> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Weekend FTB: more questions than answers - URL: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/weekend-ftb-more-questions-than-answers/ - Published: 2024-07-27T10:00:56.000Z - Updated: 2024-07-27T10:00:55.000Z - Description: And an update on Patrik Laine, oh yeah, that guy. - Author: Hardev - Tags: From The Branches How did everyone enjoy the Opening Ceremonies? It was quite, umm how do you say? French. Very very French. Jeff Marek released a statement confirming the reports that he's no longer at Sportsnet. While he acknowledged the outpouring of support, why he was suddenly removed from the broadcast company is still unanswered. I guess we just have to wait and see. > After 13 great years at Sportsnet, I’m moving on. It’s been an incredible journey and I’m thankful to have worked alongside so many great people and played a role in bringing sports and hockey news to fans across Canada and the world. More to come soon. > \- Jeff > > — Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) [July 26, 2024](https://twitter.com/JeffMarek/status/1816940951425986749?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > When we started the podcast, Sportsnet asked if I wanted to do it myself or have a co-host. I liked the idea of playing off someone; [@moorescottmoore](https://twitter.com/MooreScottmoore?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) suggested Jeff Marek. > > It was brilliant. Jeff has his loopy suggestions, but they made for fun debates and great moments. > > Life… [pic.twitter.com/Pzv9SJgn0U](https://t.co/Pzv9SJgn0U?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > > — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) [July 26, 2024](https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1816952546109354417?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) This is a story to watch late into the summer and into September. Patrik Laine has been released from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, and the discussion of Laine's trade request has come to the fore once again. It seems both the player and front office are in agreement on a move and it's just down to finding another team or two to make it work. I don't see Marner for Laine having any legs, even if the Blue Jackets throw in a big future prospect (it would have to be a package for Marner). Laine is just too much of an unknown when it comes to how well he can play or whether he can at all based on his track record. Losing Marner on top of it and the Leafs might struggle to make the playoffs. > “Patrik’s made it clear that, even before all the changes this summer, he would like a fresh start someplace. We will look at it when the time comes – which hopefully is very soon – all the options. Now, I can’t rule out any options, even returning here because it takes two teams to make a trade and if there’s not a trade that makes any sense to us, then we have to just deal with what reality is." [Columbus Blue Jackets Patrik Laine cleared to return from NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance ProgramLaine recorded six goals and nine points in 18 games in 2023-24.![](https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/apple-touch-icon.png)Daily FaceoffShane Seney![](https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/_next/image?url=https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/USATSI_21632569_168383996_lowres.jpg&w=1200&q=75)](https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/columbus-blue-jackets-patrik-laine-cleared-to-return-from-nhl-nhlpa-player-assistance-program?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) THN is making a Daily Faceoff-esque lineup section on their website. On it has the active roster, non-roster players, and prospects. The contracts are up to date as of right now, but I find one of the hardest parts of making any cap site is keeping up with all the transactions around the league. The other is understanding all the league's esoteric rules and being the recognized authority on the subject. Both of which CapFriendly had. > The Hockey News is incredibly excited to launch a brand new home for NHL projected lineups, depth charts and roster related news led by former CapFriendly depth-chart guru [@NHL\_Rosters](https://twitter.com/NHL%5FRosters?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com): [https://t.co/tNYRbfz241](https://t.co/tNYRbfz241?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > > — The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) [July 25, 2024](https://twitter.com/TheHockeyNews/status/1816554043294253401?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) The hole is getting deeper for Soccer Canada as more reporting on Drone-gate is unveiling this has been going on for years. > Our new reporting today: > \*17 Canadian men's team players were shown a video of a Honduran team's closed practice two days before the countries played in a World Cup qualifying game. > \*Staff members of Canada's national women's U16 team were allegedly engaged in spying as early as… [https://t.co/e8GhDEBrv4](https://t.co/e8GhDEBrv4?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > > — Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) [July 26, 2024](https://twitter.com/rwesthead/status/1816962732379242977?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) World soccer GOAT, Christine Sinclair, put out a statement strongly denying she and her team ever saw or discussed drone footage in her 23 years with the national team. > Christine Sinclair has released a statement. She states that in her 23 years with the national team, players were never shown or discussed drone footage. [pic.twitter.com/792RXhNLjA](https://t.co/792RXhNLjA?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > > — Meaghen Johnson (@MeaghenJohnson) [July 26, 2024](https://twitter.com/MeaghenJohnson/status/1816886087106658499?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) It should be noted the first person who was charged and removed from Paris, Joseph Lombardi, was new to the women's team as of 2023 and had previously worked on various youth teams. Rick Westhead's reporting focuses on a report accusing men's coach John Herdman of spying. > Update: Concacaf confirms some of our reporting in this story. > Concacaf spokesman Nick Noble says in the summer of 2022 at the Concacaf Women's Championship in Monterey, Mexico, Panamanian Football Federation staff believed a drone was flying over their practice and suspected… [https://t.co/yC9bNCjm7E](https://t.co/yC9bNCjm7E?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) > > — Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) [July 26, 2024](https://twitter.com/rwesthead/status/1816960014688342329?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) And for crying out loud, put your nationalism and pride down for a second and back off Westhead and TSN for revealing the truth of what's going on here. Don't like how this looks on Canada? Be mad at the people who did it.