Inside Mitch Marners Record-Breaking Streak for the Toronto Maple Leafs

While not the capital of Canada, Toronto is certainly the jewel of the nation. Home to famous faces like Gloria Reubens, who was raised in the city’s suburbs, it, of course, also boasts a tremendous hockey heritage. Maple Leafs fans are among the most numerous and avid in the NHL, and this season, they look primed for glory.

Time and time again, Buds are in the news for ranking among the best-selling in the league overall and for player jersey sales. This season, it’s the Justin Bieber hockey jersey made in collaboration with the Maple Leafs that’s been the best-seller.

On the ice, the team is putting in a strong campaign. At the 26-game mark, nearly one-third of the way through, Toronto sat comfortably in second in the Atlantic Division with a .692 win percentage having just witnessed history.

Star winger Mitchell Marner, himself from Ontario, has been lighting the lamp relentlessly in the 2022/23 campaign. On December 3, his multi-point night secured his place in the history books of the storied Maple Leafs franchise. Now, the 25-year-old boasts the record for the longest point streak in the team’s history.

Marner makes history with 19 in a row

Mitch Marner started the season hot, netting an assist or goal in four consecutive games. He couldn’t get on the box score against the Dallas Stars on October 20, set up a goal against the Winnipeg Jets on October 22, but missed out on scoring against the Vegas Golden Knights on October 24.

Then, the streak began. On October 27, against the lowly San Jose Sharks in California, Marner put up a goal and an assist. That would be the first game of 19 consecutive games that stat trackers would need to note his number.

By November 28, Marner had 17 games with at least one point, totaling six goals and 26 points through to the 4-2 win against the Detroit Red Wings on the road. A goal when hosting the San Jose Sharks on November 30 tied Marner with the franchise record of points in 18 consecutive games, sitting alongside Eddie Olcyzk and Darryl Sittler.

On December 3, knowing that he just needed an assist to set the new record, Marner and the Maple Leafs had to face the menacing Tampa Bay Lightning – a team that continually stifles the Buds, most recently in the 2022 playoffs.

While it went down as an overtime loss, Marner’s two goals secured him as the record-setter. The goal that made it 19-in-a-row came short-handed and gave the Buds a 1-0 lead in the second period.

Marner’s momentum buoying the Maple Leafs

Coming into the season, all eyes were on the face of the franchise, Auston Matthews, following his incredible 2021/22 campaign. The Arizona-raised center scored a massive 60 goals and 106 points in 73 games, with many expecting him to do much of the same in 2022/23.

This season, Matthews has been slow to get going, scoring a fair 28 points in 26 games, but not dominating as he did in the Hart Trophy-winning campaign. Importantly, many see this as a make-or-break season for the Maple Leafs. Five-straight losses in the first round of the playoffs see time running out for this talented roster.

Even with Matthews not hitting the same heights as last season, the likes of Marner have rallied to keep the Buds in good standing. In the online betting markets, the Maple Leafs are only trailing the Boston Bruins among Eastern Conference contenders with odds of +450 to the +275 of Beantown. That said, it’s not just the Eastern Conference vying for the Stanley Cup. The Western Conference – which is much less competitive for its top teams – is home to the reigning champions, the Colorado Avalanche, who’re the favorites at +500 to retain the Cup. Just ahead of Toronto is Vegas at +850.

Toronto certainly has a team with enough quality to win the Cup. The city that Brittany Bristow calls home boasts Matthews, Marner, John Tavares, William Nylander, Jake Muzzin, and Morgan Reilly, and the gamble on Ilya Samsonov and Matt Murray in tandem looks to be paying off.

However, weighing down those +900 odds for Toronto to finally grab the Stanley Cup is the mental block that continues to hold them back. Five first-round exits in a row, even with the team having most of its current star players in each, has held the team back and stopped it from getting vital postseason experience.

Still, Marner has stepped up in a big way, and many expect Matthews to also regain his scoring touch as the season progresses. It will be tough for the Buds to break the streak, but its stars are performing well, and there’ll be an increased impetus to go deep with the future of the core uncertain past the summer.

All You Need to Know About Jevon Holland: The Highest-Profile Canadian in the NFL Right Now

There are 18 Canadian players on the active rosters of NFL teams in the 2023-24 season. None are catching the eye more than Jevon Holland. The 23-year-old Coquitlam-born safety was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2021 after impressing in two seasons of college football with the Oregon Ducks.

Holland has not looked back ever since, establishing himself as a regular in the Dolphins team, posting some serious tackle and interception figures.

In fact, Holland is now the starting free safety position for Miami. So far in 2023, Holland has registered 44 solo tackles, just four shy of the 48 he amassed in his entire debut season in 2021.

Holland and the Dolphins are in great shape for a 2024 Super Bowl bid

Holland could be celebrating winning his first Lombardi Trophy next year too if the bookmakers’ odds are to be believed. The Dolphins are currently rated as +800 fifth favorites to land the 2024 Super Bowl with the Ontario-licensed sports betting online operator Betano, which has served the Canadian province since receiving its license in October 2022.

Holland’s first ever NFL touchdown was a big one – in more ways than one!

Holland played a key role in the Dolphins’ recent victory over the New York Jets. Holland completed a stunning interception of a hail Mary pass, before returning it with interest for a stunning 99-yard touchdown. It was the first touchdown of Holland’s NFL career and it steered Miami to a comfortable 34-13 victory.

It’s a win which keeps Miami firmly top of the AFC East. In fact, only the Baltimore Ravens have made a better start to the 2023-24 NFL season in the AFC.

The British Columbian safety did more than assist the Dolphins in their quest for victory over the Jets that day. His full-field return triggered an eagerly anticipated giveaway worth over $1 million. During the NFL preseason, electronics firm TCL launched its “Ultimate Gameday Upgrade” committing to give away $1 million worth of 98” televisions if a player managed to score a touchdown from a minimum of 98 yards in.

Holland beat the minimum by a single yard. TCL also made sure Holland received a 98” TV too, as reward for his feat.

Holland has missed the last few games for the Dolphins after sustaining a sprain to his medial ligaments in both knees. This disappointing injury was suffered in the same game as his majestic touchdown against the Jets.

The team continues to use kid gloves with Holland, pushing him only sparingly into team practice. Holland himself admits he’s “taking his time” with his rehab to ensure he returns at the peak of his powers.

The Dolphins realize just how important Holland has become to their defense, as he also serves as the quarterback of the secondary. Head coach Mike McDaniel described Holland as being “diligent” with his recovery, especially with the chance of a deep postseason run looming.

Holland’s path to NFL stardom

Miami is reaping the rewards of recognizing Holland’s undoubted potential in the NFL after making him their second-round pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. Holland had impressed during his scholarship with the Oregon Ducks in the same way as outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, who was later recruited by the New York Giants.

Holland’s rookie season saw him display his physical prowess from day one. He exhibited a rare combination of athleticism, football intelligence, and a knack for disrupting opposing offenses. His ability to cover ground in the secondary, make crucial tackles, and create turnovers has earned him rave reviews from Dolphins fans and respect from his peers across the league.

Beyond his on-field contributions, Holland’s leadership qualities and adaptability have also been noteworthy. Whether patrolling the backfield or contributing on special teams, Holland has quickly established himself as a versatile asset to the Dolphins.

Santi Aldama Is Getting Married to His Girlfriend Pilar Barquin

Santi Aldama is a Spanish professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Memphis Grizzlies.

Before being drafted into the NBA, he was a Loyola Greyhounds basketball player in college. Likewise, he was selected as the 2019 FIBA U18 European Championship’s most valuable player (MVP).

2023 was a very important year for Aldama —  both professionally and personally. He scored his career high in February 2023 and got engaged to his girlfriend in September 2023.

Santi Aldama’s relationship with future wife and dating history

Aldama has been dating his girlfriend, Pilar Barquin, for quite some time. He is very secretive about his personal life, so he has not revealed anything about his dating history or his past relationships.

As a result of his privacy, it’s unknown if he had dated anyone before he began dating his future wife. Similarly, the details of his relationship with his girlfriend-turned-fiancee are not known. It is unknown when the duo first met or how they started dating.

However, it looks like they have been together before the summer of 2021. Barquin first posted her boyfriend on Instagram in July 2021.

She posted a series of photos with his with the caption, “un día más admirándote y sintiéndome la persona más afortunada del mundo!! Enhorabuena,” which roughly translates to “One more day admiring you and feeling like the luckiest person in the world!! Congratulations.”

Since then, Barquin has been more comfortable sharing photos of her boyfriend on her social media. On the other hand, Aldama first posted about his girlfriend and revealed that he was dating Barquin in May 2022. 

