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'The Professor' offers a lesson or two for young Russian players

Dominic Moore Premier Jersey When your nickname is "The Professor," there's a certain expectation that you'll be intelligent, think deep thoughts and possess wisdom beyond that of your peers. For Igor Larionov, the one true professor in hockey circles, these expectations are increased because of his legacy as the playmaking center that drove the fabled Russian Green Unit, which also included wingers Vladimir Krutov and Sergei Makarov, and defensemen Slava Fetisov and Alexei Kasatonov. In a 26-year career on both sides of the Atlantic, Larionov's list of accomplishments is lengthy, although his two Olympic gold medals, three Stanley Cups and enshrinement in the Hockey Hall of Fame highlight his status as a bona fide legend. Twelve years since he played his final game, Larionov's opinions remain relevant because he has remained a central figure in Russian hockey by becoming a well-respected player agent. Although he's based mostly in Detroit, Larionov specializes in helping young Russian teenagers navigate a complicated North American hockey landscape for the first time. He has two NHL players, six KHL players and two in the Canadian Hockey League. Larionov's most notable current NHL client is Edmonton Oilers right wing Nail Yakupov. Torey Krug Youth Jersey "Myself, I've been involved in hockey for a long time, where I think I know every detail of how to be successful," Larionov told ESPN.com recently. "I try to help the young guys to get a career and have a smooth transition from junior hockey to pro hockey." Larionov was recently in San Jose, where he was honored during the Sharks' yearlong celebration of the team's 25th anniversary season. It was there that ESPN.com caught up with the 55-year-old to discuss his role as an agent and get his opinion on several pertinent issues surrounding hockey today. Dan Marrazza: What do you feel are your most important responsibilities while representing your clients? Igor Larionov: It's about the education of the players. Nowadays ... things are different than they were 20 years ago. The success and the money, I find that sometimes when you have success and you're young, you think it's going to be forever. I help them to stay focused, analyze every time they play and all the details, like preparation. I try to pass my knowledge and my experiences to these players to play long, be successful and avoid dangers because it's a dangerous game in a lot of ways. DM: You're an agent for both NHL and KHL players. What's the biggest difference between representing a player in the two leagues? Lakers Louis Williams Jersey IL: Different type of negotiations. The market in the NHL is much harder because the scouting system and the scouts all watch the players for quite a few years. They know about the way you perform, your results, stats and what you do for the team on a consistent basis. The KHL is different. It's a different culture of the game and the development process. DM: You were part of the golden age of Russian hockey, where your teams dominated international hockey. Since then, Russian teams have struggled to win gold medals. With the World Cup coming up this year and the Olympics shortly after that, what can Russia do to get back to the top of the podium? IL: When you're talking about high-end competitions like World Cups and Olympic Games, you're talking the highest possible tournaments and competition that you can imagine. It's the best against the best. That's where they're going to have to elevate their level. When the games get tougher and the conditions get harder, somebody's got to shine and somebody's got to be the new superstar on that stage. DM: Speaking of superstars, Alex Ovechkin recently scored his 500th NHL goal. He also passed Sergei Fedorov for the most career NHL goals by a Russian-born player. How do you think Ovechkin stacks up against Russian players from the past, in particular those that spent the prime of their careers in the Soviet Union rather than the NHL? http://www.authenticyankeesshop.com/authentic-3-babe-ruth-jersey.html IL: It's hard to compare because we came to the National Hockey League at the age of, like, 30. That's what he is now. Still, Ovie's a different player than what we were. He's never been a typical Russian player. Russians are normally more based in skill. Ovie's got skill and, also, Ovie's got power. He's got the desire to drive hard every night and has a nose for the goal. He always wants to take more shots. All the Russian players, my generation, were playing a different kind of game. We played as units and more puck possession, creativity, so we did not have as many shots. But we created more scoring chances, masterpieces, when we scored goals. What stands out about him is he's a unique Russian hockey player.

Is defensive coordinator Chip Kelly's most important hire?

http://www.seahawksofficialnflonline.com/WOMENS_YOUTH_ANTHONY_MCCOY_JERSEY.html SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Jim Tomsula had a bit of a challenge filling out his coaching staff last winter, with the San Francisco 49ers staff taking on a certain NFL Europe feel as a result. Might new Niners coach Chip Kelly be facing a similar situation? It’s early in the process, sure, but Mike Vrabel turning down Kelly’s offer to become his defensive coordinator and instead remain the Houston Texans' linebackers coach is not a good look. And with word coming later Friday that Kelly had chosen to fire Eric Mangini, the sitting defensive coordinator, the chance at continuity seems to have disappeared for a unit that is going to need all the help it can with Kelly’s fast-paced offense. From that vantage point, defensive coordinator is the most important hire Kelly is going to make, and you might say he’s already 0-for-2. Yes, I realize Mangini was technically fired by Kelly, but Mangini represented familiarity and probably should have been given the opportunity to improve his defense, which was not the Niners’ glaring issue last season and showed flashes despite finishing 29th in total defense. Daryl Johnston Womens Jersey So what does Kelly, who said he will keep the Niners defense in a base 3-4 alignment, want in a defensive coordinator? After all, Kelly’s offense averaged a play every 23.1 seconds of possession in Philadelphia last season, nearly three seconds faster than the next-quickest team, and a league-low average time of possession of 26 minutes, 6 seconds. The seeming result on the other side of the ball? The Eagles' defense was gassed in the second half of games, particularly in the latter part of the season. Consider: Philadelphia fell from 22 first-half sacks last season to 13 sacks after halftime under Kelly and the Eagles gave up 36.0 points and 450.2 yards per game in Weeks 11 through 16, before he was fired with one game to play. “I’m just looking for a defensive coordinator that can shut people out,” Kelly said with a Cheshire Cat grin following his introductory news conference Wednesday. The conspiracy theory making its way around Santa Clara is that because Kelly is tight with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, noted Belichick enemy Mangini had to go, what with his role at the epicenter of Spygate. http://www.officialbroncosnflauthentic.com/WOMENS_YOUTH_CJ_ANDERSON_JERSEY.html That would also explain Kelly’s fascination with Vrabel, who played eight seasons for Belichick in New England. Regardless, the Niners’ official stance on why they chose to wait six days between Kelly’s hiring and his presser was so he could focus on compiling his staff. Thus far, his lone hires, which have yet to be announced by the 49ers, are Curtis Modkins as offensive coordinator, though Kelly himself said he would be calling in plays from the sideline, and Pat Flaherty as offensive-line coach. The defense, though, is what needs Kelly's immediate attention.

Lightning suspend Jonathan Drouin; agent says trade best for all

http://www.officialpredatorsstore.com/authentic-59-roman-josi-jersey.html The Tampa Bay Lightning have suspended disgruntled forward Jonathan Drouin without pay after he refused to report for a game Wednesday evening between the team's American Hockey League affiliate and the Toronto Marlies. Tampa Bay general manager Steve Yzerman made the announcement via a news release Wednesday evening and said the team would make no further comment on the situation. However, Drouin's agent, Allan Walsh, said in a statement that the Lightning had told Drouin they were nearing a trade involving him and that Drouin asked to sit out games to avoid an injury that could derail the trade. The team refused his request, so Drouin opted to not report, Walsh said. Tanner Glass Premier Jersey "In light of the latest developments, it is clearly in both sides' best interests that the Tampa Bay Lightning trade Jonathan as there is no reason for Jonathan to continue with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization in any capacity," Walsh said. The No. 3 pick in the 2013 draft, Drouin, 20, has not developed as expected as a top-end prospect. After scoring just twice and adding six assists in 19 games with Tampa Bay this season, he was sent to the team's AHL affiliate in Syracuse. Walsh had first asked for a trade for his client in November, but the demotion led to a public demand by Drouin and his agent to be moved. Zdeno Chara Youth Jersey Drouin has two goals and an assist in seven games with the Syracuse Crunch this season. He has just six career goals in 89 NHL games. http://www.officialhurricanesshop.com/authentic-53-jeff-skinner-jersey.html A large number of NHL teams have inquired about acquiring Drouin, who was a prolific scorer in junior hockey while playing in Halifax, but Yzerman has said he is focused on only the best interests of the hockey club, which suggests he will not be forced into making a trade that does not bring back a player in the same age bracket and with similar upside. The NHL's trade deadline is Feb. 29.

Kathryn Smith hired by Bills as NFL's first full-time female coach

http://www.officialbroncosnflauthentic.com/WOMENS_YOUTH_ANDRE_CALDWELL_JERSEY.html The Buffalo Bills made history Wednesday by hiring the NFL's first female full-time coach, naming Kathryn Smith as a special teams quality control coach. Smith served as the administrative assistant to head coach Rex Ryan this season after working for 12 years for the New York Jets, including the final six with Ryan as Jets head coach. "Kathryn Smith has done an outstanding job in the seven years that she has worked with our staff," Ryan said in a statement. "She certainly deserves this promotion based on her knowledge and strong commitment, just to name a couple of her outstanding qualities, and I just know she's going to do a great job serving in the role of Quality Control-Special Teams." "Kathryn has been working in a football administrative role and assisted the assistant coaches for years. She has proven that she's ready for the next step, so I'm excited and proud for her with this opportunity. She will work with [special teams coordinator] Danny Crossman and [special teams assistant] Eric Smith involving a number of responsibilities." Aqib Talib Womens Jersey "You can see the success some of these young ladies are having in the coaching profession, such as the young lady that is an assistant to Coach (Gregg) Popovich at the San Antonio Spurs," Ryan said, referencing Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon, the NBA's first full-time female coach, "and realize how exciting this is for women like Kathryn Smith as well as the Bills organization." Smith joined the Jets in 2003 as a game-day/special events intern before being named a college scouting intern in 2005 and a player personnel assistant in 2007. She became the assistant to Ryan in 2014. Smith replaces Michael Hamlin, who the Bills announced earlier this month would not return as special teams quality control coach. This is not the first time the Bills have broken the gender barrier. Linda Bogdan, in 1986, became the NFL's first female scout when she joined the team's player personnel department. Bogdan, who died in 2009, was the daughter of late Bills Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson. Bradley Roby Womens Jersey Several NFL teams have employed women in prominent roles in the front office. Amy Trask was the Raiders' chief executive officer for owner Al Davis from 1997 until she resigned in 2013. The Jets promoted longtime executive Jacqueline Davidson to director of football administration last season. She was previously the team's manager of football administration. Dawn Aponte is Miami's executive vice president of football administration and has been involved in the front offices of the Dolphins, Jets, Browns and the NFL for 25 years. Among others on a quickly growing list of high-ranking women in NFL franchises are Katie Blackburn, Cincinnati's executive vice president; Jeanne Bonk, San Diego's executive vice president and chief financial officer; and Hannah Gordon, San Francisco's vice president of legal and government affairs. But Smith's promotion is the latest step for women getting a chance to join the coaching ranks of North America's major professional sports. http://www.officialbroncosnflauthentic.com/WOMENS_YOUTH_BRANDON_MARSHALL_JERSEY.html In August 2014, Hammon, a former WNBA player, was hired by the Spurs to join Popovich's staff. Last month, the Seattle Mariners hired Amanda Hopkins as an area scout. In announcing the hiring, the team said Hopkins is believed to be the first woman hired as a full-time scout by a major league team since the 1950s.

