malfunction.

While the situation is serious, initial reports indicate his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Andrea Pavan injured after falling down elevator shaft

According to multiple sources on site, Pavan fell down an elevator shaft after the doors opened on his floor, but the elevator car itself was not there.

It is understood he fell from multiple floors in the incident.

The Italian was reportedly rushed for medical treatment and underwent surgery that lasted several hours.

Those close to the situation have indicated that, although he sustained significant injuries, they are not thought to be life-threatening.

Official confirmation from tournament organisers or Pavan’s representatives has not yet been received, and further medical updates are expected in due course.

The DP World Tour community has been left shocked by the news, with many calling for thoughts and support for Pavan and his family during what is clearly an incredibly difficult time.

Andrea Pavan’s career on the DP World Tour

Pavan, currently ranked world number 249, is a two-time DP World Tour winner.

His breakthrough victory came at the 2018 Czech Masters, before he claimed one of the biggest titles of his career at the 2019 BMW International Open, defeating Matthew Fitzpatrick in a playoff.

While he has yet to make a major championship breakthrough, missing the cut in all three of his major appearances, Pavan has long been regarded as a respected and consistent competitor on the European circuit.

He was competing in South Africa this week before the accident occurred.

Read more: