National Sports

TORONTO — Chris Bassitt says as good as Max Scherzer is on the mound, the intangibles the pitcher will bring to the Toronto Blue Jays are just as impressive.

The NHL salary cap is expected to climb US$25.5 million over the next three seasons, according to figures released Friday by the league and the NHL Players' Association.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps have sent midfielder Stuart Armstrong to Sheffield Wednesday, a club in England's League Championship.

Vancouver FC has sold 16-year-old Canadian midfielder Grady McDonnell to Belgian champion Club Brugge KV in the second-biggest transfer deal in the history of the Canadian Premier League. The league did not disclose the transfer amount.

Max Scherzer is joining the Toronto Blue Jays, agreeing to a $15.5 million, one-year contract on Thursday, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal.

TORONTO — AFC Toronto added an important midfield piece Friday, acquiring Canadian international Victoria Pickett from the NWSL's North Carolina Courage on a season-long loan. The 28-year-old from Barrie, Ont.

TORONTO — A new cricket league is set to launch in the Toronto area in July, with the hope that it will grow across the country. The Canada Super 60 League will feature the short-form 10-over version of the game.

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Real Madrid will play Manchester City in the Champions League knockout playoffs round in a standout clash of the past two title winners after the draw was made Friday.

MONTREAL — Marc-Andre Fleury never played for the Montreal Canadiens, but on this night he was celebrated like one of their all-time greats. The legendary netminder from nearby Sorel, Que.

HALIFAX — Darrell Maxwell has fond memories of growing up next to the scenic golf course in the heart of the central Nova Scotia town of Truro, even though he wasn't allowed to play there because of his race.