Capitals G Braden Holtby leaves vs. Rangers with dehydration

Olli Jokinen Youth Jersey WASHINGTON -- Goaltender Braden Holtby is expected to be OK after leaving the Washington Capitals' game against the New York Rangers on Sunday because of dehydration. Holtby leads the NHL in victories and is considered the Capitals' team MVP by coach Barry Trotz and captain Alex Ovechkin. He left late in the second period when he was bothered by dehydration issues, but Trotz said it was not a serious problem. "I think it's playing a little bit yesterday, flying, all those things," Trotz said. "I don't think there's anything other than that." Holtby made 20 saves to pick up his league-leading 29th win, and backup Philipp Grubauer stopped all 11 shots he faced as the Capitals beat the Rangers 5-2. It was the second consecutive day Grubauer replaced Holtby, though Saturday night it was because Washington was losing to the Buffalo Sabres. Eric Staal Womens Jersey Grubauer didn't know what was wrong with Holtby. But with 2:18 left in the second period of a one-goal game, he couldn't stop to think about it. "Hae didn't get hit, so I was like, `What happened?" Grubauer said. "But at that point I can't worry too much. It's not always nice to see something like that happen. You don't always know how severe it is or what exactly happened. I hope he's OK and I think he's OK." The 26-year-old has dealt with dehydration in the past. Holtby overcame heat and dehydration to beat the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena in March 2012. Teammates were relieved to hear that Holtby was not injured. Winger Justin Williams, who recorded his second career hat trick, quipped, "Get him an IV." JJ Hickson Authentic Jersey More than that, the Capitals were glad Grubauer shut the door on the Rangers after replacing Holtby. "Yes impressed but just expected," Williams said. "To come in halfway through a game that you don't think you're playing, on back-to-back days, shows that he's ready -- mentally ready."

New England as opening favorites in title games

Malcom Brown Youth Jersey Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are favored over Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in next week's AFC Championship Game. The Patriots opened as 2.5-point favorites over the Broncos at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook shortly after Denver beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The line quickly grew to New England minus-3.5 at multiple sportsbooks in Las Vegas and offshore. New England advanced to its fifth straight championship game with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. The AFC Championship Game (3 p.m. ET Sunday) marks the 17th matchup between Manning and Brady. Brady has won 11 of the 16 previous meetings, but Manning is 2-1 when they square off in conference championship games. "We'll enjoy this one tonight. I think you knew that answer was coming," Manning said after the Broncos' victory. "To kind of quote Bill Belichick, we'll be on to New England." Darren Mcfadden Youth Jersey The first Brady-Manning meeting of the 2015 season never happened, as the Broncos quarterback suffered a foot injury that knocked him out for six games, including the Broncos' 30-24 win Nov. 29. In the NFC Championship Game (6:40 p.m. ET Sunday), the host Carolina Panthers opened as 3-point favorites over the Arizona Cardinals. The Panthers held off a second-half rally by the Seattle Seahawks to advance and move to 9-0 at home this season. Arizona survived a game-tying Hail Mary from Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers and beat the Packers in overtime. Next Sunday will be the second time this season that the Cardinals have been underdogs. http://www.chiefsnflofficialproshop.com/Josh-Mauga-Jersey "If we would have put this line up before the week, it probably would have been [Carolina] minus-2.5," said Ed Salmons, head football oddsmaker at the SuperBook. "But we just thought three was the right spot."