Since they have been dating, Aldama and his girlfriend have celebrated Christmas together with their family. After dating for at least two years, the duo got engaged in September 2023.

Santi Aldama might get married to his girlfriend soon. (Source: Instagram)

They uploaded photos showing off the engagement ring on their Instagram with the caption, “así empezamos el verano 🤍 sí para siempre!!!!!!,” which translates to, “So we started the summer 🤍 yes forever!!!!!!”

To date, it is unknown if the two have married or if they are just engaged. Aldama has not referred to Barquin as his wife, and neither has Barquin referred to the athlete as her husband.

So, it looks like the two are not married yet but might be planning for their dream wedding. For now, fans of the NBA star will have to wait patiently to see their favorite player share the wedding vows with his partner.

Santi Aldama’s family and career

Aldama was raised in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain. He began playing basketball at the age of three because of his family.

He was inspired by his own family, especially his father, Santiago, who played professional basketball in Spain and Portugal before joining the Spanish national team in the 1992 Summer Olympics. His uncle, Santi Toledo, also played professional basketball in Spain, Italy, and Portugal.

Aldama began his basketball career with Canterbury Basketball Academy in Las Palmas and subsequently elected to stay there despite having offers from major clubs such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Gran Canaria.

He averaged 18.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while playing for Canterbury with Oumar Ballo in the 2017 Spanish Under-16 Championship. 

He was instrumental in his side finishing third, behind FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Aldama spent 2018 on loan with FC Barcelona’s under-18 team in the Ciutat de L’Hospitalet qualifications for the Adidas Next Generation competition.

Aldama declared his commitment to play collegiate basketball for Loyola Maryland on August 5, 2019. He was lured to the school because his father knew assistant coach Ivo Simovi and because Aldama hoped to one day work in business, and he felt at ease when he visited in June 2019. 

Many analysts were surprised by Aldama’s decision to play for a mid-major program as he was considered a four-star recruit and a high-major player. 

Aldama was out for the first three months of his rookie season due to a knee ailment that necessitated surgery. On February 1, 2020, he made his college debut for Loyola Maryland, scoring 11 points in 17 minutes in a 79-73 win over Navy.

In four weeks, Aldama was voted Patriot League Rookie of the Week three times. He was chosen to the Patriot League All-Rookie Team at the completion of the regular season.

He had a season-high 23 points in a 78-75 defeat to Lehigh in the first round of the Patriot League tournament on March 3. In 10 games as a freshman, Aldama averaged 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 blocks.

Aldama had 30 points and 22 rebounds in a 97-94 quadruple overtime defeat to Lafayette on February 13, 2021. He broke the program record for most rebounds in a game and tied Adonal Foyle’s Patriot League record. 

Aldama had a career-high 33 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 13 of 15 from the field in a 67-63 win over Army in the Patriot League tournament quarterfinals on March 10, 2021. He assisted Loyola in reaching its first Patriot League championship game.

He was named First Team All-Patriot League as a sophomore after averaging 21.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game. Aldama declared for the NBA draft on April 14, 2021, while still retaining his collegiate eligibility. 

Later, he decided to stay in the draft. The Utah Jazz selected Aldama with the 30th overall choice in the 2021 NBA Draft. Later, his rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. 

The Grizzlies confirmed Aldama’s signing on August 8, 2021. Aldama had a season-high 18 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block in a 152-79 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 2, 2021.

Aldama was added to the Grizzlies’ 2022 NBA Summer League squad. On July 18, 2022, he was chosen to the All-NBA Summer League Second Team.

With Jaren Jackson Jr. out, Aldama was designated the Grizzlies’ starting power forward to begin the 2022-23 season. On 19 October, he earned his first career start, earning a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds in a 115-112 overtime win over the New York Knicks.

Aldama scored a career-high 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a 128-113 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 2, 2023. Currently, he is still signed to the Memphis Grizzlies, and is reported that he is earning a $2,194,200 salary for the 2023/2024 season. 

Ochai Agbaji’s Salary is Seven Figures Due to His Contract With Utah Jazz

Ochai Agbaji is a basketball player for the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association (NBA). 

He was awarded a unanimous first-team All-American and Big 12 Player of the Year as a senior at the University of Kansas in 2022. He was also voted the Final Four Most Outstanding Player (MOP) after leading the Jayhawks to a national title.