Joel Quenneville wins No. 783 as Blackhawks take 9th straight

Filip Forsberg Kids Jersey MONTREAL -- After moving into second place on the career wins list, Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville had good news the list's leader, Scotty Bowman. "Scotty's safe," Quenneville quipped. He's the only one. Quenneville won his 783rd game, Corey Crawford made 39 saves in his hometown and the Blackhawks beat the Montreal Canadiens 2-1 on Thursday night for their ninth straight win. Quenneville broke a tie with Al Arbour but is still a ways off Bowman's record of 1,244 wins. "It's pretty amazing," said Toews, who has won three Stanley Cups under Quenneville in Chicago. "There's been a lot of great coaches and the amount of wins he has is so rare. http://www.officialhurricanesshop.com/authentic-14-nathan-gerbe-jersey.html "To be part of it is something special. I've played for him pretty much my entire career and it means a lot to be part of something like that. The success we've had in the playoffs goes with it." Toews and Ryan Garbutt scored first-period goals and Crawford starred in front of family and friends. The goalie is from nearby Chateauguay, Quebec, and is 4-0-2 in six career meetings with the Canadiens. "I grew up here, I used to come watch games here and it's still kind of surreal stepping onto the ice," Crawford said. "I don't think that'll change any time soon." Riley Nash Womens Jersey The Blackhawks haven't lost since Dec. 27, against Carolina, and will try to make it 10 straight Friday night in Toronto. "There are a lot of factors, but it seems like our team is just coming together," Crawford said. "We're not taking as many penalties. "We're playing a simple game with speed and skill. And there's a lot more chemistry throughout the lineup." Paul Byron scored but Montreal fell to 5-14 since Dec. 1 despite a spirited effort against the defending Stanley Cup champions. It was the ninth time in the Canadiens recent slump they scored one or fewer goals. http://www.officialpredatorsstore.com/authentic-13-olli-jokinen-jersey.html "The effort was there," Canadiens coach Michel Therrien said. "We got lots of pucks to the net, lots of chances, but Crawford was very good."

Red McCombs trying to lure Mark Davis, Raiders to San Antonio

http://www.chiefsnflofficialproshop.com/Jamaal-Charles-Jersey Former Minnesota Vikings owner Red McCombs said in a radio interview that San Antonio is ready if the Oakland Raiders decide to move to the city and that he is even willing to invest in the team if needed. McCombs, an 88-year-old billionaire, said in a radio interview with ESPN San Antonio on Wednesday that he talked to Raiders owner Mark Davis on Tuesday after the team withdrew its application to relocate to Los Angeles. According to Bleacher Report, Davis owns land in the San Antonio area where he could build a stadium. McCombs said San Antonio has "several locations that would work" to build a stadium and that he has 12 corporate sponsors lined up with "serious commitments." Now he has to convince Davis that moving his team to Texas is the right move for the franchise. Byron Jones Womens Jersey "He was born and raised there, and he has a great feeling for the state of California," McCombs said of Davis. "But it appears he is going to need to go somewhere." McCombs said he would be amenable to buying into the Raiders if that's what it would take to get the team to play in San Antonio. "We would be happy to be investors if that what he wants," he said. "We have investors lined up if that what he wants. If he wants to keep it all to himself, that's OK too." The San Francisco Chronicle said Davis declined to comment about a potential future in San Antonio. The Raiders would need league approval to relocate to San Antonio, but McCombs said he doesn't believe that would be withheld because of the team's troubles securing a new stadium in Oakland. On Tuesday in Houston, NFL owners approved Rams owner Stan Kroenke's plan to relocate his team from St. Louis to the site of the old Hollywood Park racetrack in Inglewood, California, about 10 miles from downtown L.A. The Chargers have a yearlong option to join the Rams, followed by the Raiders if the San Diego franchise declines. Chandler Jones Womens Jersey After his team was denied its bid to move to Los Angeles, Davis said he didn't know where his team would play next season. "We don't have a lease right now at the Oakland Coliseum," he said. "America, the world is a possibility for the Raider Nation." In 2014, Davis traveled to San Antonio to meet with area leaders and scout the area. McCombs said if Davis "does decide to go somewhere we want him to decide to come here." http://www.nfl49ersofficialauthentic.com/Bruce-Ellington-Jersey "What happened yesterday (Tuesday) in Houston was absolutely the greatest thing that could happen to us short of getting somebody committed to come in here, because that cleared the runway to where now he can make his decision and go anywhere he wants to," McCombs said.