The Cleveland Cavaliers selected Agbaji with the 14th overall choice in the 2022 NBA draft. However, before playing a regular-season game in Cleveland, he was dealt to the Utah Jazz in September 2022.

He has already signed a contract with the Utah Jazz, and it is reported that his salary, according to the contract, is worth millions. Here is all we know about it, as well as his net worth and family!

Ochai Agbaji’s salary and net worth

Agbaji is one of the fastest-rising stars in the NBA, and his career has just started. But despite being a newcomer, it is reported that his net worth is approximately $6 million.

That said, his net worth is bound to fluctuate because of his salary and the contract he has signed with the Utah Jazz. In the 2022/2023 season, his salary was $3,918,360. According to his contract, his salary will reportedly increase significantly with every season.

Ochai Agbaji has a high net worth due to his salary, according to his NBA contract. (Source: Instagram)

His salary for the 2023/2024 season is $4,114,200; for the 2024/25 season, it is $4,310,280; for the 2025/26 season, he will be earning $6,383,525; and for the 2026/27 season, he will be getting a whopping $8,879,483. 

Moreover, his contract includes around $100,000 in likely incentives. He is also bound to get bonuses and endorsements in the future as he advances in his career.

As a result, Agbaji’s net worth will be significantly higher in the future than it is right now because of his salary and contract with the Utah Jazz.

Ochai Agbaji’s family and career

Agbaji was raised in Kansas City, Missouri, with his family but was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Initially, he chose football as his career.

A picture of Ochai Agbaji with his parents (Photo: Twitter)

He grew up playing football, both club football and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball, thanks to his father’s support. He quit football as a sophomore at Oak Park High School in Kansas City, Missouri, to concentrate on his basketball career.

During his Oak Park basketball career, he did not earn any Power Five college offers until his final year. 

He was selected Kansas City Star All-Metro Player of the Year as a senior after averaging 27.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game for Oak Park. According to 247Sports and Rivals, the athlete was a three-star recruit.

On February 8, 2018, he chose Kansas over Texas A&M and Wisconsin to play collegiate basketball. Agbaji was a part of the scout team during his freshman year at the University of Kansas.

His redshirt was removed in early January 2019 because Kansas needed depth after Udoka Azubuike sustained a season-ending injury and Silvio De Sousa faced eligibility difficulties. He earned his first career start on January 29, 2019, scoring 24 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and swiping the ball twice in a defeat against Texas. 

In his following game, a victory over Texas Tech, he got his first double-double. For his two efforts, Agbaji was named Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Week. As a freshman, he averaged 8.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in 22 games, including 16 starts. 

He made his sophomore season debut on November 5, 2019, scoring 15 points in a defeat against fourth-ranked Duke at the Champions Classic. He earned Honourable Mention All-Big 12 during his second season.

He averaged 10 points and 4.2 rebounds per game as a sophomore and was second on the team with 46 three-pointers. As a junior, he scored 14.1 points per game while shooting 42% from the field. 

He declared for the NBA draft on April 8, 2021, while still retaining his collegiate eligibility. On November 9, 2021, Agbaji made his senior season debut, scoring 29 points in an 87-74 victory over Michigan State at the Champions Classic. 

He scored a career-high 37 points in a 94-91 double overtime win over Texas Tech on January 24, 2022. At the end of the season, Agbaji was selected Big 12 Player of the Year and a unanimous first-team All-American. 

Kansas won the 2022 NCAA tournament, and he was voted tournament MVP after scoring 12 points in the final game. He declared for the NBA draft on April 24, 2022. The Cleveland Cavaliers picked him with the 14th overall choice in the 2022 NBA draft, and the athlete signed his rookie scale deal with the Cavaliers on July 2, 2022.

Agbaji was dealt to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Donovan Mitchell on September 1, 2022, along with Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, three first-round selections, and two pick swaps. On October 19, Agbaji made his NBA debut, playing one minute in a 123-102 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

Agbaji set a career-best with 28 points against the Nuggets on April 8, 2023. Currently, he is still pursuing his career with the Utah Jazz.

In fact, he is not the only one from his family involved in sports. His father, Olofu, who immigrated to the United States from Nigeria when he was 17 years old, was an avid football fan.

Olofu, along with Agbaji’s mother, Erica, were basketball players at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Similarly, Agbaji’s sister, Orie, played volleyball in Texas. All in all, Agbaji comes from a family with a major interest in sports. 

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