Cavaliers send Joe Harris to Magic, save on luxury tax penalties

Barry Bonds Authentic Jersey DALLAS -- The Cleveland Cavaliers traded guard Joe Harris to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday in a move that could save the Cavs, on pace to have the second-highest payroll in league history, nearly $3 million in luxury tax penalties. The Cavs sent Harris, cash considerations and the Sacramento Kings' 2017 protected second-round pick to the Magic in exchange for the Portland Trail Blazers' protected 2020 second-round pick, the team announced on Tuesday. Harris underwent successful surgery in Indianapolis on Tuesday to remove a bone in his right foot. His recovery is expected to sideline him for the rest of the season. A league source told ESPN.com the Magic plan to waive Harris, selected with the No. 33 pick in the 2014 draft. Jimmy Butler Womens Jersey "Obviously with Joe having season-ending surgery, Griff [Cavs GM David Griffin], who is always working, was looking as always to create flexibility for possible opportunities going forward," Cavs coach David Blatt said before Cleveland played the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. "Joe was a real good member of the team. He was a guy we all liked having on our team. A guy I really enjoyed coaching. A terrific teammate and a guy with a real future, I believe, in this league. It's one of those things that you wish it didn't have to happen, but it's understandable under the circumstances why." Both picks involved in the deal are top-55 protected. Cleveland gave $1 million in the swap but will still stand to save $2.9 million in salary and tax fees should it keep its roster as is. However, with 14 players on the roster, the Cavs will likely be a top destination for veterans receiving contract buyouts in the coming months. Opening up a roster spot also gives the Cavs flexibility to use one of the two trade exceptions they have in their coffers, which are worth $10.5 million and $2.8 million. Steve Carlton Authentic Jersey After averaging 2.7 points and shooting 36.9 percent from 3-point range in 9.7 minutes per game as a rookie while making one start, Harris played in only five games his second year, averaging 0.6 points on 25 percent shooting in just 3.0 minutes of playing time. The move comes just days after the team decided to fully guarantee reserve guard Jared Cunningham's contract, committing nearly $4 million in salary and tax to keep him. http://www.officialavalancheonline.com/Red+Paul+Kariya+Jersey Much like last season, when he made a pair of deals with New York and Oklahoma City that took the league by surprise, Griffin arranged the trade with Orlando in mid-January, kicking off this year's NBA trade season approximately five weeks before the trade deadline of Feb. 18.

Adam Jones says he'll apologize to Antonio Brown if he misses game

http://www.footballcowboysprostore.com/Anthony-Hitchens-Jersey Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones has vowed to issue a mea culpa to Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Antonio Brown if Brown doesn't play in Pittsburgh's divisional round game against the Denver Broncos because of a concussion. Jones will make that proclamation on national television Tuesday night, when he appears in a sit-down interview with New York Jets receiver Brandon Marshall on the latest episode of "Inside the NFL" on Showtime. "I will send out an apology," Jones told Marshall in a teaser clip the show tweeted Tuesday afternoon. "If he don't play. But you know and I know that when Saturday gets here, all of that is going out the window, man." Jones said Saturday, but the Steelers play at Denver on Sunday. Cody Wallace Kids Jersey In his interview with Marshall, Jones held firm to his belief that Brown was faking. "When Saturday gets here, whatever time they play, he's going to be cleared Friday," Jones said. "I promise you: 24 hours before the game." Brown remains in the NFL's concussion protocol, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday. Corey Graham Elite Jersey Jones also emphatically answered "no" when asked if teammate Vontaze Burfict's hit on Brown in Saturday's wild-card playoff game was dirty. "Everything that Vontaze do, everyone think is dirty," he said. Jones said on Instagram that he had a "great interview" with Marshall. On Monday, the NFL suspended Burfict for three games for repeated violations of player-safety rules. He plans to appeal the penalty and is hoping a sit-down with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in the coming days will get it reduced. http://www.lionsshopnfl.com/Authentic-Deandre-Levy-Jersey Also Monday, Jones repeated his accusation that Brown was "faking" his injury. He told "The Dan Patrick Show" that Brown "winked" at him when he asked Brown if he were OK.